Darius plays Rhett

Jill Plaice is the new Scarlett O’ Hara and Darius Danesh is to play her Rhett. Danesh became known as a contestant on the original Pop Idol contest. At the time he was called one of the nicest contestants. The amiable Danesh stated that he was very surprised to get the role of Rhett Butler. He had been convinced that they were looking for a known film star, but decided to try out anyway. 

The stage play is an adaptation of the novel Gone with the Wind. The book was published in 1936 and was written by Margaret Mitchell. It is the epic saga of the American Civil War. The book was expected to flop because the main female character was uncharacteristically strong-willed and selfish. 

The original screenplay had Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara and Clark Gable as Rhett Butler. The film was shown in 1939. It won ten Academy Awards. Screen Digest, a film trade journal, declared Gone with the Wind ‘the most successful movie of all time at the US box office’. 

Danesh was informed only a few days ago that he had got the coveted role. He has the highest regard and admiration for the stage director Sir Trevor Nunn. Darius Danesh has been described as having matinee idol looks. He was extremely popular with the audience of Pop Idol. He won many female fans during the contest. It is believed that there is something of the Clark Gable aura about him. 

The auditions were held by Sir Trevor Nunn in London as well as New York. Danesh is from Glasgow but revealed he had spent two years in Los Angeles. He had been attending acting lessons to master the Meisner Technique. Darius has appeared in stage musicals:

Chicago (playing Billy Flynn)

Guys and Dolls (playing Sky Masterson)

This is not the first time that the novel Gone with the Wind has been made into a musical. In 1970 the musical Scarlett premiered in Japan as a Japanese production. In 1972 Scarlett was adapted for the London theatre. Sir Trevor Nunn has said he will remain true to the Margaret Mitchell version. The lyrics and music will be composed by newcomer Margaret Martin. Rehearsals start this week and the show will open in April 2008. 

Amy and the Visa

Amy Winehouse in visa trouble for her trip to the Grammy’s 

Amy Winehouse had her father and a nurse take her to the US embassy in London. She was to take part in discussions regarding getting a visa. It is understood that due to her record concerning drugs it was going to be extremely difficult. The singer is facing charges in Norway for possessing marijuana. The twenty-four-year old will be refuting the charges. Amy needs a visa in order to attend the Grammy ceremony to take place in Los Angeles. The British singer has been nominated for an impressive six awards. The ceremony will take place on Sunday. However, till now there has been no official decision made regarding a visa for the singer.