The Ambassador Theatre Group
Full Marks! Craig Revel Horwood Richard E.Grant Curiosity, comedy and cool Imelda Staunton Desperately funny
Graham Norton TheBest of Times Spring 2009 Things to do,people to see
HOTLIST! Antique chic Landmark London Nicholas Hoult
AmbassadorTickets.com
6
best
of the
visit Milton Keynes, Brighton and Edinburgh with Samuel Beckett’s landmark play Waiting for Godot, prior to its West End run.
▲
▲ Grab the best seats in the house
▲ Iconic film and theatre stars Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart
The glamorous, theatrical style of
for West End and regional
the Baroque is the subject of the
theatres plus amazing discounts,
V&A’s Spring exhibition. Baroque
theatre news, blogs, video and
1620 - 1800 from April 4.
more at AmbassadorTickets.com
Call 020 7942 2000
▲ Critical acclaim! The Ambassador Theatre Group and Sonia Friedman Productions have between them received a record number of Olivier Award nominations this year. La Cage Aux Folles secured seven nominations - more than any other production - and there have been nominations for No Man’s Land, Fat Pig, The Lover/The Collection, Sunset Boulevard and West Side Story.
▲
Old-school glamour - we love these Laura J shoes. £189 at lollipoplondon.com
▲ Superbly equipped cottages in stunning locations - a Spring break in some of the UK’s finest historic properties from Carisbrook Castle to Rievaulx Abbey. English Heritage Holiday Cottages: www.englishheritage.org.uk/holidaycottages
The Ambassador Theatre Group
2 1 3
1 West Side Story 2 Sunset Boulevard 3 Nicholas Hoult in New Boy
Golden Graham
1
First Class Romance
9
First Stages
Impish and OTT - it’s
Steamy scenes in
Young talent at the
Graham Norton
Brief Encounter
Trafalgar Studios
Big on Entertainment
A Passionate Advocate 10
Period Drama
Craig Revel Horwood in the
A new Board member for
Vintage va va voom - the
Director’s chair
Arts Council England
ultimate style statement
Middle Class Meltdown
3
5
What’s On In London
11
A confrontation in suburbia
15
17
Gourmets, film fanatics
Competition
- with Richard E. Grant
West Side Story
Terrifyingly Good
Capital Delights
13
12
and fun-seekers - we tell you where to go
7
Imelda Staunton in fine form
AMBASSADOR GROUP PRODUCTIONS
AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP REGIONAL THEATRES Theatre Royal Brighton 08700 606 650 Churchill Theatre Bromley 0870 060 6620 Kings Theatre Glasgow 0870 060 6648 Theatre Royal Glasgow 0870 060 6647 Milton Keynes Theatre 0870 060 6652 Richmond Theatre 0870 060 6651 Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall Stoke-on-Trent 0870 060 6649 New Wimbledon Theatre & New Wimbledon Studio 0870 060 6646 Ambassadors Cinemas Woking 01483 545945 New Victoria Theatre & Rhoda McGaw Theatre Woking 0870 060 6645 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com Jessamy Hadley Editor Pat Westwell, Al Senter, Jasper Rees, Victoria Kingston, Mark Shenton, Benedict Nightingale, Vicky Brown, Robin Stringer, Mark Bouman, Neena Dhillon, David Bradbury Contributors Shaun Webb Design Design and Art Direction John Good Print The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd 39 - 41 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H OAR
The views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd.
Cover photography courtesy of Rex Features
AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP LONDON THEATRES Comedy Theatre 0870 060 6637 Donmar Warehouse 0870 060 6624 Duke of York’s Theatre 0870 060 6623 Fortune Theatre 0870 060 6626 Phoenix Theatre 0870 060 6629 Piccadilly Theatre 0844 412 6666 Playhouse Theatre 0870 060 6631 Savoy Theatre 0870 164 8787 Trafalgar Studios 0870 060 6632
Interview
Golden Graham The glorious Graham Norton is naughty - and nice!
Cocooned inside a capacious
Irishman is a bona fide thesp,
such as I’ll Do Anything and
greatcoat to ward off the chill
having trained at Central and
Any Dream Will Do made me a
of early January, Graham Norton
pursued a career as jobbing
bit jealous of the people who
suddenly materialises in the
actor before he finally found
were going on to star in West
downstairs sitting room of
his niche as a performer and
End musicals. So I was already
London’s Playhouse Theatre
television host.
sniffing the ground when the
where he is preparing to star
Interview by Al Senter Photography courtesy of Rex Features Catherine Ashmore 1
Jude Edginton
In the flesh, Norton is
opportunity came up to do La
in La Cage Aux Folles. Norton
surprisingly similar to his small
has chosen this Olivier award
screen appearance. At forty-five,
nominated revival of Jerry
he retains an impish boyishness
Broadway production of the
Herman’s evergreen musical
with the air of the naughtiest
show when a road company of
to make an overdue return to
cherub in angel class. Why has he
La Cage Aux Folles arrived for
the stage.
chosen to go back to his acting
a long engagement in San
roots in this production and at
Francisco in 1984 when Norton
this time?
was living in a semi-hippy
It may come as a surprise to devotees of Norton’s thriving television work but the genial
‘I think that presenting shows
Cage Aux Folles.’ Norton had seen the original
commune in the city.
