Review: Geordie the Musical at South Shields Customs House

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Geordie the Musical

South Shields Customs House

Until Saturday 5^th September 2015

The Westoe Brass Band were playing delightful music on Mill Dam as the audience arrived to see a production about the proud songs and history of the region.  Based upon a story by Andy Bogle and written by Tom Kelly, the show is proud of its roots.

Bella (Viktoria Kay) and her husband James (Shaun Prendergast) run The Wheatsheaf pub. It is a popular hostelry which serves good beer and has the regulars singing. Such regulars include a young Irish lad, Michael (Luke Maddison), who fancies their daughter Maggie (Eleanor Chaganis).

Woven into the story are a number of hints about the harsh nature of life in 1890. Michael had to leave Ireland and his family as he was literally starving and puts up with killing bugs in his lodgings. James was a victim of the Trimdon Grange mine gas explosion which has left him as a cripple. In a world without a welfare state or much education for the working class it is easy to be downhearted. This production, however, captures a spirit of the times during which good causes were fought if they were worth fighting for.

Other regulars included Tommy, a role that gave the former front man of This Ground Moves Micky Cochrane plenty of opportunity to show his singing and acting skills.  His frequent singing partner in crime was Robert, which gave Phil Corbitt plenty of chance to show his versatility as both a singer and an actor. Completing the Wheatsheaf is the experienced Donald McBride as the Geordie language expert Oliver. The pub regulars frequently added amusing skits to go along with the music and brought frequent laughs with their antics.

The arrival of developer Joshua (James Hedley) and Oxford University’s John (Adam Donaldson) add texture to a story that covers some of the issues of the day. As Newcastle was a true Northern powerhouse producing more coal than Russia, the need for compliant workers was necessary.

The play covers serious issues such as the high rate of infant mortality but is not morbid. Through the classic music of the time it captures a spirit and a love of life for which the region is celebrated. For the duration of the performance the stage has the very talented band comprising of musical director Mike Turnbull, Adam Nyberg on Fiddle and Dan Rogers on the Double Bass. At the back of the set, designed by Kate Unwin and lighting design by James Henshaw, which represents a rustic pub, they provided the pulse that kept the show animated.

The show has a wonderful mix of strong acting, great music and a moving story. Director Jamie Brown and Assistant Director Viktoria Kay should be proud of a show which acts as a fitting tribute to the late Jackie Fielding. Eleanor, Shaun and Viktoria make a loving family that the audience take to their heart. The audience were on their feet for the final song during a well deserved standing ovation.

Geordie The Musical is a superb, well produced, proud and heart-warming story.    

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 here.

Tickets:

Geordie the Musical runs at South Shields Customs House from Friday 21^stAugust to Saturday 5^th September 2015.

Tickets for Geordie the Musical, from £10, are available from The Customs House box office on 0191 454 1234 or visit www.customshouse.co.uk.

Photographs by Adrian Jackson Photography (www.adrianjacksonphotography.org.uk)

Preview: Geordie the Musical at South Shields Customs House

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Cast Prepare for Opening Night

Geordie the Musical

South Shields Customs House

Friday 21^stAugust to Saturday 5^th September 2015

The cast of a new musical are gearing up for its premiere this weekend.

Previews of Geordie The Musical start on Friday night at The Customs House theatre in South Shields.

The musical is a heart-warming story of North East life featuring traditional Geordie songs.

The nine-strong cast, who include recognisable names and faces from the stage and screen, have been working hard on the show penned by award-winning playwright Tom Kelly.

Director Jamie Brown said: "I'm excited. Staging a brand new piece of theatre on this scale poses many challenges, but fortunately, we've managed to assemble a group of actors and creatives who not only have the skills to meet these challenges head on, but are also a joy to share a rehearsal space with. I can't wait to see the final product on opening night."

It will star actors Eleanor Chaganis, Micky Cochrane, Phil Corbitt, Adam Donaldson, James Hedley, Viktoria Kay, Luke Maddison, Donald McBride and Shaun Prendergast.

