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Newmarket Holidays' new FREE Theatre & Live Events customer magazine
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WIN!A weekend
break to see
The Go-Between
starring Michael
Crawford
Meet the new Willy
Wonka
We chat to Beverley
Knight about The
Bodyguard
AladdinDisney’s® Smash Hit is coming to the West End
10must-see
shows
Our top
INTERVIEWS
NEW SHOW!
Your essential guide to seeing the best of live entertainment with Newmarket Holidays
Issue One - Spring 2016
Michael CrawfordOn the eve of his return to the West End, we look at Michael Crawford’s Theatreland legacy
FEATURE!
Theatre • Live Music • Rumours • Exclusive Interviews • News
That’sentertainmententertainment
FREE or £1.50 where sold
For more information or to book call 0330 160 7733 or visit www.newmarketholidays.co.uk
Welcome……to the first edition of That’s Entertainment, Newmarket Holidays’ new magazine dedicated to bringing you all the top news, interviews and stories from London’s West End and other stage shows around the UK.
For this opening issue, we’ve put the spotlight on Michael Crawford as he prepares for his first West End show in 4 years, we’ve got the inside track on the magical stage adaptation of Disney’s© favourite, Aladdin, and we’ve been chatting to Willy Wonka and Beverley Knight!
If this sounds like your sort of magazine, you’ll be delighted to hear that it will be delivered to you FREE of charge once every three months. With so many things changing in Theatreland and new concerts being announced all the time, we’ll always have something new and exciting to report!
We hope that you enjoy reading this edition and look forward to welcoming you on one of our breaks very soon!
Kristi Evans Editor, That’s Entertainment
Contents
Look
4 News & views
6 Michael Crawford – we take a look at a life on the West End stage
8 Aladdin – our wish is granted as we get behind the scenes of Disney’s® newest stage musical!
10 Best of the West End – what’s hot in Theatreland!
12 Meet the new Willy Wonka, Jonathan Slinger!
13 Queen of the Knight – Beverley Knight stars in The Bodyguard
14 The Box Office – your complete directory of theatre and concert breaks with Newmarket Holidays
1st Edition - Spring 2016
WIN!A weekend
break to see
The Go-Between
starring Michael
Crawford
We’ll print our favourite letters in the next edition and the star letter will win a weekend break to see The Go-Between starring Michael Crawford.
Got a story to tell us about your trip to the theatre?
3Call us on 0330 160 7733 — That’s Entertainment
It’s the show that everyone is talking about – the story of Berry Gordy’s fight to found Motown Records and produce the music that went on to define a generation, and inspire generations to come. This instant classic of a show features everyone’s favourite Motown hits including My Girl, What’s Going On, I Heard It Through The Grapevine and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, and is sure to leave you ‘dancing in the street’ all the way home. Theatre packages are on sale now! Turn to page 14 for prices and details of how to book.
4 Call us on 0330 160 7733 — That’s Entertainment
News & Views
We’ve sent roving reporter Al Brent around the streets of London to find out what’s up downtown!
What’s the word around town?
sails into town!
When Show Boat premiered in 1927 it changed musical theatre forever with its themes of freedom, loyalty and love. And this April it returns to the West End in an exciting, lavish new production! Featuring the classic songs Ol’ Man River, Make Believe and Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man, prepare yourself to be swept away by one of the most romantic musicals of all time!
Show Boat launches on 25 April – theatre packages are on sale now! For more information or to book call us on 0330 160 7733!
Motown – The Musical Arrives in London!
Violin impresario and showman extraordinaire, André Rieu returns to the UK this year with his Johann Strauss Orchestra, Choir & Soloists for a series of spectacular concerts. Starting in Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on 17 December, Rieu’s tour will feature music from his award-winning Magic of the Movies and Roman Holiday albums, and takes him to the SSE Wembley Arena and Glasgow’s SSE Hydro Arena.
Tickets are available now (but selling fast!) for our 2-day coach-inclusive concert breaks. Call us today to avoid disappointment.
W altzing Back To The UK
5Call us on 0330 160 7733 — That’s Entertainment
Will it return to the West End? We’re fairly sure we haven’t seen the last of Billy. Happy travels, young man!
Sources tell us that The King & I will be returning to the West End
in the near future! Watch this space!
The Tony Award-winning musical
Dreamgirls is coming to the West End next
November 2016. Tickets will be available soon.
Rumours are rife that Gary Barlow
is close to bringing his JM Barrie musical to
a London stage! More news on that soon,
we hope!
