That's Entertainment - Winter/Spring 2017 by Newmarket Holidays

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entertainment Issue Three - Winter/Spring 2017

Your essential guide to seeing the best live entertainment with Newmarket Holidays

E! R U T A FE

Flash, Bang, Wallop! Half A Sixpence returns to the West End!

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k d brea n e k e A we o to see for tw n King io The L

Our top

S W E I V E R Experience André Rieu’s Vrijthof Concerts

must-see shows W E I V R E INT We chat to Peter Lockyer, star of Les Misérables

Kinky Boots – High-kicking hilarity set in Northampton!

Theatre • Live Music • Rumours • Exclusive Interviews • News

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Contents

Look 3rd Edition - Winter/Spring 2017

Welcome… …to 2017’s first edition of That’s Entertainment, your FREE entertainment magazine from Newmarket Holidays, bringing you all the top news, interviews and scoops from London’s West End and other stage shows around the UK. In this issue, we put the spotlight on Half A Sixpence, the new musical taking the West End by storm, we meet up with the West End star of Les Misérables Peter Lockyer, and quiz him on his dream role, and we lift the lid on the exciting new shows hitting the West End in 2017. We also review the heart-warming fabulousness of Kinky Boots, take a trip to see ‘King of the Waltz’ André Rieu, and have put together your guide to beating the winter blues! There are so many goodies to enjoy in this issue! We hope that you enjoy reading this latest edition and look forward to welcoming you on one of our breaks very soon.

4 News & views 6 Half A Sixpence – Flash, bang, wallop, what a musical! 8 Man the barricades! – We catch up with Les Misérables star Peter Lockyer 9 Kinky Boots the Musical – A review 10 Beat the winter blues – We’ve got remedies! 12 André Rieu – The Vrijthof Concerts highlights 14 The Box Office – your complete directory of theatre and concert breaks with Newmarket Holidays

Kristi Evans Editor, That’s Entertainment

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break d n e k A wee o to see for tw n King io The L

Got a story to tell us about your trip to the theatre? We’ll print our favourite letters in the next edition and the star letter will win a weekend break for two to see The Lion King!

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News & Views

What’s the word around town? In this latest issue, roving reporter Al Brent combed the streets of London for news on exciting new shows hitting the West End

Recent Openings

The new production of 42nd Street arrives in London with an all-singing, high-kicking cast of over 50 ready to explode on to the West End! 42nd Street is the song and dance, American Dream fable of Broadway. Young Peggy Sawyer is fresh off the bus from small-town America and just another face in the chorus line on Broadway’s newest show. But when

the leading lady gets injured, Peggy might just have the shot at stardom she’s always dreamed of... This quintessential backstage musical comedy classic features some of the greatest musical numbers, such as ‘We’re In The Money’, ‘Lullaby of Broadway’, ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’ and, of course, ‘42nd Street’.

42nd Street opens in London in March 2017 – theatre packages are on sale now! For more information or to book call us on 0330 160 7733!

There’s something new for everyone....

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The Girls

The Girls is inspired by the true story of the Yorkshire Calendar Girls - a group of ordinary ladies who decide to appear nude for a Women’s Institute calendar in order to raise funds to buy a settee for their local hospital, and inadvertently achieved something extraordinary. This musical comedy shows life in their Yorkshire village, how it happened, and the effect on husbands, sons and daughters. Combining the writing talents of childhood friends Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, The Girls originally opened at The Grand Theatre, in Leeds and The Lowry Theatre, Salford where it received standing ovations. It’s safe to say that we are very excited that this new sensation will soon be making its West End debut at the Phoenix Theatre, and can’t wait to see what the dream team of Tim Firth and Gary Barlow have in store! The Girls opens in January 2017 at the Phoenix Theatre, London. Turn to page 14 for how to book!

pssst... HANKS

FOR TH E

MEMOR

IES!

Rumours are rife that new musicals based on two of Tom Hanks’ biggest movies will be hitting the West End in 2017! BIG the musical is already playing to packed houses in Ireland, while Sleepless in Seattle opens in April 2017 in Plymouth. More news on those soon we hope!

