REVIEW: A Song for Ella Grey at Newcastle Northern Stage

Don’t Look Back…!

A Song for Ella Grey

Newcastle Northern Stage

Until Saturday 16^th September 2017

Writer: David Almond

Director: Lorne Campbell

Set & Costume Designer: Jen McGinley

Sound Designer & Composer: Mariam Rezaei

Movement Director: Martin Hylton

Film & AV: Kris Deedigan

Lighting Design: Sam Vivash

 

 Photo: Pamela Raith

 Photo: Pamela Raith

North East writer David Almond has taken the tale of Orpheus and moved it to his native North East. His well written narrative is a study of teenage grief and surviving painful tragedy. Amy Cameron’s performance as Claire was exquisite.

 

 Photo: Pamela Raith

 Photo: Pamela Raith

A Song For Ella Grey examines teen friendships. At that age emotions can be much rawer and the need for peers can be acute. During the course of the drama a group of school friends explore the Ouseburn and head of to Bamburgh beach in Northumberland to party. David Almond’s tale keeps returning to the themes of relationships. Director Lorne Campbell has ensured the tale has a good pace through the production.

 

 Photo: Pamela Raith

 Photo: Pamela Raith

The bulk of the set consists of boxes and stones however strong descriptive effect of the monologue ensures we know what it represents. Amy Cameron has a magical power to allow you to join her in the imagination of Claire as she creates the events.

 Photo: Pamela Raith

The local nature of the narrative is accompanied by a video wall. Kris Deedigan has created a montage of both the locations and the young people which follows the action on stage. Using a young cast of 33 we have scenes in the classroom and outside on their travels. The collage of faces, some occasions moving, was a really powerful addition to the

soliloquy the Amy Cameron was performing.

 Photo: Pamela Raith

The Orpheus elements of the story means that Claire needs to go searching for her friend in the Underworld. This involves putting the whole venue in the dark. At this point you become acutely aware of Mariam Rezaei’s sound design as it guides you for nearly 20 minutes. Now we are not massive fans of gimmicks. Not for us the wearing of 3D glasses or headsets in the theatre but this assault on our senses did have an impact. The length of time that we were in the dark is perhaps a matter of personal issue.

Amy Cameron’s performance really holds your attention. It feels intimate & personal as she describes this episode in her life. Videos aside, it is effectively a one-person show and the poetic nature of much of script is at times almost hypnotic. A Song For Ella Grey is a compelling start to the new season at Northern Stage.

Review by Stephen Oliver

Tickets:

A Song for Ella Grey opens in Newcastle in September 2017. Tickets start from £10 - for more information or to book tickets visit www.northernstage.co.uk  or call 0191 230 5151.

Running time: 1 hour 30 mins (no interval)
Recommended Age: 14+ (some strong language)
Post-show talk: Wednesday 13 September with David Almond and Lorne Campbell

Please note: a section of this play will be performed in complete darkness.

REVIEW: Overdue at Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

Overdue 

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

Until Saturday 16^th September 2017

Written by Arabella Arnott

Directed by Matt Jamie

Designed by Alison Ashton

Arabella Arnott’s Overdueis an emotional trip that confronts some of the aspects of the human condition without going down the finger wagging “issue-based” route. A strong cast and intelligent writing have produced a powerful yet still entertaining drama which looks at the consequences of decisions.

Christopher Price

We had marked Arabella’s cards as one to watch after Life After appeared earlier in the year. Overdue shows a maturity in its handling of possibly controversial decisions without casting any judgement. The audience finds themselves recognising the characterisation without being asked to discriminate between good and bad.

Rosie Stancliffe

Rosie Stancliffe is able to show a perceptive range of emotions as Beth, a wife who needs space. Unfortunately for her, John, her husband, responds by closing in and emotionally suffocating her. Teacher Beth might go for walks during her summer holiday but John keeps sending her regular texts. Christopher Price plays the confused husband who doesn’t understand why he keeps getting pushed away. The pair of actors are convincing as a couple that obviously love each other but are not behaving like they’re reading off the same page.

