This is the Fanfare news of 2006 in the order it
appeared.
Note:
Offsite links may no longer be valid.
Please click
here to go to the current
Club News
Michael-inspired 2006 calendar
available
January 1, 2006 -
Artist Frances Quinn spotted a familiar face on a 2006 vampire calendar by Spanish
artist Victoria Francés. Looking
very much like a romantic Vlad Tepesh, the full
painting shows a cloaked figure standing on a balcony, surrounded by
gothic gargoyles.
Since it
is a calendar, its days are definitely numbered. Buy yours today (http://www.oneposter.com
or
http://www.calendarclub.co.uk).
January 2006 - Nickolas Grace, who played the Sheriff of Nottingham in the HTV
series 'Robin of Sherwood', recently told fan Eric De Bock that Vanessa Greatorex has written a
new script called 'Robin of Sherwood: The Reward'. It takes place 21 years after the events
of the last episode. The action resolves the unanswered questions surrounding
Robert of Huntingdon, Marion, Guy of Gisburne and the Sheriff of Nottingham,
and reveals what has befallen Robin's companions. Robin of Loxley,
killed by the Sheriff in the 1984 series, makes an
appearance as a vision to Huntingdon. Loxley was originally
played by Michael Praed. Although we don't know what
Michael thinks, we've heard that "several original cast members have responded
favorably" to her script and a director has stepped forward.
There's still some way to go before the script can be translated to screen.
If you would like to check out more details, take a look at
Eric's wonderful website 'Tales of Sherwood Forest' at
http://members.tripod.com/talesofsherwoodfores/. He
has an online petition to sign if you would like to support this
venture.
'Mile
High'
'Mile High' DVD released
January 30, 2006 - 'Mile High', a
short-lived series which Michael Praed made a guest appearance
in February of 2003, has been released on DVD. Michael is
only in the second episode of the series, but he gets to play a
rather unlikable character by the name of Michael Webb.
Check the Merchandise page for
ordering information.
The 'Old Croghan
Man' poses with experts
Isabella Mulhall and Rolly Read.
BBC Photo
'Timewatch: The Bog
Bodies'
January 20, 2006 -
Michael narrates "Timewatch: The Bog Bodies" on BBC2, January
20, 2006 at 9.00 pm. BBC has exclusive access to the
investigation conducted by the National Museum of Ireland. The
bodies of 'Old Croghan Man' and 'Clonycavan Man' were
miraculously preserved for 2300 years in an Irish peat bog and
discovered within weeks of one another. Forensic evidence
reveals much about their diet, social status, even hairstyle. It
also gives brutal evidence that life -- and death -- in the Iron
Age could be vicious. For Timewatch listings, check http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/programmes/timewatch.
January 31, 2006 - Two more books in the 'Crazy'
series about a special missions force are available. The sexy team includes a plethora of
Michael Praed-inspired characters created by fan Tara Janzen.
'Crazy Wild' was released January 31, 2006. 'Crazy
Kisses' will be released February 28, 2006, but can be ordered online now.
Ordering information from Amazon follows. Don't forget to
check out Tara's previous books in the series while you're
there.
February 24, 2006 - If you are in
search of the 'Robin of Sherwood' official fan club, 'Spirit of
Sherwood', you'll find it at its new home. Webmistress Tirza van Rijn
recently announced that the club has its own domain. The URL,
which should be a lot easier for us aging fans to remember, is
www.robinofsherwood.org.
Don't forget to replace your old bookmarks.
February 24, 2006 -
Michael narrates "Timewatch: Unknown Soldiers" on BBC2 at 9.00
pm., Friday, 24 February. Timewatch follows a special American military unit called in to identify the remains of two soldiers from World War I . For Timewatch listings, check
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/programmes/timewatch
February 24, 2006 -
Michael Praed Online
has moved.
It is now found at
http://dreamchaser-uk.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=16&id=88&Itemid=81
(whew!).
As usual, Chimera has done a fantastic job. Drop by
and take a look. Don't forget to adjust your old bookmarks
while you're at it.
Two fan tributes to Loxley
February 24, 2006 - From time to time, we see
excellent tributes to Michael Praed from fans. Sometimes,
those fans are partial to a particular role. In this case,
we have two beautiful fan tributes to Robin of Loxley from ITV's
'Robin of Sherwood'. Here is your chance to take a look at
these videos. Thank you, Anne and Ed, for permission to link to your poignant
homage to one of our favorite characters.
Fan Anne Swain recently spent a few days
trying to figure out how to work her new toy, Windows Movie Maker.
