DECEMBER 2014 grouptravelworld.com £3.95
THE JEWELS OF WILTSHIRE Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge, Old Sarum and other hidden gems of the South West
SHAKESPEARE’S ENGLAND Exploring Stratford & Warwickshire
EUROPEAN FESTIVALS Celebrating the weird and the wonderful
INTERVIEW
GRAHAM BUTLER
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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
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NEWS FOCUS
World Travel Market 2014 reviewed
EXCLUSIVE READER OFFERS The London CRUISE Show & Adventure Travel Show
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Your group,our hotels. .
Stay individual
EDITOR’S LETTER
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SEASON’S GREETINGS
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elcome to the final issue of the year, packed with tons of creative content to keep you going through the festive season. This month’s feature highlights include an extensive regional focus on Wiltshire, with Salisbury recently voted the top city for travellers according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2015. GTW highly recommends keeping an eye out for potential group travel opportunities in 2015, with Salisbury Cathedral pivotal in celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. Stratford and Warwickshire (22) is also worth a read for literary fans of William Shakespeare, as GTW looks ahead to the 400th anniversary of his death in 2016. Speaking of celebrities, we have secured an exclusive interview with Graham Butler, who plays Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (34). The production is due to be performed at the National Theatre until May 2015 ahead of its anticipated UK Tour, which is scheduled to run through until November 2015. See pages 12-13 for GTW’s double page review of World Travel Market 2014, including an interesting insight into WTM Global Trends Report 2014. Published in association with Euromonitor International, ‘poshtels’ are expected to target the more
“cost-conscious” and “style seeking” consumer, in a bid to compete with the more upmarket boutique hotels. Readers might also be interested to learn how the new digital age has integrated itself into the travel and tourism lifestyle. Mobile bookings especially are expected to become a disruptive force in the travel industry over the next five years, with figures estimated to reach a total 35% of online travel bookings by 2018. In addition, get the inside scoop on Tuxedo Money Solutions, which has recently launched its new Escape Travel Card, providing travellers with a secure and cost effective way to manage overseas spending (13). Transport Travel Club is a new initiative that launched at the Euro Bus Expo, held at the NEC Birmingham on November 4-6. Transport Travel Club has been designed to reward people and companies within the transport industry, access to heavily discounted travel and leisure opportunities. Transport Travel Club also offers corporate membership, valid for businesses with more than five employees (65). You might notice that your magazine was a little thicker this month? That’s because our annual wallplanner has been inserted, suitable for all your organisational needs. Amy Moore — Features Writer
Group Travel World only subscription £39. © 2014 GTW Media Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or system or in any means without the written permission of the directors. This is considered a breach of copyright and action will be taken where this occurs. This magazine must not be lent, sold, hired or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any authorised cover by way, or by trade, or annexed to any publication or advertising matter without first obtaining written permission from the directors.
RT Hon Sajid Javid, MP gave an informative keynote speech at WTM
Cover: Oktober Fest. 46137 VIAFLICKR
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IN THIS ISSUE
6 12 14 19
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NEWS
Current affairs within the world of travel and tourism
NEWS FOCUS
Group Travel World reviews World Travel Market 2014
WILTSHIRE
Amy Moore reviews a recent familiarisation trip to the region
COACH TOURISM COUNCIL
The trade associations recent news and stories
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REGIONAL FOCUS
Holly Cave details attractions in Stratford and Warwickshire
LONDON & PARTNERS Latest tourism developments in the capital
THEATRE NEWS
The latest theatre news and stories
THEATRE REVIEW
MEMPHIS: The Musical headlines at the Shaftesbury Theatre
34 36 40 42
THEATRE INTERVIEW
GTW talks to Graham Butler from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
THEATRE LISTINGS
Information on touring theatre and current West End shows
COMEDY LISTINGS
Information regarding upcoming comedy tours
TICKETMASTER
Q&A with Géronimo Rauch, The Phantom of the Opera
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DECEMBER 2014 grouptravelw
orld.com £3.9 5
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EUROPEAN FESTIVALS Amy Moore celebrates some of the strangest offerings for groups
CHARITY DESTINATIONS & TRUSTS Charitable attractions for those looking to lend a helping hand
FOOD FOCUS
James Day looks at some choice locations for groups to dine
THE CARIBBEAN
Holly Cave details some activities suitable for business parties
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60 63 65 66
THE JEWELS OF WILTSHIR E
HOTELS & CONFERENCE
Accommodation options for touring groups
Salisbury Cathed ral, and other hidden Stonehenge, Old Sarum gems of the Sou th West
UKINBOUND
An extensive diary of UKinbound’s latest events
GTO GRAPEVINE
Useful tips for GTO’s, including exclusive reader offers for upcoming trade shows
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Sue Shapland, Exmoor Extrovert
SHAKESPEARE’S INTERVIEW
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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
ENGLAND
Exploring Stratford & Warwickshire
NEWS FOCUS
World Travel Mark et 2014 reviewed
EUROPEAN FEST
IVALS Celebrating the weird and the wonderful
EXCLUSIVE READ ER The London CRUIS OFFERS E Adventure Trave Show & l Show
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COVER: Inside Salisbury Cathedral. VISIT ENGLAND/IAN LEWIS CONTENTS: Allure in Nassau: Royal Caribbean cruise across crystal clear shores
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NEWS
Celebrate Oxford’s Rich History Two commemorative themed tours are set to tempt historyloving groups to the iconic city 2015 will mark three important anniversaries in Oxford’s history and to celebrate, Experience Oxfordshire is launching two themed commemorative tours. In honour of the 50th anniversary of Sir Winston Churchill’s death and the 75th anniversary of his first becoming Prime Minister, as well as the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, Experience Oxfordshire has launched two new group tours. Remembering Churchill 2015 is based around Winston Churchill’s life and his achievements during the Second World War. The tour starts with a visit to Ditchley Park, where many cabinet meetings would have been held. It then continues onto the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, where visitors can discover personal stories behind some of the great wars of the 20th century, and how these conflicts affected the country. Finally, visitors can enjoy all that Blenheim Palace – the birthplace of Sir Winston
l a m i n A of the h t n o M Meet Forrest the kinkajous at London Zoo this winter Visitors to ZSL London Zoo this winter could say hello to a baby kinkajous - who is usually more at home in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America rather
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Visit Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace, Blenheim Palace, on the Remembering Churchill 2015 tour which will mark the 50th anniversary of Sir Winston Churchill’s death Churchill – has to offer, including its extensive Churchill exhibition, which opens on February 14, 2015. A themed talk by an Oxford historian can also be booked. Celebrating the Magna Carta kicks off in Surrey at Runnymede Meadow to view the symbolic plaque of the ancient meeting where King John agreed the Magna Carta, before taking a river cruise upstream. The tour then continues to Oxford for a themed walking tour, where visitors can hear about the city’s role in Britain’s
than the capital’s Regents Park. Reared by his previous keepers in Scotland, Forrest arrived at the Zoo in October and was soon enjoying his favourite snack of figs and peaches. Though as an omnivore he’ll happily snack on anything, be it a small mammal or a piece of fruit. Whilst in the wild, the kinkajous’ long tongue enables them to enjoy a sip of nectar, while their tail helps them hang upside down – the kind of natural behaviour Forrest’s keepers are keen to encourage as he settles into his new home. If you fancy taking a group to meet Forrest and his friends, ZSL London Zoo offers 25 % off group tickets for 10 people or more. To book visit www.zsl.org
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history - namely its claim to being the birthplace of King John, the site of De Montfort’s Oxford Parliament, the capital of the country during the reign of Charles I, and a place of education for 26 Prime Ministers. Included is a visit to the new Weston Library at the Bodleian Library, with a tour of the Magna Carta exhibition. The library holds four of the 17 known surviving Charters, which will be on display from late March until September 20, 2015.
Details on both itineraries can be found on Experience Oxfordshire’s website at www. visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com/ group-travel/Group_itineraries Both tours can be tailored specifically to group requirements, with various add-ons available. All tours are led by fully qualified guides and can be arranged for groups of any size (with up to 19 people per guide). To book call the Experience Oxfordshire Groups Desk on 01865 252037 or email groups@visitoxfordshire.org.uk
ZSL
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Go Underground as a 19th Century Miner It has taken more than four million visitors back in time since its launch in 1989, and now the hugely popular mine tour at The Black Country Living Museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary. One of the few tours in the UK to offer visitors a taste of what it was like to be a coal miner during the height of the Industrial Revolution, the drift mine (named because you can walk straight into it rather than use a vertical shaft) had its official opening on October 24, 1989. Completely manmade, it was designed to give visitors an experience that is both accurate and most importantly, safe – something few Black Country mines could claim during their heyday. Not only were they dangerous, but had a habit of collapsing, an occurrence that came to be known as ‘pitpulled’. A little over an hour long, the museum’s tour sees visitors follow ‘Elijah Wedge’ through the tight underground passages, as he explains how the mines were run. Boys like ‘Little Billy’ were put to work at the tender age of 10 in the cold and dark - often working shifts of 12 hours – frequently opening and
Flower festival set to bloom in 2015 Winchester Cathedral’s Flower Festival, Cascades, is set to run from June 24-28, 2015, with a preview evening on the June 23. Cascades follows on from the successful Symphony of Flowers held in June 2013, which saw the entire cathedral festooned with floral decorations and installations - attracting more than 15,000 visitors. Cascades will see thousands of flowers used to construct a display of contemporary and traditional floral designs, and to complement the event, a summer market will be held in a marquee in the Cathedral’s historic Inner Close. Special arrangements can be made for group parking and admission when booked in advance. www.grouptravelworld.com
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The Black Country Living Museum’s popular mine tour has welcomed over four million visitors since it was built in 1989 closing shafts to let air in and help prevent gas explosions. Visitors will also get to see pit pony ‘Sally’ and her minder in addition to a series of methods for extracting coal, some of which were hugely dangerous. “With all of today’s modern labour laws, it’s easy to forget the kind of working conditions miners were subjected to,” says David Eveleigh, Director of Collections, Learning and Research at The Black Country Living Museum. “The mine tour is important because it immerses our
visitors in the world of the miner in a way that hearing or reading about it simply can’t. It is one of the most popular activities on our site for good reason.” The Black Country Living Museum is based in Dudley in the West Midlands. The Drift Mine Tour is available all year round at no extra cost once entry to the museum is paid. For more information and details of group discounts call 0121 557 9643, email info@ bclm.com or visit www.bclm. co.uk
Night-time fun at the Science Museum A sleepover with a hightech twist, London’s Science Museum is playing host to a series of Science Nights - a special overnight event aimed at seven to 13-year-olds. Each night will feature handson workshops, science shows and an exclusive sleepover at the museum among the exhibits, followed by breakfast and a film in the museum’s IMAX Theatre. Ideal for families and school groups, each Science Night can cater for up to 460 people. The museum is currently taking bookings for Saturday, January 10, Friday, April 17, Friday, May 15 and Saturday,
June 6, 2015. Science Night’s costs £45 per person. To book call 020 7942 4777 from 0845hrs to 1700hrs Mondays to Thursdays and 0845hrs to 1500hrs on Fridays. Those who prefer to visit during the day; the museum is open from 1000hrs to 1800hrs daily, except December 24-26. Entry is free, though charges apply for the IMAX 3D Theatre, simulators and for some special exhibitions. Buy tickets online or call 0870 870 4868. The main entrance is on Exhibition Road in South Kensington and full details of all transport links can be found at www.sciencemuseum.org.uk December 2014 l Group Travel World
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NEWS
Travels... Tidbit ●
GTW would like to further extended its thanks to the Wimborne BID for its contribution to the Dorset feature in November issue.
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Get your skates on to catch Ice Skate Vauxhall - new to the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens in Nine Elms on London’s South Bank. It’s a 600 square metre rink; combined with London’s first Christmas Tree Maze. Every weekend parties can join the Skate Brunch, which runs until January 4, 2015. Find out more at www. iceskatevauxhall.co.uk
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Queuing at check in to drop off your bag and then at security, are the top-rated frustrations for travellers according to a survey by Saga, which asked more than 10,0000 people to put the UK’s airports under the spotlight. Heathrow Airport came out as the leader for its choice of food, followed by Gatwick, while Southampton and Jersey Airport were praised for their smoothrunning luggage collection points. Glasgow International Airport was voted best overall. To find out more about Saga Holidays visit http://travel.saga.co.uk
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Staff at the Port Lympne Mansion Hotel in Kent are celebrating after it was awarded a four-star accolade by VisitEngland’s National Quality Assessment Scheme – an official star rating based on the quality of the hotel’s welcome, service and hospitality - as well as the standard of its food and cleanliness. Find out more about group travel opportunities on offer at the Port Lympne Mansion Hotel at www. aspinallfoundation.org/ shortbreaks or call 0844 855 0274.
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Fasten your Seatbelts Brooklands Museum returns to its racing roots with a new 4D theatre experience
Experience the thrill of being a racing driver as you strap yourself in for Brooklands’ new 4D attraction Organise a trip to the Brooklands Museum in Surrey this winter to see its brand new 4D theatre race experience - the Napier Railton - which will ‘sit’ you in a pre-war racing car as you hurtle round the racetrack at more than 100mph. It is the latest spectacle to join the museum’s huge range of motoring and aviation exhibits, from giant racing cars to its unparalleled collection of Hawker and Vickers/BAC-
and veteran cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles; and a torchlight tour of the museum on January 21. Visit www.brooklandsmuseum. com for a full list of what’s on at the museum in 2015, email events@brooklandsmuseum. com or call 01932 857381.
Making tracks for a great day out West Somerset Railway is keen to attract group visits in 2015, with a range of discounts to draw group travel organisers to the vintage line. To give a brief idea of the costs involved for groups of 16 or more, the single fare over the whole of the line will be £10 for adults, £9.50 for seniors and £5 for children, with under-fives going free. Return fares over the whole length of the line will be £15 for adults, £14.50 for seniors and £7.50 for children. Hiring a carriage, which has the capacity to hold 64 people, costs £450 for a single and £750 return. WSR’s Group Travel Brochure - complete with
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built aircrafts, including the Second World War Wellington Bomber, the VC10 and the only Concorde made accessible to the public in the South East of England. Based at Brooklands (as its name suggests) the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit was originally constructed in 1907. The museum hosts a range of special events ideal for group travel organisers, including Santa on the VC10 from December 6-7, where Father Christmas gives his reindeers a rest in favour of a vintage aircraft; a New Year’s Day gathering of classic, vintage
The WSR has affordable fares to tempt group travel organisers timetable, fares, group booking arrangements, eating and drinking and itineraries - is now available by calling 01643 704996.
Alternatively, email Amy Parker at groups@wsrail.net. For full details of the stations dotting the line visit www.westsomerset-railway.co.uk www.grouptravelworld.com
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NEWS
Musical history as you’ve never seen it before See scores of artefacts from the 1960s music scene at Liverpool’s new GRAMMY Museum exhibition 80 never-before-seen artefacts from the world of 1960s music, including James Brown’s jumpsuit, Ray Charles’ jacket and handwritten lyrics of The Beach Boys’ God Only Knows, have gone on public display for the first time in Liverpool at the GRAMMY Museum exhibition - held at The Beatles Story. The British Invasion: How 1960s Beat Groups Conquered America gives visitors the opportunity to have a virtual drum lesson with former Beatle, Ringo Starr. Other highlights include the chance to get up close to a range of items belonging to such musical legends as The Hollies, The Supremes and The Beach Boys, including album covers and clothes worn by the
Enjoy a virtual drum lesson with former Beatle, Ringo Starr
singing stars. “This really is a fantastic exhibition and we’re proud to be able to host something so prestigious here in Liverpool,” says Martin King of The Beatles Story. “The artefacts from the GRAMMY Museum in LA are
incredible; it certainly has the wow factor. We’ve opened with more than 80 unique pieces, and new items will be added over the life of the exhibition.” The Beatles Story, based at Liverpool’s Albert Dock, is the world’s largest permanent exhibition purely
devoted to the lives and times of The Beatles. For more on group discounts visit www. beatlesstory.com. To book a group visit email groups@beatlesstory. com or call the Groups Welcome Officer, Charlotte Martin, on 0151 709 1963.
PEOPLE NEWS
New CEO for Royal Air Force Museum The Royal Air Force Museum has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer - Maggie Appleton MBE. With more than 20 years’ experience in the heritage sector, Maggie is passionate about the difference museums and culture can make to people’s lives and, after beginning her career at the Royal Armouries, she has since focused her work in community museums, leading significant heritage initiatives and developments – notably the £6.2million development of Stockwood Discovery Centre, which opened in July 2008. Since August 2008, Maggie has been the Chief Executive of Luton Culture, a charity dedicated to museums, arts, libraries and community centres. She is currently a Heritage Lottery Fund
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Maggie Appleton MBE has been appointed CEO of the Royal Air Force Museum Committee Member for the East of England and a Board Member for the Museums Association and in 2012, received an MBE for her Services to Museums and
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Heritage. As CEO, Maggie will be responsible for leading the RAF Museum through a major period of transformation in terms of infrastructure, exhibitions and activities, which will cover the centenary of the RAF in 2018. “I am thrilled to join the RAF Museum’s team in the run up to the RAF’s centenary,” says Maggie. “The opportunity to lead a national museum, with collections of international importance, is a huge privilege.” Based in London and Cosford (at RAF Hendon and RAF Cosford) the Royal Air Force Museum has free admission. It is Britain’s only national museum dedicated to aviation, with world-class aircraft collections, exhibitions and more on both sites. To plan a group visit, see www. rafmuseum.org.uk
GTOA looking to appoint a new CEO The Group Travel Organisers Association (GTOA) is looking to appoint a new CEO to lead the Association through an exciting time of change. The appointed person will be the face of the Group Travel Organisers Association (GTOA), which appeals to both the public and the trade as the leading body for Group Travel Organisers. n The following attributes are essential; Strong written and verbal communication skills; Experience in event management; Solid travel industry background; Engaging and charismatic public speaker; Flexible working hours; and the ability to build strong working relationships. Expressions of interest should be sent directly to recruitment@ gtoa.co.uk. Applications should be made by January 16, 2015.
