Preview: The Gambing Man at Newcastle People’s Theatre

The Gambing Man

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 July 2019

Life has been a game of chance for Rory Connor since the day he was born. This ambitious, working-class lad fears nothing and nobody, playing the odds to claw his way up from the mean streets of 19^th Century South Shields. But then one day his luck changes ...

The dramatic stakes are high in The Gambling Man, one of Catherine Cookson’s best-loved and biggest-selling novels.

 

Janey (Emma Jane Richards), Rory (Stephen Sharkey) and 

Charlotte (Sara Jo Harrison) – photos: Paula Smart. 

The 1995 television mini-series starring Robson Green and David Nellist (whose dad Derek is a long-time member of the People’s) is a staple of the Drama channel, but this is a rare theatrical outing for this popular local classic. This stage adaptation by Ken Hill was last seen on Tyneside in 1985 at the Newcastle Playhouse (now Northern Stage) starring Denise Welch.

This production is performed by special arrangement with Sheila Land Associates and the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust. 

The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust was established in 1977 and it supports a wide range of activities including arts and culture as well as general charitable purposes. Its principle aim is to identify and meet the local needs of the area in which Dame Catherine was brought up and resided, and we were delighted to receive a very generous donation towards our recent £1.6 million redevelopment.

Cookson’s dramas are always popular with People's audiences. The last time they brought one of her stories to their stage – 2015’s The Fifteen Streets – it was the biggest selling play of that Season, beating a Noël Coward and a Shakespeare! It’s little wonder, however, as Cookson is one of the most widely read British novelists, with more than 100 titles to her name and sales topping 100 million.

Tickets:     £14 (Concessions £11.50) available by phone: 0191 265 5020, box office or online from www.peoplestheatre.co.uk.

Preview: Band of Gold at Darlington Hippodrome

Star Cast Announced For Band Of Gold At Darlington Hippodrome

Band of Gold

Darlington Hippodrome

Monday 27 January - Saturday 1 February, 2020

Band of Gold – the premiere stage adaptation of Kay Mellor’s multi award-winning ITV series, has announced that Laurie Brett, Gaynor Faye, Kieron Richardson, Shayne Ward and Sacha Parkinson, will star in the production which visits Darlington Hippodrome in January next year.

Kay Mellor

Band of Gold was the ground-breaking crime drama that captivated over 15 million viewers each week when it aired on ITV. This nail-biting, murderous thriller features a star-studded cast including Gaynor Faye, (Emmerdale, Playing the Field, Calender Girls), Laurie Brett, (EastEnders, Waterloo Road, Les Miserables), Kieron Richardson, (Hollyoaks, Heartbeat), Shayne Ward, (Coronation Street, Rock Of Ages, X Factor winner) and Sacha Parkinson (Mr Selfridge, The Mill).

Following the unprecedented sell-out success of Fat Friends The Musical, producer Josh Andrews and Kay Mellor have teamed up again for Band of Gold, to be directed by Mellor.

Gaynor Faye

The nail-biting thriller tells the story of a group of women - Carol, Rose, Anita and Gina - as they battle to survive whilst working in a notorious red-light district. When one of their colleagues is murdered, they need to find the killer before they strike again.

First aired on ITV in March 1995, Band of Gold starred Geraldine James, Cathy Tyson, Barbara Dickson and Samantha Morton. The groundbreaking crime drama captivated the nation, with bookmakers taking bets on the identity of the killer before the final episode!

Tickets:

Band of Gold runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Monday 27 January to Saturday 1 February, 2020. Tickets are on sale now. For more information or to book call 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Preview: Sleeping Beauty at Newcastle Northern Stage

Sleeping Beauty
Newcastle Northern Stage

Tuesday 27^th – Saturday 31^st August 2019

Boulevard's famous host 'Miss Rory' will take to the stage in Sleeping Beauty The Family Pantomime at Northern Stage, in their first ever Summer Pantomime alongside an all star cast. 

She's famous for her often expletive laden rants and observations while hosting the weekly shows at Boulevard, but Miss Rory has landed a shock new role in a family pantomime.

