ATG Magazine Summer 2012

Ambassador Theatre Group

summer 2012

DOLLY PARTON

Queen of Country

FUNNY GIRL Tamsin Greig

patricia hodge

A world of wit

danny devito

The Hollywood A-lister in London

HOTLIST!

Get set for London 2012 Out there - Lion King!

9 to 5 style Seaside specials

Things to do, people to see

atgtickets.com

The Ambassador Theatre Group

2 1 3

1 Legally Blonde The Musical 2 The Lion King 3 The Sunshine Boys

hello dOLLY

1

Dolly Parton’s brand spankin’ new musical will make your day

ODDS-ON FAVOURITE

Tamsin Greig - frank, funny and fabulous

7

Summer’s hot ticket - Disney’s Lion King at a theatre near you!

3

Patricia Hodge invites us into a world of riproaring Victorian comedy

FUNNY GIRL

theatre royalty GO LONDON 2012

9

Enjoy everything London has to offer this summer

5

party in pink Painting the town pink with Legally Blonde The Musical

11

bring me sunshine

13

Danny DeVito and Richard Griffiths light up the West End in The Sunshine Boys

WORK IT

15

9 to 5 trends for a day at the office

by the seaside Oh I do like to be... on the beach! Summer specials from around the UK

Ambassador Group productions Ambassador Theatre Group LONDON Theatres Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615 The Harold Pinter Theatre 0844 871 7622 Donmar Warehouse 0844 871 7624 Duke of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623 Fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626 Lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615 Phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629 Piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630 Playhouse Theatre 0844 871 7631 Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687 Trafalgar Studios 0844 871 7632 Ambassador Theatre Group REGIONAL Theatres Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 0844 871 7607 New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 0844 871 3011 Theatre Royal Brighton 0844 871 7650 Bristol Hippodrome 0844 871 3012 Churchill Theatre Bromley 0844 871 7620 Edinburgh Playhouse 0844 871 3014 Leas Cliff Hall Folkestone 0844 871 3015 Kings Theatre Glasgow 0844 871 7648 Theatre Royal Glasgow 0844 871 7647 Grimsby Auditorium 0844 871 3016 Empire Theatre Liverpool 0844 871 3017 Palace Theatre & Opera House Manchester 0844 871 3018 Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652 New Theatre Oxford 0844 871 3020 Richmond Theatre 0844 871 7651 Southport Theatre & Convention Centre 0844 847 2380 Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall Stoke-on-Trent 0844 871 7649 Sunderland Empire 0844 871 3022 Princess Theatre Torquay 0844 871 3023 New Wimbledon Theatre & New Wimbledon Studio 0844 871 7646 Ambassadors Cinemas Woking 0844 871 7643 New Victoria Theatre & Rhoda McGaw Theatre Woking 0844 871 7645 York Grand Opera House 0844 871 3024 Online booking at atgtickets.com Jessamy Hadley Editor Pat Westwell, Al Senter, Victoria Kingston, Jasper Rees, Nicola Venning, Benedict Nightingale, Mark Bouman, Neena Dhillon, David Bradbury, Rachel Knowles, Alice Gimblett 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.

17

Interview

Hello Dolly!

Leave the daily grind behind with 9 to 5 - a brand spankin’ new musical from Dolly Parton In the annals of the musical

9 to 5, which takes to the road this

revenge is Broadway giant Jeff

theatre, there can’t be many

autumn, Dolly has successfully

Calhoun whose recent credits

examples of a Broadway show

crossed over into musical comedy.

include Disney’s High School

where the score is written by one

There was sustained praise for the

Musical. He applauds Dolly’s

of the stars of its source material.

score when 9 to 5 opened on

writing skills as well as her

But then Dolly Parton is used to

Broadway in April 2009.

pragmatic professionalism.

breaking as well as making

‘It shouldn’t surprise anybody

‘Dolly understands that a show

records. Dolly is arguably the best

she’s taken so well to the stage’

tune, as opposed to a pop song,

Photograph of Lily Tomlin,

known country artist in the world

enthused the New York Post.’ She’s

has to do a number of things. It

Dolly Parton & Jane Fonda

and several numbers from the

always been a storyteller first and

has to move the action forwards

Dolly Parton Songbook have

foremost...’

but it also has to be sung by the

become popular standards, notably

At the helm of this hilarious

right character at the right

I Will Always Love You. And with

story of friendship, gossip and

moment in the show.’

Interview by Al Senter

in 9 To 5 the film (1980) courtesy of 20th Century Fox / 1

Everett / Rex Features

‘The show is a caper; it’s fun. I’d guess that all of us, women and men, have worked for people we fantasise about seeing hog-tied and suspended from the ceiling.’

Direct from Broadway 9 to 5 The Musical Written by Patricia Resnick Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton everyone. ‘It is

definitive version of 9 to 5. The

based in the real

show features Dolly Parton’s

world where

original hit title song which won

women still get

her an Oscar nomination and 4

paid less than

Grammy award nominations along

New Wimbledon Theatre

men for doing

with her new Tony and Grammy

the same job.

nominated score. These 18 original

22 - 27 October Box Office 0844 871 7646

The show

numbers that mix Broadway and

reflects the

pop with Dolly’s signature wit

fact that

will have audiences kicking up

women have

their heels.