Mike Turnbull is the musical director, set has been produced by Kate Urwin, James Henshaw is the lighting designer, and the costumes have been created by Lou Duffy.

Geordie The Musical was the brainchild of ex-pat Andy Bogle, who has lived in the United States for the last 30 years. A Geordie through-and-through Andy treasures his accent and was disappointed to hear some of the familiar sounds of his childhood were disappearing from the region.

He set about working with The Customs House and Tom to come up with a way to celebrate the North East language and Geordie The Musical was born.

Geordie the Musical is set in the 1890s in a pub on the banks of the River Tyne and centres on pub landlords Bella and James and their daughter Maggie in a changing time for the North East.

Viktoria Kay & Jamie Brown

Assistant director Viktoria Kay, who is also playing Bella, added: “It's no mean feat putting together a brand new musical but with such a hard-working, dedicated and talented cast it seems effortless.

“It’s beautiful to be able to celebrate the region and all we stand for here. I’m really proud to be part of a production, which at the heart of it lies the spirit of the North East. The driving force for the team has been to create a production that North East audiences will be proud to call their own.

“The rehearsal process has been a real bonding experience. As actors, we’re often here, there and everywhere and scattered all over the country for long periods of time, not only has this production brought us all together but it has enabled us to share our love of the North East – our home.”

Geordie The Musical is dedicated to director Jackie Fielding who passed away earlier this year and was due to direct the show. A memorial show will also be held in Jackie's honour on September 13. It will raise funds to help young budding actors go to drama school.

 Read the original North East Theatre Guide Preview here.

Tickets:

Geordie the Musical runs at South Shields Customs House from Friday 21^stAugust to Saturday 5^th September 2015.

Tickets for Geordie the Musical, from £10, are available from The Customs House box office on 0191 454 1234 or visit www.customshouse.co.uk.

Preview: Geordie the Musical at South Shields Customs House

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

New Show Will Remember

Much-Loved Director

Geordie the Musical

South Shields Customs House

Friday 21^st August to Saturday 5^th September 2015

A new musical will be dedicated to a much-loved member of the theatre community.

Geordie the Musical was due to be directed by Jackie Fielding at The Customs House in South Shields this August, but following her sudden death earlier this year it will now be dedicated to her memory.

Jackie had worked closely with the creative team to shape the play. Customs House Executive Director Ray Spencer said: “Jackie was an immensely talented performer and director who made The Customs House her home. It is only right that this production is dedicated to a woman who is still an absolute inspiration to so many.”

Andy Bogle, the ex-pat who came up with the story behind the musical, added: “Jackie left an indelible mark on Geordie and her creative input serves as a fitting tribute to a life devoted to the The show, which features traditional Geordie song and is set during a time of change in the North East, will now be directed by Jamie Brown, who worked closely with Jackie on several projects and starred in her final show, The Man and the Donkey, in May.

Director Jamie Brown and

assistant director Viktoria Kay

at The Customs House

He said: “I will be forever thankful to have been entrusted as one of Jackie’s leading men over the past few years, including in her final production The Man and The Donkey. Her loss is still very raw to “How she’d feel about me directing ‘Geordie’ in her stead, I couldn’t possibly say – all I can say is that I’m honoured and privileged to be part of a project which, although it may be going ahead without her at the helm, will have her as the wind in its sails, and the fire in the belly of all those driving the project forwards. There is little doubt that our time together shaped me artistically and personally and I can’t think of anything that could stand me in better stead for the challenge ahead.”

His assistant director will be his fellow Man and the Donkey co-star Viktoria Kay. She added: “Being part of Geordie the Musical is a very special honour and a privilege for me. Geordie: The Musical highlights how precious the Geordie dialect is and how, through the art of song, it will forever be preserved. I had a huge emotional response when I read the script, I was full of pride, and I’m sure the audiences will feel the same. Jackie was always my champion and for that I will forever be in her debt. Helping to bring the project she started, Geordie The Musical to life, in all its glory, is a chance to repay just a smidgeon The fact that Geordie The Musical has been dedicated to Jackie will make her very happy, albeit secretly, as she was renown to hate any sort of fuss made of her!”

