Review: James And The Giant Peach at Newcastle Northern Stage

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Absolutely Scrumptious

James And The Giant Peach

Newcastle Northern Stage

Until Saturday 31^st December 2016

Roald Dahl’s 1961 classic book has been lovingly transferred to the stage in this visually exciting production. The young audience were transfixed by the action and their parents could be heard describing how great it had been as they left. That’s mission accomplished for Northern Stage and the show fits in well with their other classic Christmas stories. A pantomime it may not be, but it frequently breaks down that fourth wall to engage the young minds in the audience. If this rich experience of theatre is the child’s first then there is every likelihood that they will want to return.

Photo: Topher McGrillis

The story starts in New York and the audience is introduced to James Henry Trotter (Stan Hodgson) and the stone at the centre of his infamous peach.  Quickly the story moves back to England and a happy time when he lived with his parents and had lots of friends. Disaster occurs when his parents visit London and he finds himself in the care of the cruel Aunt Spiker (Alice Blundell) and Aunt Sponge (Michael Blair) who make his life awful. An old man (Tim Dalling) offers James some magic which ends up growing a massive peach, along with some creatures nearby.

Photo: Topher McGrillis

As the peach, along with James and his new creature friends, bounces off, they find themselves on a new adventure.  The success of this production is down to how well the cast relate to the younger members of the audience and thankfully, in this respect, the show is very good. The cast do a good job in relating to the young audience members. Lana Walker, as the Ladybird; Clara Darcy, as Miss Spider; Tim Dalling as the Grasshopper; Maria Crocker as the Centipede and Michael Blair as the grumpy Earthworm are all recognisable to the children. An ensemble consisting of Edward Christensen, Rebecca Graham, Alex Hall, John Halliday, Leah Mains and Cara Wylie support the action well as James’ friends, sharks and assorted other characters. One of the highlights is the underwater world later in the show which is a real team effort and a credit to the director Mark Calvert.

Photo: Topher McGrillis

The set and costume design by Rhys Jarman is worth noting as the normal stage has been taken out and it is extended into the normal seating area. This results in the audience sitting on 3 sides around a central performance area. This results in bringing the action closer to the younger audience. The costumes look wonderful too for the numerous minibeasts.

Photo: Topher McGrillis

The sound design from Nick John Williams ensures that the cast be heard without being too loud.

The show also features live music, performed under the musical director Jeremy Bradfield, on stage. Many of the cast get involved in creating the music, which fits in well with the story.

Photo: Topher McGrillis

This show is advertised as being aimed the 5-11 age group and that is an accurate description of the audience that will really appreciate it. It is a magical show that will excite the younger theatre goers over the 2 hours (including interval). Our 13 year old Roald Dahl fan gave the show praise and said it was “absolutely scrumptious”.

Review by Stephen Oliver– follow on Twitter as @NETheatreGuide

Read the NETG preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/preview-james-and-giant-peach-at.html

Cast:

Michael Blair - Aunt Sponge/Earthworm

Alice Blundell - Aunt Spiker/ Mrs Trotter/TV reporter/Captain

Jeremy Bradfield - Tour Guide/Mr Trotter

Maria Crocker - Centipede

Tim Dalling - Old Green Grasshopper/Old Man

Clara Darcy - Miss Spider

Stan Hodgson - James

Lana Walker – Ladybird

Creative team:

Mark Calvert – Director

Rebecca Frecknall - Associate Director

Rhys Jarman - Designer

Colin Grenfell – Lighting designer

Jeremy Bradfield – Composer/Performer

Nick John Williams – Sound Designer

Martin Hylton – Movement Director

Meghan Doyle - Assistant Director

Tickets:

Blue (Preview) performances: £12 adult | £10 child
Green performances: £16 adult | £10 child
Orange performances: £18 adult | £12 child
All Welcome. Recommended ages 5-11 years

Tickets are now on sale at http://www.northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/roald-dahls-james-and-the-giant-peachor call the box office on 0191 230 5151.

PLEASE NOTE:If you require a ticket for children under 12 months old, please contact the box office on 0191 230 5151.

For school group bookings please contact our box office 0191 230 5151 or email Ruth RMcFarlane@northernstage.co.uk 

Review: Cinderella at Newcastle Theatre Royal

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Danny Pulls Something

New Out Of His Hat

Cinderella

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Sunday 15^th January 2017

The Newcastle Theatre Royal is like a good chocolate box. You know what you’re going to get and you know you’re going to love it. Danny Adams and Clive Webb use their charisma to charm the crowd with their many funny gags and slapstick humour. Chris Hayward parades is his many fabulous costumes whilst the Twins FX ensure that you have the wow factor. It is the panto gem that always shines.

This year turned out to be no exception however there were some surprises that turned up the quality and the immersive nature of the experience. Danny proved he is more than the acrobat and slapstick comedian we know and love, he has other skills to share. The audience always warm to him.

Chris Hayward opened the show in an even more spectacular fashion than he usually does and there are some extra special effects that really impress both young and old alike.