Skyla Pearce

Beth meets up with a couple of characters on her walks. There is the young teen mum Izzie who nurtures her 3 month old son. Skyla Pearce makes her professional debut and she got a number of reactions out of the audience as she invaded Beth’s personal space. Shortly afterwards Jack, played by Benjamin Michael Smith, appears and seems to easily makes friends with Beth. He is aware of Izzie and this freaks Beth out a little bit.

Benjamin Michael Smith

The play then follows Beth as she looks at both her current situation and the decisions that she was expected to make in the past. Rosie Stancliffe manages to elicit empathy as the sometimes awkward wife. Both Benjamin Michael Smith and Skyla Pearce make promising debuts and they had there chance to make an impact of the story. Christopher Price’s John was a natural foil for the prickly Beth.

The show’s setting in the centre of the re-located Alphabetti Theatre was intimate and enabled Arnott’s play to flourish. The tiered seating ensured a good view of the action for all. This is a great production to launch Newcastle’s newest venue.

Review by Stephen Oliver.

Tickets:

Overdue is at Newcastle’s Alphabetti Theatre from Monday 4 to Saturday 16 September 2017 and is suitable for 13+. Tickets are £9 full price; £7 concessions with Pay What You Decide performances on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/194686

Overdue is also at George Street Social (Newcastle) on Monday 11 September and tickets are £5. For more information or to book tickets visit www.coracleproductions.com 

REVIEW: Wise Men Say/ Cornered double bill

Why Didn’t He Kick It Into Row Z?

Wise Men Say/ Cornered double bill

South Shields Customs House

Until Friday 8^th September 2017 then on tour

Saturday 9^th September 2017: Durham Gala.

Thursday 14^th September 2017: Washington Arts Centre. 

Friday 22^nd September 2017: Sunderland The Peacock

Wise Men Say by Paul Dunn

Cornered by Jeff Brown

Director: Jack Bump

Football supporters are passionate people. They feel a sense of belonging. A sense of community. Here are 2 productions in one bill that explains what it has felt like to be a Sunderland supporter in recent times.

Thomas Potts & Paul Dunn

Now if you’re a football supporter then you’ll be able to relate to the highs and lows described in Wise Men Say.  If you have ever played the beautiful game then you’ll appreciate the emotions described in Cornered. If you cannot see the point of 22 men kicking a ball then this is unlikely to convert you.

So I should start by saying that I have supported a football side but it isn’t Sunderland. (No, I’m from Yorkshire and I believe there’s two things in life you cannot choose - the other is your family). But as a fan that has seen my club move from a scruffy old ground that was full of terraces to a modern stadium I appreciate where Paul Dunn is coming from. In Wise Men Say writer and performer Paul gives a largely positive view of the change to an all-seater stadium.

Thomas Potts & Paul Dunn

Paul plays Jimmy Ian Henderson, a lifelong football fan who has worked out that he was conceived on the same day Sunderland lifted the FA Cup at Wembley. He is assisted on stage by Thomas Potts, as his son Kevin Niall Henderson, and Steve Arnott as a certain local policeman.  Kevin had met his wife at a Sunderland game and they are awaiting the arrival of their first child. Jimmy is disappointed that Kevin doesn’t plan to get a season ticket even though it is the first time Kevin will have seen the lads in the second tier.

When Kevin leaves to see his wife we are left with Jimmy to reminisce with the audience about all things Sunderland. The romance of the first match with his Dad, and the responsibility of ensuring his son got to enjoy the same passion. But should a supporter still turn up when the team are not doing well?

This is a passionate and believable performance by Paul Dunn on a topic that is close to the heart of the Wearside faithful.

Steve Arnott

After the interval (half time?) we are transported back to the Milk Cup Final of 1985. In Cornered, by BBC Look North’s news and sports reporter Jeff Brown, the focus is on one incident by one player.

Steve Arnott appears in the single hander as PC Dave Corner. The policeman’s previous life was as a Sunderland player and at the tender age of 18 he got the call to play on Wembley’s hallowed turf representing his home club. Unfortunately the day didn’t go quite as planned. In an era in which there were only 4 TV channels, and full length matches were a rare event, Dave was not just seen by the Wembley crowd, he was seen by millions.  The incident started a series of events that resulted in Norwich City scoring the winning goal against Sunderland. Unfortunately the TV reply focussed on poor Dave Corner and fans have long memories.

Steve Arnott

1985 is a different era to that of modern football. Dave Corner lived close to the ground. He drank in the same bars as the fans. He was to face the incident on a regular basis as fans reminded him of it. More than a blow by blow account of the match, this is a study of the fans reactions as much as anything. Tonight’s show was witnessed by a number of Sunderland’s faithful and Steve Arnott’s performance reignited memories so much he was getting heckled by the audience. This seemed an unusual reaction to a theatrical performance but it shows how good Steve was as fans were reacting like he was Dave Corner himself.

Jeff Brown, Dave Corner & Paul Dunn

The show finished with a Q&A session between writer Jeff and Dave Corner himself. This interview brought the story up to date.

It was a good night’s entertainment for the football fan. The target audience may not be theatre regulars and, as such, it should be welcomed as it brought in a different crowd.

Review by Stephen Oliver.

Tickets:

Performance dates are:  6^th-8^thSep: Customs House South Shields.  9^th Sep: Durham Gala. 14^th Sep: Washington Arts Centre.  22^nd Sep: The Peacock, Sunderland.  Prices range from £7 to £16.  Tickets for all performances are available online, via company’s website: www.crankedanvil.co.uk.

REVIEW: Young Frankenstein at Newcastle Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal Puts On The Ritz…

Young Frankenstein

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Saturday 9^th September 2017

Book: Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan

Music & lyrics: Mel Brooks

Direction & Choreography: Susan Stroman

Set design: Beowulf Boritt

Costume design: William Ivey Long

Musical direction:  Andrew Hilton

Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein is a wonderful theatrical production. A great cast, a wonderful script with a fabulous sense of humour, funny songs with many clear references to the popular film - the show is a real treat.

The musical is based upon the 1974 movie with Gene Wilder and Marty Feldman. This was in turn a major homage to the classic Universal horror films. The musical continues to  celebrate those films, but it also finds time to celebrate the golden age of the musical too.  Clearly tonight’s cast also had big shoes to fill given the legendary status of the original cast of the film. The good news is they have more than enough class to carry it off.

Hadley Fraser plays the brain scientist Fredrick Frankenstein whose uncle has a reputation for trying to reanimate the dead. The show opens up with the pun-filled song The Brain which set the tone for both the wicked sense of humour and quality of singing on show.

Frankenstein receives a telegraph to say his uncle is dead and that he needs to go to Transylvania to claim his inheritance. Before he leaves America, his finance Elizabeth sees him off on the good ship Queen Mary Shelley. Dianne Pilkington has great fun in the innuendo filled number Please Don’t Touch.

The doctor meets up with his assistant Igor, played with great comic timing by Ross Noble. So can Ross sing and dance? He put in a great shift during Together Again before meeting up with lab technician Inga. Summer Strallen’s character is another opportunity for more singing, dancing and laughs as they all head off to the castle together.   

At the castle they meet up with the housekeeper Frau Blucher - which turns into a great vehicle for Lesley Joseph to show off her comedic talents and sing. Her big number He Vas My Boyfriend had even more laughs for the Theatre Royal crowd. Those memorable jokes from the film have been retained - so the mere mention of Frau Blucher’s name still instils fear in the local horses.

The set helps recreate the castle scenes from the film and the show flies by with a perfect pace. The songs and dance routines do allow a tribute to the classic US musicals. This in particular happens with the Puttin’ On The Ritz scene which has been extended compared to the film and becomes a full-scale dance routine. Shuler Hensley, who played the role previously in both the Broadway and US tour productions of the show, is nimble of his feet as the Monster. 

