Gina Yashere

SHE may call LA her home but award-winning comedienne Gina Yashere maintains her love of Britain.

So much so she is back on home turf for a nationwide tour of Gina Yashere: Live! and is coming to the Albany next week.

A former lift engineer, Gina made her comedy debut at the Edinburgh Festival in 1996 and went on to sell out shows in the UK, Japan, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Europe and America, where she now lives.

Fans may also have seen her on such shows as the BBC's Mock The Week, Live at the Apollo and in ITV's Single Married Other.

But it's stand up which she is best known for and the 39-year-old has just landed back in Britain to continue the tour which she brought to the South Bank earlier in the year.

"I had a great summer," she says. "I did Udderbelly at the South Bank which was amazing and then went abroad with it but now I'm back and coming to the Albany!"

Fans of her brash, direct and in your face brand of comic fare, not to mention her infectious laugh and that twinkle in her eye, will not be disappointed as she promises to discuss anything and everything including hilarious anecdotes and such subjects as Jimmy Savile, the Olympics and "not being able to pee in a straight line".

"It's a new development and part of the ageing process - I'm falling apart!" she laughs.

"It'll basically be a round up of the last two years but I'll just be having a chat with the audience so will see what they want me to talk about.

"I love the Albany - it's one of my favourite rooms - and I've performed here quite a few times so it'll be great to be back.

"It's such an intimate space and the audiences are always really warm, excited, pumped up and raring to go so we'll have a good time - as soon as I get on stage it's like a party atmosphere.

"It's what I love about places like the Albany. Don't get me wrong I'd love to sell out somewhere like the O2 but you can't see the audience past the first couple of rows so it's much more difficult to chat to them all.

"At the Albany you can see everyone which is great - and I like to talk to the audience and incorporate them into the show. It makes it much more friendly and relaxed."

But despite her good humour and love of London, Gina is in no rush to move back.

"I love the sunshine in LA too much! However, I love the fact I can say what I want when I'm doing a gig here and I do miss the mix of people and cultures in the UK.

"I'm planning to move to New York at some point to be part of that kind of mix - but I won't be staying for their winters - much too cold."

Gina Yashere: Live! at the Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford.

Saturday 26 October 7pm. Tickets from £12. Call the box office on 020 8692 4446

Interview with Michael Rosen

ANYONE who has children will probably be familiar with the name Michael Rosen. The legendary writer, broadcaster and former children's laureate has been a leading figure in children's literature in Britain for more than 30 years.

With a canon of 140 poetry books and novels under his belt including such classics as We're All Going On A Bear Hunt, not to mention being a regular on TV and radio, he has become a firm favourite with families across the country.

The 67-year-old was also one of the first poets to make visits to schools and is now a regular on the road, touring his one-man show to enthuse youngsters with his passion for literature of all kinds.

He has just kicked off his latest nationwide tour exploring science, imagination and sound and is coming to the Albany in Deptford on October 19.

Said show is Centrally Heated Knickers, based on his book of the same name featuring 100 poems about science and technology and which is supported by the Wellcome Trust, The Institute of Physics and the Arts Council of England.

But what makes this particular show different from others he has done is that it is a collaboration with music collective The Homemade Orchestra.

Fusing rhythms with rhymes, it aims to breathe life into the weird and wonderful world of science and sees Michael recite and perform live on stage accompanied by the orchestra's versatile gaggle of musicians.

"The book is a whole load of poems based on ideas to do with science and technology and which was commissioned by the Design Council," he says.

"They are funny poems to show children ideas about gravity, chemistry and designing things.

"The wonderful musicians Homemade Orchestra approached me and suggested putting it together and make it a show. So that's what I did."

Using poetry and puppetry and with the audience’s help, Michael and the musicians explore such questions as what am I? where am I? and how does it all work?

They discover how ears work, how music is made and even how a spot of electric circuit building can help keep our knickers warm.

"It's really good fun and although we try and make it as entertaining as possible, there is obviously an educational element to it," he explains.

Although Michael says he loved science at school he recognises that as a subject it can be a turn off for some youngsters. This show aims to change that.

"I was keen on Biology and liked Zoology very much. But I had teachers who were engaging. If it is not taught well in schools children find it dull and confusing," he says.

"Because we have invented science as a subject it can seem distant from real life. Whether we are breathing, standing or running or cooking these are all based on scientific things and the question is how we get kids interested in it.

"Science teachers have one way and poets have another way. With this show we discover things have rhythm and that it's something we take in through our bodies.

"We look at the ear, which is utterly fascinating and mysterious, and how sound gets in there.

"It's also about how we feel about something. Science is not really mad keen on how we feel. We have got to start with feeling in order to be interested.

"I hope it brings out the fun side in a subject that is often complex and confusing - there is a lot of humour in it!"

With so much passion and enthusiasm for inspiring kids, he is, as you would expect, not shy about giving his opinion on the education system.
"It needs to excite children," he stresses. "The best way to get kids to learn is by exciting them.

"I grew up in the 50s and it was very different. Nowadays schools have become little fiefdoms and it's something I would love to change.

"There is an attitude to professionals that they can only be bribed through performance related pay which is insulting.

"I would get teachers together to find out what works and what excites children in their learning."

And for Michael an essential component of this is access to libraries.

"Libraries are essential," he stresses. "It has been devastating to see them close - particularly in places like Lewisham - and shows the hypocrisy of what the government is saying about eradicating poverty and literacy.

"We have got to have places where people can read. People can't afford to buy books, schools don't have a budget for books and there is no statutory requirement to have libraries in schools. It's absurd.

"There is plenty of research to say if you want children to advance they have got to have access to as many books as possible. They have to be convenient. If we don't have libraries that won't happen.

"I was lucky as my parents were both teachers and loved literature and I was massively curious so they fed me books and I was hugely encouraged by them. It was the reason why I became a writer.

"I want children to read as much as possible to get them excited about words and language - and I hope this show will inspire and encourage them."

And he says he is looking forward to doing just that in Deptford.

"I've been to the Albany twice before - it's very matey with a strong local feel and commitment to it," he says.

"It's a lovely place to perform so I'm sure we'll have some fun there with this show."

Centrally Heated Knickers is on at the Albany in Douglas Way, Deptford on Saturday, October 19 at 2.30pm and 5.30pm.

Tickets cost from £12. Call the box office on 020 8692 4446.

The Light Princess - interview with Rosalie Craig

BEING offered the opportunity to learn exciting new skills must surely be one of the perks of doing any job. And for Rosalie Craig this has certainly been the case with her latest project.

The Crystal Palace-based actress is currently starring in The Light Princess at the National Theatre.

But far from being merely a stage play where she keeps her feet firmly on terra firma, this new musical sees Rosalie float above the stage for much of the proceedings.

Written by award-winning singer-songwriter Tori Amos, its central characters are a prince (Digby) and princess (Althea - played by Rosalie) who live in opposing kingdoms. Both have lost their mothers but deal with their grief in very different ways.

Digby becomes so heavy-hearted that he can never smile and trains as a warrior and Althea is unable to cry, becomes light with grief and floats.

"It's a fantastic story and very well crafted," says Rosalie. "It's about growing up and deals with those who may not be socially acceptable and how people react to them.

"Althea grieves for her dead mother and floats up to be near her but Digby is very grounded.

"That lightness is an aspect of many things - being light of mind and in her relation to things that are difficult to deal with."

To get her character to drift above the stage, Rosalie had to train with aerial artists and acrobats, something which, far from terrifying her, was an exciting proposition.

"I've never done anything like this before," she enthuses as we chat ahead of the show's opening.

"Marianne (Elliott, the director) came up with the brilliant idea about how Althea should float. It involves acrobatics so I had to train with an Acroyoga teacher and had to do aerial training.

"I have done a few musicals and lots of general theatre so that's not new territory but the demands of the physicality of the part really was. But it's a new journey that's been a complete joy."

However, this journey was not for the faint hearted as Rosalie had to train for 18 months, not just how to get to grips and feel comfortable with all the equipment to keep her up in the air and move around, but also to feel safe.

"It's not without its risks and it's been pretty full on but it's been such a luxury to learn a new skill and use it in a new job," she says.

"Physically and mentally it was exhausting but it's been so exciting and fantastic fun, especially working with Tori as she's incredible and so generous," she says.

"She totally understands how a musical should work and that songs need to be story and character driven, rather than writing a song for the song's sake. She's completely normal and approachable and not at all starry!" she laughs cheerfully.

"She has been there every single moment of every single day in rehearsals to make sure it's the best it can be - whether it's to change the music slightly or to give encouragement and that's been invaluable for me especially given what I have to do!

"I've also had to learn to trust the rest of the cast in a completely different way and to just go with it."

But despite the demands of the role, Rosalie says she has rarely felt nervous.

"I've just thrown myself into it," she laughs.

"I think I've been of the mindset that if I worry about being up in the air then I won't be able to do it."

This mindset has extended to other potentially nervewracking situations on stage, including her recent appearance in Table at the National's Shed stage in which she stripped off.

"It was one of those things that if I'd thought about it, it could have been a problem," she admits. "It was just another part of the show but was handled so respectively, sensitively and tastefully it really didn't feel as though it was a big deal."

Rosalie puts her "get on with it" and "can do" attitude down to her training at Rose Bruford College in Sidcup.

