Preview: Thriller Live at Darlington Civic Theatre

Follow North East Theatre Guide on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NETheatreGuideand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NETheatreGuide. Read about JoWhereToGo and its PR and photography services here.

CELEBRATING THE

UNDISPUTED KING OF POP

Thriller Live

Darlington Civic Theatre

Monday 29^th February to Saturday 5^th March 2016.

 

Direct from London’s West End, Thriller Live - celebrating the music of Michael Jackson, comes to Darlington Civic Theatre.

Direct from London’s West End where it is now in its record breaking seventh year, Thriller Live is a spectacular concert created to celebrate the career of the world’s greatest entertainer.

The North East Theatre Guide had the opportunity to see the show earlier in the tour and we really enjoyed it. You can read the full review here: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/review-thriller-live-at-sunderland.html

Seen by over three million people in over thirty countries, Thriller Live continues to moonwalk around the world, taking you on a visual, audio and electrifying journey through the magic of Michael Jackson’s 45 year musical history.

You will experience over two hours of non-stop hits from pop to rock, soul to disco as the cast play homage to Jackson’s legendary live performances and innovative dance moves executed with flair, precision and passion, this is a show that you will never forget.

Expect your favourite songs delivered by an exceptionally talented cast and band, including: I Want You Back, ABC, Can You Feel It, Off The Wall, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, Bad, Rock With You, They Don’t Care About Us, Dangerous and Thriller plus many more!

Tickets:

Tickets* are priced £21.80 to £33.50, discounts are available.

*All prices include a £1 restoration levy

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

 

Preview: The Full Monty at Darlington Civic Theatre

Follow North East Theatre Guide on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NETheatreGuideand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NETheatreGuide

EVERY INCH A WHOPPING HIT

The Full Monty

Darlington Civic Theatre

Monday 16^th to Saturday 21^st November 2015

Gary Lucy will lead the cast of The Full Monty which is coming to Darlington Civic Theatre for one

week only from Monday 16^th to Saturday 21^st November.

In 1997, a British film about six out-of-work Sheffield steelworkers with nothing to lose, took the world by storm becoming one of the most successful British films ever made. Now, the boys are back, only this time, they really have to go The Full Monty...live on stage.

Simon Beaufoy, the Oscar winning writer of the film, has gone all the way with this hilarious and heartfelt stage adaptation that’s getting standing ovations every night on its current UK tour.

Former Hollyoaks and Eastenders star Gary Lucy is no stranger to taking his clothes off but he’s doing it for the first time on stage. He said “I had never consciously decided not to do theatre but I’ve been incredibly lucky in my career to have played so many memorable characters in some great TV series. When the producers of The Full Monty approached me about starring in the tour, I just thought that it was a great opportunity for my first stage experience. It’s a really strong script. All the characters have stories to tell, and the audience really follows that through. It’s a really great cast too, we all get on well. It’s all guys together and we’re just having a laugh.”

Oscar winning writer of the film, Simon Beaufoy, was also a stage novice. Even with a mantelpiece groaning with awards he admits that it was terrifying to begin with, but he was determined not just to create a carbon copy of the film on stage.

“I felt really strongly that audiences would want to come and see a really good play so that’s how I approached it” Simon recalls. “It was a steep learning curve for me and enormously invigorating to learn a whole new craft after 16 years writing for the cinema. I had to discover what works and what doesn’t.

Ironically, it’s turned out that the story feels perfect on stage. It’s an ensemble piece about a group of men who are stuck and wondering what to do next.”

Tickets:

The Full Monty is at Darlington Civic Theatre from Monday 16 to Saturday 21 November 2015.

Tickets* are £12.50 to £29.50

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

Preview: Brave New World at Darlington Civic Theatre

BRAVE NEW ADAPTATION OF A CLASSIC

Brave New World

Darlington Civic Theatre

Tuesday 10^th to Saturday 14^th November 2015

Photo: Manuel Harlan

Darlington Civic Theatre will soon welcome a brand new stage adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s ground-breaking novel Brave New World, presented by Touring Consortium Theatre Company and Royal & Derngate Northampton which will run from Tuesday 10^thto Saturday 14^th November 2015.

