Preview: Phoenix Dance Theatre at Darlington Civic Theatre

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A TRUE GEM OF THE NORTH

Phoenix Dance Theatre

Darlington Civic Theatre

Wednesday 4^th  May 2016

Phoenix Dance Theatre celebrates its 35th anniversary with a special triple bill at Darlington Civic Theatre on Wednesday 4^th  May.

Melt   Photo:Richard-Moran

From small beginnings in inner-city Leeds, Phoenix Dance Theatre has grown to be one of the UKs leading contemporary dance companies. In celebration of their 35th year Phoenix Dance Theatre present a Triple Bill of intense, funny and beautiful dances including two brand new commissions to celebrate the diversity and collaboration for which the Company has become internationally known.

Undivided Loves Photo: Brian Slater

In a fitting commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, his timeless themes of desire, duplicity and unrequited love are brought to life in Kate Flatt’s brand new work Undivided Loves. Fusing sound, words and dance, Shakespeare’s most intimate, mysterious and radical sonnets are re-imagined to Brazilian percussionist Adriano Adewale’s vibrant score.

Until.With/Out.Enough  Photo: Brian Slater

In contrast, world-famous Dutch/Israeli choreographer Itzik Galili will rework his piece, Until.With/Out.Enough, which explores the concept of the enclosed space that exists within our minds, as part of a co-commission with The Royal Ballet and Phoenix Dance Theatre.

Phoenix Dance Company was formed in 1981 by David Hamilton, Donald Edwards and Vilmore James; three young black men who had their enthusiasm for dance sparked by the tuition they received at Harehills Middle School from teachers like Nadine Senior, who went on to found Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Since 1981 the Company has grown to be a key Northern forerunner in contemporary dance and for over three and a half decades Phoenix Dance Theatre has performed, educated and inspired people across the globe.

Bloom  Photo: Brian Slater

Alongside the world première of Itzik Galili’s new version of Until.With/Out.Enough will feature Sharon Watson‘s acclaimed Melt and Bloom by New Adventures Choreographer Award-winner Caroline Finn, which explores the dark and comic moments of life through her playful, quirky and highly engaging choreographic style.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see the leading Northern forerunner in contemporary dance in Darlington for one night only.

Tickets:

Phoenix Dance Theatre is at Darlington Civic Theatre on Wednesday 4 May at 7.30pm.

Tickets* are £18.50 and £17 with discounts available.

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

*Includes a £1 restoration levy

Preview: THE FATHER at NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL

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Olivier Award Winning Drama

Heads to Newcastle

THE FATHER

NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL

MONDAY 18^th  – SATURDAY 23^rd APRIL 2016

Yesterday Kenneth Cranham won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Play for his role in The Father and the show is heading direct to Newcastle this month.

Plunging the audience into the experience of dementia this play throws the switches in your brain and lets you step into dementia through Tony Award nominee Kenneth Cranham’s indelible performance.

Now eighty years old, Andre was once a tapdancer. He lives with his daughter Anne and her husband Antoine. Or was he an engineer whose daughter Anne lives in London with her new lover, Pierre? The thing is, he is still wearing his pyjamas and he can’t find his watch. He is starting to wonder if he’s losing control...

The Father is the winner of France’s highest theatrical honour, the 2014 Moliere Award for Best Play, and in Christopher Hampton’s crisp and witty translation, has dazzled audiences at Bath, the Tricycle and the Wyndham’s Theatre, West End. It has received an unprecedented ten five star reviews from major national newspaper critics.

"Christopher Hampton's most vivid translation..a distinguished rendering of an original drama" - Observer

"My play – and production - of the year. Devastating drama" - Mail on Sunday

"The Father is a revelation, as sharp and surprising a play as you'll see all year" - Times

"The acting is masterly" - Daily Mail

"Florian Zeller's stunning play" - Evening Standard

“A marvel...an unqualified triumph”  - Daily Telegraph

“Kenneth Cranham...brilliant”  - Times

“Kenneth Cranham... superb”  - Guardian

“Kenneth Cranham...wonderful” -  Time Out

“A flawless production” - Financial Times

“Brilliant...makes your brain hum with the unique potential of theatre” -  Independent

Tickets:

The Father appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 18^th  – Saturday 23^rd April 2016. Tickets are available from £12 (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 book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

 

News: New project at ARC aims to find talented young disabled performers

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New project at ARC aims to find talented young disabled performers

ARC are on the lookout for young disabled people to be part of a new project that could see them become the next generation of performers.

