North East Theatre Guide

Looking at theatre and the arts across North East England, the North East Theatre Guide continues to celebrate culture in our region. If a link is labelled #Ad: Tickets are now available from one of our affiliate ticket suppliers. The ticket company will also be the official supplier of tickets for the event. This means we receive a small share of the sale. Clicking on these links helps us to cover the costs of producing the NE Theatre Guide free of charge to both our readers and theatres.

Showing posts with label Alphabetti Theatre. Show all posts

06/11/2015

Preview: Burning Books at Newcastle Alphabetti

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Burning Books
Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre
Sunday 15^th November 2015

After viral Youtube hit and five star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe, poet Jess Green takes her education themed music and spoken word show on national tour.

In March 2014 when Jess Green uploaded a poem from her first solo show, Burning Books to Youtube she did not expect it to become the viral hit that it did. A year on, Dear Mr Gove has attracted over 300,000 hits on Youtube and Jess is taking the show from which it originates on tour having received two five star reviews at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

“Punchy, she struck a chord” – The Guardian

Burning Books is a lyrical, powerful and humorous spoken word and live music show set in an inner city secondary. Supported by two musicians, performance poet Jess Green tells the stories of the librarian secretly taking books to the tip, the newly qualified graduate furiously supporting Movember and the tired-out sixty-something fighting for her pension on a picket line. These stories of everyday underdogs are soundtracked by a rousing musical underscore played her band, The Mischief Thieves - Dave Morris and Scott Cadenhead - which moves from slow, acoustic folk to raucous, Deep South US blues and even the occasional European waltz.

“Brilliant. Her words have certainly struck a chord with teachers” – Huffington Post

Inspired by the stories of people she’s met in schools across the country, Jess Green presents a highly topical social commentary on the state of education and the teachers and students who survive within it. This show is firmly set now; at a time when public sector budgets are stretched to breaking point and teachers feel the finger of blame firmly on their heads.

“An internet sensation” – The Independent

Burning Books was premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2014 as part of PBH’s Free Fringe and went back this year. It received huge amounts of positive feedback from the packed-to-capacity crowds as well as two 5* reviews from TV Bomb and Broadway Baby who said ‘“Grippingly inventive and immensely touching. Green’s voice is urgent, important and immensely enjoyable; she deserves to be heard.”

“It’s brilliant. I loved it!” – Josie Long

Jess says: ‘After the success of the Gove video and the Edinburgh premiere, I had a lot of teachers get in touch to say how much the poem and the show as a whole resonated with them. I’m really excited to now be able to take it on a national tour.’

“Amazing to watch!” – Scroobius Pip

At times incredibly sad and others comedically honest, Burnings Books won’t just appeal to those interested in education and politics but also fans of live music, theatre and of course, poetry – particularly those who didn’t think they liked it to begin with.

More information about Jess’ work can be found on her website www.jessgreenpoet.comand you can follow her on Twitter at @jessgreenpoet.

Performance Details

When:
Bar Opens 6.30pm. Performance starts 7.30pm

Where:
Alphabetti Theatre, The Basement 18 Newbridge Street West Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AW

http://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/whats-on/24-whats-on-articles/142-burning-books
Ticket Price:
£5
Running Length:
Approx. 1 Hour 15 minutes (including 3 x 15 minute intervals)

Book online:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/100072

Tour
7^thSeptember – Oxford Playhouse
11th September – The Roundhouse, Camden
19^thSeptember – Tom Thumb Theatre, Margate
27^thSeptember – Komedia, Brighton
13^thOctober – Unity Theatre, Liverpool
14^thOctober – Islington Mill, Salford
1^stNovember – Bikeshed Theatre, Exeter
15^thNovember – Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle
28^thNovember – Rich Mix, Bethnal Green

07/07/2015

Preview: DieHard Gateshead

DieHard Gateshead

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre - Tuesday 14^th July 2015

Washington Arts Centre - Wednesday 15^th July 2015

Gateshead Caedmon Hall - Thursday 16^th July 2015

There’s enough drama at the Women’s Group and some people are losing the plot. If Noel Edmonds and Bruce Willis can’t help, who can?