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NEWS FOCUS // SHOW REVIEW
World Travel Market 2014 Amy Moore reviews the leading global event for the travel industry, which was held at the ExCel Exhibition Centre from November 3-6 World Travel Market (WTM) is an annual business-to-business event tailored to the travel and tourism sector. World Travel Market ran for four days in November, showcasing a diverse range of destinations worldwide, whilst presenting industry professionals with the opportunity to meet, negotiate and network. World Travel Market celebrated its 35th anniversary, seeing its opening hours extended in order to facilitate more business. GTW attended on Wednesday, November 5, where the travel trade show was open for an extra two hours from 1800hrs to 2000hrs. World Travel Market saw an estimated 4% increase in visitors, with almost 52,000 delegates attending – seeing its 5th consecutive year of growth. On Wednesday, World Travel Market experienced a 6% increase in visitation to 15,017. It was also revealed that WTM Buyers’ Club members were up 7%, soon to facilitate approximately £2.5billion in industry deals. Additional
increases include trade visitors at 6%, international media at 2% and exhibitor personnel at 2%. The total number of visitors equalled a whopping 98,426 over the course of the event. Simon Press, Senior Director at World Travel Market, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the delegate attendance at WTM 2014, which is a record for a trade-only WTM. These figures demonstrate the power and importance of WTM to the industry and the role it plays in facilitating business for the sector.” Monday, November 3, saw an increase in attendance of almost 9,692, which was up by 9%. GTW attended the highly informative WTM Global Trends Report 2014 – in association with Euromonitor International – which estimated a 4% average economic growth per annum. Celebrating its 9th consecutive year, WTM Global Trends Report 2014 estimated that ‘poshtels’ – glamourized hostels – are looking to target the “cost conscious” and “style seeking” consumer in a bid to compete with the more upmarket boutique hotels within the UK & Ireland. ‘Poshtels’ are said to be a popular concept with youngsters, families and business travellers, boasting a
Keynote Speaker: RT Hon Sajid Javid, MP 12
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Simon Press, Senior Director at WTM and Ben Weyts, Flemish Minister for Tourism, opening the ceremony
A number of informative seminars were held over four days www.grouptravelworld.com
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TUXEDO MONEY SOLUTIONS
Tuxedo Money Solutions – one of the UK’s leading prepaid service providers – has recently launched its Escape Travel Card which provides customers with a secure and cost effective way to manage overseas spending. Escape Travel Card can be used in over 32million locations worldwide, underpinned by a bespoke programme tailored to clients’ specific requirements. Tuxedo Money Solutions was founded in 2006 – launching its first product in 2007. Its client base tends to include the travel trade, as well as working to improve employee incentives. Escape Travel Card is a convenient alternative to
price tag starting at £12. With this in mind, the UK hotel segment is set to see a 3% growth between 2013-2018. Similarly, Global Village is experiencing an unexpected increase in “braggies,” with travellers encouraged to ‘brag’ about their travel experiences via social media. For example, recent behaviour sees holidaymakers uploading photos of themselves within 10 minutes of arriving at their hotel, with the recent ‘selfie’ craze increasing social media usage abroad. According to eMarketer, the number of social media users www.grouptravelworld.com
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worldwide had increased by 18% in 2013, meaning certain brands have chosen to integrate the innovation into their marketing strategies. In regards to Travel Technology, it is suggested that wearable electronics will become mainstream by 2016, keeping consumers constantly connected. Examples of products on the market include the Sony SmartWatch, Samsung Galaxy Gear and Google Glass, in addition to the anticipated Apple Watch, which is expected to become available from early 2015.
Mobile bookings, amongst others, are said to become a disruptive force in the travel industry over the next five years, with the total amount of global online travel sales amounting to 27% in 2013. Mobile bookings are expected to reach a total 35% of online travel bookings by 2018. Full details are available online at http://www.wtmlondon.com/ files/wtm_global_trends_2014. pdf GTW later attended a keynote speech by Secretary State for Culture, Media & Sport – RT Hon Sajid Javid MP – who outlined the importance of increasing tourism to the UK. There was a brief introduction by Simon Press, Senior Director at World Travel Market, before launching into an informative presentation regarding the post-Olympic tourism boom – an industry worth an estimated £7trillion dollars. London is said to welcome around 19million tourists per year, thus labelling it the ‘most visited city’ in the UK. In regards to “life outside of London,” Yorkshire is highly rated with road trips
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carrying cash abroad as it can be preloaded to encourage further use. Innovative SMS features include text to block/ unblock and low balance alerts. The card is loaded with Great British Pounds (GBP) with conversion done at the point of use - no matter where the cardholder is in the world. John Sharman, CEO of Tuxedo Money Solutions, said: “We are passionate about making payments smarter and delivering seamless payment solutions. Our new travel card has been created to ensure that customers spend their money abroad safely and manage their card without difficulty, as well as offering our clients an attractive commission opportunity and valuable brand extension.” Tuxedo Money Solutions has so far seen success in the UK, Ireland and Germany, with future plans to expand to Australia and New Zealand, USA and Canada and mainland Europe. For more information visit www.tuxedomoneysolutions.com
to Cornwall made even more appealing. Salisbury is worth a mentioning considering it has been ranked a ‘must visit’ city by Lonely Planet in 2014 – you can read more about Salisbury on page 14 as part of our extensive Wiltshire feature. Tour operators especially were urged to offer unique travel experiences that don’t necessarily have to be abroad. The UK is renowned for its rich variety of cultural events and creative industries, which are particularly appealing to overseas visitors – the Rugby World Cup 2015 for example is expected to attract more inbound tourism. With this in mind, RT Hon Sajid Javid MP suggested making long-haul flights cheaper and improve visa services, which should grant international visitors local support. Lastly GTW would like to extend their thanks to made and the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) for inviting us to celebrate this successful event at the award-winning KuKlub in Soho. n
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R E G I O N A L F O C U S / / W I LT S H I R E
Journey to th e STEAM – MUSEUM OF THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY
STEAM is located in the former Swindon Railway Works, housing a vast collection of ancient artefacts, which celebrates the work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Visitors to STEAM are instantly immersed in the ancient world of the railway worker through The Offices, which were said to have supported a workforce of around 12,000 people at its peak. STEAM houses over 400,000 objects. The most significant is a former model from the Great Western Railway, which dominates the inner hall, leading the way to a temporary Lego Exhibition. Further afield is the Wall of Names, detailing the identity of those who inhabited the Swindon Works between 1845-1986. Guests to the Platform One Café could claim 5% off with a valid admission ticket. Standard group packages, tailor made visits and educational groups are humbly welcomed, with all bookings made at least two weeks in advance. Free admission is awarded to one group travel organiser and/or coach driver dropping off parties of 15+ with additional perks including a free familiarisation visit and free lunch for the coach driver. Coach 14
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Amy Moore embarks on a familiarisation trip to the historic county, which looks to host a number of cultural events in the New Year drop off is available outside the museum entrance, with a designer outlet opposite offering free coach parking. To book contact the Groups Coordinator on 01793 466637 or email adminsteam@ swindon.gov.uk For more information visit www.steammuseum.org.uk
LYDIARD HOUSE & PARK
Lydiard Park boasts an idyllic resting place for groups, set amongst the western edge of Swindon, welcoming around 700,000 visitors per annum. Palladian House forms the centrepiece, hosting a rich and varied exhibition on its former regal inhabitants; the St John Family. The building has been recently restored, with noticeably outstretched windows invading the 260acres of parkland provided. Lydiard Park was opened to the public
in 1955, with the luscious estate currently managed by Swindon Borough Council. St Mary’s Church is present to watch over and worship, accompanied by a fruitful walled garden, where groups could pick a fresh apple from the trees depending on the season. Adjacent is a petit café constructed in the former Coach House, with guests invited to sit in beautifully restored horse stalls and stable buildings. Spotlight talks were recently introduced – held daily from 1300hrs and is included in the price of admission. Pre booked parties of 12+ can enjoy a personal welcome, a guided tour and complementary refreshments. Group admission rates start from as little as £4.20 per adult, with the group travel organiser and coach driver going free. Ample coach drop-off is available via Hay Lane, with adequate parking via Hook Street. www.grouptravelworld.com
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Bowood House & Gardens features pretty parkland designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown
h e South West To book call 01793 465277 or email lydiardpark@swindon.gov.uk For more information visit www. lydiardpark.org.uk
STONEHENGE
The enhanced popularity of Stonehenge means it currently sees an influx of foreign tourists flock to its formation. A new Visitor Centre has been erected, boasting a contemporary wooden design, with an extended amount of coach bays nearby. A unique exhibition details recent findings, including some human remains, with handheld audio descriptive guides collectable upon arrival. Visitors could choose to hop on board a frequented bus service, which operates every three to six minutes, with an additional option to disembark part way. This short, but enjoyable journey has been constructed with an aim to reconnect the attraction with its former approach. Stonehenge’s hefty exterior would originally have been white, with the now weathered vibe omitting a characteristically aged effect. Visitors will only be able to stand a few metres from the attraction, traced by a www.grouptravelworld.com
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DETOUR TO OLD SARUM Old Sarum is an ancient English Heritage site, often overlooked by its more popular predecessor – Stonehenge. Old Sarum boasts an Iron Age hill fort where the regions first cathedral once stood, documenting around 5,000 years of history. Visitors enter over a sturdy wooden bridge overlooking a dry moat, which characteristically isolates the fort from a distance. The entire site covers 29acres of distinct grass chalkland, with asymmetric walls doused in concrete. A generous 15% discount is offered to groups of 11+ with free entry awarded to the driver and tour leader. Guided tours are available to book for a maximum party of 50 people. Those interested should book at least six weeks in advance. On site parking is available for up to two coaches. For more information visit www. english-heritage.org.uk
designated pathway. Though early morning access tours maybe available. Across the bridge, visitors will come closer to the Heel Stone, which weighs 30tonnes and stands at Stonehenge’s former entrance, prominently leaning towards the centre of the avenue. Recent discoveries state that it may have had a partner stone; as the sun rises slightly to the left, it would appear between the two, marking summer solistice. Bringing visitors back to base, recognisable Neolithic houses have been erected on the muddy exterior of the Visitor Centre. It is essential that groups pre book before visiting by selecting an allocated time slot. A 10% discount is offered to parties of 11 or more, with free entry awarded to the coach driver and tour leader. For more information visit www.englishheritage.org.uk
SALISBURY CATHEDRAL & THE MAGNA CARTA
Salisbury Cathedral will be pivotal in celebrating the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta in 2015, with one of four documents exhibited. The Magna Carta was agreed by King John on June 15, 1215, and became an December 2014 ● Group Travel World
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STEAM is housed in the old Swindon Railway Works
R E G I O N A L F O C U S / / W I LT S H I R E official English Law in 1297. A permanent, interactive exhibition is scheduled to open in February 2015 – Engaging With The Magna Carta – that will see the legal document redisplayed in Salisbury Cathedral’s 13th century Chapter House. The Magna Carta is quite a sight to behold, consisting of 63 clauses on 72 lines, written in Latin on a single section of skin parchment. Other copies are held at The British Library and Lincoln Cathedral. Salisbury Cathedral is home to the UK’s tallest spire weighing 6,500tonnes, welcoming warped beams from the medieval times. Salisbury Cathedral was built beside the former river of New Sarum between 1220 and 1258, using 70,000tonnes of stone, 28,000tonnes of oak and 420tonnes of lead. From April 2014, Salisbury Cathedral offers a Premier Package for parties of
10 or more, combining catering at The Refectory Restaurant, where our group enjoyed a generous selection of freshly made sandwiches and hot soup. For more information contact Hannah Payne, Groups Coordinator at Salisbury Cathedral, on 01722 55120 or email groups@salcath.co.uk. For more information on Magna Carta Trails visit www.magnacartatrails.com
MOMPESSON HOUSE
Mompesson House is perhaps better recognised as the film location of Sense and Sensibility (1995), with a detailed photo album available to view in reception. This grand estate plans to celebrate an upcoming exhibition entitled Sense & Sensibility Revisited – showcased between March and November 2015 – to mark the 20th anniversary of the film’s release. Upon
ACCOMMODATION MARSH FARM HOTEL
Marsh Farm Hotel boasts an elite country charm, set in the luxurious, open countryside of Royal Wootton Bassett. It houses 48 rooms in total, with a couple of side annexes highly recommended for a peaceful and secluded stay. Marsh Farm Hotel is perhaps a more intimate venue for weekends away, rather than frequented group visits. There is no allocated coach parking, yet the spacious car park onsite is large enough to fit a reasonably sized vehicle if required. An open fire invites guests into a darkened, cosy bar area, which travels through to The Glasshouse Restaurant. Its simplistic setting is more like a conservatory, with the authentic patter of rain, which can be heard above as guests tuck into a full English breakfast. Private dining is available in The Range Room, where our group enjoyed a basic lunch around 1330hrs. Marsh Farm Hotel sits on the edge of the Cotswold’s - a mere five miles from Swindon - boasting direct travel to such destinations as STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway and Stonehenge. For more information visit www. marshfarmhotel.co.uk
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HILTON SWINDON HOTEL
Hilton Swindon Hotel is considerably less unique, but is much better suited to a large coach party due to its coach drop off/pick up and parking facilities. A spacious reception area welcomes guests, with a rotating door to enter. The aptly named Lydiard Suite played host to a wedding reception during our date of stay, which can accommodate up to 300 guests at one time. Separated by multiple tiers, our group enjoyed a deluxe dinner at The Larder Restaurant on October 5, which was privatised by drawn curtains. We were served fresh, homemade bread between meals, with a memorable, creamy lemon posset, decorated with a white chocolate swirl to finish. Upon arrival, my guest and I were allocated a twin room overlooking the rooftops, housing a more basic style compared to its Birmingham branch. There are 171 guest rooms to meet the demand, with many local amenities situated adjacent. Hilton Swindon Hotel is located three miles from Swindon, set within close proximity to such attractions as Longleat Safari and Adventure Park. For more information visit www.hilton.com
arrival, visitors are invited to step back in time with most rooms decorated with an authentic 1700s theme. Mompesson House was built by Charles Mompesson in 1701, which he inhabited until his death in 1714. Mompesson House was later opened to the public in 1977. Some sections are still not available to view, with guests entering via the grand, elongated Entrance Hall; touring anticlockwise through the Dining Room. The final section can be accessed via an 18th century, oak staircase installed by Charles Longueville in the 1730s. Group benefits include free admission for the group leader, a free familiarisation visit and an introductory talk when booked in advance. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
ARUNDELLS
Arundells boasts the home of former Prime Minister, Sir Edward Heath, and offers bespoke guided tours for groups. Stuart Craven was responsible for Arundells two acres of gorgeous garden greenery until 2008, which is beautifully overlooked by a bay balcony in Sir Edward Heath’s study officially reopened to the public following refurbishment. Stuart Craven is currently the curator, communicating first-hand knowledge about the man himself. Arundells will be open to individuals between March and November 2015, hosting exclusive offers for groups, including a reduced entry rate at £13 per person and bespoke tours in advance. Sir Edward Heath was leader of the conservative party from 1965-1975 and was www.grouptravelworld.com
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SALISBURY VOTED TOP CITY FOR TRAVELLERS
According to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2015, Salisbury is one of the top cities in the world for travellers. Announced by VisitWiltshire, Salisbury is said to be seventh on the list - mentioned above the likes of Vienna and Toronto. “For too long, travellers have considered Salisbury a short stop on the way to Stonehenge, but 2015 is set to be the year visitors linger in this quintessentially English city, as Salisbury uncorks the champagne for the 800th anniversary of its greatest treasure, the Magna Carta,” reads Lonely Planet. Tom Hall, Contributor at Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2015, said: “Bursting with history, top class restaurants,
Arundells was the former home of Sir Edward Heath
elected Prime Minister between 1970-1974. Prior to his death in 2005, Sir Edward Heath requested that Arundells be opened to the public. Most memorable is the Entrance Hall, which has been boldly decorated with sailing memorabilia, including an intricately carved bone piece and a mirrored cabinet. Tracing the wall of the creaking stairwell is striking, hand painted wallpaper based on the myth, Journey To The West, which has remained in the house for over 20 years. Arundells is shadowed by nearby Salisbury Cathedral, making it an even
Stuart Craven provided our group with an informative guided tour
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atmospheric nightlife and a host of festivals planned for 2015, we believe Salisbury is a must-see for domestic and international travellers alike.” David Andrews, CEO at VisitWiltshire, said: “Salisbury is a great base for visitors to experience popular attractions further afield such as Stonehenge, Avebury, and our White Horses.” “Here at VisitWiltshire, we are focused on growing the county’s visitor economy by raising awareness to increase tourism visits and spend. Wiltshire’s visitor economy currently generates an estimated £1.4billion and supports over 27,000 jobs.” For more information see www. visitwiltshire.co.uk more spectacular sight. Groups are invited to book private, out of season events, with guided tours running every 30 minutes during normal opening hours. For more information visit www.arundells.org
BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDENS
Bowood House & Gardens has a number of group itineraries to choose from, with prices starting from £9.50 for a day visit to £28.50 for an all inclusive visit. Bowood House & Gardens was purchased by the Lansdowne’s in 1754, boasting 250 years of family history. Half of the house remains inhabited, with the remainder open for public viewing. Bowood House & Gardens invites visitors to view the laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestly discovered oxygen in 1774, in addition to the original chair and footstool used by Queen Victoria at her wedding in 1840. The Library is located at the far end of The Orangery, and is home to over 5,000 books – some with fine, decorative leather bindings. Bowood House & Gardens is open annually to visitors between April and November, with full catering available in The House Restaurant. Bowood House & Gardens features pretty parkland designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in 1762, with 2016 celebrating the 300th anniversary of his birth. Bowood House & Gardens is surrounded by a man made lake formed by two streams, with belts of trees planted around the park. For coaches, there are five separate access points for parking. For more information visit www.bowood.org n December 2014 l Group Travel World
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Since its foundation 25 years ago the CTC has become the leading organisation for promoting travel and tourism by coach
C TC B U L L E T I N From Paul Ovington, CTC Public Relations
2015 Coach Holiday Conference
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he 2015 Coach Holiday Conference – the must attend event for coach operators and industry suppliers – will be held at the Hilton Reading on February 22-23, 2015. The event, which has attracted record numbers over the past few years, with more than 180 delegates attending 2014’s conference in Chester, will again be in a 24-hour format with a formal dinner on Sunday, a morning conference on Monday, followed by the ever popular CTC Workshop. To meet demand, the CTC Workshop will be extended to
Welcome to New Members Members are the lifeblood of the CTC, so while we naturally lose some supporters each year, it’s great to be able to offset this with an ongoing intake of new members. We are therefore delighted to welcome a cross section who have recently joined the
include a morning session, and then will continue throughout the afternoon. To allow for this, the conference element will be shortened, but will include two keynote speakers. The four-star Hilton Reading has more than 200 rooms and is conveniently situated just off the M4, near the Majdeski Stadium and a short taxi ride from Reading train station. It is popular with a number of CTC coach operators. Full details will be announced next month, but to reserve delegate places now, please email admin@ coachtourismcouncil.co.uk
CTC, and who are helping us maintain member numbers at around 300. Attractions include destination management organisation, Visit Isle of Wight; UK group travel specialist, Steve Reed Tourism; Bluewater in Kent, which is Europe’s largest retail and leisure destination with over 300 stores; The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, including its sites in Dawyck, Logan and Benmore; Bowood House & Gardens in Wiltshire, which
Silver Jubilee Celebrations
Finally, I cannot sign off without mentioning the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Coach Tourism Council. From small beginnings, the CTC has grown to become a leading voice in UK tourism and the envy of other membership organisations. Many founding members and past supporters, plus others who have been long-standing members for all of our 25 years, were among a huge turn out of 150, who celebrated this special achievement at a Silver Jubilee Dinner in Cheltenham. 19
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World Travel Market continues to be a major event for CTC operators and suppliers. Pictured here are some of the CTC members who represented the Best of Great Britain on the Heritage stand.
is set within 100 acres of beautiful parkland, with an arboretum and lake designed by ‘Capability’ Brown; Woburn Abbey & Gardens, which has been home to the Duke & Duchess of Bedford for around 400 years, and houses an extensive collection of treasures; Q’Straint in Kent, a world leading specialist in wheelchair passenger solutions; and last but not least, a warm welcome to family-run tour operator, Hough’s of Lincolnshire.
