Preview: Geordie the Musical at South Shields Customs House

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New Show Will Remember

Much-Loved Director

Geordie the Musical

South Shields Customs House

Friday 21^st August to Saturday 5^th September 2015

A new musical will be dedicated to a much-loved member of the theatre community.

Geordie the Musical was due to be directed by Jackie Fielding at The Customs House in South Shields this August, but following her sudden death earlier this year it will now be dedicated to her memory.

Jackie had worked closely with the creative team to shape the play. Customs House Executive Director Ray Spencer said: “Jackie was an immensely talented performer and director who made The Customs House her home. It is only right that this production is dedicated to a woman who is still an absolute inspiration to so many.”

Andy Bogle, the ex-pat who came up with the story behind the musical, added: “Jackie left an indelible mark on Geordie and her creative input serves as a fitting tribute to a life devoted to the The show, which features traditional Geordie song and is set during a time of change in the North East, will now be directed by Jamie Brown, who worked closely with Jackie on several projects and starred in her final show, The Man and the Donkey, in May.

Director Jamie Brown and

assistant director Viktoria Kay

at The Customs House

He said: “I will be forever thankful to have been entrusted as one of Jackie’s leading men over the past few years, including in her final production The Man and The Donkey. Her loss is still very raw to “How she’d feel about me directing ‘Geordie’ in her stead, I couldn’t possibly say – all I can say is that I’m honoured and privileged to be part of a project which, although it may be going ahead without her at the helm, will have her as the wind in its sails, and the fire in the belly of all those driving the project forwards. There is little doubt that our time together shaped me artistically and personally and I can’t think of anything that could stand me in better stead for the challenge ahead.”

His assistant director will be his fellow Man and the Donkey co-star Viktoria Kay. She added: “Being part of Geordie the Musical is a very special honour and a privilege for me. Geordie: The Musical highlights how precious the Geordie dialect is and how, through the art of song, it will forever be preserved. I had a huge emotional response when I read the script, I was full of pride, and I’m sure the audiences will feel the same. Jackie was always my champion and for that I will forever be in her debt. Helping to bring the project she started, Geordie The Musical to life, in all its glory, is a chance to repay just a smidgeon The fact that Geordie The Musical has been dedicated to Jackie will make her very happy, albeit secretly, as she was renown to hate any sort of fuss made of her!”

Mike Turnbull will be the musical director, lighting will be done by James Henshaw, set will be produced by Kate Urwin and the costumes have been created by Lou Duffy.

A memorial show will also be held in Jackie's honour on September 13. It will raise funds to help young budding actors go to drama school.

Tickets

Geordie runs at South Shields Customs House from Friday 21^st August to Saturday 5^th September 2015.

Tickets for Geordie the Musical, from £10, are available from The Customs House box office on 0191 454 1234 or visit www.customshouse.co.uk.

Preview: Our World at Newcastle Live Theatre

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Rehearsals underway for

Live Theatre’s Youth Theatre Festival

“Our World” - Youth Theatre Festival

Newcastle Live Theatre

Thursday 6^th to Sunday 9^th August 2015

Rehearsals are now underway for Our World, Live Theatre’s 16^th annual Youth Theatre Festival. The event, which will be at the quayside venue from Thursday 6^th to Sunday 9^th August, features theatre productions, a short film as well as an Edinburgh Festival Fringe comedy preview.

Over 70 young people, aged between 11 and 22 and from the company’s Youth Theatre, will present four evenings of entertainment which provide a glimpse into the worlds of young people and their place in it.

Paul James, Live Theatre’s Associate Director of Education & Participation said: “This year’s Youth Theatre Festival promises to be as diverse, eclectic and exciting as ever. A fantastic event with a wide range of new work and talent on display. Our World will be dedicated to our colleague Jackie Fielding who we had the pleasure of working with on at least 12 Youth Theatre Festivals. Jackie was an outstanding Theatre Maker and an inspiration to young people. She was able to draw amazing performances from the actors she worked with.”

Kicking off the Festival is Big Talk, Small Talk, on Thursday 6 August at 7.30pm. Featuring a selection of short plays, created over 10 days by the Youth Theatre members and some of the region’s leading freelance theatre makers, the event will give an alternative perspective on what really matters to young people in the 21^st century. The performance will be followed by a free Meet the Team talk where some of the young people involved in the production will be discussing the process of making their plays.