'Miss Rory', a well known face in Newcastle thanks to being the hostess with the mostest at Boulevard and compering Newcastle Pride, has been announced as one of the cast for the family summer pantomime Sleeping Beauty at Northern Stage.

Whoever said pantos are just for Christmas need to think again as Sleeping Beauty will be in the spotlight at Northern Stage from August 27 - 31 for 10 performances only. 

And before you panic that 'Queen of Mean' Miss Rory has gone all nicey nicey all of a sudden, don't worry as she will be playing the villain of the piece - evil fairy Carabosse - who will try everything to get revenge on not being invited to Princess Beauty's birthday celebration.

Watch out for spinning wheels and spindles!

Also announced in the cast is pantomime favourite Daniel Mawston as 'Queen Patsy'. Former Made in Tyne & Wear presenter Hazel Pude will play ' Fairy Canny'. West End Star Wayne Smith as 'Prince Philip of Fenham' alongside North East Favourite's; Robyn McEnaney as 'Sleeping Beauty', Craig Richardson as 'Muddles' and James Mitchinson as 'Radgie Gadgie'

The choreography for the show will be by the legs of London herself, Danni Dee who is also the leading lady at Boulevard. Sleeping Beauty is being brought to Northern Stage by local producer Liam Glendinning on behalf of his new venture 'Glendo Entertainment'.

Performance times:

3pm & 7pm

Sat 31 August, 11am & 3pm

Relaxed performance: Wed 28 August, 3pm

Running time – Approx. 2 hrs 20mins (including interval)

Age recommendation - Suitable for all ages

Tickets:

You can buy tickets for the show now from just £10 online from the Northern Stage box office, by calling 0191 230 5151, or online: https://www.northernstage.co.uk/Event/sleeping-beauty-family-pantomime.

Preview: Cabaret at Sunderland Empire

Sunderland Dates Announced!

Bill Kenwright Presents
Cabaret

Sunderland Empire

28 January – 1 February 2020

Tickets: http://bit.ly/SundEmpireCabaret #Ad

The Award-Winning Production of Kander & Ebb’s Award-Winning Musical
Directed by Rufus Norris

Starring John Partridge As Emcee, Anita Harris Is Fraulein Schneider & Kara Lily Hayworth As Sally Bowles Singer & Screen Icon

Public Booking Opens – Tuesday 9 July at 10am

Anita Harris

Bill Kenwright presents the multi award-winning production of Kander and Ebb’s landmark musical, Cabaret. Directed by National Theatre Director Rufus Norris, the production has enjoyed two smash hit West End runs at The Lyric and The Savoy theatres.

John Patridge

Starring as Emcee is John Patridge, winner of Celebrity MasterChef 2018, well known to TV audiences as EastEnders’ charismatic Christian Clarke and one of West End theatre’s most prolific leading men (A Chorus Line, Chicago, and La Cage Aux Folles). Kara Lily Hayworth stars as the iconic Sally Bowles following her spectacular performance in the title role of Cilla The Musical which was revered by both critics and audiences alike. They are joined by Anita Harris, who first rose to fame as a singer in the 1960s and has appeared both on screen (Follow That Camel and Carry on Doctor) and on stage, most notably as Grizabella in the West End’s Cats.

It’s 1931, Berlin is a haven of divine decadence and the legendary Sally Bowles is about to take stage at the infamous Kit Kat Klub…

Kara Lily Hayworth

Cabaret features show-stopping choreography, dazzling costumes and iconic songs, including ‘Money Makes the World Go Round’, ‘Maybe This Time’ and ‘Cabaret’. Directed by critically acclaimed Rufus Norris (Director of The National Theatre) and featuring the Olivier Award Winning Choreography by Javier De Frutos, the production has enjoyed two smash hit West End runs at The Lyric and The Savoy theatres.

