UK FILM & THEATRE WEEKLY
By Douglas McFarlane
UK FILM & THEATRE WEEKLY
- Meryl Streep wins BEST ACTRESS award at Golden Globes Tue, 01/17/2012 - 13:27 from UK Film Network
- My view on the BAFTA shortlist Tue, 01/17/2012 - 15:49 from UK Film Network
- ORANGE BRITISH ACADEMY FILM AWARDS in 2012 - NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED Tue, 01/17/2012 - 10:57 from UK Film Network
- A Future For British Film - The full 66-page official film report mentioned by David Cameron Tue, 01/17/2012 - 11:49 from UK Film Network
- Corey Feldman and Edward Furlong to appear in UK film Tue, 01/17/2012 - 11:36 from UK Film Network
- Man in the Middle- Theatre 503 Sun, 01/15/2012 - 23:11 from UK Theatre Network
- SLEEPING WITH STRAIGHT MEN ABOVE THE STAG THEATRE Wed, 01/18/2012 - 19:11 from UK Theatre Network
- Greenwich Playhouse to close after 20 years Tue, 01/17/2012 - 11:28 from UK Theatre Network
- Sometimes I Laugh Like My Sister at the Finborough Theatre by Carolin Kopplin Mon, 01/16/2012 - 19:39 from UK Theatre Network
- Oliver Award-winning Our Country’s Good tours UK theatres Mon, 01/16/2012 - 16:43 from UK Theatre Network
- Murder on the Nile at the Theatre Royal Windsor Fri, 01/13/2012 - 16:10 from UK Theatre Network
Lysistrata - For Adults Only
By Douglas McFarlane
Review by Douglas McFarlane
Whew !
Have you seen Lysistrata ? It's a play that I've seen advertised on the Edinburgh Fringe and selected by many an ambitious artistic team to showcase their talents and win new audiences. Originally performed in Athens around 2500 years ago Lysistrata persuades the women of Greece to withhold intimacy from their husbands and lovers to force men to negotiate peace.
Think about that for a minute and imagine how that might be represented on stage. Yes, it's awkward, yes, it's adults only, and yes, it can be embarrassing depending on your company. So choose a close friend who is usually unschockable, and be prepared for a laugh.
As this is a family site, I can't go into much detail, other than to say that it is cringeworthy at times and really funny most of the time. The performers really push it to the limits and their "costumes", if you can call them that, were designed to shock the audience of white haired elderly couples, and groups of students alike. And they all roared with laughter.
It's a polished production with excellent lighting, sound and direction clearly in evidence in this one act play. The flow of the performance was to perfection with just enough one-liners and quick quips to keep it interesting, and each actor commanded your attention from the moment they stepped foot on stage. Despite their unusual costumes and naughty behaviour, they manage not to cross the line of indecency, somehow. Although that imaginary line we have in our heads, probably changes during the performance.
I would recommend going along, if only to watch a talented team of actors committed to their roles while wearing some of the most hilarious outfits. A personal favourite of mine was the parody of Gerard Butler's '300' performance when "Spartan woman" bounds onto the stage.
Actors Of Dionysys perform this classic at the Rose Theatre, Kingston and will be touring. Tickets can be purchased using the link below, or visit the official production site.
Ticket site:
https://uk.patronbase.com/_RoseTheatreKingston/Sections/Choose?prod_id=0010&perf_id=7
Production site:
http://www.actorsofdionysus.com/projects/current/lysistrata/
WIN WIN WIN TICKETS to theatre in Glasgow and London
By Douglas McFarlaneUK Theatre Network is delighted to bring another one of our great competitions for theatre tickets, courtesy of the nice people at Ambassadors Theatre Group.
GLASGOW
22nd November is the night when you and a friend have the chance to win two tickets to see Hormonal Housewives.
To win, send an email to editor@uktheatre.net with 'Hormonal Housewives' in the subject and the answer to this question:
Which famous Scottish TV personality is starring in Hormonal Housewives ?
LONDON
The Rose Theatre in Kingston Upon Thames, have a family ticket (worth £70 - two adults, two children) to attend The Snow Queen for any of the following performances: Fri 2 Dec 7pm, Sat 3 Dec 7pm, Mon 5 Dec 7pm, Tue 6 Dec 7pm, Wed 7 Dec 7pm.