On Friday 7 and Saturday 8 August eight young people will take to the stage to give their personal, heart-warming and hilarious perspective on what it’s like to be 11 and 12 today.  For them being eleven is tough. And great. And weird. And confusing. And funny. The show, 11 Plus, was curated by writer Laura Lindow (Rendezvous) with assistance from fellow writer, Lee Mattinson (Donna Disco). The pair held interviews with the young people involved to create a piece using the interviewees’ own words. They talked about school, their families and their hopes and fears. Directed by Live Theatre’s Associate Director of Education & Participation, Paul James, 11 Plus is suitable for those aged 8 and over and will be performed at 7.30pm on both days with a matinee performance on the Saturday at 2pm.

Laura and Lee have also been busy writing new sketches for Live Theatre’s all-female sketch group Your Aunt Fanny who will be previewing their Edinburgh Festival Fringe show on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 August at 9pm. From the absurd to the downright ridiculous they'll be celebrating everything that is funny and inappropriate in an evening of original sketches accompanied by music from DJ Mariam Rezaei. The show, suitable for audience members aged 14 and over, contains strong language and strong women.

Closing the Festival on Sunday 9 Augustis Invisible Cinema, a film like no other. Six Youth Theatre members will be working with directors Ian Mclaughlin and Bev Fox of Magic If to create six dynamic characters using improv techniques. Their newfound skills will then be put to the test during filming where then, and only then, will the storyline be revealed to the actors. Audience members will also meet the characters in a special pre-screening performance which begins at 7.30pm. After the screening the actors and directors will take to the stage to reveal more information about how the film was made and how the process was for them in our free Meet the Team talk. 

Writer Laura Lindow said: “Live Theatre’s annual Youth Theatre Festival is famed for being a colourful, thought-provoking, emotion-fuelled event. This year, as ever, the excellent Education & Participation team has put together a festival programme to platform the vibrant range of voices of the talented young participants, (on the main stage no less), all with sincerity and support. I feel so lucky to be amongst the other theatre professionals who have the chance to work amongst these exceptional young people. The final event promises to be a celebration of all things theatrical, (and all genuinely springing from the thoughts, opinions and ideas of the young people themselves!) Prepare for the kind of treat which rings with charm whilst biting with relevance as they tell you how it really is. I for one can’t wait!”

Festival goers should also be on the look-out for a series of wrap around events curated by Silver Arts Award participants who are working with Live Theatre. Arts Award is a national qualification that supports young people to develop as artists and arts leaders.

Tickets:

Tickets for Our World events are £8, £6 for concessions and £3 for Youth Theatre members for each performance. Tickets can be booked by contacting Live Theatre’s box office on (0191) 232 1232 or online at www.live.org.uk. Your Aunt Fanny will be performed at The Fancy Room, Just the Tonic between Wednesday 19 and Saturday 29 August. To find out more visit www.justthetonic.com.

Festival Listings

Big Talk, Small Talk - Thursday 6 August, 7.30pm

A selection of short pieces devised over ten days by groups of young people with support from some of the region’s leading theatre makers. These original and imaginative plays will give an alternative perspective on what really matters to young people in the 21^st century.

Including Meet the Team - THURSDAY 6 AUGUST (after the show)

Some of the young people involved in Big Talk, Small Talk discuss the process to make their

short plays. Free, booking essential.

DATE: Thurs 6 Aug, 7.30pm

LOCATION: Main Theatre

DURATION: Approx. 1hr

SUITABILITY: 8+

TICKETS: £8, £6 concs, £3 youth theatre members

11 Plus - Friday 7 & Saturday 8 August, 7.30pm
Saturday 8 August, 2pm

Directed by Paul James

Assistant Director Rachel Glover

Curated by Laura Lindow

Assistant Curator Lee Mattinson

 Being eleven is tough. And great. And weird. And confusing. And funny. A group of young people give their personal, heart-warming and hilarious perspective on what it’s like to be 11 and 12 years old today.

Developed through a series of individual and group interviews this exciting new piece explores friendships, families, politics, growing up and everything in between.

DATES: Fri 7 Aug 7.30pm & Sat 8 Aug, 2pm & 7.30pm

LOCATION: Main Theatre

DURATION: Approx. 50mins

SUITABILITY: 8+

TICKETS: £8, £6 concs, £3 youth theatre members

Your Aunt Fanny - Friday 7 & Saturday 8 August, 9pm

Edinburgh Festival Preview

Your Aunt Fanny has her bus pass and is Edinburgh bound! See her comedy nieces’ brand new sketch show in two special preview events at Live Theatre before it heads north to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Written by award-winning playwrights Laura Lindow (Rendezvous) and Lee Mattinson (Chalet Lines) and directed by Rachel Glover, the show contains strong language and strong women.