She created a lovely tribute to Robin of Loxley to the music of
'Sunset Dreams' by Clannad. There is one
Windows Media video, but you have your choice of three different size
downloads. Large:http://www.startingpoint.co.uk/ros_sd_l.wmv
40.5 MB (42,527,452 bytes) Huge file (meant for
broadband) but the quality is excellent. Medium:
http://www.startingpoint.co.uk/ros_sd_m.wmv 18.1 MB
(18,986,450 bytes) Quality is fine Small:http://www.startingpoint.co.uk/ros_sd_s.wmv 9.50 MB (9,970,994 bytes)
Lowest quality, but you get the
idea.
Freelance producer and 'Robin of Sherwood' fan Ed Stradling created
a wonderful tribute to Robin of Loxley to the tune of Don Henley's
'The End of the Innocence'. If you don't have broadband this Windows Media Audio/Video file may take a while to download, but it is worth every moment.
http://www.ecs.homechoice.co.uk/ros.wmv 19.0 MB (19,952,314 bytes)
These are fan tributes and is not intended for sale in any format. It is not
the creators' intention to infringe anyone's copyright and will be removed if requested.
March 3, 2006 - Almost 40 years after the fact,
the US is trying to locate and identify pilots missing in action during
the Vietnam War. Michael narrates as Timewatch (BBC2 Friday
3 March at 21:00) follows an American military unit in search of two
pilots who were shot down in the war. For Timewatch listings, check
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/programmes/timewatch.
Short audio/video clips of Michael's narrations are also briefly
available on the BBC website.
Polish 'Robin of Sherwood' DVDs offered
March 8, 2006 -
The Spirit of Sherwood fan club recently
announced that 'Robin of Sherwood' DVDs are now
available in Poland. 'Robin z Sherwood'
is released through
Studio Printel
at
(http://printel.pl/robinzsherwood/) in collaboration with Network DVD.
Polish Michael Praed fans - make merry!
March 10, 2006 -
The world's most famous warrior, Genghis Khan, rose from abject
poverty to rule most of the known world. History records
him as a brutal butcher, but for centuries his true story laid
buried, forgotten in Chinese archives. Written nearly 800
years ago by Genghis Khan's adopted son, an extraordinary text
reveals the secret history of Genghis Khan. Who was the real man
behind the legend and how did he inspire his successors from
beyond the grave to conquer the largest land empire the world
has ever seen?
Michael narrates "Timewatch: The Secret History of Genghis Khan" on BBC2 at 9.00 pm.,
Friday, 10 March. For listings, check
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/programmes/timewatch. Short audio/video clips of Michael's narrations are also briefly available on BBC's
Timewatch website.
'Robin of Sherwood' Returns to ITV3
March 12, 2006 -
Capitalizing on the recent surge
of interest in Robin Hood, ITV3 is re-showing 'Robin of
Sherwood' on Sunday evenings, starting 12th of March at 7:55 and 16:50.
While talk circulates of a short sequel to 'RoS', the BBC
announced they were creating a new 13-part Robin Hood series
written by Dominic Minghella. Like HTV did with the
original 'Robin of
Sherwood' series, the BBC plans to pit their Robin against 'Dr Who'.
History repeats itself.
Michael touring in 'Killing Castro'
starting May
March 24, 2006 -
It is an open secret that the CIA spent years hatching plots to remove Fidel Castro from power in Cuba. Less well known were the suggested schemes to stick an explosive in one of Castro’s famous cigars or to poison his shoes with botulism toxin!
In the run-up to Castro’s visit to the UN in 1960 we are taken to CIA secret headquarters to watch four bumbling officials hatch the conspiracy of the decade only for it to go wrong in the most disastrous and hilarious ways.
Dubbed ‘the play the CIA does not want you to see’ this new comedy by British writer Brian Stewart (from TV’s The Office) has enjoyed critical acclaim in the US.
Michael reunites with old 'Robin of Sherwood' buddy Clive Mantle
in this romp.
March 25, 2006 - Michael
has a new audiobook out that is likely to be a hit with those
fans who consider themselves hopeless romantics. Mills
and Boon recently released the historical romance 'His Duty Her Destiny' by Juliet
Landon with Michael Praed narrating. The book can be ordered directly from the
Mills and Boon UK website or from other online bookstores.
You can hear a short sound clip at the Mills and Boon website too.
Several
more venues with dates have been confirmed for 'Killing Castro'.
Additions are highlighted.
The current list includes the following:
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre - Guildford (Tues 23 - Sat 27 May), Theatre Royal - Brighton (Mon 29 May - Sat
3 June),
Greenwich Theatre - Greenwich (Mon 12 - Sat 17 June),
Everyman Palace Theatre - Cork (Mon 19 - Saturday 24 June),
Arts Theatre -
Cambridge (Mon 26 June - Friday 1 July),
The Regent Theatre - Stoke-on-Trent (Mon 10 - Saturday 15 July),
Richmond Theatre - Richmond (Mon 17- Sat 22 July),
Cliffs Pavilion Theatre - Southend-on-Sea (Mon 24 - Sat 29 July).
Observant readers will notice a couple weeks with gaps. It
is possible there are a few more venues out there waiting for
confirmation. If we hear of them, we'll let you know.
For more details, including contact information, please click here. For a calendar noting cities and venues (much easier to read!), please click
here.
April 14, 2006 -
In 1179 a great Crusader castle was destroyed after a five day siege.
Eight hundred of its garrison were killed and at least 700 enslaved. It
was a catastrophe for the Crusader cause - but how did it happen? How
did the great Muslim leader Saladin break into this 'state of the art'
fortress and defeat its fearsome Knight Templar defenders in such a short time? Join Timewatch as
they reveal the true and
savage story of 'Jacob's Ford'.
Michael Praed narrates "Timewatch: The Crusader's Lost Fort" on
BBC2 at 9.00 pm., Friday, 14 April.
Short audio/video clips of Michael's narrations are briefly
available on BBC's Timewatch website at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/programmes/timewatch.
Another venue
has been confirmed for 'Killing Castro'.
The Theatre Royal in Plymouth will be presenting the Brian
Stewart comedy the first week of July. The schedule now includes the following
theatres:
Yvonne Arnaud
Theatre - Guildford (Tuesday 23 May - Saturday 27 May)
Theatre Royal - Brighton (Monday 29 May - Saturday 3 June)
*Unconfirmed*
Greenwich Theatre - Greenwich (Monday 12
June - Saturday 17 June,
Everyman Palace Theatre - Cork (Monday
19 June - Saturday 24 June)
Cambridge Arts Theatre - Cambridge (Monday
26 June - Saturday 1 July)
Theatre Royal - Plymouth (Monday 3 July - Saturday
8
July)
The Regent Theatre - Stoke-on-Trent (Monday
10 July - Saturday 15 July)
Richmond Theatre - Richmond (Monday 17 July - Saturday 22 July)
Cliffs Pavilion Theatre - Southend-on-Sea (Monday 24 July - Saturday 29 July)
We are
waiting for
confirmation on a venue for the first week of June. If we
get one, we'll let you know.
For more details, including contact information, please click here. For a calendar noting cities and venues (much easier to read!), please click
here.
April 21, 2006 -
The discovery of 30 decapitated Roman skeletons in a rear garden of a house in York kicked-off an intense archaeological investigation. What did all this mean and why
did these bodies have their heads removed? Michael Praed narrates the second episode of the current BBC
Timewatch series, "Timewatch: The Mystery of the Headless Romans", on
BBC2 at 9.00 pm., Friday 21 April.
An
additional venue,
and possibly the last of the tour, has been confirmed for the
2006 UK tour of 'Killing Castro' with Michael Praed, Clive
Mantle and Edward Hardwicke.
The Festival Theatre (of the Malvern Theatres) in Malvern will be presenting the comedy the first full week of June. The schedule now includes the following
theatres:
Yvonne Arnaud
Theatre - Guildford (Tuesday 23 May - Saturday 27 May)
Theatre Royal - Brighton (Monday 29 May - Saturday 3 June)
Festival Theatre - Malvern (Monday 5 June - Saturday 10 June)
Greenwich Theatre - Greenwich (Monday 12
June - Saturday 17 June,
Everyman Palace Theatre - Cork (Monday
19 June - Saturday 24 June)
Cambridge Arts Theatre - Cambridge (Monday
26 June - Saturday 1 July)
Theatre Royal - Plymouth (Monday 3 July - Saturday
8
July)
The Regent Theatre - Stoke-on-Trent (Monday
10 July - Saturday 15 July)
Richmond Theatre - Richmond (Monday 17 July - Saturday 22 July)
Cliffs Pavilion Theatre - Southend-on-Sea (Monday 24 July - Saturday 29 July)
The Brian Stewart comedy is based on an actual CIA plot to kill Castro during his 1960 visit to the UN and has already played to appreciative audiences in the US.
For more details, including contact information, please click here. For a calendar noting cities and venues, please click
here.
April 28, 2006 -
The Warsaw Uprising of 1944 saw its people take on the might of the Nazis. Timewatch tells how Britain abandoned these people to their fate in one of the most heroic military operations undertaken by any resistance movement in World War
II. Michael Praed narrates 'Timewatch: Battle for Warsaw' on
BBC2 at 9.00 pm., Friday, 28 April.
We
recently heard that there has been a change in venue plans for
'Killing Castro'. Contacting the theatres involved
confirmed this information. The Cork engagement, originally slated for
the week of 19 June, has been cancelled and is now a free week
for the cast and crew. The run has been extended one week
(week of 31 July) to include the Devonshire Park Theatre in
Eastbourne.
Additionally, the Greenwich stay will include an 'Question
& Answer' period with Michael on the Wednesday (14 June) of the run.
