Preview: Peter Pan Goes Wrong at Newcastle Theatre Royal

AWARD WINNING MISCHIEF-MAKERS BRING NEVERLAND TO NEWCASTLE

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Wednesday 1 to Saturday 4 July 2015

West End stormers and multiple award winners Mischief Theatre Company are set to bring their riotous new show Peter Pan Goes Wrong to Newcastle Theatre Royal in July.  Expect lashings of slapstick and mayhem galore, oh, and a crocodile that ticks! From Wednesday 1 to Saturday 4 July 2015

Mischief Theatre exploded onto the West End stage with phenomenal success last year with The Play That Goes Wrong, the first of their ‘Goes Wrong’ hit shows. Now after winning the Whatsonstage Award for Best New Comedy  2014 and Oliver Award for Best New Comedy 2015, the company is flying high and promises a barrel-full of laughs with its new show.

The play introduces ‘The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’ who are attempting to stage J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of Peter Pan, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does, as the accident prone thesps embark on a thrilling adventure to Neverland with hilariously disastrous results. A highly physical comedy packed with finely-tuned mayhem and Buster Keaton inspired slapstick, Peter Pan Goes Wrong delivers a fast-paced show with split-second timing and ambitious daring.

Mischief Theatre Company started at the Old Red Lion in London, then transferred their first show to the West End where it enjoyed two successive runs at the Trafalgar Studios, whipping critics, audiences and celebrity fans into a frenzy of delight. Producers Kenny Wax (of Top Hat fame) and Stage Presence Ltd picked up the show and produced a two-act version of the play, which enjoyed a sell-out UK tour and swiftly followed with a West End transfer to the Duchess Theatre, where it is currently playing to packed houses. The company have just announced an extension through until September 2015 in the West End. Peter Pan Goes Wrong first premiered with a small-scale production at The Pleasance London in December 2013. This new 2014/5 production has been developed and redesigned for a number one UK tour.

Triple Olivier award-winning producer Kenny Wax says: “We took a huge gamble in transferring The Play That Goes Wrong into the West End; a new comedy starring 'no one famous' by unknown writers. And yet our sold out show is delighting packed houses night after night. Marketeers will tell you that there is only one thing that can create such a 'hit' and that is great word of mouth. I have no doubt that Peter Pan Goes Wrong will be met with the same tremendous reaction.”

Mischief Theatre was founded in 2008 by a group of graduates of The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and began as an improvised comedy group. The recent success of The Play That Goes Wrong has put Mischief firmly in the spotlight, attracting critical acclaim and international attention from theatre producers worldwide. The company is led by Artistic Director Henry Lewis and Company Director Jonathan Sayer.

Co-written by Mischief Theatre company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, Peter Pan Goes Wrong is directed by Adam Meggido, with set designs by Simon Scullion, costume designs by Roberto Surace, lighting design by Matt Haskins and sound design by Ella Wahlstrom. The production will be performed by an ensemble cast of ten, featuring: Laurence Pears, Cornelius Booth, Alex Bartram, James Marlowe, Chris Leask, Leonie Hill, Naomi Sheldon, Matt Cavendish, Harry Kershaw and Rosie Abraham. The company will be casting local children at each venue to play ‘the Lost Boys’.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is produced by Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd. A donation from every ticket sold is given to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Jowheretogo saw this brilliant show earlier in the tour – see our review here

Jowheretogo rated Mischief Theatre’s previous production The Play That Goes Wrong as one of the funniest shows of 2014 – read the review here

Tickets:

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Wednesday 1^st until Saturday 4^th July 2015. Tickets are available from £11 (save 50p per ticket by booking online) and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Opening Night £15 Ticket Offer! (Partial View Seats remain at £11 on Opening Night)

 

 

Review: Peter Pan Goes Wrong at Darlington Civic Theatre

I Believe In Fairies!

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

DarlingtonCivic Theatre

Tuesday 3^rd February to Sunday 8^th February 2015.

Mischief Theatre return to Darlington Civic with a Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields penned comedy in which ‘The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’ are attempting to stage J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of Peter Pan. After the hysterical ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’hopes were high for the sequel and the audience were not disappointed.

The society have been given a generous donation so they can put on a “proper Christmas children’s vignette” to replace the low budget panto, such as ‘Jack and the Magic Bean’. The show does not start as planned as a much older student, Robert (Cornelius Booth), was having to play young Michael Darling.

They have the motto that the show must go on – regardless of health and safety violations - and the cast are quickly put through their dangerous paces. They get stuck in doors, trip over toys and struggle to enjoy bedtime – and that’s just in the first 15 minutes. Laughter is a constant sound in the auditorium as the carefully crafted comedy unfolds.

Whilst the first show satirised the murder-mystery, this production salutes the pantos and Christmas children’s shows that take themselves far too seriously. It is suitable for all the family as the wardrobe malfunctions are always funny rather than naughty. It was great to hear both younger and older members of the audience sharing the jokes.

