The press reception at the theatre last night was full of festive cheer as over 40 members of the media, birmingham bloggers and broadcast journalists arrived for press night.
The mulled wine was steaming and the hot mince pies were being eaten before curtain up. Nick Owen arriving with just minutes to spare after presenting Midlands Today and dashing across the city, Steve Denyer from Heart, Dan Morrisey from BRMB, Jo Malin from Radio WM and Suzanne Virdee from Midlands Today were all spotted.
Click here to read what the press say about the production (updated as they appear)
Tuesday 22 December 2009
Monday 21 December 2009
Panto is now open
Whilst shoppers braved the Bull Ring on Saturday the auditorium at the Hip was packed out with mums, dads, grandparents and children as the curtain went up for the first time on the UK's biggest pantomime.
After months of planning and recent rehearsals the company finally took to the stage over the weekend with four performances of Sleeping Beauty. And, as I write this blog, patrons are flooding through the foyer to take their seats for this afternoon's matinee.
Always a great start to Christmas week, it's a magical way of diving into the festivities of the season and forgetting all your troubles to enjoy a couple of hours at the panto with friends and family.
It's press night tonight so if you are in the audience this evening look out for some familiar newsreaders and local radio presenters.
After months of planning and recent rehearsals the company finally took to the stage over the weekend with four performances of Sleeping Beauty. And, as I write this blog, patrons are flooding through the foyer to take their seats for this afternoon's matinee.
Always a great start to Christmas week, it's a magical way of diving into the festivities of the season and forgetting all your troubles to enjoy a couple of hours at the panto with friends and family.
It's press night tonight so if you are in the audience this evening look out for some familiar newsreaders and local radio presenters.
Friday 18 December 2009
Curtain nearly up on panto!
It's been a very hectic week for the cast of Sleeping Beauty. As I write this the company are doing a technical run-through on stage and later tonight there's a full company dress rehearsal. Can't believe after all these months of planning the pantomime will be opening tomorrow and just under 2,000 people will be seeing the first performance.
Front of House have already had a delivery of 4,000 3D glasses which will be given out to patrons at every show and I've been told that all the booster cushions we supply on request have been steam cleaned ready for families to use!
Special mention must go to the Hippodrome crew who have worked hard during get-in and are busy working the dress rehearsal at the moment.
And as I write this the Twitpanto is being performed on Twitter which has a great audience and cast!
The curtain goes up for the first time for Sleeping Beauty at 2.30pm tomorrow so if you've got your tickets for this performance we look forward to welcoming you to the start of the panto season.
Front of House have already had a delivery of 4,000 3D glasses which will be given out to patrons at every show and I've been told that all the booster cushions we supply on request have been steam cleaned ready for families to use!
Special mention must go to the Hippodrome crew who have worked hard during get-in and are busy working the dress rehearsal at the moment.
And as I write this the Twitpanto is being performed on Twitter which has a great audience and cast!
The curtain goes up for the first time for Sleeping Beauty at 2.30pm tomorrow so if you've got your tickets for this performance we look forward to welcoming you to the start of the panto season.
Thursday 17 December 2009
To absent friends
The Dame is a special part of the pantomime season and I just wanted to take this opportunity to mention our absent friend Peter Robbins, who if you came to any of the Cinderella performances, you would remember him as one half of the Ugly Sisters. Peter , together with his fellow ugly sister Nigel Ellacott, entertained audiences here for many years and became a regular feature of Birmingham's Artsfest.
Backstage there was always one dressing room people visited and that was Nigel and Peter's , always a brew on the boil, a chocolate biscuit and an ear for any problems.
In their amazing and hilarious costumes they made the front pages of Birmingham papers every time they visited and on walk-about, they gathered crowds of all ages!
Peter sadly passed away this year and Nigel will be carrying on and treading the boards as Dame in Snow White at Ilford.
Here's to all the Dame's in panto this Christmas!
Click here to find out more about pantomime via Nigel's website.
Backstage there was always one dressing room people visited and that was Nigel and Peter's , always a brew on the boil, a chocolate biscuit and an ear for any problems.
In their amazing and hilarious costumes they made the front pages of Birmingham papers every time they visited and on walk-about, they gathered crowds of all ages!
Peter sadly passed away this year and Nigel will be carrying on and treading the boards as Dame in Snow White at Ilford.
Here's to all the Dame's in panto this Christmas!
Click here to find out more about pantomime via Nigel's website.
Tuesday 15 December 2009
Sleeping Beauty Photocall
It was busy backstage this afternoon as everyone got ready for the press photocall of Sleeping Beauty.
All nine principals including Ray and Joe put on their eleborate costumes for the call which saw radio and print journalists turn up to cover it.
The call took place by the theatre's Christmas tree earlier this afternoon and passers by, curious as to what all the cameras were flashing for, came into the foyer to take thier own pictures and get autographs from the cast.
Click here to see the movie taken at the call and listen to a special message at the end from Ray and Joe!
All nine principals including Ray and Joe put on their eleborate costumes for the call which saw radio and print journalists turn up to cover it.
The call took place by the theatre's Christmas tree earlier this afternoon and passers by, curious as to what all the cameras were flashing for, came into the foyer to take thier own pictures and get autographs from the cast.
Click here to see the movie taken at the call and listen to a special message at the end from Ray and Joe!
Friday 11 December 2009
The real magic of Panto
Pantomime and Christmas is all about families and for the last 7 years the theatre has been helping to do just that by running its 'Raise A Smile' Panto Appeal.
Thanks to generous public support from theatre patrons and other private, charitable and business donors, Birmingham Hippodrome's popular Panto Appeal 'Raise a Smile' has enabled hundreds of patients and their families to attend Hippodrome pantomimes for free.
Working with Birmingham Children's Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Young Persons Unit and other charitable groups across the region, money is being raised to cover the cost of tickets, programmes, and gifts for families who have had a tough 2009 and help provide them with some much needed light relief at the panto this Christmas.
