Restoration theatre was a revolution in itself, staged anywhere that was available – from disused tennis courts to ancestral family homes. In light of this, forward thinking theatre company Go People are bringing John Vanbrugh’s The Provoked Wife to intimate venues across London; and see they have an amazing opportunity to explore a revival of this idea, making new and unusual spaces our playground in the delivery of a brilliantly alternative theatrical experience. Their current bookings include both private and public performances happening in living rooms, member’s clubs, churches and hotels and run from 10th March – 23rd March.
The spring tour sets it’s main venue (for 4 nights) in the beautiful 1733 church building of St-Giles-in-the-Fields is a perfect setting in which to view this startling exploration of Restoration morality. The play is also being perfromed in Hoxtorn Holborn Hotel and Private Member’s club Home House.
Additionally, for the first time in history, The Ivy – famous for dining the media, celebrities, actors, directors and theatre goers themselves in it’s exclusive and luxurious setting – will be providing theatre in it’s own premises with Go People’s production. Tickets are available both for the public and for Ivy Club Members and dinner and drinks can be enjoyed in the Club before or after the performance.
Go People’s snappily-cut 90 minute production distills the best of playwright Vanbrugh’s 1697 original play, foregrounding the fabulously funny narrative whilst keeping his deliciously drawn characters firing on all cylinders. Sexy, silly and sumptuous, this contemporary interpretation of a restoration classic showcases the finest of London’s upcoming professional theatrical talent.
BBC young composer of the year 2012 Alex Woolf has written new incidental music for the piece and has also composed a number of original songs for the production’s musical moments.
Director Ollie Kaderbhai is the Artistic Director of theatre company :DELIRIUM. Credits include ‘Go to Your Grave Like a Soldier’ for the Old Vic Tunnels and ‘From Where I’m Standing’ for Pegasus Theatre. Ollie has a long-standing association with the Old Vic Theatre and has directed numerous projects on behalf the Kevin Spacey Foundation, both in the UK and internationally.
Designer Emily-Jane Swanson experience covers theatre, film and editorial. She was awarded the NSDF and Methuen Drama Emerging Artist Award for Design at Edinburgh Fringe and also runs a successful online fashion business, popular with celebrities as diverse as Caitlin Moran and Nikki Minaj.
About Go People:
Go People are a theatre company formed of three professional actors who first met at Cambridge University, aiming to bring under-appreciated or undiscovered plays – as well as talent – to the London theatre scene. They believe that theatre belongs equally to the people making it and the people who watch – and that this can happen anywhere, from a traditional theatre to a living room, church or hotel bar.
Go People make having a group of actors come to your home to perform solely for you and your guests an utterly unique reality, offering exclusive performances of plays for private parties and corporate events – the full theatre experience without having to leave the house!
The production company aim to recapture the fun and excitement, energy and surprise that private, live theatre can add to any occasion, whether you are planning a celebration for hundreds of people or an intimate soiree with close friends, Go People will work with you to create something truly magical and memorable.
Go People can tailor the event to suit your needs – you might like to select something from their extensive repertoire of modern plays and old favourites, or maybe you already have something particular in mind you would like them to adapt. And, what’s more, they can perform in any space you choose – from a spectacular garden to a cosy living room, every seat is top price quality – no more restricted views or struggling to hear every line!
Since becoming a household name with his star-making turn as the iconic Sherlock Holmes, Benedict Cumberbatch has notched up an astoundingly impressive resume of film and TV roles. Considered one of the greatest actors of his generation, he’s demonstrated a remarkable range, and gained a hugely loyal fanbase in the process. Often cited for having a startling aptitude for playing geniuses, his latest character is no exception, as he takes on the role of war hero Alan Turing. To celebrate the release of The Imitation Game we take a look back at some of his most memorable roles.
The Imitation Game (2014)
Based on the true story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, this historical biopic recounts the nail-biting race against time by Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Bletchley Park during World War II. The film spans key periods in Turing’s life, from his unhappy years at boarding school and the triumph of his secret work on the revolutionary electro-mechanical ‘Bombe’, which broke the Enigma code, to the tragedy of his post-war decline following his conviction for a now outdated criminal offence. Cumberbatch garnered multiple leading actor nominations for his astounding performance, including for an Academy Award, BAFTA and SAG.
