UK Theatre Network

Welcome to the weekend Friend !! As usual a treat of a newsletter for you with casting notices, reviews, what's on, training, a special ticket offer for Hurricane and even an interview with Joan Collins....and ALL FREE !! Woweee !!! Incredible really, and all you had to do was send in a blank email (uktheatre-daily@getresponse.com). Why not forward this newsletter on to some mates and ask them to do the same ! I have a backlog of webupdates at the moment which may take a few weeks to get around to. I'm moving house, starting rehearsals for Illustrious Corpse, travelling up and down to London, auditioning for a musical, upgrading 2500 PC's at a bank's credit card division....and that's just this week !! How do I manage my time ? - www.mapforlife.com. Keep in touch enjoy the rest of your weekend. Douglas McFarlane Editor, UKTheatre.net ------------------------------------------------- OPPORTUNITIES.....OPPORTUNITIES.....OPPORTUNITIES..... ------------------------------------------------- AUDREY HEPBURN Would be/wannabe AUDREY HEPBURN/Holly Golightly required to shimmy down the staircase at Quaglinos. Lookalike/experience not essential. Sustained (30secs) elegance and glamour puss poise a must. No dialogue. Hi End test commercial. Shoot May, on film. You get £200, star treatment and the slickest calling card in the industry. Email photos and one paragraph to nic@stormfilms.tv No phone calls or weblinks please. Name: Storm Films Email: nic@stormfilms.tv -------- EYES CATCH FIRE “Evil happens in the human heart . . .deepest jungle or biggest city, the place don’t matter. It’s in the heart of a person where the wickedness burns.” DeCo. Productions, a company that has previously produced work in Canada, is currently looking to cast for its world premier production of the play EYES CATCH FIRE. Written by award winning playwright, Jason Hall, the play will run at the Finborough Theatre from June 1, 2004 to June 26, 2004 with performances Tues-Sun. Rehearsals are scheduled to begin the week of May 4th. Auditions will be held the week of April 27th. Payment is a flat rate to be discussed at the auditions. For further information please contact Daniel Nyman at deco_productions@hotmail.com Eyes Catch Fire is a riveting new drama that will keep you guessing to the very end. On the day of her sons baptism, she receives the one guest she least wants to see: herself. Forced to revisit the past through memory, Mary is vividly transported back to her youth in British Guyana. But as the events of an unimaginable tragedy begin to unfold all over again, will she be able to keep her secrets repressed? Or will the Caldieras discover the truth about the desires, betrayals, and deaths that tore their family apart over a decade ago? Please post (do not email) your CVs and photo to: Becky Reeves, 90 Loftus Rd., London,W12 7EL CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:8 actors (6 female, 2 male). Although a familiarity with a Caribbean accent is not essential for the audition, a willingness to learn one for the show IS (for all parts). Ethnic background of actors is unimportant, however their ability to visually represent those of the characters is, as this play is in part a cultural examination. CARLA ‘MUMMY’ CALDIERA: 50-65 yrs. The family matriarch. Guyanese. Portuguese/Mediterranean ancestry MARY-28: 28 yrs. Guyanese. Portuguese/Mediterranean ancestry MARY-15: 15 yrs. Playful/Manipulative. Memory of Mary-28 MILLIE: 25-35 yrs. Black sheep of the family. Mary’s sister. Guyanese. Portuguese/Mediterranean ancestry SANDRA: 20-30 yrs. Mary’s sister. Guyanese. Portuguese/Mediterranean ancestry DANIEL: 25-30 yrs. Their Brother. Guyanese. Portuguese/Mediterranean ancestry EARNEST: 25-30 yrs. Millie’s Fiancé. Charming. Guyanese. Ethnically mixed (Black/European/Native American/Asian). WILLOMENA: 20-30 yrs. The family’s servant. Loyal but cruel. Guyanese. African ancestry. NOTE: As this is a production at a fringe venue it is understood that actors may have other commitments/employment, and every effort to accommodate such will be made. It is necessary, however, that actors will make this their first priority and scheduling flexibility will NOT be possible at times. ------------------------------------------------- SECRETS....SECRETS....SECRETS....SECRETS.... ------------------------------------------------- Vik Sivalingam is appearing as Baal in The Song of Deborah playing at the Lion and The Unicorn from April 13- May 2. --- Psstt....got a secret ? Send it to editor@uktheatre.net and I won't SAY a thing to anyone. --- ------------------------------------------------- REVIEWS....REVIEWS....REVIEWS....REVIEWS.... ------------------------------------------------- My Boy Jack from Guildford, then tour MY BOY JACK By David Haig. Directed by John Dove. Now playing at the Yvonne Arnaud until Saturday, 24th April, then Bath, Cheltenham, Nottingham, Oxford, Richmond, Brighton, Norwich, Cardiff and Cambridge. David Haig has taken the life of Rudyard Kipling from aged 50 in 1913 to three years before his death in 1936, and written a very poignant, dramatic and gripping story of a family attempting to come to terms with the loss of their son and brother in the Great War – ‘a war to end all wars’ when the victors would return to a land fit for heroes and those who failed to return would have died gloriously and willingly in a fervour of heroic patriotism. Well – this is what