A small independent cafe in London's West End, frequented by actors since 1965, is facing closure. Now it has become the subject of an A-list campaign to save it – and a focus for growing discontent over the homogenisation of the high street
From first-night parties to snacks grabbed on the way to rehearsal, one small cafe has served the actors, dancers and musicians of London's theatreland for nearly five decades with reliable congeniality. Hit shows have come and gone, stars risen and fallen, but the falafels at Gaby's Deli have remained a crowd-pleaser. Until this Christmas, however, when the future suddenly looked bleak for the West End institution, as a planning application was passed for its redevelopment as a chain restaurant.
The Charing Cross Road deli appeared to be facing the prospect of "going dark" for good, until its theatrical neighbours stepped in to attempt a rescue, transforming it overnight – panto-style...
From first-night parties to snacks grabbed on the way to rehearsal, one small cafe has served the actors, dancers and musicians of London's theatreland for nearly five decades with reliable congeniality. Hit shows have come and gone, stars risen and fallen, but the falafels at Gaby's Deli have remained a crowd-pleaser. Until this Christmas, however, when the future suddenly looked bleak for the West End institution, as a planning application was passed for its redevelopment as a chain restaurant.
The Charing Cross Road deli appeared to be facing the prospect of "going dark" for good, until its theatrical neighbours stepped in to attempt a rescue, transforming it overnight – panto-style...
- 12/11/2011
- by Vanessa Thorpe
- The Guardian - Film News
LONDON -- Former BBC director of factual and learning John Willis has been appointed CEO of Mentorn Prods., the indie acquired earlier this year by TV production shingle Tinopolis.
In addition to heading Mentorn -- producer of such shows as 9/11 drama Hamburg Cell, political satire A Very Social Secretary and international format Robot Wars -- Willis will take over as group creative director for Tinopolis.
Willis will be attempting to grow Mentorn's stateside business, which has suffered in the last 18 months, a factor which led to the company's sale to Tinopolis.
"I'm delighted to be joining a blue chip independent with a strong commitment to quality and with a willingness to expand, particularly in the exciting area of new media," Willis said.
Tinopolis chairman Ron Jones said that Willis' commissioning track record would help Tinopolis expand its business.
In addition to heading Mentorn -- producer of such shows as 9/11 drama Hamburg Cell, political satire A Very Social Secretary and international format Robot Wars -- Willis will take over as group creative director for Tinopolis.
Willis will be attempting to grow Mentorn's stateside business, which has suffered in the last 18 months, a factor which led to the company's sale to Tinopolis.
"I'm delighted to be joining a blue chip independent with a strong commitment to quality and with a willingness to expand, particularly in the exciting area of new media," Willis said.
Tinopolis chairman Ron Jones said that Willis' commissioning track record would help Tinopolis expand its business.
- 11/2/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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