Winter 2012
Ambassador Theatre Group
WILL yOUNG A SHOWMAN AT HEART
DOGGY DIVA
BACKSTAGE WITH PUDSEY
hotlist lovin’ dolly’s 9 to 5 shaken not stirred cocktail style live the dream with our xmas treats
ROBERT bATHURST
DOWNTON’S PERFECT GENTLEMAN
priscilla
presley Panto goes glam
contents
1 divine decadence
Will Young makes an eye-popping
EmCee in Cabaret
3 what a way to make a living Wish fulfilment for women:
Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5
5
LANDMARK THEATRE
The compelling and witty Blue/Orange
7
The aaaah factor
Ashleigh and Pudsey
In the dressing room with
9 To 5 The Musical
9 making theatre magic Customers get the red carpet treatment
10 viva forever! competition Win tickets to the Spice
Girls-inspired musical
11 atg tickets A simple way to find that
hot ticket this Autumn
13 star gazing
The Royal Court thrills audiences
at the Duke of York’s
15
mix it up
luxurious theatre bars makes the
perfect accessory
A cocktail from one of ATG’s The Royal Court’s Constellations
Piano bar Piccadilly Theatre
17 gift it
Consider Christmas sorted - with Ambassador Group productions / Ambassador Theatre Group LONDON Theatres Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615 The Harold Pinter Theatre 0844 871 7622 Donmar Warehouse 0844 871 7624 Duke of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623 Fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626 Lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615 Phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629 Piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630 Playhouse Theatre 0844 871 7631 Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687 Trafalgar Studios 0844 871 7632 Ambassador Theatre Group REGIONAL Theatres Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 0844 871 7607 Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 0844 871 3011 Theatre Royal Brighton 0844 871 7650 Bristol Hippodrome 0844 871 3012 Churchill Theatre Bromley 0844 871 7620 Edinburgh Playhouse 0844 871 3014 Leas Cliff Hall Folkestone 0844 871 3015 Kings Theatre Glasgow 0844 871 7648 Theatre Royal Glasgow 0844 871 7647 Grimsby Auditorium 0844 871 3016 Empire Theatre Liverpool 0844 871 3017 Palace Theatre & Opera House Manchester 0844 871 3018 Milton Keynes Theatre 0844 871 7652 New Theatre Oxford 0844 871 3020 Richmond Theatre 0844 871 7651 Southport Theatre & Convention Centre 0844 847 2380 Regent Theatre & Victoria Hall Stoke-on-Trent 0844 871 7649 Sunderland Empire 0844 871 3022 Princess Theatre Torquay 0844 871 3023 New Wimbledon Theatre & New Wimbledon Studio 0844 871 7646 Ambassadors Cinemas Woking 0844 871 7643 New Victoria Theatre & Rhoda McGaw Theatre Woking 0844 871 7645 York Grand Opera House 0844 871 3024 Online booking at atgtickets.com Jessamy Hadley Editor Pat Westwell, Jasper Rees, Nancy Groves, Victoria Kingston, Al Senter, Benedict Nightingale, Mark Bouman Neena Dhillon, David Bradbury, Alice Gimblett Contributors Shaun Webb Design Design and Art Direction John Good Print The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd 39 - 41 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H OAR The views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd. Cover photograph by Christopher Ameruoso
our hand-picked gift experiences
I
Interview
DECADENCE
Divine
1
t’s been ten years since Pop Idol, when Will Young
thought he would be.’
crooned his way to triumph in the inaugural
Time spent in the company of the mercurial
autumn vote-off. Pop careers being what they
showman who supplies a window into a society in
are, it is a measure of Young’s genuine talent that
turmoil seems only to have confirmed Young’s original
a decade on he is a long way from the talent contest
hunch. ‘The EmCee’s a perfect character for me to do
winner’s dreaded Where Are They Now file. The winner
in my first musical because he is so out there. He goes
of two Brit awards, with 6 chart-topping albums under
from dark to light to sad to angry and he can turn at
his belt and singles including Leave Right Now and
any stage. It allows me to express lots of emotions
Evergreen, his most recent album Echoes entered
in a different way to how I express them in my own
I HAVE ACTUALLY ALWAYS WANTED TO PLAY THE EMCEE. I have had
numerous musical offers over the years and was holding out and this came along.
the charts at number one in August 2011.
songs. I’m not being myself.’
Continuing success in one branch of the business
In the film Mrs Henderson Presents (2005) Young
has not dissuaded Young from tacking across into
played a stagehand who wanders about the Windmill
musical theatre to take on the role of the
Theatre mooning over the girls posing naked for the Tommies off to war.
Emcee alongside actress Michelle
‘I remember Stephen Frears
Ryan in the West End revival of
saying to me, ‘Just make
Cabaret. ‘It’s just another
it more normal,’ and I
medium to perform in.
didn’t get that. ‘I
It’s what I always
don’t know what he
wanted to be doing
means, I need to
from ten years
be acting in it.’
ago when I won Pop Idol.’
