Preview: Sticking at Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

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Sticking

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

Tuesday 8th – Saturday 12th November 2016

BBC Verb New Voice Winner and Newcastle Upon Tyne born and raised, Matthew Lewis Miller, brings his first solo show Sticking to Newcastle’s vibrant Alphabetti Theatre.

Matthew Lewis Miller - Photo: Tamsin Drury

Newcastle Upon Tyneplaywright, poet and actor, Matthew Lewis Miller, will perform his first solo show, Sticking, at Newcastle’s newest theatre space underneath the office block on Pilgrim Street.

A rising voice in the poetry and theatre sectors, Matthew Lewis Miller presents Sticking, his first full length solo show to a home audience.

Matthew says of the show “I believe there is a pressure for peoples’ lives to have traceable, linear narratives. In reality, this is hard to live up to: life narratives often have unexplored, unexplained gaps. With Sticking, I am interested in finding ways into those gaps. Bringing the show to Newcastle is particularly exciting for me as so much of my own narrative is connected to the city”

Sticking is a poetic and rebellious story of love, fear and sex. Exploring what happens when we question what is expected of us, and the choices we make to discover our own identity. Sticking is directed by international theatre artist Peader Kirk and has been developed with Contact Theatre in Manchester and New Writing North supporting the growth of Matthew as an emerging voice.

Music and memories collide in this poetic tour-de-force by BBC Verb New Voice Winner

As well as the show itself audiences will be invited to submit songs to a collective playlist, as part of participation activity, and to share memories and experiences of music in their lives, from getting ready to party to reflections on relationships and love. Songs collected will feature in a special after-show party curated by Newcastle-based DJ, Mariam Rezaei.

As a poet Matthew has performed at Nottingham Playhouse and at the Olympic Park. As an actor, he has performed at the National Student Drama Festival and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His play Back To Oblivion was produced at the Nottingham New Theatre.

Matthew has been Artist in Residence at LIVE Theatre, Newcastle.

Tickets:

Tickets are on a Pay What You Decide basis and the show runs from Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 November. To reserve tickets see the theatre website: http://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/whats-on-menu/whats-on/17-whats-on-articles/62-sticking

Alphabetti Theatre, The Basement, 18 New Bridge Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AW

Film Review: I, Daniel Blake

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I, Daniel Blake

Directed by Ken Loach

This is an unusual film in that it is filmed in Newcastle but it doesn’t go for the classic bridges background. Nor does it go for the “it’s grim up north” stereotype. It centres its narrative on a dysfunctional welfare system that isn’t fit for purpose.

A great cast shows pride in the face of adversity, and bureaucrats following orders. Dave Johns is the carpenter who has paid into the system his entire working life and, after a heart attack and under doctors orders, he expects some support. His incredulity at being rejected and assessed as being fit for work by a faceless “health care professional” who ignores the advice of his doctors is well placed.

He meets up with Katie (Hayley Squires) who has been forced to relocate to the area in order to access somewhere to live with her young family. She is sanctioned as she did not know the way to the job centre and Daniel offers to help her.

Sharon Percy

Photo: Carliol Photography

Gavin Webster plays a former workmate who still looks out for Daniel and Sharon Percy is the job centre employee, Shiela, who doesn’t appreciate that not everyone has access to the internet.

Digital by default they are told. No, Daniel is human by default. This is an impressive film. Each generation has a film that causes it to wake up and realise there is a need for change. Thought provoking. Highly recommended.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for Carliol Photography (https://twitter.com/CarliolPhoto). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Carliol Photography on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/carliolphotography.

Book review: How to be a Dynasty Diva

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How to be a Dynasty Diva

by Steve Burbridge

published by Creighton Publishing Company

Book review

“The female of the species is deadlier than the male.” – Kipling

Local playwright Steve Burbridge has entertained us with Testing Times (NETG Review) and now he guides us through one the classic tv series of the 1980s in his latest book.

2016 marks the 35th anniversary of Dynasty – a series that mixed power and glamour with strong female characters armed with sharp one liners. This is a world in which someone raises a son and then discovers that they have always been infertile; a world in which enemies unite to destroy a common enemy;  in which allies become mortal enemies on the sight of an embrace with the wrong person. It is a world that aired in America from January 12^th 1981 to May 11^th 1989. The 9 seasons and 220 episodes were beamed across the world and this included the home of North East author Steve Burbridge.

Steve is a fan of the show but this book isn’t about fan-worship. Neither is the book an academic paper. Having said that Steve has gone to great lengths to research this book. He presents the potted history of the characters and how the power-hungry ladies became such an influence other the men in their lives and each other. Each story is complex as a vine, entwined with many other stories. Some characters come and go, some even change actor completely and Steve has this all covered.  The result is a book which is both well-researched and readable. Whilst Steve was clearly hooked on the show, he isn’t blinkered and is willing to question, for example, some of the casting decisions made by the producers. His journalistic training enables him to remain objective.

