News: MAUREEN NOLAN JOINS THE CAST OF FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

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MAUREEN NOLAN JOINS THE CAST OF

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

Footloose: The Musical

Starring Gareth Gates & Maureen Nolan

Newcastle Tyne Theatre and Opera House

Tuesday 12th to Saturday 16th July 2016

The full casting has been announced for worldwide smash hit musical Footloose: The Musical, which will burst back onto the stage in 2016, touring the UKfrom January and coming to Tyne Theatre & Opera House from Tuesday 12^thto Saturday 16^th July 2016.

Joining the previously announced Gareth Gates as Willard will be Maureen Nolan as Vi Moore.

Maureen Nolan has been singing with her sisters since she was nine years old, when they became one of Europe’s first girl bands, The Nolans. Best known for their smash hit single I’m in the Mood for Dancing, The Nolans enjoyed phenomenal record sales worldwide, and worked with some of the world’s most respected artists including Frank Sinatra. On stage, Maureen has played Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers in the West End and on tour to critical acclaim. (Read the NETG Review: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/review-blood-brothers-at-darlington.html)

She was the fourth Nolan sister to play the role, earning them entry into the Guinness Book of World Records. Other credits include Sadie in Girl’s Behind, Jill in Mum’s the Word and Sarah in The Naked Truth.

Gareth Gates will play Willard from 29 January until 16 April, returning to the show from 20 June 2016. Gareth rose to fame through the inaugural series of Pop Idolin 2001, going on to sell over 5 million records worldwide and have hits across the globe. His version of Unchained Melody sold over a million copies in the UK and is the 3rd best-selling single of the Noughties. Gareth is also the youngest ever-male solo artist to debut at number 1.  More recently Gareth has enjoyed a successful career on stage, with credits including Les Misérables, Legally Blonde and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. In 2014 Gareth appeared in the final series of Dancing on Ice, and joined boyband 5^th Story as part of ITV’s second series of The Big Reunion, touring arenas with bands including Blue and Five.

Luke Baker will play Ren McCormack, the role immortalised on screen by Kevin Bacon. Luke is about to finish playing Theo in Green Day’s American Idiot in the West End, with other West End credits including the Olivier Award-winning Sunny Afternoon, Beautiful Thing and I Can’t Sing.

The cast also features Hannah Price asAriel Moore, Nigel Lister as Reverend Shaw Moore, Nicky Swift as Ethel McCormack, Joanna Sawyer as Rusty, Matthew Tomlinson as Chuck, Natasha Brown as Wendy-Jo, Miracle Chanceas Urleen and Scott Haining as Bickie. The cast also includes Lauren Storer, Natalie Morton-Graham, Luke Thornton and Alex Marshall.

Based on the 1984 screen sensation starring Kevin Bacon, Footloose: The Musicaltells the story of city boy Ren, who has to move to a rural backwater in America where dancing is banned. All hell breaks out as Ren breaks loose and soon has the whole town up on its feet. Featuring classic 80s hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let's Hear it for the Boy and the unforgettable title track, Footloose: The Musical is set to take the world by storm once again in this brand new production, bursting with youthful spirit, dazzling dance and electrifying music.

When the film was released in 1984, it became the highest-grossing February release in US film history.  The soundtrack album ended the year-long reign of Michael Jackson’s Thriller at number one and went on to top album charts all over the world, eventually selling in excess of 17 million copies.  Footloose was nominated for a Golden Globe, and both the title song and Let’s Hear It for the Boy received Academy Award nominations. Footloose: The Musical first opened on Broadway in 1998 where it ran for 709 performances, with a London production following in 2006, opening at the Novello Theatre following a UK Tour.

Footloose: The Musical has music by Tom Snow and lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and is adapted for the stage by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie. It is based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford. It is directed by Racky Plews (American Idiot, West End) with choreography by Matthew Cole, design by Sara Perks and musical supervision by Mark Crossland. It is produced by David Hutchinson and Phillip Rowntree for Sell A Door Theatre Company and Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment. It is presented by arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe.

