26 March 2008
Despite the recurring rumours about a confirmed transfer of La Cage aux Folles to the West End as early as April, the Menier Chocolate Factory management are keeping their cards close to their chest. According to their latest news update they "are still in discussions about a West End transfer, and would like to thank everyone who has emailed or called to request further information or give their support". The waiting goes on!

20 March 2008
Philip Quast was a totally unexpected "Special Guest" at the opening of Maria Friedman's show yesterday evening at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Lucky Deejay was there and has shared all the details on our Message Board! (Please note that Philip Quast's participation was an informal one-off event and although he did join Maria onstage they did not perform any song together).

17 March 2008
The Lauren Kennedy Live at the MCF Page has now been fully updated with the complete songlist, onstage photos - also including Philip Quast - a short videoclip and other relevant info.
Thanks to Gregor and all the friends who contributed to the above material, and above all to Lauren for allowing us to publish it!

16 March 2008
Lauren Kennedy's concerts at the Menier Chocolate Factory last weekend fully lived up to everybody's expectations. Lauren paid great tribute to Philip Quast during both concerts, saying last night that "working with Philip made me a better person". What a true delight it was to see the two of them together again on the London stage. Check the relevant PQG page for some early updates about the event. More details and reviews to come soon!

10 March 2008
Last Saturday the final curtain fell on the Menier Chocolate Factory run of La Cage aux Folles, in a mood of combined joy and melancholy. Check the PQG Message Board for some first-hand reports about the last day, plus some extra curtain-call shots that have just been added to the LCAF Photo Gallery.
Stay tuned to the PQG over the next few days to find out about possible transfer plans.

5 March 2008
While waiting for a final announcement about the show's prospects for a transfer to the West End, the cast of La Cage has already lost one of its valuable members: Tara Hugo has handed over her role of Mme Jacqueline to Vanessa Leagh-Hicks for the last week of performances at the Chocolate Factory. Many thanks to DeeJay for the info.

29 February 2008
We are thrilled to announce that Philip Quast's Concert at the Barbican in May is going to be recorded live and broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Tuesday 13 May 2008 (7.00pm to 8.45pm, UK time) during the daily programme Performance on 3. People outside the UK will be able to listen to the programme online via the BBC Radio 3 website.
The concert will be available online for seven days after the 13-May broadcast via the Listen Again feature. Huge thanks to Sarah for the precious feedback.

28 February 2008
The official flyer for Lauren Kennedy's concerts at the Menier Chocolate Factory in March is now available. Feel free to download it! (PDF format, 3 MB)

16 February 2008
In a new article about the Menier Chocolate Factory in Variety David Benedict states that La Cage Aux Folles "is in advanced negotiations for a West End transfer in April". Find the full article at this link.

15 February 2008
The new Lauren Kennedy - Live at the Chocolate Factory page is now online, with further details about the concerts. We are also pleased to announce that Nigel Lilley - current MD for LCAF - is going to be the musical supervisor for the event.

Last but not least: to celebrate Lauren's comeback to the UK, we have 5 copies of Lauren's latest Album Here and Now to give away to 5 of our readers. Find the details of the Competition on the PQG Message Board.

14 February 2008
After receiving the go-ahead from the appropriate sources we are delighted to announce that Philip Quast and the talented Lara Pulver (who recently starred in Jason Robert Brown's Parade) are going to be the two Special Guests at Lauren Kennedy's forthcoming London concerts on 14 & 15 March 2008, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. A much-awaited reunion that cannot be missed!

13 February 2008
Don't miss a new chance to watch Clubland on the big screen at the Barbican Centre in London. On 13 March 2008 the movie will be screened once again as part of this year's London Australian Film Festival (6-16 March), packed with interesting films, documentaries and events.

12 February 2008
Douglas Hodge has been off ill this week and will probably miss a few more shows. Spencer Stafford will be be playing the role of Albin once again until Hodge has fully recovered.

29 January 2008
The LCAF page on the Chocolate Factory website has provided an email address that can be contacted "should you wish to be kept informed about the show transferring or extending its run". Needless to say, the PQG will do its utmost to report any promising updates too!

PS: Enjoy our restyled Flash Introduction on the opening page!

14 January 2008
On 12 February 2008 a special screening of Clubland will take place at the Barbican Centre in London. The event is meant to be a "taster" prior to the opening of the 2008 London Australian Film Festival (6-16 March). Check this page for booking details.

29 January 2008
The LCAF page on the Chocolate Factory website has provided an email address that can be contacted "should you wish to be kept informed about the show transferring or extending its run". Needless to say, the PQG will do its utmost to report any promising updates too!

PS: Enjoy our restyled Flash Introduction on the opening page!

14 January 2008
On 12 February 2008 a special screening of Clubland will take place at the Barbican Centre in London. The event is meant to be a "taster" prior to the opening of the 2008 London Australian Film Festival (6-16 March). Check this page for booking details.

13 January 2008
The PQG's Press section now lists over 20 links to official LCAF reviews from various UK media. The effects of the positive critical response have been quite impressive on the Menier box office: apart from 4 mid-week performances in late February / early March the entire Menier season is now sold out!

12 January 2008
Yesterday's Newsnight Review on BBC 2 featured a superb 5-min coverage of La Cage aux Folles, including a short recorded videoclip of Philip Quast onstage singing 'Song on the Sand' and an interesting debate among the presenter and guests.
The full programme is now available at this BBC link (for one week). An excerpt of the LCAF coverage is available on the PQG (as Premium Feature) at this link.

REMINDER: Saturday Review tonight on BBC Radio 4 (7.15 - 8.00pm) will include a review of La Cage aux Folles. Presenter Tom Sutcliffe will be joined by Gillian Slovo (novelist), Robert Sandall (critic) and Kerry Shale (actor) as members of the panel.

11 January 2008
La Cage aux Folles will be reviewed today on Newsnight Review (BBC 2, 11.00 to 11.35pm). This week's programme will be presented by Martha Kearney, with journalists Miranda Sawyer, Johann Hari and Ian McMillan as members of the panel.
The programme will be available online as VOD over the week following the live broadcast.

10 January 2008
Check out the links to the very first official reviews of La Cage aux Folles in our Press section.
Also: don't miss plenty of fantastic pictures from the press photocall, (from TopFoto.co.uk & Woller.com) and from the curtain calls and post-show drinks on opening night (from Whatsonstage).

9 January 2008
La Cage aux Folles opens today at the Menier Chocolate Factory. In the spirit of the show, the PQG wishes Merde! (*) to all the cast and crew!
Keep an eye on the Press section from tomorrow for links to the first reviews.
(*) French for "Break a leg!".

8 January 2008
Today's issue of the free London newspaper Metro features an interview with Philip Quast and Douglas Hodge. Check it out in our Press section.
ALSO: don't miss a few new curtain-call photos kindly sent in by RTKM.

6 January 2007
La Cage aux Folles resumed performances at the Menier Chocolate Factory on Saturday. All the leads were (back) onstage, while the two dance swings covered for the "Cagelles" who were still off sick. The full cast is due to be back by Tuesday, putting the final touches before Wednesday's Press Night.

4 January 2007
Tonight's show has been cancelled too, as many members of the cast are still unwell. The Menier recommends to contact the Box Office (020 7907 7060) around 10am tomorrow to find out whether tomorrow's shows are going ahead or not.

3rd January 2007
The Menier Chocolate Factory informs that tonight's show has been cancelled, owing to the illness of five members of the cast. All the people who had tickets for tonight will be contacted by the theatre Administration.
Regular performances are expected to resume tomorrow Friday 4th, but we advise people who have tickets for tomorrow's show to contact the Menier's Box Office (020 7907 7060) around lunchtime.
FYI, Philip Quast is not among the indisposed performers. The PQG wishes a speedy recovery and best of luck to all the LCAF cast.
(Big thanks to Lucy from the Menier Admin for her precious assistance)

30 December 2007
According to a post by a well-informed contributor to the West End Theatre Message Board plans for a transfer of La Cage aux Folles to a West End venue around May 2008 are going ahead rather promisingly. Please note that even if these plans are confirmed in the forthcoming weeks there is no guarantee that the cast will remain unchanged.

29 December 2007
Douglas Hodge has now joined he rest of the LCAF cast in the role of Albin. Spencer Stafford, who played the role during Hodge's absence in December, will continue to play Albin at matinees for a while. The show's programme is also finally out, you will find a link to some official photos on our LCAF Page. (Many thanks to Deejay for sharing these updates!)

17 December 2007
Finally the first publicity flyers for La Cage aux Folles are starting to circulate (see show's page), while the theatre programme should be available later this week. As for casting updates, Douglas Hodge should take over as Albin on Boxing Day. The talented Spencer Stafford will then join the other "Cagelles", while remaining Albin's u/s for the rest of the show's run.

11 December 2007
The December issue of the What's On Stage Magazine includes an article by Roger Foss about the current production of La Cage aux Folles, with short interviews with some of the creatives. The article is available online at these links (PDF format): Page One / Page Two.
ALSO: don't miss two new brilliant curtain-call photos kindly sent in by J. !

