Preview: The Selfish Giant at ARC Stockton

Enchanting family show comes to Stockton this half-term

The Selfish Giant

ARC Stockton

Friday 23 – Saturday 24 February 2024

Inspired by the touching children’s story ‘The Selfish Giant’ by Oscar Wilde, Bristol's two leading family theatre experts are combining forces to explore an unusual friendship, and how even the grumpiest giant’s heart can melt when Spring finally comes. Following previous success of productions such as ‘Perfect’ from Tiny & Tall Productions, formerly Tessa Bide Productions, (★★★★ The Guardian), ‘The Selfish Giant’ will be coming to ARC in Stockton this half-term.

Photo: Paul Blakemore

Grinter is a giant. She lives happily alone in her huge cold house, surrounded by her huge snowy gardens, enclosed by her high, frost-covered walls. She shuts out the world, because long ago, the world shut her out, and so she hides, safe and quiet in her peaceful, icy home. Outside the towering walls of her enormous garden, the world has been changing and there is very little green left. One day, the children - tired of playing on hard roads and grey rooftops - find a chink in the giant's wall and climb through, changing the course of the children’s and Grinter's lives forever.

Through powerful storytelling, captivating puppetry, beautiful design, enchanting music and a sprinkling of magic, the handpicked team have created a touching and beautiful production for children and adults. Adapted for the stage by the company, the production is directed by Adam Fuller, with movement direction from Laura Street, circus direction from Gwen Hales and original sound design by Matt Huxley.

This production has been created with support from partner organisations; May Park Primary School in Bristol, Shapwick SEN School in Somerset, Headley Park Community Centre, Headley Park Primary School, Bristol Grammar School, The Marine Theatre and The Young Vic, as well as The Omnibus, Clapham. ‘The Selfish Giant’ has been funded by Arts Council England.

“The Selfish Giant is beautifully crafted by these two leading family theatre experts. A perfect way to occupy young minds.” Bristol 24/7 

Tickets:

The Selfish Giant will run at ARC Stockton from Friday 23 – Saturday 24 February, with performances at 11.30am and 2.30pm (the performance at 2.30pm on Saturday 24 February will be BSL interpreted) https://arconline.co.uk
Age suitability: 3+ (up to 10 yrs)

Running time: approx. 55 minutes (no interval)

Ticket price:  £8 / Groups of six or more £6.50 (inc. booking fees)

 

REVIEW: Aladdin at Sunderland Empire

Aladdin

Sunderland Empire

Until Sunday 10 March 2024

Tickets are available from our affiliates ATG Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/SUNDaladdinTIX

Disney's Aladdin has landed in Wearside on its first UK tour and it is a real family treat. The show not only brings the 1992 movie that sold over 25 million copies alive, it also features the music from the soundtrack that sold over 2 million copies, plus some extra songs that fit in well. It is a show that has big production values and manages to have that wow factor. 

Gavin Adams, Yeukayi Ushe, Ensemble

The action centres around the fictional middle-eastern city of Agrabah. It is a place full of the haves, who rule, and the have nots, who need to run scams in order to survive. Very quickly Yeukayi Ushe, as the Genie, is throwing in some references to point out that this is a fictional show taking place in Sunderland. As we are introduced to Gavin Adams, making his stage debut as Aladdin, and his friends Babak (Nelson Bettencourt), Omar (Adam Taylor) and Kassim (Nay-Nay), they joke "who would pay to see someone sing and dance?" the fourth wall is broken again and the tone is set for the show, This is going to be a very accessible theatre show that everyone can enjoy.

Gavin Adams making his stage debut as Aladdin

From the opening two numbers, Arabian Nights and One Jump Ahead you get a sense of three major features of the show: the tight direction and choreography from Casey Nicholaw is able to fill the huge stage; the costumes (Greg Barnes) and set (Bob Crowley) are going to be lavish; and there is going to be a sense a fun throughout. In this explosion of the senses it is easy to forget the lighting design (Natasha Katz) is picking everything out and setting the mood, the sound (Ken Travis) is coping with a huge number of voices, sound of which nicely fade away as they head off stage and the crew behind the scenes are working overtime. The speed of the costume changes, as they work through 162 different outfits between them is tremendous. Fun facts include that there are1,428 Swarovski crystals in a single pair of men’s pants in the finale of “Friend Like Me”, or that there are  5 layers of fabric in Jasmine’s Wedding skirt. All the beading is done by hand in India and California resulting in a garment which weighs 3kg, and it takes 200 hours for one beader to bead a new Aladdin Prince Ali jacket. As I say this show has a real "wow" factor. Even for someone who has the privilege to see as many shows as I do.

