Preview: A Doll’s House at Alnwick Playhouse

Groundbreaking Feminist Classic

Comes to Alnwick

A Doll’s House

Alnwick Playhouse

Tuesday 7^th October 2014

This Autumn, UK Touring Theatre presents the World Premiere of a brand new English version of A Doll’s House; Henrik Ibsen’s groundbreaking play about marriage, money, and the freedom of women in the late 19^th century. 

Following the success of their highly-acclaimed national tour of Strindberg’s Miss Julie in 2013, this powerful new production of another Scandinavian classic is touring to theatres across the UK from September to November, coming to Alnwick Playhouse on Tuesday 7 October.

Set in 19^th century Norway, A Doll’s Houseexplores the relationship of Torvald and Nora Helmer, whose ‘perfect’ marriage is not what it seems.  The play shocked and divided critics across Europe with its depiction of a woman struggling to survive in a man’s world, and Nora’s rejection of the ‘ideal’ family life.  The opinions of audiences were also divided.  So much so, that invitations to social gatherings at the time would often include the note: “You are requested not to mention Ibsen’s Doll’s House!”.  Now widely regarded as Ibsen’s masterpiece, it has received worldwide critical acclaim and in 2006 it was the world’s most performed play.

Director Michael Woodwood said, “A Doll’s House is a very powerful piece.  Every woman can relate to Nora and the social roles that she plays, as daughter, wife and mother.  Every woman should see this play once in their lifetime.”

UK Touring Theatre are renowned for producing exciting new translations of classic European plays, and are committed to bringing classic theatre to venues large and small across the UK.

Tickets:

Tickets for A Doll’s House are priced at £13 premier, £12 standard, £10 concessions and can be purchased from the Box Office on 01665 510 785 or online at www.alnwickplayhouse.co.uk

A Doll’s House

Produced by UK Touring Theatre

Written by Henrik Ibsen and translated by the company

Directed by Michael Woodwood

Lighting Design by Crin Claxton

Cast: Felicity Rhys, Adam Redmayne, Laura-Kate Gordon, Christopher Llewellyn

On The Web:

Website:            www.uktouringtheatre.co.uk

Twitter:               https://twitter.com/UKTouring

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/UKTouringTheatre

On Tour:

2-3 October – Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa

4 October – Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot

6 October – The Customs House, South Shields

7 October – Alnwick Playhouse

9 October – Queen’s Hall Theatre, Cranbrook

11 October – Hawthorne Theatre, Welwyn Garden City

13 October – Capstone Theatre, Liverpool

14 Ocober – Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli

15 October – Waterside Arts Centre, Sale

16 October – The Arts Centre, Edge Hill University

17 October – Uppingham Theatre

20 October – Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham

21 October – Loughborough Town Hall

22 October – The Castle, Wellingborough

23 October – Burnley Mechanics, Burnley

28 October – St George’s Theatre, Great Yarmouth

29 October – Bonington Theatre, Nottingham

30 October – Lancaster Grand Theatre

31 October – Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond

3 November – Theatre Royal Margate

4-5 November – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

6 November – Sundial Theatre, Cirencester

7 November – Merlin Theatre, Frome

8 November – Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe

10-11 November – Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton

12 November – Lakeside Theatre, Colchester

13-15 November – The Dugdale Centre, Enfield

Preview: A Doll’s House at The Customs House

Groundbreaking Feminist Classic

Comes to South Shields

A Doll’s House

South Shields Customs House

Monday 6^th October 2014

This Autumn, UK Touring Theatre presents the World Premiere of a brand new English version of A Doll’s House; Henrik Ibsen’s groundbreaking play about marriage, money, and the freedom of women in the late 19^th century. 

Following the success of their highly-acclaimed national tour of Strindberg’s Miss Julie in 2013, this powerful new production of another Scandinavian classic is touring to theatres across the UK from September to November, coming to The Customs House on Monday 6 October.

Set in 19^th century Norway, A Doll’s Houseexplores the relationship of Torvald and Nora Helmer, whose ‘perfect’ marriage is not what it seems.  The play shocked and divided critics across Europe with its depiction of a woman struggling to survive in a man’s world, and Nora’s rejection of the ‘ideal’ family life.  The opinions of audiences were also divided.  So much so, that invitations to social gatherings at the time would often include the note: “You are requested not to mention Ibsen’s Doll’s House!”.  Now widely regarded as Ibsen’s masterpiece, it has received worldwide critical acclaim and in 2006 it was the world’s most performed play.

Director Michael Woodwood said, “A Doll’s House is a very powerful piece.  Every woman can relate to Nora and the social roles that she plays, as daughter, wife and mother.  Every woman should see this play once in their lifetime.”

