Review: Aladdin at Sunderland Empire

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A Magical Panto

Aladdin

Sunderland Empire

Until Sunday 3^rd January 2016.

Aladdin at the Sunderland Empire is a very sparkly affair. The children have lots of opportunities to get excited and shout. So what better way to celebrate Panto Day than with a classic show?

Terence Maynard (Abanazar)

Photo: Dirk Van Der Werff / Eggshell Blue

Terence Maynard may have finished playing Tony Stewart on Coronation Street but he was very much at home as the evil magician Abanazar. He managed to get the young kids booing with vigour early on as stated his quest for world domination. In fact he is a very good bad guy!  It was great to see the bad guy get a reasonable role rather than just appearing at the side whilst the scenery is changed as sometimes happens in panto. The trouble for old Abanazar is that he needs a lad called Aladdin to go into a cave to dig out the lamp with which he will gain the powers that he so desires.

Derek Moran (Wishee Washee)

Photo: Dirk Van Der Werff / Eggshell Blue

Over in Peking Aladdin’s brother, Wishee Washee, has just finished a shift at his Mother’s laundry. Playing the role is Milkshake’sDerek Moran who seems very comfortable pulling the audience on side. Derek gives the audience the usual demands to be greeted whenever he appears or if anyone goes near his pet dog Tiddles. The youngsters in the crowd take an immediate shine to him.

Matthew Dale (Aladdin) and Leanne Kyte (Princess Jasmine)

Photo: Dirk Van Der Werff / Eggshell Blue

No panto is complete with a number of cruel references to neighbouring parts of the region and a few jokes headed in the direction of Aladdin actor Matthew Dale’s hometown of Middlesbrough. The singing in Aladdin was definitely a feature of the show. Along with the love interest Princess Jasmine, played by Leanne Kaye, Aladdin had a number of songs to perform in.  It is great to see a live band, under musical director Steve Allen, rather than a tape being used. The live band came into it’s own during the 12 Days of Christmas. The music chosen reminded us that in fact, 2015 has had some rather good pop hits.

Ian Good (Widow Twankey)

Photo: Dirk Van Der Werff / Eggshell Blue

In his 28^th pantomime, Ian Good was full of the quick jokes as the panto dame Widow Twankey. Ian is also the director of the show and he gave a very sound performance.

Local lad Tom Whalley was very funny as PC Pong in a real stand out performance. He had a genuine energy in his performance.

Alison Hammond (Slave of the Ring) and

 Alex Green (Genie of the Lamp)

Photo: Dirk Van Der Werff / Eggshell Blue

The show needs some magic and helping Aladdin is the Slave of the Ring performed by This Morning’s Alison Hammond whose entrance was noted by the Strictly Come Dancing theme each time. Her sharp wit came across regularly in the show.  The Genie of the Lamp was played by Alex Green and he probably deserved a bigger role as the deliverer of wishes.

Tom Whalley (PC Pong)

Photo: Dirk Van Der Werff / Eggshell Blue

Panto is challenging to produce and special mention should go to the ensemble known as the “People of Peking”. They  danced the night away and, along with the young girls from the local dance schools,  didn’t put a foot wrong.

In a bright, colourful production, the audience had plenty to get excited about.  The show has a youthful energy and a real positive buzz about it.

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 of Aladdin here: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/preview-aladdin-at-sunderland-empire.html

Terence Maynard (Abanazar) and Matthew Dale (Aladdin)

Photo: Dirk Van Der Werff / Eggshell Blue

Tickets 

Tickets are on sale now from the Box Office on High Street West, Sunderland, the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022* and online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland

Alison Hammond (Slave of the Ring

Photo: Dirk Van Der Werff / Eggshell Blue

Families will also have the chance to take part in themed Arabian Adventure Tours hosted by our Creative Learning Department on certain dates over the festive period. To find out more and book call 0844 8713022 or book in person at the Box Office on High Street West.

BSL Signed performance, Wednesday 30 December (2pm) and the Relaxed Performance will be held on Saturday 2 January 2015 (2pm).

