The Ambassador Theatre Group
Winter 2007
Denise Van Outen Rent remixed
Plus... Michael Frayn Festive fun with Tintin & Snowy Office party - sorted Little black dresses
GreaseBEST MAGAZINE Young McNAUGHTON and gifted REVIEW 2006
Pantomime special ‘A good ambassador Kim and for Aggie theatre Nigel Havers magazines’ Paul Michael Glaser
5
T H E AT R E | S T Y L E | F O O D
Autumn Highlights Pick of the crop this season Getting the theatre message
the musical appear on social
people will be getting their
across to young people has
networking sites such as
first taste of a uniquely British
always been a challenge but
Myspace and Facebook, with
theatre tradition - pantomime.
social networks - both real and
click-throughs to Ambassador’s
Some of the biggest names in
virtual - are the key to spreading
own ticketing website.
entertainment drop in to ATG
entertainment news among
Over at the Piccadilly, the new generation of musical stars
of festive fun - stars from the
live in a world where fluid
are having a ball in the ultimate
US like Paul Michael Glaser and
cross-fertilisation between
high school musical Grease.
Henry Winkler are joined by a
creative media - cartoons, visual
Danny Bayne and Susan
host of home-grown celebrities
art, theatre, TV, film and games
McFadden were plucked from
from TV and film; the notorious
- is commonplace. This Autumn,
youthful obscurity to play Sandy
Kim and Aggie (How Clean is
the Ambassador Group pays
and Danny and they now make
Your House) in Brighton and the
tribute to this fertile eclecticism
the live performances sparkle
dapper Nigel Havers in Richmond
with a programme that will
night after night. ITV’s Grease
plus Ross Kemp and Bobby Davro
appeal to the young.
is the Word provided exposure
in an Eastend-tastic panto
to a Saturday night prime-time
in Wimbledon.
Rent - opening at the Duke of York’s Theatre this October is
audience composed mainly of
a prime example of using media
young people. Like it or not,
crossover to benefit theatre
Saturday night reality TV is
attendances. Some of the biggest
the new family viewing.
names in pop culture have been
Back into the West End
assembled to create this new
just in time for Christmas
production including William
following a storming Autumn
Baker, the creative director
tour is the acclaimed stage
behind Kylie Minogue and the
version of Hergé’s Adventures
visionary behind some of the
of Tintin. Colourful, imaginative,
most iconic pop images of recent
funny, ingenious, energetic -
years. In a canny career shift,
it’s everything that a large
Baker now directs Denise van
scale theatrical spectacle
Outen in a remixed version of
for young people should be
the Broadway hit musical Rent -
with the added distinction
based on Puccini’s La Boheme.
of having genuine cross-
He’s clearly aiming to appeal to
generational appeal. Expect
the ipod generation - for the first
plenty of snow in this gripping
time in West End history ATG
adventure set in the high
Photography by
has adopted a £30 stalls general
Himalayas.
Chris Ridley and
admission policy similar to gigs
Paul Rider
theatres for a sparkling bonanza
young individuals. Young people
and concerts, and profiles for
And of course, all over the country this Christmas young
Stop Press: Patrick Kielty stars in A Night in November at the Trafalgar Studios from 15 Oct
The Ambassador Theatre Group
2 1 3
1 The Eve Club 2 Grease 3 Footloose
Leggy, blonde, gorgeous
Love the Look
Himalayan Adventures
- Denise Van Outen
Tintin’s spectacular stage show
It’s Electrifying!
1
5
Michael Frayn on
What’s On in London
11
On Your Feet!
12
15
Extravagant, luxurious and green!
Front-Row Fashion
16
First night style
Kim & Aggie lark
A Unique Contribution
about in panto
Saving London’s historic theatres
7
14
Fiddler on the Roof
80’s nostalgia in Footloose
Donkeys’ Years
All Good Fun
Competition Gifts without Guilt
3
A dream come true - Grease
Reunion Blues
9
13
Team Time
17
Beano or bun-fight? The office party
AMBASSADOR GROUP PRODUCTIONS
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T H E AT R E
Jessamy Hadley Editor Pat Westwell, Jasper Rees, Mark Shenton, Benedict Nightingale, Victoria Kingston, Jonathan Croall, Kirsty Woodfield Babette Kulik, Neena Dhillon, Debbie Plentie Contributors SWD Design and Art Direction John Good Print
STYLE
The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd 39 - 41 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H OAR
FOOD
The views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd.
Cover photography by William Baker
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
Love the Look Denise Van Outen vamps it up in Rent The millions of visitors who
producers that they love the
only fell back on her training
wander through Times Square
image,’ says the proud occupant
after a disaster in her chosen
every year have all seen the face,
of the poster. ‘Apparently Renée
career. In the late 1990s Van
and of course the limbs. It’s been
Zellwegger when she was about
Outen became the leggy blonde
five years since Denise Van Outen
to do the movies went through
poster girl for gobby ladette
triumphed as Roxie Hart, but the
various pictures, chose mine
culture on The Big Breakfast.
Photography by
producers of Chicago are still
and said she loved that look.’
But she took a right turn into
William Baker
using a huge billboard image
It’s quite a testament to an
Interview by Jasper Rees
Photograph of Kylie Minogue and William Baker courtesy 1
of Rex Features
theatre after she found herself
of her to promote the show
actress who, despite attending
at the helm as the ultimate
in New York.
stage school and once appearing
incarnation of bad-taste TV
in the chorus of Les Miserables,
crashed and burned.
‘I’m told by the American
pop score. I don’t like electric guitars at all. You’re limited to a particular rock sound. The characters are not alien to me. I’ve reworked them to bring it up to date, which is what Rent was supposed to be when it came out. And when I cast it I looked for people that had inherent traits of the characters within them.’ Van Outen plays Maureen, a gobby bisexual performance artist. ‘It’s quite a belty part,’ she says. ‘Maureen definitely hasn’t got the vulnerability and soft edge that Roxie has or my character in Tell Me On A
Kylie Minogue and William Baker
Sunday. She’s a bit of a tough was tiring. And there’s only so
woman. I can be tough when I
when I didn’t have any other
many times you can be dumped
want to be. I’m starting to walk
work coming in if I’m honest.
and cry before you start to go
around with a bit of attitude.