Read the original NETG Preview: LINK 

On The Web:

www.footloose-musical.com

@FootlooseTour

Tickets:

£32.50 Premium, £28.50 Stalls, Grand Circle & Limited View, £25.50 Upper Circle, £22.50 Gallery.   (plus booking fees when booking online and over the phone)

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

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

Tickets are now available from www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

Show cancelled: Colin Fry at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

Show update: Colin Fry

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Friday 4^th September 2015

Tyne Theatre & Opera House are very sad to announce that Colin Fry sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning.

‘Words from his management: It is with much sadness and regret to announce that the Reverend Colin Fry, Britain’s most loved and respected Spiritualist Medium, lost his fight against cancer and passed away peacefully in Hospital in the early hours at 2:50am this morning.
Colin brought a lot of comfort to his audiences in a career which spanned for more than 30 years.
Our sympathies and condolences go out to Colin’s family and friends.
We, as his management, for many years would like to add that he was the most charming man with the biggest heart, who devoted his life to helping others, and he will be sorely missed.
May his dear soul rest in peace.’

If you have tickets for his upcoming show at Tyne Theatre & Opera House, please contact 08442491000 regarding your ticket or visit the box office Monday to Friday 10am to 330pm.

News: Auditions for Oliver at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

Who wants to join Fagin’s Gang?

 

Oliver

Newcastle Tyne Theatre and Opera House

Tuesday 5^th – Saturday 9^th April 2016.

West End Operatic Society are delighted to announce they will be performing one of the all time 'Greats' of British Musicals 'Oliver' at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House 5-9 April 2016.

The search is on for boys aged 8-10 years for the part of Oliver and Artful Dodger aged 12-14 years. They also an English Bull terrier to play the part of 'Bullseye'

Auditions will be taking place at the Tyne Theatre on Sunday 13 September. Please email westendoperaticsociety@gmail.comto register your interest.

Oliver has some wonderful musical numbers, 'Where is Love'.'Consider Yourself'. Oom- Pah Pah' 'As Long As He Needs Me', 'I'd Do Anything' and many more

West End Operatic Society is an amateur musical theatre group based in Newcastle upon Tyne. They are a welcoming and friendly all- singing, all – dancing family.

Don't miss out on this great experience – get signed up now.

You can read the North East Theatre Guide review of the West End Operatic Society’s2015 show Hairspray here.

Preview:Swan Lake at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

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Swan Lake – the greatest of all

romantic ballets

Swan Lake

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Wednesday 18^th November 2015

Their annual Ballet Tour in the UK is always a joy to behold and highly anticipated. Another Tchaikovsky favourite featuring some of ballet’s most memorable music, Swan Lake is an all-time Russian classic, overflowing with evocative orchestrations and breath-taking dance.Featuring an impressive cast and accompanied by a large live Orchestra with over 30 musicians. The show will be directed and choreographed by former Bolshoi Theatre Ballet Dancer, Konstantin Uralsky. 

The familiar story tells of a princess who is turned into a swan by an evil curse. The spectacular choreography allows the company’s dancers to demonstrate their brilliant skills to full effect.

Highlights of the ballet include the charming Dance of the Little Swans performed on the shores of a moonlit lake as well as sweeping ballroom waltzes set in the splendour of the Royal Palace.

An enchanting feast for the eyes, and an ideal introduction to the magic and romance that is classical ballet.

For more information, please go to www.amande-concerts.co.uk

Tickets:
Swan Lake Newcastle will appear at Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Wednesday 18^th November 2015 at 7.30 pm
The Box Office is open 10am-3:30pm Monday to Friday and event days

Tickets: Tickets are priced £22.00 - £30.00 (plus booking fees when booking online and over the phone) and Information Line: 0844 2491 000 (10am – 6pm Monday to Friday)

Box Office Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

Preview: Singin’ Alang the Promenade

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Singin’ Alang the Promenade

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House Saturday 22^nd August 2015

Whitley Bay Playhouse Sunday 23^rd August 2015

LA Production Company NE is bringing their newest show “Singin’ Alang the Promenade” to two of the region’s theatres in August. 

