News round-up: Christmas charity events, Classic FM broadcast and other festive radio highlights

17 December 2016 02:54

While you're waiting for Zoe's eagerly-anticipated dramas Britannia and Babs to be screened (they're both due to air next year), you'll find there's plenty to enjoy this festive season, especially on the radio.

Festive readings at Christmas carol services

On 14 December, Zoë took part in festive fundraiser The Story of Christmas, an annual charity event from the property and construction industries. A carol service at St George's Hanover Square Church was followed by a reception and charity auction in The Dorchester. Zoë was joined by many other well-known guests, including Sanjeev Bhaskar, Brian Blessed and Imogen Stubbs. The Story of Christmas has so far raised more than £400,000 in order to support disadvantaged children and the homeless in London. (As soon as I find photos from the event, I'll let you know.)

The next evening, Zoë took part in the Children & The Arts' tenth anniversary Christmas Concert at London's Cadogan Hall. She was pictured at the seasonal event alongside Aled Jones, Miranda Raison, Penelope Wilton and other special guests. Together they provided festive readings and music, with the aim of raising money to help the charity offer creative and cultural experiences to disadvantaged and terminally ill children. The concert was recorded for Classic FM and will be broadcast on Christmas Eve, from 6-8pm.

Returning to The Matthew Rolland Show

Another programme sure to be worth hearing is Hospital Radio Reading's Christmas Day edition of The Matthew Rolland Show, as Zoë will be a special guest. She took part in the show last year too – you can listen to the interview online (it begins about eight-and-a-half minutes into the recording).

Celebrating Sam Wanamaker's work

In the run-up to Christmas, why not listen to Zoë's late father's episode of Down Your Way, a BBC radio series that discussed places of interest across the UK? In 'Sam Wanamaker in Edinburgh', originally broadcast in 1992, the actor/director explores the city's wealth of history.

Of course, Zoë's father is best known for bringing the history of Shakespearean theatre to life through Shakespeare's Globe. The organisation has tweeted an excellent archive photo of him with its architectural models as part of its Christmas countdown celebrations.

perma-linktweet this

Bid for the chance to win Zoë's designer sunglasses and help Sightsavers continue its vital work

1 December 2016 21:07

Zoë has donated a pair of her sunglasses from French brand Face à Face to Sightsavers' Specs Appeal. The designer sunglasses are being auctioned on eBay alongside their case, a publicity photo and autographed card. The money raised will support the charity's vital work with people affected by sight loss and other disabilities.

If you'd like the chance to own Zoë's chic eyewear, you have until 5 December to bid for it. Glasses and sunglasses from many other famous faces, including Stephen Fry, Daniel Radcliffe, Meryl Streep, Emma Watson and Vivienne Westwood, are also available.

Speaking as someone whose family has a history of sight loss, I know how distressing it can be and think Specs Appeal is a fantastic fundraising idea. If you support Sightsavers' campaign, your money might even help to give someone the ability to see again.

Good luck to all of Zoë's fans who take part!

perma-linktweet this

Dead Funny's Eleanor, past and present: Zoë pictured with Katherine Parkinson at the Vaudeville Theatre

27 November 2016 03:02

Earlier this week, Zoë was photographed backstage at London's Vaudeville Theatre with Katherine Parkinson, who's appearing there in Dead Funny. Parkinson portrays frustrated doctor's wife Eleanor, the same character Zoe played in the original production, in 1994.

The black comedy about relationships was staged at the Vaudeville back then too, having transferred from Hampstead Theatre. The director of both productions is also the play's writer, Terry Johnson.

Another cast member in the revival of Dead Funny is Steve Pemberton, who's clearly been an admirer of both Zoë (pictured above as Eleanor with David Haig as husband Richard) and the play for many years. Speaking to the Observer in 2011, he praised Zoë's performance in the lead role as the best he'd ever seen by an actor on stage. (Please note that the article includes a plot spoiler you might want to avoid reading if you're planning to watch the new show!)

'Eleanor is at the heart of the play,' Pemberton explained. He recalled being particularly impressed by Zoë's ability to combine humour with intense drama, remarking that 'Wanamaker could have you howling with laughter one minute and sobbing the next, because she has the kind of emotional insight that draws you in.'

The Dead Funny revival plays in the West End until 4 February. Like the original show, it's earned considerable praise from reviewers.

perma-linktweet this

'It looks easy, but that's the art of it': Zoë offers advice to young actors on AllCreative.com

26 November 2016 01:53

A short film in which Zoë shares her insights into the theatre industry is featured on All Creative, a new careers advice website for young people keen to learn from the UK's creative professionals. As well as summarising some of the career opportunities the industry provides, Zoë discusses the ups and downs of life as a professional actor.

'It's hard work, and it's finding the work, and it's finding the script that fits you,' she says of the challenges of being a performer. Acting is a vocation, entails a great deal of rejection and isn't always well paid. As a result, Zoë emphasises that it's important 'to have another skill, so that when you're not working as an actor, you can support yourself'.

She recalls her father, Sam Wanamaker, giving her the Complete Works of Shakespeare in order to deepen her understanding of theatre. 'It still is an inspiration now; people love it. I love it.'

The video suggests that if you want to succeed as an actor, you need talent, dedication and the willingness to study hard and hone your skills. '[Acting] looks easy,' Zoë observes, 'but that's the art of it.'

You may recognise the elegant dress she wears in the video, which was filmed around three years ago. Appropriately enough, it's one of her costumes for a stage role: that of Ranevskaya in the National Theatre's 2011 production of The Cherry Orchard.

All Creative is the brainchild of ad agency executive Paul Brazier. In his words, the website aims 'to help young people understand how to get a creative job'. Other well-known individuals appearing in its videos include architect David Adjaye, animator Nick Park, photographer Rankin and the artist Bob and Roberta Smith.

perma-linktweet this

Radio 3's Death of a Salesman nominated for Best Adaptation in BBC Audio Drama Awards

24 November 2016 18:14

Radio 3's production of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, starring Zoë and David Suchet, has been shortlisted for Best Adaptation in the BBC Audio Drama Awards 2017. Broadcast to mark Miller's centenary in 2015, the play was adapted and directed by the late Howard Davies, with whom Zoë had a long history of collaboration.

Shortly before the production was broadcast, Zoë discussed Death of a Salesman in the Radio Times. 'It's such a joy to be working again with David and Howard, both of whom I'm extremely in tune with,' she commented. The trio, who enjoyed tremendous success with 2010's West End staging of another great play by Miller, All My Sons, were described by the magazine as 'the ''dream team''' for his work.

The BBC Audio Drama Awards celebrate 'the cultural significance, range and originality of audio drama', in the BBC's words. The finalists in each category will be announced on 3 January. The winners will then be revealed at the BBC Radio Theatre on 29 January, during a ceremony hosted by Lenny Henry.

perma-linktweet this