04 01 09 + 13 - 10 LA CAGE FINISH
happy new year. just been reading all these comments - thankyou so much. ... so that temporary blip for new year week is please god over and im back. denis lawson is still off but hopefully back soon. meanwhile rob and duncan his understudies did an amazing job this weekend. 8 shows a week, in the winter, extra xmas shows, royal variety extra rehearsals...kids bringing home coughs to try on, travellin on the tube like steppin into a consumption ward - its all pretty predictable and i spose unavoidable but hopefully now we'll all be well and can storm to the finish line on 17th jan. its been an extraordinary journey from the chocolate factory to here and i'll miss the high heels ha ha.i wanted to say to all those people who have written to me.... i will write back -soon as im home and the jobs done i just havent been able to get time while the shows been on, but believe me quite often the comments in these letters and also below make all the difference and do keep you going on a cold matinee when youre losing confidence fast. thanks too, to all the people who have apparently voted for me on the whatsonstage.com awards for best actor..... god knows where u have all come from - i hear i'm in a creditable second place to the jersey boys which is good enough for me. if youve still to see the show i hope you like it.... all best dhx
43 comments, already:
I was at the matinee yesterday and was so pleased to see you were back. You all put on a wonderful show and the applause was richly deserved. Whether you get an award or not, you deserve one.
Margaret () - 04 01 09 - 14:44
Hi – Just got back from seeing the show – absolutely brilliant. We saw you all on the Royal Variety and remembered you from Red Cap and booked up straight away to see the show before you left. It was fantastic – you were all great including the understudies who did an excellent job – if you think of it please pass on our congratulations to all for a truely uplifting evening out.
Steve & Caroline Pitcher () - 06 01 09 - 23:52
Have just returned from seeing you at todays matinee, the show and you in partcular was absolutely fantastic.I came out of the show smiling and feeling on top of the world. There was so much talent – unbelievable !! In fact I might come again before the 17th. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
jean harris - 08 01 09 - 20:26
My partner and I went to see the matinee yesterday and we were absolutely bowled over by your performance and the show. A truly memorable trip to the theatre. I am arranging to see the show again before you leave it. A brilliant show, thank you for cheering me up. I am now in the process of persuading my friends to come to see you in the show. Thanks again.
Carole Sproson () - 09 01 09 - 10:11
Our society are performing la Cage in April up at the grand theatre wolverhampton, therefore a lot of use over hte last couple of months have come down to see you in your production and I must say that everyone has been amazed at your performance and we all walked out after the show and thought right how do we compete with that.
Seeing as you may be getting withdrawal symptoms from the show, I would like to invite you as a guest to come and see our production it is on the 28th april to 2nd at the grand theatre wolverhampton.
My email is cingley43@hotmail.com ,if you can make it then it would be such a thrill for our society
Regards
Chris
Chris Ingley () - 09 01 09 - 14:36
I saw the matinee yesterday. It was fantastic. Your performance was absolutely brilliant. I did not realise you or Denis Lawson had such great singing voices. I took a friend along as my husband was ill, she was a little apprehensive as she was not sure she would like it and was bowled over by the whole thing. I am sorry you are leaving the show I do not think it will be as good without you. Thank you for such a wonderful experience. I live not far from Oxford and would like to hear you sing at the Ex. Are you there on any particular nights or do we have to take potluck?
Hilary Skaar () - 09 01 09 - 16:16
I have seen La Cage loads of times in the past. Came to see you in it this week and I can only say you outshine the lot. Absolutely fantastic. A wonderful performance from everyone involved. You gave so much to the character of Albin in a very unique and fabulous way. The best theatrical evening out for a very long long time and it will take some beating. I’m just so glad I had the opportunity of seeing you play the role. 10/10
Anthony Ball () - 09 01 09 - 18:19
Saw the show 2/1/09 with you playing to Robert Maskell. My first theatre visit after several years not being mobile. Cor, what a revelation. I’ve loved the play since the French film came out so long ago but never expected to see such a level of acting in it. Every facet of her personality you gave us looked so natural and right. Towards the end when you were showing the mature 20 year love between the pair was beautiful. The emotional levels reminded me of Judi Dench in the play about the Krogers in the early nineties. Thankyou for such a great night.
Judy Vickery () - 09 01 09 - 21:06
I saw the show again last night and it was even better than last time. Thank you for a great night out and a fantastic performance; the perfect antidote for a cold! I’ve voted for the award and really hope you get it. Hoping to see it again before you leave but if not have a great last week.