Email editor@uktheatre.net with Snow Queen in the subject, and
give the answer to the following question.
Who is the author of the classic fairy tale "The Snow Queen" ?
Standard competition rules apply. Judges decision is final. Both competitions close on November 5th 2011. Entry to both competitions is free and the first winner to be picked at random from a list of correct emails, will win the prizes on offer.
Click on our site for more details of these shows and others. www.uktheatrenetwork.com
Carol Smillie leads cast in comedy 'Hormonal Housewives'
By Douglas McFarlane
Following last year’s sell-out tour, Carol Smillie once again leads the cast in the hilarious comedy Hormonal Housewives, which embarks upon a limited tour of selected venues in Scotland in November 2011.
“Carol Smillie is a beautiful mover and a good actress...Julie Coombe has moments of comic genius.” The Scotsman
Join Carol Smillie and friends in an evening of excessive laughter as they battle against weight gain, weight loss, mood swings, wine, PMS, men, going to the gym, men, waxing, stretch marks, men, chocolate, upper-lip hair, chocolate, men, chocolate...and all of the other joys of being a 21st Century girl!
Julie Coombe and Shona Price also return to join Carol Smillie on stage. Hormonal Housewives is written by husband and wife team Julie Coombe and John MacIsaac.
“The gales of laughter proved that the audience loved it.” Edinburgh Evening News
You can catch this hilarious show at the following theatres in November:
EDINBURGH, Festival Theatre, Wed 2 - Sat 5 Nov. www.festivaltheatre.org.uk.
DUNDEE, Caird Hall, Tues 8 & Wed 9 Nov. www.dundeebox.co.uk
AYR, Town Hall, Fri 11 & Thurs 12 Nov. www.ticketweb.co.uk
INVERNESS, Eden Court Theatre, Mon 14 & Tues 15 Nov. www.eden-court.co.uk.
ABERDEEN, His Majesty’s Theatre, Wed 16 - Sat 19 Nov. http://www.boxofficeaberdeen.com.
GLASGOW, King’s Theatre, Mon 21 - Sat 26 Nov.
2012 dates
below
MORE ABOUT CAROL SMILLIE
Carol was born on the 23 December 1961 and is the youngest of four. She began her career as a student at the world famous Glasgow School of Art before trying her hand at modelling. She spent the next decade as a highly-successful model and got her first major break into television as the highly-publicised hostess on Wheel of Fortune, an ITV quiz show.
Offers quickly flooded in and she was snapped up by the BBC travelling the world to present The Travel Show for BBC2 and then BBC1's Holiday, Summer Holiday, and Holiday Swaps quickly followed before she was chosen to become the face of The National Lottery for three years.
However, the show she will always be known for is, of course, BBC television's Changing Rooms, the flagship DIY programme which changed the face of British television as we know it today. The programme earned Carol invitations to Buckingham Palace & Downing Street, an Indie award, a National TV Award, a Bafta nomination, not forgetting Ronni Ancona's alter ego 'Smillie Smillie Carol Smillie' and, of course, the big red book on This Is Your Life.
Carol is now one of the UK’s most sought after presenters for television programmes, award ceremonies, corporate events, advertisements and charity work.
She has fronted shows like Dream Holiday Home (C5), A Brush With Fame (ITV1), took part in Strictly Come Dancing (BBC1) winning 5th place and even went full circle by hosting her own quiz show Postcode Challenge (STV). She has also guested on countless shows including Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, Have I Got News For You and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
She has published her own book 'Carol Smillie's Working Mum's Handbook' and pre and post natal fitness DVD ‘Changing Shape' as well as a column in Woman's Own and 'Perfect Pets' for The Sunday Times.
She is very much in demand in the corporate market as a host for company conferences and award ceremonies, and was chosen to host the Duke of Edinburgh's 80th birthday celebrations at the Royal Albert Hall.
This is Carol's second foray into the world of comedy, having tread the boards with two sell-out tours of Vagina Monologues, and the Hormonal Housewives tour 18 months ago across Scotland which proved to be even more popular.
She is married to restaurateur Alex Knight and they have three wonderful children Christie, Robbie and Jodie.