Kipling (played splendidly by DAVID HAIG himself) believed, and in spite of his great love for his children (and particularly for his only son) it was his duty – and his privilege – to give his teenage son, Jack ((BEN SILVERSTONE) into the service of King and Country, and he used all his considerable influence to ensure that Jack was accepted into the army, in spite of his severe myopia. Jack’s eye test had me laughing – I recognised my own feelings when confronted with the card to read the letters and have difficulty seeing the card! Kipling’s speech on the need for conscription (not relying solely on volunteers) and his warnings of what could happen have echoes of our thoughts today. Will we be dictated to by these foreigners? Will road signs be in German before English? Will we have to abide by their rules? Will we be forced to have straight bananas and square cucumbers? Although it is not without humour, this is a play which tears at the heartstrings watching a family torn apart by the news that their beloved Jack is ‘missing believed wounded’ with all the uncertainty and false hope that news brings, and BELINDA LANG’s tightly controlled anguish is heartbreaking – a control which finally snaps into a hysterical outburst at a triviality. Kipling is ebullient and enthusiastic when planning his son’s ‘future’, but quiet and retrospective as he questions the results of his idealism and, on the brink of another war, wonders if it was all worthwhile. His poem beginning ‘Have you news of My Boy Jack, written in 1916, is delivered very movingly by Haig. The scene is set mainly in the comfortable drawing room of the Kipling home in Sussex, and I wondered how they would change this into trench warfare on the Western Front – but – ingenuity knows now boundaries, and this was achieved by dropping a wall of mud and sandbags topped with barbed wire in front of the set and the action takes place here in the appalling cold and wet conditions of the time with the constant thunder of gunfire and bombs, so realistic that I’m surprised that some of the audience didn’t leave in a panic. MICHAEL TAYLOR, MATTHEW EAGLAND AND GREGORY CLARKE were responsible for set, lighting and sound respectively. For dramatic content and excellent performances by all (including the two delightful children playing young Jack and his young sister, Elsie) I can wholeheartedly recommend this play – last night’s audience was kept spellbound throughout. Reviewed by Sheila Ann Connor at Guildford. Box Office.........01483 44 00 00 ----------- The Play What I Wrote, Churchill Theatre, Bromley Had the Morecombe and Wise Christmas Special still been running when I became an actor, it would certainly have been one of my ambitions to be in one of their musical numbers or one of Ernie’s plays. Sadly, this will never come to pass, but for the Mystery Celebrity Guests that take part in The Play What I Wrote, they get to participate in the next best thing. Very loosely, the play is about a comedy duo (Ben Keaton and Joseph Alessi) who are trying to resurrect their act. Keaton, the straight man of the pair, wants to achieve this by staging one of his plays, spookily similar in style to Ernie’s, while Alessi, a Morecombe and Wise afficionado, wants to stage a tribute to them. Alessi and Keaton’s comic timing is impeccable, and their performances certainly brought me sunshine on a Tuesday night in Bromley. The play, written by Hamish McColl and Sean Foley (better known as The Right Size and the original cast in the West End), with Eddie Braben’s material added in, astutely avoids asking the leads to caricature the inimitable Morecombe and Wise, but uses their sketches and style to create a charming and stylish tribute to them. The excellent lead duo are supplemented by the multi-talented Toby Sedgwick, whose variety of characters are all equally hilarious and whose movement skills are extraordinary. The conflict about how they resurrect their careers collides in a delightful second act where one of Keaton’s plays, ‘A Tight Squeeze for the Scarlet Pimple’ is performed with the help of a Mystery Guest Star. This performance’s guest was Nigel Havers, who could barely keep a straight face as he entered into the spirit of the proceedings. See it or I’ll set the one with the short, fat, hairy legs on you… Until 17th April Box Office: 0870 060 6620 Review by Alix Cavanagh ------------- The Full Monty - Milton Keynes Theatre The Full Monty the musical is not like the film. I think most of the audience were expecting the show to be full of pop songs and set in Sheffield. The fact is, its full of songs written especially for the show and set in Buffalo, New York State. I knew what to expect - I saw it in the West End superbly performed with three members of the Broadway cast. This production is well acted and the characters convincing. The band is fab, the lighting, the costumes - all fab. It feels like there's only two songs in the first act that should be there....except its a musical and so the others have to stay. "Life With Harold" sang by the superb Cheryl McAvoy (Vicki Nichols) and "You Rule My World" sang by Sion Lloyd (Dave Bukatinsky) and Gareth Snook (Harold Nichols) are wonderful. Act 2 however, is just right. The songs are great - Jacqueline Clarke is fabulous as Jeanette Burmeister, the Piano Player and her solo number, "Jeannette's Showbiz Number" is almost show-stopping. The reprise of "You Rule My World" is