200 patients and their families enjoyed last year's pantomime and a surprise meet and greet with the cast after curtain down. The look on the children's faces - I'll never forget that.
Let's hope we can bring that panto magic to lots of children and their families this year.
If you want to find out more Click here
Thanks to generous public support from theatre patrons and other private, charitable and business donors, Birmingham Hippodrome's popular Panto Appeal 'Raise a Smile' has enabled hundreds of patients and their families to attend Hippodrome pantomimes for free.
Working with Birmingham Children's Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Young Persons Unit and other charitable groups across the region, money is being raised to cover the cost of tickets, programmes, and gifts for families who have had a tough 2009 and help provide them with some much needed light relief at the panto this Christmas.
200 patients and their families enjoyed last year's pantomime and a surprise meet and greet with the cast after curtain down. The look on the children's faces - I'll never forget that.
Let's hope we can bring that panto magic to lots of children and their families this year.
If you want to find out more Click here
Thursday 10 December 2009
The Fight Sequence
Have just been sitting about 6ft away from Ray Quinn in a studio at Birmingham Hippodrome who has been rehearsing the fight sequences with Fight Director Karl Magee.
Ray, who plays the Prince is fighting the horrible Slimeball, played by Alex Woodhall, in a very complicated fight scene which sees Ray doing all sorts of jump and spins. (I can now understand just how fit he had to be to do Dancing On Ice last year).
I was there for about an hour watching all of this and in that time they did the sequence over and over until it was perfect (about ten times). In fact the Fight Director made Ray and Alex do five press ups each time they got something wrong!
When I left the studio I caught the lift with Ray who told me ".. he had been working on the scene all day, it was physically hard but glad they had got as far as they did with it"
It looks pretty impressive to me and can't wait to see the dress rehearsal next week when the scene comes together with the rest of the cast.
Here's a sneaky peek of Ray in rehearsal this afternoon. Click here
Ray, who plays the Prince is fighting the horrible Slimeball, played by Alex Woodhall, in a very complicated fight scene which sees Ray doing all sorts of jump and spins. (I can now understand just how fit he had to be to do Dancing On Ice last year).
I was there for about an hour watching all of this and in that time they did the sequence over and over until it was perfect (about ten times). In fact the Fight Director made Ray and Alex do five press ups each time they got something wrong!
When I left the studio I caught the lift with Ray who told me ".. he had been working on the scene all day, it was physically hard but glad they had got as far as they did with it"
It looks pretty impressive to me and can't wait to see the dress rehearsal next week when the scene comes together with the rest of the cast.
Here's a sneaky peek of Ray in rehearsal this afternoon. Click here
Monday 7 December 2009
The Cast are in the building
Well folks it's rehearsal time for the pantomime cast and what a great start to the first day.
It's tradition for theatre staff and the panto cast to have a get together over coffee on the first day of rehearsal and backstage it was a full Green Room of people shaking hands, saying hi and catching up on 12 months of theatre.
Lots of new faces in the chorus this year, and extra special for one who has come all the way from Australia to perform in her first pantomime. Tony Priestly, who looks after the panto costumes was as chatty and friendly as ever and Bob the MD looked really different with a beard! (Charity shaving coming on I think).
A big welcome for the brilliant Ria Jones (last seen here in Witches of Eastwick) who will play the role of Carabosse. She told me she remembers playing here 30 years ago as the Narrator in Joseph! It will be extra special for her this year as her brother Keri Dupree is playing the Dame so at least they won't be away from one another this Christmas. He tells me that all of his 22 costumes will live at the back of the stage during the run as his changes are so quick!
I caught Michael Harrison, fresh from directing at Newcastle, over a cup of coffee, looking very excited about the next few weeks. "I thought when I finished last week that was it - but then I had to catch my breath when I reminded myself I am directing the UK's biggest panto, am really looking forward to it!".
Next to Michael was Joe Pasquale who gave me a big hug. I have worked with him now about 5 times and its always great to welcome him back to the Hip, like me he's become part of the furniture. We couldn't believe it was 3 years since he did his last panto here - it's gone so quickly!
I said a brief hello to Ray Quinn who was busy chatting to our Sleeping Beauty Lucy Evans who looked really lovely with her new hair-do she'd been reading her script and couldn't wait to start rehearsal.
Stuart Griffiths our Chief Executive welcomed the cast and wished them well for a good stay in Birmingham. "We have over 50 years of panto tradition here and we are proud to welcome you all to the City" he said.
And with that the cast and Director made their way to the rehearsal studios.
Click here to view gallery of photos taken this morning.
Keep checking this blog for rehearsal updates.
It's tradition for theatre staff and the panto cast to have a get together over coffee on the first day of rehearsal and backstage it was a full Green Room of people shaking hands, saying hi and catching up on 12 months of theatre.
Lots of new faces in the chorus this year, and extra special for one who has come all the way from Australia to perform in her first pantomime. Tony Priestly, who looks after the panto costumes was as chatty and friendly as ever and Bob the MD looked really different with a beard! (Charity shaving coming on I think).
A big welcome for the brilliant Ria Jones (last seen here in Witches of Eastwick) who will play the role of Carabosse. She told me she remembers playing here 30 years ago as the Narrator in Joseph! It will be extra special for her this year as her brother Keri Dupree is playing the Dame so at least they won't be away from one another this Christmas. He tells me that all of his 22 costumes will live at the back of the stage during the run as his changes are so quick!
I caught Michael Harrison, fresh from directing at Newcastle, over a cup of coffee, looking very excited about the next few weeks. "I thought when I finished last week that was it - but then I had to catch my breath when I reminded myself I am directing the UK's biggest panto, am really looking forward to it!".
