News: Arts North Studios and ArtsEd Form Landmark Partnership

 

Arts North Studios and ArtsEd Form Landmark Partnership

One of the North East’s premier performing arts colleges has announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership with ArtsEd, a leader in performing arts training in the UK, marking a significant milestone for regional talent development.

An agreement between ArtsEd and Arts North Studios, a flagship initiative developed with Culture Quarter and Sunderland College, was signed on Thursday, 29 January at ArtsEd’s historic Chiswick home.

The partnership aims to create new pathways for aspiring performers across the North East of England and bridge the gap between regional talent and world-class vocational training. It marks a significant commitment from both institutions to foster inclusivity, share pedagogical expertise, and ensure that the next generation of West End and screen talent has access to elite training, regardless of geographical or socio-economic barriers.

Under the new agreement, ArtsEd and Arts North Studios will collaborate on a series of initiatives, including streamlining the application process for North East students with a Regional Audition Hub and bringing ArtsEd’s industry-leading tutors to Sunderland for intensive workshops.

This partnership arrives at a pivotal time for the UK’s creative industries, as the demand for diverse, highly skilled talent continues to grow. By combining ArtsEd’s 100-year legacy of excellence with Arts North Studios’ deep roots in the Sunderland creative community, both organisations are committed to redefining how talent is nurtured outside of the capital.

Annie Guy, Founder and Principal of Arts North Studios, expressed her passion for the partnership: “As someone who grew up in the North East and attended ArtsEd, I’m incredibly passionate about making top tier training more accessible to young people and bringing quality West End training to the region.  Partnering with an institution as prestigious as ArtsEd validates the incredible talent we see in our studios every day and further cements our status as the college of choice here in the North East."

“This new partnership levels the playing field for talent here in the North East and is a promise of opportunity for our students to train at the highest level while remaining connected to their roots. It’s a monumental day for both Arts North Studios and the city of Sunderland.”

Professor Louise Jackson, Principal of ArtsEd, commented: “We are thrilled to formalise our relationship with Arts North Studios. At ArtsEd, we believe that world-class training should be accessible to everyone with the talent and dedication to pursue it.  Sunderland has a rich cultural heartbeat, and by partnering with Annie and her team, we are ensuring that the incredible potential within the North East is recognised, supported, and given a direct pipeline to the industry.”

The new partnership builds on the talent development pathway started by Arts North Studios and Sunderland College, who accredit both a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma and an intensive one-year programme with Arts North Studios.

Sheree Rymer, Associate Principal Enhanced Curriculum at Education Partnership North East, said: “This new partnership with ArtsEd demonstrates that Sunderland College students, studying with Arts North Studios through our well established collaboration, are accessing an education that stands alongside the very best in the country. Students are already progressing into highly competitive, world-class creative arts institutions, reflecting the strength of a partnership where industry professionals work alongside education specialists to deliver exemplary practice and create genuinely life-changing opportunities for young people across the North East.”

For further information on how to join Arts North Studios College, visit artsnorthstudios.com.

Film: DOPPELGÄNGER: North East Playwright Alison Carr Makes Bold BBC Debut

 

DOPPELGÄNGER: North East Playwright Alison Carr Makes Bold BBC Debut

Dark Comedy Explores Maternal Trauma, Identity, and the Devastating Effects of Comparison

Premieres: Sunday 1st February, 10pm on BBC Three 

Available on BBC iPlayer

Award-winning Gateshead playwright Alison Carr makes her screenwriting debut with Doppelgänger, a darkly comic 13-minute film that uses the uncanny premise of meeting your exact double to explore maternal trauma, identity, and self-worth. Directed by Newcastle's Zak Harney and produced entirely in the North East by Candle and Bell, the film premieres as part of BBC Three's Long Story Short series at 10pm on Sunday 1st February before becoming available on BBC iPlayer.

Designed by local artist James Dixon

A Childhood Coincidence with Lifelong Consequences

When ten-year-old Josie Johns met her doppelgänger—another girl with the identical name and appearance—it kicked off a decade of intense and bitter rivalry. Now an adult, Josie (played brilliantly by Sarah Balfour in a dual role) is about to confront her double, settle some scores, and take back control of her identity once and for all.

Doppelgänger follows Josie Johns, a young woman haunted by a childhood coincidence that paired her for life with an identical girl of the same name. Reunited years later, the two Josies' differences couldn't be more apparent: one confident and successful, the other emotionally worn down. As Josie grapples with her dying mother's emotional abuse and her need to finally be seen as worthy, the encounter spirals into a surreal confrontation with identity, self-loathing, and fate, culminating in a literal and symbolic attempt to destroy the version of herself she believes has ruined her life.

