Ruby Wax - Sane New World

SHE may have had a reputation during her long, varied and entertaining career for being brash and ballsy with a rapier wit but these days Ruby Wax comes across as more thoughtful and serious, although the humour is definitely still there.

In fact it is very much in evidence when we chat ahead of her appearance at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley to which she will be bringing her one woman show Sane New World on September 21.

"I was just on holiday," she begins. "I was in Africa and went on safari which was lovely.

"It was a lot of fun - in fact I was dragged back kicking and screaming," she adds laughing.

And then without taking a breath she tells me all about the show which she has been touring around the country for the past few months.

Sane New World is her unique look at the brain and is based on her critically acclaimed and number one bestseller book of the same name which has been described as a manual on how to survive the 21st century.

In both the book and the show Ruby looks at the human brain, how it works, how we can rewire our thinking to find calm in an increasingly frenetic world and how to become the master not the slave of our own minds.

It all sounds pretty deep and a real change from her career to date in which she spent most of her time making us laugh.

Although she was trained originally as a classical actress, it was with comedy that her career took off and she became a successful stand up and writer, including script editing the multi award winning BBC TV series Absolutely Fabulous.

This led to a hugely successful stint as an interviewer and during the 1980s and 90s she was rarely off our TV screens, fronting shows such as The Full Wax, Ruby Wax Meets…., and Wax On Wheels.

She was famed for her acerbic wit, humour and sharp shooting, straight from the hip interview style.

Her famous and unsuspecting interviewees were putty in her hand thanks to her fearless style where no question was off limits.

Her encounters were legendary - who could forget for instance her hilarious meetings with Imelda Marcos and the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson?

But it was while she was promoting the charity Comic Relief that her battles with depression came out and she unwittingly became the poster girl and then campaigner for mental health and which subsequently led to her career change.

Five years ago she did a Master’s degree in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy at Oxford University and hasn't looked back.

"It was really interesting," she says. "It wasn't about depression and the point of doing it wasn't to understand depression.

"I was just fascinated by the whole subject of mindfulness and I had a chance to do it and I jumped at it.

"It was two years work and for me it has been the greatest, most interesting and satisfying thing I have ever done. Ever."

The content of both the degree and the book have formed the basis for the show which she says audiences have been "very warm" about.

"I love it," she enthuses. "I do a book signing after each one and people will come up to me and talk about their own experiences and give feedback on what I've said. It's lovely."

And she insists far from being dry, the show is laced with her own inimitable brand of comedy.

"Oh it's definitely funny - I'm hilarious!" she chuckles. "It would be very dull if it wasn't. I don't preach at people, and I don't have anecdotes but there is a lot of humour in it. I couldn't do it otherwise.

"Besides, what could be more interesting than how your mind works? What’s going on upstairs? It's fascinating and I love it."

So infectiously enthusiastic is she of her subject that she chatters 10 to the dozen barely pausing for breath.

"It's about giving information," she says. "Everyone wants to know how and why their mind works. So I give a tour of the brain - what to do with it, what's going on, why we're screwed and why we have these critical voices.

"We are driven by this idea that we are never good enough. We are not at our best when we are knocking ourselves out with our own thinking and pushing ourselves."

And she says technology hasn't helped.

"Basically, we are not equipped for this century," she says. "It’s too hard, too fast, and too full of fear. We just don’t have the bandwidth so I talk about how we're burning out and why stress is such a killer.

"Our brains can’t take so much information in a world where we’re bombarded by bad news and force-fed information. I can just about take in the weather then I’m exhausted. You open a newspaper, everyone’s dead.

"The news is heightening levels of fear. Now we can't tell if danger is behind us and what the fear is.

"I am not saying technology is bad because who's not happy to do on line shopping in the morning but we need to take a step back and unplug.

"We have to understand why we are in this state, where our brain is and find the tipping point and not constantly try and keep up with the next guy."

Mindfulness she adds has given her a practical way to self-regulate her feelings.

"I can hear early the tip toes before I go under but sometimes it does take me by surprise," she admits. "Back in the day I just got busy and then ended up doing more work and more dinner parties.

"Now I can tell a little bit when I need to watch it. But when you are in that state you think something must be wrong with you.

"I want people to leave knowing a bit more about what goes on upstairs but also that they have laughed about it.

"People have told me that the book was life changing - so buy it and come to the show. It'll be great and you'll love it!"