Brave New World, widely considered to be one of the finest and most prophetic dystopian novels of the twentieth century, bursts into life on stage in an adaptation by award-winning playwright Dawn King, directed by James Dacre, with original new music by the ground breaking British band These New Puritans.

Olivia Morgan (Lenina) &

Samantha Pearl (Polly)

Photo: Manuel Harlan

Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World was first published in 1932, and is widely seen to be one of the most important novels of the 20th century, anticipating developments in reproductive technology, psychological manipulation and behavioural conditioning. Set in AD 2540 human life has been almost entirely industrialised, and humans are created and conditioned in a lab according to a strict caste system, in a World State whose motto is “Community, Identity, Stability”. Monogamy, the family unit and the ‘natural’ process of giving birth, are considered horrific and unnatural, and material comfort and physical pleasure - provided by the drug soma - represent society’s highest good.

Photo: Manuel Harlan

Dawn King said, “Huxley's novel is over eighty years old, but his vision of the future is shockingly familiar. In many ways, we already live in Brave New World: a glittering dystopia built on inequality, where people keep themselves distracted with empty pleasures, chemical stimulants and consumer goods. Adapting this huge work for the stage has been as tough and stimulating as anything I've ever done and a huge pleasure.”

Sophie Ward

as Margaret Mond

Photo: Manuel Harlan

Sophie Ward stars as ‘Margaret Mond – the Regional World Controller for Western Europe’, which in Huxley’s novel is a male character. Dawn King said, “I took this decision primarily because as a feminist, I wanted to increase the gender equality of the show. I also felt that having a female world controller of Western Europe is more representative of our world today, and of a world of the future. In the novel the character is called ‘Mustapha Mond’, but in my adaptation I chose the name Margaret, for its obvious allusions. I think Sophie Ward is a great choice to play the role because ‘Mond’ is a person who has had to make hard decisions, has a strong sense of her own personal morality, and has real steely authority.”

Tickets:

Brave New World is at Darlington Civic Theatre from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 November. Tickets* are priced from £17.40

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

 

Preview: Importance of Being Earnest at Darlington Civic Theatre

Follow North East Theatre Guide on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NETheatreGuideand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NETheatreGuide

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILDE SIDE

The Importance of Being Earnest

Darlington Civic Theatre

Tuesday 3^rd Saturday 7^th November 2015

After playing to packed houses in the West End and followed by a short five week tour, Oscar Wilde's much loved and witty masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest comes to Darlington Civic Theatre from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 November.

A whole host of household names are set to star in Oscar Wilde’s comedy masterpiece at Darlington Civic Theatre next month.

Rosalind Ayres (Titanic, Outnumbered, New Tricks), Nigel Havers (Chariots of Fire, Downton Abbey, Coronation Street), Martin Jarvis (Endeavour, Just William, Titanic), Christine Kavanagh (Man and Superman, Vera, Manchild), and Siân Phillips (Marlene, The Age of Innocence, Cabaret) will reunite as The Bunbury Company of Players, an extremely experienced cast of serious comedic actors, to reprise their roles from the West End.

Dubbed by Wilde ‘a trivial comedy for serious people’, the production delivers an entirely faithful, but completely unique, setting to one of the greatest theatrical comedies.

The Importance of Being Earnest elegantly lampoons the hypocrisies of Victorian society and opens as two bachelors, the dependable John Worthing, J.P. and upper class playboy Algernon Moncrieff, feel compelled to create different identities in order to pursue two eligible ladies, Cecily Cardew and Gwendolyn Fairfax. The hilarious misadventures which result from their subterfuge and their brushes with the redoubtable Lady Bracknell and the uptight Miss Prism result in a plot that twists and fizzles with some of the finest dialogue to be found in theatre.

Nigel Havers said: “This production is very close to my heart and we had a ball doing it in the West Endlast summer. I’m thrilled we get to do it all again and hope audiences in Darlington will laugh and enjoy watching our twist on Oscar’s brilliant play as much as we enjoy performing it.”

