Preview: Glenn Miller Story at Newcastle Theatre Royal

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TOMMY STEELE BRINGS GLENN MILLER STORY TO LIFE AT THEATRE ROYAL

The Glenn Miller Story

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Monday 21^st – Saturday 26^th September 2015

His music defined an era; his disappearance stunned the world…

A spectacular new show telling the extraordinary tale of the world’s most famous big band leader is heading to Newcastle Theatre Royal this September. The Glenn Miller Story, starring none other than music legend Tommy Steele, will be swinging into town for a must-not-miss run from Monday 21^st – Saturday 26^th September 2015.

Accompanied by a live 16-piece authentic Glenn Miller orchestra, as well as full supporting company of singers, dancers and actors, the story of one of the most iconic musical figures of the 20^th century will be told as never before.

The show is the brainchild of world famous producer Bill Kenwright and rock and roll legend Tommy Steele (who are professional colleagues and great friends), and the plan was hatched over one of their regular supper meetings together.

           

Tommy Steele

The “let’s find another show”conversations were long and varied and possibly included adaptations of every screen musical ever written. It was when discussing a particular favourite of theirs; the James Stewart box office smash The Glenn Miller Story, that Bill discovered that his all-encompassing love for Elvis was equal only to Tommy’s adoration for Glenn Miller and his Orchestra. Bill learned that Tommy was a true devotee; travelling all over the world to hear what remains of the original Orchestral Sounds, and was steeped in the knowledge and the glory of what Glenn Miller did for popular music. Tommy enthused that Glenn changed the face of it from 1939 – 1943 when he was the most popular recording artist in the world. Some might say similar to what Elvis did from the mid 50’s when he too was the most popular recording artist in the world.

The thought of Tommy Steele and The Glenn Miller Story was a wonderful opportunity to create something special in the mind of a producer like Bill. However, as Tommy told him, there was an obvious problem, although he’s still one of this country’s greatest song and dance men, Tommy was too old to play Glenn! It was three years later – at a dinner party celebrating Tommy’s award as the Most Popular Entertainer of All Time at the London Palladium – that they came up with what they believed to be the answer!! What was it?? Come and see for yourself when The Glenn Miller Story is at a theatre near you. But here’s a clue – Tommy Steele will not be the Narrator.

Tommy Steele was Britain’s first rock ‘n’ roll star. Dubbed the UK’s answer to Elvis Presley, he landed his first UK No.1 with Singing the Blues in January 1957, reaching the top spot before Elvis, who didn’t land his until the June that year. The big screen soon beckoned for Tommy, and that same year he filmed The Tommy Steele Story, one of Britain’s great rock ‘n’ roll movies. A soundtrack was released to coincide with the film’s opening and became the first album to reach No.1.

His legendary career includes over twenty hit singles, twelve hit movies and countless award winning stage musicals such as Half a Sixpence, Hans Andersen and Singin’ in the Rain. In recent years, Steele has starred as Christmas miser Scrooge in Bill Kenwright’s spectacular production of the festive musical, which enjoyed two successful runs at the world-famous London Palladium. It was a role that also made Steele the theatre’s all-time record breaking performer, having headlined more performances than any other star in the history of the Palladium.

Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright team up again to direct the show, having been at the helm of several award-winning musicals including Blood Brothers, Evita, and this year’s new production of Jesus Christ Superstar (at NewcastleTheatre Royal 14 –19 September). Choreography is by Olivier Award winner Bill Deamer (Top Hat, Evita, Save The Last Dance For Me).

The Glenn Miller Story promises to transport audiences young and old back to the days of the big band, and have them up on their feet jiving.

It’s been seventy years since Glenn Miller vanished over the English Channel as he flew to Paris to entertain the troops during the Second World War. Did he crash? Was he shot down? Will the mystery ever be solved?

 Tickets:

The Glenn Miller Storyplays Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 21st – Saturday 26th September 2015, evenings at 7.30pm, matinees Thursday 2pm and Saturday 2.30pm. Tickets from £13.00 (save 50p per ticket online). 

Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Preview: Shawshank Redemption at Newcastle Theatre Royal

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TV HEARTHROBS IAN KELSEY AND PATRICK ROBINSON TO STAR IN SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

The Shawshank Redemption

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Monday 19^th – Saturday 24^th October 2015

Two of TV’s most dashing leading men are set to star in a brand new production of The Shawshank Redemption coming to Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 19^th– Saturday 24^th October 2015.  Long running star of BBC’s Doctors Ian Kelsey will play Andy Dufresne and Casualty’s Patrick Robinson will play Red.