UK Touring Theatre are renowned for producing exciting new translations of classic European plays, and are committed to bringing classic theatre to venues large and small across the UK.

  

Tickets:

Tickets for A Doll’s House are priced at £12 and can be purchased from the Box Office on 0191 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk

A Doll’s House

Produced by UK Touring Theatre

Written by Henrik Ibsen and translated by the company

Directed by Michael Woodwood

Lighting Design by Crin Claxton

Cast: Felicity Rhys, Adam Redmayne, Laura-Kate Gordon, Christopher Llewellyn

On The Web:

Website:            www.uktouringtheatre.co.uk

Twitter:               https://twitter.com/UKTouring

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/UKTouringTheatre

On Tour:

2-3 October – Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa

4 October – Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot

6 October – The Customs House, South Shields

7 October – Alnwick Playhouse

9 October – Queen’s Hall Theatre, Cranbrook

11 October – Hawthorne Theatre, Welwyn Garden City

13 October – Capstone Theatre, Liverpool

14 Ocober – Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli

15 October – Waterside Arts Centre, Sale

16 October – The Arts Centre, Edge Hill University

17 October – Uppingham Theatre

20 October – Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham

21 October – Loughborough Town Hall

22 October – The Castle, Wellingborough

23 October – Burnley Mechanics, Burnley

28 October – St George’s Theatre, Great Yarmouth

29 October – Bonington Theatre, Nottingham

30 October – Lancaster Grand Theatre

31 October – Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond

3 November – Theatre Royal Margate

4-5 November – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

6 November – Sundial Theatre, Cirencester

7 November – Merlin Theatre, Frome

8 November – Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe

10-11 November – Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton

12 November – Lakeside Theatre, Colchester

13-15 November – The Dugdale Centre, Enfield

Preview: Jabberwocky Market Festival in Darlington

Festival of Theatre

Returns to Darlington

Jabberwocky Market Festival

Darlington

Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 October 2014

It’s one of the biggest dates in Darlington’s cultural calendar and this year promises to be its best yet.

Jabberwocky Market makes a welcome return to venues in and around Darlington from Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 October 2014for another four days of performances, workshops, talks and fun activities for audiences of all ages. 

Presenting cutting edge, world-class theatre rarely performed in the North East, Jabberwocky Market also features performances from local artists and musicians. The festival showcases an amazing array of talent, including some very close to home. 

The festival hub will open at Darlington’s Covered Market from Thursday 18 September and will feature performances and events leading up to the official start of Jabberwocky Market on Thursday 2 October.

Solas Fae

Local dancer-choreographer Debbie Waistell opens this year’s festival with the premiere of her latest show for children and families, Solas Fae (Thursday 2 October - Cattle Market).  A story of love, loss and Christmas and inspired by traditional legends, this captivating performance takes place at the Cattle Market.    

Photo: Josh Hawkins Photography UK

of the gracefool collective

Jabberwocky Market’s popular Scratch night returns to Darlington’s Voodoo Café for one night only (Friday 3 October - Voodoo Cafe). This informal and sociable evening of theatre invites audiences to enjoy excerpts of five new shows. Those that want to are welcome to give feedback and chat to the creators and actors after the performance. 

Ballad of the Burning Star

Audiences in Darlington will have the opportunity to enjoy the politically charged, Ballad of the Burning Star (Saturday 4 October - Liddiard Theatre at Polam School) as part of Jabberwocky Market. This semi-autobiographical and timely production tells the story of an Israeli man brought up in a Jewish settlement build on occupied Palestinian territories. Told with biting wit and passion, this cabaret performance featuring drag, original songs and physical storytelling was heralded a success on its debut and has since gone on to win universal acclaim. The Observer called it ‘Brilliant… Breathlessly inventive’.

Photo: Selma Dimitrijevic

Darlington-born actor and playwright Gary Kitching brings his brand new show to Jabberwocky Market after a successful season at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Dead to Me (Saturday 4 October – Voodoo Café), is a dark, yet funny tale of a man named Steven and his visit to a local psychic. He quickly discovers, sometimes the dead can be easier to deal with. 

 

The Incredible Book Eating Boy

Children aged 4+ will have the opportunity to enjoy a live adaptation of Oliver Jeffers award- winning book, The Incredible Book Eating Boy.  Performed for just two people at a time, this intimate performance of the much-loved book transports audiences inside the bedroom of Henry, The Incredible Book Eating Boy. Watch as Henry discovers there’s a downside to his never-ending appetite for eating books.

