News Archive
Older news and updates for the Zoe Wanamaker Official Fansite.  For the most up-to-date information, see the News section.

14.06.10  Zoe's drawing being sold for charity
Zoë has decorated and autographed a balloon-themed artwork to raise funds for Parents & Abducted Children Together (PACT), a charity working to find missing children.  The balloon is a symbol of International Missing Children's Day (25 May).  Zoe's drawing is currently being auctioned on eBay, alongside similar drawings by other well known individuals.  A reproduction of the artwork is included in the PACT with STARS book, also for sale on eBay.  With thanks to Ann for bringing the auctions to my attention.

14.06.10  Zoë presents acting bursary
With All My Sons receiving rave reviews, Zoë has been lending her support to up-and-coming performers by presenting the Alan Bates Bursary 2010 at the Actors Centre.  The award, which entitles its recipient to financial and educational support, including a year's membership of the Actors Centre, was won by Ivanno Jeremiah.  You can see photos of Zoe, Ivanno, and other attendees at the 10 June event on Flickr.

14.06.10  All My Sons reviews and extra dates
More excellent reviews of All My Sons have appeared, including articles in The American, the Financial Times (which awards five stars to this 'magnificent revival'), The Hollywood Reporter, the Jewish Chronicle (which also awards the show five stars), PinkPaper.com (another five-star review, full of praise for the 'scintillating and totally unmissable cast'), and 50connect.co.uk.  As one of the most critically acclaimed productions currently playing in London, All My Sons has extended its performance schedule to 2 October.

30.05.10  More All My Sons media coverage
Further reviews of All My Sons have appeared in newspapers, including the Independent, which praises 'this impeccable period production'.  The Observer is also enthusiastic, emphasising that the show possesses 'all the excitement of a thriller'.  The Express describes it as 'wondrously and woundingly well acted' by Zoë and her co-star David Suchet.  There will be another chance to watch the pair being interviewed about All My Sons on the Andrew Marr Show, when the programme is repeated on BBC Parliament at 8.30pm this evening.  In addition, it will be available for a limited period on the BBC iPlayer.  The latest episode of the BBC Radio 4 arts series, Front Row, includes a review of the production and is also available on the BBC iPlayer (the review begins after about sixteen minutes).  With thanks to Nadine for some of this information.

28.05.10  First press reviews for All My Sons
Following yesterday's press night, the first reviews of All My Sons have been published, with the Guardian, the Telegraph, and theatre website Whatsonstage.com awarding the show the maximum five star rating.  The Telegraph calls Zoe's performance 'outstanding', and The Stage is similarly full of praise.  The Evening Standard recommends the production, while the Londonist comments on Zoe's 'incredible presence on stage'.  Whatsonstage.com has a selection of photos from the press night.

25.05.10  Zoë on the Andrew Marr Show
The BBC's website notes that Zoe and her co-star in All My Sons, David Suchet, will be interviewed as part of the Andrew Marr Show on 30 May at 9.00am on BBC1.

24.05.10  Zoë's new publicity photos and a video
To accompany the picture added to the website to celebrate Zoe's birthday on the 13th, here is the second new publicity photo of Zoe.  Also celebrating the occasion is a birthday video made by fellow fan Nadine.

22.05.10  Audience response to All My Sons preview
Ahead of the press night next week, the first preview of All My Sons is described by audience member Ian in his blog, There Ought To Be Clowns.  Zoe's powerful performance as Kate Keller is highly praised; the review also provides interesting insights into the production's staging.  In Ian's words, All My Sons is 'just sensational'!

18.05.10  All My Sons beginning
Zoë stars in All My Sons from tomorrow; The Times declares that it is '[h]ard to imagine much better casting' than she and David Suchet as the troubled Kellers.  Some of the impressive posters advertising Arthur Miller's play can be seen in the recent photo of the Apollo Theatre added to the website.  If you are going to watch the play and would like to share your response to it here, please email me.

13.05.10  Happy Birthday to Zoë!
I'm sure you will all join me in wishing Zoë a lovely birthday; to celebrate the occasion, a brand new publicity photo is now available on the website.  Another from the same sitting will be added soon.

11.05.10  Zoë interviewed about All My Sons
In an interview published in the Arts section of The Times, Zoe discusses the intensity of rehearsals for All My Sons (which begins previews on 19 May) and the 'genius writing' of the playwright, Arthur Miller.  She also talks about Shakespeare's Globe, film It's a Wonderful Afterlife, and working on My Family.  With thanks to Viv for this news.

25.04.10  Zoe in It's a Wonderful Afterlife - press round-up
Sendhil Ramamurthy (who you may recognise from US drama Heroes) comments on how thrilled he was to work alongside Zoe in It's a Wonderful Afterlife, as part of an article from BBC News.  Blending comedy, horror, and romance, the film focuses on Punjabi widow Mrs Sethi's highly unconventional approach to finding a husband for her daughter Roopi.  Once her daughter is married, the widow hopes to join Roopi's father in the afterlife.  The arrival of a group of ghosts (including kindly Jewish lady Mrs Goldman, played by Zoe), whose own passage to the afterlife is dependent on Mrs Sethi's actions, lends a sense of urgency to the quest.  Photos from the film are available on India Glitz and Star Box Office.  Numerous reviews have appeared, including T5M's article, which notes that the film 'manages to find and create humour all around'.  OntheBox praises its 'broad appeal', while Asian Image suggests that a mixture of comedy and horror takes It's a Wonderful Afterlife into 'frighteningly funny territory'.

20.04.10  Zoe and ActionAid UK
Zoë has joined forces with seven other female celebrities, such as Annie Lennox and Dame Vivienne Westwood, to call on the UK's political parties to help protect women around the world against violence.  In support of ActionAid UK's campaign to make ending violence against women a major part of foreign policy, Zoe and the other celebrities have signed a letter describing the terrible effects of violence on women's lives.  You can read the letter and find out more on ActionAid UK's website.

18.04.10  Zoë appears in We Are One
This evening Zoe took part in the fundraising event We Are One at the Apollo Theatre, London.  She and other well known performers - including Derek Jacobi, Mark Rylance, and Juliet Stevenson - gave readings by or about members of tribal communities and the challenges they face when trying to preserve their way of life.  Zoe performed David Whyte's 'Arrivals', a poem describing the response of two Ethiopian women to a US airport.  We Are One has raised thousands of pounds for Survival International, which supports tribal peoples around the world.  A related book is available.

16.04.10  More coverage of It's a Wonderful Afterlife's London premiere
You can watch a brief interview with Zoë, among other stars, in Premiere Scene's red carpet video from the It's a Wonderful Afterlife premiere.  The film's director, Gurinder Chadha, can be seen introducing the cast at the screening in another clip.  Zoe praises the director as 'fearless and strong' in a Press Association article about the premiere.  With thanks to Nadine for the first link.

15.04.10  My Family - series ten news
There will be a surprise for the Harpers in the forthcoming series of My Family, as reported in Digital Spy, when son Michael tells his relatives that he is gay.  The development is apparently one of a number of storylines intended to engage a younger audience.  The tenth series of the sitcom will be shown on BBC1 later this year, though a start date has not yet been announced.

13.04.10  Zoë to take part in The Inspiration Ball
Zoe and a number of other celebrities will auction behind-the-scenes experiences as part of The Inspiration Ball on 22 May in London.  The team publicising this charity event has provided the following details.

The Inspiration Ball was inspired by an amazing lady called Lisa Connell.  Lisa is 31 and has an inoperable brain tumour.  It is her dying wish to raise £1m for brain tumour research before she dies and to do so she founded Rent a Date for Charity.

The ball will have a Rent a Date for Charity theme.  Celebrities will be in attendance and guests will have the opportunity to bid in an auction for dates and behind the scenes experiences with celebs.  There will be a champagne and jazz reception, followed by a sumptuous meal by Nobu Berkeley.  The charity benefiting on the evening is brainstrust

Violinist Diana Yukawa will be performing on the night.  Other celebrities who are involved and auctioning behind the scenes experiences include Zoë Wanamaker, Katherine Jenkins, Tamara Rojo, Audley Harrison, Katie Melua, Derren Brown, Antonio Carluccio, Dara O'Briain and Caprice.

There is also a silent auction of works by Renoir, Picasso, Dali, Matisse and Chagall, sponsored by The Broad Gallery.

The ball is taking place at the prestigious May Fair Hotel.

The website for the ball is www.inspirationball.co.uk

Single tickets are £200, tables of 10 or 12 are available, as well as corporate sponsorship packages. Contact Melanie Michaels mm@lehmanncommunications.com / 020 7266 3020 or visit www.inspirationball.co.uk/tickets.html to book your places.


With thanks to Sarah-Jane for her help.  The Times has an interview - in which the ball is also mentioned - with Lisa Connell.  You can find out more about Lisa's experiences and aims by visiting her official website.

12.04.10  London premiere of It's a Wonderful Afterlife
Zoë was among the stars of It's a Wonderful Afterlife to attend the film's premiere in Leicester Square this evening.  ABC News has a selection of photos of Zoe and her colleagues at the event, held at the Odeon West End cinema.  Updated 13.04.10: thanks to fellow fan Nadine, who has found both a video of guests, including Zoe, arriving at the event, and interviews on the red carpet.

