Est 1956 Issue 2746
53 YEARS The No.1 Magazine for International Visitors
Friday 22 May, 2009 OLYMPIC CITY 2012
Beating Retreat 2009 A Floodlit Military Music Spectacular by the Massed Bands of the Household Division
Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4 June at 9pm Special Guests His Majesty The King’s Guard from Norway Tickets 0844 847 2435
www.horseguard.org.uk
REGENT STREET – A TASTE OF SPAIN 2009 SUNDAY 31 MAY 2009 Traffic Free Day, 12 noon - 6pm
An entertaining day out showcasing the very best of Spain. Fresh paella and the famous dancing horses return to Regent Street. Spanish music and dance from the main stage plus activities and attractions from Andalucía - Aragón - Balearic Islands Canary Islands - Green Spain - Madrid Navarra - Port Aventura - Valencia. Shop ‘til you drop with many stores giving 20% discounts. tastespain.info - for the latest information and to enter a competition to win a luxury weekend in Canary Islands.
regentstreetonline.com
Welcome to London
CONTENTS Events
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Household Division Beating Retreat Olympic Champions in BUPA London 10,000 A Taste of Spain in Regent Street
Music
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Gospel Arts Concert Classical Opera in Mozart Premiere Latin Fever at Sadler’s Wells
Exhibitions
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Julian Barrow at Indar Pasricha Fine Arts Gallery 6 Inaugural Exhibition ‘Sixth Sense’ Rachel Coad ‘Pack’ at Gallery 27
Theatre
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Peter Pan returns to Kensington Gardens WICKED welcomes 2 Millionth Theatregoer Publisher Julie Jones
Advertising Janet Gardener
Editorial Sue Webster Jessica Rowe
© This is London Magazine Limited 42 Conduit Street, London, W1R 9FB. Telephone: 020 7434 1281 www.thisislondonmagazine.com
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You may be surprised to find an officer of the British Army welcoming you to London this month. However, the Army provides some of the most famous and visible tourist attractions in London through its provision of Royal Guards, principally by the troops of the Royal Household – ‘The Guards’. Every day, the Guard changes at Buckingham Palace, St James’ Palace, Windsor Castle, The Tower of London and Horse Guards. These events are splendid examples of British pageantry with horses, foot soldiers and military music. Additionally, this month, there are major other events, such as Beating Retreat musical spectaculars by the Guards and The Royal Marines, and The Queen’s Birthday Parade (‘Trooping the Colour’) which is a major parade on Horse Guards Parade and The Mall with a Gun Salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. These events are some of the most famous portrayals of British heritage and pageantry – the very fabric of the Nation. Indeed, the Guards are one of the most well-known symbols of London and the United Kingdom. A visit to London would be incomplete without experiencing at least one military ceremonial event. June is a fantastic month in London. The ceremonial back-drop provides a part of the heritage and pageantry but London is rich in experiences from across history, architecture, music, art, cuisine, shopping, nightlife and the general bustle of a major city with a wide variety of cultures represented. London is constantly changing so you will find new things to see and do even if you are a frequent visitor. But do not miss the enduring heritage of Royal pageantry that is on show every day. I wish you a most enjoyable stay.
Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine and in the handling of all the material supplied, neither the Publishers nor their agents accept responsibility for any damage, errors or omissions, however these may be caused.
Major General William Cubitt CBE General Officer Commanding London District and Major General Commanding the Household Division
VISITOR INFORMATION Emergencies 999 Police Ambulance Fire 24 Hour Casualty 020 8746 8000 Dentistry 0808 155 3256 The Berkeley Clinic, 19 Upper Berkeley St, W1. Tel: 020 7724 4004 www.theberkeleyclinic.com Heal, Rejuvenate, Thrive – The Natural Way
Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 free and confidential service
Visit London 020 7234 5833 Heathrow Airport 0870 0000123 Gatwick Airport 0870 0002468 Taxis 020 7272 5471 Dry Cleaner 7491 3426 Florist 7831 6776 Optician 7581 6336 Watches 7493 5916 Weather 0870 9000100 THIS
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HOUSEHOLD DIVISION BEATING RETREAT The Massed Bands of the Household Division, with the Corps of Drums and Pipes and Drums of the Foot Guards Battalions supported by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will present an evening of military music on Horse Guards,Whitehall, in the heart of London on Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th June at 21.00. Special guests will include His Majesty The King’s Guard from Norway. Witness this thrilling spectacle as over 400 musicians march to classical melodies and popular military marches and the Guns of the King’s Troop as they blaze in support. All in the magnificent setting of Horse Guards Parade.
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Beating Retreat is a celebration of an age-old tradition when, once fighting was concluded for the day, the sounding of drums and the parading of post guards heralded the closing of the camp gates and lowering of the flags at nightfall. Don’t miss this splendid opportunity to see London’s famous floodlit military music spectacular. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and by telephone on 0844 847 2435 and cost £15 each. Concessions available. For further information on London District and Ceremonial and other Military events in London, visit www.army.mod.uk
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OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS IN BUPA LONDON 10,000 Olympic marathon champions past and present return to the British capital on Monday 25 May in a bid to win the second Bupa London 10,000. Stefano Baldini, who won the Athens Olympic marathon in 2004, will be chasing victory for Italy on his 38th birthday, while Constantina Dita, the 2008 Olympic marathon champion, is seeking redemption in the women’s race after the 39-year-old Romanian was forced to drop out of the London Marathon just a month ago. They will race over a spectacular central London course which follows the proposed route of the 2012 Olympic Games marathons, starting in Birdcage Walk at 10.00 and taking in Parliament Square, Victoria Embankment, St Paul’s Cathedral, the City and Trafalgar Square before finishing in The Mall. The Virgin London Marathon is organising the event. MEDIUM HUNTS GHOSTS IN VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM A professional psychic medium will hunt for ghosts in the V&A during a free public workshop on the 5 June, from 19.00-21.00. Mona Choo, the V&A’s current International Artist in Residence, has commissioned a psychic medium to look for ‘spirits’ contained in specially selected Museum exhibits. Some exhibits are associated with tragic events – even murders. The psychic medium will conduct a ‘reading’ of objects chosen by Choo, from the Museum’s vast collection. Choo hopes to investigate the possibility that spirits 'haunt' the objects that once belonged to them. The artist will use the results of the readings to inspire new work. For bookings, call 020 7942 2211. L O N D O N
