'Timewatch: The Boxer Rebellion' © 2008 BBC

Michael narrates 'Timewatch: The Boxer Rebellion'

October 7, 2008 - Michael Praed narrates 'Timewatch: The Boxer Rebellion' on Saturday, 11 October 2008 at 18.50 on BBC2. This is the second, and last, episode Michael will narrate this series.

In 1910, fearing western influence, a Chinese faction (the Boxers) resists the growing strength of foreign powers. In response, 3,000 foreigners are entrapped. 'Timewatch' tells how the foreign nations unite, to do battle with 'The Boxer Rebellion'. Told through Chinese sources and the diaries and memoirs of the outnumbered European defenders, the siege helped to bring down the imperial monarchy, precipitating a century of destruction, revolution and ultimate renewal.

Check the Timewatch website for updates, glimpses behind the scenes, discussions and videos.  (Unfortunately, video clips are available to those in the UK only.)

Guildford gets 'An Ideal Husband'.

Guildford gets 'An Ideal Husband'

October 5, 2008 - Early misconduct threatens the career and marriage of a leading government official (played by Michael Praed) in Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband' at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford this week.  The play runs from Monday 6 October to Saturday 11 October.   The production, based on Peter Hall's direction, is produced by Bill Kenwright. Please view our venue database here for ticket and contact details.

'An Ideal Husband' moves to Malvern.

'An Ideal Husband' moves to Malvern

September 28, 2008 - Oscar Wilde's surprisingly relevant comedy regarding respectability and honor, 'An Ideal Husband', moves to Malvern this week.  The play will be presented at the Festival Theatre from Monday 29 September to Saturday 4 October.   Mark Piper directs the Peter Hall revival.  The production is produced by Bill Kenwright. Please view our venue database here for ticket and contact details.

Wealthy Sir Robert Chiltern (Michael) leads an exemplary life as a leading government official known for his principles.  His idealistic wife (Carol Royle) has placed him on a pedestal. Both his career and marriage are threatened when the scheming Mrs Cheveley (Kate O'Mara) materializes with evidence of wealth based on selling government secrets and an inclination to blackmail.. 

Who is the lucky person who recently met up with Michael?

New encounter with Michael

September 24, 2008 - Along with the prospect to see Michael in 'An Ideal Husband', the new tour provides opportunities to meet Michael. Check here to see a photograph of  the latest encounter!

'Timewatch: Stonehenge - The Healing Stones' © 2008 BBC

Michael narrates 'Timewatch' special

September 23, 2008 - With autumn, comes the much anticipated return of 'Timewatch', the BBC's flagship documentary series, narrated by Michael Praed, 'Timewatch: Stonehenge - The Healing Stones' airs on Saturday, 27 September 2008 at 8.05 pm on BBC2.  It will be a one-hour special.  

Archaeologists Tim Darvill and Geoff Wainwright, digging the first excavation at Stonehenge allowed in four decades, think they have pinpointed when the mysterious structure was first erected.  They also  explain their theory that Stonehenge was a place of pilgrimage and healing, a Neolithic Lourdes. 

Check the Timewatch website for updates, glimpses behind the scenes, panoramic views from inside the stone circle, and videos.  The introductory audio/video clip, narrated by Michael, will be available online for a short while here.

Thanks go to Joan for spotting this in the television schedule, and to Janet for letting us know last spring that it was in the works!

Cardiff gets 'An Ideal Husband' in the last full week of September

Cardiff next for 'An Ideal Husband'

September 22, 2008 - Oscar Wilde's timeless comedy 'An Ideal Husband' shifts to Cardiff for the final full week in September.  The play will be presented at the New Theatre from Monday 22 September to Saturday 27 September.   Mark Piper directs the Peter Hall version and is presented by Bill Kenwright. Please view our venue database here for ticket and contact details.

Known for exemplifying the highest principles, Sir Robert Chiltern (Michael) is a leading government official whose idealistic wife (Carol Royle) has placed him on a pedestal. Both his career and marriage is threatened when the scheming Mrs Cheveley (Kate O'Mara) materializes with evidence of wealth based on selling government secrets. 

