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#15576 by Pete
11 Oct 2006, 20:17
Those that attended the Post-Christmas Party in 2005 will remember we raised some funds for a theatre project. Well, although a little later than anticipated, the box office is now open and it got off the ground thanks to V-Flyer!

[img]/BlondelPoster400.jpg[/img]

TIM RICE ANNOUNCES PRINCIPAL CAST FOR BLONDEL
- And Considers The Question, ‘How Do You Solve A Problem Like Fiona?' -

London, UK. 11 October 2006. Award winning lyricist, Tim Rice, is pleased to announce the principal cast of his new production of ‘BLONDEL’. Set in the 12th century, Blondel (rhymes with ‘fondle’) is an unfairly, in his view, unappreciated court musician. He is desperate for fame and fortune, until his realisation that there are more important things in life – honesty, bravery and Fiona, the woman he loves. Abi Finley, fresh from the BBC’s ‘HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIA’, will play ‘Fiona’ to Chris Grierson’s ‘Blondel’. Grierson has been appearing on our screens over the last year in C4’s ‘HOLLYOAKS’. Ironically, Abi will still get to go to Saltsburg - the second act of BLONDEL is set there.

Commenting on the casting, Rice says, “We are delighted to have such an excellent and talented group on board. This is very much an ensemble piece, so every one if the thirteen cast members is as important as the other. We all hope to do Stephen’s wonderful music justice and I feel sure he would have enjoyed the new jokes.”

Other members of the ‘BLONDEL’ line up include; the murky Prince John - to be played by Matt Harrop (Les Miserables, My Fair Lady), the reasonably noble King Richard - played by Mark Inscoe (Beauty & The Beast, Sweeney Todd) and the ruthless Assassin will be played by Napoleon Ryan (The Seagull, Much Ado About Nothing).

Collaborating with director Patrick Wilde (This Life, As If, Monarch of The Glen and Get Real) Rice has reworked and revamped this musical, which he wrote with the late Stephen Oliver in 1983, to be shorter and even sharper than the original. BLONDEL will open at the renowned Pleasance Theatre, in north London, on November 23rd 2006.

CREDITS
Written by Tim Rice and Stephen Oliver
Directed by Patrick Wilde
Produced by Pete Shaw
LISTING INFORMATION
Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road, Islington N7 9EF.
23rd November - 31st December (not Mondays).
Tuesday-Saturday at 7.30pm, Sunday at 5pm.
Matinee performances at 2.30pm on Saturdays.
Additional matinee performances on 24th & 28th December.
Preview performances 21st & 22nd November at 7.30pm.
For tickets call the Pleasance box office on 020 7609 1800.
Official websites: http://www.blondelmusical.com / http://www.pleasance.co.uk

Ticket prices range from £14.50-£18.50, with 'cheap Tuesdays' at just £10.

----------------

As a footnote to this, on the opening night (23rd Nov) we will be holding a champagne reception after the show for press, invited celebs, cast & crew. We're also opening this up to limited numbers of the public who can buy a 'VIP Ticket' for £75 a head which will get them a ticket to the performance and into the party afterwards.

We're also going to be having a VIP night close to Christmas (date to be confirmed) again with a champagne reception after the show with the cast & crew. Ideal sort of thing for a Christmas party or special treat for your other half. Give me a shout if you're interested in this, as I'll be firming up the date for that soon.

Pete
#142835 by csparker
12 Oct 2006, 15:25
Ironically, Abi will still get to go to Saltsburg


Shurely shome mistake, I thought the Sound of Music was set in Salzburg and not Saltsburg.

Perhaps there is a local spelling issue somewhere...
#142838 by Pete
12 Oct 2006, 15:41
Damn my crappy education... ;)
#142839 by p17blo
12 Oct 2006, 15:48
Sounds like a good story - I take it given its cast and creator it is a musical, but is comedy as well? The story line sounds as if it could be.

Paul
#142851 by Bazz
12 Oct 2006, 16:40
See Wikipedia entry for some background to Blondel and the musical.
#142853 by Decker
12 Oct 2006, 16:47
Originally posted by pixuk
Damn my crappy education... ;)


Just claim post-modern irony...;)
#142859 by Pete
12 Oct 2006, 17:31
Yes, Blondel is definitely a comedy ;)
#142880 by MarkJ
12 Oct 2006, 21:51
Originally posted by Decker
Originally posted by pixuk
Damn my crappy education... ;)


Just claim post-modern irony...;)


Is that a new way of pressing my shirts?
[:w]
#146148 by Pete
05 Nov 2006, 00:34
If you'd like to go and see Blondel (and I encourage you all to get in quick - the 23rd is now sold out!), you can save a couple of quid off the normal ticket price with the following offer:

Normal prices for tickets, £14.50 Weekdays & Matinees; £18.50 Friday & Saturday Evenings. Quote 'Dress Circle' when booking, and save £2 - prices £12.50 Weekdays & Matinees; £16.50 Friday & Saturday Evenings. (This excludes 'cheap Tuesdays', which are only a tenner anyway, and there's no further discount on concessionary rate tickets). You need to book direct with the theatre to take advantage of this offer on 020 7609 1800.

