News: GARFIELD WESTON FOUNDATION AWARD at Peoples Theatre

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GENEROUS GARFIELD WESTON FOUNDATION AWARD GETS THE PEOPLE’S THEATRE A STEP CLOSER

The People’s Theatre in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, has just been awarded a major grant by the Garfield Weston Foundation. The £75,000 grant will contribute towards a £1.6m redevelopment starting this year.

The ambitious plan will transform the front of the building, create a fully accessible studio theatre at ground level, full mobility access, zoned lighting, upgraded heating and ventilation systems and an improved foyer and exterior.

The Garfield Weston Foundation aims to be responsive to where need is greatest. On average, approximately 1,500 charities across the UK benefit each year from grants made by the Foundation ranging from the smallest community and volunteer projects through to large national organisations, however, the common themes are charities that demonstrate quality and excellence with projects that have clear outcomes and benefits, good leadership and sensible business plans.

Tony Childs, for the People’s Theatre, said: “We are delighted that the Garfield Weston Foundation has decided to support the People’s Theatre.  This grant is a significant milestone towards our goal. With the Foundation’s contribution secured we have now raised over £700,000.

“Anyone wishing to donate towards the redevelopment, please get in touch with our fundraiser, Gill, on 07715358955 or by emailing: fundraising@peoplestheatre.org.uk we would be very pleased to hear from you”

weblink:  http://www.peoplesfund.org.uk/garfield-weston

News: Great Northern Slam - Slammers Wanted

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 The Great Northern Slam

Slammers Wanted

In November Radikal Words is running a poetry slam. Sixteen poets will enter the ring, the poets will perform in pairs and the audience will vote on who goes and who stays.

Only one will be the winner and carry away the fantastic prize of £40.00 and the prestigious title of Bare Knuckle Poetry Slam Champion 2015.

It’s slam poetry but not as we know it, it will be brutal, there may be blood, the ring will be littered with the verbs and adjectives of the fallen but from the sweat and spit will emerge one winner to take the prize and the title. Are you big enough to take part? Do you have four poems of less than three minutes in length?

It will be a night of fun and noise and the chance for one person to be  Bare Knuckle Poetry Slam Champion 2015.

email radikalwords@gmail.com or message on Facebook Radikal Words to enter

Bare Knuckle Poetry Slam 2015

Northern Stage

Newcastle

Thursday 5th November

News: ACTING COURSE RECEIVES MAJOR BOOST

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THEATRE ROYAL ACTING COURSE RECEIVES MAJOR BOOST FROM BARBOUR

Global clothing brand Barbour has offered a substantial donation to Newcastle Theatre Royal to help subsidise its revolutionary actor training programme Project A.

The Barbour Foundation, the charitable arm of the North East-based fashion heavyweight, is backing the Theatre’s pioneering project to create a new generation of professional actors in the region.

Project A is the first course of its kind in the North East of England dedicated to actor training and will offer practical and theoretical training to young aspiring actors aged 18-25 years old who are looking to make a serious career as an actor.

Dame Margaret Barbour

The Barbour Foundation is known for its generous support for cultural organisations in Newcastle and across the wider North East, and Dame Margaret Barbour said: “It gives me great pleasure to assist the Theatre Royal in establishing its innovative and exciting Foundation Course for young people who wish to embark on a theatrical career, whether it be in acting or management.  I wish the Theatre Royal every possible success.”

The course, which will be offered completely free of charge for its inaugural year, will be run over three terms in an academic year and will include vocal, physical and performance skills training as well as specialist training including Meisner technique, improvisation, acting for screen and stage combat.  These areas will be developed alongside the students’ continuous training in character development and text analysis. The training will be provided by a selection of leading UK professionals.

A proportion of the Barbour donation will also be applied to the expansion of the Theatre’s Learning Department, which is going from strength to strength following a major reinvention over the past couple of years and the soaring popularity of its formal education work and public programmes.

Theatre Royal Chief Executive Philip Bernays, said: “We are extremely grateful to Dame Margaret and the Foundation for their generous support and also very proud of our longstanding association with Barbour, one of the most important and influential fashion brands in the world. 

“We are very excited that this generosity will bring Project A to life as we know there is both need and demand for a course like this and it has real potential for growth in the future.  Our talented young people shouldn’t have to leave the region to get access to the best professionals.  This is hugely significant for us and the North East region as a whole, and we are delighted to be leading the way.”