On announcing he was to bring to an end his role as heartthrob practice manager Howard Bellamy in BBC One’s Doctors, there was immediate speculation as to what would be next for Ian Kelsey, who, having hardly been off our screens for over two decades, has become one of TV’s best loved and most prolific leading men.

Ian leaves his starring role in a closely guarded story line this October to play Andy Dufresne, a banker who having been handed a double life sentence for the brutal murder of his wife and her lover, finds himself incarcerated in the notorious Shawshank penitentiary.

Ian Kelsey

Ian’s other major TV roles have included four years in BBC One’s Casualty playing Patrick Spiller, three years as Dave Glover in Emmerdale, two years as Matt Brewer in Down To Earth, six years as DI Richard Mayne in Blue Murder and in the final series of Where The Heart Is as Jack Clayton. His remarkable list of credits have also seen him in Touching Evil, Murder in Mind and Hotel Babylon to name but a few. As a leading man in London’s West End, Ian’s stage credits include Billy Flynn in Chicago and Danny Zuko in Grease.

Patrick Robinson

Joining Ian is television’s Patrick Robinson, whose impressive TV career has also spanned more than two decades. Patrick is best known for his role as handsome staff nurse-turned-consultant Martin ‘Ash’ Ashford in BBC’s Casualty, a role which he first played from 1990 to 1996, before he returned for a guest appearance in a two-part special in 1998. He then reprised his role in 2013 for a year.

Patrick Robinson’s other TV work includes Midsomer Murders and The Bill, and, in 2013 Strictly Come Dancing where he got to the semi-finals. In 2003 he appeared in action film Belly of the Beast alongside Steven Seagal. Patrick’s stage roles include the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Romeo and Juliet as their first ever black Romeo. Other stage credits include Dangerous Corner at London’s Garrick Theatre and Festenat the Almeida and the West End’s Lyric Theatre for Bill Kenwright, and War Horse at the New London Theatre.

Based on the 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by celebrated author Stephen King, the play examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum security facility. The 1994 feature film, regularly voted the number one all-time movie, starred Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis 'Red' Redding and was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor for Freeman.

Presented by Bill Kenwright, this new production which marks the 21^st anniversary of the film and will be directed by award-winning Broadway director David Esbjornson. It has been adapted by Owen O’Neill and Newcastle’s own Dave Johns, with design by Gary McCann and lighting by Chris Davey.

Tickets:

The Shawshank Redemption is at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Mon 19 until Sat 24 October 2015, playing evenings at 7.30pm, matinees Thurs 2pm and Sat 2.30pm.

Tickets from £14.50 (save 50p per ticket online). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

 

 

Review: And Then There Were None at Newcastle Theatre Royal

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And Then There Were None

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until 1^st August 2015 and then on tour

Agatha Christie wrote And Then There Were Nonein 1939 and shortly afterwards she adapted it for the stage. It is deservedly regarded as a whodunit masterpiece. Through her craft as a storyteller she is able to quickly introduce the eight new arrivals on the island off the Devon coast. They are welcomed to the amazing house on the island by the butler Rogers and his wife Ethel. As a production, this show works because each actor is believable in their part without being over the top. The beauty of having ten people in the house is that there are more suspects than a game of Cluedo. The two intervals buzz with theories being discussed by the audience. In short: a quality murder mystery. 

Photo: Pamela Raith

Adorning the Theatre Royal stage was a star studded cast, each holding their own. Emmerdale’s Verity Rushworth plays the young and competent secretary Vera Claythorne. She is joined by Emmerdale Farm (as it was called back then) legend Frazer Hines as the professional butler Rogers. Joining them are Jesus Christ Superstar/Just Good Friends star Paul Nicholas as the high court judge Sir Lawrence Wargrave and Dalziel and Pascoe’s Colin Buchanan. Blue Peter’s Mark Curry plays Dr Armstrong. The magic of this production is that their past is immediately forgotten as they feel very natural in this new role.

Photo: Pamela Raith

The play has its lighter moments, largely through the strong acting and characterisation. For example Anthony Marston is a young boy racer. His carefree attitude to life gave Paul Hassall a number of laughs. The dialogue he was given was straight out of Enid Blyton’s “Famous Five” at times but that is in keeping with the 1930s era of the source.