Tickets:

The Importance of Being Earnest is at Darlington Civic Theatre from Tuesday 3^rdSaturday 7^th November 2015. Tickets* are £20.10 to £29.50.

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

Preview: How Sweet It Is at Darlington Civic Theatre

TIME TO ENJOY THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN

Motown’s Greatest Hits – How Sweet It Is

Darlington Civic Theatre

Wednesday 23^rd September 2015

Motown’s greatest hits is the order of the day with How Sweet It Is at Darlington Civic Theatre on Wednesday 23 September.

In 1959, Berry Gordy Jnr had a dream, and with a loan of $800 he started Motown records in Detroit. In the 60’s the production and songwriting talents of Holland, Dozier and Holland dominated the Detriot sound, the sound of young America, and they both penned and produced numerous hits for The Four Tops, and many more artists of the day. The hits continued throughout the 60’s, into the 70’s, the 80’s, and even the 90’s as Motown became a genre of music all of its own, and had people dancing ‘All Night Long’ all over the world.

On Wednesday 23 September, that’s exactly what’s in store at Darlington Civic Theatre – ‘Motown’s Greatest Hits - How Sweet It Is’ – will have you dancing to the classic’s of Motown Legends The Four Tops,

The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, The Isley Brothers, The Jackson’s, Stevie Wonder, Edwin Starr and many more.

This Show is an evening crammed full of all your Motown favourite’s, - ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There’, ‘Walk Away Renee’, ‘I Can’t Help Myself’, ‘Going Loco in Acapulco’, ‘My Girl’, ‘Ain't Too Proud To Beg’, ‘Papa Was A Rolling Stone’, and ‘Get Ready’, to name but a few from the ‘Tops and Temps’, PLUS, ‘I heard It Through The Grapevine’, ‘Sir Duke’, ‘The Tracks Of My Tears’, ‘Dancing On The Ceiling’, ‘This Old Heart Of Mine’ and ‘I Want You Back’ etc., etc....

Motown’s Greatest Hits - How Sweet It Is is 100% live, with five superb vocalists backed and supported by their own fabulous musicians – The Peter Brent Orchestra, a fantastic powerhouse band.

Tickets:

Motown’s Greatest Hits – How Sweet It Is comes to Darlington Civic Theatre on Wednesday 23^rd September 2015.

Tickets* are £20 and £22.

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit http://www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk/whats-on/motowns-greatest-hits-how-sweet-it-is.aspx

  

Preview: Simon and Garfunkel Story at Darlington Civic Theatre

Follow North East Theatre Guide on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NETheatreGuideand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NETheatreGuide.  Read about JoWhereToGo and its PR and photography services here.

 CIVIC THEATRE FILLED WITH THE SOUND OF SILENCE

The Simon and Garfunkel Story

Darlington Civic Theatre

Tuesday 8^th September 2015

The music of Simon and Garfunkel comes to the Darlington Civic Theatre on Tuesday 8 September with The Simon and Garfunkel Story – 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Has it really been 50 years since the most successful Folk/Rock Duo of all time recorded their first number one hit single 'The Sound of Silence'?

Following it’s West End success at the Leicester Square Theatre, London in February 2015, ‘The Simon and Garfunkel Story' is currently the biggest and the most successful touring theatre show celebrating the lives and career of Folk/Rock sensation Simon and Garfunkel.

Featuring seasoned West End, award-winning leading man Dean Elliott (Buddy Holly in 'Buddy - The Musical') and a full cast of talented actor- musicians, 'The Simon and Garfunkel Story' takes you back through the 'Groovy' times of the 1960s. It tells the story of both Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel from their humble beginnings as Rock n Roll duo 'Tom and Jerry', right through their massive success, dramatic break-

up and finishing with a stunning recreation of the 1981 Central Park reformation concert.

Using a huge projection screen, the show features 1960’s photos and film footage whilst a full live band perform all their hits including 'Mrs Robinson', 'Cecilia', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Homeward Bound', 'Sound of Silence' and many more!

Tickets:

The Simon and Garfunkel Story is at Darlington Civic Theatre on Tuesday 8 September.

Tickets* are £20 and £18.