Pictured on the Holland stand are (from left) Alistair Scott of Epsom Coaches, Rianne Hovens of Efteling Theme Park, Paul Beaumont of Great Days, Kris Van Meel of Efteling Theme Park and Paul Newbiggin of Stena Line.
CTC members were among guests of Albatross Travel Group, pictured on a four-day familiarization trip to Switzerland.
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Left: The garden created by Robert Dudley for his queen’s pleasure. © English Heritage
I
n a beautiful setting, Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden is one of the foremost attractions in Warwickshire. It is certainly amongst the most romantic castles in the land, with its lovely sandstone walls, tower and turrets standing testament to its medieval and Tudor glory days, when it was understandably a royal favourite. In July 1575, Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester, the favourite courtier of Queen Elizabeth I, entertained her right royally at Kenilworth Castle. He built a towering gatehouse to welcome her arrival, created an amazing garden for her pleasure and showcased lavish entertainments for her amusement at a reputed cost of £1,000 a day – a small fortune 500 years ago. Today, thanks to the introduction of a series of viewing platforms within the now ruined, four-storey tower known as Leicester’s Building, Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, is offering group visitors the same ‘heady’ panoramas enjoyed by Queen Elizabeth I when she visited the castle. For the first time in 350 years, groups can stand where Elizabeth once stood, and enjoy the exclusive views
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden Featuring a glittering garden and now with a view to woo groups can discover a royal love story at this romantic site 20
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Leicester’s Building where Queen Elizabeth I stayed for 19 days in 1575. © English Heritage
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“For the first time in 350 years, groups can stand where Elizabeth once stood, and enjoy the views she once saw” she once enjoyed of the countryside surrounding Kenilworth Castle from her bedroom windows. Groups can get a double dose of Dudley’s flamboyance in the beautifully recreated garden – the most complete impression of an Elizabethan garden anywhere in the world – that features great arbours, a terrace, fountain, obelisks and a 30-foot long aviary, complete with birds. Originally decorated with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires and garnished with gold, the ornate architectural features of the aviary have been skilfully carved by craftsmen and painted to present a ‘bejewelled’ appearance. There’s now so much to see and do at Kenilworth Castle, that a group visit should last at least two hours in order to take in everything on offer, including: ● The remains of the Castle Keep, State Apartments and John of Gaunt’s Great Hall; ● Leicester’s Gatehouse housing a permanent exhibition on the top floor themed around the relationship between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and tells the story of the spectacular festivities that took place when she visited the castle in 1575. The
remaining floors contain suites furnished as they were in the 1930s; ● The Tudor Stables, where groups can tour a second permanent exhibition tracing the 900-year history of the castle, from the 12th century to the 1930s; ● A complementary audio tour in English, French and German brings the site of Kenilworth Castle to life. Two 45 minute tours are available for groups.
ELIZABETHAN TOUR – A Kenilworth Castle team member leads groups through the Norman Keep and into the recreated Elizabethan Garden, just as Queen Elizabeth I would have entered. The guide explains the inspiration behind this unique project and the recreation of the 16th century fountain, aviary and four obelisks, as well as the search for Tudor plants, flowers and birds. This tour also sheds light on the love story between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, and her spectacular 19-day visit to Kenilworth Castle.
Portrait of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester by William Segar. © English Heritage
CASTLE RUIN TOUR – This takes groups into the castle ruins, where they will learn more
Elizabeth I by Biagio Rebecca, after Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger. © English Heritage about the history and the development of the castle from a medieval fortress to a Tudor palace, starting at the 12th century Norman Keep and finishing with the story of the slighting of the castle in 1650. Both tours require a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 30 people.
CATERING: Groups can book a lunch or cream tea in advance in the Kenilworth Castle Tea Room, where refreshments will be waiting for you once your tour has finished. Call 01926 852577 to book.
COACH PARKING: Free parking is available for six coaches, located 300 metres from the entrance.
DIRECTIONS: Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden (CV8 1NG) is on the B4103 in Kenilworth, accessible from the A46 and M40. For opening times and prices or to pre-book group visits and tours visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/ kenilworth, call 01926 857482 or email kenilworth. castle@english-heritage.org.uk.
15% DISCOUNT is available for groups of 11 or more paying visitors. A tour leader and a coach driver are admitted free. www.grouptravelworld.com
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Shakespeare’s R E G I O N A L F O C U S / / S T R AT F O R D & W A R W I C K S H I R E
ENGLAND
Holly Cave explores the historic region, which celebrated the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth in 2014, looking ahead to the 400th anniversary of his death in 2016
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he charming town of Stratfordupon-Avon lies, as you would expect, not in East London, but along the banks of the River Avon, deep in the pastoral countryside of Warwickshire. Had it not been for the birth of one particular chap four-and-ahalf centuries ago, this spot would never have been any more than a traditional English market town. Instead, thanks to the achievements of William Shakespeare, born here in 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon draws in an incredible 4.9million visitors every year. In the same way football stadiums welcome legions of fans and lifelong supporters, worshippers of the world’s
most famous playwright flock to Stratfordupon-Avon for a glimpse into the life of an undisputed genius. And the town is only getting more popular. Over the last few years, there’s been a welcome boost to tourism investment in the area. New and returning visitors will now find a brand new open bus tour of the town, a sparkling Visitor Information Centre, and a fresh and official website.
THE PLAY’S THE THING
While you’re in town, why not book a ticket to see a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre or Swan Theatre, adjoining venues which sit right on the banks of the Avon.
Stratford-upon-Avon proves more than just a traditional English market town
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Stratford-upon-Avon draws 4.9million visitors every year. AMY MURRELL
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The Swan Theatre is built onto the side of its larger neighbour, sitting in the foundations of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, which was sadly destroyed by a fire in 1926. Both theatres opened in 2010 after a huge £112.8million investment, which transformed the existing structures and facilities, and linked them together by a new Colonnade. In addition, a new public outdoor area called Weston Square connects the theatres with the old medieval town to the west, and an idyllic riverside walk leads from Bancroft Gardens towards Holy Trinity Church. This winter, the Royal Shakespeare Company are putting on performances of Love’s Labour’s Lost and Love’s Labour’s Won (otherwise known as Much Ado About Nothing), alongside a number of other wonderful plays written by more modern playwrights. Both theatres are open daily from 0900hrs and 1000hrs on a Sunday. Even if you’re not planning to watch a performance, this is actually a rather good place to kick off a trip to the town - to get a sense of your bearings from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre’s tall viewing tower. Lifts and stairs lead up to its glassed viewing platform, which showcases views across the town, up the Avon and over the Welcombe Hills. In addition to a knowledgeable guide giving you some historical insight, you’ll also get a handy map that points out all the landmarks. Elsewhere in the building, there are free temporary exhibitions which feature props, photographs and costumes from renowned Royal Shakespeare Company plays. The Rooftop Restaurant and Bar is a pleasant place to stop for refreshments,
with views stretching out over the river and the fields beyond. Theatre tours are also fascinating, with insider guides revealing the secrets of special effects, costume-making and the merits of method acting. Group discounts are available for tours and weekday performances at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Packages including a behind-the-scenes tour and cream tea start from £11.25 per person. Contact the Royal Shakespeare Company directly for more information.
extravagant displays and gardens. The current exhibition, Famous Beyond Words, opened in March 2014 and showcases memorabilia, artwork and a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio. Holy Trinity Church was the building in which a young William Shakespeare was baptised, and where his remains are now interred. The exterior of this ancient place of worship has hardly changed since Shakespeare’s day. Visitors can peek at his gravestone in the Chancel, where several members of his family have been buried alongside him. A bust of the playwright can also be seen in the Church and is said to be a good likeness, given that it was commissioned while his wife, Anne, was still alive. Please note that the Church is closed to non-worshippers on Sunday mornings, Mondays from 1615hrs to 1730hrs and on Tuesdays from 0945hrs until 1115hrs. Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens was the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife. This thatched farmhouse has gorgeous gardens, which are filled with blooms throughout summer. Walk through each room, which has been recreated to mimic what it would have been like during Anne’s time here. The house where Shakespeare’s mother grew up is also open to the public, and provides an informative insight into the Tudor way of life. Mary Arden’s Farm is a more “hands-on” attraction with falconry displays, farming activities and nature trails. This site is only open from March until November. Shakespeare’s daughter, Susanna, lived with her wealthy husband at Halls Croft. Evidence of William Shakespeare is more tenuous here, but the grand house is a fascinating place to explore how the rich would have
Theatre tours are also fascinating, with insider guides revealing the secrets of special effects, costume-making and the merits of method acting
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THOSE WHO RUSH STUMBLE AND FALL
Follow the Bard’s own advice and take your time to enjoy the area as you explore. There are enough Shakespeare themed attractions in town to keep you busy for a few days or more, but the key sites for “Bardolatry” are the theatres, the church where he was baptised and buried, and the five Shakespeare Houses – Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens, Hall’s Croft, Harvard House, Mary Arden’s Farm and Shakespeare’s Birthplace. William Shakespeare was born in a house on Henley Street, which is now open to paying visitors. Shakespeare’s birthplace was the house in which he spent his childhood, and he also lived there for the first five years of his married life with Anne Hathaway. The attraction hosts live performances daily amidst
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Royal Shakespeare Theatre offers views over the River Avon and beyond lived in the 1600s. The man of the house (and Susanna’s husband) John Hall was a doctor. The public rooms feature many of his strange medical “remedies” and the walled garden is planted with herbs and plants he may have used previously on his patients. New Place and Nash’s House – the Bard’s last home and the place of his death – is currently closed for restoration. It will open as a brand new visitor attraction in spring 2016, just in time to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. Until then, perhaps call in at Harvard House. Located a little further down the High Street, this beautiful Elizabethan building was built by Thomas Rogers in 1596. Rogers’ grandson, John Harvard, was a preacher and teacher who immigrated to New England. Thanks to his bequeath of 230 books and £750 (worth around £3million today), his name is now associated with the oldest academic institution in the United States, Harvard University. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust manages all these attractions on a charitable basis. Groups of 15 or more benefit from great discounted rates at all the attractions, especially if tickets are booked more than two weeks in advance. Around the time GTW went to press, group entrance to all five houses booked and paid for this far in advance come in at £16.90 per person – a whopping 25% discount. Concessions and child rates are also available, and tickets can be booked for individual attractions. There’s also free admission awarded to coach drivers and group leaders. Detailed information regarding opening hours is available for each house on the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s website at www.shakespeare.org. uk. Get in touch with the Groups Team on 01789 201806 to book and discuss options, such as special talks, exclusive tours and evening entertainment.
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Shakespeare was born. Much celebration has taken place to commemorate the occasion with special exhibitions, fireworks, processions, and additional one-off events helping to make this one of the most popular years to visit. The Carter Company even launched a new cycling tour, dubbed Shakespeare’s Way, which marks the route between The Globe Theatre in London, where most of his plays were performed, and travelling back to Stratford, passing along the River Thames and through the Chilterns. William Shakespeare passed away on his birthday – April 23, 1616, at the ripe age of 52 which means that 2016 will be another excuse to celebrate the life and times of this great man. It seems a shame to drop the pace in 2015, so expect the upcoming calendar year to be jam-packed too. Every April, a series of annual events celebrate the life and death of the Bard. The Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon sees competitors racing through the streets at the end of the month, and the Stratford Arts House (formerly the Civic Hall) vibrates with the sounds of musical
concerts performed in the playwright’s memory. Stratford remains a centre for writing, the arts, and those of a literary leaning. The Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival comes to town on April 25, in what will be its eighth year. Events run through to May 3, including a wide range of compelling talks and workshops from wellknown actors, authors and playwrights. The Orchestra of the Swan will continue in their series of Discovery Concerts, set to pull in visitors at the Arts House.
ELSEWHERE ABOUT TOWN
Even without Shakespeare, the town could still draw in the crowds. It’s a pretty little place, surrounded by chocolate box villages and a grand sweeping countryside. Thanks in part to the tourist board; lots of traditional Tudor buildings have been kept in one piece. The little almshouses on Church Street, possessing many of their original architectural features, are well worth wandering past. The Ely Street Antiques Emporium is an interesting spot for seeking out quirky ornaments and fashions. There are some great
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Warwick Castle is located 10miles away from Stratford. VISITENGLAND/JAMES KERR pubs around, too. Wrap up your visit by stopping in at the Dirty Duck Pub – which was a renowned drinking den during Shakespeare’s lifetime. Make a toast to the Bard with a tipple of your choosing. For a fantastic overview of the town, many groups might like to take a canal and river tour on the wide beam barge, Jennifer May. Groups can enjoy discounted rates on a 45-minute tour from the centre of town through to the historic canal lock and down the River Avon. Drivers and tour guides receive complimentary tickets and refreshment vouchers. The Stratford Walking Tour Company offers outstanding guided walks and coach tours. Contact them on 07855 760377 to discuss requirements and to find out more about special local discounts. For a slightly different experience, Tudor World is an award-winning museum located in the heart of Stratford, housed within a
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens is one of five Shakespeare houses Grade 2 listed historic building, where visitors can experience Tudor England in an educational, accessible and atmospheric way. Stratford is well equipped to cater for coach parties and has a number of coach parking facilities available. There are coach drop off points at Windsor Street (Shakespeare’s Birthplace), which is three minutes from the town centre, and the Riverside Coach Park, which is approximately five minutes’ walk from the town centre. For further information visit www.shakespeares-england.co.uk
FURTHER AFIELD
While you’re nearby, why not consider visiting Warwick Castle? Located just ten miles away, this 1,100 year old motteand-bailey castle is one of Britain’s best. A visit to the castle wouldn’t be complete without observing the summer jousting tournaments, watching the magnificent
birds of prey in action, or gazing in amazement as the world’s largest trebuchet launches a fireball. Groups of 10 or more receive up to 40% off entry prices, with special 45-minute tours through the Gate House, Barbican, State Rooms and Great Hall available for £5 per person. A similar distance from Stratford is the fairytale ruins of Kenilworth Castle, the sublime setting for the love story between Queen Elizabeth I and Lord Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Make use of the complimentary audio tour to explore its extraordinary Elizabethan gardens, featuring magnificent carved arbours, a bejewelled aviary, and an 18-foot-high fountain carved from Carrara marble. English Heritage owns the site, and they offer a 15% discount for groups of 11 or more paying visitors, as well as offering free entry for coach drivers and tour leaders. n
We welcome groups to a unique Shakespeare-centred experience in Stratford-upon-Avon, with wonderful homes and gardens all relating to Shakespeare and his family. o Bo
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To book contact our Group Sales Team
t: 01789 201 806 e: groups@shakespeare.org.uk www.shakespeare.org.uk Registered Charity Number 209302
26
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London News is brought to you by London & Partners, the official promotional organisation for London. For more information go to londonandpartners.com/travel-trade
LO N D O N N E W S Patricia Mediavilla Leisure Marketing Executive
Adventure time ArcelorMittal Orbit Abseiling. MIKAEL BUCK
T
hey say that when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life – a quote that we can fully agree with – for where else would you find such an incredible array of activities in the same city? From white water rafting and abseiling to cycling at an Olympic venue, London has plenty to offer to groups seeking thrill and adrenaline rushes. Suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities, these exciting travel experiences in the capital will give your clients plenty to talk about when they get home. Inspired already? Find out more about these experiences at visitlondon.com/ travel-trade
ArcelorMittal Orbit
New for 2015, ArcelorMittal Orbit at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is launching abseiling experiences, offering visitors a unique chance to embark on an adrenalinefuelled ride down the UK’s tallest sculpture, measuring 114.5 metres, whilst taking in breath-taking views across the East End of London and beyond. Group sessions are available on selected dates.
Lee Valley Regional Park
London’s ‘green lung’ stretches 26 miles along the leafy banks 28
expert guide, who will point out interesting sights along the way. See some of London’s iconic monuments including the EDF Energy London Eye, Tower Bridge, Tower of London and HMS Belfast – all viewed from a different angle in what promises to be a white-knuckle ride down the Thames. There are plenty of options, with a number of pick up points available.
Lee Valley White Water Centre of the River Lee, connecting trendy East London with Hertfordshire. There are hundreds of great things to do, from cycling in Lee Valley VeloPark – a former London 2012 Olympic venue – to white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horse riding, bird watching and fishing. Lee Valley also offers a campsite and caravan park for those wanting to make the most of the area.
Capital Karts
The longest indoor go-karting track in the UK is ready and waiting for visiting groups. Within easy reach of the city, Capital Karts can accommodate groups of all sizes, from
Group Travel World ● December 2014
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KEEP IN CONTACT WITH US! morning to late evening, seven days a week. Speed up to 45mph in premium go-karts, drive through challenging hairpin corners and become the winner of your very own Grand Prix.
Go Ape Trent Park
Unleash your inner Tarzan at this tree top adventure site, nestled in acres of beautiful woodland at the end of the Piccadilly Line. Take in the views from the trees and share some amazing memories with your group, taking on the high ropes and epic zip wires.
Speedboat Rides
Whizz across the river on a speedboat, accompanied by an
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19/11/2014 16:30
Theatre
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21/11/2014 16:15
T H E AT R E // N E W S
Gripping tale of prewar Nazi Germany Actress Penelope Wilton returns to the West End in the world premiere production of Taken At Midnight Jonathan Church’s world premiere production of Taken At Midnight – a new play by Mark Hayhurst – will run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a limited season, previewing from January 15, 2015. Returning to the West End after a five-year absence, Penelope Wilton reprises her role as Irmgard, the mother of celebrated lawyer Hans Litten, who puts Hitler on the witness stand in 1930s Germany with devastating consequences. The play, which has enjoyed a sold-out season in West Sussex, is currently being staged as part of Chichester Festival Theatre’s Hidden Histories
Season, before its transfer to the West End. Taken at Midnight tells the story of Irmgard’s relationship with her son and her courageous efforts to help fight for his release against the seemingly impossible might of the Nazi regime. Taken At Midnight marks the theatre debut for writer Mark Hayhurst, who also wrote a drama series for the BBC’s First World War centenary earlier this year; called 37 Days. Commissioned by producer Mark Goucher and written with Penelope Wilton in mind, Taken at Midnight will be the first new play to open in the West End in 2015, playing for a limited season at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until March 14. For group booking details visit www.trh.co.uk or call 020 7930 8800.