Revised Schedule
Yvonne Arnaud
Theatre - Guildford (Tuesday 23 May - Saturday 27 May)
Theatre Royal - Brighton (Monday 29 May - Saturday 3 June)
Festival Theatre - Malvern (Monday 5 June - Saturday 10 June)
Greenwich Theatre - Greenwich (Monday 12 June -
Saturday 17 June) NO VENUE - FREE WEEK (Monday
19 June - Saturday 24 June)
Cambridge Arts Theatre - Cambridge (Monday
26 June - Saturday 1 July)
Theatre Royal - Plymouth (Monday 3 July - Saturday
8
July)
The Regent Theatre - Stoke-on-Trent (Monday
10 July - Saturday 15 July)
Richmond Theatre - Richmond (Monday 17 July - Saturday 22 July)
Cliffs Pavilion Theatre - Southend-on-Sea (Monday 24 July - Saturday 29 July)
Devonshire Park Theatre - Eastbourne (Monday
31 July -
Saturday 5 August)
For more details, including contact information, please click here. For a calendar noting cities and venues, please click
here.
'Dynasty' cast members chatting at the reunion.
Photo courtesy of Judith Moose
'Dynasty Reunion: Catfights & Caviar' airs
2 May
'May 2, 2006 - Dynasty Reunion: Catfights & Caviar' airs
2 May at 10:00 pm EDT on the American television channel CBS. Film
footage of memorable moments in
the 'Dynasty' saga will be shown, including footage of the wedding of
Prince Michael (Michael Praed) to Amanda Carrington (Catherine Oxenberg)
known as the infamous "Moldavian Massacre". Although 'Dynasty'
originally aired on ABC, Paramount, who owns
the rights to 'Dynasty' is now owned by CBS, hence the change in the
broadcasting company.
May 5, 2006 -
On 9 March, 1862, a naval battle of the American Civil War
featured the world's first combat between ironclad warships, 'The Monitor' and 'The Merrimack'. Shut out from daylight, and depending on their vessel for the air they breathed, the crew
of 'The Monitor' felt it resembled an iron coffin. What was it really like to live inside this great metal monster?
Michael
Praed narrates this episode of 'Timewatch: The Iron Coffin' at
21:00 on Friday 5 May, BBC2.
Short audio/video clips of Michael's narrations are briefly
available on BBC's Timewatch website at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/programmes/timewatch.
May 9, 2006 -
In an effort to recoup some of
the production costs of their excellent history series
'Timewatch', the BBC is offering PAL DVDs for a limited time
period to subscribers of their 'Timewatch' newsletter.
Costs for the DVD are
£9.99 each. Both 'The
Mystery of the Black Death' and 'The Secrets of the Mary Rose' were
narrated by Michael Praed.
May 12, 2006 -
Michael Praed narrates this week's episode of 'Timewatch: San Francisco's Great Quake' at 21:00 on Friday
12 May, BBC2.
In the early hours of Wednesday 18 April, 1906, America's greatest natural disaster struck San Francisco. Told through the words and images of those who were there, Timewatch marks the centenary by revealing the true extent of the catastrophe.
May 19, 2006 -
Michael Praed narrates the last episode of the current series of 'Timewatch:
The Princess Spy' at 21:00 on Friday
19 May, BBC2.
In 1943, Noor Inayat Khan was the first female wireless operator sent into war-torn France as part of Winston Churchill's secret army. Betrayed, captured and tortured, Noor revealed nothing before she was executed.
'Timewatch' tells the Princess Spy's tragic and inspirational story.
May 23, 2006 -
The
Theatre Royal Haymarket Productions and Richard Jordan Productions Limited
will begin the UK 'Killing Castro' tour at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford on Tuesday, May 23rd at 7:45 pm. The
comedy will play at the renown theatre for the rest of the week
before moving on to Brighton.
In the run-up to Castro’s visit to the UN in 1960 the audience
is taken to CIA secret headquarters to watch four bumbling officials hatch the conspiracy of the decade only for it to go wrong in the most disastrous and hilarious ways. This new comedy by British writer Brian Stewart (from TV’s
'The Office') has enjoyed critical acclaim in the US.
The cast includes Edward Hardwicke, Clive Mantle, Michael Praed
and Joe Shaw
Schedule
Yvonne Arnaud
Theatre - Guildford (Tuesday 23 May - Saturday 27 May)
Theatre Royal - Brighton (Monday 29 May - Saturday 3 June)
Festival Theatre - Malvern (Monday 5 June - Saturday 10 June)
Greenwich Theatre - Greenwich (Monday 12 June -
Saturday 17 June)
NO VENUE - FREE WEEK
Cambridge Arts Theatre - Cambridge (Monday
26 June - Saturday 1 July)
Theatre Royal - Plymouth (Monday 3 July - Saturday
8
July)
The Regent Theatre - Stoke-on-Trent (Monday
10 July - Saturday 15 July)
Richmond Theatre - Richmond (Monday 17 July - Saturday 22 July)
Cliffs Pavilion Theatre - Southend-on-Sea (Monday 24 July - Saturday 29 July)
Devonshire Park Theatre - Eastbourne (Monday
31 July -
Saturday 5 August)
For contact information, please click here. For a calendar noting cities and venues, please click
here.
