thelondonseason

new venues

 


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a new venue for the RCA through 31.01.10

Fashion, Room 40 at the V&A is showcasing highlights from the Royal College of Art (RCA) fashion MA graduates' final collections.
The display features over 50 outfits and accessories from an oversize handbag to a leopard print suit. As well as women's wear, knitwear, millinery and footwear design, the display will reveal aspects of the design process including preliminary sketches, illustrations, and models to explore the design stages the students go through to create their final collection, from their inspiration to the finished garment

 

editor, July 2009

 



English National Ballet

present

Kenneth MacMillan's
'The Sleeping Beauty'

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at

London Coliseum

December 03 -14, 2008


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Photographer Credit: Grant Smith

English National Ballet launch their Christmas season with an exclusiveinvite-only VIP celebrity party at St Martins Lane Hotel followed by a performance of Kenneth MacMillan's 'The Sleeping Beauty'.

Guest line-up may include the likes of  David & Samantha Cameron, Alexa Chung, >David & Samantha Cameron, Daisy de Villeneuve, Sadie Frost, Pixie Geldof, >Erin O'Connor, Arlene Phillips OBE, Bill Nighy, Boris Becker, Cherie Lunghi, >Chloe Madeley, Claire Goose, Daisy de Villeneuve, Dannii Minogue, Edith >Bowman , Emily Maitlis, Erin O'Connor, Fabio Capello, Geri Halliwell, Harry Enfield, Heidi Range, Henry Conway, Isaac Ferry, Jade Parfitt, Jane Asher,  Jemima French, Kate Nash, Keisha Buchanan, Laila Rouass, Lily Allen, Lily Cole, Matthew MacFadyen, Matthew Williamson, Nancy Dell'Olio, Natalie Dormer, Sadie Frost, Susie Amy, Tamara Ecclestone, Terri Seymour.

 

 

Tchaikovsky’s glorious music and MacMillan’s classical choreography reawaken the magic of the world’s favourite fairy tale in an enchanted world of castles and curses, forests and fairies. At Princess Aurora’s christening, fairies bestowed her with gifts of beauty, temperament, purity, joy, wit and generosity. The wicked Fairy Carabosse put a curse on Aurora; to prick her finger and die on her 16th birthday.

The beautiful and kind Lilac Fairy cast a spell to counter the curse so that instead of dying Aurora fell asleep for a hundred years. Only the touch of true love’s kiss could awaken her and undo the evil spell…

Join English National Ballet’s 67 dancers and full orchestra for this dazzling ballet.

 

London Coliseum
St. Martin's Lane
Trafalgar Square
London WC2N 4ES

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Photographer Credit: Grant Smith
Dec 03, 7:30pm
Dec 04, 7:30pm
Dec 05, 7:30pm
Dec 06, 2:30pm
Dec 06, 7:30pm
Dec 07, 2:30pm
Dec 09, 7:30pm
Dec 10, 7:30pm
Dec 11, 7:30pm
Dec 12, 7:30pm
Dec 13, 2:30pm
Dec 13, 7:30pm
Dec 14, 2:30pm

The production runs for approximately three hours, including two intervals of 20 minutes.

editor, December 2008

 

 

Company of Angels

present

Theatre Café Festival

at Southwark Playhouse



November 10 -15, 2008

 

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the review:

From a selection of different productions at the festival, we chose The Child by Jöel Pommerat.

This is not its first performance in the UK - in fact this award winning production has been performed in a number of countries - and it is easy to see why.

In the round, the play is a series of short 'conversations' between different family members.

In each case, it is the 'child' that appears to dictate the mood; and it is usually the child who is dominant : from the little boy who reverses the parent/child roles and reassures his mother; to the child who tells her father that seeing him irregularly is simply not enough and that she would prefer to never to see him again.

Many members of the audience will be able to identify with one or more the relationships.   There is no set, no staging - just a series of brief conversations - generally, but not always - between two family members .  And at the end of each dialogue there is dissatisfaction and resignation and recognition that the family relationship has broken down and is beyond repair.

Awkward moments generate uncomfortable laughs from an audience of all ages who without exception identified with the not-so-perfect families which form so much of today's modern and sophisticated society.

The under-the-arches theatre - very close to London Bridge Station - is the perfect setting for this 'stripped-down' play.

For those who missed it, keep an eye out for a TV version in the future - which would certainly have my vote!

 

Company of Angels present Theatre Café Festival - it is theatre for Young People (14+), a frequently neglected area, which is bridging the gap between children’s and adult theatre.
Theatre Café Europe is about giving a platform to new European plays, some of which are written expressly for young people, while some have simply caught the imagination of young people in their own countries.

The Theatre Café Festival International Symposium brings together writers, directors, translators, producers and programmers to see and discuss some of the most exciting work for young people currently being performed in Europe.

The Symposium is led by Chris Campbell, Deputy Literary Manager, National Theatre and feature two productions and five staged readings of the above new European plays, each followed by a panel discussion with the writer and director, and the presentation of the Young Angels Theatremakers Award 2008 - a competitive £20,000 award for a young theatremaker or creative team to develop, showcase and produce Jonas Hassen Khemiri’s Invasion! 
(The full-length production dates will be: The Junction, Cambridge, 5th March; Soho Theatre, 9th ­ 28th March 2009).

The productions at Southwark Playhouse, Mon 10th ­ Sat 15th November are open to public viewing, and the readings at the Unicorn Theatre are open to public viewing Tue 11th ­ Thu 13th November.

 
 

Southwark Playhouse operates a 'airline ticket' style pricing:

(the earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket) from £8 (US$14) to £13 (US$22).

located at:

Shipwright Yard Corner of Tooley St & Bermondsey Street, London SE1 2TF

Tel: +4420 7407 0234

 

 

editor, November 2008

 


the second Russian Film Festival at

the fabulous Apollo West End

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September 18 - 28, 2008

 

 
 

 

Between September 18 - 28, 2008, ten prize-winning films, produced in 2007-2008, will be premiered in London showcasing the very best of new Russian cinema.

The programme promises a variety of styles, genres and themes, depicting a multifaceted Russian culture from new, imaginative angles. The main programme presents the most recent works of young directors and well-established cinematic masters. 

Alongside the main program is a selection of documentary, short and animation films for children and adults including a special programme of experimental cinema created in partnership with the legendary Moscow film club Cine Fantom; and a premium selection of short films by young filmmakers presented by another prominent Moscow film club Art Kino.

Audiences have the opportunity to meet and share their thoughts with some of the most prominent figures of contemporary Russian cinema during numerous special events: talks, panel discussions and master classes.

