REVIEW: Aladdin at Whitley Bay Playhouse

Aladdin

Whitley Bay Playhouse

Until Saturday 7 January 2023

Tickets are available from our affiliate Ticketmaster: https://ticketmaster-uk.tm7559.net/a1aQdQ

The family friendly pantomime on the North Tyneside coast continues to go from strength to strength. Once again comic Steve Walls is joined by Dame Patsy as they explore the classic tale of Aladdin. 

Chico Slimani is Aladdin, the smarter brother of Walls' Wishee Washee, who gets into trouble with the not so smart police. Keith and Ben Simmons are the father and son team who are given the run around as the Peking police Pc Yu and Sergeant Me. The resultant for this panto is that the laughs are shared amongst a number of characters in the show.

We need someone to boo at, and Andrew Goddard gives a masterclass as Abanazer - the evil magician who wants the lamp in order to gain more power. He courts the reaction of the audience and the kids respond accordingly.

Isabel Monje and Nigel Collins are the Princess Jasmine and Emperor respectively, Here we have a princess that wants to be with the poor Aladdin but is also of interest to Abanazer. There is always a danger that these two roles can get buried in the mad cap behaviour of the comics in some panto but this show sticks to the story for most of its 130 minute (including interval) run. 

The final piece of the jigsaw are the 2 spirits. One is the very self-
assured Spirit of the Ring, given lots of sass by Lucy Kinsella. It was nice to see the role having some attitude rather than fading away as soon as the genie pops out of the lamp (sorry if that was a spoiler!) 

Blue Genie Entertainment were always going to give us a Blue Genie and sure enough this  was a very tall blue puppet, operated by Beth Robson. In doing so, the show gives more than a passing nod to the 1992 animation.

Backing up the various songs, including It's Chico Time, are 4 professional dancers and a rotation of several teams of younger dancers. Unlike some pantos we have been at, the "panto babes" stayed focussed and carried out choreographer Jo Walls instructions with enthusiasm. 

This is the Whitley Bay Panto...so there is another star that regulars would be upset if it didn't turn up and that is The Bench. Sure enough it appeared for the take off scene which is a trademark of this production. The appearance of the ghost whips the young audience into an ever increasing frenzy.

We also had the 12 days of Christmas (if you have read the Tyne Theatre review you'll know that this was their trademark move and they also did Ghostbusters this year - is a panto exchange on the cards?) 

Walls and Mawston continue to build on the panto partnership and having that continuity between panto seasons helps the audience get into their role quickly. Having seen Steve Walls in his first Playhouse panto (12 pantos ago), and Daniel Mawston in the shows at Whickham back in the day, it is great to see them cement a partnership that is as good as any in the Tyneside panto scene.

Blue Genie continue to deliver a family friendly experience on the North Tyneside coast. The bright costumes and set design give the show a feel of the big league without the audience needing to take out a second mortgage to buy tickets - especially on the 'family special' shows. The show has grown with its audience. Roll on Cinderella next year.

One final note: there is a relaxed performance on Saturday 7 January at 1pm. 

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Steve Brock

Tickets:

Tickets can be bought from the theatre box office and online from our affiliate Ticketmaster: https://ticketmaster-uk.tm7559.net/a1aQdQ 

REVIEW: Sorcerer’s Apprentice at Newcastle Northern Stage

 The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Newcastle Northern Stage

Until Saturday 7 January 2023

 

An original take on a magical story is holding its audiences in its spell at Northern Stage. It is a gripping tale of good and not so good, magic and out of the ordinary happenings. It is also a really good show for the family to see.

The Christmas show at Newcastle’s Northern Stage is always a special moment in the calendar. Whilst most theatres head for the pantomime route, Northern Stage definitely stick to telling a story, leading their young audiences into the world of theatre. Shamelessly starting them on a journey that can last a life time. After nurturing them in a special show for the under 5s, children find themselves in the big room. 