Nottingham gets 'An Ideal Husband'.

Nottingham gets 'An Ideal Husband'

September 14, 2008 - The Bill Kenwright production of Oscar Wilde's 'An Ideal Husband' 'finds it's way to Nottingham.  The play will be presented at the Theatre Royal from Monday 15 September to Saturday 20 September.   Mark Piper directs the critically acclaimed production by Sir Peter Hall. Please view our venue database here for ticket and contact details.

Exemplifying the highest principles, Sir Robert Chiltern (Michael) is a leading government official whose idealistic wife (Carol Royle) has placed him on a pedestal. Both his career and marriage is threatened when the scheming Mrs Cheveley (Kate O'Mara) materializes with evidence of wealth based on selling government secrets. 

The play, written in 1893 just before Wilde's disgrace, discusses the concept of private and public honor.

 'An Ideal Husband' moves to Norwich

'An Ideal Husband' moves to Norwich

September 7, 2008 - 'An Ideal Husband', Oscar Wilde's witty examination of love, honor and  acceptance, moves to Norwich on Monday, 8 September and runs through Saturday 13 September.  

Sir Robert Chiltern (Michael) is a leading government official.  Exemplifying wealth, respectability, and honor, his idealistic wife (Carol Royle) has placed him on a pedestal. Chiltern's private and public well-being is threatened when the scheming Mrs Cheveley (Kate O'Mara) materializes from Europe with damning evidence of wealth based on selling a crucial government secret regarding the Suez Canal..

Mark Piper is directing this adaptation of Sir Peter Hall's praised production of 'An Ideal Husband'.  The tour is produced by the Bill Kenwright company.  Please view our venue database here for ticket and contact details.

Michael opens in Wilde's 'An Ideal Husband'.

'An Ideal Husband' opens in Windsor

August 23, 2008 - Bill Kenwright's tour of 'An Ideal Husband' by Oscar Wilde opens on Monday, 25th August and runs through Saturday 6th September.   Michael is playing the role of Sir Robert Chiltern.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Sir Robert is a contented Edwardian gentleman.  He's the respected Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, well-off with a loving, but morally inflexible, wife. All this is threatened when the manipulative Mrs Cheveley appears with damning evidence of a career based on selling government secrets and an inclination to blackmail.  The play, written in 1893 just before Wilde's disgrace, discusses political corruption as well as the concept of private and public honor.

'Robin of Sherwood' fans may know that Nickolas Grace (the Sheriff of Nottingham) took part in the 1999 film of the same name with Cate Blanchett.

Collage of various Michael Praed sigs, banners and avatars.

Sigs, banners and avatars offered

August 19, 2008 - We have a new creative outlet to share with you.  We now offer Michael Praed sigs, banners and avatars.  These distinctive signs were fashioned for decorating forums and emails. Not only do you have Fanfare goodies to try, thanks to fans Haze and Alexandra, you'll find the work of other Michael Praed designers as well. 

By the way, if you are willing to share your own work, we'll be happy to add them. 

You'll find our new page here or through links on the 'Fan Art' main page or the Creativity Corner on the Forum.

'Curse of the Daleks', an audio play starring Michael Praed
and produced by Big Finish, will be released in late November.

Michael to star in audio version of Dr Who play

July 25, 2008 - Big Finish announced today that three audio presentations will be made of early Dr Who theatrical plays. The plays are 'The Seven Keys to Doomsday', 'The Ultimate Adventure', and 'Curse of the Daleks'.

'Curse of the Daleks' is the earliest of the three stage productions having been originally performed in London in 1965. There is no Doctor in this adventure. The lead character is a convict called Ladiver and for the new audio version the starring role will be played by Michael Praed.  In the original stage version, Ladiver was played by John Line and he is cast as Professor Vanderlyn in the audio version.