The Russian Film Festival also features a special issue of ROSSICA N19 journal dedicated to ‘100 Years of Russian Cinema’, various topics from unknown Russian films of the early 20th century to reviews of the best contemporary creations, and interviews with Russia’s most prominent filmmakers.
 

the review:


It would not be unexpected to discover that the Russian film festival offers up a somewhat reflective view of today's society.

No-one should forget that St Petersburg was - not so long ago - the Paris of Eurasia; and modern day Russians are often seen to 'struggle' to reclaim their inheritance.

Two films encapsulate Russia's introspection about its country and inhabitants.

In 'Simple Things' the protagonist 'struggles' to survive in the tough world of St Petersburg.  An anesthetist working in one of  the city hospitals, his character wrestles with his life, his work, his wife and the interminable struggle to make ends meet.

The West may see rich Russia and the wealthy oligarchs; but it is difficult to imagine a doctor in London or New York 'struggling to make ends meet'.

The movie addresses the issues of work, marriage, relationships and much more through the eyes of one man; but his character fails to truly engage the movie-goer because he is neither 'good' nor 'bad'.  In fact, the audience finds any emotional involvement a challenge.  Yes, he is unfaithful and he does drink; but like the other characters portrayed in the movie, he does little more than illustrate his underlying insecurities.  The star of the show is the aging actor who plays the 'manipulation card' to perfection; and that characteristic dominates in the film  'Cruelty'.

In Cruelty we find a much more extreme character.  The lead is just a truly nasty girl who does everything she can to get her hands on a magic pot of gold.  And her 'revenge' on men - which becomes contagious - is so lacking in charm that this dangerous adventure is at once captivating and revolting.

Moscow appears a violent city as 'revenge piles upon revenge'.  And although there may be some truth in the picture painted by the director that greed - at the expense of others - rules, it is an  insight into a Russia full of inequalities and disillusionment that dominates and leaves a somewhat bitter taste in the minds of the London audience.

Manipulation may be a common thread in the selection of films in the festival, but on a positive note, there is a significant energized, emerging 21st century film industry in Russia and the honesty and integrity of the film makers should be applauded for its lack of commercialism.

 
 

2nd Russian Film Festival Programme

Thursday 18 September
- Opening Night Live To Remember (100 min)
With introduction 6.45pm-8.10pm

Friday 19 September
Rock Monologue (69 min) & A Melody for German (26 min) (documentary)
With introduction 6pm-7.55pm

Nirvana (93 min) Q&A with cast and crew 8.30pm-9.33pm

Saturday 20 September
Flash Smash: Russian Digital Animation (45 min) With introduction by Dr. Vlad Strukov 4pm-4.45pm

Nirvana (93 min) 6pm-7.33pm

12 (153 min) Q&A with cast 8pm-10.33pm

Sunday 21st September
Art Kino: shorts programme (70 min) 4pm-5.10pm

Terra Nova (140 min) 6pm-8.20pm

Simple Things (110 min) 8pm-9.50pm Price: £12.50/ concessions £10/ AR members 2 for 1 (concession rate)

Monday 22 September
Simple Things (110 min) 6pm-7.50pm Screen 5

12 (153 min) 8pm-10.33pm

Tuesday 23 September
Blue Noses: video art (45min) 6pm-6.45pm

Terra Nova (140 min) 6pm-8.20pm

Cruelty (90 min) 8pm-9.30pm

Wednesday 24 September Cruelty (90 min) 6pm-7.30pm

Best of Times (93 min) Q&A with the director 8pm-9.33pm

Thursday 25 September
Cine Fantom: experimental shorts (61min) 2pm-3.01pm With introduction

Roundtable: Documentary Fiction vs. Fictional Documentary 4pm- 5.45pm

Virginity (89 min) 6pm-7.29pm With introduction by the director

All three events above can be purchased at a concessions rate - £24; or separately as priced.

Wild Field (104 min) 8pm-9.44pm  

Friday 26th September
Wild Field (104 min) 6pm-7.44pm Q&A with the director

Drunken Sailor (documentary) (90 min) 8.30pm-10.00pm

Saturday 27 September
Open Rehearsal event: Archives and Films: Witnesses of Time Regained Master class with Evgeny Tsymbal 4pm-5.45pm

20 Cigarettes (90 min) 6pm-7.30pm Q&A with crew Price: £12.50/ concessions £10/ AR members 2 for 1 (concession rate)

Live To Remember (100 min) 8.30pm-10.10pm Price: £12.50/ concessions £10/ AR members 2 for 1 (concession rate)

Sunday 28 September
Open Rehearsal event: Film Festival: Art or Business? Talk by Andrei Plakhov and BFI team 4pm-5.30 pm

Best of Times (93 min) 6pm-7.33pm

Closing Night Screening Yuri's Day (137 min) 7pm-9.17pm

Monday 29 September
Extra run dedicated to Film Symposium in BAFTA: Yuri's Day (137 min) 6pm-8.17pm

20 Cigarettes (90 min) 8.30pm-10.00pm

 

The Apollo West End, Regent Street is the perfect venue for a film festival with its 5 screens and ritzy bar.

 

editor,  September 2008

 


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Psycho Buildings: Artists and Architecture

through August 25, 2008

at the Hayward Gallery, Southbank

'The Hayward remains one of my most favourite art galleries and the exhibit Psycho Buildings: Artists and Architecture celebrates The Hayward's 40th anniversary.

As one of the world’s most architecturally unique exhibition venues, the exhibition effectively re-invents the venue and makes it a fun indoor/outdoor space with artists imaginatively taking on the world usually owned by the architect .

The exhibition brings alive the work of the artists who have created habitat-like structures and architectural environments with a twist.  They are perceptual and physical spaces as much as psychological ones.    Visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in these somewhat surreal and atmospheric installations that redefine the way that we relate to our surroundings.

Become an adventurous participant as you explore The Hayward's spaces inside and out, including a room frozen in a moment of explosive disaster, an eerie village of over 200 dollhouses, a floating plastic cloud and a skyline boating pond.

Artists included in the exhibition are Atelier Bow-Wow (Japan), Michael Beutler (Germany), Los Carpinteros (Cuba), Gelitin (Austria), Mike Nelson (UK), Ernesto Neto (Brazil), Tobias Putrih (Slovenia), Tomas Saraceno (Argentina), Do-Ho Suh (Korea), Rachel Whiteread (UK).

