News: Little Theatre Grows As Studio Theatre Is Constructed

 Little Theatre Grows As Studio Theatre Is Constructed

Tucked away next to the Saltwell Park, the Progressive Players have been putting on the shows in Gateshead for 101 years. They had just launched their centenary year celebrations in 2020 when the epidemic led to the shutdown. Rather than doing nothing, they decided to build a studio theatre on top of their existing auditorium. The ambitious project which cost the Little Theatre, Progressive Players and grant providers just short of half a million pounds is now complete and we were given an opportunity to have a look around.

The group have historically been no strangers to making the most out of adversity. Back in 1939 they had been sent notice to quit their previous site and so Misses Hope, Ruth and Sylvia Dodds purchased the current site in order to build the current theatre. The result was the only permanent theatre opened during World War 2. Opening was complicated by a German bomb landing in the park opposite blowing out all of the windows, however the group opened the theatre as planned in October 1943. So perhaps history is repeating itself as the extension was constructed during a potential crisis.

Building another floor on a building constructed during a war is a massive leap of faith and it is fair to say that the construction team and trustees of the Little Theatre had a number of issues to deal  with. The final result fits in with the 1930s art deco elegance of the original building. As neighbours have already commented, it looks externally like the building always had the extra floor attached. This is thanks to, in part, the rendering and windows matching the original construction.

Internally the theatre group has picked up a valuable space, which is also available for private lettings.  Access to the studio is either via the spiral staircase that has been built from the first floor bar area or via a normal staircase through the adjoining house that is owned by the theatre. The latter has also had a stairlift installed in order to provide access and new toilets have been added off that landing.  The spiral staircase is lit by natural light during the day through the traditional style small windows that fit the art deco style of the building. At night a large lighting feature has been installed which stands out.

Going through the entry door, with its diamond shaped window, you enter a very useful space. Whilst it was designed with theatre in mind, it struck me that the venue would also suit spoken word events and small music shows. In fact, it makes a perfect space for intimate comedy shows. The room has sound and lighting systems to feed the speakers, projector and two lighting bars. Shape wise,  the fact that the room mirrors the shape of the main stage below it is no accident. This sound proofed room can be used for rehearsals of the next production whilst the current show is being performed in the main room.

The design features around the original theatre have been replicated in the internal style of the room. This includes curves rather than sharp corners at the performance area end of the room. The coving on the ceiling has also been chosen to be in keeping with the remainder of the building.

Now, our visit took place as the contractors were still sorting out the snags and so the room will change slightly in appearance by the time the room has its official opening in October 2021. One of the lighting bars has yet to be installed and it is planned to move the heat exchanger so it will be less prominent.   

The room is an exciting step forward for both the Little Theatre and the Progressive Players. It has already had a soft opening as it was used for a play reading but it will have a formal opening in October. The organisers need to be congratulated in ensuring that its appearance fits in with the original building both internally and externally. This historic small theatre now has an additional resource which will help it progress in the future.

Coming Events:

The main theatre reopens in October too. Lockdown in Little Grimley will be performed from Monday 11th - Saturday 16th Oct 2021. Details of forthcoming shows including a pantomime from the Bluebell Theatre Productions in December, can be found online at: https://www.littletheatregateshead.co.uk/whatson.html 

Words and Photography: Stephen Oliver

Review: Hound of the Baskervilles at Gateshead Little Theatre

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Howling With Laughter

Hound of the Baskervilles

Gateshead Little Theatre

Until Saturday 12^th December 2015

Imagine an adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "Hound of the Baskervilles" in which there are more laughs than mystery? The story has been carefully adapted by Stephen Canny and John Nicholson. As an added twist, this production, by the Progressive Players of Gateshead, has all 16 characters performed by just 3 actors. The end result is very funny.

The show opens as Sir Charles Baskerville meets his untimely end. Philip Alexanders opens up an imaginary gate with creaking sound effects. In a simple gesture, the audience have already started laughing for all of the right reasons. Any worries are blown away as Daniel Wilde charges onto the stage to stop the action and read a production warning notice. The Play That Goes Wrong is currently going down a storm in the West End and it is that wonderful level of humour that has been achieved here.

James Race plays Sherlock Holmes as they try to solve the riddle of Baskerville’s death. Daniel Wilde is his faithful companion Watson. They discover that there is one final Baskerville remaining, his nephew Henry, who is coming across from Canada to visit the estate. They decide to head to Dartmoor to get to the bottom of the riddle. Holmes tries to remain the alpha male in each conversation even though Watson has his fair share of breakthroughs.