It wasn’t till I
Young was
did Bedlam
first approached
(Sky One’s
about Cabaret
supernatural
three years ago
series from
by director
2011) that I
Rufus Norris and
finally got it.’
producer Bill
‘I’ve definitely grown in
Kenwright, who
confidence. I’m a
were seeking to
completely different
revive their multi
person to the person I
award-winning 2006
was then. There is no way
production. ‘They didn’t
I could have played this role
know but I have actually always
as a person or as an actor even
wanted to play the Emcee. I have had numerous musical offers over the
Cabaret Winner of
8 Oscars 7 Baftas 13 Tonys
two years ago.’ He puts that partly down
years and was holding out and this came along.’
to the voice coaching he has been having recently,
It took a while to get the relevant ducks in a row,
but also in Cabaret to the freedom from responsibility
but Young is now in front of an audience in suspenders
that comes with being part of someone else’s well-oiled
and bowler hat, singing the wonderfully sleazy
machine rather than being the whole kit and caboodle.
show-stopping tunes of Kander and Ebb - Willkommen,
He is relishing it.
The Money Song and Two Ladies. ‘Every song in the
‘In pop I do feel more restricted. I’m more of a
show I love. That is a pull in itself. There isn’t a number
brand in pop and I have to be mindful. I’m a singer and
where I think, we’ll just get through this one.’
I’m also a businessman and what happened was the
Cabaret, which opened on Broadway in 1966, is
two collided and I didn’t enjoy it. Now I understand
of course even better known for the Oscar-winning
that, I get it. The brilliant thing about doing Cabaret
1972 film starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey. Young
is I haven’t written the songs, I’m not paying for
has never seen Norris’s or any other stage production.
the production, I’m not employing everyone.
‘I’m thankful for that. I deliberately didn’t watch the
It’s brilliant.’ ■
film again. And I really held back on even listening to the songs until about couple of weeks before rehearsals. I didn’t want to fix in my head what I
Interview Jasper Rees
Photography by Jim Marks and Keith Pattison
savoy Theatre
cabaret Presented by Bill Kenwright Directed by Rufus Norris Choreography by Javier de Frutos Starring Will Young Michelle Ryan Until 19 January 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7687 Online booking at atgtickets.com ATG Magazine / 2
feature
To have that amount of talent,
to have written those songs. Dolly grew up in a one room cabin and now runs her own theme park. If that’s not a feminist, I don’t know what is.
Leave your daily grind behind!
After her recent stint in the West End run of Abigail’s
Casey. ‘We’ll know we’ve really succeeded when you
Party, Casey must have gone through quite a gear
can be funny and smart and talented and beautiful.’
change from Mike Leigh malaise to Dollywood glee.
Like Dolly. ‘Yeah, like Dolly.’
Yes and no, she says. ‘I’m a very big fan of late 70s,
As someone who started in showbusiness at a
early 80s comedies that involve women, both of which
young age (her song Chick Chick Chicken charted
these are.’ What she didn’t bank on was Parton doing
when she was just three), Casey has never really done
the casting. ‘I noticed they were filming my audition,
the 9 to 5 grind. But bad bosses she does know ‘One
which seemed odd. But when I got the part, it was a
particular person who I will not name, someone who
nice feeling of ‘Dolly thinks you can do it, so you’d
had spent a lot of time in this business!’ she says. ‘It’s
better be good!’
always people who want to be the puppet master
For those unfamilar with this hilarious story of
but don’t necessarily have the talent themselves.’
friendship, gossip and revenge, let Casey fill you in: ‘It’s
What is her coping strategy? ‘Smoking,’ she jokes.
about three very different women (originally played by
‘No. The best approach with men who behave like
Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin) from three very
children is to say, ‘Ah, ahem, yes’ and then do what
different walks of life who work for a boss who’s
you want.’ As opposed to a little kickass - Casey’s love
terribly mean and lazy. Eventually they’ve had enough
of martial arts is well documented. ‘I always admire
and decide they are going to kill him and run the office
skills that I don’t possess myself,’ she says matter-of-
themselves instead.’
factly. ‘Those high kicks that Jackie Chan can do - that
Hardline feminism masquerading as broad musical
to me is amazing. But if I was trying it, I’d be slipping
comedy? ‘They should put that on the poster!’ cackles
my disc. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Hamster more like.’ The Lancashire born 32-year-old is proud of her CV, which ranges from West End drama to BBC3 sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. Nor would she object to dipping into the classical repertoire like her Two Pints co-star Sheridan Smith, but is unlikely to catch her in Hedda Gabler. ‘I don’t think I’m going to get the time what with rehearsals. But she’s definitely going to rock along to see me in 9 To 5 - Sheridan’s a massive Dolly fan!’ Casey herself is more than a little nervous
Natalie Casey Jackie Clune Amy Lennox and Ben Richards
What a way to make a
Dolly Parton
Feature by Nancy Groves
Photography by Paul Rider 3
walks into the room, it will be one of the only times someone has to hold my hand because I’m going to lose it. I
living T
about meeting Parton. ‘I tell you, when she
here are very few pop songs, really only
The Musical sidesteps into town.
two or three, that can move an entire
Launched as part of the Manchester Gets It First
gender onto the dance floor. Dolly Parton’s
initiative, Natalie Casey knew she wanted in
9 to 5 is surely one of them. No feelgood
immediately. ‘I heard they were doing it on Broadway,’
might cry! The amount of people who I’ve told about working on 9 To 5 I’ve never had a response like it. People just love her, even my Primus-listening rocker friends.’