‘It was a big proper Broadway
‘I did have a lot of concerns
as gorgeous as possible and, as
musical with all the traditional
about playing a character rather
a man of forty-five, I can just
bells and whistles. I was twenty-
than being myself’ he agrees.
about get away with it. But as
one and it made a deep
‘But taking direction and
a woman, I look like something
impression on me. I remember
working with Terry Johnson has
between seventy and death. Had
thinking to myself that I’d love
been great. I’ve really enjoyed
I been a real Albin, I would have
to be in a production of La Cage
the experience. I also think that
had a lot of work done by now.’
one day when I reached the right
entering the world of La Cage
age. When you’re twenty-one, I
Aux Folles helps you stay in
age, arguing that he’s living
Am What I Am is very much your
character. Hopefully the audience
on borrowed time.
song. Twenty-five years later, it’s
will suspend its disbelief: they’ll
The Best of Times that means
accept that I’m the bloke off the
working in television at the age
more to you.’
telly pretending to be somebody
of fifty’ he explains. ‘I’ve already
‘
Norton is oddly obsessed by
‘My ambition is still to be
I remember thinking to myself that I’d love to be in a production of La Cage one day when I reached the right age. When you’re twenty-one, I Am What I Am is very much your song. Twenty-five years later, it’s The Best of Times that means more to you.
Norton has thrown himself with gusto into the rehearsal process. As a trained actor, he
’
else and they’ll join in with the
had an eerily long career and I’d
pretence.’
be crazy to assume that I’ll be in
As Albin, a bewigged Norton
television forever. It’s an ever-
knows how to explore character,
will be slipping into a fabulous
changing medium. I don’t know
even if the map-reading has
collection of creations, although
what I’ll do when it’s over. I’d
grown a little hazy with time.
he’s dismissive of how he appears
like to write but then everybody
Yet his whole instinct as a
in drag.
says that. I’ll probably have to
performer is to offer an audience
‘I get to wear some lovely
a version of himself. How will he
frocks but there’s a problem’
digital television. I could always
keep this impulse in check?
he admits. ‘You want to look
go back to live comedy, I suppose,
lower my prices and appear on
but, minus your television fame, you’re just another stand-up. I’m not sure if I’d like to be another Bruce Forsyth and still be working when I’m eighty...’ When the fickle, youthobsessed world of television finally pensions him off, will Norton return full-time to the theatre? ‘I don’t regard doing La Cage
Aux Folles as a kind of gateway to the new world and how long I’m allowed to stay in it is very much in the lap of the audience. Part of me still has a hankering to do some Shakespeare but I shouldn’t be allowed, especially when there are people who can really do it. At the same time, they probably couldn’t do what I do. I’m not one of these clowns who long to play Hamlet and want to move the audience to tears rather than laughter. I couldn’t stand all that nose-blowing and boo-hooing!’
Playhouse Theatre
La Cage Aux Folles The smash-hit musical from the Menier Chocolate Factory Starring Graham Norton and Steven Pacey Box Office 0870 060 6631 Online booking at 2 AmbassadorTickets.com
Interview
Big on Entertainment Craig Revel Horwood puts his stamp on Sunset Boulevard
Interview by Jasper Rees Photography courtesy of Rex Features 3
and Alastair Muir
There is a delightful aptness in
initial impact was to close them.
I suppose that’s how the Mr
his middle name. Overwhelmingly
Horwood made his name as a
Nasty was created.’
known as the brusque dispenser
choreographer, but he had also
of flattening put-downs, he
been associate director on a
took the decision to become a
might as well be called Craig
number of major productions.
director. ‘I had some bad
‘Revel’ Horwood, because he
When Strictly first aired in 2003
relationships with directors
seems to revel in his karate-chop
the phone all but stopped
where we never saw eye to eye
critiques of hapless celebrity
ringing.
creatively. I would end up
It didn’t help that in 2004 he
directing half the scene myself
waltzers. Audiences certainly do.
‘It was as if I didn’t exist in
If work ever dried up elsewhere,
the theatre any more. Producers
in order to get into the numbers.
he could always be guaranteed
became rather nervous of
I decided in one fell swoop I was
employment as a panto villain.
employing me because of the
going to direct. It limited my
character I play on the television.
choreography but I wanted the
dry up. You’d think that Strictly
I’m very opinionated. You have
work to be seamless.’
Come Dancing would have
ten seconds to say your bit and
opened doors galore, but its
you’ve got to get to the point.
For a time, work did indeed
It was the Watermill Theatre which helped resuscitate his
‘Andrew Lloyd Webber’s big belter of a musical’ Guardian
Craig Revel Horwood
career. A rumour reached Jill
shows. The only actor-musician
it is to get audiences to engage
Fraser, the co-owner and artistic
show I’d ever seen was at the
with the music.’
director, that Horwood wanted
Linbury. I felt quite
Hot Mikado was a hot ticket,
to direct Hot Mikado. He was
uncomfortable when I first
though sadly Fraser did not live
given the gig, so long as he’d
started. It wasn’t till the second
to see it. Horwood was duly
comply with the theatre’s
week of rehearsal that I got a
invited back to mount Martin
ground-breaking house style
handle on it and got the
Guerre, a much reworked musical
of having the actors play their
instruments to tell the story.
which had always struggled to
own musical instruments.
Then I fell in love with the whole
find itself. Having
concept. I discovered how useful
choreographed the original
‘I hadn’t seen the Watermill
‘
production, and assisted Nicholas
It was as if I didn’t exist in the theatre any more. Producers became rather nervous of employing me because of the character I play on the television. I’m very opinionated.