The exhibition also includes a cinema screening of architecturally inspired films including: Chris Burden Beam Drop (1984) Andrea Fraser Little Frank and his Carp (2001) Gordon Matta Clark, Conical Intersect (1975) and Jane Crawford and Robert Fiore, Sheds, (2004)

If you are interested in building, space and architecture don't miss this exhibit which allows you to explore your potential future environment

 

editor, June 2008


 


A Big Birthday Bash

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June 27, 2008

 


46664 Concert
Honouring Nelson Mandela
at 90

 
 

A Gathering of 46,664 Great Friends and Supporters will attend the London, Hyde Park Concert

Many of the world's most powerful and instantly recognisable figures and a concert audience of 46,664 will pay their tributes to one of the world's iconic figures: Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and icon of freedom, Nelson 'Madiba' Mandela, as he turns 90 later this year.

Among many guests attending you may spot President Bill Clinton, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Will Smith, Ms. Oprah Winfrey, Robert de Niro and Forest Whitaker.

Artists confirmed as specially invited to perform for Mr. Mandela's birthday concert include Queen + Paul Rodgers, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds, Leona Lewis, the Sugababes, Dame Shirley Bassey, Razorlight, Andrea and Sharon Corr, Eddy Grant, and Jamelia, along with international 46664 Ambassadors Italy's Zucchero and Spain's Amaral.

The concert proceeds will go to the 46664 campaign which raises awareness about the impact of AIDS, especially in Africa, and promotes effective HIV prevention measures throughout the world.

 

editor, May 2008


 


A1GP on track in
Lower Regent Street

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Team GB - Jarvis and Kerr

April 27, 2008

 


 

Ahead of the season finale at Brands Hatch on 2 - 4 May, A1GP World Cup of Motorsport will make a pit stop in London's West End on Sunday 27 April. Lower Regent Street in London will be transformed into an A1GP grid with all 22 nations' single-seat race cars lining up. Visitors to one of London most iconic streets will have the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the 22 teams and drivers - as well as meeting Formula One legends Emerson Fittipaldi and Alan Jones - in an exciting family-friendly festival atmosphere. The event will boast a live stage with jumbo screens broadcasting A1GP's high-speed racing highlights and driver interviews from throughout the 2007/08 season. And to mark, A1GP's partnership with Ferrari, two 599 GTBs used as the series' safety car will also be on display. Display stands, interactive competitions along with food and crafts from competing nations will line the route and give a truly international feel to the day. With action for all the family the A1GP Regent Street Pit Stop will include tyre change challenges, activities for the kids and the ever-popular A1GP grid girls. There will also be the opportunity to witness the roar of an A1GP car engine to start the day.

 

editor, April 2008

 

 

 


The Ugly Duckling and Me

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at

a movie theatre near you

from

February 8, 2008

 


 

It is rare that an animation targeted at kids attracts the attention of the editorial team at thelondonseason but The Ugly Duckling and Me is a charming and funny Scandinavian production that will appeal to adults and children alike.   Based on the much loved fairytale The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen, The Ugly Duckling and Me tells the story of Ratso, a wheeler dealer city rat, and Ugly, a baby duckling who goes through all the growing pains of the average child, teenager and through to adulthood.

Ratso scrapes by a living as a theatrical agent of a hapless, eternally ungrateful worm named Wesley. When Ratso ends up on a duck farm and becomes the caretaker of a large egg, he discover a potential new winning talent as the egg cracks and an unsightly hatchling emerges.  Ratso nicknames it "Ugly" and reluctantly finds himself assuming the role of the chick's de facto father.

Dollar signs flash before Ratso's eyes as he sees Ugly as a potential source of income and he schemes to exploit his ugliness as an attraction at his cousin Ernie's countryside carnival. Together, the unlikely pair escape the duck yard for the Big Time, embarking on an adventure-filled journey that sees Ugly discovering the truth about his own and Ratso's identity. Along the way, even the heartless rodent comes to realize that there is much more to life than making a quick buck.

Filmmakers Michael Hegner and Karsten Kiilerich deliver top-notch 3D animation in this rollicking, lightning-paced story full of visual humour, witticism, and snappy dialogue that will delight the whole family   It may be animation but it truly reflects some of the more painful aspects of growing up in today's relentless overwhelming 'celebrity look-good' culture.

Don't miss it at a movie theater near you from February 8, 2008.

 

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editor, January, 2008

 

 

 

JACQUES BREL - THE RAGE TO LIVE
Celebrating the talent and work of
Jacques Brel

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with Anthony Cable as Brel

at

New End Theatre, Hampstead
December 26, 2007 ­ January 13, 2008


see review below

 
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the review:  The intimate New End Theatre proved a good choice for a very unexpected Christmas show.  More like cabaret than theatre, Anthony Cable gave a fabulous insight into many aspects of the legend that is Jacques Brel.

This very upbeat show portrayed an international celebrity who loved life - and because of his somewhat addictive personality - lived it to the full!

Cable's dialogue between the songs was not as effective as his passionate singing performance.  The story was somewhat repetitive and on occasions failed to provide an insight into some essential aspects of Brel's life   It succeeded best when the stories were anecdotal - such as the brief but very descriptive story of  Brel's film career; but the audience was often left out in the cold without a real insight into the more obsessive aspects of Brel personlaity.

The staging, lighting and choreography were particularly effective and the accompaniment of a piano and accordion set the scene perfectly.

At times Cable slid into a rather strange variety of accents as he told Brel's story, but his ability to portray Brel's character through the brilliant lyrics was pure entertainment.

After the show, a group of ten Swiss French and Brits discussed the skills of Mr Cable: his ability to seamlessly switch back and forth singing in French and English, and as a performer, that he unquestionably sang from the heart.

We would have enjoyed the show more if we had been sitting at  small tables drinking champagne in a cabaret style venue, rather than the traditional theater seating on offer at the New End; but, whatever the minor shortcomings of this show, it is definitely worth a visit.


****************************************

 

Written and directed by Judith Paris, lyrics translated and performed by Anthony Cable accompanied by Franko Božac.

This new show, THE RAGE TO LIVE, is presented by Song Merchants.  Musical direction is by Stuart Barr.

The play, set in 1978, follows Brel’s thoughts as he waits to see his specialist. A heavy smoker, he had already undergone major surgery for lung cancer four years earlier. He recalls not only his career ­ early successes, his brief love affair with the musical theatre and his years in the film business ­ but also his personal life with his wife and daughters,
complicated by his passionate affairs with other women. His growing need for solitude caused him to take up solo flying and sailing and eventually led him to the remote Polynesian island where he found peace.

Jacques Brel’s songs ranged from light-hearted to dark and bitter, mocking nationalism, religion, love and death. In THE RAGE TO LIVE five songs are sung in English, five in French and five in a mixture of the two languages.  They include old favourites and two as yet unpublished songs. The text is spoken in English.
 

