Review: Cinderella at Darlington Civic Theatre

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Pudsey The Dog Learns New Tricks

Cinderella

Darlington Civic Theatre

Until Sunday 10^th January 2016.

The Darlington Civic crowd left with smiles on their faces as Cinderella’s coach rolled into town.

Cinderella is looking for love in this classic pantomime. She is being bullied by her ugly step sisters but she has a friend in Buttons. Meanwhile, over at the palace, the local Prince is looking for someone to marry who wants him for his personality rather than his status.

Cinders is performed by Ashleigh Butler who appears with her amazing sidekick Pudsey the dog. The star, who came to fame when she won the 2011 tv show Britain’s Got Talent, is very comfortable as the centre of attention.  Pudsey gets a number of opportunities to wow the audience and he never put a paw wrong.

Cinders Dad, Baron Hardup, is performed by Channel 4 Coach Trip’s Brendan Sheerin, who was clearly enjoying the role. He put a few coach references into the routines but they’d be lost on anyone not familiar with his tv show.

Providing the singing talent was X-Factor semi-finalist Niki Evans. Niki was both glamorous and charming as The Fairy Godmother. Her singing was one of the highlights of the show.

Buttons can be a tough gig as you have to narrate the story and orchestrate much of the audience participation. All round entertainer Matt Edwards uses his talent to get the audience to take part. He has a lot to offer the show and it seems a shame he didn’t do a few more tricks in the context of the show.

Alastair Hill has a chance to show off his singing ability as Prince Charming. He plays the role well and he is a suitable romantic target for Cinderella. Wayne Smith completes the double act as his servant Dandini.

  

Completing the line up of principal performers are Phil Corbitt and Danny Potts as the Ugly Sisters Mel & Sue. They were suitably grotesque. Their dislike of Cinders was made apparent without being too nasty. The audience were happy to boo whenever they came on.  They had numerous bright dresses to wear which helped them to stand out whenever they were on stage.

There are some great scenes in the Andrew Ryan directed show.  Prince Charming serenading Cinderella in the forest with Buttons playing gooseberry was wonderful fun.  The 12 days of Christmas was another fabulous comedy routine.

The show has a really talented dancing ensemble who never missed a step.  The dancing routines are completed with the lovely Joanne Banks Dancers. 

Unlike many North East pantos the show comes complete with a live band, who had their work cut out, especially on the 12 days of Christmas.

At 2 hours, it does not over run. Cinderella got the thumbs up from our 12 year old son who loved it. It is a traditional mix of love story, slapstick and songs.

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

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview of Cinderella here: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/preview-cinderella-at-darlington-civic.html

Tickets

Cinderella runs at Darlington Civic Theatre from Saturday 5 December 2015 to Sunday 10 January 2016. For tickets and more information visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk or call 01325 486555.

News: Dooby Duck to join the cast of Cinderella at Darlington Civic Theatre

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Disco Legend Dooby Duck to join the cast of
Cinderella at Darlington Civic Theatre!

Darlington’s Civic Theatre’s pantomime will have a hugely entertaining  disco sequence in the form of the loveable, if a little highly strung, Dooby Duck! Hatched in 1981, Dooby made his stage debut in pantomime alongside the late Les Dawson, which proved so popular it led to a Royal request to appear at the Children’s Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium.

Dooby has travelled the world, together with his friends, appearing for several seasons at the Folie Russe in Loews Hotel, Monte Carlo and has had three series of his own for BBC TV; Dooby Duck’s Disco Bus, Dooby’s Duck Truck and Dooby Duck’s Euro Tour; as well as a series for NHK TV in Japan, where he appeared as a guest on a weekly Saturday night variety show. Hehas also made numerous television, theatre and cabaret appearances across the world.

Throughout the 90s Dooby took to pantomime like a duck to water, appearing at venues across the country, and now, thirty years on, he’s back providing some very unique entertainment at the Prince’s Ball!

Dooby Duck is just one of the thousand puppet creations created by Roger Stevenson Animations, Europe’s leading Marionette Company. The Company was started in 1963 by Roger Stevenson and has specialised in puppet entertainment for over 50 years. One of Roger’s first major projects was to make and animate The Ken Dodd Diddymen puppets for their many television and stage appearances in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Roger has appeared on six Royal Variety Shows and today his work can be regularly seen on TV, incorporated into cabaret and at holiday parks across the UK.