Michael Crawford is on his way back! Crawford
takes on the role as Leo Colston in the
stage adaptation of L.P. Hartley’s novel The Go-Between.
Turn to page 6 where we look back at his
West End career.
ROYAL RUMOUR!
COME TRUEA DREAM
NEVER-LAND!
OF THE MIKE
WELL I
RETURN
The Bodyguard ReturnsAfter a successful tour of the UK, the hugely popular
stage adaptation of The Bodyguard is returning to the West End with Beverley Knight back in the lead
role. Having taken a break from The Bodyguard to appear in Memphis and Cats, Knight steps back into the shoes of stalked superstar diva Rachel Marron in this musical thriller. The show has wowed countless audiences with a whole host of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, Greatest Love Of All,
Million Dollar Bill, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time – I
Will Always Love You.
The Bodyguard returns from mid-July at the Dominion Theatre, London. Turn to page 13 for our
exclusive interview with Ms Knight!
BYE BYE BILLY
In April, London waves an emotional farewell to one of its most popular musicals, Billy Elliot. As it prepares for its final London performance and ensuing countrywide tour, we take a look back at some of the show’s essentials stats and facts!
people have seen
Billy including
HM The Queen,
Bill Gates, Hilary
Clinton and
Oprah Winfrey
(although not
with Newmarket)
7 million
different Billys
have appeared
on stage in
London (more
than 2,500 have
auditioned!)
27
awards won worldwide including
Laurence Olivier Best Musical
Award and ten Tony® Awards
including best musical (Broadway)
81
The man behind
the songs?
Elton John
people have seen Billy since it
opened on Broadway in 2008
1.5 millionThey’re not all winners…
Billy’s huge stats are one end of the spectrum – at the other end there
are some notable West End flops! DJ Mike Reid’s Oscar, a musical account
of Wilde’s life, only managed one performance, Press Night, before
folding. The Daily Telegraph summed it up by saying it “passes golden genius
through the filter of presumptuous mediocrity and produces over two
hours of leaden dross”. Ouch!
In June this year, West End legend Michael Crawford returns to the London stage in the new adaptation of L.P. Hartley’s most famous novel, The Go-Between. We look back on and celebrate a career in musicals spanning 42 years.
Regular visitors to the West End will be well aware that Crawford is
best known for his role as the eponymous Phantom of the Opera, a role which he made his own despite the part originally being given to UK rock singer Steve Harley.
BillyBut it was way back in 1974 that Crawford took to the boards musically. Having already enjoyed a decade or so of TV, film and stage work, it was midway through his first stretch playing the accident-prone Frank Spencer in TV’s Some Mother’s Do ‘Ave ‘Em that Crawford was offered the title role in Billy, a musical based on the hugely popular Keith Waterhouse novel, Billy Liar.
Billy required Crawford to take seriously his proficiency in both song and dance, a task which he grabbed with both hands and relished, and the role was similar enough to that of Frank Spencer for fans of his TV persona to embrace his switch of acting medium.
BarnumHis willingness to perform his own stunts and put himself at risk of injury made him the perfect choice of the lead role in Barnum, a show based on the illustrious American showman P.T. Barnum – he even went to the Big Apple Circus School to learn juggling, tight-rope walking and general rope-work. The show was another hit, running from June 1981 for 655
performances and becoming a favourite with HM The Queen Mother and Margaret Thatcher amongst others.
The Phantom of the OperaDespite this success, the ghost of Spencer was a tough one to flog. Indeed, even today there are plenty of people who will say “surely not the Michael Crawford” if you mention his stage-musical credentials. So it’s not surprising that, in the weeks leading up to his first performance in Phantom in 1986, critics remained sceptical that a man still pigeon-holed as the hapless Frank Spencer
could succeed in a such a demanding and serious role. Crawford went on to perform the role over 1,300 times from the West End to Broadway and Los Angeles, winning an Olivier Award, a Tony® Award and many more en route. His reputation was such that he was even asked to perform at the Inaugural Gala for U.S. President Bush in 1989.
Michael Crawford
Feature A much-anticipated return to the West End...
The Go-BetweenThe rest, as they say, is history.
In 2004, however, Crawford’s health forced him to give up the lead role in The Woman In White and move to Australia in order to be closer to his daughter and convalesce from what turned out to be a debilitating 6-year bout of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).
He made a triumphant return to theatre in 2011 as The Wizard (of Oz) and has been working on personal projects until now.
