News: Stars come out to launch ‘Steel And Iron’ as Teesside International airport set to host premiere

 

Stars come out to launch ‘Steel And Iron’ as Teesside International airport set to host premiere

A raft of local celebrities including Chris Kamara, Steph McGovern and Mark Benton have helped Teesside International and Twenty Seven Productions announce a new play – with the premiere set to be held at the airport.

Teesside Airport has entered into a partnership with the production company over the show “Steel and Iron”, which also features contributions from a wealth of local talent.

Top-ten charting Middlesbrough singer-songwriter Alistair Griffin has composed the music and songs for the piece, with brother and sister duo Helen and Joe Hammill, AKA Cattle and Cane, and Maximo Park’s Paul Smith also adding their skills.

Based on a concept by Middlesbrough-born producer Katie Gibson and written by John Hoggarth, it follows a motley crew of people all from different backgrounds but united by Middlesbrough, and asks: “What happens to a place that is defined by its heritage and industry, when those are taken away from it?”.

Writer John Hoggarth

Teesside International’s partnership with the company will also see Alistair compose a song specifically for the airport to help it market its activities and raise its profile even further locally, nationally and globally.

Phil Forster, Interim Managing Director of Teesside Airport, said: “Although Steel and Iron has been in the pipeline for a while, I don’t think it could be coming at a better time for our airport or our region.

“We are celebrating our 80th birthday with an exhibition as we take forward massive redevelopment work, while our history of iron and steelmaking is being talked about again with the regeneration of the Teesworks site. People are thinking more than ever about our past, and how that’s going to shape future of the Tees Valley and all this makes Katie’s play a brilliant fit.

“It shows Teesside international is once again thinking outside of the box to not just give great quality flights to a growing number of worldwide destinations but to support our area and help shout about it in other ways. I can’t wait to see the finished play and hear Alistair’s song, which will surely stick in the hearts and minds of our local people.”

Producer Katie Gibson said: “This production has been brewing since 2016 but unfortunately, like most things, it recently fell victim to the dreaded Covid-19 which put the brakes on but now we’re back and ready to roll.

Producer Katie Gibson

“We’ve drafted in a host of brilliant people from across our area, including some of the brightest musical talents, to help us tell our story, connect with our audience and challenge preconceptions around Middlesbrough and regional theatre. I’m so excited to finally be bringing our vision to the stage, with a previous sneak peek winning rave reviews.

“Like everyone from around here, I’m proud to see our airport turning a corner and I know it will be one of the keys to our future. I’m delighted to be working with Phil and the team to premiere our show and give them a memorable and fitting song in the process!”

Composer Alistair Griffin

Coronavirus restrictions permitting, a pre-launch show will take place at the airport on 5 August, ahead of its run at Middlesbrough Town Hall the following week, with more information coming soon.

Preview: Simon Amstell – Spirit Hole at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

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Simon Amstell brings new stand-up tour to Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre

 

Simon Amstell – Spirit Hole

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Saturday 2^nd October 2021

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/SimonAmstellTyneTickets

The Tyne Theatre and Opera House have announced that comedian, director, writer and tv presenter Simon Amstell is bringing his new stand-up show to their stage on Saturday 2^nd October 2021.

‘Spirit Hole’ is Amstell’s first stand-up tour since the release of internationally acclaimed feature film – ‘Benjamin’ and Netflix Special ‘Set Free’. The tour covers an impressive 39 dates across England and Wales.

‘Spirit Hole’ is described as a blissful, spiritual, sensational exploration of love, sex, shame, mushrooms and more. If you yearn for a night of unprecedented joy and laughter book now and avoid regret.

Theatre Director Joanne Johnson says: “We can’t wait to have Simon Amstell return to the Theatre with his new show! Having seen his continued success over previous tours, we’re expecting this to be a popular show amongst comedy fans this Autumn.“

Tickets for Simon Amstell: Spirit Hole go on sale Thursday 15^th March 2021 at 10am and can be purchased from https://tinyurl.com/SimonAmstellTyneTickets. #Ad

News: Newcastle Theatre Royal Announces Update To 2021/2022 Pantomime

Newcastle Theatre Royal Announces Update To 2021/2022 Pantomime

As lockdown starts to ease, Newcastle Theatre Royal is preparing to welcome audiences back, including for the North East’s biggest pantomime. In a change to advertised plans, the theatre will now stage the fairest pantomime in the land this Christmas, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring Danny Adams, Clive Webb, Chris Hayward and introducing Joe McElderry.

