Preview: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Consett Empire Theatre

Snow White brings the magic of panto to Consett theatre

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Consett Empire Theatre

Saturday 30 November - Tuesday 31 December 2019

One of the most loved fairy tales of all time will be retold with a festive twist when a County Durham theatre’s annual pantomime returns.

The cast of Snow White at the Empire Theatre

Following a series of sell-out pantomimes, the Empire Theatre and Cinema in Consett is bringing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the stage from Saturday 30 November to Tuesday 31 December.

Once again, the Durham County Council venue has teamed up with North East actress and producer Leah Bell for the family production, which combines the magic of a traditional pantomime with well-known pop songs guaranteed to get the audience singing along.

Actress and producer Leah Bell
who is directing the production
and playing Mary Christmas

Leah has taken the story of Snow White but given the characters a distinctly northern feel, with Sir Rodney Rotten of Rowlands Gill and Wicked Queen Dolores of Derwentside kidnapping the beautiful Snow White.

She has also added an additional storyline about the town’s toy factory, which is busy making presents for Santa to deliver on Christmas Eve. Naturally, the panto villains are on the naughty list and their treacherous actions prompt toy soldiers from the factory to join the hunt to find Snow White and re-unite her with her beloved, Prince Edmund of Ebchester.

Spectacular effects, dazzling costumes, the year’s biggest pop songs and the hilarious appearance of Snow White’s faithful little friends on a Love Island inspired reality television show, bring the panto bang up to date

Alex Seymour, who is playing
Prince Edmund of Ebchester and
Maria May, who is playing Snow
White

Leah, who is playing Mary Christmas in the production, said: “This is the ninth panto I have produced for the Empire Theatre and it’s something I look forward to all year. It’s a wonderful venue and we always receive such a warm response from audiences.

“This year’s show looks set to be one of the best to date. We have a fantastic cast and a thrilling storyline full of surprises. I know it will be a hit with people of all ages.”

Among those joining Leah on stage are Maria May, who is playing Snow White; Jason Jones who is playing Queen Dolores; James de Lauch Hay, who is playing Sir Rodney; and Alex Seymour who is playing Prince Edmund.

Nicola Dailly, arts programme manager at the Empire Theatre and Cinema, said: “We are delighted to be working with Leah Bell and such a talented cast on our annual festive pantomime. Leah has done a wonderful job at reimagining Snow White for a 21^st century audience and I would urge people to book their tickets now to avoid missing out.”

Tickets:

Performances will take place at various dates and times between Saturday 30 November and Tuesday 31 December. Tickets cost £17 for adults, £15 for concessions and £56 for a family of four with a minimum of one adult. Group booking discounts are also available.

For more information or to book, visit www.empireconsett.co.uk or call 03000 262 400.

REVIEW: Ladies Day at Gateshead Little Theatre

Ladies Day

By Amanda Whittington

Gateshead Little Theatre

Until Saturday 12^th October 2019

Online: http://www.littletheatregateshead.co.uk/ladiesdayoct2019.html

Gateshead’s Progressive Players approach their centenary with a positive story about working ladies on a retirement trip to the races.

The story centres on four ladies who work on the packing line of a Hull fish factory. Pearl (Lynn Sutton) is retiring after 22 years to spend more time with her husband of 36 years. It is clear that she’ll miss the sing alongs prompted by young Linda (Suzanne Clare) who has been a fan of Tony Christie since he returned to the charts. On her line is the aspiring Shelley (Kathryn Sergison), who clearly wants a life away from the factory, and Jan who lives with her daughter Clare but will soon have an empty nest as the youngster heads off to University. In numerous male roles is Neil Radbourne who starts the show as a factory supervisor who hopes to head off himself to Australia.

Pearl doesn’t want any fuss but the others acknowledge that they’ve not had much opportunity to dress up as a group since the wedding of another colleague at Hull’s Royal Station Hotel. After mentioning that it is Ladies Day at York Races it is agreed that they’ll catch the bus to York and have some fun.