great, sang again by Sion Lloyd, but joined this time by his stage wife, Georgie, played by Melissa Jacques. The finale is a rousing conclusion with the catching "Let It Go" and the boys going all the way...although some clever lighting design means we go home without having the pleasure of seeing completely nude men! The show has some fabulous performances. Cheryl McAvoy, Gareth Snook and Jacqueline Clark really lift the energy. Nigel Francis also gave a performance of note. Its at Milton Keynes Theatre until this Saturday, 17th April and then the tour continues. MK Theatre Box Office 01908 606090. Reviewer: Sarah Bowron ----------- OLIVER TWIST By Charles Dickens Adapted and directed (superbly) by Neil Bartlett Now playing at the Yvonne Arnaud until Saturday, 10th April. Then touring Bath, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Warwick and Brighton. I thought this would be an easy play to review. Oliver Twist – such a familiar story – no problem! Instead I find myself struggling to find the right words to describe this wonderful intense dramatic, melodramatic and comic production which, in spite of using Dickens’ own words, manages to be both fresh and original. To begin -the black, creased curtain shoots noisily upwards, like a shutter on an end-of-the-pier machine when a penny has been inserted, and reveals what is to all intents and purposes a large box – a stage within a stage - as if a group of travelling players have come to town and are preparing to perform for us. The set is an amazing construction of a Victorian stage, complete with trapdoors, fly ropes and footlights, and extends on either side into staircases and walkways, so entrances and exits occur swiftly and are all part of a continuous action. This set is particularly effective when Bill Sykes drops through the roof (having accidentally hanged himself) and is lowered through the floor to his grave, and also when Oliver arrives in ******* unsavoury den and the other characters appear, swarming in from all directions (even from under the floor) like a plague of rats. There are no scene changes to distract us from the action – the actors themselves move props with speed and, with the aid of lighting effects, we move from Poorhouse to ******* den to Mr. Brownlow’s elegant drawing room smoothly and easily – nothing to detract from the pace. Now to the story…. The narrator picks up his book, reads the first few lines, and then the whole cast –their faces like disembodied masks – take up the narrative in a musical chant as they look and speak directly to the audience. Talking directly to the audience is used constantly throughout this production (as Dickens talked to his readers) involving us completely, especially the scene where ***** accosts us aggressively and menacingly and, snarling, asks how it feels to be watching and helpless - powerless to prevent the suffering of poor Oliver. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one to consider rushing up onto the stage to help, especially when ******* ‘a face like an angel’ suggested his paedophiliac intent. The 13 strong, and extremely talented, cast constantly change characters – even Bill Sykes (NICHOLAS ASBURY) at one point is Mrs. Sowerberry complete with handbag (and beard) – and they all interact flawlessly as if they had been performing together for many years (in fact only 5 weeks). I was especially impressed by MICHAEL FEAST’s ****** played melodramatically as a predatory Cockney Jew – a cross between Alf Garnett and Captain Hook – and JORDAN METCALFE’s Oliver was vulnerable, angelic, yet strong to survive his cruel treatment (a very talented young actor last seen in Guildford as Jack in the delightful ‘The Dreaming’). In spite of the comedic element we are taken through Oliver’s world of deprivation, loneliness and terror until, even in a wicked and corrupt world, good survives, hope flourishes, and Oliver finds the loving family he has been longing for, while the wicked ones receive the fate they deserve. Don’t miss this show – it is a stunning theatrical experience – and a great story! Reviewed at Guildford by Sheila Ann Connor Box Office 01483 44 00 00 ------------------------------------------------- TICKET OFFER....TICKET OFFER....TICKET OFFER.... ------------------------------------------------- ‘A HELL-RAISING PERFORMANCE The Guardian Hurricane at the Arts Theatre until 8 May, 7.30pm Written and performed by Richard Dormer This exhilarating solo performance celebrates the life story of one of Britain’s most charismatic sporting heroes, Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins. Whether you are a fan of snooker or have never watched a game, you will find Richard Dormer’s portrayal utterly breath-taking. ‘a whirlwind performance’ The Independent ‘The audience rose for a standing ovation and it was well deserved’ The Sunday Times ‘TRULY AMAZING… gripping… harrowing… adrenalin-fuelled’ The Evening Standard Exclusive offer - £10 (normally £22.50/£17.50) call the box office 020 7836 3334 and quote ‘Actors’ offer’ Arts Theatre 6-7 Great Newport Street, WC2 www.hurricanetheshow.com ------------------------------------------------- WHAT'S ON....WHAT'S ON....WHAT'S ON....WHAT'S ON.... ------------------------------------------------- MADRAGORA: KING OF INDIA The Tron is delighted to present for the first time one of Britain’s leading Asian theatre companies: Tara Arts in MADRAGORA: KING OF INDIA by