How was it to come together again and write? Did it take a while to get into the swing of things, or was it like you’d never stopped?

AJ: ‘It was 23 years since we had last written a script together when we sat down to write the play in 2009, but might just as well have been 23 days. We just clicked in to the old writing routine as if we had never stopped. Mind you, we had been in touch quite a lot in the interim – we’ve been friends for about 40 years – and although Yes Minister had stopped it hadn’t died; papers kept wanting Sir Humphrey pieces from us, and of course the DVDs and repeats kept going.’
You must have been a little wary about writing for characters so closely linked to their on-screen actors, but now that several top actors have played those roles successfully, but each differently, are you even more proud of the characters you’ve created?

JL: ‘Yes, obviously one of our biggest concerns was whether the public would accept new actors and different interpretations of Jim, Humphrey and Bernard. We didn’t want actors who would do impersonations of Paul [Eddington], Nigel [Hawthorne] and Derek [Fowlds] in fact, we went out of our way to cast it differently. That’s why we had ducked writing a stage play for many years, even though many producers had asked us. But then I realised that so many beloved characters have been recast, like Doctor Who, James Bond, Sherlock Holmes – not to mention Hamlet! – and the audience simply accepts a new interpretation by a different actor and treats it on its merits. We hoped that would be the case with our characters, and that’s how it turned out. And yes, we were delighted to have shown that the characters have a life of their own, apart from the actors who first played them.’

Why do you think Yes, Prime Minister continues to be so popular across the country, even with people who wouldn’t consider themselves ‘political’? Is there something universal about the relationship between Jim and Sir Humphrey?
AJ: ‘Firstly, I think everybody knows something about politics nowadays – it floods our TV screens and newspapers. But yes, there is something universal about the servant who knows more than his master – Figaro and The Admirable Crichton are good examples – and Jim’s ignorance has a lot of comic potential.’

What advice do you think Sir Humphrey would have for David Cameron and Nick Clegg?

AJ: ‘Humphrey’s advice to Cameron and Clegg would be very simple: “Leave it to me.”
David Cameron famously likes to ‘chillax’ – do you think a man as excitable as Jim Hacker could ever really succeed in politics

AJ:‘ I don’t honestly think it makes much difference. Energetic PMs can be a success – Lloyd George; – or a disaster – Gordon Brown.’

The BBC features quite strongly in the play – have you updated any of the script to reflect the Corporation’s ‘annus horribilis’ in 2013?
JL: ‘Not really. A couple of extra jokes, that’s all. The BBC’s current decline was inevitable when we wrote the play, and Jim’s outburst against the Director General used to win enthusiastic rounds of applause when we opened in Chichester nearly three years ago. We’ve added a line to reflect the changes of leadership.’
What are your favourite political programmes at the moment? Are there are any other satirists you admire?

AJ: ‘I think The Thick Of It is excellent, otherwise I’m not really a fan of political TV – after all I started in it when I joined Panorama in 1956, and then moved on to Tonight where I did a show a night for six years. After the first 50 years you get a little jaded.’
What is the relationship of the new television series, aired on UK Gold in January, to the stage play?

AJ: ‘Our aim was to keep the TV series as close to the play as possible, which basically we have. But adding another 70 minutes or so obviously makes a difference – among other things it gave us an opportunity to have some fun with Scottish independence and civil servants’ and MPs’ expenses. And we had to juggle some scenes to resolve story lines within the episode in which they started.’

See Sir Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn’s award winning comedy drama here in Tunbridge Wells Tuesday 28 May – Saturday 1 June, starring Michael Fenton Stevens and Crispin Redman.

Round one of our series of 60 seconds with Assembly Hall Theatre staff blogs. This week our Box Office Assistant, Julie discusses her typical work day, Starlight Express and Jimmy Carr.

How long have you worked at the theatre for?

‘Nearly 10 years.‘

Describe your typical day of work:

‘There is no such thing as  a typical day on the theatre Box Office but my day normally starts long before the customers come in with a checking the floats and answering emails from customers or other members of staff. I will then open the front doors and put the advertising boards out and wait for the customers. During a day I will talk to lots of customers both over the counter and on the phone. We are here until the show starts in the evening and I really enjoy watching the audience as they come in looking forward to a fabulous night out. As the audience flood in we are always kept busy with ticket queries and other questions and more bookings. At the end of the day we close up the box office and turn of the lights so it is already to do again the next day.‘

What do you enjoy most about your career?

‘I love the people who come in to see the shows. I enjoy knowing I am part of a big team which is creating a fun evening out for anyone.’

 Julie (in the red) and some of the team dressing up for Comic Relief

What is your favourite theatre show?

‘The best show I have seen has to be Starlight Express. I love musicals and the bigger, brighter and louder the better.‘

Which show would you most like to see at the Assembly Hall Theatre?