Your Aunt Fanny makes her Edinburgh Fringe debut between Wednesday 19 and Saturday 29 August at The Fancy Room at Just the Tonic.

DATES: Fri 7 Aug & Sat 8 Aug, 9pm

LOCATION: Studio Theatre

DURATION: Approx. 1hr

SUITABILITY: 14+

TICKETS £8, £6 concs,

£3 youth theatre members

Invisible Cinema - Sunday 9 August, 7.30pm

An exciting new film in which six young actors work with directors Ian McLaughlin and Bev Fox of Magic If, to use improve to create six dynamic characters. The storyline is revealed to the actors only during the filming, prompting improvised performances.

Like in real life, you never know what’s round the corner. You’ll meet the characters during a pre-screening performance.

Anything could happen and probably will – especially at the screening.

Including Meet the Team - SUNDAY 9 AUGUST (after the film)

Join the actors and directors on stage to find out how the film was made, and how the process was for them. Free, booking essential.

 DATE: Sun 9 Aug, 7.30pm

LOCATION: Main Theatre

DURATION: Approx. 1hr

SUITABILITY: 8+

TICKETS: £8, £6 conc,

£3 youth theatre members

Review: The Man and The Donkey at Customs House

The Local Hero

The Man and The Donkey

South Shields Customs House

Until Saturday 23^rd May 2015.

(L-R) James Hedley, Jamie Brown, Viktoria Kay & Dean Logan

Photo: Craig Leng

The Customs House’s new production pays tribute to the South Shields born hero, John Simpson Kirkpatrick, who gave his life saving others 100 years ago today.

Jamie Brown as John Simpson Kirkpatrick

Photo: Craig Leng

Writer Valerie Laws found out about Australia’s hero, who had saved over 300 soldiers lives under fire at Gallipoli whilst visiting the country. Research revealed an interesting character who had statues, in his honour, all over Australia but was relatively unknown back home in Britain. At least now there is a statue back home in South Shields and the play written in his honour makes a triumphant return to his native town after 4 years.

The production feels like a documentary, drawing out the personality behind John Simpson Kirkpatrick, with some elements of a Greek tragedy thrown in for good measure.  The script explains how he ended up on the beach at Gallipoli with a donkey but it doesn’t overload the audience with too much exposition. Under director Jackie Fielding the funnier aspects of his life give a real sense of the man.

Jamie Brown & Gary Kitching

Photo: Craig Leng

Kirkpatrick found himself as a young lad earning cash leading donkey rides up and down the beach. He was good at getting the beasts to do as he wished. After an accident leaves his Dad unable to earn, he finds himself looking for better paid work. The trouble is that the lack of work sees him heading to the merchant navy. After poor working conditions lead to him going AWOL he lands in Australia. War begins and Australia promises 50 000 men to help fight the Great War against Germany. John signs up with the hope of having a chance to visit home and his Mum. Instead he ends up fighting in Gallipoli. As a stretcher bearer he is under heavy fire as many young men are attacked by well armed Turks. Resourceful John finds a donkey and uses it to carry the wounded through the theatre of war.

Viktoria Kay

Photo: Craig Leng

The action takes place on a well designed split level stage. Throw in lots of loud bangs and a few pyrotechnics and the scene is set. There are actually two heroes in this story. One is Duffy, the donkey, which is portrayed by ingenious puppetry by the cast.  The other hero is Kirkpatrick and in Jamie Brown’s character we have a fearless, very matter of fact young man who is a credit to his family. His attitude in war may be on the verge on arrogance, as he sees little point in following orders, but he is never unpleasant. Jamie does a cracking job bringing the hero to life.

The remainder of the ensemble fill in a variety of roles and donkey operating. Their talent is able to shine through and as the action skips around the world they keep the story flowing. James Hedley and Dean Logan are frequently following orders as Gary Kitching leads the pack.  Viktoria Kay and Jacqueline Phillips often find themselves in the centre of the action.

The cast work hard to produce a very entertaining and moving tribute that is passionate about it subject. A fabulous eulogy for the fallen.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East Theatre Guide by 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 here

Tickets:

The Man and the Donkey is on at The Customs House from May 19 to 23. Tickets are £15, £14 concession and £5 to schools and are available from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk

Preview: The Man and the Donkey at The Customs House

The Man and the Donkey Returns Home

The Man and the Donkey

South Shields Customs House

Tuesday 19^thMay to Saturday 23^rd May 2015.

The tale of a North East war hero will be brought to life to commemorate the centenary of his death. John Simpson Kirkpatrick is known to millions on the other side of the world but few know his story of courage on his home shores. The Customs House in South Shields will chronicle his heroic tale in the critically-acclaimed play The Man and the Donkey.

