Udderbelly is back!!!!

IT’S back. Yes, the purple upside down cow that has become a fixture of the South Bank for the past six years is about to be re-inflated once again.

Its arrival in its pasture next to the Southbank Centre on April 9 heralds the start of a seventh season of the Udderbelly Festival and three months full of an eclectic mix of circus, comedy and family shows.

Since its inception at the 2006 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Udderbelly has grown into one of London's most popular events on the cultural calendar and it has cemented its reputation for top class live entertainment at ticket prices that won’t break the bank.

"The original intention was to create a festival right in the heart of London with a laid back and accessible feel to it, something for all the family," says festival director Fi McCurdy.

"It has grown over the years, and developed each time but the essence remains the same and we try and make sure that the shows we offer are varied enough to appeal to all ages.

“This year is no different and in fact we have more family shows this season which is really exciting.

"We are also so pleased to be back as we love the South Bank. It's a the perfect place for us to be - right on the river, next to some amazing cultural attractions and it's really vibrant and buzzy which is exactly the atmosphere we want to create with Udderbelly."

This year's line up promises something for everyone with circus shows for grown ups as well as for the younger members of the family, plus comedy for all ages and plenty to eat, drink and do in the pasture.

This year's headline circus shows are Circus Geeks, which will be in residence between May 26 and June 21 and Bromance which will set up camp between June 24 and July 19.

“We are incredibly excited about being able to bring these two shows to Udderbelly,” says Fi.

“Bromance is a British group who are amazing. Frenetic, friendly, captivating and casual – it’s an incredible show and they are going to wow the crowd.

“Circus Maximus is also back again with a beautiful show which I'm sure will be a hit with audiences as it has been before."

To complement the circus will be comedy shows by both established comedians and those who are just making their mark.

Amongst the highlights will be star turns from the likes of rising stars Katherine Ryan and Max & Ivan not to mention Nina Conti, Jason Byrne, Sara Pascoe and Andrew Maxwell as well as Comedy Club 4 Kids - a chance for youngsters to try out their own jokes with help from top class comedians.

As well as the new there are some familiar faces back for another outing.

These include the ever popular Horne Section, Richard Herring, comedic conjurer Pete Firman and science comedy phenomenon Festival of the Spoken Nerd.

For the younger members of the family there are plenty of treats in store.

“The cow is an attraction in its own right and quite a draw," says Fi. "But it's really important we have a comprehensive programme of shows for kids because it's great for families to do stuff together.

"This year we have some really cool acts including the Amazing Bubble Man which is beautiful. He’s one man in a giant bubble who creates amazing shapes. It’s captivating, colourful and gorgeous to see and we are so pleased he's going to be with us.

“Morgan & West is a time travelling Victorian magic duo who will present a show where magic and silliness know no bounds – it’s absolutely brilliant and suitable for everyone,” she adds.

And if all that wasn't enough, a month after the start of Udderbelly, its neighbour the London Wondergound pitches its glorious spiegeltent once again to bring a spectacular slice of circus and cabaret to the centre of the capital.

“The Wonderground seems to go from strength to strength and we are delighted that it too is back,” says Fi.

“Our two headline shows are Scotch & Soda – which runs from May to August – and Briefs which runs from August to the end of September.

“Both are great, really exciting, full of daredevil and stunning acrobatics but both very different stylistically and in content!"

Among the other acts appearing are Al Murray, Tiger Lillies, Black Cat Cabaret, House of Burlesque and for the littlies, the brilliant Monski Mouse and her baby disco.

That the festivals have been such a success over the years is not just down to the programme of acts that the team bring in.

It is also down to the ticket prices which aim to be as competitive as possible.

"I think Udderbelly's success - and more recently Wonderground - has been due in part to the fact the ticket prices are good," says Fi.

“London is an expensive city. There are so many demands on the cash in our pockets – particularly for families – and we don't want people to feel as though they have spent the earth to see something. So it’s always been our intention, and still is, that we keep prices as low and as competitive as possible.

