NEWS: Customs House staff are thrilled for former Customs Breaks dancer Jackson Watson

 

The Customs House staff are thrilled for former Customs Breaks dancer Jackson Watson.

Jackson, from Washington, was triumphant this weekend in winning the REDBULL BC ONE UK Cypher 2022.   Jackson began his dance tuition with Custom Breaks, a group which was based at The Customs House for many years and taught by P from Bad Taste Cru.

Jackson battled over two days this weekend (14/15 May) from the qualifiers all the way to the finals against some tough competition from some of the best in the UK. He faced off against rising star McLane from Wales in the finals and was given a 3-0 victory by the esteemed Judge Panel consisting of Roxrite (USA) AT (Finland) and Lagaet (Martinique/Paris).

Fiona Martin, deputy director (Learning and Participation) at The Customs House, said: “Jackson has always showed so much promise as a young dancer, practising and performing at The Customs House since 2007, and he has been one to watch since he entered the national scene in 2019.  We are delighted that Jackson has won this prestigious competition, and that he will go in to represent the UK in the States later this year. It was also amazing to see BBoy McLane in the Final; winner of Mean Teens 2021, at The Customs House.”

Jackson will jet off to the birthplace of hip hop and breakin, New York City, this November to represent the UK in the Redbull BC One World Finals.

This is one of the most prestigious competitions on the Breakin scene and with all eyes now on Breakin as an Olympic Sport for the 2024 Paris Games, this year's Red Bull event will be one of the best yet.

It’s not the first time Jackson, who is part of the Battalions crew, has made the finals. In 2019 he won UK cypher and went to India for the finals competing against some of the best in the world.

Last year Jackson made his acting debut in The Customs House’s Takeover Young Writer in Residence project: Cherryade Supernova, where he got the chance to treat the audience to some of his moves.

The North East was well represented at this year's Redbull UK event with Robert Anderson (Bad Taste Cru) being an invite and Jake Horsley (Battalions) making TOP16 in the qualifier.

For more information about the competition go to: www.redbull.com/int-en/events/red-bull-bc-one-world-final-new-york

Preview: Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

 

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Joe Pasquale, Sarah Earnshaw and Susie Blake in Sit-Com Revival

 

Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 May 2022

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/SOMEmothersDoAvThem

The producers of the highly acclaimed UK tour of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em are delighted to announce the casting of Susie Blake returning as Frank’s disapproving mother-in-law Mrs Fisher, Moray Treadwell as Mr Luscombe/Mr Worthington, James Paterson as Father O'Hara and Ben Watson as Desmond/Constable. They join the previously announced Joe Pasquale as the loveable but accident-prone Frank Spencer and Sarah Earnshaw as his long-suffering wife Betty. Also in the cast are Nick Wray and Alice Osmanski.

Susie Blake regularly appeared in the TV series and comedy specials of Victoria Wood, Russ Abbot and Stanley Baxter, and is perhaps particularly loved as the Continuity Announcer in Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV.  She recently has appeared in Silky Hotel (BBC iPlayer), Kate & Koji (Series 1&2 – ITV), Not Going Out (BBC One), The Real Marigold Hotel (BBC One). She is known for playing regular Bev Unwin in Coronation Street from 2003 to 2006 and again in 2015, and regular Hillary Nicholson in Mrs Brown’s Boys.  Her films include Fierce Creatures and Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?!. Her theatre credits include  Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical (Dominion Theatre & Hall for Cornwall), My Fair Lady (Grange Festival), The Mirror Crack'd (UK Tour), Grumpy Old Women Live 2 & 3, When We Are Married (West End), Pygmalion (Chichester Festival Theatre), Madame Morrible in Wicked (West End) and Belinda Blair in Noises Off (National Theatre).

Moray Treadwell recently finished filming The Witcher: Blood Origin (Netflix). His theatre credits include No Man’s Land (UK tour), Hysteria (national tour for London Classic Theatre Company), The Railway Children (King’s Cross Theatre), The Beatles LOVE Show (Cirque Du Soleil, Las Vegas), Waiting For Godot (Italian tour), The Importance of Being Earnest (Vienna’s English Theatre) and The Ruling Class (Frankfurt's English Theatre).

James Paterson made his London debut in the original production of The Phantom of the Opera. During his long association with the show he played the title role when Michael Crawford was indisposed and also played M. Andre. He became Resident Director for the national tours and the London production. His other theatre credits include Sunset Boulevard (London Coliseum), Half a Sixpence (Chichester Festival Theatre), Cats (UK/International Tour), Cinderella, Dick Whittington and Snow White (The London Palladium). James most recently played Herr Schulz in Cabaret for ARTS Aberdeen. His television credits include London’s Burning, Close To Home and Birds of a Feather.

