Thursday, December 13, 2012

Former Nickelodeon Executive Laura Kaufmann Appointed The Manager Of Domestic Licensing At American Greetings Properties

Kidscreen is reporting the news in the following article that former Nickelodeon executive Laura Kaufmann, who served as the networks senior manager for recreation business development, has been appointed as the manager of domestic licensing at American Greetings Properties (AGP), the outbound licensing division of American Greetings Corporation:
AGP hires Laura Kaufmann as domestic licensing manager

Former Nickelodeon executive Laura Kaufmann has been appointed as manager of domestic licensing at American Greetings Properties (AGP), the outbound licensing division of American Greetings Corporation.

Reporting to Lindsay Martinez, AGP's director of licensing and business development, Kaufmann will be based in AGP’s New York offices and be tasked with managing licensing categories in North America including apparel, publishing, home décor, food and beverage, live shows and events.

She jumps over to AGP from Nickelodeon, where she served as its senior manager for recreation business development. In that role she oversaw global live theatricals and event licensing business, launching family experiences such as Dora the Explorer Live! and SpongeBob SquarePants Live!

Tags: American Greetings Properties, Laura Kaufmann, Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon UK Presenter Jamie Rickers To Star As 'Buttons' In Malvern Theatres 2012 Pantomime Production Of "Cinderella"

According to the following news article from the Hereford Times, Nickelodeon UK presenter Jamie Rickers will be starring in Malvern Theatres 2012 pantomime production of 'Cinderella' as the character 'Buttons', which will run at Malvern Theatres in Worcestershire from Thursday 13th December 2012 until Sunday 6th January 2013:
Cinderella opens at Malvern Theatres

Jamie Rickers, Emma Nowell and Ruth Madoc

THE Christmas season arrives at Malvern Theatres tonight (Thursday) as this year’s panto, the classic Cinderella opens.

The perennial favourite stars CITV and Nickelodeon presenter Jamie Rickers as Buttons, Hi-de-Hi's Ruth Madoc as Fairy Godmother and Hi-5's Emma Nowell as Cinderella, plus the sensational Shetland Ponies and the stars of the Great Malvern Christmas lights switch on – the Ugly Sisters Bobbie Kent and Anthony West – in an unmissable panto feast.

Presented by UK Productions – one of the most prolific musical and pantomime producers in the country – you can expect exquisite costumes, enchanting sets, music, dance, fun and laughter in this festive family treat.

Cinderella runs until January 6. To book, call the box office on 01684 892277

book online now
Malvern Theatres.
Also, from the official Malvern Theatres website, malverntheatres-px.rtrk.co.uk:
UK Productions proudly present
Cinderella
A family pantomime for Christmas
Starring Ruth Madoc, Jamie Rickers and Emma Nowell

Welcome to the Malvern Theatres Spectacular Family Pantomime, starring Ruth Madoc (Hi-de-Hi and Little Britain) as the Fairy Godmother, Nickelodeon's Jamie Rickers as Buttons and Hi-5's Emma Nowell as Cinderella, plus the Sensational LIVE Shetland Ponies.

PERFORMANCES

December

Thurs 13th – 7pm *
Fri 14th – 1.30pm & 7pm *
Sat 15th – 2.30pm & 7pm
Sun 16th – 1pm & 5pm
Mon 17th – 1.30pm & 7pm *
Tues 18th – NO PERFORMANCES
Wed 19th - 10.15am & 2.15pm *
Thurs 20th – 1.30pm & 7pm *
Fri 21st – 1.30pm & 7pm *
Sat 22nd – 2.30pm & 7pm
Sun 23rd – 1pm & 5pm
Mon 24th - 1pm & 5pm
Tues 25th – NO PERFORMANCES
Wed 26th – 2pm & 6pm
Thurs 27th – 2pm & 6pm
Fri 28th – 2pm & 6pm
Sat 29th – 2.30pm & 7pm
Sun 30th – 1pm &5pm
Mon 31st – 2.30pm

