November 2006

‘CABARET’ NOW BOOKING THROUGH TO - AUTUMN 2007!

Rufus Norris’ critically acclaimed revival of Kander and Ebb’s classic musical ‘Cabaret’ will extend its residence in the West End until 29th September 2007

Playing to packed audiences at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, ‘Cabaret’ was gloriously welcomed back to the West End with rave reviews in October 2006.

‘Let’s get one thing absolutely straight. Rufus Norris’ production is the most stunningly fresh and imaginative revival of a classic musical that I ever seen.’
Paul Taylor, The Independent

‘A compelling production that works on every level.’
Tim Walker, The Sunday Telegraph

‘I find it overwhelming!’
Nicholas de Jongh, Evening Standard

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.

Anna Maxwell Martin stars as Sally Bowles alongside Sheila Hancock as Fraulein Schneider, Michael Hayden as Cliff Bradshaw and James Dreyfus in the infamous role of the Emcee.

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.

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

Booking until Saturday 29th September 2007
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:

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

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

VIRGIN MEGASTORES RETURNS TO ROCK N’ ROLL ROOTS

SIR RICHARD BRANSON REVEALS NEXT GENERATION RECORD STORE

On 21 November, Sir Richard Branson will reveal the UK’s first digital record store and gig venue. The state-of-the-art Virgin Megastores is based in Manchester’s newly revamped Arndale Centre and will shortly be the first ever to sell downloads in-store. To help newcomers to the digital revolution, experts will be available to give advice on everything from MP3 players to downloading.

The new Manchester Megastore recaptures the spirit of Virgin’s 70s roots, but bean bags and dope smoking are replaced by wi-fi, blu-ray technology and design inspired by the first class Virgin Atlantic Club House. Relaxation ‘Hub’ areas help shoppers unwind, with access to over two million downloads, premiers of the latest film trailers and the latest in next generation gaming.

Virgin Megastores Manchester will include a two-hundred-and-fifty-capacity gig venue exclusively for live performances from the biggest artists and hottest new bands. The basement will also pay tribute to the original Manchester Megastore, which was a meeting and recording space for local legends such as The Smiths, New Order and The Buzzcocks. Regular ‘open mic’ nights will be staged for local bands to showcase their talents and all performances will be recorded to help acts perfect their performances.

Commenting on the new flagship Megastore, Sir Richard Branson said, “It’s important for all specialist music retailers to do something new. There’s no point standing still and watching competitors like the supermarkets throw their weight around. The most successful artists in the world continue to innovate and reinvent themselves, to not only stay ahead of trends, but define them year after year to stay in the game – the launch of this new flagship store shows that high street music retailers have the ability to do the same. With the opening of this fantastic new store in Manchester we have a store that’s more in the spirit of the old days – a fun and exciting place for people and local bands to hang out”

For further information please contact:
Jackie Antas or Meka Njodi at Borkowski
020 7404 3000
jackie@borkowski.co.uk / meka@borkowski.co.uk

* Source: TNS October Market Report

NOTES
Virgin Megastores Manchester will be the first in Europe to offer in-store downloads and features design inspired by the first class Virgin Atlantic Club House, as well as relaxation 'Hub' areas to help shoppers unwind.

As well as live performances, customers will be able to listen to the largest in-store music library in the world. Every CD stocked in the store can be listened to via a scanning device and, by the time digital download kiosks are installed early in 2007, over two million tracks will be available.

Virgin Megastores Manchester is a celebration of all things Mancunian. Walls feature iconic images of Manchester’s greatest artists as well as an ode to Manchester from legendary Mancunian writer, Paul Morley. Even the product range has been skewed towards Manchester and a concerted effort has been made to ensure that all great Manchester acts are stocked, from Joy Division to Take That.

A unique Gaming Hub has been created to provide a ‘gamers’ paradise’ and includes next-generation consoles and Wi-Fi technology, which enables tournaments to be played across the UK and internationally.