The show is a tribute to our North-East coastal region and the industries of yesteryear, through Song, Comedy & Drama.

The show stars an entirely local cast including, Tyne Theatre favourite Charlie Richmond, as well as Pete Peverley, Val McLane and many others.

This family friendly show is ideal for the summer holidays, and guarantees to have you “Singin’ Alang” with every song.

Tickets are already on sale.

Tickets:

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

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

Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

The Whitley Bay Playhouse Box Office is open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturday 10.30am -2.30pm plus until show start on event days.

Tickets can also be purchased on the booking hotline 0844 248 1588 or online at www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk.

Review: Freeze FRAME at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

Freeze FRAME: The Illustrated Cinemas of Newcastle

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Monday 1^stJune to Tuesday 30^th June

Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre & Opera House has had a number of interesting events on since the preservation trust set up an operating company to look after the running of the historic theatre. June sees the arrival of an art exhibition covering both this building’s past and that of many other much loved buildings.

Ben Holland has been working hard over the last two years trying to capture the spirit of Newcastle’s cinema scene.  His research took him to the local history archive at Newcastle libraries. When he asked for photographs of Newcastle’s cinemas past and present he was taken back by how many there were. He has concentrated on some the popular city centre establishments which the people of the North East will have taken to their hearts.

The chosen venues will be places that many will have fond memories of though it is a shame a number of them no longer exist or, like the Odeon, cease to operate.  The pieces in this exhibition cover the entire 20th century from the Westgate Picture House (now the O₂ Academy) in the 1920's through to Pilgrim Street's Odeon in the 1990's. In between the collection takes in the Paramount, Tyneside News Reel Theatre, Queens Cinerama, Pavilion, ABC Haymarket and, of course, the very venue it shall be exhibited in – in its previous incarnation as The Stoll Picture Theatre.

Each pen and ink drawing has been painstakingly crafted by Ben. The high level of detail in order to pick out each brick is admirable. On a larger scale they capture the emotion of an evening at the flicks with the crowds lining up outside awaiting a chance to go in. The scenes often feature a notable film in the life of that cinema: its first film in cinemascope or the last film shown.

For the first week of the exhibition, the pictures are being displayed on the stage of the theatre with fabulous music for some of the biggest films of the 20^th century in the background. After Friday 5^th June they will move to a gallery space within the theatre for midweek daytime viewing. See the box below for viewing dates and times. Each scene is also available for sale as a limited edition print so you can take a memory home too.

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

Original North East Theatre Guide Preview:

http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/preview-freeze-frame-at-tyne-theatre.html

Ben Holland is on the web:

Website: http://lowmoonoverhightown.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lmoht

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lowmoonoverhightown

FREE ENTRY. On Stage Exhibition: Mon 1st June from 7pm to 9pm, Tues 2nd - Friday 5th June from 10am to 3.30pm. Gallery Exhibition: From Mon 8th to Tues 30th June (Mon to Fri only) 10am to 3.30pm.

Venue On The Web:

Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tynetheatreandoperahouse

Twitter: twitter.com/tyneoperahouse

Theatre Address: 109 – 119 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG

Forthcoming events at The Tyne Theatre & Opera House include:

Geordie Legends: Them Off The Viz 5/8/15 North East Theatre Guide preview link

Pirates of Penzance 22-26/9/15 North East Theatre Guide preview link

Swan Lake 18/11/16 North East Theatre Guide preview link

Legally Blonde 23-28/11/15 North East Theatre Guide preview link

Circus of Horrors 13/2/16 North East Theatre Guide preview link

Elvis Years 28/4/16 North East Theatre Guide preview link

Simon & Garfunkel Story 5/5/16 North East Theatre Guide preview link

Preview: The Elvis Years at Tyne Theatre & Opera House

The Elvis Years

Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Thursday 28th April 2016, 7.30pm

Tyne Theatre & Opera House is looking forward to welcoming The Elvis Years to its stage in April 2016.

