Big names to Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Playhouse is set to be sold to a leading theatre operator in a move that has raised hopes of more big-name West End productions coming to the Capital.

The Edinburgh Evening News writes today that sources confirmed that a deal had been struck to sell the historic city venue to the Ambassador Theatre Group – which runs Glasgow's King's Theatre and Theatre Royal. It is understood to be part of a deal that will see Playhouse owner Live Nation's 17 UK venues sold off for a sum in the region of £90 million.

The Scottish paper revealed in June that the 3,000-seat venue had been put up for sale by Live Nation. At the time about 20 theatre operators were understood to have registered an interest. Before the takeover, the Ambassador Theatre Group was the UK's second largest theatre operator, but the acquisition of 17 new venues would make it the largest.The Playhouse has attracted a string of top West End shows, including Les Miserables and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and big-name music stars such as Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

Beneficial

Theatre critic Thom Dibdin believes the takeover could prove beneficial to the Capital. He said: "They are the biggest group in the West End and the biggest regional group. The Playhouse is a fantastic venue for the kind of shows that come here."As long as they haven't over-stretched themselves by doing this, which might compromise what they can do, I have no problem with it.

"They seem to be able to put on some slightly more exciting stuff in Glasgow that I feel we should be having over here."It could be very good for the city if they continue to keep big, entertaining shows that draw people in from around Scotland. "The Playhouse is a big attraction for coming to Edinburgh as a visitor, as a weekend here taking in a big musical is half what you would pay at the West End.

Most profitable

"The Playhouse has had a string of owners since it was reopened as a theatre in 1980 with the support of Lothian Regional Council, having lain empty for seven years.The theatre was forced to cut up to nine jobs at the beginning of the year, but it is understood to have been one of the most profitable theatres in Live Nation's portfolio.

Live Nation is best known internationally as a music promoter, boasting the likes of Madonna and U2 on its roster.Its other UK venues include London's Apollo Victoria and Lyceum theatres, and it is understood to be looking to switch its attention to expanding its live music operation.Both the Ambassador Theatre Group and the Playhouse declined to comment on the sale.

Interview: Katie Ray - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Taking to the stage next to the Child Catcher is terrifying enough, but stepping into the shoes of the aptly named Truly Scrumptious for the first time is a huge challenge for Katie Ray, writes Colene McKessick in the Press and Journal.

Katie Ray is playing Truly Scrumptious for the first time in the current tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which arrived in Aberdeen this week. “It never gets less terrifying. There’s just something so scary and intimidating about it,” she said.

She’s certainly nervous about her debut, but her comments above relate to a lifelong fear. “The Child Catcher is just one of the most creepy and hideous characters ever, and I don’t mind admitting I’m still petrified of him,” she laughed.

“I know that Dean Maynard, who plays him, is a lovely guy, but as soon as the make-up and prosthetics are on and I see him, I still feel a cold shiver going down my back.”

Fantasmagorical

The world-famous production is playing at HM Theatre, promising a fantasmagorical show. The story, written by James Bond author Ian Fleming for his children, is an out of this world adventure with eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts and his two children, Jemima and Jeremy, alongside Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, as they all try to outwit the dastardly Baron Bomburst and the evil Child Catcher.

The show has been nominated for three Olivier Awards, won Best Musical at the 2002 Variety Awards, was nominated for five Tony Awards on Broadway, won the coveted 2006 Manchester Evening News Theatre Award for Best Family Show and holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive stage prop – the famous Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car.

Nervous

For Katie, the chance to play Truly is one she has waited for for a long time. “I couldn’t wait to get on stage at HM Theatre as it has seemed like I’ve been Truly for ages – all I needed was to actually be on stage,” she said.

“I was told I had the role a long time ago, but I’ve only been in rehearsals for the past two weeks and I’ve been counting down to Aberdeen. The cast is an established one, so I was a bit nervous, but they’re lovely.”

As with many adults of a certain age, Katie watched the 1968 film repeatedly as a child. So, when the opportunity arose to be in the live production, she jumped at the chance. “It’s from an amazing era for children’s films – Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks – and all of these wonderful, magical films were my staple viewing,” she said.

“I loved Chitty because it was so out of this world; you were stepping away from reality and into another world when you watched it. The characters were so believable that you wanted to be able to step through the TV screen into the film.

“I’ve been getting texts from friends saying: ‘I’m watching the film with my niece; it’s fantastic, I’m so jealous of you,’ which is great fun. “When I got the part, I went home and watched the film and I got so excited during scenes like Toot Sweets because I was sitting thinking ‘ooh I get to do that bit’. I love Truly because although she’s girly and has all the pretty dresses, she’s feisty and scrappy. So watching the scene where she gets on the motorbike and rides through the puddles made me very excited.”

Yoga
Although Katie has a background in musical theatre, it is another pastime that has helped her recreate one of the story’s most famous scenes. “I am a qualified yoga teacher, and I have trained in America, India and Thailand, so when it came to holding the poses for Doll on a Box, it was quite easy for me,” she said.

“It’s such a big number and it’s one of the ones everyone is waiting for when they come to see the show, and I have to admit it is one of my favourites. “There are so many big songs in Chitty, and you find yourself singing along, despite the fact you may not have seen the film since you were a child.”