May 29, 2006 -
The
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Richard Jordan Productions Limited
and the Theatre Royal Haymarket Productions UK tour of the
Brian Stewart comedy 'Killing Castro'
moves to Brighton this week. It plays at the
Theatre Royal
from Monday, 29 May to Saturday, 3 June.
The cast includes Edward Hardwicke, Clive Mantle, Michael Praed
and Joe Shaw.
See the following for the
complete tour itinerary.
For theatre contact information, please click
here. For a calendar
noting cities
and venues, please click
here.
Schedule
Yvonne Arnaud
Theatre - Guildford (Tuesday 23 May - Saturday 27 May)
Theatre Royal - Brighton (Monday 29 May - Saturday 3 June)
Festival Theatre - Malvern (Monday 5 June - Saturday 10 June)
Greenwich Theatre - Greenwich (Monday 12 June -
Saturday 17 June)
NO VENUE - FREE WEEK
Cambridge Arts Theatre - Cambridge (Monday
26 June - Saturday 1 July)
Theatre Royal - Plymouth (Monday 3 July - Saturday
8
July)
The Regent Theatre - Stoke-on-Trent (Monday
10 July - Saturday 15 July)
Richmond Theatre - Richmond (Monday 17 July - Saturday 22 July)
Cliffs Pavilion Theatre - Southend-on-Sea (Monday 24 July - Saturday 29 July)
Devonshire Park Theatre - Eastbourne (Monday
31 July -
Saturday 5 August)
German
Robin Hood DVDs offered
May 30, 2006 - The Spirit of
Sherwood fan club recently announced that DVDs presenting the
first series of 'Robin of Sherwood', starring Michael Praed, are
now available in Germany. Under the name 'Robin Hood', the DVDs
may be ordered through
Koch Media (http://www.kochmedia-dvd.com). The three DVD
set also includes 'The Making of Robin Hood', audio commentary
by participants, outtakes, 'Electric Theatre Show' segment, a
promo by Clannad, and a booklet with an episode guide.
June 1, 2006 - Looking
for summer passion? In May, Mills and Boon released another audiobook narrated by Michael Praed. 'Wife Against Her Will' is a modern romance written by Sarah Craven. It is available directly from the
Mills and Boon UK website
at 25% off the cover price until the end of July, or from various online bookstores.
June 1, 2006 -
The 'Killing Castro' UK tour moves to the
Festival Theatre
See the following for the
complete tour itinerary.
For theatre contact information, please click
here. For a calendar
noting cities and venues, please click here.
Schedule
Yvonne Arnaud
Theatre - Guildford (Tuesday 23 May - Saturday 27 May)
Theatre Royal - Brighton (Monday 29 May - Saturday 3 June)
Festival Theatre - Malvern (Monday 5 June - Saturday 10 June)
Greenwich Theatre - Greenwich (Monday 12 June -
Saturday 17 June)
NO VENUE - FREE WEEK
Cambridge Arts Theatre - Cambridge (Monday
26 June - Saturday 1 July)
Theatre Royal - Plymouth (Monday 3 July - Saturday
8
July)
The Regent Theatre - Stoke-on-Trent (Monday
10 July - Saturday 15 July)
Richmond Theatre - Richmond (Monday 17 July - Saturday 22 July)
Cliffs Pavilion Theatre - Southend-on-Sea (Monday 24 July - Saturday 29 July)
Devonshire Park Theatre - Eastbourne (Monday
31 July -
Saturday 5 August)
Mills & Boon audiobooks
schedule
June 6, 2006 - Lesli
Zador, the product manager at Harlequin Mills & Boon UK, kindly
sent along this list of audiobooks which Michael
Praed is narrating, along with the release dates. CDs can be ordered directly from the
Mills and Boon UK website
with 25% off
the cover price within three weeks of the release date, or from
various bookstores such as
WHSmiths,
ASDA,
Borders and Books etcc
and Amazon UK.
If you want a little passion and romance on a hot summer night, try one of these!
June 12, 2006 -
Greenwich Theatre is ready for the 'Killing Castro' UK tour,
which moved into Greenwich for a run stretching from Monday, 12 June
to Saturday, 17 June.
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Richard Jordan Productions Limited
and the Theatre Royal Haymarket Productions UK tour of Brian
Stewart's hit comedy includes a fine assemblage of actors in Clive Mantle,
Michael Praed, Edward Hardwicke, and Joe Shaw.