Young disabled people aged between 18 and 25 who want to take their first steps in developing their performance skills and creative talents, have the chance to embrace a new project that could potentially lead to a future in performing arts.

The three month performing arts project aims to challenge society’s perceptions of disabled people and promote their creative voices.

Budding performers will get the chance to produce a new and exciting piece of original work, which will then be showcased to their friends, family and supporters at ARC towards the end of the project.

Members of the 45 Days to 

Find My Way group. Photo: ARC

The group will be led by established performing arts professionals, who will explore modern theatre techniques such as physical theatre, mime, and mask looking at different ways to tell stories without words by using physical movements, facial expressions, costume items and props. They will also get the chance to try out imaginative character work, including voice work and have a go at creating vocal sound effects for a short animated film which they will produce with a local film maker.

Playwright and theatre director, Vici Wreford-Sinnott will lead the group through the project. Vici is the Disability Agent of Change for Cultural Shift, which is a three year programme promoting opportunities for more disabled people to get involved in the arts in various ways.

She commented: "It's so exciting to be able to create an opportunity for the next generation of disabled performing artists from our area. We're looking for people who want to try new things, and we'll be making sure that the voices of those involved are well and truly heard by creating brand new material, rather than replicating what's already out there."

It is hoped that the group will develop a range of new skills, and grow in confidence so they can go on to experience further development opportunities, which could even lead to a future in performing arts.

Last year learning disabled actor, Liam Bairstow, who is currently starring in Coronation Street as the character Alex, performed at ARC in a play called Contained, which featured a talented cast of up and coming learning disabled actors. Liam was chosen for his part in the soap after he attended a workshop run by ITV called ‘Breaking Through’, which had been set up for actors with disabilities, as the show’s producer Stuart Blackburn recognised that learning disabled actors get few auditions for professional acting roles.

No previous experience is needed, just an interest in the arts and a commitment to learning and performing. The sessions will take place on Tuesdays between 4.30pm and 6.30pm and will cost £3 each, places are limited. The first session will take place on Tuesday 19 April.

Further Information:

To enquire or to book a place, contact Chloe Lawrence at ARC on 01642 665400.

Places are limited. Please inform ARC of any access requirements you may have before booking so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. If you would normally have one-to-one support, don’t forget to bring someone along with you as this service is not something that ARC can provide.

 

Preview: The Wizard of Oz at Darlington Civic Theatre

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THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE PANTO

The Wizard of Oz

Darlington Civic Theatre

Friday 8^th - Saturday 9^th April 2016.

Bobby Davro and Dani Harmer star in The Wizard of Oz at Darlington Civic Theatre on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 April.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Darlington Civic Theatre for a fantastic Easter pantomime version of The Wizard of Oz, starring comedy legend Bobby Davro as Scarecrow and Dani Harmer (CBBC’s Tracy Beaker, Strictly Come Dancing) as Dorothy.

Join Kansas farm-girl Dorothy and her pet dog Toto on this magical adventure suitable for all ages. Watch in amazement as they are picked up by a tornado and carried off to the magical land of Oz. With help from their new friends the Munchkins, they travel to the Emerald City where the great Wizard of Oz lives.

On their way they meet a Scarecrow who needs a brain, a Tin Man who wants a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who desperately needs courage. Will the wonderful Wizard of Oz be able to help them before the Wicked Witch of the West captures them in her dungeon?

Come and join in the fun over the rainbow as Enchanted Entertainment presents a wonderful Easter pantomime version of L. Frank Baum’s much-loved fairy-tale. Packed with well-known pop songs, brilliant dance routines, lots of audience participation and plenty of laughter for all the family!

There’s no place like Darlington Civic Theatre for family entertainment, so click those heels together and book your Easter panto tickets now.

Tickets:

The Wizard of Oz is at Darlington Civic Theatre on Friday 8 & Saturday 9 April.

Tickets* are £20 & £18 for adults, £18 & £16 for children, Family Ticket £69, Groups 10+ £1 off, 20+ £2 off.

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

*Includes a £1 restoration levy

Preview: From There to You, From Here to Me at Newcastle Northern Stage

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From There to You, From Here to Me

Newcastle Northern Stage
Tuesday 19^th  - Wednesday 20^th  April 2016

A child is missing, a mother is dying and somewhere in the middle a woman is trying to make sense of it all...

From there to you, from here to me is a new play that explores the idea of identity and asks through its characters what it is that makes us who we are.