10 December 2007
More TV updates for our UK-based readers: the Midsomer Murders episode featuring Philip Quast ('Ghosts of Christmas Past') will be screened on Friday 21 December at 4.00pm on ITV. (Once again many thanks to R. for the alert.)

8 December 2007
Congratulations to Emma Booth on her recent AFI Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role of Jill in Clubland. Check the movie's page for some new photos and a lovely short videoclip (Premium Features).

3rd December 2007
A couple of exclusive photos taken at the curtain calls of a preview performance of Cage aux Folles are now available in all their glory on our show's page!

MOST POPULAR PAGES in November: [Photos] [La Cage aux Folles] [Audio Samples] [Biography] [Old Friends]

30 November 2007
Full Cast and Crew of La Cage aux Folles now added! Check the show's page for the relevant link.
Many thanks to Snapefan for the update!

29 November 2007 - STAGE
Check out on our Cage Page the very first official shot of Douglas Hodge and Philip Quast "in character"!!

29 November 2007 - SCREEN
Some interesting TV updates for all our UK friends: on Saturday 1st December, at 9.40pm, ITV3 is going to screen the Part One of the 1999 drama Cleopatra (with Part Two on Saturday 8 December, at 9.55pm).

There's more! Still on ITV3, the Inspector Morse episode featuring Philip Quast ('The Wench is Dead') will be screened on Tuesday 4 December at 9.00pm.

Last but by no means least: check out some exclusive screencaps from Clubland, now out on DVD. More to come soon!
(Many thanks to R. & R. for the updates and the scans!)

28 November 2007
A new brilliant interview with Philip Quast has just been published on the British Theatre Guide website. Quast spoke with Sandra Giorgetti earlier this month as he was starting rehearsals for La Cage.
UPDATE - Latest statement from the Chocolate Factory concerning Douglas Hodge's (Albie) health: "During rehearsals Mr Hodge contracted a chest infection which resulted in bronchitis across both lungs and caused a severe bronchospasm. He hopes to return to the production in mid-December."

27 November 2007
La Cage aux Folles starts previews today at the Menier Chocolate Factory, South London, with the entire first month of performances already sold out.
Check our Cage Page for further details on how to get to the theatre - including a special link provided by Transport for London.
UPDATE: Playbill.com reports that "Douglas Hodge, who plays the role of gay lover Albin opposite Philip Quast's George, is still suffering from a chest infection. Understudy Spencer Stafford will step in to Hodge's role for today's performance".

16 November 2007
The Menier Chocolate Factory reports that "owing to the illness of several members of the cast, the first three previews of La Cage aux Folles have been cancelled". The show will now begin performances on Tuesday 27 November. The Press Night has also been postponed to 13 December, when an extra performance has been scheduled.
The PQG wishes all the affected members of the cast a prompt recovery.

9 November 2007
Further (unofficial) casting updates for La Cage aux Folles, which starts previews in exactly two weeks' time. Welcome back to the talented Alicia Davies ('Old Friend' from the 2003 Chichester Season), who is going to play the role of Anne Dindon.

1st November 2007
On top of its AFI Awards nominations (see News item below) Clubland has also received 3 nominations for the 2007 Inside Film Awards, which celebrate and champion Australian film and creative talent. Check the categories and nominees on the movie's page on the PQG or on the official IF Awards website. The winners will be announced on 16 November.

25 October 2007
Clubland has received 10 nominations for the 2007 AFI Awards, which celebrate the best of Australian film and television talent. Check the categories and nominees on the movie's page on the PQG or on the official AFI Awards website. The awards will be presented in early December in Melbourne.

22 October 2007
Rehearsals for La Cage aux Folles at the Menier Chocolate Factory begin today.

18 October 2007
The Menier Chocolate Factory website has confirmed today the casting announced so far by various sources. "Further casting to follow shortly..." so keep an eye on the Menier's page and the PQG!

5 October 2007
Although the Menier Chocolate Factory website has not published any cast updates yet, Baz Bamigboye in today's Daily Mail confirms the recent speculations about Philip Quast's next musical engagement in London:
"WATCH OUT FOR...: Douglas Hodge, who will be learning how to apply mascara and a lot more besides when he stars with Philip Quast in the revamped Jerry Herman musical La Cage Aux Folles."
Check the main details of this new exciting Menier production on our Cage aux Folles Page.
Links to further updates released by the main theatre portals along the day:
- Whatsonstage;
- Official London Theatre;
- London Theatre Guide;
- The Stage;
- Broadway.com (London);
- Playbill.com.

1st October 2007
Richard Douglas Productions have sadly announced that Philip Quast has had to withdraw from the Barbara Cook and Friends Concert in December.
In the meantime two more talented artists, Daniel Evans and Graham Bickley, have been added to the line-up of perfomers due to appear at the event.

21st September 2007
According to Baz Bamigboye's weekly newsletter in the Daily Mail, "Philip Quast and Douglas Hodge are rumoured to be in early discussions about starring in Jerry Herman's La Cage Aux Folles" running from 23 November 2007 to 8 March 2008 at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Southwark, London. "If the deals go through, Mr Quast (so good in Evita recently) will play Georges and Mr Hodge will be Albin."
Keep an eye on this page for further updates (and thanks to Carol for her prompt notification!)

Clubland opens today in selected cities across the UK (ie London, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield). Check all the details about cinemas and showtimes at this link.

20 September 2007
One day before the official opening of Clubland in the UK some initial reviews are starting to appear in the press. Find the relevant links in our REVIEWS section.

13 September 2007
Maria Friedman and Daniel Evans shared some exclusive thoughts about their experience in last July's Sweeney Todd concert and talked extensively about their career in a Conversation organised by the Stephen Sondheim Society and presented by Edward Seckerson at the Menier Chocolate Factory last Sunday. You can listen to the full interview (and/or download it in mp3 format) on Stage and Screen Online, Ed Seckerson's brand-new musical website.

10 September 2007
The DVD (Region 4) of Clubland is due for release in Australia on 28 November 2007 and can already be pre-ordered at EzyDVD Australia. One of Philip Quast's early (and funniest!) movies, Emoh Ruo, has also recently become available on DVD from the same retailer.

27 August 2007
The Film Distributors' Association has confirmed that Clubland is going to open in the UK on 21st September 2007. Detailed listings per city will be announced closer to the release date.

10 August 2007
Richard Douglas Productions have added two new artists to the cast due to appear (subject to availability) at the Barbara Cook & Friends Concert in December: they are Anne Reid, recently seen in Into The Woods at the Linbury Studio, and soprano Charlotte Page, who played Young Heidi in Follies In Concert last February.

7 August 2007
The excellent MusicalTalk website has just uploaded a 40-min podcast featuring in-depth 'live' commentaries of the recent production of Sweeney Todd at the Royal Festival Hall. MusicalTalk Team member Emma Williams (who played Johanna in the concert) also shares some interesting insights about her experience.

5 August 2007
Clubland is expected to open in the UK in September (probably on the 21st), with its original Australian title. The movie has recently been examined by the the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and classified as "15" for the UK market.

2nd August 2007
Further casting updates from Richard Douglas Productions concerning the Barbara Cook & Friends Concert: the lovely Ruthie Henshall has agreed, subject to availability, to take part in the event.

27 July 2007
Richard Douglas Productions inform that as of today's date the following artists have agreed, subject to availability, to take part in Barbara Cook & Friends Concert on 2 December 2007: Maureen Lipman, Elaine Paige, Nicholas Parsons, Siân Phillips, Philip Quast, Sally Ann Triplett and members of The London Gay Men's Chorus.

25 July 2007
According to an interview with Jude Kelly, artistic director of the Southbank Centre, published in The Guardian yesterday there are plans for a UK tour of the recent concert production of Sweeney Todd. More details will hopefully be released soon.

24 July 2007
The talented Sally Ann Triplett is the latest addition to the list of Guest Stars who will appear at the Barbara Cook & Friends Concert on 2 December 2007. The list of "unconfirmed Guest Stars" has been removed to allow all the necessary negotiations with the interested artists to be finalised. We look forward to adding those names to the official list as soon as possible, so stay tuned to the PQG over the coming weeks!

21 July 2007
General booking for the Barbara Cook & Friends Concert on 2 December 2007 has now opened.
The Stephen Sondheim Society advises that, at present, only Philip Quast, Elaine Paige and Siân Phillips have actually been officially confirmed ("subject to availability"), with further announcements promised in the coming days.
Keep checking the Society News index page for the latest updates as regards "The Friends".

20 July 2007
The Dress Circle website announced yesterday that Philip Quast, Elaine Paige, Siân Phillips, [other names removed] will be Barbara Cook's special guests at her star-studded Barbara Cook & Friends concert at the London Coliseum on Sunday 2 December 2007. The concert will mark both Barbara Cook's 80th Birthday, and World Aids Day.
General booking is expected to open next week - members of the Stephen Sondheim Society should already have received priority booking information, and Dress Circle are also organising one of their Theatre Evenings for this concert, which can be booked via this link.
Big thanks to Gregor for the update!

