Why The Fuss?

stop press

'A miracle of comic compression and control' - Tony Patrick,  The Times

UK Favourite, HELEN LEDERER, is to return to the London stage to host two new shows called

 on May 9th and 6th June at the St James Theatre, 12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA.

 In these new shows, Helen is determined to tease out the meaning of life with the help of an eminent guest and the undoubted intelligence of the audience.

She asks: What is happiness? Is there a point? What’s better, laughter or sex, and does anyone use side-plates anymore?

In an ideal world, such noteworthy heavyweights as Mary Beard, Jeremy Clarkson, Kevin McCloud, Chris Evans, Gareth Malone or Gok Wan will be joining her on stage. And if not. Helen promises to offer up someone else famous. Either way WTF? promises to be a pleasurable journey and one that Darwin would be sad to miss.

ST. JAMES THEATRE

12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA

 The theatre is a 5 minute walk from Victoria tube station.

 T. 0844 264 2140   E. info@stjamestheatre.co.uk

 http://www.stjamestheatre.co.uk/events/helen-lederer-asks-wtf/

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT MELANIE FALDO AT KEITH BISHOP ASSOCIATES 0207 734 9995 OR 07956 657227 melanie@keithbishopassociates.com

To book Helen’s show on either Thursday May 9th or Thursday June 6th go to: http://www.stjamestheatre.co.uk.

Well I have opened – no – not my own body which hopefully remains closed – I have opened in the play – ‘The Killing of Sister George’ at the Arts Theatre http://www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk/events/

Opening in this play meant that a red carpet appeared from nowhere and for one night was placed in the foyer for people to step on as they entered (it was removed for leaving)

I might have one in my own hall for everyday – so lush is the feeling

Opening Night! photo:wooller.com

Interesting that visits to the lavatory go hand in hand with opening nights and also following nights - So best not have a carton of veggie soup from Prêt a Manger as a sensible comfort food idea – I have since learned. Veg soup and nerves do not a picnic make.

Brought matches to put in the shared dressing room Loo for digestive times like these – the matches were a birthday present – a big box which says ‘ keep calm’ . (Fat chance.) I also send my flat mate Belinda Lang out for such times. She is not only a brilliant actress – but most accommodating about my need for a private moment.

I will not read any reviews in case there is meanness about me as there often is
– I might direct their complaint to the director and say he made me do it in a funny accent - or I may not since I’d quiet like to work with him again. (He directed ‘Broken Glass’ which got 5 stars )

Bought an upholstered bra specially for doing the play – which inspired a back stage exchange between us actresses of a certain age revealing one of us who is now a double G… odd that the alphabet and bra size seem so incongruous… but the older you get the more you double your letters – pity we don't double our money -but hey – who said art was fiscally rewarding …?

So off to tonight’s performance - must line my stomach with greaseproof paper this time.

Coming?

Ab fab and bits on the side

Completed my AB FAB episode – am now besties with Lulu I do hope – LOVE her hair. Would have asked for the name of her hair dye if I’d thought, but was too busy remembering my lines. How does she do it? I must copy

Kirsty Walk playing herself – (not with) which is a feat in itself –listen if I could play myself I’d be the success I’d always wanted to be –but shyness always kicks in dam it.

Now then – A BIG segue into youth culture. I was invited on to Big Brother’s Bit On The Side – http://www.channel5.com/shows/big-brothers-bit-on-the-side/episodes/episode-15-137 I got to sit between two much younger women with shiny beige corrective shoes and competing false eyelashes (both were very generous – the eyelashes) I felt like I was their Nan. I sensed they did too.

As I was required to comment on the latest ‘goings on’ in the house (studio) I made it my business to watch avidly the proper BIG BROTHER for authenticity (in between rehearsing as a lesbian fortune teller in ‘Killing of Sister George’) . Trouble was I called the STORE CUPBOARD – THE FRIDGE! I know! Everyone stared at me as if I’d said ‘plop’ (someone had mentioned fisting earlier so I felt I was safe). Then clever Emma Willis deciphered I was referring to the "store room" where I’d noticed a heinous crime occurring between the now ejected Rebekka (spelt with quite a few K’s) who had whistle blown on those Ferrals who ate biscuits: HOW DARE THEY? I loved it – am going back

• My birthday – I fell twice. Man on drugs made a play – yes I can still pull – (if people have taken artificial stimulants )

This man was not  the man on drugs but he was wearing a  hat. Name of Paul Burston ( writer)

I’m now rehearsing for THE KILLING OF SISTER GEORGE at THE ARTS THEATE
A week to go before we DO IT. Am so scared I can hardly type.
Meera Syal , Belinda Lang, Lilly Cadwallader are all proper good actresses
Does anyone know it’s on? It’s that nice pretty red seated little theatre in Newport Street which I count as WEST END. YOU COMING?