Now don’t get us wrong here…our long time readers will remember us document the “difficult years” for this occasion - when some ill advised shows lost their sparkle. But you’ll also note that we also reported the return of the shows mojo in recent years. Then the epidemic stopped the fun…

The good news is that this year’s show is special. Really special in fact. It is a show in which the decisions were given the correct call. Not just set design, costumes, lighting, sound and script. Not just a cast that really bring the show alive. No - this show has an extra sprinkling of theatre magic. This is obvious every time I heard young voices around us gasp and make an involuntary remark. It may have been the 10.30am Saturday performance.

The audience may have been young - but the two hour show had them hanging on to every moment all of the way. The fact that the audience is on three sides of the action means that the audience can see the excited faces leaning forward.

Alice Blundell is the Mam who gives birth to thirteen babies on Christmas Day.

Alice Blundell is the Mam who gives birth to thirteen babies on Christmas Day. Whilst a home is quickly found for 12, the thirteenth is sent off to life with her less-than-impressed Aunt Primula Fudge (Heather Dutton). 

Beth Crame brings child 13, Hatty Rabbit, to life on a journey from being ‘Nowt Special’ to a Sorcerer’s Apprentice and beyond. 

Accompanying Hatty on her journey is Rats, a puppet expertly manipulated by Matthew Nicholson, and Talia Nyathi as pyromanic classmate Evie Spelk. 

Tracking Hatty’s progress in the hope of gaining the world’s magic and power is Canopus Sly. Regular readers will know that we really love the work of Jessica Johnson. She is a really talented actor who brings class to every role she plays and she is perfect as the power hungry Sly. Completing the main cast as the Sorcerer Hopkin Hopkins himself is Nick Figgis. 

The very beginning of the show talks about the legend of why Sly turned out the way they did. This short seen, which also involved ensemble cast members Maya Torres and Jordan Larkin was one in which the creative team set their stall out. Matthew Tuckey’s atmospheric sound design couples with Jai Marjaria’s lighting and smoke to illicit the first gasps from the young audience. 

The music of the show deserves a special mention. Songs composed by Katie Doherty, also the musical director, would be at home in a hit West End musical. Delivered so well by the cast, the songs engaged the audience as much as the action did.

We sat in the main hall rather than on the side seats on the stage. I guess that the experience will be different from each angle. Amanda Mascarenhas set design then sits in the gap in between, thus effectively reducing the width of the stage and helping to stop the audience feeling like they are at a tennis match as the action swings from side to side. The set allowed the action to keep flowing from scene to scene. Amanda was also responsible for the contrasting costumes.

The art of storytelling is a hard yet important one. Laura Lindow’s script is one that both the children and adults could follow and enjoy. Director Maria Crocker has brought the show to life in a captivating way. It is no panto, but the younger members of the audience often reacted to the action and felt a part of the performance.

This is a special story for that special time of the year. The little magical illusions and tricks of the theatre trade make this so much better than a film or television performance. Northern Stage really has a show it can be proud of. 

 

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Pamela Raith Photography

 

Tickets:

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice runs from 3 December - 7 January and is recommended for ages 5+. Tickets start from £10, and there will be BSL, captioned, relaxed and audio described performances. Book online at www.northernstage.co.uk or call the box office on 0191 230 5151.

REVIEW: Beauty & the Beast at Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

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Enchanted Entertainment presents: 

Beauty & the Beast

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Until Sunday 8 January 2023

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/BeautyAtTheTyne 

If you want a funny panto with lots of jokes, songs and that makes the audience reaction a part of the show then you should consider a trip to Westgate Road’s beautiful Grade 1 listed ‘Theatre for Everyone’. Beauty and the Beast is a very good, very funny panto.

Back once again are local comics Charlie Richmond as Daveed,

 and Lewis Denny as Dame Brenda. Their onstage chemistry is an established one that feels very natural. They are on the same page, and that is the same page as the audience. The familiarity of the local stars helps make this have a feeling of a local panto. Added to the mix this year is another Tynesider with a great sense of humour - Micky Cochrane who is at home as the creepy baddie Anton du Berk. Micky courts the booing from the audience and encourages the laughs with his hilarious “French” accent. He  worked well off the natural comedy of the regulars Richmond and Denny. Between them they create a wonderful three ringed circus. 