A women's group is closing and Leslie, the leader, is under pressure. She wants to tell them but things keep getting in the way. Time is running out. If Geordie Bruce Willis can’t help, and Noel Edmonds is no good either, who will save the day?

Based on the real-life story of a Tyneside women’s group, Ruth Raynor’s new play DieHard Gatesheadis about finding light through the rubble and the mess. It’s about avoiding promises of a better life that actually makes things worse. It’s about searching for moments of laughter and understanding in the noise and confusion. It’s about women’s lives in an age of austerity…

Ruth Raynor uses drama to understand womens lives in the context of austerity. She is a PhD student in the Geography Department at The University of Durham and she has previously worked in theatre and arts management as a designer, writer and facilitator, and translates this experience into her research.

Directed by Neil Armstrong who Neil is an award winning actor, writer and director from Seaham Harbour. He has directed for companies such as Cloud Nine Theatre, The Customs House South Shields, and his own company Theatre of Moths. His plays have been performed across the region and include Remember Jim, The Dark Side of the Half Moonand Nefairyus. As an actor he has appeared in all of the regions theatres and his TV credits include George Gently (BBC), Vera (ITV) and, Wolfblood (CBBC) among others. This year Neil is also co-writing, directing and starring as the Baddie in Durham’s Gala Theatre’s pantomime, Cinderella.

This show is produced by Christina Berriman Dawson who has appeared in George Gently, Electricity and The Magdalene Sisters as well as appearing in many theatre productions across the region. She will be appearing in Key Change (Open Clasp) at Summerhall with Northern Stage at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. Christina also runs Stage Tynemouth which provides Performing Arts training for young people aged 5-18.

Cast

DieHard Gateshead features a cast of five of the region’s leading actresses:

Zoe Lambert

Christina Berriman Dawson

Judi Earl

Arabella Arnott

Jessica Johnson

Tickets:
Tuesday 14^th July

Alphabetti Theatre

8pm (Bar 6.30pm)

Tickets £7/£5

www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk

(With a post-show discussion)

Wednesday 15^th July

Arts Centre Washington

7.30pm

Tickets £8.50/£6

0191 219 3455

http://www.artscentrewashington.co.uk/production-details.aspx?id=705

(With spoken word and poetry)

Thursday 16^th July

Caedmon Hall, Gateshead

7.30pm

Pay what you can on the door

(With music from Joe Solo, Ribbon Road and Another Penny.)

16/06/2015

Preview: No Sleep ‘Til Scotland! at Alphabetti Theatre

Nine spoken word shows in just one day!

No Sleep ‘Til Scotland!

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre,

Saturday 1 August 2015.

In a brand-new partnership, Apples and Snakes together with Alphabetti Theatre are starting a new annual tradition in the north-east cultural calendar with this showcase of performance poetry en route to Edinburgh.

Nine artists from around the country have been invited to preview their full-length solo shows in Newcastle’s newest theatre space, a chance for them to hone their bucket pitches and impress reviewers before crossing the border to craziness that is Edinburgh fringe festival.

David Lee Morgan with ‘Building God’

Audiences can expect a staggering variety of styles and subjects, from dark literary fairy tales to scathing political satires, and all in a ‘drop-in’ festival format. If the next show doesn’t take your fancy, simply take a break at the outdoor buskers’ stage for some music, open mic and a bite to eat.

Agnes Torok with

‘If You’re Happy And You

Know It – Take This Survey’

Kirsten Luckins, who is the North Co-ordinator for Apples and Snakes said “Both Alphabetti and Apples are committed to fostering excellent new writing and supporting emerging artists. It made complete sense for us to work together on this event, which will introduce audiences to a wide variety of high-quality, thought-provoking and entertaining spoken word shows”.

Matt MacDonald with

‘Something Wicked

This Way Comes’

In keeping with our passion for developing artists, we have invited regional artists with debut shows to rub shoulders with multiple-award-winning veterans of the scene. The line-up includes several award-winners and slam-winners, including the 2014 BBC Slam Champion David Lee Morgan. Our headline act is a new piece from Sophia Walker, whose previous works have been voted Best Solo Spoken Word Show in the Saboteur Awards two years running.

