Review: DieHard Gateshead at Gateshead Caedmon Hall

"Battle It Out Until I

Get My Own Way"

DieHard Gateshead

Gateshead Caedmon Hall

Thursday 16^th July 2015

Ruth Raynor has written a dynamic play about the life, during the current austerity, for some women in Gateshead. It works brilliantly because it keeps both a clear sense of perspective and a wicked sense of humour which frequently had the packed Gateshead crowd laughing.

Ruth has based the story around some of the women that she has met. As the story opens it is clear something is wrong as the leader of Gateshead Women’s Centre, Lesley, is taking a phone call. She quickly reverts to her happier face, with positive mental attitude, once the first 2 participants arrive. Sandra, who hates yoga, and the mother of 6, Katie, are at the centre of many of both the light hearted and difficult moments of the play. Julia comes across as positive but she also has her reasons for attending the centre.

One of the key reasons why this production works is that whilst each character is identifiable, they are not just simple, lazy stereotypes. When Rosie appears on the scene to lead 6 weeks of drama with some “games to get in the right zone”, the characterisations of the centre’s regulars have already been accepted by the audience. Each character is likeable, which helps, and there hasn’t been an overload of unnecessary exposition. 

The story then unfolds as the ladies plan to put on a play about a fishmonger with Bruce Willis attributes that saves the staff at Tescos from an extremist attack with many funny consequences.

Each character was wonderfully portrayed and the only complaint is that I wanted more. Surely DieHard 2 is on the way?

The production then leaves some interesting questions. Have the creative industries got as much to offer people who don’t normally participate as those people have to offer the creative industries? Are the arts something that can be cut in a recession or should it have equal status to other services through the impact that it has. Which services should be cut back in austere times? DieHard Gateshead leaves many questions unanswered.

The Gateshead performance was then followed by musical performances by 3 sets of musicians. Another Penny performs 3 songs covering 3 centuries of austerity in a fine folky way.  They were followed by Ribbon Road who retained the folk sensibilities with the songs included tales about the miners’ strike. The final performer was the superb multi-instrumentalist Joe Solo, who is based in Scarborough. He remains ever the optimist and his engaging style eventually lead to the packed room standing on their chairs, shaking instruments and singing along to one of his catchy songs about the workers struggle. He is at the centre of a movement to have gigs on the weekend of the 2^nd October with the positive refrain “We shall overcome”. The three sets of musicians fitted in well with the overall concept of the evening.

A wonderful night with a strong message.

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview: Preview Link

This review was written by Stephen Oliver  the North East Theatre Guide Preview from Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo

Cast

DieHard Gatesheadfeatured a cast of five:

Zoe Lambert

Christina Berriman Dawson

Judi Earl

Arabella Arnott

Jessica Johnson

Preview: An Illuminating Yarn at Edinburgh Fringe

Button Box Theatre Company hope to go down a ‘yarn-storm’ with their debut play.

An Illuminating Yarn

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

Thursday 23^rdJuly

Whitley Bay Under the Dome Festival,

Friday 24^thJuly

Gateshead The Shipley Art Gallery,

Saturday 25^thJuly

Edinburgh Fringe: theSpace on the Mile

Friday 7^th – Saturday 15^th August

Do not be fooled by our soft and fluffy exteriors! Button Box Theatre Company bring together a mix of tragedy, comedy and knitted Bucks Fizz in their first production, ‘An Illuminating Yarn’. The play, written by Jane Pickthall, was originally developed through the Live Theatre’s Writers Group. The company was formed when Andy Patterson approached Jane about developing the play further for the Edinburgh Fringe and thus the adventure began.

In the play, Clare wants to cheer Nina up and thinks the knitted figures that have been appearing along the pier in Saltburn-by-the-Sea will do the job but when Clare accuses Nina of stealing Tom Daley, a storm starts to brew. Set against the backdrop of a divided Britain where austerity measures bite whilst celebrity culture feasts, ‘An Illuminating Yarn’ explores identity, values and the need to be heard.