After auditions in July which attracted over 160 applicants, the sixteen successful candidates for Project A have been chosen and the course will commence in September. 

News: Theatre Royal Draws Biggest Audience Ever

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Newcastle Theatre Royal Draws Biggest Audience Ever In 2014/15

Last year Newcastle Theatre Royal had its most successful year since records began - attracting a total of 405,681 customers through its doors, as revealed in the company’s Annual Report out today.

Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Annual Report for 2014/15 details record breaking figures for the charity despite a drastically reduced level of funding and a tough economic climate, and points to an unprecedented success story.

Between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2015 the Grade 1 listed Theatre welcomed 44 visiting theatre, opera, ballet and dance companies and presented 406 performances to a staggering 405,681 people. The attendance for the year was at 80% capacity, which is an astonishing 21% above the national average. 

With a turnover of £12.4 million (up £2.6m on last year), the not-for-profit Theatre supported 50 full time equivalent jobs across the North East and returned £338,652 to the Government in Tax, National Insurance and VAT.

The year 14/15 has been the Theatre’s best ever in terms of ticket sales, with a total of £10.3m worth of tickets sold.  This comes in the same year when it received a lower level of funding than ever before (and in 15/16 will receive no ongoing revenue funding). This success is down in a large part to shrewd management, in particular the programming of another blockbuster pantomime that smashed all previous records and a run of hugely successful musicals which did storming business in the Box Office, including Cats, Top Hat, Dirty Dancing and The Curious Incident of The Dog in The Night-Time.

Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust is an independent registered charity (No.504473) operating not-for-profit and keeping only a small percentage of the ticket price as a contribution towards the running costs of the Theatre.

Chief Executive Philip Bernays said: “The year 2015/16 will be the first year we  receive no funding from the City Council, so to have such a successful year in 14/15 is a hopeful indication of our strength and success in our new autonomy.

“We strive to excel in everything that we do in order to attract audiences in what is a very competitive market, and the word ‘Welcome’ continues to be our central mantra. We always try to give our customers the best experience without charging inflated prices – in fact the average price paid at the Theatre Royal in 2013/14 was £22.39 which is slightly below the national average for theatre tickets, and considerably lower than the price of a ticket for a Premier League football match!

“The report shows outstanding figures, which are testament to the quality of the programme, of the building and, most importantly, to the efforts of all our staff through the strength of teamwork and of the team.”

Over the course of 14/15 38,267 people bought tickets for the first time, and across the board the most popular show genre was Musicals (accounting for 32.7% of visitors), closely followed by the famous annual pantomime at 24.4%.

Highlights of the past year include the commencement of the Theatre’s major Back of House refurbishment - a renovation of backstage areas, including the Green Room and dressing rooms. It is the first time the backstage area has been refurbished or decorated since 1988 and represents the second act in a major facelift, ‘Act One’ being the Theatre’s award winning £4.9 million auditorium restoration which took place in 2011. The refurbishment is well on track and set to be complete by the end of August.  

As well as proving another blockbuster of a show, our panto was once again broadcast to hospitals across the UK via Hospedia TVs.  This year it was also screened in Northern Ireland for the first time, and so reached more patients than ever before.

2014/15 also saw the Theatre become the first theatre in the UK to be presented with the Autism Access Award, following a year-long project to develop an all-inclusive approach in relation to the specific needs of theatre-goers with autism. Local firms ITPS and The Benfield Trust supported the Theatre’s relaxed performances, and The Monument Trust and Benfield Trust enabled them to purchase additional captioning screens for their Access performances.

The Theatre was also shortlisted for Most Welcoming Theatre in the My Theatre Matters awards and was presented with an Association of Building Engineers Gold Laurel Award, for the restoration of the auditorium.  Furthermore, we added a second star to our Industry Green accreditation in recognition of our further commitment to managing carbon and improving environmental performance.

The Learning programme has also been reinvented and reinvigorated, focusing more on the Theatre building and main stage programme, and is proving a great success – last year the Theatre engaged with 7,142 people.

The Theatre is also famous for having the most generous Friends scheme in the UK and the largest arts membership scheme in the region – last year it attracted a total of 6,902 Friends & Advantage members.  It’s also a favourite among the business community and received support from a number of local businesses.

 For more information visit http://www.theatreroyalannualreport.co.uk/

 

News: Auditions for Oliver at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

Who wants to join Fagin’s Gang?