12 Years A Slave (2013)
This multi-award winning historical biopic of Solomon Northup, the free black man from upstate New York who was abducted and sold into slavery, is regarded as a modern classic and won the Academy Award for Best Picture on its release. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Northup, with Cumberbatch taking the supporting role of William Ford, a benevolent but weak-willed plantation owner who is impressed by Northup’s innovative ideas for running his plantation, but ultimately sells him on to sadistic plantation owner Edwin Epps (MichaelFassbender).
August: Osage County (2013)
Based on the play by Tracy Letts, this darkly comic look at a family in turmoil boasts a star-studded cast, including Cumberbatch, Juliette Lewis, Meryl Street, Julia Roberts, Ewan Macgregor and Margo Martindale. Cumberbatch plays Little Charles, the shy, awkward son of Mattie Fae (Martindale), summoned home by his grandmother (Streep) after his grandfather (Sam Shepard) goes missing- with the ensuing crisis unearthing long-buried secrets and resentments.
Parade’s End (2012)
This BBC mini-series based on Ford Madox Ford’s novels was adapted for the screen by Tom Stoppard and garnered five Emmy nominations. Cumberbatch stars as the protagonist Christopher Tietjens, a conservative, deeply honourable English aristocrat who finds himself in a love triangle between his cruel, calculating socialite wife (RebeccaHall) and headstrong young suffragette Valentine Wannop (AdelaideClemens), all against the backdrop of WWI.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
This atmospheric spy drama based on John Le Carre’s novel boasts a star-studded cast which includes Cumberbatch alongside British acting stalwarts Gary Oldman, John Hurt, Colin Firth and Kathy Burke. Nominated for three Oscars, and winning three BAFTAs, it follows ex-spy George Smiley (Oldman) as he is forced out of retirement to investigate an allegation by rogue agent Ricki Tarr (Hardy) that there is a Soviet spy operating within MI6. Cumberbatch plays Peter Guillam, one of several agents who are under suspicion.
War Horse (2011)
Cumberbatch stars alongside Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson and Tom Hiddleston in this war epic based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, and directed by Steven Spielberg. The acclaimed drama follows young Albert Narracott (Irvine), separated from his beloved horse Joey when he is sold to the British cavalry and shipped to France. Albert enlists in WWI and embarks on a hopeful, heartbreaking journey to reunite with him, as the war rages on around them. Cumberbatch plays Major Jamie Stewart, leader of the cavalry company and a fellow soldier of Albert’s.
Third Star (2010)
This moving drama stars Cumberbatch as James, a terminally ill young man who embarks on an ill-advised trip with his three closest friends, Davy (TomBurke), Miles (JJ Feild) and Bill (Adam Robertson), to visit his favourite place on earth before he dies- Barafundle Bay in West Wales. As they make the trip, the bonds of their friendships are tested with comical, poignant results- and a wonderfully heartbreaking performance from Cumberbatch.
Sherlock (2010-2016)
Widely considered to be his breakout role, this BBC series created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss catapulted Cumberbatch into the mainstream, winning him legions of fans and launching him into the A-list. Taking on the titular role, he’s joined by an equally brilliant Martin Freeman as the consulting detective’s best friend and colleague, Dr John Watson, with supporting turns from Una Stubbs, Rupert Graves, Louise Brealey and Andrew Scott. Critically acclaimed and adored, Cumberbatch has won countless praise for his unique, fresh and pitch-perfect portrayal of the beloved literary character, and the show picked up three Emmys in 2014; leading actor for Cumberbatch, supporting actor for Freeman and writing for a miniseries for Moffat.
