August 2006

WILLKOMMEN, BIENVENUE, WELCOME, IN CABARET, AU CABARET, TO CABARET!

Cabaret returns to London’s West End stage in a major new imagining
with performances from September 2006

Kander and Ebb’s landmark musical turns Weimar Berlin of 1931 into a dark and sexually charged haven of decadence, its extraordinary and morally ambiguous inhabitants determined to keep up appearances as the real world - outside the comfortable sanctuary of the cabaret - prepares for the nightmarish chaos of war.

At its heart is the legendary Sally Bowles who nightly performs at the infamous Kit Kat Klub in ‘A shimmering masterpiece of a show guaranteed night after night! It’s divine decadence darling!’

Award-winning director Rufus Norris returns to the Lyric Theatre, where his recent production of Festen played to great critical acclaim. The musical, staged by the West End’s most prolific producer, Bill Kenwright, opens on 10 October, with previews from 22 September.

Cabaret, with book by Joe Masteroff, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, was based on John van Druten’s play I am a Camera which in turn took its inspiration from Christopher Isherwood’s Berlin stories. The multi award-winning musical was conceived in 1966, later becoming the 1972 film with Liza Minnelli, Michael York and Joel Grey - the film was to win 8 Academy Awards.

Cabaret was the second of Kander and Ebb’s musical collaborations. Their other work together includes Chicago, Flora, The Red Menace; 70, Girls, 70; The Act; The Rink; Steel Pier and Kiss of the Spider Woman.

Rufus Norris, whose production of Market Boy opened last week at the National Theatre, directs. His other recent work includes Tintin (co-wrote with David Greig, Barbican), Blood Wedding (Almeida Theatre), and Festen (Best Director Critics’ Circle Awards and Evening Standard Awards, and Olivier Award nomination). Norris is Associate Director of the Young Vic and Artistic Director of Wink.

Cabaret reunites Norris with designer Katrina Lindsay, who is currently working with him on Market Boy. Lindsay’s other design credits include Romeo and Juliet, The Comedy of Errors, House of Desires (RSC), Blood Wedding and ID (Almeida Theatre) and Sleeping Beauty (The Young Vic, Barbican, New York).

Choreography is by the internationally renowned Javier De Frutos. In 1990, he formed The Javier De Frutos Dance Company for which he crated 24 pieces including Grass, which was subsequently shown as part of his South Bank profile, and was the recipient of one of their Awards. Other work includes The Hypochondriac Bird (International Institute Award nominee) and Affliction of Loneliness. De Frutos has also created work for Royal New Zealand Ballet, Rambert Dance Company, Ballet Companhia of Porto and New Israeli Opera.

The Kit Kat Klub
Free membership to the on-line Kit Kat Klub is recommended both to die-hard fans and those who are about to immerse themselves in the world of Cabaret for the very first time. Members will enjoy advance casting notices, the opportunity to join special events and the chance to mingle with the stars at one of the celebrity gala nights. In addition, members will receive discounts at a range of partnership outlets, and within the theatre on merchandise and at the bar.

To join, please log onto:

www.cabaret-the-musical.com

Cabaret Listings

Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, SW1

From Friday 22 September
Booking until Saturday 7 April
Press night Tuesday 10 October at 7pm
Box Office 0870 890 1107
(Booking fee)

Performances Mon – Sat at 7.45pm
Matinees Wed & Sat at 3pm

Tickets £20, £25, £30, £40, £50

Previews £10 off top three price tickets

NB No booking fee or transaction charge for tickets booked in person at the Box Office

Suitable for children from twelve years and above

For further information, please contact Borkowski PR:

