Review: Aladdin at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

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

The Geordie Family Panto

Aladdin

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Until Wednesday 30^th December 2015

In a crowded market place, how do you offer a panto with a unique selling point? Tyne Theatre’s production feels authentically Geordie. The local accents are allowed to ring around the stage. The end product is strongly proud of the region and doesn’t resort to much of the “the people in the next village are idiots” mentality… Apart from football jokes, but that is as much a part of the region as jokes about shopping in Fenwicks.

Opening the show in Peking is the delightful Jayne Mackenzie, as Aladdin, singing the Boy Meets Girl hit “Waiting For A Star To Fall”. It was the first of a number of songs that she skilfully tackled.

Apart from the great songs, the other feature of this production is the relentless volley of jokes. First up with the funny lines are Lewis Denny and Gary Walsh as the dim Constable Pong and slightly brighter Sergeant Ping. It wasn’t long before they too broke out into song. Mark Ronson’s hit “Uptown Funk” is this year’s hit for pantos as they nearly all cover it. Lewis and Gary gave a great tongue in cheek rendition.  The dancers, Sherrie McKale, Alistair Walker, Laura Williams and Daniel Constanzo, along with a group of cracking youngster added a vibrancy, with their choreography, whenever they were on stage.

The huge role of script writer, director and panto dame is in the very capable hands of Maxie Peters.  As Widow Twankey he is able to control the early proceedings of the show.  The jokes fly across the stage in rapid fire.  Whilst all of the classic panto elements are present in the show, at least there are some different jokes in this show.   It was great to hear the historic theatre filled with laughter.

The biggest laughs of the nights were reserved for Charlie Richmond as Aladdin’s brother, Wishee Washee.  He had a fantastic ability to connect with both the adults and the younger members of the audience. Whilst many pantos do the 12 Days of Christmas, Charlie helped make the Tyne Theatre’s version the very best.  There was no stopping the music to find a missing item here – the pace was relentless which helped add to the intensity of the routine.

Every panto needs a baddie and Kevin O’Keefe filled the role without being too nasty. Sarah Badger and Emily Swan were both glamorous as the Genie of the Ring and Princess Jasmine.

Given her reputation for singing, it was a surprise that Lorraine Crosby didn’t have more numbers. After a rousing rendition of Eurythmics “Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves” Lorraine was not given much to sing until the grand finale with a fabulous Abba medley. Her role as the Empress of China shows that she can act too.

With its live band playing a number of popular songs, under musical director Michael Watson, family friendly jokes and sharp sense of Geordie humour, this is a classic panto.  It feels local without feeling alienating.  It is a very enjoyable show for all of the family.

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:  http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/preview-aladdin-at-newcastle-tyne.html

Tickets:

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House Box Office is open 10am-3:30pmMonday to Friday and event days

Booking and Information Line: 0844 2491 000 (10am – 6pmMonday to Friday)

Tickets are now available from www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

Review: MIRACLE! at Sunderland Minster

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

MIRACLE! An Opera of Two Halves

Sunderland Minster, High Street West, SR1 3ET

Until Sunday 29^th November 2015

Jonathan Cooke & Miles Horner

with chorus

Photo: Mark Savage

Music in the Minster has commissioned Writer David Almond and Composer Marcos Fernandez to create an operatic piece about fans, passion and Sunderland AFC.

Triumphant chorus

Photo: Mark Savage

The use of the opera style for a contemporary story is much more in keeping with the original storytelling origins of opera than the high stakes productions that it tends to be associated with today.  It seems to be the perfect vehicle to explore the emotional rollercoaster ride for fans and players alike.

Adult chorus as SAFC

fans on the terraces

Photo: Mark Savage

The venue is a large historic old church opposite the Sunderland Empire. This brings about a number of challenges for the production but they had pulled it off.

Jonathan Cooke as Angelo

Photo: Mark Savage

Despite the weather outside, the room was nicely warm.  The stage comprising of some football terraces and a bit of green pitch was central to the show. The lighting design helped pick out the action. The show relied upon the natural acoustics of the church.  The musicians, and sometimes the backing vocalists, were tucked into the side but could be easily heard.

MIRACLE - An Opera of Two Halves

Photo: Mark Savage

The story follows Sunderland AFC who are facing the drop. Local striker Hughie Mann (Miles Homer) is having a nightmare. The Angels, comprising of local young people with very angelic voices, notice Sunderland’s plight and God (Ian Priestly) decides to send them an angel to help them out. 

