Preview: Northern Ballet - Cinderella at Newcastle Theatre Royal

FAIRYTALE BALLET WITH A

DASH OF CIRCUS SPECTACLE

Northern Ballet: Cinderella

Newcastle Theatre Royal

21-25 October 2014

Leeds based Northern Ballet is one of the UK’s five large ballet companies and is bringing its epic new production of Cinderella to the Theatre Royal from Tuesday 21 – Sat 25 October.  It will transport you to a snowy land of magical acrobats, crystal lakes and elegant palaces, and is truly the only place to escape to this Autumn. 

A new interpretation of the ultimate rags to riches fairytale, this new production of Cinderellaby David Nixon OBE is set within a fantasy world of Imperial Russia. Cinderella’s life is turned upside down following the death of her father. Subject to the coldness and cruelty of her step mother, and kept as a servant by her family, her life is transformed once again following a magical encounter in a market place. As romance blossoms, can Prince Charming see beyond the servant girl and fall in love with the real Cinderella?

 

Northern Ballet Photo: Emma Kauldhar

Duncan Hayler’s (Beauty & the Beast, A Midsummer Night’s Dream) fantastical set designs transport the audience through a Russian-inspired landscape where Cinderella marvels at the magician and circus performers at the winter fair, finds a moments freedom skating on a crystal lake and finally, magically, arrives at the ball, a palace of elegance and wealth.

Northern Ballet is renowned for creating unique interpretations of classic stories and Cinderella will be no exception. The colourful tapestry of Russia will lend new magic and wonder to this very traditional story. Rather than a fairy godmother, a magician is one of the central protagonists, and in preparation for the production Northern Ballet’s dancers have been learning magic and circus skills with the help of the Greentop Circus in Sheffield and a magic consultant.  The show features stilt walking, juggling and acrobatics as well as traditional ballet dance.

Northern Ballet Photo: Jason Tozer

Choreographer David Nixon has placed some universal themes at the heart of his ballet: the contrast between the lives of those who experience freedom, warmth and love and those who experience loneliness, unable to enjoy their liberty; the many faces of love, the love of our family and the love of those who will become our family; the absolute darkness of grief and the transforming power of generosity.

David explains, “My Cinderella strays far from the pantomime interpretation. Amidst all the action, magic and fun lies the story of a real woman and man who must travel their separate roads to ultimate happiness even though that journey is fraught with challenge. Cinderella is ultimately a joyous story but it is not without pain, grief and loneliness.”

Northern Ballet commissioned Philip Feeney to write a brand new score for the production which will be played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia at all performances. Tim Mitchell (Hamlet and Dracula) has created the lighting and Julie Anderson assists David Nixon in costume design.

Cinderella is David Nixon’s fifteenth new full-length production for Northern Ballet where he has been Artistic Director since 2001. It was his second new ballet for 2013 which also saw the World Première and national tour of The Great Gatsby.  Northern Ballet is the busiest touring ballet company in the UK and is typically on the road for around 24 weeks of the year. The Company of 40 dancers tours a combination of new works and established repertoire to cities throughout the UK and is the only large scale ballet company to do so.

On the web:

Website: http://northernballet.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/northernballet

Facebook: www.facebook.com/northernballet

Tickets:

Cinderella appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 21 – Sat 25 October 2014 (Evenings: 7.30pm, Matinees: Thursday 2pm and Saturday 2.30pm).

Tickets are from £11.50 (a booking fee of 95p - £1.95 will apply to most tickets) and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Tour

Norwich, Theatre Royal  Tue 7 to Sat 11 Oct 2014

Newcastle, Theatre Royal  Tue 21 to Sat 25 Oct 2014

Belfast, Grand Opera House  Wed 5 to Sat 8 Nov 2014

Manchester, Palace Theatre  Tue 18 to Sat 22 Nov 2014

Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre  Tue 25 to Sat 29 Nov 2014

Review: Rock of Ages at Sunderland Empire

Its Nothin’ But A Good Time!

Rock of Ages

Sunderland Empire

Until 2^nd August 2014.