’
Hytner on Miss Saigon, he felt
‘Kathryn Evans is one of the great unsung divas of the British musical’ Independent
on home territory and duly won the best reviews the show has ever had. For his latest project, Horwood approached the Really Useful Group about Jesus Christ Superstar. Potential television plans for it meant that instead he came away with the rights to Sunset Boulevard, the story of a faded silent movie star and her romance with a young screenwriter. But because of
‘A masterpiece’ Daily Telegraph
‘Full throttle and full satisfaction’ Sunday Times
enthusiastic reviews and the glowing approval of Andrew Lloyd Webber, it has been granted leave to take up residence at the Comedy Theatre. In the view of many, Horwood’s take on Hollywood passion and betrayal is a tour de force. ‘When directing this production I was always clear I wanted it to be about the characters and the stunning music as they are the true stars of the piece. The show is about Norma Desmond’s battle to be something she’s not’ says Horwood. Kathryn Evans gives a resplendent performance as the deluded, brittle, manipulative
Comedy Theatre
Norma and her portrayal has
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s
recently been recognised with an Olivier Award nomination. The company as a whole have also been recognised for their unique talents with the nomination for Best Company Performance. Now that’s a spectacular endorsement.
Sunset Boulevard A new production by Craig Revel Horwood Box Office 0870 060 6637 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com
4
Profile
Middle Class Meltdown Richard E. Grant pulls off the mask in God of Carnage
Interview by Victoria Kingston Photography by 5
Nobby Clark
God of Carnage, a new play
their son has broken two teeth
like - the God of Carnage does
by Yasmina Reza, is poised to
of another boy in a playground
rule. It’s Alain’s creed in life; he
explode onto the stage and, as
fight, so they go to the house
believes that beneath the veneer
with her famous works, Art and
of the other parents to discuss
of civilisation, we are all selfish,
Life x 3, reveal what we really
it. Easy, surely? Grant explains.
avaricious, self-obsessed and
are: predatory, vicious, savage
‘These four people start out in
bestial. While the other
and resentful. Translated from
a civilised, middle class, caring-
characters are trying to show
the French by Christopher
sharing way and soon become
how civilised and politically
Hampton, it’s as much about
like the final scene in one of
correct they are, Alain doesn’t
British, middle-class society as
those wife-swap, reality TV
even attempt that. If he’s bored,
anything can be. We are sure
programmes. You said this - no,
he shows it; he tells it like it is.
to recognise our friends and
you said that - and within a split
He has a kind of ruthless,
even - God forbid - ourselves.
second they are revealing what
horrible power, which is
Cool, handsome Richard E.
they really think of each other.
interesting to play. As appalling
Grant plays Alain, a cynical
I suppose the writer is saying
as he is, there’s something
lawyer, married to Annette;
this is what people are really
admirable about him because
As a writer and an actor, he
he is brutally honest and he has
three hours long. In the speeded-
a laser-like, unvarnished view
up age we live in, I’m grateful
must study human nature. Is he
of human beings and how
for brevity in the theatre and
a watcher of people? He laughs,
they operate.’
in the movies - rather than epic
‘Well, I’m a nosey parker, let’s
bum-ache! This is perfect. It’s
put it that way. I’m very curious
enviable CV. His acting career
very claustrophobic in that
about why people do things. I
launched in 1987 with the cult
you’re in one room the whole
still don’t fully understand the
Withnail and I and over the next
time - and the confrontation
public fascination with actors’
20 years he appeared in 60 films
unfolds relentlessly.’
lives, with celebrity - but I think
Richard E. Grant has an
including Bram Stoker’s Dracula,
it might be because we are all
Grant is a respected writer.
Jack and Sarah, The Age of
He penned a fascinating memoir
required to act in some way
Innocence, Keep the Aspidistra
of the filming of Withnail and I,
during our lives - as parents,
Flying, Gosford Park and Bright
and he wrote and directed the
as lovers - and we’re interested
Young Things. He is a much
2005 film Wah-Wah, based on
in how it works.’
respected stage actor, very
his childhood experiences in
popular in TV drama and
Swaziland. The experience was
boring bits taken out, then Big
regularly in demand for
later published in diary form
Brother is the opposite - the
‘
If drama is real life with the
boring bits dominant. Richard
Alain has a kind of ruthless, horrible power, which is interesting to play. As appalling as he is, there’s something admirable about him because he is brutally honest and he has a laser-like, unvarnished view of human beings and how they operate.
’
laughs: ‘It’s better to watch the highlights programme, then you’re spared some of that.’ But it still isn’t good drama is it? ‘Oh no, I have to disagree with you there. I think Sylvester Stallone’s mother gave a performance that was historic and memorable. Anthea Turner discussing the
voiceover work and audio books.
and was much praised by critics
colour of her food-warmer -
He can pick and choose his roles,
for its honesty. Does he enjoy
these are moments I will never
so what drew him to this
the diversity of writing, acting
forget. Golden moments. Not
production? ‘I saw the play in
and directing? ‘Yes. They all feed
for them, of course - dreadful
the West End last summer, and
into each other. What you’re
for them - but fascinating for
I thought it was very funny, so
dealing with is trying to create
the viewers.’
when I was offered it, it seemed
characters - show human life.
a great opportunity - and I’d
I’ve been an actor for so long,
quiet, private man would ever be
never worked with the director,
it informs how I write and how
lured into the Big Brother house?
Matthew Warchus before. Also
I direct. It’s a huge advantage,
Would he? ‘I’ll give you a guess,’
I liked the fact that it’s not over
I think.’
he smiles.