 

Oliver

Newcastle Tyne Theatre and Opera House

Tuesday 5^th – Saturday 9^th April 2016.

West End Operatic Society are delighted to announce they will be performing one of the all time 'Greats' of British Musicals 'Oliver' at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House 5-9 April 2016.

The search is on for boys aged 8-10 years for the part of Oliver and Artful Dodger aged 12-14 years. They also an English Bull terrier to play the part of 'Bullseye'

Auditions will be taking place at the Tyne Theatre on Sunday 13 September. Please email westendoperaticsociety@gmail.comto register your interest.

Oliver has some wonderful musical numbers, 'Where is Love'.'Consider Yourself'. Oom- Pah Pah' 'As Long As He Needs Me', 'I'd Do Anything' and many more

West End Operatic Society is an amateur musical theatre group based in Newcastle upon Tyne. They are a welcoming and friendly all- singing, all – dancing family.

Don't miss out on this great experience – get signed up now.

You can read the North East Theatre Guide review of the West End Operatic Society’s2015 show Hairspray here.

News: Free Metro Travel with your Whitley Bay Playhouse Ticket

Free Metro Travel with your Whitley Bay Playhouse Ticket!

All Playhouse tickets for shows from the 7th August 2015 now come with an additional benefit as you can now travel to the Playhouse on the Metro for free with your theatre ticket. Theatre tickets are valid up to two hours before and after the performance, just simply retain your Playhouse ticket for inspection by Metro Staff when travelling to or from the Playhouse for a show.

The Playhouse Whitley Bay is delighted to be working with Nexus to provide this extra added benefit to ticket holders on a trial basis until April 2016, and it’s hoped the partnership continues.

North Tynesideis well serviced by the Metro and is Monkseaton Metro Station the nearest to the Playhouse just a 10 minute walk away from the theatre.  Alternatively the Whitley Bay Station is also just over 10 minutes away through the centre of Whitley Bay.

Cllr Eddie Darke, cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “This is a great initiative and one that I’m sure will be very popular with those going along to enjoy all of the fantastic events and performances at the Playhouse.”

The Metro is the hassle free choice to travel to the Playhouse Whitley Bay.   With frequent services you can arrive ready to relax with a pre-show with a drink from our well stocked bars in advance of the performance. A full range of alcoholic and soft drinks are on offer, with nibbles to enjoy throughout the show.

With a varied and busy Autumn and Winter Season coming up, from The Lindisfarne Story to Paul Potts, and of course the ever popular Christmas Pantomime we hope patrons take advantage of this opportunity to hop on the Metro free and save on the search for parking space and parking fees!

News: August Preview at Sunderland Empire

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 August Preview at Sunderland Empire

INALA (2^nd August) 7.30pm

Following a phenomenal 2014 tour and sell-out run at the Edinburgh International Festival, four time Grammy© Award-winning South African choral legends Ladysmith Black Mambazo join multi award-winning choreographer Mark Baldwin in this unique artistic collaboration. Featuring world-class current and former dancers from The Royal Ballet and Rambert, this critically acclaimed production embraces an exhilarating fusion of South African and Western cultures live on stage.

Inala's original score is composed by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Joseph Shabalala and Ella Spira, blending the intricate rhythms and infectious harmonies of their native musical roots with live percussion, piano and strings. Mark Baldwin's choreography unites Zulu traditions with classical ballet and contemporary dance, performed by an exceptional company of 18 dancers and singers. Inala delivers a spiritually uplifting live experience.

The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-Time (11^th -15^th August)

Joshua Jenkins (Christopher) Photo: BrinkhoffM+Âgenberg

Winner of five 2015 Tony Awards and seven 2013 Olivier Awards, this highly-acclaimed National Theatre production has now embarked on its first ever nationwide tour.

Christopher, fifteen years old, has an extraordinary brain - exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion of killing Mrs Shears' dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world...

Based on the award-winning novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a thrilling new stage play from the National Theatre.

Read the North East Theatre Guide Preview LINK

There are a number of autism friendly family events happening around the show – read about them LINK

Priscilla Queen of the Desert (31^st August – 5^th September)

Get ready for the ride of your life as the ultimate party, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical, returns to Sunderland starring Duncan James. Based on the movie, the feel-good West End & Broadway smash-hit Priscilla, is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they could have ever dreamed of.