05.04.10  It's a Wonderful Afterlife preview
An exclusive clip of It's a Wonderful Afterlife, with Zoë as ghostly Mrs Goldman, is available to watch on The Sun's website.  In the video Mrs Goldman and other spirits offer advice at a speed-dating event.  The accompanying article includes the poster for the film, which is part black comedy, part horror, part rom com.  It's a Wonderful Afterlife is set to be released in UK cinemas on 21 April.  Judging by the clip, we are in for a treat!  More info about the film, including photos, is available on its official website.  Zoe is interviewed about her role as part of an article published on Facebook.  There is also a new trailer and a music video on YouTube.

02.04.10  Zoe returns in Poirot
Zoe returns as crimewriter Ariadne Oliver, opposite David Suchet's detective Hercule Poirot, in 'Hallowe'en Party'.  ITV has released a trailer (click on 'Drama & Comedy', then select the episode title) for the new episode, which has been adapted from Agatha Christie's novel by Mark Gatiss (writer of several chilling Doctor Who episodes).  Mrs Oliver discovers that murderous intentions lie behind a game of apple-bobbing.  With thanks to Sanna, owner of the David Suchet Fansite, for the trailer link.

02.04.10  Zoe on set for It's a Wonderful Afterlife
You can watch a short video of Zoe (in costume as Mrs Goldman) and her colleagues preparing for an important moment in It's a Wonderful Afterlife.  The video is part of a series of behind-the-scenes clips following the making of the film.  The darkly comic tale about a Punjabi widow's attempts to marry off her daughter will be released in UK cinemas on 21 April (release dates for other countries are available on the IMDB).  With thanks to Nadine for bringing the video to my attention.

09.03.10  All My Sons & We Are One
After the announcement that Zoe will star alongside David Suchet in a new production of Arthur Miller's All My Sons, further cast information has now been released.  Stephen Campbell Moore, Jemima Rooper, and Daniel Lapaine will also appear in the play, as reported by the Official London Theatre Guide, Broadway World, and Playbill, among other news sources.  All My Sons begins previews on 19 May at the Apollo theatre, London, and tickets are on sale now.  Zoe is also due to appear at the Apollo on 18 April for a charity fundraiser, We Are One, in aid of Survival International.  Tickets for the event, which celebrates tribal peoples, are available.

07.03.10  Original Love Hurts trailer
A trailer for the second series of Zoe's enormously successful drama Love Hurts is among the promotional pieces seen in a recording, available on YouTube, from BBC1 in January 1993 (the trailer begins at approximately 1 min 59 secs).  It offers a rare opportunity to watch how the series was promoted at the time.

28.02.10  Zoe at the Almeida's Gala
Zoe will be among the host of well known performers appearing in the Almeida Theatre's Gala, 'Shakespeare's Women', on 14 March.  Others actors due to take part in the fundraising event include Sinead Cusack, Derek Jacobi, Meera Syal, and Juliet Stevenson.  As Broadway World notes, money raised by the Gala will benefit the theatre (which is registered as a charity), as well as its Almeida Projects work in the local community.  Directed by Michael Attenborough, the performance will be followed by an auction and party.  Tickets prices for this unique event start at £150; for booking information, see the contact details on the Almeida's Gala webpage.  With thanks to Nadine for her research.

28.02.10  'We do get on terribly well' - Robert Lindsay on Zoe
Zoe's My Family co-star, Robert Lindsay, offers an insight into their successful on-screen partnership as the Harpers in an interview for The Drama Student.  You can read his comments, in which he credits his and Zoe's shared sense of humour and good working relationship as a major factor in the sitcom's longevity, on the magazine's website.  The article also promotes Robert Lindsay's recently published autobiography, Letting Go.  You may remember that Zoe was interviewed for The Drama Student's first issue early last year.  An extract from that article, discussing her early career, is available online.

30.01.10  Film and TV reviews
Zoe's latest film, It's a Wonderful Afterlife, recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, USA.  This darkly comic account of Punjabi widow Mrs Sethi's quest to find a husband for her daughter - at any cost - is reviewed by Variety.  Meanwhile, the Guardian's TV Club is in the midst of Edge of Darkness.  You can read the newspaper's review of episodes two and three, in which writer John Crace ponders the backstory of Zoe's character, Clementine, and praises the show as 'one of the classiest paranoid-conspiracy thrillers' ever made.

24.01.10  New links
A number of relevant links have been added to the website: Eastside Educational Trust (of which Zoe is a patron), Best of British (celebrating British performers), the Louise Gold website, and the Nathaniel Parker Official Homepage (the actor guest-starred in the most recent My Family Christmas special).  If you manage a website that you believe visitors to this site would also be interested in viewing, please email me.

12.12.09  My Family Christmas special 2009
The BBC Press Office has plot details about this year's My Family Christmas special, '2039: A Christmas Oddity'.  Prepare to see the Harper family as never before, as the feature-length episode looks at how the characters have fared after another thirty years of bickering!  As the Radio Times notes, '2039: A Christmas Oddity' is due to be broadcast on Christmas Eve, 8-9pm on BBC1; Zoe (as Susan) can be glimpsed in the BBC's Christmas comedy trailer.  Furthermore, the official homepage of episode guest star Nathaniel Parker suggests that a second My Family Christmas special DVD will be released next year.  If all this news has whetted your appetite for the sitcom, remember that there is still time to bid for tickets to watch a recording of the show and meet Zoe, with Youth Music Theatre UK's charity auction.  You may also like to check out My Family Online's new fanzine!

06.12.09  Watch My Family being filmed and meet Zoë...
Youth Music Theatre UK is currently holding an online charity auction, with four tickets to watch a recording of My Family and a meeting with Zoe (who is patron of the organisation) as one of the lots.  Bidding for this fantastic opportunity for admirers of the actress and her work is open until 23 December.  There are also a host of other great lots in YMT's fundraising drive, which will benefit young people hoping to become involved in the performing arts in the UK.  With thanks to both Zach from YMT for the information about the auction and Nadine for the reminder.

06.12.09  Zoe attends the Evening Standard Theatre Awards
Zoë was invited to the Evening Standard Theatre Awards on 23 November, with her husband, Gawn Grainger.  The couple appear in the photo gallery (see pictures 23 and 51) accompanying an article about the event from What's On Stage.  A theatre fan also filmed guests entering and leaving the event, which was held at the Royal Opera House in London.  With thanks to Nadine for bringing the videos to my attention.

12.11.09  Gate Theatre Gala
Zoe and her husband, Gawn Grainger, attended the 30th Anniversary Gala at the Gate Theatre on 11 November.  They are pictured (see photos one and three) as part of an article about the event from theatre website What's On Stage.

08.11.09  Zoë appearing alongside David Suchet
Zoe will appear not once, but twice, alongside actor David Suchet in the coming months.  The pair are set to return to TV screens in a new episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot, 'The Hallowe'en Party', as well as taking to the stage in Arthur Miller's All My Sons.  More information about Poirot can be found in ITV's press release about the adaptation, while What's On Stage reports on Miller's play, which is due to open during May 2010.  With thanks to Sanna (owner of the excellent David Suchet fansite, which includes news items about both works) and Tom for bringing the projects to my attention.

06.09.09  Doctor Who's Greatest Moments - 'The Enemies'
As pointed out on My Family Online, Zoë has taken part in an episode of BBC Three series Doctor Who's Greatest Moments entitled 'The Enemies', which was first broadcast on 3 September.  Interviewed about her role as the villainous Cassandra O'Brien, Zoe explained that the scripting 'was so witty and naughty that [she] couldn't resist' the opportunity to star in Doctor Who.  'The Enemies' is available to watch in the UK via the BBC's iPlayer service, until the evening of 10 September.  Zoe appears just over 15 minutes after the episode begins.

02.09.09  Zoë's father and MI5 surveillance
Following the release of previously top-secret British Security Service files, the discovery that Zoë's father, the late actor and director Sam Wanamaker, was monitored by MI5 when he came to live in England has generated considerable press coverage.  Mr Wanamaker's earlier association with Communist politics in the US (as explored during Zoë's episode of family history series Who Do You Think You Are?) appears to have prompted the surveillance during part of the Cold War era; the subject is treated in detail in a number of newspaper articles, notably those from The Times, the Telegraph, the Guardian, the Independent, the Scotsman (scroll down page for article), the Daily Mail, the Daily Express, and The Sun in the UK, in addition to the Chicago Tribune in the US.  Other news sources, such as BBC News, have also drawn attention to the files' release.

02.09.09  New My Family website
Fans of Zoe's popular BBC sitcom will no doubt be very pleased to hear that fellow fan, Tom, has launched My Family Online.  With a great deal of content already, and the promise of much more to come, the website is an excellent guide to the series.

