September 2006

MAMMA MIA! HOW CAN I RESIST YOU?

The Inside Story of MAMMA MIA! and the Songs of ABBA
Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Judy Craymer
Published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson in hardback
on 20th September 2006 at £20

Through first person recollections from ABBA founding members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and MAMMA MIA! global producer and creator Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! How Can I Resist You? is the first book to explore officially the fascinating inside story of ABBA’s songs and the worldwide number 1 smash hit musical those songs inspired.

From 1974 to 1982 the Swedish super group known as ABBA – Agnetha Fältskog, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Anni-Frid Lyngstad – reinvented the world’s perception of pop music, with hits such as Dancing Queen reaching number 1 in 13 countries around the world. With 350 million records sold the group remains the world's second bestselling band of all time, surpassed only by The Beatles. MAMMA MIA!, the show based around their hits, has become an entertainment industry legend in its own right. Since its opening in London in 1999, the musical has been shown in 130 cities around the world and has been seen by over 27 million people.

Beginning with the legendary ABBA songs themselves and following the extraordinary events behind how, nearly a quarter of a century later, they gave birth to the world’s number one musical, MAMMA MIA! How Can I Resist You? tells the double story of the super group’s music and the musical through those that know it best: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Judy Craymer.

The book is packed with colour photographs from the private archives of both the group and the show, and there are additional contributions from the key creative team of MAMMA MIA!, who have all co-operated with this unique project, as well as several of the original performers.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus need no introduction. Following the end of ABBA’s recording and performing career, Benny and Björn wrote Chess (with Tim Rice). Once persuaded by Judy Craymer that MAMMA MIA! was not going to simply be an ABBA tribute show they have, as co-producers, been actively involved in and supportive of the musical’s development and worldwide success.

Judy Craymer is the Global Producer of MAMMA MIA! of which there are 11 productions including London, Broadway, Las Vegas, the North American Tour and the International Tour. After working for Cameron Mackintosh on the original production of Cats, Judy joined Tim Rice’s production company and became Executive Producer of Chess. She then went on to a successful career in film and television. Judy worked for many years on the idea of creating a musical based on the songs of ABBA and formed Littlestar in 1996 to produce MAMMA MIA! She was also Executive Producer of the official ABBA documentary The Winner Takes it All as well as the documentary Super Troupers: A Celebratory Film from Waterloo to MAMMA MIA!

In 2002, Judy was presented with a ‘Woman of the Year Award’ in recognition of her International success with MAMMA MIA!, the same year MAMMA MIA! was nominated for a Tony Award® for Best Musical.

For further information on the book please contact:

Giles Cooper giles@borkowski.co.uk
at Borkowski
on 020 7404 3000

www.mamma-mia.com

THE HOFF LAUNCHES AUTOBIOGRAPHY WITH SIGNING AT VIRGIN MEGASTORES

The man. The myth. The writer? You bet! The one and only David Hasselhoff will be signing copies of his autobiography 'Making Waves' at our No.1 Piccadilly Megastore on Friday 15th September at 12:00pm. Here's your chance to meet the great man - you know you want to!

NB: This is a wristband only event. You can buy the book and get your wristband, which is available on a first come first served basis to personal callers only, from 9.00am Monday 4th September at the No.1 Piccadilly Virgin Megastore. 1 wristband per person.

The Hoff with Borkowski staff

‘Making Waves’ is available now at Virgin Megastores.

PHOTOCALL IS AT 12.00PM ON FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2006
AT VIRGIN MEGASTORES, LONDON, PICCADILLY
MEDIA PLACES ARE STIRCTLY LIMITED
PRESS PLEASE ENTER VIA FRONT ENTRANCE

For further information please contact:
Jackie Antas jackie@borkowski.co.uk
at Borkowski
on 020 7404 3000

‘ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE’ LAUNCHES AT HARRODS - WITH FIRST EVER DOG ‘WEDDING’

The world’s most famous department store writes another chapter in Harrods history by hosting its first Dog ‘Wedding’ today. *

In the ultimate treat for pets, dog owners whose pampered pooches are in puppy love can bring them to ‘walkie’ down the aisle in style at Harrods.

The world-famous Knightsbridge store is laying on a stylish canine matrimonial service where bride and groom – dog and bitch – will enjoy all the delights of a real wedding.

