Preview: Beauty and the Beast at Newcastle People’s Theatre

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Beauty and the Beast

by Philip Meeks

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Saturday 12 – Sunday 20 December 2015

Newcastle People’s Theatre are excited to bring our audiences the fantastic fairy-tale treat Beauty and the Beast, fun-filled frolics for the whole family!

Belle, a beautiful young woman longing for romance and adventure, falls in love with a Prince cursed with being a Beast. But since when did the enchanted pathway of passion run smooth?

There are plenty of obstacles, japes and downright villainy to contend with before they can live happily ever after. But don’t worry – Dame Fifi Latrine is on hand to ensure all is well, along with a kids chorus of 257 local children taking part (although, not all at the same time!).

This cheeky and hilarious take on the classic fable is written by award-winning writer Philip Meeks (former Emmerdalewriter and Edinburgh Fringe First winner), who is himself a professional pantomime dame of many years standing.

The People’s panto has become something of a Newcastle institution in recent years and our reputation precedes us – meaning that our limited run of only eleven shows get more and more popular every year. Book soon to avoid disappointment – three performances are already sold out!

Brought to you by the creative team behind last year’s sell-out hit Rapunzel Beauty and the Beast is jam packed with festive fun, music, dancing and comedy. With tickets priced £14 for adults and £11.50 for children, it’s a Christmas treat that won’t break the bank.

Tickets:

Beauty and the Beast runs from Saturday 12 – Sunday 20 December 2015 (no perf Mon 14)

The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF £14 (Concessions £11.50)
Box Office: 0191 265 5020 (option 2) or www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

 

Preview: Chorus Of Disapproval at Newcastle People’s Theatre

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Let our Ayckbourn evergreen chase away those Autumn blues!

A Chorus Of Disapproval

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Tuesday 6^th to Saturday 10^th October 2015

Newcastle’s People’s Theatre are excited to start our new Season next week, kicking off with Alan Ayckbourn’s hilarious comedy A Chorus Of Disapproval.

Photos: Paula Smart

Shy widower Guy Jones (Colin Jeffrey) joins his local operatic society during their rehearsals for The Beggar’s Opera.

But for nice guy Guy who just can’t say no, the onstage dramas and off stage shenanigans are soon proving difficult to untangle.

Photos: Paula Smart

A Chorus Of Disapproval offers a fun-filled glimpse into the rehearsal rooms of PALOS (the Pendon Amateur Light Operatic Society). And if there’s something we know a little bit about, it’s amateur dramatics!

We’re not suggesting, of course, that members of the People’s Theatre go on like this lot with their illicit backstage affairs, a cuckolded director, prima donnas and a grumpy backstage team!

Prolific playwright Alan Ayckbourn recently directed his 79th play Hero’s Welcome at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre.

Photos: Paula Smart

In A Chorus Of Disapproval, which premiered in Scarborough in 1984 and subsequently transferred to the National Theatre, he ingeniously mirrors Gay’s story of the dashing highwayman Macheath with the amateur thespians and their own romantic entanglements. 

Director Chris Heckels comments “The PALOS players really do get themselves into a mess with their intrigues, back-biting, back-stabbing and sometimes full on aggression! But they have real emotion and enthusiasm too – director Dafydd and his company truly care about theatre and believe in its importance, which is something that we at the People’s can certainly relate to”.

The People’s Theatre can’t wait to welcome audiences back after our summer break with this smart, funny, fast-paced comedy of theatrical mishaps and misunderstandings.  

Tickets:

A Chorus Of Disapproval comes to The People’s Theatre from Tuesday 6^th to Saturday 10^th October 2015 at 7.30pm

Tickets: £13.50 (Concessions £11)
Box Ofiice: 0191 265 5020
Website: www.peoplestheatre.co.uk 

Preview of Newcastle People’s Theatre Autumn 2015 Season

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All change!

New Season, New Logo

NewcastlePeople’s Theatre

Autumn 2015.

As the People’s Theatre’s redevelopment programme moves forward to the next stage in their century-old history, they have decided that this would also be a good time to redesign their long-standing emblem, the phoenix.

This mythical bird of ancient legend is traditionally characterised as a brightly plumed creature which, after a long life, dies in a fire of its own making, only to rise again from its own ashes.

It first became our symbol after the theatre relocated from the city centre to Rye Hill in 1929.

This move to their third home since being founded in 1911 made the legendary symbol of rebirth and resurrection an appropriate one, and as the 1930s progressed it acquired a more Art Deco feel.