The Manchester Megastore includes the first concession featuring the new look for Virgin Mobile. In addition to mobile phones, the Virgin Mobile store will also offer broadband and digital TV packages as a result of the NTL: Telewest merger. This makes it a true one stop shop for fans of entertainment in all its guises be that music from CD or download, movies on DVD or via Cable ,and games on consoles or online.

The store signals the beginning of a nationwide programme of improvement. Although Manchester will remain the flagship Megastore, elements will be rolled out across the estate on a modular basis throughout 2007.

Virgin Megastores Manchester has been created by Checkland Kindleysides following a three-way credentials pitch.

PAUL MCCARTNEY EXCLUSIVE UK SIGNING SESSION

London No.1 Piccadilly Virgin Megastores
Wednesday 22nd November 2006 – 12:30pm

Announcement Tuesday 14th November

Following Paul McCartney’s in-store signing session today at Virgin Megastore, Times Square, New York City, Paul McCartney will make an exclusive special appearance at Virgin Megastore’s flagship store in London on the 22nd November to sign copies of his classical album Ecce Cor Meum and brand new DVD Paul McCartney: The Space Within US.

This is a wristband only event. For the chance to meet music’s greatest icon you can buy the album or the DVD and get your wristband, which is available on a first come first served basis to personal callers only. Wristbands will be available on Wednesday 22nd November, at the No. 1 Piccadilly Virgin Megastores. 1 wristband per person.

Ecce Cor Meum, Paul’s third classical album, was released on EMI Classics in September and has remained in the classical top ten since. It received its world premiere performance on the 3rd November at the Royal Albert Hall.

Last week Warner Vision releases the DVD Paul McCartney: The Space Within US, which contains a never before released concert and behind the scenes footage from Paul’s critically acclaimed 2005 US Tour. The US Tour ran for 11 weeks and saw Paul play 34 shows across America. The out-of-this world, feature-length concert film delivers live performances of more than two dozen Beatles, Wings and McCartney solo classics spanning four decades. It includes footage from Paul’s personal wake-up call to the astronauts aboard the international space station, as well as 35 minutes of exclusive bonus material and featurettes including new interviews with McCartney and his band, the pre-concert film, sound-check songs, and more. Among the musicians, celebrities, dignitaries and fans interviewed for the film; President Clinton, Tony Bennett, Herbie Hancock, Eddie Vedder, Alec Baldwin and many more.

PHOTOCALL IS AT 12:30PM ON WEDNESDAY 22 NOVEMBER
AT VIRGIN MEGASTORES, LONDON PICCADILLY
MEDIA PLACES WILL BE STRICTLY LIMITED
PRESS PLEASE ENTER VIA FRONT ENTRANCE

For further information please contact:
Lucie Speciale/Hannah Moselhi – Borkowski PR – 0207 404 3000

For all Paul McCartney Enquires and Interview Requests Please Contact:
Stuart Bell – The Outside Organisation – 0207 436 3633
E: stuart.bell@outside-org.co.uk

For more information about the DVD please contact:
Kate Etteridge - LD Communications - 020 7439 7222
E: kate.etteridge@ldcommunications.co.uk

A MODEL GIRL

A Greenwich Theatre Production

A MODEL GIRL

WITH its heady cocktail of sex, politics, guns and espionage, the Profumo Affair of 1963 became Britain’s first tabloid scandal.

Now the sensational story of a girl whose dalliance with a Cabinet minister and a Russian diplomat led to jail, suicide and a Prime Minister’s resignation, is to be dramatised in a new musical – ‘A MODEL GIRL’.

Set at the very moment the Sixties began to swing, with new songs set to musical styles of the era, ‘A Model Girl’ will be staged at Greenwich Theatre in January. It is being produced under the theatre’s innovative Arts Council-supported Musical Futures programme showcasing new musicals.