Opera House Manchester 12 - 20 October Box Office 0844 871 3018

Sunderland Empire 29 October - 3 November Box Office 0844 871 3022

come a long way since 1980 but

‘Dolly has managed to write a

9 to 5 is based on the $100m

that they still have a long way to

superb score for the theatre. The

grossing film comedy of 1980

go. These are real women and not

Broadway musical is becoming

in which Dolly, and co-stars Jane

two-dimensional, cartoon

increasingly like rock ‘n’ roll but

Fonda and Lily Tomlin, play three

characters. Violet finds that she’s

Dolly has given us back melodies

King’s Theatre Glasgow

downtrodden office workers

been passed over for promotion

again - I have no doubt that it will

whose revenge fantasies against

and the job has gone to a young

establish Dolly as a force in the

12 -17 November Box Office 0844 871 7648

their tyrannical boss become all

man whom she’s trained. Judy is

musical theatre. I don’t think that

too real. After its Broadway run,

having to explore the world of

there’s a person on this planet who

the show’s producers invited

work for the first time because her

doesn’t care for Dolly. She’s

Calhoun to direct the subsequent

husband’s left her and is having a

everything you want her to be.’

19 -24 November Box Office 0844 871 7649

US touring production and thus

mid-life crisis at her expense. She

In his early days as a young

began a lengthy process of

has to learn how to stand up for

actor, Calhoun had a small role

Edinburgh Playhouse

re-imagining, a process which

herself. And I think we all know

in the 1982 feature film, The Best

Calhoun is continuing as he

who Doralee, the aspiring country

Little Whorehouse in Texas, which

prepares for the UK staging.

singer, is based on. At the same

starred Dolly and he mentions a

New Theatre Oxford

Having missed the Broadway

time, the show is a caper; it’s fun.

photograph of them together on

production, he was able to

I’d guess that all of us, women and

set. When they were reunited,

3 - 8 December Box Office 0844 871 3020

approach 9 to 5 with a clean sheet

men, have worked for people we

nearly thirty years later, Dolly

of paper and he stresses that the

fantasise about seeing hog-tied

remembered their meeting.

show is still evolving. ‘On 9 to 5

and suspended from the ceiling.

‘Dolly is very religious and I

we had to get back to the small,

The show is about people who

believe that she thinks of that

intimate story of these three

abuse their power and’, Calhoun

photograph as a sign that we were

women that lies at the heart of

dryly concludes ‘I’ve run across

meant to work together again.’

the piece.’

that in the theatre now and then.’

Let’s hope that divine

While the show undoubtedly

Calhoun is optimistic that the

intervention will not be required

celebrates female solidarity,

production launching at the Opera

to make 9 to 5 a success at any

Calhoun is keen to make clear

House as part of Manchester Gets

hour of the day.

that 9 to 5 has something for

It First in October will be the

New Victoria Theatre, Woking 5 -10 November Box Office 0844 871 7645

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent

26 November - 1 December Box Office 0844 871 3014

Theatre Royal Brighton 10 -15 December Box Office 0844 871 7650

New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 17 December - 5 January Box Office 0844 871 3011 Online booking at atgtickets.com

2

Interview

Odds-on favourite Pinero’s delightful Dandy Dick is this summer’s top tip

Interview by Victoria Kingston Photography by Manuel Harlan and Paul Clapp

3

It’s a sunny day and I’m enjoying

This is the inaugural production

you’re in safe hands. A director

a very English cup of tea with

of Theatre Royal Brighton

who is an actor understands the

acclaimed actress Patricia Hodge

Productions, headed by producer

process and that’s a lovely thing.’

and equally admired director/actor/

Howard Panter, with artistic

Similarly, Christopher feels he has

writer Christopher Luscombe. This

director Christopher Luscombe and

the ideal cast. ‘Oh, I got just who

summer sees the first production

associate directors Maria Aitken

I wanted,’ he says. ‘And the funny

in 40 years of a rip-roaring

and Philip Franks. ‘They are finding

thing was, when I offered it to

Victorian comedy, Dandy Dick by

really good plays to put on in

Patricia and Nicholas, I didn’t have

Arthur Wing Pinero, starring

theatres all over the country,’ says

to persuade them. They leapt at it

Patricia with Nicholas Le Prevost.

Patricia. ‘Having three actors as

- they knew it was their material.’

Christopher directs.

directors is wonderful. You know

Dandy Dick promises to be a real

Nicholas Le Prevost and Patricia Hodge at Brighton racecourse

Miranda Hart & Patricia Hodge in Miranda

Dandy Dick

treat. Patricia, Olivier Award

Being Earnest,’ Christopher muses.

thinking. I’ve done some reading

winner and star of TV series such

‘I think he created a comic style of

around the period, but not enough

as Rumpole of the Bailey, Sweet

witty, elegant and ironic humour,

to cloud my head - I hope. Doing a

Medicine and recently, Miranda,

which influenced Wilde.’

play comes down to telling a story

won acclaim on stage in recent

Patricia, with her gift for

- and the actor is a vessel for doing

years for Noises Off and Calendar

comedy, is perfect to play the

that and for integrating with the

Girls. Christopher has trodden the

sister. ‘Yes, I shall enjoy it. She’s

rest of the cast. Sometimes I get

Theatre Royal Brighton

asked if I like a particular character

28 June - 7 July Box Office 0844 871 7650

I honestly hope the audiences will leave the theatre feeling lighter and happier - because they’ve been somewhere else for a couple of hours. That’s what matters.