Preview: Music at Sunderland Empire Autumn 2015

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FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY THIS AUTUMN

AT SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

A host of one night spectaculars are set to rock the Sunderland Empire stage this Autumn, starting with the return of Steve Steinman as Barron Von Rockula in the all new Vampires Rock Saga Ghost Train (Thursday 8 October). As Club Live and Let Die burns to the ground, Barron Von Rockula flees the ill-fated club with his band of blood sucking vampires in search of a new home. Eventually they come across an old abandoned fairground ride, the Ghost Train where they take refuge and make this their new home. The Barron and his motley crew then set a cunning plan to lure victims into the ride and to live in Rock n Roll hell forever.

Along with Steve Steinman a full cast of singers, dancers, formidable band and aerial performers, blast their way through some of the greatest classic rock anthems of all time. Tracks made famous by some of the best known artists of all time such as Meat Loaf, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Rolling Stones, Cher, White Snake and Guns and Roses plus many more. All teamed with an amazing stage set and pyrotechnics to blow your mind.

Due to popular demand, reggae legends UB40have confirmed extra UK live dates including a date at Sunderland Empire (Friday 9 October). UB40 are Robin Campbell (co-lead vocals and guitar), Duncan Campbell (lead vocals) Earl Falconer (bass, vocal), Brian Travers (sax and keyboards), Jimmy Brown (drums), Norman Hassan (percussion, vocals). The band also feature, Martin Meredith (sax) and Lawrence Parry (trumpet), who have both been in UB40’s touring line-up for over twenty years, and Tony Mullins (keyboards).

Naming themselves after the unemployment benefit form, UB40 formed in 1978, before releasing their debut album ‘Signing Off’ in August 1980 – considered by many to be one of the greatest reggae albums ever released by a British band. It was the start of a career that has since seen the band have over forty UK Top 40 hit singles and achieve sales of over 100 million records, making UB40 one of the most successful British groups of all-time. The band’s latest Top 30 album ‘Getting Over The Storm’ was awarded BBC Radio 2’s ‘Album Of The Week’ accolade and received 5-star reviews from the UK’s music press on its release in September 2013. Read the full North East Theatre Guide Preview here.

The Illegal Eagles have been thrilling audiences nation-wide for over 18 years and look forward once again to returning to the road in 2015 calling at Sunderland Empire on Saturday 10 October. Following a number of critically acclaimed UK & international tours and headlining countless concerts and festivals, the band have established themselves as not only the Official No.1 tribute to The Eagles, but as one of the foremost authentic and talented theatrical experiences in the world!

Extremely tight harmonies and an acute attention to detail have always been synonymous with The Illegal Eagles. Members Phil Aldridge, Keith Atack, Al Vosper, Darin Murphy, Garreth Hicklin and award-winning vocalist Greg Webb’s ability to capture the emotion of Don Henley’s vocal deliveries have ensured that critical and audience acclaim has been unanimous.

This latest production brings you all the classics - Hotel California, Take It Easy, Take it to the Limit, Lyin’ Eyes, Tequila Sunrise, Life in the Fast Lane, One of These Nights, Witchy Woman, Rocky Mountain Way, Heartache Tonight and a whole lot more!

One Night of Queen, performed by Gary Mullen and The Works hits the stage on Sunday 8 November. In 2000, Gary Mullen won ITV’s “Stars In Their Eyes” Live Grand Final, with the largest number of votes ever received in the shows history.  The record of 864,838 votes was more than twice that of the runner-up.  Gary began touring on his own and in 2002 formed a band ‘The Works’, to pay tribute to rock legends Queen.  Since May 2002, ‘Gary Mullen and the Works’ have performed throughout the UK, USA, Europe, South Africa and New Zealand to sell-out audiences.  The outfit have also twice rocked the prestigious BBC Proms in the Park, in front of a very enthusiastic crowd of 40,000. One Night of Queen is a spectacular live concert, recreating the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of arguably the greatest rock band of all time.

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

*Booking fees and charges apply to telephone and online bookings.