Now it happens that this reviewer’s second job was working in a shop on Hull’s Hessle Road, in the middle of the city’s fishing industry. I served the lasses as they headed to the factory in the morning shifts and served them again when they wore their glad rags on the way to bingo. Fortunately, for the Gateshead audience, the Hull accent wasn’t laid on too thick and hence they could be understood! This show was originally created for Hull Truck and it fits in with the style of writing that they often produce.

Under the joint direction of Jude Downing and Louise Wright, Ladies Day has that gentle – yet sometimes cutting – feel of the celebrated television sit-com Dinner Ladies. There is a combination of happy moments that you’re glad to have shared with you, funny moments that you laugh out with the occasional revelation that makes you think.  The changes in scenes are accompanied with various hits from Tony Christie which added to one of the themes of the play.

The cast, including James Soulsby as jockey Patrick, present a set of characters that you can relate to – and this is important to make the show work.

A gentle comedy with real heart, this is a fun night at the theatre.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photographs: Jude Downing

Tickets:

Little Theatre Gateshead is located at 1-4A Saltwell View, Gateshead, NE8 4JS

Tickets cost between £7.00 - £9.00*

*online booking fee applies

Box Office: 0191 4781499 or online from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/gateshead/little-theatre-gateshead

Preview: Dracula: The Travesty at South Shields Customs House

Panto Duo Team Up For Frightfully Funny Show

Dracula: The Travesty

South Shields Customs House

Tuesday 29 October to Friday 1 November 2019

Ray Spencer 

A familiar acting partnership is about to take a slightly more sinister turn. Ray Spencer has joined the cast of Dracula: The Travesty, which is guaranteed to have audiences on the edge of their seats over the Halloween period. He will play Van Helsing alongside Davey Hopper’s Dracula in the comic take on the Bram Stoker tale – a frightfully funny panto with teeth.

The duo are no strangers to panto, having starred alongside each other in The Customs House panto since 2016, as mother and son Dame Bella and Arbuthnot –  who definitely don’t hunt down vampires or drain the blood from people’s necks.

Dracula: The Travesty, produced by The Customs House in association with Northumberland Theatre Company (NTC), comes to The Customs House for four nights, from Tuesday 29 October to Friday 1 November at 7pm.

Davey Hopper

Ray said: “I am delighted to be working with Davey again, but I’m nervous about being as good as Alfie Joey, who took on the role last year.  The show is a great laugh and people of all ages can come and enjoy it with the family. It is something different to do on Halloween and in half term week.  I hope all sorts of people come and see Dame Bella and Arbuthnot in an entirely different light as we play Dracula and Van Helsing.”

Dracula: The Travesty, written by Stewart Howson, was originally commissioned by NTC in 2016 and toured successful three times, with Hopper appearing in the third tour. He brought it to The Customs House last year.  He said: “I think it is going to be fantastic and I am absolutely over the moon that Ray’s doing it. It was absolutely hilarious last year and I think it is going to be as hilarious this year.  I did it with NTC and now we are bringing it to a big stage and it is exactly what The Customs House audience like. It is funny, it is fast-paced, it has many roles and I think it’s going to be really exciting.”

Sophia Catleugh

Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts graduate Sophia Catleugh, who also appeared in last year’s production at The Customs House, completes the cast.

Three actors, 20 characters, one vampire – what could possibly go wrong?

Tickets for Dracula: The Travesty, priced from £10, are available from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk.

Preview: Macbeth: Toil and Trouble at South Shields Customs House

Shakespeare’s Tragedy Won’t Cause Trouble At Theatre 

Macbeth: Toil and Trouble

South Shields Customs House

Wednesday 16^th October 2019

Hubble bubble, toil and trouble…

The award-winning 1623 Theatre Company comes to The Customs House for the first time this month with a fast-moving adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth.