I’m playing - Miranda’s mother on TV for example - and I always say it’s not my business to like her or not. It’s down to the audience.’

Dandy Dick will tour to nine regional theatres before a London run. Does touring strike dread into their hearts? ‘I go with the play,’

Directed by Christopher Luscombe Starring Patricia Hodge and Nicholas Le Prevost

Richmond Theatre 10 - 14 July Box Office 0844 871 7651

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 17 - 21 July Box Office 0844 871 7607

boards too, touring the country

a bag of surprises and I like that.

says Christopher. ‘I keep an eye on

with the National Theatre and the

Also, she develops in a surprising

things and keep it tight. And I like

The Churchill Theatre, Bromley

RSC - and he has directed some of

way as the plot unfolds. The point

to feel part of the company on

our finest actors in plays by Wilde,

about this play is that it’s full of

tour. Perhaps that’s an actor thing.’

24 - 28 July Box Office 0844 871 7620

Bennett and Coward. What he is

much needed joy. We aren’t in the

Patricia also feels touring is

most proud of though, is that last

business of depressing audiences.’

important. ‘Well, no-one wants

year, he played a scene with Meryl

So has the director altered the

to be away from home. But

Streep in The Iron Lady. ‘I can’t

play to fit a modern audience’s

artistically, it’s so rewarding. An

help showing off about it. I play

expectations or left it intact?

enterprise like this will get a more

Mrs Thatcher’s voice coach. Meryl

‘I’ve been quite bold about

fertile soil in which to grow in the

was lovely but still, it was scary.’

cutting’ says Christopher ‘and I

provinces. The West End is a colder

Dandy Dick is the story of the

think Pinero would have approved

climate, no doubt about that. Also,

because it’s very sharp comedy

I love spending a week in a

York Grand Opera House

and he’d want it to be funny on

different city. It’s a privilege I

the night. I’ve now done five Alan

think, to work your way across

14 -18 August Box Office 0844 871 3024

against horse racing and

Bennett plays and he encourages

Britain. And I honestly hope the

gambling. When his tearaway

me to cut, so I’ve developed that

audiences will leave the theatre

sister Georgiana visits him, she

skill now. I enjoy grappling with

feeling lighter and happier -

leads him into risking all he

the text.’

because they’ve been somewhere

has on the races. There

How much research has Patricia

else for a couple of hours. That’s

follows mistaken identity,

done to prepare for the role?

what matters.’

mayhem, romantic intrigue -

‘There was a time when I used to

Very Reverend Augustin Jedd, a paragon of Victorian respectability, who preaches

and a runaway horse. ‘I was

go into a part completely blind

fascinated to learn that Pinero

and let the play speak to me.

wrote this eight years before

Nowadays, I find it interesting

Wilde wrote The Importance of

to learn what the playwright was

New Victoria Theatre, Woking 31 July - 4 August Box Office 0844 871 7645

Theatre Royal Glasgow 7 - 11 August Box Office 0844 871 7647

New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 21-25 August Box Office 0844 871 3011

Opera House Manchester 28 August - 1 September Box Office 0844 871 3018 Online booking at atgtickets.com

4

Interview

funny girl

Why Tamsin Greig never tires of making audiences laugh

‘Tamsin Greig is outstanding’ Financial Times

Interview by Jasper Rees Photography by Johan Persson and 5

Robert Workman

This summer, a season of the Royal Court’s sell-out shows begins in the West End including Posh - a searing take on Britain’s ultra privileged ruling class, Constellations - a ‘pitchperfect production’ (Daily Telegraph) by Nick Payne and Jumpy starring Tamsin Greig.

It’s an odd fact about Tamsin

Heat and two grown-up sons

Greig, mother of three, that she’s

in the Jewish sitcom Friday Night

rarely been cast as a mother

Dinner, which returns to Channel

herself. In Black Books and Love

4 in the autumn. But most of all

Soup, as Miss Bates in Emma and

there is Jumpy.

her Olivier Award-winning Beatrice

April De Angelis’ frank and

in Much Ado, even in Green Wing

funny family drama premiered at

she has always played sadly single.

the Royal Court last year and now

Casting directors have belatedly

makes a belated entry to the

made Greig fertile but bypassed

West End, the delay caused by

the nappy-changing phase

the absence of a gap in Greig’s

altogether. She has had an

schedule. Greig returns to the role

(unseen, violent) nine-year-old boy

that won her universal critical

in Yasmina Reza’s The God of

acclaim as a woman who is unable

Carnage, an enfranchised adult

to find any common ground with

daughter in the BBC drama White

her 15-year-old daughter. ‘It’s not

just a story about mother and

herself, she recalls not having

got to stop it.’

daughter who are finding it

a rebellious bone in her body.