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AN INTRODUCTION TO WESTFIELD LONDON Westfield London is the Capital’s pioneering shopping and leisure destination, an innovative and dynamic place for visitors to London to shop, to eat, and to meet. Westfield London is an architecturally stunning showcase for five anchor stores: Debenhams, Next, Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser, Waitrose and 275 luxury, premium and high street retailers from more than fifteen different countries. Eighty percent are fashion-focused, fourteen names have made their UK debut and forty are luxury brands housed within the beautiful, visuallystunning environment, The Village. The Village is an ever-evolving luxury space, with events, fashion installations and exhibitions. Food is as important as fashion at Westfield London. Nearly 50 exciting eating concepts offer some 25 styles and nationalities of cooking. A bustling cluster of 11 restaurants run the length of Southern Terrace, the pedestrian street of dining, and open cooking brings
The Village at Westfield London. T H I S
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drama to the collection of 13 counters on The Balcony where fresh food is prepared fast and to order. Westfield London is as much a meeting hub as a place to shop and eat. A stunning central Atrium, unique in London, will host a full calendar of arts and educational events beneath a spectacular glass roof. Customers’ craving for convenience and desire for indulgence will be met by a 70-strong concierge and valet team trained to 5-star hotel standard. Services designed to make the experience compelling and comfortable include valet parking, personal shopping, style advice, and hands-free shopping. Westfield London is the best connected shopping destination in the UK. Four underground stations provide on average a tube every 5 minutes. CLOTHES SHOW LONDON REVEALS BRITAIN’S NEW CLASS SYSTEM From haute couture to street style, the clothes you wear say a lot about you. And in today’s fast-paced world where time is a rare commodity, first impressions mean everything. Rather than judging each other on our knowledge, family background or accent, nowadays we’re far more likely to make judgements based on presentation and style. As a result, Clothes Show London believes Britain is moving away from a class system based on money and
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status, and towards a 21st century version which hones in on our inherent style and the individuality with which we wear our clothes. Ahead of its landmark show, taking place from 29-31 May, Clothes Show London has coined the new phrase, ‘Style Status’ to describe Britain’s new classification. In today’s fashionable society, the echelons of upper, middle and lower class still stand, although now somewhat different to the more outdated class distinctions. Where, in the past, class was dependent on money, with the new ‘Style Status’ classifications, it is often the least well off who are most creative with their style. Clothes Show London takes place at ExCel London. For tickets telephone 0844 209 1724.
The Mitzy Bag, modelled by Jourdan Dunn, £395. Stockist Mulberry Company, 41 New Bond Street, W1. Tel: 020 7491 3900. L O N D O N
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A TASTE OF SPAIN IN REGENT STREET On Sunday 31 May, Regent Street will be traffic free from 12 noon to 18.00 for a fabulous street festival, Regent Street – A Taste of Spain 2009. This Spanish fiesta will showcase the very best of Spain as classic Flamenco performances of dance, song and music and traditional Spanish fashion shows take place from the main stage which will be located at the junction of Regent Street and New Burlington Street. To celebrate the occasion many of the Regent Street stores will be organising shopping promotions and competitions whilst Heddon Street and Swallow Street, the Regent Street food quarters, will have various live Spanish performances to entertain al fresco diners. Regent Street will be packed with entertainment from twelve of the Spanish regions offering various activities for everybody’s pleasure. Various regions of Spain will be showcasing their culture through a variety of performances, exhibitions, food, and arts and crafts. The Balearic Islands will demonstrate their diversity with various activities such as the hugely popular dancing horses and the impressive carnival ‘Dimonis’. Madrid will offer a ‘Paseo del arte’ – an art walk/exhibition to showcase the cultural aspect of the Reina Sofia, Museo del Prado and Thyssen, while the region of Valencia will cook two giant paellas in Regent Street. This worldwide gastronomic rice speciality will be cooked from two huge cast iron dishes, serving thousands of festival goers on the day.
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Regent Street will be packed with festival fun on Sunday 31 May for ‘A Taste of Spain’, a fabulous fiesta to showcase Spanish music, fashion, food and dance, including the Aragones Baluarte – 16 dancers who will perform wearing authentic regional costumes.
Mozart: Mitridate, re di Ponto world premiere staging of the ‘original’ version
Sadler’s Wells : 2 June Buxton Festival : 12, 20, 24 July Giant paellas for hungry visitors. T H I S
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SALVATION ARMY’S GOSPEL ARTS CONCERT The Salvation Army's annual Gospel Arts Concert in London's Royal Albert Hall will once again showcase the creative. Alongside the International Staff Band (featured recording artists on Universal Classics and Jazz recording 'Together) and International Staff Songsters, the concert will also feature a chorus of 500 voices drawn from Salvation Army centres in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. The youth of The Salvation Army is represented by the 'A' Band from their Territorial Music School. This group is made up of some of the best young instrumentalists in The Salvation Army and will be performing a recently written work for Brass Band. Traditionally, The Salvation Army is synonymous with the tambourine, and a group from Northern Ireland will be featuring in an exciting display of Tambourine playing. A dance group from South London will also be performing during the evening. An international guest from the USA, Carol Jaudes, will be the vocal soloist for the evening. Carol is a gifted vocalist and actress and will thrill listeners with her performance in this concert Tickets can be purchased from the Royal Albert Hall Box Office telephone 020 7589 8212 or online at www.royalalberthall.com For more information on this, and other Salvation Army events in the UK go to www.salvationarmy.org.uk/events T H I S
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BRITISH FILM COMPOSER GEORGE FENTON WITH THE LSO The world-famous film and television composer George Fenton joins the London Symphony Orchestra for the first time on 7 June at the Barbican to conduct and present music from his myriad scores. Fenton has written music for over 70 feature films, collaborating with some of the most influential directors of the late 20th century. Works to be performed include Cry Freedom, music from the films of Ken Loach, a world concert premier of music from the BBC TV series Planet Earth and the unforgettable music from his awardwinning score for The Blue Planet. Fenton has a Royal Television Society Lifetime Achievement Award and is a Fellow of the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters. For tickets, telephone the box office on 0207 638 8891.
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LATIN FEVER AT SADLER'S WELLS Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova will present their first West End show Latin Fever at Sadler's Wells’ Peacock Theatre from 27 May to 28 June. Darren and Lilia are joined on stage by four stunning Latin American dance couples and a sensational Latin band. This brand new show sees the couple travel from the streets of Brazil to the bullrings of Spain by way of a vibrant mix of dance styles including the tango, rumba and cha-cha-cha. The show includes an explosion of South American rhythms beginning with the Carnival atmosphere of Rio before moving to the sultry clubs of Buenos Aires to be seduced by the passion and intensity of tango. Cuba beckons with the cheeky cha-cha-cha and rumba and then its time to boogie to the American dance halls of the 1930s for the swing and jitterbug. Box office telephone 0844 412 4322.
