Preview: Burning Books at Newcastle Alphabetti

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Burning Books
Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre
Sunday 15^th November 2015

After viral Youtube hit and five star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe, poet Jess Green takes her education themed music and spoken word show on national tour.

In March 2014 when Jess Green uploaded a poem from her first solo show, Burning Books to Youtube she did not expect it to become the viral hit that it did. A year on, Dear Mr Gove has attracted over 300,000 hits on Youtube and Jess is taking the show from which it originates on tour having received two five star reviews at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

“Punchy, she struck a chord” – The Guardian

Burning Books is a lyrical, powerful and humorous spoken word and live music show set in an inner city secondary. Supported by two musicians, performance poet Jess Green tells the stories of the librarian secretly taking books to the tip, the newly qualified graduate furiously supporting Movember and the tired-out sixty-something fighting for her pension on a picket line. These stories of everyday underdogs are soundtracked by a rousing musical underscore played her band, The Mischief Thieves - Dave Morris and Scott Cadenhead - which moves from slow, acoustic folk to raucous, Deep South US blues and even the occasional European waltz.

“Brilliant. Her words have certainly struck a chord with teachers” – Huffington Post

Inspired by the stories of people she’s met in schools across the country, Jess Green presents a highly topical social commentary on the state of education and the teachers and students who survive within it. This show is firmly set now; at a time when public sector budgets are stretched to breaking point and teachers feel the finger of blame firmly on their heads.

“An internet sensation” – The Independent

Burning Books was premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2014 as part of PBH’s Free Fringe and went back this year. It received huge amounts of positive feedback from the packed-to-capacity crowds as well as two 5* reviews from TV Bomb and Broadway Baby who said ‘“Grippingly inventive and immensely touching. Green’s voice is urgent, important and immensely enjoyable; she deserves to be heard.”

“It’s brilliant. I loved it!” – Josie Long

Jess says: ‘After the success of the Gove video and the Edinburgh premiere, I had a lot of teachers get in touch to say how much the poem and the show as a whole resonated with them. I’m really excited to now be able to take it on a national tour.’

“Amazing to watch!” – Scroobius Pip

At times incredibly sad and others comedically honest, Burnings Books won’t just appeal to those interested in education and politics but also fans of live music, theatre and of course, poetry – particularly those who didn’t think they liked it to begin with.



More information about Jess’ work can be found on her website www.jessgreenpoet.comand you can follow her on Twitter at @jessgreenpoet.

Performance Details

When:
Bar Opens 6.30pm. Performance starts 7.30pm

Where:
Alphabetti Theatre, The Basement 18 Newbridge Street West Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AW

http://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/whats-on/24-whats-on-articles/142-burning-books
Ticket Price:
£5
Running Length:
Approx. 1 Hour 15 minutes (including 3 x 15 minute intervals)

Book online:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/100072

Tour
7^thSeptember – Oxford Playhouse
11th September – The Roundhouse, Camden
19^thSeptember – Tom Thumb Theatre, Margate
27^thSeptember – Komedia, Brighton
13^thOctober – Unity Theatre, Liverpool
14^thOctober – Islington Mill, Salford
1^stNovember – Bikeshed Theatre, Exeter
15^thNovember – Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle
28^thNovember – Rich Mix, Bethnal Green

Review: Tipping Point at Newcastle Dance City

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Pivots of Peril

Tipping Point from Ockham’s Razor

Newcastle Dance City

Until Saturday 7th November 2015

Ockham’s Razor start the tour of their latest show at Newcastle’s Dance City. It is their fourth visit to the city and their reputation for outstanding shows will continue to be built upon based upon this opening night.

The narrative of the show appears to be simple. Five extremely talented performers from a variety of backgrounds, including gymnastic, circus training and dance, use a variety of props in ever more daring ways. At times the antics have the feel of the school yard as they chase or set each other up. The audience also frequently find themselves on the edge of their seat too.

The show is in the round, just like the circus and seats on all four sides offer great views. If you want to get really up close and personal then try the rear section seats. Are they close to the action? Well put it this way: you feel a breeze as they fly past, just don’t lean forward!

The show draws the audience in. Just like the gymnastics at the Olympics, or watching the tight rope artist at the circus, there is that element of risk and jeopardy. The performers feel like they are pushing the boundaries of safety as they run up and down the poles. There is no safety net here.

Building up the emotion is live music which is fitting in with the action. The use of metallic instruments goes well with the antics on the scaffolding poles.