Next to Michael was Joe Pasquale who gave me a big hug. I have worked with him now about 5 times and its always great to welcome him back to the Hip, like me he's become part of the furniture. We couldn't believe it was 3 years since he did his last panto here - it's gone so quickly!
I said a brief hello to Ray Quinn who was busy chatting to our Sleeping Beauty Lucy Evans who looked really lovely with her new hair-do she'd been reading her script and couldn't wait to start rehearsal.
Stuart Griffiths our Chief Executive welcomed the cast and wished them well for a good stay in Birmingham. "We have over 50 years of panto tradition here and we are proud to welcome you all to the City" he said.
And with that the cast and Director made their way to the rehearsal studios.
Click here to view gallery of photos taken this morning.
Keep checking this blog for rehearsal updates.
Wednesday 25 November 2009
It's Christmasssss!!
I've been so busy with work over the last couple of weeks that it came as a surprise when I realised that in only four weeks time its Christmas Day. HELP!
I was actually reminded about 'this time of the year' when I received a phone call from C4's Paul O'Grady show asking if Joe Pasquale wouldn't mind doing a pre-record next week as they were doing the panto round ups - about five minutes later an email arrived from GMTV requesting images and information for their round up too - surely they don't share the same production office? I've also received a request from British Forces radio and I'm currently putting the last minute touches together for an exciting New Year competition for Heart FM.
Yes it's Christmas, all that glitters is gold and the countdown to PANTO is well and truly on. I know that Michael Harrison (panto Director) is busy up North directing two more of his productions before coming here to direct Sleeping Beauty. Ray Quinn ends his run in Grease in the West End this weekend in readiness for rehearsals and Joe Pasquale is due to complete his recent tour. Oh and there's our panto Dame, the lovely Ceri Dupree, probably knee deep in sequins and feathers and packing 22 costumes as we speak. And yes fellow bloggers, our Christmas tree is now up in the foyer, twinkling lights and all.
Rehearsals start in just over a week.
I think a trip to Birmingham's German Market is imminent - glass of mulled wine and a frankfurter anyone?
I was actually reminded about 'this time of the year' when I received a phone call from C4's Paul O'Grady show asking if Joe Pasquale wouldn't mind doing a pre-record next week as they were doing the panto round ups - about five minutes later an email arrived from GMTV requesting images and information for their round up too - surely they don't share the same production office? I've also received a request from British Forces radio and I'm currently putting the last minute touches together for an exciting New Year competition for Heart FM.
Yes it's Christmas, all that glitters is gold and the countdown to PANTO is well and truly on. I know that Michael Harrison (panto Director) is busy up North directing two more of his productions before coming here to direct Sleeping Beauty. Ray Quinn ends his run in Grease in the West End this weekend in readiness for rehearsals and Joe Pasquale is due to complete his recent tour. Oh and there's our panto Dame, the lovely Ceri Dupree, probably knee deep in sequins and feathers and packing 22 costumes as we speak. And yes fellow bloggers, our Christmas tree is now up in the foyer, twinkling lights and all.
Rehearsals start in just over a week.
I think a trip to Birmingham's German Market is imminent - glass of mulled wine and a frankfurter anyone?
Friday 13 November 2009
The 3D revolution
Yesterday was a very exciting day for me. You see, I was lucky enough to be invited up to Middlesborough to see behind the scenes of Amazing Interactives, the company who are creating the 3D sequences in our pantomime Sleeping Beauty. With me was a journalist and photographer from Birmingham Mail who were covering the trip and doing some interviews.
Following a long train journey and taxi ride we arrived at the studios situated on a huge industrial estate in Middlesborough. We were met by AI's Creative Director Tim Dear who ushered us passed a very busy room full of people sitting at computers, down a very long corridor full of posters and into a room that would be our base for the day.
A few minutes later Michael Harrison, the panto director arrived and we all got down to chatting about 3D and the work involved in producing it. We looked at original storyboards for the sequences featuring Joe Pasquale and I found out that it takes one month to complete a one minute sequence of film (each sequence is approx 6 mins long) and that Joe will be doing a lot of jumping around as he interacts with the animation.
The company have 3 cinemas in the building and we were taken into the small cinema with a computer and screen all set up. "Do you want to see the sequences now?" Tim said. And yes readers, we were given a very private sneak preview of just what audiences will be seeing in a few weeks time. (Oh I love this job!). Michael gave a running commentary telling us where Joe would have to be standing, going through the dialogue and jokes from the script. All I can say is that if you came to Aladdin two years ago 3D has improved so much since then. I'm not going to give much away in this blog because it would spoil the surprise but there's some great scenes where Joe has to climb castle walls, jump over things and fight off the baddies - and there's even a character that attempts to steal sweets from the audience.
After the preview we got to meet some of Tim's creative team who were busy working on the scenes for Sleeping Beauty. In a corner of the room one chap was sitting at his computer which had loads of numbers and weird signs. "This is where the 3D sequence starts as a load of numbers - get this wrong and well.....". Next to him someone was working on improving the look of the vines whilst the Mail photographer took loads of pics. I was in heaven.
Tim, a very quietly spoken guy, is probably one of the nicest people I've met, very enthusiastic about his trade and who tells me he's currently working with a local hospital to bring 3D into this area especially for patients. This is the future.
All good things have to come to an end so they say and sadly we had to head back to get our train - but not before I spotted a large brown box which had just been delivered - "Oh that's our new 3D TV". Oh joy! I'd only seen pictures of them in gadget mags - and here was a real one. Mark my words we'll all have a 3D TV in our homes in a few years time but until then I thoroughly recommend the 3D in Sleeping Beauty.
Click here to view interview with Tim Dears talking about the 3D process.
Following a long train journey and taxi ride we arrived at the studios situated on a huge industrial estate in Middlesborough. We were met by AI's Creative Director Tim Dear who ushered us passed a very busy room full of people sitting at computers, down a very long corridor full of posters and into a room that would be our base for the day.