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EALING CHORAL SOCIETY IN CARMINA BURANA O Fortuna! A thrilling performance will take place at Cadogan Hall on 6 June when one of London's finest choirs, Ealing Choral Society, is joined by the innovative British percussion quartet, ensemblebash and boy choristers from Ealing Abbey Choir in a concert of choral music ranging from the sacred to the profane, conducted by Dr Jonathan Williams. Also in the line up are soloists Laura Parfitt, Adrian Dwyer and Henry Herford with Elizabeth Shepherd and Charles Economou on piano. Headlining the concert is one of the most famous of all choral works, Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, an earthy collection of 13th century Bavarian monks' songs. Everyone will be familiar with the opening and closing music of the 'O Fortuna' chorus with its dramatic chanting on the theme of fickle fortune, often used in television and film soundtracks. Other movements take a lyrical and often rye look at the basic elements of life, love, food and drink. In addition, the audience will be treated to Bob Chilcott's Songs and Cries of London Town, a catchy 'capital cantata' in five movements evoking impressions of London's sights, sounds, and moods. The two outer movements
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draw their words and inspiration from the cries of London by Orlando Gibbons and frame three contrasting middle movements setting poems by Dunbar and Wordsworth, with the young choristers contributing their version of the anonymous 18th-century rhyme, Oranges and Lemons. The music is irresistible, by turns contemplative and thrilling. In contrast, the programme includes three acapella Motets by Anton Bruckner. Well known to classical music lovers, Bruckner was deeply influenced by Wagner's grand operas and in turn served as an inspiration to Mahler. These beautiful pieces of sacred music represent the peace and purity Bruckner found through his faith in God. An unmissable concert in a fabulous venue – tickets on 020 7730 4500 or www.cadoganhall.com
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CHILDLINE ROCKS 2009 ‘Childline Rocks’ returns to the IndigO2 on 1 June, the follow up to last year’s hugely successful inaugural event. This year’s line-up is already falling into place with some big flight names still to be announced. Among the artists so far confirmed are: Jon Lord, Glenn Hughes, Hot Leg, The Pretty Things, Steve Balsamo, Sons Of Albion, Andy Newmark, Jesse Hunter, Tyson Schenker and Molly Marriott. The show promises to build on the success of 2008 where the cream of British rock, including Roger Daltrey, Lulu, Thunder, Marillion and members of Deep Purple, turned out to support ChildLine, the 24 hour confidential helpline provided by the NSPCC for children who are in danger or distress. ChildLine Rocks 2009 will make a significant contribution to the Child’s Voice Appeal to raise £50 million to ensure that every child’s call for help gets answered. Currently, only twothirds of all calls made to ChildLine are able to get through to a counsellor. Every penny makes a difference – for example, the cost of one ticket could pay for more than six calls from children, at least one of whom is likely to be phoning about physical or sexual abuse.
ChildLine founder Esther Rantzen said, ‘ChildLine Rocks was a fantastic success when we launched it and raised a huge amount of money for ChildLine. We were very lucky to have some terrific acts on board and I can’t wait to see this year’s bill, it promises to be a wonderful evening.’
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Conductor, Ian Page. A MOZART WORLD PREMIERE AT SADLER’S WELLS The Classical Opera Company makes a welcome return to Sadler’s Wells on 2 June with a new production of the ‘original’ version of Mozart’s remarkable opera, Mitridate, re di Ponto – the first time the opera has been staged as it was originally intended by the composer. Based on Racine’s great tragedy Mithridate, the action takes place in a situation room at the crux of a warzone. Director Martin Lloyd-Evans (whose recent work includes last year’s acclaimed Flight for BYO) prioritises the relationships between the main characters in a tale of infatuated love, filial duty and lust for power. The Classical Opera Company has assembled an outstanding creative team for this eagerly-awaited production including director Martin Lloyd-Evans and Olivier-nominated designer Simon Corder. The cast comprises Allison Bell, who made an acclaimed Glyndebourne debut in 2008 as Sierva Maria in Peter EĂśtvĂśs' Love and Other Demons, as Aspasia; Royal Opera House Young Artist graduate Kishani Jayasinghe as Sifare; Stephen Wallace as Farnace; Mark Le Brocq in the title role; former ENO Jerwood Young Artist Mary Nelson as Ismene; and SigrĂour Ă“sk KristjĂĄnsdĂłttir as Arbate. The production will be conducted by Ian Page. T H I S
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The Classical Opera Company specialises in the music of Mozart and his contemporaries and is emerging as one of Britain’s most exciting and highly regarded young arts organizations. Performing regularly with its periodinstrument orchestra at such venues as Sadler’s Wells, the Barbican and Wigmore Hall, the company has attracted consistent public and critical acclaim for its high quality, imaginative programming and, in particular, its ability to discover and nurture outstanding young singers. ‘[In Mitridate] you sense a prodigious child on the verge of becoming a mature genius‌. the Classical Opera Company’s young cast all sang with tremendous flair and brilliance’ – The Daily Telegraph To book, call the Sadler’s Wells box office on 0844 412 4300 or visit www.sadlerswells.com/show/TheClassical-Opera-Company AUSTRALIA’S SENSATIONAL TOM TOM CREW Following sell-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and Edinburgh Festival, and direct from a Broadway season, Australia’s sensational Tom Tom Crew arrives in London with its supercharged collision of circus, heart pumping music and 21st Century spectacle. Combining Australia’s freshest acrobats, champion beat-boxer Tom Thum, drumming sensation Ben Walsh
and master record scratcher DJ Dizz1, Tom Tom Crew is an extraordinary mix of Asian-inspired drumming, extreme circus acrobatics and raw, contemporary music. Shaking the walls of the venues wherever they play, Ben Walsh, DJ Dizz1 and Tom Thum, combine their breaks, beats and pulsating rhythms with hardcore tumbling, out-of-control acrobatics and severe aerial antics. The lifeblood of the Tom Tom Crew is the driving music emanating from Ben’s self-made drumkits; mashed together from chemical drums, 80’s Asian gadgets and over 2000 cable ties. Match this with vocal stunts from wizz-kid Tom Thum and master scratching from DJ Dizz1, and just start to understand the musical force behind this trio. At just 18 years of age, Tom Thum was crowned the World Duo Champion at the 2005 World Beat Boxing Championships in Germany. Recently, he secured a second place victory at Scribblejam, America’s most prestigious hip-hop competition. Meanwhile, Tom Flanagan, Ben Lewis, Daniel Catlow and Shane Witt – graduates of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus – flip, fly and slam up the stage as hard and fast as the boys with beats. Tom Tom Crew with be the top attraction at the E4 Udderbelly at Southbank Centre. A four-week run starts on Friday 19 June and ends on Sunday 19 July. For tickets, telephone the Box Office on 0871 663 2538.