Penelope Wilton plays Irmgard Litten in Taken at Midnight
The Merchant Shakespeare as you’ve never seen him before of Venice heads to Vegas In a faraway palace, a wealthy heiress is looking for a husband. Back at home a wealthy merchant is looking for a loan. Everyone’s out to make a killing, but everything comes at a price. Shakespeare’s much-loved play, The Merchant of Venice, and the full cast has now been announced for Rupert Goold’s take on the production, which will run at the Almeida Theatre in London’s Islington until Valentine’s Day, 2015. Ian McDiarmid is set to play Shylock, alongside Susannah Fielding and Scott Handy, who reprise their roles as Portia and Antonio. The company also includes Vinta Morgan, Vincenzo Nicoli, Finlay Robertson, Raphael Sowole, Tim Steed, Jonathan Tafler, Anthony Welsh, Tom Weston-Jones and original Royal Shakespeare Company cast members Jamie Beamish, Rebecca Brewer, Caroline Martin and Emily Plumtree. 30
Shakespeare in Love tells the imaginary story of a young William Shakespeare. JOHAN PERSSON/DISNEY Shakespeare in Love opened this summer to rave reviews, with the hit West End show set to run until April, 2015. Adapted from the academy award-winning 1998 film, the play tells the imaginary story of how a young William Shakespeare becomes inspired to write the greatest love story of all time: Romeo and Juliet. In addition to transporting audiences to the famous Rose Theatre, the story also brings to life authentic historic and literary figures, including
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Queen Elizabeth, Christopher Marlowe, Richard Burbage and Edmund Tilney. Keen to attract groups of school children to the show – by providing an unforgettable way to learn about the life and times of William Shakespeare – an educational programme has now been released to accompany the show. Designed for Key Stage Three and Four, it consists of a curriculum-linked education resource pack, with lesson plans and pupil worksheets, including links to
English, Drama and History. The play is ideal for students following drama and theatre studies courses at all levels, as well as those studying drama in the classroom. Produced by Disney and Sonia Friedman Productions, Shakespeare in Love features a company of 28 actors and musicians, making it one of the largest companies ever assembled in the West End. For ticket details visit www. shakespeareinlove.com or call 0844 482 5141. www.grouptravelworld.com
20/11/2014 17:08
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Phill Jupitus joins the cast of Urinetown
Robert Webb to star in UK tour of Jeeves & Wooster
From December 1, 2014, Phill Jupitus will join the cast of Urinetown: The Musical, assuming the role of Caldwell B. Cladwell. Urinetown: The Musical is directed by Jamie Lloyd and is produced by Julian Stoneman Associates and The Araca Group; scheduled to run at the Apollo Theatre until January 10, 2015. Phill Jupitus is best known for BBC2’s Never Mind The Buzzcocks, where he has remained a team captain since its birth in 1996. Phill Jupitus’ theatre credits include Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre, where he assumed the role of Edna Turnblad, with additional stage credits including Spamalot during its UK & Ireland Tour. It has also been announced that current cast members Julie Jupp and Alasdair Buchan will take over the roles of Penelope Pennywise and Mr. McQueen from December 1. On November 29, 2014, Jenna Russell (Penelope Pennywise) and Marc Elliot (Mr. McQueen) performed for the final time. Urinetown: The Musical saw a successful run at the St James Theatre from February 22 to May 3, 2014 before transferring to the Apollo Theatre in September. For more information visit www.urinetown.co.uk
Robert Webb is set to rejoin the cast of Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense on tour, following its successful run in the West End. From February to April 2015, additional cast members will include Jason Thorpe as Jeeves, and Christopher Ryan, who will play Seppings. The trio will be replacing John Gordon Sinclair as Jeeves, James Lance as Bertie Wooster and Robert Goodale as Seppings. Robert Webb is best known for his role as Jeremy in Channel 4’s Peep Show, in which he stars alongside long-time collaborator, David Mitchell. Webb made his West-End debut in 2008, and has since featured in Neville’s Island at the Duke of York’s Theatre. Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense is produced by Mark Goucher and Mark Rubinstein, and is set to see its 2015 UK Tour commence on February 2, visiting Shrewsbury, Oxford, Sheffield, Harrogate, Chichester, Birmingham, Canterbury, Belfast, Malvern, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Woking, Truro, Edinburgh, Salisbury, Leeds; concluding in Cardiff on June 13. Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense is based on the literary works of P.G.
Robert Webb will reprise his role as Bertie Wooster in the award-winning hit comedy from February 2015 Wodehouse, and has been adapted to the stage as an acclaimed comedy by brothers Robert and David Goodale,
winning Best New Comedy at the 2014 Olivier Awards. For more information visit www. jeevesandwoosterplay.com
Wendi Peters joins Oh What A Lovely War Commencing on January 29, 2015, Wendi Peters will accompany the cast of Oh What A Lovely War during its brief two-week run at Theatre Royal Stratford East, in anticipation of its national tour. Oh What A Lovely War will be produced by Christopher Malcolm Productions Ltd and Matthew Mitchell. Wendi Peters is best known for her role as Cilla BattersbyBrown in Coronation Street.
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Alongside screen work, Wendi Peters’ recent stage credits include White Christmas at the Lowry, in which she will reprise her role as Martha. Oh What A Lovely War originally premiered at Theatre Royal Stratford East in 1963. Oh What A Lovely War is a satirical musical about the First World War, adapted by Joan Littlewood. The production, directed by
Terry Johnson, returned to its premiering venue in February 2014, and is scheduled to return once more in 2015. Following its run at Theatre Royal Stratford East, the production will tour to Richmond, Malvern, Manchester, Cambridge, Bath, Torquay, Guildford, Coventry, Brighton, Leicester, Aylesbury, Birmingham, Truro, Hull and Wimbledon. Further casting is yet to be announced.
English National Opera (ENO) has had to postpone plans for Monteverdi’s Orfeo, following a budget cut of 29% - it has been announced. ENO’s annual funding has been reduced from £17.2million to £12.4million in the 2015/16 financial year. ENO was scheduled to stage the production in collaboration with the Bristol Old Vic in April 2015 - its first production outside of London in 15 years. Bristol Old Vic is now looking for a new collaborator.
December 2014 ● Group Travel World
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“Combine Beverley Knight with Killian Donnelly and that’s exactly what you have, an up-beat, high tempo and engaging performance that will have you dancing in your seats” T H E AT R E / / R E V I E W
Memphis: The Musical BY SAMANTHA NOBLE & JULIE COUSINS
W
hen you see the Queen of British Soul Music’s name headlining at a theatre, it’s a pretty safe bet that it’s going to be a fabulous production. Combine Beverley Knight with Killian Donnelly (The Commitments) and that’s exactly what you have, an upbeat, high tempo and engaging performance that will have you dancing in your seats. The story is relatively simple. It’s set in Memphis in 1955, where white prejudice and strict segregation laws are rife. It begins with our white rebel hero, Huey Calhoun, stumbling into the Beale Street nightclub, where he meets young, black rhythm & blues singer, Felicia. Despite the hostile reception he initially receives, Huey is soon welcomed by those in the club, as he demonstrates his love and passion for black music. Huey is working as a back room stock assistant at a department store, where he is about to be fired for his lack of interest in the role. He convinces his boss to let him stay under the condition that he sells five records within the music department, by playing his tunes loud over the speakers. Despite him actually selling over three times the agreed amount, the storeowner fires him due to the genre of music played. Driven by his love for music, Huey returns once more to Beale Street where Felicia gives a vocally sensational performance and the forbidden relationship begins. He promises to get her talents heard on the radio and begins applying for DJ jobs at various local, white radio stations. One radio station invites him to listen to what a mainstream radio DJ sounds like; it is here that Huey hijacks the microphone and plays Everybody Wants To Be Black on a Saturday Night. The station
32
MEMPHIS: The Musical opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre in October 2014.
manager is about to have him thrown out, when the phone starts to ring and dozens of teens insist they hear more of his music. Huey is given a trial and during this time, is asked to read aloud an advert for beer, but struggles as he has no choice but to improvise. The advert sounded nothing like it was intended, especially at the end, as Huey omits the phrase ‘Hockadoo!’ He is about to be fired on the spot, but is saved by the owner of the store, who calls in to speak to the station manager – he says he wants Huey to do all his adverts in future, as his stock sold out in minutes. Huey’s popularity continues to build as he begins to captivate a new generation of young, white fans, whilst also trying to break down social barriers; paving the way for a musical revolution. He uses the platform to promote his current love interest, Felicia, by inviting
her into the studio to perform live with a band. She becomes an instant hit. Time passes and Huey proposes to Felicia. Felicia rejects him, but they share a kiss, which is overlooked by a vicious gang of white men who – because of their prejudices – hold Huey down whilst they beat Felicia. Huey manages to carry Felicia back to the nightclub where her brother, Delray, is waiting. Delray immediately demands an end to their relationship. The phrase ‘Hockadoo’ continues to be used throughout the story, as Huey is asked to host his own TV variety show. Felicia is asked to be Huey’s first guest, as they continue their relationship in secret. She backs out, and is forced into choosing between
her relationship and her career, after she is discovered by a talent agency in New York. She begs Huey to move with her, insisting they wouldn’t have to sneak around. In a bid to keep her in Memphis, Huey kisses her live on air, causing the network to pull the show. Four years later and Felicia returns to Memphis before embarking on a national tour, whereby she finds Huey working at a low budget radio station. She asks him to join her on stage, before she leaves with her fiancé, Bill. He refuses – which is met by sighs from the audience – until halfway through the final number, he finishes with a song. The final words belong to Huey, as the show closes with: ‘The name is Huey Calhoun. Goodnight and Hockadoo!’ MEMPHIS: The Musical opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre in October 2014. School groups of 10+ can receive a discounted rate of £25, with the 11th ticket free. Complementary entry for one accompanying teacher is available per 10 students. For more information visit www. memphisthemusical.com
Killian Donnelly (Huey Calhoun) and Rolan Bell (Delray). JOHAN PERSSON
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20/11/2014 14:47
p00_GTW_1214 Crich Tramway 15/11/2014 13:32 Page 1
CRICH
TRAMWAY
VILLAGE
Delight Your Group With A Tram Ride Through Time! Crich Tramway Village is an ideal destination for all ages. Visitors can ride our world renowned vintage trams through our unique period street and out into the open countryside for spectacular views, explore fascinating exhibitions and watch
as trams are restored from our Workshop Viewing Gallery. This captivating journey into history is made complete with a stroll on our Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail and a trip to our unique Red Lion Pub, tearooms and shops.
• FREE Pa rking, Ad mis & M e a l fo r Coach D sion river • Special Group & Coach Tour Disc ounts • Guided Tours on request • Phone n ow for yo ur FREE Group Vis it Pack
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Crich, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5DP|01773 854321 |
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T H E AT R E // I N T E R V I E W
interview:
Graham Butler Amy Moore speaks exclusively to Graham Butler, who plays Christopher Boone in the successful West End production - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time How did your background affect your career choice? There’s no history of the arts in my family. I watched my parents spend their lives doing things they didn’t particularly like, and they are very encouraging. My eldest brother went into acting – he’s a Director – and my other brother is a Writer. I was sort of surrounded by artistic people, but I don’t know where it came from initially. We all got into it as kids, but not on any serious or professional level.
Have you always been creative? The three of us were always writing little plays and performing them in the garden, but it certainly wasn’t considered a viable career choice. It wasn’t something I thought about until the age of 19 or 20. I was on my way to university and I deferred a year so I could go travelling. It was during this time that I decided I wanted to give it a go. I fell into
it rather. I just decided one day when I was sitting in Paris that I wanted to go to drama school. Fortunately, I got in and people started giving me jobs.
What was your first acting experience like? Officially, my first job was two lines in Law & Order UK, but the first proper job I count is a play called The White Guard at the National Theatre. I had one scene in this three hour, epic Ukrainian play, and it was the most glorious feeling – performing at the National Theatre with all these amazing actors around me. I remember saying to someone, if I don’t get any more jobs that’s fine, because I was so satisfied that I’d seen a bit of real life acting.
How did you work to get yourself known? It’s not what you know; it’s who you know. The first year out of drama school, you travel
Graham joined the cast of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time in June 2014. BRINKHOFF MOGENBURG
around and you meet so many important people. I’m still on that path now. I’m certainly not in a position where I can just walk into any job. When it came to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, it would have been unlikely that I was cast if I hadn’t had a couple years’ experience at the theatre. Like most careers, there’s a meritocracy to it. It takes
time and you need to do your service and learn your trade.
What did you find most compelling about the role of Christopher Boone? Christopher doesn’t understand things like metaphors. There’s great liberation in playing someone who is so frank and direct. When he’s asked a question, he’ll answer it truthfully. He can’t really lie. Most theatre is made up of subtext with no one quite saying what they mean and Christopher does the exact opposite. There’s great comedy to be found in that, through the misunderstandings that happen between people. It’s just a wonderful thing not to be constantly backtracking all the time – what does this really mean? Christopher actually says it. I can’t think of many characters in theatre that work like that.
How did you work to bring Christopher’s mannerisms to the stage? Before we started rehearsing, 34
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“Prime numbers are like life. They are very logical, but you could never work out the rules, even if you spent all your time thinking about them” I went with the Director to a couple of schools. We met this guy at the second school in London, and he would have all these uncomfortable little ticks. He couldn’t hide his discomfort at times in front of a large group. He would just start tapping away at the table or roll the strings on his jacket. It’s a displacement technique. To a brain that works in that way, everything is very logical.
action, it’s quite amazing what they’ve done with the scenes. People often talk about that tube scene. Those things are really intimidating, all those people and all that noise and all those lights. In that tube scene it really is quite disorientating, so we don’t have to do a great deal of acting.
Were you familiar with the novel before you accepted the role?
That set is Christopher’s world. We were so well drilled, getting off the escalators and climbing up the back wall – there are elements of actual danger. It was a really technical rehearsal. The great thing from a character and actor’s point of view is that Christopher never leaves the stage. That’s quite an easy way to remain in character and remain non-distracted.
I read it about 10 years ago and loved it. But I hadn’t revisited it until I got a phone call from my agent telling me to go and audition. The script is very faithful to the novel. When we were in the rehearsal room it sat in the middle of the table as we were discussing scenes. We’d always refer back to the novel to see what Christopher was thinking. Sometimes he’d give you a shorthand answer to a possibly tricky theme. It’s told from his point of view. It’s a mystery novel that Christopher is attempting to write. In terms of sheer
You work with a highly interactive stage, is it easy to get distracted?
How do you prepare for a show? In rehearsal, we spend a lot of time doing physical work. Every day we meet up at 1800hrs and we do about 45/50 minutes warm up.
There’s something about it that gears you up for the show as an ensemble, so you remain connected to everyone. We’ve been doing it for four months now and it always feels really different and fresh, because everyone’s finding new ways to deliver those lines.
There’s a lot of mathematical theorem involved, does it come naturally to you? It certainly didn’t come naturally, but it does now. The big mathematical question at the end had to be explained to me in great detail over several frustrating sessions. My brain doesn’t work in that kind of way, I don’t understand numbers and shapes and things, but I think it’s important to know what I am talking about. Just the way Christopher’s mind works – he thinks in numbers – and there’s some sort of conflict in it once you understand. I think he says it in the book: ‘Prime numbers are like life. They are very logical, but you could never work out the rules, even
if you spent all your time thinking about them,’ which I think for Christopher is a great comfort, that there is some form of stability in an otherwise crazy world.
Finally, what can audiences expect from the show? It’s a strange combination of high art storytelling and beautiful, bold special effects. You get everything you’d expect, within a story that affects a lot of people. It’s also about marriage and the breakdown of marriage and betrayal. It’s about love and lies. Generally, within the story there is something that can affect everyone. Graham Butler’s stage credits include Shakespeare’s Henry VI performed at Shakespeare’s Globe, in addition to The White Guard at the National Theatre and Journey’s End at the Duke of York’s Theatre. Graham Butler’s television credits include ITV’s Law & Order UK, Channel 5’s Suspects and American TV series Penny Dreadful. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time continues at the Gielgud Theatre in London. Tickets are available from www. curiousonstage.com
Graham Butler remains on stage throughout the entire play. BRINKHOFF MOGENBURG
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T H E AT R E L I S T I N G S / / L O N D O N
Theatre Listings On these four pages lists the major UK shows currently open, or about to open on the West End and beyond. Always check the details before making any arrangements LONDON
London Palladium
National Theatre
3 WINTERS
London SE1
Booking To: February 2015 Times: SELECT DATES & TIMES Length: TBC (Opens December 2014) Booking Codes: AM GL SE TM Criterion
Booking to: February 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: TBC (opens December 2014) Booking Codes: AM EN GL SE TM Theatre Royal
Booking to: March 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 2000, Wed 1500, Sat 1600 Length: 2hrs Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM
Booking to: October 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1500 Length: 2hrs 30mins Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL SE TM Donmar Warehouse
Apollo Theatre
CITY OF ANGELS
London W1D
THE AUDIENCE
Booking To: February 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: TBC (opens December 2014) Booking Codes: AM TM
Victoria Palace
Palace
Victoria Street SW1
Barbican
HAMLET
Silk Street EC2
Booking to: October 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1945, Thu & Sat 1500 Length: 2hrs 30mins Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM
Piccadilly
Cambridge
Denmark Street W1
JERSEY BOYS
Booking to: October 2015 Times: Tue-Sat 1930, Tue & Sat 1500, Sun 1700 Length: 2hrs 35 mins Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL SE TM
Shaftesbury Avenue W1
THE COMMITMENTS
Queens
Booking to: September 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Wed & Sat 1430 Length: 3hrs Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM
Prince of Wales
Gielgud
Lyceum
Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
Booking to: February 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Wed & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 20mins Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM
Booking to: May 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 45 mins Booking Codes: EN GL SE TM
Aldwych
Savoy
Adelphi
Aldwych WC2
Booking To: June 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: 2hrs 30mins Booking Codes: SE TM 36
Booking to: March 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1500 Length: 2hrs 35mins Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM
l December 2014
036_039_GTW_Dec14 Theatre Listings.indd 36
Strand WC2
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Booking to: December 2015 Times: Tue 1900, Wed-Sat 1930, Wed & Sat 1430, Sun 1500 Length: 2hrs 40mins Booking Codes: AP DM EN GL SE TM Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury Ave WC2
MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL
Booking to: October 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Wed & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 30mins Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL SE TM
Catherine Street WC2
THE LION KING
Booking to: June 2015 Times: Tue-Sat 1930, Weds, Sat & Sun 1430 Length: 2hrs 45mins Booking Codes: AM AP DY EN GL SE TM
BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL
Earlham Street WC2
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Shaftesbury Avenue W1
LES MISERABLES
Booking to: December 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430 Length: 3hrs Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM Coventry Street W1
Aldwych WC2
MAMMA MIA!