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

  

News: Heritage Tours at Darlington Civic Theatre

Follow North East Theatre Guide on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NETheatreGuideand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NETheatreGuide.  Read about JoWhereToGo and its PR and photography services here.

 TAKE A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES AT DARLINGTON CIVIC THEATRE

Heritage Tours

Darlington Civic Theatre

Friday 11^th and Sunday 13^th September 2015.

Darlington Civic Theatre opens its doors for an exciting and informative look behind the scenes with special Heritage Tours on Friday 11 and Sunday 13 September.

Imagine getting a glimpse behind the scenes of your local theatre - the areas you never get to see as a member of the audience. Stand in the wings and imagine your next big entrance in front of a sell-out audience, get the view of the theatre every actor gets when they walk on stage for the first time, see the technical areas and offices. Add to that the history of secret apartments, the dressing rooms (some of which are known to be haunted) and you have an exciting and informative tour of one of Darlington’s most wonderful and historic buildings.

On Friday 11 September local schools have the chance to offer students the opportunity to learn about entertainment in the early twentieth century, increase their knowledge of practical theatre or practice literacy and numeracy skills through special fact-finding worksheets. Schools should contact Chris Wellings – Audience Development and Participation Officer on 01325 405510 to book. All tickets are free but spaces must be booked in advance.

On Sunday 13 September at 11am families have the opportunity to meet the original manager of the theatre Signor Pepi and take an interactive tour of the theatre including a quick change challenge, try your hand at stage lighting and discover the fascinating history of the theatre.

Also on Sunday 13 September at 3pm there will be a comprehensive backstage tour of the theatre and the opportunity to hear from theatre consultant Dr. David Wilmore on the history of Darlington Civic Theatre, the last surviving part of Signor Pepi’s theatrical empire. There will also be the opportunity to look at plans for the theatre’s upcoming restoration.

Tickets:

To book spaces for the Saturday and Sunday tours please call the Box Office on 01325 486555 – all tickets are free but spaces must be booked in advance.

See Darlington Civic Theatre as you have never seen it before.

The Darlington Civic Theatre Heritage Tours will take place from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September. Tickets are free but spaces must be booked in advance.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555

Preview: Milkshake! Live at Darlington Civic Theatre

Follow North East Theatre Guide on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NETheatreGuideand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NETheatreGuide.  Read about JoWhereToGo and its PR and photography services here.

MONKEY BUSINESS ON ITS WAY, MILKSHAKE! STYLE

Milkshake! Live 'Party Party'

Darlington Civic Theatre

Saturday 12^th September 2015

Fans of Channel 5’s hugely popular children’s TV strand Milkshake! will be thrilled to know that a brand new stage show Milkshake! Live 'Party Party', is coming to Darlington Civic Theatre on Saturday 12 September.

This brand new show features lots of Milkshake! friends and two Milkshake! presenters.The show’s stellar line up includes Little Princess, Bananas in Pyjamas, Noddy and Tessie, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Bello from Jelly Jamm, Chloe from Chloe’s Closet, Tommy and Tallulah from Tickety Toc, Toby and Dolores from Toby’s Travelling Circus and Milkshake’s very own Milkshake Monkey!

This all-new musical extravaganza is bound to have audiences up on their feet, singing along, and jumping with delight! As the preparations for Milkshake Monkey's surprise birthday party get underway, all the guests are busy with their very special party jobs! But what happens when Milkshake Monkey disappears? The presenters will need the audience’s help to find him in time for the party!

Milkshake! Live ‘Party Party’ features loads of great music – in addition to classic Milkshake! songs there are some brand new ones, some popular children’s favourites and some other well-known hits as well!

Milkshake! Live ‘Party Party’ is the perfect entertainment for families with young children who will get the chance to enjoy a live theatre experience and see their favourite TV personalities up close.

Tickets:

Milkshake! Live 'Party Party' comes to Darlington Civic Theatre on Saturday 12 September at 1pm and 3.30pm. Tickets are £12.50 for adults, £10.50 for children and £42 for a family ticket.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

 

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

Follow North East Theatre Guide on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NETheatreGuideand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NETheatreGuide 

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.