A further move to their present Heaton site in 1961 was to make the significance of the phoenix even more relevant to their story.

Very shortly after they vacated our old premises at Rye Hill, the deserted building burned down. Theatre member Jimmy Garbutt salvaged a few charred planks from the ruins, fashioning them into a representation of the legendary creature, which is still on display in their theatre today.

The version they’ve been using for the past few decades was designed in the 1960s and has served the theatre well, but they now feel that it’s time to move on.

So once again, the phoenix – like the People’s Theatre – is reborn and they are delighted with the new emblem, designed by Newcastle upon Tyne’s JUMP.

This announcement coincides with tickets going on sale for their October 2015 – February 2016 Season.

The phoenix may be new, but the People’s Theatre continue to present an eclectic mix of plays for their audiences.

Coming up in the new season are hard-hitting contemporary drama with a double-bill of Five Kinds of Silence by Shelagh Stephenson and The Zoo Story by Edward Albee in October, along with modern-life monologues in Ella Hickson’s Eight in February. There’s a new version by Nicholas Wright of the Chekhov classic Three Sisters in November, and an always popular Agatha Christie whodunit with Murder on the Nile in January.

Not forgetting, of course, the Pantomime in December. This year the People’s Theatre are excited to bring Beauty and the Beast to our stage, fun for the whole family and from the team behind last year’s sell-out hit Rapunzel.

It all kicks off in October with Alan Ayckbourn’s A Chorus of Disapproval, a rollicking comedy where backstage dramas threaten to overshadow the onstage antics of an amateur Operatic Society. Eagle-eyed readers looking through our new brochure may notice the play sporting a language and content warning. They want to reassure our audiences that this is an error and we are not presenting a radical new interpretation of this classic farce!

 

JUMP owner and Creative Director Lucy Batley, alongside People’s Theatre Marketing Manager Alisha Peart and some of the cast of our recent play The Fifteen Streets by Catherine Cookson, adpt. by Rob Bettinson.

Tickets

Tickets for all of the new Season plays (Oct ’15 – Feb ’16) are on sale now. To book please call the Box Office on 0191 265 5020 (option 2) or go online to www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

The redevelopment will create a new studio theatre, make the building more accessible, more environmentally friendly and allow better community access. For more information, and to make a donation, please visit www.peoplesfund.org.uk. 

Review: The Fifteen Streets at Newcastle People’s Theatre

A Tale Of Love And Ambition

The Fifteen Streets

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Until Saturday 18^th July 2015.

I must start this review with a confession. I have never read one of Catherine Cookson’s books. However I spent the summer of 1992 taking bus loads of holiday makers on an afternoon tour around South Shields under the banner of “Catherine Cookson Country”. It was, without doubt one of our most popular excursions. The lass, Catherine Ann “Kate” McMullen, from Tyneside, who had, without doubt, a tough start in life, was indeed one of the most popular authors in the country, selling over 120 million copies.

Hot on the heels of the announcement that another one of her books, The Cinder Path (NETG link) , is about to have it’s premiere on stage we have the People’s Theatre return to the cautionary tale of The Fifteen Streets. Unusually for this theatre we have a star in the shape of Pat Dunn (Hebburn, Lucky Numbers NETG Link). Joining Pat is a strong cast that have given this theatre its reputation for quality theatre.

Cookson describes the tough existence in an area of South Tyneside called The Fifteen Streets. In 1910 you either worked or starved. Even if you worked, money was stretched to cover rent and fuel, leaving little for some of the larger families to feed on. Bread and dripping was what awaited the dock workers when they came home. The play also reflects upon the hold that the Catholic Church had on its residents.

At the centre of the story are the O’Briens. A large family of dockworkers with mother Mary Ellen (Sarah McLane) holding together the seven with all of her matriarchal might. Significant children include the affable John in a powerful performance by Craig Fairbairn, who tries to get on in life. Katie (Rhiannon Wilson) is doing well at school and keeps talking about her teacher Mrs Llewellyn (Rachel Scott). Dominic (Ian Willis) fights his father Shane (Sands Dobson) and seems to have a bit of a chip on his shoulder.

In a close community, in which everyone lives in each others back pockets, there are gossips and kids telling tales. The split set on 2 levels helps separate life in the O’Briens house with the life outside. It was a little difficult to make out some of the comments being made at the very start but it was soon the case that the audience were up on the gossip.

One group of neighbours includes the Kelly family. Mum Hannah (Pat Dunn) tries to keep their daughter Nancy (Alison Carr) on the right track and away from the occasionally violent husband Joe (Jim Simpson). Cookson does not try to add any sugar on the tough relationships nor does she try to portray the male tendency to drink in any romantic way.