Box Office: 0844 871 3022*

Groups 10+: 0844 871 3042

Online: www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland

*Booking fee applies

 

Preview: The Rocky Horror Show at Sunderland Empire

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“Still the sexiest and funniest show in town” Evening Standard

The Rocky Horror Show

Sunderland Empire

Monday 15^th – Saturday 20^th February 2016

 CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT:  DIANA VICKERS (X FACTOR / LITTLE VOICE); PAUL CATTERMOLE (S CLUB 7); BEN FREEMAN (EMMERDALE); KRISTIAN LAVERCOMBE (ROCKY HORROR SHOW 40^thANNIVERSARY TOUR); TO STAR IN NEW UK TOURING PRODUCTION OF THE LEGENDARY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA

Since its first appearance at the Royal Court Theatre in June 1973, Richard O’Brien’s The RockyHorror Show has become the world’s favourite Rock N’ Roll musical. It has been performed worldwide for over 40 years in over 30 countries and has been translated into more than 20 languages. Director Christopher Luscombe created a stunning new production to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary and this critically acclaimed version of the classic show is back by popular demand, now embarking on a year-long national adventure starting at Brighton’s Theatre Royal on 14 December 2015.

 

Diana Vickers

X Factor finalist and star of the stage version of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Diana Vickers will star in the role of Janet Weiss. S Club 7star, Paul Cattermole, will play the role of Eddie and Dr. Scott. Emmerdale actor. Ben Freeman, will join Diana and Paul, playing the role of Brad Majors. Following his huge success in over 900 performances of the 40^thAnniversary Global Tour of The Rocky Horror Show, Kristian Lavercombe returns as Riff Raff. Further casting to be announced soon.

Diana Vickers (Janet) first came to public attention in 2008 when she was a finalist on The X Factor, before signing a record deal with RCA Records and getting a number one single and album. After her second album, Diana starred in the West End production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, for which she received excellent reviews from the press and the role won her the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Awards ‘London Newcomer of the Year’. She then went on to star in the West End production of Duck House alongside Ben Miller and Simon Shepherd.

Paul Cattermole

Paul Cattermole (Eddie / Dr. Scott) has just completed the sold out S Club 7 Bring It All Back 2015 UK Tour with the other members of S Club 7 after they reformed at the start of the year. The group initially shot to fame in 1999 and had four number one singles and a number one album, as well as a series of TV shows including Miami 7, LA 7, Hollywood 7 and Viva S Club. Paul and the rest of S Club 7 also performed at Party At The Palace as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubliee celebrations on 1 June 2002.

Ben Freeman

Ben Freeman (Brad) is best known for playing the role of Scott Windsor in Emmerdale, but he also starred on stage in the West End productions of Legally Blonde, Dreamcoats and Petticoats and Wicked. He has also starred as The Fonz in the UK touring production of Happy Days.

Kristian Lavercombe (Riff Raff) delighted fans when he starred in over 900 performances of The Rocky Horror Show as Riff Raff in The RockyHorror Show’s 2013 / 2014 40^th Anniversary World Tour in 2013, before continuing in the role as part of the global 40^th Anniversary Tour.

This musical extravaganza features all of its famous musical classics including “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit Janet” and of course, the timeless floor-filler, “The Time-Warp”.

The Rocky Horror Show was first performed on 19 June 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre and continues to break box office records around the world, currently selling out in Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Japan and Austria. It tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their former college professor. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music and encourages audience participation meaning, of course, getting dressed in your most outrageous fancy dress.

Many stars, including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Jerry Springer and Meatloaf have appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past four decades. Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. Be warned, this show has rude parts! 

Tickets:

Tickets available in person at Sunderland Empire Box Office, by calling 0844 871 3022* or by booking online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland* plus a transaction fee applies. 

Preview: Aladdin at Sunderland Empire

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Magical Casting Announcement

Aladdin

Sunderland Empire

Friday 11^th December 2015– Sunday 3^rd January 2016.

Sunderland Empire and UK Productions are delighted to announce further casting for the mesmerising tale of Aladdin which is set to fly into Sunderlandfrom 11 December 2015 - 3 January 2016.