Desmonda Cathabel as Princess Jasmine

Of course there are 3 groups of characters in this production - we have mentioned poor Aladdin already. There's the royals and the bad guys. Jo Servi plays a Sultan who is clearly worried about succession and Desmonda Cathabel carries off the challenging dream role as Princess Jasmine. This Jasmine is a confident role model rather than a door mat. "Supporting" the Sultan with his decision making is power seeking Jafar and his side kick Iago. 

Sunderland's Adam Strong with Angelo Paragoso

Sunderland's very own Adam Strong returns to the region in a great performance as the cunning Jafar, who got a panto-like reception at the end proving how well he had performed the role. Angelo Paragoso is a contrasting funny sidekick as Lago and was often the source of the funny moments in the show.

Yeukayi Ushe as the Genie

In my humble opinion, any performance of Disney's version of Aladdin has massive shoes to fill. In the 1992 movie we have the sublime performance of the late great Robin Williams to fill as the Genie. This show not only has the brilliant Yeukayi Ushe pulling off a performance that really stands out, there has been some nice tweaks to the script to move the character from the film to the Sunderland stage. He makes reference in the cave to the fact that he is going to have a big production number but that really doesn't prepare one for the sheer scale of Friend Like Me. It was the topic of conversation during the interval.

Running in at two and a half hours, including interval, the show is nicely timed and well paced. The ensemble execute great dance routines that fill the stage with purpose, colour and movement. This is a really hard working cast. We have some nice theatrical tricks as Aladdin disappears in a box and when Jasmine joins him on the magic carpet for the big hit A Whole New World.

Gavin Adams, Desmonda Cathabel 

In the pit is a large live orchestra under the musical direction of Dave Rose. Having the luxury of a large group of musicians helps create a fuller and complex backing to each of the musical numbers.

Aladdin is a real treat. A show which delivers everything that it promised to. Wow! (...and regular readers know I don't say that very often!)

Gavin Adams

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Deen Van Meer

On the web:

Show website: https://www.aladdinthemusical.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AladdinMusicalUK

Instagram: @aladdinuk

Twitter: @aladdinonstage 

Tickets are available from our affiliates ATG Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/SUNDaladdinTIX 

News: Live Theatre in Newcastle is teaming up with internationally acclaimed playwright Shelagh Stephenson to offer two women over the age of 35 a week-long writing retreat in the South of France in May 2024.

 SHELAGH STEPHENSON AND LIVE THEATRE TO OFFER SOUTH OF FRANCE WRITING RETREAT FOR FEMALE PLAYWRIGHTS OVER 35

Live Theatre in Newcastle is teaming up with internationally acclaimed playwright Shelagh Stephenson to offer two women over the age of 35 a week-long writing retreat in the South of France in May 2024.

This groundbreaking initiative is intended to give creative space and support to women who have stopped, paused or slowed their writing due to childcare, caring duties and other life circumstances. The residency will take place in Shelagh’s country home near Avignon, with the two participants being offered travel, board, subsistence and cooked meals throughout their stay.

Shelagh Stephenson said: “There’s a lot of focus on young writers – which is as it should be. But some people, particularly women, take a while to get started. Many feel they’ve missed the boat. It takes a huge leap of faith to write anything at all, confidence ebbs and flow. We have an old stone house in the Southern Rhone Valley, where I spend a lot of thinking/noodling/writing time, and often there’s just me and the dog there. There are a few houses in the hamlet, but that’s it. I wanted to offer a bit of space for writers to work in peace and quiet, in beautiful surroundings, away from domestic responsibilities (I’ll do the cooking). The writers will have their own rooms and bathrooms. There’s a tiny pool. Behind the house there’s nothing but vines, and at night it’s completely silent. If they want to talk about the work, I’m happy to do so. If they don’t, I’m happy too. If they need a bit of down time, they can come with me to St. Quentin la Poterie and Uzès for the Thursday market/lunch. And hopefully, by the end of the stay, they’ll feel they’ve made some progress with the work.”