Her father died before her

difficult to learn each other’s

‘I was a complete swot,’ she

career advanced far out of second

languages. It’s also about

volunteers. ‘I was not interesting

gear. ‘He wasn’t very enamoured

marriages and how we deal with

or dangerous. I just wanted to do

of the idea of me being an actor

the little losses in our lives and

all right in my exams. My younger

but when I got a part on The

our supposed invisibility at

sister used to say to me, ‘You

Archers he thought, oh it’s not

certain ages.’

coming out to play?’ I’d say, ‘I’ll

just messing about. He would

‘

Constellations

never ever say ‘I’m proud of you’

She got her first laugh onstage as a teenager in, of all plays, The Crucible. ‘There aren’t many laughs in that and I remember doing a look and everybody laughed and I just thought, wow, that’s incredible.

because he was born in 1905.

My mum overcompensated and showered me with praise.’

’

Greig has never stopped making audiences laugh. London theatregoers have enjoyed her in Yasmina Reza’s West End hit The God of Carnage, in which her prissy bourgeois mother stole the

And it isn’t just adults who come

just do some more revising.’

away from Jumpy enlightened.

But she wasn’t entirely given to

show from under the nose of

De Angelis’ play - the reason for

goodness in her youth. As a child

Ralph Fiennes with a brilliant

whose title is beautifully revealed

Greig was a remorseless show-off

display of projectile vomiting. In

towards the end - is inspired by her

inheriting a taste for slapstick from

The Little Dog Laughed she was

own relationship with a teenage

a father who was already in his 60s

a ballsy Hollywood agent with

daughter. Penned on the frontline,

when his middle child was born.

a one-liner for every situation.

it is scrupulous not to take the

‘My dad used to laugh himself out

But nowadays the emphasis is

parental point of view. As a result,

of his own beard when he saw

on making audiences not only

says Greig, teenagers who come

people falling over and my

laugh, not only cry, but also think.

are ‘also very moved because

husband swears that that’s the

Jumpy, she says, is finally a play

they are able to see living with a

only thing that makes me laugh.’

about depression. ‘It is seen as a

teenager who finds you disgusting

She got her first laugh onstage

jokey thing in the play. It is about

- from the mother’s perspective.’

as a teenager in, of all plays,

seeing how you handle the reality

With a partly new cast and more

The Crucible. ‘There aren’t many

of depression that is handed down

time in rehearsals, Greig feels

laughs in that and I remember

the generations. We don’t really

better prepared this time round.

doing a look and everybody

engage with it. The more we did

Her oldest has since entered the

laughed and I just thought, wow,

it the more pinpricks of light

teenage years, so she may have

that’s incredible how you can do

started to shine through.’

more first-hand knowledge of

that. So I did another look and

But don’t let that get you down.

teenagers kvetching against the

they laughed again and then I

Jumpy is still extremely funny,

parentocracy than last time. It

remember thinking, hold on, this

and Tamsin Greig with it.

will help because, as a daughter

isn’t right for this piece so you’ve

Royal Court at the Duke of York’s Theatre

Posh

by Laura Wade Directed by Lyndsey Turner until 4 August

Jumpy

by April De Angelis Directed by Nina Raine Starring Tamsin Greig and Bel Powley from 16 August

Constellations

by Nick Payne Directed by Michael Longhurst from 9 November Box Office 0844 871 7623 Online booking at atgtickets.com

6

Photography by Johan Persson

Interview

7

Theatre royalty

Disney’s spectacular Lion King on its first UK tour ‘There is simply nothing else like it’ ‘The Lion King will touch a deep chord in everybody’ New York Times

Sunday Times

Not many shows can be said to

When the sun rises at the back

African rhythms and chants. As

expand the perception of what

of the stage and the giraffes enter

Taymor explained: ‘Nothing can

theatre can do but Disney’s The

stage right in silhouette, stalking

replace the poetry and mystery

Lion King is surely one of them.

elegantly across the backcloth,

of the sound of the language.’

Nearly thirteen years after its

the audience is unquestionably

The show is so strong in itself,

acclaimed opening at London’s

transported. It is imbued with

visually, musically and

Lyceum theatre, it is still dazzling

the spirit of the place, the beauty,

choreographically, that it requires

young and old alike.

the dignity and the power of life.

no stars to carry it. But it does

Now, the award-winning show

As the sequence unrolls, the

require nearly 50 talented

is about to embark on its first ever

action spreads throughout the

performers to act, dance and sing

UK Tour, generating a wave of

auditorium until a sense of Africa

their way to the climactic

excitement across the country.

and its wonders has been absorbed

confrontation between Simba and his wicked uncle Scar at Pride Rock.

The Lion King is a worldwide phenomenon, having been seen by over 65 million people and with productions in every corner of the globe.