Carr's screenplay deftly balances dark humour with deeper psychological terrain, creating a narrative that feels both intimately personal and universally recognisable. The 13-minute, 7-second format—a hallmark of the Long Story Short series—proves the perfect vehicle for this concentrated burst of existential comedy, allowing Carr to explore complex themes of maternal trauma and identity without overstaying her welcome.

As Candle and Bell's Maria Caruana Galizia notes, "This film proves what's possible when regional production receives proper support. We're not making 'regional content' - we're making ambitious, technically sophisticated work that happens to be made in the North East."

The film deliberately challenges expectations about North East storytelling. As Carr emphasises, it is "firmly rooted in the North East while also challenging the stories we're 'allowed' to tell up here. It is bright, off-beat, and contemporary"—a fresh and modern contrast to the bleak stories normally associated with the region. The production tells a vibrant and heightened story with colourful and charming characters.

From Stage to Screen: An Award-Winning Voice Makes the Leap

Alison Carr is an award-winning playwright, born and raised in Gateshead and now living across the river in Newcastle upon Tyne. Her work has been produced across the region, throughout the UK, and internationally, earning her significant recognition including Writer of the Year at the North East Culture Awards 2017.

Her theatre credits include A Street Like This (Unfolding Theatre), which won Performance of the Year at the North East Culture Awards 2023; Until It's Gone (Òran Mór's A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Stellar Quines, Traverse Theatre); Tuesday (National Theatre Connections Festival 2020, 2021 & 2023); The Last Quiz Night On Earth (Box of Tricks, 2020); and Iris (Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne, 2016). She also won the Live Theatre/The Empty Space Bursary Award for The Soaking of Vera Shrimp.

Carr's audio work includes We Step Outside And Start To Dance (ACE, National Lottery, Winner – OnComm Award) and Dolly Would (BBC Radio 4). Her play Birdie was a Finalist for the Women's Prize for Playwriting 2022.

"Having my first writing for the screen be selected to be part of Long Story Short has been an incredible experience," says Carr. "I have felt so supported by the BBC and Candle and Bell, and it was a joy to work with Zak and the rest of the talented crew and cast. Doppelgänger is firmly rooted in the North East while also challenging the stories we're 'allowed' to tell up here. It is bright, off-beat, and contemporary, and I am so proud of the film we have made."

An Award-Winning Director Brings the Vision to Life

Doppelgänger is directed by Zak Harney, an award-winning director and commercial filmmaker from Newcastle. Since his debut short Bubbles won Best British Short Film at the LA Film Festival in 2017, Harney's short films and documentaries have received numerous festival selections and accolades.

In 2019, he was featured in the annual UNSIGNED exhibition at BBH, a showcase celebrating emerging talent across creative industries. His work has been recognised by the British Short Film Awards, Norwich Film Festival, Manchester Film Festival, and even earned a student BAFTA nomination.

In early 2025, Harney won the Auteurs Award at the British Short Film Awards, while his comedy short The Morning After took home Best Comedy and Best International Director at the Portland Comedy Festival. Despite his growing list of achievements, his mam still affectionately calls him a "camera man."

"The idea of telling a story in the North East, with Geordie cast and crew is honestly something I've been dreaming about my entire career," says Harney. "To get the opportunity to fulfill that dream with a team as accomplished as Alison and the Candle & Bell team was an absolute treat. The film we have created is vibrant, bold and full of personality; something that represents the North East perfectly in my very unbiased opinion."

A Stellar North East Cast

Sarah Balfour as Both Josies

In a remarkable dual performance, Sarah Balfour plays both versions of Josie Johns. A brilliant Geordie actor and writer, Balfour is known for her starring turn as Kay in sitcom Dead Canny and more recently starred as Jen in Dogs on Metro. She can also be seen in Series 5 of Slow Horses.

As Josie (publicly labelled "Josie #2"), Balfour portrays a woman whose identity has been shaped by a childhood coincidence that condemned her to a lifetime of comparison. Growing up absorbing her mother's cruelty and internalising the belief that she was the lesser version, Josie is now brittle, impulsive, and emotionally exposed. She masks deep insecurity with defiance and dark humour, carrying a simmering need to be seen as worthy on her own terms.

As Other Josie ("Josie #1"), Balfour embodies a woman who has benefited from the same childhood coincidence that damaged her double, emerging as the more polished, confident version. Neatly put together and outwardly self-assured, she has grown comfortable being the better version. Pragmatic to the point of emotional detachment, she treats the past as trivial and the rivalry as harmless. There is a subtle cruelty in her character, rooted not in malice but in the ease of never having had to doubt her own place.

