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Hi peeps! Quite a few people have now signed up at the "Attending Private Lives" page - can anyone suggest a good spot for us international and national fans to meet around the Albury theatre??? (either before or after the play!). Many thanks!
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Friday, August 31, 2001 at 19:41:09 (PDT)
Magda, the Pride and Prejudice production with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth is as close to perfection as it is possible to get-it was my favorite until I saw a certain gentleman for the first time in Sense and Sensibility. I got the six part P&P from Costco, so won't be getting the DVD, but if you have a DVD and don't have the video, go for it-it is definitely worth the money for anyone who loves English corset and lace at the collar movies....
a Rickman admirer
- Friday, August 31, 2001 at 13:55:27 (PDT)
Magda, the info came in an A&E e-newsletter, so I can only assume. I'm actually NOT a P&P fan - not an Austen fan at all unless there's a Rickman in it - but I assumed P&P fans would recognize the production (based on guestbook discussions around the release of "Bridget Jones' Diary." Well, you know what they say about assuming.....
Sorry I can't offer clarity. I just thought there'd be some interest.
Mary
McHenry, - Friday, August 31, 2001 at 13:02:35 (PDT)
Jutta, merci merci! La tape has come and I have enjoyed Alain-le-gamin! (and the German newspaper the tape was wrapped in! ;) Suz, thanks too, the postman got a bright smile from this guestbook inmate this morning. I would have rewarded him with a couple of kisses on the cheeks if he hadn't turned out to be of the female persuasion! (traditions? *sigh* ;)
Elizabeth, don't worry about your French: the letters are all there if in a somewhat imaginative order! ;)) Fausta, nice page, I think I have expressed myself on the photos already. Thanks for all the links and info everybody. I'm off to London this Sunday, no particular aim in mind but to enjoy being there for the day. Any exhibition etc you know of that I might enjoy?
GML
UK - Friday, August 31, 2001 at 12:30:20 (PDT)
Mary: Okay, it's been a long week in a long month but I'm confused. What DVD is being described in your post about Austen? A new release of the huge P&P production?
Magda
Canada - Friday, August 31, 2001 at 11:33:08 (PDT)
I'm in a very good mood right now. I saw Blow Dry yesterday. It was quite amusing. Mr. Rickman did a fantastic job. I also picked up Truly, Madly, Deeply at a second hand book store for a mere 6 dollars. Hopefully I'll be able to enpty the house today to get some alone time to watch it. As much as I love 'em, I don't want ten year old boys running around disturbing me while I try to get some quality Rickman time.
Michaela <mother_mercury@cornerpub.comfoo>
BC Canada - Friday, August 31, 2001 at 11:00:41 (PDT)
Julia, Maid Marian shines like the sun! One of my favorite AR lines!
Fausta, your AR el Sublime page is fabulous! Made me weak recalling each scene and the two photos are breathtaking! Can't decide which I like better but then why decide right?
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Friday, August 31, 2001 at 09:30:31 (PDT)
OT again - sorry, I'm all OTing today, sheer jealousy that I'll not be heading across the water and so can't join in any of the theatre discussions - it looks like another costumer is set to open on the 7th of next month. Studs, costumes and swords...Allah is good. The info (such as it is) is at
http://www.the-musketeer.com/
(sorry - I'm computer dense and don't understand the html instructions, and I know I'll mess everything else up) Returning you to your regularly scheduled
Mary
McHenry, USA - Friday, August 31, 2001 at 08:51:36 (PDT)
OT, I know from past posts there are some Jane Austen and P&P fans out there, so I thought I'd share with you this notice just received:
ATTENTION JANE AUSTEN FANS! The timeless themes and racy insights of Jane Austen's superb romantic comedy Pride and Prejudice are captured for all time in this critically acclaimed production! Starring Colin Firth (Bridget Jones's Diary) and Jennifer Ehle (Sunshine), and directed by Simon Langton (Upstairs, Downstairs), this new DVD has behind-the-scenes footage not available anywhere else! A must-have for any Jane Austen fan.
Mary
McHenry, - Friday, August 31, 2001 at 07:21:49 (PDT)
I *know* this has been asked before, but where is that sound file on FOF from? Who shines like the sun??? (Besides me, of course!)
giggle, giggle, Julia
Canada - Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 21:35:13 (PDT)
Currency converter, if this works . . .
Georgiana, once more with feeling...
Seattle - Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 17:32:12 (PDT)
1 pound is around 1.46 American dollars today.
BTW, the best way to get any foreign currency when you do travel is to use your network linked bank/credit card at an ATM in the country you are visiting. Your money will come out in the local currency and you avoid lines and rip-off conversion charges.
Josephine
Too far away from London, - Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 17:31:39 (PDT)
There is an on line currency converter, which gives you the best rate available--not what you'd get at once of those currency booths in the airport, where you will be charged for the privilege of conversion. You now get about two-thirds of a pound for every US dollar, or about $1.40 (or more like $1.50) for every £1. I think the least expensive way to get foreign currency is to use your ATM card at the foreign location. Wonder of wonders, you get pounds if in London, Francs if in Paris, Nuevo Soles if in Cusco...
Georgiana (off to Hawaii for the very first time...)
Seattle - Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 17:29:49 (PDT)
No it definatley wasn't his suitcase, read my earlier post a bit down the page and all will be explained. On converting dollars into pounds, you can do that at a beurau de change (GML feel free to shout at me over my appalling french) or in the UK we can also do it at a post office, the exchange rate varies, not to sure what it is at the moment. Hope that is a vague help.
Elizabeth
UK - Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 16:05:17 (PDT)
Wait a minute, it wasn't his suitcase?? I'm confused!! But anyways, can someone please explain how american money is converted into pounds. Thanks so much
Emily <Dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ USA - Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 15:52:58 (PDT)
Well I didn't get my suitcase, it seems that some other bidder didn't do their research and thought that it had really belonged to AR so she bid to the ridiculasly high price of £150!
Elizabeth
UK - Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 15:11:16 (PDT)
Kathleen, He is definatley doing the matinaees(I can't spell), My English tutor is going to one and is insiting that her A level group go to(I'm not complaining but a couple of the others are, one said oh he's the one in S and S isn't he, yes I like him he's got a nice voice.) and she checkd to see if he was doing them and he is. Sorry long winded sentence.
Elizabeth
UK - Wednesday, August 29, 2001 at 14:29:27 (PDT)
Indeed, the stage door at The Alberry is easy to find: I met Michael Maloney there recently after a matinee performance of 'Mouth to Mouth'. BTW: I sent Michael a card letting him know I would be attending and would wait at the stage door to say 'hello'. He was most gracious and came straight down.
Jane <jfe90@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Wednesday, August 29, 2001 at 11:46:35 (PDT)
Has anyone spoken to the theatre regarding whether Sir will be appearing in the matinee performances? There seems to be a terrible tradition starting in London of the "Stars" only doing evenings. I haven't heard anything, I just wondered whether anyone has confirmation or not??
Kathleen
Co. Donegal, Eire - Wednesday, August 29, 2001 at 10:47:55 (PDT)
GML, when I read your comment, unfortunate things happened to MY nose and the coffee I was drinking. I hadn't thought of his nose. You're right, of course. Still...wouldn't it be grand?
I haven't read "Interesting Times" yet. I'll have to order it.
Mary
McHenry, - Wednesday, August 29, 2001 at 08:54:51 (PDT)
Well, I've just returned from my local Blockbuster, which I visited on the off-chance they may be already selling copies of BD. But, NO. They said they *might* start selling them in 4 (four!!!!!) months. Online it is, then....
Julia
Calgary, Canada - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 21:06:18 (PDT)
Si Hoc Legere Scis Nimium Eruditionis Habes. Literally translated: "If you can read this you're overeducated."
Georgiana (lest anyone else waste time on this...)
Seattle - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 16:02:30 (PDT)
Hi GML, if you like DEATH, you should read *Reaper Man* and *Mort*. And I personally think that *Interesting Times* is the funniest. BTW, the tape is on its way. Enjoy Alan!
Jutta
Grafing, Germany - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 15:18:58 (PDT)
In the great words of Professor Rodger Clellan "Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes." Alan Rickman is quite possibly the most talented man ever to have taken up the acting profession. I have been in utter awe of him from the very first, and will continue to give this obsession its head by purchasing copies of his movies for the rest of my life. Bravo, Mr. Rickman! Your fans adore you! Kes
Glorianna 'Kes' Keskejarro <Keskejarro@hotmail.comfoo>
- Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 14:53:17 (PDT)
Here are some web resources for the London trip planners:
Theatre Walking Map with 5-10 minute foot guide
picture of the Albery
relief map of the Albery neighborhood.
Enjoy.
Georgiana
Seattle - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 13:21:24 (PDT)
Hi Mary,
'Soul Music' is sitting on my sofa waiting for its turn, I'm half-way through 'Sourcery' right now, [no, people, this is not a spelling mistake ;] but I have met 'Death' in some of the other books of course, and you are absolutely right. Perfect part for him. Scary, witty and funny all in one, with a little sexiness for side order. Of course, a certain amount of extremely clever make-up would be needed. I mean most people would not mistake Alan's nose for an empty gap... And he'd have to lose 9 or 10 stones in weight. Tricky. Ah, well, this is where movies can't reach up to books I guess.
Have my tickets arrived yet? ;)
GML
UK - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 12:29:21 (PDT)
Could he have chosen a more inconvenient location for autograph seekers? I think not.
a Rickman admirer
- Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 12:10:27 (PDT)
The Discworld series is great fun - actually, I've thought of what a great Death Himself would make...(read "Soul Music" and imagine him there! Music with rocks in!) And if I could order the very last thing I'd ever hear on this mortal coil, well, I wouldn't mind it being said in that voice.
Mary
McHenry, - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 10:15:50 (PDT)
GML, alas no the suitcase did not sprout legs. He never owned it either as it has been locked in a local councillor's attic since 1930, apparantly an inherited object from the late 1800's that has been passed down a family line since 1910. I have tried to ring the auction house but there is always an engaged tone, I continue to wonder if I have got it, it was such a strange conincidence. I think as long as Mark Ratciffe or whatever he wishes to call himself is no longer a critic AR should be ok in critic ground, either that or we just make sure that everyone who buys a paper only buys a Times as they seem to be a little nicer about AR than most.
Elizabeth
UK - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 09:39:10 (PDT)
Ah, thank you, Steve, for the lovely detailed stage-door-at-the-Albery information. Ought to come in handy!
Georgiana (I'll be recognizable on Halloween by my orange and black striped witch's socks...) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 08:04:51 (PDT)
You are very welcome to the link Suzanne, my pleasure! R.E. stage door autographs. The Albery stage door is down the alleyway to the left of the theatre as you look at it from St Martin's Lane. Walk down the alleyway and you come to a dirty square half way down, look back the way you came and to the left. The stage door is here, shared with the Wyndhams Theatre. NB: leaving the theatre by the left hand (as you look at the stage) firedoors will deposit you in this alley to begin with! Protocol for getting autographs in London is indeed to hang about after the show and ask to stage doorkeeper to phone the dressing room to see if the star is willing to sign. The doorman may take your programme and mail it back to you, or refuse. This is due to safety. The whole Albery Theatre staff exits by the stage door, plus the box office staff for the whole theatre chain (30 people)so they cannot risk blocking the doorway. A crowd in a small space also causes a problem! It sometimes pays to stake out the door 1 hour BEFORE the show to catch your star as he goes in - a dingy cafe in the alley is a useful lookout post. R.e. ticketmaster online booking. I have just been told that the computer sometimes splits friends by selling seats either side of an aisle instead of grouped together. Check the seating plan carefully before commiting if you want to sit together. Also, the computer offers seats at random. Keep reselecting until you get tickets you are happy with. Final thought (sorry for banging on like this!) if groups of 12 people+ get together there is a group discount. Useful if local fans wanted to co-ordinate and save money! Regards to you all. Steve.
Steve <website@theatremonkey.comfoo>
London, England - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 02:45:15 (PDT)
Hi, Elizabeth,
That suitcase... it didn't sprout a lot of little pink legs or looked at you in a reproachful way with a raised eyebrow when you pulled it out, did it? (Sorry, I'm devouring my way through Pratchett's Discworld books right now, not in order, and I have just been introduced to 'The Luggage' ;) If you found 'it' and it ever belonged to Alan, he probably doesn't want it back, ah, ah. Although it does have this useful habit of digesting the owner's ennemies and spitting out their bad teeth afterwards.
Anyway, critics will have only constructive things to say about the play of course. As they do. *Zzzzzzooooooooo-oom*... Uh, was that a pig with specs flying past my Spanish castle's window? ;)
Ah, I was suddenly thinking what a perfect Pratchettiesque character Alan would make... he could start a whole new career as a wizard...
GML
UK - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 02:10:45 (PDT)
To Emily and everyone else who'd like to contribute to the flower & brandy fund, please e-mail me for my address and info.
And thanks again, Sue!
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
The excitement is contagious!, TX USA - Monday, August 27, 2001 at 13:36:17 (PDT)
I do believe Suzanne is accepting contributions. As to 'backstage,' I believe the appropriate protocol is to hover at the stage door, program in hand, awaiting possibility of an autograph. Those fortunate enough to have seen A&C will clarify, I trust. I did notice, however, that London theatres (well, for us Yanks, that's 'theaters') do appear to have the "STAGE DOOR" clearly marked.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Monday, August 27, 2001 at 09:15:58 (PDT)
The list of people going to PL is getting longer and longer, and I am looking forward very much to meeting those who will be in London when I there. It would be really helpful if those with confirmed seats could let Sally know at her sign-up page so that we will know who to look for. Next job will be to arrange a rendezvous point - or do we just identify each other by the silly grins on our faces?!
Gail <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
Toronto, Ontario - Monday, August 27, 2001 at 09:15:15 (PDT)
Is it possible to go backstage to meet AR @ the end of the show? And also, is it possible for me to be apart of this gift giving thing? (the flower and brandy thing) I think it's a very lovely gesture!!
Emily <Dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ USA - Monday, August 27, 2001 at 08:42:15 (PDT)
Suzanne-I will get another catalogue and pull the pages out (it's too thick to fit in the scanner)and try and use our new scanner but I'm not too hot at these technical things so it may take a few days.
O.T.Just returned from Dublin. U2 were amazing. We were right at the front in the Heart enclosure and my son took some great photos. I spotted Woody Harrelson (he's really short!) and snapped him then my son spotted The Red Hot Chilli Pepper drummer and I took a photo of them together. He was a nice guy-even checked that the photo had come out O.K.
Sue
Got home to find my 28 Oct tickets had arrived-It just gets better!!, England - Monday, August 27, 2001 at 06:35:59 (PDT)
I had a rather amusing experience yesterday. I was at an antiques fair, and under a table in the room was one of those old leather suitcases. Things like that always intrigue me so I pulled it out from under the table and had a look. The name printed on the front was A.S.P.Rickman. I couldn't believe it! The thing is huge. I put a red dot on the sticker, I thought we could send him his brandy and flowers in it with a note saying that he can lok all the theatre critics in it for the next few months and give everyone a break. (thats if I get it)
Elizabeth
UK - Monday, August 27, 2001 at 03:07:57 (PDT)
Hello everyone. In fact, the Tavistock is a good idea. Anyway I booked a room at the Grenville (http://www.grenvillehotel.activehotels.com/) which is a few blocks away, since it's cheaper (the prices of hotels in London are fit for Italian millionnaires, not normal Italian persons, we have a currency problem) and it's in Russell Square, I love that place.
Raffaella <rossEross@tin.itfoo>
Italy - Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 23:52:58 (PDT)
Well, we are group of liked minds. I also allway stay at Tavistock in Bloomsbury when in London! Love the period feel.
Eva
Copenhagen, - Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 22:17:21 (PDT)
That was to be "Ticketmaster." Sorry.
Georgiana (drat those crumpet crumbs under the 'k' key!)
Seattle - Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 18:57:35 (PDT)
The on-line booking site for "Private Lives" is Ticetmaster.co.uk.
Georgiana
Seattle - Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 17:29:24 (PDT)
Emily, I have emailed you, regarding the below. Hope you get there.
Elizabeth
UK - Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 14:11:58 (PDT)
Okay, this is extremely important! My cousin and I just booked a trip to London in December and I want to book tickets for PL online before I go, so do any of you know what website to go on to buy PL tix in America???? I am so thankful for your help so please try to get back to me ASAP. Thanks!!!!
Emily <dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ America - Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 13:09:03 (PDT)
Hi again
I've just decided I couldn't wait till December and just booked a matinée :) in November. It always makes the (easily-amused) French guestbook resident (that'll be me) smile that afternoon performances are called "matinées". There should be morning ones called "aprés-midies"... Got one of the stalls back rows, I don't like to be toooo close: silly, I know, but it always makes me feel like *I*'m the one on stage *shudders*.
Elizabeth, congratulations on the exams. Glad you're back to your UK TV watch job, I am relying on you! Btw, I'm told there's a programme on Rowling and HP tonight, might be interesting, but I guess you've seen enough of the books! ;)
OH, and "Poirot" is on again (I found out last night half-way through one). One of the very few series (as in none other at the moment) I watch if I get the chance. I have not seen Mr Suchet on stage, but his performance as Poirot really is brilliant. I don't think the series itself is, but he redeems it. And he has a perfect French accent too. Yes, I know, Poirot is *Belgian*... ;)
Bye now, I'm off to enjoy the rest of my 4-day weekend(insert smug smile) which I am wisely spending around home. (With half of Britain at the Notting Hill carnival and the other half on the beaches, it seems like a good idea to just take a good book to the local Botanical Gardens and improve my mind [ZZZZ... ;] under a tree.)
GML
UK - Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 02:38:27 (PDT)
I met Mr. Suchet at the stage door for the performance of Amadeus that was in LA. My husband and sister in law also saw it and he was marvelous. I had written to ask permission to meet him, and he graciously answered my letter! Was I chuffed! I brought along both of the Players of Shakespeare books and he signed them both-I remarked on the picture of Patrick Stewart with hair, and he said "it's a wig"....I also gave him a box of chocolates...belgian, of course.
a Rickman admirer
- Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 16:56:03 (PDT)
Well, Sunlight Productions has at least put up a new graphic at their original Search for John Gissing site.