Adding to the excitement is the knowledge that there is clearly a bond of trust between the performers that are obviously enjoying it. The timing is superb as every detail falls into place.

There is something quite scientific about the motion. The pipes are used as levers and the moments balance so well. When the pipes are allowed to swing there is the harmony of simple harmonic motion. This motion in turn leads to the highly visual finale.

Tipping Point is a thrilling ride of balance, agility and skill. The audience were highly enthusiastic with the applause after a stunning show. This show is suitably for families and would act as a great introduction to the work at Dance City.

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/preview-dark-lovely-at-newcastle.html

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East Theatre Guide 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

http://www.ockhamsrazor.co.uk/tipping-point

#tippingpoint2015

Cast & Creatives:

Produced by: Turtle Key Arts

Devised and Directed by: Ockham’s Razor

Devised and Performed by: Alex Harvey, Telma Pinto, Steve Ryan, Emily Nicholl & Nich Galzin.

Musical Composition: Adem Ilham and Quinta

Equipment Design: Ockham’s Razor

Costume Design: Tina

Lighting Design: Phil Supple

Tickets:

Wednesday 4th November, 7.30pm, Thursday 5 November, 7.30pm, Friday 6 November, 7.30pm, Saturday 7 November, 8pm.

Age: all

Tickets: £14-£18, £12.50 concession

Online: www.dancecity.co.uk/performance/34495/tipping-point-ockhams-razor/

Phone: 0191 261 0505

Tour:

Dance City, Newcastle
4 – 7 November 2015
Wed 4 Nov 7.30pm
Thur 5 Nov 7.30pm
Fri 6 Nov 7.30pm
Sat 7 Nov 8pm

The Lowry, Salford Quays
11 – 14 November 2015
Wed 11 Nov 8pm
Thur 12 Nov 8pm
Fri 13 Nov 8pm
Sat 14 Nov 2.30pm & 8pm

Lincoln Drill Hall
18 – 21 November 2015
Wed 18 Nov 7pm
Thur 19 Nov 7pm
Fri 20 Nov 7pm
Sat 21 Nov 7pm

Tipping Point will be performed as part of the London International Mime Festival in January 2016.

Review: Dark & Lovely at Newcastle Northern Stage

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Dark & Lovely

Newcastle Northern Stage

Until 4^th November 2015 then on tour

Dark and Lovely is a wonderful nugget of theatrical gold. Selina Thompson uses her own experiences and those of the community in Chapeltown, Leeds. The end result feels very personal,  honest and real.

Selina begins the show by stating “hair is just hair”. The audience is then bombarded with many examples of how hair is intrinsically coupled to ones own values. After offering everyone a drink she examines straight blonde hair. The colour of all those stars and Disney princesses. It is a simple statement but, without actually saying it, the void is presented. The media rarely features examples of beauty in other ways.

The centrepiece of the show is described as a “tumbleweave”. It is a tent-like construction covered with hair extensions. The show goes on in and around it and the audience move in a well organised promenade performance. When they are inside, it feels as if the tumbleweave is a part of Selina too.

The show is interactive. Not in a “Hello, what is your name, what do you do” stand up comic way. More in a ‘sit around on the floor and listen to tales whilst audience members makes a hair preparation whilst another invited member of the audience sorts out Selina’s hair’ sort of way. This show is far from conventional.

The science of hair and the history behind the show are used as a vehicle to start discussing the Chapeltown community and their hair. The problems of dealing with hair and expectation of society run alongside the community aspects of the hair salons.

The end product poses questions about culture. What is it like to be black, to be a woman, to be a black woman in Leeds in 2015?

Dark and Lovely is an exquisite treat. Intimate but not overly sentimental. Rich, powerful but not angry. Emotional, though provoking but not lecturing or undermining of its audience.

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/preview-dark-lovely-at-newcastle.html

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East Theatre Guide 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:

@SelinaNThompson | #Dark&Lovely | www.selinathompson.co.uk 

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmhUB1cxRxs

Behind the scenes video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA3LSk__HqE

Running Time: 60 minutes, no interval | Suitable for ages 7+ suitable for families (non alcoholic rum for under 18s)

Cast & creatives

Created and performed by Selina Thompson

Lighting Design by Cassie Mitchell

Produced by Emma Beverley                      

Designed by Rachel Good

Composed by BUFFALO                       

Production Managed by David Lam

Touring dates

3 – 4 November Northern Stage, Newcastle

Barras Bridge, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 7RH

7.30pm | £10 (£8 conc) 