I was not employable in TV terms
home depressed.’
I walked to and from rehearsals
‘Chicago happened at a time
because I’d worked on Something
It’s thanks to musical theatre
and I live in Hampstead, which
for the Weekend, which wasn’t
that she has been able to return
is a long walk, just to get my
Duke of York’s Theatre
one of my career highlights.
to the televisual fold as an expert
fitness levels up, and I marched
Rent Remixed for the 21st century
‘For me Chicago was a natural thing to do. I had no idea that people would
starring Denise Van Outen
pay any attention. I thought I’d just be able to do it quietly. I walked out in
directed by William Baker
my preview and there were flashbulbs going off.’
Online booking at
Box Office 0870 060 6623 www.theambassadors.com
Being young and a bit naïve, I
panellist on How Do You
like Maureen. I’m from Essex.
wasn’t really aware of the effect
Solve A Problem Like Maria
I’m tough. It makes a change.
Below: Luke Evans
it would have. The networks
and Any Dream Will Do, and
I’m normally in stilettos.’
and Siobhan Donaghy
didn’t really want me to do
as a presenter on Grease Is
prime time. Every TV presenter
The Word in America. But after
wants to get prime time. But
four years the time has come
Channel 4 was always the really
to return to the stage. In Rent
cool channel to be on and you
Van Outen joins ex-Sugababe
wanted to be doing the late
Siobhan Donaghy to breathe
night stuff. I wasn’t really
new life into the hit 90’s New
thinking long term, because
York musical.
you don’t, do you? I was in my early 20s.’ She had this idea that she
It is directed by William Baker, who was the creative director behind Kylie Minogue and the
might slip into the cast of
visionary behind some of the
Chicago unnoticed. ‘I didn’t
most iconic pop images of
think this was really going to
recent years.
change my career. For me it was
Taking its inspiration from
a natural thing to do. I had no
La Boheme, Jonathan Larson’s
idea that people would pay any
raunchy tale of Lower East Side
attention. I thought I’d just be
Bohemians has been given a
able to do it quietly. I walked out
facelift. Baker took to the
in my preview and there were
challenge with a missionary
flashbulbs going off.’ Then came
determination. ‘A lot of musicals
New York, and in 2003 Van
in the West End are so uncool,’
Outen came of age as a theatre
he says. ‘When it was created
performer when she took on the
Rent was a piece of cutting edge
taxing solo lead in Tell Me On A
theatre. I just felt that the look
Sunday for ten gruelling months.
of it and the sound of it held the
‘I would have loved to have been
show back. You can do so much
in it for longer. But physically it
more with a powerful orchestral
Interview
It’s Electrifying! Backstage with the ambitious young stars of the West End hit Grease
Interview by Mark Shenton Photography by 3
Alessandro Pinna
Actors may welcome the
playing at the Piccadilly Theatre,
outside a hotel’, recalls Susan
spotlight but one of the hardest
it was the public who finally
of the process that culminated
things for them to accept is the
decided that 19-year-old Danny
in a June TV show Grease is the
constant competition they are
Bayne and 24-year-old Susan
Word, ‘it was quite a long haul.’
subjected to before they ‘arrive’.
McFadden were the ones they
Danny agrees: ‘The normal way
Nowhere has this been more
wanted as the iconic figures of
of auditioning is a lot shorter!’
publicly amplified than in the
Danny and Sandy.
‘search for a West End star’
‘I did the first audition on my
This is borne out by Siobhan Dillon, who is now Susan’s
reality TV programmes over the
birthday, which was in February -
understudy and who also plays
last two summers. For the new
I remember spending it in the
the role of Patty Simcox in the
production of Grease, now
freezing rain queueing up
production. She managed to get
down to the last three in last
consider himself to have become
year’s search for a Maria in The
a ‘star’ in the process. ‘I don’t
Sound of Music, a process that
see myself as a West End star -
took the best part of six months;
yes, I am playing a lead role but
whereas for Grease, she says,
it’s only the start of my career.
‘I got called in to do an acting
I know that I am only young,
and singing audition on the
but I have so many goals for
Wednesday, was called back to
myself that I set at a young age,
dance on Thursday, before being
and I want to hit them all.’
offered the part on Friday - it
Susan, who moved to London
all happened in just three days!’
two years ago hoping to break
Siobhan points out that the
into musical theatre after some
regular audition process is harder
success at home in her native
as a result; ‘You only have ten
Ireland, has also arrived at the
minutes to show what you can
place she has been aiming for.
do - whereas on TV, every week
‘I worked a lot in Ireland and
you’ve got the chance to prove
went from job to job, but had
something else!’
to give it up and start again from
Now, of course, each has the
the bottom here. I found an
crucial job of proving themselves
agent and started auditioning,
live every night. It helps that the
and would get quite far each
audience are already on their
time I did but didn’t get the part.
side, because they voted for
You have to have a thick skin
opportunity, so why not take it?’
them: as Danny comments,
to get through it all.’
