News: Live Theatre is thrilled to announce four highlight productions of its upcoming 50th birthday year.

 From Kevin Keegan to Nadine Shah, political fallouts to family mayhem,  Live Theatre’s 50^th birthday year offers an epic picture of a changing North East.  

 

Live Theatre is thrilled to announce four highlight productions of its upcoming 50^th birthday year.  

Live Theatre’s Artistic Director Jack McNamara

 

Standouts from one of the country’s premiere new writing theatres includes the political play Love It If We Beat Them, the music-inspired To Be A Young Man, the epic family saga The Cold Buffet and the three-playwright theatrical feast Three Acts of Love. Booking is now open for these shows with the full season to be announced in early 2023.  

Kicking off this special milestone season is Love It If We Beat Them by Rob Ward, a new play that sees politics and the beautiful game come together from Thursday 2 to Saturday 25 March 2023.  It’s Spring 1996, Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United are riding high in the Premier League and Tony Blair’s New Labour are gathering pace. Len a long term, hard left activist, has decided to run as a candidate for local Labour MP, but the arrival of Victoria from Manchester as New Labour’s front runner throws a spanner in the works. With loyalties tested and tensions reaching fever pitch, the winning team will be decided in an explosive head-to-head challenge. This opening production will be directed by North East director Bex Bowsher.  

 

Nadine Shah

Nadine Shah is one of the most important figures in contemporary music, with a voice that captures the richness, depth and complexity of her Pakistani-Norwegian heritage and South Tyneside upbringing. As her game changing debut album Love Your Dum and Mad turns 10, Shah works with acclaimed writer Jackie Thompson to draw from one of the most profound moments of her life with a deeply personal story of rehabilitation, unlikely friendships and the endless power of creativity. Shah and Thompson have a long standing friendship that will inform this new play, To Be A Young Man, full of  haunting music and gallows humour, will run at Live Theatre from Thursday 4 to Saturday 20 May 2023 before heading to the Brighton Festival on May 23. There will be a number of select performances in which Shah will perform a very special sparse musical set after the show.  

In the autumn, we present the epic comedy  The Cold Buffet by up and coming star playwright Elijah Young. Set in a function room and following the same North East family through a wedding, a wake and a birthday party, Young’s play will combine the format of the classic family saga with the acidic comedy of a Martin Parr photograph. It will run at Live Theatre Thursday 5 to Saturday 28 October 2023.   

Elijah Young

To round off the year is Three Acts Of Love written by three radical female playwrights  Laura Lindow, Naomi Obeng and Vici Wreford-Sinnott. Three narratives bursting with politics and passion explore what love means today, in an evening of music and drama as a warm as a winter hug.  Immersive and subversive, political and playful, this will be a true banquet of an evening for the festive season, running from Thursday 30 November to Saturday 16 December 

Live Theatre’s Artistic Director Jack McNamara said: “Live Theatre has survived against so many odds to get to this point.  From our roots in community touring to our beautiful Quayside building today, the one constant has been a deep commitment to the voices and stories of our region. Throughout the year we will celebrate our past in all kinds of ways. But I wanted the main focus of our creative investment to be on the new, the unheard, the future. Taking risks is in our blood, so how better to mark our birthday than by asking artists to take bold new steps and giving audiences a genuine sense of event. With the hugely significant cuts to new writing theatres this year it feels more crucial than ever for us to fly the flag for the writers and dreamers who keep this art form current and alive.”  

 

The year round 50^th birthday celebrations will also feature a host of visiting productions and Live Theatre premieres, some very special celebratory readings, special guests and events to mark the milestone anniversary with more details to be released in the New Year.  Theatre lovers can see more and save with Live Theatre’s multibuy offer – book two shows and save 10%, three shows to save 20% and book for all four to save  a generous 30% on full price tickets.  

To find out more and book tickets for these birthday year standouts and a great night of theatre go to https://www.live.org.uk/whats-on or call Box Office on (0191) 232 1232. 

Preview: Legally Blonde at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

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Legally Blonde 

Newcastle Tyne Theatre and Opera House

Friday 2 - Sunday 4 June 2023

Tickets: https://tidd.ly/3W5F9LO 

A fabulously fun award-winning Broadway and West End musical based on the adored

movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she

tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding

with memorable songs and dynamic dances – this musical is so much fun, it should be

illegal!

Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend

Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle

ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles

with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle

quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.

MTS is an exciting new chapter in the development of musical theatre training in the

North East offering a dynamic, electrifying and fulfilling West End college experience,

guided by the principles of self-development, discipline and fearlessness. MTS allows

and encourages students to excel in all areas of training, with expert industry coaches

helping develop the necessary skills, passion and mindset required for the business we

call “show”.

MTS was founded in October 2018 by West End star and Arts Educational Schools

London graduate Annie Guy and has gone on to become one of the leading Private

musical theatre academies in the North East.