Agnes is watching her mother slowly die whilst preparing for the pregnancy of her first child. Mary is dying and desperate to say goodbye on more than just a forced smile. Together they try to make amends for a failed relationship before it’s all too late. Together they try to understand one another just a little better. Together they will better understand themselves.

Agnes sits with her mum Mary. They record conversations about their life and share memories for posterity. But when Mary's recollections start to change from what Agnes thinks is true the two women soon find a friction between them unearthing something deeper in the detail of what is not said. It is suddenly apparent that their life together is a puzzle with missing pieces. 

WHAT’S IT ABOUT

It’s about motherhood and identity, it’s about learning who you are and taking control of that. It’s about the way we construct meaning to our lives through self discovery and understanding  The idea of what reality is, the idea of there being such a thing as a ‘truth’. Can you ever know someone for certain, even your own parent or child? It’s about what changes when the history we understand and feel defined by is suddenly turned on it’s head, and our understanding of who we are is certainly false. It’s about holding a mirror up to the audience and asking who we are when know one else is there to see the reflection.

On The Web:
 @ddManOut /  OddManOut / www.oddmanouttheatre.co.uk

Tickets:
From There to You, From Here to Me appears at Newcastle’s Northern Stage on
Tuesday 19th  - Wednesday 20th  April 2016 at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £10 / £8 (concs.) and are available from the website: https://www.northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/From-There-to-You

Preview: Launch Day on tour

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New Dance Performance Celebrates North East’s Industrial Past

Launch Day

Berwick Maltings Theatre and Arts Centre - Friday 8^th April 2016

Hexham Queens Hall Arts Centre - Wednesday 13^th April 2016

Washington Arts Centre - Thursday 28^th April 2016

 

An exciting new dance performance celebrates the history of the North East in all its industrial glory. Launch Day by regionally-based Dancer and Choreographer Kristin Kelly Abbott draws its inspiration from paintings by Alexander Millar, a renowned Scottish artist based in the North East, known for his large-scale paintings of ‘Gadgies’, or working people of the region and its industrial past.

Alexander Millar noted  'I was so delighted to be able to see what I've spent the last twenty years of my life painting and trying to capture, all that I remember from my childhood on canvas. Now, here I can see a wonderful interpretation of my work put to dance where it magically comes to life and has the added wonder of of being on stage, where it creates all the drama and theatre that dance and music is able to bring to everyone's attention. It is truly breathtaking. I feel incredibly humbled and excited all rolled into one'

 

Kelly-Abbott crafts iconic images bringing Millar's characters to life on stage. Those who built the ships are portrayed not only at work but during their social time - in the pubs and at the football. These people were an integral part in the economic boom time of the North East. Using movement influenced by the paintings, and informed by research with workers from the ship-building industry, Launch Day is a celebration of North East life, its culture and the industry that represents its past, present and future.

Kristin Kelly-Abbott explained  ‘I am honoured and excited to bring Alexander Millar's gadgies to life on stage. Launch Day is an iconic dance theatre performance for the North East reflecting the hard working people who have made it what it is today.'

With stunning large-scale projections of Millar’s paintings, powerful, athletic and evocative choreography and a soundtrack featuring music by Mark Knopfler and composer Breifne Holohan, the work will enchant anyone who has an interest in the industrial history of the North East and will also be enjoyable and entertaining to those new to dance. Mark Knopfler commented ‘It’s always exciting when individual pieces of creative work come together rto make something else.  This project with Kirsten’s dancers is inspired by painting and song and I’m delighted that some of my music is a part of it.’

Kristin Kelly Abbott moved to Newcastle from London to dance with Sakoba Dance Theatre in 2006. She immediately felt at home here, and fell in love with the North East – its people, countryside and coast line.

She met her husband Wayne whom she married in 2010 and now lives in Birtley with Wayne and their 17-month old son, Jamie.

Launch Day is a new co-commission by Dance City and Queen's Hall Hexham, supported using public funding by Arts Council England. Dance City is the North East’s leading Dance organisation and one of the country’s National Dance Development Agencies. As well as commissioning new work, Dance City provides regular training and support to the region’s professional dancers and choreographers. Kristin was recently awarded Dance City Associate Artist 2015/16 and this is first full-length piece.

Anthony Baker, Dance City Artistic Director and Joint CEO, said:  “This is an extremely beautiful and moving piece of dance rooted in the region’s rich industrial past. Anyone who’s passionate about the North East, even if they are new to dance, will love this.”