Live Theatre’s Artistic Director Jack McNamara said: “A week in idyllic Southern France with nothing to do but think and write? What is not to like? Shelagh brought this dreamy idea to us with characteristic generosity and we are thrilled to get behind it. Theatres can often overlook how hard it can be to maintain creative energy and focus at all phases of life and Live Theatre want to try and so something about that. For women who have had children or taken on other caring responsibilities there is very little messaging out there that their creativity is just as valuable, perhaps more so, than before. We hope this initiative gives the selected writers exactly what they need, exactly when they need it.”

The opportunity is open to writers based in or from the North East of England. Application forms can be found at https://www.live.org.uk/blogs-resources/shelagh-stephenson-residency-application

Preview: Eternal Love: The Musical at Darlington Hippodrome

Announcing the first rock musical featuring an original score for 50 years – tickets for the regional performance of Eternal Love: The Musical go on sale

 

Eternal Love: The Musical
An Original Rock Musical That’s Been 20 Years in the Making!

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House: Friday 11 - Saturday 12 April 2025

Darlington Hippodrome: Thursday 24 - Saturday 26 April 2025

Is a Lad from Oldham About to Give Sir Cameron Mackintosh and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber a Run for Their Money!?!

Independent theatre show producer Steve Steinman is on a mission to single-handedly release the West End’s stranglehold on musical theatre!

Tickets for his brand-new production, the vampire-themed Eternal Love: The Musical, went on sale this week at the UK’s leading venues. It’s thought to be the first rock musical featuring an original score for 50 years.

And, despite no West End premiere, it’s going to be a monumental hit – with ticket sales across the regions exceeding all expectations.

Intentionally, Steve Steinman has ensured there will be no glitzy London premiere.

“There’ll be no red carpet, no rent-a-celeb, and no pally-up to the critics,” he says. “I’ll leave all that to Sir Carmeron Mackintosh and Sir Anderew Lloyd Webber. That’s their world.”

The speciality of the Oldham-born, producer/director/performer’s production company – Steve Steinman Productions – is to bring hit touring theatre shows to the masses.

Eternal Love: The Musical is the latest chapter in their Vampires Rock trilogy, and features Steinman once again in the lead role of the nefarious vampire Baron von Rockular.

The production marks the pinnacle of a tough, 35-year music career for the self-made, proud-of-his-Northern-roots, tell-it-how-it-is, entrepreneur. During an impressive, against-all-odds, rise to the top, Steinman has amassed seven million ticket sales, two number one albums and six chart-topping singles.    

With his tongue firmly planted in his fang-filled cheek, Steinman describes his elevation to the heights of producer, director and performer of a sure-fire hit musical ‘a 35-year overnight success’.

“The original Vampires Rock premiered 20 years ago, using the jukebox musical blueprint to become a regional theatre phenomenon,” says Steve.

“Its sequel, Vampires Rock: Ghost Train, fills theatres throughout the country to this day.”

The eagerly-awaited, full-blown pop rock musical Eternal Love opens its nationwide tour in January 2025, and promises to take the Vampires Rock story to its next, successful chapter.

Turning adversity to his advantage is the trademark of Steve’s career – the pandemic being the catalyst for Eternal Love: The Musical.

“Lockdown forced Vampires Rock off of the road,” he says, “providing me with the opportunity to record two hit albums of exceptionally strong original material, which forms the backbone of the new musical’s score.

“Couple to that a fan base that most rock stars would envy, earned from years of constant touring, and I am more than ready for the biggest gamble of my life.

“I would be so bold to say Eternal Love is the first musical to feature original rock compositions combined with an original storyline for 50 years – since The Rocky Horror Show.”

With the promise of a cast of 20 talented performers; choreography by Zena Gushart (MJ the Musical, Bat Out of Hell: The Musical, Footloose, Officer and a Gentleman); live musicians towering over the proceedings; the reprise of popular characters from the two Vampires Rock productions – including Baron von Rockular, The Vampire Queen and Bosley the Janitor; an original score featuring Amazon Rock Chart and iTunes Chart, chart toppers; a storyline that picks up where Vampires Rock Ghost Train ends; and scenery that would make many a West End production blush. . . Eternal Love: The Musical is set to take producer/director/performer Steve Steinman to the next level.

“Theatregoers across the UK will be the first to experience the rarity of a brand-new, original pop rock musical,” says Steve. “For very many musical theatre enthusiasts, it will truly be a first.

“Featuring West End production values, Eternal Love: The Musical will equally delight both true fans of musical theatre and music lovers who may not have never considered attending a musical before.”

As far as Eternal Love: The Musical and the West End itself is concerned, Steinman has this to say: “The West End is a very expensive closed shop, where fortunes are made – and lost.