23.08.09  Interviews from the 1980s and 1990s
I recently discovered that two very enlightening interviews with Zoë have been made available online.  'In the Middle and on the Edge' from the Independent (1993) refers to, among other things, Zoe's preparation for her role in Arthur Miller's play The Last Yankee.  Similarly, the Toldeo Blade interviewed Zoe about her performance in the play Loot by Joe Orton, then declared 'Wanamaker Helps Turn Flop into Broadway Hit' (1986).

23.08.09  Zoe returns for Fable 3
Following her involvement in Xbox game Fable 2, Zoe is again set to provide the voice of five-hundred-year-old enchantress Theresa for Fable 3.  Gamers are provided with an insight into the new game, courtesy of Theresa, in the expansion pack Fable 2: See the Future; Zoe also narrates the debut Fable 3 trailer.  With thanks to Karolina for this information.

14.08.09  Youth Music Theatre UK campaign
A patron of Youth Music Theatre UK, Zoë has taken part in a fundraising video for the charity, which aims to enrich the lives of young people by involving them in musical theatre.  Alongside fellow patrons, including Rob Brydon and Felicity Kendal, Zoe can be seen encouraging viewers to donate £5 as part of YMT's 'GIVE 5' fundraising campaign.  Watch towards the end of the video to see Zoe's appearance.  With thanks to Nadine for bringing this item to my attention.

27.07.09  'Why should women get less?'
Zoë has voiced her concerns about the disparity between salaries received by male and female performers, with her comments on the 'big struggle' for equal pay being reported in The Stage, The Independent, The Telegraph, The Drama Student magazine, and Digital Spy.

27.07.09  New address for writing to Zoë
The address to which fanmail for Zoe should be sent has changed. Please direct letters to: Zoë Wanamaker CBE, C/o Conway Van Gelder Ltd, 8-12 Broadwick Street, London W1F 8HW, United Kingdom.

05.07.09  Zoë's family history
Following the broadcast of Who Do You Think You Are?, in which she explored her family's history, particularly the experiences of her father Sam Wanamaker, Zoë recently gave an interview to The Jewish Chronicle about her upbringing and career.  Her father's legacy was also celebrated as Zoë visited the construction site of the planned Shakespeare's Globe Education and Rehearsal Centre.

12.05.09  Happy Birthday, Zoë, for 13 May!
Tomorrow sees Zoë celebrate her birthday; I'm sure you will all join me in wishing her a lovely day and Many Happy Returns!

12.05.09  Interview: My Family and its hundredth episode
Zoe and her My Family co-star Robert Lindsay discuss their on-screen chemistry as the Harpers, as well as talking frankly about working on one of the nation's most popoular sitcoms, in a recent interview for The Times (5 May), published to coincide with the show's hundredth episode.

29.04.09  A hundred episodes of My Family!
Next week the BBC will broadcast the hundredth episode of My Family, 'The Guru', guest starring John Barrowman (who, like Zoe, has appeared in Doctor Who) and David Haig (with whom Zoë worked in the play Dead Funny).  To celebrate the occasion, Zoë and her co-star Robert Lindsay are featured on the cover of Total TV Guide (dated 2-8 May), while Zoe discusses the sitcom's longevity in an interview for the magazine, as well as talking to TV Choice as part of its latest edition.  Zoe's on-screen daughter in My Family, Daniela Denby-Ashe, commented on the long-running comedy during a recent appearance on This Morning.  Viewers in the UK can watch 'The Guru' on 7 May (BBC1 at 8pm), with the exception of those in Scotland, for whom the episode will be shown the following evening (BBC1 at 8.30pm).

27.04.09  Zoe contributes to Shakespeare guide
The newly released second edition of The Rough Guide to Shakespeare by Andrew Dickson features an interview with Zoe.  Other performers who have contributed to the 'My Shakespeare' chapter include Ian McKellen and Simon Russell Beale.  The book has received excellent reviews since its publication on 1 April, with the Independent praising the work's 'illuminating interviews'.

23.04.09  Forthcoming film: It's a Wonderful Afterlife
At the beginning of April Zoe began work on It's a Wonderful Afterlife, a darkly comic film about an Indian widow who goes to extreme lengths in order to find a husband for her daughter.  Co-written and directed by Gurinder Chadha, whose previous successes include Bride & Prejudice and Bend It Like Beckham, the production also stars Shabana Azmi, Sanjeev Bhaskar (who, when playing aspiring TV presenter Sanjeev Kumar, interviewed Zoe in an episode of The Kumars at Number 42), Sally Hawkins, and Jimi Mistry, among others.  A synopsis of It's a Wonderful Afterlife, which is scheduled for release in early 2010, is available online.  For more information about the film, see the detailed article from Bollywood Hungama.

23.04.09  Susan Harper's clothes!
Since the ninth series of My Family began, a number of viewers have asked where the clothes Zoe wears as Susan Harper are bought.  If you would like to emulate Susan's chic style, try browsing the collections by Boden, DKNY, Nicole Farhi, Margaret Howell, Paul Smith, and Whistles.  With thanks to Zoe, her PA, and My Family's Wardrobe Mistress for this information.

18.04.09  My Family: schedule alteration
As reported by Steve on the sitcom's Yahoo! discussion group, two new episodes of My Family will be broadcast tomorrow, Sunday 19 April, at 8pm on BBC1.  The BBC's My Family website has further details about the episode schedule for the week ahead.

17.04.09  Fan group
Fans of Zoe who are also Facebook members are invited to join a group celebrating her work.  The lively group, managed by fellow fan Nadine, currently boasts around a hundred members and features numerous photos, in addition to a discussion forum.

17.04.09  My Family's ninth series
The ninth series of My Family is now in full swing; UK viewers, with the exception of those in Scotland, can watch the show on BBC1 at 8pm on Thursdays, while Scottish audiences can catch the episodes on the same channel on Fridays at 8.30pm.  With thanks to Margaret who recently directed me to the BBC's new My Family website website, where the episodes in the new series are available to watch online for a limited time (approximately the next two months) via the BBC's iPlayer service.  (Apologies for not bringing you this information earlier: recently I have been hindered by computer problems.)

11.03.09  Another chance to watch The Paul O'Grady Show
Fans in the UK who missed Zoe's recent appearance on The Paul O'Grady Show (23 February) may be interested to learn that the programme is available to watch online, via Channel 4's 'Catch-Up' service, for the next fourteen days.

07.03.09  Charity auction: bid for a doodle by Zoe!
Zoe is among a large number of celebrities who have put their drawing skills to the test for National Doodle Day, an annual event raising money for both Epilepsy Action and the Neurofibromatosis Association.  The donated doodles are currently being auctioned on eBay; bidding for Zoe's work ends in the morning of the 9 March, so do place your bids quickly.  Best of luck to bidders!  You can also vote for your favourite celebrity doodle - and donate to the campaign by so doing - at National Doodle Day's website.  Zoe's contribution for this and previous years can also be viewed at the site. Other famous people taking part in the fundraising initiative include Gillian Anderson, Bob Hoskins, and Daniel Radcliffe.  With thanks to Nadine for some of this information.

07.03.09  Interview in The Drama Student magazine
The first edition of The Drama Student magazine features an interview with Zoe (a long extract from which is available to read online) in which she discusses her career and gives advice to up-and-coming performers.  With thanks to Nadine for bringing this interview to my attention.

25.02.09  Who Do You Think You Are?
Zoë's fascinating episode of family history series Who Do You Think You Are? is available to watch online until 16 March via the BBC's iPlayer service. Clips from and an overview of the episode, in addition to viewers' comments, are available at the BBC's WDYTYA? websiteUnseen footage of Zoe searching for her grandparents' former home in Chicago, plus background info, can be found at the WDYTYA? magazine's website.  She also appears on the cover of the March issue of the magazine itself (on sale now until the 24 March), which takes an in-depth look at the episode.

22.02.09  The Paul O'Grady Show
As noted on the Yahoo! Group for Zoe's fans, Zoe will appear as a guest on The Paul O'Grady Show on Monday 23 February at 5pm on Channel 4.  One of the subjects for discussion is likely to be her experience of filming an episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, scheduled to be broadcast later that evening (9pm on BBC1) and repeated the following day (7pm on BBC2).

13.02.09  MediCinema charity auction
The charity MediCinema, of which Zoe is a patron, is auctioning a number of autographed lip prints from famous supporters in order to raise funds for its work bringing cinema to children in hospitals.  Photos of the items for sale, including the lip print donated by Zoe, can be viewed on MediCinema's website, where details of how to bid in the 'Healed with a Kiss' charity auction can also be found. Other celebrities who have donated lip prints include Madonna, Ewan McGregor, and Helen Mirren.

13.02.09  Celebrating the Nottingham Playhouse
Zoë fondly recalls working alongside acclaimed director Richard Eyre at the Nottingham Playhouse in a Nottingham Evening Post interview published to coincide with the theatre's sixtieth birthday celebrations; a short audio clip of Zoe talking about her time in the city is also available on the same webpage.  While she was unable to attend the Playhouse's gala evening yesterday, an archive photo of Zoe on stage at the theatre in the 1970s can be seen (approximately 2 min and 23 sec from the beginning of the piece) in East Midlands Today's news report about the event.

