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CONTENTS In a year in which London welcomes the world, Shakespeare’s Globe is proud to Events 4 be at the heart of the Olympic celebrations. Virgin London Marathon Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair Our Globe to Globe festival, running from 21 April to 9 June, is a truly global Music 8 event embodying the spirit of the Games Orpheus Sinfonia – A Viennese Affair bringing together 37 outstanding theatre Ealing Choral Society Belshazzar’s Feast companies from around the world to perform all of Shakespeare’s plays each Exhibitions 14 in a different language. From prestigious national theatres to underground Monica Mason – Royal Ballet Tour companies working in difficult conditions, it demonstrates the power of Will there be Knights and Dragons? Shakespeare’s work not just as one of Britain’s greatest exports but as a Theatre 18 playwright who can bring nationalities together. The Globe to Globe Festival is part of the World Shakespeare Festival for the London 2012 Festival. Ballet Revolucion at Sadler’s Wells Following the festival, we look forward to a magnificent summer of Proprietor Julie Jones theatre in the Globe’s wooden embrace. From our artistic director Dominic Publishing Consultant Terry Mansfield CBE Associate Publisher Beth Jones Dromgoole’s new production of the stirring Henry V, through high comedy Advertising Ruth Rose Susan Fuller in The Taming of the Shrew, to the welcome return of Mark Rylance, the Editorial Clive Hirschhorn Lucy Thoms Holly Osborn Globe’s first Artistic Director, who plays the title role in Richard III – our 2012 Theatre Season, The Play’s The Thing, promises to thrill and entertain © This is London Magazine Limited as only the Globe can. 700 groundling tickets are available for each performance for only £5.00. This is London at the Olympic Park Stour Space, 7 Roach Road, Taking Shakespeare to the world is at the heart of our charitable mission Fish Island, London E3 2PA and though the new Globe is only 15-years young, more people encounter Telephone: 020 7434 1281 with Shakespeare here than any other theatre in the world. Alongside our www.til.com www.thisislondonmagazine.com performances you can engage further with his work with our Globe Education Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of this programme of talks, seminars and readings. Our Exhibition & Tour offers magazine and in the handling of all the material supplied, neither the Publishers nor their agents another way to find out about our remarkable building and Shakespeare’s accept responsibility for any damage, errors or world; the Exhibition is open every day of the year and do check our website omissions, however these may be caused. for details of swordfighting, Elizabethan costume dressing and printing VISITOR INFORMATION demonstrations.

Emergencies 999 Police Ambulance Fire If you are looking to relax and soak up the atmosphere, then do visit 24 Hour Casualty 020 8746 8000 The Swan, our brasserie restaurant and bar with stunning views of the River Dentistry 0808 155 3256 Thames, for anything from a restorative afternoon tea to a top quality dining The Berkeley Clinic, 19 Upper Berkeley St, W1. experience. Tel: 020 7724 4004 www.theberkeleyclinic.com We hope that you will make the Globe a part of your visit to London. Heal, Rejuvenate, Thrive – The Natural Way Whatever the reason for your visit, as Shakespeare writes in Coriolanus you Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 free and confidential service can be assured of ‘A hundred thousand welcomes’ here. Visit London 020 7234 5833 Heathrow Airport 0844 335 1801 Gatwick Airport 0844 892 0322 Neil Constable Taxis 020 7272 5471 Chief Executive Dry Cleaner 7491 3426 Florist 7831 6776 Shakespeare’s Globe Optician 7581 6336 Watches 7493 5916 Weather 0870 9000100

û THIS IS LONDON MAGAZINE • THIS IS LONDON ONLINE 4

PRINCE HARRY AT VIRGIN LONDON SUNDANCE LONDON MARATHON 2012 Robert Redford is to bring the first- There’ll be a Royal bonus and an ever Sundance London Festival to Olympian send-off for the runners in this The O2 Arena from 26-29 April. year’s Virgin London Marathon on Drawing on the programme of the Sunday 22 April. Legendary British 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park Olympic medallist Dorothy Tyler will be City, Utah – the premier independent this year’s official race starter while film festival in the US – Sundance Prince Harry of Wales will be the event’s London will feature the UK premieres of official 2012 trophy presenter. 14 narrative and documentary feature Prince Harry, who became patron of films, including 2 Days in New York, the London Marathon Charitable Trust directed by and starring Julie Delpy. this year, will hand trophies to the first In addition to film screenings, three finishers in the men’s and women’s Sundance London will host live music races, and those in the men’s and ‘We are delighted to have Prince performances and events each evening, women’s wheelchair events. He will also Harry with us to present awards to our including the Opening Night event, present prizes to winners in the Virgin runners this year,’ said Virgin London An Evening With Robert Redford And Money Giving Mini London Marathon, Marathon joint race director David T Bone Burnett, chaired by Nick Hornby races over the final three miles of the Bedford. ‘Prince Harry is a great and featuring BRIT Award-nominated course involving young runners from supporter of the event and it is pop band Guillemots and Academy across the country aged 11 to 17. especially fitting to have a Royal Award-winning musician/actor Glen presence during the Queen’s Diamond Hansard. Other events include Placebo Jubilee year.’ in concert and Tricky and Martina The 36,000 runners will also be given Topley-Bird performing Maxinquaye. a memorable send-off on their 26.2-mile journey through the capital when 2 Days in New York. Dorothy Tyler sets them on their way from Blackheath. Tyler won silver medals in the high jump at the Berlin Olympic Games in 1936, when she was only 16, and at the London Games in 1948, making her the only woman to to win Olympic athletics medals before and after the Second World War. She also competed at the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games. THIS IS LONDON veteran runner Bob Mundy, has been training hard for the Audiences will also have Marathon and is hoping for a time of opportunities to attend panels and hear around 4 hours. So, hit the streets guest speakers talk about the part they anywhere between Greenwich and The play in making films, documentaries and Mall on Sunday 22 April to enjoy the the role of music in modern cinema. elite athletes, fun runners and everything For programme information and ticket in between – just don’t miss it! packages, visit the website at www.virginlondonmarathon.com www.sundance-london.com Ben Stevens

THIS IS LONDON MAGAZINE • THIS IS LONDON ONLINE THE BALLET REVOLUCIÓN COMPANY AND BB PROMOTION GMBH PRESENT BALLET WITH ATTITUDE