Developed over the past five years, ‘A Model Girl’ is written by Richard Alexander and Marek Rymaszewski, and directed by Ruth Carney.
Its newly composed songs are set to the various styles of one of the richest and most exciting musical eras: the early Sixties swung to the sound of big-band swing, jazz blues and ska, and rocked to the first thrilling steps in rock’n’roll and pop.

The script is a dramatisation inspired by the public reported events of the time.
“All great musicals are often set against the backdrop of historic watersheds,” says writer Richard Alexander. “They tell the emotional tales of personal stories in times of change, stress and revolution. The Profumo scandal has always been a musical waiting to be written.”

The Profumo Affair was the quintessential story of a personal tragedy set against a massive watershed in British society, when the repressive post-war period of rationing and belt-tightening exploded into the liberal era of the Swinging Sixties.

Personal morality suddenly moved on to the public stage and the burgeoning tabloid press trampled over the old-world values of conservatism – all against a backdrop of the Cold War, the Berlin Wall and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Adds Alexander: “It’s a great tale that people have heard a bit about – they know it involves sex, politics and spies - but most of them don’t know the whole publicly reported story,” says writer Richard Alexander. “In my view it is an iconic tale and the defining moment when private life became public property.”

A Model Girl centres on the tale of a beautiful girl from a poor Home Counties background. She came to London as a teenager in 1961 and quickly bewitched high society with her intoxicating blend of beauty and naïve charm. Taken under the wing of Stephen Ward, a socialite who arranged female company for men of influence in government circles – with the covert knowledge of MI5 – she was the centre of a love triangle with the married War Minister, John Profumo, and a Russian spy, Yevgeny Ivanov.

Into this already explosive mix was thrown a jealous ex-boyfriend, Johnny Edgecombe. And when he blasted his way into Ward and Keeler’s flat with a handgun, he blew the whole scandal into the public eye.

Enter a Press corps with a grudge, following the jailing of two journalists who refused to reveal their sources in an earlier government scandal, and the tinderbox was ready to ignite.

The cost was considerable for all concerned. Ward, charged with living off immoral earnings, committed suicide on the last day of his trial. Keeler was sent to prison for nine months for perjury. Profumo resigned and left politics. Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, his credibility damaged, his health failing, stepped down soon afterwards.

Despite the passage of time, there are still unanswered mysteries surrounding this saga and ‘A Model Girl’ seeks to answer some of these, using source material never used before.

GREENWICH THEATRE

Greenwich Theatre is fast establishing itself as London’s leading development house for musical theatre. A Model Girl is presented as part of the theatre’s innovative Musical Futures programme, aimed at showcasing the best new musicals in development. Others which have moved on from Greenwich to full production include Head at Chats Palace, Goblins Don’t Scare Us at Hampstead’s New End Theatre and Saving Anne which received its US premiere in 2003.

In 2002 the theatre took the Musical Futures process one step further and selected one musical - Sadly Solo Joe – for full production in-house. The musical starred Clive Rowe, and after playing at Greenwich Theatre, it transferred to the International Festival of Musical Theatre in Cardiff as the only new musical in the festival programme.

THE TEAM

DIRECTOR - RUTH CARNEY
Ruth is a rising star, recognized for her 2005 productions of ‘The Lemon Princess’ at West Yorkshire Playhouse and ‘The Laramie Project’ at London’s Sound Theatre. She is currently assistant to Matthew Warchus on the blockbuster stage musical ‘Lord Of The Rings’.

WRITERS - RICHARD ALEXANDER & MAREK RYMASZEWSKI
Richard’s previous work includes a musical dramatization of TS Eliot’s ‘Murder In The Cathedral’, performed in London and regionally. Marek’s previous musical work includes the rock opera ‘Alice Through The Jukebox’, co-written with Robin Millar.

‘A Model Girl’ is their first collaboration on a musical, although several of their jointly-written song compositions have been recorded and released by artists in the UK and US.

