The Mask of the Demon

This is the first episode of the "Father Brown" with Jonathan in it. The Mask of the Demon is on BBC 1 next Monday (4 January) at 13.45 (duration:  44 min). Jonathan as Rex Bishop.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06vrsrl

Plot: Father Brown investigates the murder of a B-movie director when the production of Demon Brides comes to Kembleford.

Would love to see it. Hope it'll be available on the Internet.

Merry Christmas!

Hope you get the best present of all: good cheer and the company of people you love!
Merry Christmas, Jonathan!

Jonathan F. on German channel ZDF neo

Murder in Badger'Drift on Monday 28 December at 21.45 local time
tvmovie.de

On the fourth day of Advent

I wish you peace and prosperity!
Here is one of my favourite black and white pictures.
The one thing I love about black and white pictures is that it allows you to concentrate on the image itself, rather than the color.

On the 3rd Sunday of Advent

I wish good luck and success in your work!

Jonathan at the London's Voice Boutique Christmas party last night

Looking great, Jonathan!

On the second Sunday of Advent...

...and with this romantic picture of Jonathan (I think it's sweet and romantic) I wish you happiness and days filled with cherished moments.

Today is the first Sunday of Advent!

Wish you good health and loads of positive energy!

The Prince and me 2 on German channel Puls 8 (PULS acht)

Watch this romantic comedy this Friday (27 November) at  11.50 local time (if you don't have to go to work on Friday) :)
http://www.tvspielfilm.de/tv-programm/sendung/der-prinz-und-ich-koenigliche-flitterwochen,107083101533.html

Relic Hunter (Possessed episode) on Tele 5 (German channel)

On 5 December at 19.15
http://www.rtv.de/sendungsdetails/9600152/relic-hunter---die-schatzjaegerin.html

A very handsome Jonathan as Eric Dalt

Here JF with Jane March

Jonathan is on BBC Radio 4 Extra

In Search of Lost Time (BBC Radio Six-part drama first broadcasted in February and March of 2005) is available to listen. The Guermantes Way is on air at the moment: (started at 10 a.m.)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0076qkb

Jonathan as a young Marcel Proust

Murder at Badger's Drift next week on Sony Entertainment Channel (German)

Jonathan as Michael Lacey on Friday, 27 November at 10.05
http://www.tvspielfilm.de/tv-programm/sendung/inspector-barnaby-tod-in-badgers-drift,107082876081.html

and http://www.sonyentertainment.tv/schedule
 Here are some screenshots I made years ago:

And from the film set (I didn't photograph this one :) source: Internet)

More news on "Father Brown"

I thought that they`re still filming, but ....

...Father Brown has been finished filming since the week of August 6:

FILMING for the fourth series of award winning BBC One 1950s drama Father Brown, which is shot in and around the Cotswolds, is coming to an end as final scenes from episode 10, The Daughter of Autolycus, are being completed this week….

The fourth series of Father Brown will be aired on television later in the year.

Father Brown

In the Gaslight programme, which I got in Northampton, Jonathan is credited for “Father Brown”.

Father Brown is a British television period drama which began airing on BBC ONE on 14 January 2013. Father Brown (Mark Williams) is about a Roman Catholic priest who embarks on crime-solving, life-saving missions throughout his English village.

I've been searching the Internet ,and I found a couple of set photos, and some information about set location and time (not much).  A fourth season is in the works now, as filming began in June of 2015 at the Gloucester Cathedral.

The first episode of Father Brown season one premiered on BBC One in January. So I hope that the fourth season is also scheduled to make an appearance in January (of 2016).

Would love to see Jonathan in a movie again. Looking forward to it.