The Lion King is a worldwide phenomenon, having been seen by over 65 million people and with productions in every corner of the globe. It is rapturously received by capacity audiences every night, and the London production

Why so? There are many

and the audience is ready to

remains one of the most sought-

reasons. Not the least of them

be swept away by the heady

after tickets in the West End.

is the unforgettable opening

adventures which follow as the

Somewhere, within the sights

spectacle which introduces us to

initially immature Simba grows

and the sounds of The Lion King,

the African savannah, rich in plant

into his responsibilities.

remains a story that speaks a

and animal life, where the story

Then, of course, there is the

universal language.

of the royal lion cub, Simba,

music. And that does not just

The Lion King opens its UK Tour

takes place.

mean the five songs written by

at the Bristol Hippodrome from

To say that actors use puppets

Elton John and Tim Rice for the

6 September, with previews from

to portray the animals, which

film version of The Lion King

31 August, before playing the

they do, sounds unexciting on the

which include the Academy

Palace Theatre, Manchester from

face of it. But it is the genius of

award-winning Can You Feel The

1 December 2012.

American director Julie Taymor

Love Tonight. Three more were

The Lion King also continues

and her team that imaginative use

written by them for the stage

to run at The Lyceum Theatre

of these time-honoured theatrical

show which has 15 numbers

in London.

devices seems to unlock the very

altogether and a much-expanded

DNA of this familiar yet still

score by South African composer

alien world.

Lebo M, throbbing with

Lyceum Theatre

The Lion King Box Office 0844 871 7615 Online booking at atgtickets.com

Tour

Bristol Hippodrome 31 August - 17 November Box Office 0844 871 3012

Palace Theatre, Manchester 1 December 2012 31 March 2013 Box Office 0844 871 3018 Online booking at atgtickets.com

8

go lond Get set for everything London has to offer this summer - enjoy the buzz of one of the world’s great cities during its Olympic summer and sample the rich cultural delights that have made it famous

A new play commissioned to celebrate the 2012 Olympic Games, The Ripple Effect will be performed in six ATG theatres from Glasgow to London.

Celebrated playwright Ursula Rani Sarma and young people from across the nation deliver a vibrant piece of new writing inspired by the Olympic theme of truce - an insight into how young people see the world in 2012. Sponsored

by John Good Limited and Shaun Webb Design.

Fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626

The Woman in Black

One of the most exciting and gripping theatre events ever staged. ‘A truly nerve-shredding experience’ Daily Mail

s

posh / jumpy / CONSTELLATIONS

A season of the Royal Court’s sell-out shows begins in the heart of the West End. Posh is a searing take on Britain’s ultra privileged ruling class, Jumpy stars Tamsin Greig in a ‘screamingly funny and moving middle-class drama’ Mail on Sunday, Constellations is ‘a pitch-perfect production’ Daily Telegraph

WICKED

Wicked has been voted by theatregoers as Best West End Show (2011 and 2010 Whatsonstage.com Award). Apollo Victoria, London s

RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW

A spectacular historic setting for the world’s largest annual flower show - inspirational and unmissable!

5 - 7 July 2012

s

JIMI HENDRIX HITS LONDON

A unique exhibition celebrating the legendary guitarist’s life in London during the 60’s/70’s. 27 July - 31 August. Hospital Club, London

Piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630

ghost the musical

The dazzling new musical based on the phenomenal Oscar winning film is a timeless fantasy about the power of love.

Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687

CABARET

Will Young makes his West End musical theatre debut.

From 3 October

Book your tickets online

s

don 2012 Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615

Wicked

There has never been a better time to experience

‘the hit musical with brains, heart & courage’ (Sunday Telegraph) as it flies into its sixth spellbinding year.

Duke of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623

POSH ‘Ten of the best young actors onstage since ‘The History Boys’ Time Out JUMPY ‘Funny, deliciously rude and at times piercingly moving’ Daily Telegraph CONSTELLATIONS ‘The town’s new hot ticket’ New York Times

Lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615

Disney’s

The Lion King With a cast of over 40 actors, singers and dancers.

‘A beautiful dazzle of invention and imagination’ Evening Standard

Playhouse Theatre 0844 871 7631

Phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629

HHHH ‘Tremendous, tub thumping

‘Exhilarating. One of the best musicals ever written’ Sunday Times

Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687

Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687

by Neil Simon Starring Danny DeVito & Richard Griffiths

A new musical inspired by the life and times of Ike and Tina Turner.

From 20 August

Dreamboats and Petticoats

fun, it brought the house down’ Sunday Telegraph

Harold Pinter Theatre 0844 871 7632

Spamalot

Marcus Brigstocke & Jon Culshaw share the role of King Arthur.

Harold Pinter Theatre 0844 871 7632

South downs / tHE bROWNING VERSION

The Sunday Times

Terence Rattigan’s one-act masterpiece and David Hare’s specially commissioned companion piece.

Donmar Warehouse 0844 871 7624

Democracy

‘Glorious irresistible silliness’

THE PHYSICISTS

Dürrenmatt’s hilariously satirical masterpiece in an exhilarating new version by Jack Thorne

the sunshine boys

Blood Brothers

SOUL SISTER

The Old Vic 0844 871 7628

Trafalgar Studio 1 0844 871 7632

Trafalgar Studio 2* 0844 871 7632

Eve Best returns to The Old Vic in John Webster’s great Jacobean tragedy.

