Showing posts with label Adelphi Theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adelphi Theatre. Show all posts
Monday, 9 July 2012
Sweeney Todd & The Adelphi Theatre
Welcome back to Access London and Thank You once again for helping to support Access for All to the Arts in London.
This post updates Access information for the Adelphi Theatre and performance dates for Sweeney Todd around the 2012 Olympics.
"Direct from a sell-out season at Chichester Festival Theatre, where it received multiple five-star reviews and standing ovations, Jonathan Kent’s production of Sweeney Todd is unmissable.
Laced with dark humour, dazzling wit and an infectious score Sondheim’s musical thriller has been hailed as ‘a masterwork’ (The Sunday Times) and ‘wickedly funny’ (Guardian).
Set in London and laced with Sondheim's characteristically brilliant wit and dark humour, the musical depicts Sweeney Todd's savage quest for justice and retribution after years of false imprisonment.
Aided and abetted by the pie-shop owner, Mrs Lovett, he sets out to avenge the wrongs done to him and his family. Combining a gory sensibility with elements of English music hall, the production offers a fascinating portrait of a man driven to madness by injustice and grief."
Located on The Strand, The Adelphi theatre has very good Access. There is a ramp at the entrance, up into the foyer, this is located to the right of the main doors that have one step up into the foyer. Once inside, there is level Access from the foyer into the Stalls. The foyer also has an Accessible WC. There are spaces for 2 wheelchairs at the back on the stalls (please note that the view can be slightly restricted because of the Dress Circle overhang). Alternatively, if you can transfer, any aisle seat in the Stalls can be booked (depending on availability). Up to 4 wheelchairs or scooters can be stored in the foyer per performance. Assistance dogs are welcome in the auditorium. Or, staff can dog-sit during the performance in the Manager's office. The theatre has an infra-red system, with a limited number of headsets available from the box office. The box office also has an induction loop. There is however no coverage in: Stalls – from Row R to rear, Dress Circle from Row J to rear and Upper Circle from Row F to rear at this time.
Sweeney Todd runs at the Adelphi until the 22nd September 2012. Performances are Monday-Saturday at 7.30pm and matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Please note, there will be no performances between the 30th July and the 11th August. Access tickets are priced at £25 each for you and one companion. To book Access seats, please call the Access booking line on 0844 412 4648.
Attend The Tale!
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Access London - 1 Today!!
Welcome back to Access London and a huge Thank You once again for your continued support for disabled access to the arts in London.
Today's post is somewhat different as Access London is celebrating its first birthday today!! I can't quite believe it has been a year since I launched this blog and posted the first welcome post - it's been a fantastic year, a lot learnt, hopefully some things achieved and help provided to those needing to know more about access to the theatre and arts in London.
This last year has seen many theatres, galleries, museums and venues reviewed on their access and I'd like to send out a huge thank you to all the staff at all the venues for their help and support over the last year, providing information, interviews and images.
My next Thank You goes to every reader of Access London for your loyal support and for helping to spread the word about it - it is so much appreciated. I do read every single one of your messages, comments, emails and tweets sent and I hope have managed to reply to them all (if I haven't yet, I will very soon, I promise). As I have mentioned on previous posts, if you have any questions about access to any venues, please don't hesitate to get in touch, if the venue hasn't yet been reviewed, it doesn't mean that I don't know details of the access there or the best person for you to contact, but more likely that I haven't yet gotten around to reviewing if officially. If however, you have any questions for people that have been interviewed on Access London (and many of you have sent me questions) it really would be best for you to send them to the person involved, so you can get the most accurate answers and information. I'd also like to thank everyone who has supported Access London and its posts on both Twitter and Facebook - I couldn't have done it without you!
This year Access London noted some important access issues at the Royal Albert Hall -after fairly extensive discussions with management at the Hall, specific changes and improvements were promised - some immediate and some on a more medium-long term plan. I am going back to see a concert there just before Christmas and will hopefully be able to come back to you with good news on some changes that have been made since the Phantom 25 celebrations in October this year. Another venue that presented access issues was the Palladium - not so much in terms of physical access but of disability awareness, staff training and treatment of those with disabilities. Again, various discussions have been had and letters corresponded (of which I received an extremely helpful and supportive one from Andrew Lloyd Webber's office) and once again, I hope to bring news of improvements made at that theatre very soon.
Some of the venues that have proven to be well geared up to help those with disabilities include: The Palace, Her Majesty's, Criterion, Gielgud, Southwark Playhouse, Royal Festival Hall, National Theatre, Victoria Palace, Haymarket, The Barbican and the Adelphi. There is still much to be done to improve the access for all to our theatres and arts venues in London but these theatres are some that have made an excellent start to being accessible and are showing a good example to others that really do need to look at their access: both the policies they put in place and the physical access to the theatre too.
Access London was recently lucky enough to work with Degrafik, a great young designer who has designed Access London's new logo - a huge Thank You to Damion for all your help. Access London feels it is a fitting time as any to reveal the new logo to you (although my Facebook friends have had a sneak peak at it a couple of weeks ago!)
Access London has been fortunate enough to be able to interview lots of cast members from some truly fabulous shows over the past year and I'd like to take this opportunity to say a huge Thank You for the time and support of: Rosemary Ashe, Gina Beck, Kieran Brown, Lee Bowen, Patrick Burbridge, Rebecca Caine, AJ Callaghan, Earl Carpenter, Steven Cleverley, Scott Davies, Stephen John Davis, Janet Devenish, Killian Donnelly, Cynthia Erivo, Sofia Escobar, Sophie Evans, Daniel Gourlay, Celia Graham, Richard Halton, Cameron Jack, Chris Jenkins, John Owen Jones, Paul Keating, Daniel Koek, Joanna Loxton, Myrra Malmberg, Frances Ruffelle, Simon Shorten, Emily Tierney, Katy Treharne, Tabitha Webb, Nick Wyschna, Michael Xavier.
