Performance Details: Phineas And Ferb: Elementary, My Dear Stacy

Project type: Television series episode (animated)

Synopsis: Phineas Flynn and his stepbrother, Ferb Fletcher, set out to conquer boredom and make every day of their 104-day summer vacation count. This involves such shenanigans as building a backyard beach, becoming one-hit wonders and creating a new hybrid season dubbed “S'Winter.” Their older sister, Candace, takes it upon herself to get the boys in trouble, but the proof she needs always mysteriously disappears by the time Mom arrives on the scene to come and see her brothers' antics. Meanwhile, the family's pet Perry the Platypus leads a secret life as suave Agent P, deftly battling the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz to save the Tri-State area. In this episode (the tenth episode of the second season), Candace takes along her friend Stacy when the family visits the grandparents in London, England. The two girls use their newfound sleuthing skills to try and bust Phineas and Ferb, who are up to their (un)usual antics. Meanwhile, Perry is teamed up with his British counterpart, Agent Double 0-0 of Her Majesty's Secret Service, to thwart a plot by Dr. Doofenshmirtz to steal Big Ben.

Chronology: Produced in late 2008 or early 2009. Presented on the Disney DX channel in the US on February 28, 2009, and online at DisneyXD.com beginning March 1, 2009. Presented on the Disney Channel in the UK on April 13, 2009. Presented on the Disney Channel in the US on May 15, 2009.

Principal Cast & Crew: Dee Bradley Baker as Perry the Platypus; Jane Carr as Grandma Fletcher; Kelly Hu as Stacy Hirano; Jane Leeves as Inspector Initials; Damian Lewis as Agent Double 0-0; Jeff 'Swampy' Marsh as Major Monogram; Vincent Martella as Phineas Flynn; Malcolm McDowell as Grandpa Fletcher; Richard O'Brien as Dad / Lawrence Fletcher; Dan Povenmire as Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz; Caroline Rhea as Mom / Linda Flynn-Fletcher; Thomas Sangster as Ferb Fletcher; Ashley Tisdale as Candace Flynn; _____ as Auto Spares Shopkeeper; Story by Jon Colton Barry; Written and Storyboarded by Antoine Guilbaud and Kim Roberson; Directed by Zac Moncrief.

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Performance Details: Pillars Of The Community

Project type: Stage play

Synopsis: The story centres around two old friends and a fifteen-year-old scandal that has driven one, Johan Tonnesen, to America while the other, Karsten Bernick, has become the cornerstone of his community and a successful businessman. When the banished friend returns, the whole town is mortified, and the families threatened with condemnation and ruin. Calamity strikes when Bernick's business prowess and pristine reputation are threatened by the revelation of a long-buried secret. Desperate to dodge exposure in the kowtowing local community, Bernick devises a pitiless plan which, by a shocking twist of fate, risks the one life he holds dear. The National marks the centenary of Ibsen's death with a vital new version of this rarely performed thriller, set amid a society struggling against the rush of capitalism, the lure of America and the passionate beginnings of the fight for female emancipation.

Chronology: This London stage production officially opened at the National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre on November 1, 2005, and continued through February 4, 2006. Previews began on October 21, 2005.

Awards & Nominations:

This production received the following award:

This production received the following nominations:

Principal Cast & Crew: Geraldine Alexander as Betty Bernick; Cornelius Booth as Sandstad; Brid Brennan as Marta Bernick; Michelle Dockery as Dina Dorf; Michael Gould as Knap; Annabel Leventon as Mrs. Rummel; Damian Lewis as Karsten Bernick; Lesley Manville as Lona Hessel; Tom Marshall as Vigeland; Pamela Merrick as Mrs. Lynge; Joseph Millson as Johan Tonnesen; Simon Molloy as Rummel; Paul Moriarty as Aune; Justin Salinger as Hilmar Tonnesen; Jennifer Scott-Malden as Netta; Jack Stanley as Olaf (some performances); Una Stubbs as Mrs. Holt; Michael Thomas as Rorlund; Kirsty Wood as Hilda; Hugh Wyld as Olaf (some performances); with David Baron, Ita O'Brien, Nathan Rimell; Directed by Marianne Elliott. Adaptation Written by Samuel Adamson, based on the original play by Henrik Ibsen.

Links:

Two videos of this production, taped at the National Theatre's Lyttleton Theatre on November 1, 2005, and November 23, 2005, are available for viewing at the National Theatre Archive, Salisbury House, Kennington Park, Brixton Road, London. (Archive will move to a new premises in 2007.) Appointments are recommended, and the video is available only for on-site viewing. It is not available for loan, rental, duplication or purchase. For information, visit this link.

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Performance Details: The Pirates Of Penzance

Project type: Stage play

Synopsis: In The Pirates of Penzance, Frederic was as a child apprenticed to a band of tenderhearted, orphaned pirates by his nurse who, being hard of hearing, had mistaken her master's instructions to apprentice the boy to a pilot. Frederic, upon completing his 21st year, rejoices that he has fulfilled his indentures and is now free to return to respectable society. But it turns out that he was born on February 29 in leap year, and he remains apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st "birthday". By the end of the opera, the pirates, a Major General who knows nothing of military strategy, his large family of beautiful but unwed daughters, and the timid constabulary all contribute to a cacophony that can be silenced only by Queen Victoria's name.

Chronology: The very first production in which Damian appeared, this play was performed at Ashdown House School, Sussex, probably approximately 1979-80.

Principal Cast & Crew: Damian Lewis as a Policeman; other cast members unidentified; Written by Sir William Schwenck Gilbert and Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan.