17 July 2007
A unique chance for our friends in Poland to watch on the big screen one of Philip Quast's most hilarious movies: Around the World in 80 Ways is soon going to be screened in the framework of the 7th International Film Festival "Era New Horizons" in Warsaw. Check here more infos and screening times. Enjoy!!

12 July 2007
Last year's excellent The Caterpillar Wish is currently being screened in various UK cities in the framework of the "London Australian Film Festival on Tour". Here are some future venues and dates to keep in mind:
- Edinburgh this Saturday 14 July (at the Filmhouse, 3.00pm);
- Cambridge on Sunday 22 July (at the Arts Picturehouse);
- Sheffield on Sunday 5 August (at the Showroom);
- Nottingham on Sunday 12 August (at the Broadway Cinema).

11 July 2007
Clubland will have its UK Premiere tonight as part of the 27th Cambridge Film Festival. However, the general UK release of the movie - most likely with its "American" title Introducing the Dwights - will not happen before the autumn.
UPDATE 12 July: Read Tammy's review here!

9 July 2007
Plenty of Sweeney Todd reviews are now available, and don't miss a few Curtain-call Photos of the whole cast, who fully deserved everybody's cheers.

5 July 2007
Sweeney Todd opens tonight at the Royal Festival Hall. To get a "sneak preview" of how the show is going to look like enjoy a rich Rehearsal Photo Gallery published on Whatsonstage, plus an interesting interview with Bryn Terfel, where he comments on various aspects of his role and of the RFH production.

Check out the Sweeney Todd section of the PQG Message Board for hot news and early reviews over the weekend. Full site update early next week!

4 July 2007
Introducing the Dwights has opened today in New York and California and once again the Internet is inundated with reviews! Check the most authoritative ones on our usual Reviews page.

3rd July 2007
According to Emma Williams's latest blog entry on her My Space page rehearsals for Sweeney Todd are "progressing nicely (though rather too quickly for anyone's liking!)". Emma also shares her excitement for the concert, which "is far more of a fully staged production... just without as much set!". "The whole cast are wonderful" she adds, and also warns that her "take on Johanna is a little darker than usual".
The cast and crew are moving to the Festival Hall today.

29 June 2007
A series of short videoclips from Clubland/Introducing the Dwights is now available at Movieweb.com. Sadly none of them features PQ-Ronnie, but they are fun to watch anyway.

28 June 2007
Clubland has opened today in Australia and The Net is already seething with (mostly enthusiastic) reviews! Check the latest ones on our ever-growing Clubland Reviews page, plus some new interesting interviews on our Articles page.

25 June 2007
Clubland is soon going to have its UK Premiere too, with two screenings scheduled on 11 and 12 July as part of the 27th Cambridge Film Festival.

By a peculiar coincidence, on 11 July another recent PQ movie, The Caterpillar Wish, is going to have a special screening at the Glasgow Film Theatre.

24 June 2007
The official Australian opening of Clubland is just a few days away and plenty of reviews are already popping up on the web. Catch the latest ones on our Clubland Reviews page.

As to the forthcoming US release of the movie, Warner Independent Pictures have now published the release dates by city. You can also enter a competition to win tickets for a free (preview) screening at the venue of your choice by following this link.

20 June 2007
Find in our Adelaide Press section a short but exciting review of Philip Quast's Masterclass published last weekend in the Sunday Mail.

19 June 2007 UPDATED
The Sweeney Todd page on the Royal Festival Hall website has finally been updated, confirming all the recent unofficial casting news.
And there's more: the Concert may be recorded for future commercial release. According to a senior representative of the London Philarmonic Orchestra who kindly replied to our query, the LPO management is indeed considering the option of releasing a live recording of the event on the LPO label. Watch this space for further updates!

17 June 2007
The talented Emma Williams (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Tomorrow Morning) has announced in her MySpace Blog that she has been cast in the role of Johanna in the Sweeney Todd Concerts. Congratulations, Emma!

16 June 2007
According to his official website, Daniel Boys has been cast to play the role of Anthony in the Sweeney Todd Concerts. His name may sound familiar to UK readers as he was recently one of the main contestants in the BBC TV programme "Any Dream Will Do". The winner would get to play the lead role in the new production of Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat due to open at the Adelphi Theatre (!) in July.

15 June 2007
Learn more about Philip Quast's passion for teaching the craft of musical theatre and passing on his knowledge to the new generations of performers in a riveting interview published in the latest issue of 'The Adelaide Review'.

Tomorrow Saturday 16 June Jeremy Sams will be among the guests of a special live broadcast from the Dunstan Theatre in Adelaide of the ABC weekly Radio programme "The Music Show", hosted by Andrew Ford, in "an entertaining evening of interviews and performances  by the stars of the 2007 Adelaide Cabaret Festival". The programme starts at 7.30pm, Adelaide time: find here a comparative table showing you when it's going to be available in your respective time zones.

14 June 2007
A special preview screening of Clubland is going to take place today at the Dendy Opera Quays cinema in Sydney, with Brenda Blethyn as Special Guest. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Cherie Nowlan, co-star Richard Wilson and moderator Megan Spencer. Full details at this link.
A similar event is going to take place in Melbourne on Sunday 17 June.

13 June 2007
FINALLY some (exciting!) casting updates from the Royal Festival Hall website. Besides Philip Quast, now officially listed in the role of Judge Turpin, the company will also include Daniel Evans (as Tobias Ragg), Adrian Thompson (as Pirelli) and Steve Elias (as Beadle Bamford). Eagerly waiting for updates regarding the roles of Anthony and Johanna...
We also recommend listening to the Podcast available on the RFH Page.

12 June 2007
AussieTheatre.com has published today a review of Jeremy Sam's Cabaret. Here's an excerpt: "(Quast) mesmerised the audience with his enchanting rendition of 'Shenendoah' before embarking into a Rodgers and Hammerstein duet of 'Some Enchanted Evening' and 'Hello Young Lovers' intermingling each selection of funny anecdotes from his career including his theatrical debut on the Dunstan Playhouse stage".
Read the full review on The AussieTheatre website.

11 June 2007 UPDATED - 6pm GMT
Don't miss a fabulous review of Jeremy Sam's Cabaret posted by pianist/musical director Matthew Carey on his blog. Here's a short excerpt: "Philip Quast has an amazing voice and he's not afraid to use it. Philip was really great to work with this week. He was willing to jump in and try his hand at everything...". Enjoy the rest on Matthew's Page!!

Regarding Quast's Masterclass earlier today, Stage critic Mark Shenton has just published a few notes on his online blog. Here's an excerpt "(It) was a vibrant and charismatic lesson in taking a song, moment by moment, line by line, note by note, to discover what it is about and both the acting and emotional choices that have to be made along the way."
Read the full review on The Stage website.

10 June 2007 UPDATED
As expected, PQ's interview on Broadway @ Bedtime was a real treat. First of all, Quast confirmed that he is going to be playing the role of The Judge in Sweeney Todd, in London in July, the stop-press update we were all eagerly waiting for! He also spoke about his theatre beginnings in Australia and the UK, his experience in Les Misérables and The Secret Garden and his commitment as a vocal coach. As the interview was recorded before the beginning of the Adelaide Festival, he couldn't say much about his shows there, but he mentioned his plans to put together a new one man show, which he hopes to bring to Adelaide next year. 'Stars', 'Lily's Eyes' (Australian Cast), 'Letting You Go', 'My Father's Hands' and 'And They're Off' were also played in between the various bits of conversation.
For all those who missed the live programme, check the Adelaide 2007 thread on the PQG Message Board to listen to some key audioclips from today's programme (THANKS, Gregor!!)
Finally: big thanks also to PQG friend Kah for getting in touch with the B@B presenters Will and PJ. It was thrilling to receive their warm greetings to all of us PQG people who had tuned in for the occasion!

9 June 2007
Tomorrow Sunday 10 June Philip Quast will be among the Guests of the weekly programme Broadway @ Bedtime on Joy Radio (94.9, Melbourne). Visit the Radio's website, select your preferred player and connection speed and enjoy! The programme is scheduled 9pm to 11pm Melbourne time; find here a comparative table showing you when it's going to be available in your respective time zones.

8 June 2007
The Adelaide Cabaret Festival opens today. The organizers report that ticket sales have been at a record high, with many performances already sold out. There are still some seats available for Jeremy Sams & Philip Quast's Cabaret tomorrow evening though, so book, enjoy and please report back!
UPDATE: Check our Adelaide Festival Page for further news about Jeremy Sams's Special Guests tomorrow evening.

31 May 2007
The Official Introducing the Dwights Website is finally up and running too. Don't miss the Slideshow and the Cast&Crew videos at ANY price!! More details, photos and specific links can also be found on our Clubland/Introducing the Dwights Page. Enjoy!!

30 May 2007
We are delighted to confirm - our source is 100% reliable - that the "Sweeney Todd rumour" (see yesterday's news item) is indeed well-founded. However, considering that things have not been finalized yet we advise to consider this info as "subject to change" at least until the Royal Festival Hall website is updated with further official casting details.