With a dazzling array of outrageous costumes and a hit parade of dance floor classics including It's Raining Men, I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, Finally, Boogie Wonderland, Go West, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, and I Love The Nightlife, rush to get your tickets today for this wildly fresh and funny hit musical that will take you on a journey to the heart of fabulous!

Tickets

In person at the Box Office on High Street West, Sunderland Empire

Ticket Centre: 0844 871 3022*

Groups 10+: 0844 871 3042

Online: www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland

* Booking fee applies to telephone and online sales

News: Training Opportunity at Theatre Royal

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION AT NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL

A new generation of professional actors will receive training from some of the UK’s leading professionals thanks to a brand new programme being launched at Newcastle Theatre Royal.

Project A is the first course of its kind in the North of England dedicated to actor training and will offer practical and theoretical training to young aspiring actors aged 18-25 years old, who are looking to make a serious career as an actor.

Leading the project is Philip Hoffmann, a professional actor and director who originally hails from Manchester but has lived and worked in the North East for over twenty years. He said: “There is a huge need here in the North East as far as access to top quality actor training goes and for many years now people in the industry have been asking why there isn’t a dedicated actor training institution here in the North East.

Our talented young people shouldn’t have to leave the region to get access to the best professionals and so we hope that Project A will provide the perfect solution to this problem.”

The course, which will be offered completely free of charge for its inaugural year, will be run over three terms in an academic year and will include vocal, physical and performance skills training as well as specialist training including Meisner technique, improvisation, acting for screen and stage combat.  These areas will be developed alongside the students’ continuous training in character development and text analysis.

Phil added “There is a definite need for this kind of programme and support from within the regional arts scene, so I am delighted that Newcastle Theatre Royal is taking the lead in the field and providing this wonderful opportunity for young actors.  All that we ask of those taking part is that they have a genuine desire to work as a professional actor and that they are 100 per cent committed to the course.”

Project A is open to anyone aged 18-25 with acting experience, details and a downloadable application pack can be found at www.theatreroyal.co.uk/taking-part/project-a. closing date for applications is 15 July.

Facebook link to the Acoustic Circus event at the Gateshead Staiths Cafe

News: Stage and Screen Stars Awarded At The Customs House

Stage and Screen Stars Awarded

At The Customs House

Induction Ceremony

South Shields Customs House

Sunday 31^st May 2015.

A veteran star of the stage and screen and an internationally renowned opera singer will be honoured in a special event this month.

The Customs House in South Shields will be inducting actor John Woodvine and opera singer Anne-Marie Owens into its Academy on Sunday May 31. The event will see the pair tell all about their lives in the spotlight and will raise funds for The Customs House Trust.

Executive Director of The Customs House Ray Spencer, MBE, said: “We are delighted to honour these two stars who, having grown up in South Tyneside and gone on to receive international acclaim in their respective careers, have returned to help raise funds for The Customs House.”

John Woodvine

Originally hailing from Tyne Dock, John Woodvine made his name starring in classic TV shows Z Cars and The Bill, before going on to star in the legendary films: An American Werewolf in London and Close the Coalhouse Door. More recently, he has been playing Nana’s luckless boyfriend Arthur in BBC hit TV series Hebburn.

Anne-Marie Owens

Anne-Marie Owens is a South Shields native who has become a world famous mezzo-soprano. She has toured nationally and internationally, making her debut at Mistress Quickly for Glyndebourne Touring Opera’s Falstaff, as well as performing with the English National Opera, Opera National de Paris, Opera Australia, and at the Hong Kong Festival and Saito Kinen Festival in Japan.

They will be inducted into The Customs House Academy, which was created so that people from South Tyneside who have made significant contributions to the arts could be recognised for their work. Current Fellows include X-Factor winner Joe McElderry, as well as comedians Sarah Millican, Jason Cook and Chris Ramsey. The money raised from the event will go to The Customs House Trust, which provides art and cultural activities for the people of South Tyneside.

Ray added: “We’re thrilled to add John Woodvine and Anne-Marie Owens to a growing list of Fellows of The Customs House.”

The induction ceremony will take place at 6pm on Sunday 31 May at The Customs House. The audience will be treated to a three course meal in the Dalton’s Suite and then witness the induction of John and Anne-Marie into The Academy. To finish off the evening, John and Anne-Marie will entertain the audience with tales of their life and careers.

Tickets:

Tickets are £39 with a groups booking discount available. All proceeds go to The Customs House Trust. For bookings contact Helen Dobson on 0191 427 3741 or helen@customshouse.co.uk.