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ENRIQUE SCAN FOR IGLESIAS CUBA TRIP USHER COMPETITION! PRINCE

25 APRIL - 19 MAY OLYMPIC AND WORLD CHAMPION 6 MARK HUNTER POPULAR IN POPLAR Olympic and World Rowing Champion Mark Hunter took a trip down memory lane when he visited Poplar Blackwall and District Rowing Club in the Isle of Dogs, East London. Hunter, who as a child lived in East Ham, spent his formative rowing years at Poplar coached by his father Terry. Since then, with the help of sponsor British Airways, his journey has seen him fly around the world, famously winning Gold in the lightweight double sculls at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. ARSENAL EMIRATES STADIUM TOURS and Legend tours includes a trip to the Let Robin van Persie, Jack Wilshere spectacular, interactive Arsenal Museum and a host of Arsenal stars share their which includes exclusive exhibits match-day experiences with you as you including Michael Thomas' boots from explore behind-the-scenes at Arsenal with Anfield '89, Charlie George's 1971 FA new audio tour. Hear from the boss as you Cup final shirt and Alan Smith's shirt from take your place in the changing room, 1994's European Cup Winners Cup Final. listen to the roar of the crowd as you walk Hunter rowed at the East London down the tunnel, explore the museum and rowing club from the age of 14 to 20 test your Arsenal knowledge against one and has seen the area undergo huge of the Arsenal experts. change since his childhood. The London To make the visit to Emirates Stadium 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games truly unforgettable, why not join a has further increased the focus on East Legends Tour, where you will be shown London and Hunter is proud of his around by a hero from Arsenal’s glittering heritage. His rowing career has seen him past who will reveal his thoughts on the travel the world and he has confidence current team, his playing days and any in rowing’s next generation making a news from the inner sanctum of Arsenal global impact too. Football Club. There are no tours on match days. To British Airways is the official airline You will also receive a personalised book tickets for any of the Emirates partner of the London 2012 Olympic and signed photo of the Legend and a limited Stadium Tours, telephone 020 7619 5000. Paralympic Games, and is dedicated to edition Legends Tour gift. Both self-guided Underground: Piccadilly Line to Arsenal. helping British talent fly. As part of its The Emirates Stadium at night. ongoing commitment and support of British athletes, including Mark Hunter, Team GB and ParalympicsGB and sporting bodies, the airline also supports a number of athletes through a UK Sport partnership. Luisa Fernandez, British Airways sponsorship manager, said: 'Mark is such an inspiration to the next generation; we’re delighted to have played our part in supporting him on his journey. We’re very excited about the London 2012 Games and what the future holds.'

THIS IS LONDON MAGAZINE • THIS IS LONDON ONLINE THE DECORATIVE ANTIQUES & TEXTILES FAIR AT BATTERSEA 7 The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair takes place each year in January, April and October. It is a friendly, relaxed and approachable event, and draws a crowd of regular customers including interior designers, antiques trade buyers, private buyers renovating houses and younger couples seeking out a select piece of art or modern design to bring an individual accent to their home. And, it is full of fabulous finds which make perfect gifts or a souvenir of a visit to London. You will find everything from quality vintage photographs to sculptural meteorites, fine European and English furniture, lots of 20th century design items, country pieces and chic art deco... the list is endless. Affordable decorative accessories rub THE CAPITAL HAS IT DOWN Launched in 1985 to cater especially shoulders with fine Georgian furniture. TO A TEA! to the needs of interior designers, the Visitors can find unusual and practical, As the quintessentially English hotel, Fair is now one of London’s largest well-priced antiques for country and The Capital certainly knows how to serve antiques fairs, and the only event of its town houses; elegant glassware; pictures a scrumptious afternoon tea. Over the kind in the country. Around 140 antiques and works of art of all periods; textiles years, this perennially popular offering dealers and specialists in 20th century and cushions: mirrors and lighting are has become a firm favourite with hotel design gather from around the UK and particular specialities. guests and weary shoppers alike. Europe to exhibit a well-curated The Spring Decorative Antiques & It seems however that word has selection of stock with the emphasis on Textiles Fair at Battersea this week spread, with the news that this pieces for interior decoration. Their presents a wealth of opportunities to Knightsbridge favourite has received the search for the best examples saves search out unusual antique and vintage Tea Guild’s Award of Excellence for Top customers’ time in trawling the garden ornament. Stone architectural London Afternoon Tea 2012, alongside countryside or internet for choice fragments, carefully placed, create an air such other hallowed institutions as vintage or antique design. of antiquity and intrigue. Elegant marble Claridge’s, The Savoy and The Ritz. statuary brings an element of classicism The Capital is at 22-24 Basil Street, to urban and country gardens, large or Knightsbridge, SW3. For reservations, small. telephone 020 7591 1202 or visit Works of art dealer Robert Barley will www.capitalhotel.co.uk create one of his popular garden displays celebrating the Jubilee. Expect a traditional idea, but with a difference; he will be incorporating quirky objects and elements of sculpture from around the world in to the display. The centrepiece will be a larger-than-life regal sculpture robed in flower-strewn greensward! The Spring Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair will take place from 24-29 April at Battersea Evolution (The Marquee), in Battersea Park, SW11. www.decorativefair.com

THIS IS LONDON MAGAZINE • THIS IS LONDON ONLINE 8

Falstaff is part of the World Shakespeare Festival, which is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company for London 2012 Festival, the culmination of the Cultural Olympiad where leading artists from all over the world will come together in the UK’s biggest ever nationwide festival including dance, music, theatre and the visual arts. Tony Hall, Chief Executive of the and Chair of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad Board, said: ‘The BP Summer Big Screens are still the best way to introduce friends and family to the Royal Opera House and to Sim Canetty Clarke. world-class opera and ballet – and it’s all BP SUMMER BIG SCREENS 2012 Opera’s greatest love story, La bohème absolutely free. We are very proud to be FROM ROYAL OPERA HOUSE returns to the Royal Opera House on 30 able to celebrate 25 years of such great Building on the success of the last 25 April, 3 and 5 May, plus the screened quality al fresco screenings. With the years of free live Big Screen broadcasts, performance on 17 May, in a beautifully generous support of BP, we’re providing this year’s BP Summer Big Screen detailed traditional production starring the opportunity for people to enjoy performances will be The Royal Opera’s Carmen Giannattasio and Joseph Calleja unforgettable experiences in a range of La bohème and Falstaff, and The Royal under the baton of Semyon Bychkov. The wonderful venues across the UK, working Ballet’s Metamorphosis: Titian 2012. story of a struggling poet whose life in partnership with the BBC City Centre These world-class productions of opera changes forever after meeting a beautiful Screens, LOCOG and councils across the and ballet will be beamed live from Covent fragile young woman, is perfect for new UK. With BP Summer Big Screens, our Garden to a record 27 locations up and opera audiences. cinema programme, BBC TV and Radio down the UK, including Trafalgar Square broadcasts, live YouTube streaming and and Canary Wharf in London. Falstaff and our involvement in London 2012 Festival Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 both feature as we’re reaching new audiences across the part of the London 2012 Festival. country and beyond and offering a unique The Royal Opera House first screened insight into our world at the Royal Opera a live performance on a Big Screen in House.’ Covent Garden Piazza 1987. From those To find out more about both the humble beginnings, where hundreds of Royal Opera House and London 2012 people saw Plácido Domingo perform in Festival visit www.roh.org.uk/2012 La bohème, it is fitting that 25 years later this most famous of operas will be THE OLYMPIC JOURNEY broadcast to 27 different venues. A free exhibition entitled The Olympic The Royal Opera’s La bohème will be Journey: The Story of the Games will be screened on Thursday 17 May, Falstaff hosted at the Royal Opera House for the on Wednesday 30 May and The Royal duration of the London Olympics telling Ballet’s Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 will the story of the great Olympians through be screened on Monday 16 July, all the ages, with many artefacts being performances starting at 19.30. shown in London for the first time. Italian soprano, Carmen Giannattasio.