‘The jokes come thick and fast... the writing has a relentless energy’ The Evening Standard

Starring Craig Kelly & Lisa Maxwell

YES, PRIME MINISTER

at atgtickets.com Your One Stop Shop *Studio 2 has been made possible by a generous donation from Christina Smith

CHICKEN

Interview

party in pink

Legally Blonde is the best show in town - case closed

Interview by Nicola Venning Photography by 11

Eric Richmond

After a phenomenal West End run,

the comedian and TV presenter

serious young man has dumped

Legally Blonde The Musical, the

who has generally been thought

her to find a girlfriend with brains

international award-winning hit

of as a Mr Nice-Guy. ‘It cast me

as opposed to beauty. However,

is now repeating its success in a

against type a bit,’ says Dennis.

though Elle is ditzy, she is far from

barn-storming, and equally

‘But that’s one thing I like to do

dumb so with her pet Chihuahua,

pink-themed UK tour.

in my career - switch and change

Bruiser in tow, she enrols for law

Les Dennis couldn’t resist joining

and do different things.’

school. Here she meets her

the production as Professor

Winner of 7 major awards

nemesis in Professor Callahan.

Callahan and looks back on his

including the coveted Best Musical

‘Callahan is ruthless and

time with the production with

2011 (Olivier Awards) this all

self-serving’ says Dennis. ‘And it’s

delight. ‘They came to me and

singing, all dancing romantic

been fun playing the villain. It was

asked if I would do it so I went

comedy is about knowing who you

a lovely part.’ In fact, Dennis

to see the show and loved it,’

are and showing what you’ve got!

relished his role so much, he wasn’t

says Dennis.

Elle Woods - a Californian blonde -

sure whether he would be booed

Playing conniving Professor

heads to Harvard to win back her

off like a panto villain at the end

Callahan was an unusual role for

humourless boyfriend Warner. The

of his initial performances.

HHHH

‘Hysterically funny’ Mail on Sunday

HHHHH Time Out

However, he needn’t have worried: ‘The audiences were happy to

‘The best show I’ve ever seen.

Brilliant’ Scott Mills, BBC Radio 1

embrace Callahan in the end’, he smiles.

Across the tour, local reviews have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic and it is shaping up to be every bit as good as the West End production - partly because it has such a strong cast. Recently confirmed are chart-topping singer Gareth Gates (Joseph, Les Misérables) and actress Jennifer Ellison (Brookside, Chicago, Boeing Boeing).

Dennis has enjoyed his time with the production: ‘I’ve loved the energy. It’s a very young company and I’ve been like the elder statesman. Legally Blonde is like a train, once you’re on, it doesn’t stop!’

Competition Paint the town pink with college sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods in the funniest and most fabulous musical around. This is your chance to catch the show that has been wowing audiences and critics alike in London’s West End and we’ll help you do it in style!

We’re offering one lucky winner and three friends the best seats in the house at a venue of their choice, and to make it a truly unforgettable night out, we’ll also treat you to a bit of VIP luxury with complimentary champagne and programmes!

To get your hands on this fantastic prize, simply answer

‘Right up there alongside Mamma Mia & Hairspray’ The Daily Telegraph

STOP PRESS!

announced New cast just h Gates as starring Garet on Jennifer Ellis Warner and as Paulette

Legally Blonde The Musical Directed by Tony and Olivier Award winning Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray)

New Theatre Oxford 17 - 21 July Box Office 0844 871 3020

Milton Keynes Theatre 31 July - 11 August Box Office 0844 871 7652

New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

the following question:

28 August - 1 September Box Office 0844 871 3011

What type of dog is Elle’s pet, Bruiser?

York Grand Opera House

Please return your answer, not forgetting your name, address and telephone number to Alice Gimblett, The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd., 39 - 41 Charing Cross Road,

Opera House Manchester

4 - 8 September Box Office 0844 871 3024

London, WC2H 0AR before Friday 29 June.

11 - 22 September Box Office 0844 871 3018

Terms and Conditions:

New Wimbledon Theatre

One winner will be drawn at random after the closing date. The prize includes 4 tickets (Mon - Thu perfs only) to see Legally Blonde at a venue near you plus one bottle of champagne and two house programmes.

Prize is subject to availability, non-transferable and non-redeemable for a cash value. Not open to employees of Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd. Editor’s decision is final.

25 September - 6 October Box Office 0844 871 7646 For more information on casting and for online booking go to atgtickets.com

12

Interview

Bring me sunshine!

Old rivalries and vintage hilarity in a classic tale of showbiz friendship

Was the revival of Neil Simon’s

and 64-year-old Richard Griffiths,

The irony is that the two actors

Sunshine Boys, which has brought

the Olivier and Tony award winner

are playing old friends who have

a movie legend and a theatrical

who plays the other crusty comic,

become older enemies. Indeed,

giant to the Savoy, somehow

instantly develop a rapport that

Willy Clark and Al Lewis weren’t

destined? Thea Sharrock, its

has left Sharrock declaring ‘they’ve

on speaking terms even before the

director, thinks so. Why else

fallen in love with each other’?

end of the comic partnership that

did Danny DeVito, who plays one

‘Watching two people who

made them famous in America and

of the play’s two curmudgeonly

didn’t even know each other,

they haven’t exchanged a word in

comedians, have the unexpected

behave with such generosity and

the 10 years since: which makes a

gap in his filming schedule that is

discipline has been more than a

TV company’s plan to bring them

letting him spend several months

pleasure,’ she says. ‘The stage

back to the small screen a bit

in London? Why did DeVito, 67

management has come skipping

tricky. ‘It’s as if Morecambe and

years old and absent from live

in every day. It’s been a joy - and

Wise had stopped talking to each

Photography by

theatre for over 40 years, surprise

I can tell you that actors at the

other,’ Griffiths says. ‘Sores have

Michael Birt and

everyone by agreeing to appear on

top of the profession aren’t

festered, grievances are still felt,

the stage at all? And why did he

always like that.’

they’ve got morose and moody.