Director Jackie Fielding said: “This is a fantastic, poignant and fascinating piece of theatre with a lot of laughs.  It's a story which everyone can enjoy. We are thrilled that most of the original cast and production team are back together and cannot wait for rehearsals to get started again.”

The play was first performed in 2011 and is returning to mark the 100th Anniversary of Kirkpatrick’s death will run at the Mill Dam theatre from May 19 to 23. Valerie Laws’ much-loved play follows John as he joins the Merchant Navy at 17 and heads off to Australia, from there he enlists to serve with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzacs) as a stretcher bearer in World War I. There, with the help of his trusty donkey Duffy, and under fire, he helped to rescue wounded soldiers on the shores of Gallipoli until his death on May 19, 1915. He is now remembered as one of Australia’s best-loved war heroes.

Customs House Executive Director Ray Spencer said: “When this production was first put on in 2011 everybody loved it.  We decided to bring it back this year to commemorate the 100 anniversary of John Simpson Kirkpatrick's death and we are sure it will once again be loved by all who see it. It's a very moving, yet funny play. Kirkpatrick was a real character and the wonderful script, written by Valerie Laws, and fantastic direction by Jackie Fielding really do bring his and Duffy's story to life.

“In Australia his story is known by everyone and we wanted to remember him in this very special year.  Kirkpatrick was a true hero – as it says on his gravestone – he gave his life that others may live. Anzac Day on Saturday (April 25) marks 100 years since the Gallipoli landings and I’m sure the people of South Tynesidewill take a moment to think of Kirkpatrick, who remains one of South Shields’ greatest heroes.”

Customs House regular Jamie Brown, who will take on the lead of Kirkpatrick, added: “The story of Kirkpatrick is just incredible and it is an honour to bring it to life.”

Joining him in the cast will be Viktoria Kay, Gary Kitching, James Hedley, Jacqueline Phillips and Dean Logan.

Tickets:

The Man and the Donkey is on at The Customs House from May 19 to 23. Tickets are £15, £14 concession and £5 to schools and are available from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk

Breaking News is the new EP from North East band Peculiar Disco Moves. The new video is a portrayal of celebrity life, where red tops will sell their Granny to get a picture of a Z-lister parking his car one minute, then drop him or her like an anchor in the sea the next. 

See the new PDM video on this link here 

Follow Peculiar Disco Moves here

Preview: Collector of Tears at Arts Centre Washington

Love. Loss. Passion!

Collector of Tears

Arts Centre Washington

Thursday 30^th October 2014

Collector of Tears is a passionate and powerful new play from north-east theatre company Gobscure and comes to Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 30 October as part of its national tour, having opened to great plaudits earlier this month. 

Collector of Tears is a poetic and epic love story spanning over four hundred years, told by Tanya Sealt, a young woman who cannot age until she has cried.  Instead, Sunderland-born Tanya collects tears from the people she encounters during moments of radical English history, passionately learning to fight for human rights and understanding both her sensuality and bisexuality, forged across time.  Wherever she goes she carries with her an amazing collection of glass tear-bottles, through which she reveals each unique and moving story of the tears' owners. Ultimately this hauntingly lyrical play is about humanity, intriguingly exploring the universality of love. 

Director Jackie Fielding says: 'Sean Burn has written a moving recollection of history brought alive in a truly original way. We are looking forward to having a wonderful time uncovering the magic of this epic piece, and then sharing it with our audiences.'

Playwright Sean Burn says:

'I am really proud to have such a strong team working on collector of tears.  This play explores themes close to my heart.’

The show is directed by acclaimed South Shields-based director Jackie Fielding.   Madeleine MacMahon makes her North East debut as Tanya Sealt, accompanied by original live music composed and performed by Ken Patterson. Designer Alison Ashton has teamed up with Effie Burns who has created the collection of glass tear-bottles for Tanya's story and  lighting is designed by James Henshaw .

Collector of Tears received a Peggy Ramsay Foundation Grant in 2012.  An earlier version of was given development time and performances at The Queens Hall Arts Centre, Hexham in 2009.   

On The Web:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/collectortears

Facebook: www.facebook.com/events

Tickets:

Collector of Tears comes Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 30 October, 7.30pm. 

Tickets are £8.50 / £6 (conc) and are available from www.artscentrewashington.co.ukor by calling 0191 219 3455.

On Tour:

27 October - The Place, Bedford

30 October - Arts Centre Washington

1 November - Ilkley Playhouse Studio

5 November - Marlborough Theatre, Brighton

6 November - Bristol Bierkeller

7 November - Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton