Preview: Three Sisters at Newcastle People’s Theatre

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

 “If we don’t know what we’re here for, then our lives don’t have any meaning”

Three Sisters

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Tuesday 10^th to Saturday 14^th November 2015

Olga is on the shelf at 28, the explosive Masha is alternately luminous and drained and Irina is a self-absorbed twenty-something, tortured by her banal job.

After the death of their father, an army general, these three sisters and their brother are left stranded in a provincial backwater.

Their dreams are focused on returning to Moscow, a city seen by them through a haze of delusions as a sophisticated centre of sunshine, refinement, and sensibility, in contrast to the banality, stupidity, and dreariness of their town.

But the dashing young officers at their father’s old garrison offer a tempting distraction …

A new “de-Russified” take on Chekhov

Ellie Pullen (Olga), Rye Mattick (Masha),

Geffen Yoeli-Rimmer (Irina), Sara Jo Harrison (Natasha)

Photo: Paula Smart

This new version of Chekhov’s masterpiece THREE SISTERS by Nicholas Wright (author of Vincent in Brixton) premiered at the National Theatre to rave reviews in 2003.

Wright’s makeover transforms this renowned classic into an urgent and contemporary family drama.

While this is the seventh time in our 100-year history that we’ve staged Three Sisters, Wright’s radical new take presents our audience with what is almost a new play – being seen in Newcastle for the first time.

Described by one critic as a “de-Russified” version, with edgier dialogue arising from a very free and contemporary translation, Wright’s interpretation takes us a long way from the traditional Chekhovian drawing room full bourgeois angst. Here the passion and despair is conveyed with feisty modern touches that resonate brilliantly with the original text.

Tickets:

Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov, a version by Nicholas Wright comes to The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF on Tuesday 10^th to Saturday 14^th November 2015 at 7.30pm

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

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

You wanna eat tonight?

Then keep dancin’….

They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?

Newcastle People’s Theatre,

Tuesday 19^th to Saturday 23^rd May 2015

Strictly Ballroom meets Britain’s Got Talent in Ray Herman’s They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?– a rarely-performed evocation of a 1930s Los Angeles dance marathon where contestants compete for the elusive possibility of fame and fortune.

Steve Robertson as Rocky

Photos: Paula Smart

A shabby Depression-era ballroom serves as a haunting symbol for the struggle for survival as couples are provided with food and shelter for as long as they can keep moving, encouraged by a relentlessly cheerful MC (Steve Robertson, pictured).

  

But beneath the revelry lies a seedy underworld of dark secrets; and those dance hall spectators want blood … 

Horace McCoy’s celebrated 1935 novel is best known via Sydney Pollack’s Oscar-nominated 1969 film, starring Jane Fonda. But requiring a live band and a cast of over 30, this epic tale is notoriously difficult to stage and hasn’t been seen in Newcastle for over 20 years. So we are particularly proud to be bringing this seldom-presented tale back to Tyneside.

Sarah Scott as Gloria

Photos: Paula Smart

Co-directors Tony Childs and Sarah McLane say: “We’ve got a team of 65 working on this show. Most professional companies can’t stage it as it’s simply too expensive and needs such a large cast. We’re lucky enough as a non-professional company to have a stage large enough and a pool of actors strong enough to do it justice. It’s a tremendous piece of theatre - exciting, entertaining and very moving. We can’t wait to get it out there and in front of an audience.”

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  

Come and celebrate the launch of the new Meghann Clancy EP 'Lay it on the Line'!

Sunday 31st May, The Cumberland Arms. Doors open at 7.30pm. First up is the absolutely stunning Agerskow, followed by MeghannClancy and band (Liam Gaughan - bass, Danny Ward - drums, Paul Emmett - keys/guitar)

We hope you can make it! See www.facebook.com/eventsfor details of the event. Follow Meghann Clancy on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meghannclancymusic

Preview: God of Carnage at People’s Theatre

ACIDIC COMEDY ASKS: IS COURTESY JUST A WASTE OF TIME FOR THE WEAK?

The God of Carnage

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 May 2015

In the intimate space of their Studio Theatre, The People’s Theatre will be presenting The God Of Carnage, a funny and razor-sharp study of the tension between polite appearances and the savagery that lurks beneath.

Two successful middle-class couples meet to discuss an incident involving their young sons in the local park. But this superficially civilised get-together soon degenerates into a grotesque ballet of shifting loyalties and fractious emotions.

Playwright Yasmina Reza (Art, Life x 3) is famous for holding a mirror up to bourgeois hypocrisy. Her exquisitely acidic dialogue burns through her characters smug veneers with both comic and uncomfortable consequences.

The original French is translated by playwright, film director and long-time collaborator of Reza’s, Christopher Hampton, into a wonderfully English dissection of social pretense. Niceties and forced bonhomie give way to raised voices and honest opinions, as the gloves come off and the adults become the children.

One of the most acclaimed European plays of recent years, The God Of Carnage wowed West End and Broadway audiences, winning the 2009 Olivier Award for Best Comedy and Tony Award for Best Play. Film fans may know 2011’s Carnagestarring Jodie Foster and Kate Winslet.

We are proud to give this modern classic a rare outing in the region. Our Studio Theatre productions are always popular and we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.  

Tickets:

The God Of Carnage by Yasmina Reza will be coming to The People’s Theatre in Newcastle from Tuesday 5to Saturday 9 May 2015 at 7.30pm

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

Online: www.peoplestheatre.co.uk  

Review: Much Ado About Nothing at Newcastle People’s Theatre

Farce of the gossips

Much Ado About Nothing

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Until 14^th March 2015.

This possibly is William Shakespeare’s most popular comedy and Newcastle’s Peoples Theatre has produced a wonderful show that shows off the bards work to great effect.

Set in a Mediterranean style set, designed by Sands Dobson and Peter Harrison, this is a story of gossiping neighbours. The hiding behind pot plants in order to eavesdrop on conversations and trying to not be noticed often gave the show an almost farce-like feel.

Much Ado About Nothing is a rom-com that has quite a modern feel. It looks at how couples can have their fledgling relationships disrupted by a combination of friends who think they are doing the right thing and jealous types causing trouble. Moving the 16^th century play into the 1950s works nicely.

The two central couples in the story are performed by four fantastic young actors who gain in stature with each production that they perfom in at this theatre. Craig Fairbairn is highly amusing as Benedick and it is entertaining to see him chase the often cynical Beatrice. Shakepeare has written a strong female role for Beatrice and Sara Jo Harrison has star quality in this pivotal role. Craig and Sara Jo were often able to grab the audiences’ attention as they discussed their private thoughts.

Alex Blenkey grew in stature as groom-to-be Claudio whose journey with his future bride Hero is the talk of the town. Emma Jane Richards is charming and quickly develops the audiences’ empathy in her role as Hero. Jake Wilson Craw is great in the comedy as he created chaos through his gossiping in the first half.

The cast brought the dialogue to life, making this an accessible production for those who are new to Shakespeare. He did have a tendency to use 6 words when a modern playwright would just use a couple. The delightful flavours of his text were given there opportunity to shine.

A real strength of the direction given by Peter Harrison and Tony Childs is that the pace was able to be maintained by the flow of the action. As soon as one group finished the next was ready. The action didn’t have to pause for the arrival of some props. The costumes range from very smart to fabulous which, when coupled with the set design, help raise the show from ordinary to delightful.

There is plenty to love in this entertaining romp and it is a great introduction to the playwright’s work.

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

Original Jowheretogo Preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/preview-much-ado-about-nothing-at.html

Tickets:

Much Ado About Nothing

Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 March 2015, 7.30pm

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

£13.50 (Concessions £11)

Box Office: 0191 265 5020           www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Preview: Much Ado About Nothing at Newcastle People’s Theatre

SHAKESPEARE’S CLASSIC ROM-COM

GETS LA DOLCE VITA MAKEOVER!

Much Ado About Nothing

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 March 2015

A chance to be transported from a chilly northern March to take a break from the pressures of twenty-first century life comes along this month at The People’s Theatre.  Enjoy some fun and romance in the summer sun of 1950s Italy, with our forthcoming production of Much Ado About Nothing. 

For this production, Shakespeare’s most popular (some might say best) romantic comedy is set in the Sicily of La Dolce Vita, promising audiences a release from the winter blues. Enjoy the effervescent battle of wits between the irrepressible, perennial favourites Beatrice and Benedick in this colourful production, which combines lusty, knockabout hilarity with darker meditations on honour, shame, and court politics.

Benedick (Craig Fairbairn) &

Beatrice (Sara Jo Harrison)

Photos by Jerry Cooper

But the path of true love never runs smoothly and the play is not without its dark side, teetering precariously towards tragedy at times, thanks to the ‘plain dealing villain’ Don John.  Eventually, though, love conquers all; young lovers Hero and Claudio are united, and the ‘merry war’ between Beatrice and Benedick comes to a joyous conclusion! 

If you’re a fan of Rom-Coms, this wry tale of the capricious nature of love is the show for you.

Or if you’re new to the Bard, come and see why the People’s has been pleased to stage Shakespeare’s drama in Newcastle for over a century!

Benedick (Craig Fairbairn) &

Beatrice (Sara Jo Harrison)

Photos by Jerry Cooper

Tickets:

Much Ado About Nothing

Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 March 2015, 7.30pm

The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne,

NE6 5QF

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

Review: Rapunzel at Newcastle People’s Theatre

Rapunzel Reaches For The Stars!

Rapunzel

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Until Sunday 14th December 2014

The show begins with Fairy L’Oreal setting the scene , because she is worth it. The King & Queen of Jesmond had a baby girl and through various magic spells they ended up losing her to Mother Gothel. She is imprisoned in a tower so that Mother Gothel can keep her youth. Will a prince come along to rescue her?

All of the essential ingredients are here for an entertaining pantomime. The jokes, the songs, the dame, the jester, the poor girl and the prince who wants to sweep her off her feet.

Most productions at Newcastle’s People’s Theatre rarely include songs and it made a change to hear the singing talents of the company. Emma Jane Richards, as Rapunzel, has a great voice whilst the duet of Happyfrom Craig Fairbairn, as Jimmy Jangles, and Prince Flynn, who was performed by Joe Robson, was very upbeat. Special mention should go to the multiple roles and quick costume changes by Roger Liddle, who had a great rendition of I Gotta Feeling.

Each musical number was accompanied by numerous young dancers in fantastic costumes. This had the effect of turning many songs into bigger production numbers. The show even had its Riverdance moment thanks to the quality input from the talented Clann Na nGael. Credit must go to those behind the scenes for the lighting, sound and stage management of such large numbers on stage.

Regular puns are necessary for a classic panto and their delivery requires the actors to have the skills of a stand up comedian. The bulk of the laughs landing on Steve Robertson, as the panto dame Queen Sadie, and on the jester Jimmy Jangles. Craig Fairbairn was in his element keeping the kids involved and ensuring the pace didn’t dip.

The evil characters know that they’ve done well when they register a negative reaction at the curtain call. Moira Gothel and Nathan Hussain did a great job as they left an impression on the kids, without slowing the action, as did Mother Gothel and Jasper respectively.

Anna Dobson has directed a canny panto which is full of parochial references and isn’t afraid to have a traditional sense of a variety show. Great musical numbers and amusing jokes ensure that there is much to like.

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 by Paula Smart: https://www.facebook.com/thejazzdevilphoto

Tickets:

2pm & 7pm – Saturdays

2pm – Sundays

7pm - weekdays (no performance on Wed 10th)

Tickets £14/£11.50/Family Ticket £46

Box Office: 0191 265 5020

Online: www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Cast  

Fairy L'Oreal      Sarah Scott

Mother Gothel Moira Valentine

Rapunzel Emma Jane Richards

Prince Flynn       Joe Robson

Queen Sadie    Steve Robertson

Jimmy Jangles Craig Fairbairn

Jasper       Nathan Hussain

King Jack of Jesmond/Noggins/Foiggins/Boggins/Scroggins       Roger Liddle

Tiddles       Sands Dobson/Mark Burden/Sally Cooper

Chorus      Fiona Morris, Annabelle Warwick, Annie Ranken, Nathan Tonks, Alex Carmichael, Olivia Marcella, Barbara Edmundson, Sarah Thomas

Babes        From Jill Errington Dance School

Dancers    from Newcastle High School for Girls and Clann Na nGael

Production Team        

Director     Anna Dobson

Musical Director         James & Hayley Russell

Choreographer          Julie Bowman

Assistant Director       Sean Burnside

Wardrobe          Dianne Edwards and Team

Stage Manager         Pamela Harris

Assistant Stage Managers          Annaliese Jane Bibby & Karen Dales

Lighting Designer       Lisa Harrison

Lighting Crew   Karen Dales, Dave Bailey, Izzy Waugh, Annaliese Jane Bibby, Ian Ross Willis, Scott Sweeting, Emily Jeffery, Lauren Allison, Martin Collins, Vanessa Aiken, Rhiannon Wilson

Sound Designer          Dave Bailey

Sound Crew      Izzy Waugh

Set Designer      Stuart Taylor

Set Builders        Sands Dobson, Joshua Gray, David Campbell, Ricky Harris

Set Painters        Wendy Bennett, Karen Dales, Anneliese Jane Bibby, Julie Bemment, Jenny Irvine, Ann Hood, Hazel Mynard, Stuart Taylor, Pamela Harris

Flyman      Dave Harvey

Props         Wendy Bennett

Stage Crew       Ricky Harris, Sara Jo Harrison

Children's Co-ordinator      Margaret Oliver