Finally, a special Thank You to some for their continued support and fabulous generosity: Lee Bowen, Sofia Escobar, John Owen Jones, Rebecca Caine, AJ Callaghan, Myrra Malmberg, Nick Wyschna, everyone at The Cavendish Hotel, Her Majesty's Theatre, Palace Theatre, Adelphi Theatre, V&A Museum, and some special Twitter mentions for @LugiLou @inlondonguide @AboutLondonNews @kaydub89.
Access London has at least 2 awareness and fundraising events planned so far for 2012 including, an online charity auction for the beginning of the new year (to include lots of great theatre related items including signed cds and posters) and a charity concert for next September to coincide around the time of the paralympics. Details of the auction will be around from very early on in the new year and the concert throughout 2012, thank you for any and all support you can show for either event.
On that note (and after receiving many requests that I include it in this birthday post), I'll leave you with a video that has been taking Twitter and Youtube by storm over the last week - no, not the trailer for the Phantom25 dvd but, the latest challenge in the johnvskillian battle from the fabulous John Owen Jones and Killian Donnelly - watch for a great laugh and see The Phantom and Raoul as you've never seen them before - check out the rest of the challenges on their Youtube channel....
Today's post is somewhat different as Access London is celebrating its first birthday today!! I can't quite believe it has been a year since I launched this blog and posted the first welcome post - it's been a fantastic year, a lot learnt, hopefully some things achieved and help provided to those needing to know more about access to the theatre and arts in London.
This last year has seen many theatres, galleries, museums and venues reviewed on their access and I'd like to send out a huge thank you to all the staff at all the venues for their help and support over the last year, providing information, interviews and images.
My next Thank You goes to every reader of Access London for your loyal support and for helping to spread the word about it - it is so much appreciated. I do read every single one of your messages, comments, emails and tweets sent and I hope have managed to reply to them all (if I haven't yet, I will very soon, I promise). As I have mentioned on previous posts, if you have any questions about access to any venues, please don't hesitate to get in touch, if the venue hasn't yet been reviewed, it doesn't mean that I don't know details of the access there or the best person for you to contact, but more likely that I haven't yet gotten around to reviewing if officially. If however, you have any questions for people that have been interviewed on Access London (and many of you have sent me questions) it really would be best for you to send them to the person involved, so you can get the most accurate answers and information. I'd also like to thank everyone who has supported Access London and its posts on both Twitter and Facebook - I couldn't have done it without you!
This year Access London noted some important access issues at the Royal Albert Hall -after fairly extensive discussions with management at the Hall, specific changes and improvements were promised - some immediate and some on a more medium-long term plan. I am going back to see a concert there just before Christmas and will hopefully be able to come back to you with good news on some changes that have been made since the Phantom 25 celebrations in October this year. Another venue that presented access issues was the Palladium - not so much in terms of physical access but of disability awareness, staff training and treatment of those with disabilities. Again, various discussions have been had and letters corresponded (of which I received an extremely helpful and supportive one from Andrew Lloyd Webber's office) and once again, I hope to bring news of improvements made at that theatre very soon.Some of the venues that have proven to be well geared up to help those with disabilities include: The Palace, Her Majesty's, Criterion, Gielgud, Southwark Playhouse, Royal Festival Hall, National Theatre, Victoria Palace, Haymarket, The Barbican and the Adelphi. There is still much to be done to improve the access for all to our theatres and arts venues in London but these theatres are some that have made an excellent start to being accessible and are showing a good example to others that really do need to look at their access: both the policies they put in place and the physical access to the theatre too.
Access London was recently lucky enough to work with Degrafik, a great young designer who has designed Access London's new logo - a huge Thank You to Damion for all your help. Access London feels it is a fitting time as any to reveal the new logo to you (although my Facebook friends have had a sneak peak at it a couple of weeks ago!)
Access London has been fortunate enough to be able to interview lots of cast members from some truly fabulous shows over the past year and I'd like to take this opportunity to say a huge Thank You for the time and support of: Rosemary Ashe, Gina Beck, Kieran Brown, Lee Bowen, Patrick Burbridge, Rebecca Caine, AJ Callaghan, Earl Carpenter, Steven Cleverley, Scott Davies, Stephen John Davis, Janet Devenish, Killian Donnelly, Cynthia Erivo, Sofia Escobar, Sophie Evans, Daniel Gourlay, Celia Graham, Richard Halton, Cameron Jack, Chris Jenkins, John Owen Jones, Paul Keating, Daniel Koek, Joanna Loxton, Myrra Malmberg, Frances Ruffelle, Simon Shorten, Emily Tierney, Katy Treharne, Tabitha Webb, Nick Wyschna, Michael Xavier.
Finally, a special Thank You to some for their continued support and fabulous generosity: Lee Bowen, Sofia Escobar, John Owen Jones, Rebecca Caine, AJ Callaghan, Myrra Malmberg, Nick Wyschna, everyone at The Cavendish Hotel, Her Majesty's Theatre, Palace Theatre, Adelphi Theatre, V&A Museum, and some special Twitter mentions for @LugiLou @inlondonguide @AboutLondonNews @kaydub89.
Access London has at least 2 awareness and fundraising events planned so far for 2012 including, an online charity auction for the beginning of the new year (to include lots of great theatre related items including signed cds and posters) and a charity concert for next September to coincide around the time of the paralympics. Details of the auction will be around from very early on in the new year and the concert throughout 2012, thank you for any and all support you can show for either event.
On that note (and after receiving many requests that I include it in this birthday post), I'll leave you with a video that has been taking Twitter and Youtube by storm over the last week - no, not the trailer for the Phantom25 dvd but, the latest challenge in the johnvskillian battle from the fabulous John Owen Jones and Killian Donnelly - watch for a great laugh and see The Phantom and Raoul as you've never seen them before - check out the rest of the challenges on their Youtube channel....
Friday, 12 August 2011
Access London - Cavendish Hotel Competition Update
Welcome back to Access London everyone. This is an update post on some more details relating to The Cavendish Hotel's Cocktail Competition and the brilliant West End show, Love Never Dies.
Earlier this week I posted another post about Access London's recommended hotel for 2011 - The Cavendish. In celebration of the Jermyn Street Festival - The Art of Being British - being held along Jermyn Street on Saturday 10th September 2011, The Cavendish have launched a fantastic competition with an amazing prize to be won.