After a discussion of the interactions and relationships between characters Steve discusses the 80s power dressing. It was about shoulder-pads, accessories and knowing how to make an imposing entrance or deliver a verbal killing blow.

The Dynasty diva liked to indulge in leisure activities and culture as they could afford to splash out. These are additional conduits of power for the socialite.  They need to consider what they eat, where they live and how it is furnished plus where they stay on their travels. Each aspect of the divas lifestyle is a tool for control and Steve’s book unpacks many aspects of their behaviour.

The dialogue and bitchy put-downs are, as Steve points out, often cliché – a readily accessed phrase book for each diva to exploit.

The Dynastay diva will always assume the alpha position in any situation. She is intelligent and aspirational. Dynasty was possibly ahead of its time in showing the woman in the driving seat rather than the male-led Dallas. Strong female roles may be “diva-like” but in the 80s it was rare to see strong roles for female characters, except, perhaps, on a different financial level in Coronation Street. 

The book highlights the matriarch as much as it does the diva. As someone who didn’t watch the show very often I found the book interesting as it shows the layers and fine details between the many characters that build up over time in a long running series. How To Be A Dynasty Diva is a great handbook for the fans of the series.

How To Be A Dynasty Diva is available now from Creighton Publishing Company, priced £12 or 2 for £20 if you’d like to buy an additional copy as a Christmas present + p&p. Postage costs: UK £2.50, Europe £8.00, USA/Canada/Australia £10.00. To order a copy, contact steveburbridge@outlook.comor contact Steve through his Facebook page: www.facebook.com/steveburbridgewriter.

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 www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo.

Preview: Beauty & the Beast at Newcastle Theatre Royal

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LOVE CONQUERS ALL AS NORTHERN BALLET BRING THE SPELLBINDING BEAUTY & THE BEAST TO NEWCASTLE

Beauty & the Beast

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 8^th – Saturday 12^thNovember 2016

This winter audiences will be transported to the heart of one of the world’s most famous fairytales as Northern Ballet brings its reimagining of Beauty & the Beast to Newcastle Theatre Royal for the first time from Tuesday 8^th – Saturday 12^th November 2016.

Photo: Bill Cooper

Photo: Bill Cooper

With a kaleidoscope of colour and haute couture style costumes, the festive season favourite Beauty & the Beast is a treasured classic for the whole family to enjoy and marks the return of Northern Ballet to the Theatre Royal following the successful run of The Nutcracker in 2015.

Photo: Bill Cooper

Photo: Bill Cooper

Choreographed by Artistic Director David Nixon OBE, Beauty & the Beast tells the story of a vain and superficial Prince. Transformed into a Beast as punishment for his arrogance, his only chance is for true love to break the spell – but who could love a monster like him?

Photo: Bill Cooper

Photo: Bill Cooper

Beauty & the Beast will take audiences on a journey into an enchanting world inhabited by fairies, goblins and sprites. Set to an infectious score played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia, including music by Saint-Saëns, Bizet, Poulenc, Glazanov and Debussy, this magical family show proves that love can conquer all. 

 

Photo: Bill Cooper

Photo: Bill Cooper

David Nixon said: “Beauty & the Beast is a classic fairytale of good versus evil, exploring the concept of beauty on the inside and the outside. This is not an adaptation of the Disney version of the story – it is based on the original tale and will embrace the darker elements as well as the lighter moments.”

Photo: Bill Cooper

Photo: Bill Cooper

Tickets:
Beauty & the Beast plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 8 – Sat 12 November. Tickets are from £14.50 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.ukor from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge).

Preview: Wendy the Witch and the Mummy’s Curse at South Shields Customs House

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Wendy the Witch Returns for Spooktacular New Musical

Wendy the Witch and the Mummy’s Curse

South Shields Customs House

Sunday 30^th and Monday 31^st October 2016

Everyone’s favourite witch is back at The Customs House just in time for Halloween.

Wendy the Witch and the Mummy’s Curse takes place at the theatre in Mill Dam, South Shieldson Sunday 30^th and Monday 31^st October.

This is the third year The Customs House and Made4Stage – the team behind under sevens panto Santa’s Naughty Elf - have brought a special spooky show starring Wendy to the venue.

This time Wendy finds a Mummy who has been trapped in a wardrobe by and evil wizard. Can she break the curse and free her new friend? Find out in the ‘spooktacular’ new musical.