A few minutes later Michael Harrison, the panto director arrived and we all got down to chatting about 3D and the work involved in producing it. We looked at original storyboards for the sequences featuring Joe Pasquale and I found out that it takes one month to complete a one minute sequence of film (each sequence is approx 6 mins long) and that Joe will be doing a lot of jumping around as he interacts with the animation.
The company have 3 cinemas in the building and we were taken into the small cinema with a computer and screen all set up. "Do you want to see the sequences now?" Tim said. And yes readers, we were given a very private sneak preview of just what audiences will be seeing in a few weeks time. (Oh I love this job!). Michael gave a running commentary telling us where Joe would have to be standing, going through the dialogue and jokes from the script. All I can say is that if you came to Aladdin two years ago 3D has improved so much since then. I'm not going to give much away in this blog because it would spoil the surprise but there's some great scenes where Joe has to climb castle walls, jump over things and fight off the baddies - and there's even a character that attempts to steal sweets from the audience.
After the preview we got to meet some of Tim's creative team who were busy working on the scenes for Sleeping Beauty. In a corner of the room one chap was sitting at his computer which had loads of numbers and weird signs. "This is where the 3D sequence starts as a load of numbers - get this wrong and well.....". Next to him someone was working on improving the look of the vines whilst the Mail photographer took loads of pics. I was in heaven.
Tim, a very quietly spoken guy, is probably one of the nicest people I've met, very enthusiastic about his trade and who tells me he's currently working with a local hospital to bring 3D into this area especially for patients. This is the future.
All good things have to come to an end so they say and sadly we had to head back to get our train - but not before I spotted a large brown box which had just been delivered - "Oh that's our new 3D TV". Oh joy! I'd only seen pictures of them in gadget mags - and here was a real one. Mark my words we'll all have a 3D TV in our homes in a few years time but until then I thoroughly recommend the 3D in Sleeping Beauty.
Click here to view interview with Tim Dears talking about the 3D process.
Monday 9 November 2009
Family panto is family affair
The wonderful Ria Jones is the latest to join the cast of Sleeping Beauty. Ria, who was last seen at the Hippodrome in Witches of Eastwick, the national tour of Anything Goes and as Mrs Overall in the UK tour of Acorn Antiques will play the role of Carabosse, the wicked fairy.
I've seen Ria in all three of these productions at the Hippodrome and I never fail to enjoy her performance. She has such presence on stage and a powerhouse of a voice - well, being from Wales I wouldn't expect anything less.
And Ria has a very talented brother too in the guise of Keri Dupree who plays the role of Lady Passionella. I've met these guys a couple of times now and they strike me as both having a wicked sense of humour. Me thinks there will be jolly japes and much mirth backstage over the Christmas period.
I've seen Ria in all three of these productions at the Hippodrome and I never fail to enjoy her performance. She has such presence on stage and a powerhouse of a voice - well, being from Wales I wouldn't expect anything less.
And Ria has a very talented brother too in the guise of Keri Dupree who plays the role of Lady Passionella. I've met these guys a couple of times now and they strike me as both having a wicked sense of humour. Me thinks there will be jolly japes and much mirth backstage over the Christmas period.
Tuesday 3 November 2009
Am very excited today because I've arranged to go to Middlesborough to see for myself how the 3D is going to be put together for the pantomime. I remember seeing the 3D here a couple of years ago and was really surprised at the amazing quality and even more impressed with the fact that the panto cast interact with the images - proof that 3D is pretty impressive in a theatre setting.
I rememer sitting watching the show when a giant button came flying out of the stage and floated above me and the audience were invited to press the button to get rid of the baddie - a very small child got up and stood in the middle of the aisle put his hand in the air and started to press down with all his might on what he thought he could see in front of him - just pure magic.
Anyway I'll be taking the flip camera with me and posting stuff on Facebook and Twitter so you can see behind the scenes of the Sleeing Beauty 3D.
I rememer sitting watching the show when a giant button came flying out of the stage and floated above me and the audience were invited to press the button to get rid of the baddie - a very small child got up and stood in the middle of the aisle put his hand in the air and started to press down with all his might on what he thought he could see in front of him - just pure magic.
Anyway I'll be taking the flip camera with me and posting stuff on Facebook and Twitter so you can see behind the scenes of the Sleeing Beauty 3D.
Wednesday 28 October 2009
I knew that Director Michael Harrison was making a special trip to Middlesborough last week to meet up with Amazing Interactives, the guys who are producing 3D sequences for the panto. So I caught up with him this morning and here's what he had to say:
The 3D technology has advanced so much since Aladdin a few years ago. The animation is streets ahead and the new sequences are excellent.
There will be two sequences in the show. The first happens when the forest of thorns grows around the palace and the second is a thrilling journey as Muddles and Lady Passionella race back to the palace to rescue Princess Beauty.
I don't want to give too much away but needless to say the effects are fantastic and audiences will be jumping out of their seats with the thrills that this brilliant technology has to offer. It even has a great 3D rollercoaster ride! Better than anything you'd get in a theme park!
Oh and it's great to see Joe and Ray on TV lately. Joe has hosted on the Paul O'Grady show and will shortly be on both Celebrity Mastermind and Celebrity Wipeout and last week Ray was on Alan Titchmarsh and Celebrity Family Fortunes! Panto Rehearsals begin in 5 weeks time! It's all getting very exciting!
The 3D technology has advanced so much since Aladdin a few years ago. The animation is streets ahead and the new sequences are excellent.
There will be two sequences in the show. The first happens when the forest of thorns grows around the palace and the second is a thrilling journey as Muddles and Lady Passionella race back to the palace to rescue Princess Beauty.
I don't want to give too much away but needless to say the effects are fantastic and audiences will be jumping out of their seats with the thrills that this brilliant technology has to offer. It even has a great 3D rollercoaster ride! Better than anything you'd get in a theme park!