You can read more about the Festival on my previous post.
The Cavendish are asking people to email in with your own creation for a cocktail. The cocktail is to be served alongside their own new Very British creation, The Red Rosa, throughout September in their bar. All you have to do, is come up with a cocktail of your own to complement it and then send the cocktail recipe and cocktail name to: competition@thecavendishlondon.com by Wednesday 24th August.
The winner will win a 2 night stay in one of The Luxurious Cavendish Hotel's Junior Suites with afternoon tea for two, your cocktail creation on the bar menu throughout September and of course you get to try your own cocktail too.
The update details are as follows: The prize (2 night stay) can be booked anytime up until the 31st March 2012 (excluding 31st December 2011). Also, for all my readers with disabilities, including wheelchair and mobility sccoter users and those who cannot manage stairs, the Cavendish are happy to book an Accessible Room or Executive Room for you instead. They have also assured me that they will do something a little bit extra special for these guests as the location of the Junior Suites may not be suitable for them.
To see more about The Cavendish VISIT THEIR WEBSITE HERE
In other news, just a quick update to remind you all that sadly Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera sequel, 'Love Never Dies' will be closing in London in just 2 weeks time!! Access London went to see the show again last Friday and, as always, had a 'Phabulous' night out. The show has a beautiful score and lyrics, fantastic costumes and sets and a truly amazing cast, led by Ramin Karimloo and Celia Graham. Both the leads have a 'Phantastic' onstage chemistry and Miss Graham's 'Love Never Dies' won't fail to bring a tear to your eye and applauding for more. Mr Karimloo's 'Till I Hear You Sing' has, if possible, only got better since the show opened. The whole cast work wonderfully together on stage and it will be a loss to the West End when they close.
To book Access tickets to the show, please call: 0844 412 4648
OR, for all other tickets, please call: 0844 412 4651
Access London would like to take this opportunity to thank all the cast and creatives for all their hard work and wonderful performances and add a special thank you to Kieran Brown and Daniel Gourlay who both took time out for interviews with Access London a couple of months ago (please see previous posts to read these). Lastly, a big thank you to Ramin, Celia, Hayley, Adam and Liz for taking the time to stop and talk and for pictures at the stage door last week - your support for Access London is also heart-warming and very much appreciated, Thank You x
COMING NEXT: Access London Begins Celebrations for Phantom of the Opera's 25th Anniversary - Interview with former Raoul, Michael Xavier
Earlier this week I posted another post about Access London's recommended hotel for 2011 - The Cavendish. In celebration of the Jermyn Street Festival - The Art of Being British - being held along Jermyn Street on Saturday 10th September 2011, The Cavendish have launched a fantastic competition with an amazing prize to be won.
You can read more about the Festival on my previous post.
The Cavendish are asking people to email in with your own creation for a cocktail. The cocktail is to be served alongside their own new Very British creation, The Red Rosa, throughout September in their bar. All you have to do, is come up with a cocktail of your own to complement it and then send the cocktail recipe and cocktail name to: competition@thecavendishlondon.com by Wednesday 24th August.
The winner will win a 2 night stay in one of The Luxurious Cavendish Hotel's Junior Suites with afternoon tea for two, your cocktail creation on the bar menu throughout September and of course you get to try your own cocktail too.
The update details are as follows: The prize (2 night stay) can be booked anytime up until the 31st March 2012 (excluding 31st December 2011). Also, for all my readers with disabilities, including wheelchair and mobility sccoter users and those who cannot manage stairs, the Cavendish are happy to book an Accessible Room or Executive Room for you instead. They have also assured me that they will do something a little bit extra special for these guests as the location of the Junior Suites may not be suitable for them.
To see more about The Cavendish VISIT THEIR WEBSITE HERE
In other news, just a quick update to remind you all that sadly Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera sequel, 'Love Never Dies' will be closing in London in just 2 weeks time!! Access London went to see the show again last Friday and, as always, had a 'Phabulous' night out. The show has a beautiful score and lyrics, fantastic costumes and sets and a truly amazing cast, led by Ramin Karimloo and Celia Graham. Both the leads have a 'Phantastic' onstage chemistry and Miss Graham's 'Love Never Dies' won't fail to bring a tear to your eye and applauding for more. Mr Karimloo's 'Till I Hear You Sing' has, if possible, only got better since the show opened. The whole cast work wonderfully together on stage and it will be a loss to the West End when they close.
To book Access tickets to the show, please call: 0844 412 4648
OR, for all other tickets, please call: 0844 412 4651
Access London would like to take this opportunity to thank all the cast and creatives for all their hard work and wonderful performances and add a special thank you to Kieran Brown and Daniel Gourlay who both took time out for interviews with Access London a couple of months ago (please see previous posts to read these). Lastly, a big thank you to Ramin, Celia, Hayley, Adam and Liz for taking the time to stop and talk and for pictures at the stage door last week - your support for Access London is also heart-warming and very much appreciated, Thank You x
COMING NEXT: Access London Begins Celebrations for Phantom of the Opera's 25th Anniversary - Interview with former Raoul, Michael Xavier
Friday, 8 July 2011
Access London - Theatre Update
Welcome back to Access London and thank you for your continued support for this site and promoting disabled access and awareness.
Today's post is an update on some news from the West End theatre scene, including Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Love Never Dies, Phantom 25th and The Tempest.
Firstly is the slightly shocking and very disappointing news that Priscilla Queen of the Desert will be finishing its run at The Palace theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue at the end of the year! This well-loved show is upbeat, colourful, entertaining and has some great songs, cast and dancing in - the costumes are pretty fabulous too!
With a talented cast including Oliver Thornton, Richard Grieve, Don Gallagher, Mark Moraghan, Charlotte Riby, Gemma O'Duffy, Steve Cleverley, John Brannoch and many more, this is a night out not to be missed.....catch it before the Priscilla bus leaves the Palace at the end of 2011.
Access London will be watching Priscilla at the beginning of August and will post about it soon after, including a cast interview not to be missed.