Rumour has it that the 66 year-old country superstar even bakes fudge for her cast. ‘How is it possible that she’s a nice person too?’ marvels Casey. ‘To have that
amount of talent, to have written those songs. Here’s a woman who grew up in a one room cabin and now runs her own theme park. If that’s not a feminist, I don’t
Bonnie Langford
9 to 5 the musical Written by Patrick Resnick Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton Starring Ben Richards Jackie Clune Natalie Casey Amy Lennox Bonnie Langford Featuring Dolly live from her desk in Dollywood Opera House Manchester 12 - 20 October Box Office 0844 871 3018 New Wimbledon Theatre 22 - 27 October Box Office 0844 871 7646 Sunderland Empire 29 October - 3 November Box Office 0844 871 3022 New Victoria Theatre Woking 5 - 10 November Box Office 0844 871 7645 King’s Theatre Glasgow 12 - 17 November Box Office 0844 871 7648 Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent 19 - 24 November Box Office 0844 871 7649 Edinburgh Playhouse 26 November - 1 December Box Office 0844 871 3014 New Theatre Oxford 3 - 8 December Box Office 0844 871 3020 Theatre Royal Brighton 10 - 15 December Box Office 0844 871 7650
disco set would be without the Grammy award-winning
says the former Hollyoaks actress, ‘and I remember
workplace anthem, guilty pleasure or not. And if half a
saying to my husband, ‘If this ever comes to London, I
wedding party (or a whole hen do) can be nudged into
have to do this show.’ I rang my agent every day asking:
action by those opening piano bars, just imagine the
‘Have you heard anything? Have they done call-outs.
New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 17 December - 5 January Box Office 0844 871 3011
crowds that will form when the UK tour of 9 To 5:
’ I really was stalking it.’
Online booking at atgtickets.com
know what is.’ ■
ATG Magazine / 4
Interview
Landmark THEATRE
the compelling and witty blue/orange
Winner
best
new play Critics’ Circle
Evening Standard
Olivier Awards
R
at best by the others. He rather tagged along until he
goals for fear that he may never achieve them. And,
was accepted by the gang.’
interestingly, he has strong opinions about the role
One of Bathurst’s recent successes was his
of the actor in the theatrical process, a contribution
performance as the actor John le Mesurier in a
which, he argues, is sometimes exaggerated.
television biography of the comedy actress, Hattie
‘You often hear actors either claiming to have
Jacques. It was, he stresses, a very special assignment
created a part in a play, say, by Tom Stoppard or being
for him. ‘I was playing a character whom everybody
credited with it. I say to myself, no, you didn’t create
thought they knew. But that was one of the central
a Tom Stoppard character, he did.’ says Bathurst. ‘Your
themes of the film - that what we think we know about
job as an actor is to serve the ideas of the writer. But
actors isn’t necessarily the truth - Hattie’s personal life
a play is not simply a collection of words and the
being a case in point. I think that there are additional
colour you add to these words as an actor makes the
responsibilities when you play a real life person whose
difference between reading the play at home and
children and grandchildren are still alive. You have to
seeing it in performance. If all the audience sees are
remember that what you’re doing is a fictionalised
the words, then it’s a waste of everybody’s time.’ ■
obert Bathurst looks like a chap who’d be
Noises Off, then into its lengthy run at the Savoy.
good in a crisis. A gel, overcome by a fit of
Next Bathurst crossed the Thames to join the
version of real people’s lives and is not
the vapours, could do worse than bury her
National Theatre company, where he found himself
necessarily the truth.’
tear-stained face in Bathurst’s manly chest
working with a National Theatre institution in the actor
Bathurst is coy about naming his particular career
with nothing more intimate than a pat on the back to
Michael Bryant. ‘He bawled me out one day for poor
comfort her. As he points out, Bathurst has played his
posture and bad diction and he told me what was what
share of bastards in his time but whenever he’s called
in no uncertain terms. I think I was seen in those days
upon to give us a good guy, he projects the basic
as a bit of university dilettante and it took me several
decency of the traditional English gent, witness his
years to establish myself.’
current cameo in Downton Abbey, as a faithful
Following near misses in both Blackadder and
admirer of Lady Edith.
