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Tartuffe | Theatre Review
Sinner or saint, the character of Tartuffe certainly divides opinion.
To Orgon, the master of the manor, he is the epitome of piousness, yet to his family, he is nothing more than a vagabond taking advantage of people’s good nature.
With his reputation tainted and restored at every turn in the opening scene, the audience is eager to pass their own judgement on Tartuffe but his stalled introduction to the stage acts as a clever device to build the mystery.
Orgon’s mind is possessed by Tartuffe and he intends his daughter Mariane to marry him (though she’s already promised to wed Valère), and he even signs over the deeds of his estate to the former beggar.
The cheeky glint in Tartuffe’s eyes when he makes his grand entrance further enforces his view of ‘a secret sin is no sin at all’ as he commits the ultimate betrayal by confessing his love to Orgon’s wife Elmire.
When the family try to expose his scheming nature, the play comes over a little ‘carry on’ as they hide behind curtains and under tables to catch him out.
But once his deceit is unveiled to Orgon, it’s too late as the family’s ordered out of the estate which now belongs to Tartuffe.
At each stage, Dorine the maid oversteps the boundaries of her role but gains the trust of the audience as she gives each member of the family honest advice with a touch of flirtatious charm. Played by Katherine Rodden, she was the unexpected the star of the show.
Jeremy Gagan convincingly plays Tartuffe and his command of expression in scenes of deceit against those highlighting his virtue are performed with charisma.
A modern adaptation by Paradigm Theatre Company of the 17th Century theatrical comedy by Molière, Tartuffe was presented in the intimate surroundings of the Canal Café Theatre in Little Venice.
The audience seating area is cleverly used as an extension of the stage, with the characters often mingling among the crowd and eavesdropping on the conversations taking place just overhead.
With a comedic value in the form of Dorine, the betrayal of a committed friend and with a heart-warming twist at the end, Tartuffe (artistically directed by Sarah Pitard and directed by Cat Robey) ticks all the boxes. And by no means a criticism, the cast should possess a little more confidence to balance their abilities.
Tartuffe runs till Sat 27 Apr 2013, with tickets for the 7pm show Tue-Sat costing £12 and for the 3pm Sat performance, it’s £10. To book tickets, visit www.canalcafetheatre.com and for more information, visit www.paradigmtheatrecompany.co.
Photo credit: Jon Bradshaw
Luke Johnson backs the team behind The Food Awards Company
Looking for some inspiration? Anyone who wants to start a business or new venture will find something in this story: A Radio 4 programme on a wet autumn afternoon in 2011 started a flow of events that resulted in the successful launch of one award in 2012 and two more are now following in 2013. The first, Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year, attracted over 3,000 entries from across the world in year one. Headline sponsor Pink Lady® Apples is now committed for a further five years. This is a great achievement for the enterprising team working out of a potting shed in Lincolnshire!
The bottom line
Caroline Kenyon was listening to Radio 4’s ‘The Bottom Line’ presented by Evan Davis one autumn afternoon when she took action. Luke Johnson was being interviewed and it struck her that he could be the right person to help her idea to take shape. After 12 years developing a successful PR and Events business focusing on the food sector, she felt that there was a need for niche awards delivered with flair and originality. After emails, telephone calls, meetings and business plans, Luke Johnson was also convinced and wanted to be involved. It is 12 months since Evan Davis played cupid and The Food Awards Company began. The awards are a culmination of 25 years experience and an ambition to create something with longevity and real purpose. “These awards will, I hope, still be running in 50 years’ time,” says Caroline Kenyon. This concept is now a very real and successful business.
From law to food via journalism…
Caroline was about to embark on a career at the Bar following Law at Cambridge, but after a year of travel and an article in the Evening Standard, her direction changed. The years of studying law were put behind her as she began freelance writing combined with waitressing and selling boxer shorts to off-duty bankers in a Fulham boutique on a Saturday, alongside now BAFTA-winning television director, Hugo Blick and his producer wife Elinor. Her writing led to her becoming editor of the Traveller Magazine where she worked with great names such as Ranulph Fiennes and Edmund Hillary. Then a move to Lincolnshire and the birth of her son Henry started on direction number two – helping local food businesses with their PR.