No point then, in asking if this
God of Carnage Starring Richard E. Grant, Lia Williams and Paul Ritter Richmond Theatre 9 - 14 Mar 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6651
Theatre Royal, Brighton 16 - 21 Mar 2009 Box Office 08700 606 650
Milton Keynes Theatre 24 - 28 Mar 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6652 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com
6
Interview
Terrifyingly Good Imelda Staunton relishes the challenge of Joe Orton’s provocative Entertaining Mr Sloane
Imelda Staunton was nominated
up to me and saying, ‘I love your
attractive Mr. Sloane into sex and
for the 2005 Oscar for Best
work on radio’!’
cohabitation. ‘She is literally
Actress for playing the title role
Interview by Mark Shenton Photography courtesy of Rex Features and 7
by Robert Day
It’s her job, she feels, to make
emotionally starving. She’s been
in Mike Leigh’s Vera Drake,
people recognise something else
starved - her baby and husband
and she stole the show as the
instead: the characters she plays
were taken away, and she has no
horrible teacher Dolores
rather than the person who is
love at all, so she is starving. And
Umbridge (‘a sadistic mix of
playing them. Of Entertaining
they all bully each other. It’s a
Barbaras Cartland and Castle,’
Mr Sloane, the classic Joe Orton
vicious circle of unpleasantness.’
according to one critic) in Harry
comedy that has brought her
Potter and the Order of the
back to the West End, she says,
the play has been to uncover its
Phoenix. But she still doesn’t get
‘People recognise that thing of
emotional truth: ‘There’s an
recognised much, she says. ‘It’s
families constantly bickering.’
element of farce but it has to be
weird, I get recognised the odd
But she has also excavated deep
completely true, too - you have
time, but not in a way that has
into the character that she is
to avoid the trap of saying the
changed my life. I remember,
playing - the painfully lonely
lines as quickly as you can and
years ago, a woman coming
woman who ambushes the
trying to show how clever they
The particular challenge of
are. But I didn’t really realise
option, like doing bits of telly
and thought, they won’t cast me,
how funny it was, either; that
here and there, but then it’s
she’s such a different character
was technically a challenge and
time to exercise the muscles
to me. But then they did, and I
very invigorating.’
once again. That for me is how
had to try to do it, so I got very
you become a better and better
frightened.’ But once again, it
actor.’
was the challenge that propelled
It’s a part she first thought of playing a couple of years ago. ‘I’ve never seen the film, but
So theatre is a regular draw,
her forward. Once the run of
when I read it, I thought, ‘this
but far from an exclusive one.
Entertaining Mr Sloane ends,
is quite interesting’. It was much
‘If the work is there, then I like
she’ll be back in front of the TV
darker than I’d imagined, and
to do it. Two years ago I did a
cameras for another series of
that appealed to me, too.’ But
play at the Almeida (Frank
Cranford - and then ‘hopefully,
nothing came of it, and she says,
McGuinness’ There Came a Gypsy
a tiny bit in Mike Leigh’s next
‘
It has been very challenging and has made me work hard. That’s always what I want to do. There are times when you take the easy option, like doing bits of telly here and there, but then it’s time to exercise the muscles once again. That for me is how you become a better and better actor.
’
‘I let it go’. Then Kathy Burke -
Riding), and then this came
film, then the next Harry Potter
who has been credited as artistic
along. I don’t seek out theatre,
in the winter’.
associate on this production -
but I do seek out a good script.’
and Mathew Horne, who plays
She finds the challenge - and
She’s obviously being kept very busy; so the opportunity to see
the title character, ‘wanted to
the truth - in everything she
her onstage again should be
do it - and thankfully they
does. Of her performance in the
seized while its there. Imelda
approached me!’
Harry Potter film, she says, ‘It
herself never takes anything for
could have been a very panto
granted, and neither should we.
the theatre. ‘We talk between
performance, but David Yate is
‘If the Oscar thing had happened
shows, trying to tighten things
a phenomenal director, and he
when I was 21, it might have
up and continuing to work on it,
made me work very hard, to
turned my head. But working
which is very fulfilling. But most
tread the very honest and
on Vera Drake was the most
of all, because it has been such
disturbed path of that woman.’
extraordinary experience, so the
She has another big release
Oscar nomination was second on
She’s delighted to be back in
a stretch, it has been very challenging and has made me
ahead this year, ‘All last summer
the list. And I never lose sight
work hard. That’s always what
I was filming Ang Lee’s new film
of the fact that at this stage of
I want to do. There are times
Taking Woodstock, which will be
my career the most important
when you take the easy
out this summer. I read the script
thing is always the work.’
Trafalgar Studio 1
Entertaining Mr Sloane Starring Imelda Staunton and Mathew Horne Until 11 Apr 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6632 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com
8
Interview
First Class Romance An exquisite adaptation of Brief Encounter
Emma Rice
Brief Encounter Richmond Theatre 7 - 11 Apr 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6651
Theatre Royal Brighton 21 - 25 Apr 2009 Box Office 08700 606 650 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com Interview by 9
Al Senter
Theatregoers around the country,
quality to much of Kneehigh’s
Coward could not even hold
hankies at the ready, will now
work and Brief Encounter pulls
hands with his lover in public.’
be savouring the opportunity
off the neat trick of being both
to catch one of the West End’s
highly theatrical and extremely
had to tread softly since she
most unexpected hits. Brief
cinematic.There are a variety of
was treading on the dreams
Encounter comes from Kneehigh
ingenious touches in the
of thousands of people.
Theatre, an innovative, multi-
production that will transport
skilled and highly imaginative
more mature playgoers on a
surprised and probably a bit
company that is fast gaining a
nostalgic trip back to the Golden
nervous about what I was
devoted following. The original
Age of the picture palace. Actors
proposing. But as far as I know
film is one of British cinema’s
auditioning for Kneehigh are
nobody’s been offended by what
finest achievements and one of
invariably asked to ‘do a turn’
we’ve done to their favourite
its most enduring romances. The
and Kneehigh casts are therefore
film. After all, I love it too. I’d
heart-rending story of love and
full of versatile performers, as
say to people thinking of seeing
self-sacrifice among the
adept at delivering a speech as
the show to come with an open
billowing clouds of steam at a
they are at plucking a ukelele.
heart and they won’t be upset.