06.02.09  Zoë appears in Who Do You Think You Are?
As originally reported in November, Zoë will be seen researching her family history in a forthcoming episode in the new series of Who Do You Think You Are?.  The programme is scheduled for broadcast on 23 February at 9pm on BBC1 (repeated the following day at 7pm on BBC2).  The BBC's WDYTYA website has several publicity photos and some information about Zoe's involvement in the show, with more to come after the episode has been aired.  The programme will also be featured in the March issue (on sale 24 February) of the official WDYTYA? magazine.

21.12.08  My Family charity auction
Zoë is patron of Youth Music Theatre UK, a charity providing residential music theatre courses for young people aged eleven to twenty-one.  She has donated an original, signed My Family script to YMT in order to help them raise funds.  The script for the episode 'The Book of Love' (series five) has been autographed by Zoe and six of her co-stars, including Robert Lindsay, and is currently being auctioned on YMT's website.  It would make a wonderful Christmas present!  A number of other pieces of TV and music memorabilia, etc. are also being sold.  Bidding ends at 12 noon on 23 December.  (With thanks both to Hannah and Nadine for bringing this to my attention.)

19.12.08  Christmas television
This year's My Family Christmas special, with guest star Julian Clary, sees the Harpers trapped in a department store.  The feature-length episode will be broadcast on Christmas Eve at 8.30pm on BBC 1.  That's followed on Christmas Day by To Be Or Not To Be... In Shakespeare, in which Zoë, alongside a number of other prominent performers, talks about acting in the Bard's plays.  Look out for the programme on More 4 at 7.55pm.  Wishing visitors to the Fansite a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  I hope to complete redesigning the website early in 2009.

04.12.08  Zoë attends Eddie Izzard's new show
The Evening Standard noted that Zoë was in the audience at the opening night of Stripped, comedian Eddie Izzard's latest show, on 20 November.  Photoshelter has a number of photos of Zoe (wearing a funky fur coat) and her husband, Gawn Grainger, attending the event at the Lyric Theatre. She was also spotted at the National Theatre's Lyttelton for the opening night (scroll down page) of Tracy Letts's play August: Osage County several days later.

04.12.08  The Old Curiosity Shop
Following its original broadcast last Christmas, the ITV adaptation of Dickens's The Old Curiosity Shop in which Zoë plays kindly Mrs Jarley will be repeated on 14 December at 9pm on ITV 1.

17.11.08  Zoe's family history
Next year the BBC will broadcast an episode of Who Do You Think You Are in which Zoë traces her family roots.  Having recorded the programme, earlier this month Zoe unveiled a plaque at Shakespeare's Globe - the reconstruction of which was famously spearheaded by her father Sam Wanamaker - celebrating the work of the theatre's original and most recent master builders, Peter Streete and Peter McCurdy respectively.  Meanwhile, Zoe's elder sister, Abby, has granted the Financial Times a very interesting interview focusing on her family life, studies, and travels.

17.11.08  Fable 2
In addition to narrating the trailer for Fable 2, Zoë provides the voice of the 500-year-old blind seeress Theresa in this recently released Xbox game.  As revealed in the game developers' video diary, Zoe was joined by a host of other famous performers, including Stephen Fry and Bill Nighy, in the making of Fable 2.  The game has garnered rave reviews, not least from the Telegraph, which praised the 'excellent voice acting'.  (With thanks to both Karolina and Chris for some of this information.)

13.10.08  Charity auction
Zoe has donated a lovely pair of Agnês B ankle boots to the OneStepBeyond campaign, which is raising funds for four charities: Cancer Research, Cash for Kids, No More Landmines, and Angus College Charitable Trust.  Zoe's boots are currently for sale to UK bidders on eBay (the auction ends on 19th October), alongside similar items donated to the cause by other celebrities, including Stephen Fry, Sir Elton John, and Daniel Radcliffe, as part of OneStepBeyond's celebrity shoe auction. (With thanks to Zoe B. for this information.)

13.10.08  New affiliate
The Fansite is now proudly affiliated with the Misty Edwards Fansite, which celebrates the work of the Christian singer and songwriter.

28.09.08  Agatha Christie's Poirot: 'The Third Girl'
Zoe returns to Poirot in tonight's two-hour episode, 'The Third Girl', which will be broadcast in the UK on ITV 1 at 9pm.  A trailer for the episode can currently be viewed at ITV's Poirot website.

08.09.08  Agatha Christie's Poirot
'Mrs McGinty's Dead', the first episode in the new series of Agatha Christie's Poirot, sees Zoe reprise her role as eccentric crimewriter Ariadne Oliver.  The two-hour programme will be broadcast in the UK on 14 September at 9pm on ITV 1.  For viewers unfamiliar with the novel by Christie from which 'Mrs McGinty's Dead' is adapted, a plot overview is available as part of ITV's Poirot webpages.  In addition, the character of Oliver is profiled at Hercule Poirot Central.  Zoe also stars in a later episode in the series, 'The Third Girl'.  (With thanks to Sanna, owner of the David Suchet Fansite, for some of this information.)

08.09.08 BOMB Magazine interview
BOMB Magazine's fascinating and well-illustrated interview with Zoe about her performance in Electra is now available online.  Copies of the edition in which the interview appeared (issue 67) can also be purchased at the magazine's website.

08.09.08  Diverse voiceover work
Zoe provides the narration for both the Carphone Warehouse's new TV advertising campaign (three of the adverts can be viewed online: advert one, two, and three) and WH Smith's 'Back to School' supplies advert.  She also narrates the trailer for the Xbox game Fable 2.  (With thanks to Laura for some of this information.)

09.08.08  Classic FM interview
Shortly before taking part in The Truth About Love concert at the end of July, Zoe was interviewed for Classic FM's programme 'The Guest List' about her enjoyment of classical music and opera.  The interview is available to listen to online (see programme for 27 July 08).

05.08.08  Much Ado About Nothing footage
Stagework's guide to Much Ado About Nothing has been greatly expanded.  In addition to the rehearsal diary by Annette Vieusseux, the guide now includes a series of video clips of Zoë and her co-star Simon Russell Beale discussing their roles as Beatrice and Benedick, while rehearsal and performance footage illuminates the development of the acclaimed production.

03.08.08  Ariadne Oliver returns!
The impressive trailer for the forthcoming episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot entitled 'Mrs McGinty's Dead', in which Zoe reprises her role as crimewriter Ariadne Oliver, can be viewed at Amazon (scroll down page).  (With thanks to Sanna, owner of the David Suchet Fansite, for this information.)

30.07.08  The Widowing of Mrs Holroyd DVD
The BBC's adaptation of The Widowing of Mrs Holroyd by D.H. Lawrence receives a welcome Region Free DVD release on 19 August.  To the best of my knowledge, the programme has not been broadcast in its entirety since it was originally aired in 1995.  The DVD's cover art can be previewed at Amazon.  (With thanks to Karen for her help.)

25.07.08  Redesigning the Fansite
To celebrate its sixth year online, the Fansite is being redesigned to improve its appearance and ease of use.  To ensure that it continues to meet the needs of Zoë's fans, I would be grateful if you could email me with any comments about the website or suggestions as to what you feel should be presented here.

25.07.08  New affiliate
This website is now proudly affiliated with the Charles Kay Archives, an excellent tribute to the talented actor with whom Zoe starred in Edge of Darkness.

08.07.08  Don't Panic magazine interview
Arts magazine Don't Panic recently published a discussion (webpage may take a while to load) between Zoe and writer Tiffany Tondut about the National Theatre's striking production of The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other.  The article appeared in an edition of the magazine focusing on the nature of trust.  When the conversation turned to people's inhibitions, Zoe mused, 'I think we’re afraid to do something out of the ordinary'.

07.07.08  'The Truth About Love' summer concert (upadated: 08.07.08)
Working again with her Much Ado About Nothing co-star Simon Russell Beale, Zoë will explore similar themes to those central to Shakespeare's comedy in a series of readings for 'The Truth About Love: A Romantic Journey through Mozart's Operas', a concert produced by the Classical Opera Company.  An evening of poetry and music, 'The Truth About Love' will take place on 31 July at the Barbican, London: for further details and the opportunity to buy tickets for the performance (prices start at £8), see either the Barbican's website or the Classical Opera Company's website.  Sky Arts are currently running a competition (closes 21st July) to win one of ten pairs of tickets for the show.

01.07.08  The Richard Whiteley Theatre
Zoë has leant her support to Giggleswick School, Yorkshire, as pupils and staff raise funds to create a theatre in honour of the late television presenter Richard Whiteley, a former pupil and governor at the school.  Other famous patrons of the campaign include Zoe's colleagues Judi Dench and Nicholas Hytner.

17.06.08  My Family on DVD
My Family fans will be pleased to learn that the comedy's eighth series, which was recently broadcast in the UK on BBC 1, is due to be released on Region 2 DVD on 14 July 2008.

10.06.08  Zoë on Hamlet
As part of a discussion in The Times about the greatest productions of Shakespeare's tragedy on film and stage, Zoe explains why she believes Laurence Olivier was 'the embodiment of everything that we fantasise about in Hamlet', and praises Mark Rylance's performance in the same role. (Scroll to the bottom of the article to read Zoe's comments.)

