Links

Friends of FA

Manic Opera

Manic Opera are a shining star on the New Zealand-Australian musical comedy scene and one of the most polished a cappella trios anywhere. In their seventh year of performing together, Manic Opera are world-class and are repeatedly invited back to perform at the Edinburgh Festival as well as other international hot spots. They sport a fantastic ethnic mix: a Scot, a Pom and a Maori - namely Fiona Moir, Jen Calthrop and Anahera Higgins. And what a punch they pack! Refreshing, silky smooth, impeccably timed a cappella arrangements and lyrics step right out of the mould with raw, confronting, rude and original songs that dig deep beneath the trite and polite. Described as "brilliant" (Scotsman) and "so wickedly funny that I literally cried with laughter" (Adelaide Advertiser) Manic Opera take a cappella comedy to new heights without losing touch with their audience. A bevvy of best-selling CD albums round off Manic Opera's talents. If you get a chance, see them and hear them - you won't regret it and you'll probably die with laughter, which is always a good way to go!

Dillie says: I came accross Manic Opera almost by accident. We were appearing on the same chat show up at the Edinburgh Festival, and I happened to hear them doing their sound check. "Blimey," I thougt, "those girls can REALLY sing!" Then they came to see my show, we went for a drink and that was that. I got home pretty late that night... er, that morning... er, that afternoon. Er, I don't even remember if I got home at all! Naturally, I repaid the compliment and went to see their show in the Spiegeltent, where they wowed the audience. Hey, they even made ME laugh, and that is seriously difficult. Above all, they're intelligent and incredibly musical - their arrangements are clever and complex without ever detracting from the words, and yet easy on the ear. I always think you should make new friends every Festival; after all, the joy of festivals is that you meet up with like-minded people and share ideas. I'm proud to say that Manic Opera are definitely good buddies. Can't wait to go to NZ and see them there. HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED LISTENING!!!

Dame Edna

A woman who needs no introduction!

Bonnie Langford

Bonnie's latest album includes the song "Modest Dreams", written for Bonnie to sing in the show "Big Night Out at the Little Palace Theatre".

Bags to Die For

These bags, which have only just come to the UK, are designed and made in Los Angeles, where they are already one of the must-have bags amongst the 'A'- list Hollywood celebrities. These unmistakeable handbags can currently be spotted in the hands of: Jennifer Aniston, Annette Benning, Madonna, Drew Barrymore, Maria Carey and Halle Berry and not forgetting our very own Dillie Keane.

Margret RoadKnight

Margret RoadKnight (and, yes, that is the correct spelling) is a true original, even though she only sings other people's songs. Dillie met her at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and, when she heard that Margret would be passing through London on her way to Guinea to learn the kora (a sort of African ukelele) she offered to put her up. At the last minute this wasn't possible and so she asked me if I would. "You won't have any trouble recognizing her" she said, "Margret is 6'4"." A woman much taller than me - we were destined to be friends. Margret has released several albums of songs. I suppose she falls into the folk category but she is definitely not the finger in the ear, long mousey hair, quavery high voice type of folk singer. She has a rich, deep voice and a wicked sense of humour. If you look very carefully, you can see her serving drinks at the bar in Bartertown in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome. She's our pal and we know that you'll enjoy her work.

Queercompany

www.queercompany.com is a new online magazine and portal for the queercommunity, and boasts an agony aunt rejoicing in the title 'Auntie Adele' - yes, our own Ms Anderson has donned some rather fetching glasses and dispenses advice and pearls of wisdom, both serious and frivolous. Ask her about your love life at your peril! Her letters sit alongside gay and lesbian news, listings for pubs & clubs as well as all the arts and features on everything from furniture to finance, theatre to the latest fashion tips, in a stylish and attitude-free site! Follow the links for "Wellbeing" and then "Agony Aunt" to get to Adèle's pages.

London Gay Men's Chorus

Some time ago we were approached by the London Gay Men's Chorus, enquiring whether we would write something for them. Sad to say, we have not yet managed this, but Adele has been to their shows and they have provided backing vocals in her solo show. They came en masse to see us at the Lyric, Hammersmith. They have produced a CD and are working on their next one. They sang on the Jerusalem single by Fat Les and were part of the inaugural concert at the Millenium Dome. Don't hold either of these facts against them. They are excellent.

Kaye's The Word

One of the cleverest a wittiest entertainers ever to grace stage and screen, Danny Kaye filled hearts with laughter with his comic genius, musical dexterity and mastery of words. Paul Hull pays tribute to this great performer in a show which evokes the atmosphere of a classic bygone era. One of the most versatile and funniest additions to the British musical cabaret scene. Directed by Adèle Anderson

FA Shopping

First Night Records

First Night Records are the specialist record company for theatrical recordings. All the Fascinating Aïda albums have been released on this label and they offer an online ordering service. Since their first recording SINGIN IN THE RAIN in 1984 they have released more than 75 albums of West End and Broadway musicals. A full catalogue and index is available on this site, together with details of their mail order service. Their news service gives up to the minute information of forthcoming releases.

Dress Circle

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, Dress Circle is the place to go for the ultimate selection of theatrical recordings. They have a full online ordering service and they stock all of the FA albums. This makes them the ideal place for overseas fans to buy the girls' recordings.

Other Links

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Morag McLaren

Michael Dore

Alison Jiear

Jody Crosier

Nicola Hughes