Links:

Scene-by-Scene Synopsis:

Act 1: The scene -- A rocky seashore on the coast of Cornwall. As the curtain rises groups of pirates are discovered drinking and playing cards. Samuel, the Pirate Lieutenant, goes from one group to another filling the cups. Frederic, an apprentice pirate, is seated in a despondent attitude. Ruth kneels at his feet.

With the closing notes of this chorus, the Pirate King congratulates his apprentice Frederic on his successful grasp of the profession of piracy. Frederic replies that he has done his best for the pirate band simply because it was his duty, and he is "the slave of duty." He says that, when he was apprenticed to the pirates, it was entirely through an error an error that he refuses to divulge because it would reflect on Ruth.

The latter, however, tells the story. As a stupid nursery maid, she had apprenticed Frederic to a pirate instead of to a pilot. When she has finished this disclosure, Ruth is comforted by Frederic. He tells the pirates of the dilemma he is in-for, though loving them all individually he is such a slave of duty, that as soon as his apprenticeship is up, he feels that he must devote himself to the extermination of them as a band.

The pirates bemoan the fact that they don't seem to be able to make piracy pay. Frederic says that he knows why, and the Pirate King reminds him that -- as he is not free from his indentures till 12 o'clock he must tell them the fault that he sees. Frederic tells them that they are too tender hearted with their foes, particularly when they happen to be orphans. (The pirates themselves are all orphans.) Thus, the word has gone around, and everyone they attempt to pillage says that he is an orphan.

Ruth comes forward and asks what is to become of her. The Pirate King says that of course Frederic will take her with him when he leaves. An amusing argument ensues. Frederic contends that -- as he has never seen another woman -- he does not know whether Ruth is good looking or not. Ruth assures him that she is. As Frederic leans toward letting her stay with the pirate band, they endeavor to coax him to take her. Samuel says -- "Yes there are the remains of a very fine woman about Ruth." She is handed backward and forward, first to the Pirate King, then to Frederic, until she finally remains with the latter. He, in bidding the pirates good-bye, seeks to have them renounce their trade. The Pirate King refuses.

The Pirate King, Samuel, and all the pirates except Frederic and Ruth leave the stage. Ruth begs Frederic to allow her to stay with him. He questions her regarding her appearance, asking her to tell him quite frankly whether or not she is beautiful. She says that she would be deceiving him if she told him otherwise.

At this moment a chorus of girls is heard in the distance. Frederic springs to the top of a rock to see who is approaching. He sees "by all that's marvelous, a bevy of beautiful maidens!" Ruth realizes that her deception has been discovered. Frederic turns upon her bitterly for lying to him about her pulchritude. He renounces her, and she leaves in despair. Frederic hides as the girls approach, singing.

Kate, Edith, Isabel, and all the other girls who have now arrived on the scene are entranced with the beauty and apparent seclusion of this seaside spot. They mention the fact that their father, because of his age, has been left far behind. ... But Isabel says, "Oh, he will be here presently."

The girls now decide to go in wading, and are in the act of taking off their shoes and stockings, when Frederic comes forward from the cave. He admits he is a pirate and none of the girls will marry him to reform him except, finally, Mabel, daughter of a major-general. Frederic and Mabel make love, the other girls pretending not to notice.

The pirates enter stealthily, and each embraces a girl for his bride. At this point Major-General Stanley enters, identifies himself, and protests the union of his daughter and his wards with a band of pirates. After Major-General Stanley has introduced himself to the Pirates, he demands an explanation of what is transpiring. Samuel tells him that they intend to marry his daughters.

The General does not recognize their uniform, and is startled to learn that they are the famous Pirates of Penzance. He says that he objects to pirates as sons-in-law.... And the Pirate King -- in turn -- retorts that they object to Major-Generals as fathers-in-law, but they'll waive the objection.

Then the Major-General has an idea. He tells the pirates that he is an orphan, and asks them if they know what it means to be an orphan. The pirates are much disgusted seeing their prey slip through their fingers in this fashion. (They are partial to orphans -- you know -- because they are all orphans themselves.)

There is an argument between the Pirate King and the General over a misunderstanding as they confuse the words "often" and "orphan". Then the Major-General addresses the pirates explaining the situation in detail, and winning permission to depart with his wards from the pirates' haven.

Act 2: The scene -- A ruined chapel by moonlight on the estate of Major-General Stanley. Crumbling pillars and arches at the sides. Ruined Gothic windows at back. General Stanley is discovered seated pensively at the right, surrounded by his daughters; presently Mabel and Frederic join them. Mabel asks Frederic if he cannot in any way comfort her father. Frederic asks the General why he sits "in this draughty old ruin." The reply is that he has come to humble himself before the tombs of his ancestors in atonement for the lie he told the pirates -- for he is not an orphan.

Frederic reminds him that he only just purchased this estate, wondering how he can refer to those buried on it as "his ancestors." The General answers that he does not know whose ancestors they are, but that he feels he is their descendant "by purchase." Frederic endeavors to console him, but is unsuccessful.

The General learns that Frederic will lead an expedition against the pirates at eleven o'clock that night. He inquires if Frederic's followers have arrived. ... And the latter replies -- "They are; they only await my orders." So, the General expresses the desire to give them his blessing, but even in spite of it, they show great reluctance to leave. Mabel tears herself from Frederic and departs, followed by her sisters, who try to console her. The General follows the police.

