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00:01Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats for a very special performance.
00:07Yes, on today's Bargain Hunt we're celebrating 50 years of the Olivier Awards.
00:12They're the highest honour in British theatre, celebrating the very best of the West End.
00:18To be or not to be? That is the question.
00:23But who will be taking centre stage on the red and blue teams today?
00:27These top West End actors will be going head to head in a very different arena as they go hunting
00:35for antiques.
00:36And later I'll be learning some of the best kept secrets of one of London's most iconic theatres.
00:42Oh wow, this just is magnificent.
00:47But first it's time to raise the curtain. Let's go bargain hunting!
01:16Today's matinee performance is at this bustling antiques fair in Declan, Kent.
01:21Our teams of actors will have one hour and £300 to spend on some dazzling antiques to sell at auction.
01:28But will they be as good at shopping as they are at learning their lines? Let's meet them.
01:35And I can reveal that the red team are Leslie Joseph and Peter Polycarpoo.
01:44Leslie is best known for playing Dorian in the hit 90s series Birds of a Feather and also has a
01:51glittering West End career.
01:52Her team mate Peter appeared alongside her in Birds of a Feather and has starred in many top theatre productions.
01:58Both have been nominated for Olivier Awards.
02:02I'm Leslie.
02:03And I'm Peter.
02:04And whether you like it or not blues, we're going to win!
02:08Well, they seem confident.
02:11Let's see who they're up against.
02:13And for the blue team, it is Gary Wilmot and Henry Goodman.
02:20Gary rose to fame on TV's new faces.
02:23He's acted in and directed many London theatre productions and has been nominated for an Olivier Award.
02:31Team mate Henry is known for TV shows like Yes Prime Minister and he's won two Olivier Awards for Best
02:37Actor.
02:39I'm Gary.
02:40I'm Henry.
02:41We're a competitive pair.
02:42With a dazzling flair.
02:45This promises to be quite the drama.
02:48Let's get this show on the road.
02:50Hello, bargain hunters!
02:52The man himself.
02:54I can feel the excitement.
02:57Can't wait.
02:58Well, this is a very different stage for you guys, isn't it?
03:01Yeah, very different.
03:02It's about the right size.
03:04Now, Gary, you're all West End old hands here.
03:08Does that prepare you for bargain hunting?
03:10Absolutely not.
03:13Now, Leslie, it's just you today.
03:15You're not playing someone else.
03:17Does that make you feel nervous?
03:18No, not at all.
03:19Because I absolutely love these sort of fairs.
03:22I love them.
03:23Well, you are raring to go.
03:24But what you do need, of course, is money to spend.
03:28Yes.
03:28So, there you go.
03:30Very much all lovely lovely.
03:31£300.
03:31Who was responsible this night?
03:33Wow.
03:34I'll take the money.
03:35Well, Gary's hand was out first.
03:37So, Gary gets the money.
03:38All right, great.
03:39Now, of course, you do need a challenge.
03:41Leslie, you're going to take that?
03:42I will.
03:43There's Henry, I think, for you.
03:44All right.
03:45And last but not least, you need an expert.
03:48So, for the Reds, we've got the one and the only,
03:53Mark Stacey!
03:55Yay!
03:56Peter!
03:56Good to see you.
03:57Leslie.
03:58How are you, darling?
03:59And we have, for the Blues, the delectably wonderful...
04:03Kate Bliss!
04:04Hello, gentlemen!
04:06Hello!
04:07Well, we've as good as one.
04:09Oh!
04:10Right, you've got everything you need.
04:12Off you go!
04:13Yay!
04:14Come on, then.
04:15Let's go.
04:16Well, let's hope they bring the house down.
04:18Time to open up those envelopes.
04:21And today, I decided to set both teams the same challenge.
04:25And the winner is...
04:27An item with a connection to stage or screen.
04:30Ooh.
04:31Ooh.
04:33Right, teams.
04:34Break a leg.
04:35Time starts now.
04:37Come on.
04:38Go on.
04:38I can't wait.
04:39Great!
04:40We're on the clock.
04:41Our actors are up and running.
04:43And the Reds are already thinking about my challenge.
04:46They're Charles Dickens' character bookends.
04:48What price are they?
04:49£60.
04:50£60.
04:51I mean, they're lovely.
04:52But they wouldn't make anything.
04:54I'm not sure they would, no.
04:55They look very heavy.
04:57Are they heavy?
04:57That's Mr Pickwick look.
04:59But come on, if they're not going to be any good,
05:01we don't want to waste time.
05:02Well said, Leslie.
05:04The Blues have also spotted something from stage or screen.
05:08Now, that's very synonymous with beer today, isn't it?
05:10Yes, that is really nice.
05:11A champagne bucket.
05:11So, champagne bucket, but also...
05:13I mean, obviously, you wouldn't wear it, but it's...
05:15I don't know.
05:16It suits you.
05:16Yeah, I know.
05:17It's rather lovely.
05:18Is that like pewter or something?
05:19I think it's just plated.
05:21But...
05:21Hi.
05:22How much is that?
05:2395.
05:24Polished aluminium.
05:25Oh, it's aluminium, is it?
05:27It's really heavy, isn't it?
05:28Do you think the link to stage and screen is...
05:31It's only champagne.
05:31It's a bit tenuous, isn't it?
05:33Well, if it was Fred Astaire top hat, you know.
05:36Yeah.
05:37Yes.
05:37I guess, yeah.
05:38We might be able to find the top hat.
05:39That's a movie.
05:40Shall we have a think?
05:41We'll have a think about it.
05:42Yes.
05:42So, the hat goes back.
05:44One of the reds spotted.
05:46That's lovely, that French art deco evening purse.
05:49It's really sweet.
05:50Can we have a look at that?
05:51Yes.
05:52How much is it? 48?
05:53Everything's negotiable.