Another world
Considering that the film was released over 40 years ago, how is it still drawing in young audiences? “Chitty seems to be the childhood story that everyone liked, whether you’re a boy or a girl, or whether you were a child when it first came out, or a child now who watches your parents’ copy,” said Katie.

“It’s a good old-fashioned story compared with the stories for kids nowadays. For the time you’re in the theatre, you’re in another world. It’s great because children nowadays are so used to special effects and 3D films, but seeing their faces in the audience and how excited they get about Chitty is really nice.”

Incredible

Of course, whether you’re five or 55, there’s one thing everyone wants to know: what’s it like being in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? “It’s incredible. The only thing I can compare it to is being on a rollercoaster, but it’s better than that,” said Katie.

The car is the world’s most expensive prop, coming in at almost £750,000, and was specially built for this new tour. “This might sound a bit cheesy, but you do feel like you’re flying, because of the angle of the car, and the twinkling stars and skyline. You kind of lose yourself for a minute. I have to sit back and put my feet in braces as the car does tilt very far, almost vertical, so you’re holding on with all your might, just as you would if the car were flying. It’s wonderful, and it is a character in its own right. It even gets to bow at the end.”

Katie now has her fingers crossed that the audience enjoys the show as much as she does. “The audience can expect to walk out clapping and humming the tunes all the way home,” she said. “Everyone I’ve spoken to is really excited about the show, and so they should be – I certainly am.”

Keith Jack starts dance school

Scottish reality TV star Keith Jack is teaming up with his dancer girlfriend to open their very own dance school.

The Any Dream Will Do singing sensation hopes to help out fellow youngsters following in his footsteps by launching a stage school.

The 21 year-old, and his girlfriend Alana Macfarlane, are organising the classes for kids and teenagers at the Morningside Dance Academy, in Edinburgh. And as well as coaching dance moves Keith will also be offering inside advice on breaking into the industry.

All children welcome
Places at the stage school are filling up fast with everyone from the ages of eight to 18 welcome to join regardless of their experience.

Ms Macfarlane said the duo were keen to increase opportunities for young performers in Scotland and are considering taking their stage school around the country. She said: “It’s really exciting to be able to give something back to kids. I know when I was growing up there was not a lot of opportunities or advice going about. “Hopefully the kids will have lots of fun and learn something new.”

Together
Keith is also about to launch his second album along with getting ready for a UK-wide tour while juggling his duties at the dance school. His girlfriend Alana, 21, studied dance at an Edinburgh college and already gives dance lessons to youngsters in the capital.

The pair have been together for just over a year after falling for each other during Keith’s last
tour when Alana was one of the Dalkeith-born star’s dancers. Keith said: “After everything I’ve done, I thought it would be nice to give something back and help young people learn more about the industry.

Teaching
“Obviously, it’s about coming along and learning. I thought I could also help by talking about what my life’s been like and teaching them how to deal with an audition. “There’s nothing worse than being able to song and dance, then turning up to an audition and having no idea what to do.”

The classes will take place from 19 to 23 October, between 10am and 4pm. Contact macfarlanejack@googlemail.com for more details.

In theatre: Little Shop of Horrors

Down and out Skid Row floral assistant Seymour becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood.

Soon “Audrey II” grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore offering him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite… but as Audrey II’s hungry demands increase, all that Seymour holds dear is threatened as the plant’s sinister agenda for global domination is revealed…

This family-friendly stage musical is written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman (who redefined the animated musical genre with Disney favourites The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Enchanted). Featuring an incredible animatronic man-eating plant, this critically acclaimed new production is bristling with great songs and laugh-out-loud lyrics.

To be seen in the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh from 28 September to 3 October.

Wanted: Dorothy and Toto

Lord Lloyd-Webber's latest Saturday night talent show will search for a girl to play Dorothy and a dog to play Toto in The Wizard Of Oz, the BBC says.

Winners of the programme will star in a West End production of the musical. It follows BBC One's I'd Do Anything, Any Dream Will Do and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? which also found musical stars. The new programme, also called The Wizard Of Oz, will again be presented by Graham Norton.

Lord Lloyd-Webber, 61, said the previous talent shows he had made with the BBC had provided an incredible shot in the arm for musical theatre in Britain". The search for Dorothy will begin with auditions across the UK in early 2010 with the programme airing later in the year. Lord Lloyd-Webber's fellow judges have yet to be announced.

Must see: Blood Brothers!

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary BLOOD BROTHERS tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.

The incredible score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning BLOOD BROTHERS, which, having opened in 1988 to tremendous acclaim continues to enjoy standing ovations at every devastating performance.

For the first time in Fife, from 28th September – 3rd October at the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline.

Don´t miss: Chicago

'Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts'…so begins the international award winning musical, Chicago starring Gary Wilmot as Billy Flynn and Emma Barton (EastEnders) as Roxie Hart.

Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920’s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with Cell Block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.

Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago’s sexy, sassy score includes All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle. With 6 Tony, 2 Olivier, 1 Grammy, 2 Bafta and 6 Academy Awards, Chicago truly is 'The sharpest, slickest show on the block' (The Times).

When: 5 October - 10 October
Where: Glasgow King's Theatre
More information: check the website.