Youth chorus as angels

Photo: Mark Savage

Angelo (Jonathan Cooke) is signed by the club and has an immediate impact both on and off the pitch. This includes falling in love with a lovely lass from Pennywell (Caroline Kennedy). Can the relationship survive? Will Angelo bring even more success in the following season? All is revealed!

Jonathan Cooke as Angelo

Photo: Mark Savage

The show is literally made up of two 45 minute halves, just like football. The action is not given the opportunity to drag.

The ensemble of volunteer performers stay in character throughout the show. Their collective voices filling the church. The youth chorus are exceptional and really lift the score. The cast seem to really enjoy performing.

Jonathan Cooke as Angelo

Photo: Mark Savage

Amongst the professional soloists the stand out performance was Jonathan Cooke, as Angelo.  His strong voice and personality totally suited the hero of the story.  Ian Priestly had gravitas as both God in the pulpit and manager Larry Trench. Caroline Kennedy was also great in her role as the footballer’s love interest.

Music Director Marco Romano

conducts the live orchestra

Photo: Mark Savage

Nine musicians accompany the show. Musical Director Marco Romano led a very tight opening night accompaniment. The new score was a joy to hear.

Director Annie Rigby has created a stunning musical piece of theatre. This was a very passionate production, very fitting of the region and its fanatical football fans.

Youth chorus Photo: Mark Savage

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: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/preview-miracle-at-sunderland-minster.html

Centre left Miles Horner as

Hughie Mann & Fiona Tobin as his wife

Photo: Mark Savage

Tickets:

Soprano Caroline Kennedy plays a lovely lass from Pennywell

Photo: Mark Savage

MIRACLE! An Opera of Two Halves is at Sunderland Minster from 27-29 November 2015 at 7.30pm, plus 2.30pm matinee on Sun 29 November.

Tickets priced £10 / £8 concessions are now available online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/musicintheminster   

0844 8700 887*

*No booking fees for e-tickets; Ticket Source fees apply for phone bookings or tickets delivered by post

Review: Legally Blonde at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

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

A Real Feel-Good Hit

Legally Blonde

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Until Saturday 28^th November 2015

Newcastle’s West End Musical Company have an entertaining hit that keeps away the winter blues.

This hit musical is based upon the Amanda Brown novel and 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon.  Elle Woods is president of UCLA's sorority Delta Nu. She cares about her appearance and her boyfriend Warner and cannot wait for him to propose to her.

Elle Woods and her sorority sisters.

Alisar Taylor, Mel Hodgetts, Cheryl Moody (who plays Elle Woods),

Melanie Tate, Jobeth Maddison

Photo: Adrian Jackson

Her plans fall apart when Warner dumps her and heads off to Harvard Law School. Adding to the cruelty, her ex explains that he needs someone more serious “more Jackie than Marilyn.”  But Elle is a determined individual and she decides, with the help of her sorority friends, to get into Harvard herself and follow Warner.

Alex Easten (Emmett), Cheryl Moody (Elle), Kevin Rhodes (Warner)

Photo: Adrian Jackson

Harvard is a culture shock to poor Elle. Her lecturer, Professor Callahan, has both 4 internships to offer and a ruthless reputation.  Warner has already found himself a new serious girlfriend, Vivienne, who makes life difficult for Elle.

Elle finds friends in the shape of older student Emmett and her beautician Paulette and together they tackle their problems.

Cheryl Moody as Elle Woods

Photo: Adrian Jackson

The reason why Legally Blonde works as a musical is that Elle is not a quitter and she has a good circle of friends. The feel-good play is not afraid to suggest issues of snobbery, misogyny, homophobia and elitism. Yet, it keeps a cheerful positive mantra which makes the audience both warm to the characters and leave happy.

The hardworking cast had to sing and dance the night away. Elle, Paulette and Emmett came across as loveable thanks to the consistent efforts of Cheryl Moody, Alex Easten and Nicola Hewitt. Kevin Rhodes and Caroline Sabiston played the role of love rat and power hungry new girlfriend well. 

Steve Halliday had sufficient presence to carry off the role as the tough professor. The chorus of sorority girls often helped lighten the mood too.  

Nicola Hewett who plays Paulette and

Cheryl Moody who plays Elle with their

on-stage dogs Patsy, who plays

Rufus, and Chi-Chi, who plays Bruiser.