Atonement (2007)
This heartbreaking wartime drama based on Ian McEwan’s bestselling novel boasts a stellar cast, including Cumberbatch,KeiraKnightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan and Vanessa Redgrave. When the budding romance between Cecilia Tallis (Knightley) and Robbie Turner (McAvoy) is cut brutally short following a lie told by Bryony Tallis (Ronan), the repercussions span several decades. Cumberbatch provides a brilliant, deeply unsettling and sinister supporting turn as confectioner Paul Marshall, a guest of the Tallis family whose actions reverberate across the lives of the entire household…
Starter for Ten (2006)
Based on the novel by David Nicholls, this British comedy follows the trials and tribulations of student Brian Jackson (James McAvoy), a working class student in 1985 who finds himself navigating the campus of Bristol University, and attempting to impress the object of his affections, Alice (Alice Eve), while finally succeeding in his lifelong ambition to win University Challenge. Cumberbatch steals every scene he’s in, demonstrating a brilliant knack for comedy as the socially inept and uptight captain of the team, Patrick Watts.
The Imitation Game is available on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download from the 9th March 2015, courtesy of StudioCanal
British actress Keira Knightley has accumulated a hugely impressive resume in her 29 years, showing incredible skill and development as an actress, as well as breathtaking movie star looks. With a wonderful aptitude for period pieces, she has a particular talent for portraying brilliant, conflicted and nuanced women- and her depiction of brilliant cryptanalyst Joan Clarke in The Imitation Game, is no exception. To celebrate the home entertainment release of The Imitation Game, we count down some of her most memorable roles.
The Imitation Game (2015)
Based on the true story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, this historical biopic recounts the nail-biting race against time by Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Bletchley Park during World War II. The film spans key periods in Turing’s life, from his unhappy years at boarding school and the triumph of his secret work on the revolutionary electro-mechanical ‘Bombe’, which broke the Enigma code, to the tragedy of his post-war decline following his conviction for a now outdated criminal offence. Knightley provides a superb Oscar-nominated supporting turn as Joan Clarke, a fellow cryptanalyst, and Turing’s close friend and confidante.
Begin Again (2013)
Knightley shows off some impressive singing talents in this enchanting romantic musical drama, based on the hit musical Once. It follows the repercussions after down-and-out music executive Dan (Mark Ruffallo) chances upon young singer-songwriter Gretta (Knightley) at an open-mic night. Gretta, still reeling from the break up with her rock-star ex Dave (Adam Levine), agrees to collaborate with Dan on an album- recording each of the songs in a different location in Manhattan.
Anna Karenina (2012)
The third collaboration between director Joe Wright and Knightley, this adaptation of Tolstoy’s classic novel offered an experimental approach to the source material. Wright chose to set the majority of scenes were shot on a rundown theatre built from scratch in Shepperton. The various locations in the film, such as the train station, and horse stables, were actually built on top of the stage. Knightley takes the lead as the tragic heroine, opposite a stellar cast that includes Jude Law, Domhnall Gleeson, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emily Watson.
A Dangerous Method (2011)
Knightley takes on the daring role of Sabina Spielrein in this David Cronenberg- directed historical drama which focuses on the tense professional relationship between Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) and Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen), as well as Jung’s relationship with Spielrein. Knightley gives a brilliant, sensitive portrayal of the psychologically disturbed Spielrein, who eventually went on to become a talented and respected psychoanalyst in her own right.
Last Night (2010)
This little-known ensemble piece, directed by Massy Tadjedin and starring Keira Knightley, Sam Worthington, Eva Mendes and Guillaume Canet, offers a slow-burning and understated study on the nature of monogamy. Joanna (Knightley) and Michael Reed (Worthington) are seven years into a happy, stable marriage when he is sent on a business trip with a colleague he is fighting an attraction to (Mendes). That same evening, Joanna runs into an old flame and spends the evening considering how things might have been.
Never Let Me Go (2010)
This haunting, dystopian drama based on Kazuo Ishiguru’s novel of the same name stars Knightley alongside Andrew Garfield and Carey Mulligan, and recounts the lives of Ruth (Knightley), Kathy (Mulligan) and Tommy (Garfield), three friends who grow up together in an idyllic English boarding school. However, after they leave the school the horrific truth of their fate becomes apparent, and they are forced to confront the inevitable, while dealing with the ever-present love triangle hanging over them.