M A DRE A RUE COME T The long talked about and eagerly anticipated musical adaptation of Bridget Jones’ Diary is apparently still on the cards. We can’t wait to see what’s in store!

BYE BYE

YOUNG

BABY

FRANK E After nine years in the West End, the musical phenomenon that is Jersey Boys is taking a break and hittin’ the road on a UK tour. The last shows will be towards the end of March so you still have the chance to take your seats and enjoy the fabulous music and songs of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons! As we say Bye Bye Baby to this incredible musical, let’s take a look at some of its amazing stats!

years

in the West End

major awards

worldwide, including the Tony and Olivier awards for Best New Musical

million people

worldwide have seen Jersey Boys since it opened on Broadway 2005

NSTEIN

Comedy legend Mel Brooks is said to be ‘reimagining’ the musical version of his 1974 movie Young Frankenstein, with plans to bring it to the West End this winter.

AMILY FIRST F HT OF FRIG They’re creepy and they’re spooky and they’re going on tour! A new musical based on everyone’s favourite macabre comic strip and TV clan – The Addams Family – is hitting the road in 2017 beginning in Edinburgh in April. Will the First Family of Fright scare up a treat in the West End? Only time will tell…

Feature

The must see show returns to the West End!

Flash, Bang Wallop! Following rave reviews and a record-breaking run in Chichester, theatre impresario Cameron Mackintosh’s critically acclaimed hit musical Half A Sixpence is now playing to packed houses at the Noël Coward Theatre in London’s West End.

his new stage version of Half A Sixpence, the musical adaptation of H.G. Wells’ semi- autobiographical novel ‘Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul’, is a completely fresh adaptation which reunites book-writer Julian Fellowes (Oscar-winning screenwriter and creator of Downton Abbey) with George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the musical team that co-creator Cameron Mackintosh first put together to create the hit stage adaptation of Mary Poppins with Disney. The score is inspired by and features several of composer David Heneker’s exhilarating songs from the original production, including ‘Flash Bang Wallop’, ‘Money To Burn’ and ‘Half A Sixpence’.

propels him into high society, it confuses everything he thought he knew about life. Watching him wrestle with his new identity is his childhood companion and not-quite girlfriend, Ann Pornick, who sees with dismay how Arthur is being made over in a new image by the beautiful and classy Helen Walsingham. Both of these young women love Arthur – there is no doubt about that – but which should he listen to? With the help of his friends, Arthur learns that if you want to have the chance of living the right life, you need to make the right choices. Starring impressive newcomers Charlie Stemp as ‘Arthur Kipps’ and Devon‑Elise

Half A Sixpence tells the story of Arthur Kipps, an orphan and over-worked draper’s assistant at Shalford’s Bazaar, Folkestone, at the turn of the last century. He is a charming but ordinary young man who, along with his fellow apprentices, dreams of a better and more fulfilling world. When Arthur unexpectedly inherits a fortune that

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Johnson as ‘Ann Pornick’ - alongside three times Olivier-nominated actress Emma Williams as ‘Helen Walsingham’ and Vivien Parry as ‘Mrs Walsingham’, this revival has been hailed as a ‘glorious delight’ by critics and viewers alike. With audiences on their feet every night, you won’t want to miss this ‘joyous production’ (Evening Standard), so book your tickets today! Look out for a review of the show in the next edition of That’s Entertainment!, as one of our ‘roving reporters’ heads to the West End to enjoy “one of the feel-good nights of this or any year”.

Half A Sixpence Noel Coward Theatre 2-day coach & hotel inclusive theatre packages start from just £137 per person. For more information call 0330 160 7733

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Interview

Man the barricades! Les Misérables is a monolith of a musical that at 31 years young shows no signs of slowing down.

eter Lockyer stars as Jean Valjean, an ex-prisoner who journeys across France as he attempts to escape his criminal past and make amends. That’s Entertainment caught up with him for a quick chat in between shows… What is your must have dressing room item and why? It would have to be my mobile phone. I’m able to read plays (a couple of pages at a time) in between scenes, read the newspaper in bits, stay connected to my wife and family through text, watch YouTube clips of inspiring performances etc. A close second would be the Singer’s Saving Grace Throat Spray (professional strength non-alcohol).

