On February 28 2002, Madonna announced that she would make her West End stage debut in David Williamson’s play Up For Grabs. The production would open on May 23, 2002 at Wyndhams Theatre in London, and have a 10-week run.
Madonna’s previous stage role was in Speed-the-Plow in 1988.
On February 12 2002, Madonna: Drowned World Tour 2001 was named Best Music DVD at the 1st annual UK DVD Awards in England.
On October 16 2002, Billboard released their review of Madonna’s Die Another Day:
The theme to the latest James Bond instalment, Die Another Day, is certainly a far cry from the melodic musings of Shirley Bassey, Nancy Sinatra, Paul McCartney, and even Duran Duran. Die Another Day in many ways picks up on the heels of Madonna’s inventive, experimental Music — thanks to her reunion with writer/producer Mirwais Ahmadzai — with a predominance of squiggly blips and zaps and enough effects on Madonna’s vocal to render it practically non-human. It’s an odd number, somewhat disjointed, a bit nonsensical, and not so much melodic as a highly stylized jam — but one must never underestimate the motivations of the long-and-lasting Madonna; and sure enough, with repeated listening, there are enough clever goings on and a hook that sinks into the consciousness to make this a captivating journey. James Bond purists may find themselves fitful that the traditional melodrama that marks such theme songs is remiss here, but radio jumped on the track weeks ahead of its official release, which will certainly fan the flames of publicity for the upcoming flick, out Nov. 22 in the U.S. On the horizon: an onslaught of remixes. Score another bull’s-eye for Madonna.
On April 17 2002, David Williamson spoke to news.com.au about working with Madonna on her West End debut in Up For Grabs, and how she prefers to be called M, not Madge.
Williamson told the new site that Madonna hates the nickname British newspapers have given her:
“They call her Madge to try to domesticate her and she hates it. One of the actors didn’t realise and called her that in rehearsals and got a fairly sharp response.”
What is your favourite Madonna nickname? What do you call her?
On January 29 2002, Madonna attended the opening of photographer Mario Testino’s exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London, England.
On November 18 2002, Madonna met Queen Elizabeth II at the world premiere of Die Another Day at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England.
Isn’t Madonna adorable when she’s nervous?
On November 16 2002, Madonna’s Die Another Day hit #1 in Canada, Italy and Spain.
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