Frederic remains alone and sits musing on his fate until interrupted by the appearance of the Pirate King and Ruth at a window. Instead of shooting him they explain that he is still bound to them, because having been born on February 29, he has only served five, and not twenty-one years of his contract -- counting only birthdays, of course. This situation seems to amuse all three to an extraordinary degree. Frederic exclaims that, on that basis, he must go with them . . . for "at any cost, I will do my duty."

Then, he is suddenly reminded that as a member of the pirate band, he must now divulge the truth about General Stanley. So he tells the Pirate King that the General only used the orphan story as a ruse to save himself and his daughters. ... "General Stanley is no orphan," he says. "More than that, he never was one!" Upon this disclosure the Pirate King announces that his vengeance on General Stanley will be swift and sure. He and his pirates will attack the General's castle that very night. Frederic tries to plead with him -- but in vain.

Ruth and the Pirate King depart, and Mabel enters, finding Frederic alone. He is determined to rejoin the pirates, and despite her pleading, says farewell after promising to return for her in 1940, if he lives. Mabel, left alone, decides to be as dutiful as her lover and she addresses the Sergeant of police telling him how Frederic, who was to have led the police against the pirates, has once more joined his old associates. She says that she loves him all the more for his heroic sacrifice to duty. But, he has made himself her foe ... so she will do her duty, and regard him in that light. She bids the police do theirs ... and departs. The policemen do not understand the situation. But, their "course is clear." They must capture the pirates. The Sergeant bemoans their daily task of depriving erring fellow-creatures of liberty.

The Pirates are heard approaching, singing gaily, and the police conceal themselves. Frederic peers through a keyhole at the General, who evidently suspects something is afoot. Mabel and all the general's daughters enter curious to know why he is up so late.

The Pirates and police struggle, the former winning. The General is promised swift death for his "orphan" lie, but when it is disclosed that the Pirates themselves are not orphans but noblemen gone wrong, everyone forgives everyone else and the ex-pirates win the girls after all.

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Performance Details: Poirot: Hickory Dickory Dock

Project type: Television series episode

Synopsis: Hercule Poirot plays cat-and-mouse with a killer who's stalking the residents of a student hostel. The place has been plagued by a series of peculiar thefts: a knapsack, a stethoscope, a box of boracic powder, and light bulbs. When one of the students and then the hostel owner turn up dead, Poirot has more serious crimes to solve. Poirot has a number of plots and sub-plots to untangle, including smuggling and political manipulations. A certain mouse is the only witness to a string of murders and it also features at the climax. Meanwhile, Poirot invites Japp to stay with him while Mrs. Japp is away. Hastings is also off on his travels, and the dim police inspector vies with Poirot over the cooking.

Chronology: Probably in production during the latter half of 1994. UK television premiere of this two-hour episode (the 48th episode of the series) on ITV 1 on February 12, 1995. Presented on television (network unknown) in France on February 12, 1995. US television premiere of this episode on PBS on November 16, 1995, in two parts with the second part shown on November 23, 1995. Rebroadcast in the US on PBS in one night on August 10, 2000. Released on region 2 DVD in the UK on July 14, 2003. Released on region 1 DVD in the US on February 5, 2002. Presented on television (network unknown) in Italy on January 1, 2003.

Principal Cast & Crew: Sarah Badel as Mrs. Hubbard; Rachel Bell as Mrs. Nicoletis; David Burke as Sir Arthur Stanley; Jonathan Firth as Nigel Chapman; Philip Jackson as Chief Inspector James Japp; Paris Jefferson as Sally Finch; Polly Kemp as Patricia Lane; Damian Lewis as Leonard Bateson; Alec Linstead as Pharmacist; Jessica Lloyd as Celia Austin; Bernard Lloyd as Mr. Endicott; Gilbert Martin as Colin McNabb; Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon; Elinor Morriston as Valerie Nobhouse; Granville Saxton as Mr. Casterman; David Suchet as Hercule Poirot; Directed by Andrew Grieve; Screenplay Written by Anthony Horowitz; Original Story Written by Agatha Christie.

Links:

Scene-by-Scene Synopsis:

Part 1: A series of mysterious thefts -- a bracelet, a cookbook, a stethoscope and now a knapsack containing hidden diamonds -- brings Poirot to a student hostel in London. Celia Austin, a student, witnesses the theft of the knapsack, sees the thief cut it open, take diamonds out of the lining, and give them to the hostel owner, Mrs. Nicoletis. Shortly after alerting her fellow residents that she has urged the thief to come forward, Celia is found murdered. When Mrs. Nicoletis later confesses to Poirot that she knows who murdered Celia, she too is found murdered, leaving an unlikely tenant -- a mouse -- the only witness to both murders.

Part 2: Poirot is faced with two crimes to solve on Hickory Road: smuggling and murder. The Hickory Road student hostel residents soon begin to point fingers at each other -- and the body count continues to rise. It takes a hostel outsider, Sir Arthur Stanley, to point Poirot to the real killer -- a young man with a history so dark, he would go to any lengths to conceal it.

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Performance Details: Posh & Becks' Big Impression

Project type: Television special

Synopsis: This "mockumentary" follows Victoria "Posh" and David "Becks" Beckam as they chart an extraordinary year in their lives. From Beckingham Palace to the US, David and Victoria's efforts to attain universal domination are thwarted by an international array of A-listers. Leaving "En-ger-land" for Spain isn't easy for the Golden Couple. Celebrities from across the showbiz spectrum give their verdict on the Posh & Becks transfer. While Becks does his "football thing," Victoria turns to Simon Fuller to launch her hip-hop career. But Fuller has other plans. ... Can they survive the pressure of being "bigger than cheeses"? Will David find "please don't through that boot at me, boss" in his phrase book? And how will Posh react to going from a size 6 to a European 34 -- overnight? Back home, footballers and celebrities share their views on the rise of Global Beckhamisation.