Photo: Adrian Jackson

The script has a number of lighter moments and director Martyn Knight takes advantage of these without letting the pace slow down.  Whilst the set was sometimes slow to fall into place, it is credit to the cast that they kept on going. Special mention goes to Stephen Mason, whose appearance as Kyle the UPS guy, had the perfect mix of humour and audience interaction.

Unlike a jukebox musical, the musical numbers help deliver the story and these were well sung. For such a large cast, there was no weak link in the vocals. The music was played live by a talented 11 piece band under the musical direction of Andrew Soulsby.

Cheryl Moody and Chi-Chi who play Elle Woods and Bruiser

Photo: Adrian Jackson

Everyone, though, is in danger of being upstaged by two very cute dogs who appear as Bruiser and Rufus. Both animals were well behaved.

This is a heart-warming show, with a positive message, delivered by a great dedicated and talented cast. It is well worth checking out.

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: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/preview-legally-blonde-at-newcastle.html

Tickets:

Legally Blonde is on at the Tyne Theatre, Westgate Road, Newcastle.  Performances are nightly at 7pm from Tuesday 24th until Saturday 28^th November, as well as matinee performances at 2pm on the Thursday and Saturday.

Tickets can be booked online at www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk, by calling 0844 2491000 or in person at the Tyne Theatre box office.

Review: Day of the Flymo at Newcastle Live Theatre

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

“We cannot give up because it’s hard”

Day of the Flymo

Newcastle Live Theatre 

Until Saturday 21^st November 2015

Award winning playwright Paddy Campbell’s second play returns to the Live Theatre after it’s sell out run in April 2015. His first play Wet House was stunning (Wet House: NETG Review LINK) so will his second play live up to the high expectations?

Kalem Patterson & Tezney Mulroy

Liam is a 13 year old boy who cannot see the point of school. He has been expelled because of his behaviour. Compounding the problems is the nature of his home life. He lives with his Mum, Karen, and Sister, Becca, whilst his Dad is away at her majesties pleasure at HMP Durham. Dad is violent, and one episode resulted in Liam ending up in care whilst Mum had to go into hospital. The family are known to social services and Ben is looking after the case.

The play is both powerful and emotional without ever going for the obvious sob story. Director Paul James uses Paddy Campbell’s text to explore a situation sympathetically without cliché nor unnecessary overacting. Hence it is remarkable that this is done using genuine school aged actors rather than recent graduates pretending to be 13.

The central star is 14 year old local lad Kalem Patterson, as the troubled Liam.  Kalem owns the role, warts and all.  He is able fill the stage with boundless enthusiasm and draw empathy from the Live Theatre audience.

Tezney Mulroy is magnificent as Liam’s sister Becca. She is the straight one who is battling to keep her family together and study for exams despite the home issues.  It is easy to feel compassion rather than pity as she tries to lead the family.

Completing the young line up is Sophie Pitches as the slightly older girl Clara, whom Liam has found is also avoiding school Clara befriends him after initially appearing aloof.

Tezney Mulroy,  Sophie Pitches and  Kalem Patterson

All three young actors do a wonderful job in roles that are central to the plot. Whilst their performances can be, at times raw, it is in keeping with the nature of the story and they show a degree of maturity in their portrayal.  They have the potential to be future stars in the making.

Supporting the young cast are Jill Dellow, as the mother who is struggling with life, and Akemnji Ndifornyen as the pragmatic social worker Ben.  Their on stage relationships with the children are believable and compassionate.  Jill draws real emotion as her character’s fragile existence hangs in the balance. The role of Ben also involves a degree of narration, as the case notes on Liam, and his family, are revealed. Akemnji holds the piece together nicely and without fuss.

Day of the Flymo examines the role of the state when it gets involved in family relationships. It does not preach or over dramatise the scenario. The result is a powerful, rich and compassionate show that is well worth seeking out.

Creatives:

Written by Paddy Campbell
Directed by Paul James
Assistant Director Rachel Glover

Set Design by Phil Green

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/preview-day-of-flymo-at-newcastle-live.html

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

Tickets

Day of the Flymo comes to Live Theatre from Thursday 12^th to Saturday 21^stNovember.

PERFORMANCES: Tuesday to Saturday, 7.30pm
MATINEE: Saturday 14 November, 2pm

For more information on Day of the Flymo and to buy tickets costing between £18 to £10, over 60s concessions from £16 to £12 and other concessions £10 to £6 call Live Theatre’s box office on (0191) 232 1232 or see www.live.org.uk.