The Duchess (2008)
This biographical drama chronicles the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, played by Knightley. A celebrity of the time, Georgiana’s charm, kindness, activism and fashion bring her high regard everywhere she goes. But the oppressive restraints of her controlling husband (Ralph Fiennes) lead her into a passionate affair with the younger Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper) highlighting the stark, appalling differences in treatment between men and women in the aristocracy of the 18th century.
The Edge of Love (2008)
Written by Knightley’s mother, Sharman Macdonald, this historical drama is loosely based on real events, and focuses on the friendship between two married couples- the poet Dylan Thomas (Matthew Rhys) and his wife Caitlin Thomas (Sienna Miller) and Thomas’s old flame Vera Phillips (Knightley) and her husband William Cillick (Cillian Murphy). Both Knightley and Miller garnered rave reviews for their nuanced portrayals of two women whose genuine, close friendship was built on a fragile foundation of suppressed feelings and suspicion.
Atonement (2007)
This heartbreaking wartime drama based on Ian McEwan’s bestselling novel boasts a stellar cast, including Knightley, James McAvoy, Saiorse Ronan, Benedict Cumberbatch and Vanessa Redgrave. When the budding romance between Cecilia Tallis (Knightley) and Robbie Turner (McAvoy) is cut brutally short following a lie told by Bryony Tallis (Ronan), the repercussions span several decades. Knightley provides a masterfully reserved and heartbreaking turn as the stoic Cecilia, and Wright’s tackling of the novel’s twist ending is a particular masterstroke.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Joe Wright’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s most famous work earned him a BAFTA for most promising newcomer and follows the trials and tribulations of the five Bennett sisters after two eligible bachelors move into town- Mr Darcy (Matthew MacFayden) and Mr Bingley (Simon Woods). Wright was famously reluctant to cast Knightley in the lead role of Elizabeth Bennett, deeming her ‘too attractive’… until he met her, and realised her tomboyish attitude was ideal for the role. Knightley provides a brilliantly fresh portrayal of a beloved literary character, which led to her first Academy Award nomination.
The Imitation Game, arrives on Blu-ray™, DVD and digital platforms on 9th March 2015, courtesy of StudioCanal
For World Book Day we have the Top 50 books every child should read. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has topped the list of 50 books which every child should read by the age of 16.
The study of 2,000 reading enthusiasts was created to determine the ultimate list of the top 50 books that should be on every child’s reading list, encouraging bedtime reading for British families.
The research, commissioned by Sainsbury’s to celebrate World Book Day, found C.S. Lewis’ adventures in Narnia are no less thrilling today – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe finished third in the list of 50 books, while Winnie the Pooh and Black Beauty rounded off the top five.
The research also surveyed parents of children aged under 16 and found a good story really is timeless, results showed – six in ten parents still like to read stories to their children that their own parents once read to them as a little one.
Perhaps it’s no surprise then that 72 per cent of parents said bedtime reading is one of the most key bonding experiences with their child.
Tony Robinson, actor, comedian and author, who worked with Sainsbury’s on the campaign, added: “The response from parents and the lengths they go to in bringing these stories to their children as vividly as possible is amazing.
“It shows that the power of make believe is so important in the development of a child and a key role in parents bonding with their young ones.”
To celebrate the nation’s week of reading, Sainsbury’s is encouraging children to read more by exploring the world of books and dress up as their favourite fictional characters. Sainsburys.co.uk will be hosting in-store ‘Make Believe’ events nationwide, to support the nation’s reading week complete with reading corners and activities to encourage children to read more and inspire parents to get involved.
Whether it is a birthday, engagement, wedding, or corporate event, there are certain factors that need to be considered when planning the perfect event. As well as the obvious things such as food and venue, there are some not-so-obvious considerations to make sure your event goes with a swing.
Planning and research
First of all, brainstorm! Create an event wish-list to record your first ideas. Then you can establish your budget – this depends on the size of the event and its purpose. When you have an idea of the size of the event, get a team on board to help you; choose people with different skills, contacts, and areas of knowledge. Make a list of guests or attendees. Decide on a date for your event, or narrow it down to several dates – you should have a contingency plan in case the venue you want is unavailable on a certain date. Consider whether any special permits will be required from governing bodies. Send “Save the Date” notices if you want to invite guests more than eight weeks in advance; make a note of those that RSVP.
