Images are from the official 'SOM' tour website.

Christmas in Manchester

December 14, 2009 -  Usurping the holiday pantos in Manchester this year is the family musical 'The Sound of Music'.  The hit UK tour stars Michael Praed as Captain Von Trapp and Connie Fisher as Maria.  Opening night is Tuesday 15 December at the Palace Theatre. After ringing in the new year, the show runs until Saturday 16 January.

Lively Maria, a novice in an Austrian abbey, isn't fitting into somber convent life.  To give her an opportunity to get away from the abbey to think her future through, the Mother Abbess sends her to the lavish household of Captain Georg Von Trapp, a widower with seven children.  Maria is to be the governess to his emotionally neglected children.  As Maria reconciles her growing love for the children's father with her desire to become a nun, the looming Nazi menace in nearby Germany threatens to overwhelm them all.

The production features some of the most famous songs in musical history, 'The Sound of Music' tour is produced by David Ian Productions and Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Really Useful Group.

Fans in Manchester report that tickets have been selling briskly.  Not many are left.  Please contact the theatre directly here for tickets.  If you would like additional information on the tour venues, please check our 'Sound of Music' reference page

SOM contract hints

December 5, 2009 -  Michael has been telling fans his involvement in the UK tour with 'The Sound of Music' is contracted up to June 21st, the conclusion of his appearance in Eastbourne.  At that point, his continued participation is up in the air.  It depends on whether the relevant production companies (David Ian Productions, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the Really Useful Theatre Group) ask him to stay and whether Michael has other professional commitments that would interfere. 

We'll let you know if we hear any further news one way or the other.

Cast images are from the official 'SOM' tour website.

Sounds in Sunderland

November 17, 2009 -  The hit UK tour of ‘The Sound of Music’, starring Connie Fisher as Maria and Michael Praed as Captain Von Trapp, opens tonight at the Sunderland Empire. The show runs until Saturday 5 December. Featuring some of the most famous songs in musical history, 'The Sound of Music' tour is produced by David Ian Productions and Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Really Useful Group.

High-spirited Maria, a novice in Austria's somber Nonnberg Abbey, is a bit of a misfit.  In order to give her an opportunity to get away from the abbey to think things through, the Mother Abbess sends her to the lavish household of Captain Georg Von Trapp, a widower with seven children.  Maria is to be the governess to his emotionally neglected children.  As Maria reconciles her growing love for the children's father with her desire to become a nun, the looming Nazi menace in nearby Germany threatens to overwhelm them all.

For tickets, please contact the theatre directly here.  Tickets have been selling at a sell-out pace, so please act quickly to avoid disappointment.  If you would like additional information on the tour venues, please check our 'Sound of Music' reference page

Eastbourne and Woking added to 2010 tour

November 13, 2009 -  Two theatres, one in Eastbourne and one in Woking, have been added to the 2010 'Sound of Music' tour schedule.  The Congress Theatre in Eastbourne will host the musical from 1 June to 19 June.  Michael went to school at Eastbourne for many years.  Woking's venue will be the New Victoria Theatre and the play will be presented from 22 June to 10 July.  Note: Michael's presence is not guaranteed in Woking at this point.  To view performance schedules, please view the theatre websites directly or go to our 'Sound of Music' reference page.

Disturbing news regarding Simon MacCorkindale

November 9, 2009 -  Michael's co-star in last year's hit play 'Sleuth' was apparently performing brilliantly under rather disturbing health issues.  According to accounts in today's Daily Mail and News of the World, the former star of 'Casualty' was diagnosed with cancer several years ago, which was apparently treated successfully.  During the run of 'Sleuth', he discovered that suspicious looking spots on his lungs indicated terminal cancer.  Always a fighter, the actor is not giving up.  Undergoing unconventional holistic health practices along with conventional treatment, MacCorkindale is still going strong -- and looking to beat it.  He's even promising to do a little acting soon.  Many of Michael's fans met Simon during the run of 'Sleuth' and found him to be patient and charming to fans of all persuasions.  We wish him well. Literally. 

For more information, please check Shelli's official Simon MacCorkindale site.

The 'vicious' von Trapp Family trick-or-treaters!
Image is from the official 'SOM' tour website.

Tiny Tricksters prey on Praed!