Georgiana
Seattle - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 16:37:04 (PDT)
Thank you to Claire for the new pics although if it were not for this guestbook, I never would have found them!I especially like the one of Alan in the grey suit! I wonder how long ago that was taken....anyone know? When Harry Potter comes out to us in November, I do hope we can be notified in advance of any interviews and plugs AR will be doing on American television.I don't want to miss anything!Cheers to all out there!!!!
star
nc usa - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 15:31:26 (PDT)
After thought! Suchet admirers, don't you think he (Suchet) would make a brilliant Robespierre? With AR as an excellant, allbeit tall Marat. DS did an entry on Iago in the Players of Shakespeare 2, the one AR did an essay on Jaques in. I have the book both essays are very good, all the essays in the book are very good, an there is and interesting on from Juliet Steveson and Fiona Shaw on Rosalind and Celia in As You Like it. I think AR and DS are quite good friends, I may of course be wrong. Ok, I am going...
Elizabeth
UK - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 14:29:06 (PDT)
Well I am not sure that I can cope with all this excitment! My PL tickets arrived yesterday along with my new computer, and we might finally be moving into our own house after 3 years of renting. So that is an awful lot of excitment for one day.
It looks like I may be spending most of my time from September to November going back and forth to the West End, starting with King Lear in September and finnishing with PL in November.
I have just spent a whole 8 hours at work packing Harry Potter books, I am now sick of the site of them and can only hope that I have a different job by the time the fifth book comes out, because we will be unindated with big orders for them!
If you didn't know this already, you probably do and I am being slow to the point, but it looks like Search For John Gissing may, possibly be released in March 2002, but don't hold you breath, I mean we are still waiting for the impossibility of Mesmer being properly released aren't we! And Sherlock Holmes looks like it starts filming in Spring 2002, and apparently Jude Law is playing the villan in Star Trek. So now I have access to a computer I am reprising my role as UK TV AR Watchdog, amoungst other things! Oh and did I tell you I passed my exams? Probably, all this excitment is going to my head. I have to go and calm down!
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 14:24:03 (PDT)
Hi to all of you! To find more hotels with `civilized´ prices you may go to www.hotel-assist.com/london&hotels.html They seem to be quiet good! Have a nice trip! :-)
Marion <marion.nimz@talknet.defoo>
Krefeld, Germany - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 14:15:45 (PDT)
I like the pictures, there really neat know where I can get more?
lindsey <trumpetstar88@yahoo.comfoo>
????????????????, ???? U.S. of A. - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 13:43:19 (PDT)
As a Suchet admirer also, I am fond of the Tavistock in Bloomsbury-it has all the charm of a Poirot episode, is right in front of a lovely garden for the locals and is close to the tube.It is reasonalbly priced and en suite.Au Revoir, mon ami....
a Rickman admirer
- Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 13:23:38 (PDT)
Cool. Thanks for the link, Steve, and for all the great info!
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 12:59:22 (PDT)
Steve, the Theatre Monkey, now has a page up on "Private Lives" at the Albery, with a link to Suzanne's AR home page. How fun!
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 09:57:41 (PDT)
Hi!
Just popping in to give a link to the people planning to spend a holiday in London in the autumn. Posh hotels are easy enough to find, so this is for the people who'd rather spend the money on stall seats, good food and their Christmas shopping: Go to
You'll see a map of London, and if you scroll down, a list of decent hotels and B&Bs, from basic to fairly expensive via the decently comfortable/decently priced ones. I have stayed in one or two of them in the past and found them good value and friendly. Uh, I hope the link worked.
Bye for now.
GML
UK - Saturday, August 25, 2001 at 04:09:02 (PDT)
Many thanks to the kind people here who were trying to reach me. And well spotted by Georgiana that in my haste, I mistyped my E-mail address.
I believe I have caught up with all your requests for contact. So, once again, my belief in the friendliness of the denizens of this site, has been reaffirmed
Thanks again to all, especially Georgiana, who figured out what I had done and set you all on the right path.
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 20:53:03 (PDT)
About the airfare, I just wanted to say that after comparing rates, my husband bid on priceline.com, and we came away with two round-trip tickets from Dulles to Heathrow on Air Canada for $315 a person. Of course, it's not a direct flight (we have a layover in Montreal), and we're not going until mid-November. But it might be something to consider doing, if you're interested.
Jennifer
Jennifer <jelleebaby@yahoo.comfoo>
MD USA - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 18:25:51 (PDT)
Re: PL casting connections. In the 1998 BBC audio version of Les Liaisons Dangereuses (in which Lindsay Duncan reprised Merteuil to Ciaran Hinds' Valmont), Emma Fielding played Tourvel and Adam Godley, Danceny. (The tapes are available from the BBC.)
Rebecca
Seattle, WA USA - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 16:42:42 (PDT)
Thanks Georgiana.
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 16:00:15 (PDT)
It looks like Quigley is coming out on DVD (US/Canada format) in the next week, running just over $11 at amazon.com, up at ebay for asking price of $14 ("includes shipping") at ebay. According to the amazon listing, there are no added features, but it is widescreen.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 10:21:50 (PDT)
Fare wars continued. BA is offering C$539 round trip to London from Toronto, which is pretty good. And which is probably why Air Canada is quietly offering all-in $542.50 on their web site. Which I will probably go with because I collect their airmiles but not BAs. Might be e-booking only, though.
Gail (thanks, George!) <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 10:19:58 (PDT)
I've listed Anne's e-mail addy in the space for mine.
It is: AHard73977@aol.com
(She entered a '2' [lower case] instead of an '@' [upper case]. Got it?)
Georgiana <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 10:02:56 (PDT)
Although you cannot book it on line, British Airways does have information about their fall flight savings and $100 off hotel offer up at their web site. They are offering, for example, $219 one way from Seattle, which would be a very attractive $438 round-trip.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 09:55:46 (PDT)
PL tickets are finally making their way to California! Mine just arrived yesterday! For everyone traveling from the US, I wanted to let you know that British Airways is having an airfare sale and knocking $100 off any hotel you book through them. I actually saved a bundle! Both the airfare AND the hotel rate were considerably less than anything I found on the internet, including all the discount sites which I’ve been scouring since PL dates were announced. The Travistock and Bonnington Hotels in Bloomsbury seem good value for central London, so if you’re looking for a hotel, maybe consider them and save $100 if you book by August 30. You can call BA at 1-800-airways. The prices I got over the phone were also considerably less than what popped up on the BA web page, so good luck, just be prepared to wait on hold for awhile.
Linda P. <who will be happy dancing all weekend!foo>
- Friday, August 24, 2001 at 09:22:56 (PDT)
Anne, I also tried to email you just now and it came back! Could you write me too please.
Christine <ckofler@hotmail.comfoo>
Montreal, Canada - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 08:24:30 (PDT)
Actually, Gail, the '2' is extra.
Georgiana (a triple!)
Seattle - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 08:00:42 (PDT)
Duplicates deleted.
Suz (D.o.C.)
Anne of Alexandria - I think you left something out of your email addy last time you posted - probably because of your frustration with the chat room software! Can you email me, please? Thanks.
Gail <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 07:12:48 (PDT)
As I mentioned in my August 7 posting: More than a few Friends of AR will be on stage in London in Oct/Nov 2001: Harriet Walter (Benefactors, Sense & Sensibility) will appear in The Royal Family at the Haymarket; Gemma Jones (S&S) will be in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at the Lyric; Clive Owen (Close My Eyes) and Prunella Scales (An Awfully Big Adventure) will appear together in The Day in the Death of Joe Egg at the New Ambassadors; Imogen Stubbs (S&S) and Brian Blessed (Robin Hood; and Tom Jones with Lindsay Duncan) will appear together in The Relapse at the Olivier; Ian Hart (Michael Collins) will appear in The Homecoming at the Comedy Theatre; and the superb Geraldine McEwan (AR's Hamlet, Barchester Chronicles, S&S) will be doing a reading of A Woman's Voice in Canterbury on October 14. And, as a side note, Ronan Vibert, the actor bearing a strong resemblance to AR and who gave us a very campy AR-influenced villain in an episode of Cadfael, will be appearing at the Savoy in a play called Antarctica. It's going to be a mighty busy visit to London this fall!
Penny S.
- Friday, August 24, 2001 at 06:45:42 (PDT)
Oh, Anne! Sorry to hear you had so much trouble trying to get into the chat room. If that ever happens again, try re-registering with a whole new user ID and password.
Thanks, Sue! So... how/where does one acquire a Winter Argos catalog?
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
I'm off to the beach!, TX USA - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 03:08:23 (PDT)
Georgiana, Harriet Walter was at the Arcadia platform, looking stunning in a slinky red frock and was very witty about the problems of dealing with her character saying that she went to voice coach at the National because she thought she could never sound like Lady Croom, only to be told she WAS Lady Croom - totally superior and that however she sounded would be how others would want to sound. I hadn't realised that she was going to be in Royal Family, thanks for the tip.
Anon
London, - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 02:42:39 (PDT)
Has anyone seen the new Winter Argos catalogue? There are 3 pages of Harry Potter things including collectable characters including Snape at £8.99, Plaster moulding set(!!!anyone remember those Chicago girls!!!) at £8.99 and the piece de resistance-"Professor Snape's Potions Class"(mix your own edible and drinkable potions.Comes with self stirring wand!!) A snip at £29.99!
With that thought I will leave you. Me, Tom and the Amex card are off to the airport for Dublin and U2.
Sue
England - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 02:05:40 (PDT)
AARRGGHH!!!!! Is it just my PC or does anyone else have trouble signing on to the Solo flights Login? I spent from 10:15 pm to 11:05 pm trying to get the stupid thing to accept my logon name and password and it just kept locking up. Nothing I did semed to work, although my PC is fine and continues to work well, everywhere else.
Once again I missed a chat, one I was really looking forward to, it's infuriating.
Sorry everybody, I just had to vent, as finally I got on and everyone else had signed off. Ah well, I shall just go and hug my plane tickets to London for comfort.
I now return you to your regularly scheduled AR discussions.
Anne <ahard739772aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 20:40:08 (PDT)
Hello all, i know it's been ages since I've posted, but I do still take the occasional peak at the GB. Am v. excited for all who will be going to see PL - one of my all time favorite plays. Am looking forward to hearing about all of your adventures.
just received this rumor today and since I know there are many Ken B. fans here (Renie) does anyone have any details? YOu can e-mail me privately if you don't want to clutter up the GB.
"WHAT'S THE RUMOUR?...THE PLAY WHAT I WROTE: Play about TV comics Morecambe and Wise directed by Kenneth Branagh rumoured to be on the west end this fallAutumn 2001."
You ladies are going to have a great time in London - there are so many wonder plays on this fall.
joan <dulcinea48@aol.comfoo>
USA - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 16:45:45 (PDT)
Also, I see that Harriet Walter, who was with Mr. Rickman in "Benefactors" plus "Sense and Sensibility" (as well as a number of stage works) is also in "The Royal Family" with Judi Dench at the West End (Haymarket) this fall.
Georgiana (I heard Harriet read poetry for the Arvon Foundation benefit last fall...) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 14:12:45 (PDT)
I see that Emma Fielding was slated to play Helen Clyde, Lynley's eventual wife, in "The Inspector Lynley Mysteries," from the Elizabeth George detective series--one of my favorites!--which the BBC was to air this past spring. Did this run? Did anyone see it?
Georgiana (Did anyone TAPE it???) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 13:38:22 (PDT)
Just to say that Emma Fielding was delightful at the Arcadia platform which had to be held outside due to the National's major power failure. I was obviously misremembering dates as we were told that Arcadia was her first London production (which means that I must have seen her in this before I saw Twelfth Night). The guests were hampered by being on the Theatre Square stage which at 6.00pm was flooded by the sun - Trevor Nunn had problems reading from a text because of the light but with Nunn and Stoppard on the same stage nobody in the audience minded. As to Miss Fielding I have to say that she does seem a it too young for Mr Rickman - more suitable to be cast as a daughter than as a wife but we'll see. I know Coward was implying "a trophy wife" but this may seem more like child snatching.
Anon
Lonson, - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 08:12:29 (PDT)
Just wanted to let ya'll know I like you website - the information and pictures it contains are wonderful. I wanted to pass on something I found in Liz Smith's 8/23 column. Even though she doesn't mention that AR will be pictured, I would think it impossible that he would be left out (although I thought the same thing about the HP Movie Poster book). This will have to be my substitute, although a poor one, for not seeing AR on stage. "ON THE COVER: Vanity Fair will eschew sex and rampant celebrity for its October cover, which is still very much under wraps. But what we'll get is young Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter himself gracing the front. Editor Graydon Carter sent famed photog Annie Leibovitz to the London set of the movie "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" to shoot the entire cast in costume. The result will be 22 pages of author J.K. Rowling's imaginative world. For the first time, we'll see the awful Muggle relatives, the Dursleys, with whom Harry is forced to live. There'll be Hagrid, the half-giant gamekeeper of Hogwarts (Robbie Coltrane); Dumbledore (Richard Harris), the kindly headmaster; deputy headmistress Minerva McGonagall (Dame Maggie Smith); Potter's friends Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint), and the entire Gryffindor Quiddith team and their foes. Oh, so many more, plus John Cleese, the "Monty Python" genius, as Nearly Headless Nick. The movie bows Nov. 16 from Warner Bros. There are 110 million "Harry Potter" books in print in 200 countries and 47 languages from Albanian to Zulu. This collector's item cover ought to put Condi Nast on the map."
Annette
Mansfield, Tx USA - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 07:05:23 (PDT)
Sorry meant week - and who on earth is Sarah? - Im Susan!!! Some days you should just stay in bed! All my fault for tempting fate by saying out loud that I was up to date with my work!!!!!!!!
Susan
Yorkshire - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 06:40:32 (PDT)
For those of you with digital - FilmFour is showing TMD in October - no date announced yet. and yes of course I'm going to PL in September and Judi Dench in the Royal Family in October. Just have to force myself to have two self indulgent trips to London this Autumn. I hope the cast are getting fit - it is quite a marathon of acting with all those performances each weeek .....thank goodness for Monday. OT we went to Australia last September - holiday in Queensland and conference in Melbourne. What a great country and such friendly people.
Sarah
Yorkshire - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 06:34:13 (PDT)
ARA-I can think of worse doses to have!
Sue
England - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 06:08:58 (PDT)
LOL!!! Absolutely spot on, A Rickman Admirer! You have to do it once in a while!
Sally
- Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 03:52:46 (PDT)
A business writeoff, wouldn't you say, Sally? A "dose of the voice" sounds like something that needs penicillin, doesn't it, just a bit?
A Rickman Admirer
- Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 21:14:32 (PDT)
Uh hum... Yes, well, I must admit my booking a ticket to see AR was rather spontaneous, but I was planning on moving to the UK about then anyway. But, I can't find out if the job market for web managers and related areas is health-ish in the UK or not, so I decided to book a 3 week holiday in Europe instead - with a detour though London to look for work if there is any, and if not, I return to Australia and bide my time until it looks healthier overseas again (soon, please! I've got itchy feet!). Of course, that detour to Londojn just happens to coincide with AR being in stage...
Sally
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 20:09:12 (PDT)
Well, here I am, feeling utterly jealous of those who live in England and get to see AR back on stage. I think I might go drown my jealousy in the terrible weather we're having. I got my dose of "the voice" today by watching Close My Eyes. It disturbed me to high heaven. But, never mind me, I'll be off now...
Michaela <mother_mercury@cornerpub.comfoo>
BC Canada - Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 19:33:34 (PDT)
Hello everyone. Yes, it is exciting to read all your comments re PL! I hope that you all have a really great time and come back to this wonderful GB, with some really good stories! Judy and Claire, you are up "The North"! as they say! Oh, I hope both of you are having a great time! Pity you cannot come down my way.... ? Stezi, you do such a wonderful job! Never stop bringing us your photo's. Dogma is starting this Sunday 26th on Movie One Network on the PAY and 27th at 12md! It really will be good to see Metatron again. Take care everyone and have safe trips to London. Barbara.
Barbara the Australian <hermione(underscore )3@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast , QLD Australia - Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 19:11:46 (PDT)
The Official Harry Potter website now has character infos and infos on the actors who represent them! AR is one of them!
Zel-Anne <zelanne@yahoo.comfoo>
Philippines - Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 18:13:36 (PDT)
No Christine, you're not the only Cinderella who has to sit this one out. There's me, and Lynn, and ARA and a host of others alternating between *sighing* woefully and muttering direly about the lucky attendees.
Well, once they're all gone we can say mean and catty things about them behind their backs - and eat all the chocolates - and lie about it when they come back. Unless they bring us a souvenir; then we'll forgive them.
Oh, to see the man live.
*sigh*
Mary <mkeith@mccdistrict.orgfoo>
McHenry, - Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 15:06:51 (PDT)
Wow,Claire is in Australia and she still thinks of us. Thanks (hope she's booked her tickets though)
Sue
England - Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 01:39:20 (PDT)
Glad I dropped by on the weekend and caught up on all the excitement. Sally, lucky you to be able to fly over to see PL. Going is just not an option for me, but the excitement of all the lucky AR fans radiating off this guestboard is so tangilble, that I don't feel left out all together. All the best and I hope that you all have a wonderful time.
Joanne
Melbourne, Australia - Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 00:15:25 (PDT)
Update on new CPP pictures.
Look down the current page to the letter *R* on *Rickman Links* and you will find a hyperlink to the hidden page.
Claire and Judy
Coral Sea, QLD Australia - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 23:33:02 (PDT)
Stezi!
You delightful, wonderful woman!
Giddily, I remain,
Barbara the Wallpaperer
- Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 18:36:52 (PDT)
First to STEZI Great pics, of AR in Blow Dry you really captured one of his best assets, Those Eyes. They are the most beautiful eyes i've every seen. Thanks for putting then on.
To everyone who gets to go and see THE MAN you are all so very lucky. I would loooooove to go but I can't due to financial reasons.. My dream is to meet Alan Rickman but I too will have to wait for that day to come if it ever comes.
Hope everyone enjoys the show and you all must tell, us who can't go, all about it when you get back.....
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 16:02:24 (PDT)
Hi guys! I've updated my Alan Rickman Page with DVD pics of Blow Dry. I hope you all enjoy them as I did. He looks great, as ever.........