Ruby Wax will be performing Sane New World at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre on September 21. Visit www.rubywax.net/tour for full listings.

Sane New World: Taming the Mind by Ruby Wax is published in paperback by Hodder & Stoughton, £8.99.

Annie Get Your Gun - New Wimbledon Theatre

WHEN Emma Williams got the part of Annie Oakley in the touring production of Annie Get Your Gun she didn't realise it would result in her learning a whole new set of skills.

The actress, who stars alongside Jason Donovan and Norman Pace in the show, not only had to perfect her mid west American accent, she also had to master using a trapeze and says it had unexpected benefits.

"It was quite scary to begin with," she admits. "I didn't know it was going to be a feature of the show when we started but it's actually helped conquer my fear of heights.

"I got really into it and it was brilliant to learn all those tricks and stunts!"

Stunts aside Emma says playing the part of Annie has been "a dream come true" and says she will be sad to leave the character behind when the run finishes at the New Wimbledon Theatre this week.

"It's every actresses dream to play a role like this and I'm no different," she laughs. "She's feisty, go getting, determined and a lot of fun. She also develops and changes over the course of the show so a fantastic part to play.

"She's also been played by so many incredible actresses before so it's a privilege to fill her cowgirl boots."

For those unfamiliar with the story, Annie Get Your Gun is about Buffalo Bill’s Wild West female ace sharpshooter, Annie Oakley and her romance with fellow sharpshooter, Frank Butler.

When Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show comes to town, it only takes one glance for country girl Annie to fall head over heels for its star marksman, Frank Butler.

But there are many twists and turns along the way proving that the path to true love doesn't run so smooth.

And it features some classic Irving Berlin musical numbers including Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better, You Can't Get A Man With A Gun and Doin' What Comes Natur'lly!

"I've loved every minute of it," says Emma. "It's been the most magical and joyful production and we've all become like one big family and to play alongside Jason and Norman has been a dream.

"It's such a great love story, great fun with lots going on and audiences have been really generous in their responses - most of them singing along to all the songs which has been fantastic - so I will miss playing Annie when we finish the run.

"However I'm so looking forward to bringing the show to Wimbledon - I love the theatre - it's got such character and charm and the audiences there are always great so I'm sure we'll go out with a bang!"

Annie Get Your Gun is on at the New Wimbledon Theatre from tonight (Tuesday) until Saturday, September 13. Tickets cost from £10.50. Visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre/ or call the box office on 0844 871 7646  

Review - Dogfight, Southwark Playhouse

FOUR STARS

THE Southwark Playhouse is on a bit of a roll at the moment. Its recent programme of musicals and stage plays has been varied, interesting and crucially, great to watch.

Its latest offering is Dogfight, a musical by Ben J Pasek and Justin Paul, directd by Matt Ryan and produced by Danielle Tarento. And it has "hit" written all over it.

Set in San Franscisco on the eve of Kennedy's election victory, a group of young US marines spend their final night of freedom before being posted to Vietnam partying.

As part of the celebrations, they host a "dogfight", a rather unpleasant and cruel competition where they aim to bring the ugliest date to a party.

By a twist of fate, one of the marines, Eddie Birdlace, happens upon a cafe where he meets Rose, a waitress who has a passion for music.

They chat, he asks her to the party, she goes, he starts to feel uncomfortable about bringing her, she a nice time til she hears about the dogfight bet and then storms out.

It is a predictable love story of boy meets girl, gradually and unwittingly falls in love with her, they fall out, get back together and he realises the error of his angry ways.

Despite the predictable storyline there is much to recommend this production, not least the beatuiful music and the fantastic cast who are essentially a group of unknowns.

Indeed Laura Jane Matthewson makes her stage debut as Rose and was absolutely awesome. She portrayed Rose brilliantly showing her quirkiness, vulnerability and humour as well as the excitement at being asked on a date for the first time and a ballsy attitude at dealing with Eddie's complex character.

Jamie Muscato excels as Eddie, full of pumped up testosterone and out for a good time.

As well as the solid and consistently good performances from all the cast it was a beautifully staged show - passionate and energetic with moments of sadness and great humour. A winner.

Dogfight is on at the Southwark Playhouse, Newington Causeway until Saturday, September 13. Tickets from £12. Visit www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk or call the box office on 020 7407 0234.