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THE HUONG THANH TRIO: TRADITIONAL MUSIC OF VIETNAM London will soon host the concerts of an extraordinarily talented singer from Vietnam, Huong Thanh. Her ethereal voice has been described as ‘capable of melting glaciers and make deserts bloom with roses’ (Ian Anderson, Folk Roots). Huong Thanh, Hong Nguyen and Daniel Nguyen will perform on 30 May at the Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room at 19.45 and give a workshop at the Asian Music Circuit at 18.30 on 2 June. Using a variety of ancient instruments, the Huong Thanh Trio performs the rarely heard traditional music of Vietnam. The artists, based in Paris, have spent their lives far from their country and their music expresses their longing to return to a homeland that has long since disappeared and is just a memory. Huong Thanh explains her devotion to traditional music by saying that she lost 25 years of the evolution of Vietnam: ‘the problem for me when I’m in Vietnam, is that I’m looking for something that doesn’t exist anymore, the Vietnam I loved before coming here [Paris]. So that’s why it’s important to keep the tradition, because it’s the only thread I have to this past Vietnam.’ Born in Saigon, Houng Thanh comes from a family of renowned traditional musicians, and at the age of 10 learned from the famous singers of Cao Luong – a renovated opera that mixes traditional singing, dance and theatre. She moved to Paris in 1977 and has since taken part T H I S
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in Cao Luong shows throughout Europe. In 1995 she met Hong Nguyen, whom she will perform with in London, who introduced her to the world of Jazz, a style of music she had never performed before. To date, Huong has released four albums: Moon and Wind, Dragonfly, Mangustai and Fragile Beauty. The Huong Thanh Vietnamese Trio is presented by the Asian Music Circuit, the leading organisation in the UK producing quality tours and concerts of music from Asia. Upcoming tours include the UK premier of Destiny Chakra, the latest fusion album by Swati Natekar, leading Indian Classical vocalist with an established reputation in World Music. For more information, visit the website at www.amc.org.uk ROYAL OPERA HOUSE BP SUMMER BIG SCREENS The Royal Ballet’s Ondine will be beamed live from Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House to a big screen in Trafalgar Square next week as part of the BP Summer Big Screens Programme 2009. The BP Summer Big Screen relays are a great opportunity for people to get together, bring a picnic and enjoy wonderful ballet and opera for free – the events have continued to grow in popularity regardless of the weather. The 50th anniversary revival of Ondine tells the tale of the water sprite and the young mortal Palemon with whom she falls in love to tragic ends. The Royal Ballet brings to life the sea spirits and sailors of this romantic story, with magical scenes beneath the sea, in a Gothic castle and onboard a stormtossed ship. Tony Hall, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, said: ‘I think it’s very exciting that we’re able to relay live opera and ballet performances from the Royal Opera House, all completely free for audiences. This is a fantastic opportunity for family and friends to come together this summer and
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experience these world class performances in the outdoors, maybe even with a picnic. The support of both BP and the BBC has been critical to the success of the big screens, and we’re very excited that more people than ever before will be able to see our performances on the big screens this year.’ Visitors can watch Ondine in Trafalgar Square on Wednesday 3 June at 19.30. www.roh.org.uk/bpbigscreens HAYDN AT 200 Opening with ‘Farewell’ and reaching a ‘Creative’ conclusion, St Martin-in-theFields’ Haydn at 200 festival, from 25-30 May marks the 200th anniversary of the great composer’s death. Six concerts over five days feature a selection of the great symphonies, concerti, choral and chamber works including the Farewell symphony (25 May), London symphonies (28 May), Surprise symphony (28 and 29 May), trumpet concerto (29 May), Creation (May 30) and a selection of celebrated chamber works (26 May – Lunchtime concert). With an exceptional acoustic for Haydn’s early classical composition, the vaulted splendour of a candlelit St Martin’s in the ideal venue in which to enjoy a musical tribute to the Father of the Symphony whose ‘happiest years’ were spent in London. VIRTUOSO GYPSY VIOLINIST ROBY LAKATOS PERFORMS WITH LSO Virtuoso Gypsy violinist Roby Lakatos and his fantastic Ensemble will be welcomed back to the Barbican on 4 June to perform their unique and dazzling mix of classical, jazz and their own Hungarian folk music together with the London Symphony Orchestra. The fiery programme will include Monti’s Csárdás, Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No 2 and many other favourites to show off the talent of these truly astounding musicians. Box office: 020 7638 8891.
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NEW WORK BY JULIAN BARROW AT INDAR PASRICHA FINE ARTS Indar Pasricha Fine Arts is holding an exhibition of recent paintings by Julian Barrow, ‘one of the finest artists to be able to capture the beauty and light of India’. The exhibition will feature 100 oil paintings, from three of his most recent trips to India, the last of these being earlier this year; prices starting at £450. Julian Barrow travels to India at least once a year and introduces the collector to the colours and light of India. ‘This ambitious exhibition takes us through half a dozen Indian states, from the great cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Calcutta, to the palaces and forts of Rajasthan and then down to Karnataka and the mosques and temples of Bidar, Bijapur and Badami. ‘I have never seen a Julian Barrow painting that I didn’t wish to own. If our house ever caught fire, it would be our 24 photograph albums and the three Julian Barrows that I’d save first, no question about it’ , comments Nicholas Coleridge, Author and Managing Director of Condé Nast.
Lucknow Archway, 12ins x 9ins T H I S
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Julian is often seen painting on the banks of the Ganges or in front of the Taj Mahal, surrounded by hordes of onlookers, like a latter-day pied piper. It is this feeling of getting under the skin of India that draw collectors back to his work again and again. Be it the fruit stall set up on a Goan road, the builders’ ox cart in front of a ‘Mughal arch in Lucknow’ covered in perilous scaffolding, the children in the shade by the ‘Entrance to the Fort at Bidar’ or the misty ‘View of the Gateway of India in Mumbai’. Painting only in oils, Julian Barrow is best known for his town and landscapes as well as paintings of country houses – he has painted over 800. He is also a distinguished painter of interiors and conversation pieces. His paintings hang in private collections throughout the world. He has exhibited more than twenty five times at the Royal Academy and exhibits regularly in London, New York and the Middle East. He has been President of the Chelsea Arts Society for the last fifteen years. The exhibition will be on view from 20 May to 13 June at Indar Pasricha Fine Arts, situated at 22 Connaught Street, W2. www.indarpasrichafinearts.com Telephone +44(0)20 7724 9541.
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The entrance to the Fort, Bidar.