“This honest, hard-working lad from Oldham is happy to make his mark as a musical theatre producer by bringing an original pop rock spectacular to the masses.

“I honestly have absolutely no West End ambitions at all, in fact quite the opposite.

“I’ve specialised in bringing theatre shows that exude West End production values to people’s doorsteps for 20 years. I’d find expecting our fanbase to travel into London to see Eternal Love: The Musical a little arrogant.”

So, Sir Cameron Mackintosh and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber shouldn’t be quaking in their boots. . .

“Not just yet, anyway!” laughs Steve.

 

Tickets:

Tickets for Eternal Love: The Musical are now on sale 

Newcastle: available from the box office and from our affiliates Eventim UK http://tinyurl.com/TyneEternalLove 

Darlington: available from the box office: darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk  - Phone 01325 405405

 

Preview: Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

A Match Made In Heaven Returns

 

Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Thursday 19 – Saturday 28 September 2024

Newcastle Theatre Royal announces a new co-production with multiple Olivier and Tony Award winning producer David Pugh and Cunard that will see multi award-winning West End sensation Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) by Isobel McArthur after Jane Austen launch a new UK tour in the North East.

Let the ruthless matchmaking begin when Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story, written by Isobel McArthur - one of the most exciting new talents in theatre today and who has just received acclaim in Stratford at the RSC for her new production of Fair Maid of the West – co-produced by Newcastle Theatre Royal with David Pugh and Cunard and directed by Isobel McArthur opens at the Grey Street venue later this year before embarking upon a nationwide 35-date tour.

This will be the theatre’s first co-production for more than 10 years and will see the triumphant launch of the Oliver and Evening Standard Award-winning comedy Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) by Isobel McArthur at Newcastle Theatre Royal, where it returns after its 2023 sold-out run that received five-star reviews and standing ovations.

Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance.  The show features a string of pop classics including ‘Young Hearts Run Free’, ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ and ‘You’re So Vain’. 

Auditions for the entire cast including Elizabeth Bennett, Mr Darcy and Charles Bingley will held by David and Isobel at Newcastle Theatre Royal on 5 & 6 March. This will be one of the only castings for a large scale commercial theatre tour taking place outside of London this year, giving local North East talent the opportunity to audition in front of a West End producer and writer on their doorstep. The tour will take them to leading venues the length and breadth of the country including Northampton Royal & Derngate, Chelmsford Theatre, Wolverhampton Grand, Nottingham Theatre Royal, Shrewsbury Theatre Severn and the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford.

Marianne Locatori, chief executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal said: “As one of the flagship cultural venues in the region, we are thrilled to announce our first co-production in over a decade.   We’re delighted to be collaborating with critically acclaimed West End producer David Pugh on launching this fresh, funny and witty comedy drama.

“David was one of the theatre producers who, during the pandemic, took the risk to keep making and presenting theatre to support the sector during the most difficult times.  His tenacity and vision supported this fantastic show at that point and I’m delighted Newcastle Theatre Royal can partner with him to bring it to audiences across the UK.”

She added: “This is a particularly exciting collaboration for the Theatre and the cultural sector in the region; David’s productions of Art, Brief Encounter and Calendar Girls have proved firm favourites with our audiences. His recent West End run of Shirley Valentine starring Sheridan Smith garnered fabulous reviews from audiences and critics alike and Oliver and Evening Award winner Isobel McArthur is one of the most vibrant and exhilarating writing talents in the industry.

“I’m particularly pleased that this co-production will also support talent development and creative opportunities in the North East, with auditions and casting taking place at the Theatre supporting our ongoing ambition to firmly position Newcastle Theatre Royal at the forefront of cultural creativity and talent development in the region.”

David Pugh said: “Newcastle is my favourite city for the people, its audiences but perhaps not its football team (I support Port Vale). Now I’m delighted to be co-producing a new ‘Geordie’ production of my Olivier Award winning comedy sensation Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) that has five women in it and will celebrate the incredible talent that the North East has to offer and to bring it around the UK and Ireland in this new tour.” 

Isobel McArthur said: “I’ve had some of the most memorable theatre experiences of my life in the North East. Like all the places dearest to my heart, it has such a rich tradition of comedy, theatrical innovation and art that punches up.

“I perceive a generosity amongst the creative community here – one which our adaptation of Austen’s iconic novel really embodies. We want to empower the overlooked and undervalued, throw our arms open to the widest audience possible - and really make people laugh at prices that everyone can afford.