THIS IS LONDON MAGAZINE • THIS IS LONDON ONLINE Orpheus Sinfonia: A Viennese Affair

Thursday 26 April, 7.30pm

Sponsored by Mace

St George’s Church, Hanover Square, London W1S 1FX

Orpheus Sinfonia Thomas Carroll Conductor Anthony Hewitt Piano

Schubert Rosamunde Overture Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Brahms Symphony No. 2 in D

Tickets: £25, £15, £5 telephone 020 7734 6650 www.orpheusfoundation.com [email protected]

Anthony Hewitt – 'a remarkably gifted artist' – The Gramophone 'An exciting rendition of the Beethoven' – New York Times

‘The Orpheus Foundation deserves all the support we can give it. As a charity it is immensely deserving, as a musical enterprise it is utterly inspiring and as a mission it is absolutely unique.’ – Dame CH DBE

'Carroll is an artist to watch' – made his conducting debut in the Berlin OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST ROBIN 10 Philharmonie in 2006 and has worked COUSINS TO STAR IN with and conducted many orchestras in Anyone who has been unable to major concert halls in the UK and abroad. secure tickets to the Olympic Games David Shaw, Chairman of Orpheus this year can now see Olympics Gold Foundation comments, ‘We warmly Medallist Robin Cousins star on the welcome Thomas Carroll as our new West End stage as Billy Flynn in the artistic director. We received a large musical CHICAGO at the Garrick Theatre number of high quality applicants for from 17 July, 10 days ahead of the

Thomas Carroll. this role; Thomas Carroll stood out in Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. ORPHEUS FOUNDATION: terms of his substantial experience, his He will be in the show until 8 A VIENNESE AFFAIR creative ideas as to how to take the September, the day before the final day Dedicated to serving some of the of the Paralympics. finest musicians in central London, the Robin won Gold in the 1980 Winter Orpheus Foundation aims to provide Olympics at Lake Placid, New York, also intense professional experience and a picking up the coveted BBC Sports broad range of transitional opportunities Personality of the Year the same year. to exceptionally talented young people of This was followed by a successful career immense promise. As Patron of the as a professional skater, before finally Foundation, Judi Dench CH DBE has being forced through injury to hang up said, ‘The Orpheus Foundation deserves his skates in 2000, when he became a all of the support we can give it. As a full-time choreographer. charity it is immensely deserving, as a Prior to Robin joining CHICAGO, musical enterprise it is utterly inspiring David Bedella has returned to the role of and as a mission it is absolutely unique’. Billy Flynn for a limited season until The Orpheus Foundation has also just 12 May, a role David originally played at announced the appointment of Thomas the Cambridge Theatre early last year. Carroll as its new artistic director. Now the most successful Broadway Carroll brings to this role a wealth of export ever and the world’s longest experience. Since being one of only two running American musical, as well as artists ever to secure prestigious Anthony Hewitt, piano. the West End’s longest running revival, supportive management from both YCAT the multi award-winning musical UK (Young Classical Artists Trust) and Orpheus Sinfonia to the next level and CHICAGO opened at the Garrick Theatre YCA (Young Concert Artists) in New his passion to do the job – we are on 7 November 2011. York, he has gone on to perform in delighted that Thomas will be leading venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Orpheus Foundation into an exciting Vienna Konzerthaus and New York's future.’ Lincoln Centre, with orchestras and The Orpheus Sinfonia will perform chamber musicians world wide. He A Viennese Affair at St George’s Hanover Square on 26 April (19.30), conducted by Thomas Carroll, with Anthony Hewitt on piano, in a programme of Schubert, Beethoven and Brahms. For tickets to the concert, telephone the box office on 020 7734 6650 or, for further details on the concert and the Foundation itself, visit the website at Robin Cousins. www.orpheusfoundation.com

THIS IS LONDON MAGAZINE • THIS IS LONDON ONLINE LONDON PREMIERE OF PASS THE SPOON AT SOUTHBANK CENTRE 11 After the sold-out world premiere in Glasgow in November 2011, artist David Shrigley’s first ‘sort-of-opera’, Pass the Spoon, will be staged at Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on 5 and 6 May. The opera coincides with the final week of Shrigley’s first major UK exhibition, David Shrigley: Brain Activity, at the Hayward Gallery, Ealing Choral Society Southbank Centre. Spanning the upper galleries, the survey covers the full WALTON BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST The next course will be Poulenc's range of Shrigley’s diverse practice from AND MORE TEMPTING DELIGHTS Gloria, criticised at the time for being the past two decades of the artist’s Music to whet any appetite will come irreverent, but exuberant with freshness career, including drawing, animation, to the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank and vivacity. It is the work of an older painting, photography, taxidermy and Centre on Saturday 28 April (19.30), man shrugging off the up-to-date in sculpture. Information and tickets on when two of London’s finest choirs, favour of a style grounded in his early 0844 847 9910. Ealing Choral Society and the London experiences playing the piano in a bar. Orpheus Choir will be joined by the It is imbued, with ravishing effect, with Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra to insight and maturity. The Elysian Singers present a feast of music, conducted by And finally, we have the sumptuous bring you Dr Jonathan Williams. Also in the line Walton's Belshazzar's Feast. In contrast up are the acclaimed soloists, soprano to the intimacy and sensuality of The American Emily Rowley Jones and baritone David Debussy, it is dramatic, unrestrained and Connection Stout. richly orchestrated with rhythms and More than just an amuse-bouche for harmonies reflecting Walton’s interest in Classical and popular music the feast ahead, the concert will begin jazz. It tells of the 'writing on the wall' at by Gershwin, Rodgers, with Debussy’s wonderfully evocative the Babylonian king's sacrilegious feast, Whitacre, Tippett and others Prélude à ‘L’Après-midi d’un faune’. This the fall of his kingdom and the release of St Martin-in-the-Fields is a piece whose individuality, intensity the Jews from exile. Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ and influence enable it to stand along An unmissable concert in a fabulous side any other. It is considered by many venue – tickets £12-£25 on 0844 847 Tuesday 1st May to be the awakening of modern music. 9910 or www.southbankcentre.co.uk 7.30pm