Who is your performing inspiration and why?

What is your dream role in Theatre?

Without a doubt, especially since I’m playing Valjean, Colm Wilkinson. Not only will he forever be the best JVJ ever, he has to be one of the most humble, sincere men to have graced the stage. It’s why he was so moving on stage.

Playwright. I’m doing my best to have a parallel career and I hope to have a play up soon. As a performer, I’d love to return to Phantom, contracted for the role. Cervantes/ Don Quixote at some point, please? And, if someone will hire a green-eyed-pastywhite-guy when I’m older, “Tevye”!

What would you be doing if you weren’t performing? Teaching. My undergraduate degree is in education and there is no more challenging craft to do well then nailing a great lesson. Add that there is no applause, just inner satisfaction of effort meeting the goal and hope to impart knowledge, and you have magic!

Les Misérables Queen’s Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue 2-day coach & hotel inclusive theatre packages start from just £149 per person. For more information call 0330 160 7733

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Why should people come and see LES MISÉRABLES? Les Mis is a work of timely genius. Victor Hugo’s epic novel put to Claude-Michel Schönberg’s

emotional score meeting the poetic lyrics of Alain Boublil/Herbert Kretzmer, interpreted by the brilliant Trevor Nunn and John Caird, John Napier, Adreanne Neofitou... and produced by Sir Cameron Mackintosh... ??!!! Come on! It is a legend for a reason, it will be done over and over long after we are all gone like Shakespeare’s plays. It makes us feel and that is what we ask of theatre, to help us tap into our inner beings. Come on down, we’ll be turning it out!

Review

Head over Heels Kinky Boots has called London’s Adelphi Theatre home since September 2015. Since taking New York’s Broadway by storm in 2013, this dazzling show has won an outstanding six Tony Awards, including the prestigious award for Best New Musical and three Olivier Awards, also including Best New Musical. Words by Amy Johnson

he show is based on the 2005 British film of the same name and tells the story of a Northampton shoe factory that’s had its day. Kinky Boots follows Charlie Price who, immediately after moving to London with his fiancé, reluctantly inherits his late father’s failing business and makes it his duty to save the firm and reinvent the company! Help appears in the unlikely form of flamboyant drag queen, Lola, and together they revolutionise transgender footwear! A story about friendship, love, inspiration, tolerance and being true to yourself, Kinky Boots proves that you can do anything when you put your mind to it. Not only is the storyline heart-warming, enticing and humorous, it also comes

complete with a stream of incredible music, written by the talented, multiaward-winning singer, Cyndi Lauper. It is made even more mesmerising by the exotic mix of soulful and masculine vocal tones of Lola – played by Matt Henry - who you might recognise from BBC’s The Voice in 2013. What really completes the show is Lola’s entourage of dancing drag queens, the ‘Angels’, who put many women to shame with their extraordinary, high-heeled dance routines. This hilarious musical has high-kicked its way into London’s West End and has an endless supply of rave reviews from theatre critics up and down the country. It’s definitely not a show to miss!

Kinky Boots Adelphi Theatre, The Strand 2-day coach & hotel inclusive theatre packages start from just £149 per person. For more information call 0330 160 7733

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Feature

Beat the winter blues

Christmas is over for another year, the tree and decorations stowed away. If you’re anything like us here at That’s Entertainment then you might be feeling a touch of the January blues after all the excitement of the festive season. But fear not, we have the perfect antidote!

Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna February 2017 Enter a world of magic, acrobatics, spectacular sets and showmanship as the Cirque du Soleil invites the audience to the realm of Queen Prospera on the day of her daughter’s coming‑of‑age ceremony. Interesting facts about Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna 1. There are 46 artists representing 17 nationalities in the entire Amaluna show. It is certainly a show featuring people from around the world! A wide age range is represented as well – with the youngest artist being 16 and the oldest being mid-60s. 2. The entire travelling group includes 114 people, and it takes 62 trucks to move the people, props, costumes, and everything else needed for the show to run successfully.