Mike Turnbull will be the musical director, lighting will be done by James Henshaw, set will be produced by Kate Urwin and the costumes have been created by Lou Duffy.

A memorial show will also be held in Jackie's honour on September 13. It will raise funds to help young budding actors go to drama school.

Tickets

Geordie runs at South Shields Customs House from Friday 21^st August to Saturday 5^th September 2015.

Tickets for Geordie the Musical, from £10, are available from The Customs House box office on 0191 454 1234 or visit www.customshouse.co.uk.

Review: The Man and The Donkey at Customs House

The Local Hero

The Man and The Donkey

South Shields Customs House

Until Saturday 23^rd May 2015.

(L-R) James Hedley, Jamie Brown, Viktoria Kay & Dean Logan

Photo: Craig Leng

The Customs House’s new production pays tribute to the South Shields born hero, John Simpson Kirkpatrick, who gave his life saving others 100 years ago today.

Jamie Brown as John Simpson Kirkpatrick

Photo: Craig Leng

Writer Valerie Laws found out about Australia’s hero, who had saved over 300 soldiers lives under fire at Gallipoli whilst visiting the country. Research revealed an interesting character who had statues, in his honour, all over Australia but was relatively unknown back home in Britain. At least now there is a statue back home in South Shields and the play written in his honour makes a triumphant return to his native town after 4 years.

The production feels like a documentary, drawing out the personality behind John Simpson Kirkpatrick, with some elements of a Greek tragedy thrown in for good measure.  The script explains how he ended up on the beach at Gallipoli with a donkey but it doesn’t overload the audience with too much exposition. Under director Jackie Fielding the funnier aspects of his life give a real sense of the man.

Jamie Brown & Gary Kitching

Photo: Craig Leng

Kirkpatrick found himself as a young lad earning cash leading donkey rides up and down the beach. He was good at getting the beasts to do as he wished. After an accident leaves his Dad unable to earn, he finds himself looking for better paid work. The trouble is that the lack of work sees him heading to the merchant navy. After poor working conditions lead to him going AWOL he lands in Australia. War begins and Australia promises 50 000 men to help fight the Great War against Germany. John signs up with the hope of having a chance to visit home and his Mum. Instead he ends up fighting in Gallipoli. As a stretcher bearer he is under heavy fire as many young men are attacked by well armed Turks. Resourceful John finds a donkey and uses it to carry the wounded through the theatre of war.

Viktoria Kay

Photo: Craig Leng

The action takes place on a well designed split level stage. Throw in lots of loud bangs and a few pyrotechnics and the scene is set. There are actually two heroes in this story. One is Duffy, the donkey, which is portrayed by ingenious puppetry by the cast.  The other hero is Kirkpatrick and in Jamie Brown’s character we have a fearless, very matter of fact young man who is a credit to his family. His attitude in war may be on the verge on arrogance, as he sees little point in following orders, but he is never unpleasant. Jamie does a cracking job bringing the hero to life.

The remainder of the ensemble fill in a variety of roles and donkey operating. Their talent is able to shine through and as the action skips around the world they keep the story flowing. James Hedley and Dean Logan are frequently following orders as Gary Kitching leads the pack.  Viktoria Kay and Jacqueline Phillips often find themselves in the centre of the action.

The cast work hard to produce a very entertaining and moving tribute that is passionate about it subject. A fabulous eulogy for the fallen.

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

Read the original North East Theatre Guide Preview here

Tickets:

The Man and the Donkey is on at The Customs House from May 19 to 23. Tickets are £15, £14 concession and £5 to schools and are available from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk

Preview: The Man and the Donkey at The Customs House

The Man and the Donkey Returns Home

The Man and the Donkey

South Shields Customs House

Tuesday 19^thMay to Saturday 23^rd May 2015.