Photo: Pamela Raith

Sometimes a murder mystery starts to drag after the murder, as the characters squabble and claim their innocence for the best part of an hour, but that is not the case here. With 9 people to murder there is plenty of activity on stage. After each death the audience either have to change their guess or nod knowingly. When the big reveal happens there is a loud gasp from the stalls but that doesn’t stop the chorus “I knew it at the start” as they file out. How honest are the audience? I admit it – I was wrong!  

Photo: Pamela Raith

The lighting design by Douglas Kuhrt is worth mentioning as it created a real atmosphere in one of the final scenes as the set was candlelit. The huge shadows helped the tension. Director Joe Harmston makes good use of the single room and experienced cast to keep the action flowing..

Along with Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee, And Then There Were None is a super evening’s entertainment. The combination of cunning storyline and strong acting produces a delightful show.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver  the North East Theatre Guide Preview from 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:

Website: http://www.kenwright.com/index.php?id=1452

Read the original preview from North East Theatre Guide here:

Tickets:

Photo: Pamela Raith

And Then There Were None appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 27 July – Saturday 1 August 2015. Tickets from £14.50 (pay 50p less per ticket when you book online). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Preview: The Sound of Music at Newcastle Theatre Royal

50^th ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION SET TO BRING THE HILLS OF NEWCASTLE ALIVE

The Sound of Music

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 1^st – Saturday 12^th September 2015

The greatest family musical of all time - The Sound of Music is returning to Newcastle’s Theatre Royal in September to celebrate the Hollywood film’s 50^thanniversary, so prepare to head for the hills and get ready for one of your favourite things!

Photo: Pamela Raith

Based on the story of the Trapp Family Singers and Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography, The Sound of Music tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom as their beloved Austria becomes part of the Third Reich at the start of WWII. 

Created as a Broadway musical in 1959 by Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, the unforgettable score features some of the most memorable songs ever performed on stage, including ‘Edelweiss’, ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘So Long, Farewell’ and of course, the title song, ‘The Sound of Music’. The musical was adapted into a multi academy-award winning film released in 1965 starring Julie Andrews.  It was an instant hit and went on to break Box Office records in 29 countries, becoming the most successful movie musical in history.

Danielle Hope as Maria

Photo: Pamela Raith

Playing the iconic role of Maria von Trapp in this new production is Danielle Hope, who captured the hearts of the country when she won BBC Television’s Over the Rainbow and made her professional debut as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. Danielle has since played Eponine in Les Misérables in London’s West End and Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The role of Captain von Trapp is played by much-loved stage and television star Steven Houghton. Well-known for his longstanding television roles in Coronation Street and London’s Burning, Olivier-Award nominated actor Steven has taken on leading roles in Spend Spend Spend, Blood Brothers, White Christmas, Martin Guerre and Grease.

This wonderfully lavish new staging of the classic musical is produced by Bill Kenwright, directed by Martin Connor, choreographed by Olivier Award winner Bill Deamer and with musical direction by David Steadman. Presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe.

Online Trailer link

Tickets:

The Sound of Music is at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 1^stuntil Saturday 12^th September 2015, playing evenings at 7.30pm, matinees on Wed 2pm (2 Sept only), Thu 2pm and Sat 2.30pm. 

Tickets from £14.50 (save 50p per ticket online), children £5 off all performances (restrictions apply). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (all calls are charged at 7p a minute plus your phone company’s access charge, calls from mobiles may vary, please contact your operator for details) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

 

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Preview: Jesus Christ Superstar Newcastle Theatre Royal

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JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR ROCKS INTO TOWN

Jesus Christ Superstar

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Monday 14^th – Saturday 19^thSeptember 2015

The explosive new production of Jesus Christ Superstar, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ground-breaking rock opera, is set to entertain audiences when it comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 14^th– Saturday 19^th September 2015, as part of its major UK tour.

Leading performer Glenn Carter returns as Jesus, a role he has played in the West End, on Broadway and in film. His extensive musical theatre credits include leading roles in Whistle Down the Wind, Les Misérables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Godspell and Merrily We Roll Along.

Photo: Pamela Raith Photography

Australian star Tim Rogers made his UK stage debut 15 years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Tim’s musical theatre credits include The Man in Whistle Down the Wind (UK Tour and West End), West Side Story, Jersey Boys, The Full Monty, Aspects of Love and the title role in Jekyll & Hyde at the Union Theatre. Most recently he starred in Carousel at the Arcola Theatre London.