05:54Yes, it is.
05:55Oh!
05:56That's what we like to hear.
05:57Just wondering whether.
05:59Now, how does that open?
06:01The bottom bit, is it?
06:02Yes.
06:03No, there we are.
06:04A little clasp.
06:04Now, what would that have been used for, do you think?
06:07It's something you might take to a board or the opera and you would keep your, well,
06:12if it's friendship, go with coin or, you know, sovereign or something inside it.
06:16Okay.
06:16And it's brass, I think, isn't it?
06:18Yes, it must have been.
06:19Engraved brass.
06:20I like that a lot.
06:21It's a shame it didn't have an actress's name or something on there.
06:25Yeah.
06:25Then we could have met a challenge, because we have got that challenge.
06:28But that's also the original chain on there.
06:31It looks like.
06:31Is that something we should ask him to hold on to for this?
06:33Well, I think you could ask him his best price first.
06:36Yes.
06:36What is his best price?
06:37It could be 35.
06:3935.
06:39So that's 35.
06:40You can go to 30, maybe.
06:43Yeah, I could do 30.
06:43You could do 30.
06:44That would be the best.
06:45Tell you what, should we keep this?
06:46Can we hold on to that?
06:48Of course we can.
06:48We're very interested in that.
06:51The brass cushion purse goes on the back burner.
06:54This way looks like...
06:55Yes, okay.
06:56Right, come on, let's go.
06:57And while the Reds continue their quest, what's caught Gary's eye?
07:03Ooh, I've seen the word theatre on the front of a programme, or what is that?
07:08Look at that, what date is that?
07:101928.
07:11Are they programmes then, is that what they are?
07:13Theatre Review.
07:15Oh, look at those, so sweet.
07:17I thought, Mr Horsebook.
07:19So there's a whole box of them.
07:20There's a box of them here, yeah, yeah.
07:21So they're like, yes, they're like reviews, aren't they?
07:24They're like little magazines from the time.
07:26The Festival Theatre Review.
07:28The Festival Theatre Review.
07:29That certainly answers the connection with...
07:31Well, it does, that would...
07:32Is it Cambridge?
07:33Cambridge, the festival here at Cambridge.
07:35Ah, you think Cambridge.
07:36There we are, look.
07:37Next week is As You Like It.
07:40Have you ever done As You Like It?
07:41No, I've never done As You Like It.
07:43No.
07:43And they fulfil the challenge, it's just whether they're going to make any money.
07:46Shall we find out how much they are?
07:47Yeah, let's find out how much they are.
07:49They're a fiver each.
07:51They're a fiver each!
07:51A fiver each!
07:53So we've got a whole box, let's get the box out.
07:58A fiver each!
08:00We want one in good condition.
08:02The Devil's Disciple.
08:03And the birds is Aristophanes, so that's Greek.
08:06The Devil's Disciple.
08:08The Devil's Disciple.
08:09Let's have that one.
08:10That one?
08:11It is beautiful and...
08:12Yes, I think so.
08:14Yes?
08:14Yeah, let's go with that one.
08:15So...
08:16Lovely.
08:17Here's the thing, sir.
08:19If we just took one, fiver?
08:21Yeah.
08:22Thank you so much.
08:23Yeah.
08:23Well, great.
08:24Good work, Blues.
08:2525 minutes into the shop and that's my challenge ticked off for just £5.
08:30Sorted.
08:31Brilliant.
08:31Right, onwards.
08:32Back with the Reds and Lesleys in her element.
08:35Oh, they're Dickens characters.
08:38They all are, yeah.
08:38Oh, for God's sake.
08:39This is getting too much for me.
08:41Oh, my goodness.
08:43I love them.
08:45Aren't you?
08:45How much are they?
08:4730 each.
08:48Oh.
08:4930?
08:49Well, they are lovely, but...
08:51Yes.
08:51We have a budget, really.
08:53What are they made of?
08:54Metal silver-plated.
08:56Silver-plated?
08:57I just think they may...
08:59OK.
08:59...struggle in the zone.
09:01Let's move on.
09:01That drives you very much.
09:02I'm afraid that will take up our entire budget.
09:04Above our budget.
09:05What's that?
09:06Put it down, Peter.
09:07OK.
09:09While Mark cracks the whip, Henry's talking tactics with the Blues.
09:13I think we could focus on our big spend.
09:16Yeah.
09:16Yeah, I think so too.
09:17The big one.
09:18Great.
09:18The big one.
09:19The big one.
09:20Meanwhile, Lesley and Peter have finally found something promising for my stage or screen challenge.
09:26A skull priced at £85.
09:29Hamlet.
09:29Hamlet.
09:30That's the skulls.
09:31We couldn't get anything better than...
09:33That would suit the brief.
09:35Well, I think it's wisdom, isn't it?
09:37It certainly would fit.
09:38Fit our bill, but not for £85.
09:41But what would you use it for?
09:42If you think people are into gothic, you know, I mean, it's an interior design piece, really.
09:48It is.
09:49Talk to the head.
09:52Hello, how are you?
09:54We can ask what the best price is.
09:56While the Reds get a price on the skull, it's time for an interval.
10:01Stop having a good time.
10:03Interval.
10:04I heard your trousers coming from over there.
10:06So, how's it been then, Gary?
10:08I think it's pretty good.
10:09We're having a ball, aren't we?
10:10We're having a nice time.
10:11Two more items to buy, so you're going to have to really get going here.
10:15Break a leg!
10:16Oh, break a leg.
10:17I like that.
10:18Back to the Reds, and there's news on the skull.
10:21Two less to buy £65.
10:23Could you go £60?
10:25£60 quid.
10:26Well, look, there you go.
10:27There you go.
10:27£60 quid.
10:28We've got, like, £25 quid off that.
10:29What do we think?
10:29I think it's great fun.