There is a story to be enjoyed and the three comedy roles are backed up with a cast that have gelled well together. First onstage is a Sugarbabe on a sabbatical. Amelle Berrabah appears as the imaginatively named Fairy Sugarbabe. Of course she gets a chance to sing and dance, backed up by both four professional dancers and one of the rotating groups of younger dancers. She is an enthusiastic and engaging fairy to drive the story along.

The other recognisable name on stage is JJ Hamblett who rose to fame in X Factor band Union J. Considering that, he actually gave the role of the beast pathos so you felt empathy towards his plight. Unexpected sensitivity in the middle of the panto chaos,  Hopefully any minor microphone issues will get fixed later in the run - I’d like to point out that every panto we have seen this year has had sound problems on press night. At least we didn’t have any mics completely die tonight!

The final piece in the panto jigsaw is another local actor as Newcastle’s marvelous Beth Clarke plays a perfectly straight bat as Belle. Whilst being very lovely and enigmatic, it is important that her role with the Beast enables the exposition to flow. We are here for a story after all.

In the pit is a live band under local musical director Andrew Soulsby. The use of a live band enables the music to fit the erratic nature of the live panto. If Charlie Richmond and/or Lewis Denny are spending longer than planned on the floor of the stalls then the music can continue.  

A nod too for the crew back stage that are clearly making the magic happen. Considering that this was only the second show - they were flawless.

What does this show offer from the panto canon? Lots of jokes and a take off scene that includes 3D projection. Whilst us cynical old hacks may roll our eyes at the use of 3D but, give the reaction of the younger audience members, it was a real first for many in the audience to see spooky stuff flying out of the stage, Using a bench and singing Ghostbusters did mean the show was entering Whitley Bay’s territory (but there again - the 12 days of Xmas down Grey Street was made popular elsewhere).

I liked it. We both liked it. In a year in which each panto seems to be in great form, the Tyne show stands out by being a friendly funny show. The enthusiastic audience reaction was the best we have seen so far this season.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Tickets are available from the theatre box office and online from our affiliate Eventim UK: https://tinyurl.com/BeautyAtTheTyne. 

Preview: Shawshank Redemption at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

Gripping stage production comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

The Shawshank Redemption

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 January 2023

Two TV favourites will take to the stage in The Shawshank Redemption when the stunning adaption plays Newcastle Theatre Royal.

Joe Absolom, best known his roles in EastEnders and Doc Martin, plays the wrongly convicted Andy Dufresne with Ben Onwukwe, known to many for his long-standing role in London’s Burning, as his inmate Ellis ‘Red’ Redding.

Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, this superb stage production examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum-security facility.

Despite protests of his innocence, Andy Dufresne is handed a double life sentence for the brutal murder of his wife and her lover. Incarcerated at the notorious Shawshank facility, he quickly learns that no one can survive alone.

Andy strikes up an unlikely friendship with the prison fixer Red, and things take a slight turn for the better. However, when Warden Stammas decides to bully Andy into subservience and exploit his talents for accountancy, a desperate plan is quietly hatched…

The 1994 feature film, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, was nominated for seven Academy Awards and went on to be voted as the nation’s favourite movie.

Joe Absolom’s impressive TV career has barely seen him off our screens in 25 years: from Matthew Rose in EastEnders to Al Large in Doc Martin, Christopher Halliwell in A Confession and Andy Warren in The Bay.

Joe Absolom said, “The Shawshank Redemption is one of my favourite films, an incredibly moving tale of friendship and injustice, and I’m thrilled to be playing the iconic role of Andy Dufresne on stage.”

Ben Onwukwe boasts a 30-year stage career including leading roles with the RSC and the Royal Court, as well as 11 years on TV as Recall McKenzie in London’s Burning and, more recently, as Jackson Donckers in Professor T. He reprises his critically acclaimed performance as Ellis ‘Red’ Redding in The Shawshank Redemption, which he first played in the production’s 2016 tour.

Ben Onwukwe said, “I’m delighted to be returning to the role of ‘Red’ in this amazing production. The Shawkshank Redemption film is one which many hold close to their hearts, and it’s exciting to be bringing Stephen King’s story to new audiences.”