The Dog ‘Wedding’ day kicks off Harrods six-week-long ‘Anything Is Possible’ promotion from 10th September to 21st October.

The Puppy Love luxury package (£2,500) offers designer outfits, exchange of vows bow-wows and collars, a wedding cake, marriage certificate and a champagne reception for 20 human guests in Harrods’ Georgian Restaurant.

To make the big day even more special, a premium package (£3,500) comes complete with a horse-drawn carriage for the bride, an official photographer.

They even get a carriage tied with bones and a ‘Just Married’ sign to take them to a luxury honeymoon at the exclusive Paw Seasons dog hotel.

Due to popular demand, Harrods will make the service available for one other day only on Wednesday 20th September.

Independent 13.09.06

Daily Express 13.09.06

Daily Express 13.09.06

Metro 13.09.06

Daily Mirror 13.09.06

Living up to Harrods’ promise of ‘Anything Is Possible’, the store is offering a range of new products and services:

· Elizabeth Hurley PA – Elizabeth Hurley will be signing copies of the Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon Diary 2007.
· Sarah Faberge PA – Sarah Faberge, granddaughter of Russian imperial jeweller Carl Faberge will be making a personal appearance to unveil the World launch of the Diamond ine Egg by Sarah Faberge’s St Petersburg collection.
· The ‘Bodymetrics’ high-tech body scan to measure shoppers for clothes.
· The ‘Wrapology’ gift-wrapping service using Japanese woodblock prints.
· One-on-one classes at the ‘Power Plate’ fitness studio.
· One-day courses with Escoffier chefs at the Food Hall’s kitchens.

To register your interest in having your dog ‘wedding’ at Harrods please contact Cora Kemp on 020 7225 6884 or cora.kemp@harrods.com

For more information please contact:
Lucie lucie@borkowski.co.uk
Joanne joanne@borkowski.co.uk
Jackie jackie@borkowski.co.uk
at Borkowski on 0207 404 300

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE WEST END’S MAJOR REVIVAL OF CABARET

Anna Maxwell Martin, James Dreyfus, Sheila Hancock and Michael Hayden lead the company

Award-winning actress Anna Maxwell Martin takes the season’s most coveted role, that of Sally Bowles in Rufus Norris’ major new imagining of Kander and Ebb’s landmark musical, Cabaret.

Maxwell Martin is joined by James Dreyfus as the Emcee - the Master of Ceremonies, stage veteran Sheila Hancock as Fraulein Schneider and Michael Hayden as Cliff Bradshaw.

Cabaret turns Weimar Berlin of 1931 into a dark and sexually charged haven of decadence: its extraordinary and morally ambiguous inhabitants determined to keep up the party going while the real world - outside the hedonistic sanctuary of the cabaret – slides inexorably towards fascism and the chaos of war. The production opens on 10 October, with previews from 22 September.

Anna Maxwell Martin recently won the BAFTA Best Actress Award for her acclaimed portrayal of Esther Summerson in the BBC’s adaptation of Bleak House. Her stage credits include Dumb Show (Royal Court), His Dark Materials, Three Sisters and Coast of Utopia (National Theatre); and for film, Enduring Love and The Hours.

Olivier Award-winner James Dreyfus was recently in the West End production of Donkey’s Years. His other London theatre credits include The Producers, One for the Pot and The Lady in the Dark for which he won the Olivier Award. Dreyfus is best known for his roles in many of the nation’s best loved television comedies including Gimme, Gimme, Gimme; My Hero; The Thin Blue Line and Absolutely Fabulous. His film work includes Churchill: The Hollywood Years, Notting Hill and Richard III.

Sheila Hancock’s many theatre credits include The Anniversary (Garrick Theatre), Under the Blue Sky (Royal Court) and Vassa (Almeida at the Albery). Her recent television work includes Feather Boy, Bedtime, Fortysomething and The Russian Bride; and for film, Yes, Hold Back the Night, Love and Death on Long Island and Three Men and a Little Lady.

Michael Hayden returns to London to play Cliff Bradshaw. An accomplished stage actor, his portrayal of Billy Bigelow in Carousel earned him a Theatre World Award, a Drama Desk Award nomination and an Olivier Award nomination during its run at the National Theatre. His other US theatre work includes Festen, Judgment at Nuremberg (Broadway – Tony Award nomination). For television, his work includes Law & Order and Murder One; and for film, Charming Billy (Best Actor Award, LA Independent Film Festival).