29 May 2007
We are aware of some recent posts on the Dress Circle Message Board spreading the rumour that Philip Quast might have agreed to play the role of Judge Turpin in the forthcoming semi-staged production of Sweeney Todd, starring Bryn Terfel and Maria Friedman, at the Royal Festival Hall, London (four performances only, 5-7 July 2007).
While this would be no doubt a very exciting prospect, please bear in mind that there is no official confirmation yet. We will inform you of any further updates in due time.

28 May 2007
A special preview screening of Clubland is going to take place at the Dendy Opera Quays cinema in Sydney on 14 June 2007, with Brenda Blethyn as Special Guest. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with members of the cast and crew. Full details at this link.

27 May 2007
Evita closed last night in a packed and cheering Adelphi Theatre. The final show was electrifying and the cast got an instant standing ovation - which lasted several minutes - as soon as the orchestra finished playing the last note. Enjoy a few exclusive curtain-call shots in our updated Evita Gallery.

26 May 2007
Check our Adelaide Page for some updates concerning the Cabaret Festival next June. Tickets are still available for all PQ's events, so be quick to book your seat or table!

25 May 2007
More features have just been added to the official Clubland website: you can now also listen to audio samples from the soundtrack (by Martin Armiger), read diary entries from writer Keith Thompson and check a list of events where the cast is going to make special appearances in Australia.
The official poster for the US release has also been disclosed, together with a completely different trailer.
Full details on our Clubland/Introducing the Dwights Page.

20 May 2007
The PQG wishes to join the theatre community in their tribute to director Steven Pimlott with a special page - including details, photos and links - related to the Memorial Concert that took place on 17 May at the Olivier Theatre, London.

19 May 2007
The official Clubland website is finally taking shape. You can now not only watch the trailer and read a synopsis, but also find more details about the cast and crew (don't miss Philip Quast's views about the movie!). A detailed screening schedule in every Australian State and town has also been added.

14 May 2007
The first Stephen Sondheim Society Prize for Student Performer of the Year was a glowing success. The artistic standard of the contestants was amazingly high. Carl Au, from the Arts-Educational Schools, won the 500£-worth bursary prize. Read a full report (and enjoy some exclusive photos!) on our Sondheim Prize page.

9 May 2007
A "light" version (in Flash format) of Clubland's official trailer is now available from the movie's official website.
A Hi-Res version of the same trailer (in Quicktime format) can still be viewed on the Palace Film website. Make your choice and enjoy!
Interesting to notice that the movie's rating for the Australian market has been changed from "MA 15+" to "M", which is just above the PG (Parental Guidance) level. On the contrary it appears that Introducing the Dwights (same movie!) is going to be rated "R" (Restricted) in the US!

29 April 2007
The Spring 2007 issue of Musical Stages Magazine has a brilliant review by Lynda Trapnell of the Follies in Concert Gala last February. Here's a short excerpt: "In the leading roles of Sally, Buddy, Ben and Phyllis were Maria Friedman, Tim Flavin, Philip Quast and Liz Robertson. Here are four superb musical theatre performers in roles which suited them down to the ground and up again. (...) Philip Quast's towering presence and great voice duetting with Maria in 'Too Many Mornings' was memorable."
The magazine (issue 53) is available at Dress Circle.

28 April 2007
The National Theatre has set up a special website where tributes for Steven Pimlott can be viewed and posted. Visit www.stevenpimlott.org.

24 April 2007
Clubland is going to be the first Australian film to be released on the lucrative 4th of July holiday weekend in the United States this year. Unlike what happened prior to the release of Napoleon (when the movie was entirely re-dubbed by American actors) the only alteration that will be made for the US market is going to be the new title Introducing the Dwights. More at this link.

20 April 2007
Philip Quast, Maria Friedman, Jeremy Sams, Michael Feast and other theatre professionals are expected to contribute to a celebration of the life and work of director Steven Pimlott (pictured), who died last February. The event, which is free and open to anyone, will take place at the National Theatre on Thursday 17 May at 11.45am. More details on the London Theatre Guide and NT websites.
Quast and Pimlott worked together in the NT 1990 production of Sunday in the Park with George and later on in The Seagull, as part of the 2003 Chichester Festival Season.
Read here a tribute to Steven Pimlott by NT artistic director Nicholas Hytner recently published in The Guardian.

17 April 2007
Palace Films have finally released the official trailer for Clubland. You will need Quicktime (and some patience...) to view the 2-minute high-res clip. The release dates in the US have also been announced: 6 July for New York and California, 7 August for the rest of the country. Please note that outside Australia the movie's title is going to be Introducing the Dwights (sic).

15 April 2007
Clubland is going to be screened by BBC World in the Asia/Pacific region next Tuesday 17 April (and repeated the following days on selected times). Check the full schedule on the relevant BBC World Page, where you can also read a short interview with Director Cherie Nowlan.

9 April 2007
The Stephen Sondheim Society has just released more details about the forthcoming "Stephen Sondheim Society Prize for Student Performer of the Year" (see news on 22nd March). The event is now confirmed to be held on 13 May 2007 at The Venue (near Leicester Square), London.

4 April 2007
Philip Quast is scheduled to appear at this year's 7th Adelaide Cabaret Festival, to be held at various venues from 8 to 23 June 2007. Quast will be among Jeremy Sams's Guests on "an evening of song and anecdotes" on 9 June 2007. Philip Quast will also hold a Workshop on 11 June.
Find all the details about these events on our new Adelaide Festival Page.

3rd April 2007
According to an article just published on the cinema portal FirstShowing.net, Clubland is going to be released worldwide ...with a different title, ie Introducing the Dwights. Read the full article - and feel free to share the author's reservations about this rather odd decision...
As if this weren't confusing enough: the release dates have been changed yet again!

2nd April 2007
Apologies to our Irish friends for the rather short notice, but it's never too late: The Caterpillar Wish is going to be screened at the Irish Film Institute in Dublin this Wednesday, 4th April, at 6.30pm, as part of the Rosemount Australian Film Festival. Don't miss it!

1st April 2007
A zillion thanks to Photographer Nick James for sending over a remarkable recent headshot of Philip Quast and for allowing us to use it on the PQG. Visit Nick's MySpace Page at this link.

30 March 2007
Philip Quast will be back to Evita tonight.

29 March 2007
Good news for our friends downunder: Clubland is going to be released in Australia earlier than previously planned, ie on 17 May 2007. A limited release in the US is announced for early July. The official website of the movie is now online, though there is not much to surf around at the moment...

26 March 2007
Philip Quast is going to take a few days off this week. If you are planning to see Evita before the weekend we recommend ringing the Adelphi Stage Door (020 7836 1166) a couple of hours before the show to check whether he is back.

22 March 2007
STILL UNCONFIRMED (but that's what unofficial websites are for...)
According to the latest issue of the Stephen Sondheim Society Magazine, Philip Quast - together with Julia McKenzie and Edward Seckerson - should be part of the judging panel of the forthcoming "Stephen Sondheim Society Prize for Student Performer of the Year". The event should take place in London on Sunday 13 May and tickets will be available to the public. Stay tuned to the Stephen Sondheim Society News Page and to this page for further details.

19 March 2007
We recommend the downloading of a recent audio interview (from Stagenoise.com, in mp3 format) with actor Tyran Parke, who is playing George in the current Australian production of Sunday in the Park with George. The section of the interview where he speaks about his meeting with Philip Quast while preparing for his role is particularly charming.

18 March 2007
Congratulations to Starlight Children's Foundation for grossing over £1,000 so far through their various eBay auctions related to signed Follies in Concert items. Of course, kudos to all the bidders and to the participating artists too. Don't miss the chance to grab the few memorabilia still waiting for the highest bidder!

14 March 2007
Good news for our readers in the States! The DVD of The Caterpillar Wish is now available - at a very attractive price - also on the US market. Visit CD Universe to order your copy!

13 March 2007
According to a recent thread on the Whatsonstage Message Board, the current Evita alternate Abbie Osmon is going to be replaced by Yvette Robinson for the last six weeks of the show's run.

11 March 2007
The official release date of Clubland in Australia has now been postponed to 28 June 2007.

9 March 2007
Philip Quast has accepted to extend his contract in Evita by six extra weeks. He is now staying on until the final show on 26 May 2007. As previously announced, all the other leads (except Gary Milner) have extended their contracts too. Tickets for the last night are still available in all price categories.

8 March 2007
Clubland will have its NSW Premiere at the Young at Heart Film Festival in Randwick (Sydney) on 17 March 2007. Members of the cast and crew will be guests of the event.

4 March 2007
Details of the 2007-08 season of the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican Centre in London have just been released and we are pleased to announce that Philip Quast has been invited to appear in one of them. The concert will take place at the Barbican Hall on 9 May 2008 and will feature music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Dominic Muldowney, Charles Ives and Gustav Holst. Read more.

3rd March 2007
Philip Quast was back to the show last night :-)

1st March 2007
From the Adelaide Film Festival, the first short trailer of Clubland at this link.

28 February 2007
Latest update from the Adelphi Stage Door: Philip Quast won't be back to the show for at least the next couple of days.
Also: the members of the company who are not leaving on 14 April 2007 were given notice last night that the show will close at the end of May 2007 (Source: Whatsonstage).