The laughs were many and frequent. Even when there was a small problem with a door on the set, this was an opportunity for Ross Noble to address the audience with a bit of stand-up whilst staying in character as Igor. His remarks immediately afterwards, about the door, brought the house down.

The live band, under musical director Andrew Hilton, are out of sight in this production but never put a foot wrong.

Young Frankenstein is a marvellous musical. We even debated if it was actually better than the film on the way home. That debate will continue, however, what we did agree on, was it was the best musical that we’ve seen this year so far. …and we don’t say that every day!

Review by Stephen Oliver

Tickets:

The pre-West End season of Young Frankenstein is at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Sat 26 August until Sat 9 September 2017, playing evenings Tue – Sat at 7.30pm, matinees on Sat 2.30pm (not 26 Aug) & Thu 7 Sep 2pm. Tickets from £19.50.  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: The Suitcase at Newcastle Northern Stage

The Market Theatre Johannesburg presents

The Suitcase

Newcastle Northern Stage

Thursday 14^th - Saturday 16^thSeptember 2017

Adapted and Directed by James Ngcobo from a short story by Es’kia Mphahlele

Featuring live music composed and written by Hugh Masekela

The Suitcase brings together a unique partnership of venues in the North of England and the Market Theatre Johannesburg, marking the internationally renowned theatre company’s return to the UK after a five year absence. This partnership, the first of its kind, enables international work to be performed across five northern cities, sharing programming and strengthening audience development. The tour has been made possible through National Lottery Funding from Arts Council England’s Strategic Touring programme.

It’s a story never more relevant to our time, exploring issues of identity, migration, exile and celebration of the human spirit. The show will have its UK premiere at Hull Truck Theatre (31 August–9 September) as part of Hull UK City of Culture 2017’s Freedom season before touring to Newcastle (14-16 September), Derby (20-23 September), Lancaster (27-29 September) and Liverpool (4-8 October).

1950s South Africa. A young newly married couple leave their rural village and disapproving family for the city of Durban. Their goal: to return home rich and free. But, alienated in the city, unemployed and poor, Timi starts to lose his moral compass. Desperate to provide for his pregnant wife, he steals a suitcase left on a bus not knowing what might be inside; an act which brings frightening consequences, dramatic twists and unexpected turns.

Based on a true story, The Suitcase has been nominated in the New Director category in the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards for The Rosalie van der Gucht Prize. Director James Ngcobo saw enormous theatrical potential in this poignant and emotive story and so adapted it for the stage. The production - evocative, visual and moving - encompasses African storytelling and lyrical music at its very best.

The Market Theatre Johannesburg, known internationally as ‘Theatre of the Struggle’, challenged the apartheid regime and dared to stand up against social injustice, acting as a vital and powerful voice for freedom and emancipation. Its 21 international and over 300 South African theatre awards bear testament to the courage and artistic quality of its work. Today, the Market Theatre remains at the forefront of South African performance, actively encouraging new productions to reach international stages.

The decision to tour The Suitcase in the UK was inspired by Hull Truck Theatre’s visit to South Africa in 2015. Hull Truck Theatre Mark Babych (Artistic Director) and Jill Adamson (Director of Engagement and Learning) visited as part of a group of delegates to promote artistic exchange between the North East of England and the Eastern Cape of South Africa, funded by the Swallow Foundation.

Playwright Es’kia Mphahlele is among South Africa’s greatest writers, thinkers and critics. Respected worldwide as a literary luminary, he has published many short stories, essays and novels dealing with issues of race and South Africa’s changing society.

Composer Hugh Masekela is a legendary Grammy Award-winning South African musician, best known for writing anti-apartheid songs including Soweto Blues and Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela).

James Ngcobo

Director James Ngcobo became the first black artistic director of Market Theatre Johannesburg in 2013, and continues to enhance the theatre’s worldwide reputation for artistic greatness. He has a passion for working with undiscovered actors, young designers and artists to tell new South African stories.