Oh and it's great to see Joe and Ray on TV lately. Joe has hosted on the Paul O'Grady show and will shortly be on both Celebrity Mastermind and Celebrity Wipeout and last week Ray was on Alan Titchmarsh and Celebrity Family Fortunes! Panto Rehearsals begin in 5 weeks time! It's all getting very exciting!
Monday 26 October 2009
It's all go Front of House
Walked into the office at the Hip this morning and noticed my colleague, Dave Hartland, was buried in what I can only describe as lots of pink, fluffy, shiny, flashy things.
What? you may ask. Well, one of the benefits of working in an open plan office is that you get to find out what other departments are doing and Front of House have had the delightful job of choosing some of the pantomime merchandise. It always creates an atomosphere of fun in the office when the flashy wands, head boppers and crystal stars appear and some nice fits of laughter when the most serious of staff go all child like at the mention of a goodie bag. And of course, there's always one member of staff who has to model the lastest tiara - must be the performer in all of us - even in admin!
Dave tells me that he's ordered boxes and boxes of the stuff that will arrive just before Sleeping Beauty first night - it's not even Halloween Dave!
What? you may ask. Well, one of the benefits of working in an open plan office is that you get to find out what other departments are doing and Front of House have had the delightful job of choosing some of the pantomime merchandise. It always creates an atomosphere of fun in the office when the flashy wands, head boppers and crystal stars appear and some nice fits of laughter when the most serious of staff go all child like at the mention of a goodie bag. And of course, there's always one member of staff who has to model the lastest tiara - must be the performer in all of us - even in admin!
Dave tells me that he's ordered boxes and boxes of the stuff that will arrive just before Sleeping Beauty first night - it's not even Halloween Dave!
Wednesday 7 October 2009
Oh Yes!
A grey Monday in London and there was definitely the smell of pantomime in the air. Stars from the many Qdos pantomimes up and down the country got together to meet one very special star of the small screen.
Yes dear folks, it's been confirmed that after a 13 year advertising-only career, Churchill, the icon of the insurance industry is about to make a dramatic, dynamic, live theatre debut in 22 Christmas productions, right round the UK, in front of an estimated audience of (wait for it) 1.5 million.
Joe Pasquale who headlines Sleeping Beauty this year took time out of his current one man show to meet the famous canine for the first time ahead of the panto's opening on 21 December.
The producers are not saying what role he is going to play but my only hope is that the company bring plenty of pooper scoopers!
Yes dear folks, it's been confirmed that after a 13 year advertising-only career, Churchill, the icon of the insurance industry is about to make a dramatic, dynamic, live theatre debut in 22 Christmas productions, right round the UK, in front of an estimated audience of (wait for it) 1.5 million.
Joe Pasquale who headlines Sleeping Beauty this year took time out of his current one man show to meet the famous canine for the first time ahead of the panto's opening on 21 December.
The producers are not saying what role he is going to play but my only hope is that the company bring plenty of pooper scoopers!
Monday 28 September 2009
Grease is the word!
Just had word from our panto Director on his latest trip to see Ray Quinn in Grease
Here's what he had to say:-
Last Saturday I went to see Ray Quinn in Grease in the West End. Ray has been in the show for a while now and will leave in November before beginning SLEEPING BEAUTY rehearsals in Birmingham.
The audience clearly loved his take on Danny Zuko and screamed with delight when he appeared. I think he'll be a great leading man in panto and his singing and dancing skills are hugely impressive.
There are plenty of musical numbers for him to get his teeth into. Jon Bowles, our choreographer came with me to the show and now he has a much clearer idea as to how far he can go with the numbers. The musical arrangements are finished and I have heard the demos - they are brilliant. A mixture of standards and brand new songs written for the show!
As I write, Joe Pasquale has walked into the office as we are about to have another catch up on the script so I'd best be off and see what new gags and pieces of business he has for me!
Click here to view TV footage from press launch and listen to interviews with cast.
Here's what he had to say:-
Last Saturday I went to see Ray Quinn in Grease in the West End. Ray has been in the show for a while now and will leave in November before beginning SLEEPING BEAUTY rehearsals in Birmingham.
The audience clearly loved his take on Danny Zuko and screamed with delight when he appeared. I think he'll be a great leading man in panto and his singing and dancing skills are hugely impressive.
There are plenty of musical numbers for him to get his teeth into. Jon Bowles, our choreographer came with me to the show and now he has a much clearer idea as to how far he can go with the numbers. The musical arrangements are finished and I have heard the demos - they are brilliant. A mixture of standards and brand new songs written for the show!
As I write, Joe Pasquale has walked into the office as we are about to have another catch up on the script so I'd best be off and see what new gags and pieces of business he has for me!
Click here to view TV footage from press launch and listen to interviews with cast.
Tuesday 22 September 2009
The Big Meeting
Yesterday marked the end of our rainy summer, the start of what looks like a very glorious autumn and believe it or not just 3 months until panto opening night!
So with only 3 months to go, Michael Harrison, the panto's writer and director arrived from London to meet with our Chief Executive, Stuart Griffiths and the marketing team here. He wanted to up-date us on the script and go through the storyline. He went into great detail about the special effects we'll be seeing this Christmas and some of the more physical scenes Joe Pasquale will be performing. I was pretty impressed with a clever weather sequence, which sounds amazing and Joe and Ray have some hilarious scenes which Michael acted out for us - accents and all!
Michael also came up with a big file of images of the sets and some of the designs which would be a great addition to anyone's panto memorabilia.
The guys from Heart FM radio joined the meeting later in the afternoon including Ed James from the breakfast show. They are our media partners this year and Michael wanted to meet them all. They were like kids in a sweet shop when Michael told them more about the show and we're really looking forward to working with them.