Kate Morley, Tel: 07970 465 648, katemorley@borkowski.co.uk

Gerry Cottle, Tel: 020 7492 0617, gerry@borkowski.co.uk

Amy Barder, Tel: 020 7492 0635, amy@borkowski.co.uk

Giles Cooper, Tel: 07870 728 156, giles@borkowski.co.uk

THORNTONS’ NEW SINGLE ORIGIN CHOCOLATES TAKE CHOCOLATE-LOVERS ON A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY

August 2006

This week saw Borkowski launch Thorntons’ new Single Origin Chocolates, with a sizzling Cuban Fiesta at Floridita, Soho. A chocolate tasting with Thorntons’ Master Chocolatier, Barry Colenso, was accompanied by an authentic Cuban Cigar Roller, Cocktail Mixologist - serving up the finest Mojitos in town, and a sensational salsa dance duo who invited guests to shake their best Latino moves on the dance floor. The night was awash with the crème of Cuban talent, and set the scene perfectly for the launch of the new Thorntons range……

As with any good wine, tasting chocolate should be a sensory experience, according to Thorntons, the High Street chocolate experts. They believe that the character, flavour and aroma of chocolate should create the ultimate taste sensation. With this in mind, Thorntons has used its worldly knowledge of chocolate sourcing and creation to produce a fine collection of ‘Single Origin Chocolates’.

Unlike standard chocolate making which involves blending cocoa beans from various regions, ‘Saingle Origin Chocolates’ are produced with beans from one single source, hence the unique quality and taste of the new premium Thorntons range.

Commenting on the new chocolates, Thorntons Master Chocolatier, Barry Colenso explained, “When creating the new Single Origin Chocolates, cocoa beans were selected from regions where the type of soil, regional and climatic conditions contributed to their unique character, flavour and aroma – similar to grape harvesting in wine making. In turn, these beans have produced chocolate which has some of the most distinct flavours the world has to offer”.

Regarding the uniqueness of the range, Colenso added,
“I have given the range the Thorntons premium stamp, by blending fresh double cream with each chocolate to deliver an intense flavour and character. Finally, each chocolate is hand-finished to produce a sophisticated collection to tantalise chocolate-lovers everywhere”.

Boasting a beautifully smooth and indulgent ganache centre, new Single Origin Chocolates guide you through a taste discovery…

Cuba – (dark, 67% cocoa solids)

The Latin destination which speaks of hot Havana nights and cigar rolling, is first on the ‘single origin’ map and a first for Thorntons when it comes to cocoa sourcing. The beans, cultivated in the provinces, highlight the sensual Cuban experience by producing dramatic and powerful flavours. The dark chocolate boasts a smoky aroma, synonymous with the island.

Cuba is accompanied by the following Single Origin chocolates:

Java – (milk, 32% cocoa solids)

The cocoa beans cultivated in the fertile soils of the island provide an intense taste, balanced with a strong note of caramel and a light tart accent. The strong flavour is an apt representation of the differentiating climate on the tropical island.

Papua New Guinea – (milk, 35% cocoa solids)

This milk chocolate in the Single Origin Chocolates range was chosen for its variety of flavours. Signature tastes of the plantations where the beans are harvested in Papua New Guinea include cinnamon, lemon, walnut, caramel and herbs – all accentuated by Tahitian vanilla

São Tomé – (dark, 72% cocoa solids)

The beautiful landscape rich in flora and herbaceous plantation produces cocoa beans which perfectly represent the island. With a mix of floral and herbal aromas, this dark chocolate has a rich and distinctive flavour.

Tanzania – (dark, 73% cocoa solids)

An exciting dark chocolate emulating its African origins and oozing subtle fruit flavours and a hint of vanilla. The tangy and warm taste of wild cocoa is perfectly captured in this chocolate and is a key characteristic of the cocoa beans from Central East Africa.

The new Single Origin Chocolates will arrive at their final destination – Thorntons stores across the UK – in August 2006, and will be available direct from www.thorntons.co.uk /0845 121 1911

For more information on Thorntons Single Source chocolates, contact Hannah Roche or Emmajane Ireland on 020 7404 3000, or email: hannah@borkowski.co.uk or emmajane@borkowski.co.uk

How to taste Single Origin Chocolates:

· Bite the chocolate in two to breathe in the aromas, then place the chocolate in your mouth and allow it to melt for a few seconds, to release the primary flavours

· Chew the chocolate to blend the filling and the coating, then let it melt slowly to experience the full range of complex flavours and enjoy the lingering tastes

· To cleanse your palate between tasting chocolates, take a drink of water or lime juice