Land of Our Fathers - preview

BY his own admission, a play about a group of miners who get trapped down a pit may not sound a "barrel of laughs" but for playwright Chris Urch it has proved to be a successful story.

Land Of Our Fathers is his first full length play and had its world premiere at Battersea’s Theatre503 in September last year. It proved to be such a hit, that a year later, it is transferring to the Trafalgar Studios in Whitehall.

Set on the eve of Margaret Thatcher's 1979 election victory, the story is that of four men, trapped deep underground and their desperate attempts over a period of two weeks to escape.

For Chris the success of the play was the culmination of several years of hard work after leaving drama school.

"I'd written four shorts before but this was my debut full length play so it's pretty special to have it transferred to the West End," he says.

"I wasn't sure how it would be received because it doesn't sound that interesting as a subject but Paul [Robinson, artistic director at Theatre503] and the audiences really took to it which was great and so I'm over the moon."

The play itself came together after a long period of research.

"In 2012 I was chosen as one of five writers to be on Theatre503's 503 Five, an 18-month residency where we each had to write a play," says Chris.

"I'm orignally from a former Somerset mining town as I was thinking of ideas my parents told me about a harrowing incident in the town's mine in the 1890s.

"I read up on it and that set the seed. Then I went to a mining museum run by ex miners who talked about their experiences and it went from there.

"I was really lucky because they were incredibly helpful especially with all the characterisation and technical details."

But he says it was the faith and confidence of the Theatre503 team which has been instrumental in his subsequent success.

"Paul and the team were great because of the help and support they gave me throughout the process," he says. "They made it so much easier and less stressful!"

Indeed it is this support structure that is a key part of Theatre503's aims to encourage and promote new writers.

The Latchmere Road theatre has built a strong reputation for staging plays by first timers, launching the careers of playwrights such as Dennis Kelly, Phil Porter and current Bruntwood Prize winner Anna Jordan.

“We are known for taking risks on new writers and we have a loyal audience who are always up for seeing something new so we are very lucky," says artistic director Paul Robinson.

"Writing a play is difficult especially in terms of its structures and there are not enough opportunities for new writers to get their work on stage.

"That's why programmes such as 503 Five and Rapid Write Response - where we find, nurture and develop new writers - are important.

"It's how we found Chris and we've been able to build a relationship with him since then.

"To see his play debut here and then go to the West End is fantastic and we are thrilled."

Land Of Our Fathers is on at Trafalgar Studio 2, Whitehall from September 3 until October 4. Tickets cost from £15. Call the box office on 0844 871 7632.

Interview with Andrew Logan - sculptor, performance artist, jeweller and host of Alternative Miss World

STEPPING into Andrew Logan's Bermondsey home-come-studio almost takes your breath away.

The sculptor, performance artist, jeweller, portraitist and painter has lived in his amazing home, named The Glasshouse, in Melior Place for the past 25 years and over that time has filled it with knick-knacks, objet d'art, his own extraordinary and colourful creations, paintings and plants.

Light and space are in abundance and beautifully show off the 68-year-old's vibrant coloured glass-encrusted sculptures which are placed around the airy interior, some of which hang decoratively from the ceiling catching the sunlight that floods in.

Nestled in the shadow of the Shard, The Glasshouse - designed by Andrew's architect partner Michael Davis - is exactly as its name describes - with a pitched glass roof making it feel almost like an enormous greenhouse.

And although right in the heart of such a busy location next to London Bridge station, a more tranquil spot in the city you'd be hard pushed to find.

But all this is about to change as Andrew and Michael prepare to say goodbye to their home after 25 years.

The move has been driven in part by a desire to downsize but also to devote more time to Andrew's Museum of Sculpture in Wales.

Another reason is the green light which was given recently by Southwark council to a seven-storey development next door.

Once built it will change the outlook of their home by overshadowing the glorious glass pitched roof therefore knocking out some of their precious light.

"It's a real shame," says Andrew. "Michael designed it and we've had a fantastic life here but there will be so many flats looking in once they've built it so it's time to go.

"This whole part of London has developed enormously over the years," he adds.

"We've now got the Shard which I love - but to me it represents everything that is bad - the greed and all that goes with it.

"Its shadow has spread over us and has changed this area. And I don't want to be living in a building site for the next 20 years."

But before he packs his bags and amazing artwork and heads off to pastures new, there is the small matter of a show to organise.