The Palace theatre is accessible to those using a wheelchair or mobility scooter via a side entrance on Shaftesbury Avenue and then has level access into the back of the stalls. There is wheechair space at the back for those who cannot transfer otherwise, any aisle seat is transferable to in the stalls. There is also a disabled access toilet in the theatre.
To book Access Tickets please call: 0844 412 4648. For all general tickets, please call: 0844 412 4653.
Next is the news of another closure, this time for the Phantom of the Opera sequel, Love Never Dies, at The Adelphi Theatre on The Strand. Although this show opened to mixed reviews and went through some major rewrites in its first 6 months, it then established itself and has many loyal followers flocking to see it. With an outstanding cast led by Ramin Karimloo, Celia Graham and David Thaxton, Love Never Dies has some beautiful music and lyrics, great costumes, set and special effects, a host of circus style acrobatics and stunts and a heart-wrenching story with a dramatic ending.
I most definitely recommend a night out to see Love Never Dies before its disappointing closure on 27th August 2011. Access London recently had a two-post series on this show (in June) which included cast interviews, please scroll down to check these out. We will also be making one last trip to The Adelphi in August to see the show before its very premature closure.
The Adelphi is very accessible to those using a wheelchair or mobility scooter. The foyer has a fixed ramp up into it with an accessible toilet inside. From the foyer, there is level access into the back of the stalls which has a gentle rake down towards the stage. There is wheelchair space at the back otherwise, any aisle seat is transferable to.
To book Access tickets, please call: 0844 412 4648. For all general tickets, please call 0844 412 4653.
On a more positive note after all this talk of shows closing, Trevor Nunn's, The Tempest is opening at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 27th August 2011 and has a limited run until 29th October 2011. It stars the iconic Ralph Fiennes as Prospero. With such a limited run, this show is one not to be missed this Summer/Autumn.
Theatre Royal Haymarket is accessible for those using a wheelchair or mobility scooter through a side door on The Haymarket. From here, it is level access to the back of the stalls where there is space for wheelchairs. If you can transfer then any aisle seat in the stalls will be accessible for you.
To book Access tickets, please call: 020 7930 8800. For all general tickets, please call: 0845 481 1870.
Finally, this week has seen the long awaited for release of tickets to see the 25th anniversary concert for Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall. There are to be 3 concerts spread over the weekend of the 1st and 2nd October 2011. Access London will be writing about access to the Royal Albert Hall in a later post and will be seeing the concert itself on 1st October. The concert will have a 250 strong orchestra and cast being led by Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess.
With tickets in such great demand there have obviously been disappointments for those who missed out. However, the oringinal show at Her Majesty's Theatre on The Haymarket is one not to be missed. It has a fabulous current cast, led by John Owen Jones in the title role and Sofia Escobar as Christine Daae. Many believe the original is a hard one to beat and I happen to agree with them - stunning sets, costumes, music, lyrics, direction, story, cast and design leaves Phantom at Her Majesty's at the top if its game.
Her Majesty's theatre is accessible for those using a wheelchair or mobility sccoter via a side entrance on Charles II Street. This entrance leads past the accessible toilet and into the back of the stalls. There is wheelchair space here or alternatively, any aisle seat is transferable to.
Access London will be beginning its Phantom 25th celebrations shortly with weekly interviews with current, former and some origninal cast members so look out for our posts or check back regularly if you are a Phantom Phan!
To book Access tickets, please call: 0844 412 4648. For general tickets, please call: 0844 412 4653.
COMING SOON: London Eye, London Eye River Cruise, Miro Exhibition
Today's post is an update on some news from the West End theatre scene, including Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Love Never Dies, Phantom 25th and The Tempest.
Firstly is the slightly shocking and very disappointing news that Priscilla Queen of the Desert will be finishing its run at The Palace theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue at the end of the year! This well-loved show is upbeat, colourful, entertaining and has some great songs, cast and dancing in - the costumes are pretty fabulous too!With a talented cast including Oliver Thornton, Richard Grieve, Don Gallagher, Mark Moraghan, Charlotte Riby, Gemma O'Duffy, Steve Cleverley, John Brannoch and many more, this is a night out not to be missed.....catch it before the Priscilla bus leaves the Palace at the end of 2011.
Access London will be watching Priscilla at the beginning of August and will post about it soon after, including a cast interview not to be missed.
The Palace theatre is accessible to those using a wheelchair or mobility scooter via a side entrance on Shaftesbury Avenue and then has level access into the back of the stalls. There is wheechair space at the back for those who cannot transfer otherwise, any aisle seat is transferable to in the stalls. There is also a disabled access toilet in the theatre.To book Access Tickets please call: 0844 412 4648. For all general tickets, please call: 0844 412 4653.
Next is the news of another closure, this time for the Phantom of the Opera sequel, Love Never Dies, at The Adelphi Theatre on The Strand. Although this show opened to mixed reviews and went through some major rewrites in its first 6 months, it then established itself and has many loyal followers flocking to see it. With an outstanding cast led by Ramin Karimloo, Celia Graham and David Thaxton, Love Never Dies has some beautiful music and lyrics, great costumes, set and special effects, a host of circus style acrobatics and stunts and a heart-wrenching story with a dramatic ending. I most definitely recommend a night out to see Love Never Dies before its disappointing closure on 27th August 2011. Access London recently had a two-post series on this show (in June) which included cast interviews, please scroll down to check these out. We will also be making one last trip to The Adelphi in August to see the show before its very premature closure.
The Adelphi is very accessible to those using a wheelchair or mobility scooter. The foyer has a fixed ramp up into it with an accessible toilet inside. From the foyer, there is level access into the back of the stalls which has a gentle rake down towards the stage. There is wheelchair space at the back otherwise, any aisle seat is transferable to.To book Access tickets, please call: 0844 412 4648. For all general tickets, please call 0844 412 4653.