Kylie Ann Ford as Josie's Mam

Josie's Mam is played by Kylie Ann Ford, an experienced stage and screen actor from the North East, known for her role as Lisa in the BAFTA-nominated Blue Jean.

Ford's character is an embodiment of Josie's memories and trauma. From childhood, Josie's Mam casts Josie as "the lesser one," using comparison as both punishment and proof, withholding warmth while obsessively measuring what might have been. Emotionally volatile and cuttingly perceptive, she frames her cruelty as honesty.

Lola and Layla Todd as the Young Josies

Real-life twins Lola and Layla Todd make their screen debuts as the young Josies. Having only ever performed in school plays before, the pair make the step to screen admirably, capturing the doppelgänger rivalry perfectly. We see the inception of the rivalry with the Josies and how the reaction of the adults around them can shape their futures.

Supporting Cast

Sarah Lewis Obuba plays The Reporter, portrayed as a heightened, unsettling version of a regional news presenter, her forced warmth and performative cheer masking an invasive authority. A North East-based actress with over 20 years' experience across stage, television, and audio drama, Obuba is known for roles in Vera, The Dumping Ground, and the 2023 feature Lore, as well as her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and as a podcast presenter.

Raul Kohli, a Newcastle upon Tyne-born stand-up comedian and broadcaster, winner of the 2017 NATYs Award and a 2024 nominee for Best Show at the ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards, plays The Photographer—an intimidating, blunt presence whose casual remarks carry scathing cruelty.

Jack Robertson, a BAFTA-nominated writer and actor raised in Whitley Bay, plays Other Josie's Dad as a warm and casual joker whose good-natured humour and effortless affection only sharpen the imbalance between the two families. Robertson's screen credits include the BBC's Hospital People, CBBC's Danny & Mick, and ITV's Inspector George Gently. He's a co-creator and performer in the sketch show Metroland, which enjoyed sell-out runs locally, a successful YouTube series, and a sold-out 2024 Edinburgh Fringe run. He recently starred in the West End version of Gerry and Sewell.

The Long Story Short Series: A Platform for New Voices

Doppelgänger joins BBC Three's Long Story Short strand, a series specifically designed to showcase emerging and established talent working in short-form drama. The series has become a crucial platform for writers, directors, and performers looking to experiment with form, take creative risks, and reach new audiences.

At just 13 minutes, each Long Story Short instalment challenges creators to tell complete, satisfying stories within severe constraints. This format has proven particularly effective for comedy-drama hybrids like Doppelgänger, where tonal shifts and character revelations must land quickly and precisely.

The series launches at 9pm on Sunday 1st February on BBC Three, with Doppelgänger following at 10pm. All episodes will then be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, ensuring maximum accessibility for North East audiences eager to support local talent.

Questions of Identity in a Comparison Culture

While specific plot details remain under wraps, Carr's premise taps into deeply contemporary anxieties. In an age of social media, where we're constantly confronted with curated versions of other people's lives, the idea of a literal doppelgänger—someone who looks like you but might be living a better version of your life—takes on particular resonance.

The film explores how we construct our identities in relation to others, how comparison shapes self-perception, and what happens when the person we're measuring ourselves against is, quite literally, our mirror image. These are questions that feel especially urgent now, making Doppelgänger both timely and timeless.

Carr's decision to frame these existential concerns through the lens of comedy demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how humour can disarm audiences, allowing deeper truths to land more effectively. The comedy-drama hybrid has become one of the most vital forms in British television, and Doppelgänger promises to add a distinctive voice to this tradition.

Regional Talent on the National Stage

The commissioning of Doppelgänger represents another important moment for North East creative talent breaking through to national platforms. The film was produced entirely in the North East, filming on location in Heaton, Gateshead, and Hebburn, and championing local talent, crew, and locations throughout.

For North East audiences, seeing work by a local playwright on BBC Three provides both pride and possibility—proof that talent from the region can compete at the highest levels and that our stories deserve national attention.

The success of projects like Doppelgänger has implications beyond the individual achievement. When regional writers break through to national platforms, it demonstrates to commissioners and producers that talent exists outside traditional hubs like London and Manchester.

It also provides inspiration and practical examples for other North East writers considering the transition from stage to screen. Carr's journey from theatre to BBC Three offers a potential roadmap: develop your voice in one medium, then translate those skills to another.

The North East has a strong theatrical tradition, with numerous playwrights, companies, and venues producing vital work. But screen opportunities have been more limited. As streaming platforms and broadcasters like BBC Three expand their commissioning to include more diverse voices and shorter formats, writers like Carr are well-positioned to make the leap.