Celebrate Elvis’ 80th birthday year with this outstanding concert production of the West End musical Jailhouse Rock featuring original star Mario Kombou and his incredible band - led by legendary producer, musical director and Ivor Novello award-winner David Mackay.

This spectacular show is packed with over 50 greatest hits, from the early days of Sun Studios and That’s Alright Mama, through the Hollywood years of GI Blues and It’s Now or Never, the ‘68 TV special with All Shook Up, culminating in the legendary Las Vegas concert, with In The Ghetto, Suspicious Minds and American Trilogy.

 “The best Elvis since Elvis!” Donna Presley

“The King is re-born – the audience loved it.” The Times

“Elvis lives.” Daily Mirror

“He lights up the stage.” BBC 1

On The Web:

Website: www.theelvisyears.com

Trailer: http://youtu.be/53Ix7PqygR8    

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Elvis-Years/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheElvisYears

Tickets:

Tickets: £21.50, Cons £20 (plus booking fees when booking online and over the phone)

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

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

Venue Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

Review: A Chorus Line at Tyne Theatre

A Musical Sensation

A Chorus Line

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House,

Until 30 May 2015

Book: James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante

Music: Marvin Hamlisch

Lyrics: Edward Kleban

Director: Ben Hunt

Producer: Jamie Gray

Musical director: David Gray

Choreographer: Stephanie Smith

Recently the film 20 feet from Stardom gave an insight into the life of the backing singer. A role in which you are successful if you’re not noticed and you don’t stand out but the star of the show does. A Chorus Line looks at the audition process for the dancers in the ensemble for a Broadway show. All of the dancers are looking for that next job which will help pay the bills. For most of them they may be looking for that final payday, knowing that their dancing days will soon be coming to an end.

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House is a wonderful theatre and it is great to see it being used for the very purpose for which it was built – to entertain. To match its lavish surroundings, the Nice Swan Theatre Company have pulled together a large and talented cast that sing, dance and tell the story tirelessly.

The show opens with an audition in full swing. As each small group is given the opportunity to dance for the director there is an opportunity for some humour as a small number of dancers are clearly not up to the job and don’t make the first cut. It is fascinating to see how impersonal the process is at this stage – everyone is referred to by numbers rather than names. 

The first number I Hope I Get It reflects the anticipation about getting cast in the role. The music is performed by an unseen live band under the direction of David Gray. The sound was clear and the voices were well matched on the big numbers.

The auditionees are told that there are just 4 male and 4 female roles available and each one will be given a chance to talk about their life. Why are they there?  How did they become a dancer? There is a contrast with the beginning as each dancer reveals their individual back story. Some such as Greg (Luke Neville) and Judy (Louise Barron) get quick laugh from their responses. Mike (Spencer Hardy) has a nice solo spot with I Can Do That.

As each performer opens up there are tales of escaping unhappy childhoods, living parental dreams and trying to survive in a big city at a young age.  What they all have in common were the problems of being 12 or 13. Bodies developing and the onset of ones own identity are an interesting theme and it makes for a strong theme in the montage Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love.

The dance industry is one in which image is a massive issue and Val (Brooke Havana Bailey) describes the pain and the solution in the catchy Dance ten Looks three. Lauren Gordon delivers The Music and The Mirror about fading opportunity passionately as Cassie.

After the final cut is made there is a superb and very glamorous grand finale that gives each remember of the cast there well deserved moment to shine.

The cast work hard and under Ben Hunt’s direction there is an alluring story to be told about some of the less prestigious aspects of show business. The end result is a very absorbing and delightful evening’s entertainment.

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview by clicking here.

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

 

On The Web:

Website: www.niceswan.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/niceswanuk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/niceswanuk

Tickets:

A Chorus Line runs at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle from 27 - 30 May 2015. Tickets available at www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.ukor call 0844 2491 000