Dooby Duck and Friends will join the cast already announced;  Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh & Pudsey as Cinderella and her four legged friend, Coach Trip’s Brendan Sheerin as Baron Hardup and X Factor finalist Niki Evans as the Fairy Godmother in the enchantingly traditional family pantomime.

Tickets

Cinderella runs at Darlington Civic Theatre from Saturday 5 December 2015 to Sunday 10 January 2016. For tickets and more information visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk or call 01325 486555.

Preview: Relaxed Cinderella at Darlington Civic Theatre

A CHILLED OUT EXPERIENCE AT THE PANTOMIME

Cinderella

Darlington Civic Theatre

Friday 8^th January 2016

Darlington Civic Theatre and Qdos Entertainment to present a specially adapted ‘relaxed’ pantomime performance of Cinderella on Friday January 8, 2016.

Darlington Civic Theatre and Qdos Entertainment are delighted to be bringing a specially adapted performance of the spectacular family pantomime, Cinderella, designed to welcome people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, learning disability or sensory and communication disorders.

This relaxed performance will allow audience members to leave the auditorium and return at any time, light and sound levels will be specially adapted, and there will be a ‘chill-out zone’ outside the auditorium.

Audience members can talk as much as they like and there will be no expectation that the audience has to be quiet.

The special relaxed performance is on Friday January 8 at 2pm, tickets are £8.50. To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486555.

Starring in Cinderella will be Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey alongside Brendan Sheerin from Coach Trip and Niki Evans from The X-Factor. Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment’s pantomimes division, Michael Harrison, said; “The success that Ashleigh and Pudsey have enjoyed since winning Britain’s Got Talent is tribute to the popularity and versatility of the act. Everyone from The Queen to the cinema-going millions have enjoyed Ashleigh and Pudsey’s tricks and routines, which will feature heavily in this year’s panto.”

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview here. 

Tickets:

Cinderella runs at Darlington Civic Theatre from Saturday 5 December 2015 to Sunday 10 January 2016.

For tickets and more information visit darlingtoncivic.co.uk or call the box office on 01325 486555.

Preview: Cinderella at Darlington Civic Theatre

BRENDAN SHEERIN AND NIKI EVANS JOIN ASHLEIGH & PUDSEY IN CINDERELLA - THE GREATEST PANTOMIME OF THEM ALL!

Cinderella

Darlington Civic Theatre

Saturday 5 December 2015 to Sunday 16 January 2016

Channel 4’s popular TV show Coach Trip’s Brendan Sheerin and X Factor finalist Niki Evans have joined the cast of this year’s spectacular family pantomime Cinderella at Darlington Civic Theatre. The news follows the theatre’s recent announcement that Ashleigh Butler leads the cast as Cinderella, with her talented four-legged friend Pudsey.

Veteran travel expert Brendan Sheerin became a household name through Channel 4's runaway hit reality programme Coach Trip, having started his travel career in Costa Brava in the late 70s. Coach Trip and Celebrity Coach Trip catapulted Brendan to fame, with more than 300 episodes having aired since the series started in 2005. Brendan’s other TV credits include Brendan's Magical Mystery Tour and Brendan's Love Cruise. Brendan has written about his travel adventures in his autobiography titled My Life: A Coach Trip Adventure.

Niki Evans, who rose to fame in the fourth series of ITV’s The X Factor will play The Fairy Godmother. Niki has performed extensively as a solo vocalist and has recently toured the UK as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers and as Paulette in Legally Blonde the Musical. Most recently she starred in Cool Rider, the concert-production of Grease 2 in the West Endand has starred in a number of critically acclaimed pantomimes.

Michael Harrison, executive producer of Cinderellasaid “Brendan brings his big personality and infectious humour to the stage alongside Niki who has such a fabulous voice and wonderful stage presence. We’re delighted that they have agreed to be part of our spectacular Darlington production this year. With such a strong cast already in place this year’s pantomime is going to be a real treat for all the family.”

Lynda Winstanley, Director of Darlington Civic Theatre said “We are absolutely thrilled to announce this additional casting for Cinderella. With Ashleigh and Pudsey already creating a great buzz around the town, Brendan and Niki will both be a huge hit with audiences of all ages.”