The audio play was recorded 23-24 July. The release date is 30 November 2008. The 2 CD set is currently available by pre-order here.  Links will shortly be added to the Fanfare Merchandise page.

Michael previously portrayed Professor Slyde on the Seventh Doctor audio 'The Dark Flame' by Big Finish.

Thanks go to Rita for bringing this to our attention!

'Robin of Sherwood' The Complete Collection released.

'Robin of Sherwood' complete set
released in North America

July 24, 2008 - Acorn Media is releasing 'Robin of Sherwood' The Complete Collection on July 29th to Canada and United States.  Like the British version, the North American release comes with many extras. 

The DVD set is currently on sale on the Acorn Media website.  It can also be preordered on various DVD sites, some at reduced prices (Amazon, for one).  Once it is released, you should be able to find it at Best Buy, Borders and other stores where television series sets are sold. 

Please view our Merchandise page for links to order directly from Acorn Media.

'Book of Knowledge', a repository for SAJV fanfic, has been revived.

'The Book of Knowledge' revived

July 24, 2008 - 'The Book of Knowledge', an online repository for 'The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne' fanfic, has been revived after the story archives were partially destroyed in a hacker attack.  If you are long-time visitor, you'll notice that the site format has changed from a forum layout to a wiki.

'The Book of Knowledge' could use a little help yet, so take a look and see what you can contribute.  If you've got new SAJV fanfic, consider sharing it on the website.  You'll find an intelligent and appreciative audience.

Thanks go to SAJV fanfic author Annie for bringing this to our attention!

Nottingham's Theatre Royal will present 'An Ideal Husband'.

Nottingham added to 'An Ideal Husband' tour

July 10, 2008 - Nottingham's Theatre Royal was added to Bill Kenwright's tour of 'An Ideal Husband' this fall.  The theatre recently started selling tickets for the week of 15-20 September, the dates that the Kenwright organization stated were to be confirmed.  Apparently, this has been done.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Thanks go to Gordina for spotting this for us!

New Encounter with Michael

July 10, 2008 -  A new Encounter has been posted to the Encounters section.   In this case, it is a long-time 'Robin of Sherwood' fan who has been collecting items since the very first episode.  Who is the mystery fan and how did it happen?  Read about the Encounter here.

Last bows for 'Sleuth' will occur onstage at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle.

Last chance to see 'Sleuth'!

June 29, 2008 - This is it.  This is the last week on the schedule for Anthony Shaffer's brilliant 'Sleuth' starring Michael Praed and Simon MacCorkindale.  The play will be presented at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle from Monday 30 June to Saturday 5 July.  If you haven't already seen it, please go.  If you've seen it before, you already know you want to see it one last time!  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

The plot begins when Milo Tindle (Michael Praed), the son of an Italian immigrant, arrives at the home of snobbish Andrew Wyke (Simon MacCorkindale), the aristocratic author of Agatha Christie-style manor house mysteries. What begins as a playful game between rivals turns sinister in this classic thriller.  The critically acclaimed Bill Kenwright production was directed by Joe Harmston.

'Sleuth' appears at His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen.

'Sleuth' appears in Aberdeen

June 22, 2008 - With the tour nearing it's end, Anthony Shaffer's 'Sleuth' will be appearing at His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen from Monday 23 June to Saturday 28 June.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Eager to acquire a wealthy man's wife with a means to support her, Milo Tindle (Michael Praed) agrees to put himself in the hands of wily rival, mystery writer Andrew Wyke (Simon MacCorkindale) . Uproarious comedy and devious drama ensues.

New Encounters with Michael

June 22, 2008 -  New Encounters have been posted to the Encounters section!  Two are newly "Michaeled" (Brighton and Cardiff) and one is a repeat.  Who's been seeing Michael?  Can you guess?

Michael to appear in Wilde's 'An Ideal Husband'.