10:31Who dares wins, Leslie?
10:33So, shall we do it?
10:34Yeah.
10:35I think we should.
10:36Shall we go find...?
10:37Shall we?
10:38That's it.
10:38Well done, Reds.
10:40You've bagged your first buy.
10:41And at £60, the Reds in Skull also meets my stage and screen challenge.
10:46Time to pop in with some half-time treats.
10:50Lights up, it's interval time!
10:53Whoa!
10:53There we go.
10:54You scared me, then.
10:55Oh, my goodness.
10:56Oh, lovely, yeah.
10:57Are you spending lots of money, Leslie?
11:00Well, we haven't done our big spend yet.
11:02Oh, no.
11:03And that's really important.
11:04I'm sure we need to get going.
11:05Yeah, so stop talking to us so we can get on and do a bit of shopping.
11:09Good luck.
11:11Right, teams.
11:12Time to get your heads back in the game.
11:15Kate has spotted something special for the Blues.
11:17I have just found a little bit of jewellery, actually.
11:21This is in silver, but it's the stone that's quite interesting.
11:25So, this is...
11:26Well, do you know what it is?
11:27It's not quartz, is it?
11:28It's not quartz.
11:29It's actually called Blue John.
11:32Blue John?
11:32Yeah.
11:33Blue John is a rare and highly valued mineral found only in the caverns of Castledon, Derbyshire.
11:40The name Blue John is believed to come from the French words bleu and jaune,
11:45or blue and yellow reflecting the predominant colours of the mineral.
11:49This is actually quite a large slice of it in this pendant.
11:53And then we've got a mother of pearl back.
11:55Oh, wow.
11:56And how much is that?
11:56So, it's marked at 150.
11:59Yeah.
11:59She's come down to 120.
12:02If it was under the 100, I'd say definitely go for it.
12:06And Blue John, it might be a good omen for the blue.
12:08Oh, Blue John.
12:08Oh, I see what you did there.
12:10Yes.
12:11Yeah.
12:11Shall I go and see what I can do?
12:13I think that would be good a bit.
12:14You carry on shopping.
12:14I'll catch you up.
12:15It's a great find.
12:17Okay.
12:17See you in a bit.
12:19Wow.
12:20Work your magic, Kate.
12:23Meanwhile, the Reds have seen a bracelet.
12:25It's a very pretty thing, though, isn't it?
12:27So, who's this by?
12:29David Anderson.
12:30Oh, well, David Anderson.
12:31I mean, he and people like Jorg Jensen.
12:34Yes.
12:35They are the big names.
12:36What it looks like to me is silver and guilloche enamel.
12:41Oh.
12:41So, little silver sections are engraved.
12:44Yes.
12:44And then you have that lovely translucent enamel going over the top.
12:49Is it going to be out of our league?
12:50No, Mark.
12:51Well, it's only one way to ask.
12:53We don't know how much it is, do we?
12:54Leslie.
12:55While Leslie asks the dealer for a best price,
12:59Kate has got an update on the Blue John Pendant.
13:01Found you.
13:02Hey.
13:03So, the very best on the pendant, the death, as we say, is 98.
13:09Oh, well, that's good.
13:11So, I think it's a gamble.
13:13I like it.
13:14I like it, too, as well.
13:15For the big spend.
13:16Why don't we get that one in the bag and then we can carry on.
13:20Absolutely.
13:20That's a great idea.
13:21We're doing well.
13:21Yeah, yeah.
13:22Eyes everywhere.
13:24Well done, blues.
13:26At 98 pounds, the Blue John Pendant is your second buy and big spend.
13:31So, we've done the challenge, we've done the big spend, now we can buy anything we like.
13:35Anything.
13:36Can we buy balloons?
13:36Yes.
13:37Balloons.
13:37Balloons, yeah.
13:38I like balloons.
13:39While Gary looks for balloons, how are the reds getting on?
13:43Yes.
13:44Smiling very nicely.
13:45Yes.
13:46What is it?
13:46The retail on is 225.
13:49Oh.
13:50However.
13:51However.
13:51I would let you have that for 180.
13:55What have we spent so far?
13:5760.
13:5760.
13:58You could twist my arm a little bit.
14:01To 150?
14:02I could do 150.
14:03150?
14:04I could do 150.
14:04For 150, that sounds like a good deal to me.
14:08Okay, he's whispering, let's buy it.
14:10Is it?
14:10Is it?
14:11It's like an evil spirit on your shoulder.
14:13Do you think he'd take it down to 150?
14:17Yeah.
14:17You can try.
14:19Hello.
14:20Sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet person.
14:22I can't look.
14:23I'm just going to ask if you would do it to 140 and then we'd buy it here, now and
14:28everywhere.
14:31As I still remember you singing like a virgin.
14:34It creases me up every time I sing.
14:36140 is fine.
14:38Yay!
14:39Wow, that's quite something, Leslie.
14:41Thank you so much.
14:43Great job, Leslie.
14:44That's your second item sorted.
14:46£140 for the David Anderson bracelet, which also ticks off the big spend.
14:51Well done, Leslie.
14:53With 20 minutes to go, it's two all.
14:56Hey, look.
14:57It's a bowler hat.
14:58Over to you, Gary.
15:00I'll do this for you.
15:03Whoa!
15:06He's a showman.
15:08He's a showman.
15:09How much is it?
15:1038.
15:11You can ask best price just in case you'll do it for a fiver.
15:14We've got plenty of time.
15:14Good idea, Kate.
15:16See what you can do.
15:18Meanwhile, Mark spotted some colourful tiles.
15:21These are from a little town outside Guildford called Compton.
15:25George Frederick Ross.
15:27Very well known in the arts and crafts movement.
15:30They're incredibly there.
15:31The colours are so vibrant.
15:33How much is the plan?
15:35The one at the top right.