27 February 2007
Philip Quast is still off ill. If you are planning to see Evita later this week, please keep checking this page or the PQG Message Board for the latest updates. Lots of positive healthy vibes to PQ from the PQG!

26 February 2007
According to the latest news from Warner Independent Pictures Clubland should be released in Europe and the US on 3rd August 2007.

24 February 2007
Philip Quast has been off from Evita for the past couple of days. If you are planning to see the show today or early next week we advise you to ring the Adelphi Stage Door (see theatre programme) at 020 7836 1166 a couple of hours before the show to check whether he is back. The cast board in the Adelphi foyer is also rather reliable, but we don't know when exactly it is updated for each performance. Thanks to rtkm007 for the heads up.

23 February 2007
Some lovely photos from the Follies in Concert Gala have now been uploaded on the Richard Douglas Productions website. Great memories, and a good opportunity to get a glimpse of the show's remarkable staging for those who could not attend the event.

22 February 2007
The DVD of the Midsomer Murders episode 'The Ghosts of Christmas Past' is due for release in the United States on 27 March 2007. It will be part of a 3-DVD boxset featuring two other episodes of this popular crime series. You can already preorder it either at Amazon.com or at Acorn Media. Thanks to Mary1961 for the update!

19 February 2007
The Barbican has now opened booking for showings of The Caterpillar Wish at their London Australian Film Festival. Screenings will take place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 25 March, 2pm. Book online through the Barbican Centre website.

18 February 2007
OLIVIER AWARDS RESULTS: The Best Actor & Actress in a Musical awards have gone to Daniel Evans and Jenna Russell for Sunday in the Park with George. Congratulations to Daniel and Jenna, and commiserations to Philip and Elena. Check the PQG Message Board for comments and plenty of photo links.

16 February 2007
With Philip Quast in the running for a FOURTH Olivier Award, settle down at this Sunday's ceremony in an "online seat", courtesy of the Official London Theatre Guide. Follow this link for full details about how to connect.

14 February 2007
Don't miss a "glorious" review of the Follies in Concert Gala by Matt Wolf in today's International Herald Tribune (the review is also about another London show, The Seagull, but read on and ENJOY!).

10 February 2007
From Monday 12 February a new Print-at-home option will be available to theatregoers who wish to purchase tickets for Evita. Learn more on how the new system works from the Really Useful Group's website.

8 February 2007
Clubland will have its Australian Premiere at the Adelaide Film Festival on 25 February 2007. Director Cherie Nowlan and producer Rosemary Blight will be guests of the Festival.

7 February 2007
A few photos of the Follies cast during the aftershow party can now be found on the website of the photo agency Rex Features. Unfortunately only registered (paying) users can enlarge the thumbnails.

6 February 2007
The thrill of last Sunday's FolliesGala is far from dying away: Starlight Children's Foundation, the main charity linked to the event, has just launched a number of eBay auctions offering unique items related to the show and signed by various members of the Follies cast, including Philip Quast and Maria Friedman. Visit the Starlight website (and the individual eBay pages) for full details.

1st February 2007
The Barbican Centre website has released today some preliminary details about the forthcoming London Australian Film Festival, to be held from 15 to 25 March 2007. According to the introductory note The Caterpillar Wish will be screened during the Festival too. The full programme and schedule will be released later this month.

31 January 2007
A short report of our Team members' Rehearsal Day at Follies last Monday is now online! Log on to the Follies Page to read it.

30 January 2007
Philip Quast will perform his final show in Evita on Saturday 14 April 2007. Other members of the current cast will be leaving too. Stay tuned to these pages over the weeks to come for some hot news about PQ's future plans!

27 January 2007
A little reminder for the busy ones among you who might have missed the various announcements: please note that Philip Quast will NOT be appearing in Evita next week (29 January to 3rd February). This way he can concentrate fully on the rehearsals of Follies in Concert at the London Palladium on Sunday 4 February.

25 January 2007
Once again Philip Quast is the featured artist in the "Showpeople" section of this week's entertainment magazine The Stage. Big thanks to Carolann for sharing excerpts from the interview on the PQG Message Board.

23 January 2007
The Stephen Sondheim Society reports that due to unforeseen circumstances Elaine Stritch will no longer be appearing in the Follies in Concert Gala on 4 February. Carlotta will now be played by Kim Criswell.

22 January 2007
News from the Sundance Film Festival, where Philip Quast's latest movie, Clubland, is currently being screened: Warner Independent Pictures have purchased the North American, UK and German distribution rights for the movie, with a likely release next summer. The official release date in Australia is now 17 May 2007. More from the Hollywood Reporter website and The Australian.

18 January 2007
Congratulations to all the nominees for this year's Olivier Awards, which have been announced today, *and particularly* to:
- Philip Quast, nominated for the category of Best Actor in a Musical;
- Elena Roger, for Best Actress in a Musical;
- Rob Ashford, for Best Theatre Choreographer and
- Evita, for Outstanding Musical Production.
Find the full list of nominees at this link.
The Winners will be announced during a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 18 February 2007.

16 January 2007
We are proud to announce that two members of the PQG Team are going to spend a day at the rehearsal of Follies in Concert later this month. This opportunity - based on a charity auction launched in December 2006 - has been offered by Richard Douglas Productions in collaboration with the Stephen Sondheim Society. An exclusive report will be published on the PQG following the event.
In the meantime find the latest cast list for the concert on our Follies Page.

14 January 2007
SeeTickets have just announced new great discounts for Evita over the next few weeks. Find all the details at this link. Thanks to Gregor for drawing our attention to these offers.

12 January 2007
The booking period of Evita has just been extended by 8 months, with tickets now on sale for performances until 15 December 2007. Please note however that Philip Quast's contract is currently due to run only until April.

10 January 2007
If you are planning to attend the Follies in Concert Gala next 4 February it's time to make up your mind, because seat availability is shrinking for many price categories (with only a handful of seats left in the cheaper Upper Circle). Find all the booking details and the latest casting updates on our Follies Page.

9 January 2007
The Society of London Theatre has launched today its annual Get Into London Theatre (GILT) campaign, which offers reduced price tickets to top London shows, including Evita. Top category seats in the Stalls are available for just £30 (no booking fee) Monday to Thursday until 15 March 2007. Full details at this link. Thanks to rtkm007 for drawing our attention to this great offer.

1st January 2007

22nd December 2006
The Stephen Sondheim Society reports that Tim Flavin is now going to play the role of Buddy at the Follies Concert, replacing Michael Praed. The rest of the cast is unchanged so far and more performers are to be announced soon.
Also, find a new group photo taken at last November's Press Launch at this link.

16 December 2006
The Christmas episode of the British crime series Midsomer Murders featuring Philip Quast (named 'The Ghosts of Christmas Past') is going to be screened again on British Television on Boxing Day (Tuesday 26 December, ITV 1, 2:10pm - 4:10pm). Many thanks to rtkm007 for the alert!

1st December 2006
- Casting updates (as reported by the Stephen Sondheim Society) for the Follies Concert next February 4: the legendary Elaine Stritch will play the role of Carlotta; Laura Michelle Kelly has withdrawn from the event, due to filming commitments.

- The three Evita leads (Elena Roger, Philip Quast & Matt Rawle) and three members of the show's creative team (Michael Grandage, Rob Ashford & Christopher Oram) have all been nominated, in their respective categories, for the 2007 Theatregoers' Choice Awards. The show has also been nominated for Best Musical Revival, which makes a record-breaking total of 7 nominations for this production.
Voting starts on Monday 4 December and will be open until the end of January 2007.

- Philip Quast's next movie Clubland, starring Brenda Blethyn, has been selected for screening at Robert Redford's 2007 Sundance Film Festival. The Festival, which will be held from 18 to 28 January 2007 in Park City, Utah, is widely recognized as the premier showcase for American and international independent film.

11 November 2006
Three members of the Stephen Sondheim Society are going to get a unique chance to attend a day in the rehearsal period of Follies In Concert in London. The lucky members are going to be the three highest bidders in a silent auction. All money raised will go to the charities benefiting from the Gala. Full details about this exciting initiative on the SSS website.

10 November 2006
The latest updates to the BBC website seem to confirm that Evita is among the West End musicals which will be featured in this year's Children in Need Appeal Night on BBC 1 Television on Friday 17 November. At the moment it is not known which members of the Evita cast will be involved in the TV show. Thanks to Gregor for drawing our attention to this event.

9 November 2006
Evita is among the most "nominated" shows for this year's Evening Standard Theatre Awards. The show has been shortlisted for Best Musical, Best Newcomer (Elena Roger), Best Director (Michael Grandage), Best Set Design (Christopher Oram). The final winners will be announced on Monday 27 November during a ceremony at The Savoy, London. Full list of nominees at this link.

8 November 2006
Check out our latest report from London, where we attended a very glamorous Press Launch & Photo Call of the forthcoming Follies in Concert Gala!

ALSO: please note Philip Quast next holidays: he will not be performing in Evita from 29 January to 3rd February 2007.

28 October 2006
The Caterpillar Wish has now been released on DVD in Australia, but if your player reads Region 4 DVDs you can buy it online at DeVoteD, which ships worldwide. The DVD can also be rented throughout Australia through the online service Quickflix.