Inspired by the real Saltburn-by-the-Sea yarn stormers, ‘An Illuminating Yarn’, features a cast of much loved British icons, lovingly knitted by our army of needle wielding volunteers, alongside an equally talented cast of three human actors. The knitters will be rewarded for their contribution with a complimentary ticket to see their work live on stage.

The Button Box Theatre Company have been kindly supported by The Arts Council to help us develop the piece, work with local knitters to create the set and complete a tour locally. Out There Brewing Company have also provided some sponsorship.

After the local tour Button Box Theatre Company will be taking the play to Edinburgh Fringe for the first week of the festival.

Cast:

Jill Dellow, Hannah Walker and Matt Howdon

Creatives:

Directed by Andy Patterson

Written by Jane Pickthall

Produced by Button Box Theatre Company, Newcastle upon Tyne.  

On The Web:

Website:    www.buttonboxtheatre.co.uk

Twitter: www.twitter.com/buttontheatre

Facebook: www.facebook.com/buttonboxtheatre

Events:

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

Thursday 23^rd July 8 – 10pm (doors 6.30)

Whitley BayUnder the Dome Festival,

Friday 24^th July 9 – 10pm

GatesheadThe Shipley Art Gallery,

Saturday 25^th July 1.30 – 3pm

Edinburgh Fringe theSpace on the Mile

Friday 7^th – Saturday 15^th August, 1.20 – 2.10pm

Review: The Fifteen Streets at Newcastle People’s Theatre

A Tale Of Love And Ambition

The Fifteen Streets

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Until Saturday 18^th July 2015.

I must start this review with a confession. I have never read one of Catherine Cookson’s books. However I spent the summer of 1992 taking bus loads of holiday makers on an afternoon tour around South Shields under the banner of “Catherine Cookson Country”. It was, without doubt one of our most popular excursions. The lass, Catherine Ann “Kate” McMullen, from Tyneside, who had, without doubt, a tough start in life, was indeed one of the most popular authors in the country, selling over 120 million copies.

Hot on the heels of the announcement that another one of her books, The Cinder Path (NETG link) , is about to have it’s premiere on stage we have the People’s Theatre return to the cautionary tale of The Fifteen Streets. Unusually for this theatre we have a star in the shape of Pat Dunn (Hebburn, Lucky Numbers NETG Link). Joining Pat is a strong cast that have given this theatre its reputation for quality theatre.

Cookson describes the tough existence in an area of South Tyneside called The Fifteen Streets. In 1910 you either worked or starved. Even if you worked, money was stretched to cover rent and fuel, leaving little for some of the larger families to feed on. Bread and dripping was what awaited the dock workers when they came home. The play also reflects upon the hold that the Catholic Church had on its residents.

At the centre of the story are the O’Briens. A large family of dockworkers with mother Mary Ellen (Sarah McLane) holding together the seven with all of her matriarchal might. Significant children include the affable John in a powerful performance by Craig Fairbairn, who tries to get on in life. Katie (Rhiannon Wilson) is doing well at school and keeps talking about her teacher Mrs Llewellyn (Rachel Scott). Dominic (Ian Willis) fights his father Shane (Sands Dobson) and seems to have a bit of a chip on his shoulder.

In a close community, in which everyone lives in each others back pockets, there are gossips and kids telling tales. The split set on 2 levels helps separate life in the O’Briens house with the life outside. It was a little difficult to make out some of the comments being made at the very start but it was soon the case that the audience were up on the gossip.

One group of neighbours includes the Kelly family. Mum Hannah (Pat Dunn) tries to keep their daughter Nancy (Alison Carr) on the right track and away from the occasionally violent husband Joe (Jim Simpson). Cookson does not try to add any sugar on the tough relationships nor does she try to portray the male tendency to drink in any romantic way.