“I can’t wait to meet more Newcastle talent as part of this co-production. Opening the tour at the Theatre Royal will be electric. Whenever I’ve performed to Newcastle audiences, I’ve left the stage feeling better about the human race.”

 

Photos: Matt Crockett

 

Tickets:

Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Thursday 19 – Saturday 28 September 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or by calling 0191 232 7010.

News: Newcastle Fringe Festival is back with a bang as the team invite applications for the hotly anticipated 10-day festival.

Newcastle Fringe Festival is back with a bang as the team invite applications for the hotly anticipated 10-day festival.

 

Bringing the best of UK touring performing arts to the city from Tuesday 16th-Saturday 27th July 2024 (excluding Sunday & Monday), Newcastle Fringe Festival have launched their call out for applications, and are now looking for brilliant, small-scale touring work across theatre, music, family, comedy, cabaret and more to be part of the 2024 line-up.

 

Taking over 5 city centre and Ouseburn venues across 10 days, the festival is set to be an absolute scorcher this summer, building on the success of 2023. The venues taking part are Alphabetti Theatre (the NFF festival hub), Prohibition Cabaret Bar, The Old Coal Yard, The Cumberland Arms and new for 2024, Dance City!

 

Applications are now open for performance acts to be part of this vibrant and dynamic festival. There are a range of options for artists, from one nighters, to a full 10-date run, all working on a 70/30 split in the artists favour, plus additional support from Alphabetti Theatre and the team behind the festival.

 

To apply please visit the festival’s website for more information and the online application form:

 

https://www.newcastlefringe.co.uk/callouts

 

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 27th February at 5.00pm.

For any questions or support with your application, please contact the festival’s Co-Director Chloe Stott, at newcastlefringefestival@gmail.com.

REVIEW: Peter Pan Goes Wrong at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Saturday 17 February 2024

Mischief's hilarious sequel to The Play That Goes Wrong flies into Tyneside this week. This high flying adventure had the audience laughing throughout as almost anything that can go wrong did.

Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society is producing theatre again - this time President Chris Bean has been given a bigger budget. With that cash comes the need to put the generous families offspring in the production regardless of his acting talents.

Of course the antics of the show begin as the audience take their seats. Cast and crew are hunting down missing equipment and trying to fix the electrics. Even form this early point it is obvious that the crew are having to work hard to make the magic happen. I imagine that whoever is looking after lights and sound has their work cut out. I should add it was nice to see the crew take a bow at the end - a nice touch given their massive role out of sight.

Props that can fail will do in this show. This includes the fly and Peter Pan is quickly in peril. Like all good comedy, I am sure that it is all worked out within an inch of its life - but you do wonder if anyone gets injured as windows and doors misbehave almost as much as the cast do.

This is not a pantomime, as we are reminded, but that doesn't stop the audience taking an active part from their seats. I suspect the audience were, in part, a reason why the show somewhat overran its published 2h 10 minutes. The three ringed circus showing how much fun theatre can be.

The story loosely follows the J. M. Barrie script. To add to the madness, for example, you have north east's own Jamie Birkett playing both Mrs Darling and Lisa the maid in the opening scenes. Initially the costume changes are swift but soon she starts getting "caught out" as she walks off set in one costume and is expected to suddenly appear in the other. The funny costume issues occur for many of the cast and this adds to the fun.

Here's the thing though. We see the actors playing students trying to put on a show. Even the programme is part Cornley Poly / part Peter Pan Goes Wrong. In a daft way - you find yourself following as much of the off stage drama as the on stage antics.

This is a really funny show that cheers you up. It is at least the third time that I have seen it and I still find it funny. You have a very hard working cast such as the clashing egos of the co-directors (Jack Michael Stacey and Matthew Howell). These two actors are frequently at the centre of the biggest clangers, as is Gareth Tempest as Peter Pan. Ultimately it is a massive ensemble effort with really tight timing and direction to ensure everyone stays safe.

Naturally there will be comparisons with the other Mischief shows like the Play That Goes Wrong. Which is funnier? I think that depends upon you. Both are full of laughter and full of moments in which you think "wow, did that just happen?"

I'm really glad I had the chance to see it again 9 years since the last time - it has lost none of its charm.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photo: Pamela Raith

Tickets:

Peter Pan Goes Wrong plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 12 – Saturday 17 February 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.