We have a feature in The Times on Monday, followed by Abi in Hello magazine on Tuesday, and we're lining up telly & radio including Steve Wright, Jonathan Ross, Breakfast, Richard & Judy and even Blue Peter. So you better get in early!

Pete
#147666 by mcmbenjamin
14 Nov 2006, 21:15
I'll be there Dec. 02 for the evening show.
#148798 by Pete
23 Nov 2006, 03:28
Phew! The two preview shows are behind us, and official opening night is... tonight!

It's all looking rather good, so hope as many people as possible from V-Flyer can get down to the Pleasance at some point during the run.

Pete

(Pictures of the show are now online at http://www.blondelmusical.com/gallery.asp )
#148799 by mcmbenjamin
23 Nov 2006, 05:29
Glad to here Pete!

What is the difference in the 18.50-Full Price and 16.50-Concession ticket besides two quid? I got the Full Price one but wondering.
#149101 by Bazz
26 Nov 2006, 19:34
A great night and a great production, well done Pete you the cast and the crew have all done a magnificent job! [y]
#149115 by RichardMannion
26 Nov 2006, 20:48
Originally posted by Bazz
A great night and a great production, well done Pete you the cast and the crew have all done a magnificent job! [y]


Absolutely, I'm no theatre luvvie by any stretch of the imagination and I enjoyed the show. The camp assassin really has to be seen!

Some great music and fabulous lines. Good cheap night out. £150 a ticket to sit down the back and watch Madonna, oh please. Every seat is a good seat.

Thanks,
Richard
#149131 by locutus
26 Nov 2006, 22:28
I'll be there on the 14th Dec, see you there! :D
#149168 by Decker
27 Nov 2006, 10:28
From this morning's Metro

"Finley acquits herself honourably..."
"this spirited revival by Patrick Wilde"
"Good, panto-style fun"
#149657 by mcmbenjamin
01 Dec 2006, 00:32
Any restaurant suggestions near the Pleasance Islington/Caledonian Road Tube?
#149663 by Stevieboy
01 Dec 2006, 02:26
Ben, the theatre is in a residential area so nearby restaurants are limited. You could try Shillibeers (http://www.shillibeers.com) which is next door. If you fancy a brisk walk or short taxi ride go to either Upper Street, Islington or Camden Town. Both have plenty to choose from. I used to live in Islington and found the choice of restaurants great as you can get almost every type of cusine.

-Steve
#149664 by mcmbenjamin
01 Dec 2006, 02:36
Originally posted by Stevieboy
Ben, the theatre is in a residential area so nearby restaurants are limited. You could try Shillibeers (http://www.shillibeers.com) which is next door. If you fancy a brisk walk or short taxi ride go to either Upper Street, Islington or Camden Town. Both have plenty to choose from. I used to live in Islington and found the choice of restaurants great as you can get almost every type of cusine.

-Steve



Thanks a bunch Steve. :D Looks good and will give it a go. [y]
#149665 by Decker
01 Dec 2006, 04:19
Shillibeers food is good and right underneath the theatre.
#151327 by locutus
15 Dec 2006, 00:37
Saw this tonight, was fantastic, and recommend it to anyone who is in the area. Or even not in the area, go out of your way a bit!

Only let down by the lack of audience members. Felt a bit sorry for the cast who performed so well, to a less than full house.

So, go see it, mingle with the cast afterwards. Drinks are also reasonably priced! [^]
#151329 by Pete
15 Dec 2006, 00:49
Glad you enjoyed it - you should have said hello ;) (I was up the back filming tonight).

Pete
#151330 by locutus
15 Dec 2006, 00:57
Originally posted by pixuk
Glad you enjoyed it - you should have said hello ;) (I was up the back filming tonight).

Pete


Ah, saw it being filmed and you then, I guess. Sorry I didn't say hello. Saw v-flyer mentioned in the programme though! :D Maybe I'll come see it again before the end of the month, and I'll say hello if I do.
#151343 by mcmbenjamin
15 Dec 2006, 03:07
I did enjoy the Blondel myself.

Now that I have returned to my home I remembered why the Pleasance looked familiar. The first episode of season four of Absolutely Fabulous was shot there if I have matched things correctly.

Indeed a great job Pete. Sorry I was a bit out of sorts. Earlier in the day I walked into a light pole while looking at a bird and my head hurt.

If you have not seen it, I suggest you do. They are offering deals now.
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