#Review : the @tynemusicstudio Networking event 29/9 @MiningInstitute #musicals #musicaltheatre

Review: Creative Networking Night held by Tyne Music Ltd at The Mining Institute 29/9/17

Dennis Westgate has written 10 musicals. He only started doing this when he retired and now on his 81st birthday he is launching Tyne Music Ltd to get those musicals on stage. The networking event had the aim of showcasing some of Dennis’s music and a short video adaptation of his railway station musical Platform 9.

Dawn Furness was our hostess for the evening and gave us introductions and backgrounds for each song. Accompanied by Dennis on piano in the beautiful surroundings of the Miners’ Institute Library were four talented young singers and musical actresses who have been rehearsing at the Tyne Music studio in Bamburgh House.

Angela Evans, Amber Jessop, Bethany Hall and Imogen Evans performed a number of songs from Platform Nine in part one of the show and songs from Broken Doll and Dennis’s latest musical, Closed Circuit in the second half. The singers carried off harmonies, solos and characterisations for the songs that show great promise for their futures on stage.
In the interval while people chatted over wine, we were treated to some cover versions by the creative director of Tyne Music, Lee Symons. Lee is definitely worth seeing live if you get the opportunity. 

The video, entitled Platform 2 (to avoid any Harry Potter confusion) was directed by Kim Tate and was filmed in one day at the Stephenson Railway museum. The musicians performed the short piece live to camera and gave an impression of how the musical can be brought to life. A lot of thought had clearly gone into giving the production a 1950s look with the costumes and props.

The evening was certainly a pleasant one (with a rendition of Happy Birthday to You for Dennis)and was intended as the first of many, as Tyne Music wants to collaborate with other creative companies and seeks sponsorship in the northeast. 

The end of the evening had a soundtrack of some of Dennis’s studio recordings of tracks from his shows, some of these are a definite surprise when you realise he’s in his 80s and some songs sound very chart-ready. 

For example Bionic Love from the Musical UFO
https://soundcloud.com/tynesider/bionic-love-live-recording?in=tynesider/sets/u-f-o-a-sci-fi-musical
Definitely one to get you dancing!

Twitter @tyne_music
https://www.facebook.com/TyneMusicLtd/

Collaborators invited to #meeting 19/6/17 #allfemale #musical in #newcastle #education #teensuicide #mentalhealth #youthworkers

Meeting: 6pm at Breeze Creatives on the corner on Market Street and John Dobson Street in Newcastle. Third floor, studio 318.

We are looking to work with charities, NPO's or community groups with an interest in teen mental health and the risk of suicide in the young. 
Cast required:
Tyne Music Limited in partnership with North East composer Dennis Westgate are bringing a series of exciting new musical projects to the north east. Specifically aimed mainly at the 18-30 year age group who are looking to further their experience in musical theatre.
For the first of these projects we are currently seeking talented young females to take part in Broken Doll a new musical to be performed later this year.

Dennis Westgate Photo: Carliol Photography

Broken Doll deals with the controversial issue of suicide in young people. Set in Heaven, the musical tells the story of a group of recently deceased young women looking down on a teenage girl who is contemplating suicide. The role of the group is to persuade the girl's spirit to reconsider its decision to choose life over death and return to its host.

Broken Doll has a wide range of characters within the piece. Although they all have one thing in common, (they are all female), their outlooks and life experiences are naturally all very different, so each has an opinion on the cause of the young girl's demeanour and a proposition as to the cure. This is presented through music and dialogue. Vocally therefore, the cast have different capabilities and timbres which provides an interesting angle to this musical. This diversity of styles in each character and the musical content will make it interesting enough keep the audience engrossed right up to to the closing scene.
Broken Doll addresses a wide range of emotions young women may face, including anger, hate, fear, sorrow, yet also hopelessness and love. Due to its nature and content, this musical will appeal to the younger generation and would be an ideal vehicle to present as part of an educational programme, as it approaches this very difficult subject from a new
angle and its unusual musical content and lively dialogue should hold the interest of the younger as well as the older audience.

Broken Doll’s storyline covers the many different traumers that may drive any young person to contemplate suicide (i.e. bullying, drugs, pregnancy, sexual abuse) so it will hopefully engender some spirited group discussions after the show, or encourage an individual with any kind of emotional problem to either seek professional help, or encourage them to find
someone of their own age with a sympathetic ear. Also under consideration is the potential to film the show and thesubsequent DVD being made available to anyone working with young people. You must be in the 17- 21 years age group, have a good singing voice with acting experience. We are only considering performers who wish to further their career in musical theatre and are looking for suitable projects to showcase their talent.
Auditions for Broken Doll will be taking place in July/August, Anyone interested should contact us for an audition form.
Email: tynemusiclimited@gmail.com

P.S. There are several more projects in the pipeline for both sexes and anyone interested in joining this enterprising new Musical Theatre Group, can submit their interest and experience with a contact number and/or your email address. Note:- You must be committed, dedicated, hard working and arrive on time for rehearsals.