January
Tues 1st – NO PERFORMANCES
Wed 2nd – 2.30pm & 7pm
Thurs 3rd – 2.30pm & 7pm
Fri 4th – 2.30pm & 7pm
Sat 5th - 2.30pm & 7pm
Sun 6th – 1pm

PRICES
* Special price performances - All seats £8.50

£22, £19, £16
£17, £14, £11

£2 off Over 60s/ Unwaged
Under 16s £5 off
Groups of 10 or more 10% off
From 13th December To 6th January
Times See above for times
Prices £22, £19, £16. £17, £14, £11. Special price days, all seats £8.50
Concessions £2 off over 60’s/ Unwaged , Under 16s £5 off; Groups of 10 or more 10% off * No Concessions or Discounts on Special Price Days.
Venue Festival Theatre
Genre Childrens
Book Online
Also, from The Good Review:
Cinderella – Malvern Theatre

★★★★ [4 out of 5 Stars]

By Helen and Garry McWilliams

The magic of panto and indeed one of the best fairy tales ever written (in our opinion) was brought to life in Malvern, last night.

With its mixture of past, current and some original music, two live Shetland ponies and ten costume changes a piece for the Ugly Sisters – this was a production of Cinderella that undoubtedly had it all.

The glamorous ‘Fairy Godmother’ was played by the ever popular Ruth Madoc. Fresh out of Calendar Girls and back in pantomime after a three year break , she was a ‘matriarch’ to be treasured and ably raised the roof with the enthusiastic audience members within the first few minutes.

‘Hi-5’ presenter Emma Nowell played the title role with sweet gentility and she has an amazing singing voice. Coupled with Owen Thompson’s ‘Prince Charming’ who by all accounts likes to get down ‘Gangnam Style’(!) they were a leading pair of an extremely high standard.

Comedy was there in abundance from the Ugly Sisters: Gaga (Bobbie Kent) and Gertie (Anthony West) the latter unwittingly chose Garry to be his ‘love interest’ throughout the performance, much to Garry’s delight! We only hope that Gertie’s boyfriends are all as interactive… The programme mentions that they have received the accolade of ‘possibly being the best Ugly Sisters in the business’ – we wouldn’t argue with that. They have wonderful chemistry and any pantomime company would be lucky to have them.

Don Crann also entertained as ‘Baron Hardup’ with a dry and quick wit.

Having watched and appeared in a number of pantomimes between us in the past, this was the first time we had seen ‘Dandini’ portrayed as a comedy character part. It worked brilliantly and Bobby Windebank who took the role is one to watch out for. A special mention must go to the rendition of ‘Me and My Shadow’ with ‘Prince Charming’ and it appears that ‘Dandini’ also goes in for a spot of ‘Gangnam Style’!

The set was impressive, all that we would expect from pantomime scenery with a beautiful coach for Cinderella’s journey to the Ball. Isn’t it amazing what one can do with a pumpkin? Pulling the coach were two white Shetland Ponies who stole the show during their cameo appearance.

We particularly liked the finale song choice of ‘Love is in the Air’, one of the last songs we expected to hear, yet one of the most apt for the story. We feel that the Director, Scott Richie has put together a happy team who have delivered the magical experience that ‘kids’ of all ages appreciate and we would be keen to see his work again in the future.

“Have we missed anybody out? Who? Buttons? No, we mentioned him didn’t we?!” - Jamie Rickers from ‘Nickelodeon’ is the best ‘Button’s that we have ever had the pleasure of watching. He is pure comedy genius and a fantastic all-round entertainer. Need we say more?

Cinderella runs at the Malvern Theatre until Sunday 6th January 2013, for more information or to book tickets please visit the website www.malverntheatres.co.uk. This is a pantomime not to be missed.