Book: Chris D’Arienzo

Director: Kristin Hanggi

Choreographer: Kelly Devine

Rock Of Ages is an entertaining trip to when technology was as simple as a smoke machine and the music was loud.

The North East has a proud tradition of loving rock music at its finest. It had the world longest running rock club in the shape of The Mayfair until it closed in 1999, a venue full of hair, leather, denim and Spandex in 1987 which is when this production is based. By using a rich back catalogue of memorable songs from this era performed by a  live band that look and sound the part it distances itself from many other jukebox musicals. Each song is well sung and, unlike We Will Rock You on occasions, all of the songs are comfortably within the vocal range of each performer.

The storyline has some stereotypical Germans wanting to demolish the Sunset Strip which is full of legendary bars frequented by lovers of loud rock.  There is an attempt to save the Bourbon Room from the wrecking ball. Barman Drew (Noel Sullivan) persuades bar owner Dennis Dupree (Daniel Fletcher) to let wannabe actress Sherrie (Cordelia Farnworth) work at the bar. Naturally we need to chuck in a boy/girl love story in for good measure too and Drew’s attempt to woo Sherrie works well.

Many of the shows laughs and opportunities to interact with the audience comes through the narrating role of fellow barman Lonny and  bar owner Dennis which develops into a full blown bromance by the end of the show. The way in which the show breaks through the fourth wall and doesn’t take itself too serious is reminiscent of rock movies like Wayne’s World.

The German developers in the form of Hertz Klinemann (Jack Lord) and his son Franz (Cameron Sharp) appear on the scene to bribe the Mayor (Rakesh Boury) causing town planner Regina (Jessie May) to resign and start a protest.  The decision is made to host the final gig of the band Arsenal after lead singer Stacee Jaxx (Ben Richards) announces he is about to quit and go solo.

Whilst the development storyline comes as no surprise, the humour and quality of the musical performances, coupled with how the numbers segued nicely around each part of the book set this apart from a number of recent jukebox musicals to reach the region recently. Noel Sullivan is likeable and Cordelia Farworth plays the role of the young starlet well.   The band are a constant throughout the show and faithfully reproduce the music to please fans of the hits.  Songs by REO Speedwagon, Poison, Bon Jovi, Extreme and Whitesnake, amongst others, pepper the action but the finale is given over to Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing  which had the audience out of their seats.

This is a likeable story for those with fond memories of the rockier end of the late 80s music scene.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo 

On The Web:

Website: www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rockofagesuk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rockofageslondon

Tour Schedule

Monday 28 July 2014 – Saturday 2 August 2014
SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire/

0844 871 3022

Monday 4 August 2014 - Saturday 9 August 2014
KINGS THEATRE, GLASGOW
www.atgtickets.com/glasgow
0844 871 7648

Monday 11 August 2014 – Saturday 16 August 2014

THEATRE ROYAL, BRIGHTON

http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/

0844 871 7627

Monday 18 August 2014 – Saturday 23 August 2014
MILTON KEYNES THEATRE
www.atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre
0844 871 7652

Monday 25 August 2014 – Saturday 30 August 2014
NEW VICTORIA THEATRE WOKING
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre/

0844 871 7645

Monday 1 September 2014 – Saturday 6 September 2014

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york/
0844 871 3024

Monday 8 September – Saturday 13 September 2014
SOUTHAMPTON

www.mayflower.org.uk

023 8071 1811

Monday 15 September 2014 – Saturday 20 September 2014
DUBLIN

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

(Ireland) 0818 719 377 (UK) 0844 847 2455

Monday 22 September 2014 – Saturday 27 September 2014

BELFAST
www.goh.co.uk

028 9024 1919

Monday 29 September 2014 – Saturday 4 October 2014
HULL
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/hull-new-theatre/

01482 300300

Monday 6 October 2014 – Saturday 11 October 2014
CARDIFFF NEW THEATRE

www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

029 2087 8889

Monday 20 October 2014 – Saturday 25 October 2014
NEW THEATRE, OXFORD
www.atgtickets.com/oxford
0844 871 3020

Monday 27 October 2014 – Saturday 1 November 2014

LYCEUM THEATRE, SHEFFIELD
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
0114 249 6000

Monday 10 November 2014 – Saturday 15 November 2014

SOUTHEND
www.southendtheatres.org.uk

01702 351135

Monday 17 November 2014 – Saturday 22 November 2014
WIMBLEDON

http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre/

020 8545 7900

Preview: Dreamboats And Miniskirts at Darlington Civic Theatre

Their story continues….