With her more famous brother
‘To get a lead role in a West End show is
Brian - a member of the pop group Westlife - she had gone
amazing - it has been a dream of mine since I
to stage school from the age of
was a child. And to have gone through what
four, so it was something she
we went through to get here makes it even
lead role in a West End show is
more amazing - the public want me to be here’
amazing - it has been a dream
was destined to do. ‘To get a
of mine since I was a child. And ‘You know that you’ve got that
Then the Grease competition
to have gone through what we
backing, and the exposure leads
came up, and she admits she
went through to get here makes
to you having a kind of fan base,
was initially reluctant, ‘but in
it even more amazing - the public
so it’s really nice.’
the end, I had been here for
want me to be here, and that
just over a year, and I didn’t
means a lot more than being
self-assurance, doubts his own
know how much longer I could
chosen by a panel of producers.’
talent - but neither does he
keep trying - and this was an
Not that Danny, who oozes
Having voted them into the parts, the public are now voting with their wallets and buying record numbers of tickets. And Danny thinks that the process that has brought them there is its own endorsement: ‘People like Simon Cowell in The X Factor are always going on about how there are no stars around anymore, and you’ve got to use these shows to find people. I’ve trained for this since I was eight years old. So I was ready!’ No wonder he’s a winner he’s totally winning in person. But how does he feel for those that didn’t? ‘I can’t say I felt sorry for the others because
Piccadilly Theatre
it’s what I always wanted, but
Grease
obviously I gave my regards to
starring Danny Bayne
them, and when they came to
and Susan McFadden
watch, they were over the
Box Office 0844 412 6666
moon that I’d got it - there
Online booking at
was no bitterness.’
www.theambassadors.com
4
Interview
Reunion Blues Playwright Michael Frayn remembers his undergraduate days When Michael Frayn was an
Interview by Benedict Nightingale Main photograph courtesy of Rex Features Production photograph 5
by Hugo Glendinning
‘The rugby club and the boat
been slightly heroic to be
undergraduate at Cambridge’s
club were so drunk that I heard
attacked by the boat club, but
Emanuel College, he wrote a
them coming - so I sported my
the history club! It was like
column in the university
oak and kept my door shut,’
being savaged by sheep.’
newspaper involving the
recalls Frayn in his wry, affable
But as rampaging behaviour
misadventures of an archetypally
way. ‘But then the history club
goes, that scarcely compares with
dim student called John Plod.
had their annual dinner and they
the hubbub that ensues when
This didn’t go down well with
were slightly less drunk and
ageing graduates assemble for
his contemporaries, who decided
managed to get in before I heard
a reunion at one of Oxbridge’s
to punish him by throwing him
them and, yes, they threw me in.
‘lesser colleges’ in Frayn’s
into the college pond.
It was humiliating. It would have
Donkeys’ Years, the comedy
that received its premiere
heights in British advertising
sense of inscrutable events and
production in 1976, was
seemed second-best: ‘You’re
impose order on the complexities
successfully revived in the West
never so famous as when you’re
of life.
End last year, and is now on
at Cambridge.’ And the pain
national tour. As the dramatist
was redoubled when he came
about chaos in high places and
remembers, it was inspired by
from Rome, where he’d spent an
on high tables, hasn’t dated.
exactly such an ‘old members’
idyllic summer with a girlfriend,
If anything, it’s almost more
gathering’ at Emanuel itself.
to start at the bottom on The
topical than in 1976, when it
Guardian in Manchester.
seemed merely absurd that the
It was surprising that he went to it at all. He’d ignored
What he mainly remembers
So Donkeys’ Years, which is
college Master’s wife, a character
his college for the heady world
about that city is that it rained
originally played by Penelope
of undergraduate journalism,
and rained. But he enjoyed
Keith, could be chairing a Royal
literature and dramatics:
his reporting and, even more,
Commission on Obesity. Indeed,
publishing articles and stories,
writing the gloriously comical
Frayn has made only one major
guest-editing Granta, writing
columns that first made his
change, and that involves the
sketches for the annual
name and are now being
episode in which a doctor
Footlights revue and getting a
reprinted, along with the articles
somehow sedates a beserk
degree in ‘moral sciences’, as
about Cuba, Israel and other
graduate while himself suffering
Cambridge calls its philosophy
places he later wrote for The
from a hangover and trying to
major. Though he’s now an
Observer. Novels followed,
see through one eye, since the
honorary fellow, he hadn’t left
and eventually plays.
other has been blackened and closed: ‘In the original version
‘They threw me in. It was humiliating. It would
it occurred offstage. What
have been slightly heroic to be attacked by the
was I thinking of? Offstage!
boat club, but the history club! It was like being
an opportunity, Anyway, it
savaged by sheep.’
I can’t believe I missed such happens onstage now’. Recently Frayn finished
his address with Emanuel and so
Since his Footlights days
another play, though he won’t
didn’t know about the reunion
he’s written one of the funniest
yet say anything about its
until he was rung up by one of
farces ever in Noises Off and two
subject-matter or theatrical
his few college friends, ‘a man
brilliantly rich and subtle plays
prospects. And after that? Well,
who I thought went into the
in Copenhagen and Democracy,
in theory there could be more
foreign service but actually
which are respectively about
plays, novels or even books on
joined MI6, which wasn’t
Heisenberg, Bohr and the
philosophy, like his recently
surprising, since he was very
A-bomb and the Stasi spy
published The Human Touch.
clever and loved deceit for
who infiltrated Willy Brandt’s
But he’s 74 and, he says, sort
its own sake’.
government. And, in a curious
of retired. ‘On the other hand,
way, there’s a link between these
I’m self-employed and how
reunion would probably be dire,
very different pieces. As Frayn
can you retire when you
but said that he and Frayn could
agrees, they all show people
haven’t actually got a job?
remain on the fringes, having a
attempting and failing to make
So we’ll see.’
His friend agreed that the
laugh together: ‘But of course he didn’t turn up, and there I was at this gathering that was
Donkeys’ Years
pretty much as I imagined. But
by Michael Frayn
there was a lot of port and
Starring Sara Crowe,
the next day I had the worst
Ian Lavender, Norman Pace
hangover I’ve ever had before
and Patrick Ryecart
or afterwards. I’ve never touched a drop of the stuff since.’ Still,
Churchill Theatre, Bromley
that absentee friend was
22 - 27 Oct
commemorated in the pivotal
Box Office 0870 060 6620
but elusive character of Roddy,
Regent Theatre,
the glamorous graduate who
Stoke-on-Trent
still obsesses his contemporaries,
5 - 10 Nov
but never actually appears in
Box Office 0870 060 6649
Donkeys’ Years.
Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Frayn found it ‘agony’ to leave
12 - 17 Nov
the university. He quotes a friend
Box Office 0141 240 1133
who had been so successful as
Online booking at
an undergraduate actor that subsequently reaching the
The cast of Donkeys’ Years
www.theambassadors.com
6
Interview
All Good Fun Sparkle, magic, larking about - it’s panto!
Interviews by 7
Victoria Kingston
Pantomime is not just our oldest
seventies); Nigel Havers (running
Paul Michael Glaser is exactly
and most traditional form of
slow-motion through the sand in
the strong silent type we would
theatre, it’s also the most
Chariots of Fire); Henry Winkler
expect - perfect for Captain Hook.
colourful - and this year, the
(TV’s Happy Days) reviving his
Though he did some singing and
Ambassador Theatre Group has
hugely acclaimed sell-out
dancing in the movie Fiddler on
gathered together a kaleidoscope
performance as Captain Hook in
the Roof, he has never danced
of stars to grace stages around
Woking and those TV divas Kim
on stage and has never seen a
the country; Paul Michael Glaser
and Aggie who march into dirty
panto. ‘But I am excited at the
(Starsky - swoon - for those of us
homes and get them ship-shape
challenge. I haven’t analysed
who used to love our weekly
in the compellingly camp series
Hook’s inner personality, nor
fix of Starsky and Hutch in the
How Clean is Your House?
done much preparation yet.
I’m in at the deep end, but it’s
me. No, I said. I am definitely
She’s had so much surgery to
going to be wonderful.’
not a doctor!’
her face, don’t let her fool you!’
In a career that has been
We all break into loud laughter,
phenomenally successful TV
full-on since he started, Nigel
and Aggie continues undeterred.
cop series Starsky and Hutch,
recently married and took a few
‘I’ve never done anything on
Paul didn’t hope for much at its
months off. ‘The first time ever
stage - never learned a line.
outset. ‘I never thought it would
I’ve done that. It was wonderful
But you know, I shall just do
make a whole series when I saw
and I feel I never want to work
my best and have a laugh.’
the pilot,’ he laughs. ‘I took the
again. But I must!’ Is that, I ask
They’re obviously naturals.
role because I wanted to see
him, because of some internal
some footage of myself on TV!
drive? ‘No,’ he says emphatically.
lives and elements that destroy
Cinderella
When it took off, I was both
‘At this stage in my life, I’ll do
the house beautiful. Aggie has
Starring Kim & Aggie
mystified and terrified. Being a
things if they’re enjoyable. And
teenage children and Kim has
and Laura Hamilton
so-called celebrity is intoxicating,
this panto will be. I’ll have fun
a strong-willed cat with no
7 Dec 2007 - 6 Jan 2008
but also terrifying.’
with the Ugly Sisters - whether
remorse about leaving hairs
Box Office 08700 606 650
Best known for the
Both Kim and Aggie have busy
everywhere. So they wouldn’t
‘At this stage in my life, I’ll do things if they’re
welcome a visit from the How
Sponsored by
Theatre Royal, Brighton
New Victoria Theatre, Woking
enjoyable. And this panto will be. I’ll have fun
Clean is Your House team in their
Peter Pan
own homes? They glance at each
Starring Henry Winkler, Clare
with the Ugly Sisters - whether it’s in the script
other, horrified. ‘You’re damn
Buckfield, and Andy Collins
or not. I shall make sure of that. I shall lark
right I wouldn’t like it,’ says
7 Dec 2007 - 13 Jan 2008
Aggie. ‘If Kim and Aggie came
Box Office 0870 060 6645
over, I would just keep all the
Milton Keynes Theatre
doors shut.’ Kim is equally
Aladdin
about really - and hope everyone has a good time.’ Nigel Havers
adamant. ‘If Kim and Aggie said The theatre is much more
it’s in the script or not. I shall
they were coming to my house,
down to earth. ‘Well, it is the
make sure of that. I shall lark
I’d lock up the house and go
actor’s medium. What’s not to
about really - and hope
on holiday!’ Watch out Cinders
like? You’re face to face with
everyone has a good time.’
and watch out Brighton!
Starring Bradley Walsh and Eric Potts 7 Dec 2007 - 20 Jan 2008 Box Office 0870 060 6652 Churchill Theatre, Bromley
the audience and you have a
Two Ugly Sisters determined
very immediate and intimate
to have a good time in Brighton
experience with them. Nobody
this Christmas are Kim Woodburn
gets in between.’ I warn him
and Aggie Mackenzie, famous
this will be particularly true in
for giving owners of dirty houses
panto, with booing and hissing.
hell. Kim was previously a high-
‘That’s what I’ve heard - and I
class housekeeper for a wealthy
will do my best to give them
Sheikh and Aggie is a successful
good reason to boo and hiss.’
journalist. They enjoy a cult
One member of the audience
following - mobbed wherever
at The Churchill, Bromley will
they go. But why are such
and Bobby Davro
be Paul’s former partner in
glamorous ladies playing ugly
7 Dec 2007 - 20 Jan 2008
crime, David Soul, who played
women? It doesn’t seem right.
Box Office 0870 060 6646
the smoothie Hutch. ‘Oh sure,
‘This is an obvious role for
he’ll be out there. It’ll be great
us to play,’ says Aggie.
to see him again.’
Kim leans forward
Another heart-throb in panto
conspiratorially. ‘I’m
at Richmond Theatre this year
gorgeous but Aggie
is Nigel Havers, who will play
is a perfect Ugly Sister.
the well-meaning Baron, father to Cinderella. Nigel has graced
STOP PRESS! Ross Kemp, who played Grant Mitchell, one of TV’s most
Peter Pan Starring Paul Michael Glaser 30 Nov 2007 - 13 Jan 2008 Box Office 0870 060 6620
loved characters, joins Bobby
New Wimbledon Theatre
Davro for an Eastend-tastic
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
panto at the New Wimbledon Theatre this Christmas!