A new family move into the area and the gossips note that they have carpet and their clothes are somewhat more dapper. They are the Bracken family who believe in a spirituality which is in direct opposition to the catholic preachings. Peter (Pete McAndrew) has brought his grand-daughter Christine (Jess Chapman) who quickly befriends the O’Brien children. Father O’Malley (Sean Burnside) does not approve of any liaison with this family.

The O'Brien Faily - Photo: Paula Smart

The core of Fifteen Streets is a love story which ignites when John O’Brien meets up with Katie’s teacher. This chance meeting with Mary Llewellyn soon blossoms but it is not a relationship approved of by Mary’s well off parents James (Steve Robertson) and Beatrice (Helga McNeil).  The clash of class coupled with the drive and ambition of John O’Brien leads to an explosive turn of events as the residents get involved. Directors Maggie Childs and John Gray have captured a great series of performances from the talented cast.

Very strong performances from Craig Fairbairn, Rhiannon Wilson, Rachel Scott and Pete McAndrew, supported by a great ensemble, help extend this from a standard historic love story into a great fable. Social mobility is as much an issue as the depravation faced by the dock workers.  The People’s Theatre production of The Fifteen Streets is a fine piece of theatre to finish another great season with and we look forward to next season.

Read the original North East Theatre Guide Preview here: NETG 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

Tickets

The Fifteen Streets adapted by Rob Bettinson, from the novel by Catherine Cookson

Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 July 2015, 7.30pm

The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF

Tickets:      £13.50 (Concessions £11)
Box Office: 0191 265 5020

www.peoplestheatre.co.uk 

Preview: The Fifteen Streets at Newcastle People’s Theatre

A school teacher and a docker!

What will they say when this gets about….?

The Fifteen Streets

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 July 2015

Newcastle People’s Theatre are delighted to present Rob Bettinson’s adaptation of the Catherine Cookson favourite The Fifteen Streets.

In early 20^th century Jarrow, life for the O’Brien family is one of bitter struggle for survival in a world of unemployment and grinding poverty. Eldest son and dockworker John O’Brien (Craig Fairbairn – pictured, top left) strives for a better life: one that almost seems within his grasp when he meets a beautiful young school teacher. But the social and religious mores of Edwardian Tyneside forbid such a match.

Adapted for the stage from Catherine Cookson’s best-selling novel, this gripping drama evokes the lives and loves of a bygone age. Both heart-warming and tear-jerking, The Fifteen Streets sees its romantic love story play out against a vivid backdrop of social deprivation and class divides.

The O’Brien family. Photo: Paula Smart.

Often dismissed as a “popular” novelist, Cookson’s writing also has a hard-hitting undercurrent that refuses to shy away from the grim realities of the time, presenting a challenging and seldom-recognised agenda which anticipated the work of more “highbrow” contemporary writers.

We at the People’s are thrilled to present this powerful regional classic by the late Dame Catherine - an old friend and benefactor of ours.

Ever a champion of both emerging and established talent, we’re also pleased to include in the cast our long-standing member Pat Dunn, who played Grandma in the hit BBC TV comedy series Hebburn. 

Tickets

The Fifteen Streets adapted by Rob Bettinson, from the novel by Catherine Cookson

Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 July 2015, 7.30pm

The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF

Tickets:  £13.50 (Concessions £11)
Box Office:  0191 265 5020 www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

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Review: They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? at People’s Theatre

Marathon Madness

They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Until Saturday 23^rd May 2015.

Depression era America resulted in desperate measures for hard times. Horace McCoy’s was written during this period and reflects the sacrifices made in order to survive. Ray Herman’s adaptation is a rare production to see on the stage as it involves a live band and a cast that fills the stage. Newcastle’s People’s Theatre are not known to shy away from the big productions and they have succeeded in bringing the spectacle on the pier to life.

Steve Robertson
Photo: Paula Smart

The show begins with large crowds of couples signing up for a dancing marathon. They are promised food and accommodation as long as they keep dancing. The bonus is that they can win $1000 if they’re the last couple standing. Out to make money out of their pain is Rocky Gravo, played by Steve Robertson. He comes across at times like a social club compare – complete with singing.  Helping him out as a referee is Rollo who lives on her roller skates. Jess Chapman is perfect as the keeper of the rules as she shows no mercy to the dancers as they collapse.

