for the Friends of Theatre Royal 76

CRAZY FOR GERSHWIN Tom talks tap

MERMAID REMADE Fairytale dance

BARD SONG Hamlet goes operatic

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Crazy For You Introduction Stephen Crocker Chief Executive Norwich Theatre Royal Welcome to this new edition of kinds of developments are really Circle Magazine. important in our role as of the leading cultural institutions in the region and help I can hardly believe that it has already to cement Norwich as an international been 6 months since I came to Norwich. cultural destination. It has been a whirlwind period as I have set about trying to meet as many of our Away from the main stages, we have also artistic partners, supporters and spent time developing exciting future ON audiences as possible - as well as trying plans for our Learning & Participation to find a bit of time to get out and explore programme, building on the phenomenal SALE this wonderful city and county. The success of our existing work and warmth of welcome that I have received maximising the opportunities that having NOW from every quarter has just been Stage Two gives us. We now have an These shows have all overwhelming – THANK YOU! - and the ambitious new strategy that will see an been added to our passion and support for our theatres is expanded programme of work focussed programme since the just impossible to put into words. What is on Learning & Education, Training & Skills last what’s on brochure abundantly clear to me is that a love for and Community Participation for people was published. For theatre, the arts and cultural activity, and of all ages. One of our first new projects, those which went on the understanding of their importance, is which launches this autumn, is Creative sale before now, seats have been held back in the DNA of Norwich and . As Matters (see page 19), our new series of for Friends until all of we look to the future, that fact makes our month-long seasons of performances, you were notified. ongoing development and new ambitions installations, activities and events focusing Booking for all these for the Theatre Royal, Playhouse and on issues which directly affect people of shows opens 9.30am Stage Two even more exciting. all ages and backgrounds. on Friday 21st July for Friends. Lots of people have asked me about my Finally, I would like to say a huge thank vision for our artistic programme over the you to our whole team at the Theatre Friday 13 – Saturday 14 coming years. My response is always a Royal and Playhouse, from our Board of October 2017 very straightforward one: there won’t be a Trustees to our staff and volunteer teams THE NIMMO TWINS revolution, but look out for some for their incredible commitment. This Thursday 26 – Friday 27 evolution. I am passionate that our year marks the 25th anniversary of the October 2017 stages should be chameleon-like and we Theatre Royal Voluntary Steward Scheme TAP FACTORY will absolutely continue to bring the very and this is a fantastic opportunity to best work across the broadest spectrum celebrate that incredible loyalty and Sunday 19 November of the performing arts to Norwich. To dedication to the Theatre Royal and I 2017 THE UKULELE illustrate this, it gives me great pleasure to wanted to particularly mention Jackie ORCHESTRA OF know that over one four-week period Aston, Anna Leer, Ruth Maddern, Pat GREAT BRITAIN alone this autumn, the Theatre Royal stage Monaghan, Shirley Tomlin and Mary will see shows ranging from a new Watts, all of whom have been part of the Sunday 3 December operatic version of Hamlet from scheme since it began, each giving a total 2017 THE RAF IN CONCERT Glyndebourne to Lulu, and from the in excess of 5,000 hours of their time. National Theatre’s Hedda Gabler to The What an incredible commitment not only Monday 18 December Nimmo Twins. Long may this quality and to the theatre as an organisation, but to 2017 range continue. ensuring that audiences can enjoy the A VISION OF ELVIS very best theatre right here in Norfolk. Thursday 4 January 2018 Since January we have also been very BEYOND THE busy with some exciting conversations With all best wishes BARRICADE around the UK and abroad to develop Stephen new artistic relationships, and later in Sunday 18 March 2018 2018 you will begin to see some artists, SARAH MILLICAN companies and productions that are new Saturday 2 June 2018 to Norwich. One area where you will notice this development is in dance and I My Family: Not The am delighted that we have now joined the Sitcom National Dance Consortium which will see us regularly stage performances from international dance companies. These

Circle Magazine July 2017 3 Backstage Ryder From the posters on the wall and the The person with the job of directing angst of teenage unrequited love the production and bringing the with a pop superstar to the trailing story to the stage is . around the country to see their idols Although he is best known for the in action, being a young music fan is role of Jamie in EastEnders, a key part of the coming-of-age his creative energies are now much Jack Ryder process. more focused backstage, having directed a number of successful It is the musical set to celebrate the And this is at the of The Band theatre productions including music of Take That and highlight the which comes to Norwich Theatre and The Full Monty. bonds enjoyed by their fans. Royal on February 6-17. Set to a soundtrack of Take That’s many hits, Although the show will not premiere The Band is set to be one of the it begins as a group of 16-year-olds until this autumn, specially selected must-see musicals of 2018 and is being follow The Band of the title on tour. VIP audiences have had the chance directed by a man who is no stranger to It then flashes forward to pick up on to see a workshop version of the adoration himself, the former EastEnder the women’s lives in their forties to production and speaking after this, Jack Ryder. He talks more about what is see how they have changed as he said he was pleased with how in store and how he coped with the people and whether the relationship those initial performances had gone. pressure of fame. between them will be the same. He said: “I am happy with it. It has The show features a host of Take been so fantastic to go to work and That hits from their early days right be able to create this production. You up to the present day in parallel with just never know what is going to the events of the show. happen. The performance happened just a few hours after we started the And it also features Five To Five, the tech rehearsal. The fact it has gone boy-band who won through the so well is testament to the creative BBC’s Let It Shine TV show which team and the cast as well as a strong launched a prime-time search for a belief in this production and the quartet of boys to perform many of enthusiasm of everyone involved.” the hits of Take That and also take on a number of roles in the show. The Band