On a more positive note after all this talk of shows closing, Trevor Nunn's, The Tempest is opening at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 27th August 2011 and has a limited run until 29th October 2011. It stars the iconic Ralph Fiennes as Prospero. With such a limited run, this show is one not to be missed this Summer/Autumn. Theatre Royal Haymarket is accessible for those using a wheelchair or mobility scooter through a side door on The Haymarket. From here, it is level access to the back of the stalls where there is space for wheelchairs. If you can transfer then any aisle seat in the stalls will be accessible for you.
To book Access tickets, please call: 020 7930 8800. For all general tickets, please call: 0845 481 1870.
Finally, this week has seen the long awaited for release of tickets to see the 25th anniversary concert for Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall. There are to be 3 concerts spread over the weekend of the 1st and 2nd October 2011. Access London will be writing about access to the Royal Albert Hall in a later post and will be seeing the concert itself on 1st October. The concert will have a 250 strong orchestra and cast being led by Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess.With tickets in such great demand there have obviously been disappointments for those who missed out. However, the oringinal show at Her Majesty's Theatre on The Haymarket is one not to be missed. It has a fabulous current cast, led by John Owen Jones in the title role and Sofia Escobar as Christine Daae. Many believe the original is a hard one to beat and I happen to agree with them - stunning sets, costumes, music, lyrics, direction, story, cast and design leaves Phantom at Her Majesty's at the top if its game.
Her Majesty's theatre is accessible for those using a wheelchair or mobility sccoter via a side entrance on Charles II Street. This entrance leads past the accessible toilet and into the back of the stalls. There is wheelchair space here or alternatively, any aisle seat is transferable to.Access London will be beginning its Phantom 25th celebrations shortly with weekly interviews with current, former and some origninal cast members so look out for our posts or check back regularly if you are a Phantom Phan!
To book Access tickets, please call: 0844 412 4648. For general tickets, please call: 0844 412 4653.
COMING SOON: London Eye, London Eye River Cruise, Miro Exhibition
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
Love Never Dies @ The Adelphi Theatre - Part 2
Welcome back to Access London everyone, thank you for your continued support for disability access and awareness in the capital.
Today's post is the second and last in our two-part series on the musical Love Never Dies. To see the first part from yesterday which includes an interview with cast member Daniel Gourlay, please scroll down.
Love Never Dies is showing at The Adelphi theatre on The Strand and is currently booking into 2012. There are performances Monday-Saturday evenings at 7.30 and matinee performances on a Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.
The music in this show is spectacular and shows Andrew Lloyd Webber on top form. There are some amazing lyrics and big numbers including, Till I hear You Sing (Phantom), Beneath a Moonless Sky (Phantom & Christine) and of course the title song, Love Never Dies (Christine).
The sets are quite literally 'Phantastic' with a glass carriage, beautifully crafted balcony set and all the wonders that the audience experiences in the Phantom's domain.
The three leads, Ramin Karimloo (Phantom), Celia Graham (Christine), David Thaxton (Raoul) are supported supperbly by the likes of Liz Robertson (Madame Giry), Haley Flaherty (Meg Giry) and some wonderful young actors who share the role of Christine's son Gustave. There is also a fabulous ensemble who really bring numbers such as those on Pier 69, Heaven By The Sea, Bathing Beauty and the dramatic Phantasma scenes alive.
Access London has been lucky enough to talk with a couple of the ensemble members. Today's interview is with Kieran Brown who is also the understudy for Raoul in the show. Here's what he had to say...
AL: I can imagine Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals being extremely popular for actors wanting to be a part of them. What was the auditioning process like for you?
KB: For me it was rather unusual! I was pulled in at the last stage of auditions, having been out of the country working on A Christman Carol in Vienna when casting started. So after singing half a song to the production team, was given some material to look at and return within a day or 2 later. I learnt it inside out, went back in, did the suff once through and that was it! I did have to attend a dance call even though my track in the show doesn't require it, just to show that I CAN move (just), where I first met 2 of my fellow cast members, Mira and Vanessa. It was lovely to see them on day 1. All in all, I had it pretty easy re this job as far as auditioning goes. The hardest thing was the wait to hear if I got the job! I got the call 3 days before rehearsals started - there had been a mix up at the office and they thought they had rung me the week before and were waiting on my answer. By luck I had contacted our wonderful choreographer and he sorted it out within minutes.
AL: You have been part of many fantastic shows and performances, why Love Never Dies?
KB: Honest answer? It's a job! It is however a job I LOVE! I wanted to be in this show since it opened. It's still a bit weird actually. I told my agent months before that the one show I wanted to be in in town was LND and here I am. I auditioned for the original cast but didn't even get past round one so....
AL: The energy and chemistry is fantastic to watch as an audience member. What is it like to be part of such a cast?
KB: We have just the BEST team of people in the show. We have so much fun together and trust each other implicitly. Just watching performers like Ramin or Tam, Celia, David or Liz Robertson from the wings still takes my breath away. I'm particularly proud of and delighted to be working with Haley Flaherty who plays Meg. I think she is simply wonderful in the role and we knew each other as kids - we went to the same children's theatre school but hadn't seen each other for years! We have a strong ensemble too - I love watching the Only For You opening number from offstage and am in awe at how bloody good our dancers and accros are. I wish I could move like that!
AL: Just as with the original Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies has many technical elements in it. Do you have a tale to tell of something going wrong in a performance?
KB: Not really because as well as having the best team onstage we also have the best technical crew who know exactly what they are doing. Everyone from crew to wardrobe, wigs and make-up do their job brilliantly. We did once have a show stop because poor Haley got stuck in the balloon before Bathing Beauty. It meant that the audience had to wait a few mins so that the crew could get her safely down and our wonderful dance captain had to VERY quickly restart the number without it as most of the ensemble enter through it from substage. Everyone took it in their stride! Haley was hilarious though - people kept shouting up to her to make sure she was ok and she was more concerned as she had a friend in from home!
AL: You have performed a fair number of times in Vienna. What are the differences between performing there and on the West End stage?
KB: Well the budget for a start! The English language theatres that I have worked in in Vienna - where I lived for 6 years were generally much smaller - The Adelphi seats something like 1500 whereas the theatre I did A Christmas Carol in was about 100! And nothing quite matches the prestige of a West End show although I did love working in Vienna. I did some wonderful shows with some great actors and directors so....It's great to be home though!
