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
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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
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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
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£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.
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Feature by Mark Bouman
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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
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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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