Review: MIRACLE! at Sunderland Minster

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

MIRACLE! An Opera of Two Halves

Sunderland Minster, High Street West, SR1 3ET

Until Sunday 29^th November 2015

Jonathan Cooke & Miles Horner

with chorus

Photo: Mark Savage

Music in the Minster has commissioned Writer David Almond and Composer Marcos Fernandez to create an operatic piece about fans, passion and Sunderland AFC.

Triumphant chorus

Photo: Mark Savage

The use of the opera style for a contemporary story is much more in keeping with the original storytelling origins of opera than the high stakes productions that it tends to be associated with today.  It seems to be the perfect vehicle to explore the emotional rollercoaster ride for fans and players alike.

Adult chorus as SAFC

fans on the terraces

Photo: Mark Savage

The venue is a large historic old church opposite the Sunderland Empire. This brings about a number of challenges for the production but they had pulled it off.

Jonathan Cooke as Angelo

Photo: Mark Savage

Despite the weather outside, the room was nicely warm.  The stage comprising of some football terraces and a bit of green pitch was central to the show. The lighting design helped pick out the action. The show relied upon the natural acoustics of the church.  The musicians, and sometimes the backing vocalists, were tucked into the side but could be easily heard.

MIRACLE - An Opera of Two Halves

Photo: Mark Savage

The story follows Sunderland AFC who are facing the drop. Local striker Hughie Mann (Miles Homer) is having a nightmare. The Angels, comprising of local young people with very angelic voices, notice Sunderland’s plight and God (Ian Priestly) decides to send them an angel to help them out. 

Youth chorus as angels

Photo: Mark Savage

Angelo (Jonathan Cooke) is signed by the club and has an immediate impact both on and off the pitch. This includes falling in love with a lovely lass from Pennywell (Caroline Kennedy). Can the relationship survive? Will Angelo bring even more success in the following season? All is revealed!

Jonathan Cooke as Angelo

Photo: Mark Savage

The show is literally made up of two 45 minute halves, just like football. The action is not given the opportunity to drag.

The ensemble of volunteer performers stay in character throughout the show. Their collective voices filling the church. The youth chorus are exceptional and really lift the score. The cast seem to really enjoy performing.

Jonathan Cooke as Angelo

Photo: Mark Savage

Amongst the professional soloists the stand out performance was Jonathan Cooke, as Angelo.  His strong voice and personality totally suited the hero of the story.  Ian Priestly had gravitas as both God in the pulpit and manager Larry Trench. Caroline Kennedy was also great in her role as the footballer’s love interest.

Music Director Marco Romano

conducts the live orchestra

Photo: Mark Savage

Nine musicians accompany the show. Musical Director Marco Romano led a very tight opening night accompaniment. The new score was a joy to hear.

Director Annie Rigby has created a stunning musical piece of theatre. This was a very passionate production, very fitting of the region and its fanatical football fans.

Youth chorus Photo: Mark Savage

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-miracle-at-sunderland-minster.html

Centre left Miles Horner as

Hughie Mann & Fiona Tobin as his wife

Photo: Mark Savage

Tickets:

Soprano Caroline Kennedy plays a lovely lass from Pennywell

Photo: Mark Savage

MIRACLE! An Opera of Two Halves is at Sunderland Minster from 27-29 November 2015 at 7.30pm, plus 2.30pm matinee on Sun 29 November.

Tickets priced £10 / £8 concessions are now available online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/musicintheminster   

0844 8700 887*

*No booking fees for e-tickets; Ticket Source fees apply for phone bookings or tickets delivered by post

Review: Dick Whittington at Newcastle Theatre Royal

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

Glamour On The Tyne

Dick Whittington

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Sunday 17^th January 2016

Danny Adams and Clive Webb are making their triumphant return to Newcastle’s Theatre Royal for their 11^th pantomime. The show has all of the glamour, the tricks and the tomfoolery that we have come to expect. The show never loses sight of the fact that it is there to entertain the audience whether they are 1 or 101. No wonder large numbers return year after year. After all The Geordies know a good thing when they see one.

Photo: Keith Pattison

The story of Dick Whittington usually involves Dick heading to London to seek his fortune but the Michael Harrison penned hit reverses the action back up to Newcastle.

Photo: Keith Pattison

Steve Arnott appears as the evil King Rat who has devastated most of the UK in his quest for world domination. Cue the first opportunity to have some friendly digs at neighbouring Sunderland. King Rat is heading to Newcastle but who can save us?

Photo: Keith Pattison

After 12 years in Emmerdale, as Val Pollard, Charlie Hardwick has returned to her native North East. She appears as the very Geordie sounding Spirit Of The Tyne - a fairy godmother character who looks after the region. The Spirit has summoned Dick to come to Newcastle and help catch the rats.