Nirjay Mahindru from Thursday 22nd to Saturday 24th April. This brilliantly witty and audacious new play tells of a fictional first encounter between Indian and European cultures, showing that meeting in a wholly new light, and managing to be both insightful and deeply funny at the same time. We hope you can join us for one of these not-to-be-missed performances. TARA ARTS present MANDRAGORA: KING OF INDIA An epic fantasy by Nirjay Mahindru A thrilling comic fantasy on a grand - even Shakespearean - scale, carrying us to a vivid, exotic world of kings and soothsayers, flying fish and fiery peacocks. As his queen gives birth to an heir, King Mandragora finds his kingdom beset by terrifying omens and strange creatures. Who are the mysterious chalky whites with their pale skin and perfidious ways? Nirjay Mahindru’s play takes a brilliantly inventive and audacious approach to the clash of cultures that occurs as east meets west for the first time and turns on its head the accepted Western understanding of what happened when Britons first encountered Indians – or was it the other way around? A play destined to have the impact on stage that Salman Rushdie’s MIDNIGHT’S CHILDREN had as a novel, MANDRAGORA marks the latest production in Tara’s ongoing Borders of Love project which seeks to explore early pre-colonial interaction between the cultures of Europe and Asia. TRON THEATRE, 63 TRONGATE, GLASGOW THU 22 – SAT 24 APRIL @ 8PM THU £8 (£5) / FRI £5 / SAT £12 (£6) Box Office: 0141 552 4267 www.tron.co.uk -------------- 'Many a Slipped Twixt Cap and Dick' at The Lilian Baylis Theatre TheATRE hE mME, mm, mm presents the world premiere of 'Many a Slipped Twixt Cap and Dick' at The Lilian Baylis Theatre, Sadler's Wells. Preview 11th May, 19th -22nd May. Compelling sexually charged physical theatre with dark undertones. The trilogy follows the story of Nicholas who entering his grave invites the his twin, his mother and players from his life to blaze his swansong. With language of considerable force matched with images of the marvellous, the theatre space is transformed into a unique sensory awakening. ------------- OVER THE TOP AT CITIZENS THEATRE Who hasn't heard of them? - The Tartan Army. A valiant troup of foot soldiers who travel the world supporting "the best team in the world" they face many hardships: closed pubs, dubious accommodation, weird currency, defeats and the wrath of the women they leave behind. A riotous musical romp of their many adventures. "great one liners" Edinburgh Festival. Written by Ian Morland based on the book "Over the Top" by Andy McArthur, Directed by Isobel Barrett, Music by Ian Matheson T.R.A.M.Direct present "Over the Top" at the Citizen's Theatre from Tuesday 20th April to Saturday 24th April. Ticket prices £8.00 and £4.00 concessions at 7.30p.m. Box office 0141 429 0022. ------------ The Rise to Fame of Edmund Kean The Tragedian – Part I Bastard. Drunk. Actor. Genius. The 26th of January 1814, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. The unknown Edmund Kean made his London debut and changed British Theatre forever. But he was no overnight success. Ten years of touring the provinces, of degradation, depravation and near starvation had kindled in Kean the desire for revenge on all who had stood in his way. The award winning part I of Prodigal’s Tragedian trilogy opens the Nightingale Theatre Tonight, Saturday 17th of April, will again see the Prodigal’s own “The Tragedian” a biography of 19th Century romantic actor and hell raiser Edmund Kean. This first part of The Tragedian trilogy is an award winning solo which has already impressed audiences in Edinburgh, Prague and Barcelona as well as the home crowd in Brighton. Clippings below. Part II will premier at the Nightingale during the May Festival, alongside Bob Karper’s “That’s me on the left in the Parka” and Slice of Life’s “Say Sorry”. For more information on all or any of the above please call The Nightingale on 01273 702563 ------------ MISS SAIGON COMES TO GLASGOW! Tickets go on sale from Tuesday 13th April for the new production of Cameron Mackintosh's Miss Saigon coming to the King's Theatre later this year. Commencing an extended UK tour in July 2004, one of the biggest musical ever to come to Glasgow will arrive on Tuesday 26th October until Saturday 4th December. The recent enormously successful two year tour, based on the original London production of "MISS SAIGON" closed last December, having broken records at the six largest theatres in the British Isles and Ireland. Many other UK cities have long wanted to stage Miss Saigon, but for this to happen a completely new design had to be created, as the original production could not fit on their stages. Cameron Mackintosh has already developed a hugely acclaimed new production of the show in America which is able to play varying sized auditoriums in a tour which has been so successful that it is now booking into its 4th year. This new production has been put together with Director Mitchell Lemsky and Designer Adrian Vaux adapting Bob Avian's brilliant choreography . Using cutting edge visual techniques, it vividly recreates the streets of Vietnam and Bangkok, including of course the memorable final helicopter flight from the roof of the American Embassy. The internationally famous illustrator Gerald Scarfe has also joined the design team to create his own inimitable take on the famous show stopping production number, the