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17/03/2024

News: Emilie Robson and Connor Dorrian win the inaugural north east playwriting award at Live Theatre

 

Emilie Robson and Connor Dorrian win the inaugural north east playwriting award at Live Theatre

 

Winners of Live Theatre’s inaugural North East Playwriting Award were announced at a ceremony last Thursday night at Live Theatre. Newcastle writer Emilie Robson won the main prize for her play Dogs On The Metro with Sunderland writer Connor Dorrian winning the Under 26 Award for his play A Moving Still. Both will receive a commission fee for their plays with the intention of a full staging at Live Theatre.  

 

L-R Emilie Robson, Connor Dorrian & Pauline Trotry
at North East Playwriting Award

Laurie Ward also received a Research Award supported by Northumbria University for her play Real Mad World about the joys, heartbreaks and absurdities of trans life.  

 

Pauline Trotry’s Shards was named runner up for the main award with Wambui Hardcastle’s Up And Down The Tap Line named as runner up for the Under 26 award.  

 

The main award winning play, Dogs On The Metro, follows plucky teenagers Jen and Dean, over months, years and even alternate realities, as they travel back and forth on the Tyne and Wear Metro line, as what seems to begin as a coming of age tale slowly twists into a painful meditation on consent, toxic masculinity and conflicting ‘truths’ as they unpack their differing versions of the same, pivotal event that changes their lives forever.  
 
One of the play’s judges was playwright Shelagh Stephenson who said of it: “Half down page one I knew we’d found a new voice. Sharp, funny, true and precise. I’m thrilled it has won”. 

 

The winning writer Emilie Robson said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won the Live Theatre North East Playwriting Award. I feel very privileged to be from the North East and to reflect the region in my work. I’m a huge admirer of Live Theatre and its commitment to great storytelling (I genuinely wrote Dogs On The Metro with them in mind!) and so any nod of approval from them is truly humbling.”  

  The Under 26 winning play A Moving Still is a North East coming of age story. With troubled young lad ‘Lucas’, trapped in a life of drug dealing at its centre. After his brother’s arrest he starts to explore his youth as newly presented options open up. One of the award judges Robson Green, himself a former Live Youth Theatre member, presented the Under 26 Award. He said that the play offered “a message of resilience, the potential for change, a story about the importance of supporting one another in the face of adversity.” 

 

The 22-year old winner Connor Dorrian said: “I can’t believe I won! I’m so thankful to Live Theatre for this opportunity and those who read my play and chose it to win. This will help me so much and project my career to a height I didn’t know was possible at this stage. It’s amazing we have the playwright awards to champion new writing in the region. Especially for early career artists such as myself. My play ‘A Moving Still’ means so much to me as a working class creative and I can’t wait to share it!” 

 

The ceremony was attended by many special guests including David Byrne, the new Artistic Director of the Royal Court, who gave the ceremony’s opening address about the importance of having a thriving new writing scene. This first Award is supported by the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust and aims to be a biannual event for the region. 

 

Photos: Mark Savage

 

 

Preview: Beauty & the Beast at Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

 

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Steps’ star Lee Latchford-Evans & more join the cast of Tyne Theatre’s Beauty & the Beast Easter panto


Beauty & the Beast

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Saturday 30th – Sunday 31st March 2024

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/TYNEEasterpantoTckets


The Tyne Theatre & Opera House are proud to once again host an exciting pantomime to celebrate the Easter weekend, performing across Saturday 30th March and Sunday 31st March 2024. From the same team as The Wizard of Oz and Rapunzel, Beauty & the Beast will be a fun-filled adventure that families won’t want to miss.

This year, guests are in for an eggcellent time, as the cast is bigger and better than ever! Lee Latchford-Evans will be starring as the Prince/Beast; he’s best known as one fifth of Steps, but this will be his 12th professional pantomime! CBBC (Bear Behaving Badly) and Blue Peter star Barney Harwood is Gaston. After 25 years in the business, becoming a staple to children’s TV as a natural comedy actor, the BAFTA winner will play the villain.


The Britain’s Got Talent 2020-star Steve Royle stars as Silly Billy. Steve came third on BGT, and his excitable stage presence is perfect for a panto! The Dumping Ground’s Carma Hylton will play Good Fairy and the talented Ellena Bacon tells the tale as old as time as Belle, after previously being the star of 2023’s Rapunzel. Also returning to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House is panto favourite Lewis Denny, returning as Dame Betty Baguette, so fans won’t want to miss out!