“Tickets start from about £10 – which also is keen enough for people to take a punt on seeing a show they might not otherwise have done.

"The festival has developed a lot since we first started and grown too – in fact it’s a huge site and this year we have more things to do in the pasture – you can eat and drink, chat and take in the atmosphere but there will also be more things for the kids to do which will be great - so it's very family friendly. All we need now is some spring and summer sunshine!"

Udderbelly is on at the South Bank between April 9 and July 19. London Wondergound is on from May 7 until September 27. Visit www.udderbelly.co.uk for full listings.

Review - Gods and Monsters, Southwark Playhouse

FOUR STARS

He may have been best known for his 1930s films Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein but Dudley-born Hollywood director James Whale was also responsible for plenty of others.

These include Journey’s End and what many widely consider the definitive film version of Showboat – something he is at pains to point out in Gods And Monsters, an imagined retelling of Whale’s last days by playwright Russell Labey.

The play, now on at the Southwark Playhouse, shows Whale to be a somewhat lonely figure - indeed a shadow of his former successful self.

Now abandoned by the studios, he is left alone, haunted by the ghosts – and monsters – in his head and by a series of strokes which have left him feeling at times feeble and frustrated at his failing health.

That is until a new gardener, Clayton Boone, turns up at the house. Whale, an openly gay man, can’t resist him or trying to seduce him and employs every subtle trick in the book to do so – including persuading him to be a life model for his painting.

Boone, played admirably by Will Austin, is all muscle and although somewhat sceptical initially of posing for his painting, eventually becomes a friend and confidante to Whale.

The play successfully mixes the fact and the fiction and intertwines the past with the present beautifully.

Indeed it is a funny, dramatic, clever and absorbing piece of theatre, well staged and beautifully acted by the five-strong cast – particularly by Ian Gelder as Whale.

He brings sensitivity, longing, intelligence and plenty of emotion to Whale in what is an incredibly moving performance.

Gods And Monsters is on at Southwark Playhouse, Newington Causeway until Saturday, March 7. Tickets cost £18. Visit www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk or call the box office on 020 7407 0234.

REVIEW - Dara, National Theatre

FOUR STARS

RELIGION and sibling rivalries are at the centre of an epic adaptation of Shahid Nadeem's play Dara, now on at the Lyttelton.

Written by Tanya Ronder and directed by Nadia Fall it tells the story of the 17th century prince Dara Shikoh and his brother Aurangzeb, heirs to the Muslim empire, whose bitter rivalry helped shape modern day India.

Dara, played brilliantly by Zubin Varla, is the crown prince and a liberal who believes religious faiths can co-exist alongside one another. He also has the love of the people and of his emperor father.

His younger brother Aurangzeb, played by Sargon Yelda, fundamentally disagrees believing that it is Islam that is the only true religion.

Their disagreements boil over and come to a head when Dara finds himself arrested and tried for apostasy.

He is taken to court where he tries and fails to make a case for his beliefs and to convince them that he is no traitor to Islam or India.

The court scene is incredible and electric with Dara putting forward compelling arguments for his beliefs and ideals, wrong footing the prosecutor at every turn.

Indeed it is one of the most compelling, gripping and absorbing parts of the production.

The action takes place over many years following the princes' lives. It also jumps about between the past and present showing how and why events have unfolded in the way they have and offers suggestions as to why characters behave in the way they do.

Visually stunning and with a fantastic cast this is a fabulous production. The set is both beautiful and cleverly constructed with lattice effect screens which move across the stage not only symbolising the changes in time and place but also help to go from one scene to the next.

Ultimately it is a fascinating story of the faith, politics and history of India and its relevance to today's struggle against religious extremism is clear.

Dara is on at the National Theatre until April 4. Tickets from £15. Visit www.nationaltheatre.org or call the box office on 020 7452 3000.

INTERVIEW - Julian Ovenden

TWENTY years ago Julian Ovenden saw the original production of My Night With Reg at the Royal Court Theatre.