American Dream. Cameron Mackintosh says, "It is a back-handed compliment, which is a testament to the strength of the show's material, that the audience and critics reactions have acclaimed other new productions as equal to or surpassing the original. However this was no surprise to me as I vividly remember the final run through of the original production at Sadler's Wells rehearsal room in London where actors working with a few hand props performed the show with such passion and dramatic effect. When we came to the famous helicopter scene, Claude-Michel Schönberg just banged the top of the piano and made a helicopter sound and I knew then that however the story would be staged it would always retain its extraordinary emotional power. Whether or not you have seen my original production, I am quite sure you will be knocked out by this new presentation". A spokesperson for the King's Theatre says: "It's wonderfully exciting for the King's Theatre to be able to offer the opportunity to see this fantastic show. It's one of the largest shows ever to come to Glasgow and we're particularly delighted at the length of the run, which will mean that so many more people will get the opportunity to be part of the experience." The new Miss Saigon will be the largest touring production in the UK, with a company of over 50 actors and musicians. Miss Saigon has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jnr and Alain Boublil, adapted from original French lyrics by Alain Boublil. This production of Miss Saigon is directed by Mitchell Lemsky. The choreography is by Maggie Goodwin with additional choreography by Geoffrey Garratt, based on the original musical staging by Bob Avian. It is designed by Adrian Vaux with costumes by Andreane Neofitou, lighting by Jenny Kagan and sound by Andrew Bruce and Nick Lidster. Orchestrations are by William David Brohn. Set in 1975 during the final days leading up to the American evacuation of Saigon, "MISS SAIGON" is an epic love story about the relationship between an American GI and a young Vietnamese woman. Fourteen years ago Cameron Mackintosh premiered Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's epic musical "MISS SAIGON" at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane and overnight it became a legend, running in London and on Broadway for over 10 years and in major capital cities around the world, becoming one of the most successful musicals in modern history. Since its London premiere in 1989, "MISS SAIGON" has become the third most successful musical in the history of British theatre and the longest running show ever to play Drury Lane. It has been performed in 18 countries, in nine different languages, has won 29 awards and been seen by over 31 million people worldwide. To date it has grossed over £950 million at the box office around the world. Tickets went on sale to Friend's of the King's on Monday 5th April to great demand and go on sale to the general public on Tuesday 13th April. Prices range from £10 to £38. ------- Hushabye Mountain by Jonathan Harvey Hushabye Mountain by Jonathan Harvey The Marlborough Theatre, Brighton Wed 19th - Sat 22nd May 9.30pm Tickets Tel: 07740973990 or book online at www.marlboroughtheatre.org An exciting new Brighton based theatre company makes it?s debut this year at the Brighton Fringe Festival. This play is a true gem from Jonathan Harvey, the writer of the hilarious BBC sitcom 'Gimme, Gimme, Gimme' and the film 'Beautiful Thing'. Hushabye Mountain is an exploration of love and friendship touched by HIV and AIDS. It opens with Danny, who has recently died of an AIDS related illness, meeting Judy Garland (Keeper of the Stars in Heaven) and leaving behind his devoted boyfriend Connor, his mother Beryl and best friends Lana and Lee. The young and beautiful Ben soon comes into Connor?s life along with Julie Andrews as a chambermaid with exquisite diction and the Virgin Mary! The enthusiastic team at New Moon Productions take on the ambitious staging of this piece, incorporating multi-media technology to define aspects of time, setting, reality and memories. Email Address: missjones292@hotmail.com --------- Location: Tobermory, Isle of Mull Name of Play: The Nest (Traverse Theatre Company) Description: The Nest is a bothy close to Sgurr Mor in the West Highlands, providing sanctuary for climbers and walkers in bad weather. For Colin and Helen, Sgurr Mor is their final Munro: it's where Mac and Jackie meet for the first time: and for Innes and Elspeth, it's where their journey ends. Date: 6.5.04 Venue: Aros Hall Time: 8.00pm Tel: 01688 302828 Tickets: £8/£6. Box Office: 01688 302828 ------------ PAUL NICHOLAS STARS IN ERIC CHAPPELL’S BRAND NEW COMEDY MIXED FEELINGS “One thing we have established about you, Vernon – you’re not the usual sort of person.” The brand new comedy from the writer of TV’s Rising Damp is coming to Bromley. Starring PAUL NICHOLAS, MARY TAMM and JOHN BENFIELD, Mixed Feelings is at the Churchill Theatre for just one week from Tuesday 4 to Saturday 8 May. Married for years, Vernon (PAUL NICHOLAS) and Jan (MARY TAMM) are in a suburban rut. With a teenage daughter rebelling and a career stagnating, Vernon leaves his marriage of inconvenience and disappears for six months. On his return, it is clear to his immediate circle that he is now a very different person indeed. In a town beside itself with political correctness, Jan is searching for answers, Vernon is searching for himself, and their friends and neighbours are searching for a way to broach the subject… Actor, singer and producer PAUL NICHOLAS is perhaps best known as Vince in the long-running television comedy Just Good Friends. Other television work includes Two Up, Two Down and Close to Home. His roles in musical theatre have included The Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance, Claude in Hair, Rum Tum Tugger in Cats, and Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. His most recent stage work has included lead roles in Fiddler on the Roof and Snakes and Ladders. MARY TAMM‘s television roles have included Romana in Doctor Who, Penny Crosbie in Brookside and Yvonne in Paradise Heights. Mixed Feelings also stars JOHN BENFIELD, who has recently played Supt. Mike Kernan in Prime Suspect, as Vernon’s best friend, Eddie. ALAN GRANVILLE, CAROL HOLT and SARAH McCARDIE complete the cast. ERIC CHAPPELL is one of Britain’s top comedy writers. His award-winning television comedies have included Rising Damp, Only When I Laugh, The Bounder, Home to Roost and Duty Free, and he has also written extensively for the radio. Eric’s many stage plays include Theft, Up and Running, Natural Causes and Haunted. His hit play Snakes and Ladders toured in 2002 with Paul Nicholas and Ian Ogilvy. So, for a guaranteed fun evening out, make sure you book your tickets to catch this sparkling new comedy whilst it’s in Bromley – call Ticket Sales now on 0870 060 6620 (bkg fee). Ends Mixed Feelings is directed by JEREMY MEADOW and produced by TEG PRODUCTIONS, whose other recent productions have included Snakes and Ladders by Eric Chappell on national tour, Macbeth starring Sean Bean and Samantha Bond at the Albery Theatre, and Chekhov’s Three Sisters starring Kristin Scott Thomas, co-produced with Ambassador Theatre Group. Set design is by MICHAEL HOLT with costumes by REUVEN BRITTEN, lighting by PHILIP GLADWELL and sound by TOM LISHMAN. Performance times are Tue – Sat eves at 7.45pm with matinees on Thu and Sat at 2.30pm. Ticket prices range from £18 - £21.50. For further information and to book tickets please call Ticket Sales on 0870 060 6620 (bkg fee). ------------------------------------------------- INTERVIEW.....INTERVIEW.....INTERVIEW.....INTERVIEW..... ------------------------------------------------- Interview with JOAN COLLINS “FULL CIRCLE” In the black and white classic movie The Bad and the Beautiful, Kirk Douglas, referring to a young Lana Turner, defines star quality as some mysterious power that draws us to look at one person, aside from all the others in the room or on the screen. Well, he was right about Ms Turner, and at a press conference held in the West End of London, he would surely have said the same about the divine Joan Collins, not just for her enviable figure, classy looks and flawless skin, but for her presence. This spring she is touring in a sparkling romantic comedy, Full Circle – playing a woman not unlike herself – and as she sweeps into the room, dressed in a defiant red leather jacket, pencil skirt and exquisite diamond rings, all eyes are on her. And rightly so, for she looks gorgeous, and seems, unlike King Canute, to have succeeded in pushing back the tide of years, because she bears no resemblance to a lady inching into her 70’s. She greets the press, on time, enthusiastic and not the least intimidated. She is petite, but formidable. When asked if she is steely, she shrugs. “Of course. A woman has to be steely if she is to succeed. A lot of women in this room know that, I’m sure.” Although Joan is British and began acting during the fifties as a very pretty Rank starlet, she has remodelled herself into an undisputed Hollywood movie star. We think of her alongside her contemporaries: Natalie Wood, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe for she is every bit as glamorous, every bit as remote and every bit as dazzling. Now she is returning to the British stage and doesn’t hide her exuberance and enthusiasm. Joan admits she was drawn to Full Circle instantly. “I consider myself a comedienne. I’m not particularly known for comedy, but I have always loved it. I’ve been looking for a good play for a couple of years – and when I learned that Tallulah Bankhead had toured with it for over a year, in America – well, I was very interested. Also, it has a wonderful cast and production crew and is being directed by Patrick Garland, whom I really admire. We haven’t worked together before – we nearly did once, but I am really looking forward to that. Patrick has done a fantastic job re-writing and turning it from a three act to a two act play. It’s very entertaining, a little old-fashioned because it’s set in the 50’s, but I think a lot of people will enjoy that.” Set in Paris, the play follows the dilemma of bestselling novelist Denise Darvel, who confesses to her three grown-up children that the handsome man in the picture over the fireplace is not, in fact, their father. In an era in which illegitimacy is shocking and scandalous, there follows a desperate search for a father-substitute – and as in all good comedies, the journey throws up many surprises and comic results. Clearly, such an elegant and sophisticated comedy is ideal for Joan, but does she see parallels between herself and Denise? “Yes, she’s a bestselling author, just like me!” As the press laugh along with her, she adds in mock indignation, “Well, I am! She is a woman of some means, who wears some very nice frocks. Also, she has three children – as I have. She has never been married of course, which….