Having initially confirmed that Humpty Dumpty would be performed for the first time in half a century during the 2020/21 festive season, restrictions made it impossible for the annual extravaganza to go ahead resulting in performances being rescheduled to this year. However, as additional lockdowns have caused further delays to preparing for the production, the decision has now been made to bring back one of the theatre’s most popular pantomime titles, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, for the 2021/2022 season.

Michael Harrison, producer and director of the Newcastle Theatre Royal pantomime said: “Whilst myself and the creative team have been working on Humpty Dumpty – which is a brand new title - for over a year, and are hugely excited about the script and designs, the pandemic has seriously delayed our ability to access workshops and start building an entirely new show from scratch. To make sure it’s as magical on the stage as it is on paper, we’ve therefore taken the decision to keep this title for a future season. Now for 2021, we are thrilled to be bringing you Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

Featuring a brand-new script the panto will be full of all the fun, laughter and surprises that audiences have come to love and expect from a Newcastle Theatre Royal pantomime and will star Danny Adams as Muddles, Clive Webb as The Henchman, Chris Hayward as The Wicked Queen and Joe McElderry as The Man in the Mirror.

Existing ticket holders have been contacted by the theatre. No action is needed as all previous bookings for Humpty Dumpty remain valid and will be automatically transferred to the new show for the same date and seats as the original booking. 

Philip Bernays, Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal added: “This has not been an easy decision to make as we have all been extremely excited about the prospect of bringing this rarely-performed title to our stage. However, without the benefit of our own magic mirror to see into the future, we have had to make this very necessary change now to ensure that we are in the best possible position to entertain our audiences with the most incredible pantomime this festive season. 

“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was last performed on our stage during the 2014/2015 season and is one of our most popular pantomimes ever. We know that once again the team will light up the stage and give our audiences the spectacular show that they so richly deserve.”

Tickets:

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will play Tue 23 Nov 2021 – Sun 9 Jan 2022. Tickets are on sale now with prices starting from £14.50 and can be purchased at theatreroyal.co.uk

Preview: This Weekend’s Felt Nowt Livestreamed Comedy

 This Weekend’s Felt Nowt Livestreamed Comedy

 

Each show: £5 tickets per household

 

Friday 9^th April 2021

Anja Atkinson: Good Girl April 9, 2021 7 p.m.

First ever hour by Anja Atkinson

https://feltnowt.co.uk/events/45/

 

Carl Hutchinson: Live (Kind of...) 3 April 9, 2021 9:30 p.m.

https://feltnowt.co.uk/events/36/

 

Saturday 10^th April 2021

Steffen Peddie: 99 Problems but the Chips Ain't One April 10, 2021 8 p.m.

You bring a problem, Steffen supplies an answer, and lots of laughs along the way!

The show is created entirely from the audience’s suggestions and improvised on the night...

it’s a comedy tightrope walk as anything can be happen!

The North East Theatre Guide have reviewed this show twice and it has been different on both occasions. We said Steffen “used the wealth of his life’s experience to produce a wonderfully funny show.“

Tickets. https://feltnowt.co.uk/events/40/

 

Battle Rap: Comedian vs Comedian April 10, 2021 10 p.m.

Comedian vs comedian battle rap:

Seymour Mace vs Simon Donald

Lee Kyle vs Lost Voice Guy

Hal Branson vs Neil Harris

Matt Reed vs Catherine Young

Hosted by Jack Fox

Tickets. https://feltnowt.co.uk/events/41/

Preview: Waiting in the Wings at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

 Local Lad hit by Covid closures given a chance to shine!

 

Waiting in the Wings

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Friday 9^th April 2021

 

North East lad Ainsley Fannen has been given his big break as Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre and Opera House, in collaboration with professional performers from London’s West End, give two 2020 Musical Theatre graduates the opportunity to perform in their first professional show. 