So good was it that it inspired him to become an actor. Now two decades later he finds himself in a revival of Kevin Elyot's award-winning play.

The production has just transferred to the Apollo Theatre in Shaftesbury after a successful run at the Donmar Warehouse last year where it received rave reviews.

The Peckham-based actor who was most recently seen playing Lady Mary’s suitor Charles Blake in ITV's Downton Abbey says the play has lost none of its appeal since its debut 21 years ago.

Set within London's gay community in the 1980s against the backdrop of the AIDs epidemic it follows the lives and loves of a group of gay men over a number of years.

However Julian insists it should no longer be considered a niche "gay play".

"It's about three old friends from university who meet up again in London after about 10 years at a flat warming party," the 38-year-old tells me.

"It charts their friendship over the course of four years but under the shadow of HIV and AIDs.

"It's not a gay play, neither is it about HIV although both are important to the piece.

"Really it's a study in the weathering of friendships over time, about unrequited love, loss, secrets, lies and grief. It's both very, very funny and quite sad and has a life affirming message."

That the play still holds its appeal 20 years on is testament to what Julian says is its "great writing".

“The writing is very succinct and articulate and there is a real depth and heart to it,” he says.

“The main themes of the play have great currency and will have currency in 20 years time – it’s still as relevant today as it was when it was written and hasn't dated at all.

"It was a topical piece at the time and the first gay play that wasn't about being gay or coming to terms with sexuality. It was about other things and that was quite refreshing and revolutionary.

“It’s rare to find writing that is so good.”

Julian says he was keen to take on the role of John not only because the play inspired his career choice but also because he likes a challenge.

"I thought it was really interesting piece and a challenging role because my character is the least likeable of those in it and one with the fewest jokes!" he says.

"He's a bit of a straight man really as all the other characters are quite funny. However everything happens to him.

"It's a challenge to play those sorts of roles which is what I like. With this it's because of the journey John goes on in terms of self awareness."

Another challenge was to appear naked during the show - the first time Julian has bared all on stage but it seems it was "no big deal".

"Being naked is not your every day thing," he chuckles. "You get asked to do all sorts of weird stuff as an actor and some of it is quite scary which this was to begin with.

"Initially I had to gear myself up for it but I've done it about 100 times now so I'm a bit blasé about it.
"That's about as scary as it gets though. And having done that I should think I could stomach anything so I can tick it off the list," he jokes.

So what else is on that list I ask.

"There are lots of theatrical parts I would like to do but I've never had a particular hankering to do Hamlet," he says.

Instead he lists Chekhov as a favourite playwright and a desire to do more of the classics but adds a nice meaty role on TV or film and “a musical in the next couple of years” are on his to do list.

"I don't like to be pigeon holed or boxed in but like variety and to do as much as I can,” he adds. “It keeps me fresh, engaged and inspired.”

And that has been true of his career so far. He was a choral scholar at St Paul’s, studied drama after reading music at Oxford University, has recorded albums and as well as having performed musically at Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center in New York, he also has several musicals under his belt.

But it’s acting that he says is his main focus and he clearly loves the mix of roles it offers both on stage and screen.

However, if his fans are hoping for his re-appearance as Charles Blake in the next series of Downton Abbey they will be disappointed.

“It was great to be part of the show but I think the time has come for me to leave the character behind,” he says.

“It was a great experience but I like to be in the centre of things so I’m now after bigger roles!”

And in the meantime he is more than happy to hang out with his family in Peckham.

“I’ve lived here for five years and I love it,” he says. “I’ve seen the area develop a lot over that time. It’s getting a bit trendy but it still retains an honesty and sincerity and is not too flash which is what I like. It's also still very family orientated and diverse and I like that.

“I grew up in North London which had a great community feel and it's the same here. Forest Hill, Nunhead and Peckham, they all have that little villagey atmosphere that bring people together.