Twelve years later, Kenyon Communications has been responsible for running the British Pie Awards, East Midlands Food & Drink Festival, Lincolnshire in London and worked on many successful PR campaigns such as Yes Peas! and Totally Traditional Turkeys. The team also work with the acclaimed chef, Rachel Green. During this time Caroline has built up a team of eight – all working from the potting shed in her garden and with eclectic backgrounds, including working as promotions manager to Bryan Adams and being responsible for business development with the Orient Express – throw in a karate black belt and you have exciting people to work with! This team has combined to deliver numerous awards and events for clients, so they are now working to build The Food Awards Company. They believe strongly in the business and are working on a profit share basis – all sharing the work and the rewards.
Caroline commented; “The idea had been bubbling in my head for a while and as with all ideas the exciting part is bringing them to life. Fortunately for me my idea has been backed by a man who has implemented many of his own extremely successfully and I hope can spot a good one! I also have a fantastically hard-working and fun team to work with – they are helping us to make this happen at a faster speed than I initially anticipated.”
Photography and bread combined with an enterprising spirit
The first award was designed to highlight the previously not recognised art of food photography, Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year. Images came in from across the globe with categories such as Cream of the Crop, Food Portraiture, Food in the Street, Food for Celebration and a chance for the under 18’s with the Young Photographer section. With judges including Sheila Dillon, Alex James and Henry Dimbleby – the glamorous 2012 presentation took place at the Mall Galleries last April. For 2013 the aim is to have 10,000 entries and so far they are on target. The headline sponsor is Pink Lady® Apples, other key sponsors are Champagne Taittinger and Errazuriz Wines with money also being raised for Action Against Hunger. The second awards celebrate the rise of artisan bread-making – the Tiptree World Bread Awards are now open for entries and the winners will be announced at a harvest supper style event in the autumn. The third award is all-encompassing across the food sector – Food and Drink Entrepreneur of the Year. This is an idea in development and the hunt is on for the right partner to support enterprise in this dynamic sector. We will always need to eat. New and exciting foods are constantly being innovated – this means that Caroline and her creative team at The Food Awards Company will keep thinking of new ideas and ensure that these tasty businesses are recognised for their skill, expertise and overall deliciousness!
Luke Johnson explained why he decided to be part of this new business that is setting out to highlight the best in specific niche sectors; “I really liked the idea of this from the outset,” says the serial food entrepreneur known for building the Pizza Express empire in the 90’s and former Chairman of Channel 4, now owner of Giraffe restaurants, Patisserie Valerie, Gail’s Artisan Bakery among many others. “People love awards, and niche awards which celebrate something specific are even more appealing.”
Olga Roh For Rohmir Review | Fashion
Olga Roh’s Autumn/ Winter’ 13 collection ‘Mountain High” for ROHMIR, offered a
range of classy monochrome jumpsuits, cotton-fringed jackets and detailed leather
skinnies. Models in sophisticate suits with cinched in waists and multi colored sheer
evening gowns glided down the catwalk to a soundtrack of rapid percussion. The
collection showcased a variety of colors mirroring the landscape of an Alpine retreat;
a sea of navy, a branch of crème with a light sprinkle of monochrome (which has been
seen a lot on the catwalk this season by Marc Jacobs).
RohmirThe collection had a variety from casual, business wear ending in the eye-catching
eveningwear. Any fashionista would kill for Olga’s breath-taking multi colored body con
maxi; it’s back is low cut which oozes just the right amount of sex appeal. Another stand
out was the forest green feathered coat chinced with a leather corset belt- this will give
every lady the illusion of an hourglass figure. Olga said,
“My clothes express reality… “I
wanted the collection to have a holiday feel, that’s why it’s called ‘Mountain High.’
“All models were different, not every model was the standard skinny model your
accustomed to seeing on catwalks, not all were young either; a famous German actress
wore my dress to show that my collection is suitable for difference, size, heights and
ages.”
There was a theatrical effect to Olga’s catwalk, it radiated energy with evidence of Swan
Lake inspirations; feathered coats, smoky eyes and neatly plated backcombed hair.
Velvet dresses with low drop waist sequined dresses had a 20s feel with a modern day
edge.
Floor-length gowns with plunging necklines in sumptuous fabrics were accompanied
with embellished lace and scintillating metallics. Silk patterned dress with fringes, one
shouldered dresses and shoulder pads reminisced on the early days of the 90s. The
romantic allure of the fairy-tale inspired eveningwear is balanced with androgynous
silhouettes and contemporary twangs. Each piece detailed to perfection offered a
balance between luxury and the wearable.
