Maggie Smith News

Today we are talking to a standout star of the internationally adored period-set drama series DOWNTON ABBEY all about her unforgettable character on the show as well as what we can expect from the highly anticipated upcoming extended Christmas episode - the convivial Lesley Nicol. Looking back at an incredibly accomplished career thus far, Nicol shares some insights on her favorite TV and film roles to date while also casting a glance back at some of her most memorable stage performances - as an original cast member of the inaugural West End JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR as well as a multi-year run in long-running hi MAMMA MIA! included. Most importantly, Nicol outlines the finer points of her charming and committed characterization of the belabored chef of Downton Abbey itself and imparts her enthusiasm and enjoyment with the delectable and dramatic storylines conjured up by creator Julian Fellowes as well as shares some of her own favorite scene partners and events in the show's rich history. Additionally, Nicol clues us in on this year's Christmas ep and her own impressions of this year's sequence of events just as US viewers gear up for the first stateside showings of Season 4, starting in early 2014. Plus, Nicol looks ahead to DOWNTON ABBEY Season 5, set to film in 2014, and beyond. All of that and much, much more awaits!

In celebration of the Season 4 of Downton Abbey, the PBS hit TV series which starts in January 2014, Hotel Viking will once again offer the special Downton Abbey Tea in addition to their regular tea service, a tradition at the hotel since 2005. The Downton Abbey Tea is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. from January 18th through until February 23, 2014 when the 4th season of the award-winning PBS drama ends. The Downton Abbey Tea includes an assortment of freshly prepared tea sandwiches, assorted scones served with lemon curd, a selection of freshly baked tea breads, chocolate truffles and a glass of Kir Royale. Guests can sign up to win DVD's of the first three seasons of the award-winning, immensely popular PBS series created by Julian Fellows. To indulge in the Downton Abbey Tea Time, which is $15.95 per person not including tax or gratuity, call 401-848-4824 to make reservations.

Li'l Buds Theatre presents Those Silly Reindeer! This original musical for families was co written by J. Preddie Predmore and the critically acclaimed actress Jenny Lamb most recently praised for her work as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at Light Opera works. Li'l Buds continues it's tradition of casting professional actors and children together to create a high quality theatrical experience that speaks to kid and adult audiences alike.

Sasha Alexander, star of the TNT original drama 'Rizzoli & Isles,' and Clark Gregg, star of the ABC series 'Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,' revealed the 20th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® nominations this morning, Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood at 8:50 a.m. ET.

STAGE ONE launches ONE STAGE - A season of work produced by emerging producers at St. James Theatre in Autumn 2014

Chicago area and North Shore audiences -- for the third consecutive year -- will have the opportunity to experience the best of British theatre in December, when the Theatre and Interpretation Center (TIC) at Northwestern University presents the National Theatre Live (NT Live) broadcast series.

Today we are showcasing this week's Fathom movie theater presentation of one of the most celebrated comedies of the 21st century as recently captured live onstage in the West End, Noel Coward's PRIVATE LIVES, starring Anna Chancellor and Toby Stephens.

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ Viking Cruises (www.vikingcruises.com) today announced the launch of the new book series , 'The World of Finse,' along with the first two installments titled, 'Finse's First Journey' and 'Finse Explores Europe.' Written by Karine Hagen, Viking Vice President and daughter of Viking founder and Chairman Torstein Hagen, these children's books feature Karine's yellow Labrador, Finse, who was born at Highclere Castle the setting for the award-winning 'Downton Abbey' on PBS's MASTERPIECE. The charming books explore Finse's adventures around the world set along the routes of Viking's itineraries and were launched this month at Highclere Castle's Christmas Markets.

A newly commissioned portrait of barrister, politician and broadcaster Baroness Helena Kennedy by light artist Chris Levine has been unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery, London, it was announced today (Thursday 28 November 2013). The portrait was commissioned by the Gallery with the support of J.P. Morgan through the Fund for New Commissions.

Kultur is proud to announce the DVD release of the acclaimed feature film, Othello starring Sir Laurence Olivier and co-starring Maggie Smith, Frank Finlay and Joyce Redman available now.

Dame Maggie Smith may be currently cherished by millions around the world for her multi-award-winning work on international hit period drama DOWNTON ABBEY, but the stalwart star of stage and screen has now expressed a deep desire to return to the stage - perhaps even as soon as 2015.

The 59th London Evening Standard Theatre Awards were held tonight in London, with Helen Mirren taking home the 'Best Actress' prize for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II inPeter Morgan's THE AUDIENCE. The production also took home the 'Best Design' award. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you photos from inside the special event!

The 59th London Evening Standard Theatre Awards were held tonight in London, with Helen Mirren taking home the 'Best Actress' prize for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II in Peter Morgan's THE AUDIENCE. The production also took home the 'Best Design' award.

Chicago area and North Shore audiences -- for the third consecutive year -- will have the opportunity to experience the best of British theatre in December, when the Theatre and Interpretation Center (TIC) at Northwestern University presents the National Theatre Live (NT Live) broadcast series.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, The National Theatre first opened its doors in 1963 at the Old Vic, under Laurence Olivier. 800 productions later, they are marking their half-century with a short season celebrating the remarkable people and plays that have made the NT one of the most cherished and creative of great British institutions. last night, a private reception, panel discussion, and screening was held for Live From The National Theatre: 50 Years On Stage. BroadwayWorld was there for the special event and you can check out photos below!

TWELFTH NIGHT and RICHARD III, starring the Tony-winning, incomparable Mark Rylance, have adopted a creative leniency with the characters' gender - though Shakespeare's staple to command his characters to don the garb of a member of the opposite sex, for reasons interwoven in love and lust, greed and vengeance, is a common thread running throughout his romantic repertoire.

Nominees for THE 40th ANNUAL PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS were announced this morning at The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills. People's Choice Awards Executive Producer Mark Burnett was on hand to announce the hosts for the live awards show, Beth Behrs and Kat Dennings, stars of the CBS sitcom '2 Broke Girls.'

From Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead to The History Boys, from The Mysteries to Angels in America, from Guys and Dolls to London Road - join us for a thrilling evening of live performance and rare glimpses from the archive, featuring many of the most celebrated actors who have performed on our stages over the past five decades and directed by Nicholas Hytner.