October 31, 2009 -  In the musical, poor new governess Maria is the target for some rather nasty tricks played by the Von Trapp children.  In real life, the supposedly terrifying Captain is their victim! Being the one brave (or stupid) soul not giving in to the threat "Trick or treat!" on Halloween,  Michael got doused in water!  To get all the relevant details, you really need to read Company Manager Neil White's blog on the 'SOM' tour website!

Cast images are from the official 'SOM' tour website.

Milton Keynes hears music

October 27, 2009 -  The hit UK tour of ‘The Sound of Music’, starring Connie Fisher as Maria and Michael Praed as Captain Von Trapp, opens tonight at the Milton Keynes Theatre, situated (mysteriously enough) in Milton Keynes. The show runs until Saturday 14 November. Featuring some of the most famous songs in musical history, 'The Sound of Music' tour is produced by David Ian Productions and Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Really Useful Group.

High-spirited Maria, a novice in Austria's somber Nonnberg Abbey, is a bit of a misfit.  In order to give her an opportunity to get away from the abbey to think things through, the Mother Abbess sends her to the lavish household of Captain Georg Von Trapp, a widower with seven children.  Maria is to be the governess to his emotionally neglected children.  As Maria reconciles her growing love for the children's father with her desire to become a nun, the looming Nazi menace in nearby Germany threatens to overwhelm them all.

For tickets, please contact the theatre directly here.  Tour tickets have been a hot item, so please act quickly to avoid disappointment.  If you would like additional information on the tour venues, please check our 'Sound of Music' reference page

Birmingham Hippodrome added to tour

October 27, 2009 -  The Birmingham Hippodrome has been added to the 2010 'Sound of Music' tour schedule.  The world famous musical will be presented on the Hippodrome stage from 13 July to 21 August.  To view a performance schedule, please either view the Hippodrome website directly here or our 'Sound of Music' reference page. Note: There is still a question whether Michael will be a part of the cast at this point.

Images are from The Mayflower or the official 'SOM' tour website.

Southampton greets 'SOM'

September 29, 2009 -  Following a sellout run at the Bradford Alhambra, the UK tour of ‘The Sound of Music’, starring Connie Fisher as Maria and Michael Praed as Captain Von Trapp, opens tonight at the Mayflower in Southampton. The show runs until Saturday 24 October. Featuring some of the most famous songs in musical history, 'The Sound of Music' tour is produced by David Ian Productions and Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Really Useful Group.

The well-known story follows the path of Maria as she attempts to care for the neglected children of a grieving Austrian war hero.  As Maria reconciles her growing love for the children's father with her desire to become a nun, the looming Nazi menace in nearby Germany threatens to overwhelm them all.

For tickets, please contact The Mayflower directly here.  The theatre reports that remaining tickets are selling quickly, so please act soon to avoid disappointment.  If you would like additional information on the tour venues, please check our 'Sound of Music' reference page

'SOM' heads for Bradford

September 1, 2009 -  'The Sound of Music' opens tomorrow night at the Alhambra in Bradford.  The musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein stars Michael Praed and Connie Fisher, who was chosen for the role in the BBC's talent show 'How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?'. The tour is produced by David Ian and Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Really Useful Group. 

The well-known story follows the path of Maria as she attempts to care for the neglected children of a grieving Austrian war hero.  As Maria reconciles her growing love for the children's father with her desire to become a nun, the looming Nazi menace in nearby Germany threatens to overwhelm them all.

For tickets, please contact the Alhambra here.  For more information on all the venues, please check our 'Sound of Music' reference page.

Belfast, Aberdeen, and Llandudno added to tour

August 19, 2009 -  Although no word is available yet on who will be playing Maria, Michael is set to portray Captain Von Trapp at three additional venues in early 2010.  Those theatres are the Grand Opera House in Belfast from 24 February to 20 March, His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen from 24 March to 17 April, and Llandudno at the Venue Crmyu from 11 May to 29 May.  Clearly there will be more dates to be filled in later.

Thanks go to Matt Healy fan Monalisa6203 for bringing Belfast to our attention and to Michael Praed fan Helen R. on the alert for Llandudno.