X Factor finalist Rachel Adedeji plays Mary Magdalene direct from the UK and European tour of Thriller Live. The cast also includes David Burilin, Alistair Lee, Ed Handoll, Andy Barke, Tim Oxbrow, Richard J Hunt, Johnathan Tweedie, Cellen Chugg Jones, Michael Ward and Lizzie Ottley.

Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright reunite to direct Jesus Christ Superstar, a partnership that has seen them at the helm of iconic musicals including Evita (in the West End and on tour) and Blood Brothers; a show they have directed for almost 30 years, scooping up no less than four awards for best musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway.

Jesus Christ Superstar exploded onto the musical scene in 1971. Stunning audiences, it changed the face of musical theatre forever. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

As compelling today as it was at its inception over 40 years ago, Jesus Christ Superstar features some of musical theatre’s most legendary songs from I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Everything’s Alright, Gethsemane and Superstar.

Tickets

Jesus Christ Superstar appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 14 – Saturday 19 September 2015. Tickets from £13 (pay 50p less per ticket when you book online). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21, (calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge) or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

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Preview: Dreamboats And Miniskirts at Sunderland Empire

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Whatever Happened To Bobby & Laura And Norman & Sue?

Dreamboats And Miniskirts

The Sequel To Dreamboats And Petticoats

Sunderland Empire

Monday 26^th - Saturday 31^st October 2015

Dreamboats And Miniskirts returns to theatres to showcase the greatest hit songs of the 60s with a visit to Sunderland Empire for one week only (Monday 26-Saturday 31 October 2015).

It is the sequel to Dreamboats And Petticoats,which premiered in Bromley in 2009, and became a musical phenomenon having played to more than two million people across the UK. Inspired by Universal’s multi-million selling album series which now boasts seven double compilation albums and a myriad of one off special releases!

It’s 1963 and the Petticoats gang are growing up and facing new challenges. Bobby and Laura’s first single, Dreamboats and Petticoats, went to the top of the charts, but they haven’t been able to repeat that success with any further records. Norman and Sue have settled down to non-marital bliss – and a baby! And Ray and Donna seem blissfully happy in their professional lives… but are they really?

Photo: Darren Bell

The advent of the Beatles and the Merseyside sound is inspirational. But will it inspire Bobby and Laura to have one more shot at stardom, Norman to “get off the drains” and find that hit parade voice he has longed for, and Ray to realise his ambition and manage a really top pop act?

All will be revealed in a follow up with the same wit, charm, and great songs as Dreamboats and Petticoats.

Photo: Darren Bell

Dreamboats and Miniskirts is written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, the team behind Goodnight Sweetheart, Birds of a Feather, The New Statesman, Shine on Harvey Moon, Save the Last Dance For Me and of course, Dreamboats and Petticoats, and is produced by Bill Kenwrightand Laurie Mansfield in association with Universal Music.

Featuring hit after hit from Twist & Shout to Handy Manto Pretty Woman, One Fine Day and many more, Dreamboats and Miniskirts is happiness guaranteed.

North East Theatre Guide Review from earlier in the tour: Dreamboats and Miniskirts Review

Photo: Darren Bell

Tickets:

Tickets available in person at the Box Office on High Street West, from the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022* or online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland

*Booking fees may apply to telephone and online bookings.

On Tour

23-27 Jun 2015 - Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton

29 Jun-4 Jul 2015 - Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

6-11 Jul 2015 - Cliffs Pavilion, Southend

13-18 Jul 2015 -The Grand Theatre, Leeds

21-25 Jul 2015 - The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

27 Jul-1 Aug 2015 - Hippodrome Theatre, Bristol

3-8 Aug 2015 - Kings Theatre, Southsea

10-15 Aug 2015- Kings Theatre, Glasgow

18-22 Aug 2015 - His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen

24-29 Aug 2015 - Empire Theatre, Liverpool

7-12 Sep 2015 - Mold Clwyd Theatre, Cymru

14-19 Sep 2015 - Grand Theatre, Swansea

21-26 Sep 2015 - Grand Theatre, Blackpool

28 Sep-3 Oct 2015 - Swan Theatre, High Wycombe

5-10 Oct 2015 - Churchill Theatre, Bromley

12-17 Oct 2015 - Corn Exchange, Kings Lynn
26-31 Oct 2015 – Sunderland Empire, Sunderland