Chronology: In production from October 2003 through November 2003. Damian's performance in the special was filmed on November 18, 2003, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in the UK. UK television premiere on BBC 1 on December 25, 2003. Released on region 2 DVD in the UK on July 19, 2004.

Principal Cast & Crew: Ronni Ancona as various characters; Damian Lewis as Simon Fuller; Alistair McGowan as various characters; Directed by Tony Dow; Written by Alistair McGowan, Ronni Ancona, Alan Francis, Dan Maier, Simon Blackwell, Duncan Wisbey.

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Performance Details: Princess Ida

Project type: Stage play

Synopsis: Prince Hilarion had been married in babyhood to Princess Ida, daughter of King Gama. The Princess, however, has set up a college for women from which all men are barred. Hilarion and his friends infiltrate the castle and ultimately the men, led by Hilarion's father, King Hildebrand, stage a full-scale invasion. Ida is abandoned by her women and finally surrenders to her Prince.

Chronology: Performed at Ashdown House School in 1982.

Principal Cast & Crew: Damian Lewis as _____; other cast members unidentified; Written by W. S. Gilbert; Composed by Arthur Sullivan.

Links:

Scene-by-Scene Synopsis:

Act 1: There is an air of expectancy at King Hildebrand's Castle, for it is the day on which Princess Ida, the daughter of King Gama, should appear to meet Prince Hilarion, to whom she was betrothed twenty years before, when she was one, and he only two, years old. Soldiers and Courtiers are discovered scanning the landscape, and debating as to whether the Princess will come.

King Hildebrand appears, and asks if Gama has yet been sighted, adding that if he does not come before sunset, bringing the Princess with him, "there's war between King Gama and ourselves." He hates the coming interview with Gama, who is twisted in body and warped in mind, his one pleasure being to wound with his spiteful tongue.

Gama is seen in the distance, but is apparently without the Princess. Hildebrand, puzzled, bids the best and the worst to be brought -- the richest robes, the coarsest prison dress, for, as Gama brings the Princess or brings her not, so shall he have "much more than everything, much less than nothing."

Hilarion enters and sings in anticipation of his meeting with Ida. He is, however, uneasy because he has heard that she had forsworn the world, and, with a band of women, shut herself up within a lonely country house, there to study stern philosophies. His father tells him that a reasonable man would be reconciled to the loss of such a wife, but Hilarion refuses to be thus advised.

The sons of King Gama approach, and, having entered, sing of their valour. Gama is with them, and introduces himself in a song that reveals his spiteful nature, although, obtusely enough, he "can't think why" people should say he is a disagreeable man!

After an exchange of anything but compliments, Gama informs Hildebrand that he has not brought the Princess, who refuses to leave her "university," having renounced mankind. In this retreat, even the crowing is done by an "accomplished hen."

Gama tells the young men that, if they "humbly beg and humbly sue, most politely," the Princess may deign to look upon them. But Hildebrand retorts that, while they will make the attempt, Gama shall remain as hostage, and "should Hilarion disappear, we will hang you, never fear, 'most politely'." Hilarion and his friends determine to try their fortune, Gama and his three sons being kept as hostages against their safe return.

Act 2: In the gardens of Castle Adamant, Princess Ida's country home, the graduates of the Women's University are discovered seated at the feet of Lady Psyche, the Professor of Humanities. Their song is interrupted by the entry of Lady Blanche (Professor of Abstract Science), who proceeds to read the "list of punishments," after which Princess Ida approaches. She is welcomed as "mighty maiden with a mission" and delivers her inaugural address, which takes the form of a tirade against man, following which the curriculum for the day is reviewed. Lady Blanche is to lecture on abstract philosophy, under three heads -- "The Is, the Might Be, and the Must."

The Princess and the maidens pass on, leaving Lady Blanche to reflection and soliloquy, from which it is quite evident that she considers Lady Blanche would make a far better principal than the Princess.

She goes off, and Hilarion and his two friends are seen climbing the wall. Having successfully negotiated the broken bottles adorning the top, they are highly diverted at having reached the jealously guarded precincts without detection. They find some academic robes left by the maidens, and these make such an effective disguise, that they decide, on seeing the Princess approaching, to pose as three wellborn maidens who wish to join the University.

She questions them and they manage to steer sufficiently clear of pitfalls to satisfy her as to their suitability. Together they lament the hollow pleasures of the world, and the Princess leaves them to meditate on the extraordinary fix into which they have been landed. Amid much merriment they decide to see the thing through, but their mirth is checked by the entrance of Lady Psyche, who is Florian's sister. There is only one way out and that is to let her into the secret.

This they do, and she informs them that the penalty, if they are discovered, is death. She is, nevertheless, very pleased to see them and tells them more about the objects of the University. She points her argument with the story of "The Ape and the Lady."

Meanwhile, Melissa, another of the girl graduates, enters unobserved and overhears them. She is, however, so fascinated on beholding a man for the first time, that she readily agrees to keep the secret. A closer inspection begins to shake the girls' faith in the principles enunciated by Ida and, in the quintet that follows, the change of view is very pronounced. Melissa is left alone, and is presently joined by Lady Blanche, her mother, who has been attracted by the singing. She remarks how odd it is that of the three new "girls" two should be tenors, and one a baritone. Her suspicions are confirmed when she picks up the reticule dropped by one of them and finds that it contains not only scissors and needles, but ... cigars! Melissa pleads with Lady Blanche, and, knowing the latter's jealousy of Princess Ida, reminds her that if she furthers Hilarion's scheme, Ida will marry him, and leave Blanche to "rule the roast."