"Nuclear Secrets" on German channel Phoenix

On Sunday 22 November 2015 at 1.35

Here Jonathan (as Professor Rudolf Peierls) and Marco Hofschneider (as Assistent Klaus Fuchs)
http://www.tvmovie.de/tv/die-grossen-atomspione-14916795

Harvest of the Sycorax

Just to remind you, that in 2016 the new audio drama "Classic doctors, new monsters" will be released. The "Harvest of the Sycorax" was directed by Barnaby Edwards. Here what he said about this episode:
"... I think Harvest of the Sycorax is one of Sylvester’s strongest performances,” says Edwards. “He’s funny, fast and, when required to be, furious. The Seventh Doctor and the Sycorax make for thrilling adversaries. And the supporting cast are wonderful!”
"Harvest of the Sycorax" cast includes Jonathan :)
http://www.kasterborous.com/2015/09/harvest-sycorax-details-emerge/

Yesterday's short Gaslight review

http://culturaldessert.blogspot.com.ee/2015/11/gaslight-by-patrick-hamilton.html

"...An excellent cast (Jonathan Firth, Tara Fitzgerald, Alexandra Guelff and Paul Hunter) ..."

Gaslight on BBC Radio 2

Theatre critic Mark Lawson talks about different theatrical productions. He watched Gaslight (not on a press night, but later) and he was amazed that the theatre was packed out. Scroll to 1. 35.00 to hear about "tremendous night out in Northampton":

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06jtztj

Good luck on your final performances, Jonathan! Break a leg!

Northamptonshire Telegraph review

http://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/what-s-on/theatre/review-victorian-melodrama-brings-an-evening-of-tension-in-gaslight-at-royal-derngate-1-7023152

"...Jonathan Firth as Jack Manningham gets that combination of plausible charm and cruelty that allows his character to get away with his scheme for so long...."

Theatre blogger's review

http://oughttobeclowns.blogspot.com.ee/2015/10/review-gaslight-royal-and-derngate.html

"...And contrasting that is Fitzgerald’s utterly straight and beautifully voiced performance as the timorous Bella, almost painfully fragile as Jonathan Firth’s marvelously malevolent husband flirts with the servants and tightens the noose....

...The real star of the production though is William Dudley’s brilliantly inventive set design which creates a powerfully atmospheric mood from the off, first reinforcing Bella’s fears as her nerves tremble and then shifting to the more supernatural with some seriously impressive video work (Karl Dixon) to expand the horizons of the haunted house. Chris Davey’s lighting and Mic Pool’s sound also contribute to the creepiness of the mood which ultimately, and surprisingly, makes for an ideal Hallowe’en theatrical treat...."

Daventry Express review

http://www.daventryexpress.co.uk/what-s-on/a-terrifyingly-tense-tale-of-terror-comes-to-the-stage-1-7022764
"...
It’s a perfect show for the time of year as an intense psychological drama hits the stage....
And then the actors take to the stage with the repellent Jack played with pure evil by Jonathan Firth and the timid Bella played superbly by Tara Fitzgerald....
...this show is highly recommended...."

I was reading messages on Twitter the other day and I discovered that people who attended the Gaslight,  really liked the performance, saying it was a great production and fantastic acting. And the Q&A on Monday (26 October) was interesting (questions about production decisions, "actioning").. I wish I could attend it.

British Theatre Guide review

http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/gaslight-northampton-roy-12200

"...in Lucy Bailey’s hands, Gaslight becomes a gripping experience. You are on the edge of your seat throughout. She has given the story a modern feel, making it fresh and vibrant without taking it out of its Victorian setting....
...Jonathan Firth is suitably manipulative as Jack; he taunts his wife, even suggesting she is not as attractive as one of their servants as he exerts a typical Victorian husband’s stranglehold over her..."

Broadway world.com (West End) review

http://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/BWW-Reviews-GASLIGHT-Royal-and-Derngate-October-24-2015-20151024
"...Fitzgerald and Firth are giving excellent performances as the Manninghams - both handling rapid changes in character with aplomb...."

Guardian theatre critic Michael Billington review

http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/oct/25/gaslight-review-taut-psychological-thriller-northampton
(he gave 4 stars, too)
"...Acting is superb..."