Sam Laughton, conductor :DOWRQ Rupert Egerton-Smith, piano Tippett: Five Negro Spirituals %HOVKD]]DU·V)HDVW Eric Whitacre: Three Songs of Faith Jonathan Dove: The Passing of the Year $SULOSP4(+  Randall Thompson: Alleluia Gershwin: Summer Time &RQGXFWRU-RQDWKDQ:LOOLDPV Rodgers & Hart: Blue Moon 5R\DO3KLOKDUPRQLF&RQFHUW2UFKHVWUD plus songs by Fats Waller, Johnny Mercer  (DOLQJ&KRUDO6RFLHW\ and Harold Arlen WK$QQLYHUVDU\6HDVRQ      Tickets £10-£20 on 020 7766 1100 www.smift.org www.elysiansingers.com

THIS IS LONDON MAGAZINE • THIS IS LONDON ONLINE HOWARD SHELLEY PERFORMS 12 WITH LONDON MOZART PLAYERS Acclaimed chamber orchestra The London Mozart Players will be joined by its long-time collaborator, celebrated British pianist Howard Shelley, who in a rare treat conducts three orchestral greats, as well as performing solo, in a concert in the heart of Westminster as part of LMP’s brand new residency at St John’s Smith Square. One of the most prominent English pianists of his generation, Shelley gave his first concert on BBC television at age 10, before going on to create a remarkable career that includes several THE ELYSIAN SINGERS IN AMERICAN which the choir are joined by pianist hundred broadcast concerts for the BBC, CLASSICS AND SHOW SONGS Rupert Egerton-Smith. becoming one of the best-known The Elysian Singers, one of the UK’s The Elysian Singers close with a pianists ever to the British public. top chamber choirs, will be returning to tribute to the greatest Americanism of Shelley plays the celebrated Grieg St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar them all: . The choir will piano concerto in his LMP programme, Square, on Tuesday 1 May at 19.30, with perform arrangements of show-stopping one of the most famous works in the an American-themed programme of (and foot-tapping) classics from the piano repertoire, written at a time when classical and popular music, including Great American Songbook, including Grieg had re-immersed himself in his settings of Negro spirituals, music by Gershwin’s ‘Summer time’ and Harold native Norway’s folk music – its Eric Whitacre, and show songs including Arlen’s ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’. characteristic inflections can be heard in Gershwin’s ‘Summer time’, Fats Waller’s The concert will take place at the every melody. In 1867, when writing the ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’, and Rodgers & Hart’s beautifully restored St Martin-in-the- concerto, Grieg was in love with his ‘Blue Moon’. Fields, a church which has one of the cousin, Nina Hagerup, who he was to The programme (‘The American finest choral acoustics in the country. marry that year. Something of his state Connection’) is the brainchild of And with ‘The American Connection’, the of mind can be heard in the tender, conductor Sam Laughton, and explores Elysian Singers will put a swing in your radiant, yearning and instantly the ways in which the culture of the step! recognisable first movement. United States became such an enormous ‘Subtle, disciplined and radiant.’ Shelley also conducts the orchestra influence on 20th century music. For (Gramophone). ‘Sam Laughton’s Elysian in Beethoven’s overture to the tragic example, the English composer Michael Singers perform with captivating drama Coriolanus. Brahms’ dramatic Tippett included Five Negro Spirituals in intensity’ (Classic FM Magazine). first symphony, a labour of love written his wartime oratorio 'A Child of Our Tickets for the concert can be booked over 21 years, completes the Time'. Another choral classic from the at St Martin’s on 020 7766 1100 or via programme. 1940s is 'Alleluia' by Randall the website at www.smitf.org The London Mozart Players is one of Thompson. Britain’s finest chamber orchestras, More recently, Eric Whitacre has LONDON HANDEL FESTIVAL committed to engaging internationally become the United States’ most For a dramatic finale to this year’s renowned soloists that in the 2011/12 celebrated choral composer, and the London Handel Festival, the 1742 Dublin season also included violinist Tasmin choir will be performing his Three version of Messiah will be performed on Little, rising star pianist Cordelia Songs of Faith, based on poems of Tuesday 24 April at St George’s Hanover Williams, and Viennese violin master E E Cummings. America's biggest Square to celebrate 270 years of this Benjamin Schmid. impact on the Western classical tradition glorious work. The M&G Series 2011/12 concert has probably been the minimalism of Soloists will be Sophie Bevan, soprano, will take place on 25 April (19.30), at Philip Glass and Steve Reich; and this Christine Rice, mezzo-soprano, Stuart St John’s Smith Square. Tickets are has influenced Jonathan Dove's 'The Jackson, tenor, and Lisandro Abadie, bass. available from the box office telephone Passing of the Year', a song cycle in For tickets, telephone 01460 54660. 020 7222 1061.

THIS IS LONDON MAGAZINE • THIS IS LONDON ONLINE today – a technically brilliant, fantastically creative player and 13 phenomenal live performer. At this concert, he will be joined by Carl Herring on guitar, Dharmesh Parmar on Indian tabla and The Pavão String Quartet for an exhilarating night of fabulous music: 'The versatility with which he imbues his guitar is truly breathtaking, whether performing his poignantly poetic melodies or accompanying a truly fabulous transcontinental performance.' – The Scotsman The Pavão String Quartet. During his acclaimed career, Eduardo has worked with some of the top names in jazz, pop and world music including Girona, Spain, where he formed the cult Lol Coxhill, George Michael, Craig symphonic rock band ‘Atila’. In 1974, David, the Dante String Quartet and he was rated alongside Paco de Lucia as EDUARDO NIEBLA IN QUEEN Nishat Khan and has a wealth of one of the best guitarists in the Hispanic ELIZABETH HALL FRIDAY CONCERT international appearances to his name Peninsula, later moving to Paris and The electrifying flamenco jazz guitar including the Cairo Jazz Festival last then London, where has since been virtuoso Eduardo Niebla will appear at month where he received a standing regarded as one of the outstanding the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London's ovation. guitarists of his generation. South Bank on Friday 20 April. Hailed Eduardo’s career started from very Tickets for the Queen Elizabeth Hall by The Guardian for his 'exquisite' humble beginnings. He was born in concert can be purchased by calling the playing, Eduardo is one of the most Morocco to Andalucian parents in 1955, box office on 0844 847 9910 or logging potent forces in flamenco jazz fusion the 7th of 11 children and grew up in onto www.southbankcentre.co.uk