AL: I understand you have directed several projects. Do you have any plans to do so again?
KB: I would love to do more directing, yes, but it's not a priority at the moment. I think eventually I will give up performing but it's still my first love. I miss the control though!
AL: If you could play any role(s) in musical theatre, what would it/they be?
KB: Well PHANTOM of course, in both shows, would literally be a dream come true for me (but unlikely). I have gotten used to the fact that I'm now too old for Marius but maybe JVJ or Javert one day! Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard is on my list as is Raoul in Phantom (though I don't think I have the matinee idol looks needed for that!). Krolock in Tanz Der Vampire or Kaiser Franz Joseph in Elisabeth (if my German was better). Basically I just wanna be a leading man! - That should be a song! If I ever get to play any of these, I'll let you know.
Access London would like to offer a huge Thank You to Kieran for taking part and answering the questions. To keep up to date with what Kieran is doing and his future projects and performances, check out his website at www.KieranBrown.com
To book access tickets to see Kieran and the rest of the cast in Love Never Dies, please call: 08444 124 648. For all other Love Never Dies tickets, please contact: 0870 264 3333.
This ends Access London's posts on the Love Never Dies series. Please visit again soon as there will be posts on another of Andrew Lloyd Webber's shows, The Wizard of Oz and also The London Eye, Tate Britain and Thames River Cruises.
Today's post is the second and last in our two-part series on the musical Love Never Dies. To see the first part from yesterday which includes an interview with cast member Daniel Gourlay, please scroll down.Love Never Dies is showing at The Adelphi theatre on The Strand and is currently booking into 2012. There are performances Monday-Saturday evenings at 7.30 and matinee performances on a Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.
The music in this show is spectacular and shows Andrew Lloyd Webber on top form. There are some amazing lyrics and big numbers including, Till I hear You Sing (Phantom), Beneath a Moonless Sky (Phantom & Christine) and of course the title song, Love Never Dies (Christine).The sets are quite literally 'Phantastic' with a glass carriage, beautifully crafted balcony set and all the wonders that the audience experiences in the Phantom's domain.
The three leads, Ramin Karimloo (Phantom), Celia Graham (Christine), David Thaxton (Raoul) are supported supperbly by the likes of Liz Robertson (Madame Giry), Haley Flaherty (Meg Giry) and some wonderful young actors who share the role of Christine's son Gustave. There is also a fabulous ensemble who really bring numbers such as those on Pier 69, Heaven By The Sea, Bathing Beauty and the dramatic Phantasma scenes alive.Access London has been lucky enough to talk with a couple of the ensemble members. Today's interview is with Kieran Brown who is also the understudy for Raoul in the show. Here's what he had to say...
AL: I can imagine Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals being extremely popular for actors wanting to be a part of them. What was the auditioning process like for you?KB: For me it was rather unusual! I was pulled in at the last stage of auditions, having been out of the country working on A Christman Carol in Vienna when casting started. So after singing half a song to the production team, was given some material to look at and return within a day or 2 later. I learnt it inside out, went back in, did the suff once through and that was it! I did have to attend a dance call even though my track in the show doesn't require it, just to show that I CAN move (just), where I first met 2 of my fellow cast members, Mira and Vanessa. It was lovely to see them on day 1. All in all, I had it pretty easy re this job as far as auditioning goes. The hardest thing was the wait to hear if I got the job! I got the call 3 days before rehearsals started - there had been a mix up at the office and they thought they had rung me the week before and were waiting on my answer. By luck I had contacted our wonderful choreographer and he sorted it out within minutes.
AL: You have been part of many fantastic shows and performances, why Love Never Dies?
KB: Honest answer? It's a job! It is however a job I LOVE! I wanted to be in this show since it opened. It's still a bit weird actually. I told my agent months before that the one show I wanted to be in in town was LND and here I am. I auditioned for the original cast but didn't even get past round one so....
AL: The energy and chemistry is fantastic to watch as an audience member. What is it like to be part of such a cast?
KB: We have just the BEST team of people in the show. We have so much fun together and trust each other implicitly. Just watching performers like Ramin or Tam, Celia, David or Liz Robertson from the wings still takes my breath away. I'm particularly proud of and delighted to be working with Haley Flaherty who plays Meg. I think she is simply wonderful in the role and we knew each other as kids - we went to the same children's theatre school but hadn't seen each other for years! We have a strong ensemble too - I love watching the Only For You opening number from offstage and am in awe at how bloody good our dancers and accros are. I wish I could move like that!
AL: Just as with the original Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies has many technical elements in it. Do you have a tale to tell of something going wrong in a performance?
KB: Not really because as well as having the best team onstage we also have the best technical crew who know exactly what they are doing. Everyone from crew to wardrobe, wigs and make-up do their job brilliantly. We did once have a show stop because poor Haley got stuck in the balloon before Bathing Beauty. It meant that the audience had to wait a few mins so that the crew could get her safely down and our wonderful dance captain had to VERY quickly restart the number without it as most of the ensemble enter through it from substage. Everyone took it in their stride! Haley was hilarious though - people kept shouting up to her to make sure she was ok and she was more concerned as she had a friend in from home!
AL: You have performed a fair number of times in Vienna. What are the differences between performing there and on the West End stage?
KB: Well the budget for a start! The English language theatres that I have worked in in Vienna - where I lived for 6 years were generally much smaller - The Adelphi seats something like 1500 whereas the theatre I did A Christmas Carol in was about 100! And nothing quite matches the prestige of a West End show although I did love working in Vienna. I did some wonderful shows with some great actors and directors so....It's great to be home though!
AL: I understand you have directed several projects. Do you have any plans to do so again?
KB: I would love to do more directing, yes, but it's not a priority at the moment. I think eventually I will give up performing but it's still my first love. I miss the control though!
AL: If you could play any role(s) in musical theatre, what would it/they be?