10.06.08  Praise for Zoë's voiceover work
According to the Independent, Zoë is one of the most trusted voiceover artists among producers of serious documentaries.  Her narration, like that of fellow actress Juliet Stevenson, lends a programme 'instant gravitas'.

03.04.08  woman&home magazine feature
Looking very glamorous, Zoë is the cover star of the latest edition of woman&home (dated May 2008) and has granted the magazine a rare interview (an edited version of which is available on the magazine's website), in which she discusses the success of My Family and her own family.  (With thanks to Pippa for this information).

03.04.08  My Family returns
Series eight and nine of My Family are currently in production, as reported by Digital Spy, the Guardian, and Variety, with a total of twenty new episodes of the sitcom having been commissioned by the BBC.  The eighth series begins on 11th April, at 9.00pm on BBC 1.

03.04.08  The Cinema theatre
In February, Zoe attended the evening press performance of Brief Encounter at The Cinema theatre, London.  What's On Stage has a number of photos of celebrities at the event; pictures 24, 25, and 26 feature Zoe with her husband Gawn Grainger and Ian McKellen.

25.03.08  Charity auction
Zoë has donated a signed call sheet from Agatha Christie's Poirot to the St Michael's Church, Llanyblodwel fundraising auction.  Bids for the item, lot fifty-four among dozens of celebrity donations, can be made via the Border Parishes website.  (With thanks to Simon for this information.)

14.02.08  National Doodle Day
Zoë has drawn a picture of a clown to be auctioned for National Doodle Day, which raises funds for two charities, Epilepsy Action and The Neurofibromatosis Association (UK).  Zoe's doodle will be sold, alongside numerous other celebrities' drawings, on eBay from 7th March. You can also vote for your favourite celebrity doodle in the Dood Awards until 31st March.  (With thanks to Roberta for this information.)

14.02.08  Discussing Much Ado About Nothing
At a recent What's On Stage outing to watch the National's enormously successful production of Much Ado About Nothing, theatregoers were treated to a question-and-answer session with Zoë and some of her co-stars after the performance.  Zoe also discusses her role in the play, and her enthusiasm for Shakespeare's work, in an interview for Broadway.com.

28.12.07  My Family and The Old Curiosity Shop popular with viewers
According to the Guardian, both this year's My Family Christmas special and The Old Curiosity Shop were ratings winners on Boxing Day for the BBC and ITV respectively.  For the next five days, 'Ho Ho No' is available to download (600 MB) or watch online via the BBC iPlayer.  A short clip of the Harpers' seasonal shenanigans can be viewed on YouTube, while the BBC Comedy website provides an overview of the episode.

28.12.07  Much Ado About Nothing: interview and further reviews
In a brief interview recorded to publicise the production, Zoë and her co-star Simon Russell Beale discuss their roles in Much Ado About Nothing.  The reviews in Bloomberg News, the Observer - which asserts that the pair 'completely re-imagine' the play - and The Stage demonstrate that the National Theatre's staging of the comedy continues to impress the critics, while Variety examines its tone.

19.12.07  Much Ado About Nothing opens
The National's production of Much Ado About Nothing has received excellent reviews, with The Times praising the 'terrific performances' of Zoë and her co-star Simon Russell Beale.  Similarly enthusiastic accounts of the play have appeared in the British Theatre Guide, the Evening Standard, the Guardian, the Independent, the Official London Theatre Guide, the Telegraph, and What's On Stage.  A number of production photos can be viewed on the National's website, while the rehearsal diary by Annette Vieusseux offers a fascinating glimpse of the cast and crew at work.

19.12.07  More Christmas television
In addition to her performance as Mrs Jarley in the ITV adaptation of Dickens's The Old Curiosity Shop, UKTV Drama viewers will be able to see Zoe as another of the novelist's creations, Miss Murdstone, when the channel broadcasts David Copperfield (first shown in 1999) on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at 2pm.

14.12 07  Much Ado About Nothing interviews
In the week that the National Theatre's production of Much Ado About Nothing begins previews, Zoë and her co-star Simon Russell Beale discuss the play in the Telegraph.  Shortly before rehearsals for Shakespeare's comedy got underway, director Nicholas Hytner outlined his vision for the performances in an audio interview conducted for TheatreVoice.

14.12.07  Christmas television
The hour-long festive edition of My Family, 'Ho Ho No', will be broadcast on Boxing Day at 7pm on BBC 1.  To discover what Christmas capers the Harpers can look forward to this year, see the detailed discussion of the plot (contains spoilers) released by the BBC's Press Office.  The Old Curiosity Shop will also be shown on Boxing Day, at 9pm on ITV 1: Zoë plays Mrs Jarley in this new adaptation of Dickens's novel.

14.12.07  Most influential Americans
According to a Telegraph article published to coincide with Thanksgiving celebrations, Zoë is one of the fifty most influential Americans working in the UK.  Putting her influence to good use, Zoë recently attended the launch of the National Theatre's new energy-efficient lighting scheme; and last week she was among a number of celebrities to support a fundraising drive for Wilton's Music Hall in East London.

12.11.07  The Queen visits My Family set
The Queen recently visited Pinewood Studios, where she met Zoe and her co-star Robert Lindsay during a tour of the My Family set.  A short report about the event can be viewed on the BBC News website.

12.11.07  Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2007
The judges of the Evening Standard Theatre Awards have taken the unusual step of releasing the longlist of this year's nominees in what promises to be a highly competitive year.  Following her acclaimed performance in The Rose Tattoo, Zoe has received a Best Actress Nomination.

15.10.07  My Family nominated for a National Television Award
Following the sitcom's success at the TV Quick and TV Choice Awards, My Family has received a National Television Award nomination for Best Comedy Programme.  A full list of nominees is available at DigitalSpy, and you can vote for your favourites at the NTA's website.  The ceremony will be broadcast live on ITV1 on 31st October.

15.10.07  Much Ado About Nothing
The London Theatre Guide has further cast details for the National Theatre's forthcoming production of Much Ado About Nothing.  Dame Diana Rigg refers to the play's newly released poster as part of a Telegraph article arguing for actors' names to feature more prominently on theatre publicity material.

16.09.07  TV Quick and TV Choice Awards
My Family was named Best Comedy Series at the TV Quick and TV Choice Awards, held in London on 3rd September (see the British Sitcom Guide's article and the My Family Yahoo Group for more details).  Zoë joined her co-star Robert Lindsay to collect the award; photos of the pair attending the event can be found at MSN and Pixsy.  The seventh series of the BBC sitcom is scheduled to be released on Region 2 DVD on 24th September, while a DVD boxset (again, Region 2) containing series one to seven will follow on 22nd October.  The eighth series of My Family is currently in production.

16.09.07  Prime Suspect I
The first episode of Prime Suspect, in which Zoe plays hard-bitten Moyra Henson, is now available to watch online as part of the Best of ITV programme collection.  Given the rather grisly content of the episode, it is best reserved for older fans.

01.09.07  Much Ado About Nothing
Previews of the National Theatre's Much Ado About Nothing, in which Zoë will star as Beatrice opposite Simon Russell Beale's Benedick, are scheduled to begin on 10th December.  Susannah Fielding, who played Serafina's daughter Rosa in The Rose Tattoo, has also been cast in this eagerly anticipated production of Shakespeare's comedy.  Tickets for performances in December and January are currently available.

01.09.07  Film and television news round-up
Fans in the US may be pleased to hear both that A Dance to the Music of Time has recently been released on Region 1 DVD and that BBC America has bought the seventh series of sitcom My Family; for more details, see World Screen's article about the sale.  Zoe discusses her favourite comic film in an article for the Observer published in June.

13.06.07  Celebrating British theatre
Zoë has been named one of the veterans of the British stage, alongside other esteemed performers including Sir Ian McKellen and Harriet Walter, as part of the Observer's celebration of the UK theatre industry.  The feature included a short interview with Zoe about her career (scroll down page).

22.05. 07  The National Theatre
Further performance dates have been announced for The Rose Tattoo; the play will now run until 8th AugustTickets are also available for the National Theatre's 'In Conversation' event on 29th June, at which Zoe will be interviewed about her career.

20.05.07  Madeleine McCann appeal
As part of the ongoing international efforts to find missing four-year-old Madeleine McCann, Zoë has provided the voiceover for the English version of a new video appeal for information about the child's abduction.  You can watch the short film online at Sky News; and to discover ways in which you can help in the search for Madeleine, see the official website FindMadeleine.com.

18.05.07  New TV project; interview
The Stage reports today that Zoe will star in a new television adaptation of Dickens's novel The Old Curiosity Shop.  Also of note, the supermarket chain Waitrose recently interviewed Zoe about her favourite foods.  You can read the article, 'A Question of Taste', on the supermarket's website.

13th May 2007  Zoë's birthday
Many Happy Returns to Zoë, who celebrates her birthday today!