DURATION:  Approx 1hr 20mins
SUITABILITY: 13+, contains strong language and some scenes of violence

TICKETS: £18-£10, over 60s conc. £16-£12 other concs. £10-6

ASSISTED PERFORMANCES: 

BSL Tuesday 17 November, 7.30pm

Captioned Wednesday 18 November, 7.30pm

Touch Tour Thursday 19 November, 6pm

Audio Described Thursday 19 November, 7.30pm

Related Events: 

Tuesday 17 November, Approx 9pm (10 minutes after the end of the play) – Talkback

Join writer Paddy Campbell, director Paul James and the actors from the show as they talk about the process of bringing the show to the stage and discuss the issues raised in the play 

DATES: Tues 17 Nov, 9pm (10 minutes after the end of the play)
LOCATION: Main Theatre
DURATION:  Approx. 40mins
SUITABILITY: 13+
TICKETS: Free, booking essential

Review: Shrek The Musical at Sunderland Empire

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

Once Upon A Time...

Shrek The Musical

SunderlandEmpire

Until Sunday 22nd November 2015

The hugely popular animated film has become an entertaining musical that will be a firm family favourite.

Photo: Helen Maybanks

The show begins with Shrek coming out of a huge book to describe his tragic upbringing. Thrown out of his family home at the age of 7. Villagers felt it appropriate to try to torch the poor ogre, so he set up a base in a squalid swamp. But at least it was his swamp and he could call it home.

Princess Fiona feels she didn’t have the ideal childhood either as she was sent to a castle keep. Guarded by a fiery dragon she was alone for many years. She waited, as the fairytales suggest, for a handsome prince to come along and rescue her.

Photo: Helen Maybanks

Shrek’s life goes from bad to worse when Lord Farquaad decrees that all of the storybook characters like the 3 little pigs and the big bad wolf must leave his Kingdom. They are despatched to Shrek’s swamp. This is an intolerable situation so he heads off to the kingdom, Duloc, in order to give Lord Farquaad a piece of his mind. He hopes to get his swamp back. Along the way he crosses the path of Donkey who immediately wants to be his friend.

Photo: Helen Maybanks

When they arrive, Farquaad has just been torturing the Gingerbread Man in order to find out where Princess Fiona is. He decides someone must go, fight the dragon, and return with his princess. Shrek agrees to get Fiona on the condition he gets his swamp back and so the adventures begin.

Photo: Helen Maybanks

Dean Chisnall is more than capable of filling Shrek’s huge shoes. The ogre may dislike the company of others but he is loveable and the youngsters laugh at the breaking wind jokes. His companion Donkey, played by Idriss Kargbo doesn’t seem to take the hint and they make a great couple.

The role of Fiona involves a number of high speed changes in appearance and Bronté Barbé tackles these well. She is backed up by Laura Baldwin as the teen Fiona and another cast member as the young Fiona. The trio were very quick at swapping positions during one number.

Photo: Helen Maybanks

The stealer of the show was Gerard Carey as Lord Farquaad who frequently had the audience laughing whenever he was on stage. His comic timing and great singing voice quickly endeared him to the audience.

Photo: Helen Maybanks

The dragon, too, was a brilliant display of puppetry as the giant creature swept across the Empire stage.  The ensemble had to play numerous roles and tackle the puppetry.  They were often entertaining and an intrinsic part of the comedy routines.

Photo: Helen Maybanks

Shrek the musical involves quite a large and highly talented live orchestra under the careful musical direction of Dave Rose. They were able to fill the auditorium with the music and did not put a foot wrong all night. This is no juke box musical and, with the exception of the final show closing number, the songs have been written for the show. Perhaps they are not the most memorable numbers on the first hearing but the do well to tell the story.

Photo: Helen Maybanks

Shrek was funny. I brought my 12 year old son along and he really enjoyed it and appreciated the humour. That said, just like the best of the children’s animation films, there were funny bits in for the parents too.

This year we don’t have to wait for panto season to begin in order to bring the family to the theatre. Shrek has a broad appeal, it is both pleasant and amusing. 

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/preview-shrek-musical-at-sunderland.html

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

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*

Groups 10+: 0844 871 3042

*Transaction fee applies to telephone and online bookings.