Mark Babych, Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre, says: ‘It’s been a long-held ambition to work with the Market Theatre Johannesburg. As a young director, they opened my eyes to the power of theatre as they battled with the human tragedy of the apartheid years – inspired by the work of Athol Fugard, Barney Simon and the breath-taking power of performers like John Kani, Winston Ntshona, Percy Mtewa and Mbongeni Ngema. The Market Theatre still holds a special place in my heart. It’s a dream come true to welcome this wonderful company to our city as part of our 2017 programme, and to share the UK premiere of The Suitcase across five great cities.’

James Ngcobo, Artistic Director at Market Theatre Johannesburg, says:  ‘We are so excited that we are about to visit the UK with a story set in South Africa - yet anyone can relate to this universal tale of a man who wants to change his life. Whenever we perform this piece, people have always said that there are clear parallels with their own lives when they witness how Timi's life unfolds. This tour is happening this year all because of the buckets of passion that Mark Babych has brought to the idea of a piece from South Africa coming to Hull in such a landmark year. We are looking forward to bringing the story by the prolific Professor Eskia Mphahlele to Hull and the Northern tour after that - this visit is the gateway to the beginning of a relationship with Hull Truck Theatre, a relationship that will carry on past this tour.’

The cast includes acclaimed television and stage actor Siyabonga Thwala as Timi Ngobese, (South African TV dramas Isindigo, Rhythm City and Generation), Masasa Mbangeni as Namhla Ngobese (South African Film and Television Awards ‘Best Actress’ for role in TV drama Scandal!; BBC’s Silent Witness), John Lata as Pitso (sketch comedy series Dube on 2 and Dube on 2 – Reloaded; sitcom My Perfect Family), and Desmond Dube as Mlotshwa (United Artists and Lions Gate Films’ Hotel Rwanda; BBCand HBO’s The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.)

Praise for The Suitcase:

“Once you’ve seen this production once you just have to go and see it again” – Time Out, Soweto

“It’s pure theatre at its best” - The Star Tonight Review (South Africa)

Tickets and performance details:

Thur 14 Sept, 6pm

Fri 15 Sept, 7.30pm

Sat 16 Sept, 2pm & 7.30pm

Tickets from £10

Tickets and Information:0191 230 5151 or online from www.northernstage.co.uk

REVIEW: Alphabetti Soup at Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

Welcome back Alphabetti!

Alphabetti Soup

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

Saturday 2^nd September 2017.

New Location is on the St James Boulevard

We have to admit it. We have missed the Alphabetti Theatre. It was a really nice, safe place to watch an eclectic mix of theatre, music and comedy. So what of the new venue? It is wonderful. It is safe. It is a little bit bigger. It has the potential to really grow. The theatre space reminds us of the Southwark Playhouse or Hull Truck in its Spring Street prime. As we took our seats we knew we would witness special things happening here in the months ahead. We just didn’t expect it all to happen tonight.

Now don’t get us wrong. This venue isn’t perfect. Like every great fringe venue, it has its little idiosyncratic nuances. A trip to the toilets will show that - a few more signs are needed. No, this place has energy in the place of perfect. And good things will happen here.

Tonight was the Alphabetti Soup variety night that we first witnessed in the upstairs room at the Dog & Parrot. The mix of performers that, somehow, combines into a greater whole. We never got around  to the soup on that first night either. But like that first show - the rest of the offering was a canny substitute.

Diji Solanke

The venue has the seating on 3 sides and the stage area in the middle. This leads to an intimate performance. Theatre Impresario Ali Pritchard was our host for the night with the lovable pooch Sir Rexalot. After the introductions tonight was opened up with the sublime musician Diji Solanke. His mix of covers and original music helped set up the atmosphere for the evening. He is right to sing about getting paid rather than working for just exposure. It is good to note that this venue pays its performers.