THIS IS LONDON MAGAZINE • THIS IS LONDON ONLINE TALENT UNLIMITED IN SONGS OF COMPASS – WORLD PREMIERE 14 LOVE AND SEDUCTION AT SADLER’S WELLS A programme of evocative duets and This week, Sadler’s Wells Creative more from the great moments in opera Learning department, Connect, will and musical theatre will be performed by present a new production for the main Alison Guill (soprano), Clare Presland stage, inspired by London’s diversity in its (mezzo-soprano), Nicky Spence (tenor) Olympic year. The compelling new work, and Leslie MacLeod-Miller (bass- Compass, premiering on 23 April, brings baritone), accompanied by pianists together a team of choreographers, a Vicky Yannoula and Keith Beresford, at writer, a film maker, composers and St James’s Church, Piccadilly, on musicians with a cast of over 100 Thursday 26 April (19.00). dancers, encompassing all ages and The programme includes Puccini, levels of experience. Verdi, Monteverdi, Gershwin, Mozart, An original score of live and recorded Wagner, Lehar, Kern, Bernstein, Lloyd vocal and instrumental music, by Webber and Rodgers with the emphasis composers Donna McKevitt and Hannah on the music on romance, love and Peel, is accompanied by arresting visual seduction. imagery created by BAFTA winner Tal Proceeds will be distributed between Nicky Spence, tenor, will perform with Rosner. The company combine their Macmillan Cancer Support and Talent Talent Unlimited in Songs of Love and talents and draw on their rich cultural Unlimited, for the continuing musical Seduction at St James’s next Thursday. heritage to create a thought provoking education of talented music students at performance, exploring themes that leading music colleges in London. celebrate unity, diversity and the Talent, past performance and financial background are taken into consideration meaning of ‘home’ within the many when assessing those who are selected worlds of this capital city. for help and support. ^ƚ:ŽŚŶ͛Ɛ^ŵŝƚŚ^ƋƵĂƌĞ Lack of funding leads many talented ϬϮϬϳϮϮϮϭϬϲϭ ǁǁǁ͘ƐũƐƐ͘ŽƌŐ͘ƵŬ young individuals to abandon the field of music as it becomes impossible or at least cripplingly difficult to maintain their studies whilst working in various part-time jobs to survive. Students have to pay exceptionally high fees when attending prestigious music schools and The choreographers working with the colleges in London and on many cast to create new works along >KEKE occasions by the time they reach post- Compass’ themes, represent some of graduate levels their resources have all Sadler’s Wells’ finest associate and DKZd but dried up. visiting companies. The 100+ dancers W>zZ^ This is the point at which a charity range in age from 8-88 include the like Talent Unlimited can be called upon critically lauded Company of Elders. tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJϮϱƉƌŝů for help, through donations, concerts, Compass follows the critically ĞĞƚŚŽǀĞŶŽƌŝŽůĂŶKǀĞƌƚƵƌĞ  conferences and other events aimed at acclaimed 2011 main stage production 'ƌŝĞŐ WŝĂŶŽŽŶĐĞƌƚŽ  creating an environment conducive to Sum of Parts, which was praised at its ƌĂŚŵƐ ^LJŵƉŚŽŶLJEŽ͘ϭ   the development of young musical premiere for being: ‘Groundbreaking. ,ŽǁĂƌĚ^ŚĞůůĞLJŽŶĚƵĐƚŽƌͬƉŝĂŶŽ talent. Further information available Pulsing with life-affirming energy and at www.talent-unlimited.com enthusiasm this is a shining example of Tickets for next Thursday’s concert how outreach programmes such as are available from 020 7935 1805 or on Sadler’s Wells Connect make a ;OL4 .0U]LZ[TLU[Z:LYPLZ   :[1VOU»Z:TP[O:X\HYL 0776 764 2092. St James’s Piccadilly is contribution to the nation’s social health a beautiful Wren church situated two while avoiding po-faced institutional minutes’ walk from Piccadilly station. do-goodery.’ – (Daily Express). Ticket Office: 0844 412 4300.

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wore on 4 December 1958, five months THE LONDON ORIGINAL PRINT FAIR after joining the company, aged 16, as The 27th London Original Print Fair its youngest member. Another is her will open its door at the Royal Academy costume for The Chosen Maiden in of Arts with an evening dedicated to the Kenneth MacMillan’s 80th birthday celebrations and in 1962. printmaking accomplishments of Other costumes reflect the range of Sir Peter Blake. Blake will give a special repertory Mason danced including talk on 19 April which will reveal his classical roles in The Sleeping Beauty and longstanding dedication to print media Act III, ’s and underline his status as one of , and Enigma Britain’s most influential artists. Variations and twentieth century classics Within the fair, CCA Galleries will such as ’s , stage a special retrospective of Blake’s Jerome Robbin’s Dances at a Gathering, iconographic works, spanning the six- Hans van Manen’s Adagio Hammerklavier decade printmaking career that has seen Johan Persson. and MacMillan’s Song of Earth. him work in woodcut, etching, MONICA MASON – A LIFE WITH THE The costumes are supplemented by a lithography and, more recently, digitally. ROYAL BALLET rich display of over 80 images which Blake’s dedication to printmaking A wonderful exhibition currently on view span the whole of her career with The goes hand in hand with his belief that art at The Royal Opera House features Royal Ballet from 1958 to the present. should be accessible to a wide audience. costumes and photographs from the The photographs illustrate the many With his paintings often fetching six unique career of Monica Mason and her 54 roles she danced as well as highlighting figure sums, his prints represent an years with . From her early her work behind the scenes. Monica opportunity to collect Blake at an days as a member of the corps de ballet in Mason has lent material for the affordable price. 1958 through to her decade as Director of exhibition including a full length portrait This year, there will be etchings by The Royal Ballet, the exhibition is a of her as a dancer in practice clothes by the legendary Lucian Freud; Damien comprehensive overview of her exceptional June Mendoza, a set of scrapbooks of Hirst; Picasso and modern British achievements within the Company. press cuttings lovingly compiled by her artists; Grayson Perry and German The earliest costume on view is for mother, Sue Fabian, and photo albums Romantic prints. The London Original one of the six princesses or fiancées in showing Mason and her Royal Ballet Print Fair provides an unrivalled Le Lac des cygnes, which Mason first colleagues on overseas tours. opportunity for broadening your There is a unique tour of the knowledge of art and starting or exhibition most days at 11.00 which expanding your own collection. adds background detail to the exhibits, The Fair will also be picking up on interesting anecdotes and first hand the Jubilee theme this year, with a stories of Monica Mason’s career with number of galleries bringing works that The Royal Ballet. Book in person at the relate to Queen and country. Box Office or call 020 7304 4000. Over fifty exhibitors will show works Monica Mason received a special ranging from £100 to £100,000 at what prize at the Olivier Awards last Sunday is now the world’s longest running for her outstanding contribution to specialist print fair. theatre. The Royal Academy of Arts is in Burlington House, Piccadilly. For further La Traviata 1964-65 revival – Monica Mason, information, telephone 020 7439 2000 Alexander Grant, Georgina Parkinson. www.londonprintfair.com Photo: Donald Southern. © ROH Collections 1.