[Kelly] () - 10 01 09 - 15:45
Hi, I saw la cage for the first time at the Menier when you were ill. We came to see you at the playhouse a couple of months ago and were so overwhelmed by your BRILLIANCE that we cam again tonight and were in awe for a second time. We would love to come again and again and again! I can’t imagine anybody will ever be able to fill Albain’s shoes again. Please please tell us what you are going to do next.
Kathy () - 11 01 09 - 00:27
Dear, dear Douglas – you just get better and better!! I saw the show (again!) last night (10 January) and you and Denis were so clearly enjoying every moment of it (you were just wicked!) and it was so infectious the whole audience joined in – what a wonderful evening – thank you, thank you, thank you. (Not even the idiot who tried ‘clapping along’ during your most emotional moment in “I am what I am” could spoil such a wonderful evening!)I shall be in again on your last day – the matinee performance – and I’m so looking forward to it! I know the show goes on with Graham Norton and Stephen Pacey but for me it just won’t be the same without you! You were wonderful at the Chocolate Factory but you have excelled at The Playhouse and I just love you!! I shall continue to support your every endeavour, whatever and wherever! You are timeless like all of our wonderful British actors and we are so fortunate to know you. God Bless and I wish you and your family a happy, healthy and wonderful 2009.
Pam Stevenson.
Pam Stevenson () - 11 01 09 - 09:40
Saw the show on 10th January…it was brilliant. We had been to the production at the Chocolate Factory (at the suggestion of my 82-year old parents, whose favourite show it is) and were disappointed to find you were not appearing because of illness (although your understudy was excellent). Glad we got to see you at last…you looked a bit different from Tertius Lydgate!
Maralyn Sadler () - 14 01 09 - 01:09
I saw you in La Cage last week and just had to come back again to see the show. What a fantastic show, I thought it was even better than last week, absolutely hooked, tried to get tickets for Saturday but was out of luck! Thank you so much for your brilliant performance, great acting and you looked like you were thoroughly enjoying yourself this afternoon. You and the cast truly deserved the standing ovation, thank you, good luck at the Donmar and your music, you are a very talented guy. Graham Norton has a very tough act to follow!!
Carole - 15 01 09 - 23:17
Oh dear, we’ve been three times in January already and now the chance to come to your last performance on Saturday – i doubt we will be able to resist! Talking to people in the queue for the Ladies, as you do, so many people have come back more than once because you and Dennis do such a brilliant job. It’s been a real treat to see such a great production, the Cagelles are amazing, but most of all I love your vulnerability. I love the chase me, chase me line! Thank you so much for such a lot of fun, it’s been a great start to 2009.
Kathy () - 15 01 09 - 23:32
A friend and I saw the show yesterday for the 3rd time in 3 weeks! I’m sure we are now going to have withdrawal symptoms. The whole show/cast is truly amazing and you and Denis L. outstanding. You made the character of Albin so believable with humour and pathos, and it was slightly different each time which was great. I will never be able to see another actor in this role now. As for your singing: I didn’t realise what a good musician you are! It would be lovely to think that this production (with this particular cast) would produce a DVD for posterity. Any chance?
Jane Metcalfe () - 16 01 09 - 18:30
Well, what can I say, came to see the show again last night for the 3rd time, Douglas you get better & better.You play the role of Albin brilliantly, and you can clearly see that you & Dennis work well together and both enjoy playing the roles. I wish you every success for the future, and look forward to seeing you in another show very soon. Also I was so pleased that I caught one of the Red roses which you threw into the audience last night, thanks for that, I will treasure it,as it reminds me of such a wonderful evening!
Denise () - 16 01 09 - 19:23
Unfortunately I havent been able to get tickets to see you tonight, it would have been my third visit. I will be thinking of you. I am sure it will be a very emotional evening for everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed your performance and also Dennis’s, congrats to the casting Director for putting you too together, you were both very convincing and brilliant. I cried when you sang I am what I am and also when Look over there song was sung too by Dennis, and laughed so much at other times, your timing is just perfect. Thank you so much I shall be looking out for your future work. It would be great if the powers that be record a DVD with the existing cast, I am sure it would be a sell out judging from the reactions of your audiences.
