Review: Legally Blonde at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

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A Real Feel-Good Hit

Legally Blonde

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Until Saturday 28^th November 2015

Newcastle’s West End Musical Company have an entertaining hit that keeps away the winter blues.

This hit musical is based upon the Amanda Brown novel and 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon.  Elle Woods is president of UCLA's sorority Delta Nu. She cares about her appearance and her boyfriend Warner and cannot wait for him to propose to her.

Elle Woods and her sorority sisters.

Alisar Taylor, Mel Hodgetts, Cheryl Moody (who plays Elle Woods),

Melanie Tate, Jobeth Maddison

Photo: Adrian Jackson

Her plans fall apart when Warner dumps her and heads off to Harvard Law School. Adding to the cruelty, her ex explains that he needs someone more serious “more Jackie than Marilyn.”  But Elle is a determined individual and she decides, with the help of her sorority friends, to get into Harvard herself and follow Warner.

Alex Easten (Emmett), Cheryl Moody (Elle), Kevin Rhodes (Warner)

Photo: Adrian Jackson

Harvard is a culture shock to poor Elle. Her lecturer, Professor Callahan, has both 4 internships to offer and a ruthless reputation.  Warner has already found himself a new serious girlfriend, Vivienne, who makes life difficult for Elle.

Elle finds friends in the shape of older student Emmett and her beautician Paulette and together they tackle their problems.

Cheryl Moody as Elle Woods

Photo: Adrian Jackson

The reason why Legally Blonde works as a musical is that Elle is not a quitter and she has a good circle of friends. The feel-good play is not afraid to suggest issues of snobbery, misogyny, homophobia and elitism. Yet, it keeps a cheerful positive mantra which makes the audience both warm to the characters and leave happy.

The hardworking cast had to sing and dance the night away. Elle, Paulette and Emmett came across as loveable thanks to the consistent efforts of Cheryl Moody, Alex Easten and Nicola Hewitt. Kevin Rhodes and Caroline Sabiston played the role of love rat and power hungry new girlfriend well. 

Steve Halliday had sufficient presence to carry off the role as the tough professor. The chorus of sorority girls often helped lighten the mood too.  

Nicola Hewett who plays Paulette and

Cheryl Moody who plays Elle with their

on-stage dogs Patsy, who plays

Rufus, and Chi-Chi, who plays Bruiser.

Photo: Adrian Jackson

The script has a number of lighter moments and director Martyn Knight takes advantage of these without letting the pace slow down.  Whilst the set was sometimes slow to fall into place, it is credit to the cast that they kept on going. Special mention goes to Stephen Mason, whose appearance as Kyle the UPS guy, had the perfect mix of humour and audience interaction.

Unlike a jukebox musical, the musical numbers help deliver the story and these were well sung. For such a large cast, there was no weak link in the vocals. The music was played live by a talented 11 piece band under the musical direction of Andrew Soulsby.

Cheryl Moody and Chi-Chi who play Elle Woods and Bruiser

Photo: Adrian Jackson

Everyone, though, is in danger of being upstaged by two very cute dogs who appear as Bruiser and Rufus. Both animals were well behaved.

This is a heart-warming show, with a positive message, delivered by a great dedicated and talented cast. It is well worth checking out.

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: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/preview-legally-blonde-at-newcastle.html

Tickets:

Legally Blonde is on at the Tyne Theatre, Westgate Road, Newcastle.  Performances are nightly at 7pm from Tuesday 24th until Saturday 28^th November, as well as matinee performances at 2pm on the Thursday and Saturday.

Tickets can be booked online at www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk, by calling 0844 2491000 or in person at the Tyne Theatre box office.

Preview: Legally Blonde at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

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Newcastle’s Amateur Premiere

of Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Tuesday 24^th – Saturday 28^th November 2015

Newcastle will be turning blonde as a north-east theatre company takes to the stage with the region’s amateur premiere of the smash-hit musical Legally Blonde.

Cheryl Moody and Chi-Chi who play Elle Woods and Bruiser

Photo: Adrian Jackson

West End Musical Theatre Company will be performing the musical based on the popular film, which tells the story of Elle Woods as she makes her way from sorority sister to legal high-flyer.  Elle makes the move to Harvard Law School once she realises her boyfriend is dumping her for someone more ‘serious’.  Elle, played by Cheryl Moody, even considers turning brunette but is dissuaded by beautician Paulette, played by Nicola Hewett.