Stezi <stezi@wxs.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 12:29:04 (PDT)
In the script of PL Elyot and Amanda are meant to be in their thirties and Sibyl is said to be 23 and it is mentioned that she is very young! Presumably when Noel Coward wrote the play thirtysomethings were thought to be older and sophisticated but twenty somethings mere babies!(Hence the slight shock factor that the age of Elyot's new wife is supposed to bring!) Other productions that I have seen have had both Sibyl and Victor younger than E and A and this seems to work for modern times as older women and young husbands and older men and young wives seem to be the only thing with a curiosity factor these days! Somehow I don't think Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan will see 30 again!!
Jill
kent UK - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 09:14:22 (PDT)
My thanks, "Anon' (and why?) for the information on the other two "Private Lives" cast members. "What's on Stage" again in this week's newsletter links their 14 August story on "Private Lives," which gives the most detail I've seen.
Georgiana
Seattle - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 08:14:14 (PDT)
Hey guys!!! I hope you all remember me~I went away for the summer and it looks like i've missed a lot. About PL, i'm so depressed! My parents wont let me go to London....GRRR. My only dream is to see AR face to face~ Hopefully someday my dreams will come true! Otherwise it's good to be back!
Emily <Dkny9428@aol.comfoo>
NJ America - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 07:41:41 (PDT)
Gail, She was in the original Arcadia. (If only all plays were as good as that - despite sitting at the back of the circle it was a memorable experience).
Anon
London, - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 07:27:51 (PDT)
Thanks, Anon, for your backgrounder on the other two players in PL. Godley's name was not familiar too me, but I did see Cleo and Camping and thought the actor playing Kenneth Williams quite brilliant. As a long time fan of Round the Horne and the Carry On series (sorry for this bit of nostalgia, non-British readers)I was very familiar with the public persona of Williams, and I thought that Godley captured it perfectly. My London based friend told me that Emma Fielding was the daughter in Stoppard's Arkadia, but I don't know if she was referring to the original production or the revival - I saw the latter.
I think that part of the point of PL is that the Rickman character's second wife is younger - a trophy wife. Perhaps the plan is to make the other man younger than his wife - a toy boy?
Gail
Toronto, Canada - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 07:06:35 (PDT)
No-one seems to have picked up on the two "supporting" cast of PL yet. The reaction of a friend when I told him who was playing the spouses was that despite being great actors they would be more suitably cast as AR and LD's children. I first saw Emma Fielding in an RSC Twelfth Night about 10 years ago and have since watched her improve into a superb actress - I last saw her opposite Michael Sheen in the National's brilliant production of Look Back in Anger a couple of years ago. Purely coincidentally I should be seeing her tonight in a platform event at the National celebrating Tom Stoppard's Arcadia from 1993, which hopefully will be happening after yesterday's fire which led to shows being cancelled. (A friend who has acted with her says she is absolutely lovely). Adam Godley is another favourite. I first saw him in the brilliant Donmar production of Cabaret in which he was superb as the naive central performace, since then he was an uncanny Kenneth Williams in Cleo and Camping at the National and brilliant in the bizarre Mr Klopert at the Royal Court. Last seen of course in Mouth to Mouth with Lyndsey Duncan at the Royal Court (but it wasn't his fault that he was hideously miscast). I just hope that the special ingredients of this Private Lives make it an event to savour rather than some of the really awful starstudded mistakes that have taken up space in the West End recently. I will admit to being one of the very few who really enjoyed the Juliet Stephenson and Anton Lesser production at the National a couple of year ago although the fantastic design may have coloured my opinion- lets hope it lives up to that.
Anon
London, - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 06:44:47 (PDT)
Thanks so much for putting together the attendance schedule, Sally. I do hope everyone who is going will sign up. Can one of the locals suggest a good rendezvous spot in the theatre? British theatre lobbies are usually pretty crowded places. And also, of course, some coffee establishment or similar where we can go afterwards for some post play discussion.
Gail <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 05:58:51 (PDT)
Barbara the Wallpaperer, had to laugh at your post re the chocolates! Turn the tables eh! I like that idea as well!
Maybe those of us who aren't going to London should make a list for moral support. At this point I feel like I'm the only one! :(
Christine <Very sad! But still working on it!foo>
Montreal, Canada - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 05:54:23 (PDT)
Let me hyperlink that for you all (rusty here...):
http://www.cybamuse.com/privateLives
Email: rickmanfans@cybamuse.com
Sally
- Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 03:59:42 (PDT)
Hey all - as promised, I have posted up the page which lists who is going (first name only) and what date (if its in this guestbook, its public, I'm afraid...). It can be found at:
http://www.cybamuse.com/privateLives
I know from trolling through the GB, there are heaps more of you going, so send an email to me at rickmanfans@cybamuse.com, and I'll add your name - there are some lonesome people out there thinking they are the only ones going to some performances!
I will be happy to pass out rendezvous information to people if they want, but for security reasons (there are nutters out thar...) I shan't post it on the website.
Sally
- Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 03:57:43 (PDT)
Jill-Me Too!
Sue
England - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 02:17:20 (PDT)
Postman has just been and I am now holding my PL tickets in my hot little hand - now getting very excited!!
Jill
Kent UK - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 00:56:14 (PDT)
Now, didn't Emma's diaries mention a nip or two? The two-carbon-fragment kind, not the chocolate kind...
Georgiana
Seattle - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 00:44:03 (PDT)
Oh, I forgot....
Thank you Georgiana for the prompt return on information. First--airfare. If I can float _that_.... hullo, London
Oh, yes. Passport. I will want one of those....
Scribbling on my checklist, I am
Barbara the Wallpaperer
- Monday, August 20, 2001 at 19:44:06 (PDT)
The flowers thing....
Why are we sending him brandy when we know he likes chocolates?
Of course, he can drink the brandy.... but he can't eat the chocolates if he still wants to fit into his costuming.
But just imagine, if you will, how he'd gaze longingly at that box of chocolates, thanking and cursing us simultaneously....
A firm believer that turnaround is fair play, I remain
Barbara the Wallpaperer
- Monday, August 20, 2001 at 19:42:07 (PDT)
More on tickets: It seems to be £1.50 PER ORDER either way in handling/mailing charges. And "207" is the current INNER LONDON dialing code.
Georgiana
Seattle - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 18:40:48 (PDT)
Congrats, Barb! I think either way to book is fine, but it is easier to modify your order afterward if you book through the box office (actually, it seems impossible if you booked on-line).
The Albery box office is: 020 7369 1740
For callers in the US, this is dialed: 011 44 207 369 1740
Those of you elsewhere on the planet will have to figure this out yourselves, but I note that the UK city codes changed just recently (well, perhaps a year ago) and were WRONG in my this-year's Seattle phone book.
To book on line, try Ticketmaster. If that link doesn't work, try their main page, click on theater, then 'p,' then down to "Private Lives."
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 18:38:31 (PDT)
GAHHHHH!!!
Okay, I've scrolled up and down multudinous times and seem to be missing the information for getting tickets at the Albery....
Is it better to get them on-line or on-the-phone? Georgiana--Pacific time is what, 8? hours behind Greenwich time?
Plotting an assault on her credit cards, I remain...
Barbara the Wallpaperer
- Monday, August 20, 2001 at 17:58:29 (PDT)
Well, my husband consented to change our vacation plans from a September hiking trip in Colorado to a week in London over my birthday, and two tickets to Private Lives on Friday, November 16. Of course, he insisted we attend a Dr. Who convention that weekend in Newcastle (he's a fanatic!). So he's happy, I'm ecstatic, and since we'll be back in London by the 19th, Linda P., perhaps we shall see each other at the Royal Festival Hall concert? Two live Rickman events in one week--I cannot even believe it! Thank you, Georgiana for the info! Oh, and I am definitely in on the flowers, etc. What a lovely idea! Are we a giddy group right about now, or what?
Jennifer <jelleebaby@yahoo.comfoo>
MD USA - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 17:34:41 (PDT)
A little off topic: I went to see Greenfingers last night, a cute little British movie, but the best bit was that they shot part of it at the same house they used in S&S, and even perhaps P&P. It's this rather ramshackle looking place, with almond coloured walls... There's a picture on the back of the S&S Diaries with ET and KW and their mother on the porch (OK, so itis a portico, whatever...). Cute movie, starring Clive Owen and Hellen Mirren, Hampton Court Palace, and the naked guy from Waking Ned Devine.
Julia
Calgary, Canada - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 17:06:22 (PDT)
As someone who chronically runs 'on fumes,' my approach to jet lag is: (1) sleep as much time as you can on the plane (which generally means skipping the meals they seem to require 3 hours to serve); (2) go to bed as soon as you get there--even if it's only for a couple of hours, (3) then wake refreshed for your evening on the town, and go right to bed after the performance. Have seen much theater this way, and have remembered it all just fine. On the other hand, on the one or two occasions I've just 'toughed it out,' and stayed up throughout, I have trouble remembering even having been in the city.
Georgiana (what do you mean, I stayed here 2 weeks ago??)
Seattle - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 14:14:31 (PDT)
ARA, th only time I went to a play after a long flight, I had to see it again, since I totally forgot it by the next day -- but I'd probably remember AR.
Suz, thank you for the correction. I'd assume Cedric visits the Sound Gallery in his spare time, when he's not making a cameo in Harry Potter -- rumor has it he's the snake in the Slitherin emblem. Coincidence?
Fausta
- Monday, August 20, 2001 at 14:09:24 (PDT)
That bad little snakey had no curtain calls--he was taken out of his basket for his scene, and then promptly put back in and the basket fastened! Necessary but amusing, as I don't think Cleo would be so tidy and organized if she were planning on ending it all-only a "no-win" situation would force the Queen of the Nile admit defeat! I am glad that PL is not 3-1/2 hours, unless of course, all of it was Rickman. In any event, flying in and seeing a play in the evening of that day is something only the very young, very fit or very healthy should try. I am working on the "very fit" part-{how much weight can a person lose in three months?} but the other two are 'beyond my control"!!!!!!!!!!!!!
a Rickman admirer
- Monday, August 20, 2001 at 12:26:16 (PDT)
Fixed.
Was Cedric trying to escape to the ssssssound gallery?
Suz (D.o.C.)
DoC, Help!!
Fausta
crimmeny!, - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 11:35:13 (PDT)
The actual press articles that came out on Cedric back in '98 are still at what remains of my old site, The Unofficial Cedric The Asp Fan Page.
Those are actual articles, too, not stuff I made up!
Fausta
- Monday, August 20, 2001 at 11:34:16 (PDT)
Hopefully AR will get enough flowers on opening night he won't have to take poor Cedric's!
I would have liked to see Cedric take a curtain call, not that I was there . . .
Fausta <fausta@yahoo.comfoo>
;-)), - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 11:28:37 (PDT)
Why, Cindie, I think you've got it! And "Private Lives" also seems to have some wrestling on the floor--don't forget that part. Plus loads of repartee, passion, invective. It should be wonderful.
Georgiana (I do think Amanda has the single best line, though...) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 10:36:08 (PDT)
I bought my second set of tickets for a matinee on 25th November 2001 (C15,16,17)(these seats are going to be worn out!!!)today from the Albery theatre direct. The Box office was extremely efficient and gave me what I wanted - I could'nt get through to Ticketmaster today at all - so I am now a very happy bunny! I also have received my copy of the play Private Lives, which was already one of my favourites, but it has been wonderful to read the script again (well recommend it to anyone even if you are'nt going) the imagination takes over and you can really hear AR saying the lines. He is perfect for the part! I had forgotten there is singing, dancing and lots of kissing - all in the one play!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jill
Kent UK - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 09:39:13 (PDT)
Since in black jack a 'push' means to break even, neither win nor lose, could it simply mean not a hit but not a dog (to use their terms)?
Cindie
- Monday, August 20, 2001 at 09:15:30 (PDT)
I have no idea, Mary, what a 'push' is. I had hoped one of the film-types that hangs out here could elucidate this jargon.
Georgiana
Seattle - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 08:57:36 (PDT)
Georgianna, do you know what they mean by a "push?" Thanks!
Mary
McHenry, - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 08:37:43 (PDT)
I have got my tickets, anyone else going to be there on 30th of November?
I also passed all my exams, although I am going to resit a few and see if I can do a bit better. And I no longer have to suffer the school gremlins in the computers, as I just forked out for a laptop. I now have to go to work and pack, wait for it, 5000 copies of the HP Movie poster book for Amazon!
Elizabeth
UK - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 08:17:42 (PDT)
Today's "Hollywood Reporter" pans Kevin Smith's latest, "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," rejoice that it marks the self-proclaimed end of his "New Jersey Chronicles," consisting of two hits (Chasing Amy, Clerks), two dogs (Mallrats, Jay and Silent Bob) "and one 'push' in Dogma."
Georgiana
Seattle - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 07:57:29 (PDT)
Steve, how lovely of you to drop by! Yes, a wonderful service you provide with "Theatremonkey." My only suggestion would be to consider linking the information about membership benefits to the Ambassador group individual sites. Had to really go digging to find "UPSTAGE."
RA, I think I've posted this before, but will say so again: "Private Lives" runs 90 minutes of stage time, in three acts (so presumably two intermissions, although you never know). Shouldn't be a huge challenge, even for the jet-lagged. The first act runs 37 minutes (this is on the BBC tape), second 27 minutes, third 25 minutes. Having seen it several times now, I'm beginning to wish it were more Shax. [Still regret missing A&C, but not as much as "Tango," or being a jerk who saw "M Butterfly" when I could have seen "LLD"!]
Georgiana (I favor self-medicating on the plane and sleeping through BA's notion of what constitutes food...) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 07:51:17 (PDT)
Okay, then. I think it's unanimous. Flowers and Armagnac it is!
If there are no objections, I'd be happy to do the collecting. You can send a check, money order, etc. to me by snail mail. Or, you could use a credit card through PayPal (which would work especially great for those who live outside the U.S.). If everyone who wants to participate contributes at least $5, I'm sure we'll have enough in no time!
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 07:08:50 (PDT)
Thank you all for your kind comments about theatremonkey. I hope you all enjoy your visit to the Albery Theatre. It is a wonderful place to see a play. I too think Alan Rickman is a terrific actor and have watched my tape of Benefactors to extinction. To all concerned about the acorns. They are just an irritant, not a huge thing, but perfectionists like to know - especially at £35 per seat! Take the seats, just know they are there! I just couldn't in good faith say these seats were utterly great value for money, hence the red colour. The comment about the rake is correct. From row F back the slope is good enough to make each seat high enough to see the stage over the person in front's head. This is rare in London theatres! Happy theatregoing to you all. Kind regards, Steve "The Theatremonkey"
Theatremonkey <website@theatremonkey.comfoo>
London, England - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 03:27:34 (PDT)
Meant ment!
Sue
England - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 02:14:18 (PDT)
Rang the Albery at 9 and got straight through. Now have a couple of tickets for Sunday 28th matinee. C17 & C18,right next to Georgiana and Anne!! (Still stuck with my acorn on the 21st!).So it's U2 this weekend, Victoria Wood in September, PL in October and Snape in November (will I survive all this excitemeent?!)
Sue
England - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 02:12:50 (PDT)
Count me in for a contribution too – bouquet/bottle/Empress air fare, anything! They are all great ideas. Georgianna, thank you so much for the news on the Royal Festival Hall concert! I was originally planning to fly home the afternoon of November 19 (and booking my flight tomorrow!) so your news came at the perfect time! After my little escapade with Ticketmaster last Friday, Mastercard now owns my soul, so I might as well stay a day longer and try for a concert ticket too. Hope we all have the same luck (and ease) getting our tickets to that one. I checked the Ticketmaster site and they don’t have any info up yet, so fingers crossed, we’ll all get them!
Linda P.
still happy dancing like a maniac!, - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 22:08:14 (PDT)
A nice french brandy sounds lovely, especially without the prunes-I asked him in person about the flowers- we never got an acknowledgement on the guestbook-someone else asked the receptionist about him getting them before I asked him and she told the tale about him carrying them home. He mentioned to me and some fellow guestbookers, that Emma Thompson had sent him an orchid that looked like it needed "mouth to mouth resuscitation" Being a gardener and a nurse, that comment got my imagination and memory going!!!! This is a personal bias, but to me, orchids look like silk flowers on a stick, so they look like they need CPR and actually be just fine.
A Rickman Admirer <no war of the orchids, pleasefoo>
- Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 18:02:55 (PDT)
I have no idea what he likes to drink. Armagnac is a nice French brandy.
Georgiana
Seattle - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 16:47:19 (PDT)
A Rickman Admirer, you said that AR liked the flowers last time. Did he send a note or post a message here perhaps? It was very sweet of him to take the flowers home. And the snake got a bouquet too! That's cute! Was everyone's name on the card?
Do you know that AR likes Armagnac in particular Georgiana?
I would also prefer to send cash for my donation. Know what you mean about cooling off the credit card.
Christine <Checking FOF regularly Magda!foo>
Montreal, Canada - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 16:35:47 (PDT)
Ps-he said that he liked the flowers that we sent last time-it was a BIG bouquet and lasted quite a while=according to the receptionist at the NT stage door, he carried his bouquet and Cedric's bouquet home from the theatre{via cab} himself-I always thought that made a sweet picture--I like the idea of a bottle of something-I hope that armagnac [SP] isn't made with prunes? Wouldn't want any unforseen accidents....
a Rickman admirer
- Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 16:05:23 (PDT)
I too would like to send cash, as my credit card needs a bit of time to "cool off"! Last time I went for A&C I stayed for three days-went to a 3+ hour performance the day that I arrived, and by day three was nearly comatose--if any of the seats are armless for PL, then bring a scarf to tie yourself down if you are jet lagged. I kept falling asleep and nearly fell out of the chair! Plus, I had an asthma flare and thought I would expire on the plane before I got home....I suggest taking a bit longer-I am going for seven days this time so I don't end up in hospital in London
a Rickman Admirer
- Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 15:57:37 (PDT)
I'm going to four of the PL previews, Gail. Will be in the air the first night (21st), but I'll be at the matinee Saturday and at the next three performances after that. Is anyone else planning to be in town then??
HEATHER <HETAHERC1453@CS.COMfoo>
TX - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 13:39:02 (PDT)
What's the web site that has the lowest DVD prices? Someone referred to it in a post long ago, but I can't find my note on it. Thanks! And I am SOOOO jealous of all the London-bound folks--congrats and please remember that we want full disclosure when you return!
pam
alexandria, va - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 12:21:02 (PDT)
Re: flowers & Co. I can send cash, I have some dollars.