Tickets:

Tickets are already on sale for Cinderella, which runs from Saturday 5 December 2015to Sunday 16 January 2016. For tickets and more information visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk or call 01325 486555.

Preview: Cinderella at Darlington Civic Theatre

ASHLEIGH & PUDSEY TAKE THE LEAD

IN DARLINGTON CIVIC THEATRE’S PANTOMIME, CINDERELLA

Cinderella

Darlington Civic Theatre

Saturday 5 December 2015 to Sunday 10 January 2016

Darlington Civic Theatre has announced that Britain’s Got Talent winning act, Ashleigh and Pudsey, are to star in this year’s magical family pantomime, Cinderella.

Ashleigh and Pudsey

Will Star in Darlington Civic

Theatre Pantomime Cinderella

Described by Simon Cowell as “one of my favourite ever acts”, since winning Britain’s Got Talent Ashleigh and Pudsey have been in phenomenal international demand. They have presented two series of their own TV show for CBBC, Who Let the Dogs Out, appeared on American television shows including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, America’s Got Talent, Good Morning America and E! News and released Pudsey: My Autobidography - which sold-out within three days. A shorter version of the book, A Pup Story, was released for younger fans, which was accompanied by a book-tour across the country.

In 2014 Pudsey the Dog: The Movie was released and screened in 400 cinemas across the UK, with Pudsey being given his voice by David Walliams. Alongside their many appearances on screen, Ashleigh and Pudsey are no strangers to the stage, having starred in pantomimes for the past three Christmas seasons.

Cinderella is staged by the world’s biggest pantomime producer, Qdos Entertainment, who bring with them a reputation for large-scale shows packed with special effects, family-friendly comedy and world-class production values. Last year’s show, The Chuckles of Oz, which was created in Darlington especially for Civic Theatre audiences, is now successfully touring across the UK.

Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment’s pantomimes division, Michael Harrison, said; “The success that Ashleigh and Pudsey have enjoyed since winning Britain’s Got Talent is tribute to the popularity and versatility of the act. Everyone from The Queen to the cinema-going millions have enjoyed Ashleigh and Pudsey’s tricks and routines, which will feature heavily in this year’s panto.”

Lynda Winstanley, Director of Darlington Civic Theatre said “We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Ashleigh and Pudsey will be with us for Cinderella and I am sure they will be a great hit with audiences of all ages.”

Tickets:

Cinderella runs at Darlington Civic Theatre from Saturday 5 December 2015 to Sunday 10 January 2016. For tickets and more information visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.ukor call 01325 486555.

Preview: Cinderella at Whitley Bay Playhouse

Whitley Bay Pantomime Society Return in 2016

Cinderella

Whitley Bay Playhouse
Tuesday 12th - Sunday 17th January 2016

Following the success of Sleeping Beauty, Whitley Bay Pantomime Society are back with a bang for 2016 with the classic tale of Cinderella, the favourite of all fairy tales.

The show is jam-packed with music and dance, fun and laughter, a beautiful girl, a fairy godmother, a handsome prince, a glass slipper and, of course, two ugly sisters!

Oh joy we hear you say! Well we love it - and we know you do deep down too!

Forced into a miserable life of jobs and jibes by her wicked stepsisters Cinderella dreams of freedom and romance!  With the help of a Fairy Godmother, a pumpkin and a touch of magic Cinderella is whisked off to the Prince’s Ball….but will she live Happily Ever After? Well there is only one way to find out!

Tickets:

The show runs from Tuesday 12th - Sunday 17th January 2016 - 7pm Tue-Sat, 2.15pm Sat & Sun.
Tickets costing from £12 are on sale now. Tickets are available from the Box Office open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturday 10.30am -2.30pm plus until show start on event days.

Tickets can also be purchased on the booking hotline 0844 248 1588 or online at www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk.

Preview: Northern Ballet - Cinderella at Newcastle Theatre Royal

FAIRYTALE BALLET WITH A

DASH OF CIRCUS SPECTACLE

Northern Ballet: Cinderella

Newcastle Theatre Royal

21-25 October 2014

Leeds based Northern Ballet is one of the UK’s five large ballet companies and is bringing its epic new production of Cinderella to the Theatre Royal from Tuesday 21 – Sat 25 October.  It will transport you to a snowy land of magical acrobats, crystal lakes and elegant palaces, and is truly the only place to escape to this Autumn. 