Red Dwarf, Bathurst struck gold with Joking Apart,
a gel, overcome by a fit of the vapours, could do worse than bury her tear-stained face in bathurst’s manly chest with nothing more intimate than a pat on the back to comfort her
Robert Bathurst in Downton Abbey Image courtesy of ITV
Interview by Al Senter
Photography by Robert Workman
★★★★★ SIMPLY BRILLIANT what’s on stage
★★★★ ABSORBING, PROVOCATIVE AND STIMULATING SUNDAY EXPRESS
★★★★
It’s for the audience to decide whether or not
an early television credit for Dr Who scribe,
Robert Smith, the character which Bathurst plays in
Steven Moffatt. From there he made his
CHILLINGLY BELIEVABLE
Christopher Luscombe’s electrifying production of
way to Cold Feet, ITV’s addictive yuppie
MAIL ON SUNDAY
Blue/Orange, wears a white or a black hat. First seen at
saga in which he played Mr. Corporate,
the National Theatre in 2000, Joe Penhall’s dazzling
something of a target for the other
★★★★
three-hander pits Bathurst as a senior consultant
characters to aim at. ‘Cold Feet rather
at a psychiatric hospital against his junior colleague
happened by stealth,’ he reveals. ‘It
Robert BATHURST IS SUPERB
Bruce (Gerard McCarthy) over the treatment given
won the Golden Rose at Montreux,
Daily Telegraph
to Christopher (Oliver Wilson), a young black man
took hold of the public and received
claiming to be the son of Idi Amin, the Ugandan
very good ratings. Ever after, whenever
dictator of the 1970s and 80s.
ITV couldn’t decide whether or not
Bathurst read Law at Pembroke College, Cambridge
to order another series, they looked
but perhaps his academic work was only a fig-leaf
at the ratings and re-commissioned.
behind which he could pursue his aspirations to
My character, David, was tolerated
become an actor. In an era when the Footlights company contained such future topliners as Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie, Bathurst climbed the greasy pole of Footlights politics to become President and since such a post has seldom been a barrier to advancement into show business, you would have thought that stardom beckoned. Bathurst, however, was unsure about the direction he should take. There was a brief flirtation with That’s Life ‘my agent wanted me to go down the TV presenter route’ and a realisation that he couldn’t be a Footlighter forever. ‘I didn’t want to be still doing university revue in middle age.’ He eventually landed a role in Michael Frayn’s
Written by Joe Penhall Directed by Christopher Luscombe A Theatre Royal Brighton Production Starring Robert Bathurst New Victoria Theatre Woking 16 -20 October Box Office 0844 871 7645 New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 23 - 27 October Box Office 0844 871 3011 the churchill theatre bromley 30 October -3 November Box Office 0844 871 7620 Theatre royal Glasgow 6 - 10 November Box Office 0844 871 7647 Richmond theatre 13 - 17 November Box Office 0844 871 7651 opera house manchester 20 - 24 November Box Office 0844 871 3018 Online booking at atgtickets.com
5
ATG Magazine / 6
profile
Aaaah
the
FACTOR
Ashleigh and pudsey are a panto dream ticket
T
his year, the panto at New Victoria Theatre
Will Pudsey suffer from stage fright? With no
Woking has something unexpected to add
hesitation, she shakes her head. ‘No, because he’s
to Dick Whittington. Playing the romantic
such a show-off. The bigger the crowd, the more he
performs. And it’s a pretty big audience at Woking -
lead Alice Fitzwarren, is lovely Ashleigh
Butler, accompanied by her devoted pooch, Pudsey.
1,300.’ A bit daunting for Ashleigh herself? ‘Well,it
After winning Britain’s Got Talent, with a staggering
will be a bit scary, but I’m going with the flow. Lots
39% of the votes, and capturing the hearts of an
of wonderful things have happened recently, but my
audience of nearly 15 million, this dynamic duo
family and friends keep me grounded, stop me from
haven’t had a moment to put their paws up and relax.
getting a big head. To be honest, the attention we
Anyone who has trained dogs knows it’s a
get is all about Pudsey, so if anyone’s going to
painstaking task. So how long does it take Pudsey to
get big-headed, it’s him.’
learn a routine - say The Flintstones? ‘After I’ve chosen
So can we expect diva behaviour from him?
the music and taught him all the tricks - the actual
Demanding luxuries in his dressing room, signing paw
routine takes about four to five weeks. For the panto,
print autographs? ‘I don’t think so,’ she laughs. ‘He’s
I shall teach him some tricks and then work them into
pretty normal, though he has had some lovely food
short routines.’ It’s obvious she trains with a lot of
lately. He’s an agility champion, so he’s used to being
love. ‘Oh yes, it’s all reward-based. I can tell when he’s
in the limelight. Whatever he does, he puts a
having an off day and I don’t make him do tricks then.
hundred and ten per cent into it. He loves
I can read him like a book. And he can read me the
performing and he has a lot of confidence
same. At the panto, he will know it’s a big
on stage - he loves the applause. He’s a
performance, and he’ll pick up on my nerves and he’ll
once in a lifetime dog.’
know he has to be a good boy and do his best.’