The 60-minute production provides a stripped-back and innovative insight into one of the best-known stories ever staged, charting the journey of theatre’s arguably most deadly duo, Lord and Lady Macbeth.

Jamie Brown, 1623’s Learning Co-ordinator, said: “In Macbeth: Toil and Trouble, the microscope zooms in on the turbulent dynamics of the central relationship between the Macbeths, mapping their captivating journey from the initial prophecy proclaiming that Macbeth will become King, through to the untimely demise of Lady M.  Exploring that pivotal relationship – the driving force behind the play – has proven a powerful tool in achieving a greater understanding and enjoyment of the play as a whole. Whilst doing so, the piece also encapsulates all of the wider, integral events of this infamous tale of ambition, bloodshed and greed, woven together by the bewitching dark presence of the three weird sisters.”

The adaptation has been praised for its pace and clarity and, as such, has been booked time and time again across the UK as both a learning tool, as well as standing alone as piece of enjoyable theatre for the general public, young and old.

Macbeth: Toil and Trouble comes to The Customs House on Wednesday 16^th October, with performances at 11am and 1pm.

Tickets, priced from £5, are available from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk.

Preview: Snow Queen at Newcastle Northern Stage

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Cast and creative team announced for The Snow Queen

The Snow Queen

Newcastle Northern Stage

Saturday 30 November 2019 – Saturday 4 January 2020

From the team that created A Christmas Carol, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, James and the Giant Peach and Alice in Wonderland comes a brand new production of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fable, The Snow Queen.

Adapted for the stage by Laura Lindow and directed by Mark Calvert, The Snow Queen will be designed by Rhys Jarman, with choreography by Martin Hylton, lighting by Sam Vivash, music by Jeremy Bradfield and Hannabiell Sanders, and sound design by Nick John Williams.

Lauren Waine

Lauren Waine will play Gerda. Last seen at Northern Stage in sellout production The War of the Worlds – part of Northern Stage’s NORTH programme for emerging talent in the North East, Lauren’s theatre credits include The Importance of Being Earnest (The Gala Theatre), Wormtown (The Customs House and Alphabetti), Dr Faustus (The Sam Wanamaker Festival, The Globe), Pericles (Brighton Open Air Theatre), RENT! (Paul McCartney Auditorium) and Three Jumpers (Edinburgh Fringe). TV roles include Molly on ITV’s Vera and Fee on CBBC’s The Dumping Ground.  

Lauren said, "To be playing the role of Gerda is a dream come true. As a little girl, I came to see the Christmas shows at Northern Stage every single year and to now be getting to relive that tradition in the most magical way is very exciting. I fell in love with Northern Stage when I came here after drama school to work on The War of The Worlds and I am so excited to be back. Thank you to all at Northern Stage for giving me the opportunity to come back and play in the snow this Christmas.”

Elizabeth Carter

Elizabeth Carter will play the Snow Queen. Currently appearing at Live Theatre in Clear White Light, she said, “Growing up in the North East, I would regularly watch and be inspired by the incredible ensemble at Newcastle Playhouse [now Northern Stage].  It’s always been a dream of mine to perform in a show created here at Northern Stage.  I’m very excited to work with such a brilliant team and celebrate the Christmas season being part of what I’m sure will be a fantastic show!”

They are joined by a cast of actor-musicians including Jeremy Bradfield (The Wizard of Oz, Northern Stage); Craig Fairbairn (A Christmas Carol, Northern Stage); Gregor Mackay (Nae Bother! Oran Mor/Ed Fringe); Paula Penman (Woven Bones, Cap-a-Pie) and Hannabiell Sanders (A Christmas Carol, Northern Stage); plus a chorus of six performance students from Newcastle College as part of a continued partnership to give actors in training professional opportunities.

Tickets:

Tickets are now on sale from £10 at www.northernstage.co.uk or call the box office on 0191 230 5151.