Many of the laughs are a result of the actors sticking to a script and not adapting to the fact that something has gone wrong or a prop isn’t available. Laurence Pears plays the role of straight laced director perfectly. Leonie Hill does a great job of overacting the role of Wendy with sufficient charm whilst Naomi Sheldon performs numerous high speed costume changes with aplomb. The underdogs get the audience on their side and the roles of Max (Matt Cavendish) and Lucy (Rosie Abraham) help give the show that panto feel as they regularly get the audience involved in the second half.

Rather than repeat the disasters of the previous show, the Kenny Wax produced show has new bundle of problems to challenge the actors and, in turn, entertain the audience.

This is a great production that is packed with laughs. It is only February and we may already have seen the funniest show of the year.

A donation from every ticket sold for Peter Pan Goes Wrong is given to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

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

Tickets:

Peter Pan Goes Wrong runs at Darlington Civic Theatre from Tuesday February 3 to Sunday February 8. Tickets* are priced from £17.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

*Includes a £1 restoration levy 

Preview: Peter Pan Goes Wrong at Darlington Civic Theatre

Expect Laughs Throughout!

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

Darlington Civic Theatre

Tuesday 3^rd February to Sunday 8^th February 2015.

Celebrated West Endnewcomers and winners of the Whatsonstage Award for Best New Comedy 2014, Mischief Theatre are set to wreak havoc once again at Darlington Civic Theatre with their new show Peter Pan Goes Wrong.

Co-written by Mischief Theatre company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, the play introduces ‘The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’ who are attempting to stage J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of Peter Pan, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does, as the accident prone thesps embark on a thrilling adventure to Neverland with hilariously disastrous results. A highly physical comedy packed with finely-tuned mayhem and Buster Keaton inspired slapstick, Peter Pan Goes Wrong delivers a fast-paced show with split-second timing and ambitious daring.

Mischief Theatre exploded onto the Darlington Civic Theatre stage with phenomenal success last year with The Play That Goes Wrong. Kenny Wax - triple Olivier award-winning producer of the play said: “We took a huge gamble in transferring The Play That Goes Wrong into the West End; a new comedy starring 'no one famous' by unknown writers. 

And yet our sold out show is delighting packed houses night after night. I have no doubt that Peter Pan Goes Wrong will be met with the same tremendous reaction.” The Play That Goes Wrong was the Jowheretogo Comedy Play of 2014: hereand you can read its review: here

A donation from every ticket sold for Peter Pan Goes Wrong is given to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Tickets:

Peter Pan Goes Wrong runs at Darlington Civic Theatre from Tuesday February 3 to Sunday February 8. Tickets* are priced from £17.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

*Includes a £1 restoration levy 

Special Events

Free post show talk Wednesday - Stay behind after the show to take part in a Q&A with some of the cast. Booking not necessary.

 

Preview: Darlington Civic Theatre announces Winter 2014/Spring 2015 Season

Darlington Civic Theatre announces Winter 2014/Spring 2015 Season

Darlington Civic Theatre lifts the curtain to unveil a spectacular Winter/Spring Season packed with more delights than a Christmas stocking.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without pantomime, and this year we’re off to see the wizard – or should that be the Chuckles of Oz! Join stars of children’s TV The Chuckle Brothers and follow the yellow brick road to a world of surprises between Sat 6 December and Sun 11 January. 

On Monday 5 January, we usher in the New Year in style with New Year in Vienna 2015 which will whisk you away to a fairy-tale world as the London Gala Orchestra alongside singers and conductor showcase the very best of popular Viennese music, from waltzes and polkas to uplifting marches.

Then there’s a whole jukebox of musical treats as we welcome Steve Steinman’s classic rock show Vampires Rock on Thu 15 January,  folk entertainers The Houghton Weavers on Fri 16 January, and stars of hit film Brassed Off, The Grimethorpe Colliery Band, on Sat 17 January.

From Mon 19 - Sat 24 January, the dark winter nights provide the perfect backdrop to chilling thriller The Woman in Black – an evening of unremitting drama which will transport the audience into a terrifying and ghostly world.

Just because it’s January it doesn’t mean it’s too late for a party! By popular demand, That'll Be The Day returns with a brand new show for 2015 for two nights only on Mon 26 & Tue 27 January. This hugely entertaining line-up of classic gold hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s provides both laughs and nostalgia.

We are delighted to welcome The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia back to Darlington with three great ballet masterpieces: light-hearted Coppėlia (Thu 29 Jan), tragic Swan Lake (Fri 30 Jan) and family favourite The Nutcracker (Sat 31 Jan & Sun 1 Feb).

If you saw The Play That Goes Wrong last summer, you’ll love Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Tue 3 – Sun 8 Feb) – and if you missed it you’ll want to come and see what all the fuss was about! The Play That Goes Wrong has successfully transferred into the West End and Mischief Theatre returns with another riotous comedy.