Ainsley Fannen

In February 2021, the theatre launched ‘Waiting in the Wings’, a live streamed show, which saw six West End stars perform on stage at the Tyne Theatre. Due to the success of the inaugural show, a second performance is scheduled for the 9^th April 2021, and this time two newcomers have been given the opportunity to perform in their first professional show since graduating from their training course.

It has been a year since the pandemic brought the closure of all theatres across the country, leaving 100s of men and women coming to the end of their theatre training in despair, wondering what the future would hold in their dream career. The producers of the ‘Waiting in the Wings’ show, including former Resident Director of The Phantom of the Opera, Mark Hedges, felt this could be a fantastic opportunity for those who have missed out on having their debuts since graduating.

Mark says, “The pandemic has devastated our industry and it is so sad that those who have trained so hard for 3 years have not had that opportunity to perform and put their training to work. The cast of our first ‘Waiting in the Wings’ show were so overwhelmed at being back performing on stage once again, that we felt this would be an amazing opportunity to share with some newcomers who haven’t been able to experience that first performance buzz.”

In early March, a ‘Search for a Star’ was launched across social media and the creative team were inundated with self-tapes from hopeful graduates hoping to get their big break. Following days of reviewing all the entries, the producers announced Ainsley from Sunderland and Katie Ramshaw from Leicester, though originally from Ashington, as the successful graduates, who will tread the boards in April, alongside a cast of West End professionals.

Katie Ramshaw 

Both Ainsley and Katie were preparing for their final showcase, where they would have been given the opportunity to perform for prospective agents, when the pandemic closed their schools, and they had no choice but to leave London and return to their hometowns. Having spent the last year seeking employment wherever possible whilst still trying to secure an agent and future work, this opportunity has given them both a much-needed boost and a great kick start to their dream career. 

Ainsley says, “I effectively grew up in the North East’s Theatre’s so to have the opportunity to perform in a concert that helps to support them in these difficult times is not only an honour but something I am extremely proud to be a part of”.

Katie added, “Graduating in 2020 has had its struggles, so I’m absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity to be back on stage and sing with West End Stars in ‘Waiting in the Wings’!”.

 

The success of these live streamed shows has been a major boost for the North East venue who has struggled through the constant closures and restrictions imposed this last year. The goal is to raise £30,000 to ensure the theatre doors can open once they are able to do so.

The next ‘Waiting in the Wings’ will take place on Friday 9^th April 2021 at 7.30pm and tickets are priced at £20 per household plus £3 booking fee. To book visit www.stream.theatre/season/47

For further event and performer details visit:
www.facebook.com/WITWLive
www.twitter.com/WITWLive2021
www.instagram.com/waitinginthewingslive

Preview: Listen In at Newcastle Alphabetti

 Listen In

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre and online

Tuesday 4th – Saturday 15th May 2021

 

Image: Matt Jamie

A one-of-a-kind immersive audio experience.

by Kay Greyson, Richard Boggie & Lauren Pattison

Directed by Jonluke McKie

Produced by Esther Fearn & Ali Pritchard

Sound design and editing by Matt Jamie

Alphabetti Theatre will be presenting ‘Listen In’, an immersive audio show that will allow your household/bubble to be mesmerised by three incredible short plays. Ranging from hip hop and fear, to love, comedy and addiction, these shows are guaranteed to leave you mesmerised and yearning for more. Due to the current changes in government guidelines (and to keep you safe!) these shows have been produced for both live and online audiences, which means they are ready to bring you this wonderful experience to the comforts of your own home or from their venue.

The Last Laugh, Written & Performed by Lauren Pattison 

“I’ll come out in a bit. Not yet though. Bit nervous. I had a nightmare of a gig last time, I’m spooked now. Like a dog who’s heard the hoover for the first time.” Katie Baker is a stand-up comedian facing her fear: returning to her most dreaded venue after a horrific gig that she’ll never forget.  

​

 

Comedy is no laughing matter for Lauren Pattison, a comedian set for fame and a much sought-after act, Lauren burst out into the comedy scene in the North East and has now worked along stars such as Katherine Ryan and Jason Manford.  The Last Laugh combines themes of comedy and fear to bring you an unforgettable experience like no other.