Choosing a dynamic theme
Consider involving an event design team for an event with a difference. You could style your event on a fashion show, sophisticated wine bar, hip nightclub, Hard Rock Café, theatre, award ceremony, circus or show with acrobatics. If you have ambitious plans, you may need some advice from experts.
Lighting and technical effects can make all the difference. Consider custom theme décor, sound, music, a DJ, and special effects to create mood and atmosphere. You could have strobe lighting, projected images, spotlights, neon lights, or lasers; or maybe your event calls for intimate lighting or candlelight.
Decorating the venue
Room and table decorations will really set the scene – consider wall hangings, furnishings and drapes, and chandeliers. Decide on the dress code and make a plan for food and drinks. Think about entertainment or professional speakers, and don’t forget to plan how you will photograph or film the event.
Advertising your event
Promote and advertise your event; create an event website to include details of agenda, location and ticket purchase. Post links on social media sites, advertise and contact the press. Keep attendees engaged by posting updates on social media.
The run-up to the event
Send out invitations eight weeks before the event and keep a list of replies. Set a schedule and delegate; establish deadlines. What equipment will you need, and can you hire it? Get quotes, ask for recommendations, and obtain samples. You need to finalize catering arrangements, music or entertainment for your guests, event staff such as bartenders and waiting staff, volunteers to guide guests, florists, gifts and favors, tables and chairs, officiants (priests, rabbis, etc.). Consider name badges or passes, and how to manage the attendee list.
Finally, don’t forget to plan how you will clean up afterwards, get the venue back to how it was before, and return the hired equipment. You will also need to send out thank you messages. You can then post photos and videos of your event on your website. With so much to think about, detailed checklists and being able to rely on your team of helpers will really help you keep on top of things.
Release date: 23 March 2015 Lead Tracks:
Lost Talent
Only Listen
Two Feet in a Crowd
Formed in Bristol in 2013, melodic hardcore/punk band Milo’s Planes began as a duo of Joe Sherrin (guitar, vocals and bass) and Harry Sherrin (drums and backing vocals). After recording their first album they were joined by Charlie Horne (bass and backing vocals) who was a natural fit, sharing a love of Wire, Fugazi, Leatherface, Lync, Rites of Spring, early Modest Mouse and Pavement.
Priding themselves on their DIY approach to their music, the trio record and produce all their tracks themselves on a sixteen track in Harry’s bedroom.
Joe’s guitar playing is influenced heavily by the nineties emo/post hardcore band Lync; he uses a off-beat tunings as a means to create interesting chords.
The band have earned support slots for Eagulls, Skaters, Traams, Electric Eel Shock and their hero Mike Watt, who made a cameo appearance in their music video for ‘Two Feet In a Crowd’.
‘Aural Palate Cleaning Exercises’ has been a labour of love with Joe spending months re-ordering track listings, carefully editing exact track lengths, dropping songs and adding piano interludes/snippets of radio samples to make it flow as one complete piece.
Of the subject matter, Joe says largely focuses on his experiences within soul destroying, bureaucratic admin jobs and the seemingly endless supply of bizarrely ordinary characters that can only be found within these roles. He explains “A large part of the fun I have writing lyrics is studying the mundane to the point where tiny details can be unearthed, exposed as real concerns and then exaggerated upon maniacally as a way for me to express the true feelings of frantic despair I feel sitting at a desk for 8 hours of my day. Being pretentious I would say a running theme of the album is using language as a means to disguise tiny, nit-picky & personal matters as universally angry subjects worth shouting about.”
In between ‘A Letter In Confidence’ and ‘Interlude 2’ is a hidden track; a shortened acoustic version of an earlier track – this was a concious effort to end the album in what Joe describes as a “dissonance of feedback which quickly resolves into something pretty & melancholy, with the album’s final words (“I have good intentions, but I never know why”) a statement intended to summarize the whole album.”
