1. Breakfast At Tiffany’s
Aberdeen His Majesty’s May 2-7, Glasgow Theatre Royal May 23-28, Edinburgh King’s Theatre May 30-June 4
The last time Emily Atack was on stage in front of an audience was in 2000.
Considering she was of primary school age at the time, it’s fair to say her next live theatre performance – at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen in a couple of weeks – is a massive step up.
The former Inbetweeners star is heading north to make her professional stage debut in the iconic role of Holly Golightly, made famous by Audrey Hepburn, in a new touring production of Breakfast At Tiffany’s.
“I’m being thrown in at the deep end,” smiled 26-year-old Emily as she took a break from rehearsals in Birmingham last week.
“The only comparison I have is when I played Titania in my school’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Emily, last seen as Barbara in the big screen re-make of Dad’s Army earlier this year, is taking over the role of Holly from pop star Pixie Lott.
Also starring is Matt Barber, who played Atticus Aldridge in Downton Abbey, and Victor McGuire from Trollied and Bread.
“I’m rehearsing on the road with them and getting to know everyone,” she continued.
“I wasn’t sure how it would be to see someone else in the role, but I saw the show for the first time recently and it was so helpful.
“I had to remind myself I was watching it as a professional because I became so engrossed.
“I’ve just been on stage for the first time. It’s scary but it’s a good scary. I’m excited and feel ready.”
Emily’s parents are both in the business.
Her mum, Kate Robbins, is a singer and actress who starred in Crossroads and voiced the female characters on Spitting Image. She also had a number two hit with More Than In Love and came third in the 1980 Eurovision Song Contest.
Her dad, Keith Atack, is a musician who was in Child and plays guitar for Bonnie Tyler.
“Not one of us has a real job!” Emily laughed.
“This isn’t a musical but there are three lovely songs in it, one of them being Moon River.
“Singing has always been a passion of mine and it’s what I wanted to do first, but I didn’t have the patience or the guts.”
Instead, Emily landed her first television acting role in Blue Murder when she was just 17 and has barely stopped since.
“I left school at 16 and then it all happened – the part of Charlotte Hinchcliffe in The Inbetweeners and some other roles.
“I just needed to get through school as I knew what I wanted to do and was focused on getting there.
“There were certain school years I enjoyed but I remember looking around assembly one day and thinking I couldn’t wait for all of this to be over so I could get out and live a real life.
“I’ve always been quite mature and I think that’s also why I wanted to move out of home quickly.”
With the number of films Emily has slated for release in the coming months, she probably doesn’t get to spend much time in her own place.
“I’m learning I’m a workaholic,” she laughed.
“I’m happiest when I’m working and grateful to be doing what I love.
“But I have a work ethic without planning what’s next – it’s important to enjoy the moment.”
She loved her time on the Dad’s Army movie, which co-starred Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bill Nighy and Toby Jones.
“I had the most amazing experience. I was working with all of my heroes in the one film and they were such lovely people. We spent the entire time laughing.”
Emily has also shot films in Florence, Ibiza and New York, one of the perks of the job.
“I would never travel for leisure but I’m lucky I get to mix in some holidays with my work.
“I did a film in New York a couple of years ago. It was my first time there and I went with my sister. We had five free days to do whatever we wanted and had a great time.
“I’ve not done LA yet, but that might come in the next couple of years.”
With Emily’s determination, cracking Hollywood can only be a matter of time.
2. The Rat Pack And Judy
Dundee Rep Theatre, Thursday
David Alacey (Strictly, Lovejoy and Inspector Alleyn), Des Coleman (Lenny from Eastenders) and Paul Drakeley (Inside Out) star as Frank, Sammy and Dean in the 18th year of the show.
Their recreation of the music of Sinatra, Martin and Davis includes hits like My Way, Mr Bojangles, New York, New York and Come Fly With Me. Their Swinging Orchestra and the stunning LA
Showgirls, are joined by Becky O’Brien, who performed a rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow on Britain’s Got Talent.
3. Saba Douglas-Hamilton
Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate, Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, Corran Halls, Oban, Sun-Tue
Saba was six weeks old when she met an elephant, Virgo, one of 400 her zoologist father, Iain Douglas-Hamilton, was studying in Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania.
She’s an acclaimed elephant conservationist and wildlife TV presenter on This Wild Life and Big Cat Diaries.
Now she’s presenting A Life With Elephants, a live show where she tells exciting animal stories and intimate behind-the-scenes tales of life in Kenya with her young family.
4. Mad About The Musicals
Motherwell Concert Hall, Ayr Town Hall, Falkirk Town Hall, Wednesday and Thursday
The 10th anniversary tour of the show that presents the best songs from the West End and Broadway comes to Scotland for three nights.
Pop star Gareth Gates and stage favourite Michael Courtney lead a talented cast of West End musicians and performers alongside a live band in two hours jam-packed with musical favourites from shows including Les Miserables, We Will Rock You, The Phantom Of The Opera and Chicago.
5. Captain America: Civil War
At cinemas from Friday
Following DC Comics’ Batman v Superman, we now have Marvel’s superheroes falling out.
An incident involving the Avengers results in a large amount of collateral damage, politicians propose a governing body to monitor the activities of superheroes.
This brings Steve Rogers into conflict with Tony Stark, with the other Avengers choosing sides behind Captain America and Iron Man. But while fighting each other they must also work out how to protect the world from a new enemy.
6. A Charity Evening
With Carina Contini Countryside Kitchens, Kelso, Thursday
Carina opened her first restaurant 20 years ago through her husband Victor’s family business, Valvona and Crolla, and now has a series of establishments throughout Edinburgh.
She’s also a successful cookery book author.
The award-winning restaurateur will share her love of Italian cooking and passion for Scottish produce at a special charity evening to launch Countryside Kitchen’s new collection that’s sure to appeal to all foodies.
7. Of Mice And Men
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Tuesday to Saturday
John Steinbeck’s classic novel is set during America’s Great Depression and this dramatisation tells the story of the intelligent George and hulking Lennie, two migrant farm workers who go in search of new beginnings in the hope of achieving their dream of putting together enough money to buy a small piece of land and building a home.
The cast includes Dudley Sutton, who is best known for his role in the ITV series Lovejoy, as well as his long and varied career on the stage.
8. Demolition
At cinemas from Friday
After his wife dies in a tragic car accident, Wall Street investment banker Davis (Jake Gyllenhaal) struggles to feel anything. His father-in-law Phil (Chris Cooper) attempts to offer advice on how to rebuild his life but Davis is preoccupied with a minor complaint pver a vending machine.
Eventually, his letters resonate with lonely customer service representative Karen (Naomi Watts). She forms an unlikely friendship with Davis, who learns that to move on he must first demolish his old life.
9. Fiddler On The Roof
Theatre Royal, Dumfries, until Saturday
The Dumfries Musical Theatre Company presents the classic stage musical.
Set in Russia in 1905, the story focuses on father of five daughters Tevye and his attempts to maintain his Jewish and cultural traditions as
outside influences encroach upon their lives.
Not only has he to cope with his three older daughters all looking to marry, but he’s also dealing with the edict that will evict Jews from their village. Songs include If I Were A Rich Man and Matchmaker, Matchmaker.
10. Disney On Ice
SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Thursday to Sunday
This is the silver anniversary celebration of the show, with the most memorable Disney tales and favourite characters back on the rink.
Join Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy and Daisy on a journey to the worlds of The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Frozen.
The audience will explore the African Pride Lands, voyage deep under the sea to Ariel’s mystical underwater kingdom, tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy, and then take a journey to Arendelle.
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