15:36Yes.
15:37That one is 500.
15:38Yes.
15:39And then going down to 395.
15:41Yes.
15:42395.
15:42And this one's 249.
15:44I mean, they're incredibly rare.
15:45Right, we can't buy those.
15:47They're too expensive.
15:48But they're lovely.
15:48No, they're stunning.
15:49Pretty but pricey.
15:51Move on.
15:52What's the news on the bowler hat, Kate?
15:55Well, the stall holder says she'll do it for a cheeky £16.
16:00Oh, she's done.
16:01That's got 38 on it, though.
16:02I know.
16:03OK.
16:03If we buy that, that's our last.
16:05It is.
16:06So if we can give ourselves a little bit more time.
16:08Yeah.
16:09I think, Henry, have a quick look.
16:10Yeah.
16:10Keep this up our sleeve.
16:12And quickly have a look.
16:13Quick.
16:13OK, brilliant.
16:14We'll have a think.
16:16As the clock ticks down, the blues are having a final look around.
16:20And the reds are doing the same.
16:21I haven't seen anything I like quite as much as that little reserved purse.
16:26What do you think?
16:26I think it's a good choice.
16:27I think so.
16:28OK.
16:28And then you've left me £70.
16:29£70.
16:30Yeah.
16:31As the reds head back to the brass cushion purse, Henry has spotted some candlesticks.
16:37They're Art Deco.
16:38Yeah.
16:38And the chrome plating, of course, they loved in the 30s.
16:42But I'm not sure whether they are later.
16:46There's its big brother there, look.
16:48Yeah.
16:49They're a bit bigger too, aren't they?
16:50How much are those?
16:52Is it two?
16:53Yeah, there's two, yeah.
16:55£55 for those.
16:57£55.
16:57So I could do £40 on those, £30 on those.
17:00Is that best?
17:02They're absolutely even for Gary.
17:04Or maybe £35 because it's Gary.
17:06There we go.
17:07£35.
17:08I'm not sure there's a profit in them at that.
17:10OK.
17:11Good, good, good.
17:12You couldn't do any better than that for those.
17:16£25 on those ones.
17:18£25.
17:18That's the deal then, yeah.
17:19So those are the bowler hat?
17:21I think they've got more chance than the bowler hat.
17:24Oh, you couldn't do a cheeky £20.
17:26Or £19 actually.
17:30Go on, I can do a super cheeky £19.
17:32Then they're there, yeah.
17:33Yes.
17:34Sold.
17:34Yes, sold.
17:36Thank you very, very much.
17:37Thank you very much indeed.
17:38Great haggling, Kate.
17:40The Blues are all shopped up.
17:42£19 for the Art Deco candlesticks with just four minutes to spare.
17:46Let's go have a cup of tea, shall we?
17:48I'm gasping.
17:49While the Blues put their feet up...
17:51I can't keep up with her.
17:53I can't.
17:55..Leslie's on a mission.
17:56She's running back to that brass purse.
18:00Are we still there?
18:01Yes.
18:01Hooray, hello.
18:03We're still here.
18:04Oh, wonderful.
18:05That's it.
18:06And the best price was £30?
18:07It is, yes.
18:08£30.
18:09Thank you so much.
18:10Thank you very much.
18:11Well done, Reds, just in the nick of time.
18:14That's your third and final item, a brass cushion purse for £30.
18:19Teams, what a performance.
18:22Take a bow.
18:25Shopping is over.
18:27A BAFTA-winning performance.
18:28Oh, absolutely.
18:29I think you mean Olivier's performance.
18:32Oh, look, let's just cut to the chaser's head, Oscar.
18:35Fair enough.
18:36Let's remind ourselves what the red team apport.
18:40They kicked things off with the resin skull for £60,
18:43meeting my challenge to find an item with a connection to stage or screen.
18:49Next, they bought the David Anderson enamel bracelet for £140,
18:53which was their big spend.
18:56And their final buy was the brass cushion purse for £30.
19:02Gosh, you took that almost to the wire there, Lesley.
19:06Two and a half minutes, I know.
19:07Peter, which item is going to make the most money in auction?
19:10Look, if I'm being really honest, I think it's my favourite item,
19:12the David Anderson bracelet, so that's the one for me.
19:14OK, Lesley, your favourite item.
19:17Which one would you love to take home yourself?
19:20Erm, I'd love a little purse.
19:21It's beautifully put together and I love it.
19:24And do you think that's the item that's going to make the most money?
19:26No. Oh!
19:27No, I don't.
19:29I think the bracelet will make the most money.
19:31So, how much money did you spend in total?
19:33230.
19:34230, so £70 left over.
19:37Yes.
19:37Mark Stacey can do a lot of damage with £70.
19:40Well, here it is, and there, do the damage.
19:42I will.
19:44What do you have in mind, Mark?
19:46Something small, eastern and charming.
19:49Oh, small, eastern and charming.
19:51I haven't looked in the mirror recently, but there you go.
19:53Well, while Mark goes in search of his bonus buy,
19:56let's remind ourselves what the blue team have bought.
19:59Their first buy was this 1920s theatre review for just £5,
20:04which met my challenge.
20:06Their second item was the big spend, £98 for the Blue John pendant.
20:12And they wrapped up their shop with this pair of Art Deco chrome candlesticks
20:16for £19.
20:19Well, how was that, blue team?
20:21It was fantastic.
20:22Really, really good.
20:22What a lot of fun.
20:23Now, Henry, which is your favourite item?
20:25I have to say the wonderful, characterful programme.
20:29Oh.
20:29The theatre review programme.
20:31Gary, what about you?
20:32I have to say ditto, exactly the same.
20:34It's charming.
20:34And, of course, that was your challenge item,
20:36something with a connection to stage or screen.
20:39Which item is going to make the most in auction?
