Review: Double Bill at Newcastle People’s Theatre

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DOUBLE BILL

Five Kinds of Silence by Shelagh Stephenson

The Zoo Story by Edward Albee

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Until Saturday 31^st October 2015 

The People’s Theatre may be an amateur group but that has never stopped them from putting on brave productions.  2013’s production of Bones showed it could handle the heavyweight plays skilfully.

Opening up the double bill is Shelagh Stephenson’s Five Kinds of Silence.  A family live under a cloud of fear as father Billy is not afraid to be violent towards his wife Mark and his two daughters Susan and Janet. In his opening monologue Billy announces how much he loves the smell of blood and the smell of fear. The daughters have had enough and shoot him using his gun.

Gordon Russell owns the stage as the aggressive Billy. Whilst he accounts for his actions he doesn’t demand sympathy as he repeats the cycle of abuse. Gordon gives a passionate convincing performance and provokes emotions in the audience.

Photo: Paula Smart

Anna Dobson and Nicky White, on the other hand, are easier to show empathy with as Billy’s 2 daughters. They recall their story and relate to how life in the detention centre has greater freedom than their previous home life. Along with their mother, played by Val Russell, they recall a life that no one should suffer.

Kath Frazer directs a powerful performance that is, by its very nature, heavy going, at times.

After the interval there is a change in tone with The Zoo Story by Edward Albee. A park bench in New York is the location that Peter has chosen to read a book on most Sundays when the weather allows. Only on this Sunday, a random walker called Jerry decides to stop and talk. They don’t know each other but that doesn’t stop Jerry asking fairly intrusive questions before a monologue about the set up at his flat. Peter tries to be polite but Jerry doesn’t follow any social protocols as he passes judgement about his family set up.

Photo: Paula Smart

Stuart Douglas juggles between Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams in a captivating performance as the man who has just been to the zoo.  On the bench is Sean Burnside as the sometimes apologetic Peter. He reminded me of David Schwimmer at his Friends best as he tries to underplay his job.

The two-hander is well executed. Anyone who has been stopped by a random person in a bus, pub or bench will know the feeling when the polite replies are misinterpreted as genuine desire for an in depth conversation.  The interaction and awkwardness make for a great play.

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/2015/10/preview-double-bill-at-newcastle.html

Tickets:

The double bill appears on Tuesday 27^th to Saturday 31^st October 2015 at 7.30pm at The People’s Theatre (Studio Upstairs), Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF

Cost: £13.50 (Concessions £11)

Box Office: 0191 265 5020 or online at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

News: THEATRE ROYAL CELEBRATES NEW FACILITIES

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THEATRE ROYAL CELEBRATES NEW FACILITIES WITH ‘ROYAL’ OPENING BY ‘THE QUEEN’!

Double award-winning Newcastle Theatre Royal has officially unveiled its £600,000 backstage refurbishment by inviting ‘the Queen’ along to perform an official ribbon cutting ceremony.

Actress Susie Blake as “The Queen”

with Theatre Royal Chairman Ged Bell

Photo: Joanne Oliver for www.JoWhereToGo.com

The grand unveiling comes just as the theatre is celebrating a double national award win for its welcoming atmosphere. Newcastle Theatre Royal was named the My Theatre Matters! UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre of 2015 in the UK Theatre Awards, in association with Smooth Radio and was also presented with the Technical Theatre Awards’ ‘Receiving Venue Team of the Year’ just this month.

Actress Susie Blake as “The Queen”

with Theatre Royal Chairman Ged Bell

Photo: Joanne Oliver for www.JoWhereToGo.com

Staff at the theatre, decided that having ‘the Queen’ on stage all week in hit comedy Handbaggedwas too good an opportunity to miss and asked actress Susie Blake, who plays the role, if she would pop along in costume to officially unveil the newly refurbished facilities.

Susie Blake as The Queen

with Kate Fahy as Mrs Thatcher

Photo: Joanne Oliver for www.JoWhereToGo.com

Susie Blake, posing as ‘the Queen’ said: “It is particularly lovely to be performing the official opening of the backstage refurbishment following the recent announcement that Newcastle Theatre Royal has been crowned the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre 2015. Looking at these marvellous new facilities for the visiting actors it is clear to see why that accolade has been awarded.”

The backstage refurbishment has seen the theatre invest £600,000 in improved Dressing Room facilities, stripping out and renewing all the Dressing Rooms, the Band Rooms for musicians, the laundry, wardrobe and wigs rooms, and improved access and facilities for disabled performers. The ground floor has also been reconfigured with a striking new Stage Door area, and a brand new Green Room, with TV, wi-fi and a football table, and a kitchenette so visiting actors eat and relax in comfort.

Susie Blake as The Queen

with Kate Fahy as Mrs Thatcher

Photo: Joanne Oliver for www.JoWhereToGo.com

Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Chief Executive, Philip Bernays, added: “It’s great fun to have ‘the Queen’ here for our official opening ceremony today, but on a serious note the investment in our backstage facilities plays an important part in being able to attract the finest companies to the Theatre Royal so that our audiences can enjoy top quality theatre.