Article written by Joanna Zambas
Photography by Vanessa Isabel Lanzoni
Looking for some fashion inspiration? Italian Fashion: Alessandro Zuletti Shoot
Photographer: Alessandro Zuletti.
Location: Vicenza, Italy
Theme: Buildings from Andrea Palladio (30 November 1508 – 19 August 1580) who was an Italian architect widely considered the most influential individual in the history of western architectrue.
All Photos were taken arround his buildings, or in them, in honour of the reopening of the Cathedral of Vicenza.
Models: Valora Kendra Roucek & Sara Chelucci
Underwater Wonders On Show In Rain Forest Of The Sea
A new photographic exhibition at the Horniman Museum & Gardens captures the underwater wonders of the coral triangle. Rainforest of the Sea (opening 9 March) features stunning photographs of sea creatures in Borneo, and highlights the diversity of coral reefs, as well as the threats facing one of the world’s richest habitats.
Marine biologist and photographer Jamie Craggs worked without the aid of digital photography to create the series of striking underwater shots – from a turtle silhouetted against an azure sky, to close encounters with a longhorn cowfish, a bumblebee shrimp and a hairy squat lobster.
Jamie says: ‘Coral reefs are often called the “rainforest of the sea” because, like rainforests, they are one of the most biologically diverse habitats on the planet. These photos weren’t taken with an exhibition in mind, but the threats to this amazing underwater world are so great that I wanted the images to do some good. I hope Rainforest of the Sea will not only show visitors the beauty and wonder of the coral reef and its creatures, but also raise awareness of the importance of protecting them for the future.’
Jamie has worked on coral reef expeditions in the Philippines, as an underwater cameraman in Borneo and as a professional aquarist in the UK. He is currently the Aquarium Curator at the Horniman, overseeing a collection of 2,500 live specimens from 150 aquatic species. He specialises in coral biology and is working with international organisations to conserve coral reefs and better understand the impact human life has on these fragile and globally important habitats.
Rainforest of the Sea opens at the Horniman Museum & Gardens open now. Entry to the exhibition is free.
100 London Road T: 020 8699 1872
Forest Hill www.horniman.ac.uk
London SE23 3PQ
Sonic Editions: Impossibly Cool Photography
Sonic Editions produces limited edition, rare, photographic prints of iconic figures throughout time. It’s everyone from Audrey Hepburn through to Jay-Z. There’s some great shots of the likes of Michael Jackson, Sophia Loren, Michael Caine, Al Pacino and Clint Eastwood
The Sonic Editions team has visited the Getty archives in LA and went through 2,000,000 images or so to pull out some totally unseen images.
These specific images are limited to fifty of each and they start from £69. Each image is numbered so that they know what number they own, as well as containing details about the photographer and when it was shot.
Andrew Tiernan {Frost Interviews}
I recently had the pleasure of working with one of Britain most hard working and talented actors, Andrew Tiernan, on Jason Croot’s new film Le Fear, Le Sequel. He was kind enough to give Frost an interview, and it’s a stunner.
You are in “Prisoners Wives” the new BBC Drama, what was it like working on that?
All credit to the Production as they took a risk with me, as usually I’m the Bad guy, so this time I’m on the other side of the law playing DS Hunter who is investigating the murder that Gemma’s (Emma Rigby) husband Steve (Jonas Armstrong) has been accused of. The Directors and Producers wanted an edge to this guy and they knew I could bring that to the role, which was great for me. I had to get my head into Cop mode, as I haven’t done that for a very long time, in fact since “Prime Suspect” when I was a young copper with Helen Mirren and Tom Bell. Hopefully I’ve done a good job. But that was easy as Julie Geary’s writing is fantastic.
You played Ephialtes, in Zack Snyder’s “300”, how did you manage to put in such a good performance under all of that prosthetic?
It’s great because you don’t get recognized. I have always tried to transform myself for each role. The prosthetics was like a mask that I could manipulate with my facial muscles, but I had to exaggerate my expressions to move the inch thick prosthetic. I enjoy mask work, so that wasn’t the hardest thing for me to do. When you’re trying to transform yourself without the use of prosthetics, that is the challenge. I’ve fluctuated my weight and appearance over the years to fit the roles, I was influenced by Robert De Niro when he put a ton of weight on for “Raging Bull,” but it’s quite a dangerous thing to do and not everyone in the business appreciates it, some have thought that I’ve just let myself go, so I doubt I’ll be putting on the pounds again anytime soon, unless it is under prosthetics.