Starring Ross Kemp
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent
Cinderella Starring Jonathan Wilkes, Shobna Gulati, Louise Dearman and Andy Goulding 13 Dec 2007 - 13 Jan 2008 Box Office 0870 060 6649
our screens as a charming
Kings Theatre, Glasgow
aristocrat for several decades
Sleeping Beauty
(in real life, he is the younger son of a Lord). He played a murdering con-man in the TV series The Charmer. ‘Yes, he was
Starring Gerard Kelly, Karen Dunbar and Dawn Steele 30 Nov 2007 - 12 Jan 2008 Box Office 0870 060 6648
a nasty piece of work. Quite unrepentant - winking at the
Richmond Theatre
camera.’ He has also played
Cinderella
numerous doctors. ‘I was in
Starring Nigel Havers
the theatre audience once
and Paul Zerdin
and someone needed a doctor
7 Dec 2007 - 20 Jan 2008
urgently - everyone looked at
Box Office 0870 060 6651
8
Interview
Himalayan Adventures Director Rufus Norris talks about his acclaimed stage version of Tintin The show is over, but the
why some parts of the story had
about the mechanics of this
been missed out, and whether it
time at the Oxford Playhouse.
huge theatrical speactacle, with
was difficult to stay in character.
Having enjoyed a thrilling
special reference to the Yeti,
All were answered informatively
matinee performance of Hergé’s
aka the Abominable Snowman.
and with humour...
Adventures of Tintin, children
Was there a man inside? How
from the audience have gathered
was the effect of his footprints
to great acclaim at the Young
eagerly in the front of the stalls,
achieved? And what about his
Vic and the Barbican, is based
ready to put their questions to
voice? Others focussed on how
on Hergé’s book Tintin in Tibet,
Illustration courtesy of
the actors, who sit before them
the climbing sequences were
adapted for the stage by director
Hergé Moulinsart 2007
on the edge of the stage.
done, did anyone get hurt,
Rufus Norris and playwright
Interview by Jonathan Croall Photography by Johan Pearson and Craig Sugden 9
Many of the questions were
company lingers on: it’s feedback
The show, which has played
David Greig. Vibrant and
Another reason for choosing
colourful, hugely imaginative,
the Tibet story was its relative
laced with humour and
pictorial simplicity. ‘In most of
abounding in energy, the
the other books Tintin goes all
production manages supremely
over the place with his
well the tricky task of appealing
adventures,’ Norris explains. ‘The
to children and adults alike.
colour range is enormous, and
Tintin the fearless young
would have been a real challenge
reporter has of course been
for the designer. Tibet is a much
a legendary character for
more controlled palette, mainly
decades, and hugely popular
white and blue, so it’s possible
internationally. Created in 1929
to honour Hergé more faithfully.’
by Hergé, the pen name for the
The set by Ian Macneil is
Belgian artist Georges Remi,
cleverly constructed to give
the cartoon adventures co-
a sense of the picture-frame
starring Captain Haddock
element of the original. The
and Snowy the faithful dog
stunning costumes by Joan
are recognised as works of
Wadge are beautifully realised.
the story because it’s not gender
art as well as wonderfully
‘We’ve been very fastidious
specific. ‘There are no guns, no
entertaining stories.
about them,’ Norris says.
running around after baddies,
‘Obviously we had hundreds
it’s all about friendship. Tintin
director David Lan had the idea
of costume drawings at our
isn’t a macho character and
of staging a Tintin story, he
disposal, and were lucky to be
neither is he effeminate, so he’s
appointed Rufus Norris its
able to see Hergé’s original
accessible to both sexes. I wish
director and gave him an open
drawings in Brussels.’
there were more women in
After the Young Vic’s artistic
the monastery. Norris was also attracted to
brief. ‘As a boy I was more of an
He and David Greig have
the story, but the girls in the
Asterix than a Tintin fan,’ Norris
only made slight adjustments
audience seem as attentive as
confesses. ‘But my son read them
to the original story. The book
the boys. Of course there’s also the faithful, all-suffering Snowy,
‘Vibrant and colourful, hugely imaginative, laced with humour and abounding in energy, the production manages supremely well the tricky task of appealing to adults and children alike.’
who’s got enough anarchy in him to misbehave, so everyone loves him.’ There’s also the giant Yeti, who is initially demonised, but turns out to be a benign
all when he was five or six, so
has plenty of humour, much
character who plays a key role
we had a complete collection.
of it emanating from Captain
in the story. His presence is
I chose Tintin in Tibet because
Haddock and the exploits of
probably the reason why the
it’s the one in which the most
Snowy, but they’ve put in a little
show is recommended for over-
happens to Tintin emotionally,
bit more here and there. They’ve
sevens. Yet the four-year-old
and the one with most depth.
also added some attractive and
sitting with me had no fear of
It also had the most resonance
varied music, created by Orlando
him, and was clearly entranced
with Hergé: he had a breakdown
Gough: a torch song in the Swiss
throughout this wonderful
because of the break-up of his
alpine hotel where the
family show.
marriage, and wrote the story
story starts; a work
Hergé’s Adventures of Tintin
as a response to it.’
song for the
Directed by Rufus Norris
The story - Hergé called it ‘a
Sherpa guides
Theatre Royal, Brighton
song of friendship’ - concerns
as they climb the
Tintin’s search for his Chinese
mountains; a
friend Chang, whom everyone
chant when
believes has been killed in a
Tintin and his
Richmond Theatre
plane crash in the Himalayas.
