Preview: Frank Skinner: 30 Years of Dirt at Stockton Globe

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ANNOUNCING FRANK SKINNER’S NEW TOUR - 30 YEARS OF DIRT

Frank Skinner: 30 Years of Dirt 

Stockton Globe 

Friday 22nd March 2024

Following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe and 7-nights at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End, comic legend Frank Skinner is back with his critically acclaimed new show ‘30 Years of Dirt’.

Frank Skinner’s live career began in 1987 when he spent £400 of his last £435 booking a room at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Four years later in 1991 he returned to the city and took home comedy’s most prestigious prize, The Perrier Award. Frank created The Frank Skinner Show (ITV), which is widely credited as setting the tone for the modern comedic chat show. With David Baddiel, he created and presented both Fantasy Football and Baddiel & Skinner Unplanned, and, alongside The Lightning Seeds, the pair also wrote the seminal football anthem Three Lions. More recently, Frank created and hosted three series of Frank Skinner’s Opinionated for BBC2, hosted seven series of BBC1’s Room 101 and seven series of Portrait/Landscape Artist of the Year for Sky Arts.

He has presented documentaries covering passions including Muhammad Ali (BBC1), Elvis  (BBC4) and investigating the life of George Formby (BBC4). His Absolute Radio show has won three gold awards for Best Speech Programme (2011 and 2014) and Best Entertainment/Comedy Production (2017) at the ARIAs and saw him inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in December 2015. 

For BBC Radio 4, Frank hosted comedy panel show The Rest is History, and wrote and starred in comedy drama series Don’t Start alongside Katherine Parkinson. Most recently he has successfully launched Frank Skinner’s Poetry Podcast with Absolute Radio, which has garnered fantastic reviews. As an author, Frank has published Dispatches from the Sofa; a collection of columns he wrote for The Times and has written two autobiographies, the first of which, Frank Skinner, was the top selling autobiography of 2002, spending 46 weeks in The Sunday Times Bestseller List. His latest stand-up show, Showbiz, has enjoyed a sold-out national tour and subsequent sold-out residency at the West End’s Garrick Theatre.

Tickets:

Frank Skinner: 30 Years of Dirt heads to Stockton Globe on Friday 22nd March 2024.

Tickets are available to buy on general sale on Wednesday 20th December at 10am via https://prf.hn/l/3PzJpeA

Preview: The Full Monty at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

The Full Monty Makes Its Way To Newcastle Theatre Royal

The Full Monty

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 27 February – Saturday 2 March 2024

Based on the 1997 smash-hit film, still very much of our time, The Full Monty visits Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 27 February – Saturday 2 March 2024 promising laughter, heart and unforgettable moments.

The loss of Sheffield’s traditional steel industry and the subsequent unemployment leaves Gaz and his mates down on their luck and feeling like they have been thrown on the scrap heap, but they are determined to fight back... perhaps by baring a little more than they ever thought they would!

The UK tour of Simon Beaufoy’s The Full Monty, directed by Michael Gyngell and choreographed by Ian West, stars Danny Hatchard (EastEnders; Not Going Out) as Gaz and Jake Quickenden (X Factor; Hollyoaks) as Guy, alongside Bill Ward (Coronation Street; Emmerdale) as Gerald, Neil Hurst (All Creatures Great and Small; Casualty) as Dave, Ben Onwukwe (Marcella; Coronation Street) as Horse and Nicholas Prasad (RSC: The Comedy of Errors) as Lomper.

Further cast include Oliver Joseph Brooke, Katy Dean, Laura Matthews, Danny Mellor, Adam Porter Smith, Suzanne Procter, Alice Schofield, and Leyon Stolz-Hunter. The young actors playing the role of Nathan on tour will be Cass Dempsey, Theo Hills, Rowan Poulton and Jack Wisniewski.

This fast and funny play, still very much of our time, showcases friendship, resilience and the power of self-discovery. A poignant tale with hilarious mishaps, and a soundtrack including 80s and 90s classics, The Full Monty was a firm audience favourite when it last visited Newcastle in 2019 and promises once again to be a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, laughs and heartbreak!