With a star-studded cast, plenty of jokes, songs and audience participation, families will love Beauty & the Beast. The spellbinding story tells the tale of Belle who longs for romance and adventure, and a Prince who has been transformed into a Beast to learn the error of his ways.

Make some cracking plans this Easter holiday and put a spring in your step with Enchanted Entertainment’s Beauty & the Beast.

Theatre Director Joanne Johnson states, “Our pantomimes with Enchanted Entertainment are always popular, and we’re thrilled to be hosting another pantomime for families to enjoy. We love to be a part of people’s traditions, whether that’s at Christmas or at Easter. Making memories in a theatre is a great family activity, and we’re thrilled about the exciting cast that’ll be spending the weekend with us!”

Tickets:

Tickets are £22 for adults, £20 for children and concessions or £79 for a family ticket plus fees. Group offers are also available, and tickets can be purchased from: https://tinyurl.com/TYNEEasterpantoTckets

 

16/03/2024

Preview: Here You Come Again at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 West End Star joins cast of Here You Come Again

Here You Come Again,

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 June 2024

West End star Steven Webb (Oliver!, Book of Mormon), will star as Kevin, a 40-year-old, has-been-who-never-was comedian in Here You Come Again, a rollicking and joyful new musical, fully authorised by Dolly Parton herself, when it visits Newcastle Theatre Royal.

Steven Webb began his career 30 years ago as the titular character in Sam Mendes’ production of Oliver! (London Palladium). Since then, he has appeared in a wide range of film, television and theatre. Steven played Elder McKinley in the West End run of The Book of Mormon, and his other theatre credits include The History Boys; I Want My Hat Back; On the Shore of the Wide World (National Theatre) and As Is (Trafalgar Studios). He also has many television credits, having previously played roles in the much beloved BBC series Miranda and E4’s The Inbetweeners.

Steven Webb

Kevin has just separated from his long-time boyfriend, Jeremy, an investment banker, and is in quarantine in the attic bedroom of his childhood home in Yorkshire. Surrounded by precious belongings from his youth, he is reunited with a much-loved old record player and his cherished Dolly albums.

“I’m beyond excited to be bringing Kevin to life here in the UK. I grew up listening to Dolly and other country music as my dad was a big fan. Twenty years ago, I was in a similar state to Kevin. I was down, a relationship had come clattering to a halt and I felt aimless.” Steven Webb says.

Then Dolly Parton played one night at the Hammersmith Apollo in London. So, I grabbed a ticket and took myself down there. Just like Kevin, I was inspired, galvanised and uplifted by Dolly and her message of love and perseverance. It was practically life changing. And that’s why she means so much to so many people. It’s no coincidence that the hashtag #WhatWouldDollyDo became a life motto for so many. Getting to sing and hear her biggest hits (and watch Tricia embody Dolly) every night is going to be the greatest gift a show could ever give.” He adds.

Packed with the iconic songs Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You, Here You Come Again and more, this lively and touching new musical makes its North East debut at Newcastle Theatre Royal and tells the story of a diehard fan whose imagined version of international icon Dolly Parton gets him through trying times.

Having enjoyed several successful performances across the United States, Here You Come Again was originally written by multi-Emmy award-winning comedy and songwriter Bruce Vilanch with Gabriel Barre (who also directs) and writer and actor Tricia Paoluccio (who co-writes and will reprise her celebrated role as ‘Dolly’ following US acclaim). It has now been adapted by acclaimed British screen and theatre writer Jonathan Harvey who has written hundreds of episodes of the popular soap Coronation Street as well as television sitcoms Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and Beautiful People.

With her wit, humour and charm, Dolly teaches her biggest fan a whole lot about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps…even if your bootstraps don’t have rhinestones!

Tickets:

Here You Come Again, a musical that is sure to make you smile, plays Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 June. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Preview: Riverdance 30 – The New Generation at Stockton Globe

 

Riverdance - 30th Anniversary Celebrations

UK Tour On Sale: Friday 22nd March - 10am

 

Riverdance 30 – The New Generation

Stockton Globe

Tuesday 21st – Wednesday 22nd October 2025.