A new family move into the area and the gossips note that they have carpet and their clothes are somewhat more dapper. They are the Bracken family who believe in a spirituality which is in direct opposition to the catholic preachings. Peter (Pete McAndrew) has brought his grand-daughter Christine (Jess Chapman) who quickly befriends the O’Brien children. Father O’Malley (Sean Burnside) does not approve of any liaison with this family.

The O'Brien Faily - Photo: Paula Smart

The core of Fifteen Streets is a love story which ignites when John O’Brien meets up with Katie’s teacher. This chance meeting with Mary Llewellyn soon blossoms but it is not a relationship approved of by Mary’s well off parents James (Steve Robertson) and Beatrice (Helga McNeil).  The clash of class coupled with the drive and ambition of John O’Brien leads to an explosive turn of events as the residents get involved. Directors Maggie Childs and John Gray have captured a great series of performances from the talented cast.

Very strong performances from Craig Fairbairn, Rhiannon Wilson, Rachel Scott and Pete McAndrew, supported by a great ensemble, help extend this from a standard historic love story into a great fable. Social mobility is as much an issue as the depravation faced by the dock workers.  The People’s Theatre production of The Fifteen Streets is a fine piece of theatre to finish another great season with and we look forward to next season.

Read the original North East Theatre Guide Preview here: NETG Preview Link

This review was written by Stephen Oliver  the North East Theatre Guide Preview from Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo

Tickets

The Fifteen Streets adapted by Rob Bettinson, from the novel by Catherine Cookson

Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 July 2015, 7.30pm

The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF

Tickets:      £13.50 (Concessions £11)
Box Office: 0191 265 5020

www.peoplestheatre.co.uk 

Preview: The Fifteen Streets at Newcastle People’s Theatre

A school teacher and a docker!

What will they say when this gets about….?

The Fifteen Streets

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 July 2015

Newcastle People’s Theatre are delighted to present Rob Bettinson’s adaptation of the Catherine Cookson favourite The Fifteen Streets.

In early 20^th century Jarrow, life for the O’Brien family is one of bitter struggle for survival in a world of unemployment and grinding poverty. Eldest son and dockworker John O’Brien (Craig Fairbairn – pictured, top left) strives for a better life: one that almost seems within his grasp when he meets a beautiful young school teacher. But the social and religious mores of Edwardian Tyneside forbid such a match.

Adapted for the stage from Catherine Cookson’s best-selling novel, this gripping drama evokes the lives and loves of a bygone age. Both heart-warming and tear-jerking, The Fifteen Streets sees its romantic love story play out against a vivid backdrop of social deprivation and class divides.

The O’Brien family. Photo: Paula Smart.

Often dismissed as a “popular” novelist, Cookson’s writing also has a hard-hitting undercurrent that refuses to shy away from the grim realities of the time, presenting a challenging and seldom-recognised agenda which anticipated the work of more “highbrow” contemporary writers.

We at the People’s are thrilled to present this powerful regional classic by the late Dame Catherine - an old friend and benefactor of ours.

Ever a champion of both emerging and established talent, we’re also pleased to include in the cast our long-standing member Pat Dunn, who played Grandma in the hit BBC TV comedy series Hebburn. 

Tickets

The Fifteen Streets adapted by Rob Bettinson, from the novel by Catherine Cookson

Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 July 2015, 7.30pm

The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF

Tickets:  £13.50 (Concessions £11)
Box Office:  0191 265 5020 www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

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Preview: Jesus Christ Superstar Newcastle Theatre Royal

Follow North East Theatre Guide on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NETheatreGuideand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NETheatreGuide.  Read about JoWhereToGo and its PR and photography services here.
 
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR ROCKS INTO TOWN

Jesus Christ Superstar

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Monday 14^th – Saturday 19^thSeptember 2015

The explosive new production of Jesus Christ Superstar, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ground-breaking rock opera, is set to entertain audiences when it comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 14^th– Saturday 19^th September 2015, as part of its major UK tour.

Leading performer Glenn Carter returns as Jesus, a role he has played in the West End, on Broadway and in film. His extensive musical theatre credits include leading roles in Whistle Down the Wind, Les Misérables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Godspell and Merrily We Roll Along.