11th May 2007  Magazine collections
The BBC's adaptation of David Copperfield in which Zoë played Miss Murdstone is the subject of the most recent edition of Classic Drama - The DVD Collection.  As the partwork's title suggests, a copy of the series on DVD (Region 0) is included alongside a magazine about the making of the programme.  Meanwhile, younger fans may be pleased to hear that the current edition of Doctor Who: Battles in Time magazine (part seventeen) features Lady Cassandra, Zoe's character in 'The End of the World' and 'New Earth'.

25th April 2007  Television interview
Tomorrow Zoë will appear alongside comedian Alan Carr as a guest on Thursday's edition of The New Paul O'Grady Show, to be broadcast on Channel 4 at 5 pm.  With thanks to Stuart for this information.

11th April 2007  Pictures and reviews of The Rose Tattoo
The National Theatre's official webpage for The Rose Tattoo now includes a number of production photos.  As the play continues to impress the critics, I have updated the list of reviews of the production: the British Theatre Guide reports favourably on the work, Time Out praises Zoe's performance in the central role, and a shorter version of the Guardian's review is also available.

3rd April 2007  My Family: series seven
A preview clip from the first episode in the new series of My Family is available to view alongside a summary of the plot on the BBC's official website for the programme.  As reported on 30th March, the comedy's seventh series begins on 6th April at 8.30 pm on BBC 1.

2nd April 2007  Reviews of The Rose Tattoo
Contributors to BBC Radio 3's 'Night Waves' programme recently discussed The Rose Tattoo, focusing on the more uplifting aspects of the play.  The entire show is available to listen to online for a few more days, with the review of Williams's play, in which Zoe stars as Serafina, beginning around thirteen minutes in.  Further reviews of the National Theatre's production have also appeared in the press and online: I have added a number of links to relevant articles, some of which include photos of Zoë and other cast members.  Also noteworthy is Kristin Scott Thomas's interview for the Telegraph, published in January, in which the actress remarks how impressed she was by Zoe's peformance as Electra (see the second page of the article for the relevant comment).

2nd April 2007  DVD releases
'Cards on the Table', in which Zoe played Ariadne Oliver, is now available as part of the Poirot Collection Six Region 2 DVD set.  The adaptation of Macbeth for which Zoë provided the voice of Lady Macbeth is included in Shakespeare: The Animated Tales Collection: Act 1, also a Region 2 DVD release.  Following its release on Region 1 DVD, film The Raggedy Rawney, in which Zoe stars alongside Bob Hoskins, is now available on Region 2 DVD.  In addition, the cover art for the forthcoming My Family: Series Six Region 2 DVD can be viewed on Amazon.co.uk.

30th March 2007  The Rose Tattoo opens; new series of My Family begins soon
The Rose Tattoo opened last night and has received some excellent reviews, with the Guardian praising Zoë's performance as the best in her career.  WhatsOnStage.com is similarly enthusiastic about the production, which runs until 23rd June.  Meanwhile, My Family returns for its seventh series next week; the first episode (of nine) is scheduled to be broadcast on 6th April at 8.30 pm on BBC 1.

20th March 2007  Zoë interviewed for The Times
Yesterday The Rose Tattoo began previewing at the National Theatre.  To coincide with the first performance of this production, The Times published an interview with Zoe in which she discusses her approach to Tennessee Williams's play.

9th March 2007  National Theatre
As reported by the Camden New Journal, Zoe joined a number of other celebrities, including Dame Helen Mirren, at a fundraising event for the National Theatre held at the beginning of March.  The National has recently launched an online brochure for its forthcoming season of plays; information about The Rose Tattoo can be found on the third page of the mini-site.  Zoe explains why she chose to work on the play in an article about Tennessee Williams's work from WhatsOnStage.com.

4th March 2007  Charity auction
A Calvin Klein suit worn by Zoe for her role as Tessa Piggott in the popular television series Love Hurts is currently being auctioned for charity.  All proceeds from the sale, which is being held on eBay, will be donated to Action for M.E.  The auction ends on 7th March.  (With thanks to Anne, Helen, and Liz for bringing this sale to my attention.)

4th March 2007  The Rose Tattoo in rehearsal
In a recent article for the Coventry Telegraph, Larissa Tasker, who has been cast as one of a group of children in The Rose Tattoo, describes rehearsing the play alongside Zoë.  For performance details, including booking information, see the official website for the production.

2nd March 2007  Charity auction
There are several days left to bid on a My Family script signed by Zoë.  All proceeds from the sale, which is being held on eBay, will benefit the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice.  The auction ends on 7th March.

2nd March 2007  Awake and Sing!
During the production's run last year, Zoe and her Awake and Sing! co-star Mark Ruffalo were interviewed as part of the Leonard Lopate Show.  The discussion is available to listen to online or download from WNYC: New York Public Radio's website.  A commentary on the play by its director Bartlett Sher accompanies a slideshow of production photos for the New York Times's review (see the article's 'Multimedia' section).

25 FEB 07  Poirot DVDs
'Cards on the Table', the episode of Poirot in which Zoe starred as Ariadne Oliver, has now been released on Region 2 DVD.  The episode is included alongside 'The Mystery of the Blue Train', 'After the Funeral', and 'Taken at the Flood' as part of the Poirot Collection 6 set.

25 FEB 07  More additions to theatre work
The guide to Awake and Sing! has been extensively revised, and with thanks once again to Geoff there is new information available about The Provoked Wife.

23 FEB 07  Zoë interviewed on Radio 4
As part of today's edition of Front Row on BBC Radio 4, Zoe spoke about whether or not it is preferable for female performers to be known as 'actors' rather than 'actresses'.  The programme is available to listen to online for a limited period.

23 FEB 07  Theatre work
The Stage section has been updated; there is new information about The Beggar's Opera, Jug, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Widowing of Mrs Holroyd.  Most of the details have been kindly supplied by Geoff Cooke, who is selling original theatre programmes for these plays: inquiries about purchasing them should be directed to him.  I have also added production information for The Rose Tattoo.

20 FEB 07  The Rose Tattoo; Much Ado About Nothing
As reported by Playbill.com, Steven Pimlott, the director of The Rose Tattoo, sadly died last week.  The play is now being directed by Nicholas Hytner.  Later this year, Hytner will also direct Zoe as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, again at the National Theatre.  The Stage has further details about this production, while BBC News and Variety report on this and other works to be staged by the National in the coming months.

25 JAN 07  More success for Awake and Sing!, plus details about The Rose Tattoo
Zoë's most recent Broadway hit, Awake and Sing!, has been named one of the best stage shows of 2006 by the TheaterMania editors.  It has also been announced that The Rose Tattoo, in which Zoe will star as the widowed Serafina, will open at the National Theatre on 29 March 2007 (previews to begin on 19 March).  The production's official website includes cast and plot information, as well as booking details.  A number of theatre websites have published articles about the show, including Broadway.com, BroadwayWorld, Playbill, and The Stage.

25 JAN 07  My Family DVD
Australian fans of My Family can now buy the show's first series on region 4 DVD; see, for example, EzyDVD.

17 DEC 06  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
To thank you, the Fansite's visitors, for your continued support, I have uploaded a selection of avatars featuring Zoë, and would like to wish all of her fans the best for 2007.

17 DEC 06  Zoë returns to UK stage
Zoe is set to star in Tennessee Williams's The Rose Tattoo at the National Theatre, London in early 2007.  It is thought that the production, which will be directed by Steven Pimlott and designed by Mark Thompson, will run from late March until the end of August.

17 DEC 06  My Family at Christmas
The feature-length Christmas episode of My Family has a revised broadcast date, and will now be shown on 25th December at 5.20pm on BBC 1.  For a summary of the plot, see the Manchester Evening News.  If you can't wait until Christmas Day, BBC Comedy has released a clip of last year's festive episode (click on 'Christmas Clips').  An alteration has also been made to the scheduled release date of My Family: Series Six on R2 DVD, with several online retailers, including Play.com, reporting that the series will not be commericially available until June 2007.

10 DEC 06  'Bids on Lids' charity auction
There is one day left to bid on a lovely hat and handwritten note, which have been donated by Zoe as part of the celebrity hat charity auction 'Bids on Lids'.  Proceeds from the sale, taking place on eBay, will benefit WellBeing of Women's 'WoW Baby' campaign, funding research into unexplained miscarriages and the treatments available.  With thanks to Ali at WellBeing of Women.

02 DEC 06  Zoë honoured at Dyslexia Action awards
Recently confirmed as dyslexic, Zoë was presented with an award to celebrate her professional achievements at the Dyslexia Action gala (non-IE users may need to scroll down to read about the event) on 7th November.  More information about the evening, alongside pictures of Zoe receiving her award, has been added to Interviews and Articles.

02 DEC 06  Campaign to save London's Theatre Museum
With the news that the Theatre Museum in Covent Garden is facing closure, as reported by The Stage, Zoë is among a number of notable figures to back a campaign to save it.  The Guardians of the Theatre Museum have launched a petition, which can be signed online at the organisation's website, to protest against the decision to close the attraction.

02 DEC 06  My Family Christmas special
The Sun has given its readers a taste of what to expect in this year's My Family Christmas special.  The seasonal episode of the sitcom is currently scheduled for broadcast on 27th December.