Michael to tour with 'An Ideal Husband'

June 15, 2008 - After the current run of 'Sleuth' is over in July, Michael will be joining Bill Kenwright's tour of 'An Ideal Husband' by Oscar Wilde.  A list of dates and venues is already posted on the Kenwright website with more venues apparently coming.  So far, the tour starts in late August and runs to late November.  Fanfare will let you know if this changes.

More details will be appearing on Fanfare shortly.

Thanks go to fans Janet Reedman and Haze Pethick for passing the word along!

New forum and chat format for Fanfare.

New forum and chat format for Fanfare

June 15, 2008 - For too long Fanfare users have waited for Network 54 to release its next generation forum and chatroom with addition features.  With no sign of it on the horizon, we are regretfully switching hosts. 

Starting 17th June there will be a new forum and chatroom offered to fans.  The forum is hosted by ProBoards and the chatroom by AddOn Chat. 

Visitors will be able to post to most categories without a login.  Some categories  are available to members only, however.   You will need a ProBoards login for those boards.  Old Network 54 logins will not be valid. 

A link to the old chatroom will be available for archival purposes, but it will be closed to additional posts.

Those wishing to chat Sundays will need to sign into the forum first.  There is a chatroom link provided on the Forum Menu once the member is signed in.  Again, old Network 54 logins are no longer valid. 

Because participation in chat needs registration, notice of any chats with Michael will be announced to members only.   Unfortunately, moderated chats are limited to 25 people due to service restrictions.  Please do your best to avoid disappointment and register early.

Forum Theatre of Billingham bags 'Sleuth'.

Billingham bags 'Sleuth'

June 15, 2008 - Anthony Shaffer's wily whodunit will be presented at the Forum Theatre in Billingham from Monday 16 June to Saturday 20 June.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

What happens when two highly-competitive, clever men with vastly different backgrounds enter a game where everything is on the line?  Joe Harmston directs Simon MacCorkindale and Michael Praed in the Bill Kenwright production.

Brighton's Theatre Royal sees the return of 'Sleuth'.

'Sleuth' returns to Brighton

June 8, 2008 - Anthony Schaffer's 'Sleuth' returns to the theatre where it all began.  In 1970, Brighton's Theatre Royal premiered the award-winning play that has since been dubbed "one of the greatest stage thrillers ever".  'Sleuth will be back at the Theatre Royal from Monday 9 June to Saturday 14 June.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Milo Tindle (Michael Praed), the upstart son of an Italian immigrant, arrives at the home of snobbish Andrew Wyke (Simon MacCorkindale), the aristocratic author of Agatha Christie-style manor house mysteries. What begins as a playful game between rivals turns sinister in this classic thriller.  Joe Harmston directs the Bill Kenwright production.

'Robin of Sherwood' sculptures by Panton Hall

'RoS' sculptures at 'Tales of Robin Hood'

June 9, 2008 -  If you missed the chance to see Panton Hall's sculptures of Loxley, Huntingdon and the Merry Men at the 'Robin of Sherwood' con 'Legend' earlier this year, don't worry. The figures will be on display at Nottingham's 'Tales of Robin Hood' this summer. There is a photograph of Michael holding Loxley, with Panton Hall and his sister Annette Furuyama looking on, in our Encounters section.

The New Theatre in Cardiff hosts 'Sleuth'.

Cardiff hosts 'Sleuth'

June 1, 2008 - 'Sleuth' returns to Wales for the next six days.  Anthony Schaffer's play to the New Theatre of Cardiff on Monday 2 June and departs on Saturday 7 June.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.  Joe Harmston directs Michael Praed and Simon MacCorkindale in the lead roles.

It is ironic that the word "play" can not only mean a theatrical performance. It can refer to a sport, a game, a maneuver, a bit of roguery, banter, and an exercise in stratagem. "Play" fits 'Sleuth' in just about every sense of the work.  The various weavings of the plot play with this play, and plays upon the far ranging emotions of the audience.  It's a play not to be missed.