In 2022, MTS partnered with Olivier Award-winning West End production company

DLAP Group and established a new 8-studio home at the Quayside Exchange building in

the heart of Sunderland with state-of-the-art facilities – A building that buzzes with

adventure, energy and hard work – this will be the start of many student’s exciting

journey into musical theatre training for years to come.

Theatre Director Jo Johnson commented: “We’re delighted that MTS is returning with a

new production, which we’re sure audiences will love! We can’t wait to welcome MTS to

our theatre and see the hard work of the cast come to fruition!”

Tickets:

Tickets are priced at £19 - £13 and can be bought from: https://tidd.ly/3W5F9LO

Preview: Deathtrap at Newcastle People’s Theatre

The People’s Theatre in Heaton are well-known for kicking the year off with pulse-quickening thrillers … and 2023 is no exception!

Deathtrap 

Newcastle People’s Theatre 

Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 January 2023

Next week’s classic comedic thriller Deathtrap is a rollercoaster that alternately terrifies and amuses, packed full of dastardly deeds and plot twists you’ll never see coming!

When washed-up writer Sidney Bruhl meets an unknown playwright who gives him a copy of a thriller for some input, Sidney sees an opportunity to resurrect his career … but how far is he willing to go to get back on top?

A stage and screen success, Ira Levin’s play holds the record as the longest-running thriller on Broadway and was made into a Hollywood movie starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve.

Levin’s other credits include the iconic and genre-defining ‘Rosemary’s Baby’, which was the biggest selling horror novel of the 1960s, and suburban horror ‘The Stepford Wives’ which has lost none of its cultural impact over fifty years since its first publication.

Deathtrap promises to get your 2023 theatre-going off to a great start with gasp-inducing thrills and spontaneous laughter, all while keeping you guessing and on the edge of your seats!

Director Mark Buckley comments: "It's been a fantastic experience putting together this production of Deathtrap. With its twists and turns, laughs and scares, it's a great way to spend a cold January evening, watching a hugely enjoyable production on which the cast and crew have worked fantastically hard".

Cast: Pictured

Photo: Jess Chapman

Back row L-R

Clifford Anderson - Adam Cummins

Porter Ingram - Michael White

Front row L-R

Helga den Torp - Helga McNeil

Sidney Bruhl - Bill Harrington

Myra Bruhl - Liz Hack

Director: Mark Buckley

Tickets:

Deathtrap is playing at the People’s Theatre in Heaton from Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st January 2023 at 7.30pm each evening. The run includes a reduced-capacity performance where mask-wearing is encouraged on Tuesday 17th. All details and booking at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

REVIEW: Snow White: Rotten To The Core at Newcastle Boulevard

Snow White: Rotten To The Core

Newcastle Boulevard

Until 29th January 2023

The local panto heroes are back at the Boulevard to deliver another filthy slice of adult pantomime. Definitely not for kids or those easily offended by curse words and/or frank conversations about what goes on in the bedroom - this is a real treat for everyone else.

It is a part of the North East Theatre Guide team's annual calendar - the Boulevard panto is our first show of the New Year. It is crude but hilarious. Tom Whalley has, once again, taken a family friendly story and packed it with naughty goodness. His script pushes the limits of taste and appeals to its audience. 

Photo: Stephen Oliver, North East Theatre Guide

On stage is the usual gang, all fresh from regular panto season - this show gives them a chance to let it all hang out. Miss Rory and Tom have had a successful season at the Sunderland Empire, Daniel Mawston - as Dame Patsy - has broken records at the Playhouse Whitley Bay. South Shields king of panto Stephen Sullivan has spent the past month entertaining the people of Bolton whilst Jacob Anderton has had probably the longest run of all at the Durham Gala. They are joined once again by Hazel Pude, whose Snow White is the centre of many jokes.

There is a deep understanding of how panto works. This is still a panto at heart and it probably sticks to the story more than most (though no dwarves appear). You still have a take off scene with that bench. The 12 Days of Christmas still gets an airing too. Tom and Patsy have a call out for the audience to use when they appear on stage.

The Boulevard is a more intimate cabaret space than any of the theatres that these guys have been performing in recently and thus it is easy for Miss Rory to regularly break the fourth wall and admonish the audience from time to time. Be careful if you talk or make an audible remark in this show as sharp wit and cutting put downs will quickly be delivered.

An extra weekend of shows has been added as seats have nearly all sold out. There is a £10 standing area at the front of the venue and we have always found that to be a great place to watch the show from.

Snow White, at Newcastle Boulevard,  was a fun way to kick off the weekend.  A great team delivers a funny script. Possibly the best adult panto around.