1930s railway station has long
‘As a theatre-maker, I’m
Rice was well aware that she
‘The Coward Estate was
Our show has been made with
been a favourite of Emma Rice,
passionate about ensuring that
total respect. Fundamentally we
Kneehigh’s effervescent Artistic
people have as good a night out
consider ourselves to be story-
Director.
as possible at our shows and to
tellers and I try to tell the story
that end I’ve brought in
in as truthful, as enjoyable and
known and loved Brief
Coward’s music and his poetry’
as surprising a way as possible.
Encounter: it’s always been part
explains Rice. ‘He writes about
I can promise audiences a lot
of my cultural subconscious,’ she
Laura and Alec with such
of steam, some even from the
explains. ‘I think I must have
sensitivity and understanding
tea-urn! And of course we have
seen it as a child when I was off
that you feel he knows
Rachmaninov - you couldn’t do
school one day, sitting in front
everything about what it’s like
Brief Encounter without him.
of the television with a blanket
to have an impossible love affair.
But it’s a Rachmaninov in
in my lap.’
As a gay man at a time when
new forms.’
‘I feel as if I have always
There is a zany, beguiling
homosexuality was illegal,
A Passionate Advocate
Profile
Arts Council England has a new Board member - Rosemary Squire Squire’s own theatrical tastes
theatre’s subsidised and
Feature by
home the other day, having
were formed as a girl when she
commercial sectors now are.
Benedict Nightingale
attended her first meeting as
was enraptured by Peter Brook’s
And as co-head of ATG, she’ll
a new member of the Arts
famous circus-style Midsummer
be helping to oversee openings
Council’s board, her son wryly
Night’s Dream, and by the
in America as well as Britain.
congratulated her on having
director of Nottingham
Ionesco’s Exit the King, with
been on the Six o’clock News.
Playhouse, Richard Eyre, who
Geoffrey Rush, and a brand-new
Her first meeting featured a long
presided over a renaissance that
production of Guys and Dolls are
but seriously responsible debate
brought David Hare, Howard
just two impending Broadway
on the future of a West Midlands
Brenton, Trevor Griffiths and
offerings. Whatever the future
arts centre.
other cutting-edge dramatists
brings, she and her company
to his theatre.
remain determinedly optimistic.
When Rosemary Squire returned
It was clearly a challenging situation where tough decisions
As a West End impresario
had to be made but then Ms
Squire will bring her know-how
Squire is used to those. With her
to an Arts Council well aware
husband, Howard Panter, she
how interdependent our
founded the Ambassador Theatre Group in 1992 and, as its Joint Chief Executive, she’s seen it grow from a virtual acorn into an international conglomerate with 23 theatres in the UK and new productions emerging from every pore. Who put on Neil LaBute’s Fat Pig at the Trafalgar Studios, moved it to the Comedy and is now about to tour it? The same duo behind the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard at the Comedy Theatre: Squire and Panter. Ms Squire recently retired as President of the Society of London Theatre and remains its Vice-President, which means she isn’t exactly unhappy about the figures SOLT announced for the year 2008. A record number of people, 13.8 million in all, attended its 52 constituent venues, spending almost half a billion. But isn’t she scared that the recession will send those figures spiralling down in 2009? The evidence from previous downturns, even the 1930s Depression, isn’t that discouraging: ‘Nobody can tell what’s round the corner, but, with the cut in VAT and interest rates going down, people may have more spending money in their pockets. When you look at the news, yes, it sends you into a great gloom. But then it’s good to get out and get out of yourself and enjoy yourself at something entertaining or challenging or whatever your theatrical taste is.’
Photography by Stephanie Methven
What’s What’s OnOn
Buy Your West End Tickets Here COMEDY THEATRE 0870 060 6637
PICCADILLY THEATRE 0844 412 6666
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s
Grease
Sunset Boulevard ★★★★
Starring winner of ITV’s Grease Is The Word Danny Bayne as Danny, Nicola Brazil as Sandy, and singing legend Jimmy Osmond as Teen Angel.
DONMAR WAREHOUSE 0870 060 6624
PLAYHOUSE THEATRE 0870 060 6631
Be Near Me
La Cage Aux Folles
A stage version by Ian McDiarmid From the novel by Andrew O’Hagan
The smash hit musical from The Menier Chocolate Factory Starring Graham Norton and Steven Pacey
DUCHESS THEATRE 0870 060 6615
SAVOY THEATRE 0870 164 8787
Plague Over England
Carousel
Book and Lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton Based on the Billy Wilder film
C
‘A Masterpiece’ The Daily Telegraph
By Nicholas de Jongh ‘Enthralling... outstanding... ambitious... bravo!’ Daily Telegraph
TRAFALGAR STUDIO 1 0870 060 6632
A View From The Bridge
Entertaining Mr Sloane
By Arthur Miller Starring Ken Stott, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Hayley Atwell
★★★★ ‘A cracking new
FORTUNE THEATRE 0870 060 6626
TRAFALGAR STUDIO 2 0870 060 6632
The Woman in Black
Touched... For The Very First Time
By Joe Orton Starring Imelda Staunton and Mathew Horne
production. Wonderfully, mercilessly funny.’ Daily Telegraph
A new play by Zoe Lewis Starring Sadie Frost Studio 2 has been made possible by a generous donation from Christina Smith
OLD VIC 0870 060 6628
TRAFALGAR STUDIO 2 0870 060 6632
Dancing at Lughnasa
New Boy
By Brian Friel Starring Andrea Corr, Niamh Cusack, Michelle Fairley and Susan Lynch
From the novel by William Sutcliffe Adapted and Directed by Russell Labey Starring Nicholas Hoult From 17 March
PHOENIX THEATRE 0870 060 6629
SHAFTESBURY THEATRE 0870 060 6615
Willy Russell’s
Hairspray
Blood Brothers ‘Brings the audience to its feet and roaring its approval’ Daily Mail
C - it’s cheaper to book online
★★★★
‘A blazingly good production... this show is perfection’ Daily Mail
DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE 0870 060 6623
‘A brilliant spine-chiller’ The Guardian
11
By Rodgers and Hammerstein Starring Lesley Garrett
Starring Michael Ball ‘The musical with everything. A triumph!’ Observer
Book your tickets online at AmbassadorTickets.com
Something Great!