THIS IS LONDON MAGAZINE • THIS IS LONDON ONLINE WILL THERE BE KNIGHTS AND DRAGONS? 17 Are there knights and dragons at Windsor Castle? Is the Round Tower really round? Are there any secret passages? How can you tell if The Queen is at home? A new children’s book about the world’s oldest occupied castle answers all these questions, explaining the 1,000-year history of the royal residence and how it is used by the Royal Family today. A knight takes two children on a tour of the Castle, guiding them through the State Apartments and showing them the treasures from the Royal Collection along the way. He also reveals a secret Will There Be Knights and Dragons? is published by Royal Collection Publications, passage under the building. price £3.95. The book is available from www.royalcollection.org.uk/shop and the The children discover that the famous Royal Collection shop at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. Round Tower was built in that shape because round towers are more difficult to knock down than square ones, as they have no corners. The children also learn Piccadilly Market that if the Royal Standard is flying from the Round Tower, The Queen is in residence. The Union Flag is only flown Perfect for when she is away. During their tour, the children stand Gifts to attention in front of the Guard Room Piccadilly Market is held in with some of the Guardsmen who the charming setting protect the Castle day and night. They of the courtyard at St James’s Church Ð also help out in the Great Kitchen, where just yards from Piccadilly food is prepared for State Banquets. Circus. A popular As they make jam tarts, they see the destination for over 20 years, enormous mixer that can whisk 500 the market offers an exciting selection of antiques, arts & eggs at once. The pair play with the crafts, jewellery, souvenirs, corgis and learn about The Queen’s fashions, furnishings and Diamond Jubilee. more. Jemima Rellie, Director of Publishing Craft Market open and New Media at the Royal Collection, Wednesday Ð Saturday 10am-6pm said, ‘This book introduces children to centuries of British history as St James’s Antiques and Collectables Market open encapsulated in the biggest and oldest Tuesday 10am-6pm occupied castle in the world. It is packed with wonderful photographs and Good Food Market open Monday 11am-5pm fascinating facts about the building and its use by The Queen today.’ St James’s Church Windsor Castle is an official 197 Piccadilly London W1J 9LL residence of The Queen and has been Tel: 020 7734 4511 the family home of British monarchs for Tube: Piccadilly Circus/ almost 1,000 years. Green Park www.royalcollection.org.uk

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JOHN BARROWMAN AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL Historic Royal Palaces and PWR Events have announced that showman John Barrowman will provide a spectacular finale to this year’s Hampton Court Palace Festival on 24 June. John Barrowman, the multi-talented star of stage and screen on both sides of the Atlantic had an incredible 2011 with Torchwood making him a prime time star in the US. He also released a Greatest Hits album with Sony, presented a new series of Tonight’s The Night for the BBC, toured the UK in his sell out concert and wrote a children’s book, Hollow Earth, which received great UK PREMIERE OF BALLET unique dance production full of pure critical acclaim. REVOLUCIÓN AT PEACOCK THEATRE emotion and relentless power and using Making its UK Premiere at the West a combination of different dance styles, End’s Peacock Theatre from Wednesday creating an exciting new show straight 25 April to Saturday 19 May, Ballet out of Havana. Revolución is an explosive fusion of ‘An absolutely brilliant show by an ballet, contemporary dance and hip hop astonishingly talented and committed from a company of supremely talented company! If you see one dance show in Cuban dancers and live musicians, your life, see this. Then see it again and co-choreographed by former lead dancer again.’ – Ben Elton. for Cher and original Tap Dog Aaron For tickets, telephone the box office Cash, this sensational production will on 0844 412 4322 or visit the website at have London audiences on their feet! www.sadlerswells.com John will join the legendary Liza The Ballet Revolución live band Minnelli, Frankie Valli and The Four perform popular hits from Shakira, Ricky Seasons, Katie Melua, James Morrison, Martin, Beyoncé and many more, while Caro Emerald, Van Morrison, Jools the dancers display their versatility in Holland and His Rhythm and Blues dance styles from classical ballet to Orchestra, Squeeze and the Royal contemporary dance and hip hop, Philharmonic Orchestra who will combined with the unique blend of perform a special 20th Anniversary Gala, Cuban, African and Spanish influences. which will be followed by spectacular Ballet Revolución is choreographed by fireworks over the Palace. Aaron Cash and Roclan Gonzalez In addition to the music, Hampton Chavez. Court Palace Festival is renowned for The show, with some of the world’s creating a truly unforgettable experience. most talented classical and Artists perform in the historic main contemporary dancers from the Escuela courtyard of the magnificent Tudor Nacional Cubana de Arte and the most Palace providing an intimate atmosphere prominent dance groups in Cuba, is a for an audience of 3,000.