 

Photos: Ellie Kurttz

 

Tickets:

The Full Monty plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 27 February – Saturday 2 March 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Preview: Adam Kay at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

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Bestselling author Adam Kay brings new show to Newcastle after a sold-out West End season

 

Adam Kay – Undoctored

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Friday 16^th February 2024

Former junior doctor and now acclaimed author of This is Going to Hurt, Adam Kay, is discussing his book Undoctored at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Friday 16^th February 2024. Undoctored was adapted for the stage, with Kay discussing his tales and was the best-selling show of Edinburgh Fringe 2023 and has recently completed a sell-out West End season.

Adam Kay has written a variety of medical-focused books, such as Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas, alongside children’s books such as Kay’s Marvellous Medicine and Kay’s Anatomy. However, This is Going to Hurt put Adam Kay on the map, with his raw yet comical recollection of being a junior doctor in training. The number-one bestselling book spent over a year at the top of the Sunday Times bestseller list, and the miniseries of the same title also became critically acclaimed, with award-winning actor Ben Whishaw portraying Kay himself.

Undoctored is both the prequel and a sequel to This Is Going to Hurt, leaving audiences in both tears of sadness and of laughter at Adam’s unique tales of life in medical school and after medicine. Fans of Adam Kay will not want to miss out his brand-new show, and as a live performer, Kay captures his experiences like never before.

Theatre Director Joanne Johnson states, “We are thrilled to have Adam Kay in our theatre following the huge success of his new written work and tv show. We’re always adding new and exciting performances at our theatre, and we have a fantastic line-up of book tours and discussions in 2024!”

Tickets:

Tickets are £29-£25 plus fees and the show is strictly 16+. You can buy tickets from our affiliates Eventim UK: https://tinyurl.com/AdamKayTynetickets

Preview: Edward Scissorhands at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures return to Newcastle Theatre Royal with Edward Scissorhands

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures

Edward Scissorhands

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Wednesday 27 March – Saturday 6 April 2024.

Ground-breaking dance-theatre company Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures make a triumphant return to Newcastle Theatre Royal with Edward Scissorhands for a breath-taking two week run.

Devised, directed and choreographed by Sir Matthew Bourne OBE and based on the original motion picture directed by Tim Burton, the highly anticipated production promises a witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world.

Having has carved a place in the hearts of audiences world-wide since its premiere in 2005, Edward Scissorhands now returns to UK theatres for the first time in 9 years. Audiences will be captivated once again by the tale of acceptance and humanity, following sell out performances in America, Australia, Korea, Japan and Europe.

Edward Scissorhands features a hauntingly beautiful score based on the original motion picture compositions by Danny Elfman with new music and arrangements created by Terry Davies.

The cast consists of many new company members alongside those returning to previous roles. The 2023/24 production will see Liam Mower reprise his iconic role of Edward Scissorhands, alongside Stephen Murray, making his debut in the role, as well as Ashley Shaw, reprising her role as Kim Boggs whilst sharing the role with Katrina Lyndon making her debut as the character.

Edward Scissorhands will also feature Kerry Biggin, Sophia Hurdley, Etta Murfitt and Mami Tomotani as Peg Boggs and Glenn Graham and Dominic North as Bill Boggs.

Benjamin Barlow Bazeley and Ben Brown will play Jim Upton with Stephanie Billers, Nicole Kabera and Ashley Shaw as Joyce Monroe and James Lovell, Luke Murphy and Reece Causton as her husband, George.

Xavier Sotiya, this year’s New Adventures Emerging Artist, will make his professional debut in Edward Scissorhands after graduating from Central School of Ballet earlier in 2023.

The set and costumes are designed by Lez Brotherston, lighting designed by Howard Harrison and sound designed by Paul Groothuis.

Upon announcing the tour, Sir Matthew Bourne shared “Never has the story of Edward Scissorhands been more timely. In an era when uniqueness and identity is both celebrated and reviled, its story of how we treat anyone who appears to be different in our communities is as poignant and relevant as when my dear friend Caroline Thompson wrote the screenplay for Tim Burton’s legendary movie fable some 33 years ago.”