(a teasing pause) I have.” It’s an attractive quality, this ability to laugh at yourself. Joan admits she is looking forward to touring. “I’m a good traveller – a gypsy at heart. I know it’s going to be tough, but so what? That’s how acting is sometimes, a bit tough. I have always had a lot of energy. My mother used to call me Miss Perpetual Motion. I haven’t slowed down yet. Of course, ask me again after ten or eleven weeks!” Joan has shared some of her secrets in three health and beauty books. Her secret boils down to a disciplined life: good eating, regular exercise, moderate drinking, no drugs. Besides these practical guides, she has published five mega-selling novels and two autobiographies, and all dominated the bestseller lists. She has a string of film credits to her name, including the notorious duo The Stud and its sequel The Bitch, written by her famous author sister Jackie. These two movies revealed a raunchy, sexy side to Ms Collins and showed the world that, even after 40, a woman could look fabulous, while naked, perched on a swing, flying over a swimming pool. She went on to play the terrifying Alexis Carrington in the U.S. soap, Dynasty, a role that brought her international popularity as millions of viewers tuned in to watch her manipulate, scheme and vamp her way through eight years of unmissable TV, complete with breathtaking jewellery and huge shoulder pads. Family is important to Joan. Her husband Percy Gibson is the Theatrical Manager, so he will be with her on this tour, but she will miss her three children: Sacha, Tara and Katy. She likes children and is a patron of the NSPCC and the International Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities. She enjoys being a granny, within reason. “I don’t do nappies. I do dandling on the knee – but no nappies.” While on tour, she will fill her dressing room with familiar things to remind her of home. “I take photographs of the family with me, and candles and potted plants,” she says. “Of course, I take my make up which fills the entire table these days!” How will she pass her spare time? “Well, everything revolves around getting ready to be at the theatre for 6.30. But I hope to do some writing. I have an idea that I’m working on. I might even write a diary of the tour.” That little warning should have cast and crew shaking in their boots. She dismisses a question about whether she has considered retirement. “What for?” When asked what she is most proud of in her career, she gives it some thought. “Well, in the late 80’s, I produced and starred in a mini-series called Sins – and it did well in the ratings – I am proud of that. Also, of having kept a career going for so many years, when my father told me it would all be over by the time I was 25. And that I have combined a writing career with acting. In all these years, I haven’t fallen victim to drugs, or alcohol, or nervous breakdowns, or suicide attempts. I suppose I most proud of being a survivor.” When you consider the tragic ends of Natalie Wood, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland – that’s quite an achievement. Victoria Kingston ------------------------------------------------- TRAINING......TRAINING......TRAINING...... ------------------------------------------------- Vocal Confidence Seminar - Sat Apri VOCAL CONFIDENCE SEMINAR for Speech and Singing TURN NERVES INTO CONFIDENCE Next Seminar - Saturday, April 24th 1-5pm at Oval House Theatre, SW London Every seminar a sellout! Places limited, so book quickly! Further seminar dates: May 22nd - June 26th - July 24th - Aug 21st - Sep25th - Oct 30th - Nov 27th Fulfil Your Vocal Potential with a Fast,Accessible, Complete Vocal Technique for Speech and/or Singing in one easy afternoon! MAGNETISE YOUR AUDIENCE !! TURN NERVES INTO CONFIDENCE !! Suitable for Actors, Singers, Presenters and ANYONE who needs a Strong Vocal Technique for their profession/leisure. All vocal problems attended. Taught by Alix Longman: Actress, Singer, Writer, Director & Vocal Technique teacher of over 19 years professional experience. See : www.rocliffe.com/vocaltechnique When: Saturday April 24th Time: 1pm - 5pm Venue: Oval House Theatre SW London Normal Cost: UKP60 ***15 % DISCOUNT FOR UK THEATRE MEMBERS - only UKP50 !!! IMPROVE YOUR VOCAL PERFORMANCE IN JUST ONE DAY! Discover how to : * STRENGTHEN YOUR VOICE * ERADICATE VOCAL STRAIN * FIX THE " BREAK " IN YOUR RANGE * ALTER YOUR PITCH & TONE * IMPROVE YOUR BREATHING AND REDUCE STRESS * CONNECT WITH & MAGNETISE YOUR AUDIENCE 1 practical & entertaining seminar incorporating 10 classes of vocal technique covering theory and practical exercises for breathing,resonance,placement,projection, range blending,tonal colouring, and MORE,culminating in amini-master class utilising text or songs of your choice. Suitable for ALL styles & levels of speech AND singing. HEAR THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR VOICE IN JUST ONE SEMINAR!! TESTIMONIALS: "Alix's method is extraordinary! It is refreshingly simple, fast and effective and has completely changed my approach to using my voice. Haven't stopped working since!" "What I found incredible was that in 3 years of professional training I was never able to get to grips or improve with a singing techniques but in just 4 hours with Alix, something