26 October 2006
EVITA PETITION UPDATE:
We have just received a very interesting reply from Tristram Penna, the Managing Director for Records and Music at The Really Useful Group.
Mr Penna has very kindly taken the time to explain the "budgetary and market constraints" which eventually led the production company to the choice of releasing a single CD instead of a double.
We have forwarded the full text of Mr Penna's reply to all the Petition's supporters and have already received many interesting reactions. We are currently compiling them into a comprehensive reply, which we are going to send to Mr Penna tomorrow. Many thanks to everybody for your contributions and suggestions.

24 October 2006
Playbill, SOLT and London Theatre Guide have now officially announced next February's Follies in Concert. Let's hope other theatre portals will follow soon. The Producers' page is starting to take shape too.
For those "Follies experts" who were wondering about the numbers which are going to be included in the Concert: it's going to be the Broadway version, ie the one where Ben sings, amongst other songs, 'The Road you didn't Take' & 'Live, Laugh, Love'.
We have also published an updated cast list, with each performer's role in the Concert (Courtesy of the Stephen Sondheim Society).

21 October 2006
Those of you who followed our advice from yesterday have probably already secured their ticket for the Follies Concert . You will now find all the necessary booking details and further info on our Follies Page too.

20 October 2006
The priority booking "window" for Stephen Sondheim Society members has now closed and public booking is about to open. Do keep an eye on the Stephen Sondheim Society News Page to know when and how you can secure your seats for the Concert if you are planning to attend. More updates coming soon.

19 October 2006
Check our latest post on the PQG Forum to see the final flyers for the Follies Concert in February 2007. We have also updated our Follies Page with the latest cast list, ticket prices and other infos. Stay tuned, because we are told that public booking is going to open VERY soon!

17 October 2006
Booking update concerning the Follies Concert Gala on February 4th 2007 at the London Palladium.
As previously announced, members of the Stephen Sondheim Society have been given the possibility to buy tickets before they go on sale to the general public. If you wish to have the best choice of seats you can easily and swiftly join the Society via this link.
As soon as the Administrators get your email and payment (Paypal is quickest) they will email you all the details you need to proceed with your booking for the concert. Your membership fee (from £10.00) will entitle you to take part in all the Society's activities until 31st December 2007.
All information published with the Stephen Sondheim Society's authorisation.

13 October 2006
Discounts for Evita are currently available through LoveTheatre: top price tickets in the Stalls and Dress Circle are reduced to £32.50 (+ £1.50 booking fee per ticket) every Monday night (alternate Evita day) until the the end of the current booking period, ie 28 April 2007.
Another ticket agent, TheatreNet, currently offers similar discounts on selected weekdays until 3rd November 2006.
The Philip Quast Guide has no commercial or business arrangements with the above ticket agents.

9 October 2006
A thousand thanks to Sir Tim Rice, who sent a heartwarming note in support of the "Evita Complete Recording Petition". We have forwarded the full text of Sir Tim's lovely reply to all the Petition's supporters. We are now eagerly awaiting some feedback from the other recipients of the Petition...

8 October 2006
Yesterday evening Philip Quast attended the post-show party held at the Queen's Theatre for the 21st Birthday Performance of Les Miserables. Original cast members Colm Wilkinson, Michael Ball, Frances Ruffelle and Patti LuPone, plus Elaine Paige, took part in a special "grand finale" after the regular show. See a photo gallery of the event on the Jetty Images website, including a nice picture of Elena Roger & PQ (Thanks to rtkm007 for the infos and link!).

6 October 2006
The Caterpillar Wish has received three nominations for Best Actress (Victoria Thaine), Actress in a Supporting Role (Susie Porter) and Original Screenplay for the 2006 Film Critics Circle Awards for Australian FIlm. The FCCA Awards winners will be announced on 28 October (Source: Inside Film Magazine)

3rd October 2006
It seems the Follies in Concert Gala has finally been confirmed (thanks, Lynne!), together with the fabulous cast we provisionally announced a while ago. Have a look at the recently released flyer for the event on the Stephen Sondheim Society website, and visit also our brand new Follies Page, with some preliminary infos about this exciting event.

23 September 2006
According to a popular "Soap site" both Sons and Daughters and The Young Doctors are soon going to be released on DVD! Considering that both series ran for several hundred episodes during the 80s and 90s it is to be expected that the DVDs will only feature the most popular storylines... Now the big question is: will any of the episodes featuring Bob Mitchell and Dr Rob Hawkins be included? Alas, we won't know until the actual release of the DVD, which is due later this year.

Also: we have found this website from where you can send a simple mail requesting a particular Australian series to be released on DVD. Let's ALL write in to ask the release of The Damnation of Harvey McHugh as soon as possible!!!

22 September 2006
Playbill has published the first official review of the new Cast Recording of Evita. Overall a very good one ("Philip Quast is a sheer delight...") but with a final "quibble" about the fact that it's not a Complete Recording... .
You can read the full text of the review at this link (scroll down to the "For the record" section).

19 September 2006
Just a little reminder for anyone who would be planning to attend Evita this week: as previously announced, PQ is taking a few days' holiday at the moment. He will be back onstage on Monday 25 September, when Abbie Osmon and Jodie Jacobs will alternate in the role of Eva, Elena Roger being on holiday for that whole week.

18 September 2006
On Friday 15 September PQG Team members Eli and Sheila personally delivered the Evita Complete Recording Petition to the Really Useful Group's head office in London. Lord Lloyd Webber was not available to welcome us but we are confident that the envelope we left at the reception desk has eventually reached him, and also Sir Tim Rice and Nigel Wright. The timing is particularly good, we think, considering the recently announced extension of the show until April 2007 and also that Lord ALW is no longer busy with the "Maria Competition" on BBC TV. Stay tuned for further updates!

12 September 2006
The time is up for our Evita Complete Recording Petition. Yesterday evenin 15-Aug-2012 a very exciting experience. Once again a big, heartfelt THANK YOU to all the people who have warmly supported our initiative over the past few weeks. We are now finalizing the letter to the Production Company and will then print it down together with all your signatures and comments. Stay tuned to this page and to the PQG Message board for the latest updates!

BTW, Evita has extended until 28 April 2007 at the Adelphi, and this is good news also for our "cause"!

11 September 2006
The Stephen Sondheim Society have announced further (provisional) casting for the Follies Gala in February 2007 (see News from 27 August): Michael Praed (Buddy) will be joining Philip Quast (Ben), Maria Friedman (Sally), Dame Josephine Barstow, Laura Michelle Kelly, Liz Robertson and Summer Strallen.
The charity organization which will benefit from the event is the Starlight Children's Foundation.

9 September 2006
TV Alert for our US friends! On Monday 11 September, at 9.25am, the Showtime Cable Network is going to broadcast PQ's 1986 movie Around the World in 80 Ways.

29 August 2006
Following speculations on our Message Board it seems that PROVISIONAL casting plans for the Follies Concert in February 2007 feature Philip Quast and Maria Friedman in the two lead roles of Ben Stone and Sally Durant Plummer. Please bear in mind that everything is still subject to availability and final confirmation.
Check back here for further (more official) updates in the weeks to come.

28 August 2006
The DVD (Region 4) of The Caterpillar Wish is due for release in Australia on 26 October 2006 and can already be ordered at DeVoteD DVD Australia. Thanks to h99 for the update!

27 August 2006 - STOP PRESS!!
The Stephen Sondheim Society have just announced that Philip Quast (and Maria Friedman!) are going to perform in the Charity Gala Follies in Concert on Sunday 4 February 2007 at the London Palladium. Follow this link for further details about casting and booking.
Huge thanks to Lynne for the exclusive info!

25 August 2006
A delightful "Behind the Scenes" short video of Evita featuring bits of interviews with PQ, Elena and Matt, is now available on Theatre.com. Strongly recommended viewing!

23 August 2006
UPDATE 7.00pm: Philip Quast will be back tonight.
[Philip Quast has been off from the show for the past couple of days. If you are planning to see Evita later this week we advise you to ring the Adelphi Stage Door (see theatre programme) at 020 7836 1166 a couple of hours before the show to check whether he is back. The cast board in the Adelphi foyer is also rather reliable, but we don't know when exactly it is updated for the following performance.]

21 August 2006
London TV is currently featuring a fabulous publicity video about Evita, with short interviews to director Michael Grandage, Elena Roger and Lord ALW and over 2 minutes of clips from the live show! Have fun spotting President Perón in the various scenes!

14 August 2006
The 2006 London Cast Recording of Evita has finally been released in the UK! Check all the news and details about it on our fully updated Evita CD page. And don't forget to support our new Petition!

10 August 2006
Another superb interview with Philip Quast is now available at the Theatre.com website!

9 August 2006
A few dates to write down in our diaries:
- The Evita Cast Album will be available in the US (Amazon & CD Universe) from 24 October 2006.
- PQ's latest movie Clubland, starring Blenda Blethyn, is due for release in Australia in April 2007. PQ's character is called Ronnie Stubbs.

4 August 2006
Philip Quast is the featured artist in this week's "Showpeople" section of the entertainment magazine The Stage. Huge thanks to Carolann for sharing an excerpt of the interview on our Message Board.