Creatives:

Music - John Kander

Lyrics - Fred Ebb

Book - Joe Masteroff

Directed - Rufus Norris

Choreographed - Javier De Frutos

Produced - Bill Kenwright

Website: www.kenwright.com

Facebook: @BKLProductions

Twitter: @BKL_Productions

Suitable for ages 14+ - Contains nudity

Tickets: Tickets available now for ATG Theatre Card holders.  Public Booking Opens – Tuesday 9 July at 10am. Tickets available from the theatre box office and online from http://bit.ly/SundEmpireCabaret #Ad

Preview: John Williams Gala @ Sunderland Empire

John Williams Gala @ Sunderland Empire

Performed By The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

One Night Only – Friday 6 March 2020

Tickets Now On Sale: http://bit.ly/WilliamsGalaSundEMpire #Ad

From a galaxy far, far away to the magnificent Sunderland Empire, experience the full power and scale of John Williams’s most legendary film scores including Home Alone, E.T., Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Hook, Jaws and Star Wars® performed by the world-famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), for one night only on Friday 6 March 2020.

Be transported to Hogwarts, recover the Ark of the Covenant and escape from the Jaws of cinema’s most terrifying and prehistoric creatures in this sensational celebration of the music of John Williams, under the baton of esteemed conductor Stephen Bell. Highly regarded for his ability to communicate with audiences, Stephen Bell is perhaps best known for his involvement with the Proms each year including the famous Doctor Who Prom in 2008.

The RPO is no stranger to the film world; they are frequently found in the recording studio and have performed extensively for film and television. Their earliest film recording was The Red Shoes in 1948, David Lean’s A Passage to India, Enduring Love starring Daniel Craig, Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome and most recently Phantom Thread. The Orchestra have also featured as themselves in Charles Dance’s Ladies in Lavender alongside Dame Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. 

Conductor: Stephen Bell

The RPO is really excited to present this spectacular programme of John Williams scores. Managing Director, James Williams said:   “To welcome people to the orchestral genre, we need to celebrate the importance of film, computer games and musical theatre as signposts to musical discovery.”

This perspective is supported by research conducted in 2018 by YouGov that found that film was rated the biggest single influence for introducing children to orchestral music. The John Williams concert is perfect for families, and will be a guaranteed night to remember for listeners of all ages. So bring your friends, family, seasoned concert-goers and orchestral newbies alike for an unforgettable journey into the sound of cinema!

This concert is made possible through the generous support of Sunderland Music Hub, Sunderland Empire Theatre Trust and the University of Sunderland.

Tickets available in person at the Box Office on High Street West or online at http://bit.ly/WilliamsGalaSundEMpire *

*Calls cost 7p per minute plus your plus your phone company's access charge. Booking and transaction fees may apply.

News: Newcastle Theatre Royal Announces New Autumn 2019/Spring 2020 Season

Newcastle Theatre Royal Announces New 

Autumn 2019/Spring 2020 Season

Newcastle Theatre Royal has announced a jam-packed programme of new shows as it launches its Autumn 2019/Spring 2020 season.

Bursting with spectacular musicals, mesmerising dance, powerful drama and laugh-out-loud comedy, the new season will bring the finest touring productions in the country to the North East.

Once – The Musical 

Musical fans will be spoilt for choice with the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan - On Your Feet (Mon 13 – Sat 18 Apr 2020), Sister Act (Mon 25 – Sat 30 May 2020), Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (Mon 1 – Sat 6 Jun 2020), the West End smash-hit SIX! – The Musical (Mon 22 – Sat 27 Jun 2020) and Once – The Musical (Mon 29 Jun – Sat 4 Jul 2020) all set to thrill audiences throughout spring and summer.

The Red Shoes
Photo: Johan Persson

Dance will dazzle and delight audiences as they enjoy Scottish Ballet’s The Snow Queen (Wed 12 – Sat 15 Feb 2020), Rambert (Tue 24 – Thu 26 Mar 2020) and Acosta Danza (Tue 7 – Wed 8 Apr 2020). Strictly stars Aljaž and Janette take to the floor in Remembering the Oscars (Sat 11 Apr 2020) and Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes (Tue 21 Apr – Sat 2 May 2020) returns by popular demand.

Cast of A Monster Calls. Photo by Manuel Harlan.

Some Mother’s Do ‘Ave ‘Em
Photo: Scott Rylander

The inventive and creative Holes (Wed 26 – Sat 29 Feb 2020) and the Olivier award-winning A Monster Calls (Wed 6 – Sat 9 May 2020) will see drama take centre stage and audiences can enjoy some comedic relief with Alan Ayckbourn’s hilarious Ten Times Table (Mon 4 – Sat 9 Nov), Fascinating Aida (Sun 23 Feb 2020), Stewart Lee (Fri 27 - Sat 28 Mar 2020) and Some Mother’s Do ‘Ave ‘Em (Tue 12 – Sat 16 May 2020).