When Lady Blanche has gone, Melissa sees Florian and urges him to fly. He is about to do so, taking her with him, when the luncheon bell is heard, and the Princess with Hilarion, Cyril, the Staff and Students, appear; also "Daughters of the Plough," bearing luncheon. Having heard that the three new students know the Court of King Hildebrand, the Princess, although affecting indifference, makes sly inquiries as to his son, Hilarion. The disguised youth answers cleverly, but unfortunately Cyril is taking too much wine, and after various rather dangerous interruptions, bursts into the famous "Kissing Song." It is at once discovered that they are men.

The Princess, in panic, runs towards the rustic bridge that crosses the stream flowing through the grounds. Hilarion follows, endeavoring to explain; the Princess misses her footing and falls into the water. Hilarion springs in after her and brings her safely to shore, amid the plaudits of the assembled company. Ida, however, is furious at the trick which has been played and orders the arrest of the three young men, which command is carried out by "the daughters of the plough." Hilarion is bound, and the three are marched off. At this moment Melissa rushes in and tells the Princess that an armed band is without the castle walls, demanding admittance in the name of King Hildebrand. As she speaks, the gate is battered down, and soldiers rush in; with them are the three sons of King Gama in chains. Hildebrand follows and tells the Princess that he has come to claim fulfillment of the vow which was made when she was a child, and that if she refuses, he will raze her castle to the ground. To the King's threat the three brothers, Arac, Guron and Scynthius add their entreaties, for Hildebrand has promised them that if he fails in his quest they will most certainly be hanged.

He gives Ida 24 hours for her answer. The Act closes with the Princess hurling defiance at the invader.

Act 3: The Princess has decided to fight. At the outer walls of the courtyard at Castle Adamant, Melissa, Sacharissa and the ladies are assembled, armed with battleaxes. The Princess enters, attended by Blanche and Psyche, and issues her instructions. Unfortunately, her theories break down in practice, and not one of the ladies is willing to perform the duties allotted to her. For example, Sacharissa is required to be the surgeon, but she cannot bear the thought of cutting off real live legs and arms. The fusiliers have not brought their rifles because they "might go off," the band do not feel well and are therefore not present.

Chloe and all the ladies enter and announce the approach of Ida's father, King Gama, and her brothers. Gama explains that Hildebrand is loth to war with women, and he has therefore sent the Princess's brothers to fight for her against Hilarion and his two friends. Gama tells Ida his punishment and the tortures he has endured, which consisted of having "nothing whatever to grumble at;" to his warped nature this being the worst that could be conceived. Ida is so moved by the tale of woe that she agrees to the contest taking place. Disillusioned, she sings of the failure of her ambitions. The gates are opened and soldiers with the three sons of Gama enter.

Hilarion, Florian, and Cyril are led in by the "daughters of the plough." They are still bound and wear their academic robes. Gama finds food for his mordant wit in their appearance, and goads them on for the fight. The fight takes place, Hilarion and his friends being victorious. The Princess begs them to stay their hands. She asks Lady Blanche if she can with dignity resign her post, in which case will she (Lady Blanche) take her place? This, of course, is just what Lady Blanche wants, and she takes the opportunity to indulge in a little abstract philosophy.

So the Princess yields to Hilarion, Lady Psyche to Cyril, and Melissa to Florian. Lady Blanche is left, having achieved her heart's desire to be the principal of the "university." She promises the other three that they shall return to their former positions should they ever desire to do so, and the opera ends in general joy.

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Performance Details: Richard II

Project type: Audio recording

Synopsis: The sensitive and poetic Richard II is undoubtedly the rightful king of England but he is unscrupulous and weak. When his cousin Henry Bolingbroke returns from banishment and mounts a challenge to his authority, Richard's right to the throne proves of little help to him. Richard is forced to abdicate but as his power is stripped away he gains in dignity and self-awareness and he meets his death heroically. Meanwhile Bolingbroke's seizure of the crown has caused resentment among the nobles of England.

Chronology: Recorded in September 1999. Presented on BBC Radio 2 in the UK on April 30, 2000. Released (ahead of the broadcast date) on CD in the UK on April 3, 2000 as part of the BBC Radio Collection series of individually sold CDs.

Principal Cast & Crew: Joss Ackland as John of Gaunt; Jamie Bamber as Henry Percy; Timothy Bateson as Gardener; Stephen Critchlow as Thomas Mowbray / Sir Piers of Exton; Toby Jones as Duke of Aumerle; James Laurenson as Earl of Northumberland; Margot Leicester as Duchess of York; Damian Lewis as Henry Bolingbroke; Ioan Meredith as Lord Marshall / Stephen Scroop; Sophie Okonedo as Queen Isabella; Ronald Pickup as Duke of York; Janet Suzman as Duchess of Gloucester; Philip Voss as Bishop of Carlisle; Samuel West as Richard II; Directed by Jeremy Mortimer; Written by William Shakespeare.

Links:

Scene-by-Scene Synopsis:

Act 1 - Scene 1: At Windsor Castle, King Richard listens as his cousin Henry Bolingbroke accuses Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk of embezzling royal funds and of plotting the recent death of the Duke of Gloucester. Mowbray insists that he is innocent. The King commands them to make peace but they refuse to be reconciled and he orders a trial by combat.