Geoffrey Hutchings (Herr Schultz) recent stage work includes Endgame directed by Matthew Warchus and The Birthday Party directed by Lindsay Posner. Recent TV appearances include Derailed and Funland, both for the BBC. He also featured in the 1999 Mike Leigh film, Topsy Turvy.

The prolific and versatile Harriet Thorpe’s (Fraulein Kost) recent theatre credits include Mrs Lovett in John Doyle’s national touring production of Sweeney Todd as well as leading roles for The Almeida, The National Theatre, The Royal Exchange Theatre and the Young Vic. Television work most famously includes Carole in the Brittas Empire as well as regular roles in Absolutely Fabulous and All About Me.

Andrew Maud (Ernst) is delighted to be working with Rufus again having worked with him on the Almeida and West End productions of Festen and earlier in his career in The Art Of Randomly Whistling at the Young Vic. Maud is a longstanding and prolific member of the Royal Shakespeare Company having appeared in over 10 productions for them. He most recently appeared on the West End stage in A Few Good Men.

The full company is Anna Maxwell Martin (Sally Bowles), James Dreyfus (Emcee), Sheila Hancock (Fraulein Schneider), Michael Hayden (Cliff Bradshaw), Geoffrey Hutchings (Herr Schultz), Harriet Thorpe (Fraulein Kost), Andrew Maud (Ernst), Josephine Darvill-Mills, Alexandra James, Rebecca Sutherland, Clemmie Sveaas, Christopher Akrill, Jack Jefferson, Benny Maslov, Michael Camp, Kaisa Hammurland, Alistair Brookshaw, Jason Rowe and Rebecca Bainbridge.

Cabaret is produced by Bill Kenwright. Rufus Norris directs, designs are by Katrina Lindsay with choreography by Javier De Frutos, lighting by Jean Kalman and the Musical Director is David Steadman.

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
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Book by Joe Masteroff

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

For further information, please contact Borkowski PR:

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

Giles Cooper, Tel: 020 7492 0643, giles@borkowski.co.uk

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

A HELICOPTER SIR?...YES OF COURSE…WOULD YOU LIKE IT GIFT WRAPPED? – AT HARRODS ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

A team of expert gift wrappers from Harrods used over 600 metres of gift wrapping paper to wrap a helicopter at Stanstead Airport today – achieving a world first!

The team worked through the night to wrap the Agusta A109 lightweight multipurpose helicopter which weighs just over 1,500kg, by using 150 rolls of industrial strength sellotape to conquer the feat.

The amount of wrapping paper used equates to individually wrapping 1,500 boxes of chocolates. When fully unrolled the sellotape used measures 2,250metres long – enough to cover the circumference of the London Eye five times.

The helicopter - which has been chartered from Air Harrods by a customer to take his wife on a trip of a lifetime, requested the helicopter to be gift wrapped to make the experience even more special. Harrods jumped to the challenge to show that, Anything is Possible.

The world’s most famous department store is launching its ‘Anything Is Possible’ season from 10 September to 21 October 2006. ‘Anything Is Possible’ will highlight what Harrods does best by introducing a range of new and exclusive products and enhanced services.

Commenting on the success, Martin Buckley, Head of Service Projects at Harrods said: “At first it was challenging but this is a perfect example of how Gift Wrap at Harrods has taken on a new meaning.

“We had to practice on a model helicopter but were only permitted one day to get the real thing done, and we managed to do it without any paper cuts.

“Wrapology can offer our customers a truly unique experience through luxury silk touch plain papers to hand made pattern designs. Whether your gift is minute or enormous, and we promise to make it look truly sublime.”

For the gift wrapped helicopter images please contact:
Jackie Antas jackie@borkowski.co.uk
Lucie Speciale lucie@borkowski.co.uk
Joanne McNally joanne@borkowski.co.uk
at Borkowski on 020 7404 3000

The Daily Mirror View enlarged image

Daily Express View enlarged image

Daily Star View enlarged image

Independent View enlarged image

Metro View enlarged image

Sun View enlarged image

NOTES TO EDITORS:
Harrods. An iconic building, an illustrious past, and an impressive future. With 330 different departments and 1.2 million square feet of retail space, the world’s most famous department store is celebrating its pledge – ‘Anything Is Possible’.