Photos (preview tour): Jack Merriman

 

Tickets:

The Shawshank Redemption plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 January 2023. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or by calling 0191 232 7010

REVIEW: 1902 at Blyth Spartans

1902

Blyth Spartans Clubhouse, 

Sunday 4 December 2022 

& then on UK tour

A passionate tale about football supporters, written by Nathan Scott-Dunn, is on tour after success at Edinburgh Fringe. As we left our conversation was a simple one: "was that the best piece of theatre that we have seen this year?" 

Blyth may not be the usual point of call for professional theatre but this show took place in the clubhouse of the legendary Blyth Spartans. Centred around a covered pool table, this was very much theatre in the round. The characters enter and leave via the doors at each end of the bar. They shout, snarl and fight in the area marked out by the bar's tables. In short this is a visceral experience that makes full use of the space available.  

A problem for this show on this particular evening was it was happening at the same time as England were sticking a couple of goals past the Senegal team - so the potential audience were probably in front on their televisions. Having said that, there was still time to catch the second half (and third goal afterwards). Now Nadav Burstein, the musician, stated at the beginning that we were going to witness a better show. I'm inclined to agree with him. 

Four Hibs fans meet in their local - the Dog & Duck - in the hope that Deeks (Bailey Newsome) has been able to score tickets for the Scottish Cup Final. The good news is that he has the tickets, the bad news is that they not only cost £250 each but he had to borrow the money by lying to a local violent thug Craig Turnbull (Josh Brooks). When Turnbull appears in the bar Josh Brooks is able to project his menacing behaviour around the room. This is very immersive theatre.

Mags (Ella Stokesy) the barmaid suggests setting up a fight rather than paying him back and Deeks' older brother Tony (Sands Stirling) enters the frame. Tony is involved in drink and drugs and he is able to throw his weight around the performance space.

The show captivates the relationships between the four football fans as well as the unqualified optimism which every fan has ahead of each season and they maintain until reality kicks in. Of course, if your team makes it to the final then that optimism remains until the end - even if your team hasn't won the cup since 1902 (hence the title of the show).

Each one of the cast brings not only energy to the performance but also a degree of intimacy.  Whether it is revealing that they enjoy a night at the bingo or why they fell out with their siblings. But what makes this show stands out is that each part of the plot feels natural - nothing comes across as out of step to the general plot. Whilst the show can be shocking at times, it isn't trying to be sensationalist.   

The combination of wonderful writing, tight direction and great acting create a brilliant and, at times, brutal 90 minute show that is probably one of the best shows we will see this year.

Review: Stephen Oliver  

Cast & Creatives

Writer / Director: Nathan Scott-Dunn

Director: Nathan Scott-Dunn and Sands Stirling.

Bailey Newsome as Deeks, 

Xander Cowan as Sambo, 

Kieran Hamilton as Zippy, 

Josh Brock as Craig Turnbull, 

Ella Stokesy as Mags, 

Sands Stirling as Tony 

Nadav Burstein as the Musician.

On The Web:

Facebook & Instagram: @SaltireSkyTheatre  

Twitter: @SaltireSkyTC

Website: https://saltireskytheatre.com/shows/1902-2/ 

Tickets:

Academy 17, Middlesbrough 05/12/22: 6:30pm https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1902-award-winning-free-theatre-at-academy-17-middlesbrough-tickets-474631213737

REVIEW: Aladdin at Seaton Delaval Arts Centre

Aladdin

Seaton Delaval Arts Centre

Until Saturday 10^th December 2022

The Seaton Delaval Pantomime Society celebrate 50 years with a charming show that involves the community. 

The show benefits, at its core, with a great script from Tom Whalley. Filled with plenty of jokes, it helps ensure that the audience is very much involved. This is very much a panto that they can be a part of rather than one which is done to them.

Laurence Hill appears as Abanazar - the evil magician that wants to control the Genie (Thea Hillman) and the lamp. He appears with a flash of light in an effect which was very effective. Laurence was very much at ease as the one the audience boo at.