Judith Paris trained at the Royal Ballet School and danced with the company.
She was a member of the Royal National Theatre company for eleven years and
at the RSC for three seasons. She has performed extensively in the West End
in both musical and straight theatre and made her Broadway debut in MEDEA
with Diana Rigg, followed by HECUBA with Vanessa Redgrave. Last year she
played Mrs. Higgins in MY FAIR LADY on tour for the RNT/Cameron Mackintosh.
As a playwright her credits include WEILL AND LENYA and LA GOULUE OF THE
MOULIN ROUGE.

Anthony Cable is currently appearing in THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Palladium.
His career includes popular music, music theatre and classical concerts and
opera, for which he trained at both the Newcastle School of Music and the
Guildhall School of Music and Drama. As an actor, he appeared in LOVE’S
LABOURS LOST and ANYTHING GOES at the Royal National Theatre, both directed by Trevor Nunn.

Stuart Barr has a dual career as musical director and singing coach for both
TV and the West End. He is also a conductor, is currently judging the BBC’s
Young Musician of the Year 2008 and runs a busy private teaching studio for
West End singers.

Franko Božac is the first Academic Accordion Professor in his native Croatia. A many times prize winner at international festivals, he has performed with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, recorded concerts for BBC Radio 3, formed his own quintet and has achieved international status as a soloist. He will be playing a 7-octave button Arco accordion.

 

2008 marks the 30th anniversary of Jacques Brel's death from lung cancer. He was 49. Brel had hurled himself quite literally against life, writing, performing, touring, drinking and smoking through countless sleepless nights and passionate love affairs. Then in 1966 his life changed.

Jacques Brel died of cancer, aged 49, in October 1978.

 

What do you do when you are faced with a wall?
Do you go round it or climb over it? Me, I go through it with a pickaxe.'

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when:  December 26, 2007 to January 13, 2008 at 9.30pm
No shows on Tuesday

where:  New End Theatre
27 New End
London NW3

what:   Running time 75 minutes

how:  Box Office +44870 033 2733

how much:  Tickets: £15 (US$32)

 

editor, December 27, 2007

 

 

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Phil Collins: The return of the real

through November 10, 2007

at

The Victoria Miro Gallery

 

In his new and timely exhibition - the return of the real - Phil Collins investigates the post-documentary culture which reality television has come to epitomise, and the accompanying issues of authenticity and illusion, intimacy and inaccuracy, expectation and betrayal.

Popular factual programming has been the central focus of Collins' multifaceted practice for the last four years. When the artist was nominated for the 2006 Turner Prize, he decided to use the world's highest profile art award to directly engage with the media, and in particular with the talk-show, makeover and reality-show formats which dominate 21st century television.

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the return of the real #2, 2007,
Lightjet print on Fuji Crystal Archive paper, framed, 42 x 28 cm unframed,
copyright the artist

 
Victoria Miro first opened her gallery in Cork St, London in 1985. In 2000 she moved to an 8,000 sq ft former furniture factory in the northeast. In October 2006 the gallery expanded further opening Victoria Miro 14, a 9,000 sq ft exhibition and viewing space adjacent to the original gallery. Today the gallery is one of the largest commercial spaces in London.

Combining established names with younger talent, Victoria Miro represents four Turner Prize nominees: Ian Hamilton Finlay, Peter Doig, Isaac Julien and Phil Collins and two winners Chris Ofili and Grayson Perry.
Victoria Miro Gallery
16 Wharf Road
London N1 7RW
t: +44 (0)20 7336 8109
Opening hours
Tuesday - Saturday 10.00am - 6.00pm
Monday by appointment

editor, October 10, 2007

 

through november 25, 2007

ZAHA HADID

aRCHITECTURE AND dESIGN

AT

tHE dESIGN mUSEUM, LONDON'S sOUTHBANK

Zaha Hadid Zaha Hadid Zaha Hadid is one of the most distinctive creative talents of her generation. She
won the Pritzker Prize in 2004, when she had only just completed her first substantial project, the Rosenthal Centre for Contemporary Art in Cincinnati. Now she is busy working on projects that range from masterplans in Singapore and Istanbul, to an opera house in China, a museum in Rome, and a skyscraper in Dubai. In the last year Hadid has opened two substantial buildings in Germany: a car factory for BMW and the Phaeno Science Centre, for which she was shortlisted for the 2006 RIBA Stirling Prize. Both have triumphantly demonstrated her ability to translate the essence of her virtuoso spatial invention in solid form.

The Design Museum exhibition will be the first full scale show of Zaha Hadid’s work in the UK. It will also be one of the largest projects undertaken by the Design Museum, spread over two floors of galleries, and will focus on this recent extraordinarily productive period in Hadid’s

born in baghdad in 1950, she first
came to London to study architecture in
1972, and this year celebrates 30 years
in practice. She runs an office of 250
people, working on projects that range
in scale from urban masterplans in
Singapore and Istanbul, to domestic
objects and furniture.
In the 1980s Hadid attracted
international attention for her unbuilt
projects that remained on paper, but
nevertheless transformed expectations
of what architecture could be. recently
completed designs, including the
Phaeno Science Center in Wolfsburg,
the bmW Central building in Leipzig and
the rosenthal Center for Contemporary
Art in Cincinnati, demonstrate Hadid’s
commitment to building. She is currently
working on a series of projects that will
serve as defining landmarks in such
disparate settings as Dubai, rome
and Guangzhou.

London was in the depths of recession
when Hadid arrived as a student in
the 1970s. Its architects were
experiencing both a shortage of work
and a loss of confidence. modernism,
as pioneered by Le Corbusier and mies
van der rohe in the 1930s, looked dead
as the utopias of the 1960s soured.
the Architectural Association, where
Hadid studied from 1972 to 1977,
provided a unique centre for debate
about new directions in design. under
Alvin boyarsky’s leadership it attracted
radical thinkers and practitioners of
every ideological persuasion. At one
time, bernard tschumi, rem Koolhaas,
Leon Krier and brian Anson were all
on the teaching staff. Classicists,
community activists, conservationists
and radical modernists all had a
platform. the experience clearly had
a profound effect on Hadid.
the school provided an environment
in which Hadid could explore one of
the twentieth century’s great art
movements, russian Constructivism.
this revolutionary period was the point
of departure for her breakthrough
project – the winning design for
the Peak – an apartment complex and
club overlooking the city of Hong Kong.
the design rejected the current
architectural style of Post-modernism
that applied decorative classical
columns and cosmetic stone façades to
every new project. Although never built,
the extraordinarily dynamic paintings
that she used to convey the essence
of the design commanded worldwide
attention and continue to shape Hadid’s
thinking today.

