Hello!

As my first contribution to this very interesting and informative
forum about a truly versatile and uniquely gifted performer, I am
submitting the following two major news items, which should be
of interest to all Anna Quayle fans:

First, if you already don't know, the biggest theater hit in London
right now (no, it's not the Madonna play) is the stage adaptation
of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," and the opening night party would
not be complete without an appearance by the original Baroness
herself... Anna Quayle! To view this recent photo, go to the play's
site (which is WELL worth a look anyway, for all you CCBB fans)
at www.chittythemusical.co.uk and wait for the pop-up window of
"First Night Party" pictures. Photo of Anna is on the top right, and
as you will see, she still looks great and hardly has changed! For
more photos of Anna onstage with current and original CCBB cast
members at the play's opening, go to the Michael Ball (starring as
Caractacus Potts) Fan Club site at www.mbfc.co.uk and click "10
April 2002 Report on Unicef/SOS Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Charity
Gala" on right side. At next page, "Reviews Section," click "NEW
Photos from the premier of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang taken on 16
April 2002." Anna is in four of the eight photos, embracing current
CCBB star Michael Ball, holding flowers, and acknowledging what
surely must have been an enthusiastic audience response at her
appearance.

Second, if you like travel and have always wanted to meet Anna
and/or see her perform, then start packing! From June 20-26, 2002,
Anna (along with John Cleese!) will headline the "British Comedy"
theme Transatlantic (New York to Southampton) Voyage aboard
internationally renowned ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2! Cunard's
site (www.cunardline.com) states that "Every QE2 Transatlantic
crossing has its own unique theme and ambience to provide you
with a larger than life experience." Well, meeting Anna certainly
qualifies as a "larger than life experience" for me! :-) According
to the voyage details (view by clicking "Themed Voyages" on left,
then click British Comedy Cruise #7214), a featured performer is
"Anna Quayle, an award-winning British actress whose film credits
include 'A Hard Days Night,' 'The Seven Percent Solution,' 'Chitty
Chitty Bang Bang,' and many more. Comic television roles include
Celia Spookfinder in 'Adams Family Tree III.' TV series include 'The
Avengers,' 'A Degree of Frost,' 'James and the Giant Peach,' 'Grubb
Street' and many more. Anna Quayle received multiple awards for
the leading role in 'Stop the World, I Want to Get Off,' in London's
West End and on Broadway, including the Critics Circle Award and
the Tony Award." So, how much will it cost to see Anna? Well, fares
start at $1,200.00 USD per person (including FREE return ticket on
British Airways), but having sailed eight times before on the QE2, I
honestly can tell you it is worth every penny (especially with Anna
on board)! :-)

Sorry for the long post, and of course, I encourage responses from
members who have questions or would like more information about
the above. I especially would like to find out from people who actually
have written to Anna what they have received from her in response...

Best,

JerseyEsto