In order to get his wishes he needs to locate Aladdin (Lewis Hill) who lives with his mother Widow Twankey (Mick Blewitt) and his brother Wishee Washee (Stu Bennett). Stu was able to show his experience as he interacted regularly with the audience, encouraging them to take part. He was in a natural partnership with Lewis to deliver many of the laughs in the show.

Aladdin is in love with Princess Jasmine (Ellee Jacobson) even though there is a risk of death thanks to decree by the Emperor (Chris Orchard) if he was even to gaze upon her. Ellee was another actor who came across as very natural in her panto role. The princess is frequently accompanied by her handmaid So-Shy (Amber Jessop).

Helping Aladdin to succeed against the will of Abanazer are two lovely magical characters: The Slave of the Ring (Katie Jackson) and the Genie (Thea Hillman). Both work well in helping the plot to move along.

There is an energy in the show and it will soon start cooking on heat later in the run. Even the big shows have the occasional wobble or dropped line on opening night. Getting that first show under their belt will hopefully calm a few nerves, especially amongst the huge (for the size of stage) ensemble of young dancers.

For a small production it is really pleasing to see a live band under musical director Gareth Miller. They were able to add to the vigour  of the performance.

Aladdin is a great value community show that has a real heart. It was good to see the audience was enjoying the show as much as the cast did.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Canny Living Photography

Tickets:

The show runs from Friday 2^nd to Saturday 10^th December 2022 at the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre with evening performances at 7pm and weekend matinees at 1pm. Tickets are £11.00 full price, £10.00 for children and concessions and a family ticket of 4 for £38.00. Tickets are available at seatondelavalartscentre.com or from the Box Office on 0191 237 5460.

REVIEW: Cinderella at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Cinderella

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Saturday 15 January 2022.

Danny Adams and Clive Webb bring their magical show to the Theatre Royal for the 17th year. Michael Harrison has produced a show that is lavish. From the moment that you arrive in the auditorium you know that this is one very plush extravaganza.

The comedy duo are joined by long time collaborator Chris Hayward who wears some of the most extravagant outfits in North East panto. The rest of the outfits, designed by Mike Coltman and Teresa Nalton match the glamour of the show. Even Ben Cracknell's lighting design matches the opulence of a West End show.

The core cast have been joined once again by Mick Potts as Dandini and South Shields own X Factor winner Joe McElderry as the Faerie Godfather. Here you start to see changes to other productions of this tale. A Godfather rather than a Godmother worked well, as did Joe's ability to sing on a number of occasions.

Another change is to not use men in drag to act as the ugly sisters. Kylie Ann Ford and Christina Berriman Dawson excelled as the nasty Vindicta and Manipulata respectively. Their on-stage mother is Chris Hayward's Volupta who seems to enjoy being the baddie as much as he enjoys being the good Dame. So no "Hello Hinnies" tonight.

Combining the glamour with a great singing voice was Oonagh Cox as Cinderella. She had a flawless performance. It was a shame that we did not see more of her as, for a show called Cinderella, you end up seeing a lot more of Danny and Clive often doing things that have no relevance to the exposition of the story.

Opposite Oonagh is Wayne Smith as Prince Charming who was charming as he sought his perfect partner. Occasionally acting as his bodyguards are the very talented dance act Flawless who performed some short yet entertaining dance routines. I'll be honest in saying that I had expected to see slightly more of them.

Now if you have been to the Theatre Royal panto over the last 17 years then you know what to expect: lots of Danny and Clive, some near the knuckle (and occasionally inappropriate jokes) and some magic tricks. This occurs regardless of whether any of this advances the story at all. This combination went down well with many in the audience. There is a lot to be said for panto that keeps a returning core of performers - they establish and retain a rapport with the audience. The downside is that some elements of the show are under utilised.

Having said that - tickets are already selling well for 2023's panto (Pinocchio) as the fans of the format want the best seats for the most popular nights. Tyneside's favourite pantomime delivers a flamboyant show every year that is, for many people, the definition of panto.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Tickets:

Cinderella plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 29 November 2022 – Sunday 15 January 2023. Tickets are priced from £12.50 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.