A new interpretation of the ultimate rags to riches fairytale, this new production of Cinderellaby David Nixon OBE is set within a fantasy world of Imperial Russia. Cinderella’s life is turned upside down following the death of her father. Subject to the coldness and cruelty of her step mother, and kept as a servant by her family, her life is transformed once again following a magical encounter in a market place. As romance blossoms, can Prince Charming see beyond the servant girl and fall in love with the real Cinderella?

 

Northern Ballet Photo: Emma Kauldhar

Duncan Hayler’s (Beauty & the Beast, A Midsummer Night’s Dream) fantastical set designs transport the audience through a Russian-inspired landscape where Cinderella marvels at the magician and circus performers at the winter fair, finds a moments freedom skating on a crystal lake and finally, magically, arrives at the ball, a palace of elegance and wealth.

Northern Ballet is renowned for creating unique interpretations of classic stories and Cinderella will be no exception. The colourful tapestry of Russia will lend new magic and wonder to this very traditional story. Rather than a fairy godmother, a magician is one of the central protagonists, and in preparation for the production Northern Ballet’s dancers have been learning magic and circus skills with the help of the Greentop Circus in Sheffield and a magic consultant.  The show features stilt walking, juggling and acrobatics as well as traditional ballet dance.

Northern Ballet Photo: Jason Tozer

Choreographer David Nixon has placed some universal themes at the heart of his ballet: the contrast between the lives of those who experience freedom, warmth and love and those who experience loneliness, unable to enjoy their liberty; the many faces of love, the love of our family and the love of those who will become our family; the absolute darkness of grief and the transforming power of generosity.

David explains, “My Cinderella strays far from the pantomime interpretation. Amidst all the action, magic and fun lies the story of a real woman and man who must travel their separate roads to ultimate happiness even though that journey is fraught with challenge. Cinderella is ultimately a joyous story but it is not without pain, grief and loneliness.”

Northern Ballet commissioned Philip Feeney to write a brand new score for the production which will be played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia at all performances. Tim Mitchell (Hamlet and Dracula) has created the lighting and Julie Anderson assists David Nixon in costume design.

Cinderella is David Nixon’s fifteenth new full-length production for Northern Ballet where he has been Artistic Director since 2001. It was his second new ballet for 2013 which also saw the World Première and national tour of The Great Gatsby.  Northern Ballet is the busiest touring ballet company in the UK and is typically on the road for around 24 weeks of the year. The Company of 40 dancers tours a combination of new works and established repertoire to cities throughout the UK and is the only large scale ballet company to do so.

On the web:

Website: http://northernballet.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/northernballet

Facebook: www.facebook.com/northernballet

Tickets:

Cinderella appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 21 – Sat 25 October 2014 (Evenings: 7.30pm, Matinees: Thursday 2pm and Saturday 2.30pm).

Tickets are from £11.50 (a booking fee of 95p - £1.95 will apply to most tickets) and 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

Tour

Norwich, Theatre Royal  Tue 7 to Sat 11 Oct 2014

Newcastle, Theatre Royal  Tue 21 to Sat 25 Oct 2014

Belfast, Grand Opera House  Wed 5 to Sat 8 Nov 2014

Manchester, Palace Theatre  Tue 18 to Sat 22 Nov 2014

Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre  Tue 25 to Sat 29 Nov 2014

Preview: Autumn '14/Spring '15 season at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Exciting Season Ahead at Newcastle's Theatre Royal

The chief executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal has announced a dazzling new autumn ‘14 / spring ‘15 season full of nail-biting drama, high-octane musicals and breathtaking dance, comedy and opera. Once again the Theatre Royal is bringing the world’s very finest theatre to the heart of the North East.

To kill a Mockingbird

Four major new dramas will visit in the Spring. Direct from the West End comes a critically acclaimed new stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To kill a Mockingbird (20-25 April 2015). An utterly enchanting and enthralling production from the award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre, it captures all the warmth and poignancy of this best-loved classic.