3. Amaluna consists of 982 costume pieces. All parts of the costumes are made in Montréal and shipped to the artists on location. 4. Every artist does his/her own makeup for the show. 5. The tattoos seen on the Amaluna artists’ faces were originally hand painted on before each performance. Now, every artist gets a body scan done by a computer and laser. A mould is then made from plastic with the tattoo design cut out. This is used to airbrush the tattoo directly on the artist’s body. Don’t miss this chance to see this amazing show, ‘Amaluna’, as they return to the Royal Albert Hall for a limited run.

Here’s an opportunity no Beatles fan will want to miss!

Star Wars Identities at the 02 March - April 2017 R2-D2... BB-8... the Millennium Falcon... an AT-AT! Discover the secrets of a galaxy far far away as the astonishing Star Wars Identities exhibition comes to The O2 in London. See 200 original costumes, props, models and pieces of artwork from arguably the most iconic movie franchises of all time - Star Wars. As well as the films’ instantly recognisable artefacts, the show will examine the changing identities of Luke and Anakin Skywalker, and include dozens of items that are being put on public display for the very first time. Visitors can also explore their own Star Wars identities and design their very own character using a smart technology bracelet and interactive stations throughout the exhibition. This is the perfect gift to share with any Star Wars fan!

TE’s Best-sellers

Top West End Shows Nov 2016-Jan 2017

Jersey Boys The story and music of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

Beautiful The story that inspired the soundtrack of a generation

The Lion King The hugely popular stage adaptation of the Disney® classic

Les Misérables The ultimate emotional rollercoaster based on Victor Hugo’s classic story

Cliff Richard’s Just… Fabulous Rock ’n’ Roll Tour June & July 2017 In 2017, Cliff Richard returns after a two-year break to perform a hit-packed series of concerts! Join us at a number of unique venues throughout England this summer including London’s Old Royal Naval College, on the banks of the River Thames, at Greenwich Music Time, beautiful Eastnor Castle and stately Harewood House among others. It’s a not-to-be-missed musical extravaganza!

Aladdin Disney’s® animated classic makes it to the West End in all its glory!

See the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and The Bootleg Beatles perform Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band - the album that Rolling Stone magazine described as “the most important rock and roll album ever made” - in its entirety in the magnificent surroundings of London’s Royal Albert Hall. Hosted by legendary Liverpool poet Roger McGough and with music arranged by Nigel Osborne, let the music take you back to the heady days of 1967 as you enjoy a live performance of some of the most celebrated, diverse and era-defining tunes in the history of popular music - ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’, ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’, ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’ and many more.

Motown

The story of Berry Gordy’s determination to bring the sound of Motown to the masses

Phantom of the Opera Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic enters its 30th year on the London stage

Wicked Sgt Pepper 50th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall June 2017

The untold story of the Witches of Oz!

Mamma Mia! The smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA!

Kinky Boots

The huge-hearted, uplifting musical is a celebration of friendship and about being true to yourself!

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Concert Review Each year André Rieu, the ‘Waltz King of Europe’, performs a series of concerts in his hometown of Maastricht in The Netherlands. The Vrijthof concerts, set amongst the cultural backdrop of the beautiful town, have become the most popular concerts in his yearly schedule.

André Rieu by his biggest fan!