Terence Maynard

From Weatherfield to Peking, Coronation Street’s Terence Maynard (Tony Stewart) is set to stir up a storm on stage when he takes on the role Abanazar, alongside TV favourite Alison Hammond (ITV’s This Morning, Strictly Come Dancing, Big Brother) as the Slave of the Ring.

Derek Moran (Channel 5’s Milkshake) as Wishee Washee and Ian Good (Director/Widow Twankey) to join Alison Hammond and Terence Maynard.

Alison Hammond

Popular children’s presenter Derek Moranfrom Channel 5’s Milkshake! will shake things up this festive season as Wishee Washee alongside North East’s Ian Good who will be playing dame (Widow Twankey) and also directing Aladdin this year!

Derek Moran

As one of the main presenters of Channel 5’s leading children’s TV strand Milkshake! Derek will be sure to wow audiences with his energetic and enchanting personality this pantomime season. As well as presenting, Derek has also recently directed and choreographed the national theatre tour: Milkshake Live – Party Party which is currently touring the UK with a special date at the 21^st Anniversary of the Glastonbury Festival this June. Additional directing and choreography includes the Milkshake Bop Box and Milkshake Bop In The Park live show at Drayton Manor. Derek has performed on many TV shows including Top of the Pops, The Saturday Show, Ministry Of Mayhem, MTV, This Morning, The Late Late Show and Ireland AM.

At the age of sixteen Derek was signed by Warner Brothers Music as one of the band members in D-Side. With D-Side Derek enjoyed incredible success with three Top 10 singles in the UK and massive success throughout Europe and Japan including the number 1 album in the Japanese charts.

Also joining the cast as dame and director is Newcastle born Ian Good with 30 years of pantomime behind him (Oh yes he has!).He has worked extensively in theatre around the UK, in Europe and Australia both as a director and actor and has done everything from Shakespeare to Sondheim!

Ian Good

He has appeared in Dick Whittington as Sarah the Cook seven times; Jack and the Beanstalkas Dame Trot six times; Sleeping Beautyas Nurse Dottie Dettol three times; Cinderella as an  Ugly Sister twice, Mother Goose,playing the title part three times, Snow White as Nurse three times and Widow Twankey in Aladdin, seven times! All complemented with a host of credits for Stage, Film (Evita, Mountains of the Moon) and TV (The Bill, Dalziel and Pascoe and Soldier Soldier).

Ian also took on the role of the brilliant Brenda in the Bounty and Plenty Kitchen roll advertisements which ran for nine years and it’s one of the longest running advertisements on British television!

But it doesn’t stop there - Ian has many feathers to his bow both on stage and off including UK Production Supervisor on the UKtour of Hairspray the Musical, directing Michael Ball, Les Dennis, Brian Conley, Nigel Planer and Mickey Dolenz.

This Year Ian directed the Britain’s Got Talent winners, Collabro, national tour which played to over 56,000 people and the Rebecca Ferguson sell out, one woman show at the St James theatre, London Lady Sings the Blues, which received a 4 star review from the Times Newspaper and an Australian production of Blood Brothers.

Derek and Ian will join this gem of a pantomime alongside the previously announced Alison Hammond(Slave of the Ring) and her larger than life personality which has taken ITV’s ‘This Morning’ by storm and Coronation Street’s Terence Maynard (Abanazar) who has recently been ruffling the feathers of many Weatherfield residents!

So get ready to rub the magic lamp, enter the cave of wonders and be transported to this fun fairytale world filled with adventure, mystique, stunning sets and costumes, comedy, song and dance and lots of audience participation - not to mention a flying carpet!

Aladdin guarantees another family filled festive extravaganza at Sunderland Empire!

Tickets 

Tickets are on sale now from the Box Office on High Street West, Sunderland, the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022* and online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland

Families will also have the chance to take part in themed Arabian Adventure Tours hosted by our Creative Learning Department on certain dates over the festive period. To find out more and book call 0844 8713022 or book in person at the Box Office on High Street West.

BSL Signed performance, Wednesday 30 December (2pm) and the Relaxed Performance will be held on Saturday 2 January 2015 (2pm).