Tags: Anthony West, Bobbie Kent, Bobby Windebank, Cinderella, Don Crann, Emma Nowell, Jamie Rickers, Malvern Theatre, Owen Thompson, Panto, Ruth Madoc, Scott Richie

Milton Keynes Theatre's 2012 Pantomime Has Something For Everyone, Starring Nickelodeon UK Presenter Anna Williamson As 'Cinderella'

From the Buckingham Advertiser:
Panto has something for everyone

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than a family night out at the panto?

I would definitely recommend a trip to Milton Keynes Theatre to see their magical Cinderella. You’re guaranteed to have a ball!

Starring an array of TV personalities, the show had something for everyone – clever slapstick, beautiful song and dance numbers, colourful sets, stunning costumes, silly jokes for kids and sly ones for adults.

Anna Williamson from Daybreak and Nickelodeon was a beautiful Cinderella, the flamboyant and energetic Louie Spence from Pineapple Dance Studio was Dandini, ’80s pop star Deniece Pearson from Five Star was a gorgeous Fairy Godmother, but my kids’ favourite of the evening was the hilariously funny, quick-witted comedy star Kev Orkian as Buttons.

Review by Karen Crofts

Christmas Day 2012 On Nickelodeon UK And Ireland, Nickelodeon UK HD, Nicktoons UK, Nick Jr. Channel UK And Nick Jr. 2

The online television schedule website LocateTV has announced Nickelodeon UK's, Nicktoons, Nickelodeon HD UK's, Nick Jr. Channel's and Nick Jr. 2's Christmas Day (Tuesday 25th December 2012) schedule highlights, which Nickelodeon UK will show as part of Nickelodeon UK's "Christmas On Nickelodeon 2012"! With everyone's favourite shows, marathons and movies, Nickelodeon has Christmas telly all wrapped up!

Follow all of Nickelodeon's Christmas action on twitter @NickelodeonUK using #xmasonnick. Don't forget to Tweet and let NickALive! know which parts of Nick UK's Christmas schedules you're most looking forward to @DailyNickNews!

Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK will be celebrating Christmas Day on Tuesday 25th December 2012 by holding a "iCarly" day, which will feature a all day "iCarly" marathon featuring back-to-back episodes of the popular Nickelodeon original comedy show from 6.00am to 12.00pm (repeated from 7.00am to 1am on Nick UK's +1 (plus-one) timeshift channel, Nickelodeon+1), including the iCarly/Victorious crossover special "iParty with Victorious" at 1.30pm (2.30pm on Nick+1)!

Nickelodeon UK's action channel, NickToons UK and Ireland, will be celebrating Christmas Eve by granting viewers' Christmas wishes with a "The Fairly OddParents" marathon from 9.00am, which will include the live-action/CGI animated Nickelodeon Original Television Movie "A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up Timmy Turner!" at 3.30pm, two back-to-back episodes of Nickelodeon's brand new CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" television series from 6.00pm, then Nicktoons will hold a "SpongeBob SquarePants" marathon from 7.00pm, which will include a special presentation of the "SpongeBob SquarePants" special "WhoBob WhatPants" at 8.00pm, then will make sure everyone knows that even though he's already been, Santa Claus still knows who's been naughty and nice with two episodes of "Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids", then NickToons will end the evening by holding a traditional Christmas featuring the Classic Nickelodeon original animated shows (Nicktoons) "Hey Arnold!", "Invader ZIM", and "The Ren & Stimpy Show"!

Nickelodeon UK's preschool channels, Nick Jr. UK and Nick Jr. 2, will also be celebrating Christmas Eve by showing episodes of favourite Nick Junior UK shows all day, including "Peppa Pig", "Thomas and Friends", "Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom", "Team Umizoomi", "Olive the Ostrich", "Dora the Explorer", "Dinosaur Train", "Bubble Guppies", "Let's Go Pocoyo", "Pocoyo", "Super Why", "Max and Ruby", "The Wonder Pets!", "The Backyardigans", "Rugrats", "Poppy Cat" and "Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps", plus Nick Jr. Channel will show the festive 'Barbie' movie called "Barbie: A Perfect Christmas" at 6.00pm (repeated at 7.00pm on Nick Jr. +1), and Nick Jr. 2 will show a whole day full of 'Barbie' films from 3.00am, plus Christmas themed episodes Nick Junior's popular animated British preschool series "Peppa Pig" from 9.15pm:

3:00am - Barbie and the Diamond Castle

Two princesses head off on a perilous quest to a magical castle, where their friends are being held captive in a magic mirror. Animated adventure, with the voice of Kelly Sheridan and Cassidy Ladden

4:30am - Barbie and the Three Musketeers

6:00am - Barbie: Princess Charm School

A penniless waitress wins a lottery to gain admittance to a school training young aristocrats to behave like royalty - with the promise of becoming a genuine princess if she graduates. While taking on a series of challenges and facing the scorn of snobbish classmates, she uncovers a secret concerning her family. Animated drama, with the voices of Diana Kaarina and Morwenna Banks

7:30am - Barbie of Swan Lake

Retelling of the magical story, with one of the world's most famous blondes in the lead. She plays a girl who follows a unicorn into a dark forest - only to find herself in the middle of an adventure, and forced to face a wicked wizard. Sweet-as-sugar animation, with the voices of Kelsey Grammer, Maggie Wheeler and Kelly Sheridan

9:00am - Barbie: A Perfect Christmas

Four sisters fly to New York to spend Christmas with their parents, but instead end up stranded in a remote town when a snowstorm forces their flight to land. The locals offer them a place to stay for the holiday, so they decide to thank their new friends with a special Christmas concert. Animated adventure, with the voice of Diana Kaarina and Rachel Harrison

10:30am - Barbie in A Christmas Carol

12:00pm - Barbie in A Mermaid Tale
A teenage surfing champion from Malibu is shocked to realise she is a mermaid and must embark on an underwater adventure to rescue her mother, the Queen of Oceana, with the help of a friendly dolphin. Animated adventure, with the voices of Kelly Sheridan, Kathleen Barr, Tabitha St Germain and Peter Mel

1:30pm - Barbie in a Mermaid Tale 2

3:00pm - Barbie as Rapunzel

Animated retelling of the classic fairy tale, featuring [Barbie] as the princess locked in a tower by a wicked witch. Refusing to be daunted by her terrifying situation, Rapunzel puts her artistic prowess to good use - but she must find a way out of her prison and into the arms of her handsome prince. With the voices of Anjelica Huston, Kelly Sheridan, Cree Summer, Mark Hildreth and David Kaye

4:30pm - Barbie in A Christmas Carol

6:00pm - Barbie: A Fairy Secret

7:30pm - Barbie: Island Princess

A girl who was shipwrecked on a desert island and raised by animals begins to wonder who her real parents were. She gets the chance to find out when a handsome explorer turns up and offers to take her back to his own country. Animation, with the voice of Kelly Sheridan

9:15pm - Peppa Pig - Season 4 Episode 25: Mr Potato's Xmas Show

The playgroup goes to the theatre for a special festive performance

9:20pm - Peppa Pig - Season 3 Episode 51: Santa's Grotto

George and Peppa visit Santa Claus, and tell him what they would like for Christmas

9:30pm - Barbie: Mariposa and Her Butterfly Fairy Friends

A fairy dreams of exploring the world outside her homeland. However, she soon gets her wish when she is sent on a mission to find a cure for the queen, who has been poisoned. Animated adventure, with the voices of Kelly Sheridan and Terry Klassen.

Christmas Eve 2012 On Nickelodeon UK And Ireland, Nickelodeon UK HD, Nicktoons UK, Nick Jr. Channel UK And Nick Jr. 2

The online television schedule website LocateTV has announced Nickelodeon UK's, Nicktoons UK's and Nick Jr. Channel UK's Christmas Eve 2012 Highlights!

To celebrate Christmas Eve (Monday 24th December 2012), Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK will be showing episodes from favourite Nickelodeon UK shows, including "Victorious", "iCarly", "SpongeBob SquarePants", "Bucket & Skinner's Epic Adventures", "Fred: The Show", "Life With Boys", "Big Time Rush", "Alien Surf Girls" and "H20 - Just Add Water", plus, to help get everyone in the festive mood, Nick UK will be showing the "Drake & Josh" Nickelodeon original television movie "Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh" at 6.00pm (repeated one-hour later at 7.00pm on Nick UK's +1 (plus-one) timeshift channel, Nickelodeon+1), as part of "Christmas On Nickelodeon UK 2012".

NickToons UK and Ireland will be celebrating Christmas Eve by granting viewers' wishes with a "The Fairly OddParents" marathon from 7.00am, two back-to-back episodes of Nickelodeon's brand new CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" television series from 6.00pm, then Nicktoons will hold a "SpongeBob SquarePants" marathon from 7.00pm, make sure everyone knows Santa Claus knows who's been naughty and nice with two episodes of "Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids", then NickToons sets the seen for a traditional Christmas with a selection box Classic Nickelodeon original animated shows featuring "Hey Arnold!", "Invader ZIM", and "The Ren & Stimpy Show"!

Nickelodeon UK's preschool channels, Nick Jr. UK and Nick Jr. 2, will also be celebrating Christmas Eve by showing episodes of favourite Nick Junior UK shows all day, including "Peppa Pig", "Thomas and Friends", "Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom", "Team Umizoomi", "Olive the Ostrich", "Dora the Explorer", "Dinosaur Train", "Bubble Guppies", "Let's Go Pocoyo", "Pocoyo", "Super Why", "Max and Ruby", "The Wonder Pets!", "The Backyardigans", "Rugrats", "Poppy Cat" and "Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps", plus Nick Jr. Channel will show the festive 'Barbie' movie called "Barbie: A Perfect Christmas" at 5.30pm (repeated at 6.30pm on Nick Jr. +1), and Nick Jr. 2 will show a whole afternoon full of 'Barbie' films from 12.00pm:

12:00pm - Barbie in A Christmas Carol

1:30pm - Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper

A princess is captured by an evil villain, prompting a poverty-stricken girl to search for her - but their striking resemblance to one another soon leads to confusion. Uninspired animated adventure, with the voices of Kelly Sheridan, Melissa Lyons, Julie Stevens and Mark Hildreth

3:00pm - Barbie: Twelve Dancing Princesses

4:30pm - Barbie in the Nutcracker

Magical animated version of the classic ballet, with [Barbie] taking on the leading roles of Clara and the Sugarplum Fairy. With the voices of Kelly Sheridan, Kirby Morrow, Tim Curry, Peter Kelamis and Christopher Gaze. The dance sequences in the film were choreographed by the director of the New York City Ballet, and music comes courtesy of the London Symphony Orchestra

6:00pm - Barbie: Fairy Secret

[...] Barbie herself takes the role of a fairy princess who must summon up her courage to save her friends in an enchanted land - but a nefarious evil-doer has other plans. Featuring the voices of Kelly Sheridan and Lee Tockar

7:30pm - Barbie Presents Thumbelina

A miniature girl called Thumbelina lives in the magical world of the Twillerbees in a field of wildflowers. One day a city girl picks Thumbelina's flower and unknowingly takes the little creature back to her own lavish uptown apartment. Here the thumbsized stowaway gets wind of a plan to destroy the Twillerbees meadow. Animated adventure, with the voice of Kelly Sheridan, Tabitha St Germain and Cathy Weseluck

9:00pm - Barbie in A Christmas Carol

10:30pm - Barbie: Magic of the Rainbow