“Visiting actors regularly comment on how wonderful the team is here at Newcastle Theatre Royal and we are very proud of that reputation as a friendly and welcoming place for them to come; this is now backed up by our recent double award win, which is wonderful. Now our first class personal welcome is matched by our facilities and we hope that all of our visiting companies will enjoy the comfort of the new surroundings we provide for them.”

‘The Queen’ was joined at the official ceremony by ‘Margaret Thatcher’ played by fellow actress Kate Fahy and the pair posed for comedy shots in the new Green Room at Newcastle Theatre Royal while putting the new facilities to the test.

Actress Susie Blake as “The Queen”

with Theatre Royal Chairman Ged Bell

Photo: Joanne Oliver for www.JoWhereToGo.com

The two actors, who play the lead roles in the award-winning comedy Handbagged, will be using the facilities for real all week as the hit comedy plays to Newcastleaudiences. Handbagged is Moira Buffini’s celebrated new comedy, which speculates on what the Queen and Margaret Thatcher really talked about behind closed palace doors. When the stiff upper lip softened and the gloves came off, which one had the upper hand?

Read the North East Theatre Guide Review of Handbagged: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/review-handbagged-at-newcastle-theatre.html

Photography by Joanne Oliver for www.JoWhereToGo.com photography. Follow Jowheretogo on Twitter https://twitter.com/JoWhereToGo& Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo.   

Tickets:

Handbagged plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Saturday 31 October. Tickets are from £12 (save 50p per ticket when you book online) and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.

Preview: Dick Whittington at Newcastle Theatre Royal

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PANTO RETURN IS THE CAT’S WHISKERS FOR PETE

Dick Whittington

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 24^th November 2015 – Sunday 17^th January 2016

Newcastle Theatre Royal has today announced that Washington-born Pete Peverley will play the role of ‘Little Bobby the Cat’ in its spectacular 2015/16 pantomime Dick Whittington.

Petermade his panto debut last year in the Theatre Royal’s box office-busting Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and had audiences in stitches playing ‘Little Bobby the Dwarf’ – an ode to his Bobby Thompson comedy routine.  The role followed the huge success of his one-man show about the North East’s favourite comedian at the Theatre in 2013.

Pete will join the purr-fect pantomime team of Danny Adams, Clive Webb and Chris Hayward who have delighted Newcastle audiences for over a decade and broken box office records every year, alongside recently announced award-winning soap star Charlie Hardwick, who will play ‘Spirit of the Tyne’.

Pete is one of the region’s most celebrated entertainers.  Trained at Newcastle College, he is a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed for many years as part of the Northern Stage ensemble.  His TV credits are extensive and include Byker Grove, Emmerdale and Spender.

Danny Adams and Clive Webb make their eleventh consecutive pantomime appearance at the Theatre Royal in Dick Whittington. With their much-loved and hilarious slapstick, physical comedy and slosh routines, the award-winning father and son duo have become a veritable North East institution. Danny plays the title role of Dick Whittington, while Clive plays Councillor Fitzfenwick.

Making his ninth appearance in Newcastle alongside Danny and Clive, Chris Hayward also returns, complete with his glittering array of costumes and wigs, all of which he designs himself. Playing the role of Dame Rita Fitzfenwick, Chris will provide all of the glamour and sparkle Newcastle theatregoers have come to expect from the North East’s premiere pantomime.

Legendary panto villain and Whitley Bay-lad Steve Arnott is back again - this time playing the dastardly King Rat.  This will be his seventh season at the Theatre Royal and follows his triumphant turn as the evil Queen Lucretia in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs last year.

Dick Whittington is the only pantomime believed to be based on a true story, and one of the few of truly British origin. There actually was a Richard Whittington, and he did become (Lord) Mayor of London in the late 14^th and early 15^th centuries.  The legend says that Whittington was a poor boy who travelled to London to seek his fame and fortune, but arrived penniless, and without a friend in the world - until he was introduced to a rather amazing cat. Newcastle audiences can expect a distinctly local twist on the traditional tale!

Audiences can also expect breathtaking special effects, once again provided by The Twins FX (the award-winning company behind previous years’ looping reindeer sleigh, flying helicopter and magic carpet), hilarious comedy routines, spectacular sets and sensational music and dance.  Plus, returning again in 2015/16 due to popular demand - incredible 3D special effects!

PetePeverley said: “I’m really excited to be playing Little Bobby the Cat – it’s a great honour and a real treat.  Theatre Royal pantomimes are like no other pantos on the planet – they are truly spectacular, and year on year keep blowing their box office targets as word travels further afield.  I loved playing Little Bobby the Dwarf last year and I have no doubt that this year’s show will be another unforgettable experience.”

Already 74,000 tickets have been sold for the panto, a full month before opening – a new record best for the region’s favourite Christmas show. Audiences are encouraged to book soon to avoid disappointment.

Dick Whittington is produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s largest pantomime producer, which will stage 24 productions throughout the UK this Christmas. With ticket prices to suit all pockets, audiences won’t have to head to London to seek their fortune in order to enjoy spectacular pantomime at Newcastle Theatre Royal this Christmas! 