The Go-Between sees Crawford take the role of Leo Colston, a man whose discovery of an old diary unlocks long-buried memories of a tragic summer in his youth. Previous incarnations of the story include the hugely popular 1971 film starring Julie Christie and a BBC drama starring Jim Broadbent. The show itself has made it to the West End after five years touring the country to great critical acclaim.
6 Call 0330 160 7733 — That’s Entertainment
Michael training at the Big Apple Circus School for his role in Barnum, 1981
Further details of the London show are being kept carefully under wraps, but you can be sure that That’s Entertainment will bring you details as soon as we have them. The things that we are sure of are this – it stars Michael Crawford, shows start in June, it’s going to be at the Apollo in Shaftesbury Avenue (the heart of Theatreland!) and… it’s going to be HUGE!
The Go-BetweenApollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue
2-day coach & hotel inclusive theatre packages start from just £123 per person.
For more information call 0330 160 7733
7Call 0330 160 7733 — That’s Entertainment
Brought to theatrical life by a legendary creative team, Disney’s® new Broadway musical Aladdin will sweep you into a world filled with beauty, comedy and breath-taking spectacle when it opens at the Prince Edward Theatre, London in June 2016.Featuring the timeless songs from the classic film including A Whole New World, Friend Like Me and
Arabian Nights along with new music written for the production, Aladdin is an extraordinary theatrical
event you will want to be amongst the first to experience.
Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon) with music by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast), Aladdin features lyrics by Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast), Tim Rice (The Lion King) and Chad Beguelin (Elf), who also wrote the book. The show also includes special effects from renowned and respected stage illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer.
Broadway cast member Trevor Dion Nicholas will make his London stage
debut as Genie. A full casting will be announced in due course.
President and Producer of Disney® Theatrical Productions, Thomas Schumacher said “In 1992, Howard Ashman, Alan Menken and Tim Rice’s reimagining of the Aladdin tale became the biggest movie of the year around the globe. Now 23 years later, Casey Nicholaw’s production lifts a whole
Aladdin
New Release!
Disney® Theatrical Productions recently announced news that the Tony® Award-winning Broadway stage adaptation of Aladdin would be coming to London. That’s Entertainment got the inside track…
All Images © DisneyCall us on 0330 160 7733 — That’s Entertainment8
A Night of Magic!
new audience and sends them home on air. We are thrilled to fly Aladdin’s carpet to London where the show has found its ideal home in Cameron Mackintosh’s stunning Prince Edward Theatre.”
Previous Disney® stage productions in London have included Shakespeare in Love and the Olivier-winning productions of Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins as well as The Lion King, which will soon enter its 17th triumphant year in the West End. Worldwide, Disney Theatrical Productions currently have 15 shows
either being produced or under license. Their vast popularity is such that a Disney® musical is being performed professionally somewhere on the planet virtually every hour of the day!
We’re sure that Aladdin is going to be hugely popular with audiences young and old. Be sure to book one of our theatre packages now to secure your place in the audience! Turn to page 14 for prices and theatre-break options.
AladdinPrince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street
2-day coach & hotel inclusive theatre packages start from just £165 per person.
For more information call 0330 160 7733
9Call us on 0330 160 7733 — That’s Entertainment
London’s West End is an absolute mecca of talent – enjoy some of the best entertainment in the world!
Ask any lover of London’s West End what makes it so
special and you’re sure to get a list of reasons as long as your arm - “the atmosphere of the beautiful theatres”, “world class performances from famous faces”, “the buzz of the London streets”,
“the range of shows on offer, from the saddest tragedy to the funniest comedy”, and the list goes on.
In this first edition of That’s Entertainment, we thought we’d take a broad look at various reasons to visit certain parts of the West End in 2016!
Big NamesOf course, there are plenty of shows in London with famous songs emulating the world’s greatest artists (Thriller, Beautiful – the Carole King Musical and Motown – the Musical) but we’re talking about seeing stars in the flesh. For one of the West End’s most famous sons look no further than The Go-Between starring ex-Phantom of the Opera legend Michael Crawford. Nearby at The Dominion Theatre, soul star Beverley Knight reprises her role in the returning stage musical adaptation of The Bodyguard.