20:42Well, the magnificent insight of Kate found us
20:44this beautiful necklace on a silver chain.
20:48Well, Kate Bliss knows what she's doing, so you might be right.
20:51No pressure.
20:53And, Gary, what about you?
20:54Which item will make the most profit in auction?
20:57Oh, the same.
20:57The necklace.
20:58And, of course, that's the big spend, Kate.
20:59That's the big spend.
21:01Come on, Gary.
21:01You're the money man.
21:02How much did you spend?
21:03We spent 122.
21:06122.
21:07Kate, that leaves you with £178.
21:10That's a lot.
21:11Well, Gary, can you give Kate £178?
21:13Yes, I can.
21:14Yes.
21:15Look at that.
21:16What's on your mind?
21:16I have seen something very stylish with a good name.
21:20Oh.
21:21Well, while Kate goes in search of her bonus buy,
21:24I'm going to take a peek behind the curtain of a historic theatre.
21:39Most of us know all about the Oscars and the BAFTAs, recognising talent from the world of TV and film.
21:46But what about those who tread the boards in our theatres?
21:51Well, they don't miss out, because they're recognised by the coveted Olivier Awards, named after the great British actor Laurence
22:01Olivier in 1984.
22:04The awards were established 50 years ago by what was then known as the Society of West End Theatres.
22:10Winners received a Wedgwood Urn, glamorously nicknamed an Ernie.
22:14But thanks to Laurence Olivier's success, the awards were renamed after him in 1984.
22:20And today's winners are given a bronze trophy of the man himself.
22:24To learn more about the glittering West End world, I've come to visit the iconic Gielgud Theatre,
22:31right in the heart of Soho.
22:34Where Laurence Olivier performed many times during his early career.
22:38And my guide for today is Chief Operating Officer Billy Deffer.
22:46Oh, wow, Billy, this just is magnificent.
22:51It is so terribly glamorous, isn't it? Ornate, with the colours, the gold and the rich velvet red.
22:58And then that chandelier is truly spectacular.
23:02Well, like the rest of the building, it was designed by William Sprague, who was better known as WGR Sprague.
23:10And he was an architect that was very prolific and did lots of theatres and music halls, mainly in London.
23:18He's done a lot here.
23:19And has it changed a lot over the years?
23:22Not really, but it has been modified and restored back to its former glory.
23:28When was the original building built?
23:30So it was built in 1906 and it was called the Hicks Theatre for three years.
23:36Right.
23:36And then it became the Globe.
23:38OK, so it's name changing.
23:40Oh, yes.
23:40So when did it become the Gielgud?
23:42It was 1994 and that was done to honour the great Sir John Gielgud, who was turning 90 that year.
23:49Wonderful.
23:50And what was the first performance when it became the Gielgud?
23:54That was Hamlet.
23:56Oh.
23:56I mean, it was the obvious choice for someone who had been the Hamlet of his generation.
24:02Sir John Gielgud first played Hamlet in 1930 when he was 25 years old.
24:07Over the next 14 years, he played the part around 500 times across six different productions.
24:13And it remained a highlight of his varied career.
24:18From the dress circle, the views of the stage are incredible.
24:22But here at the Gielgud, there's another very special seating area.
24:28So over there is the Judi Dench box.
24:31Oh.
24:32It was named after her at the beginning of 2025 to honour her great work in the theatre in general,
24:40but also for what she's done here at the Gielgud.
24:42Oh, right.
24:43So she's performed here many times.
24:44She has indeed.
24:46Dame Judi Dench is the actor who's won the most Olivier Awards with a total of eighth to her name.
24:52Sir Ian McKellen is a close second with seven,
24:55but the person with the most Olivier's is choreographer and director Sir Matthew Bourne with an incredible nine awards.
25:04Can we have a look around backstage?
25:07Absolutely.
25:08Can we?
25:08Let's go.
25:09Right.
25:15So this, David, is one of the main protagonist's dressing rooms.
25:20It's maybe not as big or as fancy as you see on television.
25:24Well, I'll tell you what, you may say that, but Billy, we get nothing like this on Bargain Hunt.
25:30This, to me, is absolute heaven.
25:32It is pure luxury.
25:34I mean, look around you.
25:34It does feel like a little home from home.
25:37You've even got a sink down there.
25:40Yeah.
25:40Or a tea station.
25:41And an ensuite!
25:43This is perfect.
25:45It has to be a kind of home from home.
25:47You're absolutely right.
25:48Because people are here for, you know, a two-show day.
25:51They're in maybe at, like, at noon.
25:53And they don't leave till 11 o'clock.
25:55Right, right.
25:56So there has to be creature comforts.
25:57Of course.
25:58And then there's the rail for hanging all the magnificent outfits.
26:02Yeah, well, there's a wigs and wardrobe department.
26:04And they're there to look after all of the costumes for the show and also the wigs.
26:09And they've got to be repaired, washed, sometimes adjusted.
26:14And upstairs we've got a lot of washing machines and dryers and sewing machines and all sorts of things.
26:21It's a production line for eight shows a week.
26:24Eight shows a week?
26:25Eight shows a week.
26:26But I tell you what, let's go and see what goes on above the stage.
26:30Oh, that is exciting.
26:36So here we are on the fly floor.
26:38And this is where all the sets are controlled from with these huge ropes.
26:43I must say, it makes me feel like a little bit all at sea.
26:46It's like on a 19th century sailing ship.
26:49Well, funny you should say that because legend does have it that in Victorian times,
26:55steamships had come in, they didn't need riggers anymore.
26:58So sailors were hired as stagehands because they were able to operate these ropes in the way they did on
27:06ships.
27:07Nowadays it's much safer and much more controlled with counterweight balancing and all sorts.
27:12But back in the day it was brute force to bring the set in and out.
27:17So how would very many sailors know when to pull what rope?