A series of architectural competitions
were the focus for a huge outpouring
of design energy in the early part of
Hadid’s career. these powerful visions
persuaded rolf Felhbaum, the owner
of the furniture manufacturer vitra,
to commission Hadid’s first realised
project, a fire station on the company’s
factory complex at Weil am rhein in
Germany. It was followed by a series of
unrealised designs, including the Cardiff
bay opera House (1994-96), one of the
great ‘might have beens’ of architecture
in britain. Hadid belonged to a
generation familiar with the idea of
architecture as a speculative, theoretical
activity in which design drawings were
as important as building. the delay
between conceiving the designs that
made her reputation, and building them,
made it inevitable that Hadid would be
represented as being more concerned
with theory than practice. these
schemes, however, gave her the
opportunity to develop ideas and
working methods that would form
the basis of new work.

After the vitra Fire Station was
completed in 1993, Hadid built very
little until the major projects of the last
three years. taken together, the Phaeno
Science Center, the bmW Central
building and the rosenthal Center for
Contemporary Art powerfully lay to
rest the myth that Hadid is primarily
a theorist rather than a builder. each
has a strong material quality, and
demonstrates her ability to translate the
dynamic warping and disruption of space
evident in her drawings into physical
reality. In these projects the jagged,
linear spaces of her earlier work have
melted into more voluptuous forms.

Work in progress
A wave of remarkable buildings, now
under construction across the world,
will define the next stage in Hadid’s
career. She is one of very few architects
operating on a global scale, building
outside the usual european and north
American circuit, with commissions
throughout the middle east, russia,
India as well as China. Hadid has a
visibility that has attracted projects
on an increasing scale. She continues
to explore fresh shapes and new
thinking, making the transition from
the world of theory and research,
to large-scale practice. and projects include
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‘the opus’ office tower, Dubai, uAe, 2007
and
London Aquatics Centre, London
in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games

objects and furniture
Design and architecture are different
activities. their scale, material and
structure require a distinct tactical
approach. In the last decade, architects
have rediscovered an interest in
designing small-scale objects, often
seduced by working on a 1:1 scale
within a short timescale. A chair is not
a miniature building, but it can offer the
opportunity to explore an idea, or an
architectural form. Hadid’s designs
include both functional furniture and
limited edition pieces that occupy
territory somewhere between art
and design.


Design museum
Shad thames, London Se1 2YD
designmuseum.org
opening hours
Daily 10am – 5.45pm
Last admission 5.15pm
Admission
£7 (US$15) adults;
£4 (US$9) students + concessions;
free to members and the under 12s

events

Zaha Hadid will be in conversation
with Deyan Sudjic on 12 october.
Design overtime, the museum’s late
opening event, will return on october 5.
For tickets, call +4420 7940 8783

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saving the Cutty Sark

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Jools Holland (above) and guests
Lulu, Louise Marshall, and Ruby Turner

at indigO2

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at the O2

(nee The Dome)

on July 2, 2007

 
 

JOOLS HOLLAND

LOCAL BOY JOOLS HOLLAND HELPS THE   RESTORATION FUND FOR LONDON's  LANDMARK, THE CUTTY SARK WITH BENEFIT GIG ON 2ND JULY  at opening night of the indigO2 (part of the infamous Dome)

The sensational Jools Holland accompanied by his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra opens London’s most exciting new live entertainment venue, the indigO2.

The Cutty Sark Benefit Gig on 2nd July follows  the fire that swept through the famous 19th century ship Cutty Sark in May.

The vessel is now undergoing a £25m restoration project and local Greenwich boy Jools Holland will be making his contribution to a good cause.

Proceeds from the gig will be donated to the Cutty Sark Trust to rebuild the 150-year-old tea clipper.

Performing tracks from his vast catalogue of hits, Jools will be joined on stage by three of the world’s biggest stars, the iconic Lulu, Louise Marshall, and soul songstress Ruby Turner– an all star line up not to be missed!

A historical night for London, as Jools Holland open’s East London’s exciting new music venue, indigo2, whilst raising money for one of London’s oldest landmarks.

 
 


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State-of-the-art venue indigO2 opens on 2nd July 2007 as part of the multi-million pound redevelopment of the O2. Located in the heart of London with fantastic travel links via Thames Clippers on The O2 Express service or 7 stops on the Jubilee Line from Westminster. This new 2,350 capacity venue with superior facilities is set to be the jewel in the crown of London's already vibrant live music scene.

As a purpose-built music venue, indigO2 has been designed with perfect acoustics and has installed a top of the range JBL sound system, plus comprehensive, intelligent moving Vari-Lite lighting with follow spots. And for maximum audience enjoyment indigO2 features faultless sightlines; '7 second pint' fast pour technology at its two large bars, table service in the venue's 'Purple Lounge' with premium views of the stage, plus the luxury of more restrooms per audience member than any other venue of comparable size, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere, fantastic view and no long queues!

 

the editor, June 2007

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Antic Disposition presents

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at

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JERMYN STREET THEATRE

featuring

JAMES PELLOW
as
Lady Bracknell

April 16, 2007 through May 12, 2007

 


the review

A theatre journalist is often inundated with press releases from which they somewhat cynically select the shows that they plan to review.

So when a publicist forwarded the release on The Importance of Being Earnest at the Jermyn Street Theatre, I was intrigued.

First of all, I had not had a chance to visit the renovated venue. And secondly, the image on my desktop of a male actor playing Lady Bracknell gave me the opportunity to evaluate a new slant on a play that I had seen many times in the past.

I then - somewhat erroneously - made the next giant leap of faith and assumed as this publicist specialized in musical theatre, that this was an all-male cast performing a musical version of the Importance of Being Ernest in a tiny intimate, venue bang in the centre of London. A first in my career!

Enthusiastically, I accepted the invitation for press night and sitting in the front row I was determined to be open-minded about the originality and suitability of this unusual interpretation.

I struggled with the concept in the opening moments, as I was having difficulty working out how the 'male actor' playing Gwendolen Fairfax could possibly be a man; while at the same time concentrating equally hard on how to be sure that I did not trip up one of the very 'close-up and personal' actors.

I had little opportunity to discreetly check-out the programme; and then, seizing my moment, I took a quick glance, only to discover that the only member of the cast not playing a character of their own sex was James Pellow in the role of Lady Bracknell. All that mis-directed energy was then transferred to watching a very enjoyable and intimate production.

Pellow played his role entirely straight and the rest of the cast entertained the audience with a subtle raising of an eyebrow, pouting lips and haughty profiles.

The Jermyn Street Theatre added an additional and very welcome ingredient to the experience. The audience was drawn into the performance and became almost 'the confidante' of the characters, rather than spectators.

This very entertaining production of one of Oscar Wilde's best known plays is well worth a visit! And both the location and the venue are just great.

And the moral of the story. Read the reviews with more care than some journalists read the press releases!