KB: Well PHANTOM of course, in both shows, would literally be a dream come true for me (but unlikely). I have gotten used to the fact that I'm now too old for Marius but maybe JVJ or Javert one day! Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard is on my list as is Raoul in Phantom (though I don't think I have the matinee idol looks needed for that!). Krolock in Tanz Der Vampire or Kaiser Franz Joseph in Elisabeth (if my German was better). Basically I just wanna be a leading man! - That should be a song! If I ever get to play any of these, I'll let you know.
Access London would like to offer a huge Thank You to Kieran for taking part and answering the questions. To keep up to date with what Kieran is doing and his future projects and performances, check out his website at www.KieranBrown.com
To book access tickets to see Kieran and the rest of the cast in Love Never Dies, please call: 08444 124 648. For all other Love Never Dies tickets, please contact: 0870 264 3333.
This ends Access London's posts on the Love Never Dies series. Please visit again soon as there will be posts on another of Andrew Lloyd Webber's shows, The Wizard of Oz and also The London Eye, Tate Britain and Thames River Cruises.
Love Never Dies @ The Adelphi Theatre - Part 1
Welcome back to Access London everyone. Well, June is in full swing and we are almost at the longest day of the year so, let's look at some fabulous evening entertainment in the capital.
Today's post is the first in a two-part series on Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Phantastic' sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies. The story jumps 10 years on from where we left The Phantom, Christine and Raoul at the end of Phantom and is set in America in Coney Island.
The setting for the story is absolute genius and a far cry from the dark depths of the Paris Opera House. Instead of torch and candle light, we have the bright, illuminous lights of Coney Island with all the mysteries and wonders that it has to offer. It is here that we find The Phantom who has risen up to run a magical place called Phantasma. Although successful and having the full support of Meg and Madame Giry, The Phantom still longs for Christine and entinces her, Raoul and their son Gustave over from France to sing for him. As you can imagine all is not straight forward and the story has some unexpected twists and a very dramatic final scene.
Instead of ballet girls and opera divas, Love Never Dies gives the audience acrobats, flame throwers, trapeze artists, some effective and very clever projection and smoke work and beautifully designed sets.
The cast is led by Ramin Karimloo as The Phantom, Celia Graham as Christine and David Thaxton as Raoul (The Phantom is played by Tam Mutu on Mondays and Thursdays). After all the re-writes during its first 6 months, the show has settled down into an exquisite piece of musical theatre. I highly recommend seeing the show but would advise audiences who haven't seen the original Phantom show to see that first. Go to see Love Never Dies with an open mind as the characters aren't always as you might expect after seeing the original but once accepting this, it is an extremely enjoyable night out at the theatre.
The Adelphi is located on The Strand, just a short walk from Charing Cross Station and Trafalgar Square. The theatre itself has excellent access if you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Although the entrance only has 1 step up into the foyer, there is also a ramp in place. The foyer is all on one level and contains the box office and merchandise shop. There are no steps into the stalls of the theatre making this brilliantly accessible. There are 2 spaces towards the back of the stalls for those who need to remain in a wheelchair. For those who use a scooter or can transfer out of their chair then any aisle seat in the stalls is accessible to you. There is only a very shallow slope down towards the stage and a handrail to hold on to. There is an adapted toilet at the entrance to the stalls. Drinks can be brought to disabled patrons during the interval. I found the front of house staff at The Adelphi to be more than helpful in helping those with disabilities to their seat and assisting them after.
There are performances Monday - Saturday evenings at 7.30pm and also matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. To book access tickets, please call: 08444 124 648 for discounted access tickets for you and a carer. For all other ticket purchases, please call: 0870 264 3333.
Access London has been lucky enough to talk to a couple of the cast members from Love Never Dies. Today we are happy to share with you what Daniel Gourlay (Ensemble) had to say. Please come back tomorrow to check out our interview with Kieran Brown (Ensemble/Cover Roaul).
AL: This is your first outing onto the West End stage, how does it feel?
DG: Stepping out onto the West End stage is an amazing feeling. At first I couldn't believe I was going to be doing this every night as it is a dream come true but now I love going into work, doing something I love with a passion.
AL: The show was under an immense amount of pressure being the sequel to one of the most loved pieces of musical theatre. How do you feel the show and cast has coped with this?
DG: I believe the show has been able to deal with the pressure quite well and I think that everyone within the cast has dealt with it all well by sticking together when we had to make a big change - it has helped us all get through it.
AL: As an Ensemble member you have many costume changes throughout the show. What is it like backstage during a show?
DG: It is mad backstage. It is different for everyone but for me the busiest time is coming out of the opening and getting dressed to do Pier 69 and the hotel scenes as I have 3 changes all very quickly. It is fun though watching all the running around and I am always amazed with all the changes and some of the close calls!
AL: There are lots of special effects and stunts in the show. Did you have to learn any new skills for the show?
DG: Already having a lot of the acrobatic skills under my belt before coming to the show, I haven't had to learn too many new tricks as I was already able to tumble and do lifts. Saying that, we are learning everyday, either off one another or by teaching ourselves. Since joining I have learnt how to do fire twirling and I have just started to learn skills to do flying - this is the top person of a double acted. It is a lot of fun and we are always having a laugh when you see someone land something new or you surprise yourself.
AL: What is your favourite scene to perform in the show and what is your favourite scene to watch?
DG: I think my favourite scene to perform in the show would have to be the opening as that is where I do most of my tricks and I enjoy showing them off. My favourite scene to watch is probably the opening with The Phantom singing Till I Hear You Sing, I always enjoy that.
AL: What is like to be part of an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical?
DG: It is great being part of an Andrew Lloyd Webber production and even better being one of his new ones. I think everyone looks forward to being in one of his shows as there is a magic about the show that you really enjoy and get to perform.
AL: What can audiences expect from Love Never Dies?
DG: Without giving anything away I think you need to come with an open mind to expect anything. I think if you come knowing what might happen or that you want to happen then you won't see everything you want to see. I also recommend seeing Phantom of the Opera before seeing Love Never Dies as the story follows on. If you don't it might be a little more tricky to follow.
AL: How do you prepare yourself before performing?