The brief was to get myself to Trafalgar Square at 11:45 on Friday 27th February, find the 8’ high teapot and share a cup of Rosie Lee with former Dragon’s Den star, Theo Paphitis and some of his celebrity friends, all in the name of Comic Relief’s bi-annual Red Nose Day being held on Friday 13th March 2015.
On what was possibly the warmest day of the year so far, a crowd gathered, donning red noses, handed out by a pair of bananas… well, two bubbly members of Ryman staff dressed as bananas, mingling and giggling in the bright sunshine – I lost count of the number of selfies that were being taken around me, celebrities and the public posing together, all in the name of the Comic Relief charity. Matt Cardle, Lauren Goodger, Jake Wood, Helen Lederer, Nick Moran and Paul Bradley graciously took time out to raise awareness for Comic Relief and Red Nose Day 2015. Theo brought along the Boux Avenue Range Rover, all blinged-up, surrounded by a bevvy of TOWIE fans just itching to lick the bonnet.
Born-organiser and self-confessed shopkeeper,Theo Paphitis, shepherded his celebrity friends and warmly invited the public to grab a cup of tea (courtesy of PG Tips, served by www.coopersbeansandleaves.com from their quirky little three wheeled mobile coffee van) and chat … and chat we did.
Jake Wood (aka Max Branning – EastEnders) told me about his time on Strictly Come Dancing – a sharp learning curve when you’ve never danced before, but under the wing of professional dancer, Janette Manrara, Jake proved that he has a natural talent for Ballroom and Latin dancing – borne out through many spectacular hip-gyrating Salsas and Rumbas, taking him through to the nail-biting #SCD semi-finals. Jake explained to me that he is now mentoring Anna Kennedy, a mother from Uxbridge who set up schools and support for people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and will be a contestant on a very special edition of the hit BBC series Strictly Come Dancing.
Mrs Kennedy, 54, set up Hillingdon Manor School in Harlington Road in 1999 after struggling to find suitable education for her two autistic sons and will partner Robin Windsor on the BBC 1 show, mentored by Jake and Janette. Anna, who has received an OBE for services to special needs education, will be one of six ‘everyday heroes’ taking part in The People’s Strictly for Comic Relief. The five-part series will see all the regular Strictly faces, including judges Anton du Beke, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman, and hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Jake paid tribute to the BBC, explaining the behind-the-scenes activities that go into putting a series together, along with intense training and the rush of adrenaline when performing, the format is unlike any other. I asked if he is going to continue dancing and he answered “My children loved seeing me dance in Strictly and I think they’d have something to say if I stopped now!”
When the kettle came off the boil and the teapot ran dry, we moved inside to the Trafalgar Hotel where I sat down with Theo Paphitis, Chairman of Ryman, Chairman and Owner of Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue, also sitting on the Commercial and Technology board for Comic Relief.
CDTT: Thank you for the interview, Theo! So, tell me, how did #TeaWithTheo come about?
TP: Well, I’m a director of Comic Relief, for a start, I’ve been involved with them for many years, I’ve been to many of the projects around the world that we fund to see where the money is spent that the great British public donate to and that it’s spent properly and well. I’ve been involved with it with my businesses for a number of years, both Ryman and Robert Dyas, both convenience shops involved with our communities so there’s real great enthusiasm in those six weeks leading up to Comic Relief where it gives our colleagues the opportunity to interact with our customers, have a bit of fun, be a bit silly, come off the tracks a little bit and come away from the mundane part of life and raise millions and millions of pounds, which we do every year for the charity, and help others, so it really is win-win all round.
CDTT: A great collaboration Theo, as you say, win-win. You mentioned Boux Avenue, this is a brand that’s relatively new to me.
TP: Where do you live?
CDTT: Norwich.