27:22Well, they had their own language.
27:24And that was whistling.
27:26They had different signals for up, down, stop, start.
27:29And that's why even now whistling backstage is seen as bad luck.
27:34Why?
27:36Because if you were whistling, you might be sending a signal to someone to drop in a big heavy piece
27:42of scenery and...
27:44Right.
27:45Well, I knew backstage in a theatre, you should never mention the name of a certain Scottish play,
27:51but I never knew not to whistle.
27:54So you taught me a lot today.
27:55And to get behind the scenes at such an iconic West End theatre has been a great privilege.
28:00So, Billy, thank you so much.
28:02Absolute pleasure, David.
28:03But now it's time for me to see if our teams can cause a little drama over at the auction.
28:12I've come to Windsor to meet auctioneer Harry Balin.
28:19Harry, good to see you. This is exciting.
28:21Very exciting. Looking forward to this.
28:23I can see a glint in your eye.
28:25Right, let's start with the red team.
28:27We have Leslie Joseph and Peter Polycarpoo with the wonderful Mark Stacey.
28:33Shall we start with their first item?
28:35And it was their challenge item, too.
28:38An item with a connection to stage or screen.
28:40Now, this is a reproduction of a skull.
28:44What are your thoughts?
28:45I think it's very decorative.
28:46People like the macabre.
28:47And they like the theatre link as well.
28:50OK, what's your estimate?
28:51£50 to £80.
28:52£60 paid, so a standard chance.
28:54Yeah, we're in the right market.
28:56OK.
28:56Second item.
28:58We've got the David Anderson silver enamel bracelet.
29:02It's beautiful.
29:02It is lovely, isn't it?
29:03It's beautiful.
29:04It's very on trend.
29:05What's your estimate?
29:06£80 to £120.
29:08OK, now this was their big spend.
29:10They spent £140 on it.
29:12I think I may have been overcautious.
29:15Oh, I am excited.
29:17Right, third item.
29:18It's a brass decorative cushion purse.
29:22Is it fashionable?
29:24Now, I wouldn't wear it.
29:25But I can see that there's enough people out there who like this sort of thing.
29:29£40 to £60, I think.
29:31Well, very good.
29:31I'm actually surprised.
29:33£30 paid.
29:34Oh, OK.
29:35Right, moving on to the blues then.
29:37We have Gary Wilmot and Henry Goodman with the wonderful Kate Bliss.
29:42The first object bought, which matched the challenge, and that is that rather lovely 1928 Festival Theatre Review Programme.
29:52Mm-hm.
29:53What are your thoughts?
29:54It's a tricky sell.
29:55Oh.
29:56There's not a lot of people now who collect these items.
29:59And this is for a play that sort of catapulted George Bernard Shaw.
30:05This is when people realised that he was a decent, decent playwright.
30:08But, you know, it's £20 to £40.
30:11£5 paid.
30:13Thank goodness for that.
30:15Second item.
30:16A lovely piece of silver-mounted bluejohn.
30:20I think that's delicious.
30:21What are your thoughts?
30:22I really like it.
30:23Bluejohn, obviously rare.
30:25So, really nice thing.
30:27Estimate on that one?
30:28100 to 150.
30:29Fantastic.
30:31£98 spent, and that was their big spend.
30:34Oh, OK.
30:34So, I think that's going to be an exciting one to watch.
30:37Yes, I'm hoping it's going to do well.
30:38OK, talking about exciting.
30:40Who doesn't love a pair of Art Deco-style candlesticks?
30:44Me.
30:44What?
30:45They're not for me.
30:47They're not the greatest of quality.
30:49What's your estimate?
30:50£20 to £40.
30:51Well, I think you're going to be surprised.
30:52They only paid £19.
30:54Well, they've done well.
30:55Harry, will we see you on the rostrum?
30:57Yeah, I'll be there, and my colleague Simon will be joining me.
31:00Looking forward to it.
31:01Double up.
31:01At £20 to the room.
31:06Leslie, Peter, Mark.
31:08Hello, hello.
31:09How exciting is this?
31:11This is extremely exciting.
31:12It's also extremely nerve-wracking.
31:14Yes.
31:15And this is the pinnacle of your careers.
31:18You could say that.
31:19Well, maybe.
31:20OK, here we go.
31:21The first purchase is the resin skull.
31:24Oh, yes.
31:24The challenge item.
31:26Hold on to your seats.
31:27Here it comes.
31:28Right.
31:29Alasper, Yorick.
31:31Start the bidding at £60 I'm looking for.
31:35Come on.
31:35Come on.
31:36Come on.
31:36£60.
31:3840 then.
31:39Oh!
31:40£40.
31:41Any interest?
31:42£40 I have in the room standing.
31:44£40 I have and I'm looking for £42.
31:46I'm selling.
31:48No.
31:49Reluctantly.
31:4942 now.
31:5145, sir.
31:5248.
31:5350, sir.
31:54Go on!
31:5650, thank you.
31:5755.
31:58There's a lot of shaking heads going on here.
32:00I'm not happy.
32:00I'm selling.
32:02£50.
32:04Oh!
32:05Minus £10.
32:07Minus £10.
32:07Don't worry.
32:08Don't panic.
32:09Second item.
32:10This is your big spend.
32:12This is lovely.
32:12Beautiful bracelet.
32:14OK.
32:15We can start the bidding with me at £120.
32:18Yes!
32:19We're at £120.
32:21£130 we bid online.
32:24£140 with me.
32:26£150 we bid online.
32:28We're in profit.
32:29£10.
32:29I've got £170 now.
32:32£170 takes out all our commission bids across the internet.
32:35With you, Harry.
32:35£180 now.
32:38£180 selling for £180.
32:43Yes!
32:44£180.
32:45£180.
32:46£40 profit.
32:47Yes.
32:47Minus the £10 loss, you are currently up £30.