Middle Ground Theatre Company is delighted to present Richard Harris’ acclaimed psychological thriller The Business of Murder, which comes to us Tue 10 - Sat 14 February and stars Robert Gwilym, known by millions for his role as Dr Max Gallagher in Casualty, alongside Paul Opacic (a regular in Bad Girls, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks) and Joanna Higson, who played Maxine Donnelly for two series of Shameless and is currently appearing as Vicky Hall in BBC TV's WPC5.

February brings a selection of shows which stop off in Darlington for one night only. On Tue 17 February The Russian State Ballet and Opera House presents classic opera Rigoletto, a tragic tale of misunderstanding, revenge and sacrifice. On Wed 18 February there’s a fantastic line-up of former members of the legendary band The Kinks as the Kast Off Kinks rock into town to re-live the good times with all their greatest hits. On Thu 19 February we’ve a date with Richard and Adam as they take us to the movies! Following their success on Britain’s Got Talent, Richard and Adam at the Movies brings you a night of silver screen classics performed with flawless technique.

On Sat 21 and Sun 22 February, we embark on an exciting new mission with Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano, while on Mon 23 February comedian Omid Djalili brings us Iranalamadingdong. We present a brilliant evening of stories and music with An Evening with Julian Lloyd Webber on Tue 24 Feb, and there are appearances from original members of Emerson Lake and Palmer, Wishbone Ash and The Strawbs with The Classic Legends of Rock and Folk ‘Super Tour’ 2015 on Wed 25 February.             

On Sat 28 February we’re pleased to be throwing our doors wide open for two days of fun, free family activities, with competitions, workshops, performances, guides tours and lots more in our Family Open Weekend.

The Daily Express dubs it ‘the best rock ‘n’ roll show in town’ – it’s the 25-year anniversary tour of Return to the Forbidden Planet, which blasts into Darlington Mon 2 - Sat 7 March.

Based on the award-winning novel by Sebastian Faulks, and coming to DarlingtonTue 10 - Sat 14 March, Birdsong is a mesmerising story of love and courage set both before and during the First World War.

For those aged five and under and their families, Where Caterpillars Go is a playful adventure set in a wild and magical paper garden, where the audience will be seated onstage alongside the performers on Sun 15 March.

The Royal Geographical Society returns to the Dolphin Centre on Mon 16 March with Professor Iain Stewartpresenting Planet Oil: The Story of a Modern Addiction.

Following recent productions of To Sir, With Love, Brassed Off and Regeneration, The Touring Consortium Theatre Company presents A View From The Bridge by Arthur Miller in celebration of the centenary of the playwright’s birth from Tue 17 – Sat 21 March.

March is a musical month as we welcome Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly (Wed 25 March), and a host of top tribute acts: The Elvis Years (Thu 26 March), Rumours of Fleetwood Mac (Fri 27 March), Sinatra and Friends (Sat 28 March), and Steve Steinman’s The Meat Loaf Story (Mon 30 March). The month ends with a flourish of magic as the team of tricksters that is Champions of Magic bring their show to us on Tue 31 March. 

If you and your family can’t wait until next Christmas for another pantomime, we have the solution with our Easter pantomime, which this year on Wed 1 & Thu 2 April is Beauty and the Beast starring Bobby Davro. April also sees the return of The Essence of Ireland on Sat 4 April – a heart-breaking, heart-warming story brought to life with the music and dance of the Emerald Isle.

If it’s laughter you’re after, this will be supplied in ample measure by Tim Vine (Tue 7 April) and the Return of the Grumpy Old Women – Fifty Shades of Beige (Thu 9 April). For something a little more gentle, The Good Old Days of Variety will take you back in an afternoon filled with classic songs on Wed 8 April. For more golden oldies, come and see The Hollies on Fri 10 April.

Currently dancing up a storm in BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, Pasha Kovalev comes spinning into Darlingtonfor one night only on 11 April. Pasha Kovalev’s Life Through Dance is an amazing new show, a non-stop action-packed journey through life and love, expressed through the language of dance.

From Tue 14 – Sat 18 April we host English Touring Theatre as they present the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Thomas Middleton’s Jacobean drama A Mad World My Masters. A hit with audiences and critics alike in Stratford Upon Avon, this riotous and rollicking comedy now explodes onto the stage at the Civic Theatre prior to a London season.

Local heroes Darlington OS return between Wed 22 April – Sat 2 May in what has long been a firm favourite in the calendar. This season they bring their production of Hairspray which is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. 

Round up the girls (and the men, if they dare!) for The Naked Truth (Wed 6 – Sat 9 May), a poignant and uplifting comedy about sisterhood in which five very different women struggle to conquer pole dancing in aid of a breast cancer charity. With star casting to be announced, you’ll be splitting your sides and moved to tears. 

Tickets:

Tickets for the new Winter/Spring Season are on sale now, and brochures are available from the box office and in venues across the region. For further information and to book contact the box office on 01325 486 555, or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.ukto choose your own seats online.