Photo: Pamela Raith Photography

Australian star Tim Rogers made his UK stage debut 15 years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Tim’s musical theatre credits include The Man in Whistle Down the Wind (UK Tour and West End), West Side Story, Jersey Boys, The Full Monty, Aspects of Love and the title role in Jekyll & Hyde at the Union Theatre. Most recently he starred in Carousel at the Arcola Theatre London.

X Factor finalist Rachel Adedeji plays Mary Magdalene direct from the UK and European tour of Thriller Live. The cast also includes David Burilin, Alistair Lee, Ed Handoll, Andy Barke, Tim Oxbrow, Richard J Hunt, Johnathan Tweedie, Cellen Chugg Jones, Michael Ward and Lizzie Ottley.

Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright reunite to direct Jesus Christ Superstar, a partnership that has seen them at the helm of iconic musicals including Evita (in the West End and on tour) and Blood Brothers; a show they have directed for almost 30 years, scooping up no less than four awards for best musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway.

Jesus Christ Superstar exploded onto the musical scene in 1971. Stunning audiences, it changed the face of musical theatre forever. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

As compelling today as it was at its inception over 40 years ago, Jesus Christ Superstar features some of musical theatre’s most legendary songs from I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Everything’s Alright, Gethsemane and Superstar.

Tickets

Jesus Christ Superstar appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 14 – Saturday 19 September 2015. Tickets from £13 (pay 50p less per ticket when you book online). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21, (calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge) or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

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Preview: DieHard Gateshead

DieHard Gateshead

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre - Tuesday 14^th July 2015

Washington Arts Centre - Wednesday 15^th July 2015

Gateshead Caedmon Hall - Thursday 16^th July 2015

There’s enough drama at the Women’s Group and some people are losing the plot.  If  Noel Edmonds and Bruce Willis can’t help, who can?

A women's group is closing and Leslie, the leader, is under pressure. She wants to tell them but things keep getting in the way. Time is running out. If Geordie Bruce Willis can’t help, and Noel Edmonds is no good either, who will save the day? 

Based on the real-life story of a Tyneside women’s group, Ruth Raynor’s new play DieHard Gatesheadis about finding light through the rubble and the mess. It’s about avoiding promises of a better life that actually makes things worse. It’s about searching for moments of laughter and understanding in the noise and confusion. It’s about women’s lives in an age of austerity…

Ruth Raynor uses drama to understand womens lives in the context of austerity. She is a PhD student in the Geography Department at The University of Durham and she has previously worked in theatre and arts management as a designer, writer and facilitator, and translates this experience into her research.

  

Directed by Neil Armstrong who Neil is an award winning actor, writer and director from Seaham Harbour.  He has directed for companies such as Cloud Nine Theatre, The Customs House South Shields, and his own company Theatre of Moths.  His plays have been performed across the region and include Remember Jim, The Dark Side of the Half Moonand Nefairyus.  As an actor he has appeared in all of the regions theatres and his TV credits include George Gently (BBC), Vera (ITV) and, Wolfblood (CBBC) among others.  This year Neil is also co-writing, directing and starring as the Baddie in Durham’s Gala Theatre’s pantomime, Cinderella.

This show is produced by Christina Berriman Dawson who has appeared in George Gently, Electricity and The Magdalene Sisters as well as appearing in many theatre productions across the region. She will be appearing in Key Change (Open Clasp) at Summerhall with Northern Stage at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. Christina also runs Stage Tynemouth which provides Performing Arts training for young people aged 5-18.