More reviews

4 stars from the Stage reviews.co.uk
http://www.stagereviews.co.uk/northampton.html

"...Director Lucy Bailey has assembled a formidable team around her – including trusty designer William Dudley, composer Nell Catchpole and stars Tara Fitzgerald and Jonathan Firth – to create an evening of memorable impact and considerable drama....

...The psychological tussles between Fitzgerald and Firth, too, are emphatically a success. It’s easy to see how Hamilton’s dialogue, written in the 1930s, could sound stilted and strange to modern ears, but the pair both find meaning and sense in their repeated phrases and awkwardly-constructed sentences, adding a layer of additional complexity to the already tangled relationship between them....

...Without giving away crucial plot twists, Fitzgerald evokes Bella Manningham’s descent into madness with acuity and painful realism, while Firth, as her husband Jack, lurches persuasively from charm personified to terrifying intimidation at a moment’s notice. Their devastating interactions lie at the heart of this powerful production, and Bailey quite rightly gives them full throttle...."

There will be a post-show talk back following the Monday evening performance (October, 26). I would like to be a fly on the wall in that "Talk Back". Would like to see and hear what will be said.

I'm back

It doesn't take a lot of time to travel from London to Northampton. This journey took about an hour by train. 

    Royal and Derngate is an amazing beautiful theatre. I watched the Saturday matinee performance of "Gaslight". I sat in the stalls, and from here the view was excellent. William Dudley's set is amazing, set in a four storied house in Victorian London. Sound design by Mic Pool and video projection were great, set lighting by Chris Davey created on stage the look and feel of the late afternoon, a time which Hamilton notes as being the time "before the feeble dawn of gaslight and tea". In some review it was written that from the moment you sit down in the theatre, the clever set design draws you into Bella's world of insanity. It is true. It felt like you're a part of this performance: an observer, a drama witness. All of Gaslight is successful, from the set, the lighting design, the costumes, the script, and the cast. I found this a spooky dark psychological thriller-play.

    The timid Bella played superbly by Tara Fitzgerald. And her monstrous husband Jack played by Jonathan. He's playing a cruel, threatening, manipulative character. Sometimes he IS scary, and sometimes he is charming, and flirtatious. Jonathan's had a few sinister roles before, he's a pro villain, he knows how to play the bad guy and he does it perfectly. He knows how to use his voice, how to move on stage. He fills out the stage with his presence. I think it's a physically and emotionally draining role and Jon is superb as Jack Manningham.

    I left Northampton the same day. I declare myself the unluckiest person in the world, because I haven't met Jonathan (again :(, haven't got a chance to see him after the performance. But I enjoyed the play and my trip to Northampton and beautiful London.

P.S. This is my opinion of the play, it might differ from yours. I liked it.

I just came back from Northampton to the hotel I'm staying at in London. I watched the Saturday matinee performance of "Gaslight". What can I say? I was blown away by play and actors. A big round of applause to you, Jonathan, for your excellent performance!!! P.S. I haven't met Jonathan in person. Unfortunately:(

4 stars from the Dailymail

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/reviews/article-3285736/Tara-sends-chills-spine-Gaslight-marvellous-melodrama-writes-QUENTIN-LETTS.html

Libby Purves's review who...

according to her Twitter page ...Writes (novels once, journalism always, theatre reviews formerly on Times, nowhttp://theatrecat.com . Radio 4 Midweek presenter for 30 years, not sacked yet).

She attended this Thursday matinee.    http://theatrecat.com/
"...But this is the original play, realized with gleeful relish by director Lucy Bailey, and a quite brilliant set by William Dudley. ...

...poor Bella (beautifully played straight and poignantly wounded by Tara Fitzgerald) is clearly a tormented victim of a Jonathan Firth who as Jack feels more like something out of Orton or Pinter in their nastier moods. It’s chillingly realistic, and very true to Hamilton’s novelistic vision in its uncompromising portrait of emotional bullying....."

Theatre review from express.co.uk (4 stars)

Today's review
http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/theatre/613828/theatre-review-Gaslight-Royal-and-Derngate-Northampton

"...Its Victorian setting and pulp fiction plot masks an intense study in malevolent manipulation as the evil Jack Manningham (Jonathan Firth, younger brother of Colin) tries to drive his fragile wife Bella (Tara Fitzgerald) insane through a process of psychological attrition.