Preview: Annie at Sunderland Empire

Lesley Joseph to play ‘Miss Hannigan’ in the musical Annie

Annie

Sunderland Empire

Monday 7 – Saturday 12 October 2019

Tickets: https://prf.hn/l/rdm9B56 #Ad

Booking and transaction fees may apply.

Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce that Lesley Joseph will star as ‘Miss Hannigan’ in their smash hit production of the musical “ANNIE” at the Sunderland Empire in October.

Lesley joins Alex Bourne as ‘Oliver Warbucks’, Richard Meek as ‘Rooster’, Jenny Gayner as ‘Lily’ and Carolyn Maitland as ‘Grace Farrell’. The title role of ‘Annie’ is shared by Faye Katsande, Ava Smith and Freya Yates. They are joined by three teams of young performers who play the girls in Miss Hannigan’s orphanage.

Completing the cast will be Michael Anderson, Thomas Audibert, Andy Barke, Caroline Bateson, Daisy Boyles, Blaise Colangelo, Gary Davis, Ashleigh Graham, George Rae, Anne Smith, India Thornton, Matt Trevorrow, Amy West and Samuel Wilson Freeman. 

This production recently ran for an extended season in the West End following a sell-out tour of the UK and Ireland in 2015/16 as well as a recent sell-out season in Toronto.

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search…

With its award-winning book and score, this stunning new production includes the unforgettable songs ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘I Don’t Need Anything But You’ and ‘Tomorrow’.

Lesley Joseph returns to role of ‘Miss Hannigan’ having played the part in this production in 2015/16. Lesley is best known for playing ‘Dorien Green’ in the hugely successful sitcom “Birds of a Feather” alongside Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson. They recorded over 100 episodes over a period of nine years and returned to our screens in 2014 for a further three series. Lesley most recently appeared as ‘Frau Blucher’ in the West End production of the Mel Brooks musical “Young Frankenstein” for which she received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. Her other theatre credits include ‘Miss Hannigan’ in “Annie” at the West End’s Victoria Palace and also on national tour as well as the touring productions of “Calendar Girls” and “Thoroughly Modern Mille”. 

Alex Bourne reprises his performance as ‘Oliver Warbucks’ after playing the role in this  production of “Annie” in the West End, Toronto and on the 2015/16 tour. His many other West End credits include ‘Danny’ in “Grease”, ‘The Beast’ in “Beauty and the Beast”, ‘Billy Flynn’ in “Chicago”, ‘Khashoggi’ in “We Will Rock You” and ‘Fred/Petruchio’ in “Kiss Me, Kate” for which he received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. His other credits include ‘Daryl Van Horne’ in “The Witches of Eastwick” and the Watermill Theatre, for which he received a TMA nomination for Best Actor, ‘Sam Michael’ in the national tour of “Mamma Mia!” and ‘Lex Hogan’ in “Eugenius!” at the Other Palace.

Richard Meek’s many credits include ‘Trevor Graydon’ in “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, ‘Brad’, ‘Eddie’ and ‘Dr Scott’ in “The Rocky Horror Show” and ‘Sir Galahad’ in “Spamalot”, all on national tour. He has also appeared as ‘Leo Bloom’ in the international tour of “The Producers” as well as ‘Dustin’ and ‘Greaseball’ in the 25th anniversary cast of “Starlight Express” in Bochum, Germany.

Jenny Gayner’s West End credits include ‘Miss Wilson’ in the original cast of “The Girls” at the Phoenix Theatre, ‘Hunyak’ in “Chicago” at the Adelphi, Cambridge and Garrick theatres and “Spamalot” at the Palace Theatre. Jenny has also appeared as ‘Lina Lamont’ in “Singin’ in the Rain” and ‘Brooke Windham’ in “Legally Blonde”, both at Kilworth House.