Act 1 - Scene 2: The Duchess of Gloucester begs her brother-in-law, John of Gaunt, to revenge her husband's death. Gaunt says he cannot because Gloucester was killed on the King's orders.

Act 1 - Scene 3: At Coventry, Bolingbroke and Mowbray prepare to settle their dispute. Richard, however, stops the proceedings and banishes them both: Bolingbroke for six years and Mowbray for life. Gaunt bids his son a sad farewell.

Act 1 - Scene 4: Richard notes the people's affection for Bolingbroke. The King is planning to leave for Ireland to quash a rebellion, when he is called to the bedside of the dying John of Gaunt.

Act 2 - Scene 1: Gaunt warns Richard against flatterers and rebukes him for administering the royal revenue irresponsibly. When the old man dies, the King seizes his property, ignoring York who reminds him that Bolingbroke is his father's rightful heir. Henry Percy, Duke of Northumberland, Lord Ross and Lord Willoughby speak angrily of Richard's high-handed behavior. Northumberland reveals that Bolingbroke has set sail for England with an army of three thousand.

Act 2 - Scene 2: Bushy tries to comfort the Queen who is saddened by Richard's departure for Ireland. Green announces that Bolingbroke has landed in England and that Northumberland and others have given him their allegiance. The Duke of York is divided between loyalty to Richard and to Bolingbroke, both of them his kinsmen. Bushy, Green and Bagot comment on the King's unpopularity with the people.

Act 2 - Scene 3: In Gloucestershire, York reprimands Bolingbroke for his treachery. Bolingbroke defends himself, saying he comes only to claim his rightful inheritance. Sadly, York concedes that his nephew has a case but he condemns the warlike way in which Bolingbroke pursues it.

Act 2 - Scene 4: In Wales, a Welsh Captain tells the Earl of Salisbury that having received no news from the King for ten days, he must disperse his men.

Act 3 - Scene 1: Bolingbroke condemns Bushy and Green to death.

Act 3 - Scene 2: Arriving in Wales, Richard is overjoyed to be back in his kingdom. He is sure that Bolingbroke's rebellion cannot succeed, but his confidence wanes as he learns from Salisbury that the Welsh have defected to Bolingbroke's side. Sir Stephen Scroop comes with news of popular unrest, of the executions of Bushy, Green and the Earl of Wiltshire and finally, and worst of all, he reveals that the Duke of York has joined forces with Bolingbroke. The King, grief stricken and despairing, seeks refuge at Flint Castle.

Act 3 - Scene 3: Outside Flint Castle, Bolingbroke sends word to Richard that he will end all aggression if the King agrees to repeal his banishment and restore his lands. If refused, however, he will "lay the summer's dust with showers of blood." Sorrowfully, Richard agrees to the demands and is taken back to London by Bolingbroke.

Act 3 - Scene 4: The Queen walks sadly in her garden. Overhearing the conversation between a gardener and two serving men, she learns of her husband's misfortunes.

Act 4 - Scene 1: In Parliament, Bagot accuses Aumerle of complicity in Gloucester's death; he is supported by Fitzwater, who says that the banished Mowbray made the same charge. Bolingbroke says he intends to recall Mowbray and restore his lands, but the Bishop of Carlisle tells them that the Duke has died in exile. York enters announcing that Richard has adopted Bolingbroke as his heir, and is abdicating from the throne. Carlisle is horrified, predicting discord and violence should traitorous Bolingbroke become king. He is immediately arrested for treason. Richard is summoned to make a public surrender of his power. Though relinquishing his crown, he refuses to read a list of alleged crimes and calls for a mirror. After bitterly examining his face in the glass, he dashes it to the ground. He is then escorted to the Tower. Left alone with Carlisle and Aumerle, the Abbot of Westminster confides that he has a plan for overthrowing Bolingbroke.

Act 5 - Scene 1: As Richard is led to prison, the Queen chides him for his passivity. Richard foresees the time when Northumberland and Bolingbroke will be in conflict. Richard and his Queen part in great sorrow: he is to be taken to Pomfret and she must leave for France.

Act 5 - Scene 2: When York discovers that Aumerle is part of the conspiracy to kill the King, he is determined to expose his son publicly. The Duchess of York entreats her son to race ahead of his father to the King and beg his pardon before he is accused.

Act 5 - Scene 3: The Duke and Duchess of York and Aumerle rush in upon King Henry. The father condemns his son, the mother defends him. Henry pardons Aumerle, but shows no mercy to the other conspirators.

Act 5 - Scene 4: Acting on a hint from Henry, Sir Pierce of Exton resolves to murder Richard.

Act 5 - Scene 5: In prison, Richard reflects upon his fallen condition. Exton enters and kills him.

Act 5 - Scene 6: Henry learns that the conspirators are all now either dead or taken. When Exton presents him with Richard's body, the King denies responsibility for the murder, saying that he had only wished him dead, not ordered his death. He will, he says, make a voyage to the Holy Land to expiate his sins.

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Performance Details: Rik Mayall Presents Micky Love

Project type: Television film

Synopsis: This was the first episode of the Rick Mayall Presents anthology series featuring the actor in a variety of different, unrelated parts. Mickey Love is a tragedy of almost Shakespearean proportions as a series of misunderstandings result in the complete self-destruction of a likeable TV presenter. Top of the ratings, adored by all, Micky falls foul of erroneous rumors that his show is about to be canned, and in fighting to save himself, manages instead to destroy his own life and career.