He’s a nasty piece of work, flirting with the promiscuous maid Nancy (Alexandra Guelff) and leaving his wife alone at night as he indulges his taste for unemployed actresses....

...Apart from Fitzgerald and Firth, who are very well paired and deliver the overheated goods without melodramatic camp, the big attraction is William Dudley’s amazing set...."

Markham, Froggatt and Irwin agency wished good luck to Jonathan on Twitter (on a Press night)...

"Flickering gaslight and creaking floorboards in the Press night for Jonathan Firth... keep your wits about you!"

Here is another review from a theatregoer, who saw this play on Wednesday the 21

https://therealchrisparkle.wordpress.com/2015/10/22/review-gaslight-royal-and-derngate-northampton-21st-october-2015/
"... the scenes between Jack and Bella were superb; a really fantastic study of the chilling domination of one person over another....Jonathan Firth is also superb as the calculating and cruel Jack, really using the pace and control of his voice both to dominate and to lull Bella into a false sense of security. It’s a beautifully understated characterisation of evil – it wouldn’t surprise me if he committed any appalling act he wanted....."

The Guardian gave 3 stars

http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/oct/22/gaslight-review-tara-fitzgerald-royal-derngate-northampton?CMP=twt_a-stage_b-gdnstage

"...When Jonathan Firth’s Jack Manningham smiles, it’s like watching a boa constrictor contemplate its supper..."

First reviews from yesterday's Press night

http://www.northampton-news-hp.co.uk/Review-Gaslight-Royal-Derngate-Northampton/story-28023653-detail/story.html
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The Stage gave 4 stars (out of 5):
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2015/gaslight-review-at-royal-and-derngate-northampton-authentic-revival-of-bone-chilling-melodrama/?utm_content=bufferf5c93&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

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Whats On Stage.com gave 4 stars as well:
http://www.whatsonstage.com/northampton-theatre/reviews/gaslight-royal-and-derngate-northampton_38988.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=21oct2015

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Here is a very nice review from a theatregoer, who saw preview last Friday and gave 4,5 stars: ".....it's an excellent performance provided by the strong cast..." Some words about Jonathan:..."he totally monstrous Jack. Playing him is Jonathan Firth and this is a wonderfully creepy performance with switches in manner perfectly controlled. Never knowing from one moment which Jack you are going to get leaves both his wife and the audience on edge. He also looks the part as a Victorian chap as well..."

http://asmallmindatthetheatre.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/review-of-patrick-hamiltons-gaslight-at.html

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This review is from the Northampton Chronicle and Echo:
"... Jonathan Firth as Jack Manningham gets that combination of plausible charm and cruelty that allows his character to get away with his scheme for so long...."
http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/what-s-on/theatre/review-victorian-melodrama-brings-an-evening-of-tension-in-gaslight-at-royal-derngate-1-7023152

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The Times gave 4 stars (but, unfortunately, you need to be subscribed, if you want to read this article)

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/stage/theatre/article4592141.ece
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4 stars from the thereviewshub.com, calling the "Gaslight" -".... a great melodrama, intriguing, engrossing, recommended... cleverly-written script....at the heart of the production are two powerful performances: Tara Fitzgerald... Opposite is Jonathan Firth as a cruel and domineering Jack, threatening and cajoling in equal measure as he exploits Bella’s situation for his own ends. His strong physical presence on the stage complements his manipulative character well.
http://www.thereviewshub.com/gaslight-royal-derngate-northampton/

Dress Rehearsal photographs for "Gaslight" opening tonight at Royal and Derngate! (Good luck to the cast and crew!)

Photos by idil Sukan
https://www.facebook.com/RoyalandDerngate?ref=hl

"Gaslight" opens tomorrow!

Watch this short trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXyIcuzm69Q

here are screenshots from this video:

The "Gaslight" premiere is tomorrow. Well, brake a leg, Jonathan!