Booking To: October 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1915 Length: TBC (opens August 2015) Booking Codes: TM
Booking to: April 2015 Times: Tue-Fri 1930, Sat & Sun 1500 & 1900 Length: 2hrs 30mins Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM
THE BOOK OF MORMON
Novello
Earlham Street
Booking To: July 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: TBC (Opens May 2015) Booking Codes: AM GL SE TM
BILLY ELLIOT – THE MUSICAL
Gemma Arterton stars in Made in Dagenham - The Musical. ALEX JAMES
Drury Lane WC2
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Piccadilly Circus W1V
THE 39 STEPS
Argyll Street W1A
CATS
Strand WC2
MADE IN DAGENHAM – THE MUSICAL
Booking to: March 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Wed & Sat 1500 Length: 2hrs 45mins Booking Codes: EN GL SE TM
Prince Edward
Old Compton St W1
MISS SAIGON
Booking to: April 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 40mins Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM St Martin’s
West Street WC2
THE MOUSETRAP
Booking to: June 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Tue 1500, Sat 1600 Length: 2hrs 15mins Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM www.grouptravelworld.com
19/11/2014 17:06
London Coliseum
London WC2
SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
Booking To: April 2015 Times: SELECT DATES & TIMES Length: TBC (opens March 2015) Booking Codes: AM GL SE TM Lyric
Shaftesbury Avenue WC2
THRILLER LIVE
Booking to: September 2015 Times: Tue-Fri 1930, Sat 1600 & 2000, Sun 1530 & 1930 Length: 2hrs Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM Barbican
Silk Street EC2
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Booking To: July 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: TBC (Opens July 2015) Booking Codes: AM GL TM National Theatre
London SE1
TREASURE ISLAND
Booking To: April 2015 Times: SELECT DATES & TIMES Length: TBC (Opens December 2014) Booking Codes: AM GL SE TM New London
Phoenix
Booking to: October 2015 Times: Mon 1930, Tue 1900, Wed-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 40mins Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM
Charing Cross Road WC2
ONCE
Booking to: March 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 20mins Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL SE TM Her Majesty’s
Apollo Victoria
Duchess
Haymarket SW1
Catherine St. WC2
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
Fortune
Booking to: July 2015 Times: Tue-Sat 2000, Tue & Thu 1500, Sat 1600 Length: 2hrs Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL SE TM
The Mousetrap is booking to June 2015
Playhouse Northumberland Ave WC2
WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
Booking to: May 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: TBC (opens January 2015) Booking Codes: AM EN GL SE TM
The Strand WC2
THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS
Booking to: February 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1945, Sat 1430 Length: 1hr 40 mins Booking Codes: EN GL SE TM Noel Coward
St Martin’s Lane WC2
SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
Booking to: April 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Wed & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 40mins Booking Codes: AM DY EN GL SE TM www.grouptravelworld.com
036_039_GTW_Dec14 Theatre Listings.indd 37
Russell Street WC2
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
Booking to: September 2015 Times: Wed-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430, Sun 1500 & 1900 Length: 2hrs 05mins Booking Codes: EN GL SE TM Vaudeville
Wilton Road SW1
WICKED
Booking to: November 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Wed & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 50mins Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL SE TM
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Booking to: September 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930, Thu & Sat 1430 Length: 2hrs 30mins Booking Codes: AP EN GL SE TM
Drury Lane WC2
WAR HORSE
KEY TO BOOKING CODES Ambassadors
West Street WC2
STOMP
Booking to: December 2015 Times: Mon, Thu-Sat 2000, Thu & Sat 1500, Sun 1500 & 1800 Length: 1hrs 40mins Booking Codes: AM AP GL TM
Harold Pinter
London SW1
SUNNY AFTERNOON
Booking To: May 2015 Times: Mon-Sat 1930 Length: 2hrs 30mins Booking Codes: AM EN GL SE TM
AM Ambassador Groups AP Applause Groups DY Disney Theatrical TM Ticketmaster Groups
GL Groupline SE SEE Groups EN Encore Tickets
When booking, please mention
December 2014 ●
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T H E AT R E L I S T I N G S / / T O U R I N G
What follows is a list of theatre productions touring the UK. All dates listed are at least three months away. Some earlier dates may be available. ANNIE
2015 Newcastle Theatre Royal: Jul 11-18 Llandudno Venue Cymru: Jul 21-25 Southampton Mayflower: Jul 28-Aug1 Southend Cliffs Pavilion: Aug 3-8 Eastbourne Congress: Aug 10-15 Norwich Theatre Royal: Aug 17-22 Wales Millennium Centre: Aug 24-29
ANYTHING GOES
2015 Bradford Alhambra: Mar 3-7 Hull New: Mar 9-14 Liverpool Empire: Mar 16-21 Eastbourne Congress: Mar 23-28 Southampton Mayflower: Mar 30-Apr 4 Manchester Opera House: Apr 6-18 Glasgow King’s: Apr 20-25 Dartford Orchard: Apr 27-May 2 Northampton: May 11-16 High Wycombe Swan: May 18-23 Belfast Opera House: May 26-30 York Opera House: Jun 1-6 Plymouth: Jun 8-13 Nottingham: Jun 16-20 Edinburgh Playhouse: Jun 22-27 Leeds Grand: Jun 30-Jul 4 Cardiff New: Jul 6-11 Wolverhampton Grand: Jul 13-18 Aberdeen: Jul 20-25 Dublin Bord Gais: Aug 2-8 Torquay: Aug 10-15 Bournemouth Pavilion: Aug 17-22 Woking: Aug 31-Sep 5 Oxford New: Sep 7-12 Birmingham Hippodrome: Sep 14-19 Milton Keynes: Sep 21-26 Sunderland Empire: Sep 28-Oct 3 Bristol Hippodrome: Oct 6-20
AVENUE Q
2015 Colchester Mercury: Apr 22-26 Aylesbury Waterside: May 5-9 Greenwich Theatre: May 12-24 Clwyd Theatre Cymru: May 26-30 Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall: Jun 2-6 Darlington Civic Theatre: Jun 9-13 Kings Lynn Corn Exchange: Jun 16-20 Dartford Orchard: Jun 23-27 Hastings White Rock: Jun 29-Jul 1 Watford Colosseum: Jul 2-4 Doncaster Cast Theatre: Jul 7-11 Swindon Wyvern: Jul 14-18 Cheltenham Everyman: Jul 20-25 Swansea Grand: Jul 28-Aug 1 Woking New Victoria: Aug 4-8 Bournemouth Pavilion: Aug 11-15 38
Southend Palace: Aug 18-22 Glasgow Kings: Aug 25-29 Bromley Churchill: Sep 8-12 York Grand Opera House: Sep 15-19 Halifax Victoria: Sep 29-Oct 3 Richmond Theatre: Oct 27-31 Grimsby Auditorium: Nov 3-7 Preston Charter House: Nov 11-14
BLOOD BROTHERS
2015 Palace Theatre Manchester: Mar 2-14 Kings Lynn Corn Exchange: Mar 16-21 Whiterock Theatre Hastings: Mar 23-28 Croydon Fairfield Halls: Mar 30-Apr 4 Truro Hall For Cornwall: Apr 7-11 Everyman Cheltenham: Apr 13-18 Shrewsbury Severn Theatre: Apr 20-25 Rhyl Pavilion Theatre: Apr 27-May 2
THE BODYGUARD
2015 Glasgow King’s Theatre: Mar 4-14 Aberdeen His Majesty’s: Mar 17-28 Newcastle Royal: Apr 1-18 Wolverhampton Grand: Apr 21-May 2 Stoke Regent: May 19-30 Bradford Alhambra: Jun 2-13 Wales Millenium Centre: Jun 16-27 Plymouth Theatre Royal: July 7-18 Dublin Bord Gais: July 21-Aug1 Birmingham Hippodrome: Aug 5-29 Nottingham Royal Concert Hall: Oct 13-24 Oxford New Theatre: Nov 10-22
CALAMITY JANE
2015 Stoke Regent: Mar 10-14 Wimbledon Theatre: Mar 17-21 Manchester Palace: Mar 24-28 Wycombe Swan: Apr 14-18 Brighton Royal: Apr 28- May 2 Liverpool Empire: May 5-9 Aberdeen His Majesty’s: Jun 9-13 Glasgow King’s: Jun 16-20 Leeds Grand: Jun 23-27 Leicester Curve: Jun 30-Jul 4 Hull New Theatre: Jul 7-11 Carlisle Sands: Jul 21-26 Tunbridge Assembly Hall: Jul 28-Aug 1
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
2015 Theatre Royal Plymouth: Mar 2-14 Waterside Aylesbury: Mar 16-21 Derngate Northampton: Mar 23-28 Theatre Royal Nottingham: Mar 30-Apr 11
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Alexandra Burke replaces Beverley Knight in The Bodyguard WMC Cardiff: Apr 13-18 Bradford Theatre: Apr 20-25 Edinburgh Festival: Apr 27-May 9 Canterbury Marlowe: May 11-23 Birmingham Hippodrome: May 25-Jun 6 Leicester Curve: Jun 8-13 Southampton Mayflower: Jun 22-Jul 4 Truro Hall For Cornwall: Jul 6-11 Oxford: Jul 13-18 Liverpool Empire: Jul 20-25 Bristol Hippodrome: Aug 3-8 The Empire Sunderland: Aug 10-15 Kings Glasgow: Aug 17-24 Leeds Grand: Aug 24-29 Aberdeen His Majesty’s: Aug 31-Sep 5 Theatre Royal Norwich: Sep 7-12 Sheffield Lyceum: Sep 14-26 Dublin Bord Gais: Oct 5-10 Grand Theatre Belfast: Oct 12-17 Theatre Royal Bath: Oct 19-31 Milton Keynes: Nov 2-7
DREAMBOATS AND MINISKIRTS
2015 Hull New Theatre: Mar 2-7 Aylesbury Waterside: Mar 9-14 Rhyl New Pavilion Theatre: Mar 23-28 Lowestoft Marina Theatre: Mar 30-Apr 4 Crawley Hawth: Apr 7-11 Manchester Palace: Apr 20-25
Halifax Victoria Theatre: Apr 27-May 2 Skegness Embassy: May 11-16 Watford Colosseum Theatre: Jun 1-6 Leeds Grand: Jul 13-18
GODSPELL IN CONCERT
2015 Hackney Empire: Apr 4-5 Guildford G Live: Apr 7-8 Southampton Mayflower: Apr 12 Llandudno Venue Cymru: Apr 14-15 Cardiff New Theatre: Apr 17-18 Swansea Grand: Apr 21 Reading Hexagon: Apr 24 Brighton Dome: Apr 26 Southsea King’s: Apr 28-29 Torquay Princess Theatre: May 5-6 Liverpool Echo Arena: May 9-10 Bournemouth Pavilion: May 12-13 Ipswich Regent: May 15-16 Manchester Palace: May 19 Darlington Civic: May 21-23 Grimsby Auditorium: May 25-26 Dartford Orchard: May 29-30 Birmingham New Alexandra: Jun 1-2 Oxford New: Jun 5 Hastings White Rock: Jun 13 Hull New Theatre: Jun 15-17 Bradford St George’s Hall: Jun 19-20 Woking New Victoria: Jun 22 www.grouptravelworld.com
20/11/2014 15:10
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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine
Join our Linkedin group Group Travel World Magazine
OKLAHOMA
2015 Salford Lowry: Mar 17-21 Dublin Bord Gais: Mar 24-28 Nottingham Theatre Royal: Apr 28-May 2 Southampton Mayflower: May 5-9 Bath Theatre Royal: Jun 23-27 Newcastle Theatre Royal: Jun 23-27 Birmingham Hippodrome: Jun 30-Jul 4 Sheffield Crucible: Jul 21-Aug 1
SHREK THE MUSICAL
2015 Newcastle Royal: Mar 11-28 Glasgow King’s: Apr 29–May 17 Sheffield Lyceum: May 27–June 7 Southampton Mayflower: July 8-26 Plymouth Theatre Royal: Aug 28–Sep 15 Milton Keynes Theatre: Aug 19–Sep 16
SPAMALOT
2015 Woking New Victoria: Mar 9-14 Edinburgh Playhouse: Mar 16-21 Torquay Princess: Apr 6-11 Glasgow King’s: Jun 1-6 Wimbledon Theatre: Jun 8-13 Milton Keynes Theatre: Jun 15-20 Torquay Princess Theatre: July 6-11
THE PRODUCERS
Watford Colosseum: Jun 23-24 Glasgow Pavilion: Jun 26 Blackpool Grand: Jun 28-29 Wycombe Swan: Jul 1 Northampton Derngate: Jul 3
HAIRSPRAY
2015 Leicester Curve: Sep 9-19 Aylesbury Waterside: Sep 21-26 Northampton Derngate: Sep 28-Oct 3 Malvern Theatre: Oct 5-10 Liverpool Empire: Oct 12-17 Hull New Theatre: Oct 19-24 Manchester Palace Theatre: Oct 26-31 New Wimbledon Theatre: Nov 2-7 Bradford Alhambra: Nov 9-14 Southampton Mayflower: Nov 16-21 Ipswich Regent: Nov 23-28 Brighton Theatre Royal: Nov 30-Dec 12 Birmingham Alexandra: Dec 14-Jan 2 2016 Newcastle Theatre Royal: Jan 18-30 Aberdeen His Majesty’s: Feb 1-6 Edinburgh Playhouse: Feb 22-27 Oxford New Theatre: Feb 29-Mar 5 Bristol Hippodrome: Mar 7-12 Woking New Victoria: Mar 14-19 Cardiff New Theatre: Mar 21-26 www.grouptravelworld.com
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Norwich Theatre Royal: Mar 28-Apr 2 Milton Keynes Theatre: Apr 4-9 Leeds Grand: Apr 11-16 Plymouth Theatre Royal: Apr 18-23 Stoke Regent: Apr 25-30 Bromley Churchill: May 2-7 Canterbury Marlowe: May 9-14 Southend Palace: May 16-21
JEEVES AND WOOSTER IN PERFECT NONSENSE
2015 Chichester Festival Theatre: Mar 2-7 Birmingham Repertory: Mar 9-14 Canterbury Marlowe: Mar 17-21 Belfast Grand Opera House: Mar 24-28 Malvern Theatre: Mar 30-Apr 4 Milton Keynes Theatre: Apr 7-11 Nottingham Theatre Royal: Apr 20-25 Woking New Victoria: Apr 28-May 2 Truro Hall For Cornwall: May 5-9 Edinburgh Kings Theatre: May 11-16 Salisbury Playhouse: May 18-21 Leeds Grand: Jun 1-7
JERSEY BOYS
2015 Aberdeen His Majesty’s: Mar 3-14 Dublin Bord Gais: Apr 1-18 Southampton Mayflower: Aug 4-15
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
2015 Blackpool Opera House: Mar 10-14 Northampton Derngate: Mar 16-21 Liverpool Empire: Mar 23-28 Woking New Victoria: Mar 31-Apr 4 Edinburgh Playhouse: Apr 6-11 Manchester Palace Theatre: Apr 13-18 Sheffield Lyceum: Apr 20-May 2 Leeds Grand: Jul 6-11
JOSEPH
2015 Doncaster Dome: Mar 10-15 Bridlington Spa: Mar 17-21 Bath Theatre Royal: Mar 24-29 Coventry Belgrade: Apr 21-25 Swindon Wyvern Theatre: May 19-23 Leicester De Montfort Hall: May 26-30
OH WHAT A LOVELY WAR
2015 Bath Theatre Royal: Mar 9-14 Torquay Princess Theatre: Mar 17-21 Coventry Belgrade: Mar 30-Apr 4 Brighton Theatre Royal: Apr 7-11 Leicester Curve: Apr 13-18 Aylesbury Waterside: Apr 27-May 2 Hull New Theatre: May 19-23 Wimbledon Theatre: May 26-30
2015 Bromley Churchill Theatre: Mar 6-14 Manchester Palace Theatre: Mar 16-21 Milton Keynes Theatre: Mar 30-Apr 4 Southend Cliffs: Apr 7-11 Brighton Theatre Royal: Apr 13-18 Birmingham Alexandra: Apr 20-25 Bristol Hippodrome: Apr 27-May 2 Sunderland Empire: May 11-16 Woking New Victoria: May 18-23 Southampton Mayflower: May 26-30 Liverpool Empire: Jun 1-6 Glasgow Theatre Royal: Jun 15-20 Aberdeen His Majesty’s: Jun 22-27 New Theatre Oxford: Jun 29-Jul 4 Dublin Bord Gais: Jul 6-11
TOP HAT
2015 Birmingham Hippodrome: Mar 10-21 Norwich Royal: Mar 31-Apr 11 Canterbury Marlowe: Apr 14-25 Plymouth Royal: Apr 28-May 9 Southampton Mayflower: May 12-23 Dublin Bord Gais: May 26-Jun 6 Belfast Grand Opera House: Jun 9-13 Sunderland Empire: Jun 24-July 4 Woking New Victoria: July 7-18 Eastbourne Congress: July 21-26
WICKED
2015 Sunderland Empire: Mar 31-Apr 25 Aberdeen His Majesty’s: May 5-30 Salford Lowry: Jun 3-Jul 25 When booking, please mention
December 2014 l
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Funny Business by Jimmy Carr is booking to November 2015
C O M E DY / / T O U R S
Group Travel World provides show listings for some of the top comedians on tour in 2015 ALAN DAVIES – LITTLE VICTORIES De La Warr Pavilion: Mar 5 Central Theatre Chatham: Mar 12 The Alban Arena: Mar 14 The Sands Centre Carlisle: Mar 19 Baths Hall Scunthorpe: Mar 20 The Engine Shed Lincoln: Mar 21 Swansea Grand Theatre: Mar 28
ANDY PARSONS – LIVE & UNLEASHED BUT NATURALLY CAUTIOUS Exeter Corn Exchange: Mar 18 Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton: Apr 23 William Aston Hall Wrexham: May 16
AL MURRAY – ONE MAN, ONE GUV’NOR Nottingham Playhouse: Mar 1 Watford Colosseum: Mar 4 The Lowry Salford: Mar 8 New Theatre Oxford: Mar 9 Aberdeen Music Hall: Mar 19 Alhambra Theatre: Mar 21 Kings Theatre Glasgow: Mar 22 Central Theatre Chatham: Apr 23 Beck Theatre Hayes: Apr 24 Derngate Theatre Northampton: Apr 25 Octagon Theatre Yeovil: May 5 Bristol Hippodrome: May 6 Orchard Theatre Dartford: May 7 Dorking Halls Theatre: May 8 Wyvern Theatre Swindon: May 9 Broxbourne Civic Hall: May 15 Princes Hall Aldershot: May 16 Woking New Victoria: May 17 MK Theatre: May 18 Exeter Corn Exchange: May 27 Lyric Theatre Carmarthen: May 29 Theatre Hafren Newtown: May 30
DARA O BRIAIN – CROWD TICKLER Stoke-On-Trent Regent: Mar 4 Bristol Hippodrome: Apr 3 Caird Hall Dundee: Apr 7 Alhambra Theatre: Apr 8 Glasgow SECC: Apr 10-11 Newcastle City Hall: Apr 17-18 Aylesbury Waterside: Apr 21 Liverpool Empire: May 3 The Lowry Salford: May 11-13 40
Edinburgh Playhouse: May 15-16
DYLAN MORAN – OFF THE HOOK Caird Hall Dundee: Mar 4 Mareel Shetland: Mar 5 Aberdeen Music Hall: Mar 6 Horsecross Perth: Mar 7 Eden Court Inverness: Mar 8 Colston Hall Bristol: Mar 11 New Theatre Oxford: Mar 12 Derngate Theatre Northampton: Mar 13 Reading Hexagon: Mar 14 The Lowry Salford: Mar 15 SECC Glasgow: Mar 18 Manchester Opera House: Mar 19 Palace Theatre Southend: Mar 24 Truro Hall For Cornwall: Mar 25 Bournemouth Pavilion: Mar 28 Wales Millennium Centre: Mar 29 Orchard Theatre Dartford: Mar 31 Brighton Dome: Apr 1-2 Aberystwyth Arts Centre: Apr 15 Theatre Severn Shrewsbury: Apr 16 Assembly Hall Theatre Tunbridge: Apr 17 Jersey Opera House: Apr 18 Leeds Town Hall: Apr 21 Theatre Royal Nottingham: Apr 22 Harrogate Royal Theatre: Apr 23 Newcastle City Hall: Apr 25 York Barbican: Apr 26 Symphony Hall Birmingham: Apr 30 William Aston Hall Wrexham: May 1 Philharmonic Hall Liverpool: May 2 City Hall Sheffield: May 3 Marlowe Theatre Canterbury: May 6 The Cresset Peterborough: May 7 Regent Theatre Ipswich: May 8 Theatre Royal Bury: May 9 Warwick Arts Centre: May 13 The Engine Shed Lincoln: May 14 Regent Theatre Stoke: May 15
JIMMY CARR – FUNNY BUSINESS MK Theatre: Mar 3 Horsecross Perth: Mar 6 Eden Court Inverness: Mar 7 Reading Hexagon: Mar 10 SECC Glasgow: Mar 13-14 The BIC Bournemouth: Mar 21 Brighton Dome: Mar 24 Newcastle City Hall: Mar 27 Middlesbrough Town Hall: Mar 28 Working New Victoria: Apr 14 O2 Apollo Manchester: Apr 17 Colston Hall Bristol: Apr 18