Also adapted from a bestselling book comes Dead Simple (26 - 30 May ‘15), based on the work of International bestselling crime thriller novelist PeterJames.  Directed by Olivier award-winner Ian Talbot and adapted by award-winning writer Shaun McKenna, this gripping, chilling, thriller is full of James’ trademark suspense, twists and turns. In addition, before it heads to the West End, Theatre Royal is honoured to host Oscar Wilde’s much loved masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest (8 – 13 June ‘15) starring none other than Emmy-award winning David Suchet as Lady Bracknell.  One of the funniest plays in the English language, Wilde’s superb satire on Victorian manners is full of delightful repartee and hilarious pomposity. 

 

Dreamboats and Miniskirts

Following the huge success of nostalgic musical Dreamboats and Petticoats, the same team are back with another big hitter, the sequel: Dreamboats and Miniskirts (20 – 24 Jan ‘15).  Set this time in 1963, we meet up again with Norman and Sue and Bobby and Laura and see how their lives are developing against the swinging backdrop of the Beatles and Merseyside sound.  Like it’s predecessor, the show is packed with the biggest hits of the era including A Picture of You; It’s In His Kiss; and Hippy Hippy Shake. 

Musical lovers will also delight in the return of a true classic – Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! (23 - 27 June ’15).  As refreshing and thrilling as the day it was written, this sunny show celebrates the vigour of America’s pioneering spirit and overflows with well-known songs and boot-stomping dances.   It is a brand new production from Music & Lyrics, the award-winning producers of The King & I and Fiddler on the Roof.

 

La Traviata

Opera North are back with an enticing new programme which draws works from each of the last four centuries and balances the comic with the serious, and the famous with the little-known.  Alessandro Talevi directs a youthful international cast in the company’s first new staging in 15 years of possibly the most popular opera of all time, Verdi's profoundly moving La Traviata (12 & 14 Nov ’14; 4 & 6 March ’15). Meanwhile, Jo Davies brings a fresh approach to Mozart’s effervescent comedy The Marriage of Figaro (5 & 7 March ‘15).

The Company's first ever production of The Coronation of Poppea (15 Nov ’14) is a stylish take on Monteverdi's revenge tragedy, performed in his own translation, and conducted by pre-eminent early music specialist Laurence Cummings. Revivals of Smetana’s irresistible The Bartered Bride (11 & 13 Nov 14) and Falla’s exuberant La Vida Breve (3 March ‘15) offer a wonderful celebration of folk-inspired melodies in two very different forms, one beautifully comic and the other tragic and moving. The latter is presented in a double-bill with a new staging of Gianni Schicchi (3 March ‘15), directed by Christopher Alden, Opera North’s first production of Puccini's only comic opera in 25 years.

Bizet’s popular opera Carmen is the inspiration for Matthew Bourne’s internationally acclaimed dance thriller The Car Man (28 April – 9 May ‘15). First seen in 2000, and winning the Evening Standard Award for ‘Musical Event of the Year’, the show features Bizet’s powerful and instantly recognisable score, but transferred to 1960s America  where Lez Brotherston’s epic design, Chris Davey’s evocative lighting and of course Matthew Bourne’s vivid storytelling make for an incredible production.

Scotland’s national dance company Scottish Ballet are returning to the Theatre to take audiences on a journey back into Clara’s magical dream world with Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece The Nutcracker (11-14 Feb ‘15).  Originally devised in 1973 by the Company’s founding artistic director, PeterDarrell, this production presents a sumptuous world of plush Victoriana full of festive fare and childhood charm.

 

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Several of the season’s new shows have been released for sale early due to anticipated high demand. They include the National Theatre’s multi award-winning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, set to visit 26 Jan – 7 Feb ’15on its first UK tour.  Simon Stephens’ adaptation of Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel received seven Olivier Awards in 2013 including Best New Play, Best Director, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design.  It also won the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Theatre and has been seen by over 200,000 people during its run in the West End.

 

The Bodyguard

One of the year’s most hotly anticipated shows, the multi award winning West End musical The Bodyguard (Wed 1 – Sat 18 April ‘15) will visit next Spring on its first ever UK tour.  Booking opened in April in order to accommodate heavy early demand.  Produced by the North East’s own Michael Harrison and David Ian and based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, it opened to rave reviews in London’s West Endin December 2012, where it continues to play to packed houses and standing ovations. It has since been nominated for four Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical and Best Set Design, and is 2015’s ‘Must See’.

