ATG Magazine Winter 2007

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

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP REGIONAL THEATRES Theatre Royal Brighton 08700 606 650 Churchill Theatre Bromley 0870 060 6620 Kings Theatre Glasgow 0141 240 1111 Theatre Royal Glasgow 0141 240 1133 Milton Keynes Theatre 0870 060 6652 Richmond Theatre 0870 060 6651 Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall Stoke-on-Trent 0870 060 6649 New Wimbledon Theatre & New Wimbledon Studio 0870 060 6646 Ambassadors Cinemas Woking 01483 545945 New Victoria Theatre & Rhoda McGaw Theatre Woking 0870 060 6645 Online booking at www.theambassadors.com

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

thenaturalstore.co.uk

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