Viewing Information 

Television Premiere:

• Date: Sunday, 1st February 2025
• Time: 10:00pm
• Channel: BBC Three
• Series Launch: The full Long Story Short series begins at 9:00pm

Streaming:

• Platform: BBC iPlayer
• Availability: From Sunday, 1st February, following the television broadcast
• Duration: 13 minutes

REVIEW: Dick Whittington at South Shields Pier Pavilion

Dick Whittington

South Shields Pier Pavilion

Until Saturday 31 January 2026

A traditional family pantomime by David Foster, this production proves that heart and energy can rival bigger-budget shows. Director Kylie Ann Ford has crafted a perfectly fun and engaging family panto that gets all the essential ingredients right.

The show opens with David Foster narrating the backstory of Queen Rat (Rachel Craig), a young girl abandoned in the sewers who befriends rats after her fairy godmother's intervention. She transforms into the cruel villain that Westovian audiences love to boo, and Rachel Craig excels at drawing reactions from the crowd with every entrance.

Dick Whittington (Ella Jenkins), Captain Sealegs (Mark Lamb), and Rodger (Heather Scott) arrive in the Shields of the South just as a Mini crashes into their vessel, requiring repairs. Dick encounters the show's comic Idle Jack (Hannah Potter), the panto Dame Sarah (Gavin O'Doherty), and Alice (Emily Scott), who appear to work for Alderman Fitzwarren (Zed Carr), though their exact roles and living arrangements remain charmingly unclear.

The production includes traditional panto elements like a takeoff scene and community singing, with choreographer Helen Wilson adding a nice touch by opening Act Two with a showcase for the young dancers. The live band, under musical director Emily Palmer-Giles, injects tremendous energy into proceedings. The musical selection cleverly spans generations, from recent hits like Golden and Where Is My Husband to classics like Money, Money, Money ensuring something for everyone in the audience.

The standout performance comes from Hannah Purvis as Tommy the Cat, delivering a beautiful rendition of Memory from Cats before it hilariously becomes part of the panto's running gags. Gavin O'Doherty provides plenty of laughs as Dame Sarah, with jokes that mostly land well. The obligatory "6 7" reference gets its seasonal airing, and there's a touching tribute to recently departed footballer Izak, remembered as one of the rats.

The performance runs 2 hours 50 minutes including a 20-minute interval. Whilst not perfect—there were scuffed lines and occasional sound issues—the show radiates warmth and good intentions, making impressive use of limited space. The ensemble quickly wins over the audience, and the Saturday night Westovian crowd enthusiastically booed, cheered, and clapped throughout.

One element that needs reconsidering is the excessive strobe lighting during the takeoff scene, which doesn't enhance the action and arguably makes it almost unwatchable for some.

The true measure of a good panto is whether younger audience members engage, and this production passes that test with flying colours. A wholesome, entertaining family show that proves you don't need West End budgets to deliver pantomime magic. The Westovian Panto has launched the careers of a number of professional panto performers and it is easy to see why as the organisation understands how to nurture the format and its performers.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Tickets: 

Available at Box Office, The Word or https://westovians.co.uk/events/dick-whittington-panto/

Preview: Fixing on tour

Fixing

A drag show about family breakups and car breakdowns

Photo: Tom Platinum Morley

When Matt was little, their dad bought a classic car - a 1952 Sunbeam Talbot Mark II. Dad had dreams of working on it together, repairing and rebuilding as a father-child project. They never did, and the car sat festering in a garage while Dad dealt with divorce. Now in their 30s, Matt wants to learn how to fix a car engine. More than that, they want to understand Dad better, and that difficult time when their parents split up - the period when Matt and Dad were actually closest.

There's a problem though: Matt can't do this alone, which is tricky for a solo show. Enter Natalie Spanner, Matt's drag alter-ego, who knows all about things that girls like Natalie know about - like how to build an engine, and all about maintenance, care and repair. Together, Matt and Natalie will ask, in an increasingly broken world, how might we repair ourselves, together?

Photo: Tom Platinum Morley

Created by Matt Miller and Peader Kirk and performed by Miller, Fixing is their third collaboration and first venture into drag performance. At a time when connections seem to be breaking down more than ever - through divisive global politics and fractured personal relationships - this intimate show initiates vital conversations around care, nurture, rupture and recovery. It asks audiences to consider what maintenance means in the context of their own relationships.

The piece combines personal storytelling with broader social questions, blending the mechanics of car repair with the harder work of fixing family bonds. Choosing the right shade of lipstick becomes as important as selecting the right spanner, and learning to maintain an engine mirrors the ongoing work of maintaining relationships.