Raffaella <rossEross@tin.itfoo>
Italy - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 11:55:17 (PDT)
I still haven't figured out what does Yahoo mean with "convert e-mail". Anyway, I think it means they "glue" your Yahoo id to your normal e-mail address, if you have another one. If you still have problems, I'll send you an invitation, just give me your e-mail. PS Last, but not least, I've found several mentions of the Sherlock Holems project (the title should be "Baker Street") on quite a lot of Italian web pages. They say shooting begins in Spring 2002. Hope it's true...anyway, we can ask him in person!
Raffaella <rossEross@tin.itfoo>
Italy - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 11:52:54 (PDT)
I think the flowers and armagnac are a great idea, I'm ready to turn in my tenner, but how? Do we do what we did some years ago, when we had a page done by our esteemed Empress of the Guestbook, and we all printed it and put our credit card number and amount to donate and mailed it to one central address?
That would certainly be the easiest way I suppose. But if anyone has any other suggestion for an even easier way to gather the money together please let us know.
I will be in London, from 10/28/01 to 10/30/01, so I'm looking forward to seeing many friends from this great site at the theatre during my too brief stay.
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 11:33:02 (PDT)
Well I will going in December. It is funny that is suddenly so easy to decide where and when to go on holiday. It took less than two minutes to book tickets. Now I just have to find an airline! I love the pictures from the Austen museum. How do we go about assuring S&S retutation as aworld class film. I fear it is not consired in the top list of all times greats, where it belongs
Eva
Copenhagen, - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 11:18:05 (PDT)
A Rickman Admirer, your idea to help Suzanne get to London is so wonderful and thoughtful! I wish with all my heart that you could go Suzanne. I think the bouquet is a great idea and I would also like to contribute.
Sue, thanks so much for thinking of me. Keep buying those lottery tickets!
I tried to log on to Raffaela's Group but while trying to sign up with Yahoo Groups I hit a brick wall when it kept asking me to convert my email address. Mine was not valid apparently. What's that all about? Can someone help? Although at this point I'm not going to PL, I'm still wrestling with the various obstacles and well you never know.
Christine (Heading over to FOF now Magda!!!!)
Montreal, Canada - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 10:21:48 (PDT)
Oh why won't he come to the US to do a play? I'm heartbroken.... And why do I have to live 'across the pond?' Right now.. I'm really hating America. Simply jealous.
Vesperah <Vesperah@aol.comfoo>
USA - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 10:08:56 (PDT)
Lovely bio up at Warner Bros. Thanks for the link, Carol.
Georgiana (not so sure I feel the same about the picture!) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 08:01:59 (PDT)
The Press Association Limited
August 19, 2001, Sunday 07:31 AM Eastern Time
HOME NEWS
STARS LINE UP FOR ASYLUM SEEKER CONCERT
BYLINE: David Barrett, Home Affairs Correspondent, PA News
: Top actors are teaming up with musicians from the world of classical music for a concert supporting asylum seekers and refugees.
Emma Thompson and Michael Palin will take part in the event at London's Royal Festival Hall on November 19, and the stars of whimsical romance Truly, Madly,Deeply - Alan Rickman and Juliet Stevenson - will also be reunited for the night. The concert is the brain-child of human rights charities the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture and the Prisoners of Conscience Appeals Fund.
"We are privileged that such a leading group from the world of showbusiness are prepared to support this event and use their profiles to help people realise the reality of those who have been forced to leave their families, homes and countries," said Medical Foundation director, Helen Bamber.
Ms Stevenson is directing a segment of the gala which features drama and humour, while the second half will feature the London premiere of a choral work, Voices in Exile, by composer Richard Blackford.
Bournemouth Symphony Chorus commissioned the work and will perform accompanied by a 20-piece ensemble from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, including soloists Robert Tear and Paul Whelan.
Mr Blackford's work features poems and stories written by exiles from 16 different countries.
Others taking part include actress Fiona Shaw, comedian Jeremy Hardy and poet Tony Harrison.
Georgiana (perhaps I should stay another week?) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 07:43:42 (PDT)
Sunday Mirror reports:
TOURIST chiefs are counting on Harry Potter to give Britain a multi-million -pound boost. (Well, "Private Lives" may help a tad, too!--ed.) They are hoping a map showing places featured in the new film Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone will help lure back thousands of foreign visitors put off by the foot and mouth crisis.
Northumberland's Alnwick Castle-home of Hogwarts Cup quidditch matches; Durham Cathedral is used for the spooky owls sequence; Goathland railway station in North Yorks becomes Hogsmeade Station; Kings Cross station, London, where trainee wizards board the Hogwarts Express;; Australian High Commission, London, is Gringott's Bank; Black Park Country; Park in Langley, Bucks was used for Hagrid's house; Picket Post Close in; Bracknell, Bucks, is Harry's home, Privet Drive, Little Whinging; Ottery St; Mary, Devon, becomes Ottery St Catchpole; Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire, was used for school scenes; Gloucester Cathedral becomes Hogwarts School; Severn; Valley Railway locomotive Taw Valley became Hogswarts Express
Georgiana (why, that was completely 'ON' topic!)
Seattle - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 07:37:30 (PDT)
Off lurk mode for a second - just noticed that the cast bios are up at the official Harry Potter site. Here's Alan's page: http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/bios/rickman_full.html
I'm another one of those unfortunate souls who'll have to settle for a vicarious Private Lives performance by AR. Sighh... But I'm so very grateful to all of you who make such a vicarious experience even possible!
Carol <cebbyq@hotmail.comfoo>
Okazaki, Japan - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 07:31:09 (PDT)
I know a whole bunch of us are going to PL Oct/Nov, but I was wondering when we can look forward to getting the first first-hand report. Anyone going to the previews - Claire?
Gail
Toronto, Canada - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 06:57:18 (PDT)
How about adding a bottle of Armagnac? I'd spring for that!
And those 'no refunds, no exchanges' folks at the Albery have kindly relocated me to seat C15 for nearly all my intended performances. ("You mean you are not happy with row "G," Madam?")
Georgiana (I'll bring the opera glasses anyway!)
Seattle - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 06:48:28 (PDT)
Hi!
Hey, am I the only one who booked Private Lives in December? I thought I'd make it a pre-Christmas treat, besides I'll be in London for a couple of days on my way back to France for a break, so it all fits in nicely. Mmmh, will I really wait that long? You'll have all been by then, how annoying! ;). Of course the good thing about theatre is that we already know the plays, spoilers aren't a problem ;) so give us reports!
RA, that was a great idea about beaming Suzanne-the-site-mum to London, think again about it Suz! Flowers? Nice too. What about a bottle of something nice to keep company to the flowers?... Mmmh, definitely to be delivered *after* the performance... ;))
And for a (partial) change of subject: I showed a friend around Bath (UK) a few weeks ago, and thought this would be the right opportunity to go and visit the Jane Austen museum since she's one of my favourite writer (this is how I discovered AR, he'll always be Colonel Brandon to me... villain? What villain? ;) - Anyway there we were in the small, but very friendly, JA museum (she lived there for a short period of time and often mentions the city in her fiction) listening to the guide... when I suddenly noticed AR smiling at me from the other end of the room! No, not the flesh and blood one *sigh*, but a large and handsome black and white photograph of Colonel Brandon taken on set. It was next to an equally handsome photo of Emma T and Kate W and a framed, nice and mostly decipherable letter from Emma T who apparently sent the said [exclusive] photos to the museum. I took a picture, cut and paste the following into your browser window to see it:
http://www.geocities.com/storepage/jaustenm.jpg
As we know, Geocities links don't work, I won't even try. Not very clear, I know, but then these photos are exclusive to the museum, aren't they? So they remain! Oh, and if you're interested, the city has just decided to have a Jane Austen festival every year. The first one will be on the last weekend of September this year, with talks and movies etc as well as a distinguished guest from the movies. Rest assured it isn't a guest from Sense & Sensibility this year, I wouldn't have forgotten! ;) Should I start to talk these good people into inviting You-Know-Who next year? ;) Or Emma T? Or both?
Off to collect my commission from the Bath Tourist Office... ;)
GML
UK - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 04:58:33 (PDT)
Haven't heard from young Elizabeth during all this excitement. You don't think her mother did kill her over her exam results?!!:) Had I won the Lottery this week I had fully intended chartering a jet to bring Suzanne,Fausta,Christine,ARA and everybody over but sadly I didn't but I'll chip in with the flowers.
Sue
England - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 04:39:48 (PDT)
Super idea about the bouquet for opening night of PL. Count me in too.
Gail
Toronto, Canada - Saturday, August 18, 2001 at 21:07:25 (PDT)
Re: the bouquet. Good idea, count me in. A little off topic: hey, who are these persons leaving strange messages? Do they really surf the net leaving their little advertisements? Weird.
Raffaella <rossEross@tin.itfoo>
Italy - Saturday, August 18, 2001 at 16:29:23 (PDT)
Great idea Suz! What a lovely thing to do.
Cindie
- Saturday, August 18, 2001 at 14:51:15 (PDT)
Oh, my! What a generous thing to do! You can be sure there's nothing I'd love more than to go to London, but I'm afraid it's not just a matter of expense for me. Thank you SO much for your thoughtfulness, though!!! You've no idea how much that means to me. Thank you, again!
I would, however, like everyone's thoughts on altering the fund to raising money to send AR a beautiful bouquet of flowers to his dressing room on opening night, from all us Guestbook denizens. What do you think?
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
A very grateful Empress for such loyal subjects., :-) - Saturday, August 18, 2001 at 14:14:27 (PDT)
Suzanne, I would be willing to send you ten dollars for an "Empress at Private Lives" fund. I bet if we all got together, we could send you to see it-you have done so much for us-there really is power in numbers, don't you think? Anyone else willing to cough up a tenner?
a Rickman admirer
- Saturday, August 18, 2001 at 12:15:56 (PDT)
I THANKS GOD FOR THIS GUESTBOOK,I PARY THAT GOD SHOULD BLESS THE MEMBER OF THIS GUESTBOOK.I AM A PASTOR WITH SHALOM PROPHERIT MINISTRY.IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLER YOU CAN SENT ME E-MAIL I WILL HELP YOU IN PARYING .THE CHURCH E-MAIL ADDERSS IS :shalom_ministry@yahoo.com P.O.BOX 1657 APAPA LAGOS NIGERIA.THANKS, GOD BLESS YOU ALL AMEN.
CLIPHINE NELSON ZINO <zino_cliphine@yahoo.comfoo>
new york, USA - Saturday, August 18, 2001 at 10:18:44 (PDT)
Just been on the Theatremonkey site to check seats - I missed out on 14 and 15 AA Sue I got 12 and 13 so miss the acorn but get the good leg room which will placate my 6ft 3"husband who I will be dragging along! I am going to get some matinee tickets to go and see it with my daughter but not until the end of November. Christmas will nearly be upon us then and Covent Garden shopping in the morning and AR in the afternoon what bliss!!!
Jill
Kent UK - Saturday, August 18, 2001 at 08:42:27 (PDT)
That Theatremonkey site is great, thanks for posting the link. By the way, I'm posting again the address of the Private Lives mailing list, where we can swap tips and infos, or just chat about this event. Here you are the link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PrivateLives2001
Raffaella <rossEross@tin.itfoo>
Italy - Saturday, August 18, 2001 at 05:32:00 (PDT)
I got AA14 & AA15 so it sounds as if I've got an acorn! Just have to make sure that I sit in 14;)(Well,I bought the tickets!and my pal is coming just to give me moral support). It sounds as if I'll be warming the seats on the 11th for Nancy and Jill.
Sue
England - Saturday, August 18, 2001 at 05:08:59 (PDT)
Greetings all, Too exciting! I have tickets for November 9th which unfortunately sounds like after most of you have left. Now I have to figure out airfare and then quick buy some more tickets so I can go more than once. My husband kicked up a bit of a fuss so it looks like I'm looking for a babysitter! Is this all too good to be true??
Cindie
- Saturday, August 18, 2001 at 04:43:34 (PDT)
It is wonderful that AR is going back to the stage! It is where, I think, AR is most happy to be. I really wish I could see him weaving his magic, but unfortunatly, cannot afford it. To everyone, on this site, who has tickets, I hope you can get some photo's and bring back some stories! I guess, I wish for the day that AR will come back to Australia, maybe to do a film or a play, in the near future.To Mr. Rickman, if you do read this, I wish you all the best in this wonderful play, and I hope you do a LOT more! Barbara.
Barbara the Australian
Qld Australia - Saturday, August 18, 2001 at 00:02:37 (PDT)
The Albery Theatre just sounded so familiar that I felt sure I’d been there before, so after work I went home and dug through my old theatre programs, and sure enough that was the theatre where I saw Forbidden Broadway two years ago – a hysterical spoof of Broadway and West End musicals. I can confirm from memory that it is a large and gorgeous theatre! Anyway, the last page of the program gave a lovely and very interesting history of theatre, noting many of the distinguished actors and productions that have played the Albery. In the 30s and 40s Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud regularly appeared there, at one point alternating the roles of Paris and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, and it was also the home of Gielgud’s famous production of Hamlet, which he both directed and starred in. A truly historical building indeed! The article also mentions “the Albery’s biggest hit ever, A Month in the County, with Helen Mirren and John Hurt, had people queuing around the block for tickets.” I think the article will need to be updated before the year is out!
Anyway, I know a history of the physical theatre itself is more than a little bit off-topic, but I thought the last two sentences of the article were interesting enough to copy out here.
“With such an illustrious history, it is surprising that the Albery has had no ghostly sightings, although mysterious footsteps have been heard in the dead of night…but it’s perhaps more likely to be the theatre’s two feline members of staff, Boy Cat and Girl Cat, who recently won medals in the Working Cat of the Year competition! Such is the ongoing popularly of the Albery that even Diana, Princess of Wales, on a private visit to see Blood Brothers, got out of her car stuck in London traffic and, much to the horror of her bodyguards, walked to the theatre in time for curtain up!”
So ok, in light of all this, and to help us get through these next two tortuous months as we anxiously wait for opening night, I’d like to suggest (a la Claudia) a writing project for our gloriously talented writers next door at FOF. Remember Cedric, the runaway snake from A&C? Guestbook oldtimers will recall how much mileage we got out of that little fellow. So, how about a story on the Albery cats as they wait for their newest leading man, or perhaps those really are footsteps, not felines, in the night and (with apologies to TMD), a bona fide Albery ghost story is in order!
Linda P. <keats65@yahoo.comfoo>
Ecstatic to have my tickets!, - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 23:07:01 (PDT)
Anybody still looking for airfare to London from the US might want to try Hotwire.com. The prices are about the best around, but they allow no changes under any circumstances once you book, so be sure before you do ...
heather <heatherc1453@cs.comfoo>
tx - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 21:57:34 (PDT)
But at least, according to 'theatremonkey', I'll have good leg room.
Gail again
Toronto, Canada - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 21:37:42 (PDT)
Georgiana - I think what the comment about the rake is trying to say is that from row F back each consecutive row is sufficiently higher than the one in front to ensure a clear view of the stage - and not the back of the head in front. With the comment about the high stage added in it sure sounds like a neck-craner for my second viewing - glad I have row G the night before.
Gail
Toronto, Canada - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 21:34:43 (PDT)
Post deleted.
I was wondering when you were going to try colors.
Suz (D.o.C.)
Suz, please delete posting with defective link; I guess those colors wore me out!
Georgiana
Seattle - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 21:20:19 (PDT)
The Theatremonkey site really is worth some time--I've been quite pleased with it. According to 'theatre monkey,' the Alberg has these problems with its stalls seats:
"Seats in row AA and A are in front of an ornate gold rail and curtain affair to protect customers from drowning in the orchestra pit. Acorns in front of every fifth seat are a right distraction in this monkey's opinion. Give A and AA 8, 11, 15, 18 and 22 a miss."
Also has the following, which does not make sense to me; perhaps one of you can explain?
"The rake is noticeable from row F, the slope is good enough to ensure more than just the rear view of someone's head for most customers. A high stage helps this."
Georgiana
Seattle - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 21:19:32 (PDT)
I'd be happy to set up a sheet at my website - just send an email to rickmanfans@cybamuse.com with your name and date and I'll set it up before the weekend is out. If eveyone is happy with this, I'll post the link tomorrow. I'll also add other information about rendezvous if people want to.
Yeah, now I have to look into tickets as well. As far as I can make out, they all go up in October from Australia...
Sally
- Friday, August 17, 2001 at 20:13:17 (PDT)
Sally, I have a ticket for PL for Oct. 26, Nancy, I have a ticket also for Oct 25. That was the easy bit. Now to look for a half-decent air fare. Is there some way a 'sign-up' sheet could be devised so that we could indicate the date(s) we are all going before we go squirrelly trying to keep track? Thanks to Georgiana for the link to the Albery theatre seating plan. I am glad that my AA seat may be in spitting distance but not listed as 'bad value', but am puzzled as to what the problem with a front row seat could be - behind a light that sticks up, perhaps? Any theories?
Gail <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 19:56:09 (PDT)
AAAGH! Breaking the silence - this is TOO EXCITING!!! I'm going October 26 - B18 (which according to Georgiana's chart is good). I am going solo - so I hope some other AR fans want to go to that perfomance - I'd LOVE to meet up afterwards!!!
I called ticketmaster in the end because the website kept wanting to give me periphery seats (which i notice, ticketmaster online in Australia also wants to do...). The direct number for 24 hour reservations is +44 20 7369 1740.
Gosh, HOW EXCITING!!!! Hope AR will be on that night! Was he on all the time when doing Anthony and Cleopatra? I'd to find a substitute person that day!!!
Sally
- Friday, August 17, 2001 at 19:48:58 (PDT)
Nancy, 'Theatremonkey" gives the following stalls diagram for the Albery. Note that seats indicated in red are felt to be of poor value (including some in the first two rows), while seates indicated in green are deemed best value.