DESIGNER – PAUL WILLS
Paul recently designed ‘The Cut’ at the Donmar Warehouse for Michael Grandage. His credits as assistant designer include ‘Guys & Dolls’ at the Piccadilly Theatre, ‘Grand Hotel’ at the Donmar, and ‘Don Carlos’ at the Donmar and Gielgud Theatres.

MUSICAL SUPERVISOR – STEPHEN BROOKER
One of the hardest-working musical supervisors in London, Stephen is currently fulfilling the same role on ‘Mary Poppins’. His other credits include ‘My Fair Lady’ and ‘Les Miserables’ in the West End and on Broadway.

CHOREOGRAPHER – NICHOLA TREHERNE
A highly respected West End choreographer, recognized best for choreographing countless productions of ‘MAMMA MIA! around the world.

www.amodelgirl.co.uk / www.greenwichtheatre.org

A Model Girl

Listings

Written by Richard Alexander & Marek Rymaszewski
Directed by Ruth Carney & Designed by Paul Wills

From Tuesday 30th January
Booking until Saturday 24th February 2007
Press night Friday 2nd February at 7pm
Box Office 0208 858 7755 (no booking fee)

Performances Mon – Sat at 8pm
Matinees Wed & Sat at 2.30pm
Tickets:
Evening - £25, £22, £20, £18
Matinee - £23, £20, £18, £16
Previews - All tickets £15

For further information, please contact Borkowski PR:
Giles Cooper, Tel: 020 7404 3000, giles@borkowski.co.uk
Alex Wilkinson, Tel: 0207 404 3000, alex@borkowski.co.uk

MICHAEL BARRYMORE IN “SCROOGE THE MUSICAL”

Bill Kenwright Ltd. Presents

Michael Barrymore in “Scrooge the Musical”

This festive season Scrooge the Musical returns to the stage in a UK tour. Michael Barrymore, one of Britain’s best loved entertainers is making a triumphant comeback to the stage in the title role of the record breaking London Palladium Production Scrooge the Musical.

The musical, staged by the West End’s most prolific producer Bill Kenwright, opens on 14 November 2006 in Wolverhampton before traveling to Aberdeen, Sunderland, Oxford, Liverpool and closing in Edinburgh in February 2007.

Bill Kenwright remarked:
“I have tried for several Christmases to entice Michael back to the British theatre to perform Charles Dicken’s favourite character and was absolutely overjoyed when this year he agreed. Michael is a brave man, a brilliant entertainer; he will be the perfect Scrooge.”

Based on the classic book A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, the story of Scrooge at Christmas is loved by children and adults alike. Directed by Bob Tomson, it features spectacular sets and costumes, and specially created illusions by magician Paul Kieve, best known for his work creating the magical effects in the Harry Potter films. Described by critics as a “smash hit, timeless, feel-good show” and packed with classic songs and unforgettable characters Scrooge the Musical is the perfect outing for all the family this festive season.

Michael Barrymore’s meteoric rise to fame began as winner of the legendary talent show New Faces. As the hugely popular star of some of the nation’s favourite TV shows, including Strike it Lucky, My Kind of People and his self-titled variety show Barrymore, he won numerous prestigious awards including the much-coveted title of BEST ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTER, which he received an astonishing three times each at both the BRITISH COMEDY AWARDS and the NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARDS.

Michael Barrymore commented:
“I’m delighted to be taking to the stage again to lead this magical musical. Scrooge is Dickens’ greatest character and playing this role is a challenge that I relish”

Director Bob Tomson, whose work spans two decades, has enjoyed major success in London’s West End, working on productions as diverse as Macbeth, Verdi’s opera Aida, and major revivals of West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar and Oliver! But it was his production of Blood Brothers which won every British Best Musical award and was nominated for three Olivier awards.

Illusionist Paul Kieve is responsible for the breathtaking illusions in Scrooge the Musical. His most recent work includes the Harry Potter films where he acts as private magic tutor to Daniel Radcliffe. Paul’s theatre credits include The Witches, Cinderella, The Tempest, Alice in Wonderland and Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde. He is also magic consultant to the Guinness World Records.