The Interval, Written by Richard Boggie

& performed by Carl Kennedy 

“I still look forward to the interval. I try to get a seat near the door, so I can slip out quickly to the bar.” The Interval is a tale about escapism, addiction, and love.  

 

Richard Boggie is an extremely talented and emerging writer from Newcastle.  Although his work may seem playful and comedic on the surface, he often offers remarkable insight into his own personal experiences with sight loss and disability. Richard Boggie is a writer like no other, combining insightful themes with hilarity, The Interval will leave you lost for words.

 

 

An Empty Room, Written & Performed by Kay Greyson  

"I started rapping when I was six, the forbidden world of hip hop with all its thrills and swearing called out to me. I was hooked, I wanted to be a rapper, and I wasn't accepting a plan B." An autobiographical story about Kay’s career, looking at one of her best but also worst ever gigs, featuring live music.

 

Kay Greyson is a name you must not forget. An Empty Room not only allows you to experience the well-missed live music atmosphere, but also grants you access to a unique autobiographical tale about Kay’s impressive career. Kay speaks about the best times of her life, but remains true to the worse days, giving you true insight into the worst ever gigs. Providing you with motivation, euphoria and the odd dash of rhythm, this short play is not to be missed.

 

 

How does it work for a Live Audience?

Book a time slot (by doing so you are confirming that you are attending with your household/support bubble of max. 6 people)

Arrive at the venue at least 15 mins before the start time. Bring your own headphones and face mask or you can buy some from us. 

Check in at the Box Office (located outside). 

Order any refreshments from the hatch in the entrance, these will then be delivered to you outside.  

The Box Office will call your time slot and take you to the first space.   

At the end of each play, follow the directions to the next.  

Once you have experienced all three plays, you Pay What You Feel you can afford (located at the exit).

 

Tickets:

When: Tuesday 4^th – Saturday 15^th May 2021 (excluding Sundays & Mondays) and Live Streamed every night at 7:30pm

Running Time: Approx. 60 minutes

Price: Pay What You Feel (Booking Essential)

Ticket Link: https://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/whats-on

Accessibility: All performances are captioned, audio-described, relaxed & wheelchair accessible.

Age Recommendation: 16+

 

News: Live Theatre awarded £63, 588 from the Culture Recovery Fund

 Live Theatre awarded £63, 588 from the Culture Recovery Fund  

Live Theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne has received a grant of £63,588 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover and reopen. More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country including Live Theatre in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced today. 

 

Live Theatre is the only theatre outside of London dedicated to new writing, championing lesser heard and diverse voices and creating bold, diverse contemporary plays. Established in 1973, Live Theatre plays a vital role in the national theatre ecology with a talent development programme which typically supports over 1,000 independent theatre-makers each year and a celebrated learning and engagement programme for children and young people. Live Theatre is one of the UK’s most enterprising cultural institutions with a ground-breaking social enterprise model that includes a cultural hub of award winning buildings and hospitality venues.  

 

The award from the Culture Recovery Fund will make up a shortfall in income streams derived from Live Theatre’s social enterprises, forced to close as a result of the Covid19 pandemic.  

 

Over £800 million in grants and loans has already been awarded to support almost 3,800 cinemas, performance venues, museums, heritage sites and other cultural organisations dealing with the immediate challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. 

 

The second round of awards made today will help organisations to look ahead to the spring and summer and plan for reopening and recovery. After months of closures and cancellations to contain the virus and save lives, this funding will be a much-needed helping hand for organisations transitioning back to normal in the months ahead.  

 

Jacqui Kell, Live Theatre Executive Director/Joint CEO said:  “The money awarded will be used to support Live Theatre as we develop and deliver an exciting creative programme that supports new and emerging writers, freelance theatre makers, children and young people. Throughout the challenging Covid-19 Pandemic, Live Theatre has had to close its doors and many of the social enterprises in the Live Quarter have also been unable to operate for much of this time and have suffered considerable loss of income, due to constraints on capacity due to Covid19 social distancing restrictions.  The outcome of this has been a significant drop in income received by Live Theatre. Thanks to the support of the Culture Recovery Fund we can look forward to reopening in Autumn 2021 with a superb programme of shows and we can’t wait to welcome audiences back into Live Theatre.” 

 

The funding awarded today is from a pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.