It sounds like Sleeping Beauty will be a massive production with all the pazzazz and sets of a big West End show and as Michael said yesterday with the "Birmingham Hippodrome stamp of quality".
Can't wait.
So with only 3 months to go, Michael Harrison, the panto's writer and director arrived from London to meet with our Chief Executive, Stuart Griffiths and the marketing team here. He wanted to up-date us on the script and go through the storyline. He went into great detail about the special effects we'll be seeing this Christmas and some of the more physical scenes Joe Pasquale will be performing. I was pretty impressed with a clever weather sequence, which sounds amazing and Joe and Ray have some hilarious scenes which Michael acted out for us - accents and all!
Michael also came up with a big file of images of the sets and some of the designs which would be a great addition to anyone's panto memorabilia.
The guys from Heart FM radio joined the meeting later in the afternoon including Ed James from the breakfast show. They are our media partners this year and Michael wanted to meet them all. They were like kids in a sweet shop when Michael told them more about the show and we're really looking forward to working with them.
It sounds like Sleeping Beauty will be a massive production with all the pazzazz and sets of a big West End show and as Michael said yesterday with the "Birmingham Hippodrome stamp of quality".
Can't wait.
Thursday 27 August 2009
The Script
As we go into autumn, pantomime opening night is increasingly closer. Quite frightening really how this year is speeding away from us. But as always here at the Hippodrome we are full steam ahead with everything Sleeping Beauty. From ordering the first batch of merchandise, to taking bookings for Christmas in our restaurant.
So it wasn't too much of a surprise when I received a large and bulky envelope on my desk this morning! Two copies of the first draft of the Sleeping Beauty script sent to me by Director Michael Harrison.
I've got it open on my desk at the moment "Act One" Scene One:Carabosse's Curse. There's some great special effects at the start of the panto and Joe Pasquale's entrance is funny. I'm always tempted to act out some of the roles myself I rather fancy myself as a baddie, I love all that hissing and booing.
There's 74 pages of script for the cast to learn, and that's not including all the choreography by Jon Bowles, there's also some magic consultants on board - The Twins - who also did the illusions in last year's production.
But that aside, having the script myself this far in advance really helps me to plan ahead with the pr campaign so hopefully fingers crossed it will get my brain cells working up some nice ideas over the next few weeks.
So it wasn't too much of a surprise when I received a large and bulky envelope on my desk this morning! Two copies of the first draft of the Sleeping Beauty script sent to me by Director Michael Harrison.
I've got it open on my desk at the moment "Act One" Scene One:Carabosse's Curse. There's some great special effects at the start of the panto and Joe Pasquale's entrance is funny. I'm always tempted to act out some of the roles myself I rather fancy myself as a baddie, I love all that hissing and booing.
There's 74 pages of script for the cast to learn, and that's not including all the choreography by Jon Bowles, there's also some magic consultants on board - The Twins - who also did the illusions in last year's production.
But that aside, having the script myself this far in advance really helps me to plan ahead with the pr campaign so hopefully fingers crossed it will get my brain cells working up some nice ideas over the next few weeks.
Friday 21 August 2009
It's all about the costumes!
Director Michael Harrison blogs about the costumes in Sleeping Beauty:-
The costume plot on the panto is huge as are the Qdos stores in Scarborough. There are literally thousands of costumes to pick from stock but as this is Birmingham we have a lot of new stuff as well!
The costumes in Sleeping Beauty range from the wonderful brand new creations for Carabosse the Witch, Slimeball her son, a selection of "monsters", a whole set of seventies gear for a big 70's sequence in the show and some traditional outfits for Princess Beauty to the 22 costume changes for Ceri Dupree.
We don't make or design Ceri's costumes. He designs them himself and has a team of makers to prepare them. This is common with the very best Dames in the country. The costumes are part of the character so off the shelf items simply don't work. I can't give away the things Ceri will be doing in the show but the costumes are stunning.
The other interesting costume is the new outfit being made for the Enchantress. The Enchantress is a very magical character. She flies throughout the air so has a beautiful set of wings and her costume lights up. I've used a lot of "light up" costumes over the years and they work really well to help create the magic.
Its always important to have a stunning finale in the Birmingham panto and this year the colour is turquoise. Everything must match in the finale including the costumes and sets. Ceri has had to see pictures of the existing costumes to match his new creation up with what everyone else will be wearing. If you thought the peacock head dress at the launch was good... you aint seen nothing yet!
The costume plot on the panto is huge as are the Qdos stores in Scarborough. There are literally thousands of costumes to pick from stock but as this is Birmingham we have a lot of new stuff as well!
The costumes in Sleeping Beauty range from the wonderful brand new creations for Carabosse the Witch, Slimeball her son, a selection of "monsters", a whole set of seventies gear for a big 70's sequence in the show and some traditional outfits for Princess Beauty to the 22 costume changes for Ceri Dupree.
We don't make or design Ceri's costumes. He designs them himself and has a team of makers to prepare them. This is common with the very best Dames in the country. The costumes are part of the character so off the shelf items simply don't work. I can't give away the things Ceri will be doing in the show but the costumes are stunning.
The other interesting costume is the new outfit being made for the Enchantress. The Enchantress is a very magical character. She flies throughout the air so has a beautiful set of wings and her costume lights up. I've used a lot of "light up" costumes over the years and they work really well to help create the magic.
Its always important to have a stunning finale in the Birmingham panto and this year the colour is turquoise. Everything must match in the finale including the costumes and sets. Ceri has had to see pictures of the existing costumes to match his new creation up with what everyone else will be wearing. If you thought the peacock head dress at the launch was good... you aint seen nothing yet!
Tuesday 11 August 2009
Super Scenery and Fab Floors?
The sets for Sleeping Beauty are well underway. There are several new pieces being built this year, a brand new forest, a new lair for Carabosse the witch and new castle pieces. This along with some other new additions will all go to making the Birmingham production as lavish as ever.