Tickets:

Dick Whittington appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 24^th November 2015 until Sunday 17^th January 2016.

Tickets are available from £12.50, (save 50p per ticket by booking online). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (all calls are charged at 7p a minute plus your phone company’s access charge, calls from mobiles may vary, please contact your operator for details) or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Review: Handbagged at Newcastle Theatre Royal

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When Two Ladies Clash

Handbagged

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until 31^st October 2015

During the 1980s, the Queen and Margaret Thatcher both had very public personas. It is easy to believe you’d know what it would have been like to meet either of them. As they both lived their lives in the full glare of the tabloid-driven world, they both had a lot of different reasons to remember that decade. Handbagged is an amusing look at the events of that 11 year period from 1979 when Mrs Thatcher was elected as Prime Minister. Moira Buffini has penned a play that imagines how these two ladies interacted as major world events unfolded.

The small cast of six consists of two Queens and two Mrs Thatchers. Emma Handy and Sanchia McCormack battle out the weekly meetings over biscuits and sponge cake whilst Susie Blake and Kate Fahy offer the audience their more private thoughts, occasionally with hindsight. Susie in particular has a wonderful range of one liners to deliver with superb comic timing.

A huge range of roles from Dennis Thatcher, members of the cabinet and world leaders to Mrs Regan and Neil Kinnock, are played by Asif Khan and Richard Teverson. The slick, and sometimes less than slick, changing of roles gives the show the feel of a light entertainment show on tv rather than a serious historical theatre production. It is, however, Asif’s character that points out some of the major issues about living in the 80s, from the strikes to unemployment and from Libyan air strikes through to the unrest over the poll tax. Though the serious news of the time is flagged up, the general direction of the play never loses the light touch and it usually finds the funny side of the story.

From the very beginning the play smashes the fourth wall as Mrs T and the Queen address the theatre audience. Their casual asides frequently causes the Theatre Royal audience to laugh. From the moment the Queen drags a chair across for Margaret to use the lighter tone is set. The show portrays both the likely view held at that time, for example Dennis Thatcher’s less than politically correct observations, and a more current analysis.

Based upon the speculation in the press at that time, the conversations are believable. The way the 2 women felt about each other is also in keeping with public perception. As Head of State, the Queen was unable to express any displeasure in public, but her Christmas speeches often outlined her view on society based upon a Christian viewpoint. Perhaps such views can come across as socialist too and one can imagine how irritating the Prime Minister found that.

The play is also good at quickly filling in the younger members of the audience on the background to some significant events, such as Rhodesia, which they may not be fully aware of. The 1980s were a time of a contracting empire and a change in the political order. Both ladies were acutely aware of that though this does not stop them trying to score points against each other.

The show comes across as both friendly and light hearted and yet not dismissive of the serious issues. It doesn’t set out to trivialise but it retains a strong sense of humour.  Strong acting the all six coupled with acute sense of comic timing makes this a very entertaining show.

One is very amused!

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/2015/08/preview-handbagged-at-newcastle-theatre.html

Tickets:

Handbagged appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 26th – Saturday 31st October 2015. Tickets from £12 (pay 50p less per ticket when you book online).

Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21, (calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge) or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.

Preview: And Now: The World! at Washington Arts Centre

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English Translation of an Award Winning German Play comes to Washington.

 

And Now: The World!

Washington Arts Centre

Thursday 12^th November 2015

The English language premiere of an award-winning German play, that questions the effects of the internet on our behavior, comes to Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 12^thNovember at 7.30pm.

The internet is a world of possibilities, but what happens to us when we get information overload?   And Now: The World! uncovers the harsh anonymity of a life lived online; and asks are human relationships sacrificed in return for a digital existence?  What does social media do to our minds?

Winner of the Theater Heute’s German Play of the Year Award, this solo performance examines what it means to be a young woman in a digital world. Written by Award-winning German playwright Sybille Berg, who was nominated for the most prestigious award for German speaking playwrights, the Mulheim Dramatists’ Award as well as winner of the 2008 Wolfgang-Koeppen-Literaturpreis, the performance dissects a human response to an online world of possibilities.

The play is presented by OpenWorks who are dedicated to creating theatre for new and young audiences.

OpenWorks’ Artistic Director, Abigail Graham said, “I’m thrilled that we are bringing this amazing award-winning German text to the UK. It's an important, thought-provoking play that tackles the most urgent issues of our times - digital culture, activism, feminism, human relationships. Sybille Berg is one of the best playwrights I have come across and I can't wait to share her work with British audiences.”

On The Web
@OpenWorksTweets

@anglescompany

www.openworkstheatre.co.uk

www.companyofangels.co.uk

 

Creatives

Performed by Jennifer Jackson                      Directed by Abigail Graham

Written by Sybille Berg                                     Dramaturge Clara Brennan

Designed by Sarah Beaton                             Translated by Ben Knight

Tickets
And Now: The World comes to Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 12 November at 7.30pm.  Tickets cost £6 and are available  from www.artscentrewashington.co.ukor by calling 0191 219 3455.

Running Time: 60 minutes

Suitable for ages 14⁺