THE CAST

(8 females must have good singing voices)

THE SAD GIRL Must be able to handle a wide range of musical styles

with confidence. Also plays her Spirit so has to be also

proficient in dance and mime

ANGELA (Head Angel) Mature, good speaking voice.

CORKIE (Alcoholic/drug addict) Outspoken, cynical, extrovert,

earthy character.

SUE (ex-Air Hostess)Friendly temperament.

BRENDA (Probationary Nurse) Has a warm and natural caring

nature.

LYNN (Pop Singer). Bubbly but immature, talkative. The

youngest of the group.

ANN (Private Secretary) Very adult in outlook, considerate

and optimistic.

WENDY (Biker) Strong willed, with a no-nonsense dry sense

of humour.

THE MUSIC

1 LOOK TO THE STARS ......... Angela/Sue/Cast 

2 SAD REFLECTIONS ................... The Sad Girl

3 THREE LITTLE WORDS .............. The Sad Girl

4 MORNING MIST...... ......(Ballet Piece)The Spirit

5 PILLS AND POTIONS............... Brenda & Cast

6 THREE LITTLE WORDS........ ...... The Sad Girl

7 MEN ........................................ Corkie & Cast

8) DON'T TALK TO ME ................ Wendy & Cast

9) POOR SISTER............................ Lynn & Cast

10) SOME SAY ................................. Ann & Cast

11) GRAINS OF SAND .................... The Sad Girl

12) BROKEN DOLL.......................... The Sad Girl

13) SOME SAY Reprise .......................... All Cast

Preview: Sweeney Todd at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

Follow North East Theatre Guide on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NETheatreGuideand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NETheatreGuide.  Read about JoWhereToGo and its PR and photography services here.

Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Wednesday 2nd to Saturday 5th March 2016

Music & lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM

Book by HUGH WHEELER

From an adaptation by CHRISTOPHER BOND

Originally directed by HAROLD PRINCE

Originally produced on Broadway by Richard Barr, Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richards in association with Dean & Judy Manos 

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LTD. on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of NEW YORK.

Friends of Tyne Theatre and Opera House present Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – a musical thriller.

This follows on from the Friends enormously successful first production of The Pirates of Penzance in September 2015.

Set in19th century London, we follow the story of Benjamin Barker alias Sweeney Todd. Todd has returned to London from transportation following false charges. We follow Todd on his quest to get revenge on the judge that banished him. We become acquainted with the manipulative Mrs Lovett whose pies are transformed from The Worst Pies in London to “delicious” when the ingredients are swapped to the meat from Todd’s victims.

Premiered in 1979, this is widely recognised as one of Sondheim’s best and most complex scores containing many well-known songs:

•       Not While I’m Around

•       The Worst Pies in London

•       My Friends

•       Green Finch and Linnet Bird

•       Johanna

•       Pretty Women

•       By the Sea

This production will be performed with a large live orchestra and large ensemble and will be directed by Lynne Wilmot. Lynne is a professional actress with a career including the following recent credits:

• Disney - Beauty and the Beast

• Universal – The Huntsman

• Les Miserables movie

• Madame Thenardier in restaged National Tour (including The Barbican and the Chatelet in Paris) of Les Miserables – working closely with Cameron Mackintosh, Claude Michel-Schonberg, Alan Boubil and Laurence Connor in order to redefine the role

• National tour of Les Miserables

• London Road film in association with the National Theatre

• Played the fallen angel Abbadon in The Vatican opposite Bruno Ganz as The Pope directed by Ridley Scott for Showtime in US

• Original cast for Cameron Mackintosh’s revival of Oliver! at Theatre Royal Drury Lane with Rowan Atkinson and choreography by Matthew Bourne

• Original cast for Jerry Springer the Opera at National Theatre and transfer to West End at the Cambridge Theatre

• The Captain of Kopenick – National Theatre

• Trained Central School of Speech and Drama in London

• Worked extensively training and inspiring young actors and singers – including 100% success rate in coaching for leading drama school auditions

Friends of Tyne Theatre and Opera House is part of Tyne Theatre and Opera House Preservation Trust (Charity Number 1120746). Funds raised from this performance will contribute to the preservation and future restoration of the Grade 1 listed Victorian Opera House.