‘I would love see Starlight come in but I don’t think that would be possible so I am happy with any musical. I have been enjoying Priscilla this week.‘

What’s your favourite team building exercise?

‘We all had a great day at Bewl Water last September Dragon Boat racing and raising money for Hospice in the Weald.’

Staff at 2012′s Dragon Boat Race

 Describe yourself in three words:

‘One Crazy Lady.’

If you weren’t in the theatre world, what else would you like to do?

‘Win the Lottery.’

What’s your most memorable moment working for the theatre?

‘Not long after I started at the theatre we had a little know comedian, Jimmy Carr, playing here. He walked through the front door and straight up to me at the box office. I know nothing of comedy or who they are so greeted him politely and asked if I could help. He informed me he was here for the show and I asked if he had a ticket as the show was sold out. He replied “I am the show” so feeling a little embarrassed I pointed him towards the auditorium and told him they were all waiting for him and he was late!‘

Thank you Julie for taking the time to speak to us. Stay tuned for more Getting to Know the Staff blogs coming soon.

What do you get when you take one fabulous show and one talented Bar Manager…a Priscilla-Colada cocktail, of course!

Marco Brivio, Bar Manager at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells,  has designed a signature cocktail to celebrate the award winning Priscilla Queen of the Desert coming to town. Come along and celebrate your wild side with the Priscilla-Colada at a special promotional price of 2 for £15.

We were lucky to grab a few minutes with Marco between mixes . Here’s what he had to say:

Tell us a bit about your background before you started at Hotel du Vin

‘I have always worked in bars and restaurants since the age of 15 . I studied hotel school for 5 years back in Italy until 2003 and gained a professional sommellier diploma. I moved to England 5years ago and trained at WSET (wine spirit education trust) to recieve an advanced level dipolma. I am also part of the comitee for the UKBG South West and Thames Valley (United Kingdom Bartender Guild).’

How long have you worked at Hotel du Vin for?

‘I moved to Kent in 2009 as a barman, after 6 months I was promoted as Assistant Bar Manager and took over as Bar Manager in October 2011.’

How did you come up with the  Priscilla-colada?

‘There was no way a classic cocktail could live up to the fun, funky and outrageous show, along with all its extravagant costumes, and flamboyant characters. Something  very special was required, so a funky twist was put on the classic Pina-Colada, an old favourite but with a Hotel du Vin sparkle. Served in a mini Mexican pineapple, the Priscilla-Colada is a blend of white rum, pineapple juice, coconut and fresh strawberries. ’ 

What is your dream?

‘My dream will be to open a cocktail/whisky bar on the beach in Australia.’

Oooh how lovely, take us with you. Finally, please tell us your top tip for making cocktails at home

“If you want to impress your guest at home with a cocktail keep it simple…a MARTINI SHAKEN NOT STIRRED”

Thank you Marco and we look forward to coming over for a tasting session this weekend.

If you haven’t already book your tickets here to see Priscilla, tickets are selling faster then you can Shake Ya Groove Thing.

On Friday 26 April we opened up our lower foyer bar area to pre-bookers on our Priscilla Make Up Workshop. At the Assembly Hall Theatre we are lucky enough to be able to offer free workshops to people in our community. So it was no surpise that by teaming up Priscilla with a free make up class would no doubt become fully booked within days.

Regan Shepherd, cast member in Priscilla getting ready for the show

Gemma Evans, an experienced make-up artist, ran an in-depth class on how to apply make-up in the flamboyant style of Priscilla the stage show. On her gorgeous model Una, Gemma gave running commentary whilst applying subtle and drag queen style make-up techniques, highlighting to participants how to get the most out of their make up for everyday and for special occasions.

Several hair styles were shown before participants teamed up and practised Gemma’s tips on one another. The atmosphere was relaxed and the ladies freely asked questions as the demonstration went on.

Una before the Priscilla make-up style was applied

Una after the Priscilla make-up had been applied

Thank you to all the ladies who attended for a great evening and for all their lovely feedback

‘I loved listening to all the handy hints and tips about applying make up, I will find them very useful.’

‘I enjoyed learning about how you can apply make up in different ways and for different activities.’

‘Very informative and intimate enough to really get personal questions answered. It is great such things are held.’

Keep your eyes peeled, we have a range of free workshops lined up which we have linked to our great shows with more details to be announced soon.

Direct from the West End, join us all next week and journey to the heart of fabulous when Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical is in Tunbridge Wells. To book tickets  click here

One of the perks of working for a theatre is being invited to preview  shows which will be coming to our venue later in the year.  On Wednesday 10th April three members of the Assembly Hall Theatre boarded the train and headed off to attend the premier of Carnaby Street at Hackney Empire.

