Dateline 1st October, 2000
Life X 3 casting announced
Mark Rylance, artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe, and Imelda Staunton will be the stars of Yasmina Reza's new play, Life X 3, at its premiere at the Lyttelton on 7th December. It will preview from 1st December.
Archer is charged, then found innocent - on the same day
On the day that Jeffery Archer was charged with perjury and perverting the course of justice in real life, his new play (in which he makes his acting debut), The Accused, opened at the Theatre Royal, Windsor. His character in the thriller is charged with murder and the audience have to act as the jury and vote as to his guilt or innocence. He was found not guilty by a packed audience.
Copenhagen extends
Michael Frayn's Copenhagen (Duchess) has announced a new booking period, from 30th October this year to 28th April, 2001. The play originally opened in 1998 at the Cottesloe and then transferred to the Duchess in February 1999.
theatreshop cymru at Aberystwyth
theatreshop cymru, a showcase of theatre and dance in Wales, takes place at Aberystwyth Arts centre from 13th - 15th October. Performances, debates, installations, marketplace, new writing, performance art, new theatre, theatre for young people, are all promised.
New BBC cop show for £2m
The BBC is to spend £2 million on a new thriller series In Deep which will star Nick Berry and Stephen Tompkinson, with Lisa Maxwell and Meera Syal. It will be screened in the spring.
Ally McBeal for the West End
Ally McBeal star Callista Flockhart will be starring in the West End in 2001, according to producer Duncan Weldon. Although no theatre or play has been announced, it is runoured that she will appear in a period drama. Unlike many US stars who have made the jounrey to the West End, Ms Flockhart actually began her career in theatre.
Red Dwarf flies to Hollywood
Cult comic science fiction TV series Red Dwarfis about to become a Hollywood film, star Craig Charles (who plays the spaceship's slob, Dave Lister) has announced. He said that the show's creator Dave Naylor has secured backing of £40m and that both Jackie Chan and Madonna have agreed to take cameo roles.
Gambon to star in new Caretaker
Micgael Gambon, Rupert Graves and Douglas Hodge are the cast for a new production of The Caretaker, directed by Patrick Marber, at the Comedy Theatre. Opening on 15th November, the play celebrates Pinter's 70th birthday and its own 40th anniversary.
A million for Mamma Mia!
Abba show Mamma Mia has had its millionth customer since opening on 6th April 1999. Saturday 23rd Sepember was the date when audience member no. 1,000,000 passed through the doors of the Prince Edward.
Rumours
And rumour has it that