Feel goodFor feel-good musicals with great stories, larger than life characters and hilarious scripts and songs for all the family, look no further than Mamma Mia and The Lion King. Mamma Mia’s popularity is showing no signs of ebbing as it enters its 17th year on the London stage. Despite a few venue changes (it’s now at the Novello Theatre), the show still entertains the masses with its feel-good collection of irresistible Abba hits including Dancing Queen and Knowing Me, Knowing You. Now in its 16th year at the Lyceum Theatre, The Lion King continues to fill its audiences with joy night after night.
The Best of the West End
Feature
Mamma Mia!
Beautiful
Guys & Dolls
10 Call us on 0330 160 7733 — That’s Entertainment
12
6
8
10
3
7
5
9
4
TE’s Best-sellersTop West End Shows Jan-Mar 2016
Soul-stirringThis section would be seriously amiss without two absolute West End classics – Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables. The sets and special effects of both shows are lifted into the stratosphere with their huge musical numbers, breath-taking storylines and powerful underlying themes of passion, love and deceit. These two shows entirely embody the magic of the West End.
Beautiful TheatresLondon has no shortage of incredible theatres, so choosing two for this section was a real tough one. We’ve opted for the Grade II listed Apollo Victoria Theatre (home to Wicked) with its grand Art Deco interior using scallop-shelled lighting and columns that burst on the ceiling. Over in Covent Garden the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane
(now showing Charlie & the Chocolate Factory) is one of those addresses synonymous with the arts. Dating back to 1663(!) its interior is everything as grand as you’d hope for from a name like that. Sweeping views and ornate boxes make this one of the theatres to visit in the world, let alone London.
Great LocationsThis is another tough category in which to pick two of the best. Jersey Boys, however, has a great spot not far from Piccadilly Circus tube station and sits right on the fringes of Bohemian Soho with its fabulous choice of pubs and dining options. On the other side of Theatreland, Matilda occupies a corner within the labyrinthine lanes and alleys of lovely Seven Dials, just to the north of Covent Garden. And that of course, means you’re close to great restaurants, a superb range of shops and transport links to all parts of the capital.
Whichever of your moods you wish to indulge, London’s
Theatreland is sure to have something to fit the bill!
Best of the West EndLondon Theatre Breaks
2-day coach & hotel inclusive theatre packages start from just £119 per person.
For more information call 0330 160 7733
Don’t miss seeing the incredible giant Genie in Disney’s© Aladdin!
Nicholas Nkuna as Simba in The Lion King
Jersey BoysThe story and music of Frankie
Valli & the Four Seasons
The Lion KingThe hugely popular stage adaptation of the Disney® classic
Les MiserablesThe ultimate emotional
rollercoaster based on Victor Hugo’s classic story
BeautifulThe story that inspired the soundtrack of a generation
WickedThe untold story of the Witches of Oz!
Mamma Mia!The smash hit musical based on
the songs of ABBA!
MatildaRoald Dahl’s classic about a
5-year-old girl with magical powers
Charlie & the Chocolate FactoryMusical based on the much-loved classic story by Roald Dahl
MotownThe story of Berry Gordy’s determination to bring the sound of Motown to the masses
Phantom of the OperaAndrew Lloyd Webber’s classic
enters its 30th year on the London stage
11Call us on 0330 160 7733 — That’s Entertainment
Interview
He owns the world’s most amazing chocolate factory,
a place where dreams become reality! He, more than anyone, knows that “a little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest man”. The latest actor to don the purple jacket and garish trousers
of the great Willy Wonka is Jonathan Slinger! More known to theatregoers as a Shakespearean actor, we thought we’d see what makes him tick!
Describe Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in three words...
Mind-boggling snozztastic fun!
How does it feel to bring such a classic Roald Dahl story to life each night?
The excitement takes me back to reading the book as a child…
What is your next dream role?
Iago in Shakespeare’s Othello.
What’s your favourite play/musical of all time and why?
Hamlet, because it is the greatest part ever written.
Why did you want to play Willy Wonka?
Because he is the Hamlet of musical theatre…
What helps you get into character?
Getting into costume and make-up, and starting to move like Willy Wonka.
If one of Wonka’s sweets were real, which one do you wish it was?
The 3-course Sunday dinner chewing gum.
What goes on behind the scenes during a performance?
Everyone is running around to their next entrance!
Who’s your backstage buddy?
I have 2! Natalie, who does my make-up and Gavin, my dresser.
Jonathan Slinger
Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryTheatre Royal, Drury Lane
2-day coach & hotel inclusive theatre packages start from just £155 per person.