There's also going to be a new floor made which I'm assured by the Director Michael Harrison "looks fantastic". He said that it might sound boring talking about a floor in panto but an ugly floor in a theatre like the Hippodrome means a good portion of the audience spending over two hours looking down at the stage - get the floor the wrong colour or wrong design and the cosmetics of the show can look awful.
Michael recently visited the scenery stores in Yorkshire (I bet it's an Aladdin's cave - pardon the pun - of all things panto). He told me that he had spotted two huge props used for the entrances of Joe Pasquale and Ceri Dupree - I wanted to know a bit more but his lips were sealed. I suppose I will have to wait until the panto dress rehearsal for that!
There's also going to be a new floor made which I'm assured by the Director Michael Harrison "looks fantastic". He said that it might sound boring talking about a floor in panto but an ugly floor in a theatre like the Hippodrome means a good portion of the audience spending over two hours looking down at the stage - get the floor the wrong colour or wrong design and the cosmetics of the show can look awful.
Michael recently visited the scenery stores in Yorkshire (I bet it's an Aladdin's cave - pardon the pun - of all things panto). He told me that he had spotted two huge props used for the entrances of Joe Pasquale and Ceri Dupree - I wanted to know a bit more but his lips were sealed. I suppose I will have to wait until the panto dress rehearsal for that!
Wednesday 22 July 2009
First draft of panto script finished!
I know it's only July but I got to thinking about the panto script and whether there was any chance of a sneak preview. So, I contacted Sleeping Beauty Director Michael Harrison this morning for a panto catch up. Here's what he had to say:
"I'm pleased to say even though its only July the first draft of the script for SLEEPING BEAUTY is finished! Joe Pasquale and I got together last week to go through all of the things he will be doing in the show and he came up with some great ideas which will see him doing lots of new material in the panto this year.
It's a mad show for Joe - he's got a lot to do especially in Act Two when nearly everyone else has been put to sleep after the Princess pricks her finger! It's up to Muddles and Lady Passionella to save the day, so Act Two is full of business between Joe and Ceri which the audience will hopefully enjoy.
Olly Ashmore our musical supervisor and composer has been working hard creating the score for us which is now nearly set. It's a mixture of classic songs you'll all know and some original material to help the plot move along. I'm not a fan of songs that don't fit into a panto, or are there for no reason, so Olly and I spend hours routining the show so everything makes sense.
I'm yet to have a proper sit down with Ray Quinn who is busy as Danny in GREASE in the West End at the moment. He and I will get together soon to discuss the musical numbers he's involved with. He's got two very different styles of solo in the show as well as several other company numbers.
Ceri Dupree and I have had yet another meeting. I meet regularly with all of the Dames I work with in panto. When there is so much resting on the costumes they wear it's vital that the script and the costumes marry up in the correct way. The costumes also cost a small fortune so it's important to get them right. I dread to think how much Ceri's will cost in the end - it's already tens of thousands, but if you are going to have the most glamerous Dame in panto you have to go for it!
Ceri's designs have been on my desk for a while now and everyone who comes into the office takes the time to look at them. There are 22 changes at the last count which I think must be some sort of record. There is very little time for him to change in between each one as I like panto to go "like a train" - very fast so nothing drags too long.
Next time I report I will have been to our scenery and costume stores in Yorkshire and I'll let you know how all of that is coming along. There's lots of new scenery being designed and built this year as well as some stunning new costumes (well Ceri can't be the only one in a nice frock!) and then after that there should be some news on the 3d and the special effects that will be in the show".
"I'm pleased to say even though its only July the first draft of the script for SLEEPING BEAUTY is finished! Joe Pasquale and I got together last week to go through all of the things he will be doing in the show and he came up with some great ideas which will see him doing lots of new material in the panto this year.
It's a mad show for Joe - he's got a lot to do especially in Act Two when nearly everyone else has been put to sleep after the Princess pricks her finger! It's up to Muddles and Lady Passionella to save the day, so Act Two is full of business between Joe and Ceri which the audience will hopefully enjoy.
Olly Ashmore our musical supervisor and composer has been working hard creating the score for us which is now nearly set. It's a mixture of classic songs you'll all know and some original material to help the plot move along. I'm not a fan of songs that don't fit into a panto, or are there for no reason, so Olly and I spend hours routining the show so everything makes sense.
I'm yet to have a proper sit down with Ray Quinn who is busy as Danny in GREASE in the West End at the moment. He and I will get together soon to discuss the musical numbers he's involved with. He's got two very different styles of solo in the show as well as several other company numbers.
Ceri Dupree and I have had yet another meeting. I meet regularly with all of the Dames I work with in panto. When there is so much resting on the costumes they wear it's vital that the script and the costumes marry up in the correct way. The costumes also cost a small fortune so it's important to get them right. I dread to think how much Ceri's will cost in the end - it's already tens of thousands, but if you are going to have the most glamerous Dame in panto you have to go for it!
Ceri's designs have been on my desk for a while now and everyone who comes into the office takes the time to look at them. There are 22 changes at the last count which I think must be some sort of record. There is very little time for him to change in between each one as I like panto to go "like a train" - very fast so nothing drags too long.
Next time I report I will have been to our scenery and costume stores in Yorkshire and I'll let you know how all of that is coming along. There's lots of new scenery being designed and built this year as well as some stunning new costumes (well Ceri can't be the only one in a nice frock!) and then after that there should be some news on the 3d and the special effects that will be in the show".
Thursday 9 July 2009
The Characters in Sleeping Beauty
You may remember I mentioned Michael Harrison in my previous blog (he's our pantomime Director). He contacted me this week to say he'd had quite a few requests for a character breakdown. So Michael kindly put the following together - a sort of who's who of pantomime and how they fit into the plot.