Georgiana (my first try at color--hope Suzanne will bail me out if I screw it up...) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 17:52:12 (PDT)
Housework will wait, Jill, this is much more important! Thanks from me too! I got 3 seats in AA, 13-15, for the matinee on Oct. 14, from Ticketmaster. Can anyone confirm that those are okay seats? I usually prefer to call so I can ask about pillars, etc., but it was 3 p.m. before I checked the guestbook today, and I was afraid of sell-outs. I'm just hoping my 2 friends will be able to join me; there was no time to check with them. This will mark my 4th consecutive trip to England with a Rickman sighting! "Antony & Cleopatra" in 1999; outside the theatre for "Lady in the Van" in Jan. 2000; and walking down the street with Rima in July 2000. (That is, he was with Rima; I was on my own.) I'm thinking about going a 2nd time on Oct. 25 (Thursday); is anyone else going then? It would be fun to meet up before or afterward.
Nancy R.
CA - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 16:15:19 (PDT)
Ooooh, nightly reports for a fortnight, Georgiana? :-) Thank you!
Suzanne
Hallettsville, TX USA - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 15:53:11 (PDT)
Suzanne, I know this cute little Internet Cafe next door to a Starbucks two blocks from my London hotel--will definitely keep you posted!
Georgiana
Seattle - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 15:35:34 (PDT)
I wish I could, Anne, believe me! What fun it would be to not only see AR on stage, but also meet up with so many friends! But unfortunately, I can't make it to London. However, I hope all of you who do go, have a wonderful time. And I'm counting on reports from all of you!
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Wishing I lived in England - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 15:32:22 (PDT)
I've got AA for 11th october but now think I better try for later as well so as to meet up with everyone. I might try a matinee if anyone else is going as I can't drag my non AR pal up to town more than once. Let me know if anyone's going on a Sat or Sun at the end of Oct.
Sue <mastermum@hotmail.comfoo>
England - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 14:26:02 (PDT)
Well, this is one red letter day for AR fans! It seems we nearly all are planning to be there around the 25th to the 31st of October. It will be wonderful to meet all the people with whom I exchange letters and opinions, (humble ones, of course).
London is going to be invaded by AR fans from many places, it seems. We should all get together at least once if we can, so we can hoist one glass of preferred beverage and toast AR and this wonderful site, which brings us together.
Suzanne, we wish you were coming too. If you can it would just be an additional treat for us to be with you and all the good folks who frequent this space you so skillfully provide.
London, here we come!!!!!!!!
Anne <ahard73077@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 14:02:11 (PDT)
Linda - Glad to have been of help - I can go to bed tonight with a halo round my head and feel I have done a good deed for once. On the other hand I don't feel so good as I have been glued to this computer all day instead of doing housework!!
Jill
Kent UK - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 12:56:58 (PDT)
I had booked a vacation to London before this play was announced, so am quite pleased the play dates bracket my planned trip. I am flying over Oct. 27, back on Nov. 12. Would be happy to share hotel/phone no. information (by e-mail) with any Guest Book denizens planning to be in London during that interval. Would be lovely to meet up with more of you!
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 12:26:09 (PDT)
Well, I guess I will have to go. I just got myself another ticket, a single one, to PL for the Friday Oct. 26 performance, as I knew that my theatre buddy Victoria and her sister already have tickets for opera down the road at ENO. It is, by the way AA14, so that will be a neck-craner and spitting distance.(I bought on line.) I note, interestingly, that matinees are on Saturdays and Sundays, the latter being a new concept for London,I think. Not enough of the blue rinse set turning up to weekday matinees, I assume?
Gail again
Toronto, Canada - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 12:03:17 (PDT)
Hope you haven't got G13 or 14 for Thursday Oct. 25th, Georgiana - 'cause those are the seats that Victoria got! Now all I have to do is get there!
Gail <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 11:17:37 (PDT)
Oh God, Jill! Thank you soooooo much for telling us about UK Ticketmaster! I’m in Los Angeles and was planning to set the alarm clock for 2am on Sunday night so I could call at 10am Monday morning when the box office opened. Now I’ve already got them (for 6 performances!!!) all in row AA. I also got one to see Dame Judi (also in row A!) in the Royal Family while I’m there, and it was so easy over the internet thanks to your info! I’m forever grateful!
Linda P.
- Friday, August 17, 2001 at 11:01:21 (PDT)
I am really glad that tickets are going to the RIGHT people - by that I of course mean the supporters of such talent - I also have middle of row AA tickets 13th October. Hope its not some dreadful mistake and we all end up sitting on the same seats!!!!(Nightmare scenario I think) I now just keep thinking something is bound to go wrong.
Jill
Kent UK - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 10:29:37 (PDT)
Hi all! I've booked my tickets for October 30th and 31st. Stalls, row C. Not bad. I cannot believe we already got them!
Raffaella <rossEross@tin.itfoo>
Italy - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 10:22:36 (PDT)
I booked via telephone, so cannot say what you get on-line. They gave me G13 or G14 for nearly every performance of the 15 I booked, since "that's where the single seats are."
Georgiana
Seattle - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 10:18:00 (PDT)
Aargh,I go out for the day to Chessington Theme Park (I'm all shrieked out) and come back here to find it's all happening. Thanks a lot Jill for the info. I just got middle of AA, (definitely spitting distance!)
Sue
England - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 10:07:26 (PDT)
Georgiana, Did you get the Stall AA seats? I checked out the site (out of curiosity more than anything else at this point) to book online and saw that you can chose which section you'd like to sit in but can you chose a specific seat in a given section? I didn't see an option for that. Remember the pillar problem.
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 09:49:02 (PDT)
Kathleen, it depends on what you like. Royal Circle gives you a commanding view of the stage in three dimensions, but seats are nearly always further away from the stage than in the stalls. I'm a stalls person myself--prefer the 'spitting zone.'
Georgiana(...as we opera-goers like to think of it...)
Seattle - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 09:30:16 (PDT)
Thanks, Jill! Computers are overloaded at the Ambassador group, presumably since Jill's news posted here got people hopping. Oh, my, but HOW FUN!
Georgiana (I'm booked for 15 performances--see you all there!)
Seattle - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 09:11:16 (PDT)
Hi! I'm just usually a lurker but I thought I should post....Tickets are on sale now and seem to be going fast for October and November.
Jacqueline <jaa62@aol.comfoo>
- Friday, August 17, 2001 at 08:44:59 (PDT)
OT.Sorry! Hi Georgiana! I'll mail soon. Still unpacking!!
Kathleen
Co. Donegal, Ireland - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 07:57:41 (PDT)
*EEKKKK* Anyone any advice as to which would be the better seat? "Orchestra Stalls" or "Royal Circle"? I know sometimes you get a crick in the neck sitting in the stalls. Thoughts, anyone????
Kathleen
Co. Donegal, Ireland - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 07:55:53 (PDT)
WARNING WARNING Booking for Private Lives has already opened. I bought my tickets from Ticketmaster.co.uk who I think do the internet booking for the Albery theatre about 10 minutes ago. There was a booking fee of £1.50 which is nothing. I can't quite believe it but hope that everyone who wants tickets suceeds.!
Jill
Kent UK - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 07:31:22 (PDT)
Ananova also says Oct 4 at "Private Lives" will be press night.
Georgiana (will be at the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Meeting at the Museum of the Rockies on Oct 4...)
Seattle - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 06:48:47 (PDT)
Ananova gives the rest of the four-person cast for "Private Lives" as Emma Fielding and Adam Godley.
Georgiana (am enjoying imagining Mr. Rickman sitting on a beach memorizing Noel Coward...yes, I'm making this part up)
Seattle - Friday, August 17, 2001 at 06:47:00 (PDT)
Geo--all this info about Phil! ;)
Thank you!
Barbara the Wallpaperer <whaddya-mean-I-can't-use-that-in-FoF?*giggle*foo>
- Friday, August 17, 2001 at 06:26:55 (PDT)
Fausta, no need to apologize for off-topicness of Sir Ian McKellen: as well as our leading, living Shakespearean,(I consider AR to be more sui generis) he is a generous benefactor of educational charities such as the one at my husband's school that helps gifted, impoverished kids appreciate Shakespeare by doing the plays, along with funding many other notable programs for the kids. He is a good man.
FastFilm
L.A., CA USA - Thursday, August 16, 2001 at 21:32:14 (PDT)
Apologies for off-topic - Christine, here is my email address.
Gail <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
- Thursday, August 16, 2001 at 15:32:22 (PDT)
There is a "Behind the Scenes Featurette" on the "Blow Dry" DVD which has a few words from Mr. Rickman about the logistics of handling scissors, comb, hair, notable for the elaborate use of--darst I venture, Renie?--h*nds!
Georgiana
Seattle - Thursday, August 16, 2001 at 08:09:24 (PDT)
Hi Everyone, I’m just back from London, and of course with the recent news, getting ready to make plans to go again! I wanted to mention that Borders Bookstore on Charring Cross has made a little backdrop against one of the walls in their drama section using the big fold out London Theatre brochure that lists all the plays and has maps to the theatres. They’ve also put out few copies of different plays and musicals currently running to decorate around the brochure. Happy news is they’ve now added a small white stack of copies of Private Lives. Somehow that made it more real. Excitement mounts!
Rafaella – thanks so much for starting a PL list. What a good idea!
Linda P.
- Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 14:24:02 (PDT)
Fausta-the guys at the Express are barely literate so don't expect counting. I noticed "Clarice" as well. I've taken my son to every movie this summer but when I suggest H!IAF he refused! Just wait 'til the little ingrate wants to see Harry Potter I shall refuse to take him!!
The Official London Theatre News has finally picked up on Private Lives.
Sue
England - Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 13:36:53 (PDT)
Good Luck tomorrow, Elizabeth Fingers crossed for you. Don't worry - Mothers rarely kill their daughters over A Levels!
Sarah
Yorkshire - Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 11:31:30 (PDT)
Clearly the guys at the Express don't know how to count!
How about Bela Lugosi's Dracula instead of C. Lee (#10), and Gert Frobe's Goldfinger instead Jaws (#15)? But A. Hopkins is a good #1. There's even a joke in Dr Doolittle 2, where they show a boar in the zoo saying "Hello, Clarice" in a Hopkins voice!
For those of us who can't make it to London, Ian McKellan & Hellen Mirren will be in Strindberg's Dance of Death on Broadway. I know, I know, it's not Rickman . . .
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 10:13:25 (PDT)
I'm sure nobody is going to care too much about ticket prices to Private Lives as long as they get one, but ticket agencies in the UK usually tack on an arm and a leg, or at least 25% of the ticket price, as their fee for doing the booking. They will also sell you tickets from 'their' block rather than best available at the time. Probably best to try the Albery direct. And do I hear a lot of American alarm clocks being set?? Good luck everybody.
Gail <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 07:48:46 (PDT)
The Ambassador group of theatres does sell tickets on-line. To purchase ticets to the current Albery production ("A Servant with Two Masters," that Gail and I--and Victoria--saw in Bath last fall) routes you to ticketmaster.co.uk.
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 06:52:51 (PDT)
Thank you Georgiana for those links! Does anybody know if tickets can be purchased on-line? The Albery just had a phone number but the 'What's on Stage' site seems to have on-line purchases. Does anyone know if they will handle sales for *Private Lives*?
Cindie
- Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 06:08:39 (PDT)
And today's Express has got it wrong. In the body of their article on the list, they tell us, "Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey was the only actor to appear twice in the Top 30 - for the diabolical John Doe in Se7en and the mysterious Keyser Soze in The Usual Suspects."
As we all notice, Rickman appears twice, and both higher on the list than Spacey's!
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 06:03:36 (PDT)
Here's the front-end of the list: survey of movie-goers organized by www.only-movies.com
1. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) - Silence of the Lambs
2. Darth Vader (Dave Prowse/voiced by James Earl Jones) - Star Wars
3. Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) - Psycho
4. The Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman) - Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves
5. Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) - Misery (1990)
6. John Doe (Kevin Spacey) - Seven (1995)
7. Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) - Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
8. Cyrus the Virus (John Malkovich) - Con Air (1997)
9. Scorpio (Andrew Robinson) - Dirty Harry (1971)
10. Dracula (Christopher Lee) - Dracula (1958)
11. Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) - Die Hard (1988)
12. Cruella De Vil (Glenn Close) - 101 Dalmatians (1996)
13. The Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) - Terminator (1984)
14. Joaquin Phoenix (Commodus) - Gladiator (2000)
15. Jaws (Richard Kiel) - The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 05:58:18 (PDT)
Long? LONG? This is the shortest interval for a Ricman return to the stage since Hamlet! Must be a bit like getting back upon the horse that threw you . . .
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 05:51:49 (PDT)
I get my exam results tomorrow. Scary!!! I made a pact with my mother that she wasn't allowed to kill me for failing my exams, until I had seen HP. I better extend that and say she is not allowed to kill me until after I have seen Private Lives. I got so excited last night that I couldn't even spell my own name properly. And when I told my parents which theatre it is on at they looked at me blankly and said "What?"! I mean it is not as if I have never mentioned it! What amazes me is that there has been nothing about it in the papers, although having said that I haven't seen today's papers. I might go and buy one now. Let us just hope that Mark Ratcliff (or was it Radcliff?) no longer works for The Observer, because he has been pretty nasty about AR's voice over the years, especially when he did Anthony and Cleopatra, no wonder it has taken this long for him to make a return! And whatever the critics say we will love it anyway.
I have just had a phone call telling me that I can't direct Lord of the Flies for the school play because the school won't pay for a license, I mean really. Please can I write one instead, ok then, I am going to have a field day with this. I have decided to write a sort of "Stage Struck" type thing, which is normally done with sketches from musicals, but I think we might incorporate a few more things into it....
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 04:55:48 (PDT)
Make that George!
Sue
England - Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 02:20:21 (PDT)
Goerge and Hans have made it into the Bad Guy Chartsagain. You just can't keep a good baddie down.
Sue
England - Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 02:18:32 (PDT)
Thank you, Heather, for sparing me a semi-sleepless night!
Nancy R. <qfoo>
CA - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 20:28:02 (PDT)
Nancy, don't stay up all night. I did call the Albery box office this afternoon and they are definitely NOT booking until the 20th. They really don't have very much information at all right now, aside from the dates.
heather <heatherc1453@cs.comfoo>
tx - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 18:41:57 (PDT)
Has anyone confirmed that the Albery isn't taking Private Lives bookings until Aug. 20? Because otherwise I'm going to try to stay awake until 2 a.m. to call the Albery box office when it opens at 10 a.m. in England. (By coincidence, I'll be in England in October, having rescheduled my annual trip from July some time ago.) I've checked the Albery site and other theatre websites, but can't find the info. Thanks!
Nancy R.
CA - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 17:42:18 (PDT)
In discussing selected new video releases, Yahoo! News tells us that "Blow Dry" is "not a bad comedy. . ."
Georgiana
Seattle - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 14:48:26 (PDT)
YYYYYYEEEEESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!(Sorry, overwrought with excitement!)
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 13:36:56 (PDT)
We must thank Mr. Rickman as I know that he is the ultimate reason that our inquiries have been answered-Perhaps as "the main squeeze" has been rumored to surf the net, we should include her in our thanks also....
a Rickman admirer
- Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 12:26:38 (PDT)
Sue, feel free to find a newer Albery page--it does start with "A Servant with Two Masters," so they do seem to be adjusting...
Theatre Now also reports on "Private Lives," with this comment:
"The play works best when the leading players combine worldliness and sheer sex appeal, so the proposed production already has a head start."
They note that the end date in January is 'provisional.'
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 09:55:24 (PDT)
Georgiana - thanks for the links. Your excitement is excused!!The Albery page is a touch out of date though(1998!!)
Sue
England - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 09:25:10 (PDT)
Pirhana's statement, yes the denizens of this guestbook are rather friendly - I certainly expected to hear some carping after my last entry, but there was not even a hint of beaching.
I'll say no moray on the subject (yes, yes, you're all grateful, no trout about it).
Jude the Obscure
- Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 07:33:01 (PDT)
Link fixed.
Suz (D.o.C.)
...ahem... that's "muck up". . .
Georgiana (bowing head with chagrin)
Knobbly Fingers - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 06:45:21 (PDT)
...and a link to the Albery is here, which includes map, box office phone number, etc. (but you'd know I'd much up the html...)
Georgiana (ah, but of course, just a tad excited; don't need to reschedule my trip, it's in there!)
Seattle - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 06:33:31 (PDT)
The "What's on Stage" link is here (and lo' didn't they use Sinclair's picture!) and information on the Albery can be found here (if I haven't mucked up the html...,).
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 06:30:23 (PDT)
Confirming Raffaella's report on Private Lives running at the Albery from Oct 4. to Jan 8 ( three months was my guess for the length of the run). Details are also showing up at WhatsonStage.com. The play will be in preview from Sept.21.
Gail <gail.rayment@sympatico.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 06:25:00 (PDT)
Raffaella-THANK YOU VERY MUCH for the info.
Sue
England - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 06:07:31 (PDT)
Hello! Great news, I've just received a message (thank you so much, Sarah!): "Private Lives will be showing at The Albery starting Oct 4th thru to Jan 8th 2002. Bookings start Aug.20th".
Raffaella <rossEross@tin.itfoo>
Italy - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 05:27:40 (PDT)
The Observer
12 August 2001
Alan Rickman playing a villainous pilot fish
Help! I'm a Fish is a modest, well-drawn animated comedy about the subterranean adventures of a cocky teenager, his little sister and their wimpish intellectual cousin, who are transformed respectively into a small shark, a baby starfish and a jelly fish after drinking a mad professor's potion.
I think I prefer it to the sentimental Disney version of Hans Andersen's The Little Mermaid , though unless you read the credits you'd never know that this film was made in Andersen's native country. The soundtrack 'voice talents', except for Alan Rickman as a villainous pilot fish and Terry Jones as the eccentric ichthyologist Professor Mac Krill (geddit?), are all American, and 'Check it out, we're all fish, isn't that cool?' is a fairly typical line.
Georgiana
Seattle - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 01:38:51 (PDT)
Elizabeth - I don't think that Private Lives will be at the Phoenix theatre as Blood Brothers has been running there forever and I doubt it will move even for AR! The Cambridge theatre is now out of the picture as Fame will be there from Sept onwards. However the Albery is still looking good as A Servant for Two Masters is going to close 4 weeks early at the end of August. They have yet to announce what is to follow! Everybody keep alert!
Jill
Kent UK - Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 01:18:30 (PDT)
Thanks Julia, In a way I'm glad it's not just me. I was beginning to feel like a PC idiot! I have a feeling Yahoo has problems, probably temporary, which will sort themselves out eventually. In the meantime Rafaella has kindly sent me the latest information and will continue to do so until we have all the info needed to book flights and buy theatre tickets.