Following the sell-out success of his previously announced evening performance, Sir Ian McKellen has added a matinee date for his on-stage tour (Sun 19 Aug 2019).

Tickets:

Tickets for all new shows in the Autumn 2019/Summer 2020 season go on sale to the general public at 9am on Fri 5 Jul 2019 but Friends of the Theatre Royal can book now visit www.theatreroyal.co.uk/support/become-a-friend for more information.

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

Preview: Bobby Robson Saved My Life

Bobby Robson Saved My Life: Cast Announcement

Bobby Robson Saved My Life

Tuesday 16 - Saturday 20 July @ South Shields Customs House

Friday 2 – Sunday 4 August 2019 @ Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

The cast of Bobby Robson Saved My Life have spoken of their pride in paying tribute to the former Newcastle United and England manager. Charlie Richmond, Donald McBride and Sam Neale have been cast in Tom Kelly’s new play, which premieres at The Customs House in South Shields in July before shows in Newcastle and Ipswich.

 

Tom Kelly and Jamie Brown

Directed by Jamie Brown (Geordie The Musical, The Butcher’s Bill), it focuses on the late Sir Bobby’s legacy and explores the ability of one person to have a dramatic effect on the life of another, without ever knowing it.

Focusing on three very different individuals and the ups and downs life throws at them, it promises to be a heart-warming, inspirational and uplifting piece that celebrates not only Sir Bobby’s life, but the impact he had on so many.

Sir Bobby, who was born in Sacriston, County Durham, and played for Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and England before going into management, died in July 2009, aged 76, after a long battle with cancer. A portion of each ticket sale will be donated to The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which was launched in 2008 to help find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer and has since gone on to raise more than £13m.

Charlie Richmond

Charlie Richmond, whose company, Quayside Productions, is co-producing the play with The Customs House and Ion Productions, said: “As an actor often known for my comedy roles, I’m excited to explore my more serious side as the character Mark in Bobby Robson Saved My Life.” Charlie Richmond, who hails from Newcastle, started his professional acting career in 1999, making his film debut in Purely Belter. Over the years, he has performed a variety of roles on both stage and screen. He is a panto regular at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle and has previously appeared at The Customs House in The Machine Gunners, My Uncle Freddie and When the Boat Comes In. Other credits include The Last Ship tour of the UK and Ireland.

Donald McBride

Donald McBride, from County Durham, will play Tommy, having spent 40 years treading the boards in the north east and appearing in iconic north east TV dramas like Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, Our Friends in the North and Spender.  He said: “I’m so pleased to be working with Tom again. We go back 20 years, from Tom & Catherine through to Talking Tom, Nothing Like The Wooden Horse and Geordie The Musical.  Also, having lost many family members and friends to cancer, I’m glad to help raise awareness of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. I’m also looking forward to playing an elderly gentleman from County Durham – typecast again!”

Sam Neale

Sam Neale, who will play Clair, is from Gateshead and has performed at Newcastle’s Live Theatre and Alphabetti, as well as on TV in Vera and the films Frank and No Place.  She said: “I’m really pleased to be involved in this project. Bobby Robson is a beloved icon in this region and Tom’s play is a moving and touching tribute with real human stories. People should come and see the show to remember Bobby, to laugh and maybe cry and revel in the joy and pain of being a Newcastle supporter!” 

Tickets:

Bobby Robson Saved My Life runs from Tuesday, July 16, to Saturday, July 20, at The Customs House, before moving on to the Regent Theatre in Ipswich, where Sir Bobby enjoyed great success with Ipswich Town, and Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre and Opera House.

The Customs House performances start at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm Wednesday and Saturday matinee. Tickets, priced from £20, are available from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk. 

Tickets for the Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House shows are also on general sale now.

Tickets will be available from the Tyne Theatre and online from Eventim tickets – LINK: http://bit.ly/BobbyRobsonSML  #Ad