Alex Easten (Emmett), Cheryl Moody (Elle), Kevin Rhodes (Warner)

Photo: Adrian Jackson

The cast of north-east performers will be entertaining audiences all week from Tuesday 24^th –Saturday 28^th  November at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre & Opera House and the show even features two dogs – a chihuahua named Chi-Chi, who plays the role of Elle’s pal Bruiser and a bulldog called Patsy who plays Rufus, Paulette’s canine friend.

Cheryl Moody as Elle Woods

Photo: Adrian Jackson

The iconic role of Elle Woods, played by Cheryl Moody is not an easy task and Cheryl, despite having taken lead roles before says it’s the most demanding part to date that she’s taken on. Cheryl said “I loved the movie as a child and when I realised there was a musical version I couldn’t wait to audition for the role of Elle!”

Cheryl, who works as cabin crew for Thomas Cook airlines already had the flowing blonde locks needed for the part and the similarities don’t end there. She added “I love playing Elle and to be honest, I don’t find it too difficult.  I am a very girly girl, I own a chihuahua, I love pink and I have been known to be a bit dizzy at times!”  As the lead role, Cheryl also gets to perform great numbers such as ‘Take it Like a Man’, ‘So Much Better’ and ‘Legally Blonde’. 

Elle’s love interests are Warner, played by Kevin Rhodes and Emmett, played by Alex Easten.  Elle is advised to follow her heart when it comes to love in Paulette’s powerful, moving and funny song ‘Ireland’.

Nicola Hewett who plays Paulette and

Cheryl Moody who plays Elle with their

on-stage dogs Patsy, who plays

Rufus, and Chi-Chi, who plays Bruiser.

Photo: Adrian Jackson

The theatre group, based in Newcastle, pulled off a remarkable coup when they gained the licence to perform the north-east amateur premiere of the show.  Ken Anderson, Managing Director of West End Musical Theatre Company says: “We were delighted to obtain the exclusive amateur performance rights for the north east for this musical hit Legally Blonde, prior to its general release in 2016.  The show includes memorable music with great lyrics, lots of dancing and plenty of energy.”

Elle Woods and her sorority sisters.

Alisar Taylor, Mel Hodgetts,

Cheryl Moody (who plays Elle Woods),

Melanie Tate, Jobeth Maddison

Photo: Adrian Jackson

Tickets:

Legally Blonde is on at the Tyne Theatre, Westgate Road, Newcastle.  Performances are nightly at 7pm from Tuesday 24th until Saturday 28^th November, as well as matinee performances at 2pm on the Thursday and Saturday.

Tickets can be booked online at www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk, by calling 0844 2491000 or in person at the Tyne Theatre box office.

Preview: The Cat in the Hat at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

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The Cat in the Hat

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Monday 26th October 2015

Tyne Theatre & Opera House are welcoming the tales of The Cat in the Hat to their stage on Monday 26th October 2015

From the moment his tall, red and white striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mum find when she gets home?

Based on the much loved book by Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for young children aged 3+.

Expect towering hats, mischief and fun that is funny!

“Triumphs as the maestro of mischief” ★★★★ The Stage

“A sharp, vibrant and deliciously daft story told beautifully and perfectly for children... brimming with energy and childish laughs.” ★★★★Broadway Baby

Play originally produced by the National Theatre of Great Britain. Adapted and originally directed by Katie Mitchell. Presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.

Tickets:

The Cat in the Hat appears at Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Monday 26th October 2015 at 1pm & 3pm

The Box Office is open 10am-3:30pm Monday to Friday and event days

Tickets: £12 Adults, £8 Children, £32 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children) (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: Welcome to the Carnevil at Tyne Theatre

Circus of Horrors:

21^st Anniversary Tour

Welcome to the Carnevil

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Saturday 13^th February 2016

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House is excited to announce the return of The Circus of Horrors to our stage after the successful showing under new management this year. The show that stormed into the finals of Britain's Got Talent & now a West End smash is back to mark its 21st Anniversary in spectacular style.

The last few of years has seen the profile of The Circus of Horrors jump tremendously after rampaging into the finals of Britain's Got Talent & to this date it is still the only circus ever to reach the finals.

Its appearances on various subsequent TV shows have turned what set out as a cult show into a household name – taking the extreme to the mainstream, Its TV credits now boast The X Factor, The Slammer, Daybreak, Fairground Attractions, Who wants to be a Millionaire, Body Shockers, Fake Reaction, This Morning, Ant & Dec, The One Show  & A Royal Command Performance.

Last year saw another giant leap for the show when it began a series of dates in London’s West End becoming the first circus to appear in a West End Theatre for 100 years & in 2015 sees the show return to The Fuji Rock Festival in Japan.