In the meantime I will keep you up to date if you like. Just E-mail me, so I have your address and I will pass on all info Rafaella is kind enough to provide.
You know, we are a nice friendly group of people, don't you think?
Anne (who now will try to stay on topic)
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Monday, August 13, 2001 at 20:52:27 (PDT)
Anne, re: Private Lives group-- I've had the same problem. Finally, I just gave up and sent a subscribe email to the address. Have you tried Raffaella? She might be able to help! Off topic, I've just discovered that Julie Walters (Billy's mentor in Billy Elliott) was in another dance film: It's called Stepping Out, and it stars Liza Minelli. The other thing about this film is that one of the characters has a son named Alan, played by a young actor named Raymond Rickman!! Heehee, I love watching the credits!
Julia
Calgary, Canada - Monday, August 13, 2001 at 19:57:57 (PDT)
Hi girls! Lets have a look on this german page http://special.cinema.de/spezial/blowdry about BLOW DRY! Hope you still don´t know it.There are some more pics that might be useful - very nice one! Bye, Marion
Marion <marion.nimz@talknet.defoo>
Krefeld, Germany - Monday, August 13, 2001 at 15:11:12 (PDT)
I meant earned.
Sue
I must "shell"out on a decent dictionary., England - Monday, August 13, 2001 at 11:24:49 (PDT)
*Grin*. Very funny. Just when I thought I couldn't take any more of these fishy puns! ;)
"Quality not quantity", eh? That comment made me wonder what it takes to become a film critic. Clearly not too much taste or culture. Isn't it because AR generally favours quality (as in creativity, lending his talent to lesser-known writers or good causes, taking risks, working on classics and low budget stuff) rather than quantity (as in $$$$$$$) that he (among a few others) sticks out from the lot? Can somebody explain to me why Gladiator is on everybody's lips but the man in the street hasn't heard of say Closet Land? Because the latter is a disturbing work that makes us feel guilty? As opposed to the former which is a completely unrealistic one with lots of impressive war scenes that cost a lot but do not tax the brain too much. Ah, yes, that'll be it: we don't like to be disturbed or made to think, do we? Well, art is disturbing sometimes. Uh, don't get me wrong, I love (quality ;) escapism too and I can't wait for Harry Potter and Snape, no doubt a very lucrative part btw, but hey, HP is a rare case of quality appealing to the masses. My point was that some critics really are asking to be kindly taken by the hand and led back to school for a little while. ;)
So there! ;))
GML
UK - Monday, August 13, 2001 at 11:07:05 (PDT)
Jude the Obscure, so sorry those reviews were piscine on your parade.
FastFilm
LaLaLand, USA - Monday, August 13, 2001 at 10:45:08 (PDT)
JtO-Let's just hope he earnt lots of squids for doing it.
Sue
England - Monday, August 13, 2001 at 10:18:01 (PDT)
I don't care what they say, I look forward to seaing "Help I'm a Fish". The negative reviews are rather sharking; IMHO they seem unnecessarily crabby to me. But even if it's as bad as I keep herring, I'll still sea it just for the halibut. I'll consider it a fin or two well spent.
Frankly, I think if one can only speak eel of something one should just clam up. After all, it's a roughy enough world as it is, and it doesn't gill anyone to be kind. And anyway Alan Rickman thought the film was a good idea, and he should know. He's a starfish.
Send all replies snail mail.
Jude the Obscure
- Monday, August 13, 2001 at 10:07:14 (PDT)
Reading the reviews of H!IAF, it sounds like it's a fun movie. The reviewer that talked about "quality/quantity" misses the issue altogether: The issue, for Rickman fans is DISTRIBUTION.
In the matter of qualitly, as another reviewer said, Alan Rickman deftly pockets each scene he graces in nearly everything he's done. There are many factors that affect quantity -- just because an actor is in a film doesn't mean the film will even get completed, for instance -- and than Harry Potter, there's nothing recent coming up. However, the norm is that by the time any film AR makes (other than big-budget productions) gets to the local cinema, years have gone by. John Gissing, H!IAF, and Play are yet to get here (and I live near NYC and Philadelphia, not out of the way) and all of them were done over 18 months ago. AR's performance in H!IAF will disappear totally when the movie is dubbed prior to foreign distribution, as it will be in Japan.
Stage performaces in London are all very well but attending is entirely out of the question for people like me who do not have the time & $$$$ to get there. Broadway was 12 years ago.
So I continue to say, being a Rickman fan is mostly a labor of patience.
And of distribution!
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Monday, August 13, 2001 at 09:33:49 (PDT)
Just had a thought. Does anyone know what will be happening at the Pheonix Theatre, Charing Cross? My reason for asking is because that theatre opened on 24th September 1930 with a perfomance of Private Lives, so maybe it will be there. They must have had something sorted out, I mean you can't just sign to do a play that has no theatre, can you? All I can think of is that there is and has been something sorted for sometime and they are just waiting for the whole thing to be written in black ink. In ther meantime they will continue to rehaears in his living room (I am begining to like that idea!)
Elizabeth
UK - Monday, August 13, 2001 at 08:47:20 (PDT)
Just seen HIAF for the second time and niethe time was I allowed to borrow a kid. he first time the boy at the till gave me a very odd look and this time I sent my friend, who wants to do animation as a career, to buy the tickets. I thought it was hilarious, and all I can say is why on earth didn't he do The Lion King when he was offered it?? The singing bit is definatly the best part in the whole film.
Well I give up on guess the theatre, I said they would be rehearsing in someones living room and then performing it on a London street, but I didn't really expect that to happen! I am running out of ideas for where it may be.....er....
Oh dear I was supposed to ring my mum half an hour ago ooooppps!
Elizabeth
UK - Monday, August 13, 2001 at 08:22:23 (PDT)
The Times (London)
August 11, 2001, Saturday
Features
New releases
David Willoughby
HELP, I'M A FISH (U)
Directors: Michael Hegner, Stefan Fjeldmark, 2000
Voices: Alan Rickman, Terry Jones
IN THIS engaging animation, three youngsters, Fly, Stella and Chuck swallow a potion that turns them into fish. Searching for an antidote in the ocean they meet the sinister pilot fish Joe (voiced by Rickman). There is little for grown-ups, but a pacy plot and catchy Europop songs will hook pre-teens.
Georgiana
Seattle - Monday, August 13, 2001 at 06:19:17 (PDT)
12 August 2001
Sunday Times (London)
Features
Short cuts
ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER PLAICE Alan Rickman brings lots of experience to his vocal role in the cartoon Help! I'm a Fish. He's done his share of cod accents over the years
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Monday, August 13, 2001 at 06:15:15 (PDT)
My hubby was in York for 2 years for his A-level and is pretty familiar with Yorkshire accent. So I showed him Suz's TFYM to him and asked him how was it and how much he understood.He said it was pretty good and the guy on AR's right was very good!! And he said he hopes the program'd be aired one day either in Japan or M'sia... Here are some Yorkshire phrases...try and see how many you'd understand... Ah'm fair clemmed. Wheer's ta bahn? Ah wor fair capped. She wor allus a brazeen hussy. Ah've just bethowet miseen. That's a reight bobby dazzler. Cans't tha thoil it? THa'd better stop chunterin. She'd nip a currant i'two. He'd nivver give a hand turn. Ah'm fair moidered. We wor at t'band-end. Tha's got to keep t'band in t'nick. Ah'm nobbut fair to middlin. Mash the tea. Finally,"A'm bahn ta buy this 'un!" Hopefully you could enjoy these and not bite your tongue!! Recently there's a campaign called "Mind our English" in M'sia and we found several diarects such as from Manchester, Lancashire and those were more ???? for us. Because it didn't look like English from the sound-based-wirting of them....Good Luck to you all!!!!
M.I.
K.Lumpur/Tokyo, M'sia/Japan - Sunday, August 12, 2001 at 20:02:18 (PDT)
Actually, I'm rather animated myself as you can see from all of those exclamation points!!!!!!!!!The more sedate guestbookers may overlook those, if they wish.
a Rickman admirer
- Sunday, August 12, 2001 at 14:24:22 (PDT)
Ye Gads-why should every cartoon look like Disney?For that matter, all of the heroes and heroines of the Disney animations look the same, and they all have animal "sidekicks" so we are not talking about buckets of originality there either!!Just buckets of money, which is the reason why I applaud small independent less sophistocated ventures. God help us all when five year olds are "too sophistocated" for a good old fashioned cartoon movie!!!!!!!!!!!
a Rickman admirer
- Sunday, August 12, 2001 at 14:22:04 (PDT)
From 12 August "Sunday Express":
FILMS; ALSO OUT THIS WEEK
: HELP! I'M A FISH (U) Director: Michael Hegner, Stefan Fjeldman THOSE who have beenyearning for Alan Rickman to play a villain again will find some pleasure in his voiceover as a megalomaniac fish, Joe. He gets all the best lines and delivers them with sneering relish in this rather primitive animation from Denmark. The story should appeal to very small children, but anyone accustomed to the sophistication of Hollywood animations will be disappointed.
Three children accidentally turn into fish after swallowing a potion concocted by a professor who believes that global warming will flood the Earth. They have 48 hours to capture the antidote from evil Joe, or else they'll be fish forever. The climax is exciting but only Joe makes an impression. The other characters are just a bit, well, wet.
Georgiana
Seattle - Sunday, August 12, 2001 at 13:55:43 (PDT)
Hello all: Off topic, is anyone else having trouble accessing the Yahoo group 'Private Lives'? I can get to the first page, but when I go to sign in with my name and password, it locks up and the mouse does not work. This has happened to me for the last two days, I was wondering if anyone else is having the same or similar problems.
I have been registered for the group, that I managed several days ago, but I haven't been able to access the site since. It's not my hardware as everything else is working just fine, including the mouse.
Ah well, I will just have to look for updates here, or if some member of the group, who can access it, would E-mail me with updates until Yahoo decides to let me get to it, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks all, Anne
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Sunday, August 12, 2001 at 12:46:14 (PDT)
August 10 "Daily Mail":
THE one surprising thing about Help! I'm A Fish is that it's Danish. It's a colourful cartoon that's like the underwater sequences in Disney's The Sword In The Stone, inadequately padded out to feature length. Three small children are turned into fish, thanks to a potion mixed by an absent-minded professor (voiced by Terry Jones). Once underwater, they are prevented from reaching the antidote by an enormous shark (David Bateson) and his brainier pilot-fish (Alan Rickman), who turns out to have grandiose plans to turn the ocean into a fascist state. There's nothing here that you won't have seen done better in Disney films. The gags, animation and songs don't have the sophistication of The Little Mermaid; the characters are unimaginative caricatures; and there is a shoddiness about it, an inattention to detail. For example, the film-makers seem to think that penguins reside at the North Pole, and that freshwater fish can live happily in sea water. Small children will be amused, but my guess is that most children of eight upwards will be too sophisticated for it.
Georgiana (paragraphing condensed)
Seattle - Sunday, August 12, 2001 at 06:48:48 (PDT)
Leicester Mercury
August 10, 2001
Thrills and gills: Help, I'm A fish
by MPolanyk
Rickman flounders in this sole-less tale
Help, I'm A Fish HH
Cert U You can never get hold of actor Alan Rickman. He's always too busy to speak to the press, and gets involved in a plethora of film projects. But if I could ever get to meet him, I'd say this to him: "Quality, Alan, not quantity.'' Here, this fine actor is the voice of the baddie fish in a poor cartoon. Oh dear, oh dear. In this primitive and colourless animated tale, Fly, his baby sister Stella and their rather square cousin Chuck, set off on a fishing trip, and create a few waves when they come across a mysterious laboratory in a rocky hideaway. Here they encounter barmy Professor MacKrill, who is convinced that the entire world will soon be flooded. So he's experimenting with a potion that will allow humans to live, just like their fishy friends, under the water. Little Stella foolishly drinks some of the potion and is transformed into a starfish. So, armed with a bottle of fish potion and its antidote, Fly and Chuck go on an underwater rescue mission to find Stella. This is a poorly -realised and ungainly animated movie that tries desperately to sprinkle some Disneyesque magic about. It simply can't - there's a lack of good ideas here and some awful musical numbers. I realise that this was made for the under -12s, but this is a pallid exercise, an aquarium without soul or sole. And if YOU see Alan Rickman, perhaps you could tell him: "Quality, not quantity.''
- The Week has teamed up with Odeon Freemans Park to offer free tickets for Help, I'm A Fish, plus soundtrack CDs for the first two winners. For a chance to win, name any one of the film's main characters. Answers on a postcard or sealed envelope to Fish Comp, The Week, Leicester Mercury, St George Street, Leicester LE1 9FQ. The closing date is next Friday.
Georgiana (paragraphing condensed)
Seattle - Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 22:03:50 (PDT)
Yes, I'm sure Zelda will love HIaF. Then again, I know half a dozen grown-ups who are counting on escorting her to "Harry Potter"!
Georgiana
Seattle - Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 19:06:52 (PDT)
BTW, there is a small glimpse of Mr. Rickman on the Billy Elliott DVD featurette-showing him at the premiere--big grin, no tears......Billy Elliott reminded me of "Flashdance" in England-there is truly nothing new under the sun.
a Rickman admirer
- Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 18:12:04 (PDT)
Georgiana, you are so lucky to have Zelda as a cover so that no one will know that you are the one that wants to see a "fishy" Alan Rickman-the only one I have around here is the dog, and although she enjoys Rickman films, I cannot sneak her into a theatre. My hubby will humor me and go with me, though-Laughter is the best medicine, someone said!
a Rickman admirer
- Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 16:42:23 (PDT)
Lynn, "Blow Dry" will be for sale on both DVD (affordable at around $25) and VHS (not, around $104, until it's had a run in video rentals).
Georgiana
Seattle - Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 15:47:20 (PDT)
Hello to all I want to thank I think it was Christine who mentioned that the movie BLOW DRY is going to be in the video stores on Tues. Aug. 14th.
Well I was in the local video store and picked up a flyer and there was the video advertised but it didn't say if it was for rent or for sale.
What I would like to know and I hope someone out there can help is tell me if it will be for sale. I really hope it is I would really love to get it. I want to put it in my collection. Thankyou in advance.
Hope everyone is having a plessent Saterday afternoon.....
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 12:35:19 (PDT)
Thanks SO much, GML! We are dying to hear this one!
Georgiana & Zelda <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 10:41:24 (PDT)
Hi, Greetings from Finland. 
Jari Peltonen
Tampere, FINLAND - Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 10:10:42 (PDT)
A Day in the Life of Joe Egg will be showing at the Ambassador theatre from 1.10.01 - end of November 2001 so I think we can strike this from the list of theatres!
Jill
Kent UK - Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 06:36:29 (PDT)
Hi people
I went to see Help I'm a Fish yesterday (all on my own, I couldn't find a kid to borrow ;) and thought you might like another quick guestbook-inmate review ;)
I have to agree with the newspapers on the whole: it targets very young children (but what exactly is wrong with that?! ;) and You-Know-Who as Joe the evil-fish is... truly excellent. No, I am not biased! There were times when "the voice" somehow managed to make that cartoonesque fish on the screen real and, uh, attractive? ;) Or maybe it magically turned the rest of the audience itself into fish somehow. Very much in keeping with the plot! Ah, well, you'll understand what I mean when you see, or rather, hear it. You think you have watched and heard AR so often he can't surprise you anymore? Not so! There were times when I just couldn't believe he was behind Joe... what an ability to play with his voice! And all seemingly effortlessly. True, some of the songs are annoying to an adult audience, but there is a notable exception: the one HE sings! That was art! Definitely worth sitting through the others. And talking art, 'tis true that the under-water animation was superior to the character graphics which were very simple, but I like to think that was achieved on purpose, to emphasize the fluidity of the under-water-world. On the whole, a refreshing change from Disney. Oh, I should mention that the evil-one got the first kids' giggles in the house.;)
GML
UK - Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 05:23:44 (PDT)
LOL I was thinking the same thing, Sue! Sure, I'll get started on it ASAP.
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Thanks for all the reviews, Georgiana!, - Friday, August 10, 2001 at 16:41:40 (PDT)
"Dubbin my oilskins;tonight we ride!"- Suzanne, a good download perhaps?
Sue
Still drying myeyes from Victoria Wood., England - Friday, August 10, 2001 at 14:16:53 (PDT)
johnny weissmuller
eduardo ostos <eduardostos@hotmail.comfoo>
orlando, fl usa - Friday, August 10, 2001 at 14:01:55 (PDT)
Georgiana, Not tedious in the least. I hope it comes the U.S. soon
Cindie
- Friday, August 10, 2001 at 12:52:12 (PDT)
Western Mail
August 10, 2001, Friday
SECTION: ARTS; Pg. 16
HEADLINE: FILM REVIEWS
BYLINE: By Brinley Hamer Jones
Help! I'm A Fish (u)
This is a true Euro production originating in Denmark, but with collaboration from animation studios in Munich and Dublin. As an attempt to take on the big boys in American animation, it looks rather dated and unsophisticated with its traditional techniques and none of the computer-generated advances we saw in Toy Story and Shrek. That said, this is a charming piece with a reasonably meaty storyline, and some nicely-drawn villains. Left to their own devices by a sleeping childminder, Fly and his cousin Chuck take infant Stella on a fishing trip. Trapped by the rising tide, they find their way into a remote cave where eccentric professor McKrills - voiced by Terry Jones - is carrying out his experiments.
One of them involves a potion which turns humans into fish, and, yes, you've guessed it, little Stella takes it - forcing the boys to do the same so they can rescue her and take the antidote within the 48 hours limit, or they all remain fish forever.
Enter villainous Joe - voiced by Alan Rickman - who finds the antidote provides him with the power of speech and reasoning. These gifts, he decides, can form the basis for a piscine world takeover. Narrow scrapes and adventures abound, laced with Rickman's inimitably wicked delivery of lines. Remember his outrageous portrayal of the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves? The kids get in and out of trouble, but eventually everything works out to everyone's satisfaction - except Rickman's.
An undemanding children's entertainment without the overt inclusion of jokes aimed at the adult, of which Disney and DreamWorks are so fond. As such, this has a simplistic, rather dated air - but is nonetheless charming for that. Aimed, specifically, at the youngest audience, it may become tedious for older children more used to hi-tech versions.