32:51Yes!
32:51That's not bad.
32:52It's good.
32:54Third and final item, Lesley.
32:56The little purse.
32:57Yes, it's absolutely beautiful.
32:59Here it comes.
32:59Right.
33:00Start the bidding.
33:01Where do we see this?
33:02£40?
33:03It's a beautiful thing.
33:04£40 we're looking for.
33:05£20 then to get it going.
33:07£20 we bid, Harry, online.
33:09£20 I have.
33:10£22 at the back of the room.
33:12£25, £28 online.
33:14£30 we're looking for.
33:15£30 I've got nodding heads at the back of the room.
33:18£32, can we do that?
33:19Lovely, thank you.
33:20£32.
33:21Internet's out.
33:22It's £32.
33:24Fair warning!
33:26£2 profit!
33:28You've got a plus £32 profit!
33:32That's not bad.
33:32That's not bad at all.
33:33Pat on the back, high five.
33:34It's a profit!
33:36But it's not over yet!
33:37Because Mark Stacey, the wonderful Mark, has a bonus buy.
33:42So you two close your eyes.
33:44Off you go, Mark.
33:46OK.
33:46In three, two, one, open your eyes.
33:51Oh!
33:52Now, I really fell in love with this.
33:55It's a little...
33:55Now, what is that made of?
33:56Well, it's made of wood.
33:58It's got a nice patina about it.
34:00It's a sort of mythical dog-like creature.
34:03I love the little glass eyes.
34:05Can I hold it?
34:07I'm not crazy about it, I have to say.
34:10Do you think this is particularly collectible, though?
34:12Well, people do like carved tree items.
34:15Can I ask how much you paid for it?
34:16You can ask.
34:17And I paid £45 for it.
34:18£45.
34:19And how much do you think this would make?
34:21Well, I'd love them to estimate it afforded £60.
34:24And you just never know, it might do a bit better.
34:27OK, Lesley, Peter, you've already got £32 in the bank.
34:31£45.
34:32Lesley, would you be confident that that would make profit in auction?
34:36Personally, no.
34:38Not enough to take us, but I might be wrong.
34:40Peter?
34:41I'm with you, Lesley, on that.
34:42I'm not crazy about the...
34:43Well, you don't have to have it, but...
34:44I'm just not sure that it would make us, what, 30-odd quid.
34:47No.
34:48Last chance...
34:49Are you sure?
34:49It's gotta be.
34:50You say no, Mark.
34:51They're saying no to your expert buy.
34:53OK, well, if it makes a profit, you don't get it.
34:57Yeah.
34:58Personally, I love it, Mark.
34:59I'd pay more for it.
35:00But never mind what I would do.
35:02Let's find out what the auctioneer thinks of Mark's bonus buy.
35:06David, I'm afraid it's not for me.
35:08Now, I understand the appeal of these things, but I just...
35:12It's an ugly dog.
35:13I think it's a mythical shishi dog.
35:15Like a temple dog.
35:16Well, you learn something every day.
35:18What's the estimate?
35:19It's 80 to 100 pounds.
35:21Well, clever Mark Stacey only paid 45.
35:23Well, clever Mark Stacey's gonna do well with it, I hope.
35:27Well, I've gotta tell you, his estimate is 80 pounds to 100 pounds.
35:33Oh, gosh.
35:34Yes.
35:35We're gonna watch it sell.
35:36Here it comes.
35:37Right.
35:38Start the bidding.
35:39I'm looking for 80 pounds for the shishi dog.
35:4280 pounds.
35:44He's mythical.
35:44He's mythical.
35:45He's mythical.
35:46He's so mythical he could be 60.
35:4860 pounds.
35:5140 then.
35:5340 pounds.
35:5540, women.
35:5540 pounds we have.
35:56We've got 40.
35:5740 pounds I have.
35:5840 pounds I have and I'm looking for 42.
36:0042.
36:01You get to go home with a mythical, name it yourself, dog.
36:08It's selling for 40 pounds.
36:1140 pounds.
36:11Oh, what a decision.
36:13Well done.
36:14What a decision.
36:15Until the gravel goes down.
36:16I told you.
36:17Oh, my God.
36:18Leslie.
36:19Instinct.
36:19You two are very clever.
36:21You're much better than Mark and I, I can tell you.
36:24You made the right decision.
36:25How do you feel?
36:25Oh, I'm exhausted.
36:34Henry, Gary, how excited are you?
36:36I am ready and willing.
36:39And that's not even acting, Gary, is it?
36:40I can't believe that we're going to be millionaires at the end of all.
36:43Do you know what?
36:43After all these years of hard work, today is the day.
36:46Well, the first item to be sold is your challenge piece.
36:51Are you ready for it?
36:52Absolutely.
36:53Here it comes.
36:541928 review programme for George Bernard Shaw's The Devil's Disciple.
37:01Start the bidding.
37:02I'm looking for 30 pounds.
37:0630 pounds.
37:0820 then.
37:1020 pounds.
37:1120 pounds I have.
37:1220 pounds I have and I'm looking for 22.
37:1720 pounds I have and I'm selling that way.
37:2022 now.
37:21We're in.
37:2225, sir.
37:2328.
37:2530.
37:2632.
37:27No, don't shake your head, sir.
37:28Vegas, here we come.
37:31Oh, he's got another bit.
37:32He's got 32.
37:3435.
37:35You could 35.
37:37It's a real shake of the head now.
37:39Fair warning.
37:41Yes.
37:42Yes.
37:4330.
37:44I'm amazed at that.
37:45Are you really confident?
37:46Well, you know.
37:47Well done, guys.
37:48That's plus 30 profit.
37:50Second item is the big space.
37:53Here it comes.
37:54It's hallmark for Sheffield 2008.
37:56120 pounds do I see.
37:59120.
38:00120.