Miller, a Nottingham-based theatre maker and poet who grew up in Tyneside, has been praised by Ian McMillan for their "powers of urban storytelling." Their previous collaborations with director Peader Kirk - Sticking and Fitting - played to sold-out audiences and toured nationally. Kirk himself has directed over 50 shows internationally, working everywhere from the Southbank Centre to the National Theatre of Greece.

Following its world premiere at Newcastle's Alphabetti Theatre and a short autumn 2025 tour, Fixing returns to the North East where it was first developed. The show previously appeared as a work-in-progress at Hexham's inaugural Pride Festival in 2023, making its homecoming particularly significant.

In a world obsessed with buying new and throwing away what's broken, Fixing offers something refreshingly different: a meditation on the value of repair, the intimacy of maintenance, and the courage it takes to fix what matters most.

Tickets:

Gala Theatre, Durham - Friday 20 February 2026
Book at galadurham.co.uk/galapost/fixing

Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle - Friday 27 to Saturday 28 February 2026
Book at www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/fixing

ARC Stockton Arts Centre - Saturday 7 March 2026
Book at arconline.co.uk/whats-on/fixing

For more information: mattmillertheatre.com

Preview: Shuggy Boats at Newcastle Live Theatre

Shuggy Boats

Newcastle Live Theatre 

Friday 6 - Saturday 21 March 2026

A cornucopia of local talent is set to hit the stage of Live Theatre in a brand new comedy play written by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Jacquie Lawrence. Shuggy Boats brings together an exceptional cast led by Dave Johns, who returns to the stage for the first time in over 20 years following his acclaimed film career in I, Daniel Blake, Fisherman's Friends and 23 Walks.

The story begins at a birthday party where Maeve, a human dynamo who shines brighter than her fuchsia lipstick, drops a bombshell in front of her television quiz-obsessed husband, cocky son, recently bereaved sister and workaholic niece. Her revelation throws the family into panic, forcing them to make changes they didn't know needed changing. But when Maeve meets the charismatic Fingers, newly released from prison, the lipstick really hits the fan.

 

What follows is a shuggy boat ride full of chaos, comedy and celebration, as the action veers between the disparate worlds of "Provvy Women", Mastermind addicts and Tynemouth Pride. Through comedy and pathos, we witness a family with fault lines like craters learning to come back together – differently.

Johns is joined on stage by Natalie Ann Jamieson (Emmerdale, Vera), Alicya Eyo (Bad Girls, Emmerdale), Phillipa Wilson (Where The Heart Is) and Libby Davison (The Bill), alongside Benjamin Storey, Soroosh Lavasani and Barbara Heslop. The production features a special dimension with screened performances by Denise Welch, Charlie Hardwick and Si King.

For writer Jacquie Lawrence, an expat Geordie, this production is deeply personal. "Shuggy Boats is infused with characters and scenarios from my early life in Newcastle," she explains. "It's emotional to come home to tell the story I've always wanted to tell and see it come to life with such a stellar cast and inspired creatives."

Director Fiona MacPherson describes the collaborative process: "Every family has its fault lines but this one has craters. Working alongside a wonderful ensemble of theatre makers, it's been a joy to develop Shuggy Boats, bringing all these big characters together to create such a dynamic story."

Johns himself is clearly delighted to return to the stage: "Shuggy Boats for me means summers on Whitley Bay beach, donkey rides, candy floss and stolen kisses. I'm thrilled to be part of this heartfelt, funny and very human play."

Natalie Ann Jamieson, fresh from her iconic stint on Emmerdale, adds: "I'm so excited to be back at Live! Being a part of the youth theatre is among my fondest memories from my teenage years. Appearing in this play, which will mean so much to so many, is fantastic."

Denise Welch, who appears on screen, celebrates the play's themes: "Although I'm not appearing in real life, it's smashing to be part of a play that celebrates people choosing to live the lives they were always told they couldn't, or even shouldn't, live!"

This is a homecoming in every sense – a Geordie story told by Geordies, for Geordies, celebrating the chaos, warmth and resilience of North East families with all their beautiful imperfections.

Tickets:

Shuggy Boats runs from Friday 6 to Saturday 21 March 2026 at Live Theatre. For more information and to book tickets, visit live.org.uk

Preview: John Bishop: Let's Go Round Again at Utilita Arena Newcastle

John Bishop: Let's Go Round Again

Utilita Arena Newcastle 

 Thursday 6th May 2027

Comedy favourite John Bishop is bringing his brand-new show to Newcastle as part of a major UK and Ireland tour this spring. Fresh from last year's triumphant '25' tour celebrating his quarter-century in comedy, the Liverpool-born comedian proves he's far from ready to slow down.