Carole S - 17 01 09 - 14:40
Having seen “la Cage” twice already, once at the Choc Factory and once at The Playhouse, I was lucky enough to see your last perfomance last night. It was a great atmosphere and yet again I throughly enjoyed it.
I laughed and then cried and then laughed again. The muscles in my face are aching this morning, because I can’t stop smiling. I like to wish you all the best with your future projects. I look forward to seeing you in something again soon.
Claire Harrison () - 18 01 09 - 12:39
Hi Doug, I managed to get tickets for your last nights performance, which was my 4th time of seeing the show. Again Doug you were terrific, this show will not be the same, now you are not in it. The Playhouse Theatre was rocking last night,you really went out with a bang. Do you know if a DVD/CD was made of this production with you in it. Also you mention that you are now writing a musical, are you going to appear in it? Keep up the good work, and hopefully see you again soon. Denise
Denise () - 18 01 09 - 12:51
Dear Douglas Hodge
A strong show, finely cast and beautifully staged is what we all hope to find in theatre. When not only do we find it but someone adds real magic to the mix, the experience is quite wonderful. Many, many congratulations on a long-to-be-remembered performance and all good fortune wherever your exceptional and versatile talents take you.
With admiration
David Harrison
David Harrison () - 18 01 09 - 17:39
Hi Douglas
I went to see you in La Cage yesterday (your last day). I went to the Mattena(can;t spell sorry) and i just wanted to say how absolutly brilliant it was. I go and see as many shows as i can at the west end and i can honestly say it was one of the best things i have seen and that was mostly down to your performance and interaction with Denis. I don’t think i have laughed soooo much or wanted to cry so much in one show and so close together. The theatre was fab and really brought an intermacy into the show. I was sat with a couple in their 60’s one side of me who had never heard of the show and a gay american couple the other side of me who had seen it on broadway and both of them thought it was wonderful, if we could of clapped all night we would of :). I just wanted to say thank you so much and well done, as soon as it was over i wanted to see it again and if i could i would of done.
Kate () - 18 01 09 - 19:03
I really enjoyed your last matinee Saturday and am so pleased I managed to get a ticket. You were great as Zaza. I hope your directing project goes well and that you’re back on stage in the near future. Thanks for taking the time to sign the posters.
Margaret () - 18 01 09 - 23:33
Hi, Thanks for such a great show. You and the rest of the cast made it an absolute joy to watch. I have been a fan of La Cage Aux Folles for many years and it is my all time favourite show I have seen it more times than I can remember but this is by far the best production I have seen and you have been by far the best Albin ever (in my opinion). I was only going to see it once in the previews I have now made it 4 times once on a cabaret table and the last time with only three days notice to Saturdays matinee show as I just wanted to see the current cast one more time….... you didn’t disappoint. I am also seeing it twice so far with GN and the new cast who I expect and hope will be equally good. So once again Many Many Many thanks.
Best wishes for your future projects.
Rosemary
Rosie Meek () - 19 01 09 - 09:34
Douglas…
I also went to your ‘final’ performance with Denis on Saturday evening (17 Jan). It was my 4th visit to the show as well; I sat in the front row of the Dress Circle (having sat in A7 of the stalls once – and shaken Denis’s hand in the 2nd act!...and also ‘up in the gods’ before). The production has been a ‘joy’ for me from anywhere I’ve sat in the Playhouse!
May I also thank you for what has been one of the ‘great’ performances I’ve seen in the West End since I returned to England in 1982… I came alone on Saturday night, but brought friends to the previous three ‘outings’; they all have commented that somehow both you and Denis ‘caught’ everything that Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein thought to ‘put into’ the original creation…and, as my good friend Jan said, ‘caught it with bells on!’...
Thank you for a wonderful evening. I ran to the Embankment station and rushed to catch the 2308 departure from KingsX with a smile on my face and a feeling of great joy inside!
I only hope that there is a recording with you doing the show…(fingers crossed). My mate, Rutledge Turnlund (bass player in the ‘La Cage’ ensemble), says he’ll keep me ‘informed’.
All best wishes for your future! And again…thanks for the WONDERFUL memories!