The Friends first production was a huge success. North East Theatre Guide quoted “The show has real heart and is a pleasure to watch. The fabulous live orchestra coupled with talented singers who are clearly enjoying themselves...” Read the full North East Theatre Guide review here: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/review-pirates-of-penzance-at-newcastle.html.

Tickets:

Tickets: £8 - £13 (plus booking fees when booking online and over the phone)

Tickets are now available from www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

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)

Preview: Beyond the Barricade at Darlington Civic Theatre

Beyond the Barricade - 15th Anniversary Tour

Darlington Civic Theatre

Friday 5 September 2014

Beyond the Barricade continues to delight audiences and is back to celebrate its 15th fantastic year with a sensational new show, calling at Darlington Civic Theatre for one night only on Friday 5 September 2014.

2014 marks a milestone for Beyond the Barricade as they celebrate 15 Years on the road with their exciting portrayal of the greatest songs in Musical Theatre. Recreating West Endand Broadway hit songs with amazing authenticity, and performed by a cast of past principal performers from Les Miserables. All performed totally live!

Starring Andy Reiss, David Fawcett, Katie Leeming and Rebecca Vere, together with their own ensemble of talented musicians, this brand new production reflects Beyond the Barricade's 15 Year history and features songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Wicked, The Lion King, West Side Story, Evita, Blood Brothers, and many more.

The vocalists in Beyond the Barricade have all played principal roles in Les Miserables, both in the West Endand the National Tours, so this new Anniversary Tour will also contain a spectacular new extended section devoted to this classic musical.

Andy Reiss and David Fawcett devised 'Beyond the Barricade' after appearing in the Manchester and London casts of Les Miserables. David played the lead role of Jean Valjean in both of these productions, and Andy played most of the male characters, including Enjolras and Valjean. Andy still remains the only person to take on the job of being the shows Resident Director, and perform in it at the same time.

Also on stage is Katie Leeming, who joined Beyond the Barricade after playing the lead role of Eponine in the West Endproduction of Les Miserables, and Rebecca Vere who played Cosette in Les Miserables.

Andy, David, Katie and Rebecca also featured in the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert, staged at the O2 Arena, London. Katie Leeming appeared with the Les Miserables cast on the televised Classical Brits awards and the = Royal Variety Show. Katie and Rebecca were ensemble vocalists in the Les Miserables movie.

On The Web:
Website: http://beyondthebarricade.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BtBarricade 
 

Tickets:

7.30pm - priced £19 & £21 (All ticket prices are inclusive of a £1 restoration levy)

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

Preview: Beyond the Barricade at Sunderland Empire

Beyond the Barricade - 15th Anniversary Tour

SunderlandEmpire

Saturday 6 September 2014

Beyond the Barricade continues to delight audiences and is back to celebrate its 15th fantastic year with a sensational new show, calling at Sunderland Empire for one night only on Saturday 6 September 2014.

2014 marks a milestone for Beyond the Barricade as they celebrate 15 Years on the road with their exciting portrayal of the greatest songs in Musical Theatre. Recreating West Endand Broadway hit songs with amazing authenticity, and performed by a cast of past principal performers from Les Miserables. All performed totally live!

Starring Andy Reiss, David Fawcett, Katie Leeming and Rebecca Vere, together with their own ensemble of talented musicians, this brand new production reflects Beyond the Barricade's 15 Year history and features songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Wicked, The Lion King, West Side Story, Evita, Blood Brothers, and many more.

The vocalists in Beyond the Barricade have all played principal roles in Les Miserables, both in the West Endand the National Tours, so this new Anniversary Tour will also contain a spectacular new extended section devoted to this classic musical.

Andy Reiss and David Fawcett devised 'Beyond the Barricade' after appearing in the Manchester and London casts of Les Miserables. David played the lead role of Jean Valjean in both of these productions, and Andy played most of the male characters, including Enjolras and Valjean. Andy still remains the only person to take on the job of being the shows Resident Director, and perform in it at the same time.

Also on stage is Katie Leeming, who joined Beyond the Barricade after playing the lead role of Eponine in the West Endproduction of Les Miserables, and Rebecca Vere who played Cosette in Les Miserables.

Andy, David, Katie and Rebecca also featured in the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert, staged at the O2 Arena, London. Katie Leeming appeared with the Les Miserables cast on the televised Classical Brits awards and the = Royal Variety Show. Katie and Rebecca were ensemble vocalists in the Les Miserables movie.

Tickets priced £20.50 can be purchased in person from the Box Office on High Street West, Sunderland or from £23.40 from the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022* and online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland

*Booking fees apply to telephone and online sales.