“It's great for kids - for everyone in fact - when you live in a big city the green spaces are very important. I love it and I feel lucky to be here.”

My Night With Reg is on at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue until April 11. Tickets from £10. Visit http://www.donmarwarehouse.com/ for listings.

Women of the World Festival - Southbank Centre

IN the 21st century it is a sobering thought that there is not one country in the world where there is gender equality.

It is one of the many reasons why Jude Kelly established the Women Of The World Festival (WOW) in 2011.

What began as a three-day event to hear discussions on the big topics affecting women and girls — domestic violence, sexism in the workplace and equal pay – it has now become an established annual event in the Southbank Centre’s calendar and is part of its core commitment to promoting equality for women and girls.

This year it celebrates with an expanded programme of events – beginning on March 1 – and an ambition to present the festival in all 53 Commonwealth countries by 2018.

WOW has been curated by Domino Pateman, working alongside Jude, and has as its president, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, a long term supporter of the event.

Over eight days and across the entire Southbank Centre site, it will feature more than 300 speakers and performers appearing in more than 200 events, many of them free with organisers predicting more than 20,000 will visit and take part.

It will again coincide with International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8 with a full day of talks, workshops and performances.

And proving its global reach and its success over the years, the line up brings together a stellar roll call of national and international names – from actresses to comedians, chief executives to emerging talent, representing sport to politics, fashion to education.

“The festival this year is going to be amazing,” Domino tells me. “It has grown over the years and we have an expanded programme with a real range of things on offer.

“This has in part been informed by a series of workshops and events we hosted where we asked people what they wanted to see and experience.

“We are very excited about it.”

The highlights of the festival are many. It kicks off on Sunday with The Woman’s Hour Debate in the Purcell Room and in the days following features a host of fascinating talks, debates and workshops, covering a multitude of topics.

Those taking part include the likes of novelist Kate Mosse, DJs Gemma Cairney and Lauren Laverne, journalist Caitlin Moran, singers Annie Lennox and Rebecca Ferguson, anti poverty campaigner Jack Monroe and civil liberties campaigner Shami Chakrabarti.

Sarah Millican and Sandi Toksvig will headline Mirth Control, the annual night of comedy and music inspired by great women and featuring the all women WOW orchestra and Liz Carr and Bird La Bird will present a one off night of cabaret and comedy.

As well as the fun side and the triumphs and promotion of women’s achievements there is an underlying serious side.

“Although we celebrate womanhood and all the good things that have happened over the years, we also need to investigate why there is still gender inequality in every country and what it is that stops women and girls achieving their full potential,” says Domino.

“Massive inequality still exists and this needs to change and we will be hosting workshops, talks and debates to explore that.

“For example, we will be looking at what the issues are that women in sport are facing through to some of the most awful things that can happen such as violence against women with talks by survivors of rape and domestic violence and a workshop on consent.

“Jude will do a talk on personal responsibility that really looks at this. Questions that will be asked include what level of inequality can women stomach?”

Elsewhere Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, will make the economic case for gender equality across the globe, Salma Hayek Pinault will present the UK premiere of her animation The Prophet and female MPs including Harriet Harman will go head to head at pre-election hustings.

There will also be the London premiere of The Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe, a piece of verbatim theatre with four African women refugees to Australia recounting the true stories of how they survived civil war, kidnap and rape.

And proving that feminism isn’t just for grown ups or teenagers, there are Under 10s Feminist Corner workshops and How To Be Fearless seminars.

Many of what’s on offer will be free and on the last weekend there will also be a free children’s care zone available for day or weekend pass holders. Professional child care staff will be on hand to look after the little ones and a chill out film zone and arts and craft area will be available to keep them entertained.

"We are not surprised it’s been a success but this isn’t just for girls and women," says Domino. "Anyone and everyone should come along – men, women, boys and girls. It’s important that everyone is engaged.”

WOW Festival 2015 takes place across the Southbank Centre site between Sunday, March 1 and Sunday, March 8. Visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk/wow for full listings.