 
Still from backstage video. © 2009 RUG

'The Sound of Music' opens

August 4, 2009 -  'The Sound of Music' tour with Michael and Connie Fisher opened in Cardiff, Connie's home territory, on 26th July.  The musical tells the story of the Von Trapp family’s flight away from the Nazis with its unforgettable score that includes some of the most memorable songs ever performed onstage.  The show has been receiving standing ovations and the reviews are positive.  The world's best known musical will remain in southern Wales until 29th August. 

For tickets to the Cardiff performances, please contact the Donald Gordon Theatre here.  For more information on all the venues, please check our 'Sound of Music' reference page.

Thanks go to Hazel of Michael Praed Online and Jacci of the HMS Michael Praed website for bringing the video to our attention.

'SOM' rehearsal pictures

July 4, 2009 - Here's a reason to keep an eye on the official website for 'The Sound of Music' tour:  four photographs of Michael rehearsing!  It is the scene where the captain hears his children singing for the first time. The camera angles show his back and a fuzzy profile shot, surrounded by kids.  It isn't great, but there he is!  To view the photographs please visit the "News" section of the website here.  Future articles on the website will include interviews with the cast and crew.

Thanks go to Simon MacCorkindale Official Fan Club president Shelli Wood for bringing this to our attention.

Michael narrates 'Music and Silence'

July 1, 2009 -  Michael Praed joins fellow readers Clare Wille and Alison Dowling to bring Rose Tremain's Whitbread/Costa Award winning novel 'Music and Silence' to life in this recent release by Naxos AudioBooks.

Known as advocate of change, King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway initiated domestic reforms and overseas trade. The watershed year 1629 brought financial distress and domestic pain when the king discovered his second wife, the viciously manipulative and voluptuous Kirsten Munk, was having an affair. It is this time in King Christian IV's reign which serves as the backdrop to this sweeping story. In a symphony weaving the narratives of the principal characters, Tremain explores such complex themes as dreams versus reality, order versus chaos, love versus hate, corruption versus innocence, and betrayal versus loyalty -- all through the metaphor of music and silence.

There are links to order the 6-part CD set on the Fanfare Merchandise page.

Thanks go to Michael's fan Hannah for bringing this to our attention.

'Venus in Furs' now on download

June 6, 2009 -  Back in the late 80s, Michael narrated a release of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's 'Venus in Furs', a classic work defining sexual gratification through pain and humiliation.  (The author even gave his name to the condition.)  The audiobook was re-released in 90s.  Recently, Amazon UK made it available by download on its website.

There are links to the Amazon UK download on the Fanfare Merchandise page.

Warning: Amazon UK uses an explicit photo to warn users of the sado-masochistic nature of this audio book.  Please do not follow this link if you are underage or easily offended by sexual content.

© 2009 DIP/RUG. All rights reserved. Photograph by Simon Turtle

Michael to star as Captain Von Trapp

April 30, 2009 -  Michael Praed will star as ‘Captain Von Trapp’ alongside Connie Fisher as ‘Maria’ in the National UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian and The Really Useful Group’s smash hit production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical 'The Sound of Music' opening at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff on 26 July 2009, where it will play until 29 August 2009 (Box Office: 08700 40 2000). For the full tour schedule please visit the official tour website.

Michael Praed’s musical theatre credits include leading roles in the West End productions of 'Aspects of Love', 'Copacabana', Susan Stroman’s 'Contact' and 'Beautiful and Damned'. His television credits include 'Dynasty', 'Robin of Sherwood' and 'Riders'.

Connie Fisher won BBC 1’s 'How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?' and played the role at the London Palladium for 15 months to critical acclaim. She most recently starred in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s production of 'They’re Playing Our Song' and the ITV drama 'Caught in a Trap' last Christmas.

Michael and Connie will be joined by Margaret Preece as ‘Mother Abbess’, Jacinta Mulcahy as ‘Baroness Schraeder’, Martin Callaghan as ‘Max’, Claire Fishenden as ‘Liesl’ and Jeremy Taylor as ‘Rolf’. Kirsty Malpass will play ‘Maria’ at certain performances.

This lavish production tells the story of the Von Trapp family’s flight across the mountains with its unforgettable score that includes some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage including ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘The Lonely Goatherd’ and the title song ‘The Sound of Music’.

'The Sound of Music' has music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, with a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp.