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Cliffs Pavilion Southend: Apr 21 Eventim Apollo London: Apr 24 Theatre Royal Nottingham: May 1 Wolves Civic Wolverhampton: May 2 Harrogate Royal Theatre: May 9 The Dome Doncaster: May 16 Plymouth Pavilions: May 23 Portsmouth Guildhall: May 29 Symphony Hall Birmingham: May 30 Colston Hall Bristol: Jun 5 O2 Academy Brixton: Jun 6 Wales Millennium Centre: Jun 7 Sheffield City Hall: Jun 19 Derngate Theatre Northampton: Jun 23 Warwick Arts Centre: Jun 26 Leeds Town Hall: Jul 3 Symphony Hall Birmingham: Jul 4 Empire Theatre Sunderland: Jul 11 Marlowe Theatre Canterbury: Jul 14 Alhambra Theatre: Aug 7 Princess Theatre Torquay: Aug 21
Bridlington Spa: Aug 28 Watford Colosseum: Sep 1 Gordon Craig Theatre Stevenage: Sep 5 Pyramid Warrington: Sep 26 Scarborough Spa Complex: Nov 7
MICHAEL MCINTYRE – HAPPY & GLORIOUS Motorpoint Arena Cardiff: Sep 3-5 Capital FM Arena Nottingham: Sep 10-12 THE NIA Birmingham: Sep 18-26 London O2 Arena: Oct 1-3, 8-10 Motorpoint Arena Sheffield: Oct 16-17 The SSE Arena London: Oct 22-24 Phones 4u Arena Manchester: Oct 29-31 Arena Dublin: Nov 6-7 Odyssey Arena Belfast: Nov 13-14 The SSE Hydro Glasgow: Nov 19-21 AECC Aberdeen: Nov 24-25 www.grouptravelworld.com
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Metro Arena Newcastle: Nov 27-28 Liverpool Echo Arena: Dec 4-5 First Direct Arena Leeds: Dec 10-11
MILTON JONES & THE TEMPLE OF DAFT New Theatre Oxford: Mar 1 Aberdeen Music Hall: Mar 4 Alhambra Theatre: Mar 5 Olympia Theatre Dublin: Mar 7 Broadway Theatre London: Mar 11 Fairfield Croydon: Mar 12 G Live Guildford: Mar 13 Assembly Hall Theatre: Mar 15 The Engine Shed Lincoln: Mar 19 Anvil Arts Basingstoke: Mar 20 Cheltenham Town Hall: Apr 14-15 Regent Theatre Stoke: Apr 16 Wolves Civic Wolverhampton: Apr 17 New Victoria Theatre: Apr 18 Derngate Theatre Northampton: Apr 23 Warwick Arts Centre: Apr 24 The Lowry Salford: Apr 26 Eventim Apollo London: May 1 Wyvern Theatre Swindon: May 6
www.grouptravelworld.com
040_041_GTW_Dec14 Comedy Listings .indd 41
Playhouse Theatre Weston: May 7 Colston Hall Bristol: May 8-9 City Hall Salisbury: May 10 St David’s Hall Cardiff: May 14 Grand Theatre Swansea: May 15 Cambridge Corn Exchange: May 16-17 Stockport Plaza: May 20 King George’s Hall Blackburn: May 21 Newcastle City Hall: May 22 Victoria Theatre Halifax: May 23 Leeds Grand Theatre: May 24 The Alban Arena: May 28 Southampton Guildhall: May 29 Aylesbury Waterside: May 30 Swan Theatre High Wycombe: May 31 Oakengates Theatre Telford: Jun 4 Symphony Hall Birmingham: Jun 5 City Hall Hull: Jun 6 Grand Theatre Blackpool: Jun 7 White Rock Theatre Hastings: Jun 10 Marlowe Theatre Canterbury: Jun 11 Reading Hexagon: Jun 12-13 Orchard Theatre Dartford: Jun 14 Opera House Jersey: Jun 17-18 Watford Colosseum: Jun 19 Princess Theatre Torquay: Jun 20 Plymouth Pavilion: Jun 21
Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine
Theatre Royal Brighton: Jun 24-25 MK Theatre: Jun 26-27
OMID DIJALILI – IRANALAMADINGDONG Woking New Victoria: Mar 1 Stoke-On-Trent Victoria: Mar 4-9 Manchester Opera House: Mar 13-14 Weymouth Pavilion: Mar 17 London Eventim Apollo: Mar 27-28
STEWART FRANCIS – PUN GENT Epsom Playhouse: Apr 16 Wyvern Theatre Swindon: Apr 17 Anvil Arts Basingstoke: Apr 18 Theatre Royal Norwich: Apr 21 The Cresset Peterborough: Apr 22 Loughborough Town Hall: Apr 23 Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton: Apr 24 Forum Theatre Malvern: Apr 25 Pavilion Theatre Worthing: Apr 28 The Hawth Crawley: Apr 29 G Live Guildford: Apr 30
Join our Linkedin group Group Travel World Magazine
Marlowe Theatre Canterbury: May 1 De La Warr Pavilion: May 2 Hazlitt Arts Centre: May 5 The Lights Andover: May 7 Beck Theatre Hayes: May 8 Warwick Arts Centre: May 9 Nottingham Playhouse: May 10 Playhouse Theatre: May 13 Octagon Theatre: May 14 Exeter Corn Exchange: May 15 Jersey Opera House: May 16 The Landmark Ilfracombe: May 19 Komedia Bath: May 20 Cheltenham Town Hall: May 21 Reading Hexagon: May 22 MK Theatre: May 23 Artrix Bromsgrove: May 26 Wycombe Town Hall: May 27 Dorking Halls Theatre: May 28 Assembly Hall Theatre: May 29 Southampton Guildhall: May 30 The Engine Shed Lincoln: Jun 4 Cambridge Corn Exchange: Jun 6 Palace Theatre: Jun 9 When booking, please mention
December 2014 l
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TICKETMASTER
The Phantom of the Opera Q&A Historically, the Phantom is one of the most frightening Q characters on stage. What do you think makes him so scary?
A
I believe it’s because he has no middle ground. He is unpredictable, and he loves and hates with the same intensity.
The Phantom of the Opera has been running for 28 Q years, is it hard to still make
Deep in the bowels of the opera house there’s someone lurking. We ventured into the shadowy depths of Her Majesty’s Theatre to hunt out musical theatre’s most iconic ghoul – The Phantom of the Opera. Luckily for us, we discovered that the man behind the mask, Gerónimo Rauch, is much more approachable than his on-stage character
audiences jump?
A
I think we have such an iconic way of ending the first act that people are willing to see it live again and again. This production is still so fresh - even after 28 years.
Q A
How do you get into character?
I avoid looking in the mirror while the transformation happens, so I suddenly see the Phantom in the reflection.
it difficult to perform in a Q Ismask? A At the beginning it was uncomfortable, but now I
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feel naked without it on stage.
When you take off the mask, does a bit of The Q Phantom ever stay behind to haunt you?
A
I think I love to suffer on stage. I always audition for roles that challenge me, so playing both is a dream. I’m really enjoying playing the Phantom, and I wouldn’t mind playing Jean Valjean again in the future.
No!! The Phantom stays at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Though, sometimes a bit of make-up gets left behind and I realise the morning after.
Do you think you’d go to a Halloween party dressed as Q The Phantom?
You recently finished playing Jean Valjean in Les Q Misérables at The Queen’s
A
Theatre, do you identify with misunderstood characters and who is harder to portray, The Phantom or Jean Valjean?
Group Travel World ● December 2014
042_GTW_Dec14_TIcketmaster.indd 42
A
That’s work! The Phantom stays at the theatre.
Groups 10+ best available reduced to £39.75 (Mon-Fri and Sat matinee only). Booking until September 2015.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LES MIS AND PHANTOM!
No celebration is complete without a themed cake Two of Cameron Mackintosh’s legendary long-running productions celebrated their birthday in October. Les Misérables – the world’s longest running musical - reached the grand old age of 29, with The Phantom of the Opera celebrating 28 glorious years in London’s West End. Les Misérables opened on October 8, 1985 at The Barbican Theatre, before transferring to the Palace Theatre in December 1985. It later moved to its current home - the Queen’s Theatre - in April 2004. Current Jean Valjean, Peter Lockyer, gave an impassioned speech at the end of the anniversary performance, thanking everyone for their involvement over the years. The Phantom of the Opera has played over 11,000 performances at Her Majesty’s Theatre since opening on October 9, 1986. At the after show reception, the cast sang ‘Happy Birthday’ before tucking into a specially decorated cake and toasting the show success with a glass of champagne.
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p00_GTW_1214 Ticketmaster 19/11/2014 11:17 Page 1
RIES BATTE NOT ED D INCLU 6+ Best available seats for £35.00 10+ Best available seats for £29.50 25+ Best available seats for £25.00 Valid on Wednesday – Friday and Sunday performances
p00_GTW_1214 JHI 18/11/2014 10:44 Page 1
The Hay Festival in Hay-onWye showcases a unique passion for reading, writing and storytelling
F E S T I VA L S / / E U R O P E
weird wonderful THE
AND THE
UK – COOPER’S HILL CHEESE ROLLING
MAY 26, 2015 Hosted in the petit Gloucester village of Brockworth, Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling embraces the local culture of chasing a wheel of cheese down a steep 295foot incline. Cheese Rolling is a competitive sport with a distinct element of danger. The history of the event dates back to the early 1800s and due to its growing popularity is held on a regular basis every year. Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling is overlooked by a prestigious Master of Ceremonies, with several thousand people gathering to watch approximately 20-40 contestants take part.The cheese can reach speeds of up to 70miles per hour at its peak with the first participant to reach the end of the hill winning a hunk of Double Gloucester; a milky cheese with a dense, crumbly texture. Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling is unofficially run by a handful of locals and typically features five downhill races – four for men and one for women – with one uphill round included; though this can vary per year. It’s certainly one to add to the bucket list or perhaps something to witness on a familiarization trip to the region, as visitors are encouraged to trek through the surrounding countryside to reach their destination. Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling is a one-day event starting at noon and is free to enter. For more information visit www.cheeserolling.co.uk www.grouptravelworld.com
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There’s a festival for just about anything. Amy Moore celebrates some of the strangest offerings for groups seeking to experience the surreal
WALES – HAY FESTIVAL MAY 22-JUNE 1, 2015 Hay Festival is a literary celebration with some famous faces attending the patch at Hay-On-Wye in Wales. Hay Festival will be in its 27th year in 2015, further showcasing a unique passion for reading, writing and storytelling. 2014 followed a typically British theme centred on Shakespeare’s 450th birthday, with renowned keynote speakers including Judi Dench and Stephen Fry. Hay Festival is sponsored by The British Council and The Telegraph and sees a large crowd of approximately 250,000 people attending per annum. Smaller festivals hosted within include Hay Fever, which targets youngsters and teens. Hay Fever includes an ice cream stand, cooking workshop and crafting booth. Hay Festival began as a small social gathering, which has since expanded on a more international scale with several different events on five continents, including Mexico, Colombia, Hungary, Ireland, Spain, Kenya, Bangladesh and Lebanon. Hay Festival is a short walk from the centre of Hay-On-Wye – a quaint village home to an intimate population of around 1,500 people. Hay Festival lasts around 10
days, meaning there is no excuse not to visit. Entry is free of charge, though some individual events may require tickets. For more information visit www. hayfestival.com
SCOTLAND– EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL AUGUST 1-25, 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a month long affair, which has been celebrated in the area since 1947 – derivative of eight small theatre companies performing rogue on the outskirts. Edinburgh Fringe Festival hasn’t strayed far from its cultural roots with a deluxe programme of over 40,000 performances and 3,000 distinct shows, featuring artists who have travelled from around 50 different countries. Edinburgh Fringe Festival is characteristically overlooked by Edinburgh Castle and sees approximately 2million people attend every year. August is an immensely popular time to visit, so booking well in advance is advised in regards to accommodation. Frequent performances from a number of high-profile acts attract big numbers, accompanied by up and coming young performers and companies. Performance tickets might be dear, but there is still a generous selection of cheap and/or free December 2014 ● Group Travel World
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#online SEE GTW’S COVERAGE OF THE EDINGBURGH FRINGE ONLINE AT www.grouptravelworld.com/edinburgh-the-diverse-city/
F E S T I VA L S / / E U R O P E performances available for first timers. Edinburgh Fringe Festival sees some of the best street performers (aka ‘buskers’) perform along the Royal Mile, with additional performances taking place at venues throughout the city. A magnificent fireworks display concludes the event. For more information visit www.edfringe. com
served. Additional perks include a host of family friendly attractions. Tuesdays are highly recommended for a family visit as reduced prices are offered at the Fair. New rules have also been implemented with loud music not starting until after 1800hrs. Oktoberfest takes place at the Theresienwiese Fairgrounds in Munich, which is easily accessible by public transport. For more information visit www. oktoberfest.de/en/
FRANCE – FESTIVAL OF GIANTS JULY 8-10, 2015 Festival of Giants has been held in Douai for almost 500 years – boasting a vibrant parade that dates back to 1479 with recognisable giants originating from the mid-1500s. Festival of Giants depicts the Gayant Family, who were said to have presided over the northerly domain. The intricate display showcases father Gayant, wife Marie Cagenon and their three children Jacquot, Fillon and Binbin. Gayant is the largest of the lot – reaching around 28feet and weighing approximately 815pounds. Marie Cagenon is a little smaller – measuring around 20feet and weighing around 550pounds. She was built under the Guild of Fruiterers with the wicker frame of her husband constructed by the local Basket Making Guild. Their three children measure around seven feet. Approximately 53 porters are required to transport the giants to the guild, tasked with humouring the 100,000 people who attend the three-day festival each year. Douai also boasts a rich tourism spot, with tons of historical attractions available to view, such as the 12th century Église Notre-Dame. Food is also served alongside the entertainment, with local delicacies including cheese tarts, beef stews and thick terrines. Douai is located on the Belgian border; therefore beer drinking is a must. For more information visit www.fest300.com
SPAIN – LA TOMATINA
Edinburgh Fringe Festival sees some of the best street performers
GERMANY – OKTOBERFEST SEPTEMBER 20-OCTOBER 5, 2015 Oktoberfest is hosted in Munich and translates as ‘massive consumption of beer;’ seeing more than 6million people visit each year. Drinking beer is a popular pastime in the region, with the 16-day festival opening with a 12gun salute and the tapping of the first keg by the Mayor of Munich. Oktoberfest was founded in 1810 and formerly celebrated the union of the Crown Prince Ludwig and the Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen with a horse race, which hasn’t featured prominently in the festivities since 1960. Additional changes include the introduction of bratwurst, electricity and glass beer steins. Oktoberfest strictly serves beers that have been brewed in Munich and are made with a 2% higher alcohol content than usual. It is estimate that more than 7million litres are consumed. For those who perhaps don’t have a taste for beer, a Weinzelt tent is erected where wine is
AUGUST 27, 2015 La Tomatina translates as ‘Tomato Throwing Festival,’ which annually consumes the streets of Buñol in Spain. La Tomatina is a city-sponsored event where protective eyewear and gloves are mandatory. Once signalled, 130,000kilos of squashed tomatoes are hauled into town via trucks. The unique tradition is rumoured to have originated at the Festival of Los Gigantes in 1945, where locals started throwing ripe tomatoes in a bid to stage a brawl, which later escalated into a mass of flying fruit. Before La Tomatina, Buñol sees a celebration of its patron saints – the Virgin Mary and St. Louis Bertrand – where street parades, music and fireworks ensue alongside a generous serving of paella. Festivities kick off around 1000hrs where participants compete to grab a ham fixed to the top of a greasy pole. An hour later and the streets are soaked in a sea of squishy salsa. The small town of Buñol houses a little under 10,000 residents’ therefore organising accommodation might be tricky. It is suggested that those visiting overnight stay in Valencia, which is 22miles west of Buñol. For more information visit http:// latomatina.info. ■
The Hay Festival sees a large crowd of approximately 250,000 people attending
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Dartington Hall TOTNES, DEVON 50 bedrooms with views onto the beautiful 14th century medieval courtyard. Explore.... Whist you are with us why not explore our Grade II listed gardens, The Shops at Dartington, Greenway House, Sharpham Vineyard, South Devon Steam Railway or just sit back, relax and enjoy our Devonshire cream teas. The Offer.... Dinner, Bed & Breakfast from ÂŁ50.00 pp/pn (Jan 15-March 15 & Oct 15-Dec 15). Based on two people sharing. Full English Breakfast & 2 Course Dinner. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast from ÂŁ65.00 pp/pn (April 15-September 15). Based on two people sharing. Full English Breakfast & 2 Course Dinner.