Box office: 0191 230 5151 http://www.northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/dark-and-lovely

 

10 – 14 November     Birmingham REP

Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EP

2.30pm (Thu & Sat only) and 8pm | £13 (£10 conc)

Box office: 0121 236 4455

18 – 20 November     The Crucible Studio Theatre, Sheffield

55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA

5pm (19th & 20th only) & 8pm | £10

Box office: 0114 249 6000

25 – 28 November     Theatre in the Mill, Bradford

Off Shearbridge Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP

7.30pm | ££8 (£6 conc) | Limited student offer: £3

Box office: 01274 233200 or email theatre@bradford.ac.uk

 

Dark & Lovely was commissioned by East St Arts, and supported by Leeds Inspired and Arts Council England. 

Preview: The Full Monty at Darlington Civic Theatre

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EVERY INCH A WHOPPING HIT

The Full Monty

Darlington Civic Theatre

Monday 16^th to Saturday 21^st November 2015

Gary Lucy will lead the cast of The Full Monty which is coming to Darlington Civic Theatre for one

week only from Monday 16^th to Saturday 21^st November.

In 1997, a British film about six out-of-work Sheffield steelworkers with nothing to lose, took the world by storm becoming one of the most successful British films ever made. Now, the boys are back, only this time, they really have to go The Full Monty...live on stage.

Simon Beaufoy, the Oscar winning writer of the film, has gone all the way with this hilarious and heartfelt stage adaptation that’s getting standing ovations every night on its current UK tour.

Former Hollyoaks and Eastenders star Gary Lucy is no stranger to taking his clothes off but he’s doing it for the first time on stage. He said “I had never consciously decided not to do theatre but I’ve been incredibly lucky in my career to have played so many memorable characters in some great TV series. When the producers of The Full Monty approached me about starring in the tour, I just thought that it was a great opportunity for my first stage experience. It’s a really strong script. All the characters have stories to tell, and the audience really follows that through. It’s a really great cast too, we all get on well. It’s all guys together and we’re just having a laugh.”

Oscar winning writer of the film, Simon Beaufoy, was also a stage novice. Even with a mantelpiece groaning with awards he admits that it was terrifying to begin with, but he was determined not just to create a carbon copy of the film on stage.

“I felt really strongly that audiences would want to come and see a really good play so that’s how I approached it” Simon recalls. “It was a steep learning curve for me and enormously invigorating to learn a whole new craft after 16 years writing for the cinema. I had to discover what works and what doesn’t.

Ironically, it’s turned out that the story feels perfect on stage. It’s an ensemble piece about a group of men who are stuck and wondering what to do next.”

Tickets:

The Full Monty is at Darlington Civic Theatre from Monday 16 to Saturday 21 November 2015.

Tickets* are £12.50 to £29.50

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy.

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

Preview: THE ‘ORIGINAL’ STIG FROM BBC TV’s TOP GEAR!

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AN AUDIENCE WITH …

THE ‘ORIGINAL’ STIG FROM BBC TV’s TOP GEAR! 

aka PERRY McCARTHY

The Customs House, South Shields

Thursday 5^th November

The Middlesbrough Theatre

Monday 23^rd November

For years, millions of BBC TV’s Top Gear fans were kept in suspense about the identity of ‘The Stig’ - the mysterious expert racing driver with a mirrored visor concealing his face.  He’s TV’s best kept secret ever, but now we all know his name – he’s lovable Cockney, Perry McCarthy.

Theatre audiences at select UK venues have the chance to meet Perry McCarthy in person and ask questions during his one man show An Audience with The Original Stig, Perry McCarthy.  Theatre goers will hear Perry’s tales of what really happened behind the scenes  at TV’S Top Gear and all about his secret life as The Stig.

In this unique entertaining evening, Perry will reveal how, against the odds, his passion for speed lead to a racing career Formula One, misadventures at 200 miles per hour and his comic adventures with Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen, Nigel Mansell, Murray Walker and, of course, Jeremy Clarkson!