In 2016, Linda Newbury, Ticket Co-Ordinator at Newmarket Holidays, went along to experience the fun, and sent us this account of her trip… Having worked on our André Rieu tours for many years, last summer I was lucky enough to go and see him perform in his home town of Maastricht on one of our air‑inclusive concert packages. Here’s my day‑by‑day diary… Day 1 – Travelling I arrived at Gatwick airport early, in good time to have breakfast before the 1-hour flight to Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport. On arrival at Schiphol the Newmarket tour representatives were there to meet our group, and we were transferred by coach to our hotel in Eindhoven. The rest of the day was left free for us to enjoy the sights, so we wandered into the town for a bite to

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eat. Eindhoven is a modern, friendly city and there were plenty of restaurants to choose from. Day 2 – Amsterdam After breakfast we travelled by coach into Amsterdam, where there was plenty of free time to take in the sights before joining the optional Wine and Cheese Cruise excursion. This is a fantastic way to spend an hour and see the city. The boat departed from close to the Centraal Station, and we cruised past all the main sights including the Skinny Bridge, the interesting looking houseboats and the slender merchant houses. Along the way, we sipped wine and snacked from a selection of delicious cheeses, French bread,

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olives and nuts. The wine was free-flowing and everyone had a thoroughly great time. The Newmarket representative on board kept us up to speed with an amazing commentary about the fascinating canals that make Amsterdam such a unique city. This is a very popular optional excursion; it was such fun and well worth the money. After the cruise we made our way to the waiting coaches for the return journey to our hotel. We were all very cheery but were soon snoozing – could this possibly have been due to the wine?! The Newmarket tour managers were on hand to assist when we arrived back at the hotel and we had plenty of time to freshen up before going out

to explore the town again and find somewhere nice for dinner. Day 3 – Maastricht After a good night’s sleep and a leisurely breakfast (we even had time to have a quick look at the local shops), we left the hotel at 1pm for the drive to Maastricht. We were dropped off by the River Maas, just a 5-minute walk from the town, and had time to explore this truly beautiful city. It’s full of cobbled streets, pretty squares and lovely shops. Rumoured to be the oldest city in Holland, Maastricht is also the birthplace of André Rieu, hence the reason his Vrijthof concerts mean so much to him. After a quick coffee and piece of cake in a

The Vrijthof, Maastricht

André Rieu – The Vrijthof Concerts, Maastricht Coach & hotel inclusive concert packages 3 days from just £289 per person and 5 days from just £409 per person. For more information call 0330 160 7733

café, we joined a 50-minute cruise along the river (an optional excursion). This is a perfect way to take in some of the sights and also have a sneaky peek at André Rieu’s castle which is only visible from the river. It’s a private cruise, so there were only Newmarket customers on board. We bought a glass of wine and then sat back and enjoyed the commentary from the local guide. Again it was really easy to find the boat’s departure point and there were lots of friendly Newmarket tour managers on hand to show us where to go. Before the concert, we had time for dinner and found ourselves spoilt for choice when it came to lovely restaurants overlooking the river!

The Main Event What a unique venue! The concert takes place in the Vrijthof (the town square) in the centre of town surrounded by grand cafes, museums and two magnificent churches. At about 8pm we made our way to our seats, enjoying all the festivities on the way. The atmosphere in the whole town is so very special. Before we sat down we were amazed to see André himself making an appearance on the theatre balcony to welcome his fans, before being escorted on stage by a brass band and his orchestra. The atmosphere around the square and in the restaurants and bars is unbelievable, so much fun being had by all. Once

the show began the whole audience were riveted. The music, the invited singers and guests, and the special effects were sensational. The audience were invited to join in the singing and dancing, and when André played his famous Viennese waltz, 150 couples of all ages transformed the Vrijthof into a large magical Viennese dancefloor, dressed to the nines in their white ball gowns and black ties! It was breathtaking. André’s final guest raised the tempo and the audience (including us!), were now twisting and jiving in the aisles! Even though Andre did a 45-minute encore, it all ended far too soon. With a spring in our step we made our way back to our coaches which were

parked in the market square just a 5-minute walk away. They were all lined up in order so we could easily find ours. Although it was late, everyone was still buzzing from the night’s entertainment, but many were lulled to sleep by the André CD playing on the coach as we drove back to the hotel. Day 4 - Farewell Some passengers continued their weekend with a visit to the historic city of Antwerp, but sadly I left the hotel after breakfast to catch my flight home. It was a wonderful weekend which was made unforgettable by this master showman and his delightful city. And I’m now most definitely his newest and biggest fan!

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