For more information contact Sales on 01803 847147 or bookings@dartingtonhall.com www.dartingtonhall.com
Crich Tramway Village offers a truly historical day out for groups
C H A R I T Y D E S T I N AT I O N S & T R U S T S
Doing your bit Amy Moore suggests ways in which groups could offer a helping hand
WILDFOWL & WETLAND TRUST
Since 1946, The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) has worked to protect, repair and construct wetlands. The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust is one of the world’s leading conservation charities in its field, managing around 3,000 hectares of prime habitat. Wetlands are a natural source of drinking water, with The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust offering visitors the chance to learn more at one of their world-class reserves. There are sites in Arundel, Caerlaverock, Castle Espie, Llanelli, London, Martin Mere, Slimbridge, Washington and Welney. Discovery trails, unique exhibitions and wildlife safaris are guaranteed to keep groups occupied, with The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust welcoming parties of all sizes. Groups of 12 or more could receive exclusive benefits, including discounted admission, a free familiarization trip, free entry for the group travel organizer, free coach parking and refreshments. All Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Centres have ample coach parking. For more information visit www.wwt.org.uk
CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE
Crich Tramway Village offers a truly historic day out for groups with Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Stoke-onTrent and Birmingham nestled nearby. Visitors can enjoy unlimited tram rides, whilst exploring 30,000 square feet of www.grouptravelworld.com
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WILDFLOWER THRIVES FOR DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST
indoor attractions. The Exhibition Hall houses the largest collection of vintage electric trams in Britain, with The National Tramway Museum drawing revenue from the trams themselves. The National Tramway Museum is an independent, educational charity run by an enthusiastic troupe of volunteers. Upon arrival, groups can collect an old penny, which will be collected by the conductor in exchange for a day ticket on the trams. Trams depart regularly, calling at various stops along the scenic, one-mile track. Special discounts are offered to groups of 10 people or more, with complementary tickets for a familiarization trip, which are issued upon request. Ample coach parking is available by the admissions building. For more information visit www.tramway. co.uk
FERNE ANIMAL SANCTUARY
Ferne Animal Sanctuary sits on the brink of Devon and Somerset. Ferne Animal Sanctuary houses over 300 animals, with a charitable history that dates back to the beginning of the Second World War. Ferne Animal Sanctuary was founded by the Duchess of Hamilton, who provided shelter for pets whose owners had left for duty; seeing the first 40 dogs, cats and a parrot rehomed. The sanctuary now showcases a number of rescued animals including donkeys, pigs, goats, chipmunks, chinchillas, birds and tortoises.
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Kate Langdon, a member of the Devon Wildlife Trust’s ‘Working Wetlands’ team, saw success in re-establishing a rare species of plant: Devil’s Bit Scabious aka Succisa Pratensis. Devil’s Bit Scabious usually grows up to one-metre tall, with lilac lobed leaves that naturally open out in sunlight. The beautiful wildflower plays a key role in supporting local wildlife, considered an important food source for an internationally endangered species of butterfly called Marsh Fritillary. Katie Langdon spent the last eight years working for the Devon Wildlife Trust, which manages 50 nature reserves across the UK. Previous attempts to revive the Devil’s Bit Scabious using commercially bought seed had fallen flat, with only four out of 4,000 germinated. Instead, Katie Langdon and her partner Simon Tomasso welcomed success by raising the delicate plants in their own back yard using locally sourced seed. “It has felt like a real sense of achievement getting these plants to germinate in such large quantities, and it will be very exciting to see if they have all taken to their new homes, the results of which we will see next year,” said Katie. For more information visit www. devonwildlifetrust.org/workingwetlands/
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C H A R I T Y D E S T I N AT I O N S & T R U S T S
Dartington Hall features an eclectic mix of ancient and modern buildings
Guided tours of the site are welcomed when booked in advance, and there are several special event days throughout the year that could be of interest to visiting groups. The Sanctuary Café is a real treat for visitors, offering warm morning coffee, scrumptious cakes, lunches and cream teas. The Sanctuary Café also features a sensory garden, filled with herbs to simulate the senses. For more information visit www. ferneanimalsanctuary.org
DARTINGTON HALL
Dartington Hall is an inspiring destination near Totnes in Devon, featuring an eclectic mix of ancient and modern buildings, set within a spacious 1,200acre estate. Dartington Hall is a Grade I listed venue of The Darlington Hall Trust, which works to build positive social change through food, farming and sustainability. Dartington Hall offers excellent overnight facilities, with 50 bedrooms dotted around its 14th century medieval courtyard, ensuring guests are provided with a comfortable view. Even better, profits from the stay contribute to the charitable work of The Dartington Hall Trust. Dartington Hall
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boasts a rich sense of history through spectacular garden features, such as a 1,500 year old elm tree and sculpture of Henry Moore. Dartington Hall is easily accessible from the M5, with direct transport links to local towns such as Torquay, Brixham, Plymouth and Exeter. Special seasonal offers are available. For more information contact bookings@dartingtonhall.com
IOW DONKEY SANCTUARY
Combine a group visit to the Isle of Wight with a trip to the IOW Donkey Sanctuary. Conveniently located between Shanklin and Ventnor, the IOW Donkey Sanctuary provides animals in need of care and
attention, a safe and permanent home. Open between February and October, the IOW Donkey Sanctuary relies solely on donations, through adoptions and fundraising events held throughout the year. The IOW Donkey Sanctuary was established in 1987, and currently boasts free admission and complementary on-site parking for guests. Open from 1030hrs to 1630hrs, specialist features include comfortably accommodating educational groups by arrangement, out-of-hours visits and guided tours upon request. For more information visit www. iwdonkey-sanctuary.com/site n
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FOOD FOCUS
Grab a bite James Day looks at some choice locations for groups to dine LLANGOED HALL
Llangoed Hall is a beautiful four-star country house hotel situated in the Wye Valley. Llangoed Hall boasts an interesting history, offering its own fine art collection, making it well worth a visit for groups, even if they aren’t planning to stay the night. Llangoed Hall’s restaurant offers an intimate fine dining experience. The food is sourced from the freshest and finest local ingredients, with fruit and vegetables picked from the hotels own kitchen garden. Head Chef, Nick Brodie, and his talented team, emphasise dishes that make use of the finest local Welsh produce, such as Welsh Black Beef and Radnorshire Lamb. Llangoed Hall’s award-winning restaurant offers fine dining in a fresh, light and elegant room of Wedgewood blue and white, with original paintings adorning the walls, candlelit tables with crisp white cloths, and an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. Throughout the year, the venue has a number of special breaks and events scheduled, so it is well worth timing a visit to get some extra value for your group.
Old Spitalfields Market has plenty of choice for when shoppers decide to stop for a meal. INGRID RASMUSSEN Available from 1730hrs to 1845hrs, Monday to Friday, groups can enjoy two courses for £24 each or three courses for £28 per head.
SAVOY GRILL
Savoy Grill is one of several London restaurants owned by famous TV chef, Gordon Ramsay – now beautifully restored to its former glory – with the glamorous, theatrical heritage seen throughout its opulent interior. Groups can dine against the backdrop of an elegant 1920s theme, as they enjoy a modern menu made up of classic British and French dishes. With the capacity for up to 50 guests, Savoy Grill provides a decadent backdrop to a dinner party. Seating up to a maximum 18 guests on one table (or separated in smaller groups) this dining space can be adapted to suit any group’s needs. Available for exclusive use, Savoy Grill is ideal for private parties, wedding receptions and launch events for up to 100 guests seated. Pre-theatre dining is also an option. Groups could begin their evening at Savoy Grill with a special pre-theatre menu, leaving them happily fed and watered with plenty of time to spare before the show. 52
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OLD SPITALFIELDS MARKET
Those wishing to combine a shopping trip to London with a convenient place to dine could consider visiting Old Spitalfields Market. Located just five minutes’ walk from Liverpool Street Station, Old Spitalfields Market makes the perfect shopping destination. Open seven days a week, the impressive array of shops and stalls draws in shoppers from all over the South East, and groups visiting the market have plenty of dining choices nearby. From well-known chains to small salad bars, there is something for everyone.
SUFFOLK FOOD HALL
Suffolk Food Hall’s delicatessen stocks a wide range of delicious cheeses. CHOOSE SUFFOLK
Suffolk Food Hall in Ipswich gives visitors the opportunity to purchase a variety of fantastic food produced locally. There’s all that you would expect from a nationallyrecognised farm shop, including a traditional carcass to customer butchery, a scratch bakery operating seven days a
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FOOD FOCUS week, a stunning fishmonger’s counter, a delightful delicatessen with products made in commercial kitchens, a wine and beer merchant, a greengrocer, and even a chocolatier. The butchery especially has built a strong reputation based on a traditional service with contemporary products. A full butcher’s shop, it buys in whole bodies, hanging them correctly and breaking them down in the old fashioned way. It has won the Best On Farm Butcher in Britain as judged by its peer group, FARMA. The delicatessen boasts a wide variety of cheeses, as well as delicious antipasti, tarts, pies, quiches and a great choice of charcuterie. Much of the cured meat comes from the butchery and many ready-to-eat items are prepared in the commercial kitchens in the cookhouse. The wet fish counter is a visual spectacle featuring a fantastic display of fresh local produce, plus some more exotic catches from sustainable stock further afield. It is open every day, including Sunday. The areas own artisan bakers are up before the dawn to bake fresh bread from scratch every morning. In regards to drink, not only has the Suffolk Food Hall picked a fantastic selection of world wines, spirits and beers from East Anglian breweries, but it also has a great range of English wines from local independent vineyards, such as Giffords Hall and Lavenham Brook. The location also offers a home and garden department, with pleasant walks along the river, set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Suffolk Food Hall is open seven days a week, and is located just South of Ipswich, underneath the Orwell Bridge. Groups can also dine at Suffolk Food Hall. The Cookhouse Restaurant is a unique place to eat and drink, whilst enjoying stunning views down the River Orwell. Focusing on local produce and seasonal recipes, The Cookhouse Restaurant is the ideal venue for a delicious, freshly prepared lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a Sunday brunch, and is perfectly capable of hosting group tour visits. Some of the Savoy Grill’s top-quality cuisine
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Gordon Ramsey’s Savoy Grill is a fantastic venue for pre-theatre dining in London
Llangoed Hall is a beautiful four-star country house hotel situated in the Wye Valley
BATHAMPTON MILL
Set amongst the rolling English countryside, just north of Bath, Bathampton Mill is the perfect place to wind down after a busy day touring the area. The building, which oozes character, is filled with cosy corners, comfy armchairs, and open log fires, and boasts a unique
dining room. The chef’s freshly prepared menu, accompanied by a carefully selected choice of wines, ales and lagers, are served daily from lunch right through until dinner. For groups of 10 or more, the venue offers a number of catering options, and is frequently used for anything from celebratory dinners, breakfast with clients and unique social gatherings. The venue is happy to discuss bespoke menus, and offers a number of suggestions: Feasting Plates – dishes to share based on selections from a menu; Kitchen Classic Menus – two or three courses, which are a good choice for a dinner party; Drinks, Nibbles and Bites – suitable for a drinks party in the reserved area of the bar; and The Buffet – a wide variety of dishes for private parties and functions. Bathampton Mill is happy to meet with group leaders before the booking to discuss their requirements. The menu is based on fresh products, therefore it is recommended that groups finalise their choices in advance. ■ www.grouptravelworld.com
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Specialising in Group Bookings
Delicious pre-packed meals for groups on the go Free delivery to Central London before 8am.
We have been providing a range of high quality, freshly-prepared varied Lunch Packs and Breakfast Packs for tour operators and for organised tour groups since 1999. Lunch packs from just £4.80.
Restaurant bookings in and around London Group Restaurant bookings from just £12 for 2 courses & drink
London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds Tickets up to 50% cheaper
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Telephone: 0208 930 0119 / 0208 930 0123 Email: admin@londonlunchbox.com www.londonlunchbox.com
I N T E R N AT I O N A L F O C U S / / T H E C A R I B B E A N
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Holly Cave details some leisurely group activities suitable for business parties or smaller groups visiting the tantalizing tropics
T
he Caribbean is closer than you think. An eight or nine hour flight will take you to the glittering white shores of some of its closest islands, such as Barbados. And with hundreds of islands to choose from, you can expect a trip here to become the holiday of a lifetime, whether you’re travelling as an extended family, social club, school, or business group. With amazing food, buzzing nightlife, luxury resorts, inspiring ocean vistas and tons of activities on offer, this really is the destination that’s got everything. The weather isn’t always as perfect as you might imagine. While things stay dry and warm from December to April, at other points in the year it can get rather rainy, with the islands prone to hurricanes in the autumn months. May is a top time to travel to the Caribbean, as the prices of accommodation fall, but the weather remains fairly reliable. This will also be a good time of year to negotiate some decent discounts for your group.
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GORGEOUS GROUP ACTIVITIES
Sports teams, wine guilds and knitting clubs; you name the social group, and the Caribbean will always provide an excuse for an exotic holiday. The Caribbean is infused with a party spirit, making it a fantastic long-haul destination for this kind of getaway. Depending on what it is you’re looking for, there are quite a few Caribbean travel specialists catering to group travel. Long running travel agency Club Caribbee, for example, will help with everything from flight-only deals to allinclusive holidays for family, weddings and social groups. Cruises are a great option for large families and social groups if the main aim is to relax, spend time together and see some sights, rather than to take part in any specific activities. Royal Caribbean offers a range of benefits to groups wanting to book eight or more staterooms, which varies depending on the ship and time of year. Cruise credit in the form of a discounted rate can be applied to one individual or
across all fares in the group. Pay together or as individuals, and benefit from a group specialist who will be able to accommodate certain requests, or book your group onto private tours and events. Social groups with a scuba diving obsession might like to take advantage of unlimited diving throughout Jamaica, Antigua, St Lucia and the Bahamas, at Sandals. Beginners are well catered for, with PADI, DAN and National Geographic courses offered. Groups booking five or more rooms could acquire lots of extra benefits, such as private boat hire and discounts off night dives and certifications. Group health retreats are big business in the Caribbean too, perhaps thanks to its laidback vibe, sporty outdoor lifestyle and fresh sea air. Fitness fanatics might appreciate the allinclusive and pre-organised offer available at St Lucia’s BodyHoliday resort, where guests can take part in a packed calendar of heart pumping classes, covering almost everything from scuba diving to tennis, www.grouptravelworld.com
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The Caribbean will always provide an excuse for an exotic holiday
Unlimited diving is available throughout Jamaica, Antigua, St Lucia and the Bahamas at Sandals archery, golf and pilates. Dance clubs would love Jive June – a month of activities dedicated to mastering such Latin American moves as the Caribbean Merengue. Throughout the crystal clear, azure waters of the Caribbean, sailing is a popular pastime, with many social and family groups heading out for that very experience. Forget about a villa holiday and take your troops onto the ocean waves instead. The British Virgin Islands are one of the best sailing destinations thanks to its line of sight navigation, consistent trade winds, shallow seas, and 60 tiny islands and cays dotted around – which offer plenty of harbouring points. Snorkel in the coral reefs, sip on the local rum, and enjoy the onshore delights of boutique shops and smart waterfront resorts. Yacht charters are great for groups. While less expert sailors aiming to give their sea legs a go could think about joining a flotilla, in both
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cases, at least one member of the party will usually have to show a certificate of sailing competence, unless you choose to hire a skipper or crewed charter boat. Keen sailors will want to get a glimpse of the action at the various regattas around the islands, especially during Antigua Sailing Week and the St Maarten Heineken Regatta, which make for a lively nightlife, too. The “all hands on deck” activity makes for excellent team and relationship building for corporate groups as well.
TAKING BUSINESS TO THE BEACH
Conferences and corporate retreats seem to be making a post-recession comeback. It might be hard for employers to get their staff motivated about guest speakers, off-site training, team building activities, and continuing professional development courses, but the promise of a morale-boosting trip to the Caribbean might just turn the tables. There are nine Hilton hotels scattered throughout the Caribbean, all of which are incredibly well set up for large groups and businesses. A dedicated online booking service called e-Events, allows the group travel organiser to arrange meeting rooms, audio-visual equipment and refreshments remotely, in advance. The chain can also arrange themed parties, with options varying between resorts. The five-star Barbados resort offers private carnival-style celebrations and island beach parties among others, to get your team talking. The Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre boasts 73,000 square feet of event space, accompanied by a beautiful outdoor function area. Over in Puerto Rico, the Waldorf Astoria’s El Conquistador Resort is home to the largest, most comprehensive meeting space in the Caribbean. When it comes to staging serious events, this resort has it covered, with over 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including two adjacent conference centres, 16 breakout rooms and its own private island. On the edge of a
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L F O C U S / / T H E C A R I B B E A N cliff overlooking the ocean and with a golf course, huge spa and water park on site, there’s plenty of space for fun, in addition to more business-like affairs.
GETTING HITCHED IN PARADISE
More and more couples are opting to roll their wedding and honeymoon into one extended break, flying away from “wedmin” stress and the risks of the British weather to warmer climates. By the time friends and family are signed up, couples may as well go the whole hog and jet to the romantic white sands of St Lucia or Antigua. Luxury, all-inclusive Sandals Resorts are a popular choice for romantic, adultonly escapes, offering ideal venues for weddings – or as it’s better known – “weddingmoons.” Sandals Resorts offer group travel discounts to their 15 resorts, which are spread across the six Caribbean islands of Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Bahamas, Grenada and Barbados. They also have offers which change on a regular basis, and at the time GTW went to press, Sandals Resorts were offering free rooms with every group booking, along with complimentary upgrades to Butler Level Suites. It’s added benefits like these that continue to make Sandals Resorts so renowned. Their destination wedding and honeymoon packages include the essentials such as free event planners, as well as additional extras like pre-wedding massages, manicures and breakfast in bed for the bride and groom. If couples book 10 or more rooms, they could earn free extra honeymoon nights to make their holiday last that little bit longer. Book 35 rooms or more, and the resort will send
Cruises are a popular pastime, atop the crystal clear, Azure waters of theCaribbean you and your wedding party sailing off into the sunset on a private catamaran cruise. Some individual hotels have competitive offers for wedding parties. Resorts such as Windjammer Landing in St Lucia specialise in weddings, with ceremonies taking place barefoot on the beach in a seaside gazebo, either at a local chapel or in the resort’s hillside villa. Wedding groups booking 10 rooms or more can receive 10% off room rates, with increasing discounts for larger parties. Book an all-inclusive villa for 10 nights and you could get your wedding thrown in for free.