HENRY VIII: A 500TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION AT WINDSOR CASTLE To mark the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession to the throne, a special exhibition is on view at Windsor Castle, the monarch’s one-time home and final resting place. The exhibition explores the life of one of the most significant figures in the history of the English monarchy through some of the most important and beautiful treasures from the Royal Collection and the archives of St George’s Chapel to survive from the King’s reign. Windsor Castle was one of a number of the King’s residences and it is the only royal residence at which the King resided that is still in use by the Royal Family today. It was also the sometime home of the King’s illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy and an exquisite miniature, the only-known portrait of Fitzroy, is included in the exhibition. St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle is the burial place of the King and Jane Seymour, Henry’s third and favourite wife. For tickets and further information, telephone 020 7766 7304. L O N D O N
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group exhibition
sixth sense Michael Chandler
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Pete Hoida Michael Lyons Holly Parot ti Lynn Parot ti Lélia Pissarro Paul Vans tone Presented by Sandra Higgins F ine Ar t
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Contact : sandra @ sandrahiggins.com 0 7 7 21 741 10 7
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OPENING HOURS : Tues,Wed & Fri 12 : 0 0 - 8 : 0 0 T hurs, Sat & Sun 12 : 0 0 - 6 : 0 0 closed mondays or viewing by appoint men t
N e a r e s t t u b e s t a t i o n s : F u l h a m B r o a d w a y, W e s t Brompton, Earls Cout
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w w w.parot t i.com / map.ht ml A p o r t i o n o f t h e p r o c e e d s w ill b e d o n a t e d t o t h e C h e l s e a C h il d r e n’s H o s p i t a l S c h o o l ’s H o li d a y A r t P r o g r a m m e a t t h e R o y a l B r o m p t o n & H a r e f i e l d a n d C h e l s e a & W e s t m i n s t e r ’s H o s p i t a l s f o r c h il d r e n i n h o s p i t a l a n d t o t h e B e n U r i G a ll e r y
gallery 6 set up.
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GALLERY 6 INAUGURAL EXHIBITION ‘SIXTH SENSE’ gallery 6 is a new commercial gallery opening this week at Imperial Wharf, London’s premier riverside development, which will offer residents and visitors of the capital the chance to take time out of the hectic city life and appreciate contemporary art in a gallery set on the riverside in a green oasis of parkland. Co-directors of the gallery are the artist Lynn Parotti and the art dealer Sandra Higgins of Sandra Higgins Fine Art who have joined forces to establish an artist and collector friendly space. From 19 May to 30 June, gallery 6‘s inaugural exhibition ‘sixth sense’ brings together a group of international, award-winning artists who excite the sensory experience of the viewer: Michael Chandler, Pete Hoida, Holly Parotti, Lynn Parotti, Michael Lyons, Lelia Pissarro, and Paul Vanstone. gallery 6 will include a programme of events, artist's talks and a special Pop-Up Gallery of contemporary prints, drawings, collages, artists’ books and photographs featuring over 18 artists. The selection of work in the Pop-Up will change frequently ensuring something new. The initial programme began last December when John Groves of Action Response (Maintenance Contractors of St. George), Lynn Parotti and Paul Vanstone converted a commercial unit at Imperial Wharf. With sponsorship from Imperial Wharf and Action Response Ltd, T H I S
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the first exhibition in December of dramatic paintings and marble sculptures paved the way for the formation of gallery 6. With its stunning location on the banks of the river Thames, ten acres of landscaped parkland and a sensory garden, Imperial Wharf, the awardwinning mixed-use development of a brownfield site by London developers St George makes for the perfect location to take a relaxing view of the work of established and emerging artists. Let intuition be your guide as you explore the engaging works in the gallery and sculptures in the Sensory Garden on the banks of the Thames. It is a fresh approach where art comes alive, both indoors and out. Opening hours: Tues, Wed & Fri 12:00-20.00, Thurs, Sat & Sun 12:0018:00 . Closed Mondays or viewing by appointment. Contact: sandra@sandrahiggins.com www.sandrahiggins.com or telephone 07721 741107 www.parotti.com
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BRITISH SILVER WEEK CELEBRATES BEST OF BRITISH SILVERSMITHING British silversmiths are stepping into the spotlight during ‘British Silver Week’ in a country wide celebration of the lustrous renaissance in contemporary UK silversmithing. Organisers are staging some 20 exhibitions, workshops and seminars across the UK, selling the work of 105 designer-makers, the highlight of which is a month-long exhibition at Chatsworth, Derbyshire, from June 8 to July 5. In London, some seven venues are selling the work of 55 contemporary design-makers including Chris Knight, Hiroshi Suzuki, Junko Mori and Fred Rich as well as silver sculptures by Damien Hurst and the late Lyn Chadwick, giving true insight into this enduring craft captivating collectors and novices alike with the finest workmanship in contemporary design. Visitors are invited to browse and enjoy the cachet of buying a one-off piece, finding that perfect wedding or christening present, or discussing silversmiths’ work. And, with prices from £100 to £25,000, there is something for everyone. Further details from the website www.britishsilverweek.co.uk
Michael Lyons, ‘Mirror of the Moon’, steel, 101 x 69 x 59 cm., 1992. L O N D O N
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‘PACK’ HEADS TO GALLERY 27 IN CORK STREET LONDON Australian artist Rachel Coad makes her London debut this week at Gallery 27 in Cork Street with ‘Pack’, an exhibition of new figurative work. Coad’s subjects for the exhibition are Australians living and working in London. In 2008, the Fremantle-based artist visited the streets of London to meet, sketch and interview expatriates making this well worn journey. Seven young Australians feature in the finished works. The artworks – large oil paintings made up of up to nine separate panels – are part of Coad’s trademark ‘Clusters’ series. The name refers both to the multiple panels that make up each figure, and to the artist’s interest in documenting society’s subcultures. Rachel says, ‘I wanted to explore the modern day pilgrimage of Australians in London,’ says Coad. ‘Generations of people have done it, and I was interested to find out if and how things have changed for Australians abroad. ‘I try to capture the essence of my subjects in my paintings. In this series, I wanted to convey something of what life was really like for these people. I sensed they were variously bewildered, excited, disappointed or weary. I hope that comes through in the final works.’ Coad did extensive interviews with her subjects, and quotes from those discussions will be hung alongside the T H I S
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paintings. A selection of the artist’s other figurative work will also be exhibited. Rachel Coad is a two-time Metro 5 finalist (Melbourne) and a Cromwell’s Art Prize finalist (Sydney). Her works are exhibited regularly at Gunyulgup Galleries in Yallingup and Perth Galleries in North Fremantle. Following the exhibition in London, ‘Pack’ will return to Australia for a showing at Perth Galleries early 2010. The exhibition will be on view from 26 May until 6 June at Gallery 27, which is situated at 27 Cork Street, Mayfair, W1, Further information on 0408 939 085 or by email to rachelc@aapt.net.au www.rachelcoad.com.au
‘.... an extraordinary gift combined with a level of maturity that captures the personality and character of her subjects. There is nothing tentative or timid about her work. The results are emotive and thought provoking.’ – Norah Ohrt, Perth Galleries, Sotheby’s representative Western Australia
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PAUL HAMLYN EXHIBITION – RENDLESHAM FOREST Rendlesham Forest, an exhibition of paintings by Paul Hamlyn, will open on 22 May at the Art Space Gallery. Living and working in Suffolk and London, Paul Hamlyn's paintings draw on aspects of the British landscape, into which he weaves a dreamlike, alien narrative. The title of the show refers to the site of a world-famous UFO sighting in 1980 that allegedly included the landing of a large oval spacecraft floating on beams of light. The alien craft was spotted on successive nights, and statements were provided by a relatively large number of credible witnesses. Rendlesham Forest, with its strange history, provides a perfect imaginative landscape in which the real world is mitigated by the painter's inner preoccupations; where elements of the commonplace mix with fear and memory. Ordinary events such as a barbeque, a picnic, or a walk in the woods with a dog are transformed, sometimes humorously, into scenes that conceal a sinister undercurrent or a disturbing question.