friends reach
23 - 27 Oct
16 - 20 Oct Box Office 0870 060 6650
A dream convinces Tintin he
Box Office 0870 060 6651
is alive but in peril, and with
New Victoria Theatre,
Haddock and Snowy he sets out
Woking
to test this belief, encountering
6 - 10 Nov
along the way all kinds of
Box Office 0870 060 6645
obstacles, human as well as physical. Intriguingly, Chang was based on a friend of Hergé, and the story contains a prophecy
Playhouse Theatre, London 6 Dec 2007 - 23 Feb 2008 Box Office 0870 060 6631
of what would happen later
Online booking at
in their lives.
www.theambassadors.com
10
What’s On
Ambassador Group London Theatres and Productions COMEDY THEATRE 0870 060 6637
Boeing Boeing The classic comedy by Marc Camoletti Translated by Beverley Cross Directed by Matthew Warchus Starring Kevin R McNally, Jean Marsh, Neil Stuke Jennifer Ellison, Tracy-Ann Oberman and Elena Roger ‘By many an air mile, the funniest show on the London Stage’ Charles Spencer, Daily Telegraph Boeing-Boeing
DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE 0870 060 6623
Footloose
Rent Remixed for the 21st Century Book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson Directed by William Baker Starring Denise Van Outen as Maureen DONMAR WAREHOUSE 0870 060 6624
Parade
Rent
A new musical Book by Alfred Uhry Music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown Co-conceived by Harold Prince Until 24 November
Fiddler on the Roof
FORTUNE THEATRE 0870 060 6626
The Woman in Black ‘A brilliant spine-chiller’ The Guardian PHOENIX THEATRE 0870 060 6629 Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers ‘Brings the audience to its feet and roaring its approval’ Daily Mail PICCADILLY THEATRE 0844 412 6666
Grease Parade
Starring Danny Bayne as Danny and Susan McFadden as Sandy
A Night in November
PLAYHOUSE THEATRE 0870 060 6631
Footloose ‘The happiest most electrifying hit show in town - go now’ Sky News SAVOY THEATRE 0870 164 8787
Fiddler on the Roof Starring Henry Goodman Book by Joseph Stein ‘Shout it with delight: Fiddler’s back in town’ Evening Standard TRAFALGAR STUDIO 1 0870 060 6632 Blood Brothers
A Night in November
Fanny & Faggot
Starring Patrick Kielty The hit comedy from the writer of Stones in his Pockets, Marie Jones From 15 October TRAFALGAR STUDIO 2 0870 060 6632
Fanny & Faggot / Stacy A double bill by Jack Thorne Ralf Little stars in Stacy Until 27 Oct Full season details; www.theambassadors.com/trafalgarstudios
11
Grease
Studio 2 has been made possible by a generous donation from Christina Smith
Stacy
News
On Your Feet! Footloose - the Musical makes you feel like dancing Fame - the Musical has been
them cross over, so youngsters
new songs to augment some
parading its peripatetic pumps
can relate to them as well.’
of the film standards that
around the West End for more
Bruce, who has been
include songs by Jim Steinman
than a decade and Footloose -
choreographer and assistant
and Kenny Loggins, Footloose
the Musical now looks set to join
director on the stage version
both honours and expands
it in the popularity stakes. Since
of another iconic film-to-stage
on its source.
claiming a place in the West End
transfer for Saturday Night
last year, Footloose has already
Fever, won an Olivier Award for
up and the expertly drilled
returned to make a new home at
her choreography of Stephen
dances sizzling with testosterone,
the Playhouse Theatre, and after
Sondheim’s far more esoteric
Bruce’s production is full of the
a Christmas break for Hergé’s
Pacific Overtures, but enjoys
kind of energy you not only
Adventures of Tintin, will return
working in both fields. ‘They
see but can virtually feel. As a
there in the New Year.
can co-exist: they have to. I’m a
lonely outsider, Ren McCormack,
Playhouse Theatre
And with the bass pumped
Sondheim freak, but if Footloose
moves from Chicago to a sleepy,
Footloose
dance musical about American
can touch somebody in some
reactionary backwater town
Based on the 1980’s film
high school kids and similarly
way, then we’re doing our job
where all public dancing has
starring Kevin Bacon and
based on a popular film (starring
right. Some people knock these
been officially outlawed - his
featuring classic 80s hits
a famously loose-limbed Kevin
shows, but the music is great,
mission is to make a case for
such as Holding Out for a
Bacon). And it has another key
and people want to go and hear
the transformative powers of
Hero, Let’s Hear It for the
factor in common: Karen Bruce
it. If people come out knowing
dance, and the show is a
Boy and Almost Paradise
is director and choreographer of
they’ve experienced a feel-good
living testament to it.
Playing until August 2008
both musicals. What’s the secret
factor, then that’s theatre, too.’
Like Fame, it’s a teen-focussed
of their success? ‘They remind
With original screenplay writer
Box Office 0870 060 6631 Online booking at
older audiences of their youth,
and lyricist Dean Pitchford on
but they also connect to younger
hand to co-adapt it for the
people,’ she says. ‘Everyone loves
stage with Walter Bobbie (who
the movies, but we recreate
directed the 1998 Broadway
them for now. The clue to
version), and also collaborate
Photography by
making them work is to make
with composer Tom Snow on
Andy Bradshaw
www.theambassadors.com Interview by Mark Shenton
12
News
A Unique Contribution Theatre’s role in the London economy
Above: Sir John Egan, Chairman (Inchcape, Harrison Lovegrove), Nica Burns, CEO Nimax Theatres, Rosemary Squire, President Society of London Theatre & Joint CEO Ambassador Theatre Group, Sir Stephen Waley Cohen Bt, Vice President Society
Nica Burns, Chief Executive of
Circle Bar where drinks and
provided the elegant setting for
Nimax Theatres.
canapés were served. The
a meeting of the International
As well as giving an informed
Envoys for London this
insight into London’s unique
September.