'Sleuth' arrives in Scotland at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow

Scots to see 'Sleuth'

May 24, 2008 - Scotland finally gets it's first glimpse of 'Sleuth' this week.  Anthony Schaffer's play come to the Theatre Royal in Glasgow on Monday 26 May and departs on Saturday 31 May.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Is mystery writer Andrew Wyke (Simon MacCorkindale) childlike in his love for games, or is it the deceptive facade of a snobbish, competitive man with an obsession? Milo Tindle (Michael Praed), the upstart son of an Italian immigrant, must discover the stakes before he loses the game. The Bill Kenwright production is directed by Joe Harmston.

'Sleuth' convenes in Cambridge at the Arts Theatre

'Sleuth' convenes in Cambridge

May 18, 2008 - 'Sleuth' arrives at the Arts Theatre in Cambridge on Monday 19 May and departs on Saturday 24 May.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Two men from vastly different backgrounds pit their wits against each other. Riotously funny and riveting by turns, Anthony Shaffer's whodunit is considered one of the masterpieces of the genre. Joe Harmston directs Michael Praed and Simon MacCorkindale in the Bill Kenwright production.

 
Michael on 'Calendar' ©2008 ITV,
courtesy of ForeverSable/Moldavian_Princess

Clip of Michael and Simon on ITV's 'Calendar'

May 16, 2008 -  On May 6th, Moldavian_Princess alerted us that Michael and Simon were appearing on a regional ITV news program 'Calendar' in Yorkshire that evening.  Once the show was over, Hazel posted the link to the local ITV website with the interview.  Unhappily for Michael's international fans, the clip was only available to those residing in the UK.  Graciously, Moldavian_Princess posted a YouTube link so we could see the interview with Michael Praed and Simon MacCorkindale -- and get a glimpse of the 'Sleuth' set.

Thank you so very much, Moldavian_Princess!

'Sleuth' shuffles off to Sheffield and the Lyceum Theatre

'Sleuth' shuffles off to Sheffield

May 11, 2008 - 'Sleuth' arrives at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre on Monday 12 May and departs on Saturday 17 May.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Milo Tindle (Michael Praed) is invited within the sanctuary of famous mystery writer Andrew Wyke (Simon MacCorkindale) only to discover he's put himself in the hands of a wily rival. Hilarious and riveting, this whodunit is considered one of the masterpieces of the genre.  Joe Harmston directs the Bill Kenwright production.

Encounter in Richmond

May 6, 2008 -  Journeying across Europe, our latest Encounters contributor met with Michael after 'Sleuth' recently.  How far did she come and how long has she been waiting to meet her childhood hero?  What did she give him to commemorate the occasion?  Take a look and lift these shadows!

'Sleuth' comes to the environs of Hull and the New Theatre

'Sleuth' now at the Hull New Theatre

May 3, 2008 - The Hull New Theatre is the site of 'Sleuth' tour from Monday 5 May until Saturday 10 May.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Snobbish mystery writer Andrew Wyke (Simon MacCorkindale) invites his wife's hairdresser, Milo Tindle (Michael Praed) to his home for fun and games. Hilarious and absorbing, this Bill Kenwright production by Anthony Schaffer is directed by Joe Harmston.

Legend 2008
UK 'Robin of Sherwood' convention

April 27, 2008 -  The United Kingdom 'Robin of Sherwood' convention, Legend 2008, will be held this coming weekend at the Rutland Square Hotel in Nottingham. 

Expected guests are Richard Carpenter, Annabel Lee, Nickolas Grace, Mark Ryan and Phil Rose.  Their attendance is subject to work and personal commitments.

Activities include a buffet presided by a jester, medieval music, tours of the famous Nottingham Castle caves, a medieval banquet at "The Tales of Robin Hood" in the company of Herne (the costume, anyway) and one of the Albions.

Although Michael isn't likely to appear due to the demands of touring in 'Sleuth', Michael Praed's Fanfare will make it's presence felt in the charity auction with a couple donations.  Bid high and bid often! 

Contact the good folks at Legend 2008 for further information.