17 NOV 06  Bid for a signed copy of Zoë's favourite children's book!
As part of the National Library for the Blind's celebrity book auction, Zoe has donated and signed a copy of T.H. White's The Once and Future King, including a handwritten note describing why she enjoyed the work's five volumes as a child.  The auction is currently taking place on eBay, and all proceeds will go to the charity, which works to improve access to reading material for the dyslexic and visually impaired.  But hurry - bidding ends on 19th November!  With thanks to Emma at the NLB.

17 NOV 06  My Family: The Christmas Specials
Fans of the BBC's sitcom will be pleased to hear that the festive episodes of My Family are due to receive a region 2 DVD release on 20th November.

09 OCT 06  DVD boxsets
Following the release of each series individually, the Love Hurts: Series 1-3 R2 DVD boxset, which includes every episode of the programme, should be available to purchase from 23rd October.  As reported on 21st September, episodes of My Family will also be sold together as a R2 DVD boxset; and it now appears that this set, expected later this year or in early 2007, will also include the sitcom's forthcoming seventh series.  My Family: Series 6 is due for R2 DVD release on 26th December.

24 SEP 06  New media
The first meeting between Rose and Cassandra (played by Zoe) in 'New Earth' has been selected as one of the top ten moments of the second Doctor Who series.  For more details, and to view a clip of the encounter, see the official Doctor Who website.  To celebrate, a guide to Zoe's episode of the popular sci-fi series has been added to the Television section.  Screen captures have also been uploaded both for 'New Earth' and an earlier project, Inspector Morse - 'Fat Chance'.

21 SEP 06  My Family DVDs - with good news for fans in the region 1 area!
After its release date was postponed several times, My Family: Series 5 (region 2 DVD) is now commercially available, having hit the shelves on 18th September.  The sixth series is scheduled for region 2 DVD release later this year, but information about the specific date of release differs between retailers.  A region 2 DVD box set, My Family: Series 1-6, is due for release this winter/next spring.   The news that the first and second series of Zoe's popular comedy will be released on region 1 DVD on 10th October is certain to please My Family's legions of fans in the US and Canada.  The DVDs' cover art is different to that of the region 2 releases, and can be viewed on Amazon (series one and two).  The region 1 releases are also being sold together; this set, too, is scheduled for release on the 10th.  It is not yet clear whether further series will be made available as region 1 DVDs.  Meanwhile, filming for the show's seventh series is now underway!

21 SEP 06  Doctor Who and Small Worlds
Nicole has kindly drawn my attention to Adventures in Time & Space's enormous gallery of Doctor Who screencaps, including many from the series two episode 'New Earth', in which Zoe reprises her role as Lady Cassandra from the first series.  A link to the collection, along with other links to a number of recent candid photos of Zoe at theatrical events, has been added to the Fansite's Gallery.  Less well known than Doctor Who, but just as interesting for Zoe's fans, is the series of short films entitled Small Worlds.  Zoe appears in the second part of this (as yet, unfinished) trilogy of works focusing on responses to modern life.  The film, directed by Pinny Grylls and produced in 2004, can be viewed in its entirety at Invisible Films.

28 AUG 06  Charity auction
A My Family script, signed by Zoë, will be among the lots auctioned for charity at the Champagne and Celebrities Ball in October.  For more information about the event, see IC Wales.

28 AUG 06  DVD release dates
Popular children's series Johnny and the Bomb is scheduled to be released on region 2 DVD on 4th September.  DVD Times has information about the extra feature to be included with the programme.  Meanwhile, fans of My Family must now wait until 11th September to purchase the comedy's fifth series on DVD, after its release was again postponed.  There is good news, though, for those who had noted the absence of the festive episodes in previously-released titles: My Family: The Christmas Specials should be available to buy on region 2 DVD from 13th November.  

24 AUG 06  Affiliates
The Fansite is now affiliated with Official Gabriel Thomson and Keith Warwick Online, the authorised websites for two excellent actors.  If you run a website dedicated to a particular performer - whether or not it is an official site - and would like to become affiliated (i.e. exchange links) with this website, please email me.

24 AUG 06  Pictures added
The Gallery has been updated with the inclusion of several photos of Zoë taken early in her career and a more recent magazine cover (picture one, two, three, four, and five); rehearsal and production photos of Once in a Lifetime have also been added to the site.

17 AUG 06  My Family: it's official
C21 Media has published an article confirming the production of a seventh series of My Family, after the sitcom's sixth series received impressive viewing figures.

17 AUG 06  Charity auctions
There are still a couple of days left to bid on an original My Family script being auctioned for charity on eBay.  The auction has been organised by a member of the My Family Fan Group and the proceeds of the sale will go to a special needs school in Sussex.  Also to be auctioned on eBay is an envelope decorated by Zoe to raise funds for the National Literacy Trust.  For more details about this charity auction, which will take place in October, and to see a picture of Zoe's design, see the official press release for the event (thanks, Clare).

17 AUG 06  New Fan Art
Anne, a German fan, has produced a lovely pencil sketch of Zoe as Letitia Blacklock in Marple - 'A Murder is Announced'.  With thanks to Anne and her mother Petra for allowing me to display the work on the Fansite.

17 AUG 06  DVD news and radio work
A preview of the (very green) cover art for the Region 2 DVD release of My Family's fifth series can be viewed on Amazon.  According to several online retailers, the DVD's release date has been revised: it looks as if series five will now be available to purchase from 28th August, a week later than originally scheduled.  Also worth noting is that the Fansite now includes a selective list of radio productions in which Zoe has participated.

17 AUG 06  Awake and Sing! in the press
A recent article in the New Yorker suggests that the Belasco Theatre in New York is haunted by a pair of ghosts.  According to the report, superstition surrounding the paranormal activity in the theatre dictated the colour of Zoë's costume during performances of Awake and Sing!  Meanwhile, a short review of the production first published in June calls Zoe's 'performance as solid as a Rodin sculpture with warm blood running in its veins'.

09 AUG 06  My Family update; interview
After some months of speculation, it is now clear that a seventh series of My Family will go ahead.  Filming is scheduled to begin in September.  Also, an interview with Zoe from 1980, 'Seeing the Funny Side', has been added to the site.

11 JUN 06  My Family and Zoe's Look-a-Likes
The BBC have commissioned a seventh series of My Family, but further details have yet to be announced.  Thanks Laura.  The fifth and sixth series of the comedy are scheduled for release on Region 2 DVD on 21st August 2006 and 18th September 2006, respectively. The Zoe Wanamaker Look-a-Like gallery is now open.  If you think you look like Zoe or know someone who does, I would be pleased to hear from you.

10 JUN 06  Interviews
Several early interviews with Zoe are now available to read in the Interviews section.  In 'No, You're Not Ugly, Zoe' and 'Dolly Night Out at the Village Hall', she discusses her views about acting at the beginning of her professional career in the mid-seventies; while 'Zoe Wanamaker - New Funny Girl in Town' charts Zoe's rise to fame.  More recently, in April and May respectively, Zoe took part in a discussion about working on the stage and gave an interview about her career, both for the American Theatre Wing.  Broadway.com also conducted a question-and-answer session with Zoe about her role in Awake and Sing!  Fans in the UK can also read about Zoë's experiences when reprising her role as Lady Cassandra in the new series of Doctor Who in the May issue (#369) of Doctor Who Magazine.

10 JUN 06  Adam Faith website
Geoff and Ruud have launched a carefully researched tribute to Zoe's late friend and Love Hurts co-star, Adam Faith.  The website, http://www.adamfaith.org.uk, contains information about all aspects of Faith's career and is highly recommended.

10 JUN 06  Tony Awards
Zoë has been nominated in the category of Best Featured Actress in a Play at this year's Tony Awards; winners will be announced on 11th June.  For viewers in the US, NY 1 News will film the guests' arrivals and CBS will then broadcast the ceremony itself.  Visit the official Tony Awards website for more information about the event.

10 JUN 06  Drama League Awards
The Broadway production of Awake and Sing!, in which Zoë stars, recently won the Drama League Award for Best Play Revival.  For more information about the awards and other winners, see the LA Times article about the event.

21 MAR 06  Interviews
There are a couple of new interviews with Zoe available to read online: 'Zoe's an actress with drive' from Manchester Online and 'Zoe puts cards on the table' from Scotsman.com.  In both she discusses her role in Poirot.

16 MAR 06  Poirot in the press
Ahead of ITV's broadcast of 'Cards on the Table' (see 'Television work' below), most of the major UK television listings guides for the 18th-24th March - available to buy now - contain articles about the production and/or (rare) interviews with Zoë.  Of particular interest for Zoë's fans are the features in the Total TV Guide, TV Quick, and TV Times.  She discusses, among other things, her preparation for the role of crime writer Ariadne Oliver, working with David Suchet (who plays Hercule Poirot), and other current projects.

12 MAR 06  Awake and Sing!
Previews begin on 24th March at the Belasco Theatre for the Broadway revival of Awake and Sing!  I would be grateful to hear from any of Zoe's fans able to attend a performance of this eagerly anticipated production about what you thought of the show.