For more information call 0330 160 7733
Meet the new owner of the World’s Favourite Chocolate Factory – Jonathan Slinger as Willy Wonka!
12 Call us on 0330 160 7733 — That’s Entertainment
Interview
In July this year, Beverley Knight returns to her role as Rachel Marron as the stage
adaptation of The Bodyguard returns to London. That’s Entertainment caught up with her for a quick chat…
Firstly, welcome back to the London stage! How excited are you to be a part of this hugely popular show?
Thanks! It was great to come back to the West End as Rachel Marron as I felt The Bodyguard’s run at the Adelphi was all too short. The Dominion is a wonderful theatre and a fitting space for the show.
People may remember you from your lead in the musical Memphis as well as your successful career as a recording artist. How easy has it been to balance the two?
I am glad to add a string to my bow in performance
alongside making music; I enjoy theatre and as long as there are the opportunities to do it I will absolutely take them. It’s a joy to be asked in the first place.
Without giving too much away, what can audiences expect from The Bodyguard?The Bodyguard is a high drama show full of great songs drawn from Whitney Houston’s catalogue. Expect to be swept along with the fast-paced action and the inevitable tragic ending, highlighted by the unforgettable I Will Always Love You. This show is based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1970s book so the storyline is a little different to what theatre-goers might expect. It has also been updated to our modern times which I think really enhances the plot!
How do you prepare for a vocally demanding role like this?
Most of my preparation at the moment is around the choreography. Getting the steps right. I have always been a mover but never a dancer! As an artist of many years and having played the role before I know the importance of vocal stamina and how to maintain it for six nights a week! That is my daily upkeep.
It sounds like long, albeit enjoyable, hours of work so your time off must be
precious. Are there any places in London that you always seem to gravitate towards in order to relax?
I enjoy Spitalfields Market on Sunday. It is a street-style Mecca and the market has a mix of vintage and up-and-coming designers. The surrounding streets like Brushfield Street host loads of great shops. It’s my favourite area of London as you can still see a couple of preserved Georgian houses and lots of kooky Victorian cobbled streets. It is a mix of the ultra modern with the old East End. Perfect!
The BodyguardDominion Theatre, Tottenham Court Road
2-day coach & hotel inclusive theatre packages start from just £129 per person.
For more information call 0330 160 7733
Beverley Knight reprises her role as Rachel Marron as The Bodyguard returns
to the West End
Queen of the
Knight
Queen of the
Knight
13Call us on 0330 160 7733 — That’s Entertainment
14 Call us on 0330 160 7733 — That’s Entertainment
KEY
Directory
Welcome to The Box Office, our comprehensive directory of all the live entertainment available with Newmarket Holidays. Here we have everything from two-day theatre breaks to five-day flight-inclusive concert packages. Pick your show, pick your price and give us a call or go online to book!
Box Off iceTh
e
Show Key Location
Aladdin Prince Edward Theatre £165 £195 £149
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical Aldwych Theatre £145 £175 –
The Bodyguard Dominion Theatre £129 £159 –
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Theatre Royal, Drury Lane £155 £185 £129
The Go-Between Apollo Theatre £123 £153 –
Guys and Dolls Savoy Theatre £133 £163 –
Jersey Boys Piccadilly Theatre £129 £159 –
Kinky Boots Adelphi Theatre £159 £189 £145
Les Misérables Queen’s Theatre £149 £179 –
The Lion King Lyceum Theatre £153 £183 £129
Mamma Mia! Novello Theatre £129 £159 £129
Matilda Cambridge Theatre £151 £181 £149
Motown Shaftesbury Theatre £155 £185 –
Show Boat New London Theatre £155 £185 –
Stomp Ambassador’s Theatre £140 £170 –
Sunny Afternoon Harold Pinter Theatre £133 £163 –
The Phantom of the Opera Her Majesty’s Theatre £130 £160 £139
Thriller Lyric Theatre £139 £169 –
Wicked Apollo Victoria Theatre £129 £159 £139
The Woman in Black Fortune Theatre From £129 From £159 –
London Theatre Friday NightIncludes TOP PRICE tickets for your show, hotel incl. breakfast and free time in London!
Available on selected Fridays from now - December 2016
London Theatre Dine & DanceIncludes a Saturday matinée ticket for your show, three-course evening meal at your hotel, after-dinner dance, hotel incl. breakfast, free time in London and coach travel!
Available now until December 2016
London Theatre Saturday NightIncludes ticket for your show, hotel incl. breakfast, free time in London and coach travel throughout!