Said event is Alternative Miss World (AMW), an extravaganza he's been hosting and running on and off since 1972 that has become something of an institution.

For those unfamiliar with it, AMW is exactly what it says on the tin. It's not a beauty contest - rather a transformation - and it's open to anyone and everyone to enter and over the years it has seen an array of famous and unknowns take part.

For those who do, it's a chance to show off their creative spirit in a series of extraordinary and inventive day, swim and evening wear.

And when it comes to the costumes, anything and everything goes - and each year they get more outrageous.

There is a parade of the contestants in their outfits and an interview with Andrew before the judges announce the winner after which there is the obligatory after show party to celebrate.

Since its inception it has achieved something of a cult status and has garnered a legendary following including luminaries such as Boy George, Grayson Perry and Zandra Rhodes, as well as members of Andrew's family.

"My brother Richard is entering this one," he chuckles. "He is a retired school teacher so it will be interesting!"

After a five year hiatus, it's now back for a 13th run and comes to the Globe theatre, a mere hop, skip and a jump away, on Saturday, October 18.

Given the show's popularity why has it been so long since the last one I ask?

"With AMW there is always a big gap," says Andrew with a wave of his hand.

"It's very much when I've got the energy to do it. But I also think that gives it its strength - it's a one off and you won't ever get the same show again.

"Every time we put it on we have to reinvent everything, which is part of its charm but it's a lot of work. But I felt this year the time was right.

"Also the shows have grown but not enough to make them unwieldy or to lose their magic or charm. They are like a surreal art event for all round family entertainment and I always get a warm feeling when I'm on the stage."

Over the years AMW has taken place in a variety of places, from London's Roundhouse to a massive circus tent on Clapham Common and always has a different theme - this one is Numbers.

The Globe he says is the perfect setting for this year's show although he admits the venue's proportions have necessitated a size limit on costumes - a mere seven feet wide by five feet high only - and only one backstage helper per contestant.

"It's perfect - a fantastic stage and amazing setting and I think Shakespeare would have approved," says Andrew with a twinkle in his eye. "In fact I think he would have entered.

"When the Globe was suggested Dominic Dromgoole (artistic director) loved the idea and the whole concept so it just happened and here we are!"

Andrew will once again be the "host and hostess" and will have friend Grayson Perry as co-host. Another friend, Jonny Woo will be minstrel, mingling with the audience.

There will be no rehearsals which Andrew says is "exactly how it should be" which means anything can and often does happen, and he admits he's excited about seeing what the costumes will be like.

"It's all part of the show," he smiles. "But the most important aspect is the contestants. Every year they really do go to town which is lovely.

"I am always joyful that people take such effort, do such wonderful things and are very inventive - they are always quite outrageous!

"Miss Fancy Chance is the current winner. Her last outfit was amazing - it brought the house down!"

With only six weeks to go before showtime, Andrew has much to do including ensuring his own costume - made by Zandra Rhodes - is complete and finishing making the all important crown which is currently glittering in his studio - a work in progress.

Despite the undoubted stress of putting on such a huge event, Andrew remains remarkably zen like - something he puts down to his passion for yoga which he practices daily.

"I've been doing yoga for years," he says. "It enables me to carry on working and being positive about everything.

"I teach it too - all over the world. It's so beneficial in terms of mind and body.

"In fact it would be so nice if it was taught in school as it would be great for children," he muses. "I'm sure the world would be a different and better place."

At the back of his mind though is what happens next.

His home, the very place that has inspired him and his work over the years is now contributing to his departure.

"I've had some wonderful memories here," he says referring to the legendary parties that have taken place over the years.

"It's wonderful this space has been shared by so many - as well as our parties we've had book launches, weddings and funerals - we've done everything here!

"But I am approaching 69 and this is a huge building to run.

"We will be sad to leave - it's magical but it's too much now and it's time to let someone else enjoy it," he adds philosophically.

"I would love to put more time into my museum so we plan to spend a third of our time in Wales, a third in London where we want to find a smaller place to live and then the final third travelling and working.

"I'm doing an installation in Mumbai airport next year which I'm looking forward to and I'm thinking of writing a book.

"The future is exciting and full of possibilities," he smiles.

Alternative Miss World takes place on Saturday, October 18. Tickets cost from £15. Visit http://alternativemissworld.co.uk www.shakespearesglobe.com or call the box office on 020 7401 9919.