In the months preceding Castro’s visit to the UN in 1960,
the CIA's secret headquarters becomes the scene where four
bumbling officials hatch plots to destroy Castro by various
outrageous methods. The black comedy has played to amused,
appreciative audiences at every turn.
See the following for the
complete tour itinerary.
For theatre contact information, please click
here. For a calendar
noting cities
and venues, please click
here.
Please note that next week the show will be dark.
Schedule
Yvonne Arnaud
Theatre - Guildford (Tuesday 23 May - Saturday 27 May)
Theatre Royal - Brighton (Monday 29 May - Saturday 3 June)
Festival Theatre - Malvern (Monday 5 June - Saturday 10 June)
Greenwich Theatre - Greenwich (Monday 12 June -
Saturday 17 June)
NO VENUE - FREE WEEK
Cambridge Arts Theatre - Cambridge (Monday
26 June - Saturday 1 July)
Theatre Royal - Plymouth (Monday 3 July - Saturday
8
July)
The Regent Theatre - Stoke-on-Trent (Monday
10 July - Saturday 15 July)
Richmond Theatre - Richmond (Monday 17 July - Saturday 22 July)
Cliffs Pavilion Theatre - Southend-on-Sea (Monday 24 July - Saturday 29 July)
Devonshire Park Theatre -
Eastbourne (Monday
31 July -
Saturday 5 August)
Oneword to broadcast narrations
June 23, 2006 - Book publisher Harlequin Mills & Boon has struck a
broadcast deal with Oneword, the digital satellite
radio component of Channel 4 Radio.
Under the agreement, Mills & Boon romantic fiction stories will
be broadcast in half hour slots on Saturdays and Sundays at 8am
and repeated at 4pm.
Stories have been selected from the publisher’s best selling
romantic fiction series and will be read by audio narrators
Michael Praed and Jan Francis.
Alison Byrne, marketing manager at Harlequin Mills & Boon, said:
“HMB is very excited to have its stories broadcast via Oneword.
In pursuing this relationship we are hoping to reach an audience
that falls outside our core readership.”
Simon Blackmore, managing director at Oneword Radio, said:
“Naturally we’re very pleased to have this agreement with Mills
& Boon. It’s one area of literature that Oneword has never
previously covered, so we’re excited about finally getting
audiobooks from one of the UK’s leading women’s fiction
publishers.”
The first novel to be read by Michael Praed will be 'His Duty,
Her Destiny', beginning midnight on 23 July.
June 26, 2006 -
Special thanks to fan Richard Anderson, whose
sharp eyes
noticed
that Michael Praed films will be making two appearances on
British television soon. One is the rarely seen 'Writer's
Block' on the New 24 Movie Channel on Sky Digital, 14 July.
The other is the vampire flick 'To Die For 2: Son Of Darkness' on the Horror Channel on the 31st of
August.
June 26, 2006 -
After a week hiatus, Brian Stewart's black comedy 'Killing
Castro' is back on stage in Cambridge.
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Richard Jordan Productions Limited
and the Theatre Royal Haymarket Productions comedy
will play at the
Cambridge Arts Theatre from Monday, 26 June until Saturday, 1 July.
In the months preceding Castro’s visit to the UN in 1960,
the CIA's secret headquarters becomes the scene where four
bumbling officials hatch plots to destroy Castro by increasingly
bizarre methods. The strong ensemble cast includes Clive Mantle, Michael Praed, Edward Hardwicke, and Joe Shaw.
See the following for the
complete tour itinerary.
For theatre contact information, please click
here. For a calendar
noting cities
and venues, please click
here.
Schedule
Yvonne Arnaud
Theatre - Guildford (Tuesday 23 May - Saturday 27 May)
Theatre Royal - Brighton (Monday 29 May - Saturday 3 June)
Festival Theatre - Malvern (Monday 5 June - Saturday 10 June)
Greenwich Theatre - Greenwich (Monday 12 June -
Saturday 17 June)
NO VENUE - FREE WEEK
Cambridge Arts Theatre - Cambridge (Monday
26 June - Saturday 1 July)
Theatre Royal - Plymouth (Monday 3 July - Saturday
8
July)
The Regent Theatre - Stoke-on-Trent (Monday
10 July - Saturday 15 July)
Richmond Theatre - Richmond (Monday 17 July - Saturday 22 July)
Cliffs Pavilion Theatre - Southend-on-Sea (Monday 24 July - Saturday 29 July)
Devonshire Park Theatre -
Eastbourne (Monday
31 July -
Saturday 5 August)
Dan Crawford, founder of thee
King's Head Theatre
Michael in 'A Love Letter to Dan'
June 27, 2006 -
The Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London will host 'A Love Letter to Dan: A Tribute to Dan Crawford' at the Sunday 16th July 2006 at 7pm.