Ali Pritchard, Artistic Director of Alphabetti Theatre, added “We are so excited to have this event with us, having artists like Sophia Walker and David Lee Morgan on our stage is something really special and it’s we can’t wait to welcome back the likes of AJ McKenna and Jenni Pascoe with their debut solo shows.”

Tickets

No Sleep ‘Til Scotland! Comes to Alphabetti Theatre, Basement, 18 New Bridge Street West, Newcastle NE1 8AW on Saturday 1 August 2015, 11am – 1am

Tickets: FREE! Pay what you want in the bucket at the end!

Full List Of Shows And Artist Blogs

Jennie Pascoe with ‘Workie Ticket’

How many times can you fall on your feet and get the cream before you get to your ninth life?

Jenni Pascoe is the founder and host of the immensely successful spoken word cabaret, JibbaJabba.

Matt MacDonald with ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’

Remember when you were scared of the dark? You soon will…fairy tales – with no happily ever after.

Matt MacDonald is published by Red Squirrel Press. This is his debut show.

Henry Raby with ‘Up The Nerd Punks!’

Henry dissects friendship, growing up, protest, feminism and dinosaurs. Think Joe Strummer battling a Tory-voting Darth Vader.

Henry Raby is the founder and host of York’s Say Owt Slam.

Agnes Torok with ‘If You’re Happy And You Know It – Take This Survey’

A show about pursuing and finding happiness in strange and scientific places.

Agnes Torok won the PBH award for Best International Spoken Word Show in 2014 and is a multiple slam-winner, current holder of the StAnza Slam title.

Hannah Chutzpah with ‘Asking Nicely’

All about the power dynamics of permission and politeness – with rhymes and reasons. Contains: feminism, funnies, psychology, sociology, wit and wordplay

Hannah Chutzpah is a poet and activist, and runs Whippersnapper Press.

David Lee Morgan with ‘Building God’

Communism or Oblivion? London, UK and BBC slam poetry champion spits over music tracks produced and mixed by CloudFistConceptz.

David Lee Morgan is the current BBC Slam champion.

Sara Hirsch with ‘How Was It For You?’

A hilariously awkward, poetic unravelling of what it is to be single for the first time since being a teenager.

Sara Hirsch was UK Slam Champion 2013/14. This is her debut show.

AJ McKenna with ‘The Howl Of the Bantee’

An angry trans lesbian poet bashes back at Banter Culture.

AJ McKenna is a multi-slam winning poet and activist.

Sophia Walker with ‘Cult Friction’

When cult tactics meet Apple's marketing machines, can Jane Fonda and a belieber save us?

Sophia Walker is a former BBC Slam champion, and winner of the Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Show 2013 and 2014.

12/04/2015

Review: Palace of Varieties at Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

The Palace of Varieties

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

11^th April 2015.

Newcastle’s newest venue is intended to be a leading part of the fringe scene in the city. It is ideally situated to take risks with its programming and enable artists to develop their shows. Chris Stewart plans to take The Palace of Varieties to Edinburgh and this was an opportunity to see how his plans unfold in front of a live audience.

The evening began in the capable hands of Kirsten Luckins who gave us a ‘button box’ selection of her fine work. Brilliant delivery help bring out the emotion behind her verse. A tour of topics from second hand shops through the Trouble with Compassionto writers block. The set finished too quickly with a response to Tony Harrison’s controversial 1985 poem V.

John-Clovis Morden was billed as a ‘born fighter and Teesside legend’. The Republic is a Socratic dialogue, written by Plato around 380 BC, concerning the definition of justice. John-Clovis tried to engage the audience into a debate about the definition of justice. The nature of emerging theatre is that some ideas work out on certain nights with some audiences and then fall flat on another evening with a different crowd.