Rating 7/10 paragraphing condensed
Georgiana (tell me if these are getting tedious...)
Seattle - Friday, August 10, 2001 at 10:49:27 (PDT)
Blow Dry will be on the shelves of Blockbuster Video on Tuesday, August 14th.
Christine
Montreal, Canada - Friday, August 10, 2001 at 09:06:43 (PDT)
Forgot to mention, saw the HPotter trailer yesterday at the local AMC movie. The trailer's the same as the one in the official site, with 2 brief AR scenes and the "Mr. Potter" line, but much more fun seeing it in the big screen. This will definitely be a movie worth seeing on a large screen.
No sooner I say that my website was down that it came back, thank goodness!
Fausta
back, again!, - Friday, August 10, 2001 at 08:47:26 (PDT)
Lovely October, Claire!
From the "They sure didn't ask us" Department, HelpIAF will open in Japan dubbed in Japanese, so Mr. Rickman's part will be played by someone else.
Off-topic: For those who asked, The Rickmanista Review's down temporarily due to problems XO.com (the host) is having. Will be back soon, I hope!
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Friday, August 10, 2001 at 08:41:50 (PDT)
Georgianna -Thanks for all the reviews
Claire - Thanks for the new pix.Does "October" mean you have a whole calendar for us?!?;)
U.K. viewers don't forget Victoria Woods Christmas show tonight at 9.05 on BBC1. Even without our man it's certainly worth a second look.
Sue
England - Friday, August 10, 2001 at 08:14:33 (PDT)
Evening Times (Glasgow)
HEADLINE: Animated fish film fantasy is strictly for the small fry
Andy Dougan
Help! I'm a Fish (U) HH
Voice Cast: Alan Rickman, Terry Jones
Director: Stefan Fjeldmarki
Running time: 80 mins
If you are more than six-years-old, you might be inclined to scream Help! I'm a Parent. No one over six is going to get much out of this simple-minded, sugary, animated adventure which arrives here from Denmark with a whole new voice cast. Three children are turned into fish and spend the rest of the film trying to find a potion to turn them back and thwart the attempts of an evil fish to dominate the world. That's about it really. The animation is basic, the jokes are lame, and the only thing more irritating than the idiotic theme song are the other songs in the film.
GRAPHIC: somethIng fishy: help, this film's terrible!
Georgiana
Seattle - Friday, August 10, 2001 at 06:46:18 (PDT)
The Evening Standard
Another fin mess;film
Alexander Walker
HELP! I'M A FISH Cert (U, 78 mins)
A DANISH cartoon for children of, say, five-to-10, Help! I'm a Fish is about three kids caught by the tide while fishing who then stumble into a sinister laboratory in the cliff, where a nutty professor (voiced by Terry Jones) has invented a serum to turn humans into fish in anticipation of global warming. The trio are accidentally made the guinea-pigs, or, rather, the finny ones: the little girl turns into a starfish, the 13-year-old into a cod in a baseball cap, and the fat boy into a jellyfish. They fall foul of a great white shark that talks cockney and has no brains, but depends on a sinister pilot fish called Joe (voiced by Alan Rickman), who speaks impeccable English and therefore must be the villain intent on seaworld domination.
The animation is light years behind Disney or DreamWorks, but achieves a sort of nostalgic charm because of it, and there are a couple of good lines like: "You're not fit for sushi." OK, though, for small fry.
Georgiana
Seattle - Friday, August 10, 2001 at 06:41:31 (PDT)
Daily Star
August 10, 2001
SECTION: FEATURES; Pg. 36
HEADLINE: BACKROW WITH ALAN FRANK; FISHY BUSINESS
HELP! I'M A FISH (U) - THREE youngsters scale the depths when a dotty scientist's magic potion transforms a little girl into a starfish in a charming feature-length cartoon. Her brother and his nerdy friend swallow suit and set out to save the little lass living underwater forever.
The animation is excellent, Alan Rickman adds silky menace camping it up as the voice of the fishy villain and Terry Jones does an amusing Pythonesque turn as the nutty professor.
Uncynical youngsters of most ages should enjoy themselves. Parents should find the shaggy fish story funny and finny - but they wouldd be well advised to plug their ears when the redundant songs turn up.
VERDICT: 6/10
Georgiana (paragraphing condensed)
Seattle - Friday, August 10, 2001 at 06:36:00 (PDT)
From today's Daily Telegraph:
Help! I'm a Fish
U cert, 78 min
THREE kids drink a potion that turns them into fish, and they have 48 hours to find the antidote. Once underwater, the otherwise ordinary animation crawls out of its shell, conjuring lovely effects from submarine flora and fauna. Very young children will be enthralled, and there's enough easy comedy in the voice acting (Alan Rickman, Terry Jones) to endear it to older viewers too.
Georgiana
Seattle - Friday, August 10, 2001 at 06:30:58 (PDT)
I have just got off the phone to the Ambassador Theatre.... and although they didn't acctually say anything of any use to my other enquiry (about tranfering a production from Norwich to London in November) Apparently they are booked up fully until January. However when I enquired what they had on they could tell me what!! I wonder.............
I am off (maybe) to see H!IAF, only I am trying to persuade my sister's friend's sister to come with me (I think she is only 10) I think I might get a few funny looks if were to ask for one Student ticket to it don't you?
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Friday, August 10, 2001 at 05:55:16 (PDT)
Australia!! AR Alert! "Die Hard" is on tonight on Ch 7 at 8.30pm, Free to Air TV. "It's Christmas, Theo, it's a time of miracles, so be of good Cheer! Bye.
Barbara the Aussie
Gold Coast, Australia - Friday, August 10, 2001 at 01:45:22 (PDT)
Guten tag, Nicole. You have excellent taste in actors.
FastFilm
Los Angeles, USA - Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 21:34:37 (PDT)
From 10 August Guardian:
Help! I'm a Fish Dir: Stefan Fjeldmark, Michael Hegner With: Terry Jones, Alan Rickman 80 mins, cert U www.helpfish.com
A sweet, charming and entertaining little cartoon from Denmark originally titled Hjaelp, Je Er En Fisk it's true, I'm telling you! which has been re-dubbed with English voices for UK distribution. Fly is a boy who goes fishing, taking with him his little sister Stella and his podgy cousin Chuck. But they find a cave belonging to a loopy old professor (voiced by Terry Jones) and the kids end up drinking his secret potion for turning people into fish. But then some real fish drink the prof's fish-into-human antidote and assume human ambitions, led by the sinister shark-sidekick Joe a terrific turn from Alan Rickman. It flags a bit when Rickman's superbly wicked character isn't on, but it's a nice little holiday film nonetheless.
Georgiana (italics added, but aren't the villains always more interesting?) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 18:11:50 (PDT)
Oh god... thank you his parents didn´t go for a walk some years ago! I LOVE that man! That really never happened to me before! I´m from Germany, you know, and in German TV we really DO NOT have anyone compareable to that man. No one. So thank god I´ve Internet access. Greetings to all of you!
Nicole <arachnia@gmx.lifoo>
Überlingen *g*, - Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 13:48:16 (PDT)
The "straight jacket" is an Issey Miyake men's dress shirt worn backwards and inside-out.
Georgiana
Seattle - Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 09:39:08 (PDT)
To CLAIRE went to your site and I have to thank you for putting such wonderful pictures up, they are great. I especially like the one with him,in what appears to be a straight jacket if that is what it is, if not I appoligise.
I don't know where you get these fantastic photos but keep up the good work.You have a great site and I enjoy going to it.....
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 08:34:50 (PDT)
re: Private Lives. According to producer Duncan Weldon's PA, there is no news to give today, however there will be an announcement next week. Look for a press release then.
Chris L
MA USA - Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 07:17:43 (PDT)
And in The Scotsman:
REVIEW A MELLOW MARINE FANTASY HELP! I'M A FISH (U)
BYLINE: John Marriott
Help! I'm A Fish makes the most of beautifully coloured traditional animation techniques
Directors: Michael Hegner, Stefan Fjeldmark
Voices: Alan Rickman, Terry Jones, Teryl Rothery, Tabitha St Germain
TERRY Jones and Alan Rickman are here united by fish. Well, the chummy eccentricity of Jones supplies the voice of a loopy professor who believes that, since the world will soon be all water, we just have to become fish, so he has naturally devised a magic potion.
The fruity, villainous tones of Rickman breathe life into the ugly fascist fish who, having discovered that the potion's antidote causes fish to think like humans and speak fluent English, decides he wants the world for himself.
He is particularly hostile to the three jolly children who join him, having become fish versions of themselves in the process: impulsive, optimistic Fly, his cute, giggling sister Stella and their plump, intellectual cousin Chuck. Their parents, meanwhile, fret over them in the world above water.
In the wake of Shrek (where the soar-away technology was matched by invention in all other areas), you might think children would find any cartoon failing hugely by comparison. But the simple, flattish, traditional animation here (which is also dwarfed by Disney) is at least beautifully coloured, while the fluent underwater movements and wash of detail (especially in the undersea city) always engage. So does the story, which is buoyed by charm, innocence, eccentricity and a nippy pace.
The conventional moral themes of the cartoon are there in full measure (the responsibility of science; being nice to one another), but what you will take away with you is the memory of the dark, scheming fish demanding servants and fame, the jellyfish with specs and the military crab with the lantern jaw and scary teeth.
Georgiana
Seattle - Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 05:59:34 (PDT)
In today's (London) Times:
Alan Rickman corners an unhealthy amount of humour as a pilot fish in a spangly children's cartoon, Help! I'm a Fish. He has rarely been better cast.
After accidentally drinking a potion that turns three young brats into pond life, Rickman's bored pilot fish discovers not only an ability to speak with a knowing cynical drawl, but a Sheriff of Nottingham desire to rule the ocean. "From henceforth oral hygiene is no longer my province," he declares to his dim Great White Shark.
Can the three human fish find the antidote that will turn them back into children before Rickman's power-crazed tyrant turns them into sushi? Don't hold your breath.
What the cartoon graphics lack in computer-generated muscle, they more than make up for in retro wit. If only the music could have lived up to the Busby Berkeley routines, the nod to Fritz Lang's Metropolis, and the Beatles gag (not just the title) in the LSD features of Rickman's garish fish. Still, kids of four and 40 will love it.
Help! I'm a Fish. UGC Trocadero, U, 78mins. Swimming comedy
Georgiana
Seattle - Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 05:52:49 (PDT)
Further Alan Rickman picture update URL's on CPP will be notified by a message on this page during August.
Claire
- Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 05:33:26 (PDT)
Hello to Michaela from a fellow Canadian. It's so nice to see that the Canadians are great fans of the one and only Mr Alan Rickman.
He looks Fantastic, it doesn't matter how old he is he is amazing looking.
I can't wait for harry potter to come to the theatres. I will be the first one to get a ticket.
Does anyone know if he has any other movie coming out before Harry Potter or do we have to wait until then......
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 18:24:55 (PDT)
I just encountered a web page called www.bmwfilms.com which has a number of short films in which Clive Owen and his silver BMW star. One is the one which I believe was mentioned some time ago where he gives Madonna a lift to her 'venue'. There are several others including one directed by Ang Lee which is worth watching.
Cindie -- Off to visit Claire's site now.
- Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 16:04:59 (PDT)
I see that Claire has some very special looks, old and new, but newly up at her page.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 15:37:33 (PDT)
I'm a new fan. All I can say is, how can that man possibly be over fifty and look so damn good?! I checked out his pics as Snape in the Harry Potter film... and, wow... delish.
Michaela <mother_mercury@cornerpub.comfoo>
BC Canada - Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 14:25:45 (PDT)
OT-Stezi, I got an early birthday present-a pair of Mary Jane Doc Martens(of course}white background, covered with red ladybugs-they are gorgeous-got them on ebay-new-know how you like ladybugs!!!
a Rickman admirer
- Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 13:28:16 (PDT)
Humph!!!! The only reason that AR thinks that little furball is a "nice dog" is that he hasn't met MY little sweetheart, Rosie the 9 pound short haired, red mini dachshund! There are no dogs to compare with MY baby-she even watches my Rickman movies with me, so she has intelligence and good taste too!!!!
a Rickman admirer
- Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 13:18:53 (PDT)
Private Lives is Noel Coward's most popular play, and is an intimate matrimonial comedy in three acts (37, 27 and 25 minutes long, as I recall). It was first produced on the London Stage in 1930, starring Coward as Elyot and Gertrude Lawrence as Amanda.
Chris, this 'rumor' has come from several sources and has been floating around for some weeks now, so one might well hope it will come to fruition.
Georgiana (Why, Chris, that's when I had booked to go--assuming PL doesn't cause me to change my dates...)
- Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 12:46:52 (PDT)
Sorry for being so out of date. I see that Duncan Weldon is identified in the rumour mill as the producer. That would have been my second guess. If it's Weldon, it will be a West End theatre, not the Almeida at KC, not the Donmar, not the Royal Court, or the National. All of these have full dance cards already. I think the Riverside is also fully scheduled. I'm really doubting the reality of this rumour, since if you wanted to open in late October, you'd be going into rehearsals by the second or third week of September, at the latest. Normally you'd have been booking tickets already. But since I'm already booked to be there at the end of October, my fingers are crossed :-). Lindsay Duncan was superb in "Mouth to Mouth", by the way, the play mentioned earlier that transferred from the Royal Court to the Albery this spring.
Chris
MA USA - Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 10:57:45 (PDT)
I thought Duncan Weldon was producing Private Lives, or is being an 'impressario' different?
Georgiana
Seattle - Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 10:33:59 (PDT)
Best guess for a producer for "Private Lives" is Thelma Holt. She has worked with Rickman repeatedly over the years, and they are good buddies as well. FYI she's doing a Masterclass on 15 November. Guaranteed it will not be at the National Theatre (Olivier, Lyttelton, Cottesloe). Their autumn schedules are out and all stages are fully occupied (though not with concerts as someone poste !).
Chris
MA USA - Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 09:58:41 (PDT)
West Highland Terrier coming up.
Dog Lover
- Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 07:53:34 (PDT)
ALan Rickman admired my friend's dog! Truly. About four weeks ago, she was outside her home in Chelsea with the dog. Narrow street. Slow moving traffic. Sunny day. Passenger in silver coupe says "Nice dog." She looks up. It's him. She discovers that her tongue has stuck to the roof of her mouth, manages to get out a word supposed to sound like "Thanks." Traffic moves on. The moment is over. The dog, should you wish to get one, is a white West Highland Terrier. Woof woof!
Val
London, UK - Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 06:57:53 (PDT)
Hmm. Re: John Gissing: I'm not sure it augers well for a film when the filmakers can't agree on what the title actually is. Why don't they just call it That Gissing Thing and be done with it? It would be easier to remember.
Magda
Wondering who's going to kick off the bad puns first, Canada - Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 04:15:20 (PDT)
Penny S. I agree that the Albery is a very likely contender for PL but at the risk of sounding a smart arse I would dispute that the Apollo "usually" stages musical. Lee Evans, Defending the Caveman, Popcorn, Jesus My Boy, Side Man, Fallen Angels, The Female Odd Couple? etc etc.
Anon
London, - Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 03:24:36 (PDT)
Hmm, now we have both once and future John Gissing web sites . . .
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, August 08, 2001 at 01:05:30 (PDT)
Official Site for the feature film "The Search For John Gissing" Starring Alan Rickman, Mike Binder, Janeane Garofalo, Sonya Walger, Juliet Stevenson, Allan Corduner, Frank Harper, Owen Teale and James Lance. http://www.searchforjohngissing.com
THE SEARCH FOR JOHN GISSING <movie@searchforjohngissing.comfoo>
London, UK - Tuesday, August 07, 2001 at 19:36:09 (PDT)
Hi, I've come here before but didn't have time to read a message - fantastic site by the way! I'm especially grateful for the videogram clips - my Quicktime is playing up but I love finding AR clips. Can't wait to see him in Harry Potter, seeming as I've recently become a fan of the books. I think Al is perfect for the part as I always imagined the character Snape as being a little bit like the sherrif in RHPOT...
Raven <gruberbabe@diehard.co.ukfoo>
UK - Tuesday, August 07, 2001 at 15:53:15 (PDT)
First off, hello to the other Julia... Second, my UK friend tells me that Sharman McDonald (Author of TWG) is doing a Masterclass (like Alan did) at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in October. It might be worth going if you are interested in what Alan seems to think is innovative playwriting. (The reason I may sound sceptical is because I have only seen the film of TWG, and neither of her two other plays, not because I doubt Alan's views.)
Julia
Calgary, Canada - Tuesday, August 07, 2001 at 15:48:10 (PDT)
Just a few comments and ONE RQ; Re.Rasputin remake;Stage actors' and film ones' foundation of playing skills are totally different level! Hopefully H.Wood will make fool of whoever 'the' actor by going into the rubbish production. Re.AR with black-hair; Doesn't he look pretty handsome with that color? As well as a part in RHPOT.I'd like to see him play a kind of black-medium-length-hair-Samurai.Must be good-looking !! Re.Could anybody(Clair?) send me His interview/article script(?) on his family with British Media? I read something of it a bit but lost the location/sender. Many Tks in ADV!!
M.I. <leongmng@tm.net.myfoo>
KL, M'SIA - Tuesday, August 07, 2001 at 08:51:16 (PDT)
The most likely venue for Private Lives seems to be the Albery Theatre. Its current show, A Servant to Two Masters, is closing Sep 22 and (so far) there is nothing scheduled to replace it. The Gondoliers at the Apollo is booking tickets up to Sep 29, with no closing date announced, but this theatre usually stages musicals. The only other likely theatres are the Comedy Theatre where Nixon Nixon is booking tickets until Sep 15, and the Gielgud Theatre, which is booking tickets for The Graduate until Sep 29. Neither of these last two shows has announced closing dates, but (IMHO) it may be time for The Graduate to go. Has anyone noticed how many Friends of AR will also be on stage in Oct/Nov 2001? Harriet Walter in The Royal Family with Judi Dench, Gemma Jones in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Brendan Fraser, Clive Owen and Prunella Scales together in The Day in the Death of Joe Egg, Imogen Stubbs in The Relapse, and Geraldine McEwan will be doing a reading of A Woman's Voice on Oct 14 in Canterbury. Time to mortgage the house and get my skates on!
Penny S.