THIS IS LONDON MAGAZINE • THIS IS LONDON ONLINE BARRY MCGUIGAN CHARITY IRVING BERLIN’S TOP HAT OPENS FUNDRAISER AT SADLER’S WELLS AT THE ALDWYCH 19 On 29 April, former boxing champion Nominated for four Academy Awards, Barry McGuigan MBE will be joining Top Hat is widely regarded as one of the singers from top City firms and schools greatest dance musicals of all time and to showcase their talent at Sadler’s Wells the most successful picture of the nine in a night of entertainment to raise funds movies Astaire and Rogers made and awareness for the Anchor House together. Currently previewing at the Home and Hope Appeal. The Appeal Aldwych Theatre, Top Hat opens on aims to transform Anchor House, an 9 May, with and Summer award-winning residential and life skills Strallen in the lead roles of Jerry Travers centre for the homeless, into a 21st and Dale Tremont. century facility and fit-for-purpose Former boxing champion Barry McGuigan. Performed by a cast of 31 and complex to enable them to continue to accompanied by a live band of 15, this turn around the lives of East London’s Performances will include O Fortuna new musical comedy includes Irving homeless. from Carmina Burana, Vivaldi’s Gloria Berlin classics from the movie such as As well as an appearance by the and Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, as Cheek to Cheek, Isn’t It a Lovely Day to Anchor House residents’ choir, the event well as original pieces written by the be Caught in the Rain and Top Hat White will feature the National Symphony Anchor House choir – Forever Yours Tie and Tails. In addition, from Berlin’s Orchestra; choirs from Allen & Overy (3 mins), One Day, and the Anchor 1200 strong back catalogue, a further LLP, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer House Anthem. Also, Anchor House ten numbers have been interpolated LLP, The Financial Times and Royal Patron Barry McGuigan MBE will be including Let’s Face the Music and Bank of Canada; as well as pupils from performing with his band on the night. Dance and Puttin’ On the Ritz. Based on 4 city schools: Stepney Greencoat For tickets, telephone Sadler’s Wells the RKO motion picture, the screenplay Primary School, Sir John Cass Primary box office on 0844 412 4300 or online by Dwight Taylor and Allan Scott has School, Christchurch CofE Primary http://www.sadlerswells.com/show/Gala- been adapted for the stage by Matthew School and Haggerston School. Concert-for-Anchor-House. White and Howard Jacques.

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THIS IS LONDON MAGAZINE • THIS IS LONDON ONLINE MISTERMAN classic Italian comedy – sex, food and 20 PLAYS Inishfree might seem like a quaint Irish town, money are high on the agenda. but fierce evangelist Thomas Magil knows THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET better. Cillian Murphy plays the population of Haymarket, SW1 (0845 481 1870) LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT an entire town in a tour-de-force solo Eugene O’Neill’s compelling family drama performance of epic proportions. MASTER CLASS between James and Mary Tyrone and their Cagney and Lacey’s Tyne Daly plays Maria sons, Jamie and Edmund, as they battle their COTTESLOE THEATRE Callas in a piece looking back on the career demons, their pasts, and one another, in four MOON ON A RAINBOW SHAWL of the famous operatic diva. extraordinary personal struggles. Errol John’s play, written in 1953, depicts a VAUDEVILLE THEATRE THEATRE vibrant, cosmopolitan world that is as harsh as Strand, WC2 (0844 412 4663) Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2 (020 7492 9968) it is filled with colour and warmth. THE BLACK T-SHIRT COLLECTION THE KING’S SPEECH THE 39 STEPS Inua Ellams’ new story about two foster brothers The story of King George VI of Britain, his Maria Aitken’s tongue-in-cheek adaptation of building a global t-shirt brand, who discover impromptu ascension to the throne and the John Buchan’s whodunnit has four actors the consequences of success. speech therapist who helped the unsure playing 150 parts and includes all the legendary monarch become worthy of it. scenes from Hitchcock’s movie. NATIONAL THEATRE WYNDHAMS THEATRE CRITERION THEATRE South Bank, SE1 (020 7452 3000) Charing Cross Rd, WC2 (0844 482 5120) Piccadilly Circus, WC2 (0844 847 1778) WAR HORSE WRITTEN ON THE HEART The National Theatre’s epic based on the MUSICALS Gregory Doran's powerfully involving celebrated novel by Children’s Laureate, production for the Royal Shakespeare Company Michael Morpurgo. Actors work with SWEENEY TODD brings the Reformation and its ideological magnificent life-size puppets on a gruelling Jonathan Kent's acclaimed Chichester conflicts into sharp focus. journey at the time of the First World War. production of ’s musical DUCHESS THEATRE NEW LONDON THEATRE masterpiece depicts Sweeney Todd's savage Catherine Street, WC2 (0844 412 4659) Drury Lane, WC2 (0844 412 4654) quest for justice and retribution after years of false imprisonment. THE WOMAN IN BLACK HAY FEVER ADELPHI THEATRE An innocent outsider, a suspicious rural Howard Davies directs Lindsay Duncan in Noel Strand, WC2 (0844 412 4651) community, a gothic house and a misty marsh Coward's play, reuniting director and actor who are the ingredients of this Victorian ghost story. together received seven major international WICKED THE MUSICAL FORTUNE THEATRE theatre awards for their 2001 collaboration on Hit Broadway story of how a clever, Russell Street, WC2 (0844 871 7626) Coward's Private Lives. misunderstood girl with emerald green skin NOEL COWARD THEATRE and a girl who is beautiful and popular turn SOUTH DOWNS/THE BROWNING VERSION St Martin’s Lane, WC2 (0844 482 5140) into the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda Following a critically acclaimed run as part of the Good Witch in the Land of Oz. the Chichester Festival in 2011, the double bill NOISES OFF APOLLO VICTORIA THEATRE of Terence Rattigan’s one-act masterpiece and A major new revival of ’s Wilton Road, SW1 (0844 826 8000) David Hare’s specially commissioned award-winning backstage comedy features companion piece transfers to the West End. and . A glorious comic MATILDA THEATRE romp offering two plays for the price of one. Critically acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Panton Street, SW1 (0844 871 7622) NOVELLO THEATRE Company production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda Aldwych, WC2 (0844 482 5170) with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, Royal National Theatre Plays in repertory directed by Matthew Warchus. THE SUNSHINE BOYS CAMBRIDGE THEATRE OLIVIER THEATRE A hilarious comedy by Neil Simon set in the Earlham Street, WC2 (0844 800 1110) COLLABORATORS early days of television. A Vaudevillian double John Hodge’s blistering new play set in Moscow act is reunited for a television special on the WE WILL ROCK YOU 1938 depicts the appalling humiliations inflicted history of comedy, despite years of bitter A unique collaboration between the legends of on any artist by those in power. rivalry between them. rock and Ben Elton, reflecting the scale and spectacle that marked Queen’s live SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER Strand, WC2 (0844 871 7687) One of the great, generous-hearted and performances. ingenious comedies of the English language, DOMINION THEATRE THE MOUSETRAP Tottenham Court Road, W1 (0844 847 1775) Goldsmith’s play offers a celebration of chaos, Agatha Christie’s whodunnit is the longest courtship and the dysfunctional family. running play of its kind in the history of the THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA LYTTELTON THEATRE British theatre. Long running epic romance by Andrew Lloyd ST MARTIN’S THEATRE Webber, set behind the scenes of a Paris TRAVELLING LIGHT West Street, WC2 (0844 499 1515) Nicholas Wright’s new play is a funny and opera house, where a deformed phantom stalks his prey. fascinating tribute to the Eastern European ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS immigrants who became major players in HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE Highly acclaimed National Theatre transfer of Haymarket, SW1 (0844 412 2707) Hollywood’s golden age. Richard Bean’s English version of Goldini’s

THIS IS LONDON MAGAZINE • THIS IS LONDON ONLINE BLOOD BROTHERS LES MISERABLES Willy Russell’s powerful musical about twins A spectacularly staged version of Victor 21 from Liverpool, separated at birth, whose paths Hugo’s epic novel about an escaped convict’s cross in friendship and finally in bloodshed. search for redemption in Revolutionary PHOENIX THEATRE France. Charing Cross Road, WC2 (0870 060 6629) QUEENS THEATRE Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2 (0844 482 5160) GHOST THE MUSICAL A new musical stage version based on the THE MUSICAL hugely popular 1990 film, a timeless fantasy Justin Lee Collins and Shayne Ward in the hit about the power of love. Broadway musical which tells the story of a small town girl and a big city rocker falling in Denman Street, W1 (0844 412 6666) love to the great rock music of the 80’s. DREAMBOATS & PETTICOATS Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2 (020 7379 5399) Inspired by the smash hit million selling compilation albums which featured some of SHREK THE MUSICAL the greatest hits of the rock ‘n’ roll era. The first chapter in the much loved series of irreverent fairytales where Shrek and his loyal Northumberland Ave, WC2 (0844 871 7631) steed Donkey set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona. JERSEY BOYS THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE Rags to riches tale of four blue collar kids Drury Lane, WC2 (0844 847 1722) Siobhan Dillon and Mark Evans in Ghost the working their way to the heights of stardom Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre. as Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. BILLY ELLIOT – THE MUSICAL Photo: Matt Crockett. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE The hit British film is transformed into a Old Compton Street, W1 (0844 482 5152) thrilling stage musical by its original director, THE WIZARD OF OZ Stephen Daldry, with music by Elton John. Magical stage version of the unforgettable MAMMA MIA! A talented young boy becomes torn between film presented by and Hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, set his unexpected love of dance and the starring . around the story of a mother and daughter, on disintegration of his family. LONDON PALLADIUM the eve of the daughter’s wedding. VICTORIA PALACE Argyll Street, W1 (0844 412 2704) PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE Victoria Street, SW1 (0844 811 0055) Coventry Street, WC2 (0844 482 5115) THRILLER – LIVE Spectacular, high octane show celebrating the career of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. LYRIC THEATRE Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 (0844 412 4661)

THE LION KING Disney‘s phenomenally successful animated film is transformed into a spectacular stage musical, a superb evening of visual delight which goes from strength to strength. LYCEUM THEATRE Wellington Street, WC2 (0844 844 0005)

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 (0844 811 2334)

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN Jonathan Church’s new Chichester production has all the charm, romance, comedy and tinsel town glamour of one of the world’s best-loved films, including the legendary Singin’ in the Rain. WWW.TKTS.CO.UK PALACE THEATRE THE CLOCKTOWER SOUTH SIDE OF LEICESTER SQUARE Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2 (0870 890 0142) BOOKING FEE APPLIES.

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LA PORTE DES INDES change her order to the menu maison. If someone asked you what you most liked about Indian Thankyou very much. food, and then what you liked least, would your answer be When I had stopped laughing – though I wanted to seem sympathetic – a) lots of variety and subtle spicing and b) food so hot it we enjoyed together tastings of Barra makes your eyes water? lamb chops – British lamb marinated in caramelised onions and garam masala, Say yes, and I say you will be pleased ‘poulet rouge’, a shredded chicken in red to discover La Porte des Indes. For in spices which was wonderful, and a addition to its self-consciously exotic smoked aubergine dish which was every setting – real palm trees in pots, a bit as tasty as Middle Eastern versions. waterfall running down one wall, a Meanwhile a small party of Arabian mezzanine with iron balustrade and lots ladies was brought some sort of of painted elephants – this West End pudding with candles in it, to a chorus eatery has a Franco-Indian theme, which of Happy Birthday by the staff and much seems to tone down much of the chilli applause from the other diners. This beloved in other Indian restaurants. happened a few times. It’s a party sort of It is a mildly amusing tangent in the place: perhaps too much so on many stories which make up India’s occasions, we observed, as a group of culinary history. Pondicherry was the Scandinavian men, who may or may not one French colony in India, dating from have been record producers, or the nineteenth century, and some of its and garlic. Rasoul are curry ‘puffs’ footballers, or any profession which classic dishes have been blurred stuffed with lamb and peas, quite tolerates long hair, became quite drunk. together in a delicious confusion of East traditional but served with a sweet Well! We supposed they were and West. Creole sauce. Parsee fish is another enjoying themselves a lot in a foreign Highlights among the starters are the winner – fillets of Sole steamed in city. La Porte de Indes is so close to ‘Demoiselles de Pondichéry’, grilled banana leaves, which the waiter was Marble Arch, it must have quite a scallops sitting in the shell with a careful to point out should be removed following from international visitors creamy sauce – spiced up by saffron (how thoughtful!), made tangy inside by staying in the smart hotels nearby. From mint and coriander chutney. our side we were satisfied with a bottle So far, so delicious. The only real of Gewurztraminer – perhaps one of few disappointment of the meal was the occasions when you can enjoy such platter of vegetarian starters served to robust wine and lots of masala chai, the the companion. Apart from a crunchy spicy tea which is clearly home made chard and water chestnut pakora, the here. Count on spending £50 each and little assembly of things – made no you will feel you had a feast. Or try the doubt from gramflour, ground rice, new ‘light lunch’ at £19 per person lentils etc – was bland and dry, and including a glass of freshly squeezed some looked like a cross between an juice. Wholesome and exotic. overbaked Victoria sponge and a child’s jam sandwich. Sue Webster This was a Road to Damascus LA PORTE DES INDES moment: the companion decided there 32 Bryanston Street, W1H 7EG and then that she was no longer a Telephone: 020 7224 0055 vegetarian and called the waiter over to www.laportedesindes.com

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