The cast clearly enjoy this show and it is the onstage chemistry between the 3 that helps make this show work. Behind the scenes, the crew also have comic timing with the lighting and sound effects and ensuring the props are ready.

At a time of year when theatres are full of shows for children it is great to see a show that adults will enjoy. Janet Wind’s direction has resulted in a slick performance. There is a nice combination of breaking that fourth wall and apparent “errors” on stage for the audience to laugh at. 

Proving that laughter isn’t for children this is the perfect antidote for the pantomime season. This is a very funny show that is well worth seeking out.

Cast:

Jim Race as Sherlock Holmes & many others

Phil Alexanders as Sir Henry & others

Dan Wilde as Watson & Local

Creatives:

Stage Manager Terry Collier, Gordon Dunlop, Gavin Jaques,

Set Design & Construction George Mavin, Peter Mitchell & John Woods

Lighting Sound Set by: Robbie Carruthers & Mike Swallow

Lighting operate: Jenni Craig

Sound Set: Marian Walker

Sound Operate: Samantha Hutton

Directed by: Janet Wind

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/littletheatregateshead/

Box Office: 0191 478 1499

Website: www.littletheatregateshead.com/

 

Preview: Death of a Salesman at Gateshead Little Theatre

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Death of a Salesman

Gateshead Little Theatre

Monday 9^th November – Saturday 14^th November 2015

Arthur Miller’s most famous work involves the aging salesman Willy Loman, who just can’t catch a break. With a life based on a smile and a shoeshine, Willy’s dreams are insupportably vast yet dangerously insubstantial. Humour and anguish, promise and loss, all encapsulated by the salesman’s majestic grandiosity and captured within the dour walls of an ordinary American home. 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/littletheatregateshead/

Box Office: 0191 478 1499

Website: www.littletheatregateshead.com/

Review: DieHard Gateshead at Gateshead Caedmon Hall

"Battle It Out Until I

Get My Own Way"

DieHard Gateshead

Gateshead Caedmon Hall

Thursday 16^th July 2015

Ruth Raynor has written a dynamic play about the life, during the current austerity, for some women in Gateshead. It works brilliantly because it keeps both a clear sense of perspective and a wicked sense of humour which frequently had the packed Gateshead crowd laughing.

Ruth has based the story around some of the women that she has met. As the story opens it is clear something is wrong as the leader of Gateshead Women’s Centre, Lesley, is taking a phone call. She quickly reverts to her happier face, with positive mental attitude, once the first 2 participants arrive. Sandra, who hates yoga, and the mother of 6, Katie, are at the centre of many of both the light hearted and difficult moments of the play. Julia comes across as positive but she also has her reasons for attending the centre.

One of the key reasons why this production works is that whilst each character is identifiable, they are not just simple, lazy stereotypes. When Rosie appears on the scene to lead 6 weeks of drama with some “games to get in the right zone”, the characterisations of the centre’s regulars have already been accepted by the audience. Each character is likeable, which helps, and there hasn’t been an overload of unnecessary exposition. 

The story then unfolds as the ladies plan to put on a play about a fishmonger with Bruce Willis attributes that saves the staff at Tescos from an extremist attack with many funny consequences.

Each character was wonderfully portrayed and the only complaint is that I wanted more. Surely DieHard 2 is on the way?

The production then leaves some interesting questions. Have the creative industries got as much to offer people who don’t normally participate as those people have to offer the creative industries? Are the arts something that can be cut in a recession or should it have equal status to other services through the impact that it has. Which services should be cut back in austere times? DieHard Gateshead leaves many questions unanswered.

The Gateshead performance was then followed by musical performances by 3 sets of musicians. Another Penny performs 3 songs covering 3 centuries of austerity in a fine folky way.  They were followed by Ribbon Road who retained the folk sensibilities with the songs included tales about the miners’ strike. The final performer was the superb multi-instrumentalist Joe Solo, who is based in Scarborough. He remains ever the optimist and his engaging style eventually lead to the packed room standing on their chairs, shaking instruments and singing along to one of his catchy songs about the workers struggle. He is at the centre of a movement to have gigs on the weekend of the 2^nd October with the positive refrain “We shall overcome”. The three sets of musicians fitted in well with the overall concept of the evening.

A wonderful night with a strong message.

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview: Preview Link

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

Cast

DieHard Gatesheadfeatured a cast of five:

Zoe Lambert

Christina Berriman Dawson

Judi Earl

Arabella Arnott

Jessica Johnson

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.)