- Tuesday, August 07, 2001 at 07:29:22 (PDT)
Pea Eye, the Total Film article is the first I've heard of a Hugh Jackman-Alan Rickman production company, but it's great news for those of us who are fans of both! Thank you for the link.
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Tuesday, August 07, 2001 at 06:37:04 (PDT)
We can cross Queens from the list as Jackie Mason has just announced a 7 week run from October.
Anon
London, - Tuesday, August 07, 2001 at 02:24:15 (PDT)
As per the speculations for venues for PL, the absolute NON-RUNNERS are : Adelphi- Chicago, Aldwych- Mahler's Conversion, Almeida- own productions, Bush- own productions, Criterion- RSC, Dominion- too big, Donmar- own productions, Drury Lane- My Fair Lady, Duchess- Blue Orange, Duke of York- Stones in His Pockets, Fortune- Woman in Black, Haymarket- Royal Family, Her Majesty's- Phantom, Lyceum- Lion King, Lyric- Cat on Hot Tin Roof, National- own productions, New Ambassadors- Boston Marriage, New London- Cats, Palace- Les Mis, Peacock- Dancing, Phoenix- Blood Brothers, Prince Edward- Mama Mia, Prince of Wales- Witches, Royal Court- own productions, St Martins- Mousetrap, Strand- Buddy, Vaudeville- Run for your wife, Wyndams- Art, UNLIKELY are: Cambridge (usually does musicals, Lyric Hammersmith- too far out, Piccadilly- Noises Off may be extended, Playhouse- too small, Shaftsbury (musicals), POSSIBLES are: Albery- Servant With Two Masters will almost certainly have gone by Oct, Apollo- unlikely that Gondoliers will continue, Comedy- Nixon's Nixon limited run, Garrick- Feelgood on last legs, Guilgud- Graduate on last legs, Queens- theatre dark, Savoy- just their sort of product, Whitehall- theatre dark.
Anon
London, - Tuesday, August 07, 2001 at 02:14:21 (PDT)
Hi, I'm an Alan Rickman & Hugh Jackman fan, a newbie on this board, and a usually perennial lurker. (I'm not sure whether this is an already-posted story or not. Excuse me if it is...) Surfing the net, I came across an article about Jackman in Total Film magazine(UK) saying "There's the production company he's started with Alan Rickman..." (You can read the entire article at http://jackmanslanding.com/Totalfilmarticle.jpg ) Can anybody tell me about this in detail? Are these two fabulous actors close friends? P.S. English is not my mother tongue. Please excuse me even if my writing is inappropriate/inaccurate/unclear.
Pea Eye
- Monday, August 06, 2001 at 18:55:03 (PDT)
Found an HP poster book at Borders Book Store - no Snape, though.
Mary
McHenry, - Monday, August 06, 2001 at 10:43:35 (PDT)
I didn't know the Piccadilly is supposed to be haunted. Tango at the End of Winter was at the Piccadilly.
Keyser <keyserfankf@netscape.netfoo>
- Monday, August 06, 2001 at 08:29:47 (PDT)
I was just thinking, (believe it or not!) does anybody know who the other two actors are in PL? I was just curious that's all. I think we will be spared the Olivier, I belive it has (according to a musicain friend of mine) a run of concerts on at the beginning of Oct, and yes the accustics are appaling, even worse than the Albert Hall! I am going to brave the box office receptionists and ring some theatres when I get home soon. So I'll let you know if I get anywhere.
Elizabeth
UK - Monday, August 06, 2001 at 08:10:23 (PDT)
Elizabeth, Yes it is true that AR does like the smaller theatre. I agree with you that it could be the Almedia - The Olivier was a Poor choice for A&C as it has poor acoustics and a very hard floor for the Actor to tread on....I still feel that the New Ambassadors is the pick. Lets hope, whoever the Producer is, will choose well and with some input from his leading Actors! Lets hope it isn't the Piccadilly - It's Haunted.... Good to hear that AR will be in HP2. The fun continues!
Barbara the Aussie <hermione(underscore )3@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast, Australia - Monday, August 06, 2001 at 06:40:58 (PDT)
Miriam - I don't think HP2 filming will interfer with PL. Snape only has about four scences (I can't spell!!!) in the whole of the book.
Barbra the Aussie, I was thinking the Ambassadors Theatre as well, apparently when they did LLD there, AR had to fight Adrian Noble to let them put it on in that theatre, (I think it was Adrian Noble! Don't quote me) But then if we are expecting huge sell outs then a bigger theatre would be needed. There is of course the Almedia (spelling!) where TWG went on, I think he has a soft spot for smaller, more intimate, but positivley nicer theatres. There is of course the option of ringing up every single West End theatre and asking them. We can rulw out the Haymarket cos of Judi Dench and the Royal family, and also I think the BBC Paris Studios. Then the three ones that are used for Ballet/Opera. So that rules out 5 theatres, which reduces the number of phone calls, only a little though I warrant. I have a whim that it won't be on at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and I am usually good with my whims. The Geilgud is another smaller, but nice one. The possiblities are large. And of course one theatre we have all forgotten is the Bush. But don't forget it is probably not his choice (although I imagine he'll have a say in the result) it is the producer's (do we know who he/she is?) and the director's choice. All I can say is that they better hurry up and choose one otherwise, they will be rehearsing in someone's living room and putting the play on a London street!
And finally what I really came to say is that if like me you missed it the first time round, Victoria Wood and all the Trimmings is being repeated on this Friday night at 9:05pm. So set your video recorders.
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Monday, August 06, 2001 at 05:20:10 (PDT)
hmmm, early autumn filming for HPII ... hope this won't put Private Lives on hold.
Marian
- Sunday, August 05, 2001 at 20:39:52 (PDT)
Sensational news! Its CONFIRMED - AR is back in HPII - See the Sunday Times YIPPEE!!!
*
- Sunday, August 05, 2001 at 17:34:11 (PDT)
To the nameless, but well-meaning person who provided me with information on how to purchase theatre tickets for a London play, from the US, I thank you for the advice, which with most plays, in most London theatres is indeed the way to get tickets.
However, we are talking here about AR and Lindsay Duncan, in a play together for the first time since 1988.
we anticipate a repeat of the 'Anthony and Cleopatra'sell-out, where every seat was snapped up, for every performance, for the entire run of the play, the day the tickets became available. We hope to be able to actually purchase tickets to this play,without standing in lines for returns.
All of us, who have been buying theatre tickets for many years now, are worried that we may lose the chance to buy any ticket for these performances, of this particular play.
Hence my request, which every AR fan living in the US, who tried to get tickets for 'Anthony and Cleopatra'will fully understand.
Anne
Anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Saturday, August 04, 2001 at 12:46:08 (PDT)
IMDB does not yet give a US release date for "Help! I'm a Fish."
Thanks, Suzanne, for the Four Yorkshire Men script. You are a dear.
Georgiana (well dressed gentlemen, yuk, yuk!) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
watching the Blue Angels in Seattle - Saturday, August 04, 2001 at 12:15:55 (PDT)
For Canadian Rickmaniacs planning to head over to see Private Lives, Air Canada has a seat sale on at the moment. Book by August 14 (we have to hope definite details are available by then)and electronically on line, and, as an example, from Toronto the fare would be $469 plus taxes. Mind you, the charters have been offering lately $399 plus taxes if you want to travel sardine style. Not sure if those fares are still available.
Gail
Toronto, Canada - Saturday, August 04, 2001 at 08:59:02 (PDT)
Thanks, Raffaella, for the link to the Mighty Python script site!
For Georgiana and anyone else who would like an unzipped text file, click here.
Julia, Help, I'm a Fish! hasn't come to the U.S. yet, and I don't have any U.S. release dates.
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
TX USA - Saturday, August 04, 2001 at 07:46:15 (PDT)
If anyone has downloaded the script to "Four Yorkshire Men," could you please e-mail it to me unzipped?
Georgiana (ZipIt is also not Mac-friendly...) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Saturday, August 04, 2001 at 06:36:55 (PDT)
I've finally managed to download the Yorkshire Men sketch (thanks Suzanne!), and I found the script (OK, I'm dumb), here you are the link.
Raffaella <rossEross@tin.itfoo>
Italy - Saturday, August 04, 2001 at 00:17:32 (PDT)
Hello! I've created a group for anyone who wants to see Private Lives in London this Fall. It's a private group, just us Rickmaniacs. So we can swap useful informations, such as phone numbers, addresses, plane tickets fares and so on.....Feel free to join the group, you're all welcome, the links is below this message. Ciao from Raffaella
Raffaella <rossEross@tin.itfoo>
Italy - Friday, August 03, 2001 at 23:46:56 (PDT)
It is good to see so much is going on with AR! Fausta, thank you so much for the lovely photo of AR in your August Rickmanista page. I think AR will have himself a really good time in Harry Potter! Also to the wonderful animated photo's that Ren has sent - so GOOD! Ren, I will try to read some of your Japanese with a little help from my teenages. Thank you for these photo's!. I just had a thought that perhaps AR and Lindsay Duncan may return to the New Ambassador's in London, where they had so great a hit with Dangerous Liasons? AR did pick this theatre, for DL. It is a small theatre perhaps suited to this play?. I guess we will just have to wait and see.
Barbara the Aussie <hermione(underscore )3@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast, Australia - Friday, August 03, 2001 at 23:35:56 (PDT)
Well, if Alan Rickman is in the Mike Figgis movie,"Hotel", then fans in and around Toronto can try and find out at the Tornto Film Festival (Sept 6-15).
From what can be found on the web about the film, if AR is in it, he probably appears as a guest checking in or leaving or some other bit part. If Hotel IS shot in the same way as Timecode (UGH!), then you have to be watching 4 screens at once, and if AR is just a 'glimpse' in one quarter while some action is going on in another, I can quite imagine someone missing him!
*
- Friday, August 03, 2001 at 18:18:49 (PDT)
Anne, once the theatre where AR is to perform is announced, there is nothing stopping you calling the theatre directly yourself and booking the ticket and paying with your credit card. They let you know when you must pick up the tickets (which is usually by the night before you get to see him). You can look up the phone number online or someone here may give you the phone number. However, I have had no trouble in the past booking tickets to plays in the UK, and the flying across the Atlantic to see them.
*
- Friday, August 03, 2001 at 17:53:06 (PDT)
Does anyone know when "Help I'm A Fish" will be playing in US? Or has it already come and gone? Let me know, it sounds like an interesting movie.
Julia
- Friday, August 03, 2001 at 17:52:27 (PDT)
I'm having awful trouble reaching sites today first the Guestbook and now the Home Page!!! so frustating!!! To Anne - Private Lives - reputed to be on late October - Theatre unknown. Some of us having been playing a guessing game but I rather think we shall just have to be patient and wait for news. Sorry not to have more cheerful details for you but as soon as we hear no doubt we'll rush to tell all!!!
Susan
Yorkshire - Friday, August 03, 2001 at 14:53:13 (PDT)
Hello all, I was wondering if any the British contributors to this guestbook could let me know when exactly the play 'Private lives' will run and in which theatre.
I have been unfortunate enough to miss so many of the plays AR has been in and do not intend to miss this one.I need to know, so I can book the flight and get tickets.
In fact, if there is some kind British soul out there, who knows when the tickets go on sale, please E-mail me. I will spring for tickets for that person as well as for me and friends from the US who may be making the journey too.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Anne
anne <ahard73977@aol.comfoo>
Alexandria, VA USA - Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 21:12:57 (PDT)
Hi there I just downloaded THE 4 YORKSHIRE MEN and I thought it was very funny.
It took a long time to download but it was worth it.
I got my Alan Rickman fix for the night and boy did I need it, having a rough time I enjoy seeing something with the greatest actor around. He puts a smile on my face, and I can't wait until a movie comes out to the big screen. I guess it sill be HP.
Does anyone know if there will be any other out sooner?.....
lynn
Ottawa, Canada - Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 20:32:27 (PDT)
Leanne, that's a good question. And the answer is, the clearness vs. fuzziness mainly depends on two things;
First, if you play the Videograms in the "restored" position (which is usually how they start), as opposed to maximizing the window, then it should be clear... depending on the second thing; your monitor resolution. If it's set to 800 by 600 pixels or higher, the Videograms should be quite clear. But if your monitor is set on a lower resolution, 600 by 400 pixels, for example (which I wouldn't recommend!), then the Videograms, photos, etc. will be rather fuzzy. If you need help finding out what resolution your monitor is set to (or how to change it), let me know.
Suzanne <Suz@mail.usa.comfoo>
Awww, no Snape in the photo poster book?! Inconceivable!, - Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 14:04:49 (PDT)
Thank you Suzanne! I downloaded the Four Yorkshire Men, it is very funny. I have downloaded all of your videograms (and I thank you very much for those!), but I have a question. Is there a secret to making them clearer? Mine are pretty fuzzy, but I love AR so much, I still watch them over and over! But if there is a way to make them a tad clearer, I would greatly appreciate it! I hope you can help me. TIA
Leanne <LeannBanas@aol.comfoo>
Franklin, WI USA - Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 12:56:08 (PDT)
One would have to ask a child if the songs in HIAF are irritating, as it is a film that is primarily made for children-one never sees the Winnie the Pooh song or Barney the dinosaur songs on the adult top ten lists, but there are plenty of little ones that adore them!
a Rickman admirer
- Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 10:51:31 (PDT)
I do so love his work, and he's good looking too !
Bonnie van der Baan <crow2u@hotmail.com>
Hawthorne, CA - Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 08:20:07 (PDT)
Sue, could you please e-mail me more details on DG with both Bateses? I've been an Alan Bates fan for 30 yrs
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
So many Alans, so little time . . ., - Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 07:14:30 (PDT)
No Snape photos in the Harry Potter Poster Book.
Georgiana
Seattle - Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 06:12:49 (PDT)
You may be interested to know that Classic FM radio station are giving away free tickets for previews of Help I'm A Fish. I think the previews are at Edinborough, Manchester and London, but I'm not sure. You could try visiting the Classic FM website which is www.classicfm.com .If we are still playing guess the theatre my money is on the Ambassador Theatre. I have just read AR's essay in the players of Shakespeare 2. It is quite funny in places especially the part about white parachute silk! I am actually suppost to be reading Anthony Sher entry about fooling King Lear. However I got sidetracked.,p.2 reviews on Help I'm A Fish. Sight and sound have this to say:'entertainment for the mature viewer is cheifly supplied by AR, who provides the vocal characterisations for dictator fish Joe, in a crisply enunciated performance that melds Tim Curry's fruity, frank N furter from the Rocky Horrer Picture Show with Rickman's own sceen-steeling Sheriff of Nottingham in RHPOT.' Next 1 from Total Film:'Rickman's trademark villany has a well realised underwater stuff make up for the irritating songs.'
Elizabeth <elizabethr33@hotmail.comfoo>
UK - Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 05:25:44 (PDT)
Thank You Suzanne for the link to THE 4 YORKSHIRE MEN! I laughed so hard I almost fell off my chair!
Star
NC USA - Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 03:58:48 (PDT)
Whilst playing "guess the theatre" I have come up with the best idea. How about a few days preview at an out of town theatre before going to the West End. My local theatre The Yvonne Arnaud at Guildford is not advertising after the 15th October so would be ideal(especially for me as it's only 10 miles away!).This isn't a completely half-baked idea(no it's "completely baked") as they have a lot of big names there prior to London. Last night I went to see Alan Bates and his son Benedic in "Dorian Gray" which I really enjoyed(I've been an Alan bates fan since Far from the Madding Crowd).Oh well,I can dream can't I?!?
Sue
Prize for anyone who can name the non-Ar film completely baked comes from., England - Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 03:19:38 (PDT)
I don't think Alan is in "Hotel": my best pal is a cinema student and she had tickets for the preview: she would have known if Alan was in that movie, she's better than the CIA. Anyway, I'm not sad about it: have you seen the previous Figgis movies? The one with Julian Sands was unwatchable.
Raffaella <rossEross@tin.itfoo>
Italy - Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 22:49:27 (PDT)
Hello everyone. Good news for Australia! Dogma is playing on the Pay TV 26 & 27th August. It's on the Movie One channel. It appears that Galaxy Quest is starting next Month! Will let everyone know the dates when I get my September guide. Good to see AR movies playing again!I am really glad to hear the AR and Lindsay Duncan are to team up again. They both weaved their magic well for that other great play DL.How I wish I could go.... do hope some of you over there can get tickets! Bye.
Barbara the Aussie <hermione(underscore )3@hotmail.comfoo>
Gold Coast, Australia - Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 18:38:05 (PDT)
Timecode has already been and gone in Australia. There is no AR in it.
*
- Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 16:09:54 (PDT)
IMDB fails to list AR in the "Hotel" cast, either. Funny that the TIFF/Hollywood Reporter has it wrong!?
Georgiana (about to work my fifth weekend...) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle - Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 13:23:27 (PDT)
Julia - sorry - should have said - Theatre Royal Haymarket for a limited 15 week season. Honestly Julia - your language!!! Talking about calling a spade a spade!!
Susan
Yorkshire - Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 12:02:13 (PDT)
However Film Four who made the film don't mention AR on their HOTEL page - would suggest Julian Sands had his part!!
Claire
- Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 08:46:01 (PDT)
According to Dark Horizons in February 2000:
Director Mike Figgis (TIMECODE) has once again rounded up a great ensemble cast for his next improvisational film experiment titled HOTEL. So far, Salma Hayek, Lucy Liu, Saffron Burrows, Burt Reynolds, Rhys Ifans, David Schwimmer and Julian Sands are among the stars joining the production. The movie, which will show four frames of simultaneous, interactive plotlines which revolve around the shooting of a period movie, a documentary about said movie, a murder and a "bizarre maid service" all at a California hotel. Sounds like it could get interesting...
Magda
Canada - Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 08:40:58 (PDT)
Mmm!
Thank you, Georgiana!
When is the Toronto Film Festival?
Fausta <faustaw@yahoo.comfoo>
- Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 07:29:30 (PDT)
Hollywood Reporter discusses the line-up for the Toronto International Film Festival and includes this item:
Figgis' "Hotel," whose ensemble cast includes Salma Hayek, David Schwimmer, Burt Reynolds, Lucy Liu, Alan Rickman and Valeria Golino, also is on the Special Presentations slate.
Georgiana (oh, my, but we haven't heard about this one!)
Seattle - Wednesday, August 01, 2001 at 06:48:10 (PDT)