Cool Hand Luke - Top price tickets at just £28 until 19th November
By Douglas McFarlane|
In a powerful new adaptation for the stage the
drama unfolds beneath a scorching Florida sun where Boss
Godfrey watches the chain gang and keeps his eye on Cool
Hand Luke. War hero, trouble-maker, inspiration to his
fellow inmates. And just the man Boss wants to
crush… Top price tickets at just £28. Save over 40%. Valid for all performances until 19 November. |
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Oran Mor's Lunchtime Theatre, Glasgow
By Douglas McFarlane
This week's play at Oran Mor's Lunchtime Theatre, Glasgow,
is a co-production with Bewley's Cafe Theatre, Dublin . Further
details can be found at www.playpiepint.com.
Leslie Black Photography www.leslieblackphotography.co.uk
Urgent Casting for 18 year old to star in Hollyoaks
By Douglas McFarlaneThe Casting Director of Hollyoaks has contacted me to help him find a really exciting young actor to play a new regular character in the show, a stunning looking 18 year old bad boy type. Filming will be in Liverpool from 14 September onwards.
If you are suitable, interested and available, then please email me a covering note with your CV and photos.
Castings will take place from 31 August to 5 September in London and Liverpool.
The full character brief is as follows:
18 years old.
The epitome of the good looking bad boy, but a bad boy with charm and a twinkle in his eye. He has an eye for the ladies and can smooth talk his way out of any situation. But he has an anger inside him. After a difficult upbringing, he's fresh out of Young Offenders and wants answers about who he is and where he fits in in life. He can look after himself and has a tendancy to act without thinking. Despite these flashes of aggression, he has a good idea about what's wrong and right and can be a loyal friend and a good laugh. Never overly academic, he has a passion for music and dreams of being a DJ. Any accent is fine for this role. Must be able to play 18 convincingly. This character has some huge, challenging stories already written for him, and the role will be a great opportunity for a young actor to show and explore their range.
Guilty Secret at The Mill at Sonning
By Clare Brotherwood
Jeffrey Holland is best known for his comedy performances: from
TV credits as Spike in Hi-De-Hi; You Rang M’Lord and
Oh, Mr Beeching to, on stage, Dad’s Army, Run for Your Wife, Travels
With My Aunt, ’Allo ‘Allo and Goon Again in which
he recreated the Peter Sellers characters. Not to mention almost
40 seasons as pantomime dame!
So it is a surprise to see him playing a villain in the world premiere of Roger Mortimer-Smith’s thriller Guilty Secret.
I always admire The Mill for inviting the press along on the first night of any production, and for Jeffrey Holland to be taking on an unfamiliar lead in a world premiere deserves praise indeed, especially as he has such a wordy part in a play which piles bluff upon double bluff and ends up not at all like you’d expect.
Wordy is an understatement. During the first act Holland’s role as George, a cold, ruthless kidnapper, is practically a monologue. No surprise then that he fluffed a couple of lines, but then it was the first night, he was playing out of character, and it was quite a feat!
His performance is chilling, and in stark contrast to his sidekick Lennie, played convincingly by Neil Andrew, whose lack of ability to grasp what is going on provides more than a few laughs. Into the mix comes spoilt heiress Charlotte, whom George kidnaps, hoping for £5m from her business tycoon father. And Katie Beard looks and plays the part perfectly.
The start of the second act belongs to Philip Childs in another convincing performance as a detective – and another monologue, but though the plot is complicated, Anthony Valentine, the director and no mean actor himself, makes sure everything moves along at a cracking pace, culminating in a glorious climax.
Not to be forgotten is Dinah England’s splendid set and Matthew Biss’s lighting. The play is set in February in a lonely farmhouse which comes with loads of atmosphere, appropriate car lights and a view through the window which is so realistic that when the door was opened I could swear I felt the cold air rushing in.
Guilty Secret runs at The Mill at Sonning until 16 July. Box office: 0118 969 8000
How I made it in Hollywood- Film blogger quit IT for the red carpet
By Douglas McFarlaneHow I made it in Hollywood- Film blogger quit IT for the red carpet
May 26 2011 Samantha Booth
A film featuring Ewan McGregor, Kate Winslet and Clint Eastwood - not bad for a first-time director.
Movie blogger Douglas McFarlane got to uncover the secrets of the stars on the red carpets of the Oscars, Cannes and the Sundance Film Festival.
The resulting documentary, Making It In Hollywood, won him critical acclaim and a Golden Palm award - and now the DVD has gone on sale for the first time.