cultural offer and its significance
The seminar ‘Theatreland’s
event was sponsored by Groupe Chez Gerard. Rosemary Squire said: ‘We
world-wide, the seminar also
were delighted to welcome
Unique Contribution to London’
explored challenges facing the
the International Envoys to
was hosted by Rosemary Squire -
industry - chiefly the need to
the Savoy - and to have this
President of the Society of
maintain London’s historic
opportunity to put the case for
London Theatre and Joint Chief
theatres, securing investment
London theatre. The UK theatre
Executive of the Ambassador
to aid their restoration from
industry is the envy of the world
Theatre Group - and began
both private and public sources.
but many of our best-known
Following the seminar, guests
historic theatres need urgent
with a lively discussion on the contribution made by theatre
were invited to a performance
investment to secure their
to this rapidly growing sector
of the magnificent new musical
future. With the London
of the London economy.
production of Fiddler on the
Olympics on the horizon, it is
Speakers included senior
Roof starring Olivier award-
important that we continue
representatives of the theatre
winner Henry Goodman as Tevye
to raise awareness of arts and
industry; Sir Stephen Waley
at the adjacent Savoy Theatre -
culture and the part they have
Chris Ridley and
Cohen Bt, Vice President of the
and afterwards guests mingled
to play in attracting visitors
Catherine Ashmore
Society of London Theatre and
with the cast in the Upper
to the capital.’
of London Theatre Henry Goodman in Fiddler on the Roof Photography by Limelight Studios, 13
The Savoy Hotel on the Strand
An experience to treasure
Competition
Win a night out at one of the best loved musicals of all time critics and all agree: Fiddler
songs in musical history, including
Savoy Theatre
on the Roof is the must-see
Tradition, Matchmaker, Sunrise,
Fiddler on the Roof
production of one of the
Sunset and the unforgettable
Starring Henry Goodman
best-loved musicals of all time.
If I Were A Rich Man.
Playing until 26 January 2008
Critics have hailed Olivier
Two lucky winners can enjoy
Box Office 0870 164 8787
award-winner Henry Goodman,
a night to remember which
Online booking at
who stars as Tevye, as ‘superb’
includes two best available seats
www.theambassadors.com
and ‘sublime’ in a role he was
for the performance and a CD
‘born to play’ and ‘achieving the
of the cast recording of Fiddler
star status he so richly deserves’.
on the Roof.
It’s unanimous. London loves
Winner of nine Tony Awards in
Fiddler on the Roof at the Savoy
1964, this spectacular stage show
musical, simply answer the
Theatre! The production has
went on to become a smash-hit
following question:
received rave reviews from both
Oscar-winning film and features
London audiences and national
some of the most memorable
To win tickets for this uplifting
Q: How many Tony awards did Fiddler on the Roof win in 1964? Please return your answer, not forgetting your name, address and telephone number to Kirsty Woodfield, The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd., 24 Neal Street London, WC2H 9QW before Mon 12 Nov 2007.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS Two winners will be drawn at random after the closing date. Each prize includes two best available seats per winner for Fiddler on the Roof (Monday Thursday performances) at the Savoy Theatre and are subject to availability. The prize also includes a CD of the soundtrack of Fiddler on the Roof. Winners will be notified before Monday 26 November 2007. Prize is non-transferable and nonredeemable for a cash value. Not open to employees of Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd. Editor’s decision is final.
Photography by Catherine Ashmore
14
Style
Gifts without Guilt Can you be green and stylish this Christmas? Definitely! Gifts that are ethical, eco-friendly or organic - yet oh so cool.
Jo Wood Organics from £45 This delicious, decadent but very green line is made from exotic plant extracts and essential oils. Ocean - Phillip Blisson and Christian Buchet £39.95 A lavish collection of nearly 200 previously unpublished images of that most compelling of nature’s mysteries, the ocean.
Snow Leopard Vodka £30 If the delicate taste and stylish bottle aren’t enough incentive, part of the profits go to the Snow Leopard trust to help save these gorgeous and increasingly rare cats.
Trevarno Organics From £10 These natural products are the ultimate in the discerning man’s grooming regime. Rapidly developing a cult following. Angel Linen £60 Individually designed and handmade in England from beautiful
Seboni
vintage French or English linen with antique mother of pearl buttons.
seboni.com Snow Leopard Vodka selected Waitrose stores ocado.com Jo Wood Organics jowoodorganics.com
Inspired by the sea, Seboni’s
trevarnoskincare.co.uk
essences are made from the
Ocean thamesandhudson.co.uk Angel Linen 15
Seboni £29
Trevarno Organics
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purest essential oils, free from artificial fragrances and harsh ingredients. Guaranteed to refresh and uplift while promoting a sense of well-being.
Front-row fashion Inspirational style for party girls
Ethical fashion has become easier to find than ever and super stylish. Here’s a selection of little black dresses that will take you from the theatre to an endless round of parties this Christmas - with a clear conscience. Ciel dress A stunningly beautiful blend of hemp and silk with a pretty gathered neckline and flattering angel sleeves £182. Pearl and sapphire necklace £350. Adili dress A twist on the classic wrap, made with a gorgeous soft blend of merino wool £122. Amber and black bead two row necklace £195. Amana dress A gorgeous silk panel dress, made of hemp and silk charmeuse. Very Audrey Hepburn! £95. Chanel multicoloured beaded necklace £295. All jewellery pictured is vintage - available at Liberty’s vintage section on the 1st floor.
Psst... Let us eat cake! According to food writers Rick Stein and Tom Parker Bowles, Meg Rivers’ cakes rock. Using only top quality locally-sourced ingredients including free-range eggs, ground almonds rather than flour and a smooth ganache filling - this wheat free alternative is perfect for those who don’t like the traditional version. Order now - £31.95.