In Dick Whittington, Ashleigh will be playing the
A very competent and sought-after trainer, Ashleigh
romantic interest. What will happen, I ask her, when
has been winning awards in dog trials with Pudsey,
she falls in love for real? Will the young man of her
since she was given him as a puppy at age 11. Since
dreams have to be a dog lover? ‘Oh yes,’ she says
winning Britain’s Got Talent, there have been photo
firmly. ‘Dogs are my life. He will have to understand
shoots, TV appearances, some high-profile
that Pudsey means everything to me. I want to fall
performances: at the Epsom Derby, the Queen’s
in love one day, but Pudsey will always come first.’ ■
Diamond Jubilee - and a series of dazzling
Interview by Victoria Kingston
appearances in the USA. How did she get there? Oh, Simon Cowell’s private jet.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
New Wimbledon Theatre
regent theatre stoke-on-trent
peter pan
snow white
Starring Russell Grant 8 - 30 Dec 2012 Box Office 0844 871 7607
Starring Priscilla Presley & Warwick Davis 7 Dec 2012 - 13 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7646
Starring Jonathan Wilkes 13 Dec 2012- 4 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7649
Milton Keynes Theatre
New Victoria Theatre Woking
richmond theatre
cinderella
Dick Whittington
aladdin
Starring Louie Spence 7 Dec 2012 - 6 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7652
Starring Ashleigh and Pudsey 7 Dec 2012 - 6 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7645
Starring Suzanne Shaw 7 Dec 2012 - 13 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7651
King’s Theatre, Glasgow
liverpool empire Theatre
cinderella
cinderella
Starring Karen Dunbar 30 Nov 2012 - 6 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7648
Starring Coleen Nolan 14 Dec 2012 - 6 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 3017
bristol hippodrome
opera house manchester
For full casting details & online booking for all pantos across ATG venues this year visit atgtickets.com
aladdin
peter pan
Cast to be announced 7 Dec 2012 - 6 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 3012
Starring David Hasselhoff 8 Dec 2012 - 13 Jan 2013 Box Office 0844 871 3018
cinderella
‘Simon loves dogs and he has a special place in his heart for Pudsey. It was quite surreal going on his jet. When I think about it now, I think - wow, did I really do that! It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!’ The panto will be equally exciting, but I point out, it’s a bit risky, isn’t it? Dick Whittington’s cat? ‘I think it’s not a real cat,’ Ashleigh laughs. ‘But I’m not a hundred per cent sure about that. If it is a real cat, then we’ll have a lot of problems!’
Stop Press! Dallas and Naked Gun superstar Priscilla Presley prepares to enchant audiences in Snow White at the New Wimbledon Theatre
‘I have heard such wonderful things about British pantomime, the script is hilarious, my costume is sensational & I can’t wait to get started & give the people of London my Wicked Queen! What a wonderful honour to be spending Christmas in such a beautiful city & being part of this family tradition.’
7
ATG Magazine / 8
news
competition
The Moonlight Bar Harold Pinter Theatre
t t
The Boards Edinburgh Playhouse Piano Bar New Wimbledon Theatre
Magic
maKING THEATRE
Turn to page 15 to sample some of the cocktails available in ATG’s luxury bars – and for style tips to go with them!
Ambassador Group plough millions into capital projects
E
Photography of The Moonlight Bar and Piano Bar by Ben Fisher benfisherphotography.com Photograph of The Boards by Rob McDougall
Melanie Brown Melanie Chisholm Jennifer Saunders Geri Halliwell Judy Craymer Emma Bunton Victoria Beckham at the launch of Viva Forever!
T
his is your chance to catch the show that
Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous, French &
has been the talk of the West End since
Saunders), and Judy Craymer, producer of the world
its flamboyant launch back in June -
wide smash-hit musical Mamma Mia!, Viva Forever!
and we’ll help you do it in style! Spice
is a wonderfully joyous contemporary musical about
up your life with an exhilarating and irresistibly funny
the value of friendship in the face of fame and fortune.
tale of love, loyalty and romance. An original story
As band member Viva follows her dreams to
for our times, inspired by the songs of the Spice
stardom, Viva Forever! charts her amazing journey
Girls, Viva Forever! hits all the high notes
into the world of overnight celebrity. From London to
for a fabulous feel-good night out.
Spain and back again, as the world judges you, it’s all
From the award-winning writer and comedienne
about who you really are and who you want to be, whatever the cost.
piccadilly Theatre
We’re offering one lucky winner and three friends
viva forever!
the best seats in the house this December, and we’ll also treat you to a bit of VIP luxury with complimentary champagne, programmes and merchandise to make it a truly unforgettable night out.
nhancing the theatrical experience for our
interior designer George Couyas to showcase
To get your hands on this amazing prize, simply
customers is about ensuring that every visit
ATG’s unique theatre architecture - with an elegant,
answer this question:
is a special occasion’ said ATG’s Managing
modern twist.
Director of Venues, Nick Potter this week,
Improvements in the West End include ergonomically
Book by Jennifer Saunders Produced by Judy Craymer 27 November 2012 - 1 June 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7630 Online booking at atgtickets.com
announcing a thrilling investment of £15 million
designed seating at the Fortune Theatre, auditorium
into capital projects at the company’s theatres.
refurbishments at the Harold Pinter Theatre, technical
Which of these was the Spice Girls’ debut single?