TP: Ah, we have a shop in Norwich, in Chapelfield. Really, Boux Avenue was probably the biggest single reason I stopped Dragon’s Den… that, and Robert Dyas, because I started Boux Avenue. And when we started Boux Avenue, we took a clean piece of paper and I said if I wanted to create an international lingerie company and I’ve got nothing at the moment, how would it be? So we designed a shop, opened a few shops to test it, created and designed the product, and we’ve been going for three years now. We’ve got 25 stores in the UK, 10 overseas already, we’re now turning over a lot of money as a business, it’s become an international brand and it’s taken a lot of my time with a lot of people involved, an international team and we’re very excited about it. In the middle of a recession, we started a retail business aimed at an international market…
CDTT: …and it worked.
TP: And it worked.
CDTT: You did an interview back in 2011 and quoted that you were going on the search for ‘Boux’, did you find her?
TP: Boux… a little French woman we met on a family holiday in Monaco, she was cute and lovely and epitomised what we had in mind for the brand.
CDTT: Well, Shane and I are going to Monaco this year, so we’ll look out for her! With my fashion editor hat on now, your style and dress sense is very elegant… do you have a stylist or does Mrs P choose your clothes?
TP: I have had a stylist for a programme I appeared on, but I dress myself – Man at Dunhill!
CDTT: (Both laugh) And do you have any acquisitions or business opportunities in the pipeline that you can tell me about?
TP: Well, Boux Avenue is growing internationally, any day now I’m going to sign a contract on another large international deal which we’ll probably announce within the next ten days, Robert Dyas is growing, Ryman is growing, we’re always on the look out for other things. We’ve had a great Christmas, a great retail year, and we’re all passionate about what we do, we all love shop-keeping, if you look on my Twitter, I’m the ‘shopkeeper’, that’s what I do. I’d give up television and everything else, but I couldn’t give up shop-keeping.
CDTT: So the reason you left Dragons Den was because the new businesses were in their infancy and you needed to give more time to ‘shop-keeping’.
TP: Yes, and Boux had launched, I risked a lot of money in that, I had to get that right and also it wasn’t fair to everybody else, my diary was becoming rubbish and the filming weeks made things very tight. I had such a marvellous time (on Dragons Den) and the BBC get knocked and knocked and knocked but actually, as I learnt about television and learnt how brilliant the BBC are, I became more appreciative of what they do… people don’t realise how good they are. So I had a wonderful time in my eight years on Dragon’s Den and it was a wrench to leave, it really was a wrench.
CDTT: I think the public miss you not being there sitting next to Peter.
TP: Well, Deborah (Meaden) has my seat now but the BBC were very generous giving me a year off television to get my businesses established and they kindly backed me, and a year to the day, they called and offered me a slot on The One Show, which is great fun. I’m back into the swing of things now that Boux is established, and Robert Dyas has gone from a difficult loss-making business to a very profitable business. So what’s new? I’ll tell you what’s new, I’m back on TV, that’s what’s new.
CDTT: So, to round things off, the person that really makes me laugh is Lee Evans, he hits my comedy button, who hits yours?
TP: Morecambe and Wise always made me laugh, David Jason, but now… and Mrs P is really going to slap me for saying this, Lemon, Keith Lemon! He cracks me up!
CDTT: And who is Mrs P’s favourite?
TP: Miranda! Miranda actually said “Theo Paphitis is my fantasy man” in one episode… my Twitter feed went mad (laughing).
CDTT: Thank you so much Theo, a fabulous interview!
TP: Lovely to meet you, enjoy your cruise and Monaco… and if you see Boux, say hello!
After the interview, I came to the conclusion this successful entrepreneur really does have a USP … a ‘Unique Spirited Person’ with a nose for business and an eye for the opportunity – plus he makes a jolly good cup of builders slosh!
Watch the Snotty Professor teapot being eased into place!
Time for tea with Theo and his celebrity friends:
Matt Cardle
Appearing at Wrexposure Music Festival on 4th April 2015 – www.wrexposure.com/
@LaurenGoodger – www.laurensway.com – promoting her range of tan, lip, hair and eyelash products, wearing a camel–coloured coat from Cherry Drop Clothing:
Best known playing Nigel Bates EastEnders, now Elliot Hope in Holby City
Helen Lederer
Losing It is the hilarious debut from Helen Lederer, one of the UK’s favourite comediennes, a ‘mid-lit’ book (apparently somewhere between chick-lit and grey-lit!)