Paul Wilkins () - 19 01 09 - 11:22
Thank you for a wonderful evening, a brilliant show. Just before you left (thank goodness) I went with my family (and my 80 year old aunt, Cage aux Folles is her favourite musical) and what an amazing evening it was. The hightlight for me was your performance. Probably one of the best performances I have ever seen in the west end. You played the part magnificently, with heart and soul, what a mesmorizing performance, you made us laugh one minute and cry the next, particularly in the solo of I am what I am. Bravo! I hope it won’t be long before the we are treated to such fine acting again. Come back soon. Best Actor? Definitely! Have already voted.
sue () - 19 01 09 - 19:32
You were so fantastic in La Cage. I saw it 3 times and wish I could have gone more. Denis was great, and the dancers – amazing. But you were just stunning and I can’t wait to see what you do next:)
Rory () - 19 01 09 - 21:23
So many marvellous plaudits all richly deserved! Best actor? It’s yours! (I’ve voted too!) What more can one say? The rapport and chemistry that developed over the months between you and Denis was wonderful to behold – you both honed it to perfection and were a totally believable couple! I thought I’d seen the best in the late, great Dennis Quilley (whom I was fortunate to count as a friend) and George Hearn at the London Palladium, but you and Denis were, and are, the best of the best! Not only because of the change in social climate from the early 1980s but because you also played it for all it was worth, reflecting for me the courage of the wonderful Quentin Crisp, whom I was privileged to meet whilst working at the Beeb after the showing of The Naked Civil Servant. Your performances on Saturday were just to die for! I was so thrilled to be at both, to have seats at a cabaret table for the matinee and later in the ‘Gods’ for the evening performance (where it was so hot!!)- the theatre was packed to capacity – even the standing tickets were sold out! Many people we spoke with in the evening had also been to the matinee and so enjoyed it they came back for the evening performance, even though many could only get standing tickets!! What a tribute to your talent and, indeed, to the talent of the whole company!! Everyone was superb and the audience euphoric! We heard nothing but praise all around us.
Am now watching you in ‘Unforgiven’ – a tough drama but so well cast! Marvellous!
Hope you’re now getting some well earned rest and relaxation before moving on to your next project – you must be exhausted and it’s important to recharge your batteries!! So please take care!! (It’s your surrogate mother speaking!)
All love, as ever, Pam S.xxx
Pam Stevenson () - 20 01 09 - 12:58
Hi Doug
I’m the woman whom the staff told you I had seen you in the show 10 times – nearly always sitting either at a cabaret table or the front rows – and you very kindly signed a leaflet for me (although they told you my name was Shirley and its Sheila!). I also came to see you at the stage door on the last night to say thank you personally for the gesture. Although you were busy trying to retrieve the messages from your mobile phone you just stood there holding my hand!! I absolutely loved the show and that last night was the best night I have ever had in the theatre – it was absolutely magical – thank you so much. Sheila
Sheila Parry () - 26 01 09 - 09:05
Hi Doug
Thank you so much for your letter & photo, I really do appreciate that, as I know you are very busy. I really enjoyed watching you in Unforgiven, again Doug another brilliant performance from you. If you play any gigs soon, I would love to come and watch with some friends. Keep up the good work Doug, you are doing a brilliant job, and I really hope you win the Best Actor award you really deserve it.
Kind Regards
Denise
Denise () - 31 01 09 - 21:25
Hi there Doug
Ever since I saw you on Capital City & Middlemarch I’ve been a big fan since! I’ve seen you on stage 3x before La Cage Aux Folles, but the most memorable one but only 2nd to La Cage was Caretaker with Michael Gambon. In fact the only reason I saw that was because of you (sorry I’m not keen on Gambon). In fact I’ll go as far to say that if you’re not on it I would have walked out soon after Gambon came on stage…what with all the SHOUTING he did, he really gave me a headache!!! :(
I saw LCAF the 2nd time matinee on your last day, was on row A & did a subtle wave at you while you’re sitting down holding the letter…I thought you looked at me hence the wave or maybe I was just hoping you looked at my direction! lol
Immense excitement, happiness, & sadness that your turn on the Albin/Zaza role is over….such a big shoe to fill that I can’t think of anyone who will be lucky enough to even have such charisma & power to project the character with such conviction.
I know you were on the series Unforgiven but the fact that you’re not in it enough & the story a little so so for me I also managed to see you about 3x. Again if you were not on it I doubt I would have watched it.
So what now Doug, will we see you on TV anytime soon? Anymore stage roles in the pipeline?
Could you please do us your fans a big favour & update us on your projects & even better let us know when you’ll be online so that we can chat directly to you….pleeeasssse!