 

Another event for families and children aged 8+ is Fish/Girl, a brand new adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid. On a stormy night in a seaside town, a local girl finds a stranded Mer Prince and helps him back into the water. Her feelings so strong for the creature, she follows it into the unknown. Audiences are invited to provide feedback on this unfinished work when it appears at Jabberwocky Market.

Folk in a Box

A music performance like no other, Folk in a Box (Saturday 4 October - Market Place) is just that – a one on one folk music venue in a wooden box. Created by Emily Barker and Dom Coyote, audience members enter, one at a time, through a small door to experience one song, from one musician. Its simplicity makes it so special. Having travelled across the world and back again, it’s now coming to Darlington as part of Jabberwocky Market and will feature local folk musicians.

 
Another exciting element of this year’s Jabberwocky Market is the appearance of a pop-up Fun Palace (Saturday 4 October - Market Place).  A global celebration of arts, science and learning, more than 100 Fun Palaces will appear across the UK and the world on Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 October in celebration of theatre director Joan Littlewood’s centenary, who together with architect Cedric Price, devised Fun Palaces.  These pop-up spaces can be anything the public wants them to be. It’s a fun environment for the people of Darlington to get creative.

Theatre Ad Infinitum –

Ballad of the Burning Star

Photo: Alex Brenner

In addition to all the live performances and workshops, Jabberwocky Market will also be hosting a panel discussion looking at ‘How social conflict affects the development of theatre’. Stella Hall, artistic director of Darlington’s Festival of Thrift, will chair the discussion with panel members including Nir Paldi, artistic director of Theatre Ad Infinitum (Ballad of a Burning Star). Additional panelists from across the world will join the discussion via Skpe.

Created especially for the people of Darlington, Jabberwocky Market is designed and run by theatre producers from the town, in partnership with internationally acclaimed partners and performances. The festival hub will open from Thursday 18 September with performances taking place everyday.

Jabberwocky Market is part of the Collaborative Touring Network, seven producers from across the UK coming together to present inspiring performances from Battersea Arts Centre and local producers to a new generation of theatre-goers. Jabberwocky Market is also supported by Creative Darlington, Darlington Borough Council, Darlington for Culture and local people and businesses. 

On the web

Website:        www.jabberwockymarket.org.uk

Twitter:           www.twitter.com/JabbMarket   

Facebook:   www.facebook.com/JabberwockyMarket

Tickets:
This autumn’s Jabberwocky Market runs from Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 October. For details of all the events and performances at this year’s festival, and to book tickets, please visit www.jabberwockymarket.org.uk.

Pay it forward tickets will be returning this year. Simply purchase an additional ticket and the ‘PAY IT FORWARD’ ticket will be made available to someone that couldn’t otherwise attend. Audiences will also be invited to ‘pay what you can’ at select performances throughout the festival. 

 

Preview: Habeas Corpus at Newcastle People’s Theatre

Mismanaged Lust 

and 

Mistaken Identities 

In Alan Bennett Romp

Habeas Corpus

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 October 2014

There has been a lot of talk lately about what it means to be English. Think ‘Englishness’ and chances are Alan Bennett will pop into your mind, as no one captures its essence quite like he does.

The writer turned 80 earlier this year, and has an illustrious career spanning 50 years that includes such favourites as Taking Heads, The Lady In The Van and the Oscar-winning film The Madness of King George.

Next week we present one of his first plays Habeas Corpus, a blissfully funny farce that bursts on to the stage like a saucy seaside postcard. When traditional values and the burgeoning permissive society of the 1970s collide headlong,  the respectable Wicksteed family of suburban Hovefind their lives thrown upside down.

Trousers are dropped, long-suppressed libidos are released; morality, mortality and mammories loom large on everyone’s mind.  For all its farce and physicality, however, Bennett’s work is never without a sting in its tail and this is no different, spiced with satire and the razor sharp wit that has made the playwright a national treasure.

Director Kevin Gibson is no stranger to Bennett’s work. Last year he directed our successful production of The History Boys, Bennett’s Olivier and Tony-award winning drama that was recently voted the nation’s favourite play.

Habeas Corpus is satirical and surreal, but most of all laugh-out-loud funny. Don’t miss this chance to see our revival of this much-loved comic caper.

Tickets:

Habeas Corpus by Alan Bennett

Date:              Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 October 2014

Time:               7.30pm

Venue:           The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne,

NE6 5QF

Tickets:           £13.50 (Concessions £11)
Phone:            0191 265 5020

Website:         www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Twitter:            https://twitter.com/peoplestheatre

Facebook:    www.facebook.com/peoples.ptag   
Facebook event page:   https://www.facebook.com/events/728371240549482/