Tickets:

An Audience with The Original Stig, Perry McCarthy

Thursday 5^thNovember - The Customs House, South Shields

Box Office: 0191 454 1234

http://www.customshouse.co.uk/whats-on/Theatre/1934/an-audience-with-the-original-stig

Monday 23^rdNovember - The Middlesbrough Theatre

Box Office: 01642 81 51 81

https://www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/an-audience-with-the-original-stig

Preview: Dark & Lovely at Newcastle Northern Stage

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Dark & Lovely

Newcastle Northern Stage

Tuesday 3^rd – 4^th November 2015

An interactive performance using memories, music, rum and a ‘tumbleweave’ installation to explore the connotations, history and politics of afro hair and what it means to be Black, British and Female in the UK today

“…unashamedly honest and provoking, and Thompson is so personable that you could eat her up” Lyn Gardner on Chewing the Fat

Presented from within ‘the tumbleweave’, a home for hair built from abandoned weaves and hair extensions, this part autobiographical, conversational new show is for an audience of up to 40 people. Audiences are invited to peer through the Tumbleweave, and feel its various hidden textures. Inside the tumbleweave, audiences will find Selina’s Nan’s living room – drinks trolley, pineapple ice bucket and all, where they will be offered a rum punch.

Using recorded conversations with barbers, hair vendors and customers, feel good music and written text, Selina explores the complexities of the social debate surrounding Black hair. She transforms the tumbleweave, which is admittedly ‘a little bit gross’, into something beautiful, which can transcend the weight of all the connotations placed upon it. Dark & Lovely celebrates what it means (and doesn’t mean) to be Black through the way we wear our hair.  Dark & Lovely was developed as part of a project where she undertook six residencies in six different cities. She spoke to people about their relationship to where they live to build a national picture of what it means to be Black, British and Female in the UK today.

Dark & Lovely was first performed in Chapeltown, Leeds in a disused barber’s shop for a weeklong sell-out run as artist Selina Thompson says: “Dark and Lovely was developed in the barber shops and hairdressers - and making the work was a real coming of age moment for me: one in which I got to reconnect my heritage and cultural upbringing with my developing political consciousness and my practice as an artist. I like to think I've made something that reflects the love and care that those that opened up their community spaces extended to me - but also something with bite!

Something which reflects the battle black women have to go through throughout their lives, negotiating living in a culture dominated by an unattainable beauty standard that marks them down as other. I hope I've made something that stands in solidarity with anybody that's ever felt crushed by that - something which is the performance equivalent of the friend that notices (and compliments!) each new weave, holds your braids back if you need to be sick, lends you a scrunchie if you're going in for a fight, and strokes your head wrap as you fall asleep. Something like that!"

Selina Thompson is an artist and performer based in Leeds. Her work is playful, participatory and intimate, focused on the politics of identity, and how this defines our bodies, lives and environments. She has made work for pubs, cafes, hairdressers, toilets and sometimes even galleries and theatres – including the SPILL Festival of Performance, The National Theatre Studio, The Birmingham REP, East Street Arts and West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Over the past three years she has developed a body of work called ‘Edible Women’, exploring the fat body, dieting, control around food, and how much of a mess she can get away with creating with an audience and a taste for excess. This group of works saw her make a theatre show, build a dress out of cake (twice), and spend a lot of time listening to people confess their food sins, as well as sharing many of her own.

Currently, she is in the middle of developing a new body of work entitled ‘As Wide And As Deep As The Sea’ – of which Dark & Lovely is a component part. This work will eventually become a three part series. Part 1 has just received the Mayfest and Theatre Bristol Award – to be premiered in their 2016 festival.

On The Web:

@SelinaNThompson | #Dark&Lovely | www.selinathompson.co.uk 

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmhUB1cxRxs

Behind the scenes video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA3LSk__HqE

Running Time: 60 minutes, no interval | Suitable for ages 7+ suitable for families (non alcoholic rum for under 18s)

Cast & creatives

Created and performed by Selina Thompson

Lighting Design by Cassie Mitchell

Produced by Emma Beverley                      

Designed by Rachel Good

Composed by BUFFALO                       

Production Managed by David Lam

Touring dates

3 – 4 November Northern Stage, Newcastle

Barras Bridge, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 7RH

7.30pm | £10 (£8 conc) 

Box office: 0191 230 5151 http://www.northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/dark-and-lovely

 

10 – 14 November     Birmingham REP

Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EP

2.30pm (Thu & Sat only) and 8pm | £13 (£10 conc)

Box office: 0121 236 4455

18 – 20 November     The Crucible Studio Theatre, Sheffield

55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA

5pm (19th & 20th only) & 8pm | £10

Box office: 0114 249 6000

25 – 28 November     Theatre in the Mill, Bradford

Off Shearbridge Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP

7.30pm | ££8 (£6 conc) | Limited student offer: £3

Box office: 01274 233200 or email theatre@bradford.ac.uk

 

Dark & Lovely was commissioned by East St Arts, and supported by Leeds Inspired and Arts Council England.