38:01What about 100?
38:03100 pounds.
38:05Oh, cracking piece of jewellery this.
38:06It's absolutely gorgeous.
38:0990 then.
38:1190 pounds I have at the back of the room.
38:1390.
38:1390 pounds I have and I'm looking for 95.
38:16But I'm selling for 90 pounds.
38:21Very surprised.
38:2290 pounds.
38:23That's a minus eight.
38:25Oh, no.
38:25Take off your profit.
38:26But don't worry.
38:28You're still plus 22.
38:30Plus 22.
38:31Here's the Art Deco.
38:33Here they come.
38:3420 pounds to get them going.
38:3520 pounds.
38:36Any interested?
38:3720 pounds.
38:3720 pounds I have and I'm looking for 22.
38:4020 pounds I have.
38:4122 now.
38:4428.
38:4830.
38:4930.
38:5130 pounds I have.
38:5332.
38:5432.
38:55Don't give up now, sir.
38:56Be brave twice.
38:57Be brave twice.
38:58Be brave twice.
38:5935, Adam.
39:0138.
39:03Round it up to 40.
39:04One more is two pounds.
39:05One more.
39:0632 quid.
39:07Yeah.
39:0840 pounds we're a bid.
39:09And I'm selling to the friends.
39:11In front of the room at 40 pounds.
39:14Ah!
39:16Look at that.
39:1721 pounds profit.
39:19So now your total is plus 43 pounds.
39:25Well done.
39:26Ah.
39:26Well done.
39:28But it is not over yet, Henry.
39:30You've got Kate Blitzer's bonus buy coming up.
39:34So close your eyes.
39:35Close your eyes.
39:36Kate.
39:37Off you go, please.
39:38OK, guys.
39:39In three, two, one.
39:41Open your eyes.
39:43Oh!
39:43So, if you like cream, or you could use them as a little toddy ladle, we have two.
39:49But the thing that attracted me about them was the design particularly on this one, actually.
39:54And this is one of the most iconic designs in Danish silver.
39:59And it's known as the acorn pattern.
40:02But the really good thing, if we turn it over, we've got some clear marks.
40:07And the designer's name is George Jensen.
40:10One of the most well-known Danish silversmiths working at the end of the late 19th century, early 20th century.
40:16And what did you pay for them?
40:17What?
40:17So, I paid 45.
40:20Oh.
40:21But how much do you think it will make at auction?
40:24I've seen those go for anything from 40 to 80 pounds, just for one.
40:29And what's your instinct, Gary?
40:31Do you think we'll make more?
40:32Well, my instinct is Kate let us down so badly with the Blue Jean.
40:35Of course.
40:36With the Blue Jean.
40:37I wasn't...
40:37No, but I think they'd be...
40:38Just rub it in!
40:40I think we should give her a chance to redeem us.
40:41OK, Henry, what are your thoughts?
40:43I definitely think there's a pair of high hopes there.
40:47OK.
40:48Are you going to do it?
40:48Go for it.
40:49They're going to go with the bonus bite.
40:52But let's find out what the auctioneer thinks of the two silver ladles.
40:57I think Kate's done very well with these.
40:59Hugely popular.
41:00George Jensen silver sauce ladles.
41:04They're gorgeous, aren't they?
41:05OK, what's the estimate?
41:07100 to 150 pounds.
41:08Wow.
41:0945 pounds.
41:1045 pounds?
41:11They're going to fly.
41:14OK, the auctioneer's estimate is...
41:17100 pounds to 150 pounds.
41:20That's good, isn't it?
41:21Yeah, it's good.
41:21It's in the bag, eh?
41:22Let's hope he's right.
41:23You're on the ball.
41:25Are you ready?
41:26Yes.
41:26Here we go.
41:27Start the bidding.
41:29120 pounds.
41:31100 pounds.
41:31Should we say 100 pounds on your phone?
41:34100 pounds I have on the phone to get it going.
41:37100 pounds I have and I'm looking for 110.
41:39Those of you in the room, don't let the phone get it.
41:42At 100 pounds...
41:47Whoa!
41:47That's great.
41:48That's fantastic.
41:4955 pounds profit.
41:51You've got 98 pounds in the bag.
41:55Well, that'll do, mate.
41:56Yes!
41:56That will do.
41:58How do you feel now, Henry?
42:00Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo.
42:02Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo.
42:08Well, I'll tell you what, I think you're very good at this,
42:11all of you, and I think there's another career waiting for you.
42:14Oh!
42:15I do!
42:16Because both teams have made money.
42:19Oh, my goodness.
42:20Exactly.
42:21So, I can reveal the winning team is...
42:25The Blues!
42:27Oh!
42:31Starlings, honestly.
42:33I'll come to you in a moment, but I'm going to turn to the Reds
42:36because you did remarkably well.
42:37So, very well done, indeed.
42:39Your total was 32 pounds, which, of course, you are not getting,
42:42Lesley.
42:43No.
42:44Oh.
42:44Because...
42:45It's going to children in need.
42:47Yay!
42:49But, Blues, you have earned 98 pounds for children in need!
42:56Yay!
42:57Yay!
42:58Thank you very much.
42:59Well done, well done.
43:00Have you enjoyed yourselves?
43:02Hilariously.
43:03We've been the best time, haven't we?
43:03Yeah, we laughed a lot.
43:04Yeah, it's been brilliant.
43:06Full of energy, Lesley.
43:07Oh, I loved it.
43:08Peter?
43:08I've had a terrific time, haven't we, Mark?
43:10We have, Peter.
43:13Fantastic.
43:14And if you fancy having a great time and maybe you think you
43:17could do better than the West End bargain hunters,
43:20then apply online.
43:21Follow us on social media, but better still.
43:24Join us again soon for some more bargain hunting.
43:26Yes!
43:27Yes!
43:28Yes!
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