The red carpet treatment includes a major overhaul
upgrades at the Duke of York’s and restoration works
a Wannabe
of Front of House areas across the group. A number
at the Phoenix and Piccadilly - all aimed at preserving
b 2 become 1
Viva Forever! at the Piccadilly Theatre
of refurbished luxury bars - Piano Bars at the Piccadilly,
these beautiful, historic buildings for future generations.
c Mama
plus one bottle of champagne, show
New Wimbledon and Milton Keynes Theatres, the
Regionally, the ‘special occasion’ continues at a new
Moonlight Bar at the Harold Pinter, the Apollo Victoria’s
tea room at Theatre Royal Brighton, a new Box Office
Please return your answer, not forgetting your
Elixir Bar, the Terrace Bar at the Duke of York’s, The
at the Bristol Hippodrome and a transformation of
name, address and telephone number/ email to
Ballroom at the Lyceum Theatre, The Boards at the
the Front of House and Box Office areas at the
Alice Gimblett, The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd.,
Edinburgh Playhouse and The Picture Lounge at the
New Theatre in Oxford. ■
39 - 41 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0AR
Theatre Group Ltd. Editor’s decision
before Friday 26 October 2012. ■
is final.
Glasgow King’s Theatre have been redesigned by
Terms & conditions One winner will be drawn at random after the closing date. The prize includes 4 tickets (Mon - Thu perfs only) to see
merchandise and two house programmes. Prize is subject to availability, non-transferable and non-redeemable for a cash value. Not open to employees of Ambassador
9 ATG Magazine / 10
atg tickets
The unforgettable excitement of live theatre - get into it this Autumn using atgtickets.com as your guide
Apollo Victoria 0844 871 7615
Wicked
There has never been a better time to experience ‘the hit musical with brains, heart and courage’ (Sunday Telegraph) as it flies into its sixth spellbinding year.
savoy theatre Simply divine decadence at the Savoy Theatre this Autumn in the person of singer/songwriter Will Young who stars in the multi award-winning production of Cabaret.
JUMPY
CONSTELLATIONS
Starring Tamsin Greig & Bel Powley ‘Funny, deliciously rude and at times piercingly moving’ Daily Telegraph
Starring Sally Hawkins & Rafe Spall ‘The town’s new hot ticket’ New York Times
Lyceum Theatre 0844 871 7615 Disney’s
playhouse theatre Simon Callow returns to the West End stage in Peter Ackroyd’s acclaimed play The Mystery of Charles Dickens - 49 of Dickens’ best loved characters brought to life by one man in an exhilarating performance echoing the recitals that Dickens himself once gave.
Duke of York’s Theatre 0844 871 7623
The Lion King
With a cast of over 40 actors, singers and dancers. ‘A beautiful dazzle of invention and imagination’ Evening Standard
Fortune Theatre 0844 871 7626
The Woman in Black One of the most exciting and gripping theatre events ever staged. ‘A truly nerve-shredding experience’ Daily Mail
Phoenix Theatre 0844 871 7629
Piccadilly Theatre 0844 871 7630
goodnight mister tom
viva forever!
A brand new stage adaptation of Michelle Magorian’s wonderfully uplifting tale.
A fabulous, feel-good story of our times, inspired by the songs of the Spice Girls.
Harold Pinter Theatre 0844 871 7632
Savoy Theatre 0844 871 7687
Trafalgar Studio 1 0844 871 7632
chorus of disapproval
Internationally renowned singer /songwriter Will Young and acclaimed actress Michelle Ryan make their musical theatre debuts.
YES, PRIME MINISTER
Rob Brydon stars alongside Nigel Harman and Ashley Jensen in Alan Ayckbourn’s riotous comedy.
Donmar at Trafalgar Studio 2* 0844 871 7632
Donmar at Trafalgar Studio 2* 0844 871 7632
Donmar at Trafalgar Studio 2* 0844 871 7632
the promise
the dance of death
the silence of the sea
Aleksei Arbuzov’s play, in this new version by Penelope Skinner, is a portrayal of youthful hope.
Strindberg’s compelling battle of wills is laced with biting humour in a new version by Conor McPherson.
Anthony Weigh casts new light on Vercors’ testament to the power of the human spirit.
Playhouse Theatre 0844 871 7631
SPAMALOT
King Arthur and his Knights of the (very) Round Table have travelled up and down the length and breadth of the land in their quest for the Holy Grail and now continue their triumphant ride around London’s West End ‘Glorious irresistible silliness’ The Sunday Times
piccadilly theatre The Spice Girls legend lives on in Viva Forever! a feel-good new musical from the award-winning writer and comedienne Jennifer Saunders - an exhilarating and irresistibly funny tale of love, loyalty and romance.
cabaret
‘The jokes come thick and fast... the writing has a relentless energy’ The Evening Standard
harold pinter theatre Shining a spotlight on backstage intrigues this Autumn is Rob Brydon who makes his West End debut alongside Nigel Harman and Ashley Jensen in Ayckbourn’s A Chorus of Disapproval - directed by Trevor Nunn.
new WIMBLEDON theatre
Donmar Warehouse 0844 871 7624
The Old Vic 0844 871 7628
Priscilla Presley brings some va va voom to Wimbledon this Christmas in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
BERENICE
KISS ME KATE
Racine’s perfect tragedy of unfulfilled passion in a new version by Alan Hollinghurst.