'Sleuth' performed at the Richmond Theatre

The Richmond Theatre gets 'Sleuth'

April 27, 2008 - The Richmond Theatre in Richmond is the setting of 'Sleuth' tour from Monday 28 April until Saturday 3 May.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Milo Tindle (Michael Praed) enters the home of eccentric mystery writer Andrew Wyke (Simon MacCorkindale) only to discover he's put himself in the hands of a wily rival. Hilarious and absorbing, this thriller by Anthony Schaffer is considered one of the masterpieces of the "manor house" genre.  The Bill Kenwright production is directed by Joe Harmston.

'Robin of Sherwood' sculptures by Panton Hall

'RoS' sculptures viewing

April 23, 2008 -  In Encounters recently, we met Annette and her brother Panton with Michael.  Michael was proudly holding the central character in the tableaux pictured above -- Loxley.  If you would like to see Panton Hall's figures for yourself, they will be appearing at the 'Robin of Sherwood' convention Legend 2008 later this week.  By the way, Annette and Panton will be there, too!  Stop and introduce yourself.

For another view of the Loxley sculpture, check out the Encounters section.

Encounter updates

April 21, 2008 -  Our Encounters section has an update to report this week.  Shirley Merriman recounted her most recent meeting with Michael in 'Sleuth' earlier this month.  Now we get the commentary of her first meeting.  Where did she first see him?  What show brought them together?  Make your guess and find out if you are right.

'Sleuth' appearing on Malvern's Festival Theatre stage

'Sleuth' arrives at Festival Theatre in Malvern

April 20, 2008 - Malvern's Festival Theatre is the venue of Anthony Schaffer's 'Sleuth' from Monday 21 April until Saturday 26 April.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Milo Tindle (Michael Praed) answers the invitation  of famous mystery writer Andrew Wyke (Simon MacCorkindale), only to discover he's put himself in the hands of a snobbish and wily rival. Riotously funny and riveting by turns, the Bill Kenwright production is directed by Joe Harmston.

The Churchill in Bromley welcomes 'Sleuth'.

The Churchill in Bromley welcomes 'Sleuth'

April 14, 2008 - The Churchill Theatre in Bromley is the happy home of Anthony Schaffer's 'Sleuth' from Monday 14 April until Saturday 19 April.  The tour has reached it's halfway point. 

Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Is mystery writer Andrew Wyke (Simon MacCorkindale) childlike in his love for games, or is it the deceptive facade of a snobbish, competitive man with an obsession?  Milo Tindle (Michael Praed), the upstart son of an Italian immigrant, must discover the stakes before he loses the game. 

The Bill Kenwright production is directed by Joe Harmston.

Various forums and guest books from left to right.
MP Online, Chest Hair Moments, MP Yahoo Group
(copyrights remain with those entities)

Forums available

April 14, 2008 - Forum choices abound for Michael Praed fans these days.

A new Michael Praed forum was unveiled this week on 'Michael Praed Online'.  Membership is required to post, but users can answer to a variety of topics, vote in polls, post media files and take part in chats.  Profiles can be spiffed up with avatars, sigs and your favorite Michael Praed pictures.

Meanwhile, 'Chest Hair Moments' recently added back a long missing guestbook.  Although the look of the guestbook has changed, long-time friends will be pleased to know that many of the old entries have been saved and are posted on the new page.  Membership is not required to post.  CHM is also undergoing a change in the way that pages are accessed.  Like the rest of the site, the home page is now using a jump box to quickly access other areas of the website.  Also, the look of the jump box is changing and alterations are slowly creeping across all 55 pages.

Not to be forgotten is the original forum for Michael Praed fans on Yahoo Groups.  The group has a web presence under the Yahoo banner restricted to members, with areas for files, databases, photos, links and polls.  In partnership with the website is the option to have posts emailed to registered users, making it a breeze to keep up with Michael's latest activities.  

If you haven't visited these sites recently, take a look and see what's new!

Another Encounter!