Competition
Win tickets for the international sell-out West Side Story The movie version went on
To win a pair of tickets for the
choreography by the legendary
to win an incredible 10 Academy
show at the Ambassador Group
Jerome Robbins, book by Arthur
Awards (including Best Picture)
theatre of your choice, simply
Laurents, an unforgettable score
and further cemented the
answer the following question:
by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics
reputation of this undoubted
by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story changed the face of musical theatre forever. Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and packed with unforgettable songs including Maria, Tonight, Somewhere, America, One Hand, One Heart and I Feel Pretty, West Side Story has been described as ‘a musical landmark’ The Guardian.
masterpiece.
With ground-breaking
Now this brand new vibrant
Q: Who wrote the music for
West Side Story?
stage production, made to commemorate the show’s 50th
Please return your answer,
anniversary and performed by
not forgetting your name,
a knock-out ensemble cast, is
address, telephone number and
thrilling audiences from Paris
preferred venue to Vicky Brown,
to Beijing.
The Ambassador Theatre Group
‘This imperishable masterpiece
Ltd, 24 Neal Street, London,
of musical theatre is as powerful, pertinent and poignant as ever’ Daily Mail
WC2H 9QW before Monday 9 March 2009.
New Wimbledon Theatre 10 - 14 Mar 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6646
New Victoria Theatre, Woking 14 - 18 Apr 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6645
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent 16 - 27 Jun 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6649
Milton Keynes Theatre 14 - 18 Jul 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6652 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com
WINNER! BEST MUSICAL MEN AWARDS 2008 BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL WHAT’S ON STAGE AWARDS 2009
OLIVIER AWARD NOMINATED BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
TERMS AND CONDITIONS Three winners will be drawn at random after the closing date. Each prize includes a pair of tickets for West Side Story (Monday - Thursday performances) in Wimbledon, Woking or Stoke-on-Trent and are subject to availability. Winners will be notified by Wednesday 11 March 2009. Prize is non-transferable and non-redeemable for a cash value. Not open to employees of Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd. Editor’s decision is final.
12
Backstage
First Stages An extraordinary offer for young audiences
Main image Nicholas Hoult Inset image Sadie Frost
It sounds too good to be true.
innovative theatre venue, under
theatre in London to have won
Free tickets to see Sadie Frost
the Arts Council’s new Free
funding although the capital’s
in her first stage role for 20
Theatre Initiative launched on
subsidised theatres from the
years, to catch Nicholas Hoult
February 16.
Tricycle to the National are
in his West End coming-of-age
Robin Stringer Photography by 13
Christian Coulson
major beneficiaries. ‘It is an extraordinary offer,’
stage debut and to relish Imelda
audiences to the theatre, the
Staunton bringing the house
scheme is expected to make
says Julia Potts, Group Head
down night after night?
618,000 free tickets available to
of Creative Learning for the
under-26s in 99 theatres spread
Ambassador Theatre Group. ‘For
if - and there is always an if - you
across the country - at a total
young people to be able to come
are lucky enough to be under
cost of £2.5 million.
and see something every week
But all this and more is true,
Feature by
Designed to introduce young
26 years old... Not a bad deal.
The £30,000 allotted to
for free is quite something. We know that price is a big barrier.’
And that is only the start of
Trafalgar Studios will provide
what will be on offer over the
4,000 free seats over the next
next two years at Trafalgar
two years. Interestingly, the
goals of the Ambassador Group,
Studios, London’s most
Studios is the only commercial
which aims to pioneer a number
The offer fits well with the
of initiatives at the venue that
The Spring season at Trafalgar
Ms Frost was persuaded to
together will help grow the
Studios is clearly designed to
take on the role by the
next generation of West End
attract a young audience and is
playwright Zoe Lewis. It is a
audiences and practitioners.
notable for the casting of actors
bold move on her part not only
who have impacted on the young
because she is a lone performer
already involving thousands of
through their roles in film and
in the intimate 100-seat Studio
young people in workshops or
on television.
Its Creative Learning team is
events at Ambassador Group
‘Star casting is the way it
but also because almost all her acting experience has been in front of the cameras.
theatres across the country -
goes,’ says Katy Griffiths, ATG’s
over 56,000 in 2007-2008 - and it
London theatre programmer.
wants to properly integrate that
‘You have to be aware of who is
is Nicholas Hoult, who has also
kind of work into its Trafalgar
current and who isn’t, and try to
made his reputation on screen
programme.
match the well-known artist with
first at the age of 11 opposite
‘Artistic policy has always been to turn the venue into a gateway for younger audiences,’ says Ms
‘
the project.’ Thus Sadie Frost makes her West End stage debut in
The other West End debutant
Hugh Grant in About a Boy and then in E4’s addictive teen drama series Skins about a group of
Artistic policy has always been to turn the venue into a gateway for younger audiences, which is why we could make a convincing case to the Arts Council. The profile of audiences in both Trafalgar Studios 1 and 2 is already noticeably different to those of traditional West End theatres, and this is something we are determined to build on.