Why This Show Matters

Bishop's journey from his first gig in October 2000 to becoming one of Britain's most beloved comedians is nothing short of remarkable. Within just three years of starting out, he was packing arenas nationwide and breaking records with the fastest-selling stand-up DVD in UK history. His recent Back At It international tour, which wrapped at the London Palladium in April 2025, was completely sold out across multiple continents.

"After my 25 tour last year I thought I would take time off, but I loved it so much I am itching to get on the road again," Bishop explains. "Nothing beats being on a stage and hearing people laugh."

Beyond Stand-Up

While Bishop is best known for his stand-up, North East audiences will recognise him from an impressive array of television work. His documentary and entertainment shows have taken viewers from Australia to Ireland, while his four series of 'John Bishop: In Conversation With…' featured intimate chats with entertainment, music and sport's biggest names. He's even appeared in Doctor Who and proved his theatrical chops in 2023's Mother Goose alongside Sir Ian McKellen, which enjoyed a successful West End run.

This year sees Bishop return to BBC One Saturday nights with 'Wisdom of the Crowd', an eight-part entertainment series that will keep him in the public eye ahead of the tour.

Film Star Rising

The tour announcement comes at an exciting time for Bishop, coinciding with the 30th January cinema release of 'Is This Thing On?', a film inspired by his life and directed by Bradley Cooper, who also stars alongside Will Arnett and Laura Dern.

What to Expect

If the success of his recent tours is anything to go by, Newcastle audiences are in for a treat. Bishop's observational style and natural warmth have made him a consistent arena-filler, and Let's Go Round Again promises to deliver exactly what fans want: an evening of genuine laughter with one of Britain's most relatable comedians.

As Bishop himself notes, "people are really ready for a good laugh" – and based on his track record, he's exactly the person to deliver it.

---

Tickets: On sale Friday 30th January at 10:00AM
Venue: Utilita Arena Newcastle, Arena Way, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 7NA
Book: https://axs-uk.sjv.io/WyB2b3

Preview: Dick Whittington at South Shields Pier Pavilion

Dick Whittington

South Shields Pier Pavilion

Friday 23 - Saturday 31 January 2026

You thought Panto season was behind you? Oh no it isn’t - thanks to the Westovians bringing beloved pantomime Dick Whittington to the stage this January.

Beloved for their hilarious and well-crafted pantomimes, the Westovian Theatre Society are performing the brilliant Dick Whittington from Friday 23rd January - Saturday 31st January in their home theatre at Pier Pavillion in South Shields.

The Westovians have become renowned for their successful pantomimes, regularly winning at the NODA North awards with their traditional family friendly shows. Last year’s pantomime Cinderella won three NODA district awards, including Best Pantomime, and this year’s blend of talented performers, fantastic music and hilarious jokes is set to once again thrill audiences of all ages.

Producing the pantomime for the first time this year, Claire Ball “has been blown away by the talent and passion of the cast. Our panto is full of laughter, fun and chaos and we can’t wait to wow audiences over the next two weeks.”

 The Westovian Theatre Society is one of South Tyneside’s leading amateur dramatic groups and they have been thrilling audiences for over a century. They took up residence at the Pier Pavillion in 1977, and since then, they have continued to grow and produce top-quality theatre in the heart of South Shields.

Tickets:

Show: Dick Whittington

Location: Pier Pavilion, South Shields

Dates: Friday 23rd January - Saturday 31st January. Evening Performances 7.30pm, Saturday matinees 2.00pm, Sunday shows at 11.00am and 4.00pm.

Tickets: £14 / under 12s £12. Group discounts available. Available at Box Office, The Word or https://westovians.co.uk/events/dick-whittington-panto/

Suitable for: All

Running time: 2 hours 20 (approx)

Access: Theatre is fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible toilet and designated wheelchair spaces in the auditorium.

Preview: Billy & Teddy's Amazing Adventure at Newcastle Live Theatre

Lawnmowers Theatre Company Launches 40th Anniversary with Time-Travelling Celebration

Billy & Teddy's Amazing Adventure

Newcastle Live Theatre

Friday 13 & Saturday 14 February 2026

As Lawnmowers Theatre Company marks four decades of groundbreaking, learning-disabled led theatre, they're kicking off their 40th anniversary year in spectacular style with Billy & Teddy's Amazing Adventure, a joyful new production that proves talent and creativity know no boundaries.

A Time-Travelling Challenge

Billy and Teddy are on top of the world. Creative, talented, and excelling in their performance class, these two friends have ambitions that stretch far beyond their current success. When they set their sights on a prestigious local performing arts college, however, they hit an unexpected wall. The response? They don't belong. But the college throws down a gauntlet: prove that history is filled with successful people with learning difficulties, and they'll earn their place.