In aid of the King's Head Theatre's Raise The Roof Campaign
On Sunday 16th July, the King's Head Theatre Islington will present a very special musical tribute Gala to the theatre's founder, entrepreneur and producer Dan Crawford, who died last July at the age of 62.
For one night only, a host of stars will come together in celebration of Dan's life and work.
The evening will showcase a cast of over 50 King's Head stars, past and present, will bring love and laughter to a unique musical celebration, recalling many of the prolific landmark productions associated with Dan's distinguished career.
The production will feature the works of Noel Coward, Ivor Novello, the Gershwins, Jerome Kern, Dorothy Fields, Kurt Weil, Jacques Brel, Vivian Ellis, Cole Porter and Stephen Sondheim.
The host of stars appearing includes Don Black, Lionel Blair, Steven Berkoff, Peter Bowles, Clare Burt, Sharon D Clarke, Tom Conti, Janie Dee, Anita Dobson, Simon Green, Susannah Fellowes, Louise Gold, Richard E Grant, Jan Hartley, Patricia Hodge, Michael Howe, Celia Imrie, Lesley Joseph, David Kernan, Denis Lawson, Gavin Lee, John Lee, Maureen Lipman, Joanna Lumley, Ewan McGregor, Susie McKenna, Julia McKenzie, Linda Marlowe, Jessica Martin, Robert Meadmore, Kim Medcalf, Sheridan Morley, Maz Murray, Paul O'Grady,
Michael Praed,Frances Ruffelle, Angela Richards,
David Soul, Wendy Toye,
Sally Ann Triplett, Sam West and other surprise guests.
Funds
raised from this very special evening will go towards the Raise The Roof fund for the refurbishment of the theatre in order that Dan Crawford's legacy can continue.
Tickets to 'A Love Letter to Dan' are available from the the the the the Novello Theatre Box office on 0870 950 0935 or online at
www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk. Ticket prices range from £25 - *£100 (*includes joining the stars at the after show party)
This shouldn't affect those who
have purchased 'Killing Castro' tickets. Michael Praed
will be tucking this event on the Sunday between the
Stoke-on-Trent and Richmond 'Killing Castro' engagements.
Michael Praed took
part in two productions at the King's Head: 'Three on a Couch'
and 'Misery'.
June 27, 2006 -
June 27, 2006 marked the official
release date for the new installment in the 'Crazy' series,
'Crazy Love'.
The sexy
special ops team includes a plethora of
Michael Praed-inspired characters created by fan Tara Janzen. Another
in the series, 'Crazy Sweet', is due to be released October 31
but can be ordered online now. Ordering information from
Amazon follows.
July 1, 20066 - The Harlequin Mills & Boon UK audio
book 'The Viscount's Betrothal'
by Louise Allen is now available. The Michael Praed
narration can be
ordered directly from the
Mills and Boon UK website
with 25% off
the cover price within three weeks of the release date, or from
various bookstores such as
WHSmiths,
ASDA,
Borders and Books etc
and Amazon UK
July 3, 2006 -
Brian Stewart's black comedy 'Killing
Castro' makes a brief foray into the West Country Monday.
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Richard Jordan Productions Limited
and the Theatre Royal Haymarket Productions comedy
will play at the
Theatre Royal in Plymouth from Monday, 3 July until Saturday,
8 July. The cast includes Clive Mantle, Michael Praed, Edward Hardwicke, and Joe Shaw.
See the following for the
complete tour itinerary.
For theatre contact information, please click
here. For a calendar
noting cities
and venues, please click
here.
Schedule
Yvonne Arnaud
Theatre - Guildford (Tuesday 23 May - Saturday 27 May)
Theatre Royal - Brighton (Monday 29 May - Saturday 3 June)
Festival Theatre - Malvern (Monday 5 June - Saturday 10 June)
Greenwich Theatre - Greenwich (Monday 12 June -
Saturday 17 June)
NO VENUE - FREE WEEK
Cambridge Arts Theatre - Cambridge (Monday
26 June - Saturday 1 July)
Theatre Royal - Plymouth (Monday 3 July - Saturday
8
July)
The Regent Theatre - Stoke-on-Trent (Monday
10 July - Saturday 15 July)
Richmond Theatre - Richmond (Monday 17 July - Saturday 22 July)
Cliffs Pavilion Theatre - Southend-on-Sea (Monday 24 July - Saturday 29 July)
Devonshire Park Theatre - Eastbourne (Monday
31 July -
Saturday 5 August)
Regular Fanfare chat
set
July 3, 2006 -
Due to the number of Michael Praed fans interested in chatting
with other fans, Sunday has been designated as the regular chat
day. Times are rather vague as people pop in and out.
In Britain, the best time is evening (about 8:00 pm), in the
States the chat takes place in the afternoon (3:00 EDT).
No login/password is required.