DG: I prepare myself just to have fun. If you are having fun then the audience will be having fun and enjoying the show. I do make sure I warm up as I do tumble and lift people. Most of my warm up is throwing myself around upside down and making sure everything I do in the show is safe and I am 100% focussed on it.
AL: If you could play any role in musical theatre, what would it be?
DG: It would be to play Cosmo Brown in Singin' in the Rain as that is one of my favourite musicals.
Access London would like to offer a huge Thank You to Daniel for agreeing to participate and answer the questions. Don't forget to check back for Part 2 of our Love Never Dies series tomorrow where there will be an interview with Kieran Brown from the cast.
Today's post is the first in a two-part series on Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Phantastic' sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies. The story jumps 10 years on from where we left The Phantom, Christine and Raoul at the end of Phantom and is set in America in Coney Island. 
The setting for the story is absolute genius and a far cry from the dark depths of the Paris Opera House. Instead of torch and candle light, we have the bright, illuminous lights of Coney Island with all the mysteries and wonders that it has to offer. It is here that we find The Phantom who has risen up to run a magical place called Phantasma. Although successful and having the full support of Meg and Madame Giry, The Phantom still longs for Christine and entinces her, Raoul and their son Gustave over from France to sing for him. As you can imagine all is not straight forward and the story has some unexpected twists and a very dramatic final scene.Instead of ballet girls and opera divas, Love Never Dies gives the audience acrobats, flame throwers, trapeze artists, some effective and very clever projection and smoke work and beautifully designed sets.
The cast is led by Ramin Karimloo as The Phantom, Celia Graham as Christine and David Thaxton as Raoul (The Phantom is played by Tam Mutu on Mondays and Thursdays). After all the re-writes during its first 6 months, the show has settled down into an exquisite piece of musical theatre. I highly recommend seeing the show but would advise audiences who haven't seen the original Phantom show to see that first. Go to see Love Never Dies with an open mind as the characters aren't always as you might expect after seeing the original but once accepting this, it is an extremely enjoyable night out at the theatre.
The Adelphi is located on The Strand, just a short walk from Charing Cross Station and Trafalgar Square. The theatre itself has excellent access if you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Although the entrance only has 1 step up into the foyer, there is also a ramp in place. The foyer is all on one level and contains the box office and merchandise shop. There are no steps into the stalls of the theatre making this brilliantly accessible. There are 2 spaces towards the back of the stalls for those who need to remain in a wheelchair. For those who use a scooter or can transfer out of their chair then any aisle seat in the stalls is accessible to you. There is only a very shallow slope down towards the stage and a handrail to hold on to. There is an adapted toilet at the entrance to the stalls. Drinks can be brought to disabled patrons during the interval. I found the front of house staff at The Adelphi to be more than helpful in helping those with disabilities to their seat and assisting them after.
There are performances Monday - Saturday evenings at 7.30pm and also matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. To book access tickets, please call: 08444 124 648 for discounted access tickets for you and a carer. For all other ticket purchases, please call: 0870 264 3333.Access London has been lucky enough to talk to a couple of the cast members from Love Never Dies. Today we are happy to share with you what Daniel Gourlay (Ensemble) had to say. Please come back tomorrow to check out our interview with Kieran Brown (Ensemble/Cover Roaul).
AL: This is your first outing onto the West End stage, how does it feel?DG: Stepping out onto the West End stage is an amazing feeling. At first I couldn't believe I was going to be doing this every night as it is a dream come true but now I love going into work, doing something I love with a passion.
AL: The show was under an immense amount of pressure being the sequel to one of the most loved pieces of musical theatre. How do you feel the show and cast has coped with this?
DG: I believe the show has been able to deal with the pressure quite well and I think that everyone within the cast has dealt with it all well by sticking together when we had to make a big change - it has helped us all get through it.
AL: As an Ensemble member you have many costume changes throughout the show. What is it like backstage during a show?
DG: It is mad backstage. It is different for everyone but for me the busiest time is coming out of the opening and getting dressed to do Pier 69 and the hotel scenes as I have 3 changes all very quickly. It is fun though watching all the running around and I am always amazed with all the changes and some of the close calls!
AL: There are lots of special effects and stunts in the show. Did you have to learn any new skills for the show?
DG: Already having a lot of the acrobatic skills under my belt before coming to the show, I haven't had to learn too many new tricks as I was already able to tumble and do lifts. Saying that, we are learning everyday, either off one another or by teaching ourselves. Since joining I have learnt how to do fire twirling and I have just started to learn skills to do flying - this is the top person of a double acted. It is a lot of fun and we are always having a laugh when you see someone land something new or you surprise yourself.
AL: What is your favourite scene to perform in the show and what is your favourite scene to watch?
DG: I think my favourite scene to perform in the show would have to be the opening as that is where I do most of my tricks and I enjoy showing them off. My favourite scene to watch is probably the opening with The Phantom singing Till I Hear You Sing, I always enjoy that.
AL: What is like to be part of an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical?
DG: It is great being part of an Andrew Lloyd Webber production and even better being one of his new ones. I think everyone looks forward to being in one of his shows as there is a magic about the show that you really enjoy and get to perform.
AL: What can audiences expect from Love Never Dies?
DG: Without giving anything away I think you need to come with an open mind to expect anything. I think if you come knowing what might happen or that you want to happen then you won't see everything you want to see. I also recommend seeing Phantom of the Opera before seeing Love Never Dies as the story follows on. If you don't it might be a little more tricky to follow.
AL: How do you prepare yourself before performing?
DG: I prepare myself just to have fun. If you are having fun then the audience will be having fun and enjoying the show. I do make sure I warm up as I do tumble and lift people. Most of my warm up is throwing myself around upside down and making sure everything I do in the show is safe and I am 100% focussed on it.
AL: If you could play any role in musical theatre, what would it be?
DG: It would be to play Cosmo Brown in Singin' in the Rain as that is one of my favourite musicals.
Access London would like to offer a huge Thank You to Daniel for agreeing to participate and answer the questions. Don't forget to check back for Part 2 of our Love Never Dies series tomorrow where there will be an interview with Kieran Brown from the cast.
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