Tickets:

Launch Day can be seen at the following venues:

08/04/2016 – Berwick Maltings Theatre and Arts Centre 7pm (Studio Performance) http://www.maltingsberwick.co.uk/events/dance/2998

13/04/2016 - Queens Hall Arts Centre, Hexham 7.30pm http://www.queenshall.co.uk/events/launch-day

28/04/2016 - Washington Arts Centre 7.30pm http://www.artscentrewashington.co.uk/production-details.aspx?id=781An exhibition of paintings in the theatre foyer by Alexander Miller will accompany this show.  A Pay What You Decide show.

Trailer Vimeo Link: https://vimeo.com/158599516

 

News: A bright new future for Newcastle’s City Hall and City Pool

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A bright new future for Newcastle’s City Hall and City Pool

Two Newcastlelandmarks have been given a new lease of life as they transfer from the council to new operators Fusion Lifestyle Ltd. Newcastle City Council has now granted a lease for the City Hall and the City Pool to Fusion Lifestyle Ltd.

Fusion plan to renovate the City Pool building, turning it into a unique health and wellbeing destination for people visiting, living and working in Newcastle. Their plans will include the restoration of the historic Turkish baths.

Fusion have sub-leased the City Hall to the Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust who will continue to operate it as a concert and entertainment venue. Council staff who work at the City Hall are now employed by the Theatre Royal Trust, where all staff will work across both venues.

Tony Durcan, Assistant Director of Customers, Culture and Skills, who led negotiations on behalf of the council said: “This has been a long and complex negotiation, but we have been excited by the proposal which has been put forward by Fusion Lifestyle Limited and the Theatre Royal Trust.This deal represents great value for money for local taxpayers, and will secure the future of these historic city landmarks for generations to come.” 

Peter Kay, Chief Executive of Fusion Lifestyle, said: “Fusion Lifestyle is proud to be working on the regeneration of the City Pool and Turkish Baths and today’s announcement by Newcastle City Council is another step towards seeing our ambitious plans come to fruition.  It is fantastic to see the future of the City Pool secured and Newcastle City Hall in such good hands under the guardianship of the Theatre Royal Trust.”

Chief Executive of the Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust, Philip Bernays, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for the audiences of two of Newcastle’s most historic and much loved buildings, as we bring them together into an even bigger and better whole.  We are delighted to have been working with Newcastle City Council and Fusion Lifestyle to ensure this transition is seamless; both the Theatre Royal and City Hall will continue to put on a wide and wonderful array of top shows, ensuring their place at the forefront of entertainment for the people of Newcastle and the North East. From today the two venues’ Box Office systems will be integrated and the City Hall’s website will redirect customers to the Theatre Royal site from where they can purchase tickets for both venues’ shows. More information is available at www.theatreroyal.co.uk”

The announcement was also welcomed by the City Hall Action Group, whose Chair, Tony Stephenson, said: "We're very pleased to see that this deal with Fusion and the Trust means the City Hall will continue as a viable music venue in the future.  We wish the Theatre Royal Trust every success in their new venture and will be happy to contribute constructively in any way that ensures this new arrangement is a success."

Cait Read, of Re-open Newcastle Turkish Baths and City Pool Group, said: “We are delighted that the lease has been confirmed by Newcastle City Council with Fusion Lifestyle to re-open Newcastle Turkish Baths and City Pool as affordable and accessible leisure facilities.  Fusion share our vision and have the experience and resources to manage the historic restoration of the Turkish Baths and renewal of facilities within the City Pool.  We are excited to continue to be involved in the future of the building, to ensure that it re-opens as a valuable resource for the people of Newcastle and an attraction to people visiting the city.”

Newcastle City Council originally announced the potential closure of the City Pool as part of its budget plans in 2012. The City Hall has continued to operate commercially as a separate entity.

The City Hall, City Pool and Vine Lane School complex were marketed by the council’s agents Sanderson Weatherall in February 2015. Bids were invited for the entire complex or parts of it. Five bids were received to run the whole or part of the City Hall and Pools site. At its meeting on 23 September 2015 Cabinet identified Fusion Lifestyle Ltd a preferred supplier. The granting of a lease now concludes the process. Transfer of ownership has now taken place. Public consultation on future plans and designs for the City Pool site is expected to begin in May 2016. Fusion lifestyle are targeting the spring of 2018 for the refurbished complex to be open for business.