The Circus of Horrors started it’s gruesome begging's at the 1995 Glastonbury Festival and became an instant hit, touring all over the world from Chile to Chatham, Argentina to Aberdeen, Japan to Jersey including festival appearances with Alice Cooper, Eminem, Motley Crue, Oasis, Iron Maiden, The Manic St Preachers, Foo Fighters and many more.

The latest incarnation ‘Welcome to the Carnevil’is set in Victorian London in 1899, Jack the Ripper was still at large & this was the age of the Freakshow, a young girl dreamt of running away to join the Circus only to see her dream become a nightmare in a decrepit & corpse ridden Carnevil, plagued by a swamp of Killer Klowns, Sword Swallowers, Demon Drawfs, Death Deifying Aerialists, A Guiness World Record holding Hairculian Diva swinging solely from her hair, back flipping & fire limboing acrobats & lots lots more, A show ruled by the undead & climaxing in an awesome flaming apocalypse.

The story twists and turns with grisly murders and sensational shock’s – all interwoven with some of the greatest and most bizarre circus acts on earth, performed by an almighty cast with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek and the devil drivern rock n’ roll of Dr Haze & The Interceptors from Hell.

If Quentin Tarantino had directed Cirque Due Solely then you would be only half way there.

On The Web:

Website: www.circusofhorrors.co.uk

Tickets:

Tickets are priced from £18 to £27 (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)

Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

 

Preview: Geordie Legends: Them Off The Viz at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

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Geordie Legends: Them Off The Viz

Hosted by Chris Cross the Magician

Newcastle Tyne Theatre

Tuesday 4th to Wednesday 5^th August 2015

Tyne Theatre & Opera House opens it Bistros Bar doors to BRITAIN'S BEST SELLING TOILET HUMOUR MAGAZINE OF ALL TIME CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF NATIONAL PUBLICATION.

For the First Time in Over 20 Years* The Knob-Gag Gallaghers of Tyneside who Created the Legendary VIZ Comic, Will appear on stage together answering ALL of YOUR Questions in a Unique Q&A Show Hosted by Newcastle's Favourite Magician - Chris Cross! 

This will be ''A Geordie Night OOT Not to Be Missed, Like!''  Expect a Cabaret Show of Comedy Magic Trickery & Escapology from your Host - Newcastle's Very Own Mr. Chris Cross, LIVE Music from 'The Purest Green' Band, Stand-up Comedy from Simon Donald's alter egos: BINGO from Benton & Barry Twyford, Followed by an Interview with Chris Donald, before our BIG CLIMAX - TheQ&A's Session with The Donald Brothers. This is YOUR chance to ask YOUR Questions to THE Creators of The Crappest Magazine in the World! 

How did a Cult Comic made in a small Jesmond Bedroom become one of the most Successful & Legendary Creations to come out of the North East? Whatever did inspire the creations of Biffa Bacon, Roger Mellie & Sid the Sexist? Why on earth did they call it 'VIZ'? What were the best ever Top Tips?

Exclusive Limited Edition Merchandise & Artwork will be available at this gig too, specifically created for this very one off show! There will also be a Charity Auction with Original VIZ Goodies up for grabs, Unique Artwork & More Treasures all in aid of St. Oswald's Hospice. 

This is a once in a lifetime unique opportunity for any VIZ fan that's NOT to be missed and promises to be a thoroughly entertaining evening for all!

Over 18's Only Please. No Ticket Refunds Afterwards! Tickets go on sale Monday 30^th March 2015.

*Promoter's Estimate!

Tickets:

Tickets are priced from £12 (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)

Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

 

Preview: Sarah Millican - Outsider On Tour

Sarah Millican  -  “Outsider”

Whitley Bay Playhouse

Tuesday 17^th November 2015

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Wednesday 25th – Saturday 28th May 2016

Returning to her homeland, we are delighted to announce local lass, Jowheretogo favourite, and critically acclaimed comedian Sarah Millican will wow North East Audiences on her new tour.

Sarah Millican

In just 7 years Sarah Millican has gone from winning the Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to becoming one of the UK’s most successful and multi-award-winning comedians, who also holds the record as the highest selling female comedian in the DVD market. This autumn, Sarah will delight her fans as she heads out on the road again for her fourth stand-up tour, Outsider. 

In the past when you put South Shields lass Sarah Millican outside, she asked things like: ‘Why? Where is the taxi? Is that poo? Can we go home?’ and said things like: ‘There’ll be wasps’ and ‘I’ve nothing to sit on.’