Laura Evans as Cinderella deserves a special mention as she played a delightful version of the long-suffering heroine. Laura sang beautifully along with Prince Charming (played by Will Richardson) and it was great to hear some songs that haven’t been done to death in other pantos.

Will, and Wayne Smith (as Dandini) played a dashing twosome as the Prince and his aide and put a lot into their vocal performances and it showed.

Ugly sisters Peter Peverly and Steve Arnott were a refreshing change as Verruca and Hernia with their less than salubrious tastes and habits.

It could have been that same old chocolate box, but this year it wasn’t. Yes, it’s big, and glamorous. There’s glitter and bangs. But thanks to Danny Adams, Clive Webb and Michael Potts it’s really very funny. Some playground level rude jokes may not be to some tastes but the 13 year old with me found them very amusing.

The children in the audience seemed to like the 3D part of the show which I can’t help feeling is getting a tad old now. The live performances are good enough to carry the show. Theatre IS 3D!

Supporting performances from a great dancing ensemble and the sweet kids from Marron Theatre Arts completed the show perfectly.

Theatre Royal has raised the bar for panto again. Well done.

Review by Joanne Oliver(Twitter: @JoWhereToGo)

Read the NETG Preview:  http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/preview-cinderella-at-newcastle-theatre.html

Tickets:

Cinderella appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 22^nd November 2016 – Sunday 15^th January 2017. Tickets are available from £13.00 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: Dirty Dancing at Sunderland Empire

IT’S BACK AND SEXIER THAN EVER!

Dirty Dancing– The Classic Story On Stage

Sunderland Empire

26^th June- 1^st July 2017

Producers Karl Sydow and Paul Elliott are delighted to announce that the new UK production of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, currently wowing audiences round the country on its UK tour, will be mambo-ing back to Sunderland Empire from 26 June – 1 July 2017. The casting has yet to be confirmed for Sunderland dates.

The UK tour has taken over £5.5million pounds since it hit the road in August, and now, due to overwhelming demand for tickets around the country, even more dates have now been added, including Sunderland in 2017. In addition, the production will play a season in the West End this Christmas, at the Phoenix Theatre for thirty performances only from 6 – 31 December 2016.

The classic story of Baby and Johnny, featuring the hit songs 'Hungry Eyes', ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the heart stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’, returns to the UK, following two blockbuster West End runs, two hit UK tours, and various sensational international productions.

Full of passion and romance, heart-pounding music and sensationally sexy dancing, the record-breaking show has been reconceived in an all new production created by an innovative new creative team; directed by Federico Bellone, choreographed by Gillian Bruce and with design re-imagined by top Italian set designer Roberto Comotti. The production premiered in Milan in July 2015, subsequently packing out the 15,000 seat Roman Arena in Verona, and then played a season in Rome.

It’s the summer of 1963, and 17 year- old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is about to learn some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing. On holiday in New York’s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents, she shows little interest in the resort activities, and instead discovers her own entertainment when she stumbles across an all-night dance party at the staff quarters. 

Mesmerised by the raunchy dance moves and the pounding rhythms, Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle the resort dance instructor. Her life is about to change forever as she is thrown in at the deep end as Johnny’s leading lady both on-stage and off, and two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.

Dirty Dancing –The Classic Story On Stage originally opened at London’s Aldwych Theatre in 2006 with a record-breaking advance of £15 million, making it the fastest ever selling show in West End theatre history. The production became the longest running show in the history of the Aldwych Theatre and played to over 2 million people during its triumphant 5 year run.

Since its Australian debut in 2004, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, has become a worldwide phenomenon, with productions staged in the USA, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore and throughout Europe, consistently breaking box office records. Recent sell out tours include France, Germany and Australia. The first ever UK tour of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, which launched in 2011, took an unprecedented £42,000,000 at theatres across the country. In 2013, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage returned to the West End and played at the Piccadilly Theatre in London until 23 February 2014, prior to launching a second UK and Ireland tour.

Produced by Karl Sydow, Joye Entertainment and Paul Elliott, in association with Lionsgate and Magic Hour Productions, and written by Eleanor Bergstein, script writer of the phenomenally successful 1987 film, the production features the much-loved characters and original dialogue from the iconic film, with exciting extra scenes added in.

On The Web:

www.dirtydancingontour.com

Tickets:

Tickets available from the Box Office on High Street West, via the ticket centre 0844 871 3022* or www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland *calls cost up to 7p per minute plus standard network charges. Booking and transaction fees may apply to telephone and online bookings.

Preview: Cinderella at Seaton Delaval Arts Centre

 You shall go to the ball with a Panto celebration this Christmas

Cinderella

Seaton Delaval Arts Centre

Friday 2^ndto Saturday 10^th December 2016

A celebration is in order as community theatre the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre is preparing to mark ten years since opening its doors, and what better way to do it than going back to where it all began.

