ABBA

ALEXANDRA PALACE FIREWORKS FESTIVAL | London, Ally Pally

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Remember, remember, Tuesday the fifth of November… But every Londoner knows that the real celebration happens the weekend before (Fri 1 Nov — Sat 2 Nov 2024), at Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival. Lighting up Ally Pally’s iconic view of the capital’s skyline, and taking over the 196 acres of parkland, London’s biggest and best fireworks display will this year be preceded by a spectacular drone show, marking an exciting first for the venue.

Alongside the legendary display, the festival also presents big top Cafe De Pally, which includes a plethora of live music and singalongs aided by a brass band, and choir. Some of London’s best street food, cocktail and craft beer vendors make up the StrEATlife Festival Village, soundtracked by funk-fuelled, comedy duo The Cuban Brothers (Fri 1 Nov), and by UK garage legends Artful Dodger (Sat 2 Nov).

As part of the festivities, the UK’s largest German bier festival returns to the Palace’s Great Hall, with oompah bands, live music, and lederhosen aplenty. Oasis tribute act, Definitely Mightbe (Fri 1 Nov) and Abba Revival (Sat 2 Nov) take to the stage, with more DJs to be announced.

The Park will also play host to a huge bonfire, funfair and entertainment for all the family, and visitors can also step inside the Palace, with the ice rink featuring a variety of skating sessions and an ice disco.

Book online for all activities Friday 1 November and Saturday 2 November 2024.

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INTERVIEW: TOBIAS TURLEY (MAMMA MIA!) | London, Novello Theatre

Interview

Tobias Turley is the winner of ITV’s MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream, a British television talent competition documenting the search for two new, unknown musical theatre performers for Mamma Mia! in the West End.

— Congratulations on winning ITV’s MAMMA MIA! I Have a Dream, with a prize that money can’t buy: joining the West End cast as Sky. How are you feeling?

I’m feeling great, thank you, I’m having such a blast in this show. It’s such an incredible feeling seeing so many months of hard work pay off and come to fruition. We started filming the TV show over a year ago now, so it’s very odd to see myself in the position I am currently in, but I am loving every second.

— Since opening in 1999, Mamma Mia! has gone on to be one of the most successful musicals in the whole world.  For you, what makes it so popular and so enduring?

This show is built on a foundation of incredible music. ABBA is timeless and beloved all over the world, so that’s a great start. But also it has a great script, incredible production design and amazing choreography. It’s a good mixture all round.

— Tell us about your character, Sky.

Sky is a charming, bubbly island boy. Who is head over heels for Sophie, but not completely sold on the idea of marriage just yet. He loves adventuring on the island, diving, surfing, very typical island behaviour. He’s very level headed, calm and collected but also incredibly light hearted. He’s a good egg.

— Anything else exciting in the pipeline?

The future is looking very exciting and I’m taking everything as it comes.  Being part of the show’s 25th anniversary celebration, with Björn Ulvaeus joining us on stage, was so special; the same anniversary of ABBA winning Eurovision with “Waterloo”, 50 years ago. I feel so incredibly lucky to be in the position I am in.

Tobias Turley is now performing in the West End production of Mamma Mia!, playing eight shows a week.

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MAMMA MIA! 25th anniversary | London, Novello Theatre

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On Saturday 6 April 2024, the original production of MAMMA MIA! celebrated its 25th anniversary, making it only the third musical in the history of the West End, to reach its Silver Jubilee.

Since premiering in London’s West End in 1999, the exhilarating smash-hit has become a global phenomenon, with a staggering 70 million people having seen it worldwide.

There was quite a celebration on Saturday night. On stage at the Novello Theatre, the cast were joined by Björn Ulvaeus from ABBA, Judy Craymer (creator and producer), Catherine Johnson (book writer), Anthony van Laast (choreographer), as well as original cast members Siobhan McCarthy (original Donna) and Lisa Stokke (original Sophie).

The party continued afterwards at the Palm Court in the Waldorf Hilton.

Playing at the Novello Theatre in London, 8 shows a week.

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