Ben Watson is an actor, writer, director and comedian who recently starred in Around the World in 80 Days (Blackpool Grand Theatre). He regularly performs his own solo comedy show The History of Everything in 60 minutes. His theatre credits include Aladdin (White Rock Theatre, Hastings), I Capture The Castle (Watford Palace / Bolton Octagon / Oxford Playhouse), Blue Brothers Party (UK / Japan Tour), The Jungle Book (UK Tour), A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Comedy of Errors (Cambridge Shakespeare Festival).

Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em will be directed by Guy Unsworth and designed by Simon Higlett, with lighting design by Matt Haskins, sound design by Ian Horrocks-Taylor and choreography by Jenny Arnold.

The UK Tour will be produced by Limelight Productions.

On The Web:

Website: www.somemothersdoaveem.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/somemothersuk/

Twitter: @somemothersuk

 

Tickets:

Tickets are available online from our affiliates Eventim UK:  https://tinyurl.com/SOMEmothersDoAvThem

 

 

 

Preview: The Play That Goes Wrong at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

THE ORIGINAL CAST OF 

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG REUNITE

 

HAVING BEEN 'RESTING' FOR 7 YEARS, THEY ARE LIKELY TO BE WORSE THAN EVER!

 

The Play That Goes Wrong

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Monday 6 – Saturday 11 June 2022 

The original cast of The Play That Goes Wrong are reprising their roles in two UK cities as part of the production’s current UK tour, 10 years after they first performed the play at The Old Red Lion Pub Theatre.

The original cast from the 2012 run, Rob Falconer (Trevor), Dave Hearn (Max), Henry Lewis (Robert), Charlie Russell (Sandra), Jonathan Sayer (Dennis), Henry Shields (Chris), Greg Tannahill (Jonathan) and Nancy Zamit (Annie) reunite to perform The Play That Goes Wrong to UK audiences for the first time in over five years, and will play at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Monday 6 – Saturday 11 June 2022 following a week long run in Manchester.

Having proved a huge audience favourite during previous riotous runs in 2017 and 2018, The Play That Goes Wrong is a highly physical comedy packed with finely-tuned farce and Buster Keaton inspired slapstick delivered with split-second timing and ambitious daring.

The play features the (fictional) Cornley Drama Society who are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does! As the accident prone thesps battle against all the odds to reach their final curtain call, hilarious results ensue!

Jonathan Sayer said: “We’re so excited to be going back into The Play That Goes Wrong. It’s such a special show for us all and we really can’t wait to perform again and make people laugh in two amazing cities!”

Kenny Wax commented, “I’m just sorry for everyone involved - especially the audiences.”

Awarded the 2014 WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Comedy, the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and a Tony Award for the Broadway transfer, The Play That Goes Wrong continues to delight audiences in the West End, Off Broadway and around the world. The show’s success is a testament to the hard work and determination of a group of drama school graduates who became friends, set up a company under the name ‘Mischief’ and created an extraordinary body of work. The Play That Goes Wrong shows no signs of slowing down since its first performance at The Old Red Lion in 2012 with only four paying customers. Since then, it has played to an audience of over two million and now has productions in over 30 countries.

The Play That Goes Wrong is on its 5^th UK tour and is blundering its way through its 8^th year in the West End, currently booking until April 2023. Last year it became the longest running play at The Duchess Theatre (since the theatre opened in 1929), and is the longest running comedy in the West End.

The Play That Goes Wrong is co-written by Mischief company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields and is directed by Mark Bell, with set designs by Nigel Hook, costumes by Roberto Surace, lighting by Ric Mountjoy, original music by Rob Falconer, sound design by Andy Johnson, the associate director is Sean Turner and the resident director is Amy Milburn. The Play That Goes Wrong is produced in the West End by Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd.

Photo: Jeremy Daniel

Tickets:

The Play That Goes Wrong plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 6 – Saturday 11 June 2022. Tickets are priced from £15.00 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Preview: Footloose at Sunderland Empire

 

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

 

Ahead of appearing in Sunderland, Darren Day shares his thoughts on Footloose The Musical

 

Footloose

Sunderland Empire

Monday 6 - Saturday 11 June 2022

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/sundFOOTLOOSE*

Following two critically acclaimed tours and huge popular demand, Footloose The Musical is back and better than ever! Touring the UK until August. TV star and musical theatre favourite Darren Day joins the cast of the tour as Rev. Moore and we caught up with him to find out a little more about the tour and his role in the show. 

You’re back on the road In Footloose The Musical how does it feel to be back on tour?

We were about to go into rehearsals for Footloose when the Pandemic hit and the tour was rescheduled a few times before dates were set for our 2022 opening, almost a full two years later than originally planned and it is amazing to be back out there with the show.

2020 was devastating for us all.  But coming out of the other end things have really started moving quickly for me. Having not been able to perform during the pandemic, going back on stage and being part of a big musical feels so magical, in the way it felt when I landed the role of Joseph at the Palladium at the beginning of my career.  