Dreamboats And Miniskirts

Darlington Civic Theatre

Mon 15 to Sat 20 September

Dreamboats and Miniskirts will be presented at Darlington Civic Theatre for just one week from 15^thSeptember as part of a major national tour. The show follows the enormous success of Dreamboats and Petticoats and sister show, Save The Last Dance For Me.

Written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, it is 1963 and the world is changing Bobby (Alex Beaumont) and Laura’s (played by local girl Elizabeth Carter) single Dreamboats and Petticoats has not taken off. Norman and Sue have settled down to non-marital bliss – and a baby! But Ray (David Luke) and Donna (Anna Campkin) seem blissfully happy…. 

The advent of the Beatles and the Merseyside sound is inspirational. But will it inspire Bobby and Laura to have one more shot at stardom – Norman to “get off the drains” and find that singing voice he has longed for, and Ray to realise his ambition and manage a really top pop act!? 

All will be revealed in a follow up with the same, wit, charm, and great songs as Dreamboats and Petticoats. Many of the songs are from the next period in pop history, such as A Picture of You, Don’t ever Change, Do you Love me, Handy Man, It’s in His Kiss, Go Now, When will I be loved, Hippy Hippy Shake!

Tickets

Opening Night & Sat 2:30pm£18.20, £19, £20.20, £21.80

Tue – Sat Evenings £22.50, £23.50, £25, £27

Thu 2pm all seats £18.50

Discounts available

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk  

(Includes £1 per ticket restoration levy)

Tour

Eastbourne Congress 25-30 August

Oxford New Theatre 1-6 September

Woking New Victoria 8-13 September

Darlington Civic 15-20 September

Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall 22-27 September

Bradford Alhambra 29 September-4 October

Milton Keynes Theatre 6-11 October

Birmingham Alexandra 13-18 October

Malvern Festival Theatre 20-25 October

Ipswich Regent 27 October-1 November

Edinburgh King's 3-8 November

Coventry Belgrade 10-15 November

Cardiff New Theatre 17-22 November

Dartford Orchard Theatre 5 - 10 January 2015

Chesterfield Winding Wheel 12-17 January

Northampton Royal & Derngate 26-31 January

Cornwall Hall for Truro 16-21 February

Hull New Theatre 2-7 March

Aylesbury Waterside 9-14 March

Preview: Right Here, Right Now Youth Theatre Festival at Newcastle Live Theatre

Live Theatre celebrates its 

15^th annual Youth Theatre Festival

 
Right Here, Right Now Youth Theatre Festival

NewcastleLive Theatre

Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 August 2014

Rehearsals for Live Theatre’s 15^thannual Youth Theatre Festival, Right Here, Right Now, began this week. From Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 August, young people from Live's Youth Theatre will present four evenings of entertainment based around the theme of current affairs. Right Here, Right Now showcases new work by Live Theatre's exceptionally talented home-grown Youth Theatre.

Plays for Today kicks off the Birthday celebrations on Thursday 7 August at 7.30pm in Live Theatre’s Main Theatre. Live’s Youth Theatre presents a selection of exciting new short theatre pieces devised by groups of young people from across the region with support from some of the region’s leading freelance theatre makers. The pieces, devised over ten days, are inspired by recent stories, headlines and pictures from the news. 

For anyone interested in finding out more about journalism then join BBC Look North’s Jeff Brown as he and some of the team involved in Plays for Today talk about the process of devising plays as well as the impact of news of the youth of today at 8.45pm following the Plays for Today performances.