clicked and suddenly it all made sense! "It has a fantastic logic and anyone that has been shoved from one technique to another and maybe feeling extremely puzzled, I can recommend you to give it a try. Results are extraordinary!" "When I practiced the technique it was like a whole new world had opened up for me and that once timid, shy voice at the back of the room suddenly had the potential of filling the Royal Albert Hall!" "It's a brilliant seminar to learn facts about your body, voice, to gain confidence, and to work successfully without damaging your voice for years to come." "Over the years I have been taught a number of different voice techniques and everyone's seems to be conflicting. However, yours works for me! I did thoroughly enjoy the seminar and have been practising the technique and finding it so much easier to hit high notes" Alix has over 19 years concurrent professional experience as a performer and voice teacher in London, Australia and New York. Her skills as an actress,singer, director, and writer have earned her numerous credits in film, television,West End, musicals/theatre,comedy, cabaret and her own one-womanshows. Literally hundreds of students from all areas of the Performing Arts, Education and Business sectors have benefited from Alix's unique teaching method. As well many performers currently working professionally in film,television and theatre, previous students include cast members from the following professional productions: CHICAGO / LES MISERABLES / WEST SIDE STORY / A CHORUS LINE / ME AND MY GIRL/ PHANTOM OF THE OPERA / SUNSET BOULEVARD / CATS Places Limited & Full Fee Required To Secure Booking: To reserve your place / further information: Email: alixlo at aol.com or Call : 07958 450382 PRIVATE LESSONS & TAILORED SEMINARS ALSO AVAILABLE See:http://www.rocliffe.com/vocaltechnique.htm Posted: Wed, 31 Mar. 2004 Expires: ---------- MEISNER TECHNIQUE (details below) A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE (Arthur Miller) UNCLE VANYA (Chekhov) SPRING AWAKENING (Ted Hughes / Wedekind) MEASURE FOR MEASURE (Shakespeare) All run 11am to 5.30pm, on a Saturday or Sunday, except Meisner evenings on Mondays 6-10pm.£20 each. Except Meisner Technique evenings which reduce to £10 after first one. (Bank/ Credit cards or cheque). 90% refundable if cancelled up to 2 days before the date. If you have to cancel at last minute you get next workshop at half-price. Space instantly booked by phone or e-mail. jc@actorclub.fsnet.co.uk Details: MEISNER TECHNIQUE (Monday evenings from April19th, 6-10pm) £20 for first-timers, £10 for others. The first hour, from 6pm, will be for those new to the technique, then joined at 7pm (or before) by any who have attended before. Many small groups in London are working on the 'Meisner' acting technique. I will clarify how everyone who uses the method can apply it to scripts, and not merely indulge their emotions! My thirty years in the business have included 7 years of 'Meisner' training. Used by actors from Streep to Pacino, from Stone to De Niro, it is NOT the answer to all acting problems, but should be known by all actors as a brilliant way to sort out most problems. - Amongst other things it will certainly stop you from ever having a problem with fellow-actors again! (Do you imagine de Niro worries if a boring actress opposite him has only got her role because she was once Miss Finland? - No!- He gets on with it - using Meisner techniques to do so! On your first visit you will receive a crash-course on enough secrets of the method to use them, and if you want to keep to your own approach and never attend a second Meisner workshop you will still have added something vital to your other skills. Film camera will be available. Note that I do not expect people at other workshops to be interested in the Meisner approach at all. It is only one way of dealing with problems. You can come to as many evenings as you want. VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE (24 April,11-5.30) ARTHUR MILLER'S classic. A key to all modern American drama, it has fantastic roles for actors and actresses from 18 -50. His plays are regularly produced and knowledge of his main works must help towards being cast in any of his plays. UNCLE VANYA (1 May,11-5.30) Chekhov's most moving play, perhaps his best, absolutely wonderful parts for males aged 30 - 50 and females 20 - 70. A day which any who have doubts about the greatness of Chekhov will hopefully remember for ever! If you do not have a personal "top favourite" play - then perhaps this will be it. If you usually find Chekhov unattractive - prepare to be wowed. SPRING AWAKENING (Sat.8.May) The utterly astonishing play about teenage sexuality (the parts have to be played by actors and actresses aged 18 to 45), originally written without a hope of being performed as it is so amazingly daring. Wedekind's play wil be worked on in the famous translation by Ted Hughes. It includes quite stunning scenes and speeches for auditions. Scripts loaned, included in cost. MEASURE FOR MEASURE (Sun.9.May) One of Shakespeare's most performed plays in the reps and on tour, it has one of his greatest villains, Angelo, and of his greatest heroines, Isabella, and should be known by all. As usual we will take 3 scenes to suit those attending and work on them I as many ways as desired. Book workshops direct at jc@actorclub.fsnet.co.uk or phone 0207 267 2759 / 07956 940453