12 MAR 06  Television work
The sixth series of My Family began in the UK last week; episodes are being broadcast on Fridays at 8.30 pm on BBC 1.  The BBC Comedy team have redesigned the official website for the sitcom, which includes desktop wallpapers, episode clips, and more!  And as reported on the fan group, 'Cards on the Table', Zoe's long-awaited episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot, will be broadcast on 19th March at 9.00pm on ITV 1.

03 FEB 06  Forthcoming DVDs
Following the release of the first series in December, Love Hurts - Series 2 will be available to buy on Region 2 DVD from 6th February 2006.  There's also good news for fans of My Family: as reported on the My Family Yahoo! Group and Robert and Daniel's My Family Message Board, the fourth series of the sitcom is scheduled to be released on Region 2 DVD on 20th March 2006.

03 FEB 06  Shakespeare's Globe events
The Globe Theatre in London will soon be holding the 2006 Sam Wanamaker Festival, which includes performances of scenes by Shakespeare and other writers of his day.  While at the 2006 Sam Wanamaker Event, writers will discuss Shakespeare's works.  See the Shakespeare's Globe website for further details.

03 FEB 06  Charity work
Zoë has become a patron of Dignity in Dying, formerly known as the Voluntary Euthanasia Society.  For more information about the organisation, visit the Dignity in Dying website.  Thanks Mark.

22.12.05  Zoë to return to stage in 2006
Zoë is to appear in an American production of Clifford Odets's Awake and Sing!  The play, set during the Depression, will be staged in the spring.  See Playbill.com for more details.

15.12.05  Do YOU look like Zoë?
Do you, or does someone you know, look like Zoe Wanamaker?  I am putting together a look-a-like section for the Fansite, and would love to hear from anyone who thinks they share, or knows someone who shares, Zoe's distinctive looks.

15.12.05  Competition winner
Congratulations to the Zoë Wanamaker Official Fansite competition winner, Stephanie Meyer.  Stephanie will receive a My Family - Series 3 DVD and a special mystery prize!

15.12.05  My Family Christmas Special
The Harpers return to our screens on Christmas Day with a 50-minute festive special entitled '...and I'll Cry If I Want to'.  The programme will be shown on BBC 1 at 6 pm.  Expect plenty of seasonal mirth and madness as Susan's mother arrives for a family Christmas - with toy-boy in tow...  See Robert and Daniel's My Family message board for more details.  A sixth series of My Family begins next year.

13.12.05  Television work
I've added a page about the adaptation of Agatha Christie's Poirot in which Zoe stars as crime writer Ariadne Oliver.  The programme will be broadcast in the UK in the New Year.  Another project to be broadcast soon is Johnny and the Bomb, which begins in the UK on 15th January.  There's information about the children's series on its official website.  Zoe plays mysterious bag lady Mrs. Tachyon.

01.12.05  New My Family fansite
My Family fans Robert and Daniel have launched a fansite for the sitcom.  Find information about the show's main characters, DVD releases, episode guides and transmission dates, plus receive the monthly My Family Gazette, written by the site's owners.  The site also boasts its own discussion forum, where you can talk about every episode of every series, the main cast members, and more!

01.12.05  Fansite competition
The competition to win a My Family - Series 3 DVD and a special mystery prize has now closed.  Many thanks to all who entered.  The winner will be selected at random and contacted via email within the next few weeks.

10.11.05  Charity auctions: LEPRA; Phoenix House; SANDS fundraising
As part of their 'Race Against Time' appeal, LEPRA has asked a number of celebrities, including Zoe, to donate watches.  The items, to be sold in aid of the charity, will be auctioned on eBay from 18th November.  For further details, see the press release.  Zoe recently lent her support to Phoenix House by designing a unique Christmas decoration to raise funds.  The piece will be auctioned alongside a number of others from 5th to 12th December.  For more information about the auction, see the News section of the charity's website and its press release.  Zoe has also signed a Christmas card, which is currently being auctioned on eBay, in aid of the charity SANDS. Good luck if you decide to bid!

10.11.05  Love Hurts DVD
According to several online retailers, including SendIt.com, Love Hurts - Series 1 is now scheduled for release on 5th December 2005.

05.11.05  Vintage Mayfair fundraising event
Zoë is among the celebrities to have donated clothing and accessories to be sold in aid of the RSPCA in central London.  The items will be available at fashion sale Vintage Mayfair, which will be held on 13th November in London.  Visit Fashion UK for further details about the event.  

18.10.05  Charity auction
Zoe's drawing of a dragonfly, among the lots in the Celebrity Art Auction organised by Devon Wildlife Trust (see news for 7th September), will be listed on eBay on 24th October.  The signed picture can be viewed on the Trust's website; its sale will raise funds for important conservation work.  Thanks Cathy.

18.10.05  Love Hurts DVD; Poirot
Delta Music, the company producing the Love Hurts DVDs, has confirmed that all three series of the comedy-drama are to be released, which is excellent news.  According to Play.com, Series 1 will now be available from 6th February 2006, slightly later than initially thought.  Also, following her recent appearance in Agatha Christie's Marple, see Zoe's current projects for information about her involvement in new adaptations of Poirot.

24.09.05  Love Hurts DVD
ChoicesDirect.com have a small picture of the cover art for the forthcoming Love Hurts Region 2 DVD release.  The set consists of all ten episodes from series one, spread across three discs.  Unlike the original 1993 video releases, which had a 15 certificate, the DVD has been rated PG.

23.09.05  Zoe returns to Doctor Who
Zoe will again provide the voice for Lady Cassandra in a new episode of Doctor Who entitled 'New Earth'.  The series is set to be broadcast in the UK in 2006.  See the IMDB for more details. 

12.09.05  Welcome to the new home for the Zoë Wanamaker Official Fansite!
To celebrate three years online, the Zoe Wanamaker Official Fansite has been completely redesigned, and now has its own domain, http://www.zoewanamaker.com/.  The website includes more interviews and articles, more information and more pictures than ever before.  Find production details, photos, reviews, related links and more for a wide range of Zoë's projects on film, stage and television.  Some recent additions include screen captures for mini-series David Copperfield, Zoë's appearance in Agatha Christie's Marple - 'A Murder is Announced' and the film Wilde.  There's also pictures and a transcript for Zoe's recent interview on The Kumars at No. 42, and new information about plays The Comedy of Errors and Dead Funny, to name but a few.  As always, if you have any comments or questions, feel free to email the site owner.  Suggestions for what you would like to find on the Fansite are also very welcome.  While to mark the Fansite's relaunch, you could be in with the chance of winning a great prize by entering the competition

08.09.05  Zoë to star in new children's drama
Zoe will star in an adaptation of Terry Pratchett's novel Johnny and the Bomb.  The series, commissioned by CBBC, follows the adventures of young Johnny after he meets a mysterious old lady.   

07.09.05  Charity auctions
Zoe is one of a number of celebrities, also including Dame Judi Dench and Richard Briers, to have autographed pottery for an online charity auction.  The auction, which runs on eBay from 12th to 22nd September 2005, will raise funds for international sight-saving charity CBM.  Zoe has also contributed a drawing for the Celebrity Art Auction in aid of Devon Wildlife Trust, raising funds for the conservation of the river Dart.  Celebrities were asked to doodle a dragonfly for the online auction, which will take place this autumn.  A selection of the pictures will be on display at the Dart Water Festival and then at Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, from 17th September to 10th December 2005.

07.09.05  False Teeth and a Smoking Mermaid book
Over 80 celebrities, including Zoe, have contributed anecdotes and memories about their grandparents for a book called False Teeth and a Smoking Mermaid, published by Age Concern Books.  Zoe has also endorsed That Attitude Book by Graham Pepper, which gives advice about staying positive, whatever life throws at you.

06.09.05  Love Hurts DVD
As recently reported at the Fan Group, Love Hurts - Series One will be released on Region 2 DVD this autumn.  The set apparently contains all ten episodes from the first series, and is scheduled for release on 17th October 2005.  Fantastic news for fans of the programme (and I know there are a lot of us!). 

23.07.05  Behind the scenes at Doctor Who
If you're curious to learn how Zoe became Lady Cassandra in the new series of Doctor Who, discover how the special-effects team worked their magic on the series' official website.  Scroll down the page to 'Video Editing: Cassandra' to watch a short film.

19.07.05  DVD releases
Further to previous messages, the release dates for several R2 DVDs featuring Zoe have now changed.  The Paradise Postponed box-set will be released on 8th August 2005.  The series will also be available to buy in three separate instalments, for which the release dates are staggered from August to October.  As pointed out on the fan group, My Family - Series 3 will now be available from 12th September 2005.

12.06.05  Take the quiz!
Test your knowledge of Zoë's career with UKTV's themed quiz.  Some questions are trickier than you might expect! 

08.05.05  Rose d'Or Awards
Congratulations to Zoe.  She won the Best Female Performance in a Sitcom award, for her work on My Family, at the Rose d'Or ceremony.  For more details about the event, held in Switzerland, see the Rose d'Or website.  There's also a nice picture of Zoe with her award here.

09.04.05
  Doctor Who on DVD
Following its broadcast last week, 'The End of the World' will be released on DVD, as part of a three-episode set, on 16th May 2005.


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