The tale of a North East war hero will be brought to life to commemorate the centenary of his death. John Simpson Kirkpatrick is known to millions on the other side of the world but few know his story of courage on his home shores. The Customs House in South Shields will chronicle his heroic tale in the critically-acclaimed play The Man and the Donkey.

Director Jackie Fielding said: “This is a fantastic, poignant and fascinating piece of theatre with a lot of laughs.  It's a story which everyone can enjoy. We are thrilled that most of the original cast and production team are back together and cannot wait for rehearsals to get started again.”

The play was first performed in 2011 and is returning to mark the 100th Anniversary of Kirkpatrick’s death will run at the Mill Dam theatre from May 19 to 23. Valerie Laws’ much-loved play follows John as he joins the Merchant Navy at 17 and heads off to Australia, from there he enlists to serve with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzacs) as a stretcher bearer in World War I. There, with the help of his trusty donkey Duffy, and under fire, he helped to rescue wounded soldiers on the shores of Gallipoli until his death on May 19, 1915. He is now remembered as one of Australia’s best-loved war heroes.

Customs House Executive Director Ray Spencer said: “When this production was first put on in 2011 everybody loved it.  We decided to bring it back this year to commemorate the 100 anniversary of John Simpson Kirkpatrick's death and we are sure it will once again be loved by all who see it. It's a very moving, yet funny play. Kirkpatrick was a real character and the wonderful script, written by Valerie Laws, and fantastic direction by Jackie Fielding really do bring his and Duffy's story to life.

“In Australia his story is known by everyone and we wanted to remember him in this very special year.  Kirkpatrick was a true hero – as it says on his gravestone – he gave his life that others may live. Anzac Day on Saturday (April 25) marks 100 years since the Gallipoli landings and I’m sure the people of South Tynesidewill take a moment to think of Kirkpatrick, who remains one of South Shields’ greatest heroes.”

Customs House regular Jamie Brown, who will take on the lead of Kirkpatrick, added: “The story of Kirkpatrick is just incredible and it is an honour to bring it to life.”

Joining him in the cast will be Viktoria Kay, Gary Kitching, James Hedley, Jacqueline Phillips and Dean Logan.

Tickets:

The Man and the Donkey is on at The Customs House from May 19 to 23. Tickets are £15, £14 concession and £5 to schools and are available from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk

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See the new PDM video on this link here 

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Review: Perfect Wedding at South Shields Customs House

‘Men are all the same’

Perfect Wedding

The Customs House

Wed 10th  - Sat 13th September

Many a wedding can turn into a farce but Perfect Wedding decends into a nightmare for the bride in this brilliant comedy.

The happy couple have decided to book the one venue for the stag do, the reception and for their first night together. The groom, Bill, wakes up on the morning of his wedding in the wrong room sleeping next to a woman he doesn’t recognise. As he tries to cover up his actions he end up dragging the chambermaid, his best man and his girlfriend into a web of comic situations in order to keep the bride and her mother in the dark in this Robin Hawdon written play.

The groom, Bill, is a physically challenging role, skilfully handled by Craig Richardson. Craig Fairbairn as his best man Tom is convincing as a mate who is dropped in it. These two have a good onstage chemistry and deliver their rapid exchanges with comic timing. It is great to see, under Gareth Hunter’s direction, a number of strong female roles. Kylie Ann Ford got many laughs as the chambermaid Julie as she held the higher moral ground.

Rebecca Blake did a cracking job on her first post-university role as the groom’s girlfriend Judy whilst it was easy to empathise with Rosie Winter’s character as the poor bride Rachel who is caught in the middle.  The Bride’s Mum, Daphne, also got a number of laughs as she tried to take control, Viktoria Kay helped keep the tempo high in the second half as the grooms cover up became exposed.

Perfect Wedding is a delightful farce and this is the perfect cure for the September blues. 

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 https://www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo 

Tickets:

Ion Productions’ Perfect Wedding runs at The Customs House from Wednesday 10 to Saturday 13 September at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on Thursday, September 11.

Tickets are £13 or £11 concessions and are available from the box office on 0191 454 1234 or by visiting www.customshouse.co.uk