These days things have changed; Now Sarah has outside slippers. She can tell a chaffinch from a tit (hey), but she still can’t tell if it’s an owl sound or her husband’s asthma.

As well as her success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Sarah was also voted the People’s Choice Queen of Comedy at the 2011 British Comedy Awards and has fronted three series of her critically acclaimed BBC2 series The Sarah Millican Television Programme, for which she received two BAFTA nominations. Sarah is also a popular guest on primetime shows such as The Graham Norton Show, QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Jonathan Ross Show, Live at the Apollo and The Royal Variety Performance. Her new tour, Outsider, will run for 119 dates, starting this October and finishing in Sept 2016. Sarah’s last tour, Home Bird, was seen by over 200,000 people.

Sarah is a natural storyteller who charms the audience through her skilfully delivered gag-packed anecdotes about life’s curiosities. With a track record of three sell out tours and 700,000 combined tour DVD sales to date, the Outsider tour promises to be another critically acclaimed triumph.

Back on home turf, Sarah Millican is venturing outside... We suggest you bring a cardie!

“To watch Sarah Millican is to watch a box of comedy fireworks going off” - The Independent

“The funniest woman in Britain”- The List

Tickets:

Whitley Bay: Tickets costing £25.00 and are available online, or from the booking hotline number 0844 248 1588 and 9 am from PLAYHOUSE Box Office.

Box Office 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.

Newcastle: Tickets are priced at £25.00 (plus booking fees when booking online and over the phone)

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House Box Office is open 10am-3:30pmMonday to Friday and event days. Booking and Information Line: 0844 2491 000 (10am – 6pmMonday to Friday). More information at our Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

Review: Rigoletto at Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

The Spectacular Curse

Rigoletto

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

16^th February 2015.

Giuseppe Verdi’s opera is popular for its wonderful balance of intriguing storyline and fabulous music. The Russian State Opera & Ballet Theatre of Komi delivered a passionate and entertaining performance which is accessible to newcomers to opera.

The story centres around the court jester Rigoletto who commits the faux pas of insulting the wrong individual. After a curse is put on him he heads home to check on his beautiful daughter. He is keen that her honour is protected but there are too many people who have a score to settle or have less than honourable intentions. Verdi’s opera has as many twists to the plot as a modern soap opera coupled with the humour that we’d see in a modern sit-com.  There is no wonder that the story remains one of the most popular operas 164 years after its debut.

The fabulous score was performed by a large orchestra with Azat Maksutov conducting. They filled the auditorium with the delightful soundtrack. The talented soloists added real magic to the mix.

Director Boris Lagoda has enabled a pacey production that couples the storytelling with fabulous singing. Andrei Borisenko is a remarkable performer who is central to the plot’s narrative as the jester Rigoletto.

Whilst the members of the ensemble are all talented performers, special mention should go to Damir Zakirov as the Duke and Tatyana Zakirova as Rigolettos’ daughter Gilda. They both exhibited great power and control in their solo numbers. Damir’s La donna è mobile was phenomenal.

Yuri Samodurov’ set design helped set the scene and Nelli Svatova’s lighting design added to the atmosphere. The surtitles gave a translation of the lyrics but where sufficiently subtle to not detract from the action.

An absorbing evening with a highly professional cast and orchestra performing a delightful show.  

Details of the tour can be found on the Jowheretogo Preview Link.

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

          The remainder of the tour is as follows:

          Tues  17-Feb      Darlington, Civic Theatre

          Wed 18-Feb       Dorking Halls

          Thur  19-Feb       Hastings, White Rock Theatre

          Fri      20-Feb       London, Cadogan Hall

          Sat    21-Feb       Peterborough, The Cresset Theatre

          Sun   22-Feb       Stevenage, Gordon Craig Theatre

          Tues  24-Feb       Harrogate, Royal Hall

          Wed 25-Feb       Chesterfield, Pomegranate Theatre

          Thur  26-Feb       Stafford, Gatehouse Theatre

          Fri      27-Feb      Carlisle, Sands Centre

          Sat    28-Feb       Halifax, Victoria Theatre

          Sun   01-Mar      Clacton, Princes Theatre

          Tues  03-Mar      Swindon, Wyvern Theatre

          Wed 04-Mar      Stockport, The Plaza

          Thur  05-Mar      Blackburn, King George’s Hall

          Fri      06-Mar      Shrewsbury, Theatre Severn

          Sat    07-Mar      Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall

  For information and tickets, please visit www.opera-tickets.co.uk