April 9, 2008 -  For the third week in a row we have a new Encounter to report.  Obviously this is a popular area of the site.  My thanks this week goes to Shirley Merriman for sharing her impressions.  (The shadowy images of Michael and Shirley will be revealed once you get to Encounters.  We like to be mysterious!)

Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre welcomes 'Sleuth'.

Wolverhampton welcomes 'Sleuth'

April 6, 2008 - Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre will host Sleuth' from Monday 7 April until Saturday 12 April.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Two men from vastly different backgrounds pit their wits against each other in a deadly game of one-upmanship. Riotously funny and riveting by turns, Anthony Shaffer's manor house mystery is considered one of the masterpieces of the genre.  The Bill Kenwright production features Simon MacCorkindale and Michael Praed in the lead roles. 

More new Encounters!

April 6, 2008 -  Fanfare's Encounters section is growing by leaps and bounds.  We added two last week and have another two this week.  Read the latest and discover just how busy Michael has been recently.  Many thanks go to fans Annette and Sharon for sharing their stories.  (Don't worry.  The shadowy pictures will be revealed once you get there!)

Wanted: To wish Michael Praed the happiest of birthdays.

Happy Birthday, Michael!

April 1, 2008 - We'd like to wish Michael Praed the happiest of birthdays.  The world is a much better place with you in it, Michael, and we all hope you find joy and contentment, today and always.

Nottingham's Theatre Royal is the 'Sleuth' venue this week.

Nottingham receives 'Sleuth'

March 30, 2008 - The Theatre Royal in Nottingham is the new home for Sleuth' from Monday 30 March until Saturday 5 April. Anthony Shaffer's superb play, starring Michael Praed and Simon MacCorkindale, is directed by Joe Harmston.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Milo Tindle (Michael Praed) is invited to the eccentric home of famous mystery writer Andrew Wyke (Simon MacCorkindale) only to discover he's put himself in the hands of a wily rival. Hilarious and gripping, this whodunit is considered one of the masterpieces of the genre.

New Encounters!

March 28, 2008 -  If you haven't checked out our Encounters page recently, you're in for a delightful surprise.  We have more Encounters with Michael to report.  Take a look and read how other fans got to meet the Man.  Photos too  -- and without those annoying shadows seen above!

Theatre Royal in Brighton is the last venue named in the current UK tour of 'Sleuth'.

Last 'Sleuth' venue named

March 26, 2008 - The Theatre Royal in Brighton is the last venue named in the current UK tour of 'Sleuth'. Anthony Shaffer's masterpiece, which made it's world première at the Brighton Theatre Royal in 1970 before moving on to celebrated runs in London and New York, will play from the 9th to the 14th June.  The theatrical production starring Simon MacCorkindale and Michael Praed is directed by Joe Harmston.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Copious and heartfelt thanks go to the Simon MacCorkindale Fan Community for their considerable help in tracking down venue information. You have our deep gratitude, friends!

'Dreamland' production target changed

March 24, 2008 -  Cole Kitchenn Ltd is announcing on their website that the  West End debut for Michael Praed's musical 'Dreamland' is now tentatively set for 2008-2009.  This is a adjustment from the 2008 target previously given. 

Thanks go to Sylvia for bringing this date change to our attention.

Anthony Shaffer's 'Sleuth' travels to the Theatre Royal in Bath this week.

'Sleuth' travels to Bath

March 23, 2008 - The Theatre Royal in Bath is the new home for Anthony Shaffer's 'Sleuth' from Monday 24 March until Saturday 29 March. The play starring Simon MacCorkindale and Michael Praed is directed by Joe Harmston.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Alternately funny and intense by turns, this gem concerning two men skirmishing for dominance has been delighting audiences for more than thirty years.

Anthony Shaffer's 'Sleuth' is at the Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold this week.