It's a tall order, and just when hope seems to slip away, something extraordinary happens. Enter Roofyus and his time machine, tumbling from the sky to launch Billy and Teddy on a heart-filled, hilarious adventure through the ages. What follows is a high-energy romp through history as the duo encounters famous figures who changed the world, including the legendary German composer and pianist Beethoven, discovering along the way that creativity, determination, and brilliance have always existed beyond society's narrow labels.

A Fresh Take on a Cult Classic

Inspired by the beloved 1980s film Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, this new play from Lawnmowers Theatre Ensemble brings the same spirit of fun, friendship, and optimism to the stage while telling a distinctly contemporary story about challenging assumptions and celebrating what people can achieve. Packed with humour and heart, Billy & Teddy's Amazing Adventure is both a rip-roaring entertainment and a powerful statement about representation, belonging, and the right to pursue your dreams.

The Creative Team

Director Karen Traynor leads a talented ensemble of Lawnmowers Theatre Company performers. Chris Moules takes on the role of Billy, while Nathan Jordison brings Teddy to life. They're joined by Andrew McLeod, who also serves as lead writer on the production, alongside Francis Potts and Debbie Bell. Adding to the show's vibrant energy, Francis Potts has created a bespoke mega-mix for the production with support from DJ Stewart Smith, ensuring the time-travelling adventure pulses with musical excitement.

Chris Moules who plays Billy with Andrew McLeod - writer and ensemble performer

The creative team features Set and Costume Design by Molly Barret, Sound Design by Jeremy Bradfield, and Lighting Design by Si Cole, with Stage Management by Chloe Ribbens. Behind the scenes, George Copeland provides stage management support, with Scott Rowe contributing sound tech expertise.

About the Production

Running approximately 50 minutes, Billy & Teddy's Amazing Adventure balances its entertaining story with genuine substance. Director Karen Traynor captures the essence of the production perfectly: "This show is about challenging assumptions and celebrating what people can do. Billy & Teddy's Amazing Adventure is funny, bold and full of heart - and it perfectly reflects Lawnmowers' ethos of empowering learning-disabled people to tell their own stories, take creative risks and shine on stage. It feels incredibly special that this production opens the company's 40th Anniversary year."

A Pioneering Company

Founded in 1986, Lawnmowers Theatre Company has spent nearly four decades as a vital force in the UK cultural landscape. As a learning-disabled led arts organisation based in Gateshead, the company creates performance, training, and opportunities that challenge stereotypes and expand who gets to be seen and heard on stage. Their work is grounded in the fundamental belief that people with learning disabilities have the right to participate in society as equal citizens, with real opportunities to succeed and thrive.

The Cast of Billy And Teddy's Amazing Adventures with director Karen Traynor

As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, Lawnmowers works both locally and internationally to empower learning-disabled artists to shape their own narratives and drive social change. Over the years, they've built a national reputation for inclusive, artist-led theatre that is bold, original, and uncompromising in its vision.

Why See This Show

Billy & Teddy's Amazing Adventure represents everything that makes theatre vital and necessary. It's a production that entertains while it enlightens, making audiences laugh while gently challenging them to examine their own assumptions. For anyone who has ever been told they don't belong, or that their dreams are too big, Billy and Teddy's journey offers both validation and inspiration.

The show arrives at a perfect moment, launching Lawnmowers' 40th anniversary celebrations and marking both a recognition of the company's remarkable past and a confident stride into its next chapter. This is theatre that celebrates friendship, determination, and the transformative power of believing in yourself, all wrapped up in a time-travelling adventure that promises to delight audiences of all ages (14+).

Whether you're a fan of the original Bill & Ted, a supporter of inclusive theatre, or simply looking for an uplifting, entertaining night out, Billy & Teddy's Amazing Adventure promises to deliver something special. Join Billy and Teddy as they prove, once and for all, that talent and creativity truly have no limits.

Performance Details
Billy & Teddy's Amazing Adventure
Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne
Friday 13 & Saturday 14 February 2026, 7.30pm
Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
Tickets: £14; £10 concessions
Suitable for ages 14+

Book tickets: live.org.uk/whats-on/billy-and-teddys-amazing-adventure

More information: lawnmowerstheatre.com

Preview: Ladies' Day - The Castle Players Winter Tour 2026

Ladies' Day - The Castle Players Winter Tour 2026

Amanda Whittington's acclaimed comedy-drama comes to the North East

Four fish-filleting friends swap their white coats and wellies for fascinators and champagne when Royal Ascot relocates to York in this heart-warming tale of friendship, ambition, and self-discovery.