I recently finished the UK tour of Chicago which was brilliant and during that tour I saw a genuine thirst for live theatre so couldn’t be more delighted than to move straight into another tour with Footloose.

In all of my years as a performer in Musical Theatre I don’t think I have jumped straight from one tour into another… I feel very lucky.

Can you tell us a little bit about this tour of Footloose?

This production of Footloose is particularly a special, even if you have seen it before you will want to see it again… and this new version will blow you away.  It’s been reworked with a new set, new costumes. The lot. 

Racky Plews, who’s directing, has brought an edgy and exciting new take on the show. She’s been working closely with the writer of the original movie and songs, Dean Pitchford and his input into this new production has been invaluable.

The cast and the whole team on this are truly ‘the cream of the crop’ a really gifted bunch of performers. Acting, singing, dancing and playing instruments throughout the show.

And what about your role as the Reverend?

I’m so happy to be playing the Reverend. Over a decade ago I met with the producers for Footloose and Chicago within about three months of each other. I was told I didn’t look old enough! So … the only downside of me playing these two roles back-to-back is that I must now look ‘old enough!!’

Since those meetings all those years ago Billy Flynn and the Reverend have been on my bucket list of roles I desperately wanted to play, so to get the opportunity to play them both in one year is incredibly exciting for me and I feel deeply grateful.

Having a teenage daughter myself (in real life!) I have a lot of ‘method’ experience to draw upon! It’s tough letting your ‘little princess’ out into the big bad world!

What do you think keeps Footloose so fresh and keeps audiences coming back for more? 

The great thing about Footloose which I think separates it from other ‘jukebox’ shows is that Dean Pitchford wrote the songs specifically for the movie. So, not only are these songs instantly recognisable the second the intro to them begins. They also carry the plot forward in a very truthful way. Apologies for that sounding incredibly ‘arty’ and ‘theatrical’ but they do!

In the show there are these massive hit tunes that everyone recognises along with a strong and beautiful storyline.  It’s a really feel-good show – no doubt about it. 

Do you have a favourite moment in the show?

I guess one of my favourite moments in the show is my solo song ‘Heaven Help Me’ It’s a brilliant tune with beautifully written lyrics. Also the poignant moments with the Reverend’s daughter are lovely to play - and the revelations that happen to him.  

My favourite moment in the rehearsal room was when I sat and watched the cast perform the opening number of the title song. I got goosebumps and thought to myself if this is how it feels in a rehearsal room the way it’s going to feel with a set, costumes and on a stage with an audience will be breath-taking.

Finally – why do you think people should come and see Footloose this year across the UK?

You are going to have the most incredible night. You’re going to hear songs that are instantly recognisable, and I challenge you not to sing along to them. There are big numbers, there’s a beautiful story going on, the cast are ridiculously talented.  You’ll leave the theatre buzzing after having a very special night out.  We will have a ball and I can’t wait to see everyone up on their feet at the end to cut loose!

Based on the 1980s screen sensation which took the world by storm, Footloose The Musical sizzles with spirit, fun and the best in UK musical talent. With cutting edge modern choreography, you'll enjoy classic 80s hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let's Hear It For The Boy and of course the unforgettable title track Footloose.

Everybody cut loose for a night of dazzling excitement music and dancing! 

Photos: Mark Senior

On The Web:

www.footloose-musical.com 

@FootlooseTour 

#EverybodyCutLoose

@DarrenDayOfficial

 

Tickets:

Footloose appears at the Sunderland Empire from Monday 6 June to Saturday 11 June 2022. Prices are from £13* and are available online from our affiliates ATG Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/sundFOOTLOOSE*

*Booking fees may apply

Preview: Jersey Boys at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

Jersey Boys working their way back to Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

Jersey Boys

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 30 August – Saturday 10 September 2022

 

Oh what a night! The internationally acclaimed stage sensation Jersey Boys will make a popular return to Newcastle Theatre Royal and is set to dazzle audiences between Tuesday 30 August – Saturday 10 September 2022.

Previous tour alumni Michael Pickering and Lewis Griffiths return as Frankie Valli and Nick Massi respectively, with Blair Gibson as Bob Gaudio and Dalton Wood as Tommy DeVito. Luke Suri will play Frankie Valli at certain performances.

The Tony and Olivier Award-winning smash-hit musical - which proved to be an audience favourite at the Grey Street venue during its previous run in 2018 - goes behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

They were just four guys from New Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect onstage, off stage it was a very different story—a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true. 

Also in the cast are Dougie Carter (Hank Majewski), Ryan Carter-Wilson (Swing), Emma Crossley (Mary Delgado), Jordan James (Gyp DeCarlo), Norton James (Norm Waxman), Michael Levi (Bob Crewe), Tom O’Brien (Swing), Nathan Routledge (Swing), George Salmon (Joe Pesci), Ellie Seaton (Lorraine), Daisy Steere (Francine), Amy West (Swing), and Damien Winchester (Barry Belson). 