Cast

DieHard Gateshead features a cast of five of the region’s leading actresses:

Zoe Lambert

Christina Berriman Dawson

Judi Earl

Arabella Arnott

Jessica Johnson

Tickets:
Tuesday 14^th July

Alphabetti Theatre

8pm (Bar 6.30pm)

Tickets £7/£5

www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk

(With a post-show discussion)

Wednesday 15^th July

Arts Centre Washington

7.30pm

Tickets £8.50/£6

0191 219 3455

http://www.artscentrewashington.co.uk/production-details.aspx?id=705

(With spoken word and poetry)

Thursday 16^th July

Caedmon Hall, Gateshead

7.30pm

Pay what you can on the door

(With music from Joe Solo, Ribbon Road and Another Penny.)

Preview: Sunderland Plays In the Parks

Another summer of unforgettable adventures

planned for Sunderland’s parks

Hamlet – Sunderland Roker Park 2nd to 5th July

Treasure Island – Sunderland Mowbray Park 1st and 2nd August

Twelfth Night – Sunderland Barnes Park 13th – 16th August

If you come down to the parks this summer, you’re sure of a big surprise! Adventurers young and old are once again invited to journey through Sunderland’s parks and open spaces on a series of unforgettable theatre experiences - as Theatre Space North East, the award winning community theatre company return with its spectacular summer programme.

Photo: Durham Photography

The Plays In the Parks season is back for 2015, following the overwhelming success of the previous year’s specially extended event - which saw 3 parks across the city magically transformed into Shakespearian battle fields, magical forests and a delightfully silly

medieval England. For 2015, Theatre Space are once again determined to prove that ‘Any Space Is a Theatre Space’ as the Plays In the Parks return with a Shakespearean double bill and a show perfect for kids (and big kids alike) written especially for this year’s summer season.

Photo: Durham Photography

Plays in the Parks 2015 will once again visit Roker, Mowbray and Barnes parks, presenting unique, magical theatre experiences - which we like to call Theatre Space Expeditions. Keen explorers this year will be lead through the stunning terrain of the seafront’s Roker Park, as Shakespeare’s deliciously dark classic Hamlet is played out all around. Roker’s landscape lent itself perfectly to last year’s thrilling production of Macbeth and as the tale of a turbulent family tearing itself apart is played out throughout the park this year, audiences can expect even more high class drama in a beautiful setting. Later in the month the city centre’s Mowbray Park becomes the home of dastardly pirates and hidden treasure as we transform the park into a delightfully silly desert island in a specially written adaption of classic tale ‘Treasure Island’. Aimed at younger explorers and their motley crew, this swashbuckling high-seas adventure will be presented, for the first time, during the day, perfect for keeping the younger ones entertained during the summer holidays. Closing off a magical summer of adventure, we return to where it all started, as the magnificent Barnes Park plays host to another Shakespearian favourite. A hilarious, rip-roaring tale of deception and confusion, Twelfth Night will be set against a beautiful twilight evening in the park.

Photo: Durham Photography

Theatre Space’s unique productions, make full use of the landscape, transporting audiences around the park, as the action happens all

around. Audiences become part of the show as our band of storytellers guide the adventurers right through the heart of the story.

Through specially adapted versions of these iconic stories and innovative staging and storytelling, audiences will be fully immersed in the drama on their own magical expedition through the parks.

Tickets

Following on the tradition set out from the first event three years ago, this year’s events all remain free to attend with a suggested donation of £8 collected at the end of the performance to help with the costs of the production. The aim of the season is to create fully inclusive theatre experiences that anyone can attend, everyone from

dog walkers to those on an evening stroll. The nature of the roaming performances means that everyone using the park that day has the chance to join the audience as it traverses through the parks. The Plays in the Parks have even managed to coerce certain rowdy groups of people using the parks that evening to join with the audience and become fully immersed in some summertime Shakespeare.

Hamlet – Roker Park 2nd to 5th July 7pm. Meet at Lower beach entrance. Free – collection taken at the end of the performance.

Treasure Island – Mowbray Park 1st and 2nd August 1pm and 3.30pm. Meet at museum entrance gate. Free – collection taken at the end of the performance.

Twelfth Night – Barnes Park 13th – 16th August 6.30pm. Meet at coach house café. Free – collection taken at the end of the performance.