’
hard-partying sixth-formers.
Potts, ‘which is why we could
Touched, a one-woman play
make a convincing case to the
about a woman obsessed with
Arts Council.’
Madonna. As Lesley, a 36-year-
in New Boy, Russell Labey’s
He follows Sadie into Studio 2
old from Manchester, she
adaptation of William Sutcliffe’s
both Trafalgar Studios 1 and 2
narrates her life story from the
best-selling coming-of-age novel.
is already noticeably different
earth-shattering moment as a
Here, he once again finds himself
to those of traditional West End
plump 14-year-old when she
competing in the sixth-form
theatres, and this is something
hears Like A Virgin for the
stakes, this time as Mark, who
we are determined to build on.’
first time.
knows that this is his last chance
‘The profile of audiences in
to impress, to be more popular, more obnoxious, the bestinformed about gynaecology and, finally, to get a shag. Running alongside both plays in the much bigger Studio I is
Ambassador Group Creative Learning projects
Entertaining Mr Sloane, Joe Orton’s exposé of buttoned-up 1960s suburbia which hovers between farce and tragedy and opened to cheering audiences filling every one of its 400 seats. Once again, the production stars another actor, Mathew Horne, who is better known for his television roles, notably in Gavin and Stacey and The Catherine Tate Show, than on stage. He plays the dangerously willing victim of Imelda Staunton’s sexually stifled Kath. ‘We have been trying to create a venue that has good resonance with younger audiences,’ says Kate Griffiths, ‘and to offer that slightly edgier work which we think will appeal. We feel we have to make it a bit different from the West End theatre - and to make it friendly, so the free tickets will be a huge help.’
Trafalgar Studio 1
Entertaining Mr Sloane Starring Imelda Staunton and Mathew Horne Until 11 Apr 2009
Trafalgar Studio 2
Touched Starring Sadie Frost Until 14 Mar 2009
New Boy Starring Nicholas Hoult 17 Mar - 11 Apr 2009 Box Office 0870 060 6632 Online booking at AmbassadorTickets.com For more information on the Free Tickets Initiative AmbassadorTickets.com/ 14 freetickets
Style
Period Drama Gorgeous and individual - get inspired by vintage chic
Old gold vintage inspired silk dress
Hat box at Mint, 020 7224 4406
Dress stands, chairs and carpet
£320 See by Chloe
mintshop.co.uk
Kempton Park Antique Market
020 7801 6900
kemptonantiques.com
Long red leather gloves £88 Laura J shoes £189 15
at Dents, 020 7924 4321
Floral corsages similar items at
at lollipoplondon.com
V.V. Rouleaux vvrouleaux.com
020 7226 4005
0207 730 3125
All prices quoted are given as a guide only and may be subject to change by individual retailers. The price of items from antique shops/markets is not given as these will vary depending on availability and individual negotiations.
Vintage kimono
Zoe and Morgan jewellery £198
Baby doll basque
Portobello Road Market
zoeandmorgan.com
£30 at La Senza lasenza.co.uk
portobelloroad.co.uk
0207 924 4321
Vintage clothes
Dressing room screen
Audley silver ladies lace-up oxford shoe £115 at Olivier’s Lounge
Orsini Vintage, Earls Court Road
Northcote Road Antique Market
020 7924 4321
020 7937 2903
020 7228 6850
16
Going Out
Capital Delights It’s time to spring into action
Borough Market boroughmarket.org.uk Vinopolis vinopolis.co.uk The Commander thecommanderbar.co.uk Notting Hill Brasserie nottinghillbrasserie.com Hampstead Heath cityoflondon.gov.uk Kenwood House
Banish those winter blues and
While in the area, why not
mark the start of a new season
treat yourself to a tour of world
by enjoying one of our insider
wines at Vinopolis? Situated
guides to days out in London.
within the arches of a Victorian
Stunning architecture, fabulous
railway viaduct, this extensive 2.5
film locations and mouth-
acre destination offers four self-
watering fare lead the way
guided packages that transport
this Spring.
visitors around traditional and
Foodie Heaven In a city that is reputed for its better place to begin a culinary
entertainment. A matinée
journey than in the historic
performance of La Cage aux
Brasserie’s Cocktail Bar where
surroundings of Borough Market.
Folles with Graham Norton at the Playhouse Theatre is a delicious way to work up an appetite. One of the most intriguing restaurant concepts to hit London of late, The Commander opens its doors in exclusive Westbourne Grove this February. Featuring an Oyster Bar, a brasserie-style restaurant led by top chef Robert Staegemann, a deli selling fine foods and a courtyard housing independent suppliers of fish and flowers, this venue has been designed to thrill gastronomes. Browse in the deli before indulging in one of the signature dishes, such as springbok carpaccio with smoked chilli jelly. Finish the day with a flourish by popping into Notting Hill
live jazz and blues provide an
This bustling centre of food excellence, situated just south of the River Thames, is renowned
lincolnsinn.org.uk Hakkasan hakkasan.com City Hall london.gov.uk/gla/city_hall/ Hay’s Galleria haysgalleria.co.uk
harveynichols.com/output/P age128.asp Somerset House 17
somersethouse.org.uk
Time to take the weight off and enjoy a spot of
Lincoln’s Inn
Bar & Brasserie
regions of the world.
world-class cuisine, there’s no
english-heritage.org.uk
OXO Tower Restaurant
lesser-known wine-making
Vinopolis for its atmosphere, quality produce and the knowledge of its specialist traders. Open weekly between Thursday and Saturday.
Kenwood House
accompaniment to a glass of something long and cool.
Lights, Camera, Action Make like a movie star with a trip to one of the highest points in London, Hampstead Heath.