31 July 2006
Philip Quast will take a few days off from Evita between Tuesday 19th and Saturday 23rd September included. For those performances the role of Perón will be most likely played by Mark Heenehan.

25 July 2006
The three leads of Evita (Elena Roger, Philip Quast & Matt Rawle) will be signing copies of the new Cast Album at the Dress Circle in London on Wednesday 16 August 2006. More details here.
You can now listen to some short audioclips from the CD at the Official Evita website.

12 July 2006
Plenty of news on the Evita front today:
- The show has extended until 13 January 2007;
- A fantastic interview with Philip Quast and Matt Rawle has been published on the "Society of London Theatre" website;
- According to Whatsonstage, Elena Roger will take a week's holiday from 25 to 30 September 2006. Abbie Osmon is going to play Elena's performances, while understudy Jodie Jacobs is scheduled to play the 'alternate Eva performances', i.e. Monday evening and Thursday matinee.

9 July 2006
Elaine Paige's Sunday show on BBC Radio 2 featured today a "World Exclusive" of the forthcoming 2006 Evita Cast Album: Elena Roger & Philip Quast's mesmerizing rendition of 'I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You' was played towards the very end of the programme, which is going to be available for online listening until next Sunday at this link. Very promising track indeed!!

22 June 2006
Excellent early reviews in the national press and online after yesterday's opening of Evita. Find all the links in our Reviews section.
Also: don't miss some superb videoclips of the show now available on the official Evita website (the PQG recommends #3 in particular)

19 June 2006
Check out some great links to an extensive Photocall of Evita, posted on the Whatsonstage Message Board. 90% of the pictures are of Elena-Eva, but there are also some good ones of dashing Perón in his tuxedo on the balcony of the Casa Rosada.
For the busy ones among you, here are the direct links to Quast's best photos:
- from Getty Images;
- from Wenn;
- from WireImage.

8 June 2006
The Caterpillar Wish has now opened across Australia. Plenty of (mostly appreciative) reviews now available and also a video interview to the director and female leads from the ABC website.

2nd June 2006
Evita starts previewing at the Adelphi Theatre, London, today!

31 May 2006
The release of the Evita 2006 London Cast recording has been postponed to 17 July 2006.
However, you can still pre-order it at the RUG website (which ships worldwide) or at any other of the links provided on our SHOPPING page.

29 May 2006
Thanks to Gregor for drawing our attention to an interesting interview with the new Evita, Elena Roger, from today's The Guardian newspaper.
Also: don't miss some of the latest reviews of The Caterpillar Wish.

20 May 2006
Exciting and promising Evita updates in yesterday's Daily Mail! Huge thanks to Carol for letting all of us share Baz Bamigboye's latest views about this production, now in its final weeks of rehearsals. You can read the full article on our Message Board.

13 May 2006
For the delight of our friends downunder, several preview screenings and events related to the launch of The Caterpillar Wish will take place across Australia over the forthcoming weeks.
The movie will open in cinemas throughout Australia on 8 June.

26 April 2006
The official World Premiere of The Caterpillar Wish will be held in Robe, South Australia, where it was filmed, on Saturday 3 June. More details at this link.

3rd April 2006
The Cast Recording of the new London production of Evita is going to be released on 19 June, just two days before the opening night of the show. See our Shopping page for links to online stores selling the album. Thanks to Gregor for drawing our attention to this rather unexpected event.

20 March 2006
Movie alert for our Australian readers! Philip Quast's latest movie, The Caterpillar Wish, will get its World Premiere at the Ritz Cinema, Sydney, on 7th April 2006, as part of the Sydney Senior Film Festival 2006 (but "open to everyone who appreciates good films"). Screening will be followed by questions and answers with young actress Victoria Thaine.
Let's hope this announcement won't be followed by a cancellation one as was the case with the Barbican screening last month (see news item on 15 February).

12 March 2006
Elena Roger was the only cast member who attended Parkinson's programme last night, but her rendition of 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' sounded very promising indeed. Sir Andrew and Tim Rice also talked briefly about their "New Evita", confirming that the new orchestration will have a more latin feel and that the song from the Alan Parker movie 'You Must Love Me' will be included in the stage score. Check all the updates on our Evita page. Thanks to Gregor and Skipper for their reports.

9 March 2006
The Really Useful Group website has announced that on Saturday 11 March (22:00 to 23:00 GMT, on UK television channel ITV1) Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber will be among the special guests in Michael Parkinson's weekly programme. They will talk about the "new production of Evita and the background and inspiration behind the original show". The new Evita, Elena Roger, will also perform a number from the show. For more details about the TV programme visit this link (many thanks to Gregor and Supposedly for their updates).

15 February 2006
We regret to announce that the World Premiere of Philip Quast's latest movie, The Caterpillar Wish, initially scheduled for March 4 at the Barbican, London (see news item below), has been cancelled "due to technical issues". The official release of the film is however confirmed for 11 May 2006, though it will probably first be distributed in Australia.

22 February 2006
First official news about Philip Quast's latest movie project in Australia, the dark comedy Clubland, starring British Oscar-winning actress Brenda Blethyn. Shooting has just started in Sydney's Western suburbs and will finish just in time to allow PQ to fly back the UK and join the Evita cast (rehearsals are due to start on Easter Monday).

15 February 2006
We regret to announce that the World Premiere of Philip Quast's latest movie, The Caterpillar Wish, initially scheduled for March 4 at the Barbican, London (see news item below), has been cancelled "due to technical issues". The official release of the film is however confirmed for 11 May 2006, though it will probably first be distributed in Australia.

13 February 2006
The Caterpillar Wish official website is finally online, with a full cast list, a detailed synopsis and plenty of screenshots. The movie will get its World Premiere at the Barbican Centre in London on 4 March 2006 as part of the London Australian Film Festival 2006. Read more. (Thanks to Gregor and h99 for their contributions!)

31 January 2006
At long last, the official announcement: Philip Quast is the new Perón!
The much-awaited revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita (official website here) will open at the Adelphi Theatre on 2nd June (Press Night on 21 June) and will feature 30-yo Elena Roger in the title role.
Browse through the various news reels published by the major theatre websites and press agencies unveiling some exciting details about this new production:
Official London Theatre
Whatsonstage
West End Theatreworld
BBC News
This is London
Check also our brand-new Evita page for further infos and links about PQ's new role.

12 January 2006
While we are still waiting for official updates, according to a recent post on the discussion board of his official site Philip Quast is reported to have confirmed his engagement in the forthcoming revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita, due to open early next summer. Let's hope the creatives will now make an equally thrilling choice as far as the title role is concerned.

11 January 2006
A little reminder for those UK friends who missed Philip Quast's TV appearance yesterday evening: the Holby City episode "Pride Before a Fall" will be repeated on BBC One on Monday 16 January, 1:20 to 2:15 GMT (i.e. late Sunday evening).

3rd January 2006
Philip Quast will appear in an episode of the British soap Holby City to be shown next week on British Television. He will play character Clayton Jones in an episode entitled Pride Before a Fall.
Detailed schedule:
Tuesday 10 January, 20:00 to 21:00 GMT - BBC One (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
Wednesday 11 January, 20:00 to 21:00 GMT - BBC One Scotland
The episode is scheduled to be repeated (for all regions) on Monday 16 January, 1:00 to 2:00 GMT.
A trailer for next week's episode is expected to appear on the Holby City official page later this week.
Thanks to Gregor and Annie R. for their online alerts.

1st January 2006
Happy New Year and plenty of good "PQ news" to all our friends and supporters from the Philip Quast Guide Team!

22 December 2005
Less than a week after the play's opening, Philip Quast has already been nominated for a Sydney Theatre Award (Best Actor in a Lead Role) for his role of Lopakhin in The Cherry Orchard. The 2005 Sydney Theatre Awards will be presented on 16 January 2006. Check the full list of nominees (as usual, some 'Old Friends' too) at this link.

19 December 2005
The Australian Press has given full marks to director Howard Davies's unconventional approach to The Cherry Orchard in Sydney. Lots of praise for Philip Quast's Lopakhin too.

13 December 2005
The STC production of The Cherry Orchard opens today at The Wharf, Sydney. Our best wishes to the whole cast for a full house until February!

7 December 2005
Philip Quast has been nominated for a Mo Award for "Best Male Actor in a Play" for his role as Willy Brandt in Democracy earlier this year. Among the nominees for the different artistic categories, lots of familiar names: John Gaden (for the same category as PQ), Hugh Jackman, Anthony Warlow, Marina Prior, Tony Sheldon... The winners will be announced on 14 March 2006.

14 November 2005
The mystery thickens - and trepidation rises - concerning Philip Quast's possible involvement in the upcoming revival of Lloyd Webber's Evita next spring. A couple of hours ago BroadwayWorld.com announced quite triumphantly "Philip Quast to Play Peron in London Evita Revival", but if you check their Newspage now you'll read the much more tentative title "Philip Quast Likely to Play Peron in London Evita Revival" ("*most* likely" in the body of the article). Stay tuned for any further developments!