Two leading lights from the world of comedy will be bringing their unique brands of humour to the theatre for the new season.  David Baddiel (1 Dec ‘14) is back with his first full show for fifteen years, critically acclaimed on the West End circuit and originator of a social media storm.   Al Murray (8 Feb ‘15), aka ‘The Pub Landlord’ is celebrating twenty years as Britain’s favourite publican and bringing his brand new show One Man, One Guvnor  to wow North East audiences in the new year. Tickets are already on sale for both.  The comedians join Dave Gorman on the line-up, here with his brand new show on Sunday 9 November.

Drama already on sale at the Theatre includes Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee (14-19 July) starring Jason Durr as Hercule Poirot as well as the longest running show in the history of British Theatre, Christie’s masterpiece the brilliant The Mousetrap (Mon 1 – Sat 6 Sept). The National Theatre’s award-winning comedy One Man, Two Guvnors is back for the second time 28 July – 2 August following a sell-out first visit here, and of course the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) will return this autumn following a hugely successful season last year. The 2014 season features an enthralling trio of new productions – Henry IV, Part I (25 September – 4 October) and Henry IV, Part II (26 Sept – 4 Oct) and The Two Gentlemen of Verona (7 - 11 October) – which are on sale now.   

Jeeves and Wooster

Forthcoming hit West Endcomedy Perfect Nonsense (Tue 14 – Sat 18 Oct) follows hot on the RSC’s heels, featuring P.G. Wodehouse’s iconic double act Jeeves and Wooster and starring James Lance and John Gordon Sinclair in the title roles.  Following a sold-out 2013 tour, Fascinating Aïda are here with their terrific new show Charm Offensive for one night only on Sunday 19 October, and last but not least, drop everything forThe Full Monty (Mon 27 Oct – Sat 1 Nov), the hilarious stage show straight from the West End based on the much loved 1997 film.

 

Cinderella

Dance already on sale includes Northern Ballet’s enchanting new adaptation of the classic fairy-tale Cinderella set in imperial Russia (Tue 21 – Sat 25 Oct)  and running concurrently their 35 minute performance  for little ones Three Little Pigs (Fri 24 Oct). 

Lord of the Flies

 In November, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventuresdancers will unite with young talent from the North East in an extraordinary adaptation of William Golding’s classic novel, Lord of the Flies (Wed 5 – Sat 8 Nov).

Shrek The Musical

Three shows already on sale which will appeal to younger audiences are Peppa Pig’s Big Splash (Sat 30 – Sun 31 Aug) – the new show from everyone’s favourite little piggy; Dinosaur Zoo (Thu 30 Oct – Sat 1 Nov) bringing the legendary prehistoric creatures to life on stage;, and not forgetting Spring blockbuster Shrek The Musical (Wed 11 – Sun 29 Mar ‘15), based on the award-winning DreamWorks animation film.

Booking is also already open for Cameron Mackintosh and Michael Harrison’s exhilarating musical Barnum (Tue 17 – Sat 28 Feb ‘15) which celebrates the irrepressible imagination and dreams of America’s Greatest Showman and stars Brian Conley in the title role.

Top Hat

For those who can’t wait til the new year for their musical kicks, Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s epic musical CATS has arrived this week (Tue 1 – Sat 12 Jul), followed in quick succession by rock and roll sensation The Buddy Holly Story (4 – 9 Aug) and Irving Berlin’s Top Hat (Tue 9 – Sat 20 Sept), which visits Newcastle for the very first time and is packed full of the King of Swing’s greatest hits.

 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

With 60,000 tickets already sold for our famous 14/15 Pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (25 Nov ’14 -18 Jan ‘15), and it set to become our best and fastest selling panto of all time, fans better be quick if they want to see Clive, Danny Chris and the gang in another spectacular production jam-packed with fun, adventure and comedy.

Friends of the Theatre Royal can book new season shows on Monday 30 June, before the general public on Friday 4 July, and receive 20% off tickets, as well as discounts on drinks at our bars, exclusive ticket exchange, reduced booking fees and Friends’ prices will never change. To become a Friend and book early, please contact the Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or sign up online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.

Tickets for all new shows in the autumn‘14 / spring’15 season go on public sale on Friday 4 July.  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