All the best
Chi
Chi () - 02 02 09 - 16:57
Dear Douglas
Congratulations on your Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical!! Miss coming to see you in La Cage, best theatre experience ever.
Melinda xx
Melinda Wallman () - 03 02 09 - 14:37
CONGRATULATIONS on your Olivier Award nomination – there is a God after all. How on earth does one get a ticket for this event – it would be absolutely wonderful to be there when you receive the award and to listen to your ‘thank you’ speech.
Sheila Parry
Sheila Parry () - 03 02 09 - 17:34
Oh well done you! Many, many congratulations on the nomination and please God you’ll win it! You so deserve to win! We’re all ‘voting’for you!!
Luv
Pam S x
Pam Stevenson () - 04 02 09 - 10:39
Just checked out the Olivier Awards nominations and delighted to see La Cage up for 7 awards – brilliant and so richly deserved – am thrilled for Denis Lawson and Jason Pennycooke too!
Pam S x
Pam Stevenson () - 04 02 09 - 10:52
Just the best show ever !!
3 visits to see you and the slot on the Royal Variety
Performance – tremendous …
Hope you got the Champagne – you should have got a better vintage – but it was just a complete spur of the moment decision.
All the very best to you and your family
Marnie
marnie henderson () - 05 02 09 - 14:20
Doug, I felt every ounce of raw hurt, pride and defiance when I heard you sing I Am What I Am. I never realised what a moving, meaningful and empowering song it can be. I’m not ashamed to say I cried. Thanks ever so much – and all the best with the new musical. Take care. Jack x
Jack Malone () - 20 02 09 - 14:42
hello douglas hodge! ,
just wanted to say, that the night me and my friend saw la cage aux folles and we met u was the last time i saw it before graham norton came to play the role u did so amazingly, breathtakingly well.
i have to say i really do miss you playing Albin.
thank you SO much for writing back on myspace and for my poster which is currently framed, and up on my wall. i just couldnt quite beleive it when i woke up and found the poster in which my dad, robert maskell, had asked you to sign with the biggest peice of writing i could have ever imagined. :D:D
thank u so so much
oh how i wish u could come back to play the role of Albin in La Cage Aux Folles again.
plsplsplspls
lots of thanks
flo
xx
Flo Maskell () - 22 02 09 - 00:05
Congratulations on your Olivier nomination and best wishes for your success. You so much deserve to win for your outstanding and fabulous performance in La Cage. What an actor, what a show.
Tony () - 27 02 09 - 22:38
Hi Doug, just to say my mum & I went to see La cage last night for the 6th time,our 1st time to see Graham Norton. Although Graham was good, he was no way near as good as you, the show was not the same, I really missed seeing you and Dennis. Do you think you will return to play the role of Albin,we both really hope so. I wish you all the best for the Olivier Awards on Sunday, you really deserve Best Actor. Have you any gigs coming up soon? All the best Doug, and I hope to see you again on stage very soon. Kind Regards Denise
Denise () - 04 03 09 - 20:36
MANY COGRATULATIONS DOUG & LA CAGE AUX FOLLES ENSEMBLE …..YOU DID IT!!!!
If there’s anyone worth deserving the title BEST ACTOR IN MUSICAL 2009 IT’S DOUG HODGE!!!!
You’re simply an amazing thespian, singer, performer, (dancer wink)rolled into one!!!
Chi () - 09 03 09 - 11:26
Dear Douglas, I just NEED to thank you a gazillion times for your PERFECT performance in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES!! I keep going back to it on Youtube because your Royal Variety Performance of “I am what I am” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKSnAqsQP.. absolutely STUNNING, never came across anything like it ! Thanks again & again !
kamnowgva () - 09 06 09 - 22:05
Hey Douglas La Cage was one of the few musicals that actually moved me to tears. You are an exceptionally talented actor, please don’t stop!
From Singapore - 08 07 09 - 07:56
Hello Douglas,
Reading all the other plaudits makes me feel a million times better – as I just loved you in La Cage Aux Folles and I’m almost tempted to go to Broadway to see the show again. ( 3 times in London, a record for me.)
I did leave round a box of sweets and a card after you
won the Olivier Award to the people that organize the Ceremony – RICHLY DESERVED.
The show in London is not the same without you – so please do try and come back – I’ll be in the q for a ticket.
Final comment – very sorry to hear about the loss of your Father…..my condolences.
Marnie Henderson
marnie henderson () - 10 07 09 - 14:58