********************

This is the story of the Jermyn Street Theatre.

The Jermyn Street Theatre was once the changing rooms for the staff of the Getti Restaurant (formerly the Spaghetti House Restaurant) upstairs.

In late 1991, Howard Jameson had a vision - to transform the space into a luxury studio theatre in the heart of the West End.  Materials, expertise and services were donated by 56 British companies and with major donation from Laings Builders, the challenge was complete. The doors in August 1994.

In 1997, a further National Lottery Grant from the Arts Council of England led to , even better facilities!

The aim is to provide talented new actors, directors and writers with the opportunity to be recognised and given a platform in the best West End Studio Theatre. In smart, comfortable surroundings and with other members of the profession, the goal is also to raise funds for other worthwhile charities.

The theatre is run by the Trustees, all of whom are volunteers.  They may well serve you in the bar, or sell you a ticket. The Treasurer sometimes doubles as the cleaner and the Chairman has been known to do the vacuuming - and allpart of the 'unshakeable' passion to help those in need.

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Frivolous man-about-town Algernon Moncrieff has invented a fictitious invalid friend named Bunbury, who regularly requires his presence in the country. His countrified friend Jack Worthing has created an imaginary brother named Ernest, who frequently requires his presence in town. Providing the perfect excuse to avoid all manner of social occasions, these seemingly harmless deceptions cause colossal confusion as the truth is unravelled when both men make proposals of marriage. But precisely who wants to marry whom?

Central to proceedings is the dominant figure of Lady Bracknell, whose disapproval of Jack as a potential fiancée for her daughter Gwendolen acts as a catalyst for the events that ensue. James Pellow undertakes the invigorating challenge of playing the patriarchal role of Lady Bracknell in a way that reinforces the absurdity of her character whilst conveying the sincerity of her convictions and social status. The cast of this exuberant production also includes Stephen Carlile who recent played Freddy in the UK tour of My Fair Lady as Algernon, Ian Hallard (Where the Heart Is) as Jack and Georgina Carey as Gwendolen.

Produced by burgeoning young theatre company Antic Disposition, The Importance of Being Earnest is directed by Ben Horslen and John Risebero with design by John Risebero, lighting design by Howard Hudson and music by James Burrows.




Jermyn Street Theatre, Jermyn Street, London SW1
Box Office: +44207 287 2875


Mon - Fri 7.30pm, Sat 3.00pm & 7.30pm  Tickets: £16.00 (US$31)
Preview performances on April: 16-18, 2007: £10.00 (US$19)

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The ICA

may not be a new venue but it has recently raised its game by showcasing a series of new documentary movies: the latest of which is My Name is Albert Ayler.

 

evening performances from February 9 -15, 2007

 

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My Name is Albert Ayler is a documentary movie about the prophetic free jazz saxophonist Albert Ayler, who is seen as one of the most important innovators of his time.  He was obsessed with the idea of radical music - which for the most part originated from the heart and the soul and the feelings of the moment - rather from a page of sheet music.  Largely disregarded in the USA, he spent much of his time in Sweden where in 1962 he recorded his first album. Eight years later he was found dead in New York's East River, aged 34.  His death remains a mystery.

The film follows the trail of Ayler from his native town of Cleveland by way of Sweden to New York.

For fans of jazz, this documentary is a must.   It incorporates  historic footage of performances of Ayler's band, interlaced with memories from friends and family. 

His style of jazz was innovative - and although many of his colleagues did not necessarily understand it or even know where it came from - they all recognized his great musical talent.

What gives the film a broader interest and wider appeal is the fashion in which the director captures a moment in time in the USA when black Americans were often isolated. 

Ayler's music in many respects mirrors the soul of the political agenda at the time; and his 'escape' to a much more liberal Sweden makes further comment on how music was included or excluded in a society where equality was still something for the future.

A beautiful documentary encompassing music and the mood of the USA and Europe, My name is Albert Ayler is a sad and moving retrospective which can be appreciated by everyone.

On February 9, 2007 director Kasper Collin will introduce the film and take part in a post-screening Q&A session, hosted by The Wire's editor-in-chief Tony Herrington.

 

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The ICA
The Mall
London SW1
Box Office: +4420 7930 3647

 

 

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The Roundhouse

presents

FUERZABRUTA

From the creators of De La Guarda Directed by Diqui James

Previewing from
June 1, 2006

 
the review:
 

Fuerzabruta can best be described as the ultimate in dance installation; and it provides an ideal launchpad for the updated and upgraded Roundhouse (see below for more information).

The opening show makes perfect use of the 'in-the-round' space; as today's contemporary dance breaks new barriers in testing the strength of the dancers and the imagination of the choreographers.

The audience - who move around the open 'stage' along with the action - watch in awe as the dancers/actors crash through barriers, travel at speed around a a circular curtain and swim and glide with grace in a suspended pool of water.

The music follows the rhythm of the dancers and the choreography is enhanced by the sounds from the DJ.

Wear comfortable shoes because you will be standing for the duration of this hour-long sound and light, acrobatic dance and mime spectacular.

It's a one-of-a-kind show which successfully synthesizes modern choreography and special effects with contemporary music and visual tricks.

Don't miss out.  It's a perfect to start the night and can be followed by anything from serious clubbing to a romantic dinner. 

 
 

The Roundhouse, north London's landmark cultural venue reopens on June 1, 2006.

The opening show - Fuerzabruta - follows the enormous success of its predecessor De La Guarda which played to packed crowds for close to a year at the Roundhouse in 1999/2000.

The show combines the most physical theatre with the most stunning theatrical imagery the UK will have ever seen, and plunges its audience into a world that is at times hard, dark and aggressive, and at other times joyous and celebratory.

Twelve performers hurtle through this 65 minute show at breakneck speed, using every elemental force known to man. At times the performance treads the edge of real danger with alarming effect, the audience engages with what increasingly becomes an investigation into the mind of a crowd, where occasionally one person is left alone, struggling against the masses.

Like those of De La Guarda, the visuals and effects are stunning. Performers run and tumble across a vertical wall of technicolour cloth, a man runs headlong through a wall, two people try desperately to connect from opposite sides of a huge spinning and whirling sail and - most extraordinary of all - performers dance in watery world just above the audience's heads.

This all takes place to a soundtrack that traverses thumping club beats to the mellow sounds of new world music. The show is awash with colour and light, at times the bright strobed and head spinning lights of a nightclub, at other times soft, warming and beautiful colours fill the space.

 
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A legendary venue
The Roundhouse - a historic steam engine shed built in Camden, London in 1846 - became a legendary venue in the 1960s and 70s. This is where punk and glam rock started, where The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd made their names and where The Doors played their only UK gig. It hosted the most spectacular and controversial theatrical performances of their day including works by Peter Brook and the Living Theater from New York.

Arts for everyone
The Roundhouse has always encouraged the idea of 'arts for everyone' and young people and others have participated in all forms of creative work here. Unfortunately the building closed in 1983 and remained empty for many years, waiting for the next stage in its extraordinary career. In 1996 the Roundhouse Trust was set up to lead its redevelopment.

The Roundhouse launches with a thrilling production! This sensational international show, presented by the Roundhouse and with the support of Arts Council London, will be the first production in a new programme of work that will reflect the excitement and diversity of 21st Century culture, including music, new and physical theatre, dance, circus and digital media.

For Diqui James, creative director, Fuerzabruta reinvents once again the concept of a unique and unrepeatable live experience. The barriers between performers and audience break down during the show, and when the audience takes part the event becomes a celebration.

Studio 42 opens on 1 June with Grassmarket Project's The Foolish Young Man which tells the story of a man who, disillusioned by the effects of success and money on his life, sets out to discover some truths, to find something real. It is a social experiment with unpredictable consequences but he discovers that to make a difference you have to take risks.

Part of GMP's Bus Stops Youth Programme, The Foolish Young Man is a collaboration with David Harewood, 15 non-professional young performers, Director Jeremy Weller's Grassmarket Project and the Roundhouse.


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Booking Information

Box Office +44 870 389 1846

June 1 - 30 July, 2006


Previews: 1 June 8pm, Friday 2 & Saturday 3 June 7pm & 10.15pm

Check with the Box Office for

Detailed performance schedule
Details of late shows with special guest DJs

Tickets: Standing only
Full Price £25 (US$45); Concessions £20 (US$38)
 

May 16, 2006/ reviewed June 12

 

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frost fair
transforms Bankside
into
a winter wonderland

Bankside is transformed into a winter wonderland when Southwark Council holds its annual Frost Fair from 16 to 18 December wpe79.jpg (18576 bytes)and launches a spectacular 40 metre real ice slide which will remain open until 4 January 2006.

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This year's Frost Fair is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors and last minute shoppers.

The fair is open on December 16, 2005  4pm – 10pm, December 17, 2005 10am – 10pm and December 18, 2005 10am – 6pm, and located outside Tate Modern and Sheakespeares Globe, where the riverwalk will be filled with a festive atmosphere.

On the opening day of the Frost Fair there ise a dazzling lantern procession at 4pm.

Attractions include marquees, a beer tent, street entertainment, ice sculpting, 40 stalls selling festive food and high quality gifts, local and professional bands, childrens activities, street theatre and choirs singing favourite Christmas tunes.

The festivities continue into the evening with entertainment and a frozen ice bar serving mulled ale and wine.

The main feature of the Fair is an impressive 40metre real ice slide, which will run until January 4, 2006. The Ice Slide costs £3 for 2 slides and is open from Monday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am to 10pm.

The Frost Fair dates back hundreds of years to when the Thames used to freeze and Londoners took to the ice for fun and games.

 

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The last Frost Fair was held in 1814, almost 200 years ago, until Southwark Council recreated the Fair in 2003.
 

December 15, 2005

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Stop press:  December 4, 2005

Paul Haarhuis from the Netherlands claimed the $100,000 (winner takes all) prize at the Royal Albert Hall after beating the defending champion Jim Courier in a closely fought - but easily won - singles match.  It was definitely Haarhuis' day,  as the doubles expert - with an admirable singles record to back it up - found the lines and corners with unparalleled consistency.

Courier from the USA fought hard but admitted that Paul Haarhuis played a better game.

The match unfolded with humor coming from both ends of the court. Playing with great style, Courier lost in two exciting sets full of long, skillful rallies.  A full house at the RAH appreciated that both players were 'there to win', and Courier, who had beaten Haarhuis on every one of the four times they met in the past, declared "I'll be back".... looking to claim the 2006 title.

While perhaps seniors tennis might have been considered entertainment by some, this year the Masters singles was as competitive as any other major tennis tournament around the world; and the stars of the past always remain a pleasure to watch!

 

Stop press:  December 3, 2005

Both semi-finals scheduled for Saturday had the potential to be close matches. By the end of the afternoon Courier came one step closer to defending his title when he beat McEnroe 6-4; 6-4.wpe79.jpg (11217 bytes)wpe79.jpg (11217 bytes)wpe79.jpg (11217 bytes)wpe79.jpg (11217 bytes)

McEnroe did everything he could to overcome a strategy from Courier that left very little to luck.   And despite the very entertaining rallies and skilful play, Courier held his service fairly easily and showed few cracks in preparation for the finals.

He meets surprise-package Paul Haarhuis in the final after the Dutchman came through as the dark horse, easily defeating two-time French Open champion Sergi Bruguera 6-1, 6-4 in the other semifinal.

Stop press:  December 2, 2005

ORDER OF PLAY
At 1:00pm

Jim Courier vs. Cedric Pioline Sergi Bruguera vs. Anders Jarryd

At 7.30pm

John McEnroe vs. Thomas Muster
Pat Cash vs. Paul Haarhuis

McEnroe, arrived in London on Wednesday morning just before his first match was scheduled to start.  Despite suffering from a bout of ill health, he showed plenty of evidence to suggest that he could make the quarters himself having been beaten by clay court specialist, Sergi Bruguera 7-6(5), 4-6, 10-2 (on a Champions’ Tie-Break).  On Thurday McEnroe overcame the tricky Swede Mikael Pernfors 7-6(5), 6-4 to make the quarters.  McEnroe’s win over Pernfors was a bad-tempered affair, with the American letting rip at officialdom on numerous occasions.

Thomas Muster and Cedric Pioline also  made their intentions clear with victories in their opening round-robin matches on Wednesday. Pioline, who won the title in Novi, Croatia in June, defeated countryman Henri Leconte 6-3, 6-4 in a polished display on his Royal Albert Hall debut.  For Muster, it was a reminder of how close he go last year to scooping the US$100,000 prize. He defeated Jeremy Bates, the man who had produced a sensational comeback against Paul Haarhuis the night before, 7-5, 7-5. Muster is now assured of a place in the quarterfinals, while Bates needs Muster to beat Haarhuis in their final round-robin match on Thursday in order to advance.

Jim Courier will have his work cut out to successfully defend his Masters Tennis title after the quarterfinal line-up paired him with Cedric Pioline. Courier squeezed past Anders Jarryd 6-4, 6-7(3), 10-7 (on a Champions’ Tie-Break) in his final group match and admitted that he would have to be at his best to overcome Pioline on Friday.Pat Cash also defeated Pioline 3-6, 6-3, 10-7 (on a Champions’ Tie-break) to win Group C. He will now face the runner-up in Group B, Paul Haarhuis.

Stop Press: November 30, 2005

John McEnroe has recovered from illness sufficiently to take an overnight flight to London and will play in his first round-robin match, as scheduled, against Sergi Bruguera on Wednesday evening. The American had been struck down by stomach flu over the weekend, and left his decision to play until the last possible minute.

He flew in from New York on Wednesday morning to compete in the Champions Masters for the ninth straight year.

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wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes) 'Diehard' John McEnroe (above) has been abandoned by one of his main competitors as Goran Ivanisevic bowed out of The Champions Masters at the Royal Albert Hall in London (November 29 to December 4) when his country called upon his services. Goran will now be the fourth Croatian competing in in the Davis Cup Final against Slovakia in Bratislava in December.  The emergence and success of Central European countries in sport is relentless..........

The Royal Festival Hall - better known for music than sports happily hosts this annual sporting special!

The Masters is the final event on the 2005 worldwide Champions Tour and features a larger field than at other event (12 players instead of 8), with two extra days of action (Tuesday to Sunday inclusive), and a winner-take-all prize of $100,000. Ten of the 12 players have qualified based on their performances throughout the Champions Tour. The remaining two players will receive wild card invitations.

 

The 10 qualifiers are John McEnroe,

Cedric Pioline, Sergi Bruguera, Anders Jarryd, wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)

joined by wpe79.jpg (11217 bytes)Jim Courier wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)

and Richard Krajicek, Paul Haarhuis and Mikael Pernfors

as well aswpe7B.jpg (12129 bytes)Thomas Muster wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)

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The two wild cards have yet to be decided.

 

Supporting doubles players include Mansour Bahrami, Ross Case, Peter McNamara, Ilie Nastase, Chris Wilkinson and Mark Woodforde. wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)wpe7E.jpg (1053 bytes)

 

ROUND ROBIN Final Results

GROUP A

Matches Won/Lost (Sets)

Sergi Bruguera 2-0 (4-1)

John McEnroe 1-1 (3-2)

Mikael Pernfors 0-2 (0-4)

GROUP B

Thomas Muster 1-1 (3-2)

Paul Haarhuis 1-1 (3-3)

Jeremy Bates 1-1 (2-3)

GROUP C

Pat Cash 2-0 (4-1)

Cedric Pioline 1-1 (3-2)

Henri Leconte 0-2 (0-4)

GROUP D

Jim Courier 2-0 (4-1)

Anders Jarryd 1-1 (3-2)

Mats Wilander 0-2 (0-4)

 

RESULTS FOR TUESDAY   NOVEMBER 29 2005

Sergi BRUGUERA d. Mikael PERNFORS 6-3, 6-1

Jim COURIER d. Mats WILANDER 6-2, 6-4

Pat CASH d. Henri LECONTE 7-6(4), 7-5

Jeremy BATES d. Paul Haarhuis 2-6, 7-6(17), 16-14 (on a Champions' Tie-Break)

ROUND ROBIN GROUPS

Matches Won/Lost (Sets)
GROUP A
Sergi Bruguera 1-0 (2-0)
John McEnroe 0-0 (0-0)
Mikael Pernfors 0-1 (0-2)
GROUP B
Jeremy Bates 1-0 (2-1)
Thomas Muster 0-0 (0-0)
Paul Haarhuis 0-1 (1-2)
GROUP C
Pat Cash 1-0 (2-0)
Cedric Pioline 0-0 (0-0)
Henri Leconte 0-1 (0-2)
GROUP D
Jim Courier 1-0 (2-0)
Anders Jarryd 0-0 (0-0)
Mats Wilander 0-1 (0-2)

ORDER OF PLAY
confirmed: Nov 30

At 1:00pm
- Henri LECONTE v Cedric PIOLINE
- NASTASE / WILKINSON v FLEMING / WOODFORDE
- Jeremy BATES v Thomas MUSTER

At 7:30pm
- Anders JARRYD v Mats WILANDER
- BAHRAMI / WOODFORDE V GULLIKSON / McNAMARA
- Sergi BRUGUERA v John McENROE

ROUND ROBIN GROUPS

GROUP A

John McEnroe
Sergi Bruguera
Mikael Pernfors

GROUP B

Thomas Muster
Paul Haarhuis
Jeremy Bates

GROUP C
Cedric Pioline
Pat Cash
Henri Leconte

GROUP D
Jim Courier
Anders Jarryd
Mats Wilander

***************

order of play

December 1, 1:00pm

Pat CASH v Cedric PIOLINE

BAHRAMI / FLEMING v NASTASE / WOODFORDE

Jim COURIER v Anders JARRYD

December 1, 7:30pm

John McENROE v Mikael PERNFORS

BAHRAMI / WILKINSON v McNAMARA / NASTASE

Paul HAARHUIS v Thomas MUSTER

Order of Play is subject to change

 

 
November 10, 2005  
   

 

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SOME GIRLS ARE BIGGER THAN OTHERSwpe69.jpg (8588 bytes)

with songs of Morrissey and Marr

conceived by Andrew Wale and Perrin Manzer Allen

Aka Anonymous Society

at

the Theatre Royal, Brighton

October 17 - 22, 2005

 
 

Anonymous Society continues its return to the UK with another beautifully visual piece of music theatre. This time they turn their attention to the songs of Morrissey and Marr, and have created a witty, ironic and emotional production   Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others takes the songs that were performed by The Smiths and turns them into a starkly visual and haunting story. The show is part musical, part play - stunningly choreographed with imaginative use of movement.  It can best be described as a theatrical installation.

Having trod the boards of the London Lyric Theatre earlier in the year, Anonymous Society find themselves in the seaside town of Brighton.

You have a second chance to see this fabulous production in just under an hour from Waterloo Station.  Take a train trip to Brighton  and enjoy the best of the fresh air followed by this challenging - but not too challenging - production.

A cast of 4 female and 2 male singers bring the songs to life with the aid of a string quartet and synthesized rhythmic loops. The performance is accurately described as an expressionist window on the lives of four women and two men, their relationships and their environment.  It is the words and music of the songs that determine the mood and sense of the performance. And the performances are universally excellent.

In 1999 Anonymous Society created an award winning piece of theatre based on the music of Jacques Brel first at the Edinburgh Festival and then at the Lyric Hammersmith. It threw out convention, with music and choreography, a cast of singers and dancers and a spare, almost chilling aesthetic. Yet through the raw emotion of the music by Jacques Brel, the carefully crafted and beautifully observed performances, they created a world in which audiences became totally involved.

So don't expect an easy night out. There is no simple message to take home and no single interpretation.