Ciel ciel.ltd.uk Adili adili.com Amana
Gift Voucher
The gift of entertainment
amana-collection.com
An Ambassador Theatre Group Gift Voucher promises the excitement
All prices quoted are given
of live performance - ballet, opera, musicals, drama and comedy - at
as a guide only and may
ATG venues in the West End or regionally. Alternatively, vouchers can
be subject to change
be used to buy a Friends Membership - a closer relationship with your
Liberty’s 020 7734 9397 Meg Rivers megrivers.com
by individual retailers.
local theatre plus a year’s worth of special offers and Friends-only
Feature by
events. Call 0870 060 6642 for details.
Babette Kulik
16
Going Out
Garden of Eden bar at The Eve Club
Cliveden House
TeamTime Celebrate 12 months of toil at a glittering office Christmas party As seasonal as carols, crackers
combines echoes of 1950’s design
and mistletoe, the annual end-
with striking contemporary
of-year office bash means it
touches? Boasting superb views
really is time for Christmas. But
of London’s skyline, the
finding the right venue can be a
restaurant offers formal dining
tricky proposition - there are so
for up to 90 people, a relaxed
many places to choose from in
grill area that seats 120 and
and around London. So, to give
a raised cocktail bar. Just as
you a head start, we’ve selected
importantly, Skylon’s Executive
a handful of inspiring venues
Chef Helena Puolakka, previously
guaranteed to help you usher
with Harvey Nix’s Fifth Floor,
in the festive season with style.
serves up modern European
30 St Mary Axe
cuisine with British influences,
Cliveden House
making the most of seasonal
If you want to avoid the familiar
ingredients.
issue of getting home after one
Volupté Lounge
too many at the Christmas party,
Volupté Lounge
For something a little more
then a luxurious hotel could be
020 7831 1622
intimate in central London,
the answer. Bringing a touch
Volupté Lounge provides an
of magic to the festive season,
intriguing alternative. Ideal
Cliveden House in Berkshire
for small office parties, this
offers all the traditional
fashionable venue harks back
trimmings - a roaring fire, giant
to the days of vaudeville
tree, sparkling decorations and
extravagance, with its dimly-lit
torch-lit drive. Parties can take
cocktail bar, restaurant and
advantage of the three-course
Skylon 020 7654 7800 skylonrestaurant.co.uk
volupte-lounge.com Cliveden House 01628 668561 clivedenhouse.co.uk RAF Museum 020 8358 4848 rafmuseum.com
Skylon
cabaret salon. Supper-club dining
gourmet Festive Party Menu
30 St Mary Axe
With the buzz that’s been created
is the order of the day, whether
throughout December, with
around the Royal Festival Hall
you choose to come for lunch
overnight accommodation,
thanks to its multi-million-pound
or dinner. And while you’re
English breakfast and access
refurbishment, it’s not surprising
indulging in the Christmas
to the hotel’s luxurious spa
that the cultural centre’s flagship
cuisine and authentic cocktails,
facilities thrown in.
restaurant has been picking up
you’ll be entertained by jazz
Royal Air Force Museum
accolades for both looks and
bands, cabaret singers or 1920’s
Turn up the glamour by throwing
cuisine. What better place to
flapper dancers. Worth booking
a 1940s-themed party at the
enjoy your Christmas festivities
if you fancy Christmas with
historic RAF Museum in north
than at Skylon - a restaurant that
a twist!
London. Nostalgia abounds in
020 7071 5008 30stmaryaxe.com The Grove 01923 807807 thegrove.co.uk The Eve Club 020 7287 1991 17
Skylon
clubeve.co.uk
Volupté Lounge
The Grove
The Battle of Britain Hall,
hotel has the festive season all
where large parties can enjoy
sewn up with a variety of spaces
pre-dinner drinks amidst such
catering for between 15 and 500
legendary planes as the Spitfire
people. The Grove Christmas
and magnificent Sunderland
Party Nights, on selected
Flying Boat. Or select the Historic
December evenings, allow you to
Hangars if you’re looking for a
enjoy the company of colleagues
more adventurous option - here,
on a private table before joining
partygoers can fly with the Red
other revellers on the dance
Arrows in a flight simulator
floor. Other perks of this ‘party
before dinner is served underneath the wings of an
within a party’ concept include a The Eve Club
Champagne reception, ice-cream
Avro Lancaster. Both halls come
space on one of the top floors
bar and novelties to ensure
complete with drinks receptions,
of London’s most talked-about
the night goes with a bang.
three-course menus, music and
building. Affectionately known
The Eve Club
decorations and, for show-
as The Gherkin, this city landmark
The best parties always have
stopping additions, there’s also
opens up its doors to private
an air of exclusivity so why not
the possibility of ordering a
parties in the evenings with a
take over one of Mayfair’s most
swing band and look-alikes
split-level restaurant and bar
notorious clubs, the Eve? Once
for the evening.
located 180 metres above the
a favoured nightspot with the
capital. There are choices
likes of Frank Sinatra and Judy
available for parties of all sizes
Garland, the club located to
from private dining rooms to the
new premises and underwent an
mezzanine-level bar - all with
extensive facelift in 2003. Vying
spectacular 360-degree views.
for attention in the post-modern
Christmas fare ranges from
1950’s interiors are the ice
sophisticated canapés - smoked
sculptured bar, luminous glass
duck and seared peppered beef
dance floor and Garden of Eden
are two examples - to three-
VIP area, all features that promise
course dinners; just be sure to
to give any Christmas event extra
savour a glass of Champagne
sparkle. Canapés created by the
The Grove
while you’re on top of the
Italian chef, cocktails and DJ all
30 St Mary Axe
world.
come with a selection of themed
Staying with the sky high theme,
The Grove
nights in December, from
it doesn’t get much more
Just 18 miles from London in
Moroccan Splendour to
Feature by
prestigious than hiring out a
Hertfordshire, this chic five-star
Viva 70s glam.
Neena Dhillon
PS Why not combine your office party with a visit to the theatre? For special group rates contact the Group Sales team on 0870 060 6634
18