Running time is 2 hours 20 minutes, suitable for all ages
For more information please log onto:
www.scroogethemusical.co.uk

Tour Dates

WOLVERHAMPTON Grand Theatre:
Tues 14 – Sat 18 November 06
Performances Tue-Thu at 7.30pm, Wed 2.30pm, Fri 5pm & 8.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 8pm

ABERDEEN His Majesty’s Theatre:
Mon 20 November – Sat 2 December 06
Mon-Thu at 7.30pm, Wed 2pm, Fri 5pm & 8.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 8pm

SUNDERLAND Empire Theatre:
Tues 5 December 06 – Saturday 13 January 07
Mon-Sat at 7.30pm, 2.30pm matinees as follows:
December: Wed 6, Thu 7, Tue 12, Thu 14, Tue 19, Thu 21, Wed 27, Thu 28, Fri 29
January: Wed 3, Thu 4, Fri 5, Tue 9 Fri 12 Jan at 5pm & 8pm NO PERFORMANCES on Mon 25 Dec or Mon 1 Jan.

OXFORD New Theatre:
Tues 15 January 07 – Saturday 20 January 07
Mon-Sat at 7.30pm, Wed & Sat 2.30pm

LIVERPOOL Empire Theatre:
Tues 22 January 07 – Sat 27 January 07
Mon-Sat at 7.30pm, Wed & Sat 2.30pm

EDINBURGH Festival Theatre:
Mon 29 January 07 – Sat 10 February 07
Mon-Sat at 7.30, Thu & Sat 2.30pm

For further information please contact Borkowski PR on 020 7404 3000

Giles Cooper M: 07917 167 809 giles@borkowski.co.uk

Amy Barder M: 07917 167786 amy@borkowski.co.uk

UNIQUE PUTS WALLIAMS WITH BOND ON ITV1

Unique Television has secured an outstanding coup to deliver David Walliams to ITV1 for ‘My Life With James Bond’, an authored film about James Bond. Featuring other high profile Bond enthusiasts it will chart the impact of Bond on our world and David Walliams in particular.

Coming exclusively to ITV1 is David’s own tribute to Secret Agent 007. During his childhood, the Little Britain star dreamt of becoming the next Bond, rather than the comic actor he is today. David’s knowledge of the films and the character are now truly encyclopaedic (test him!) and he has never lost his fascination because, just as David grew up, so did his hero.

“Ever since I saw “The Spy Who Loved Me” at the age of six, I have been obsessed” admits David. “Unfortunately I have never been asked to play James Bond, but I have been asked to present this new documentary on the 007 phenomenon. I promise not to camp it up. Too much.”

“We knew that David was a Bond fan, but that has proved to be a serious understatement. It has taken a huge effort to get all of the pieces in place, but Walliams on Bond for ITV is going to be unmissable” said Unique’s Director of Programmes and Executive Producer, Michael Leggo.

David captures the glamour of Bond’s world and shares his fascination with fellow celebrity Bond fans who reveal why for them, nobody does it better. Or ever will.

The show also features archive clips of his favourite classic moments as well as the often overlooked scenes that fans like David revere as Bond brilliance. He’ll look at the stunts, the machines, the casting, the iconic moments, and of course - the girls.

This is the nationally acclaimed performer without the outrageous costumes or catchphrases in a passionate yet comic exploration of his obsession with the world of James Bond.

‘My Life With James Bond’ is a Unique Television production for ITV1. The Executive Producer is Michael Leggo, the Producer is Sean Miller and Director is John Birkin.

Unique Television is a Unique Communications Group company, specializing in entertainment and factual programming. Recent productions include “The British Comedy Awards” (ITV 1 &2), “Extreme Twins” (Five), “Hollywood Grand Prix” (Sky One), “Forgotten Fan” - a Tonight Special with Trevor MacDonald and the Paul Abbott script edited Survivors (ITV One).

TX Thursday 9th November at 9pm.