"I can't really remember not wanting to be an actress and part of a theatre company," she says.

"I love that I always felt like that. It made things very easy and my parents were supportive and I was so lucky to go to Rose Bruford.

"It was great training - hard work and long hours but was an incredibly good foundation and gave me a good grounding and attitude to work."

And as for the future Rosalie says she just wants to keep working.

"I don't have a role that I covert particularly but I'd love to stay at the National!" she says.

"It's such an amazing theatre and it attracts people who are creative and brave which is fantastic. There's also a sense of community here which is rare. I love it and I'd like to stay here for the rest of my life," she laughs heartily.

"Also, I live in Crystal Palace so it's very easy to get to work which is a massive help - it's a great place to be based. I've lived here for four years and I love it.

"It's just fantastic - it's green, there are lots of lovely independent shops and it's lovely to just be able to potter around.

"There are also a lot of festivals and food markets which I love!"

As well as the National, Rosalie admits to ambitions of working on screen.

"I'd love to do a bit of TV and film which I have not done much of," she says. "The good thing about this job is that there are so many possibilities and I'm keen to grab as many as I can - I've been very lucky so far.

"And this role has really inspired me and has been a great thing to do to banish any fears within myself.

"I'd also like to keep up this new skill and use it in the future - it will feel quite bizarre to put my feet on the ground again!"

Whatever she does next, it's clear that Rosalie is quite literally a rising star.

The Light Princess is on at the National Theatre's Lyttelton stage until Thursday, January 9.

Tickets from £12. Call the box office on 020 7452 3000.

A Grand Day Out - on a budget

AS any parents of young children will testify, going out even for a day requires a level of planning that is akin to a military operation.

Making sure you have enough food, water, snacks, money, spare clothes, wet weather gear - the list is endless.

It can also be expensive - travel, entrance tickets to museums or other attractions, food, drinks, snacks and a visit to the gift shop - it can all mount up.

But it need not be like this. With a veritable cultural and entertainment feast right on our doorstep I was determined to prove that living in South London need not mean bankruptcy to keep the little darlings entertained.

Eager to put this theory to the test, I embarked on a visit to the South Bank on Sunday last week with my two children - Lucy, eight, and Tom, four - to see if it was possible to enjoy a day out without it costing me the earth.

We set off from our home in Brockley armed with sun cream, packed lunch, snacks and water in a rucksack that wouldn't have looked out of place on a trek to the Himalayas.

Our one day travelcard cost £7.90 - not bad considering it would have taken us anywhere within zones one to six.

Once at Waterloo we walked up to Southbank Centre pausing to see the skaters in the Undercroft and some of the street entertainers along the way.

For those on a budget, the Southbank Centre offers the perfect opportunity to have fun and spend little in the process.

Every day there is something on within the complex which you can enjoy for free - whether it's a workshop, exhibition, performance or even just sitting in its riverfront café to eat your sandwiches and watch the world go by.

And Sunday was no exception. Under the umbrella of Festival of Neighbourhood the weekend was devoted to Urban: Celebrating Street Culture featuring a series of BMX, Parkour and dance workshops and demos as well as a chance to take part in some of the performances.

So the three of us joined the huge crowd on the Royal Festival Hall terrace and had fun busting some moves and grooves to a mix of street dance, hip hop and breakdance tunes which were being blasted out via an enormous sound system.

We were also wowed with a BMX bike demo inside in the Clore Ballroom where a group of professionals showed off their skills and tricks and Tom had a go at some of the free basketball workshops.

As well as all the Urban cool there was plenty more to see and do.

 

 

This included Beano Town tucked underneath the Queen Elizabeth Hall. This interactive, and free, exhibition pays homage to the legendary comic The Beano which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.

 

 

Despite having never had the pleasure of chortling at the antics of its characters, Lucy and Tom wasted no time in getting stuck in - from playing table tennis to looking at the comics, climbing on the sculptures and trying on wigs and Dennis the Menace jumpers. They also added their names in the tree house.

Elsewhere we explored the walkways by the Queen Elizabeth Hall to see the allotment project, Queen's Walk Window Gardens. This included a trail of 60 wheelbarrows full of plants, as well as a roof garden created in partnership with Cornwall's Eden Project, the herb garden on the Riverside Terrace and the other giant installations and sculptures around the complex.

 

 

Perhaps the most fun to be had were the fountains outside the Royal Festival Hall. Both kids dived straight in and trying to dodge the jets of water without getting soaked was all part of the deal with much merriment to be made in doing so.

 

 

 

 

And before we had to go home there was just enough time to build a sandcastle in the specially created beach down on the river front opposite the skateboarders in the Undercroft.