The purpose of Alphabetti was to give new creatives a chance and from that very first show we had a short theatre sketch from a new writer with young actors. Tonight was no exception as The Streets, written by Donald Falconer and directed by Jonny Bussell was showcased. In a short sketch, we were asked to consider homelessness, substance abuse and religion.  There was clearly potential for the ideas to be worked up into a larger piece. The 3 actors themselves were convincing and will hopefully become regulars in the local scene.

Natasha Haws

Finishing the first half was a return to the acoustic guitar for Natasha Haws: a loveable actor revisiting the music performances that helped make her name a few years ago. We had seen her with Fractions and with a smaller set up at the Chase Park Festival. But here with just a guitar we got a chance to hear the stripped down beauty of her songs. She may be embarrassed by the thoughts of her younger self but there was a strong correlation with Kristin Hersh terms of both lyrics and style. The humility of her performance worked will with the audience.

Zoe Murtagh

Energetic spoken word frolics followed the interval thanks to the enigmatic Zoe Murtagh. She is now in the girl band GirlHoggand the political punk ethic filled the energetic performance and she got a reaction from the audience. Zoe’s musical influence ensured a real beat to her use of language. The short set was one of the best spoken word performances that we’ve seen this year and Zoe left the stage with us wanting more.

Lauren Pattison

With the audience in a really positive mood the stage was set for the Edinburgh Fringe sensation that is Lauren Pattison. The Newcastle performer has been based in London since the start of the year and she has established herself as a comedian with an increasing profile. Tonight she showed why she has been picking up a string of 4 and 5 star reviews in Edinburgh.  Armed with a sparkly skirt and sharp observational wit she had the Alphabetti crowd laughing with her tales of life in the smoke. Lauren has the potential to go far and it is a real coup for Alphabetti that she will deliver her award winning show Lady Muck at this venue on Thursday 23^rd November.

The Soup event, with its mix of music, comedy, poetry and a theatre performance will happen on the first Saturday of the month. Tonight’s mix was well worth the £8 asking price. The one thing I’d change though is to add an extra interval. Like the comedy nights at other venues across the town - a pair of intervals will help the funds at the venue through bar sales and give everyone an opportunity to use the facilities. Alphabetti receives no funding and is entirely reliant on sales for its survival so it makes sense to add the extra break.

Alphabetti is back. The venue is the pulse of the local creative scene. As a venue to try ideas out and establish future stars it is essential that it does well. At least now the venue is no longer hidden upstairs at a pub or down a back alley behind the Odeon. The new St James Boulevard location will help make the venue literally visible and put it on the map for a bigger audience. Hopefully it will break out from Newcastle’s best kept secret to a really popular venue that everyone knows about.

Review by Stephen Oliver.

Coming up at Alphabetti:

Website: https://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/whats-on-menu/whats-on

Selected highlights:

The next Soup with Scott Tyrrell Saturday 7^th October 2017 https://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/whats-on-menu/whats-on/17-whats-on-articles/167-alphabetti-soup-2

The first theatre performance is Overdue - A sensitive, touching and funny play which looks at the ‘what ifs’ and ‘never weres’; the difficult decisions we make, and how those choices and their unspoken effects can shape our lives. Tuesday 5^th – Saturday 16^thSeptember 2017 (excluding Sunday & Monday)
Including “Pay What You Feel” performances on Tuesdays and Wednesdays NETG Preview link

Lauren Pattison presents Lady Muck - A brutally honest and hilarious hour looking at learning to love yourself, fuelled by heartbreak and hangovers. Thursday 23rd November 2017 - Details/ tickets: https://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/whats-on-menu/whats-on/17-whats-on-articles/164-lady-muck

Blowin’ a Hooley Theatre presents The Filleting Machine - Set in the 1980s, ‘The Filleting Machine’, by North East playwright Tom Hadaway, is a story of industry, family politics and pride.  Tuesday 28^th - Thursday 30^th November 2017
Tuesday is a Pay What You Feel performance. Read the NETG Review. Details/tickets: https://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/whats-on-menu/whats-on/17-whats-on-articles/180-the-filleting-machine