Award-winning director Trevor Nunn returns to The Old Vic to direct this dazzling, Tony awardwinning Broadway classic.
Book your tickets online 11
at atgtickets.com Your One Stop Shop *Studio 2 has been made possible by a generous donation from Christina Smith
ATG Magazine / 12
Gazing
Interview
STAR
The town’s new hot ticket
The Royal Court’s magical Constellations is out of this world
F
a pitch-perfect production Daily telegraph
Sally Hawkins & Rafe Spall
t Bel Powley & Tamsin Greig
Prometheus) and Sally Hawkins (Jane Eyre, Happy-Go-
cosmologist who may be suffering from a dangerous
him a New York showing starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
going to the theatre only two or three times before he was 18, Nick Payne is certainly making up for lost time. Now 28, he’s
Lucky). ‘If I see a more ingenious, touching and
disease. And it’s hard to say what finally happens to
There’s always humour in Payne’s plays, certainly
intellectually searching play this year,’ wrote The
them, as the whims of the universe demonstrate that
in Wanderlust, which is about our tendency to divorce
Telegraph’s Charles Spencer after its January opening,
there are many possibilities and multiple permutations
sex from love, and even in Lay Down Your Cross,
‘I’ll count myself very lucky.’
to the relationship.
a play about bereavement he wrote after seeing
‘I love reading and writing about things I don’t know
The son of a surveyor and a primary school teacher,
the Iraq docudrama Black Watch. Certainly there’s
had four plays rapturously received by the critics,
anything about,’ says Payne. And his love of quirkiness
Nick Payne grew up in rural Hertfordshire, yet only
humour in Constellations, strange and troubling
prime among them Constellations, which follows Laura
brought Constellations two very different subjects:
discovered the theatre while reading English at York
though it is, and doubtless there will be in the new
Wade’s Posh and April De Angelis’s Jumpy into
bees, after he’d read that whole hives were inexplicably
University, where students were encouraged to stage
play he’s writing for the Court after receiving the
London’s Duke of York’s Theatre as part of a season of
dying, and quantum physics, which led him to talk to
their own plays. He did so, was ‘hooked’, and ended
newly instituted Harold Pinter Prize: ‘It’s about
transfers from the Royal Court. The play turned out to
cosmologists about their mind-bending theories about
up writing If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet, which
a missing person investigation, but it might
be one of the biggest hits in its history and the West
the universe. But he rooted his discoveries in a very
won him the prestigious George Devine award when
change, so I can’t say anything more.’ ■
End incarnation will star Rafe Spall (Pete Versus Life,
human story about a beekeeper’s love for a
it appeared at the Bush in 2009 - and has now brought
Interview by Benedict Nightingale
13
or a film buff who remembers
new york times
DUKE OF YORK’S Theatre
jumpy by April De Angelis Directed by Nina Raine Starring Tamsin Greig and Bel Powley Until 3 November 2012
CONSTELLATIONS by Nick Payne Directed by Michael Longhurst Starring Sally Hawkins and Rafe Spall 27 November 2012 - 1 June 2013 Box Office 0844 871 7623 Online booking at atgtickets.com ATG Magazine / 14
style
Mix it up
A cocktail from one of ATG’s luxurious theatre bars makes the perfect accessory
1 Silk satin dress From Preen Line net-a-porter.com £610 black VELOUR clutch From Zara £49.99 FLAT VELOUR PUMP WITH SILVER BOW From Zara £25.99 2 draped sequinned dress From Michael Kors
net-a-porter.com £195
LEOPARD SEQUINnED POUCH BAG From Louison Paris at Liberty £48 patent court shoe From K&S. ksshoes.de £165
RASPBERRY & ORANGE PUNCH* Fresh raspberry puree, fresh cranberry juice, fresh orange juice & passion fruit syrup *non-alcoholic
3 satin & brocade dress From Victoria Beckham
net-a-porter.com £710
EMBROIDEREd CLUTCH From Accessorize £38 suede court shoes From Mui Mui muimui.com £420
necklace From Oliviers Lounge olivierslounge.co.uk £69
luxury theatre bars open pre-show for cocktails! london
gin garden Gin, fresh lime juice & sugar, fresh mint, elderflower, apple & soda water
Elixir Bar Apollo Victoria Moonlight Bar Harold Pinter Theatre Terrace Bar Duke of York’s Theatre The Ballroom Lyceum Theatre Piano Bar Piccadilly Theatre
regions
Piano Bar Bristol Hippodrome The Boards Edinburgh Playhouse The Picture Lounge Kings Theatre Glasgow Piano Bar Milton Keynes Theatre Piano Bar New Wimbledon Theatre All prices quoted are given as a guide only and may be subject to change by individual retailers
15
Feature by Mark Bouman Thanks to Tom Soden, the mixologist at our cocktail shoot
R & r spritz Martini Rossato, raspberry liqueur, Prosecco ATG Magazine / 16
going out Spoil loved ones and friends with a gift experience they’ll never forget in one of our lively city destinations. From birthdays and anniversaries through to Christmas and Valentine’s, our carefully edited selection of activity-based ideas is sure to delight your nearest and dearest this season. Go Ape Birmingham
IT
Malmaison Birmingham
Loch Lomond Shooting School Glasgow Tapas and Wine Bristol King’s Theatre Glasgow
The stunning countryside surrounding Bristol makes
professional chef shows participants how to conjure
include everything from champagne on arrival to a
to share the buzz of recording a track.