Blind Mans Buff, oil on canvas. Hamlyn begins with sketches made in and around Rendlesham Forest and the Suffolk coast, and completes the paintings in his London studio. The finished works evoke the intensity and beauty of the physical world, and at the same time inspire feelings of profound uncertainty and disquiet. The Art Space Galley, 84 St. Peter's Street, N1. Telephone 020 7359 7002 .
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GÉRARD QUENUM – STOWAWAYS Gérard Quenum was born in the coastal town of Porto Novo, the official capital of the Republic of Benin, in 1971. He is part of the latest generation of sophisticated young francophone artists now breaking out of Africa and demanding wider recognition for their art on the international stage. Benin has long been blessed with a wealth of outstanding contemporary artists, a rising generation of ‘street artists’ has been developing around Porto Novo and Cotonou. This tightlyknit group, marshalled by the eccentric creativity of Dominique Zinkpé, arranged spontaneous exhibitions of their work not in the fine art galleries (of which Benin boasts precious few!) but outside on the city streets. They called this succession of guerrilla exhibitions – ‘Boulev’art’ (Art on the Boulevard). Gerard Quenum stands out amongst these younger tyros, as the original creator of a distinct sculptural style, and, with growing maturity, his work is now to be found in galleries on the grand Boulevards of Paris as well as the finer streets of London. Like that of many contemporary African artists, Quenum’s work is composed of recycled objects whose diverse histories contribute much to the overall significance of the pieces themselves. But what gives T H I S
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his art its unique twist is his signature use of discarded dolls added to the mix of objets trouvés – that elevates the pieces into witty and whimsical ‘portraits’ of individuals or types observed in his local environment. These ‘portraits’ serve as a lens through which we see (or imagine we see) Africa itself. It is important to understand the pre-existent story with which these dolls – none of which are indigenous African dolls – are invested. The dolls are the remains of overseas aid parcels sent to Africa by wellmeaning organisations that imagine that the discarded toys of first-world children are something that might aid an African child’s development. The October Gallery will be showing work by Gérard Quenum from 20 May – 27 June. POLLOCKS TRANSFORMS WORTHLESS JUNK INTO ART Inspired by the recession and compelled to create something positive, Founder and Creative Director of Pollocks, Josef Valentino, is launching ‘Worthless’, a live art installation that explores the value of material items in the heart of Seven Dials. For one week only (22–29 May), members of the public will be invited to bring their own ‘worthless’ items into the store and have them transformed into pieces of art. With Worthless, Valentino intends to explore the concept that one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, challenging current perceptions of ‘worth’ and providing a service that will benefit artists and participants involved. The Worthless store event, Valentino’s first since Blank Canvas in July last year on Carnaby Street, will pay homage to the institution that was Woolworths, via ironic references throughout the installation space. A team of Pollocks creatives will be working continually in the basement workshop on the transformations. The experience culminates for participants when on collection of their item, the customer will be asked how much they now think the item is worth. This amount is what the customer will then pay.
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MATTHEW DARBYSHIRE: FUNHOUSE The Hayward Gallery Project Space is presenting a new work, Funhouse, by emerging British artist Matthew Darbyshire, from 20 May to 12 July. Darbyshire's large-scale installation takes its form from the funhouse – the fairground or seafront attraction characterised by wobbly mirrors, undulating floors, and plastic ball pits – which reached its peak of popularity in the 1980s. While traditional funhouses make use of generic cartoon-like shapes and primary colours, Darbyshire's installation references the 'visitor-friendly' design language of much 21st-century British public and corporate architecture. Darbyshire’s Funhouse calls into question the way in which the design of such spaces appeals to values such as inclusiveness, diversity and choice, but often flattens and oversimplifies them, emphasising an uncritical and stage-managed 'fun' over thoughtful and truly liberating engagement. Architectural elements appropriated by Darbyshire include the Millennium Bull from Birmingham’s Millennium Point Arts complex, adorned with soft drinks cans; a mural from the Coin Street Family and Children’s Centre in Waterloo, London; and an oversized ear from an Orange mobile phone shop in Glasgow. Borrowed or remade (sometimes with a telling twist), each of these fragments corresponds to features found in the traditional funhouse – a nostalgic remnant of an earlier leisure age. Darbyshire’s installation employs a palette of bright oranges, magentas, purples, and neon greens that will be familiar to anybody who has visited who has visited an urban regeneration area, an arts centre, or retail outlets such as Nike Town or The Apple Store. Hinting at the very particular way in which the state and commercial interests seek to control the public’s experience of space and our conception of the public sphere, the artist’s compendium of around 40 architectural motifs begs the question: ‘is this a people’s palace, or a very contemporary house of horrors?’ L O N D O N
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Gateway of India, Bombay, 11ins x14ins
Beautiful habitations, auras of delight
Julian Barrow Solo Show at Indar Pasricha Fine Arts 20 May – 13 June 22 Connaught Street, London W2 2AF Tel: +44 (0)20 7724 9541 info@ipfa.co.uk
Mapusa Fruit Stall, Goa, 10ins x 8ins
www.indarpasrichafinearts.com
The Residency, Hyderabad 6ins x 8ins
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PETER PAN RETURNS HOME TO KENSINGTON GARDENS Peter Pan will return home from 26 May to 30 August, for the first time in over 100 years when a new production of JM Barrie’s ‘Peter Pan’, written by Tanya Ronder, will be performed this summer in a specially designed tent in Kensington Gardens. As JM Barrie wrote in ‘Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens’: ‘Standing on the ledge he could see trees far away, which were doubtless the Kensington Gardens, and the moment he saw them he entirely forgot that he was now a little boy in a nightgown, and away he flew, right over the houses into the Gardens.’ This new production will be directed by Ben Harrison. A former associate director of the Almeida Theatre, Ben Harrison is one of the world’s leading exponents of site-specific theatre. Peter Pan will be designed by multi-Olivier Award winning William Dudley. He has worked regularly at the Royal National Theatre, the Royal Court Theatre and in the West End and he has an international reputation for his work creating 3D virtual environments. Tanya Ronder has a reputation for outstanding adaptations of classic works including her awardwinning ‘Vernon God Little’ for the Young Vic and ‘Blood Wedding’ at the Almeida. The tent will be situated in the meadow between West Carriage Drive and the Long Water, located in the North East of Kensington Gardens near Lancaster Gate Tube Station. The state of the art theatre tent will seat 1,100 people and this pavilion is 100% rainproof. The site will include bar, restaurant and picnic facilities. Ticket are available by telephone on 0871 386 1122. T H I S