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerising choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation. To celebrate this incredible 30th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour in 2025, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. From August to December 2025, the show will visit 30 UK venues - one for each year of its history and in October it will make a stop in Teesside! Stockton Globe will welcome Riverdance 30 – The New Generation to its iconic stage. Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Friday 22nd March 2024 via Ticket link.

This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes ‘The New Generation’ of performers, all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago.

John McColgan, Director of Riverdance said “It is both a privilege and a delight to celebrate 30 years of Riverdance and the unique journey it has taken us on. In those 30 years the show has transformed from a spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon – continuously evolving yet remaining true to its Irish roots. On this upcoming tour we look forward to welcoming ‘The New Generation’ of artists while paying tribute to the talented performers, creators, dedicated crew, and the millions of fans who have made Riverdance a worldwide celebration of music and dance.”

Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance which blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class of dancers, musicians and singers in the Riverdance ensemble.

Composed by Bill Whelan. Produced by Moya Doherty. Directed by John McColgan.

Tickets are available on pre-sale at 10am on Thursday 21st March 2024, you can subscribe to the Stockton Globe e-newsletter for access to pre-sale tickets via https://www.atgtickets.com/campaigns/sign-up/riverdance-stockton-globe/

Tickets are available on general sale from 10am on Friday 22nd March 2024 via https://prf.hn/l/XZje11y.



14/03/2024

News: Tyne Theatre & Opera House volunteers receive Heritage Heroes Award

 Tyne Theatre & Opera House volunteers receive Heritage Heroes Award

TT&OH Project Administrator Rachel Snape and volunteer Charmian Marshall receive the Heritage Heroes Award from Dr Ingrid Samuel OBE, Acting Chair of Heritage Alliance

 

Photo: The Heritage Alliance, Heritage Day 2024


A group of research volunteers at Grade I listed Newcastle theatre, Tyne Theatre & Opera House, have been nationally recognised for their service to the UK’s heritage sector.

The Heritage Heroes Awards are the Heritage Alliance’s celebration of the outstanding contribution Britain’s heritage volunteers make to society.

Over a 12-month period, a team of community volunteers from Tyne Theatre & Opera House gathered and reviewed over 23,000 images of newspaper adverts, programmes and day-bills to create a performance database covering 52 years from the theatre’s opening in 1867 to its conversion to a cinema in 1919.

Volunteer Charmian Marshall and TT&OH Project Administrator Rachel Snape received the Heritage Heroes award on behalf of the volunteer team at the Heritage Alliance’s conference in London on Thursday 7 March.

Project Administrator, Rachel Snape, said “We are delighted that our volunteers have been recognised for their work on Tyne Theatre & Opera House’s performance calendar. Between them, they have dedicated over 1200 hours of research, and in turn brought to light decades of our theatre’s rich and varied history. We are so very grateful to them for their commitment to this project.”

The searchable database is a valuable resource for academics, theatre historians and genealogists, and can be found at: https://www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/about/performance-calendar-database/

The research work was part of a one-year heritage project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund which included restoration of the theatre’s Victorian stage machinery and initial investigations into further ambitious restoration plans.

Tyne Theatre & Opera House is a Grade I listed, independent theatre in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, offering a varied programme of theatre, comedy, music, in conversation events and more. As a non-profit organisation, all funds raised through the theatre’s operations and from the generous support of the community go directly to supporting the maintenance and restoration of the historic venue.

12/03/2024

News: Sunderland Theatre company awarded 'levelling up' money to develop new theatre space in old warehouse.

Sunderland Theatre company awarded 'levelling up' money to develop new theatre space in old warehouse.


ALL SUNDERLAND IS A STAGE - Theatre group boosted with UKSPF grant


Live performances and city-based acting talents are receiving a boost with a grant of nearly £100,000. The funding is for Theatre-Space North East (TSNE) which is based in a former antiques warehouse in Borough Road, Sunderland.


TSNE has been using the building for rehearsals and storage, plans to open a 56 seat auditorium where it can stage more of its performances, and play host to touring groups and other local productions.

 Theatre Space left to right - Fundraiser Carl Chapman,Technical Manager Andrew Neale,  Artistic Director Corinne Kilvington andCreative Producer Jamie Brown.


Founded in 2012, Theatre-Space performs across the city and region and is known to many for its popular Shakespeare in the Park series which included open-air stagings of Hamlet in Roker Park. It has also worked with organisations such as Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen and The Cultural Spring to create The Food Bank Generation Game which explored food poverty in the North East, as well as touring Christmas shows such as The Pied Piper and Rumpelstiltskin. TSNE also offer and work closely with youth and community theatre groups.