Can Edward find his place in the well-meaning community which struggles to see past his curious appearance to the innocence and gentleness within?

Photos by Johan Persson

Tickets:

Edward Scissorhands plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Wednesday 27 March – Saturday 6 April 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

 

REVIEW: Snow White at Hexham Queen's Hall

Snow White

Hexham Queen's Hall 9 - 31 December 2023

Alnwick Playhouse 13 - 30 December 2023

Snow White is fun family experience that had the young members of the audience responding with excitement throughout the show.

This is less of a panto and more of a two handed story telling that frequently breaks the fourth wall in a panto style in order to get the audience involved. It is funny and charming, making it a perfect aperitif for the forthcoming season.

With only two on stage, covering the the Brother's Grimm tale of Snow White is going to be a challenge. Alnwick actor Harry Brierley appears as Grimm the storyteller. Joining him is Natasha Biggs as Snow White. They also cover the other roles ranging from the Snow White's parents through to her pet dog. 

The cast have to work hard in this Nick Lane adaptation but the masterstroke is in the casting as they both quickly engage with the audience and make it clear that they want interaction. This release of the freedom of the younger members of the crowd then releases their energy in a positive way.

Good use of props help with the storytelling aspect. The action lasted for under two hours, including interval, ensuring plenty of pace and keeping the kids engaged. There is no waffle here.

The story has some crazy twists - exploding chickens being one example. Damien Cruden has directed a tight show which doesn't take itself too seriously but sticks to the core plot. 

Of course, only having two actors means that they both have to work their socks off. The songs, puppetry and very quick costume changes feel seamless to the audience because of the skills of the two performers.

This was a wonderful show that, whilst aimed at key stage 2/3 children, it was something that made us adults laugh too. If the show helps introduce a new generation to theatre then that makes it special too.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Von Fox Promotions

Hexham Tickets: https://www.queenshall.co.uk/whats-on/snow-white 

Alnwick Tickets: https://alnwickplayhouse.co.uk/event/snow-white/

REVIEW: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Darlington Hippodrome

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Darlington Hippodrome

Until Sunday 31 December 2023

Darlington has a panto that has many of the classic panto elements with the sparkles of a high budget show. It is a real crowd pleasure thanks, in no small measure, to a brilliant comic performance of Josh Benson as Muddles.

Sharing the top billing in the show are Gareth Gates, who was recently in our region in SpongeBob The Musical, and Jenny Ryan from the quiz show The Chase. As a runner up in the first Pop Idol series it was no surprise that Gareth had opportunity to sing. More surprising was the reaction from the audience when he took his top off. Clearly the lad has been working out.

(As a side note… as someone who doesn't watch much terrestrial television,  references to SAS training are lost on me. A bit like the guy from the Coach programme a few years back, I'm as perplexed as the kids when they make the references).

Jenny Ryan is the evil Queen Dragonella who wants rid of Snow White in order to be the fairest in the land. Whilst she is probably new to live stage work, she gave it her best shot. Again there were numerous references to the t.v. show that she is famous for,  even using its theme music as her walk on tune. Of course, there is a quiz at one point which leads to some classic panto joke lines.

There are a couple of nice twists in this tale which differentiates it from most Snow  Whites in the country…but no spoilers here! Snow White (Marina Lawrence-Mahrra) is charming but, as often happens,  loses out in stage time to the big names on the poster that have helped sell the tickets. 

The Twins FX, who also add to the effects up the road at the Newcastle Theatre Royal are involved with special effects here too. There is one of their trademark “wow” effects that is used at the end of act one to quickly get Muddles back to the palace. It certainly had the desired effect on the audience who may not have expected it.

The show has the sparkling glamour in the sets and costumes.  In particular the Dame, Nelly Nightnurse (Jamie Jones) had some great outfits.

The show needs seven shorter people and the solution used is straight out of Shrek the Musical. At least it wasn't children wearing masks!

Snow White will have pleased many in the audience.  Muddles ensures that there is plenty of interaction with the audience and Jenny Ryan is happy to hear the boos ring out as she spells out her evil plans. All in all, Snow White was a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Darlington. 