'The Sound of Music' will be directed by Jeremy Sams, with choreography by Arlene Phillips, design by Robert Jones, sound by Mick Potter and lighting by Mark Henderson.

This production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical opened to rave reviews and sell-out business at the London Palladium in November 2006 and closed on 21 February 2009 after 954 record-breaking performances and was seen by well over 2 million people. 'The Sound of Music' originally premiered on Broadway in 1959, when it won six Tony Awards, including “Best Musical”. The show first opened in London in 1961 and its last London revival was in 1981, both productions having record-breaking runs. The 1965 Hollywood film, which starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, won five Oscars, including “Best Picture”.

Last week for 'The Murder Game'

April 17, 2009 -  This is the last week for 'The Murder Game', the lighthearted romp set in New Orleans.  The production is ends 19 April 2009.  Michael Praed and Josefina Gabrielle star in the 'The Murder Game' at the King's Head Theatre in Islington. Other cast members include Matt Healy, Ben Jones and Patrick Clancy.  For your reference, a concise guide to the venue, a local map, ticket ordering links, local transportation, and restaurants is provided by Fanfare here.

Michael narrates 'In Shackleton's Footsteps'

April 4, 2009 -    Michael Praed narrates 'Timewatch: In Shackleton's Footsteps' on Saturday, 4 April 2009 at 20.40 on BBC2. Check the Timewatch website for updates, glimpses behind the scenes, discussions and videos.  (Unfortunately, video clips are available to those in the UK only.) 

A small group of British men have some unfinished family business in Antarctica. One hundred years ago their ancestors, under the leadership of the renowned explorer Ernest Shackleton, tried and failed to become the first men to reach the South Pole. Following in their footsteps, the team set off on a 900-mile trek across frozen wastelands. 'Timewatch' follows their remarkable journey.

Michael has been a frequent 'Timewatch' narrator since 2003.

'The Murder Game' continues

March 23, 2009 -  Repeat Tony nominee John Tillinger directs Michael Praed and Josefina Gabrielle in the 'The Murder Game' at the King's Head Theatre in Islington. Other cast members include Matt Healy, Ben Jones and Patrick Clancy.  The production is booking to 19 April 2009.  For your reference, a concise guide to the venue, a local map, ticket ordering links, local transportation, and restaurants is provided by Fanfare here.

In 'The Murder Game', a quirky comedy set in the vicious realm of the New Orleans underworld, a killer is on the loose. Where is he? Can the two people whose job it is to catch him do so before killing each other?

Michael narrates 'Timewatch: WWI Aces Falling'

March 22, 2009 -    Michael Praed narrates 'Timewatch:WWI Aces Falling' on Saturday, 22 March 2009 at 20.00 on BBC2. Check the Timewatch website for updates, glimpses behind the scenes, discussions and videos.  (Unfortunately, video clips are available to those in the UK only.) 

Edward Mannock VC and James McCudden VC rose from modest backgrounds to become two of Britain's greatest fighter aces in World War One. As the number of their victories grew, so did their chances of dying in flames. 'Timewatch' tells the story of their battle to survive against the odds, and of the 90-year-old mystery surrounding the death of one of them.

Michael has been a frequent 'Timewatch' narrator since 2003.

'Beautiful and Damned' downloadable

March 20, 2009 -  The DVD of Michael's musical 'Beautiful and Damned' is now available for free download on the 'Beautiful and Damned' official website, courtesy of the executive producer Charles Dobson. The musical about Zelda and F Scott Fitzgerald met with mixed reviews when it played in London's West End in 2004, but it had fans too. 'Beautiful and Damned' served as a springboard for actress Helen Anker, who played the tragic, charismatic Zelda so brilliantly. If you want to make your own judgment on the show – and have a rare chance to see a legitimate recording of Michael in a musical – here's your chance!

A permanent link to the download has been placed on the Fanfare Merchandise page for your convenience.

Thanks to Michael's fans Gerry for her long campaign with Mr. Dobson and to Joan for bringing this to our attention.

'Robin of Sherwood' featured on 'Drama Trails'

March 7, 2009 -  'Drama Trails', ITV's show on how various ITV dramas are interconnected through cast members, writers, or location, will focus on the six degrees of separation between 'Robin of Sherwood' and 'Prime Suspect'.  Michael, of course, portrayed Robin of Loxley on the ITV Robin Hood series.  'Drama Trails' is a ten minute segment on Monday, 9 March 2009 from 4:55pm to 5:05pm on ITV3. Check the ITV3 website for more information on the series.