Carnaby Street is a brand new  musical so we jumped at the chance of going to see the show. Morgan, our Chief Electrician had arranged to meet the Production Manager and be shown backstage so that he could report back to our stage crew on how best we can prepare for their arrival.  Lauren, our Box Office Supervisor and Kayleigh, Marketing Officer,  enjoyed meeting the Carnaby Street marketing team and came away with great ideas on how best to market the show to our current audience and how to engage new customers.

Hackney Empire is a grade II listed building and a beautiful example of Edwardian variety theatre design.  So settling down to watch Carnaby Street – The Musical in this auditorium with pre-show 60’s classics coming over the speakers can’t but help put you in a good mood.

Over 16 years in the making, directed by Bob Tomson (Blood Brothers, Dreamboats and Petticoats) and designed by Matthew Wright (Evita, La Cage aux Folles), Carl Leighton-Pope’s musical Carnaby Street offers a peek at London in the swinging sixties, when youth culture began to make an impact on society as a whole and British music was conquering the world.

Through the eyes of entrepreneur Jack, played by Eastenders Aaron Sidwell , we meet the colourful characters who populated the route from Carnaby Street to Tin-Pan Alley. Focusing on the rise to fame of Jude, a working class boy from Liverpool and his friend Penny Lane, played by Emmerdales Verity Rushworth, who are new in town and armed with nothing but his guitar and his dreams of fame and fortune. We follow the highs and lows, the passion and heartbreak, of his journey in pursuit of stardom.

The four piece band and three brass instrument players rock out over 30 classic hits from the time, including ‘Roll Over Beethoven’, ‘Do Wah Diddy Diddy’, ‘Tired Of Waiting For You’, ‘You Really Got Me’, ‘Keep On Running’, ‘Sweets For My Sweet’….the show is set to get you dancing in the aisles and guaranteed a fun night out. Which is exactly what our team did, during a standing ovation we showed Hackney our swinging sixties dance moves!

Carnaby Street, Tue 14- Sat 18 May evenings 7.30pm, Wed & Sat matinee 2.30pm.Tickets from just £19.50, book your tickets today.

We have 5 CDs filled with the music from Carnaby Street to give away to the first 5 people to email kayleigh.minihane@tunbridgewells.gov.uk with the name of their favorite sixties song and why.

We at the Assembly Hall Theatre are lucky enough to be able to offer Free Workshops to people in our community. We look at our upcoming week long shows, put our thinking caps on and tailor a workshop to suit. During 2012 we put on several workshops.

In April we ran a Chicago dance workshop for adults and taught them how to give the old razzle dazzle!

In June our  Blood Brothers drama workshop for teenagers was extremely popular as it was lead by a real West End Star.

In October we worked together with the Adult Education Centre to provide a life drawing class with strategical placed sunflowers, inspired by Calendar Girls.

And in January 2013 we put on an adorable Ben and Holly mask making workshop.

So we are now very excited to introduce our upcoming workshop.

Free Priscilla Make Up Workshop
Friday 26 April 7 – 9.30pm
The Lower Foyer Bar Area, Assembly Hall Theatre

Participants will learn basic make up tips on how to get the most out of their own make up kit, as well as flamboyant hair and make up styles that are used in Priscilla the stage show.

Gemma Evans is an experienced, make up artist studying hair and make up at West Thames College. She has had an exciting career working on the Olympics Opening Ceremony, weddings, photoshoots and is currently working with an upcoming New Zealand vocal artist. She is looking forward to working with you all.

To book a place on one of our workshops please email kayleigh.minihane@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or call 01892 554173.
Maximum 14 spaces available per workshop.  Over 16s only. First come first served basis.

TWODS – WORKING WITH CHILDREN & ANIMALS?

That’s a challenge Maria (Heidi Cripps) is delighted to undertake when introducing the young cast of TWODS forthcoming production of The Sound Of Music to some local goats as they get the feel for one of the popular songs from the show – ‘The Lonely Goatherd’. These talented young actors beat a line-up of over 100 children to secure their roles in the much loved show and have worked tirelessly in rehearsal to produce some truly wonderful performances.

This wonderful and timeless classic musical is simply brimming with tunes that we all know and love … ‘Climb E’vry Mountain’ Edelweiss’, ‘My Favourite Things’ and many more. The story is one of love, romance and duty set against the backdrop of the Austrian mountains in the troubled times of the pre-war Nazi era and is sure to touch the hearts of all age groups.

The Sound Of Music has been delighting audiences and filling theatres worldwide for over 50 years so why not pop along to see this fabulous production of ‘the world’s best loved musical’. TWODS has a well-earned reputation for the professional standard of their productions and particularly the beautiful singing from the renowned TWODS chorus. This show will certainly be no exception and promises to be a great night out for all the family.
As part of their commitment to working with local charities TWODS is delighted to be supporting two local children’s’ charities for this show. These are Demelza Hospice and chYps Hospice.