Review: Stephen Oliver

Tickets: https://www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on/Snow-White-and-the-Seven-Dwarfs 

REVIEW: Cinderella at Whitley Bay Playhouse

Cinderella

Whitley Bay Playhouse

Until Saturday 6 January 2024

Steve Walls returns for his 13th Playhouse panto, with the ever dependable Daniel Mawston, for a Playhouse panto that goes where they have not gone before. They may have covered the perennial favourite that is Cinderella before but never like this... thanks to the Louie Spence effect, in the most glamorous Playhouse panto yet.

The dancer appears frequently throughout the show. Any excuse for Louie to add his sparkles as Fairy Godfather leads to many twirls and the occasional bit of inuendo. Don't panic the panto is still very family friendly with entertaining the children firmly at its heart but Mr Spence appears to have been given more of a free hand than normal and this has led to the production having a lot of energy and laughs.

The show has a feel of a bigger budget panto than some previous years. The attention to detail in things like the James Maciver (of London Palladium panto fame) designed costumes for the Ugly Sisters to the surprise of how Cinderella gets transported to the ball.

But at the end of the day, Cinderella at the Playhouse is about the story of Cinderella rather than being a variety show with a vague theme. It is about taking the children (of all ages) on the journey from rags to riches - with quite a few laughs along the way. Like all good pantos - this is a show in which the audience are very much a part of the action (as opposed to being a show that is done to the audience).

The Playhouse favourites are there too. The 12 days of Christmas is there (our first of the season believe it or not). Plus the take off scene. Now if you have never been to the Playhouse then you might be surprised by the anticipation and reaction that comes from the arrival of a simple prop but The Bench is given star status for the annual Ghostbusters scene. The atmosphere then goes through the roof as the youngsters go mental shouting "its behind you" and "we did". I swear they get more enthusiastic every year. Gary...stick that bench on the poster! 

Time to discuss the story...

Jessica Lilley appears as Cinderella who has effectively become servant to her step sisters. Her Dad does not put an appearance in during this show. In another first Dame Patsy appears as a bad person to boo as Patsy Hardup gives Daniel Mawston a chance to show another side to his range. He is still funny and engaging even though he is cruel to poor Cinders. He is accompanied by Luke Martin as Idena Hardup who acts as a natural companion to the established Patsy. To be honest - I would liked to have seen a little more of them in the first act.

Then, making his professional debut, comes along Jacob Beresford as the rugged Prince Charming who is looking for love and spots Cinders collecting firewood. He decides to have a ball in order to relocate this lady. At this point there is a change to the usual pattern of the story. Rather than having a single manservant (Dandini), the Prince is accompanied by financial advisors Null (Keith Simmons) and Void (Ben Simmons) who make suggestions that the Prince makes out are his own.

Into the mix is Cinderella's best friend Buttons. Steve Walls invites the audience to join his gang and he keeps the energy, and jokes, flowing. It is down to Steve's skill that he makes this role look so easy. His charming encouragement of the audience and ability to whip them up if they appear to be losing their excitement is natural. It is always a joy to see him work an audience and pull the show together - appearing unphazed as the whirlwind that is Louie Spence pirouettes into the next scene to add his magic.

Around all of the storytelling are the best bunch of young, and professional, dancers we have seen so far this season. Each and everyone of them was so fully committed to smiling, singing and dancing throughout. They youngsters gave it their all and the professionals had plenty of opportunities to show off their skills. Of course Louie Spence got involved too and showed that he still has it.

So far - so good. A great story told in an engaging way in a great looking show. Paul Ferguson's script feels like a local panto. Paul Tate's direction allows all of the ingredients to have their moment to be centre stage without spoiling the overall broth but...at three hours, including interval, this is one of the longest shows out there, though, as we understand it, there will be some edits. We may not have made it to Pantrinis for tea afterwards but it was worth it. Cinderella is having a ball on the coast!

Review: Stephen Oliver

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Tickets for the pantomime Cinderella are available from our affiliates Ticketmaster UK using the following link: https://ticketmaster-uk.tm7559.net/JzvdeN