Preview: The Mirror Crack’d at Darlington Hippodrome

 

Full Cast Announced For Miss Marple Drama

 

The Mirror Crack’d

Darlington Hippodrome

Tuesday 20 - Saturday 24 September 2022

 

Original Theatre are delighted to announce the full cast of their brand new production Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack‘d. The production, directed by Philip Franks, comes to Darlington Hippodrome in September.

The final members of the cast to be announced are Oliver Boot as Chief Inspector Craddock, Lorenzo Martelli as Guiseppe Renzo, Chrystine Symone as Lola Brewster and Holly Smith in the ensemble.

They join the previously announced Susie Blake as Miss Marple, Sophie Ward as Marina Gregg, Joe McFadden as Jason Rudd, Veronica Roberts as Dolly Bantry, Mara Allen as Cherry Baker, Sarah Lawrie as Ella Zielinsky, Jules Melvin as Heather Leigh and David Partridge as Cyril Leigh.

Oliver Boot’s theatre credits include The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time for the National Theatre’s UK and International Tours, Finding Neverland, Oliver! And Piaf at Leicester Curve, Antony and Cleopatra, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Timon of Athens, King Lear and Richard II for the Globe Theatre, and an award-winning world tour of Othello for Cheek by Jowl. On television, Oliver played Ben Woodman in the BBC’s Holby City.

Lorenzo Martelli’s theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Almeida Festival and National Tour), Ladies’ Night (Royal Court Liverpool), Our Day Out (Chester Gateway) and The Man Who (Pleasance London). 

Chrystine Symone’s theatre credits include Megan in The Girl on the Train (Upstairs at the Gatehouse), Fay Apple in Anyone Can Whistle (Southwark Playhouse) and Lamplighter/Understudy Gloria in The Magician’s Elephant (RSC).

Holly Smith’s theatre credits include National Mourning (Theatre503), Shadowlands (UK Tour), Flare Path (UK Tour), The Hothouse (Trafalgar Theatre, London), Blithe Spirit (UK Tour) and Barchester Chronicles (Chichester Festival Theatre).

In 1960s England, a wind of change is blowing through the land. It has even reached the sleepy village of St Mary Mead. There’s a new housing estate, which alarms the villagers as much as it intrigues them and, even more unsettling, a rich American film star has bought the manor house. Jane Marple, confined to a chair after an accident, is wondering if life has passed her by. Then there is a shocking murder, and Miss Marple must unravel a web of lies, danger and tragedy.

Tickets:

The Mirror Crack’d runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 September. To book call the Box Office on 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk.

 

Preview: Host Of One Night Shows Newly Announced At Sunderland Empire

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Host Of One Night Shows Newly Announced

At Sunderland Empire Including

Sing-A-Long-A Encanto!

 

Sunderland Empire is set to welcome a spectacular range of exciting one night only productions from this September with titles sure to wow audiences of all ages.

Join ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, for a night of record-breaking achievements as he presents adventures including being the first to reach both Poles, the first to cross the Antarctic and Arctic Ocean, and the first to circumnavigate the world along its polar axis.

Both light-hearted and strikingly poignant, Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Living Dangerously (Sun 25 Sept 2022), tells the unparalleled story of the adventurer’s many ambitious endeavours that pushed him to the very limits, inspiring generations and making him a pioneer of exploration.

Embark on a brand-new space odyssey with Professor Brian Cox Horizons World Tour (Sat 1 Oct 2022). Be fascinated as the famous physicist takes audiences on a dazzling cinematic journey; a story of how we came to be and what we can become.

Using state of the art LED screen technology, Sunderland Empire will be filled with images of far-away galaxies, alien worlds, supermassive black holes and a time before the Big Bang. Horizons is a celebration of our civilisation, of our music, art, philosophy and science; an optimistic vision of our future if we continue to explore nature with humility and to value ourselves and our fellow human beings. Space fanatics and lovers of all thing’s physics will not want to miss this stellar evening!

Gather la Familia! It’s time to celebrate something truly magical with Sing-a-Long-a Encanto (Sun 2 Oct 2022). From the producers of Sing-a-Long-a Frozen, the brand new smash hit film musical of 2021 about the Family Madrigal with lyrics on screen that everyone can’t stop singing.

Sing your heart out with a live host, who will teach you some dance moves, help you create some magic and show you how to use your free props bag. It couldn’t be more fun! Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation essential. You, the audience, are the stars! And remember we don’t talk about Bruno, no, no, no!

Elvis is entering the building! The best Elvis show in the world just got even better! Direct from the USA, Shawn Klush and Dean Z have now been joined by the UK’s own winner of The Ultimate Elvis Competition, Ben Thompson for The Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour (Thurs 6 Oct 2022).

Performing the ’68 Comeback Special is the electrifying Dean Z who joined the show in 2017 to rave reviews from Elvis fans all across the UK. Topping off the show with the King’s spectacular Jumpsuit era is incredible Shawn Klush, who exploded onto the scene when 6 million viewers tuned in to see him crowned ‘The World's Greatest Elvis' live on BBC One. All three performers are backed by an incredible live band & orchestra with huge sound & lighting production values.