GETTING THERE AND AWAY
Organising international travel for large groups (or even small ones) isn’t the easiest
thing to do, so it might be best to ask for help. Travel brokers such as Flight Centre and Trailfinders both have dedicated teams who’ll be able to smooth the process and help you get the best price on your flights by negotiating preferential rates on extras such as insurance, tours and visas. British Airways – considered one of the major airlines offering flights to the Caribbean – allow increased flexibility on group bookings, such as small upfront deposits to secure seats, advance seating assignment, a dedicated airport group check-in, and the ability to finalise passenger names just two weeks before departure. Planning to fly between islands? Caribbean Airlines offers discounts for groups of more than 10 people booking flights together. ■
More and more couples are opting to get hitched in paradise
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Ashridge House offers 190 ensuite rooms, which can easily accommodate large groups
A C C O M M O D AT I O N / / H O T E L S & C O N F E R E N C E
Back to business ASHRIDGE HOUSE
Located in Hertfordshire, Ashridge House is a Grade I listed neo-Gothic mansion, centred in 190acres of beautifully crafted gardens. Now a registered charity, Ashridge House began life as a monastery in the 13th century, was home to Queen Elizabeth I, became the meeting place for men of letters, politicians and leading international figures throughout the intervening centuries, and was a film location for the 1960’s classic, The Dirty Dozen. From 250-delegate conferences to intimate roundtables or one-to-one coaching sessions, Ashridge House offers organisers a complete solution, whatever their event. Sales conventions, training programmes and/ or senior management brainstorming, Ashridge House’s 15 meeting rooms, 50+ breakout rooms, plus coffee lounges and beautiful garden areas provide the perfect setting. Experienced Events Co-ordinators are on hand to tailor Ashridge House’s hospitality to each individual 60
James Day examines some of the best accommodation options for touring groups and conferences and organisation, whether it’s the right room and an expert facilitator, or an eminent keynote speaker and a bespoke menu. IT and audio-visual systems, with on-site technical support, are available throughout the venue, with outdoor learning opportunities and team activities enabled by a
Tylney Hall Hotel has recently refurbished its popular Chestnut Suite
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dedicated team of development specialists. The progenitor of the internationally renowned Ashridge Business School, Ashridge House can call on the faculty to provide distinguished keynote speakers in leadership, sustainability, strategy and change, as well as offering more niche services like psychometric testing and
experiential learning. Anna Brown, Director of Hospitality at Ashridge House, said: “At Ashridge, we understand the business of learning, and we are fortunate to have such an extraordinary place to enable active learning, reflection, innovation and change. We understand the power of face to face group interaction, and welcome our guests with a professional informality that enables some of the world’s most important businesses to meet, think, communicate and evolve.” With settings such as private dining in an elegant function room and barbeques on the terrace, every aspect of the experience is tailored to create the right ambience for the event. Award-winning chefs showcase local ingredients, to create dishes that provide the right nutritional balance to maximise performance and learning. Once business is done, Ashridge House offers superb rest and relaxation. The bar is at the heart of the building, welcoming groups or individuals to relax and network. www.grouptravelworld.com
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Guests staying in one of its 190 en-suite bedrooms can also use the Lifestyle Centre with swimming pool, squash courts, gym, sauna and spa.
TRAVELODGE
Travelodge has over 500 hotels to choose from. Travelodge’s en-suite rooms have everything travellers would need for a good night’s sleep, and all hotels have food and beverage options. For those looking to make group hotel bookings, Travelodge’s dedicated group bookings team will help find the hotel and exact facilities to meet their needs. Travelodge is ideal for large group accommodation. All rooms have king-sized beds and en-suite facilities. Family rooms can sleep up to three adults, or two adults and two children aged 15 or under. There are also double rooms, rooms with accessible facilities, and twin rooms available in some locations. Some of the chain’s hotels, generally those in central locations, have on-site licensed Bar Cafés, offering an all-youcan-eat breakfast buffet and a full range of drinks, snacks and evening meals. Other hotels provide a generous selection of snacks in the reception area including hot, cold and alcoholic drinks, and generally have additional catering options nearby. With over 500 hotels conveniently placed in city centres, on business routes and near airports, and with 40 new hotels opening this year, there is sure to be a Travelodge near wherever a group booking for business needs to be made. All hotels offer internet access for customers with a wireless-access enabled laptop computer or device. Travelodge is also ideal for stag weekends or hen packages, with centrally located hotels in cities right across the UK - as well as seaside destinations like Newquay.
BEST WESTERN
Best Western has a 30-year history in the UK and claims to offer a personal level of service, meaning that its customers get the best of both worlds - the warm local smile and the top quality of a large organisation. Each Best Western hotel has www.grouptravelworld.com
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Marriott offers quality accommodation all over the world. This example is from Frankfurt in Germany. its own personality, giving customers a host of choices from castles to coaching inns, sea views to mountain views and contemporary to Gradelisted buildings. For those planning to bring a party of 12 or more to Best Western, the hotel chain’s group advisors can provide assistance. The chain has over 250 hotels featured in its dedicated Groups’ Brochure, including sites in city centres or market towns, rural and coastal locations; each one independently owned and housing a unique character. Best Western hotels can also accommodate business functions, with over 1,100 meeting rooms between them. Best Western is perfectly placed to help plan any company’s next conference or event, with everything from technology to award-winning cuisine provided upon request.
MARRIOTT
For conferences, discount hotel wedding packages and other group travel deals, Marriott have a good offering, boasting coverage all over the UK. In London and all over the South of England, Marriott can accommodate a meeting or event, allowing for some recreation too. Marriott offers a great deal of flexibility, with options for a conference near shows and shopping, by the sea, and close airport proximity for maximum efficiency. In the Midlands, the North East and North West, Marriott offers excellent conference venues in
Manchester, Birmingham and Yorkshire. For a relaxing tour base, the rejuvenating atmosphere of the Peak and Lake Districts might be better suited. There are also great business
venues offered by Marriott in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Wales. Whether attending a conference in Brussels, or a meeting in Germany, Marriott also has a wide European offering. n
ACCOMMODATION NEWS – RENOVATIONS AT ELITE HOTELS Luxury country house retreat, Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens in Hampshire, is pleased to announce the refurbishment of its popular Chestnut Suite. The renovation, which took approximately three weeks to complete, is part of an ongoing refurbishment plan, in which bedrooms and public rooms throughout the hotel will undergo lavish makeovers. Delegates using the Chestnut Suite can now benefit from new furnishings, lighting and a new sound system, as well as complete redecoration and new cloakroom facilities. The Chestnut Suite, which features stunning ceiling beams fashioned from the trees which fell during the great storm of 1987, is perfect for meetings and conferences to private celebrations, with a capacity of up to 120 people. Situated a short distance from the Main House, the Chestnut Suite becomes its own venue at Tylney Hall, with separate reception, bar, cloakrooms and catering facilities, along with a
private terrace and access to the gardens. Also seeing a recent renovation to its Mary Towneley Lounge is the retreat, Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club in Sussex. Situated within Ashdown Park’s former chapel, the recently renovated lounge is the ideal place for delegates to relax and unwind between meetings, brainstorm ideas as a breakout area, or host a drinks reception prior to an event held in the beautiful Harry Clarke Suite. The refurbishment takes inspiration from its use in 1920, when Ashdown Park was a convent and the Mary Towneley Lounge was used as a place of deep contemplation. The lounge, which overlooks the courtyard of the hotel, offers delegates a tranquil and private area, with direct access to a secluded and picturesque outdoor setting. Facilities include an LED television screen, two tea and coffee service stations serving a variety of teas and speciality coffees, and a chilled drinks cabinet.
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Meet & Gree t
UKINBOUND NEWS By Amy O’Donovan, Events & Commercial Manager, UKinbound
The latest from UKinbound
Deirdre Wells, CEO of UKinbound, being interviewed on the first day of World Travel Market 2014
O
ver the last month, we have hosted several events, most notably our presence at World Travel Market (WTM). It started when we held our Autumn General Meeting. Thanks to our host Jurys Inn, we celebrated our event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London, Islington. At this particular meeting, we were joined by Michelle Harkin of the Border Force Strategy Team, who briefed our members on how they are making the border entry for visitors more efficient. We also announced the shortlist for the election of the UKinbound Board of Directors. It was an exciting event with a large attendance. We had our first Scottish Networking Evening at the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel in Edinburgh, thanks to our Platinum Partner, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts. It was wonderful to see so many members at this event, and we were also joined by some potential members. Richard Bryan of Qa Research updated us on the results of UKinbound’s Scotland survey to members either based or with business interests in Scotland; with over 80% highlighting the demand for more UKinbound activity in Scotland. Therefore, it was fantastic to host our first of, hopefully, many more www.grouptravelworld.com
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events in Scotland. For those of you who are interested in hearing more about UKinbound events in Scotland, don’t hesitate to get in contact with Andrew Macnair, Business Development Manager for Scotland, at andrew@ukinbound.org During the same week, we hosted a Belgium and Netherlands Market Seminar at the VisitBritain offices in London. The seminar provided an insight into both markets, which are top in terms of their volume of visits. It was extremely informative, with all speakers agreeing on cultural elements of both markets and how they do business. We were joined by Marieke Van Dijl, B2B Manager Europe at VisitBritain, Vanda Oliveira from Discover Travel & Tours and Therese Heslop, Director of Visits & Marketing at Canterbury Cathedral. It was another successful event. Our flagship event was our stand at WTM in the newly relocated UK and Ireland hall. This year, we had 60 exhibiting partners on the stand including VisitBritain, VisitEngland, London & Partners, VisitScotland and Visit Wales. According to World Travel Market (WTM), there was a 4% increase in attendees over the four days of the show. Organisers claim that 2014 was
the largest trade-only World Travel Market (WTM) event, which saw a fifth consecutive year of growth. We were delighted to host so many of our members and we look forward to World Travel Market 2015. Finally, we are currently planning for the UKinbound Convention, which takes place from February 11-13, 2015. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or further information about booking, don’t hesitate to contact us on events@ ukinbound.org Wishing you all a lovely Christmas and I look forward to updating you all in the New Year! ■
KEEP IN CONTACT WITH US!
Events Calendar Schedule our events in your diary with our Events Calendar www.ukinbound.org/ events/events-calendar
Follow us on Twitter Join us on Twitter and check out our news updates @UKinbound
Become a member For inquiring about membership, email info@ukinbound.org December 2014 ● Group Travel World
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Discounts available for series bookings To advertise contact Julie Agius 01733 293245 julie.agius@grouptravelworld.com
C L A S S I F I E D
London
Scottish Borders
Experience The Household Cavalry Story in London’s Royal Heartland
In the heart of Melrose in the Scottish borders – a 300 year old coaching inn Family run hotel with 32 bedrooms + driver’s room, all en-suite 2 large car parks – one for coaches. Dining and function rooms and beautiful indoor garden. Excellent real ales, over 80 malt whiskies and 20 original gins. Tel: 01896 822308 Email: enquiries@georgeandabbotsford.co.uk www.georgeandabbotsford.co.uk
Blackpool
• Blackpool Hotel on the South Promenade • Between Central and South Piers • From £23 per person BBEM per night • Driver free of charge • FREE onsite coach parking • 31 en-suite bedrooms • Unbeatable prices for 2014
• Warm and friendly atmosphere • Licensed all-day bar • Nightly entertainment with bingo and raffles • Blackpool Illumination dates available • Turkey and Tinsel • Bookings now being taken for 2015 season
Dartmoor
Two Bridges Hotel
Please contact Chris or Karl for more information on: Tel: 01253 343050 Email: Enquiries@hotelathol.com Website: www.hotelathol.com
is situated in the beautiful Dartmoor reserve, has 32 luxury rooms to choose from. For that special mini break away from the hustle and bustle, serving modern British cuisine. Contact: 01822 892300 Email: manager@twobridges.co.uk Web: www.twobridges.co.uk
Kent
Wales THE NATIONAL
Rochester Cathedral Tea Rooms Located in the 18th century Deanery and open throughout the year between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday for breakfast, light refreshments, lunches, afternoon tea and take-away. 01634 810076 The College, The Precinct, Rochester, Kent ME1 1SU www.rochestercathedral.org
Devon
Open daily from 10am The Household Cavalry Museum Horse Guards Whitehall London SW1A 2AX Tel: 020 7930 3070
GUIDED TOURS FOR GROUPS WHICH INCLUDES A VISIT TO THE 17thC MILL SET BESIDE THE SALMON LEAP FALLS. COACH PARKING IN VILLAGE TEA ROOMS NEXT DOOR
Phone 01239 710980 www.coraclemuseum.co.uk
www.householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk
Monmouthshire
Marine Hotel, 2-6 Adelphi Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AP 01803 559778 stay@marinehotelpaignton.co.uk www.marinehotelpaignton.co.uk
Dartington Hall
Located in the South Hams, 20 minutes from Dartmoor and the Coast, has 50 bedrooms offering a mix of heritage and comfort around Century medieval courtyard. a 14th Explore our stunning Grade II* listed gardens and enjoy a Devon Cream Tea. The onsite White Hart Restaurant serves the very best local and seasonal produce. Call: 01803 847147 Email: bookings@dartingtonhall.com Web: www.dartingtonhall.com
Abergavenny Market
Classified advertising can start from as little as £30 a month !!
NP7 5HD
Open Tuesday Friday and Saturday Flea Market Every Wednesday www.abergavennymarket.co.uk For a full list of our markets and events Craft – Antique - and Car boot Sales Please Phone Geoff or Adam on 01873735811
For more information contact Julie Agius 01733 293245 julie.agius@grouptravelworld.com
Caldicot Market Open Every Tuesday and Saturday Phone Mac on 07764 362599
Monmouth Bridge Market Every Friday and Saturday
Shire HallMarket Every Saturday Phone Darren on 07825 761900
©MTN/1079496/150
Located directly on the seafront, right in the heart of The English Riviera, the hotel is ideally situated to explore Paignton and the rest of the South Devon stunning scenery and beau ful coastline. The Marine a warm is a friendly family owned hotel offering welcome and value for money.
For more information and rates please contact Julie Agius on 01733 293245 julie.agius@grouptravelworld.com Please send all copy information to adsproduction@grouptravelworld.com
For Group Travel Organisers, a page with useful tips, tourism gossip and travel product reviews
GTO GRAPEVINE
The London CRUISE Show
The London CRUISE Show are giving three lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets. Just answer this simple question:
February 14-15, 2015, Olympia London
Celebrating its 7th year, The London CRUISE Show will showcase the largest collection of major cruise lines and specialist operators over one weekend. Whether you’re looking for an expedition cruise to a far-flung destination or a sumptuous luxury voyage, The London CRUISE Show will provide visitors with invaluable information and exclusive offers when booking. The London CRUISE Show boasts informative free talks, essential expert advice and details on what’s new for 2015/2016. For more information visit www. cruisingshow.com
Where is The London CRUISE Show taking place? A: Olympia London B: NEC Birmingham C: The Local Village Hall Please email your answers to competition@cruisingshow.com Competition deadline is January 16, 2015.
The Adventure Travel Show January 17-18, 2015, Olympia, London Now in its 19th year, The Adventure Travel Show is the UK’s leading event for people who like to travel outside the mainstream, whether it’s small group adventures or exclusive expeditions. The Adventure Travel Show is packed
with inspirational ideas and travel advice, with specialist seminars and an exclusive adventure speaker line-up, including explorers, adventurers, tour leaders and guidebook writers. The Adventure Travel Show will see the biggest collection of specialist travel operators attend, who will be on hand to offer guidance, from walking and trekking to exploratory journeys, overland trips and volunteering projects. For more details and to buy tickets visit www. adventureshow.com
The Adventure Travel Show is also offering reduced price advance tickets. Get your tickets for only £6 (saving £4 off the door price) by quoting ‘GROUPTRAVELWORLD’ when booking online at www. adventureshow.com or when calling 0871 230 7159.
Transport Travel Club Launches At Euro Bus Expo Transport Travel Club – a brand new, private travel club - launched at the Euro Bus Expo, held at the NEC Birmingham on November 4-6. Transport Travel Club has been designed to reward people and companies within the transport industry. Once registered, club members are able to log in online and access heavily discounted travel and leisure opportunities, such as entry tickets to theme parks, holiday packages, cruises and accommodation, which could be used to treat family
Travel Clubs World and friends. Transport Travel Club also offers a corporate membership, valid for businesses with more than five employees. Visitors to the stand were able
to pick up a promotional leaflet, where they could obtain a 50% discount of the £15.95 membership fee. Transport Travel Club is now live at www.transporttravelclub.com. Corporate membership is available from as little as £2.95 per employee, with individual memberships starting from £15.95. For further information, images or interviews, please contact Harley Denham, Operations Manager at Transport Travel Club, on harley.denham@ travelclubsworld.com or 01733 293 249.
London Bridge Experience Samantha Noble, Subscriptions & Circulation Manager for Group Travel World, vamped up the scare factor at the London Bridge Experience. Samantha was accompanied by Sarah Handy, London Sales & Marketing Manager for Hard Rock Café (pictured) and Barry Stewart from the Royal Opera House.
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Up and Close
INTERVIEW
Personal
Describe the best group trip you’ve been on and why?
Sue Shapland was nominated for Group Travel Organiser of the Year at the Group Leisure Awards 2014, recognised for her outstanding achievements with Exmoor Extrovert which she started in 1999. They now arrange about 50 day trips and 20 holidays each year. Sue is also a member of the GTOA Meridian Branch.
Our visit to Alaska in June 2013 when 28 of us flew to Fairbanks for the start of our adventure – a trip on the paddle steamer and visit to Athabascan Village, a seaplane taking off followed by salmon-bake and theatre visit. We endured an early start for a safari, deep into Denali National Park, where we were fortunate to see the ‘Big Five’ – caribou, moose, grizzly bears, wolves and dall sheep. We even watched a wolf hunt, three wolves chasing two moose, who took refuge in water – something our ranger hadn’t witnessed in 25 years. Then to Anchorage and a dramatic drive to Whittier, where we embarked on the 22 Glacier Cruise. 36 hours aboard the Alaska Ferry took us to the capital Juneau for helicopter flights over the glaciers. Another ferry to the old goldmining town of Skagway for an evening of old time gambling and then we enjoyed the incredible Ukon & Whitehorse Pass Railway, which climbs 3,000ft in 20miles.
Describe the worst group trip you’ve been on and why? When I was invited as a guest to Bristol Glass & Enchanted Evening at Westonbirt. Our coach arrived late and took ages doing way-out pick ups. We had to waste time in Bristol, when we eventually got to Westonbirt the driver only gave us an hour to explore. My host crashed her mobility scooter, broke her shoulder badly and I ended up with her at our local hospital waiting nearly four hours to see a doctor.
What’s your favourite UK destination for a group day out? Exmouth for a river cruise, 66
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where we saw lots of wildlife in the estuary. We had some free time to explore this delightful town, the weather was sunny and there was even a band to entertain us in the park. We had a private visit on the Seaton Trams and those who wanted were allowed to drive the trams. It was a really lovely day out.
What do you think makes a good group experience? Planning is the most important thing. I always check with the coach driver how long they want to get to a destination and make sure the route is suitable. It is important to make everybody feel welcome and to check that people travelling for the first time have all the information they need. Before every outing, we phone everybody to confirm their pick-up time and place.
What do you always pack? I always carry my mobile (fully charged) and a small first-aid kit. If I’m going abroad I take my iPad and a copy of my passport. For all overnight stays we carry the details of what medication everybody is taking, as it is helpful to be able to give the information to an ambulance/doctor in an emergency. I have invested in some good, lightweight travel clothing, cargo trousers and
a waterproof jacket. Deep pockets are very useful to store various bits and bobs on an aircraft.
What do you always leave out? Comfort is top of my agenda for travelling, with one pair of shoes for the evening and perhaps a pair of walking sandals in warmer weather. I pack evening clothes to match, a selection of tops with some black trousers will provide different outfits. I try to keep the paperwork to a minimum, as it is heavy to carry.
What were your most recent group trips? In September, I took 42 National Trust Members to the Alsace for a week to visit the European Parliament and some of the delightful towns and villages on the Wine Trail. We also spent two nights in London, where we went to see The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, were wowed by The View From The Shard, visited Buckingham Palace and enjoyed a magnificent Beethoven Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. In October, a group of 45 enjoyed five nights at the lovely Sefton Hotel in the Isle of Man – travelling on the many vintage railways on the island and exploring several interesting heritage sites. www.grouptravelworld.com
20/11/2014 16:42
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