Pearl, Jan, Shelley, and Linda navigate life-changing secrets and a mounting accumulator bet that could see them hit the ultimate jackpot. As they experience a transformative day at the races, the production blends hilariously funny moments with touching scenes that explore what happens when ordinary lives collide with extraordinary possibilities.

Co-directors Sarah Fells and Heather Armstrong use atmospheric lighting and sound to transport audiences from the dreary fish factory floor to the sun-drenched excitement of the racecourse. "It seemed to be an ideal choice for this winter tour—to transport audiences from a wet and wintry season to a warm summer day at the races," says Sarah Fells.

"There are moments that are really beautiful, some hilariously funny, and some that are just like mates chatting," adds Heather Armstrong. "We think the audience will recognise themselves or people they know in the characters. We hope they'll feel like they're spending the evening with friends."

Cast: Adele Tyler (Pearl), Sue Byrne (Jan), Kennedy Page (Shelley), Phoebe Lorenz (Linda), with Peter Cockerill (Joe, Fred, Barry) and Gordon Duffy-McGhie (Jim, Patrick, Kevin).

Tour Dates:

Saturday 17 January - The Witham, Barnard Castle, 7:30pm (virtually sold out)

Sunday 18 January - St Cuthbert Centre, Crook, 3:00pm

Saturday 24 January - Butterknowle Village Hall, 7:30pm (includes light supper)

Sunday 25 January - Bowes & Gilmonby Village Hall, 3:00pm

Friday 30 January - Mickleton Village Hall, 7:30pm

Sunday 1 February - Scarth Hall, Staindrop, 3:00pm

Friday 6 February - Whorlton Village Hall, 7:30pm

Saturday 7 February - All Saints Church, Darlington, 7:30pm

Sunday 8 February - Romaldkirk Reading Room, 3:00pm

Saturday 21 February - Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, 7:30pm 

This professional-standard community theatre production brings quality entertainment to village halls and historic stages across Teesdale, North Yorkshire, and Darlington, culminating in a grand finale at the historic Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond.

Tickets:

https://www.castleplayers.co.uk/services-9

REVIEW: The Mirror Crack'd at Newcastle People's Theatre

The Mirror Crack'd 

Newcastle People's Theatre

Until Saturday 24 January 2026

Agatha Christie's Miss Marple returns to the stage in Rachel Wagstaff's innovative adaptation of The Mirror Crack'd, presented by Newcastle's People's Theatre. This fresh take on the classic whodunnit runs until 24th January, bringing Hollywood glamour and murder mystery to St Mary Mead in a production that breathes new life into Christie's beloved detective.

Rachel Wagstaff's adaptation takes a bold departure from traditional Christie stagings, transforming the usual static drawing room affair into something far more cinematic. Director Sam Hinton embraces Wagstaff's vision of memory as fluid and physical, allowing scenes to pause, rewind and replay as different characters recall events. This theatrical mechanism cleverly mirrors the film world that descends upon Miss Marple's quiet village, whilst giving audiences direct access to the detective's thought process as she pieces together fragments of subjective recollection to uncover the truth.

When film star Marina Gregg (Moira Valentine) arrives in St Mary Mead to shoot her latest picture, the village is thrown into turmoil. A garden party at Gossington Hall ends in tragedy when a local woman dies from poisoning, and it falls to the ever-observant Jane Marple (Karen Elliott) to investigate alongside Chief Inspector Craddock (Sean Burnside). As Marple delves into the world of Marina's husband Jason Rudd (Jim Boylan), rival actress Lola Brewster (Kristin Clawson), and various members of the film crew including Ella Zielinsky (Erin Thwaites) and Giuseppe Renzo (Viktor Danchenko), she must navigate the performances and duplicity of people whose profession is pretence.

Elliott rises admirably to the considerable challenge of playing Christie's iconic sleuth, bringing warmth and steel to a role with formidable theatrical heritage. Equally impressive is Tony Sehgal as Cyril Leigh, who demonstrates impeccable comic timing, drawing consistent laughter from the audience despite having relatively few lines for much of the evening. The production's use of the full stage keeps the action flowing dynamically, with most of the cast and assistant stage director Lauren Howell remaining visible throughout, creating an ensemble energy that gives the piece a distinctly modern, almost cinematic quality. This constant presence reinforces the production's central themes about performance, observation, and the unreliability of what we see.

For lovers of classic whodunnits, this Mirror Crack'd offers both comfort and surprise. The production respects Christie's plotting whilst embracing contemporary staging techniques that make the material feel fresh. It's a testament to both Wagstaff's intelligent adaptation and Hinton's thoughtful direction that this production honours tradition whilst confidently forging its own path.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Paul Hood

Tickets

Tickets are available from the People's Theatre Box Office on 0191 265 5020 (option 2) and online at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk.