Preview: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Newcastle Northern Stage

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AMATEUR ACTORS FROM THE NORTH EAST CAST IN THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S PRODUCTION OF A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: A PLAY FOR THE NATION

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Newcastle Northern Stage

Wednesday 16^th– Saturday 26^th March 2016

Six amateur actors from Newcastle and six from County Durham have been cast in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s forthcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  The two groups from the People’s Theatre and the Castle Players will play the roles of the ‘Mechanicals’ when the production visits Northern Stage between 16-26 March 2016.

Some of Shakespeare’s best loved characters, the ‘Mechanicals’ (including the iconic role of Bottom the Weaver) are an under-prepared, yet loveable bunch of craftsmen and women who put themselves forward to entertain royalty at the end of the play. 

Castle Players

Andrew Stainthorpe – Flute, Graham Fewell – Snug, Harry French – Quince,

Jill Cole – Director, Ben Pearson – Snout, Ian Kirkbride – Starveling and

 Peter Cockerill – Bottom

Photo: © RSC/Topher McGrillis

From the Castle Players, the roles at Northern Stage will be played by Peter Cockerill (Bottom, the Weaver), Andrew Stainthorpe (Flute, the Bellows Mender), Harry French (Quince, the Carpenter), Ian Kirkbride (Starveling, the Tailor), Ben Pearson (Snout, the Tinker), Graham Fewell (Snug, the Joiner) and director Jill Cole. The Castle Players is a community drama group and a registered Charity based in Barnard Castle, County Durham. The group was established in 1986, in the bar of the Old Well pub in Barnard Castle, when a group of customers decided to play charades to pass the time. Every year the company puts together an outdoor theatre in the grounds of the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle for special outdoor productions.

People’s Theatre

Michael White – Flute, Mike Smith – Starveling, Stuart Douglas – Snout,

Chris Heckels – Director, Jo Kelly – Quince,

Laura Halford-Macleod – Assistant Director and Pete McAndrew as Bottom

Photo: © RSC/Topher McGrillis

From the People’s Theatre, the roles at Northern Stage will be played by Pete McAndrew (Bottom, the Weaver), Michael (Reg) White (Flute, the Bellows Mender), Jo Kelly (Quince, the Carpenter), Mike Smith (Starveling, the Tailor), Stuart Douglas (Snout, the Tinker) and Gordon Russell (Snug, the Joiner). The People’s Theatre in Heaton, Newcastle is one of the largest and oldest established community theatres in

the country, offering people from all walks of life the experience of participating in any aspect of theatre.

The company stages up to 12 productions a year in its 500 seat main auditorium and a further 3 in a 90 seat studio. Every show is produced entirely by its members - on stage, backstage and front of house. The company has always taken great pride in working to professional standards, and indeed many of its members have gone on to be professional actors, technicians and set designers.

The amateur cast will perform alongside a cast of 18 professional actors and a professional creative team, led by RSC Deputy Artistic Director, Erica Whyman.  Initially the amateur actors from the People’s Theatre will rehearse in Heaton with their own amateur director, Chris Heckels and Assistant Director Laura Halford-Macleod, while the Castle Players will rehearse at The Witham Arts Centre in Barnard Castle with their own amateur director, Jill Cole. The two groups will then rehearse with the RSC team from January 2016. 

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Play for the Nation will visit 12 theatres in each region and nation of the UK between 17 February and 4 June 2016, and will involve 14 different amateur theatre companies.  In each theatre a different local amateur theatre company will play the Mechanicals*, and local school children will take part as Titania’s fairy train. 

The production opens in Stratford-upon-Avon in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in February 2016.  After the UK tour, it will return to Stratford-upon-Avon in June 2016, and each of the 14 amateur companies, including the Castle Players, will reprise their roles on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage.

Erica Whyman, RSC Deputy Artistic Director, and director of A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Play for the Nation, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be directing A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Play For the Nation, as part of the RSC’s plans to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in 2016.  The experience of casting our amateur actors all around the UK has been inspiring and humbling.  I have met so many wonderful people:  talented, dedicated and brave.  The standard has been tremendous, and the wonderful diversity of men and women who will be taking on these major roles is very exciting, and perhaps most importantly, they have really made us laugh!  In every single region the cast we have chosen has a distinctive voice and a strong sense of connection to the place where they will perform.  I think it will be a real treat for audiences everywhere to see Shakespeare’s most magical play with a properly local flavour.”

Talking specifically of the Castle Players, Erica added: “We really loved working with The Castle Players and we were impressed by how much they each pushed themselves. Peter, in particular, found something very special and courageous in Bottom, and they really captured the importance of the working lives of the characters. They are a lovely ensemble and will make a warm and loveable gang of Mechanicals.”

Castle Players

Andrew Stainthorpe – Flute, Graham Fewell – Snug, Harry French – Quince,

Ben Pearson – Snout, Ian Kirkbride – Starveling and Peter Cockerill – Bottom 

Photo: © RSC/Topher McGrillis

Jill Cole from the Castle Players said, "We’re absolutely delighted to have this opportunity to take part in the RSC's 'Midsummer Night's Dream'. As a community-based theatre company our core work is producing large scale outdoor Shakespeare - so for us it is a real honour to have a chance to learn from - and be inspired by - the greatest Shakespearian company of all.

We don't have a theatre of our own in Barnard Castle where we are based, so it will also be very exciting indeed for us to have the chance to work at Northern Stage."

Talking of the People’s Theatre, Erica said: “The People’s Theatre are an experienced and very skilful group of actors representing the long and glittering history of amateur theatre-making in Newcastle.  This group had an impressive command of the text that made them stand out. They are delightfully funny, with a wonderful understanding of what Shakespeare was up to.  They are going to be a lot of fun to work with.”

People’s Theatre

Michael White – Flute, Mike Smith – Starveling, Stuart Douglas – Snout,

Jo Kelly – Quince and Pete McAndrew as Bottom

Photo: © RSC/Topher McGrillis

Chris Heckels from the People’s Theatre said, "The People’s Theatre ‘Dream Team’ is over the moon to have been chosen to represent our theatre and our city in the RSC’s Play for the Nation. The selection process has been challenging, exciting and a great learning experience for us all, and we can’t wait to get started!

It will be wonderful for us to celebrate our 105th year of continually producing theatre in Newcastle with this ‘jewel in our crown’.”

The BBC will be capturing all of the action in ‘The Best Bottoms in the Land’, which will follow the RSC’s journey as they put on the production with both amateur and professional actors during the tour. ‘The Best Bottoms in the Land’ will follow individual stories from around the country and will air in spring 2016 on BBC One.

Royal Shakespeare Company, The Castle Players and The People’s Theatre in association with Northern Stage, Newcastle and in collaboration with Newcastle Theatre Royal present A Midsummer Nights’ Dream: A Play for the Nation. Tickets are already on sale from Northern Stage box office on 0191 230 5151 or through their website www.northerstage.co.uk.

Full tour schedule

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Wed 17 Feb – Sat 5 Mar 2016*

Northern Stage, Newcastle Wed 16 – Sat 26 Mar 2016*

Citizens Theatre, Glasgow Tue 29 Mar – Sat 2 Apr 2016

Grand Theatre, Blackpool Tue 5 – Sat 9 Apr 2016

Bradford Alhambra, Tue 12 – Sat 16 Apr 2016

Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Tue 19 – Sat 23 Apr 2016

Theatre Royal, Norwich Tue 26 – Sat 30 Apr 2016

Nottingham Theatre Royal, Tue 3 – Sat 7 May 2016

Hall for Cornwall, Truro Tue 10 – Sat 14 May 2016

Barbican, London Tue 17 – Sat 21 May 2016

New Theatre, Cardiff Tue 24 – Sat 28 May 2016

Grand Opera House, Belfast Tue 31 May – Sat 4 June 2016

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Wed 15 June – Sat 16 July 2016+

*2 amateur theatre groups will perform in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Newcastle.

+ All 14 amateur theatre groups will perform in Stratford-upon-Avon when the production returns in June 2016

Preview: Shawshank Redemption at Newcastle Theatre Royal

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TV HEARTHROBS IAN KELSEY AND PATRICK ROBINSON TO STAR IN SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

The Shawshank Redemption

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Monday 19^th – Saturday 24^th October 2015

Two of TV’s most dashing leading men are set to star in a brand new production of The Shawshank Redemption coming to Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 19^th– Saturday 24^th October 2015.  Long running star of BBC’s Doctors Ian Kelsey will play Andy Dufresne and Casualty’s Patrick Robinson will play Red.