Run Fatboy Run, Notes on a Scandal and Scenes of a Sexual Nature are a few of the films to have been shot among the rich mosaic of flora and fauna that makes this green space so special. Featured in memorable scenes from Notting Hill, Kenwood House is a highlight of this tranquil parkland and is open to visitors who want to view its sumptuous interiors and masterpieces by Rembrandt, Turner and Gainsborough.
Images top l-r The Commander Hampstead Heath Borough Market City Hall
Lincoln’s Inn in Holborn has seen plenty of movie action over the years, with parts of Tom
Jones, The Importance of Being Earnest, Finding Neverland and the forthcoming Guy Ritchiedirected Sherlock Holmes all
comes in the form of Sunset Boulevard at the Comedy Theatre. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Billy Wilder’s 1950 film captures the haunting world of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
London Landmarks
Hakkasan
architects Lifschutz Davidson, this eaterie in the sky boasts sleek, natural materials yet pays homage to the art-deco style of the distinctive tower. More architectural gems are to be found in the surroundings of Somerset House. Not only is
Stroll along the south bank
the venue itself a neo-classical
of the River Thames from
palace of note but it is also the
iconic Tower Bridge through
setting for an exhibition by
the Queen’s Walk to see some
celebrated architectural
of the capital’s most impressive
photographer Richard Bryant,
sights. One such example, City
who offers a personal account
Hall, is a triumph of glass and
of Greater London from the
curves designed by Foster +
West’s leafy suburbs to the
Partners. Step inside the home
fast-changing East.
of the Mayor of London and head down the spiral ramp to
being captured here. Fans of the
the Visitor Centre where the
big screen are welcome to walk
London Photomat shows an
around the grounds while
aerial view of the city.
special-interest tours for groups
Continue en route to Hay’s
of 15 or more can be arranged.
Galleria, a conversion of one of
For a touch of glamour and
London’s most famous wharves
to see where Hugh Grant tries
dating back to the 1900s. Today
to make amends to Rachel Weisz
an eye-catching atrium shelters
in About A Boy, indulge in
an eclectic mix of shops and
dinner at the Michelin-starred
cafés but the location once
Chinese restaurant Hakkasan.
welcomed tea clippers from India
There is a bespoke pre-theatre
and China as they came into dock.
menu for two but a Hakkasan
For breathtaking views of the
insider recommends going as
river and St Paul’s, the OXO
a four for more variety.
Tower Restaurant Bar & Brasserie
A final slice of movie magic
Designed by award-winning
is a great choice for lunch.
For details of the Playhouse Theatre, Comedy Theatre OXO Tower Top off your tour by catching
Blood Brothers at the beautiful Phoenix Theatre, a cultural landmark originally designed by Giles Gilbert Scott.
and Phoenix Theatre see AmbassadorTickets.com
Feature by Neena Dhillon
18
±186 >= 4=C4AC08=<4=C² Bd]SPh CT[TVaP_W
CTaaX¼R²
±
CWT CX\Tb
++++ C8<4B 308;H C4;46A0?7 6D0A380= 4E4=8=6 BC0=30A3 <08; >= BD=30H BD=30H C4;46A0?7 BD=30H 4G?A4BB
±0 <PbcTa_XTRT² 3PX[h CT[TVaP_W
k '& % %%"& k bd]bTc[^]S^] R^\ ;^]S^] BF 2><43H C740CA4 ?P]c^] BcaTTc RWTP_Ta c^ Q^^Z ^][X]T
‘A GLORIOUS NIGHT OF SHOWBIZ RAZZLE-DAZZLE’ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ Daily Telegraph
Daily Mail
Independent on Sunday
Time Out
Independent
Sunday Telegraph
Daily Telegraph
The Times
The Guardian
Sunday Times
GRAHAM & STEVEN NORTON PACEY HAVE JOINED
Music and Lyrics by
Book by
Jerry Herman Harvey Fierstein Based on the play ‘La Cage aux Folles’ by Jean Poiret
‘THIS BLISSFULLY FUNNY MUSICAL IS FULL OF HEART AND FUN’ Sunday Express
0870 060 6631 | lacagelondon.com PLAYHOUSE THEATRE
Northumberland Ave London WC2
Would you like to help to turn this...
...into this?
Find out more by contacting the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading heritage regeneration charity at: Alhambra House, 27-31 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0AU Tel: 020 7925 0199 Email: ahf@ahfund.org.uk Website: www.ahfund.org.uk
A light-hearted backstage theatrical novel
CHEWING THE SCENERY By Davina Elliott
From the first day of rehearsals to the fall of the curtain on Press Night, the book follows the trials of a company of actors in a top class production of Blithe Spirit being performed at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, in London’s West End.
‘After nervously reading the first 20 pages to check none of the characters were based on me, I then spent the next 300 or so laughing out loud while I cunningly planned which part I should try and bribe someone for when the inevitable Film is made!!!! A truly, fantastically camp, hilarious, easy and well observed piece of writing. Remarkable for a first novel!!!!’ Amanda Holden ‘Oh dear, she knows us thesps far too well. It’s a sparkling, wicked book, very funny & saucy & frighteningly accurate. Read & be delighted.’ Miriam Margolyes ‘Theatre folk picked apart with the forensic wit of a vulture after a couple of gin and tonics. Damn good fun.’ Nigel Planer ‘Hugely entertaining tale’ - AS Magazine The book is available in Daunt Books, Waterstone’s Piccadilly, Foyles, National Theatre Bookshop, Samuel French Theatre Bookshop and Dress Circle, and to order from all branches of Waterstone’s, Amazon and all good bookshops, price £7.99 PUCK BOOKS
ISBN 978-0-9560960-0-5