An article from the British Theatre Guide

http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/news/tara-to-shine-in-gaslight-in-n-5400

Stunning rehearsal photographs for "Gaslight"

I like black and white photos...

P.S. I think the beard suits Jonathan so well. :)
Photos by Idil Sukan
https://www.facebook.com/RoyalandDerngate?ref=hl

The set for "Gaslight" is getting ready

Gaslight trailer

R&G Theatre has been filming a "Gaslight" trailer yesterday. Here are Jonathan F. and Tara Fitzgerald filming.

Happy Teacher's Day!

Happy Teacher's Day to all teachers in the world! Happy Teacher's day to you, Jonathan and have a good time at rehearsals!!!

Jonathan's on a theatre stage

Great news! Jonathan is on stage again. He is to star as Jack Manningham in Royal and Derngate's production of Patrick Hamilton's classic Victorian thriller "Gaslight", which plays on Northampton's Royal stage from Friday 16 October to Saturday 7 November.

http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/Productions/125364/193193/Gaslight?view=Standard

Would like to see some rehearsal photos :) and more information about this production.

Jonathan as Cadwallader

It's always nice to have some news about Jonathan, because we don't hear much about him.
 The new "Doctor Who" audio-drama story will be released in 2016. Jon will be playing a Cadwallader in the "Harvest of the Sycorax".

https://www.bigfinish.com/news/v/doctor-who-sylvester-the-sycorax

Jonathan F.'s on German TV channel

If you live in Germany or have the Sixx channel, you can watch J.F. in one of the Ghost Whisperer episodes "Miss Fortune" on August 4 at 17.25 (local time). http://www.sixx.de/tv-programm#

I hope that your summer is going well

In order to have a good summer, you don't have to travel (!but i think that travel is the best way to spend your vacation). You just need to stay active, occupied. If you're working .... look at this picture and think of something pleasant :)

I hope you'll have a wonderful summer, Jonathan!!!

(June 2015, Turkey)

Jonathan's on BBC Radio 4 Extra in "The French Lieutenant's Woman"

Two episodes are available for the next 21 days.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00hhn1j

Summer's almost here, time to enjoy warm evenings.(I wish the weather would get warmer :( . Have a sunny summer filled with lots of fun!!!

Smile...

It's just a nice picture of a young Jonathan :)

New History documentary

A new history documentary film "Nelson In His Own Words" hosted by Jonathan was released on 27 Feb 2015. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b054v8dl

I've missed it :(, unfortunately. It was broadcasted in March and April, the 4th. Here is a short clip

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02kyrkw

I'm really grateful to the person who uploaded it on youtube :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpY5BFnwlpo

Jonathan gave a masterclass today at NYFA (talking about acting and making films)

Lovely to see him working...:)

I wish the very warmest, very happiest of birthdays now and for years to come to the greatest actor and person, to Jonathan F.!!!

Hope you'll have an absolutely wonderful day!

Dear Jonathan, I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart and hope all your dreams come true.Never stop doing what you love! xo

More pictures :)

From the "Runaway Bride" filming (in February)

As I see, Film making is extremely difficult, but interesting process (even if it's a short film), which involves a large number of people.

Jon was having a great time with his students in a pub after the film shooting last week

Another picture from the film set

I've always wanted to be on a movie set. (Hope someday I will be). Even as just the fly on the wall :) Just to watch, to observe. Even if the film location is ...toilet :)

Here is another picture of Jonathan filming showreels

Watch this film reels directed by Jonathan F.

source: youtube.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXuJqHQsRkw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMA_-ZGFbIs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Taew2N1mjAE

Jonathan with his students (February/March)

Jonathan directs his students :)

This picture is from one of his student's Twitter accounts. Jon is looking great!

Jonathan on TV

Midsomer Murders (The Killings at Badger's Drift) tomorrow at 8.00 p.m. on ITV3 (24 February)

http://www.tvguide.co.uk/detail/296747/105834380/midsomer-murders#.VOtIKnyUeAk