On announcing he was to bring to an end his role as heartthrob practice manager Howard Bellamy in BBC One’s Doctors, there was immediate speculation as to what would be next for Ian Kelsey, who, having hardly been off our screens for over two decades, has become one of TV’s best loved and most prolific leading men.

Ian leaves his starring role in a closely guarded story line this October to play Andy Dufresne, a banker who having been handed a double life sentence for the brutal murder of his wife and her lover, finds himself incarcerated in the notorious Shawshank penitentiary.

Ian Kelsey

Ian’s other major TV roles have included four years in BBC One’s Casualty playing Patrick Spiller, three years as Dave Glover in Emmerdale, two years as Matt Brewer in Down To Earth, six years as DI Richard Mayne in Blue Murder and in the final series of Where The Heart Is as Jack Clayton. His remarkable list of credits have also seen him in Touching Evil, Murder in Mind and Hotel Babylon to name but a few. As a leading man in London’s West End, Ian’s stage credits include Billy Flynn in Chicago and Danny Zuko in Grease.

Patrick Robinson

Joining Ian is television’s Patrick Robinson, whose impressive TV career has also spanned more than two decades. Patrick is best known for his role as handsome staff nurse-turned-consultant Martin ‘Ash’ Ashford in BBC’s Casualty, a role which he first played from 1990 to 1996, before he returned for a guest appearance in a two-part special in 1998. He then reprised his role in 2013 for a year.

Patrick Robinson’s other TV work includes Midsomer Murders and The Bill, and, in 2013 Strictly Come Dancing where he got to the semi-finals. In 2003 he appeared in action film Belly of the Beast alongside Steven Seagal. Patrick’s stage roles include the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Romeo and Juliet as their first ever black Romeo. Other stage credits include Dangerous Corner at London’s Garrick Theatre and Festenat the Almeida and the West End’s Lyric Theatre for Bill Kenwright, and War Horse at the New London Theatre.

Based on the 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by celebrated author Stephen King, the play examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum security facility. The 1994 feature film, regularly voted the number one all-time movie, starred Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis 'Red' Redding and was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor for Freeman.

Presented by Bill Kenwright, this new production which marks the 21^st anniversary of the film and will be directed by award-winning Broadway director David Esbjornson. It has been adapted by Owen O’Neill and Newcastle’s own Dave Johns, with design by Gary McCann and lighting by Chris Davey.

Tickets:

The Shawshank Redemption is at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Mon 19 until Sat 24 October 2015, playing evenings at 7.30pm, matinees Thurs 2pm and Sat 2.30pm.

Tickets from £14.50 (save 50p per ticket online). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

 

 

Preview: Into The Woods at Whitley Bay Playhouse

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Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society

Into The Woods

Whitley Bay Playhouse

Tuesday 23rd - Saturday 27th February 2016

Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society brings fractured fairytale, Into the Woods to the Playhouse stage. The James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim story delivers an array of cockeyed characters. An ambivalent Cinderella, a blood-thirsty Little Red Riding hood, a Prince Charming with a roving eye and a Witch…who raps, will grace Whitley Bay for a run of performances.

When a Baker and his Wife learn they’ve been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell, swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel and Jack (the one who climbed the beanstalk). Everyone’s wish is granted at the end of Act One, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, with disastrous results…

What begins a lively irreverent fantasy in the style of The Princess Bride, becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children. Do not miss the fairytale that truly, makes a perfect visit for all the Tickets on sale now.

Tickets

Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society presents Into The Woods at the Whitley Bay Playhouse form Tuesday 23rd - Saturday 27th February 2016 7.15pm with a 2.15pm matinee on Saturday.

Tickets are priced at £15, £13 conc. are available from the Box Office open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturday 10.30am -2.30pm plus until show start on event days. Tickets can also be purchased on the booking hotline 0844 248 1588 or online at www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk.

Preview: Last Night A DJ Saved My Life at Darlington Civic Theatre

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DAVID HASSELHOFF TO STAR IN WORLD

PREMIERE AT DARLINGTON CIVIC THEATRE

Last Night A DJ Saved My Life

Darlington Civic Theatre

Tuesday 23^rd November to Saturday 28^th November 2015

David Hasselhoff will star in a brand new musical – Last Night A DJ Saved My Life, which comes to Darlington Civic Theatre for one week only from the 23^rdNovember.

A DJ dad, a wild child daughter and a trip to the party island of Ibiza with a pulsating dance track from the 80’s and 90’s.