1st November 2005
The Cherry Orchard - originally due to close on 29 January 2006 - has been extended one week. Seven more performances are therefore available for booking. The run will now end on 4 February 2006.

13 September 2005
The Sydney Theatre Company have finally published the full cast list for The Cherry Orchard, which is due to open on 13 December 2005. Philip Quast and 'Old Friend' John Gaden are set for a new thrilling collaboration, together with the STC artistic director, Robyn Nevin. Check also our new Cherry Orchard page.

26 August 2005
According to today's Daily Mail (thanks, Carol!), Philip Quast is among the actors lined up to play the role of Juan Peron in the upcoming revival of Lloyd Webber's musical Evita in June 2006. Other names in the mix are Roger Allam, Ciaran Hinds and Douglas Hodge. The show will be directed by Michael Grandage, artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse, and produced by ALW's Really Useful Group.

8 August 2005
The film The Caterpillar Wish has now been completed and the movie has entered his post-production phase. General release is scheduled for early next year. Read here the latest interview to director Sandra Sciberras.

26 June 2005
A few more details concerning Philip Quast's involvement in the Australian movie The Caterpillar Wish (see News item below): written and directed by 39-yo Sandra Sciberras, this low-budget production supported by the Australian Film Commission has just started shooting on location in Robe, a tiny seaside town in South Australia. Wendy Hughes is going to play the role of Elizabeth, the mother of 15-yo Emily (Victoria Thaine), around whom the story is centered. The 35-strong cast & crew also includes popular Australian "faces" Susie Porter and Robert Mammone.

25 June 2005
Well, ironically it seems our June Poll has slightly missed its target... According to his official website Philip Quast will soon appear in an Australian movie - entitled The Caterpillar Wish - but his partner is going to be an actress that we (shamefully) didn't include in the poll's list, ie 'Old Friend' Wendy Hughes.

18 April 2005
"Quast's performance is complicated and commanding." (Sydney Morning Herald); "Brandt ... is played by Philip Quast with stature, authority and a beautiful voice for the public speeches." (The Australian); "Quast is terrific... nuanced and likeable" (The Daily Telegraph)... Read more along these lines in our Reviews section! :-)

12 April 2005
Don't miss a fantastic interview (plus photo!) with PQ in today's Sydney Morning Herald, with insights about his approach to his new role of Willy Brandt and the announcement of another Australian contract later this year: The Cherry Orchard, once again with the Sydney Theatre Company.

30 March 2005
According to the Sydney Theatre website the run of Democracy might be extended by one week, ie until 14 May 2005.

18 March 2005
Three weeks before the production's opening, it is now possible to get a first glimpse of how PQ's Willy Brandt is going to look! The first official picture for Democracy has just been published by the Sydney Theatre Company's website. Enjoy!

13 March 2005
Next Sunday 20 March Philip Quast will appear on UK TV in the third part of H Side Story. The eight-part programme - aired on Channel 4 between 1pm and 1.30pm - follows ex-Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins as he enrols on the Musical Theatre course at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music. PQ is going to try and teach the young man a few "tricks of the trade"... The show will be repeated the same day on E4 at 5pm.

25 February 2005
On Monday 14 March a "Celebrity Lunch" with Philip Quast - organised in association with the Sydney Theatre - is going to take place at the Wharf Restaurant, Sydney.
Check the STC Democracy page for details about pricing and booking.

23 December 2004
Just a quick reminder to our friends in the UK who might have neglected their diaries during this frantic Christmas rush: On Christmas Day (8.25 to 10.25pm) ITV Channel is screening an episode of the series Midsomer Murders which features Philip Quast. Enjoy! If you really don't trust you memory, a free Text Reminder Service is available from the Radio Times website.

3rd September 2003
For those who missed it last year: on Monday 15 September (4.00 to 5.00 pm) BBC Radio 3 is going to re-send the Stage & Screen programme featuring PQ (originally broadcast in December 2002).
You will also be able to listen to the programme up to one week after its live broadcast by logging on the Stage and Screen Page on the BBC website.

31 August 2003
Apologies if this is old news for some of you, but I've just found out that the mythical Hey, Mr Producer! concert is now available also on (double) DVD. Footlight Records has it in stock and guarantees that the mention "NTSC - ALL REGIONS Format" means that the DVDs are compatible with European DVD Players too!

18 August 2003
STOP PRESS! PQ, Desmond Barrit, Louise Gold & Alicia Davies will perform at a special benefit night on Sunday 7 September at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester.
"CURTAIN UP!" - An unpretentious and light hearted look at life backstage from curtain up to curtain down. Songs...jokes...acting...poetry....sounds..."
Tickets (20 UKP) available at the CFT Box Office.
(THANKS to Carol for drawing our attention to this event!)

11 August 2003
Enjoy (if you don't mind some "spoilers"...) the first reviews of The Seagull from the British press! You'll find all the links on the Reviews Page.

17 July 2003
More news about the re-release of the Paris cast album! Apart from 'Business' and 'What Price a Friend' also the new tracks no. 10 on CD1 ('Paris in Court') and no. 4 on CD2 ('The Greek Camp') should feature Patroclus/PQ!!
BTW, CD Collector have already sold out the first shipment of CDs (yet another record!), but 'no worries', the new stock will be in early next week! (Thanks to Max for the above info!)

15 July 2003
We bet we are going to please a lot of people at the four corners of the world with this announcement: the Concept-Album CD of the "rock opera" Paris - which has been out of print for years - has finally been re-released. And what's even more exciting, the new recording includes several new tracks! Check our Paris Page for all the details about how to get hold of this musical gem!

25 June 2003
That should be it: you can now read almost EVERYTHING that has been written by the media about The Merchant of Venice in Chichester on the Reviews Page. Now we are eagerly waiting for YOUR reviews!

9 June 2003
Check the "... Anyone in Chichester last night?" thread on the PQG Forum for some great updates about the opening of The Merchant of Venice in Chichester. Thanks to Jill and to all the lucky ones who are going to add their views in the days to come!

1 June 2003
The CFT Sales & Marketing Dept. have just given us permission to reproduce on the Philip Quast Guide any information we may find interesting concerning PQ's two plays in the framework of the 2003 Festival. We've already added a few updates about The Merchant of Venice.

31 May 2003
More rumours about a possible "Diva Revival" in Australia next year. Check Jason Robert Brown's recent interview on the Theatre People website (thanks, Gregor!)!

16 May 2003
Great news from TalkingBroadway/AllThatChat (Australia): the studio Cast CD of the rock-opera Paris is going to be re-released in June!

14 May 2003
Edward Albee's play The Goat. or Who is Sylvia? (Hardcover - 112 pages - Overlook Press) has just been released on the market. Both Amazon.com & Amazon.co.uk should have it in stock. Just paste the ISBN # 1585673641 in the relevant search boxes.

6 May 2003
The first enthousiastic comments concerning the 1000 Voices Concert at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 5th are starting to appear on the Forum. Check the relevant Page for a few initial updates. If you have any thoughts or pictures you would like to share, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us!

26 April 2003
The critically acclaimed Australian mini-series Brides of Christ is now available on DVD from ABC Shop Australia. Alas, the product information does not specify which Region the DVD's are. We recommend to enquire with the sellers before ordering.

19 April 2003
After the exciting rumours posted on thanks, Carol!) concerning PQ's possible participation in Jason Robert Brown's forthcoming "Australian debut" we've tried and gather more infos... The Australian showbiz website Theatre People reports, in its 'gossip' section: "Jason Robert Brown will be touring Australia later in the year with Philip Quast, performing material from the 'Live at the Donmar' recording they both featured on". Now the BIG question is: WHEN?? Surely not until the Autumn, considering the tight schedule of Merchant & Seagull in Chichester. Stay tuned for more news!

30 March 2003
Check out the "Chichester Pages" on the site! We have tried and gather a few details and links about both The Merchant of Venice and The Seagull that you will hopefully find interesting.

23 March 2003
Once again "Well done!" to Gregor who has unveiled the RAH's big surprise of the week: an extra performance of the Night of 1000 Voices scheduled for the same Sunday 4th May, at 4pm. Tickets for the matinee performance went on sale on 26 March.
Check the 1000 Voices Page on the site to get all the details about the Stars involved and how to book.

3 March 2003
*1000* thanks to Carol for sharing with us the scans of this year's Night of 1000 Voices flyer. What a promising programme indeed!

17 February 2003
Philip is slated for Antonio in The Merchant of Venice and Trigorin in The Seagull in rep. at the Chichester Festival this summer.
The relevant sections in the official Chichester Theatre Festival website don't mention any cast or precise dates yet, but the Festival brochure does. To download it - in .pdf format - paste the following string to the address line of your browser window: http://www.cft.org.uk/pdfs/brochure03.pdf

12 February 2003
According to the chatter on the PQG Forum Mr. Quast has reportedly decided not to appear in Sweeney Todd in Brisbane this Autumn. So far Opera Queensland have not updated their website with any information on this development.

December 2002
Since the "Stage and Screen" BBC Radio programme is not available online anymore, we have worked out a permanent page for the site which contains most recent Radio Interviews involving PQ.