Chronology: Probably filmed between 1992 and 1993. UK television premiere on ITV 1 on May 20, 1993 (part of a three-part anthology series). Released on home video (tape) in the UK on July 12, 1993. Presented on television (networks unknown) in France on February 4, 2001; Finland on July 8, 2003. Released on region 2 DVD in the UK (as part of the two-season, six-episode set Rik Mayall Presents: The Complete Series) on October 2, 2006.

Film Festivals & Other Special Screenings:

Principal Cast & Crew: Eleanor Bron as Adele Franklin; Duggie Brown as Bob Rossiter; Peter Capaldi as David Critchley; Frances Cox as Violet; Alan Cumming as Greg Deane; Freddie Davies as Dennis; Saskia Downes as Dawn; Jennifer Ehle as Tasmin; Hughie Green as Himself; Stuart Hall as Time of Your Life presenter; Nick Hancock as Paddy Logan; Nicky Henson as Martin Bowen; Paul Higgins as Writer; Gooey Law as Art director; Damian Lewis as Clive; Michael Maloney as Tony Scott; Rik Mayall as Micky Love; Malcolm McLaren as Himself; Ian Redford as Russell James; Anne Reid as Jenny; William Roache as Himself; Marcus Romer as Floor manager; Lucy Scott as Martin's secretary; Sara Stockbridge as Babs; Andy Taylor as Director; Sarah Thurston as Lisa De Lazio; Kim Vithana as Chloe; Henrietta Whitson-Jones as Polly; Louise Yates as Demelsa; Directed by Nick Hamm; Written by Peter Morgan.

Links:

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Performance Details: Romeo And Juliet

Project type: Stage play

Synopsis: The noble Veronese houses of Montague and Capulet are locked in a bitter feud. When Romeo, a Montague, and Juliet, a Capulet, fall in love they are swept up in a series of violent events and cruel twists of fortune. Despite the passion and innocence of their love, they fall victim to the enmity between their families, and their story ends in tragedy.

Chronology: This Royal Shakespeare Company production was performed at Birmingham Repertory, Birmingham, from September 10, 1993 through October 9, 1993.

Principal Cast & Crew: Damian Lewis as Romeo; other cast members unidentified; Directed by Gwenda Hughes. Written by William Shakespeare.

Links:

Scene-by-Scene Synopsis:

Act 1 - Scene 1: In Verona, the "ancient grudge" between the Montague and Capulet families erupts in a brawl. Prince Escalus decrees that any further violence will be punishable by death. Romeo, the son of Lord Montague, was not involved in the disturbance; he is unrequitedly in love with Rosaline.

Act 1 - Scene 2: Capulet gives young Paris permission to woo his daughter, Juliet and sends a servant out with a guest list for the ball he is holding that night. The servant is intercepted by Romeo, who learns that Rosaline is to be among the guests. Romeo is persuaded by his friends Benvolio and Mercutio to attend the ball.

Act 1 - Scene 3: When Lady Capulet finally manages to interrupt the reminiscence of Juliet's garrulous Nurse, she tells her daughter of the proposed match with Paris.

Act 1 - Scene 4: Romeo, Benvolio and Mercutio set out for the Capulet ball; all are masked. The mischievous Mercutio teases lovelorn Romeo. Romeo has a feeling of misgiving about the evening ahead.

Act 1 - Scene 5: At the ball, Romeo and Juliet fall in love; each is appalled to learn the identity of the other. Juliet's cousin Tybalt realizes who the masked interloper is; he is only restrained from challenging Romeo by Capulet, who will not let him harm a guest.

Act 2 - Scene 1: Romeo hides in Capulet's orchard. Mercutio and Benvolio give up searching for him and leave.

Act 2 - Scene 2: Romeo overhears Juliet at a window, speaking of her love for him. He affirms his love for her and they agree to marry that day.

Act 2 - Scene 3: Romeo goes to the cell of Friar Laurence and tells him of his new love. The Friar is struck by the young man's fickleness, but agrees to marry him to Juliet, hoping that the union will turn their "households " rancor to pure love.

Act 2 - Scene 4: Mercutio and Benvolio find Romeo. They joke together and then turn their attentions to teasing Juliet's Nurse who has come in search of Romeo. He sends a message to Juliet, telling her to meet him at Friar Laurence's cell that afternoon.

Act 2 - Scene 5: Juliet waits impatiently for her Nurse. When the old woman finally returns, it takes some time to prize the message from her.

Act 2 - Scene 6: Romeo and Juliet meet at Friar Laurence's cell to be married.

Act 3 - Scene 1: The irate Tybalt stops Benvolio and Mercutio on the street. Romeo, aware of his new, special bond with the Capulets, has no desire to fight. Mercutio is frustrated by Romeo's passivity and fights with Tybalt. He is mortally wounded. Romeo kills Tybalt and escapes immediately. On hearing Benvolio's account of events, Prince Escalus decides not to condemn Romeo to death, but rather to send him into exile.

Act 3 - Scene 2: Juliet is devastated by the news of the fight. She sends the Nurse to bring her husband to her before he flies the city.

Act 3 - Scene 3: The Nurse finds Romeo, distraught, in Friar Laurence's cell.

Act 3 - Scene 4: Capulet agrees that Paris should be married to Juliet next Thursday.

Act 3 - Scene 5: Romeo goes to Juliet and stays with her till dawn, when he must flee from the city. Capulet tells her of her forthcoming marriage to Paris. Juliet objects, and her furious father says he will throw her out of his house if she refuses to obey. Juliet's nurse counsels pragmatism, suggesting that under the circumstances the girl may as well marry Paris.