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PIERRE RIGAL'S PRESS AT SADLER’S LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO Since its world premiere on the diminutive stage of the Gate Theatre in February 2008, Pierre Rigal’s Press has proceeded to grow, with an international tour that has reached as far as Sydney Opera House. Press is now set to return to London on 28 to 30 May at the Lilian Baylis Studio. In Press, Rigal’s performance space is restricted to a box initially measuring less than three and a half metres wide. When the space begins to shrink Rigal finds himself facing a Houdini-esque choreographic challenge, resorting to increasingly inventive ways to adapt to his reduced environment. The resulting performance is both frightening and amusing, and explores how our own personal physical and mental space can be suffocated by the pressures of modern life. Rigal began his career as a 400-metre runner and hurdler, and studied mathematics before turning his skills to contemporary dance. His background manifests itself clearly in Press with his long, supple body responding to the space in a calculated and efficient manner. Dressed in a handsome suit and dignified throughout his ordeal, Rigal tunes in perfectly to the British sense of humour noir. For tickets, call 0844 412 4300.
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OLIVER GARDNER JOINS CAST OF BILLY ELLIOT Billy Elliot the Musical is celebrating its fourth birthday and its 1700th performance at the Victoria Palace Theatre in the West End. 12 year old Oliver Gardner from Bath has joined the London cast making him the thirtysecond boy to play the iconic role of Billy worldwide, first performed by Jamie Bell in the original film. The show has now played to over 3.3 million people worldwide since its world premiere four years ago. Set in the North East, it is a funny, heart-warming and feel-good celebration of one young boy's dreams. This new staging is an adaptation of one of the most adored British films of the last decade which broke box office records across the world and was nominated for 3 Oscars and 13 BAFTA Awards. Box office telephone 0870 895 5577. L O N D O N
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THE 39 STEPS Maria Aitken’s tongue-in-cheek adaptation of John Buchan’s whodunnit has four actors playing 150 parts and includes all the legendary scenes from Hitchcock’s movie. CRITERION THEATRE Piccadilly Circus, WC2 (0844 847 1778) COLLABORATION/TAKING SIDES Companion pieces written by Ronald Harwood explore the fine line between collaboration and betrayal during the Second World War. DUKE OF YORK’S St. Martin’s Lane, WC2 (0870 060 6623) THE WOMAN IN BLACK An innocent outsider, a suspicious rural community, a gothic house and a misty marsh are the ingredients of this Victorian ghost story, now in its 17th year. FORTUNE THEATRE Russell Street, WC2 (0870 060 6626) Royal National Theatre (Plays In Repertory) OLIVIER THEATRE ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL Set against a background of sexism, snobbery and a battle between the generations, Shakespeare turns fairytale logic on its head. DEATH AND THE KING’S HORSEMAN Set against the conflict of indigenous and invader in Nigeria,1943, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s play examines the essence of corruption and the power of human will, as the Horseman of the newly dead King prepares to escort him to the afterlife. ENGLAND PEOPLE VERY NICE A riotous journey through four waves of immigration from the 17th century to today. The emerging pattern shows that white flight and anxiety over integration is anything but new. LYTTELTON THEATRE TIME AND THE CONWAYS J B Priestley was fascinated by the study of time. Writing in 1937, he saw how Britain was complacently failing to learn from history and charging headlong towards another conflagration. COTTESLOE THEATRE THE OBSERVER Richard Eyre returns to the National Theatre to direct this gripping new play by award-winning playwright Matt Charman. DIDO, QUEEN OF CARTHAGE The wit and sheer poetry of Christopher Marlowe’s first play is set on the shores of Carthage and tells the story of Dido and Aeneas. NATIONAL THEATRE South Bank, SE1 (020 7452 3000) T H I S
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WICKED WELCOMES 2 MILLIONTH THEATREGOER Louisa Robb (24), a council worker from Newark, became the 2 millionth theatregoer at the smash hit musical WICKED last week. Louisa, with boyfriend Craig Robinson, was surprised by the show’s producers with an upgrade to the best seats in the house and VIP treatment for the evening. Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire that re-imagined the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, WICKED tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as 'Glinda The Good' and the 'Wicked Witch of the West'. Pictured left – right: Dianne Pilkington (Glinda), Louisa Robb (2 millionth theatregoer), Oliver Tompsett (Fiyero), Craig Robinson (Louisa’s boyfriend), Alexia Khadime (Elphaba). WAR HORSE The National Theatre’s new epic based on the celebrated novel by Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. Actors work with magnificent life-size puppets on a gruelling journey through history. NEW LONDON THEATRE Drury Lane, WC2 (0844 412 4654)
TRAFALGAR STUDIOS Whitehall, SW1 (0870 060 6632)
CALENDAR GIRLS The true story of the members of the Woman’s Institute who shun their usual cake baking and jam making in order to produce a nude calendar to raise money for Leukaemia Research. NOEL COWARD St Martin’s Lane, WC2 (0870 850 9175)
WAITING FOR GODOT Samuel Beckett’s classic play originally exploded onto the London stage 50 years ago when it shocked as many people as it delighted. This new production stars Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart. THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET Haymarket, SW1 (0870 400 0626)
THE MOUSETRAP Agatha Christie’s whodunnit is the longest running play of its kind in the history of the British theatre. ST MARTIN’S THEATRE West Street, WC2 (0870 162 8787)
DUET FOR ONE Deeply moving psychological drama about a brilliant concert violinist who is forced to rethink her career and her life after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. VAUDEVILLE THEATRE Strand, WC2 (0870 890 0511)
THE LAST CIGARETTE Warm, candid and with a double dose of dark humour, this dramatisation of Simon Gray’s ‘The Smoking Diaries’ was completed just before his death last summer. Felicity Kendal stars.