With this current line-up, the show is expected to become known as the greatest Elvis tribute artist experience of all time.

Prepare to get lost in music as we celebrate the golden age of disco! Lost In Music – One Night at the Disco (Fri 7 Oct 2022) is a celebration of some of the greatest songs of all time from artists such as Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic.

This show boasts a sensational live band, incredibly talented cast and stunning vocals and is certain to have you boogying. So, join us as we recreate the Magical 70’s and let us take you on a musical journey straight to the heart of Disco. It’s the feel-good show of the year!

Tickets:

One night show tickets available online now at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland or via the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 7615*.

*A £3.65 transaction fee applies to telephone and online bookings. Calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your standard network charge.

Preview: And Me at Durham Assembly Rooms Theatre

 And Me by Hannah Burnside

“97% of women aged 18-24 have experienced sexual harassment.”

And Me

Durham Assembly Rooms Theatre

Tuesday 26 - Sunday 31 July 2022

When you’re a part of the 97%, how young do you start experiencing harassment? Why are young girls sexualised so much from an early age? Explored through movement, spoken word and music, ‘and me’ showcases the real-life stories of the micro-harassments young women experience every day.

 

And Me will be performed at The Assembly Rooms Theatre as part of Durham Fringe Festival from the 26th-31st July at 9:15pm. 

Previously Menstrual Rage Theatre Company have adapted and performed Jane Austen’s Emma into a one act, comedic, feminist play which debuted at the InterACT Festival at ARC Theatre Stockton in May 2021. They then had a five night run at the inaugural Durham Fringe Festival in August 2021, before performing at The Turbine Theatre in London in October 2021. They have, also, performed at the 2021 Hartlepool Waterfront Festival as The Queens of the Tarot, and have a growing relationship with Hartlepool Borough Council and The Waterfront Festival. Most recently they have toured our gig-theatre show GET LOUD! in Middlesbrough, Gateshead and Sunderland.

Duration: 60 mins

Price: £8

Company Name: Menstrual Rage Theatre Company

Audience interaction: No

Flashing lights: Yes

Swearing: Yes

Tickets: https://durhamfringe.co.uk/events/and-me/ 

REVIEW: Fat Chance ★★★★ at Newcastle Live Theatre

Fat Chance ★★★★

Newcastle Live Theatre

Saturday 23 July 2022

 

Written & Performed by Rachel Stockdale

Directed by Jonluke McKie

 

Fat Chance is a very personal journey into survival in today's society and not fitting in. Rachel is a female size 18 actor from the North East. As an acting agent once told her: you can only be 2 of those if you want to make it.

There is a lot of Rachel in this story: growing up,  dieting, training as an actor and the struggle to get parts when, for example, you refuse to move to London and change accents.

Rachel is very engaging and that is essential for a one person show like this. I say one person show but she shares the stage with a standard lamp that doubles as her partner. The lamp flashes as he speaks. We are also informed that he is amazing as he agrees to head into Middlesbrough for a parmo.

The story is as much about being from the North East as it is about being size 18. We have the emo phase and the chav phase as young Rachel search for her identity growing up.

Whilst opportunities for acting may have increased for ethnicity and sexuality (though far from perfect) there is still limited representation for large ladies and for North East accents. That lack of representation is significant to this show.

The show goes down really well with the Newcastle audience but I do wonder if it will translate when it appears in Edinburgh.  It is a while,  for example,  after the first mention of the parmo before Middlesbrough's delicacy is uncoded. Likewise,  the phrase 'PGCE' is not that well known unless you have a room full of teachers who have completed the course.

Rachel puts her heart and soul into the performance and she makes many valid points. For the audience, there are laughs and points to join in, though I felt for the woman in the front row who had to hold a cake for half of the show.

This show is the antidote to crazy diet plans.

To show your support and donate to the ‘Get Fat Chance to the Fringe’ campaign visit www.gofundme.com/f/get-fat-chance-to-the-fringe.

Review: Stephen Oliver

 

Tickets:

Fat Chance is suitable for people aged 16+.

 

Edinburgh

For more information about Fat Chance at Edinburgh Festival Fringe visit www.pleasance.co.uk/event/fat-chance#overview.

 

Preview: Sound Of Music at South Shields Customs House

The Sound Of Music 

South Shields Customs House

Friday 26 August 2022 - Saturday 3 September 2022

Running for a limited season only at The Customs House, The Sound of Music remains one of the most popular musicals of all time. Set against the idyllic landscape of the Austrian Alps, this heart-warming tale based on a true story follows spirited young nun Maria and her relationship with the Von Trapp family. With a timeless score including Do-Re-Mi, My Favorite Things and Climb Ev’ry Mountain, this global phenomenon continues to enchant audiences across the world. 

In the titular role is international performer Caroline Sabiston (Guildford School of Acting and An Evening with Sir Tim Rice) as Maria Rainer, alongside Andrew James as Captain Georg von Trapp and north east based soprano Sarah Fenwick (Sage Gateshead and Proms In The Park) as The Mother Abbess of Nonnberg Abbey.