Written by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe, the show is packed with well-known hits, including Beggin’, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back to You, Fallen Angel, Rag Doll and Who Loves You.  

Recipient of Broadway’s Tony, London’s Olivier and Australia’s Helpmann Awards for Best New Musical, Jersey Boys is the winner of 65 major awards and has been seen by over 27 million people worldwide.

Having originally opened in New York on 6 November 2005, it was the 12^th longest running show in Broadway history by the time it closed on 15 January 2017.  It returned to New York with a new production in November 2017 and the US National Tour is still breaking house records in cities across North America.

The Jersey Boys UK and Ireland Tour will be staged by the entire original Broadway creative team, led by the Tony Award-winning team of director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, with scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Steve Canyon Kennedy and projections design by Michael Clark.  The orchestrations are by Steve Orich and the music supervision and vocal arrangements by Ron Melrose. Casting is by Jill Green.

Jersey Boys first ran in London’s West End from 18 March 2008 to 26 March 2017 and, at the time, was the sixth longest musical running in the West End.  Last year, the musical returned to the West End, opening the new multi-million pound reinstated Trafalgar Theatre on 10 August 2021. Jersey Boys previously played two record-breaking UK and Ireland Tours from 2014 to 2016 and from 2017 to 2019.

 Photos: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

Tickets:

Jersey Boys plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 30 August – Saturday 10 September 2022. Tickets are priced from £24.00 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Preview: Austentatious at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

 

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

 

Smash-hit impro-comedy Austentatious set for Newcastle date

 

Austentatious

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Friday 7^th October 2022

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/TYNEaustentatious

 

At the invitation of Tyne Theatre & Opera House, audiences in Newcastle are cordially invited to a performance of the smash-hit improvisational comedy Austentatious. The Regency comedy romp stuffed with rakish dukes, swooning ladies, and romantic entanglements aplenty will take to the stage in Newcastle on Friday 7^th October 2022.

The improvised comedy play boasts a cast of the country’s quickest comic performers including founders Rachel Parris (The Mash Report, Murder in Successville), Andrew Hunter Murray (No Such Thing as a Fish), and many others.

Every single show, the cast conjures up a brand new ‘lost’ Jane Austen novel based on nothing more than a title suggested by the audience. The show comes fresh from multiple sell out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, a weekly residency in London’s West End and a BBC Radio 4 Christmas special.

No two shows are ever the same, with previous ‘lost’ masterpieces including ‘Crazy Rich Georgians’, ‘Double 0 Darcy’ & ‘Game of Scones’. Performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment, this is a Regency treat guaranteed to delight the whole Ton, Austen novices and die-hard fans alike.

Age restriction 14+

 

Tickets:

Tickets are priced £19.50 and are available to book online at: https://tinyurl.com/TYNEaustentatious

REVIEW: The Homecoming at Newcastle Theatre Royal

The Homecoming

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Saturday 14 May 2022

Harold Pinter's tale of North London family life has returned to  Newcastle's Theatre Royal this week.

The original production dates back to 1965 and reflects some of the attitudes and values held by some of the people at that time. 

Max is the elderly family patriarch. Keith Allen delivers a performance which sharply observes a strong willed man who has clear opinions that they are happy to voice. Living under his roof is his brother Sam (Ian Bartholomew) who is a chauffeur, states that he is successful in his work, plus two of his sons.

These two sons are a direct contrast to one another. Matthew Horne delivers a strong performance as Lenny, a man with a gift of the gab who earns  a living off the graft of others. Joey (Geoffrey Lumb) is a much quieter chap  who wants to be a boxer but works in demolition until he makes it.

Max also has a third son who decides to make a homecoming visit without any warning.  Teddy (Sam Alexander) lectures at a university in the United States  and he got married to Ruth (Shanaya Rafaat) six years ago in London but did not mention it to the rest of the family. So Max is surprised when Teddy and Ruth both appear without warning.  

The action then unfolds as each, very different, character tries to get along with the new arrivals. What is clever is that the action is as much about what is not actually said than what is said. If, for example, Lenny spouts his opinion then it is the awkward silence and furtive looks that follow that makes the situation.  

Having said that, the situation is not easy to unpack. At times it is strange and absurd. You also have values presented that are at odds with present day thinking. Attitudes towards women, for example, can make this a tough watch. 

The mid-60s tale is of its time. The cast deliver an emphatic performance that is interesting, however don’t expect to make sense of it all - I know I didn’t. Some of the reactions, or the lack of them, are not what you always expect. 

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Manuel Harlan

Tickets:

The Homecoming plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 May 2022. Tickets are priced from £15.00 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.