Carolyn Maitland reprises her performance as ‘Grace Farrell’ after playing the role in this production of “Annie” in Toronto. Her West End credits include ‘Ellen’ in “Miss Saigon” at the Prince Edward Theatre, ‘Marian’ in “The Woman in White” at the Charing Cross Theatre and “Groundhog Day” and “Kiss Me, Kate”, both at the Old Vic. Her other credits include ‘Molly’ in the national tour of “Ghost” and ‘Kathy Seldon’ in “Singin’ in the Rain” at Kilworth House. 

“ANNIE” has Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin and a Book by Thomas Meehan. “ANNIE” is directed by Nikolai Foster with set and costume design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Nick Winston, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Richard Brooker. “ANNIE” is produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian.

Tickets: https://prf.hn/l/rdm9B56 #Ad

Booking and transaction fees may apply.

REVIEW: On Your Feet! at Sunderland Empire

Jamie Wilson And Gavin Kalin with Colin Ingram and Peter Kane for InTheatre, Marc David Levine, Curve, Hunter Arnold and Eilene Davidson Present The Hit Broadway Musical

On Your Feet!

The Story Of Emilio And Gloria Estefan

Sunderland Empire

30 September - 5 October 2019

Tickets: https://prf.hn/l/75G0Ax6 #Ad

The new musical describing the story behind the rise of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, from the first meeting between Gloria and Emilo in 1975 through to her appearance at the American Music Awards in 1991, appears at the Sunderland Empire this week.

Jukebox musicals tend to either go down the route of either trying to fit a story around the music (We Will Rock You, Our House, Mamma Mia) or try to give the story of the musical act through their music (Jersey Boys, Buddy, Thriller). On Your Feet has gone through the latter route. Unlike some musicals through, this Alexander Dinelaris script sticks to story-telling throughout the 2 ½ hour (including interval) show. It doesn’t give up in the second act and descend into a tribute show. Having said that: most of the live band under musical director Danny Belton are on stage from time to time and there is a substantial “mega-mix” at the end that got the Empire got up on their feet.

I was not that familiar with the story before seeing the show and my memory of the music was just what I saw on Top of the Pops and on MTV at the time. Having said that, this story is easy to follow and covers a number of interesting issues. The original Miami Sound Machine were having hits playing its Latin style in South America but the band found resistance from the label when they wanted to crossover into English language dance music. Elements of racism and attitudes to immigration are hinted out but not rammed home.

The story is much more about people and relationships. Opening with the touring family trying to persuade their son to get back on the tour bus to do his homework, it looks at the make up of Gloria’s family and upbringing. The dilemma of making the decision to leave Cuba and to leave members of family behind is examined a couple of times.

But the two lasting memories of this show are the vibrant choreography by the ensemble, thanks to choreographer Sergio Tujillio, and the wonderful music sequences.   The dancing is delightful and behind the scenes, the ensemble must be doing some very rapid costume changes.

The singing is wonderful to hear. We were not expected to hear over the top shouting or poor phrasing here. Philippa Stefani, as Gloria and George Ioannides, as Emilia tackle the bulk of the songs and to their credit, they take ownership of each number that they tackle.  Additional solos from Madalena Alberto (as Mother Gloria Fajardo) and Elia Lo Tauro (as Jose Fajardo) add to the musical mix. The vocals were enchanting.

This show will please fans of the music. The hits are there: Get on Your Feet, Conga and 1-2-3. Rhythm Is Gonna Get You puts a brief appearance in the Overture too. There is even a new song written by Gloria Estefan and her daughter Emily called If I Never Got to Tell You which fitted in well.

Is the show for non-fans? Well, I wouldn’t describe myself as a fan and I enjoyed it, as did my companion as it is an interesting story in itself but I could imagine there will be limits to the interest of the wider audience. That is the danger of jukebox musicals, I guess.

So we had a fun night at the theatre. Great performances from both singers and dancers alike couple with a story that’s just about interesting enough to warrant being told to make it a decent musical.

Tomorrow? I will be listening to some Gloria Estefan at work.

Review by Stephen Oliver

Tickets are available online from ATG Tickets. Tickets: https://prf.hn/l/75G0Ax6 #Ad