Currently in the middle of a solo tour, in this week’s issue of The Stage Jason Donovan tells Catherine Usher why audiences can expect a more sophisticated show this time around and how he feels about returning to the West End in Priscilla Queen of the Desert — The Musical.
It was an extensive audition process that I had to go through… Obviously, being Australian I have a large pedigree with the show. To that extent, it seemed pretty logical. It’s a great Australian story and fun. It’s definitely an ‘up’ show.
ITV1’s Christmas comedy drama Clash of the Santas sees Robson Green and Mark Benton return as hapless brothers-in-law Howie and Colin, first seen in 2004’s Christmas Lights and in two further series since then.
“I love obscure comedy, but I also love mainstream comedy and lately it has become a dirty word to say you enjoy that,” [Mark Benton] says. “Clash of the Santas is slapstick and very broad, and sometimes it is quite subtle, believe it or not, but I think there is a place for broad comedy — because this is something my mum and dad can watch and will find hilarious. Certain critics on posh papers will feel they have to slag it off because it has not been written by me and Robson and put on BBC3.”
Also in this week’s Stage, which includes a free 2009 wall planner:
Curtain Up: Sunset Boulevard director and Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood talks about bringing his staging of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, which ditches the lavish sets in favour of actors who play their own instruments
Insight: As the economic climate becomes harsher, broadcasters are looking to where they can reduce costs. Maggie Brown reviews some of their recent decisions, how this will affect programme making and what trends may be brewing
The recession may not offer the best prospects for securing more government grants — but if we take into account how much money cultural activities can save other departments, the case for DCMS investment grows stronger, argues Denis Vaughan, chair of the Council for the Advancement of Arts, Recreation and Education
Ian Herbert: There’s fresh air and fresh thinking in Boris Johnson’s new cultural strategy for London — but not enough attention on theatre
Ewan Spence: How the BBC iPlayer’s radio service offers better feedback to creatives than the official RAJAR figures can
Dear John: “My solo vocal set is quite uptempo, and I like interacting with audiences. Now that it’s party season, how can I break into that market?”
Successful musical producer, actor and director Paul Nicholas, who has also turned his hand to launching a stage school franchise, tells Nick Smurthwaite why, a decade on from its first production, he felt his musical A Tale of Two Cities was worth reviving
Touring one-man shows can be a lucrative market, though the costs and preparation time required to put together a high quality event ae not to be underestimated. Rick Wakeman tells Fred Redwood just how much hard work goes into his multimedia Grumpy Old Picture Show
Backstage Focus: Nick Smurthwaite talks to award-winning lighting designer Mick Hughes about his 40-year career that has seen him work with such renowned writers as Alan Ayckbourn
Allen Saddler reflects on the work of Chris Barber, whose career spans almost 60 years, as the legendary band leader goes out on the road yet again
Showpeople: Dusty Button, currently performing in the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker; Rob Angell, a Hull Truck regular and currently appearing in A Kick in the Baubles; David Garrud, currently in William’s Monster at the Chelsea Theatre
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