Looking forward to next year's treat.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Details and tickets: https://www.boulevardnewcastle.co.uk/the-show 

Preview: John Robins – Howl at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

 

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Edinburgh Comedy Award winner John Robins brings new stand-up tour ‘Howl’ to Newcastle

 

John Robins – Howl

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Saturday 21^st October 2023

Tickets: https://tidd.ly/3jWOS9H

Edinburgh Comedy Award winning comedian and ARIA award-winning broadcaster John Robins embarks on his first stand-up tour since 2019. If you’ve seen him before you know what to expect; rage, anxiety and a lot of laughs. If you haven’t seen him before, strap the f**k in.

“Robins exploits his misery for every single possible laugh – transforming his pain into one long existential comic howl against the human condition” - The Scotsman

“A particularly startling brand of funny, this level of self-exposure – because it’s taboo, particularly for a man, to be this distraught in public, far less while encouraging people to laugh about it” - The Guardian

Theatre Director Jo Johnson commented: “We’re really excited that John Robins will be joining our excellent line-up of comedians playing the Theatre in 2023 – especially as it’s his first since 2019! Howl is bound to be a fantastic show and we’re excited to welcome audiences to the Theatre to see it.”

Tickets are priced at £22.50 and can be bought from: https://tidd.ly/3jWOS9H

Please note this show is strictly 14+

Preview: Judi Love at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

 

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Judi Love head to Newcastle on her first official tour!

 

Judi Love

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Friday 19^th May 2023

Tickets: https://tidd.ly/3k6mi5N

Bringing her fresh, unapologetic, and charismatic real talk to theatres across the country, the one like Judi Love hits theatres in March, on her first official tour! Expect unrelenting and hilarious anecdotes from Judi’s life!

Not so much a comic, more a force of nature’ – Evening Standard

‘Infectiously vivacious’ – Chortle

‘Laugh-out-loud moments’ – iNews

Regular panellist on Loose Women and as seen on Taskmaster, The Jonathan Ross Show, The Graham Norton Show, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown and The Royal Variety Performance

Theatre Director Jo Johnson commented: “We have a wonderful comedy programme in place for 2023 and we’re delighted that the very funny Judi Love is joining it! We feel honoured that we’ll be hosting her first official tour, and we’re looking forward to welcoming audiences for the gig.”

Tickets are priced at £22 and can be bought from: https://tidd.ly/3k6mi5N

Preview: Swan Lake at Sunderland Empire

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Birmingham Royal Ballet's Swan Lake 

Sunderland Empire

Thursday 9 – Saturday 11 March 2023

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/SUndBallet2023Tickets *

For spring 2023, ballet’s greatest love story returns in Birmingham Royal Ballet’s revival of Sir Peter Wright and Galina Samsova’s glorious journey into Swan Lake, a lavish production in which the Royal Ballet Sinfonia performs Tchaikovsky’s superb music live alongside BRB’s spectacular dancers. This romantic fable of ill-fated passion has bewitched audiences for generations and will tour to Sunderland Empire March 2023.

This treasured production of Swan Lake is the third in a trio of Sir Peter Wright’s exquisite ballets performed by the company this season, following the first revival in five years of the joyous classic Coppélia in October, and the world-famous production of The Nutcracker at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Prince Siegfried is out hunting one night when he happens upon a flock of graceful swans. When one of them turns into a beautiful woman, the Prince is utterly smitten – but Odette explains that she has fallen under an evil spell cast by the evil Baron von Rothbart, which keeps her in swan form from dawn to dusk. Can Siegfried's love break the spell? Find out in this exquisite production of a true ballet classic.

Based at Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Ballet is the United Kingdom’s leading touring ballet company performing a range of traditional, classical and heritage ballets as well as ground-breaking new works with the aim of encouraging choreographers of the future. The Company’s Director since January 2020 is the internationally renowned Carlos Acosta. Birmingham Royal Ballet standardly performs at Birmingham Hippodrome for approximately ten weeks of the year and the remainder of the year tours throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. On average, the Company performs 175 shows a year nationally and internationally. The Royal Ballet Sinfonia is Birmingham Royal Ballet’s permanent orchestra, it is also Britain's busiest ballet orchestra. The Sinfonia also plays frequently for The Royal Ballet and other leading ballet companies, including performances withParis Opéra Ballet, New York City Ballet, Australian Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Kirov, Norwegian Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and La Scala Ballet.

Cast & Creatives:

Choreography: Peter Wright, Lev Ivanov, Marius Petipa

Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Production: Peter Wright, Galina Samsova

Designs: Philip Prowse

Lighting: Peter Teigen

 

Principal Casting for Sunderland Empire:

Thurs Eve 09 March Parma Chou Ito

Fri Mat 10 March Zhang Feng Bejarano

Fri Eve 10 March Kurihara Monaghan Payne

Sat Mat 11 March Downs Singleton Ito

Photos: Bill Cooper

Tickets:

Swan Lake will pirouette onto Sunderland Empire’s stage from Thursday 9 – Saturday 11 March 2023. Tickets are available online at https://tinyurl.com/SUndBallet2023Tickets*

*A £3.65 transaction fee applies to online bookings.