A spectacular production of Cinderella will take place this December to mark ten successful years of the venue. The first ever performance to grace the stage was Aladdin, performed the Seaton Delaval Pantomime Society and each year they have produced a family Pantomime for all to enjoy. This year Cinders, Buttons, a magical fairy godmother and not forgetting the gruesome ugly sisters take to the stage in a truly magical production of the most loved fairy tale of all. 

Perfect for the whole family to enjoy, the show is packed full show-stopping songs played by a live band, dazzling dance routines and hilarious knockabout comedy with bags of audience participation and fun.

The Arts Centre is a registered charity and ran entirely by volunteers with no paid members of staff. The building was saved from demolition in 2007 when a group dedicated members came together to buy the old Salvation Army Church on Avenue Road and convert it into a multi-use theatre and community space. For the last ten years the organisation has brought the arts to Seaton Valley with a range of monthly tribute shows, dramas, comedies, food events and community productions along with providing a modern space for local groups to use and enjoy. From Burns Nights to Elvis tributes, to dance shows and new drama, the venue has hosted over 600 different shows and performances to thousands of theatre goers with all profit going back into the pot to maintain and run the building.

Rehearsals are well underway for the show which takes place from December 2^ndfor ten performances with scripts being learnt and dances rehearsed. The cast is made up of young people and adults from across the local area along with an army of backstage volunteers sorting costumes, building set, focusing lights and much more. The script has been penned by local panto legends Steve Arnott and Michael Harrison of Grimaldi Pantomimes.

Stu Bennett, Theatre Director of the Arts Centre said “To think of all the volunteers who’ve given up their time and effort over the last ten years is truly astonishing. We’ve had thousands of patrons through our doors enjoying a range of different shows both professional and amateur, but we are delighted to mark this mile stone with an amazing production of the great Panto of them all. Pantomime holds a special place in all of our hearts and one of the main reasons the venue exists.”

“We push the boat out every year with our show, which last year saw over 1100 audience members leave the auditorium with a smile on their face. Whilst we keep to the traditions of the fairy tale, there are a few extra special surprises along the way to mark this great mile stone in style.”

Tickets:

The show takes place from Friday 2nd to Saturday 10th December at the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre. Performances take place nightly at 7.00pm with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 1.00pm. Tickets are on sale and available from the Box Office on 0191 237 5460 or book online at www.seatondelavalartscentre.com

 

Preview: Wor Stories at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 NEWCASTLE’S ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES OF LIFE IN THE MILITARY IN A NEW THEATRE PRODUCTION

Wor Stories

Newcastle Theatre Royal  

Wednesday 7^th– Saturday 10^th December 2016

Rehearsals are underway for a new production being put on by 30 members of Newcastle’s Armed Forces community. 

Chris Connel

The production will be a culmination of a 13 week theatre project run by the Bravo 22 Company, The Royal British Legion's recovery through the arts programme, and is being delivered in partnership with the Newcastle Theatre Royal and The Drive Project.

Written by Gary Kitching and directed by Chris Connel, ‘Wor Stories’ is based on the real life experiences of the 30 men and women taking part in the project, who have all served in the Armed Forces themselves or had family members who have served.  The production will be performed by 11 people, with the other participants taking on roles in script writing, production, technical and set design.

“I’m a big believer that the arts are important in any walk of life,” explains Chris Connel. “They expand people’s horizons, helping them to look out from within themselves – because when people are isolated, they tend to look inwards.”

Phil Webb

Gary Kitching, who has 20 years’ acting experience, including projects with young offenders said: “All of the participants have been incredibly honest with us throughout the whole process.  In order to write the script we’ve asked people to show their vulnerable side, and put their trust in us to tell their stories, which is a huge responsibility.  I genuinely look forward to coming into rehearsals every day, and am so proud of what the group has already achieved.  The transformation of people from the first day of the project has been amazing.”

Wor Stories, follows the Bravo 22 company’s hugely successful theatre and art projects that have run over the past five years. Its debut, The Two Worlds of Charlie F, received standing ovations throughout its West End run in 2012 and went on to tour the UK and Canada. This was followed by regional theatre projects in Buckinghamshire and Plymouth, with the company also running its first art programme in Brighton earlier this year.

Phil Web, 58, was a gunner in The Army, and narrates the play. After leaving the Army, Phil struggled with alcoholism, homelessness and unemployment.  Talking about the project, Phil says: “I love it! It’s something to get up for in the morning. I get myself down here on the bus, which takes an hour and a half, but it’s well worth it. I just love it. After the very first session, I left as though I’d achieved something.”

Linda & Dave Shaw

Linda Shaw and her husband Dave are also involved in the production, with Dave helping behind the scenes and Linda taking on an acting role.  Dave has suffered with PTSD for over 10 years. Linda says “I like that we talk about our experiences and aren’t being judged. I’m the only partner of a Service man here. A lot of people don’t understand PTSD and I thought it would be good to have my input of what it’s like living with someone with the condition.”

Tickets

Tickets for Wor Stories are available now from Newcastle Theatre Royal www.theatreroyal.co.uk or box office 08448 11 21 21* 

*Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge

For more information on Bravo 22 Company visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/bravo22