Writer and director Wayne Miller, who is known to thousands of youngsters as Elfluent the Elf, said: “Once again it’s that spooky time of year and it’s great to bring back our well-loved character Wendy. She’s been a joy to create and what an adventure we have for this Halloween.  The team can’t wait to get the magic going and give our audiences a real spooktacular treat!”

Back in the role of Wendy will be Sarah Boulter, who was last seen at The Customs House in summer smash hit The Dolly Mixtures. She’ll be joined by newcomer Laura Fulgenzi as The Mummy, while Waynewill play The Wizard.

“It’s great to be back at The Customs House,” said Sarah, who lives in Sunderland, “and it’s always a pleasure to be working with Made4Stage Theatre, we always have a great time and the audiences are always keen to be involved.

“I love playing Wendy, it’s so much fun and I love the interaction with the children and their families. It’s great getting to work with Wayneagain, we’ve done a lot of shows together and have great chemistry but its also been lovely to work with a new cast member Laura who brings a new dynamic to the team.  Rehearsals have been filled with laughter, cups of tea and hobnobs.”

Laura, 19, from Newcastle, who is currently studying at The Hammond School in Chester, added: “This is my first professional job and I’m having so much fun working with Wayne and Sarah. I’m super excited to perform at The Customs House, experience my first professional pantomime and work with an excellent cast. I am playing The Mummy, who has a passion for dance and would love to be on stage performing, and while I can’t really relate to the mummy side of my character, I can relate to having a passion to perform!”

Wayneadded: “Having Sarah back is a blessing, she’s an actress very much in demand so having her return to Wendy is fab. Seeing her working with Laura has been so much fun, they are bouncing off each other well, which makes the rehearsal process so easy.”

On Sunday children will also be able to add to their Halloween experience by meeting Wendy at The Little Customs House of Horrors Party. Tickets are £10 and include party games and food.

Tickets:

Tickets for Wendy the Witch and the Mummy’s Curse are £7.50 and are available from the box office on 0191 454 1234 or by visiting www.customshouse.co.uk.

Preview: Waiting for Godot at Newcastle Peoples Theatre

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“We always find something – eh, Didi? – to give us the impression we exist …”

Waiting for Godot

by Samuel Beckett

Newcastle Peoples Theatre

Tuesday 1st to Saturday 5th November 2016

Two weatherbeaten down-and-outs linger by a solitary tree, hoping to meet the elusive and mysterious Mr Godot.

Estragon (Gordon Russell), Pozzo (Kevin Gibson),

Vladimir (Steve Robertson), Lucky (Roger Liddle)

Photo: Paula Smart

Their infernal wait is alternately enlivened by high-velocity banter, lugubrious melancholy, sardonic contemplation, and some very odd visitors and passers-by.

Vladimir (Steve Robertson), Estragon (Gordon Russell),

Pozzo (Kevin Gibson), Lucky (Roger Liddle)

Photo: Paula Smart

At once emotive, contemplative, and humorous, Beckett’s masterpiece wittily explores our angst-ridden insecurities on the absurdity and meaninglessness of life.

In their battered bowlers, dust-flecked coats, and road-worn boots, the ever-buoyant Vladimir and the tetchy Estragon are like Laurel and Hardy re-imagined by Sartre, with Beckett’s wry dialogue making the show every bit as vaudevillian as it is philosophical.

Estragon (Gordon Russell) and Vladimir (Steve Robertson)

Photo: Paula Smart

You shouldn’t laugh at this tightrope walk between happiness and despair – but you will. As Beckett enigmatically said of his work: “It’s a game. Everything is a game.”

“Yes, yes, we're magicians”

Hailed by the legendary critic Kenneth Tynan as “a pilgrim from Mars” upon its sensational arrival in 1955, Beckett’s existentialist tragicomedy has been a familiar friend to theatre lovers ever since.

Pozzo (Kevin Gibson), Estragon (Gordon Russell),

      Lucky (Roger Liddle), Vladimir (Steve Robertson)

Photo: Paula Smart

In recent years, Vladimir and Estragon have become must-do roles for Hollywood stars and jobbing actors alike.

When Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewartwere in the region performing the play in 2009, Sir Ian visited the People’s in his capacity as President of the Little Theatre Guild. Now PTAG members Steve Robertson and Gordon Russell don the legendary bowler hats as Vladimir and Estragon.

But will Godot show up? There’s only one way to find out …

Tickets:

Waiting For Godot appears on Tuesday 1^st to Saturday 5^th November 2016 at 7.30pm

Tickets cost £13.50 (Concessions £11) and are available from 0191 265 5020 or the website www.peoplestheatre.co.uk