Act 4 - Scene 1: Juliet goes to Friar Laurence who devises a plan to solve her terrible predicament. She should agree to marry Paris; the Friar will then give her a special liquid which she must drink the night before the wedding; this will send her into a sleep so deep that she will appear dead. Later, she will be taken to the family vault where she will regain consciousness. In the meantime Romeo will have been told all and will be ready, on her awakening, to take her to Mantua.

Act 4 - Scene 2: Juliet tells her father that she will marry Paris.

Act 4 - Scene 3: Full of trepidation, Juliet takes the Friar's potion.

Act 4 - Scene 4: The house is busy with wedding-preparations.

Act 4 - Scene 5: The Nurse discovers Juliet's seemingly lifeless body and excitement turns to grief. Friar Laurence instructs them to take the girl to the Capulets' tomb.

Act 5 - Scene 1: Believing Juliet to be dead, Romeo's servant hurries to Mantua to tell his master. The grief stricken Romeo goes to a poor apothecary who sells him illegal poison.

Act 5 - Scene 2: Meanwhile, Friar John, who was to deliver Friar Laurence's letter to Romeo, returns to Friar Laurence explaining that he was detained in Verona and could not get to Romeo.

Act 5 - Scene 3: Paris goes to the Capulet vault to put flowers on Juliet's bier. He finds Romeo there who, bound up in his grief, begs Paris to leave. They fight and Paris is killed. Romeo finds Juliet's inert body. He embraces her and swallows the poison. Friar Laurence arrives and urges the waking Juliet to fly with him. He is frightened away by the approaching watch. Juliet sees Romeo dead. She takes his dagger and stabs herself. Watchmen enter and send for Prince Escalus, the Montagues and Capulets. When Friar Laurence has explained everything, Montague and Capulet realize too late the effect of their feud and make amends, promising to erect gold statues of the lovers.

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Performance Details: Rope

Project type: Stage play

Synopsis: University student Wyndham Brandon is prepared to go to any lengths to inject some excitement into his life. He persuades his impressionable friend, fellow undergraduate Charles Granillo, to assist him in the murder of another student, Roland Kentley. They strangle Kentley with a rope and place the body in a wooden chest in the center of their apartment. They then invite some acquaintances, including the dead man's fiancée and father, to a dinner party, where the chest and its gruesome contents serve as the table. None of the guests are aware that they are dining right above Kentley's dead body. The roommates also invite their old college professor Rupert Cadell to the party, playing a game with him, determined to demonstrate how they have put into practice his Nietzschean theories that the intellectually superior are able to defy ordinary moral laws, by showing how they have gotten away with murder. The horror and tension gradually mount: The reactions of the two murderers grow ever more untenable as they are closely watched by the suspecting Cadell. Will the two murderers' nerve hold out? Or will Cadell discover their ghastly secret?

Chronology: This play was performed at Birmingham Repertory, Birmingham, from April 16, 1993 through May 15, 1993.

Principal Cast & Crew: Max Gold as Kenneth Raglan; Mark Jax as Charles Granillo; Pauline Jefferson as Mrs. Debenham; Desmond Jordan as Sir Johnstone Kentley; Damian Lewis as Wyndham Brandon; Pearce Quigley as Rupert Cadell; Tony Turner as Sabot; Louise Yates as Leila Arden; Directed by Gwenda Hughes. Written by Patrick Hamilton.

Links:

Note: For those who are perhaps more familiar with the Alfred Hitchcock film version of this story, several of the characters' names were changed for the film as follows:

The stage production: Wyndham Brandon Charles Granillo Sabot Kenneth Raglan Leila Arden Sir Johnstone Kentley Mrs. Debenham Rupert Cadell Roland Kentley
  | | | | | | | | |
The film: Brandon Shaw Phillip Morgan Mrs. Wilson Kenneth Lawrence Janet Walker Mr. Kentley Mrs. Atwater Rupert Cadell David Kentley

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Performance Details: The Rubenstein Kiss

Project type: Stage play reading

Synopsis: A thrilling new play about Cold War betrayal and the quest for justice that mirrors the true-life trial and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg in 1953 for supposedly passing secrets to the Soviet Union. A work of fiction inspired by the iconic photograph showing Ethel and Julius Rosenberg kissing in the back of a police van, the play shifts back and forth between two very different decades, a piece of furniture serving as the crucial link between them. In 1975, Matthew and Anna, two young radicals, meet in a New York gallery as they study a photograph of the doomed Rubensteins' last kiss, snatched on their way from the court that convicted them. The young people bond immediately and strongly. It doesn't take us long to see that their past and their fate are also bound together. The Rubensteins are the parents Matthew never knew, executed at the height of the McCarthy Era when he was a toddler. Belief in his father's innocence is the anchor of his identity, while certainty of her own father's guilt gnaws at the heart of Anna's. Will they survive the truths that lurk in the past?

Chronology: This one-night-only play reading was performed at the Sound Theatre, Leicester Square, London, on March 17, 2005. It was a fundraising event for Kit Productions. (The play later made its official performance debut at the Hampstead Theatre in London on 17 November 2005 under the direction of James Phillips and featuring Samantha Bond, Emily Bruni, Louisa Clein, Alan Cox, Martin Hutson and Will Keen.)

Principal Cast & Crew: Leandra Lawrence as _____; Damian Lewis as _____; (names of other participants, if any, have not been announced); Directed by (probably) James Phillips; Written by James Phillips.

Links:

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