The play focuses on a few couples. Ruby (Jessica Hannah) and Mario (Joe Robson) who are favourites as they have won previous competitions but will struggle this time as Ruby is expecting their first child. Some couples such as James (Craig Fairbairn) and Jackie (Moira Valentine) barely talk whilst Robert (Tom Potts) and Gloria (Sarah Scott) had just met before the contest started.

Sarah Scott 
Photo: Paula Smart

Central to the show is the dancing and the story is allowed to develop as the couples dance. This helps the show flow somewhat. Steve Robertson breaks the fourth wall regularly as the theatre audience find themselves applauding the action on stage. The other major piece in this show’s jigsaw is the live band under Musical Director Tom Albans. As the dancers are reduced to almost Shaun of the Dead style zombies after the relentless dancing, the band remain fresh as they keep up the tempo on events. Under the direction of Tony Childs and Sarah McLane the action is invigorating throughout the piece.

The show has a modern relevance. Television programmes like Big Brother or the many talent shows will often put the participants through scenarios that border on humiliation in order to increase ratings. The same applies in the dance marathon as “derbies” are introduced as a spectacle. Steve Robertson’s Rocky has a thirst for the extravaganza in preference for participant’s welfare.

When compared with the Newcastle Playhouse production in the early ‘90s, this show has accessible characters that the audience will quickly warm to. Whilst the cast go through the wars, the members of the audience are allowed to remain unscathed. The cast work hard and look genuinely in pain towards the end. The individual styles of dancing of each couple looks better than the tight choreography of previous productions.

They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? is a passionate and touching tale which shows that the People’s Theatre are capable of great productions. Congratulations to everyone involved.

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 JoWhereToGo Preview here

Tickets:

They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? by Ray Herman, adapted from the novel by Horace McCoy at The People’s Theatre, Newcastle from Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 May 2015 at 7.30pm.

Tickets: £13.50 (Concessions £11)
Box Office: 0191 265 5020 (option 2) or online at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk   

Review: Yes, Prime Minister at Newcastle People’s Theatre

Some Things Never Change

Yes, Prime Minister

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 April 2015

The writers behind the original much loved TV series, Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn, have returned with an updated parable of political scheming.   In the run up to the next general election it is a fascinating reminder of may be happening behind closed doors.  Prime Minister Jim Hacker has austerity problems at home and, as president of the Council of the European Union, he also has diplomatic issues abroad.

There is also a potential problem with taking on a well known television programme, such as Fawlty Towers, Dad’s Army, or this sitcom, that the audience have to adjust to the different cast playing familiar characters. Roger Liddle received two sets of applause for his fabulous delivery of two of Sir Humphrey Appleby’s more verbose replies to a straightforward question. Simply saying “yes” or “no” seemed too crude to the former Classics graduate.

Sean Burnside comfortably filled the shoes of the pedantic Principal Private Secretary Bernard Woolley. Perhaps the role which differed the most from the tv series was that of Prime Minister Jim Hacker, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.  If the programme hadn’t existed then there would be an immediate celebration in the engaging manner of the modern politician but it is human nature to put that comparison there.  Steve Hewitt has the familiar feel of the current crop of politicians and his Jim Hacker is suitably more street-wise than Paul Eddington’s interpretation was.

The People’s Theatre set is the refined set of the study at Chequers. The action, under Eileen Davidson’direction, is allowed to flow and takes advantage of the single set. The show isn’t slowed down by the stop-start of regularly changing scenes.

There is a smaller supporting cast than many shows at the Peoples and each one has a vital role to play. The special adviser Claire Sutton is instrumental to the story and Geffen Yoeli-Rimmer is much less irritating than the original SPAD Frank Weisel.

The story involves the diplomatic backroom manoeuvring as a result of the visit of the Foreign Secretary and Ambassador of Kumranistan.  Andrew De’Ath plays the confident Ambassador that is at the centre of the diplomatic nightmare for the Prime Minister.

The egotistical self-importance of both the politicians, their advisors and the civil service helped ensure regular ripples of laughter from the audience.  The overall result is a timely look at how important decisions can be made as the result of dodgy backroom dealing. The story is updated from the series that was produced from 1979 until 1988 and yet it understands the qualities that made the original so entertaining. May Roger Liddle’s Sir Humphrey Appleby continue to never give a straight answer to a simple question.

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

Photos: Paula Smart https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsphoto

Tickets:

Yes, Prime Minister by  Antony Jay & Jonathan Lynn runs from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 April 2015, 7.30pm at The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne,  NE6 5QF.

Tickets are: £13.50 (Concessions £11) – To book: 0191 265 5020 or online at their website: www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

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