Muddles, played by Joe Pasquale is the court jester. He's madly in love with Beauty and will be called upon at some point to save the day! Expect some manic comedy as always from Joe and hilarious routines with Ceri.
The Prince, played by Ray Quinn is from a nearby kingdom. He was friends with the Princess as a child and has fallen in love with her again. Ray has some great musical numbers lined up in the show.
Lady Passionella is Princess Beauty's governess and mother of Muddles. She came to live at the castle when the curse was put upon the Princess. The costumes are wonderful and at the last count Ceri will change 22 times during the show.
Princess Beauty played by Lucy Evans is made to stay within the Palace grounds. She doesn't know about the curse and has never seen a spinning wheel... Until now!
Carabosse is yet to be cast. She is the evil fairy who casts the evil curse. This part is currently on offer to one of musical theatres leading ladies and an announcement is expected soon.
Slimeball played by Christopher Howell is Carabosse's son. He loves beautiful ladies, especially celebrities!
The Enchantress will be announced soon. She is Carabosse's opposite number. A good spirit.
The King and Queen are yet to be cast. Beauty's parents who for 18 years have tried to protect her from pricking her finger.
Thanks Michael - looking forward to finding out who is going to be playing Carabosse!
Muddles, played by Joe Pasquale is the court jester. He's madly in love with Beauty and will be called upon at some point to save the day! Expect some manic comedy as always from Joe and hilarious routines with Ceri.
The Prince, played by Ray Quinn is from a nearby kingdom. He was friends with the Princess as a child and has fallen in love with her again. Ray has some great musical numbers lined up in the show.
Lady Passionella is Princess Beauty's governess and mother of Muddles. She came to live at the castle when the curse was put upon the Princess. The costumes are wonderful and at the last count Ceri will change 22 times during the show.
Princess Beauty played by Lucy Evans is made to stay within the Palace grounds. She doesn't know about the curse and has never seen a spinning wheel... Until now!
Carabosse is yet to be cast. She is the evil fairy who casts the evil curse. This part is currently on offer to one of musical theatres leading ladies and an announcement is expected soon.
Slimeball played by Christopher Howell is Carabosse's son. He loves beautiful ladies, especially celebrities!
The Enchantress will be announced soon. She is Carabosse's opposite number. A good spirit.
The King and Queen are yet to be cast. Beauty's parents who for 18 years have tried to protect her from pricking her finger.
Thanks Michael - looking forward to finding out who is going to be playing Carabosse!
Monday 29 June 2009
June - must be panto launch time!
We launched the Sleeping Beauty pantomime earlier this month. Joe Pasquale, Ray Quinn, Ceri Dupree and Lucy Evans took time out of busy schedules to head up the motorway to the Hippodrome to meet members of the press and over 150 Group bookers and Birmingham Hippodrome Friends. Producers from Qdos were also there so everyone was on their best behaviour!
It's very surreal launching pantomime in the middle of June but for many here at the theatre it's panto all year round. Tickets for Sleeping Beauty went on sale before Xmas last year so for the last six months we have already been in festive mood.
We had lots of members of the press turn up for the launch including the breakfast crew from Heart FM who had been given the task of waking Sleeping Beauty (Lucy Evans) from her slumber. Joe Pasquale, in full costume as muddles, was horsing around on a pantomime Unicorn specially for photographs (very funny!)and Ray Quinn looking handsome as the Prince was in fine form and joking around with Jenny Jones from Radio WM. But for me Ceri Dupree who plays Lady Passionella stole the day. With a figure hugging dress and a massive peacock head dress he looked amazing. He also paid tribute to the late Danny La Rue at the launch and later told me that he was going for a panto record with an amazing 20 costume changes in the show. I can't wait to see those frocks!
Joe Pasquale was funnier than ever and members of the invited audience were treated to a spot of Pasquale painting - a picture of Judy Garland as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. I didn't know he could paint - we're going to auction the picture later this year.
Michael Harrison, is one of the country's youngest panto Director's was at the launch too. He's going to be directing Sleeping Beauty which sees the return of the amazing 3D we had in panto a couple of years ago.
After the studio performance Ray Quinn had to dash back to London for the evening performance of Grease but the rest of the cast stayed on to sign autographs and pose for pictures.
The pantomime opens here on 19 Dec so the cast will be back mid December for rehearsals - in the meantime I'll let Sleeping Beauty get off to bed for some rest!
It's very surreal launching pantomime in the middle of June but for many here at the theatre it's panto all year round. Tickets for Sleeping Beauty went on sale before Xmas last year so for the last six months we have already been in festive mood.
We had lots of members of the press turn up for the launch including the breakfast crew from Heart FM who had been given the task of waking Sleeping Beauty (Lucy Evans) from her slumber. Joe Pasquale, in full costume as muddles, was horsing around on a pantomime Unicorn specially for photographs (very funny!)and Ray Quinn looking handsome as the Prince was in fine form and joking around with Jenny Jones from Radio WM. But for me Ceri Dupree who plays Lady Passionella stole the day. With a figure hugging dress and a massive peacock head dress he looked amazing. He also paid tribute to the late Danny La Rue at the launch and later told me that he was going for a panto record with an amazing 20 costume changes in the show. I can't wait to see those frocks!
Joe Pasquale was funnier than ever and members of the invited audience were treated to a spot of Pasquale painting - a picture of Judy Garland as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. I didn't know he could paint - we're going to auction the picture later this year.
Michael Harrison, is one of the country's youngest panto Director's was at the launch too. He's going to be directing Sleeping Beauty which sees the return of the amazing 3D we had in panto a couple of years ago.
After the studio performance Ray Quinn had to dash back to London for the evening performance of Grease but the rest of the cast stayed on to sign autographs and pose for pictures.
The pantomime opens here on 19 Dec so the cast will be back mid December for rehearsals - in the meantime I'll let Sleeping Beauty get off to bed for some rest!
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