Interview by Benedict Nightingale

13

Johan Persson

You’d say to them: guys grow

it was all sewn up. A huge risk

histories of affection, alienation

up, get real, move on, and

for Danny. A huge leap of faith

and even hate into what’s still

intellectually they’d agree. But

for us all. Amazing!’

a comedy. For her, every rehearsal,

personally they just can’t.’

DeVito: ‘I always joked I wasn’t

every preview has thrown up

Five years ago, the idea of

doing Broadway because of the

new insights, new subtleties. For

reviving the play was suggested to

tiny dressing rooms. Little did I

Griffiths, it’s a case of unfussily,

Sharrock but nothing came of it.

know the Savoy Theatre dressing

unpretentiously investing colloquial

The same fate looked likely to

rooms would be even smaller.

lines with two or three meanings at

overtake a London production

But there are only two places to

the same time, so that (as he says)

with George Segal and Griffiths,

do theatre, New York or London,

‘I get your drift, mister’ becomes

who had become friends when

and the opportunity and timing

much more than a casual mumble.

Sharrock directed them in Art. ‘A

was perfect for London. The

Sharrock has often worked

pipe dream,’ thought the director.

impulse was a really great play

with Griffiths and loves his ability

‘A fairy-tale,’ decided the British

with Richard Griffiths, an actor

to listen carefully to other actors,

actor. But last autumn began the

I’ve always loved, opposite me -

reacting spontaneously to whatever

chain of events that ended with

and the icing on the cake was

they do and never, ever becoming

Segal withdrawing and Sharrock

Thea Sharrock, who I knew was an

mechanical or drawing gratuitous

getting a phone call from the

actor’s director with great vision’.

attention to himself. And she’s lost

producer Sonia Friedman, one she

Neil Simon hasn’t always

in admiration for DeVito, who

initially thought was a wind-up:

appealed to British tastes, perhaps

hasn’t been on the stage since One

‘Sonia said Danny DeVito is

because he’s been seen as over-

Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest made

interested: would I call him in

reliant on smart one-liners. But,

him famous and is now playing Willy, who is never off it. ‘It’s a

It’s a huge part, a huge responsibility, but there’s been no angst, no ego. Danny came in on day one knowing his lines, he’s been open to everything I’ve said, and he handles the audience’s laughter as if he’s never been away from the theatre.

huge part, a huge responsibility, but there’s been no angst, no ego.

He came in on day one knowing his lines, he’s been open to everything I’ve said, and he handles the audience’s laughter as if he’s never been away from the theatre.’

And DeVito isn’t regretting the change or the challenge. ‘I tend to

the next 45 minutes? And I did,

as Griffiths says, he’s hugely

walk around on firm ground but

and we had a great chat. And I

respected by American actors,

every now and then I’ll jump in

remember putting down the

and The Sunshine Boys shows

the ocean. And exercising this

phone, getting out of the cab at

why. Sharrock has been invoking

wonderful chance here on the

home, and thinking, wow, this

Chekhov to her actors and feels

stage feels unique. Very

is really happening. And then he

there’s ‘richness’ in situations in

very exciting. I highly

and Richard talked, and suddenly

which two characters bring long

recommend it.’

HHHH

‘A golden evening full of joy and sunshine’ Daily Telegraph

HHHH

‘Danny DeVito is in a class of his own’ Daily Mail

HHHH

‘Hilarious. Danny DeVito dazzles.

Magic’ Times

Savoy Theatre

The Sunshine Boys

by Neil Simon starring Danny DeVito & Richard Griffiths Until Sat 28 July 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7687 Online booking at 14 atgtickets.com

Style

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work it From business-like at 9am to lady-like for cocktails give your working day the 9 to 5 makeover

1 Waistcoat / trousers / blouse all by Ted Baker all £109 each

2 Leather strap watch Boccia from John Lewis £85

3 Black Abro handbag abro.wardow.com £199

4 Pied a Terre brogues piedaterre.com £125

5 Black & white dot dress with red belt Cristina Effe from Olivier’s Lounge olivierslounge.co.uk £175

6 White diamante watch ASOS £95

7 Red patent handbag Mango £49.99

2

8 Red peeptoe patent slingback shoes Unisa from John Lewis £125

9 Green pleated belted dress Ted Baker £129

Navy lace jacket Gerard Darel from John Lewis £220

Spotted scarf Jigsaw £79

10 Rotary watch John Lewis £135

11 Nude patent handbag K&S from Olivier’s Lounge

3

£149

12 Nude court shoes with navy patent toe LK Bennett £185 Earrings from a selection at Accessorise

All prices quoted are given as a guide only and may be subject to change by individual retailers.