Douglas, originally from Clydebank, near Glasgow, said: "It was an incredible two years but I think my ultimate moment was coming face-to-face with Clint Eastwood. "I grew up going to see his films at the ABC minors in Clydebank every Saturday morning. He is a true statesman of Hollywood.
"Although standing in the same pub as Quentin Tarantino was also another amazing moment."
Douglas, 50, got to meet Eastwood at the 2007 Oscars, when he took his camera to see which celebs he could speak to.
He found out about an award ceremony for Ennio Morricone, the composer of the score of the 1966 western, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, which starred Eastwood.
Douglas said: "It was a cocktail party-type scenario when there was a sudden huge surge of energy, there was a real buzz that was almost euphoric.
"The next thing I knew Clint had walked round the corner.
"It was incredible. I couldn't believe I was there filming this legend.
"When I did my piece to camera afterwards, you can see I am buzzing.
"And Clint and Ennio hadn't seen each other for 40-odd years, so I was desperate to catch that moment on film."
The next day, Douglas was on the red carpet at the Oscars - and ended up presenting live on US TV network ABC.
Douglas said: "One of the crew shouted "kiltcam" and suddenly I was live around the nation as well as doing a take for my own documentary.
"Americans love the Oscars being international, so I got a lot of attention, as you can imagine."
Douglas, 50, then decided to hit the red carpet at the Cannes Festival, where he captured stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio.
He said: "He was a good example of how strangely stars behave.
"On the red carpet with his entourage he was all smiles and waving but then just half an hour later on the way to the airport he was hiding under his jacket."
Douglas even got a chat with Jessica Simpson about what it is like dealing with stardom.
He said: "She talked about living her life in front of the press, invasion of privacy and how the publishers control what media they do.
"All the paparazzi were trying to get in on the act."
After Cannes, he went to the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, where he chatted with Ewan McGregor about making it big in Hollywood.
He said: "It was just another one of those chance moments.
"He was a really thoughtful guy and he gave me some really profound words on Hollywood."
Douglas also got Sharon Stone talking about her career at the same festival - and her regret at taking on some jobs.
He said: "She told me she didn't want to be doing any more Catwoman-type roles."
Douglas's story is all the more remarkable because 10 years ago, he was working in IT in Edinburgh.
He said: "I wanted to do something different, something which wasn't just hanging around pubs, so I came up with the idea of taking up singing.
"After about 18 months and a bit of performance coaching I went to a Les Miserables masterclass.
"I performed with the professionals and it was immense, I got the bug.
"I was at the back of the stage thinking, 'This is what I want to do'."
Still working in IT, Douglas was soon winning roles in film, TV and theatre - from Taggart and BBC drama The Key to an advert for AOL.
Douglas said: "For some reason I found it pretty easy to get parts. The characters I play tend to be surgeons and policemen, possibly because I am 6ft tall, professionallooking and have a Glasgow accent."
Working in Jersey for six months in 2001, Douglas also began to write a theatre blog.
It wasn't long before 20,000 people were reading his site and he now has 100 volunteer reviewers around the country.
Fascinated by the mechanics of film-making, he took part in a series of classes run by Canadian director Elliot Grove, the founder of both the Raindance Film Festival and the British Independent Film Awards. He said: "I actually showed him a short film I was working on at the time and he told me it was good and it would sell. Those words were music to my ears."
In 2005, BAFTA Scotland invited him to make a short film of the red carpet at their awards - as no-one else had showed any interest.
National Theatre Scotland invited him to their bash and he got a taste for something bigger - finding out how the world's biggest film stars made it to the top.
Douglas said: "I wanted to make a film about how you become successful in Hollywood.
"After all, this is what a lot of people on the theatre network want to know about.
"A lot of what we do on the website is about trying to coach people to be a success."
And Douglas also showed them how keeping going when things go wrong can pay dividends.
At the Oscars, he ended up in the lift with singer Celine Dion - but couldn't remember who she was.
He said: "I was staring at her because I knew who she was but I just couldn't place her.
"I had my camera on but her bodyguard told me he would take the tape and crunch it so it never ended up in the film.
"Then I look up and see Kate Winslet in that famous green dress coming towards me.
"I didn't get to speak to her, sadly, but I got her on film."
:: Making It In Hollywood by Douglas .McFarlane is available from Amazon, follow the link http://tinyurl.com/hollywoodfilm
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