Photo: Keith Pattison

Danny Adams and Clive Webb are a safe pair of hands for this situation. As Dick Whittington and Councillor Fitzfenwick they seize every opportunity to make the packed Theatre Royal laugh. Fast one liners, fabulous tricks freely flow in a comedy masterclass. Chuck some water around and share a trampoline with Phil Seaman as Captain Birdseye – Danny makes it look so easy. The effort behind this façade must be immense.

Photo: Keith Pattison

The show features high production values and brilliant costumes and the most amazing designs are reserved for Dame Rita. Chris Hayward needs no introduction to the Theatre Royal panto regulars and Dame Rita’s first appearance is immediately greeted with “Hiya Hinny!”

Photo: Keith Pattison

Completing the cast includes Pete Peverley as Bobby the Cat. After seeing Pete on this very stage as The Bobby Thompson Story, it was not lost on us that this cat wore the Little Waster’s jumper and used a number of his lines to great effect.  Alice Stokoe is the love interest for Dick and Michael Potts returns as the village idiot. They are supported by a canny ensemble and the wonderful young students in Marron Theatre Arts.

Photo: Keith Pattison

The show pulls a number of effects out of the bag. The extremely large puppets are very convincing (and scary too!). The 3D effects are amongst the best that I have witnessed.  The show’s producers must be commended as the effects are fabulous but it does not use them as an excuse for lowering the intensity of other aspects of the show.

Photo: Keith Pattison

The pantomime is a magnificent return for the Theatre Royal’s favourite comedy duo.  Danny Adams is a real gem. Clive Webb, the perfect comedy partner.

Dick Whittington is a grand production, both entertaining and glamorous. This panto is the cat’s whiskers!

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-dick-whittington-at-newcastle.html

Tickets:

Dick Whittington appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Sunday 17^th January 2016.

Photo: Keith Pattison

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: Legally Blonde at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

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

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: Cinderella at Whickham Pantodrome

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

 

GATESHEAD’S BIGGEST PANTO SET FOR CHRISTMAS RUN

Cinderella 

‘Whickham Pantodrome' at Gateshead Whickham School

Thursday 17^th December until Christmas Eve 2015

A brand new professional panto is being launched in the Gateshead area for Christmas 2015. NS Pantomimes are behind the exciting magical fairytale, Cinderella  which is hoped to be the first of many popular pantomimes being staged in a specially constructed theatre venue in Whickham, Gateshead.

The new theatre setup is being created within a sports venue in Whickham School which will allow over 9,000 local residents, schools and groups to enjoy festive entertainment on their doorstep this December. The greatest fairytale of them all will run from Thursday 17^th December until Christmas Eve.

The project is being produced by local lad Jamie Gray who has been keen to bring larger scale productions to this side of the river for many years. “I’ve been involved in theatre from a really young age, I produced my first ever show when I was in school - It was a bit ropey as you’d expect but since then I’ve had huge ambition and drive to continue to produce bigger and better things”.

Jamie is creating the show in collaboration with local writer and composer Thomas Whalley. Thomas, who has recently finished training at Associated Studios in London, and a run on London’s West Endas part of the cast of She Loves Me at the Landor Theatre, will be putting pen to paper writing this year’s rags to riches tale. Tom stresses "Panto is in my blood, my grandma used to produce pantomimes back in the good old days! I relocated to London last year but I am delighted to be able to be writing this years show. It’s great writing for your home town - Geordies have their own sense of humour which is different to anywhere else in the country so it’s great having an amazing local cast of performers and dancers who we know will deliver and the audience will love."

The new panto project will involve the construction of a full size stage and auditorium within a building which is currently a number of indoor sports courts.  Jamie states “This is totally different to anything I’ve ever done before - we can’t just turn up to the theatre with our set and costume rails and do the show - everything has to be constructed from scratch. It’s difficult to envisage what a show will look like in an empty space, but it’s exciting. Normally I’d go into a theatre auditorium and sit and look at the stage for hours but this time round it’s all drawings on paper. I have a fantastic team behind me so I have no doubt that this pantomime will be something special and I cannot wait to share the experience with you all”

Cinderella will be a brand new version of the well-loved fairy tale, with side splitting humour, stunning sets and a range of beautiful costumes created especially for the show. Jamie adds “The public are going crazy for pantomime here, it’s unbelievable the amount of excitement it is creating between young and old - Gateshead doesn’t have it’s own large theatre so it’s amazing to be able to offer an affordable family show so close to home that will have the same production standards as some city centre venues”.

Tickets:

Cinderella is at the ‘Whickham Pantodrome' at Gateshead Whickham School, Burnthouse Lane, Whickham

Newcastle upon Tyne, NE16 5AR. It runs from Thursday 17^th December until Christmas Eve 2015.

Tickets for Cinderella are on sale now and are available online at www.niceswan.com or by calling the booking line 0333 666 3366 or for local/group/school sales call 07741 477660. From £10.00. Special group and school discounts available.