 

Your Aunt Fanny Group: Brogan Gilbert, Katie Powell, Lydia Brickland, Lauren Waine, Jackie Edwards, Matilda Neill

On Friday 8 August celebrate the first anniversary of the all girls sketch group Your Aunt Fanny.  Working with two of the region’s most exciting writers, Laura Lindow and Lee Mattinson, Your Aunt Fanny provides a comedy platform for some of the most talented members of Live’s Youth Theatre. The girls celebrate everything that is funny, ridiculous and inappropriate in a collection of original sketches.

Join the Youth Theatre comedy coalition for a new panel show called #MouthingOffon Saturday 9 August at 7.30pm. Hosted by top North East comedian John Scott #MouthingOff takes inspiration from John’s popular panel show, presented at The Stand comedy club, Sod the Tories (And Have a Nice Week). In this politically themed game the leaders of tomorrow point out what’s wrong with the ones we have today.

As John Scott explains; ‘In recent times I’ve focused my comedy a lot more on politics and social satire. I’ve been running a panel show for the past year at The Stand comedy club that takes a fairly biting look at the great and the good. Now, with the support of Live Theatre I’ve decided to develop a ‘youth’ version of the show, which will take a look at our current affairs and hopefully tackle issues affecting young adults today’.

The #MouthingOff panellists will be joined by Davey Hopper who is secretary of the Durham Miners. Davey was a major figure during the miners’ strike, which celebrates its 30^th Anniversary this year.

Don’t miss the Festival’s final show 24/7 on Sunday 10 August at 7.30pm in Live Theatre’s Main Theatre. Seven 10 minute plays are performed after an adrenalin-fuelled 24 hours. Seven writers each choose a director, two actors and a prop to inform their work and write, rehearse and perform their piece in a day.

As Nina Berry, one of the 24/7 writers, explains ‘I’m incredibly excited about the challenge and I’m very much looking forward to working alongside a new crop of writing, performing and directing talent at Live Theatre. I could not be more thrilled about having the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful project, which provides a platform for so many young people, whilst giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents and increase their confidence. I cannot wait for this year’s Youth Theatre Festival fun to unfold right here, right now!’

Plus, look out for additional performances, curated by young people to showcase young talent, around Live Theatre's building, before and during the intervals of the Festival shows. 

Tickets:
Help Live Theatre celebrate the 15th annual Youth Theatre Festival from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 August.

Tickets for Right Here, Right Now events are £8, £6 concession, £3 Youth Theatre members for each performance. 

Tickets can be booked by contacting Live Theatre’s box office on (0191) 232 1232 or online at www.live.org.uk.

Online

Twitter

Find out more about Right Here, Right Now via our Twitter https://twitter.com/LiveTheatre using the hashtag #LYTFest14.

Follow Your Aunt Fanny, all girls’ sketch group, on https://twitter.com/YourAuntFanny

Facebook: www.facebook.com/livetheatre

 

Event Details

Thursday 7 August, 7.30pm 
Plays for Today  

 

A selection of pieces inspired by recent stories, headlines and pictures from the news. Devised over ten days by groups of young people with support from some of the region's leading freelance theatre makers.  

Following the performances join the Plays for Today creative team and some of the Youth Theatre participants for a Post Show Chat about the process of devising shows inspired by recent news headlines. They’ll be joined by BBC Look North broadcaster Jeff Brown to discuss the broader aspects of journalism, current affairs and the impact of news on the youth of today. Phil Hoffman, from Live Theatre's Education & Participation team, will be chairing the discussion.

Part of Live Theatre's Youth Theatre Festival, Right Here Right Now, in which young people from the Youth Theatre take over Live Theatre for two weeks to create three evenings of entertainment based around the theme of current affairs. 

DATES: Thursday 7 August, 7.30pm

LOCATION: Main Theatre
DURATION: Approx 1hr

SUITABILITY: 11+
TICKETS: £8, £6 concs, £3 Youth Theatre member

Thursday 7 August, 8.45pm
Plays for Today  Post Show Chat

Join the Plays for Today creative team and some of the Youth Theatre participants for a post show discussion about the process of devising shows inspired by recent news headlines. They’ll be joined by BBC Look North broadcaster Jeff Brown to discuss the broader aspects of journalism, current affairs and the impact of news on the youth of today. Phil Hoffman, from Live Theatre's Education & Participation team, will be chairing the discussion.  