Nick Moran
Appearing in ‘Twelve Angry Men’ at the Garrick Theatre, London, until March 15;nimaxtheatres.com/Garrick
OWN YOUR OWN RED NOSE DAY TEAPOT!
The porcelain Red Nose Day teapot featuring the Snotty Professor costs £4.99 from Robert Dyas or from the online shop, with at least £2.25 from each sale going to Comic Relief.
Through his appearances on Dragons’ Den, Theo has advised many young entrepreneurs and invested in several innovative businesses and brands. The Paphitis Charitable Trust distributes all of his fees from TV appearances, speeches and his book to causes close to his heart and charities associated with children. In early 2009 Theo was appointed patron for Skillsmart Retail, the Sector Skills Council for Retail, which is committed to driving up skills levels in the industry. His special areas of responsibility are as the Retail Apprentices’ Champion and for the new National Skills Academy for Retail. In summer 2009 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Middlesex. Theo lives in Surrey with his wife Debbie. They have five children and three grandchildren.
Ryman – www.ryman.co.uk
Ryman is a UK stationery retail company with over 230 outlets nationwide in the UK. The website and stores provide a wide range of stationery and office supplies for homes and businesses. Theo acquired Ryman in 1995. He introduced the Ryman Direct mail ordercatalogue in 1996, the Ryman website in 1998 and has turned Ryman into a successful and profitable business comprising 232 stores with a turnover of more than £120m.
Robert Dyas – www.robertdyas.co.uk
Robert Dyas is a UK retailer founded in London in 1872. The website and stores provide ranges of housewares, small electrical appliances, gardening products, kitchenwares, DIY, and consumer electronics throughout 96 stores, mainly in Greater London and South East England.
Boux Avenue – www.bouxavenue.com
Boux Avenue Ltd. is a chain of lingerie stores based in the United Kingdom. Boux Avenue launched in the spring of 2011 initially opening six stores across the United Kingdom. All the stores are located in shopping centres across the region, including Bluewater (Kent), Lakeside (Essex), St. Davids (Cardiff), Trafford Centre (Manchester), Meadowhall Centre (Sheffield) and Buchanan Galleries (Glasgow). In March 2012, a seventh store in Birmingham’s Bullring opened. In September 2014, an eighth store opened in Brighton’s Churchill Square shopping centre. The store boasts an original selling layout for the UK shopper by displaying the majority of its products in drawers as opposed to hanging rails and stands.
www.coopersbeansandleaves.com
With their quirky little three wheeled mobile coffee van, Coopers Beans and Leaves brings you high quality gourmet coffees including Lattes, Cappuccinos, Americanos, to name but a few, also offering a large range of Organic Fairtrade Clipper Teas, (always adding to the range), the “best” hot chocolate, Chai, Lynch’s Hot Apple & Schmoo Milkshakes, along with a delicious selection of home-made cakes and goodies. #TeaWithTheo event images courtesy Shane Finn www.visual-devotion.co.uk@VisualDevotion
We are huge fans of Chris Evans, Michelle Monaghan & Aubrey Plaza at Frost, so you can imagine our excitement for new offbeat romantic comedy Playing it Cool.
Playing it Cool is this generation’s ‘Swingers’ meets ‘500 Days of Summer’, a fresh and quirky story of a slight pretentious man, our ‘narrator’ (Evans), who falls for an unlikely girl, ‘her’ (Monaghan), and will stop at nothing to get her even after realizing she is already in a relationship. Like a young ‘Walter Mitty’, it tells the story of a quarter-life crisis amidst figuring out who you are and what your destiny holds.
In Playing it Cool unrequited love motivates a guy to write about his experiences…
Directed by Justin Reardon, Playing it Cool is from a screenplay by Chris Shafer and Paul Vicknair, from Wonderland Sound & Vision and Voltage Films.
Playing it Cool will be available on VOD from March 2nd 2015.
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, arrives on Blu-ray™, DVD and digital platforms on 9th March 2015, courtesy of StudioCanal
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