From April 16th to 20th ‘The Wells are Alive with The Sound Of Music’ at The Assembly Hall Theatre. Evening performances are at 7.30pm and matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. So don’t miss out, book your tickets today.
TWODS is also one of the very few amateur societies to provide a ‘signed’ performance for the hearing impaired. This performance is on Wednesday 17th April at 7.30pm and TWODS is very proud to work closely with HI Kent in this regard.

Having recently returned from her short trip to Oz where she performed in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, 2013 is set to be an amazing year for Sarah Millican. Keep up to date with Sarah by reading her hysterical blog.

As part of her third national tour Home Bird Sarah has confirmed an extra date to her original Saturday 19 April 2014 show which has sold out. She will now also be taking centre stage at the Assembly Hall Theatre on Wednesday 29 January 2014. With the tour heading all over the UK, starting in September 2013 and ending in May 2014, the people of the South East are definitely not passing up the chance to learn what to take on a dirty weekend, the easiest way to blend in, in a posh restaurant and how to teach a pensioner to swear.

Sarah has become a house hold name having been voted The People’s Choice: Queen of Comedy at the British Comedy Awards in 2011. She has also performed to over 200,000 people throughout her two previous sell-out national tours, Chatterbox and Thoroughly Modern Millican. Being in huge demand, she hasn’t stopped there appearing on our screens in Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and numerous comedy shows on the BBC. She also has had her very own six part series, Sarah Millican’s Television Programme, which combines talk of what has inspired her on screen with unique interviews with television people who have impressed her.

Click the image for a good old belly giggle!

Being assessed as one of the 100 most powerful women in the United Kingdom in February 2013, for her risqué stand up comedy. Sarah’s talk of relationships, body image and cake is sure to be “belly-laugh hilarious”  , however she says that “sadly … it’s an adult show for adults. I am very rude. Filth wise , I’m always polite”  The Mirror.

The Assembly Hall offers a fantastic range of top female comedians, from Sandi Toksvig to Fascinating Aida. To avoid disappointment, book early as you wouldn’t want to be missing out on these acts!

Written by our wonderful work experience K College student; Lauren Townsend.

There’s certainly no doubting this fan’s dedication to her favourite show, Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

‘Priscilla’ super-Fan Tracy Warne, Front of House Staff member here at the Assembly Hall Theatre, will have by the end of 2013 travelled 11,134 miles from her native Kent to fulfil her dream of seeing her beloved show on stage.

Tracy fell in love with Priscilla Queen of the Desert after watching the show with her sister Sheena in London in 2009.  She has attended 27 shows and a further 28 booked for the UK tour this year, willing to go the extra mile, literally, to experience it in person.  Tracy has travelled to Milan, New York, Manchester and London to see her favourite show.  Tracy has committed to following the UK tour every month which ends in January 2014,   see the show every night when it tours to Tunbridge Wells in May.

Tracy and Sheena backstage in Milan

Tracy met the touring cast in Manchester in February  “Richard Grieve who plays Bernadette in the show is fab and absolutely charming taking time to pose for photos and chat. Priscilla Queen of the Desert is a fantastic funny, glitzy, glam show full of great dance music from the eighties very contagious.  Once you have seen it, you will want to see it again and again and again”.

Tracy and Sheena with Richard Grieve

You may have read about Tracy Warne in the Kent and Sussex Courier on 8th March ,Kent on Sunday on 10th March and Kent Messenger on 15th March or even heard her being interviewed by Dominic King BBC Radio Kent.

I was lucky enough to catch Tracy and spent 60 seconds asking her questions on her favourite topic.

How did you feel when you heard Priscilla was coming to the place you work at?  - “So excited couldn’t believe it. Looking forward to that week in May most out of the whole tour. Feels like it is coming especially for me!”

Describe Priscilla in three words….“Fun, glitzy, exciting”

Who is your favourite character in Priscilla? - “Felicia”

There is a fantastic soundtrack in Priscilla, what is your favourite song ? – “It’s Raining Men, starts the show with a bang!”

What do you and your sister do before and after the show? – “Before the show we get our tour outfits on, have a few cocktails (pink of course) . After the show we love to have a chat with the cast at the stage door.”

What other shows would you like to see come to the Assembly Hall Theatre? – “I would love to see Rocky Horror or Dolly Parton’s 9-5 Musical.”

What top tips would you give to the team at the Assembly Hall Theatre so we can make the venue fabulous? – “Stock up on cocktails and bubbly – Priscilla fans are out for a fun time.”

Join Tracy and Sheena and get ready for the ride of your life Monday 6 – Saturday 11 May when Priscilla is in Tunbridge Wells. Be sure to buy your tickets now, as the show is selling fast!

Stay fabulous!

Posted by Kayleigh