'Sleuth' moves to Mold

March 16, 2008 - Moving into Wales, the Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold is the latest venue for Anthony Shaffer's 'Sleuth'. The play directed by Joe Harmston runs from Monday 17 March until Saturday 22 March. Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Eager to acquire a wealthy man's wife with fortune intact, Milo Tindle (Michael Praed) turns up at the eccentric home of famous mystery writer Andrew Wyke (Simon MacCorkindale), only to discover he's put himself in the hands of a wily rival. Both hilarious comedy and Machiavellian drama ensues.

Anthony Shaffer's 'Sleuth' is at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool this week.

Blackpool venue for 'Sleuth'

March 9, 2008 - Blackpool is the latest setting for Anthony Shaffer's 'Sleuth' as the play takes to the Grand Theatre stage on Monday 10 March, running until Saturday 15 March. Please view our venue database here for contact details.

Eager to acquire a wealthy man's wife with fortune intact, Milo Tindle (Michael Praed) turns up at the eccentric home of famous mystery writer Andrew Wyke (Simon MacCorkindale), only to discover he's put himself in the hands of a wily rival. Both hilarious comedy and Machiavellian drama ensues.

 
Michael on 'Loose Women'. ©2008 ITV

Clip of Michael on ITV's 'Loose Women'

March 8, 2008 -  For those of us who missed Michael's appearance on ITV's 'Loose Women' on the 4th of March, our friend Shelli rides to our rescue.  Shelli, of course, runs the Simon MacCorkindale Fan Page (and community) and she posted a video clip of Michael on 'Loose Women' on her website.  She is also kindly posting a direct link on Fanfare.  You'll be able to download the 12MB wmv video file here.

Thank you so very much, Shelli!

(By the way, thanks also go to Aileen who sent these screencaps to us.  There are more on the Fanfare forum here and here!)

 
Michael at Hayes. ©2008 Richard Anderson and Fanfare

Photo of Michael at Hayes

March 3, 2008 -  You may have noticed a very nice picture posted briefly on the home page of Fanfare recently.  It was a photograph taken for me of Michael backstage in Hayes by Richard Anderson. Frances Quinn sent it along.  Thanks go to all concerned: Frances, Richard and, of course, Michael!

'Sleuth' by Anthony Shaffer at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking this week
with Michael Praed and Simon MacCorkindale in the lead roles.

'Sleuth' resumes in Woking

March 2, 2008 - 'Sleuth' returns to the stage on Monday 2 March after a week's hiatus. Anthony Shaffer's devious whodunit will be onstage at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking until Saturday 8 March.  Please view our venue database here for contact details.

What happens when two highly-competitive, clever men with vastly different backgrounds enter a game where love, riches, and even their lives are on the line?  Michael Praed and Simon MacCorkindale take the lead roles.

Michael to appear on ITV's 'Loose Women'

February 29, 2008 -  Michael Praed will be facing the outspoken panel on ITV's 'Loose Women' on Tuesday, 4 March at 12.30.  The topic of conversation is expected to be the current UK tour of 'Sleuth', but who knows how Michael will fare?  Set those recorders now.

 
Michael as Frederick in the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta 'The Pirates of Penzance'

Happy Birthday, Frederick
(and Happy Leap Day, too!)

February 29, 2008 -  Happy Leap Day, everyone!  This is also the birthday of Michael's character Frederick in the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta 'The Pirates of Penzance'.  Due to a mistake when he was in the nursery, Frederick was legally committed to being a pirate until his 21rst birthday. Unfortunately, Frederick was born on Leap Day! Would the duty-bound youngster ever become free of his odious profession and allowed to live in lawful harmony with his sweetheart Mabel? 

Michael Praed played this lad with a paradoxical dilemma in Joseph Papp's London production at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 1982.  It was at this production, strutting alongside Tim Curry as the Pirate King and Pamela Stephenson as Mabel, that the producers of 'Robin of Sherwood' saw him and cast him as their lead.  The rest, as they say, is history.

By the way, there is another picture of Michael as Frederick on Fanfare.  He is caught mid-song with Tim Curry and Sylvestor McCoy (Yes, of Dr Who fame!).  It is the biography section.