David Hasselhoff, the iconic star of Baywatch and Knight Rider, plays Ross, a hilarious hedonist. He’s Ibiza’s top 80’s DJ who doesn’t realise a new decade has dawned, disco is out, the club scene is in.

He tries to keep up with the times... and with Mandy, his new younger girlfriend, but matters are complicated when his teenage daughter Penny arrives to stay. Father and daughter haven’t seen each other for three years, since a messy divorce, and she is no longer a demure school girl, but a wild child who quickly falls for Rik, the holiday rep.

It’s the story of two generations colliding, as a badly behaved parent tries to control a wild child teenager! This hilarious hit-fest is also a touching father and daughter drama, set against a background of sun, sea, sex, drugs and hits that take us back to the 80’s and 90’s when we wore denim overalls, girls had hair scrunchies and guys played Nintendo Game Boy. Think ‘Mamma Mia’ on speed! ‘Friends’ meets ‘Ibiza Uncovered', with the soundtrack of our lives.

Underscoring this coming of age tale of love, laughter and friendship is a string of hits from the record number one ‘Everything I Do I Do it For You’ to M. C. Hammer’s ‘Can’t Touch This’ from ‘Ride on Time’ to ‘Things Can Only Get Better’. We dare you not to dance!

From the makers of ‘Dreamboats and Petticoats’ and ‘Boogie Nights’ comes a heart warming and hilarious story promising to be the ‘Mamma Mia’ party night of the year!

Tickets:

Last Night A DJ Saved My Life is at Darlington Civic Theatre from Tuesday 23^rdNovember to Saturday 28^th November 2015. Tickets* are priced from £23 to £35.

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

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy

Review: And Then There Were None at Newcastle Theatre Royal

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And Then There Were None

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until 1^st August 2015 and then on tour

Agatha Christie wrote And Then There Were Nonein 1939 and shortly afterwards she adapted it for the stage. It is deservedly regarded as a whodunit masterpiece. Through her craft as a storyteller she is able to quickly introduce the eight new arrivals on the island off the Devon coast. They are welcomed to the amazing house on the island by the butler Rogers and his wife Ethel. As a production, this show works because each actor is believable in their part without being over the top. The beauty of having ten people in the house is that there are more suspects than a game of Cluedo. The two intervals buzz with theories being discussed by the audience. In short: a quality murder mystery. 

Photo: Pamela Raith

Adorning the Theatre Royal stage was a star studded cast, each holding their own. Emmerdale’s Verity Rushworth plays the young and competent secretary Vera Claythorne. She is joined by Emmerdale Farm (as it was called back then) legend Frazer Hines as the professional butler Rogers. Joining them are Jesus Christ Superstar/Just Good Friends star Paul Nicholas as the high court judge Sir Lawrence Wargrave and Dalziel and Pascoe’s Colin Buchanan. Blue Peter’s Mark Curry plays Dr Armstrong. The magic of this production is that their past is immediately forgotten as they feel very natural in this new role.

Photo: Pamela Raith

The play has its lighter moments, largely through the strong acting and characterisation. For example Anthony Marston is a young boy racer. His carefree attitude to life gave Paul Hassall a number of laughs. The dialogue he was given was straight out of Enid Blyton’s “Famous Five” at times but that is in keeping with the 1930s era of the source.

Photo: Pamela Raith

Sometimes a murder mystery starts to drag after the murder, as the characters squabble and claim their innocence for the best part of an hour, but that is not the case here. With 9 people to murder there is plenty of activity on stage. After each death the audience either have to change their guess or nod knowingly. When the big reveal happens there is a loud gasp from the stalls but that doesn’t stop the chorus “I knew it at the start” as they file out. How honest are the audience? I admit it – I was wrong!  

Photo: Pamela Raith

The lighting design by Douglas Kuhrt is worth mentioning as it created a real atmosphere in one of the final scenes as the set was candlelit. The huge shadows helped the tension. Director Joe Harmston makes good use of the single room and experienced cast to keep the action flowing..

Along with Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee, And Then There Were None is a super evening’s entertainment. The combination of cunning storyline and strong acting produces a delightful show.

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

On The Web:

Website: http://www.kenwright.com/index.php?id=1452

Read the original preview from North East Theatre Guide here:

Tickets:

Photo: Pamela Raith

And Then There Were None appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 27 July – Saturday 1 August 2015. Tickets from £14.50 (pay 50p less per ticket when you book online). Tickets 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