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ORDINARY DREAMS Deepening recession, uninspiring job, antisocial neighbours and rubbish on the streets, this dark comedy follows four thirty-somethings in their search for happiness.
MADAME DE SADE Yukio Mishima’s play, translated from the Japanese by Donald Keene, starring Judi Dench, directed by Michael Grandage. Until 23 May. WYNDHAM’S THEATRE Charing Cross Road, WC2 (0870 950 0925) I S
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LA CAGE AUX FOLLES Major revival of the classic Jerry Herman musical, which became the biggest new American musical of the decade when it opened on Broadway in 1983. A timeless and deliciously funny tale of family values and the need to be proud of who we are, and where life is never a drag! PLAYHOUSE Northumberland Avenue, WC2 (0870 060 6631)
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s family musical based on the Biblical story of the errant son and his jealous brothers. Includes the hit song, ‘Any Dream Will Do.’ ADELPHI THEATRE Strand, WC2 (0870 403 0303) DIRTY DANCING Based on the ‘80s movie, this famous tale involves a daddy’s girl and a dance instructor at a New York holiday resort during the long, hot summer of 1963. ALDWYCH THEATRE Aldwych, WC2 (0870 4000 704) WICKED THE MUSICAL Hit Broadway story of how a clever, misunderstood girl with emerald green skin and a girl who is beautiful and popular turn into the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch in the Land of Oz. APOLLO VICTORIA THEATRE Wilton Rd, SW1 (0870 161 1977) CHICAGO A dazzling mixture of sinuous bodies, tough broads, murder and fickle fame, the Ebb-Fosse musical goes from strength to strength in this monochrome production. CAMBRIDGE THEATRE Earlham Street, WC2 (0870 890 1102) SUNSET BOULEVARD A new and intimate production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s highly acclaimed musical, which premiered at the Adelphi Theatre in 1993. COMEDY THEATRE Panton Street, SW1 (0870 060 6637) WE WILL ROCK YOU A unique collaboration between the legends of rock and Ben Elton, reflecting the scale and spectacle that marked Queen’s live performances. DOMINION THEATRE Tottenham Court Rd, W1 (0870 169 0116) A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Set to a score in waltz time by Stephen Sondheim, the story turns on four couples over a midsummer weekend in turn-of-the-century Sweden, where affairs of the heart are uppermost. GARRICK THEATRE Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2 (0844 412 4662) THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Long running epic romance by Andrew Lloyd Webber, set behind the scenes of a Paris opera house, where a deformed phantom stalks his prey. HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE Haymarket, SW1 (0870 890 1106)
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Rowan Atkinson in Oliver. THE LION KING Disney‘s phenomenally successful animated film is transformed into a spectacular stage musical, a superb evening of visual delight. LYCEUM THEATRE Wellington Street, WC2 (0870 243 9000) THRILLER – LIVE Spectacular, high octane show celebrating the career of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. LYRIC THEATRE Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 (0870 890 1107) STOMP This British theatrical sensation has enthralled audiences across the world with its combination of theatre, dance, comedy and percussion. NEW AMBASSADORS West Street, WC2 (020 7369 1761) SPRING AWAKENING Inspired by Frank Wedekind’s 1891 masterpiece of repressed emotion and adolescent passion, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheikh’s new musical explodes onto the West End stage following a sell-out season at Lyric Hammersmith. NOVELLO THEATRE Aldwych, WC2 (0870 950 0935) PRISCILLA THE MUSICAL Based on the Oscar award winning film, a glamorous Sydney based performing trio take their show to the middle of the Australian outback. PALACE THEATRE Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 (0870 895 5579)
JERSEY BOYS Rags to riches tale of four blue collar kids working their way from the streets of Newark to the heights of stardom as Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Features such hits as ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’, ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ and ‘Sherry’. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Old Compton Street, W1 (0870 850 9191) MAMMA MIA Hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, set around the story of a mother and daughter, on the eve of the daughter’s wedding. PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE Old Compton Street, W1 (0870 850 0393) LES MISERABLES Much praised and spectacularly staged version of Victor Hugo’s epic novel. Mon-Sat at 19.30. Mats Weds & Sat at 14.30. QUEENS THEATRE Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2 (0870 950 0930) CAROUSEL The story of the love affair between Billy Bigelow, a smooth-talking carousel barker, and Julie Jordan, plus one of the most celebrated scores of all time, including The Carousel Waltz, If I Loved You, June is Bustin’ Out All Over and You’ll Never Walk Alone. SAVOY THEATRE Savoy Court, WC2 (0870 164 8787) HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL Tracy Turnblad, the big girl with the big hair and an even bigger heart goes from 60s style dance show to a downtown rhythm and blues record shop in this musical based on the John Waters movie. SHAFTESBURY THEATRE Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2 (020 7379 5399)
BLOOD BROTHERS Willy Russell’s powerful musical about twins from Liverpool, separated at birth, whose paths cross in friendship and finally in bloodshed. PHOENIX THEATRE Charing Cross Road, WC2 (0870 060 6629)
OLIVER! Cameron Mackintosh’s revival of Lionel Bart’s musical masterpiece, starring Rowan Atkinson as ‘Fagin’. The legendary songs include ‘Consider Yourself’, ‘Food Glorious Food’, ‘I’d Do Anything’ and ‘As Long as He Needs Me’. THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE Catherine Street, WC2 (0870 890 1109)
GREASE THE MUSICAL Inimitable slice of 50s Americana, bursting with denim, cheerleaders and well-oiled quiffs. Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted to You, You’re The One that I Want and many more get audiences dancing in the aisles. PICCADILLY THEATRE Denman Street, W1 (0870 060 0123)
BILLY ELLIOT - THE MUSICAL The hit British film is transformed into a thrilling stage musical by its original director, Stephen Daldry, with music by Elton John. VICTORIA PALACE Victoria Street, SW1 (0870 895 5577)
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ENO’s new production of MOZART’s most popular comic opera Following the sell-out success of ENO classic THE MAGIC FLUTE 29 May – 5 July 2009 10 performances only
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ENO LIVE AT THE LONDON COLISEUM www.eno.org 0871 911 0200 Illustration by Steve Rawlings