'A Love Letter to Dan'
Correction
July 9, 2006 -
Michael Praed had made tentative plans to take part in 'A Love Letter to Dan: A Tribute to Dan Crawford'
hosted by the Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London on Sunday 16th July at 7:00 pm.
We've recently heard that he's probably not going to make it
after all.
Along with Bill
Kenwright, Dan Crawford was the producer of 'September Tide', a
Daphne du Maurier play in which Michael Praed starred opposite Susannah York
in 1994, and owner of the King's Head Theatre, home of 'Three on
a Couch' and 'Misery'.
The Gala is a
musical tribute Gala to the King's Head Theatre's founder,
entrepreneur and producer Dan Crawford, who died last July at
the age of 62. Proceeds will go towards the Raise The Roof
fund for the refurbishment of the King's Head in order that Dan
Crawford's legacy can continue. If you are interested in
supporting this fine cause, tickets to 'A Love
Letter to Dan' are available online at
www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk or call the Novello Theatre box office
at 0870 950 0939.
July 10, 2006 -
'Killing
Castro' Brian Stewart's black comedy based on ludicrous schemes
by America's CIA
to remove Fidel Castro from the head of Cuba travels to
Stoke-on-Trent next. It will play at the
Regent Theatre from Monday, 10 July until Saturday, 15 July.
The cast includes Clive Mantle, Michael Praed, Edward Hardwicke, and Joe Shaw.
See the following for the
complete tour itinerary.
For theatre contact information, please click
here. For a calendar
noting cities
and venues, please click
here.
Schedule
Yvonne Arnaud
Theatre - Guildford (Tuesday 23 May - Saturday 27 May)
Theatre Royal - Brighton (Monday 29 May - Saturday 3 June)
Festival Theatre - Malvern (Monday 5 June - Saturday 10 June)
Greenwich Theatre - Greenwich (Monday 12 June -
Saturday 17 June)
NO VENUE - FREE WEEK
Cambridge Arts Theatre - Cambridge (Monday
26 June - Saturday 1 July)
Theatre Royal - Plymouth (Monday 3 July - Saturday
8
July)
The Regent Theatre - Stoke-on-Trent (Monday
10 July - Saturday 15 July)
Richmond Theatre - Richmond (Monday 17 July - Saturday 22 July)
Cliffs Pavilion Theatre - Southend-on-Sea (Monday 24 July - Saturday 29 July)
Devonshire Park Theatre - Eastbourne (Monday
31 July -
Saturday 5 August)
July 17, 2006 -
With only a three more weeks in
the run, 'Killing Castro' relocates to Richmond.
Brian Stewart's black comedy, based on preposterous plans
by America's CIA to remove Fidel Castro from the head of Cuba, will play at the
Richmond Theatre from Monday, 17 July until Saturday,
22 July.
The cast includes Clive Mantle, Michael Praed, Edward Hardwicke, and Joe Shaw.
See the following for the
complete tour itinerary.
For theatre contact information, please click
here. For a calendar
noting cities
and venues, please click
here.
Schedule
Yvonne Arnaud
Theatre - Guildford (Tuesday 23 May - Saturday 27 May)
Theatre Royal - Brighton (Monday 29 May - Saturday 3 June)
Festival Theatre - Malvern (Monday 5 June - Saturday 10 June)
Greenwich Theatre - Greenwich (Monday 12 June -
Saturday 17 June)
NO VENUE - FREE WEEK
Cambridge Arts Theatre - Cambridge (Monday
26 June - Saturday 1 July)
Theatre Royal - Plymouth (Monday 3 July - Saturday
8
July)
The Regent Theatre - Stoke-on-Trent (Monday
10 July - Saturday 15 July)
Richmond Theatre - Richmond (Monday 17 July - Saturday 22 July)
Cliffs Pavilion Theatre - Southend-on-Sea (Monday 24 July - Saturday 29 July)
Devonshire Park Theatre - Eastbourne (Monday
31 July -
Saturday 5 August)
Oneword narrations
start
July 23, 2006 -
Oneword, the digital satellite radio component of Channel 4 Radio
is presenting 'Mills & Boon at the Weekend', featuring romantic fiction
from the catalog of Mills & Boon. Michael reads Juliet
Landon's 'His Duty, Her Destiny', beginning on 23 July. Stories will be broadcast in half hour slots on
Saturday mornings at midnight, and Sundays at 8 am and repeated at 4 pm.
July 31, 2006 - This is your last chance to see
'Killing
Castro' as it moves to its final venue at
Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne from July 31 until August
5.
The black comedy by Brian
Stewart ('The Office') is based on preposterous plans by America's CIA
to remove Fidel Castro from the head of Cuba. The play is being
produced by the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Richard Jordan Productions Limited
and the Theatre Royal Haymarket Productions.
The UK tour includes a cast of fine actors in Clive Mantle, Michael
Praed, Edward Hardwicke, and Joe Shaw.