15

Feature by Mark Bouman

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16

Going Out

BY THE SEASIDE Head to the English coast for a breath of fresh air Be it north or south, the UK’s

Folkestone

and sheltered bays. But after a day

dramatic coastline is well worth

Moving south, the picturesque

spent exploring some of the park’s

a look this summer so avoid the

seaside town of Folkestone in

11 hectares, you’ll need to put your

hassle of overseas travel and enjoy

Kent is the perfect place to chill

feet up. As the town’s only

the delights of a ‘staycation’ in

out. A great starting point is the

AA-rated five-star accommodation,

a destination closer to home.

mile-long clifftop promenade

The Relish boutique hotel

known as The Leas. Take a relaxed

welcomes guests to a historic

stroll and drink in views of the

townhouse setting in which

Set on the mouth of the River

English Channel while passing

contemporary design is blended

Wear in north-east England, the

fine examples of Victorian and

with the best home comforts.

city of Sunderland boasts one

Edwardian architecture. The Leas

of the country’s top 10 beaches.

Lift, a water-balanced funicular

Brighton

Designated as both a Blue Flag

that has been transporting people

Leaving Folkestone and travelling

and Quality Coast Award winner,

between the promenade and

west brings you to Brighton

Sunderland visitsunderland.com marineactivitiescentre.co.uk discoverfolkestone.co.uk hotelrelish.co.uk visitbrighton.com brightoncyclehire.com brightonsports.co.uk riddleandfinns.co.uk englishriviera.co.uk livingcoasts.org.uk visitsouthport.com

where the energy of the city and

sands complemented by a

freedom of the sea collide. For a

traffic-free promenade, making

fresh perspective, why not discover

this green resort a relaxing

the seafront on two wheels?

playground for adults and children

Specialising in family bikes,

alike. If paddling and sunbathing

Brighton Cycle Hire offers value for

aren’t sufficient to keep the troops

money plus local maps. Those in

entertained, however, then sister

search of a ride with a difference,

beach Roker with its Marine

meanwhile, should check out the

Activities Centre is an appealing

Californian-style beach cruisers

alternative. One of the most

available to rent from the Brighton

popular programmes run by

Sports Company. These cool

Adventure Sunderland at the

The Relish

centre is Learn to Surf. An

seafront since 1885, is one of the

exploring the 15-kilometre bike

introductory lesson, lasting two

features of a Fact or Fiction tour

path between Saltdean and Hove

and a half hours at the purpose-

led by Blue Badge Tourist Guide,

Lagoon and on to Shoreham

built surf school, involves qualified

Sue Duckworth. Located below

Harbour. Such activity is likely to

coaches imparting the

The Leas, an award-winning

work up an appetite so head back

fundamentals of the sport with

Coastal Park invites visitors to

to Brighton’s historic quarter for

bags of enthusiasm and passion.

picnic, amble and swim in

a bite to eat. Riddle & Finns in

Feature by

landscaped spaces comprising

The Lanes is ideal if you’re seeking

Neena Dhillon

pine avenues, flower gardens

serious seafood sophistication,

For details of what’s on at Sunderland Empire, Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone, Theatre Royal Brighton, Princess Theatre Torquay and Southport Theatre see atgtickets.com

17

Seaburn benefits from golden

cruisers are a good choice for

Images top l-r: Brighton beach Torquay beach Traditional seaside fare Southport air show serving up a signature combination

Southport

can expect thrilling aerial

of champagne and oysters.

With over 20 miles of unspoilt

displays by historic, vintage and

coastline, the traditional Victorian

contemporary aircraft as well as

seaside town of Southport in the

entertainment in the fun-packed

Another gem along the south

north west is hard to beat.

show village. The RAF Red Arrows

coast, Torquay can hold its own

Ainsdale is just one of the lovely

have been confirmed plus there

when it comes to culinary fare.

Blue Flag beaches to be enjoyed

will be a Battle of Britain fly-past

Time your visit to the English

here and Southport also boasts

to lift the spirits.

Riviera to coincide with Mussels by

Britain’s second-longest pier

Moonlight, an evening excursion

complete with tram and pavilion.

Magical Nights

that takes place monthly between

For those willing to leave dry land,

Days out at all the seaside

June and September in nearby

the scenic tour onboard the

destinations included in our

Brixham Harbour. You’ll hop

Southport Belle gives a useful

seasonal guide can be crowned

aboard a boat to explore the

overview of the seafront and the

with a cultural treat at an

Geopark coastline with a marine

town’s large man-made marine

Ambassador Group Theatre. A

ranger while enjoying a hearty

lake. You will travel in style since

performance of a spectacular

feast of locally sourced mussels

the Belle is a Mississippi-inspired

show at one of these landmark

cooked fresh by chef David Jones.

paddle steamer. One of the best

venues is not to be missed:

More diversions for the family are

times to visit Southport is in

Sunderland Empire, Leas Cliff

on hand at Living Coasts, a wildlife

September for the annual Air

Hall in Folkestone, Theatre Royal

oasis in the middle of Torquay’s

Show. The event is celebrating its

Brighton, Princess Theatre Torquay

waterfront. Under a vast net

21st birthday this year so visitors

and Southport Theatre.

Torquay

canopy, animal lovers can observe seals, puffins, wading birds and penguins as well as weird fish lurking in the depths of an underground mangrove forest.

The new Otter Rapids exhibit will be a sure-fire hit with fans of these charismatic creatures.

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