this location an ideal base from which to send
up seven tasty tapas dishes, with quality regional wines
fabulous new cut and colour to the presentation of
Sometimes you simply can’t beat the appeal of
someone special on the trip of a lifetime. So why not
matched to each small plate. Alternatively they can
two Nicky Clarke styling products to take home. A truly
the great outdoors in the crisp winter months.
invest in a voucher for a trial flying lesson at the Bristol
plump for crafting delicious artisan breads from scratch
memorable makeover for those who love their locks.
That’s why a private session of clay pigeon shooting
& Wessex Aeroplane Club? After a 10-minute briefing
in the Baking Mad session, run on selected Sundays
Journey just outside Birmingham to an area of
could be just the ticket for those who like the thrill of
in which they’ll learn about the controls of a nifty light
through the winter.
outstanding natural beauty at Cannock Chase,
hands-on sport. Easily accessible from Glasgow, the
Staffordshire, for a family outing with an exciting twist.
Loch Lomond Shooting School has trained tutors ready
living it up in Brum
Here you can hop aboard a self-balancing electric
and waiting to personally coach voucher recipients
segway to explore the lush forest trails of Go Ape on
through a 60-minute lesson in gorgeous Scottish
A multi-award-winning hotel group, Malmaison is
two wheels, following some quick instruction from the
landscape, with all equipment provided. The school
renowned for its combination of innovatively designed
experts. Anyone can join in the fun provided they are
can also accommodate small groups who want
properties, hip restaurants, slinky accommodation
aged over 10 - and Go Ape gift vouchers are a great
to celebrate together including birthday parties.
bristolandwessex.co.uk
and urban spas. Set in a gloriously converted former
way of bringing the adventure one step closer to
Royal Mail building, the Birmingham Mal houses 189
those who like heading off the beaten track.
the gift 0f entertainment
bordeaux-quay.co.uk
glaswegian treats
Nothing can beat the flexibility and universal appeal
bristol inspires
aircraft, trainee pilots take to the skies with a qualified instructor for 50 minutes of flying heaven. Family and friends are welcome to come along and capture the moment on camera, with time afterwards to relax and relive the experience in the club’s café and bar.
For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly
on the ground, Bordeaux Quay Cookery School offers an impressive
guest rooms, a top-notch brasserie, cocktail bar and
choice of popular
Le Petit Spa all under one iconic roof, situated in the
adult courses all
fashionable Mailbox retail complex. With values starting
available to the lucky
at £25, Mal gift vouchers can be used in any of the
Know someone who loves to sing, be it the latest
present. Gift vouchers can be used at ATG’s theatres
recipients of handy
boutique hotel’s facilities, meaning you can treat a
chart hits, golden oldies or musical numbers? Then
in London’s West End and across the country including
gift vouchers. Foodies
loved one to the option of sleeping, dining, drinking
make their day by giving them a MusicStars gift
all the cities in this feature. Or treat them to an ATG
are bound to be
or pampering themselves in style.
voucher, transforming them into legendary recording
Theatre Card - the gift that lasts all year - and your
bowled over by the
A humble haircut may not seem the most obvious
artists for the day. Under expert direction, they’ll
lucky recipients will enjoy priority tickets and great
fun-packed Tapas and
choice when it comes to splashing out on a present.
have an opportunity to record their favourite song
savings on an exciting array of shows for 12 months,
Wine session, run once
Yet at Nicky Clarke salons, including the busy site in
in a professional studio followed by a photo session
including critically acclaimed plays, West End
a month on Saturdays,
Birmingham’s Mailbox, specially formulated gift
for their very own CD cover. Different packages at
musicals and family pantos. ■
during which a
experiences take hairstyling to a new level. Packages
MusicStars in Glasgow allow for duets and groups
malmaison.com of theatre vouchers when you’re stuck for the perfect
nickyclarke.com goape.co.uk music-stars.co.uk lomondshooting.co.uk For details of ATG gift vouchers and the ATG Theatre Card visit atgtickets.com Feature by Neena Dhillon ATG Magazine / 18