Middlesbrough Empire was built as a music hall in 1897 and has hosted a variety of performers from Charlie Chaplin to modern-day bands. Chris Stewart has used the venue, in its many forms from its original use to its modern function as a night club, as inspiration for The Palace Of Varieties. Starting with drinking with fans of heavy metal acts such as Sepultura Chris describes his own personal journey with a venue he described as a place one went to as there were no other options. He gave a lengthy look at how a girl called Zoe is chatted up and viewed by her fellow revellers. Some interesting highlights included his crossword introduction and drawing parallels with how primary school playgrounds are a microcosm of life. The enduring image of the show is Chris dancing a Tango with a chain of rain macs representing various relationships that Zoe had. Some ideas in the show need some polishing but Chris’s engaging personality should see him have a successful time when he take The Palace of Varieties to Edinburgh is the summer.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo

On The Web:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/SideBurnedPoet

09/03/2015

Review: Frank Sumatra at South Shields Customs House

Charity Begins At Home

Frank Sumatra

South Shields Customs House

9^th March 2015 and on tour

Imagine what would happen if your charitable cause suddenly decided to deliver the animal that you used to sponsor to your home. Keith had originally bought his wife, Bev, a sponsorship of an endangered orang-utan. Little did he realise that a few years later the bundle of hairy orange fun would land on their doorstep armed with an iPad that acts like a speak and spell. Any teenager will often have attitude but this simian can also literally swing off the lampshades.

Mike Yeaman, whose writing credits include Lucky Numbers, has written another comedy cracker which frequently had the audience laughing. Presented as a recording of a radio show in which the voices are separated from the sound effects, a number of the laughs come from that partitioning. Indeed the audience’s imaginations are allowed to explore the scene being described in the same way as one would listening to a play on the radio. Director Bev Fox is therefore able to weave a scene of chaos and the pace is not held up for a prop to arrive. It is an interesting delivery which works very well. Our sound engineer, Mat Hobbins, finds himself producing many of the sounds that Frank would produce with tight comic timing.

In the centre of the story is a couple that is trying for a baby. Bev, played by Jessica Johnson, is strong willed and enthusiastic. She is not always sympathetic the needs of others such as her elderly kleptomaniac mother. Her other half Keith is less than enthusiastic about his lot, worrying more about the contents of the bin than trying to conceive a new child. Pip Chamberlin is engaging as the bloke for whom quickly changing circumstances are taking things beyond his control. His cynicism is typified by his outburst “I don’t want to be oppressed by simian overlords!” Much humour is gained by the banter that often goes on in relationships behind closed doors.

The short play is a real gem that frequently made the audience laugh. It might answer questions such as whether an alpha male can drive a Fiat Punto or if an orangutan can be mistaken for Mick Hucknell? The radio play format adds to the humour and the actors did a fine job presenting the pandemonium of an teenage bundle of joy who refuses to tow the line.

Frank Sumatra is a wonderful comedy riot highlighting the discord in relationships.

Frank Sumatra was commissioned by Queens Hall Hexham.

Original Jowheretogo Preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/preview-frank-sumatra-on-tour.html

Cast: Jessica Johnson, Mat Hobbins, Pip Chamberlin.

Directed by Bev Fox.

Remaining Tour Dates:

12/13 Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre Venue website link

14 Bedlington Community Centre Venue website link

08/03/2015

Review: Grand Opening at Alphabetti Theatre

The Fringe Comes To Newcastle In This Perfectly Formed Little Venue

Grand Opening

Alphabetti Theatre

7^th March 2015

Hidden away in a basement under Market Street West is a real gem of a venue. It is well worth seeking out and the forthcoming programme is packed with real potential.

A city isn’t defined by the big venues, that pull in Lionel Ritchie or some former west-end production, but by the quality of the smaller spaces. It is apparent that Artistic Director, Ali Pritchard, knows what facilities are needed to create such an exciting space.

The first part of the fun is finding the venue, the small blue gate next to the NCP car park has never stood out. Now it leads to an underground venue that has a real Berlin feel. The licensed bar has soft drinks as well as tea & coffee too. Prompt friendly service was maintained throughout the evening.

The bar leads into a comfortable seating area which has a wall with the names of the generous crowdfunders whose philanthropy enabled the venue to happen.

Beyond a curtain lies the theatre itself. A simple box with black walls, a white ceiling and a stage in a corner – this is the ideal size for the fringe events that made Edinburgh famous.