Circle Magazine July 2017 5 So how did The Band story begin for Jack? He has had a long professional relationship with producer Backstage David Pugh, directing a number of productions for him, and when he got the first draft of the script he knew it Ryder was something special. “Every tea-break and lunch-break, thing to happen. I enjoyed the work A strong creative team also helps. they are working on the songs or but I did not enjoy the fame and Hugely-respected author thinking about the props or their attention. I thought all the showbiz has written the show and is well entrances or exits. You don’t normally parties were nonsense and did not known for his work on stage and get that. They are sharp, take on really engage with them. When I used screen including Calendar Girls and board every suggestion we give to travel on a train, I would keep a Sign Of The Times, and Take That them to enhance their performance baseball cap over my face.” themselves have also been and are just fantastic to work with.” co-producing, playing a key part in One of the advantages for Five To the whole creative process. With all the excitement and hype Five will be that they can support surrounding the show, has it given each other through the ups and But does having the likes of Gary him the motivation to be front and downs. “These boys are always Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark centre of a production rather than together. They are like Take That in Fred Olsen Travel Owen being such a key part of the behind the scenes? “I would not mind that they can deal with things and go project make it tricky? Jack laughed: going back on stage but at the on this journey together. The boys “It is a bit of pressure isn’t it? Take moment, the work is stacking up for have a fantastic future whatever That are also hugely loved. When you me. I know this business and I always happens with this show and beyond.” are working though, they just want to say it is like snakes and ladders. You make sure the show is right. It is all work your way up. It is always like And Jack is particularly looking about the show first and making sure that. You are up for a while and then forward to bringing the show to the audience enjoy it.” you don’t work for a year. At the Norwich. His mum loves the city and moment, things are going well for is hoping to move there. “I am hoping And it is not just Take That. Five To me,” he said. she will be there by the time The Five won the BBC TV Saturday night Band gets to you. It is such a lovely show and after a night of celebration, And that adoration that heart-throbs place to be and is not that far started working straight away on the face whether Take That or Five To away.” production. How are they adapting to Five is not something he enjoyed the demands of creating such a despite being part of a prime-time So it looks like all systems go for a high-profile stage show? Very well, soap. He recalled ”I never liked it. It musical that is set to be a huge according to Jack. He said: “It has is an odd thing. Girls are screaming Norwich hit for Jack in more ways been a joy. The boys are so focused in your face, crying and fainting. than one. Look out for a flying visit and they want to get it just right. People think it is wonderful but when when The Band is in the city. you are in that situation, it is not a nice

The Band

6 Circle Magazine July 2017 Crazy For Gershwin

By the time the curtain came down Spectacular. I loved that relationship on a production of Crazy For You in recognition between the audience the early Nineties, a 15-year-old Tom and me. It was fantastic making them Chambers knew his heart lay in respond.” performing. “It was the very first live musical I ever saw on stage and it Drama school followed which just filled me with so much included a stint understudying Keith entertainment and wonder. It was Chegwin in the pantomime amazing to see what they did with Cinderella at Basingstoke (“It is one the theatre space and how the story of my claims to fame”), and his first was told. It was the only bit of theatre job after leaving was a Spanish TV which truly inspired me,” he recalled. ad for Kit Kat. Tom said: “I thought this is great. I am going to get And in a career which has featured a non-stop work,” but things did not number of crazy twists of fate as well quite work out like that. He had to as some fantastic roles, Tom is turn down a role in The Bill because relishing the chance to recapture that they needed an HGV driver, teenage dream and this time play the although Tom has now got his Class lead role in the production which is 1 lorry-driving licence. touring the UK. And when he turned down a role in He plays Bobby, a banker sent to the arena tour of Bob The Builder, his close down a failing theatre who falls agent fired him, leaving him in a You can’t beat some for the daughter of the building’s quandary about what to do next as glorious Gershwin and the proprietor. Determined to win her the work was drying up. composer has no greater heart, he adopts the guise of a fan than Tom Chambers Hungarian impresario in order to So, he took one final shot at success who is fulfilling a teenage save the theatre and get his girl. by aiming to get onto the Royal dream by starring in Variety Performance in the days Crazy For You. And so, the stage is set for an before Britain’s Got Talent and all-singing, all-dancing story set to a YouTube. He said: “I wrote a ‘Dear He talks about how the Gershwin soundtrack - which John’ letter suggesting I do a Fred composer helped fuel his includes the likes of They Can’t Take Astaire routine on a drum kit and I desire to make it in That Away From Me, Bidin’ My Time thought that might appeal with me show-business and how he and, of course, I’ve Got Rhythm - tap dancing and kicking drums at the cannot wait to bring the which also stars Norfolk’s own same time. They said get it ready production to Norwich. Caroline Flack who will be making and I spent 9 and a half months her Theatre Royal debut. doing just that. A few weeks beforehand, they then got in touch Tom admits he has always had a bit and said we now have everyone we of a performing instinct from rattling need. We don’t want you - which was his feet on the kitchen floor at home a blow. from a very young age, and then enjoying watching black-and-white “So I got in touch with my old school films starring the likes of Gene Kelly, and asked if I could perform it on but it was a school play that saw him their stage in the holidays and I got it tread the boards for the first time. He filmed in black and white. I had 1000 laughed: “I was playing football DVD’s made of it sending 400 to during a school break and the America and sent 600 out in this English teacher, who was directing country to theatre owners, directors the play, said no one had auditioned and TV producers asking if they were for it so there was a compulsory doing anything connected to three o’clock audition. I ended up Fred Astaire and, if so, could I have a getting the title role in Dracula chat?”

Circle Magazine July 2017 9 Crazy For Gershwin Only two people came back. One producers who took a risk on it. He don’t want to spoil it for people who was a theatre producer organising a said: “They are very brave people may or may not have caught it at one-night Fred and Ginger tribute, because they put their houses and Newbury but the audience really while Tom said the other was an mortgages on the line. There is no took to it. All the traits are there that audition for BBC medical drama guaranteed formula that an audience the other productions had but you City. “The producers just will want to see something and what also have the cast playing the thought it was so unusual. They were it’s ‘enjoy by’ date is. instruments live on stage as well as looking for someone to play an singing and dancing.” American doctor for two episodes. “We hoped that Irving Berlin, Fred As Fred Astaire was American, they Astaire and the content would work Tom also cannot wait to share the thought I was too and wanted to get and there was little competition out show with audiences across the UK. me in. I went to the audition and they there because it provided a taste of “The best thing about touring is said ‘where have you been all these the classic Hollywood era of being able to bring something to you years?’” entertainment that wasn’t being filled rather than you having to make the at that time.” epic journey to London. Producers From there he won the part of Sam eventually want their material there Strachan in the hit sister show to Since then, Tom has become a because it is the theatrical capital of staying in the role for three sought-after theatre performer the world and is so loved and years as the fiercely driven doctor although he has reprised the role of respected, but as a provider and who also had a bit of a roving eye. Sam Strachan for Casualty prior to giver to the public, it is really And it was his role on there that led this Crazy For You tour. He said: “I important to make sure people can him into loved coming back to the show. see these shows in their own areas.” where he partnered Camilla When I played the part originally, I Dallerup winning the coveted knew if I wasn’t careful, I would want And as a big fan of the music of glitter-ball. Looking back on his time to stay for ever as it was a great part Gershwin, Tom is in performing on the Saturday night TV hit, he with great people. I needed to heaven. “After seeing Crazy For You admits a lot of it is a blur. Tom branch out and fulfil other ambitions as a teenager, I went and bought the explained: “People ask if I can do a and do a lead role in a musical. Sam original score. I used to have a u

quickstep or a samba. I have to is a bit of a rogue as a character and singing lesson once a week at school o Y

explain that I had a 5-day intense he is fun to play. It has been brilliant. and it would be my favourite lesson r o F work out on each of those routines. It It is like stepping back into your of the week. I could sing things like y z

is such a quick short-term memory favourite pair of shoes.” I’ve Got Rhythm and Shall We Dance a r C

injection and that is it.” and They Can’t Take That Away from n i And now it is Crazy For You which is Me. When I was at drama school, s r

From there, after a run in White set to take up the rest of his year they used to say ‘will you stop e Christmas opposite Aled Jones, he including a Norwich run from Oct 31 singing Gershwin?’ I love Cole Porter b m a won the part of Jerry Travers in West to Nov 4. as well but Gershwin has that sex h C End and touring hit Top Hat which appeal and more style, more jazz m helped make him a must-see stage “I think Crazy For You has the and a bit more pizazz.” So this is very o T performer. He says the show was a absolutely perfect balance of definitely a dream role for him. In the steep learning curve for him humour, story and singing. There are words of his musical idol, Nice Work particularly in the early days. During so many musicals that are heavy on If You Can Get It. those first weeks, he became ill and just one element but this show has realised his diet needed a complete the perfect combination of overhaul in order to cope with the everything. It is a bit like the show demands of a rigorous role in such dance on Strictly with everything an energetic production with so slotting into place in the right order.” many dance routines and songs to learn and then perform. Tom does not want to give too much away about what is in store but it will But the hard work was worth it and see him share the stage with the show became a huge success, actor-musicians so it will be very with Tom paying tribute to the different to previous productions. “I

10 Circle Magazine July 2017 Circle Magazine July 2017 11 From The Heart

The smash hit Broadway and country’s leading producers West End musical Legally of musical theatre and Blonde, a pink-fest of light pantomime, both nationally entertainment, sits alongside and internationally, with The Kite Runner, a productions in theatres hard-hitting story of across the UK and Ireland, friendship by including the West End of Afghan-American author London, as well as mainland Khaled Hosseini which Europe, Turkey, Malta, begins in the war-torn streets Malaysia and New Zealand. of Kabul and spans cultures Martin Dodd and continents. “I’ve done a lot of shows over the years and first hit the road With an eclectic career Martin’s productions are with the musical Barnum. We which led him from already known to Norwich are now producing pantos dancing and stand-up audiences and include Chris around the country and comedy to theatre & Pui, Oklahoma and 42nd typically at Xmas have management, Martin Dodd Street. He’s a producer who around 40 pantomimes of UK Productions is chooses with his heart as well going, and I’ve lost count of clearly a man who likes as his business brain. the number of musicals we variety – also evidenced have done.” by two of the shows he “People often ask ‘how do brings to Norwich next you pick a show?’,” he said. Staging The Kite Runner March for the Theatre “For me, particularly with the came to fruition as a result of Royal’s new 2018 season. musicals, I have specialised a happy mistake. Martin read in revivals because I grew up the book thinking his with a lot of the MGM daughter was about to study musicals. When I was a kid I it for A level. She wasn’t, but went to dancing school and I he couldn’t put the book played musical instruments down. “It just gripped me,” he and I was in a concert party. said. “I heard there was a So I’ve always tended to do stage adaptation being done shows I grew up loving and and thought if we’re going to that are deep down in the do a play, let’s do one with a heart, and I think they are in storyline we really believe in everybody’s – shows like and which just blows you Carousel, South Pacific, away. So I got the rights for it Fiddler On The Roof, 42nd and put it on the road in Street - all those great old 2014.” musicals that people just love.” He then secured the worldwide rights too and As managing director of UK took the show into the West Productions, he has built the End. “There was a motivation company into one of the to get it into town because I

Circle Magazine November 2016 2C0 ircle Magazine July 2017 13 thought not only is it a fantastic story and The play was a challenge to stage because the ask questions. But ultimately it’s great Martin describes it as “a beast of a show for the makes a great stage show, but it is one of those story runs across 20 to 30 years. Director Giles entertainment and a really, really good story.” cast” with , who plays Elle, having books and plays that is so thought-provoking Croft took the decision to use adults playing 17 numbers in the show. “It’s a full on marathon people really should see this and it deserves a children. “It was a brave decision but I think it So from one much-loved story to another – and to play Elle and you need to be able to do wider audience.” really works”, Martin said. The story is narrated UK Productions also brings Legally Blonde to everything - you need to master comedy, by one of the children, now an adult and Norwich in March, from 26-31. It tells the story straight acting, you’ve got to have a great voice, It ran at Wyndhams Theatre at the end of last looking back on his life. of Elle Woods, the sorority girl who enrolls at and you’ve got to be able to move.” year, then moved into the Playhouse near Harvard Law School to win back her Charing Cross and will run there until the end “It really binds the story together and makes it ex-boyfriend, but who discovers how her The strong cast also includes Rita Simons (Roxy of August when it goes out on tour again until so much more poignant, and I think the knowledge of the law can help others. Mitchell from EastEnders) and Bill Ward (of June next year, stopping in Norwich between challenge for The Kite Runner is that it doesn’t Emmerdale and Coronation Street fame). “But March 5-10. lose any of those elements that make it so “It’s just a brilliant musical,” Martin said. “It’s a the real star of the show is going to end up powerful as a book. There is one particular really popular film and so many people watch it being Bruiser, the dog,” Martin said. A Khaled Hosseini‘s 2003 novel sold 31.5m part of the story that is difficult to stage over and over again, and the musical follows the Chihuahua pup was recruited to play the role of copies in 60 languages, and is a compelling because it is quite vivid and brutal, but I think film quite faithfully. There’s any number of great Elle’s dog and has already stolen one heart. portrait of two young boys who grow up in the we do that very honestly without offending or songs in the show and you come out with a “She is in training now,” Martin said, “and has same household and whose lives become upsetting anyone. It makes you think, which is smile on your face, which to me is a sign of a been travelling around our pantomime linked across the years. good, and it does what theatre should do. It successful musical.” rehearsals to get used to the theatre changes perceptions. You come out and you environment. To be honest, I have fallen in love with her. She’s such a little character.”

The Kite Runner

14 Circle Magazine July 2017 Circle Magazine July 2017 15

creative matters

Stage Two is focusing on being a The Creative Matters series will friends, and Out140 which is a welcoming and safe space in begin this autumn with a focus on project which lets ordinary Norfolk to discuss, explore and gender and sexual identity people tell their coming out create work on a wide range of before a season in early 2018 stories in 140 characters or less. topics. examining mental health, and then the issues around dementia There will also be some theatre The learning and participation are explored in late Spring/early performances. They include the centre at Norwich Theatre Royal Summer next year. critically-acclaimed theatre is set to host three seasons per company Rhum and Clay year focusing on issues which Wendy Ellis, the theatre’s bringing their exploration of directly affect people of all ages learning and participation masculine identity to the stage in and backgrounds. director, said: “We want to TESTOSTERONE on September explore key areas of life in a 27. It follows the story of Kit, a Each one will feature a mix of creative way within a safe space. transgender man, who enters a performances, installations, male gym changing room exactly activities and events which aim to “It is about including more a year after his first injection of stimulate discussion and throw people in the discussion about testosterone. key areas of day-to-day life into these issues while also using the sharp focus. power of creativity to build Stage Two will also be the home greater understanding and of a brand new piece of drama knowledge.” which will be cast and produced locally, and then performed in the Stage Two officially opened last auditorium. There will also be summer to provide a dedicated film showings, workshops and space for Norwich Theatre education work as part of the Royal’s ambitious programme of season which is being worked on learning and participation work with Norwich Pride. that aims to support people of all ages through community Stephen Crocker, chief executive engagement, work in education of Norwich Theatre Royal, is very and opportunities to train and excited about this strand of learn skills. artistic and community engagement work. He said: “The Now these themed seasons will Creative Matters season will aim to engage with communities provide a platform and safe uniting them around a theme to space in the heart of our city for explore a range of issues in a people of all ages to explore and creative and engaging way. engage with key issues in our world today. I believe Rubber Ring The first one which focuses on passionately in the power of gender and sexual identity will creativity to bring communities of include two days of free LGBTQ people together and am Heritage events to tie in with the delighted that we can launch the national Heritage Open Days on Creative Matters seasons at a September 8-9. This will include time when this has never been Sewgay which will display its more important.” patchwork quilt which documents LGBTQ history, the Sing With Pride choir which is open to everyone in the LGBTQ community and their family and

Circle Magazine July 2017 19 Mermaid remade

Telling the story of a young be like to be a mermaid and “I always say I didn’t intend to mermaid who is willing to give up understanding her world so that be a choreographer and I don’t everything she knows in a search you can understand the sacrifice think of myself as a for love and the desire to gain a she makes for this love she has. choreographer. I think of myself human soul, the ballet’s world It’s about selfless love – the ability first as an artistic director who première tour starts in to love even when it’s not choreographs and it’s always Southampton with Norwich its reciprocated. The ending is sad, been about creating dancers. second stop on a UK tour. It but very beautiful.” The value I will always seek in follows on from Casanova, the repertoire I have done is the performed here in April, and an Working on the costume design dancers who came out of it.” adaptation of John Boyne’s gives David the inspiration for the bestselling novel The Boy in the choreography. “When I see what Seeing some of those former Striped Pyjamas which is also they wear, how they move, that dancers now spreading their touring the UK. gives me the character and a way wings creatively is immensely David Nixon OBE in. When others do the designs I rewarding for him and Kenneth The Little Mermaid, based on the don’t understand it as well– of Tindall’s recent success with his Hans Christian Andersen tale, is course, I can ask them those Northern Ballet’s new first full ballet Casanova was a choreographed and directed by questions but it’s not quite the proud moment. adaptation of Hans Christian the company’s artistic director same as coming up with it Andersen’s fairytale The David Nixon OBE, whose most yourself, and I have just always “On Casanova, I was able to Little Mermaid arrives in recent creations have included enjoyed that element. You are work with Kenny in the sense of Norwich from September Cinderella, The Great Gatsby and giving the show the look that you being a sounding board for him Beauty & the Beast. want it to have coming from your 26-30 – the third of an which was great. But I was also imagination.” ballet master in the studio for unprecedented three new In choosing this particular story, him, preparing second and full-length ballets to be he said he was looking for The set designer Kimie Nakano third casts while he was launched in one year by the something accessible. “I think you has created a look for the ballet working, so he was able to not Leeds-based company. want to make your audience that is contemporary and worry about that and trust me. comfortable so that they can beautiful, and in rehearsals Then I was working with my come at any age to experience David’s focus is on creating a own dancers in a different the company. A lot of people language of movement for the capacity which was really nice know The Little Mermaid - there mermaid which shows she’s still a for them and me. So it is hugely seems to be an attachment to water creature and fluid even positive.” mermaids and the Disney version when dancing on land. is quite famous - and I knew that it Both as a dancer and would work in dance because it is He has introduced a Scottish look choreographer, David’s strength about movement.” to the rest of the story which has always been his “dramatic dovetails with the original score interpretation” and bringing Having choreographed Ondine in composed by Sally Beamish. “The something fresh to a story. In 2012 - another tale of doomed music has a slight Scottish supporting young romance between a beautiful influence to it and I have taken a choreographers in their journey water nymph and a handsome similar approach with the costume into narrative work, he is nobleman – David was aware of – something like a kilt which is a continuing that path. ”The the opportunities and challenges little different. We always have the company will still see revivals in creating a beautiful underwater dilemma that men are either in because everything can’t be world which contrasts with the tights or trousers, but with kilts new but I think that narrative human world on land above. “It is there is a freedom of movement has been key for this company. without gravity – it would be as if there.” It’s our identity and it’s stronger we could fly,” he said. than ever.” Northern Ballet has a tradition of “I look at the first part of the ballet nurturing talent and in promoting as almost a ballet in its own right – younger choreographers. David it’s like a dance of the sea with the had started to move back from mermaids and fish. It’s about that role himself, but The Little watching movement, what it might Mermaid tempted him back.

20 Circle Magazine July 2017 The Little Mermaid t s a c l a n i g i r o t e Bard Song l m a The Prince faces thoughts of and the pair also wanted to bring H murder and revenge when he out the humorous elements of the discover his uncle Claudius killed play which are not always brought his father, the King of Denmark, to the fore. before seizing his father’s crown and wife. And it seems to have worked with the critics enjoying it. Rupert Hamlet faces a contrasting Christiansen in The Telegraph said: decision. On the one hand, what “The first-night audience for Brett should he do to avenge his family Dean’s new opera roared its and assert his power? On the other, approval so vociferously that I feel is suicide the right thing to do in a almost shame-faced to confess to world which just seems so any reservations about its success. incredibly painful to him? But few things are more difficult than judging such novelties after Brett Dean’s production, which one hearing, and I should say at takes to the stage on Friday 17 once that this is certainly November, aims to mix the modern something that I want to hear and traditional using high energy again.” and witty lyrics combined with the traditional operatic elements of Meanwhile Erica Jeal in The arias, ensembles and choruses. Guardian said: “Shakespeare offers a gauntlet to composers that But was it a bit daunting for him to shouldn’t always be picked up, but take on what is almost a sacred text Dean’s Hamlet rises to the for many? Brett said: “When I first challenge.” said I was going to write it, people For some, it is a gripping story of said ‘Hamlet, that’s big’ which was a Overall, Brett Dean is hoping the betrayal, revenge and madness. For bit off-putting. people who come to see it in others, it is a sacred text which Norwich will have a fantastic should be left untouched. “I studied some Shakespeare at experience. He said: “I hope they But a stunning new version of school but I can’t call myself a get a thrilling night in the theatre Hamlet is coming to Norwich Shakespeare expert by any means with a production that is chilling, Theatre Royal as part of or even, prior to this project, any funny and heart-breaking.” Glyndebourne’s 2017 programme. kind of devotee. I must say that one This original Glyndebourne of the things that has been so Also in the Glyndebourne 2017 commission explores the dilemma wonderful about this project is the programme is Mozart’s Cosi Fan facing Hamlet as the revelations fact it has opened a whole new Tutte on Tuesday 14 November at around his life threaten to world for me.” 7.15pm and Thurs 16 November at overwhelm him. 2pm. This period production is The creative process also meant directed by Nicholas Hytner, the Brett and librettist Matthew Jocelyn former director of the National had to decide which elements of Theatre, and features some the play would be included and in beautiful melodies mixed with which order as scholars cannot some tragic and poignant themes agree on a definitive text for the in one of the opera world’s most piece. renowned tragicomedies.

And the keynote speech in Hamlet Audiences can also enjoy Rossini’s which is arguably one of the Bard’s comedy Il Barbiere Di Siviglia best-known pieces of writing was a which is packed with wit and particular challenge. Brett said: “To energy. The director Annabel Be Or Not To Be is almost a sacred Arden has given it a sultry, surreal text, and it is something that is and subtly Spanish feel. Catch it on familiar yet different. It has its own Wednesday 15 November and quite strange poetry about it.” Saturday 18 November at 7.15pm - Eventually they settled on it as a duet between Hamlet and Ophelia, Brett Dean

Circle Magazine July 2017 25 Miss Saigon Going, Going, Saigon It has become one of the It is a tragic love story beloved Kim is played by Sooha Kim who most successful musicals in by audiences all over the globe. made her professional debut in theatrical history selling Adapted from Puccini’s opera Miss Saigon in London’s Prince millions of tickets Madama Butterfly by the writing Edward Theatre where she worldwide and being performed successfully in team behind Les Misérables, it covered the leading female role around 30 countries. begins in Saigon in 1975 just before taking it on for the before the fall of the city. Japanese production. While Last time Miss Saigon came training in Korea, she also to Norwich Theatre Royal It sees an American GI Chris fall appeared in a number of shows in 2005, it was a total sell-out and a brand new in love with a destitute including Fame and Rent. production is coming in Vietnamese orphan Kim, who summer 2018. has been forced to work in a Meanwhile Ashley Gilmour, who backstreet bar run by a plays Chris, also appeared in notorious character called Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward The Engineer. Theatre as well as portraying Link Larkin in the national tour of When the city does finally fall, the Hairspray. lovers are forced apart and they begin to make their own lives The production also stars Zoe away from each other. Chris Doano who boasts a number of returns years later to Vietnam West End and touring credits with his American wife. Kim has including Les Misérables, been waiting for him along with Sweeney Todd, The Sound of her son Tam, who was conceived Music and High Society, and with Chris during the conflict. Gerald Santos who has released five studio albums, won countless How do they both move forward music awards and became the and deal with their new lives? youngest person to take top With a passionate emotional plot place in the biggest singing and some stunning songs, this is contest in the Phillippines, Pinoy a truly epic show and top Pop Superstar. theatrical impresario Cameron Mackintosh has assembled a fine The show itself made its London cast to bring it to the stage for premiere in 1989 and has this latest UK tour which reaches become one of the most Norwich Theatre Royal on August successful musicals in history. 15, 2018. The original Broadway Taking on the role of The production opened on April 11, different countries and in 15 believe that it has been over 25 and epic sweep of Boublil and Engineer is Red Concepcion 1991, with what was at the time different languages. It has also years since Miss Saigon first Schönberg’s tremendous score. who boasts many theatrical the larg est box office advance in won over 40 awards including opened, but if anything, the credits in his native Philippines Broadway history of $37m. It two Olivier Awards, three Tony tragic love story of the show has “Of all my shows, Miss Saigon is including award-winning went on to run for nearly 10 years Awards and four Drama Desk become even more relevant the one that I have received the performances as Adam/Felicia in totalling 4063 performances and Awards and has now been seen today. most requests from the public to Priscilla Queen of the Desert, was seen by almost 6m people. by over 35m people worldwide. bring back. I am thrilled that Alan Strang in Equus, West Side “This new production, directed audiences around the UK will Story and Hairspray. In total, Miss Saigon has been Cameron Mackintosh is looking by Laurence Connor, takes a get to see this tremendous new performed in 300 cities in 28 forward to bringing the grittier, more realistic approach production that audiences and production to Norwich Theatre than the original production critics in London have Royal. He said: “It’s hard to while still delivering the power embraced.”

26 Circle Magazine July 2017 Circle Magazine July 2017 27 Norwich COMEDY COMING SOON to Norwich Playhouse ED GAMBLE ROBIN INCE LEE NELSON Thur 21 & Fri 22 Sep, 8pm Fri 20 Oct, 7.30pm Wed 29 & Thur 30 Nov, Playhouse 7.30pm ALI COOK FESTIVAL OF THE Exciting news for all Playhouse fans! Our PAUL ZERDIN (Wed 25 Oct) brings his auditorium is getting some TLC, with prize-winning ventriloquism and all-star Sat 30 Sep, 8pm SPOKEN NERD ELLIE TAYLOR re-upholstered and freshly cushioned puppets for an evening of guaranteed Thur 26 & Fri 27 Oct, Fri 1 Dec, 8pm seating, brand-new carpet, and technical laughs. Man of many talents, GOK WAN improvements. This means that the theatre (Mon 30 & Tue 31 Oct) strips back all ED BYRNE 7.30pm will be closed for a few weeks over pretence to share an honest, intimate, and Mon 2 –Wed 4 Oct, 8pm PHILL JUPITUS summer – but our bar will stay open, so innately funny account of his life. Grumpy JENNY ÉCLAIR you can enjoy drinks and snacks on our old woman JENNY ÉCLAIR (Wed 1 Nov) Sat 2 Dec, 8pm sunny terrace, just like always. is back with her sell-out show on MARK THOMAS Wed 1 Nov, 8pm middle-age, crisps, wine, and being Thur 5 Oct, 7.30pm PAUL CHOWDHRY Funny man BARRy CRyeR reunites with younger than Madonna. pianist COLIN SeLL (Fri 1 Sep) to bring KATHY LETTE Wed 6 Dec, 7.30pm you the best wit, music, and wry musings For the little ones, Ben Garrod, TV Scientist DANIEL SLOSS Sat 4 Nov, 7.30pm Sat 3 Feb, 6pm & 9pm on being the double act of the Sanatogen from Attenborough and the Giant JAy RAyNeR set. JAY RAYNER (Sat 2 Sep) , famed for Dinosaur, arrives with all the answers to Sat 7 Oct, 7.30pm the prowess of his palate, brings his ‘why do dinosaurs have…?’ in SO YOU TOM STADE ANDY PARSONS command of cuisine to the Playhouse with THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT DINOSAURS JASON BYRNE Wed 22 Nov, 8pm Thur 7 Dec, 8pm a hilarious audio-visual romp of his Ten (Mon 23 Oct). THE GRUFFALO (Tue 17- (Food) Commandments. Sun 22 Oct) is back, and a mouse takes a Fri 13 Oct & Thur 9 Nov, stroll in a deep dark wood in this fantastic 8pm JERRY SADOWITZ STEPHEN K AMOS And we play on, with musical extravaganza family favourite. and auditory delights. Norwich favourites Fri 24 Nov, 8pm Mon 29 Jan, 8pm HAYLEY MOSS & BENJAMIN LAKE, (Wed But, of course there’s more! This is just a SIMON AMSTELL 6 Sep) will perform hit musical classics. All selection of the brilliantly diverse shows the way from London’s famous jazz club, coming up in our new season at the Sat 14 Oct, 3pm & 8pm THE RONNIE SCOTT’S ALL STARS (Fri 8 Playhouse. For more information on these Sep) play the music of the great and the shows and the rest of our future grand: including Ellla Fitzgerald, Miles performances, please call the Playhouse Davis and Prince. AN EVENING OF JAZZ Box Office on 01603 598598 or visit & CABARET (Sun 17 Sept) promises old norwichplayhouse.co.uk. school variety joy, with profits going to charity. Later in the season, THE SUMMER OF LOVE (Fri 3 Nov) takes us on a nostalgic musical journey to 1967. JEFF HOOPER & HIS ORCHESTRA (Fri 10 DR JeKyLL AND MR HyDe Nov) perform their tribute to Tony Bennett at 90, about whom Frank Sinatra said ‘For my money, Tony Bennett is the best singer in the business”. Jeff Hooper brings his stunning vocals to Tony Bennett’s iconic hits, with backing from an all-star orchestra.

As always, the Playhouse brings classic PAUL ZeRDIN theatre with a contemporary twist. ANTIGONE (Mon 18 & Tue 19 Sep) reimagines Sophocles’ tragedy in a dystopian landscape with a startling and gripping performance. FINDING JOY (Tue 26 Sep) is a full mask adventure which explores dementia in a moving and extraordinary fashion. DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE (Mon 9 & Tue 10 Oct) transports you to 19th century , where good and evil exist cheek by jowl, and danger lurks round every corner. Then there’s the best of the rest! Raw, exotic energy fills the stage with NO FRILLS (Sat 23 Sep) in what promises to NO FRILLS be an exhilarating evening of flamenco. GOK WAN

28 Circle Magazine July 2017 25 COMPETITION 76

Based on Khaled Hosseini’s international To be in with the chance of winning a £20 best-selling novel, The Kite Runner is a Theatre Royal Gift Voucher, which can be used haunting tale of friendship which spans cultures at the Box Office or in Kemp’s Restaurant, and continents, but in which country does the simply answer this question and send the famous kite flying tournament take place: answer, along with your name and address, on a postcard to: Competition 76, Friends A Kazakhstan Department, Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre B Afghanistan Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL by Friday 29th C Pakistan September 2017.

Circle 75 competition winner: Congratulations to Mrs Orford from Loddon whose correct answer of Love Story was picked from the hat.

TALKING TO

What did you do before you started What’s the most memorable working here? / Were you interested in production you’ve seen at the theatre before working here? Theatre Royal? As this is a voluntary role I have a That’s easy. Anyone who knows me regular job in the NHS. I have always knows the answer is Mary Poppins. It is been interested in the theatre but have such a wonderful, magical show. I adored no desire to be on the stage (except on all the big set pieces. I volunteer Open Day!) Mondays and was scheduled to see it four times but ending up seeing it seven! During the sixth show I noticed when Mr Banks got a word wrong. That’s when What do you enjoy most about your I realised I’d seen it enough… job? Dealing with the audience who have come to have a good night out is great. People are generally in a good mood so What show or act would you most like are a joy to interact with and help. After to see come to the theatre? a big show, or a comedy, it’s wonderful My favourite artist is the singer Rufus to see so many happy faces as they Wainwright, so that would be my leave. I love to be surprised by absolute top choice (second choice something new. Seeing The Ukulele would be Woodkid back again). Orchestra of GB was an unexpected treat. Now I always buy tickets to see them when they come to the theatre. Name: Caroline Reed Woodkid played as part of The Norfolk What would you wish for the future of Job Title: & Norwich Festival a few years ago. I the Theatre Royal? VOLUNTARY STEWARD had never heard of him before but his music and performance blew me away More of the same really, as the team Describe your role at the theatre. and I walked out that night a huge fan. here already do a fantastic job of getting It is our role to help the audience have really good productions in. Stage Two is a an enjoyable experience at the theatre. great addition to the NTR family and is a This involves guiding them to their seats lovely way to get people of all ages and and answering any queries they might abilities involved in performing. There have about the theatre or the Describe your first theatrical really is something for everyone. performance. We are also seated in the experience. auditorium during the performance to My first experience of the theatre was help if needed. We are trained to actually at Norwich Theatre Royal. I used evacuate the auditorium during an to go every year as a child to see the PLEASE NOTE: we currently have no emergency, which so far hasn’t happened Pantomime starring Paul Henry (yes, I’m vacancies for voluntary stewards. As to me during a show in the six years I that old!). Panto is still one of my soon as new positions arise they will be have worked here. favourite times at the theatre. advertised on our website.

Circle Magazine July 2017 31 Orchestral Manoeuvres

One of Handel’s most celebrated Part 1: The Death of Pompey on Then 12 months before the tour and epic operas is on its way to October 16 begins as Caesar has begins, the more detailed Norwich Theatre Royal. defeated his rival Pompey. There is preparation work starts. Philip no time for him to celebrate victory explained: “We will start looking at Giulio Cesare features passion, as he needs to survive the plotting the more nitty gritty elements like the revenge and some of the of Ptolemy, the King of Egypt, and his size of the orchestra. One of the key composer’s best known music. sister Cleopatra. parts of my job is to know every theatre we visit in the country very Because of its power and style, it Then the following evening in Part II: well so you prepare for things like a will be presented across two Cleopatra’s Needle, the battle for the small orchestra pit. Things like that separate performances kingdom of the Nile reaches a crisis. will help determine the orchestra this autumn. Pompey’s family is enslaved, Caesar size. is presumed dead and Cleopatra is taken captive by her brother. “We are obviously spoiled in Norwich because of the size of the It boasts some stunning orchestration pit and it can take a reasonably big and for added authenticity, ETO’s opera-size orchestra. That is the partner baroque orchestra The Old starting point. I start by asking James Street Band will also be performing. where we are going. If I haven’t been to a venue before, I might do a recce But with an epic opera, comes a lot of to check things out.” Philip Turbett preparation work to make sure it sounds the best it can be and that is One thing that does need to be where orchestra manager Philip accounted for is the large number of Cesare, we have recorders and baroque bassoons Turbett steps in. It is up to him to find musicians that are needed for an which are so different. What you get in return is such the best musicians possible and opera like Giulio Cesare. “One of the wonderful colours you don’t get with modern ensure it sounds the best it possibly big differences with this production instruments. It also helps balance with other can and this work begins months is that we will be playing a lot of instruments. before the productions begin to tour. period instruments,” he said. “We have a hunting horn for one of the big arias. It He explained: “James Conway, our And this will be partly achieved sounds like a horn on horseback which is fantastic. You chief executive, will start off by through ETO’s sister organisation have also got other unusual instruments like a viola da saying that he is thinking about The Old Street Band, which is made gamba which is related to the cello family. We have a presenting a certain piece and talk it up of leading period instrument theorbo which is like a long lute which is common in through with me so I can flag up any players from around the country who baroque repertoire. Some orchestras would have had problems. We have to talk through will ensure the sound is as authentic four in Handel’s time but we will definitely have one. It the seasons very far in advance so as possible, as well as sounding also adds such colours and textures to the music that we can deal with any issues. fantastic. Philip explained: “With you wouldn’t normally get.”

He is also very excited to work with the ETO creative team led by James and bring his ideas to fruition.

Philip is also a fan of Cesare itself partly thanks to his own background as a musician. He explained: “I think Cesare is one of Handel’s most popular operas. As a bassoonist myself, I think the composer writes so fantastically well for the instrument. In a lot of work, the bassoon just plays the bass line but Handel will have the bassoon in a high aria role. It happens in most of his operas and the colour he creates is absolutely sensational.” Giulio Cesare

32 Circle Magazine July 2017 Friends OFFER For Friends of the Theatre Royal FRIENDS

OEpen DVay: ENNTorthernS Ballet – Rambert Saturday 26th August The Little Mermaid Thursday 19th October, (10am to 4pm) FREE Wednesday 27th September, 6.30pm – 7pm 6.30pm – 7.00pm If you haven’t visited us on Pre-show Q&A. Taking place Pre-Performance Talk. Taking open day before, come along in the Targetfollow Room prior place in the Targetfollow and have a look behind the to the evening performance Room prior to the evening scenes. Open to all and ideal with a member of the performance. Tickets are free for families Northern Ballet company. . but must be booked in Tickets are free but must be advance. The Curious Incident of booked in advance via the the Dog in the Night-time Box Office International Concert Wednesday 30th August – Series – St Petersburg Thursday 28th September: Symphony Orchestra 12th July – 17th September Post-performance Q&A, Ballet Revealed – 11.15am – Sunday 22nd October, Every day at 2.30pm & 7.30pm following the matinee. Free to 12.45pm in the Targetfollow 6.30pm (Sundays 2.30pm & 6.30pm) (Fridays 7.30pm only) ticket holders - just move to Room. Cost £5.00 per ticket. A FRIENDS OFFER: the front stalls after the show. 30-minute talk about Northern Pre-Performance Talk. Taking Adults: £18-£22.50 Ballet, the production and the place in Stage Two Concessions: £15-£18 The National Gilbert & touring life of a dance Auditorium. Free to attend but £5 off Adult Stalls Seats. company. Please book please book in advance. Children: £10-£14.50 Sullivan Opera Company Valid at any show from 12th Family Ticket available from £49 Saturday 16th September through the box office. July to 17th September. Use 1.30pm – Thursday 28th September – code TR17 when booking This year’s summer show is packed with some of the most incredible acts Pre-performance insight into Technical Post-performance online or phoning the Box from around the world including the riotous comedy of JACK JAy & JOHNNy the Musical Theatre of Gilbert Q&A - following the matinee Office. You can book MAC , the thrilling GLOBe OF DeATH BIKeRS , the crazy WHEEL OF DEATH & Sullivan with Bernard performance. An opportunity now via the Box Office on stunts, Hilarious Comedy, TRAMPOLINE acrobatics, Outstanding Handstand Lockett. Free but please book to hear from Northern Ballet’s (01493) 844172 or online Balancers THE MARTIS BROTHERS , Daring TRAPEZE artistes, Insane ROLLA your tickets in advance via Technical Team. Free to ticket at hippodromecircus.co.uk. ROLLA balancing, DANCERS , SHOW SWIMMERS , AERIAL ARTISTS and Box Office. holders – just move to the much much more. front stalls after the show.