Also in the cast are Jan Reiss as Elsa Schraeder, Stu Liddle (Guildford School of Acting) as Max Detweiller, Simon Stuart as Rolf Gruber and Holly Chinneck as Liesl von Trapp.

The Musical Theatre Company’s production will feature a talented cast of children starring Cameron Laidler and Cheiron Bates as Friedrich, Evie Gettins and Caoimhe Anders as Louisa, Joshua Murray and Joe Robertson as Kurt, Isabel James and Lila-Rose Routledge as Brigitta, India Rutherford and Isabel Langston as Marta and Emily McGrogan and Amelia Cattermole as Gretl.

The cast also feature Shannon O’Brien as Sister Berthe, Kenya Roberts as Sister Margaretta and Ella Bolton as Sister Sophia as well as an ensemble of talented performers. 

The production team will include production management by Kevin Reay, direction and choreography by Adam Allinson and assistant to the director is Joseph Arnott. In addition to this, costume design by Lee Brannigan and Alan Graham Costumes, production technical management and sound design by Cameron Turnbull, lighting design by Glen Wood with set created by Proscenium.

With a timeless score including Do-Re-Mi, My Favorite Things and Climb Ev’ry Mountain, this global phenomenon continues to enchant audiences across the world.

Tickets:

The Sound Of Music will open at The Customs House, South Shields on Friday 26th August 2022 with a limited summer season ending on Saturday 3rd September 2022. Tickets are on sale now by visiting: www.customshouse.co.uk/theatre/the-sound-of-music/ 

 

Preview: South Pacific at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

Some Enchanted Evening –
South Pacific Comes To Newcastle Theatre Royal

South Pacific 

Newcastle Theatre Royal 

Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 September 2022

Audiences will be swept off their feet by the romance and passion of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific when the critically acclaimed, landmark production comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal for a much-anticipated run from Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 September 2022.

The powerful love story, set on a South Pacific island during World War II, is brought thrillingly to life in an epic new five-star production directed by Chichester Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Daniel Evans and produced by Jamie Wilson, Jonathan Church Theatre Productions and Gavin Kalin.

West End, Broadway and screen star Julian Ovenden and Gina Beck - whose West End credits include Matilda, Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables) - reprise their roles to lead a sensational cast of over thirty performers.

TV favourite Lee Ross – who many will recognise as Owen Turner in EastEnders – will play the role of Luther Billis alongside Rob Houchen as Lieutenant Joseph Cable, Joanna Ampil as Bloody Mary and Sera Maehara as Liat.

South Pacific tells the story of plantation owner Emile de Becque, played by Julian Ovenden – perhaps best known for playing Charles Blake in the ITV hit Downtown Abbey - who falls in love with Ensign Nellie Forbush (Gina Beck). Featuring a full orchestra, this ravishing musical is widely recognised as one of the most popular musicals of all time and is set to be one of the must-see theatrical events of the year.

Boasting one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most memorable scores, this much-loved Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical features songs such as Some Enchanted Evening, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair and Bali Ha’i.

The beloved musical enjoyed a sell-out run at the Chichester Festival Theatre last summer where it received standing ovations night after night, and with stunning sets and sumptuous costumes alongside instantly recognisable songs, South Pacific is set to delight and thrill audiences from across the North East during its week-long run.

Photos: Johan Persson

Tickets:

South Pacific plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 September 2022 with evening performances each night at 7.30pm and matinee performances on Wednesday and Thursday at 2pm and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets are priced from £20.00 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

 

Preview: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Sunderland Empire

 A D V E R T I S E M E N T 

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is back by popular demand embarking on a second UK tour

Arriving at Sunderland Empire in September 2023

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Sunderland Empire

Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 September 2023 

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

Following a record-breaking three-year West End residency, sold-out UK & Ireland Tour and Amazon studios award-winning film, the smash-hit, critically acclaimed and award-winning musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie embarks on a second UK Tour from September 2023 into 2024. The show opens at The Lowry on 7 September 2023 before visiting Sunderland from 19 – 23 Sept 2023, Nottingham, Bromley, Cardiff, Brighton, Leeds, Blackpool, Llandudno, Wolverhampton and Woking with further tour dates and casting to be announced.

Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.

This ‘Funny, outrageous, touching’ (Daily Telegraph), musical sensation is to be experienced by all the family and not to be missed!

With an original score of catchy pop tunes that will ‘blow the roof of the Theatre’ (Mail on Sunday) by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells and writer Tom MacRae (Doctor Who), this ‘Sparking coming-of-age musical’ (The Times) will have everybody talking about Jamie for years to come.

The company of the Everybody's Talking About Jamie Tour.
Photo:   Matt Crockett 

Sixteen: the edge of possibility. Time to make your dreams come true.

Tickets:

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will hit Sunderland Empire’s stage from Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 September 2023. Tickets are available from the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 7615* or online at https://tinyurl.com/SUNDERLANDjamie *