Formerly the Peter Smith antiques warehouse and now called The Street, the grant of £98,258 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) will allow TSNE to develop the building further as it nurtures and promotes more of the city’s acting and performance talents.


The grant will help develop TSNE plans, support further fundraising to turn the warehouse into The Street, which will house the studio theatre, creative offices and rehearsal spaces, and help develop a roof top garden. The grant is aimed at helping and nurturing a whole ecosystem to support more of Sunderland's creative sector. The Street project will be welcoming everything from theatre to stand up comedy from across the region and beyond.


In addition, the grant will help the group’s workshop and activities, and its own wider events programme. TSNE’s next major live production will see them bring two modern verse translations of Shakespearian classics to Sunderland this summer, and The Frog Prince later this year.


Ken Bremner MBE, Chief Executive of the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, chairs the Sunderland City Board, the partnership group overseeing approvals for UKSPF grants. He said: "We all know what a big part culture plays in all our lives and how important it is. We’re all consumers of culture and with the UKSPF grant we are supporting, sustaining and encouraging more cultural growth with TSNE. Theatre and performance arts already employ hundreds of people such as through work at the Sunderland Empire and at the Fire Station. TSNE are very much part of this cultural and theatrical infrastructure that is so important to our city and enjoyed by so many."


Alongside developing The Street, TSNE encourages individuals and communities to access the theatre and performing arts and encourage participation through its youth and community theatre groups, and see community performers joining summer shows.

Corinne Kilvington, Artistic Director of TSNE, said: "We're over the moon to have been successful in such a competitive process and this funding marks a real step change for us a small organisation. For over a decade we have been the only regularly producing, professional theatre company based in the city, and we're really excited that this money will help us change that by providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn skills and make new work here. "Theatre skills aren't just about performances, they're about communication, connection, and shared understanding, as well as confidence and community. And these things are really important throughout life. With the development of The Street we are looking to give grassroots theatre and creativity a home in Sunniside and make room for everyone, no matter their budget or experience."


Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller said: "Culture makes a substantial contribution to our city’s economy. Culture helps makes a city distinctive and attractive, it helps give us a greater sense of place, it’s something that we enjoy and this in turn promotes well-being. "Live performance and theatre are very much part of our city’s wider cultural appeal and we’re pleased that we can nurture more of this grass-roots work with TSNE and its plans for The Street."

Preview: Drop The Dead Donkey at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

NORTH EAST FAVOURITE REPRISES TV ROLE IN BRAND NEW STAGE SHOW

Drop The Dead Donkey

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 May 2024

 


BREAKING NEWS: 30 years since the launch of the trailblazing, smash-hit TV series, Drop The Dead Donkey, the Globelink News team are back, and now live on stage for the very first time playing Newcastle Theatre Royal.

North East actor Stephen Tompkinson stars alongside other original cast members from the iconic BAFTA and Emmy award-winning TV comedy - Neil Pearson, Susannah Doyle, Robert Duncan, Ingrid Lacey, Jeff Rawle, and Victoria Wicks - which is reimagined for the stage in this brand-new production which will tour the UK this year. 

Bursting with razor-sharp wit and classic British humour, this hot off the press production is written by the same award-winning writing team as the original hit sitcom Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin.

They said: “We’re overjoyed to be working again with the original cast of Drop The Dead Donkey, after a brief hiatus of about 30 years. It’s going to be hugely enjoyable to watch those seven funny, flawed characters from Globelink News being plunged into the cutthroat world of modern 24-hour news gathering and trying to navigate their way through the daily chaos of social media, fake news, and Interim Prime Ministers.”

Drop The Dead Donkey: The Reawakening! exposes the underside of the broadcasting industry in all its riotous glory. Whether you’re one of the legions of die-hard fans of the TV sitcom that was watched by millions, or a British comedy fanatic, come and experience this hilarious revival of an all-time comedy classic.

Produced by Hat Trick and Simon Friend Entertainment, Drop The Dead Donkey: The Reawakening by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin will be directed by Lindsay Posner, and designed by Peter McIntosh, with lighting designs by Peter Mumford.

Photo: Manuel Harlan

Tickets:

Drop The Dead Donkey plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 May 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.