You are a successful Actor, but still do your own projects, why?
It’s all about the work. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I wanted to have some kind of control over my work at some point. What people forget is that it’s the Writer and Producers who are in control we can only perform what is written on the page. And when we’re not doing those jobs, we’re waiting around for work, it can send most Actors insane, so I try to keep myself busy between jobs.
Tell us about the short film you’ve recently directed; “Flush”:
“Flush” came about after the writer; Kevin O’Donohoe, told me about an experience he had with some Estate Agents. One of the estate agents asked to use the toilet in his flat and was in there for an unexpectedly long time and managed to stink the place out. He thought that the guy had done it deliberately, so he decided to get his own back and came up with this very funny little script. We made it Independently, I got Shona McWilliams and Simon Balfour in to help me produce it. We’ve just finished Post-Production and we’ve entered it into some film festivals, we’re very excited about it. We’re planning to do some Feature Films later in the year with the same Production Team and a new script by Kevin called “UK18” a Political Drama set in the near future.
How did you get started as an actor?
I was into films from an early age and would visit the local cinema on my own, The Grove. I’d watch all the Ray Harryhausen adventures and then I managed to see some of Peter Bogdanovich’s films, such as “Paper Moon” and “What’s up Doc?”. So I suppose the bug started there, and eventually I decided it was something I wanted to do as a Career. I started working at the Midlands Art Centre after joining the Youth Theatre there, then ended up at the Drama Centre London.
Who/what is your inspirations?
If you’d asked me a few years ago, I would have said De Niro and Scorsese, but I think really it is people like Powell and Pressburger, Nicholas Roeg, Lindsay Anderson and Ken Russell who inspire me, and always have. I also have an admiration for Polanski’s films, one of the very first films I remember seeing was “Repulsion” when it was screened on television and it freaked me right out.
What is your favourite film?
At the moment, I would have to say it’s Ken Russell’s “The Boy Friend”. It was such a shock when he passed away, but I had managed to finally get the film on DVD the week before his passing. And it’s just as wonderfully spectacular as when I first watched it, what a genius. But there are so many films that I love, that I have a top 40 in my head every week. Though there are certain ones that always top the list and not necessarily everyone’s favourites.
How has the industry changed for Actors?
Since I joined the industry rather a lot has changed. When I first started there was a lot more opportunities and a lot more Drama was made for TV. But also there was a lot more Theatre Companies, we thought cuts were bad back then, but now it’s unbelievable. But on a positive note, technology has improved such that Artists can develop and produce their own independent work a lot easier than back then. And it’s possible for that work to be seen in different markets.
What are your opinions on reality TV?
Unfortunately, I think that it’s had a knock on effect in our industry and not just the fact that there’s not enough Drama being produced, but reality TV is very cheap for the Networks to produce and people seem to want to watch it. It’s a very sad time, as I think that when we look back at this period, we will think, where were the great British TV Drama Writers that we used to produce like Alan Bleasdale, Dennis Potter or Peter McDougall? The Networks should really pump more of the money they make from this cheap stuff into quality writing and drama, instead of squeezing the budgets. But we as Artists can’t rely on them anymore, we have to do it ourselves if we have a story to tell and find our own ways to distribute it.
What do you think of celebrity culture? What harm does it do?
Recently I was having a conversation with a Young Actor and we were chatting about the business and I mentioned that I’d worked with Simon Callow, the renowned Theatre Actor and Writer. He must have misheard me, as suddenly he shrieked in excitement “You know Simon Cowell!?!” I can forgive him for not knowing who Simon Callow is, but that reaction to the possibility that I could introduce him to Simon Cowell was deeply concerning. And I am seeing it more and more. Actors who manage to get themselves roles on Productions and the next step for them is a Celebrity Dance Show or the Jungle one. Shows where you have swallow things in order to gain more celebrity status. How ironic is that!? I think what this culture of celebrity has done has made some people very ignorant and obsessed with materialistic things. I think what will happen is when people think back to the noughties, no one will be remembered for any kind of Art or Music, the era will be remembered for the Wars that took place and the Banking Crisis. And just for the record, I don’t know Simon Cowell.
What next?
We are going to change things.
Links:
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0862907/
Official Website: http://web.mac.com/andytiernan/Andrew_Tiernan
Flush FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/Flush2012
Photo credit; Marac Kolodzinski