 

 

Apart from the travel card, the only other thing I parted with my cash for was an ice cream for Lucy and an ice lolly for Tom - both bought at the market outside Canteen at the back of the Royal Festival Hall.

At £2.50 each it wasn't as eye wateringly expensive as it could have been, and given I'd spent nothing all day save for the travel card, it wasn't too bad.

We didn't buy lunch because we bought our own which we ate outside whilst soaking up the atmosphere.

By about 5pm we were exhausted, covered in sand, but having had a lovely time.

And while the South Bank isn't the only place where you can do things on the mega cheap, there can't be many institutions which will allow you to eat your own sandwiches in its building whilst listening to or watching some free concerts or performances.

And not only did I not hear the words "I'm bored" the entire day, the kids loved it so much they want to go back this weekend. Result

Beano Town is on until Sunday, September 8. Entrance is free.

Check www.southbanklondon.com and www.southbankcentre.co.uk for full listings of events throughout the holidays.

Grooving on down the road

ANYONE into hip hop is in for a treat this summer with an exhilarating new dance adventure for the whole family.

Following the success of hit shows Into The Hoods and Some Like It Hip Hop, the award-winning ZooNation Dance Company is back at the Southbank Centre with a re-working of the much loved story of The Wizard Of Oz.

Written and directed by ZooNation founder and award winning choreographer Kate Prince, Groove On Down The Road showcases the not inconsiderable talents of some of the company's young dancers aged between 10 and 19.

But whereas the original story was set on a farm in Kansas, Kate's version is brought bang up to date and is relocated in an urban classroom.

It is here where Dorothy's adventure begins and where her relationship with Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion develop.

And although they dance their way down the yellow brick road, it is not to Oz but through a fantastical urban world - and with a pair of ruby trainers in lieu of the ruby slippers.

But it was not a desire to re-work the original story that was at the forefront of Kate's mind when she decided to create the show.

"I have a group of four boys aged between 15 and 17 who are part of ZooNation and are the most spectacularly talented group of young men I have ever worked with," she enthuses as we chat ahead of the show's opening on Saturday.

"They are just incredible and I was looking for something to showcase their talents which meant I needed a story with four lead characters.

"I also had Portia who is one of the girls playing Dorothy and she's an amazing dancer too so I wanted to include her - and in the end it just made sense for the show to be based on The Wizard Of Oz."

So why the classroom?

"I set it in a classroom because I wanted to highlight the importance of including the arts in education," she explains.

"The importance of creativity and the arts within education is enormous - especially for those kids who feel alienated in some way - and they should have equal importance within the curriculum.

"The Scarecrow for example, who doesn't have a brain, is dyslexic but hugely intelligent in a different way that isn't appreciated within the education system.

"So, it's a chance to explore some of the issues kids face and how important the arts are to their self esteem and confidence," she adds.

"This has been proved through the work we are doing in ZooNation. By getting kids dancing it improves their self esteem and personalities and makes them feel they can achieve something. It has so many benefits."

As well as a great story, the show will feature a fabulous score with a mix of music by Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, and Jose Gonzalez.

"Telling the story through dance is fantastic and so the music is incredibly important obviously," says Kate.

"But there is a real range as the production will feature some incredible hip hop, body popping, street dance and contemporary movement from the cast.

"They are just phenomenal and I'm so proud of them - many have been at the company since they were very young, having been inspired by seeing some of our other productions which is fabulous," she adds.

"And they work so hard - some get up at 5am every Saturday and travel from all over the country just to come and train in our classes. They are truly inspiring."

And for the young cast to be part of such a show a dream come true.

"I'm so excited," says Portia Oti. The 11-year-old from Bexley will join Arizona Snow to share the role of Dorothy.

"I am really thrilled and it's a dream come true for me. To be on the Southbank stage will be amazing," adds Portia.

"It's a lovely family show to be in and I think the audience will love it because of the way Kate has created the characters - there is a lot of laughter especially when the Lion does his dance!"

And 17-year-old Michael Ureta agrees.

The teenager from Tooting plays the Tin Man and says the audience will be moved by the stories behind the characters.

"You get to see some of the troubles young people face," he says. "I'm the Tin Man who hasn't got a heart and it explores the reasons behind that.

"The audience will see he's a bully and how he learns to be friendly.

"I went to see Into The Hood when I was about 13 and loved it. It really inspired me to want to dance so I joined the company and went to their classes.

"I've been with the company for five years and love it - we learn different forms of dancing and it's hard work but great fun and for me to be in this show is just amazing - the best experience of my life!

"To share the stage with all my friends doing something we all love doing will be the best feeling!"

Groove On Down The Road is on at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, from Saturday, August 10 until Sunday, September 1.

Tickets from £10. Visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 847 9910.