Panellists  

Jackie Fielding (Plays for Today director)
Jeff Brown (BBC Look North broadcaster)
Chaired by Phil Hoffman (form Live Theatre's Education & Participation team) 

Plays for Today features a selection of pieces inspired by recent stories, headlines and pictures from the news. Devised over ten days by groups of young people with support from some of the region's leading freelance theatre makers. Plays for Today is presented in Live Theatre's Main Theatre on Thursday 7 August at 7.30pm.  

Part of Right Here, Right Now this year's Youth Theatre Festival.

DATES: Thursday 7 August, 8.45pm

LOCATION: Main Theatre
DURATION: Approx 20 minutes

SUITABILITY: n/a
TICKETS: Free, booking recommended

Friday 8 August, 7.30pm 

Your Aunt Fanny

Your Aunt Fanny is a sketch group formed by some of the most talented female members of Live's Youth Theatre.

From the absurd to the downright ridiculous the girls celebrate everything that is funny and inappropriate. Their hilarious collection of original and new sketches have been written especially for them by two of the region's most exciting writers Laura Lindow (Wishbone and Sawdust & Stardust) and Lee Mattinson (Never Forget, Chalet Lines and Donna Disco). 

Part of Live Theatre's Youth Theatre Festival, Right Here Right Now, in which young people from the Youth Theatre take over Live Theatre for two weeks to create three evenings of entertainment based around the theme of current affairs. 

Follow Your Aunt Fanny, girls’ sketch group, on @yourauntfanny

DATES: Friday 8 August, 7.30pm

LOCATION: Main Theatre
DURATION: Approx 1hr

SUITABILITY: 14+
TICKETS: £8, £6 concs, £3 Youth Theatre member

Saturday 9 August, 7.30pm
#MouthingOff

Join the Youth Theatre comedy coalition for a new panel show in which they take a satirical look at our current affairs and the people that make them. A politically theme game show in which leaders of tomorrow point out what's wrong with the ones we have today. #MouthingOff will feature very special guest Davey Hopper from Durham Miners Union.

Part of Live Theatre's Youth Theatre Festival Right Here Right Now. Young people from the Youth Theatre take over Live Theatre for two weeks to create three evenings of entertainment based around the theme of current affairs. This is Live Theatre's fifteenth annual Youth Theatre Festival and is produced and facilitated by Live Theatre's Education and Participation Team. 

DATES: Saturday 9 August, 7.30pm

LOCATION: Main Theatre
DURATION: Approx. 2 hours, including an interval

SUITABILITY: 11+
TICKETS: £8, £6 concs, £3 Youth Theatre member

Sunday 10 August, 7.30pm  
24/7

Seven 10 minute plays are performed after an adrenalin fuelled 24 hours. Seven writers each choose a director, two actors and a prop to inform their work and write, rehearse and perform their piece in a day.

Live Theatre is pleased to announce the writers are  Paddy Campbell (Wet House), Lee Mattinson (Chalet Lines), Ian Mclaughlin (Good Timin'), Louise Taylor (10 Minutes to...), Neil Armstrong (Adam's Family Tree - YTV) as well as recent Northumbria University graduates Nina Berry (10 Minutes to...) and Francesca Wright. They will be joined by directors Paul James and Kwabena Adjei, Jackie Fielding, Tracy Gillman, Rachel Glover, Lewis Gray, Philip Hoffmann and Dave Raynor.                    

                                                                                        
Part of Live Theatre's Youth Theatre Festival Right Here Right Now. Young people from the Youth Theatre take over Live Theatre for two weeks to create three evenings of entertainment based around the theme of current affairs. This is Live Theatre's fifteenth annual Youth Theatre Festival and is produced and facilitated by Live Theatre's Education and Participation Team.

DATES: Sunday 10 August, 7.30pm 

LOCATION: Main Theatre
DURATION: Approx 1 hr 30mins

SUITABILITY: 11+
TICKETS: £8, £6 concs, £3 Youth Theatre member