'HMS Michael Praed' link

March 7, 2009 -  We've added a link to our Links page to help you apply for crew status aboard the HMS Michael Praed, the 'Facebook' Michael  Praed community which launched after a popular trial cruise on Fanfare last summer.  The site has grown and expanded ever since, offering galleries, interviews, quizzes and other goodies.  In order to keep its cozy ambiance, however, they've elected to keep it a closed group. You can apply to become a member either by contacting webmaster directly or by tracking them down on 'Facebook' (HMS MICHAEL PRAED).  Bon Voyage!

Michael narrates 'Timewatch: The Real Bonnie and Clyde'

March 5, 2009 -  Michael Praed narrates 'The Real Bonnie and Clyde' on Saturday, 7 March 2009 at 20.00 on BBC2. Check the Timewatch website for updates, glimpses behind the scenes, discussions and videos.  (Unfortunately, video clips are available to those in the UK only.) 

Hollywood portrayed them as the most glamorous outlaws in American history, but the reality of life on the run for Bonnie and Clyde was one of violence, hardship and danger. 'Timewatch' takes an epic road-trip through the heart of depression-era America, in search of their true story.

Michael has been a regular 'Timewatch' narrator since 2003.

Thanks to Michael's fan Sylvia for bringing this to our attention.

New 'The Murder Game' reference page up

March 5, 2009 -  A popular feature on Fanfare are the reference pages for people contemplating attending Michael's plays. The newest page has just been posted for 'The Murder Game'. The reference includes information on the The King's Head Theatre, ticket ordering links, local transportation, restaurants and a hotel convenient to the action.  A link to the page will be accessible from the Home page and Club News section for the duration of the run.

Michael Praed will join Josefina Gabrielle, Matt Healy, Ben Jones and Patrick Clancy in the quirky comedy 'The Murder Game', directed by John Tillinger.  The play will begin on 11 March at the King's Head Theatre in Islington. The production is currently booking up to 19 April 2009.

Michael in 'The Murder Game'

February 25, 2009 -  Repeat Tony nominee John Tillinger will direct Michael Praed and Josefina Gabrielle in the 'The Murder Game'. Other cast members include Matt Healy, Ben Jones and Patrick Clancy.  The new James Farwell play will begin on 11 March at the King's Head Theatre in Islington with the official première set for 17 March 2009. The production is currently booking up to 19 April 2009.

In 'The Murder Game', a quirky comedy set in the vicious realm of the New Orleans underworld, a killer is on the loose. Where is he? Can the two people whose job it is to catch him do so before killing each other?

The King's Head Theatre is one of London's leading Off West End theatres, having transferred 38 shows to either the West End or Broadway in its 40 year history.

More information will be posted soon, including a schedule and links to order tickets.  Keep watching!

© 2009 Peter Zabek

'Timewatch: QE2 - The Final Voyage' to air

February 25, 2009 -  Michael Praed narrates 'QE2- The Final Voyage' on Saturday, 28 February 2009 at 20.00 on BBC2. Check the Timewatch website for updates, glimpses behind the scenes, discussions and videos.  (Unfortunately, video clips are available to those in the UK only.) 

More than 40 years after the launch of the last great ocean liner, 'Timewatch' bids a fond farewell to the QE2.  Using exclusive access on the final voyage, this program looks back over the ship's four glittering decades, sailing the world's seas.  Participants include Ben Kingsley, Jimmy Savile, Tony Curtis, Simon Weston, Jeffrey Archer, Terry Waite, and Tony Benn.

Michael has been a regular 'Timewatch' narrator since 2003.

Thanks to Michael's fan Sylvia for bringing this to our attention.

'An Ideal Husband' to return in 2009

'An Ideal Husband' to continue

January 25, 2009 -  As Hazel Pethick reported on Michael Praed Online last month, the website for Bill Kenwright Ltd announced that 'An Ideal Husband' will continue in 2009.  Unfortunately, despite our anxious scouring of their website and the internet, no further dates have come to light.  Haze has made contact with the Kenwright organization and is promising to keep us all informed of anything she learns.  Thanks, Hazel!