Available now until December 2016
Music Fans
Not just for kids
Customer Favourites
Classics
New
Limited Run
Unless otherwise stated, all theatre prices are based on standard tickets. Call us, visit our website or request a brochure for full details and terms and conditions of all our theatre and concert breaks.
London Theatre Breaks Package prices from
15
Coach Inclusive Concert BreaksThese tours include a ticket to your concert, hotel accommodation with breakfast and coach travel throughout from your local area.
Show or Event Location Date/s Duration Price From
Barry Manilow Birmingham 18 Jun 2 days £155
André Rieu Maastricht Various in July
3 days 5 days
£269 £399
Lionel Richie London, O2 03 Jul 2 days £229
Daniel O'Donnell Killarney 12 Aug 5 days £579
Daniel O'Donnell Bournemouth 18 Sep 2 days £179
Andrea Bocelli London, O2 01 Oct 2 days £195
London Welsh Festival of Male Choirs Royal Albert Hall, London 15 Oct 2 days £159
Classical Spectacular Royal Albert Hall, London 20 Nov 2 days £139
Carols with the Stars Royal Albert Hall, London 06 Dec 2 days £139
André Rieu Nottingham 17 Dec 2 days £195
André Rieu Wembley 20 Dec 2 days £199
André Rieu Glasgow 23 Dec 2 days £199
Make-Your-Own-Way Concert BreaksThese tours include a ticket to your concert, hotel accommodation with breakfast, and hotel/venue transfers. You just need to ‘make your own way’ to your overnight hotel.
Show or Event Location Date/s Price From
Barry Manilow Birmingham 18 Jun £129
Katherine Jenkins Hampton Court 23 Jun £155
Lionel Richie London, O2 03 Jul £219
André Rieu Nottingham 17 Dec £185
André Rieu Wembley 20 Dec £189
André Rieu Glasgow 23 Dec £189
Air-Inclusive Concert BreaksThese tours include concert tickets, flights, hotel accommodation with breakfast and coach transfers throughout.
Show or Event Location Date/s Price From
André Rieu Maastricht Various in July
3 days - £449 5 days - £569
Eurostar™ Inclusive Concert BreaksThese tours include concert tickets, rail travel, hotel accommodation with breakfast and coach transfers throughout.
Show or Event Location Date/s Price From
André Rieu Maastricht Various in July
3 days - £389 5 days - £519
Concert Day Breaks by CoachThese tours include tickets for your concert and coach travel from your local area.
Show or Event Location Date/s Price From
Lionel Richie London, O2 03 Jul £89.50
As one of our regular features, we would love to hear your stories from Theatreland. You might have seen a superstar in his youth, perhaps you have fond memories of a show that is no longer running, or maybe you scooped a treasured autograph at the stage door! We would love to hear from you! In this issue, staff at Newmarket Holidays have been happy to share memories of their theatre visits.
Off The RailsBack in about 1987, and aged 10, I was taken by my parents to see Starlight Express at the New Apollo Theatre outside London’s Victoria Station. The general plot, character nuances and songs were largely lost on me but the roller-skate racing around the theatre was a revelation. My enjoyment was increased when a 4-‘carriage’ train of shiny, roller-skated actors veered off the track and disappeared tumbling into the orchestra pit. I still don’t know if this was in the script, but it is my favourite memory of the night!
Al B, Newmarket Holidays
Getting An Early NightA girlie treat, four of us booked tickets to see Jason Donovan in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. We booked the tickets ages in advance and went for the whole night out – dinner beforehand and all that jazz. Got to the theatre and were shown to our seats, and it was only as the curtains were about to go up that the usher realised that we’d arrived a MONTH early! Not sure how we managed to get that wrong (I think we were just so excited!), but the theatre staff were brill and actually gave us the use of a BOX from which to enjoy the show, the eponymous flying car, and of course the scrumptious Mr Donovan!
Sarah D, Newmarket Holidays
Your Letters
Write to us: The Editor, That’s Entertainment, Newmarket Holidays, Cantium House, Railway Approach, Wallington SM6 0BP
Or email us: [email protected]
Send us your stories!
Unless otherwise stated, all theatre prices are based on standard tickets. Call us, visit our website or request a brochure for full details and terms and conditions of all our theatre and concert breaks.
Call us on 0330 160 7733 — That’s Entertainment
For more information or to book call 0330 160 7733 or visit www.newmarketholidays.co.uk