REVIEW: Gerry & Sewell at Newcastle Live Theatre

Gerry & Sewell

Newcastle Live Theatre

Until Sat 18 Nov 2023

Adapted & directed by Jamie Eastlake

Based upon Jonathan Tulloch's The Season Ticket, the story of two lads from Dunston who simply want hope in their lives has now made the transition from sold out shows at Laurels in Whitley Bay to the larger Live Theatre in Newcastle. In doing so this is a first for the Quayside venue. The result is a visceral production that is full of energy and pathos, a show that triggers reactions from the audience at regular intervals. This is a quality piece of fine theatre.

The tale centres around two lads who don't attend school. Instead they try to survive. Whether it is stealing the McDonalds order from a family so they can eat - or trying to get a good price for an abandoned toilet they try their best in life. Jack Robertson appears as Sewell, a loyal lad with a craving for junk food. He will gravitate towards chips or the holy grail that is chicken nuggets. He not be the fastest thinker but Jack's character oozes friendly, almost innocent, charm.

His marra is the ideas man in the partnership. Gerry is creative in his plans and somewhat more quicker footed in most ways. The script allows Dean Logan the chance to  reveal a lot about the inner turmoil the Gerry finds himself in. A chaotic life at home is evident though he tries to hide its full effects. The power in Dean's performance, for me, came when he gave an unspoken stare in a rare visit to school. It said so much in that moment.

The laughs are shared equally between the two, and there's more to it than the simple undertaking the Sunderland are a  poor team. The timing is around 2019 and Mike Ashley is causing problems for the black and white faithful. Even the ones, like Gerry and Sewell, who dream of seeing a match in person - or even better: owning a season ticket.

All of the other roles, including narration and puppetry of their pet dog, from the talented Becky Clayburn, who darts on and off the roof of the metro without missing a beat. 

...and yes there is a Metro built on the set. The Set Guise get the credit for creating a dynamic space for the action to flow through. The action is picked off thanks to Drummond Orr's lighting design. Some scenes find some music with a local theme...the first act starting, for example, with AC/DC's Thunderstruck which has the audience waving their black and white flags before the action really starts.

But the story is not just about the funny side of life. Troubled families, substance abuse and hints of other issues often punctuate the story. Whilst the two lads are trying to save money for their season tickets it is obvious that Gerry keeps moving house for a reason. This undercurrent  leaves a profound impression long after the shows finishes and the laughter and applause from the standing ovation dies down.

Speaking as someone who is not a Newcastle supporter, this is a wonderful play. Whilst strongly linked to our region, it could easily be anywhere in broken Britain. Theatre has the power to be transformative - and this is one such production.  Highly Recommended. 

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Von Fox Promotions

Tickets: https://www.live.org.uk/whats-on/gerry-sewell 

Approx 2hrs with interval

Age rating 15+

Preview: The Drifters Girl at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

The Drifters Girl returns to Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

Having made its world premiere at Newcastle Theatre Royal in 2021, the acclaimed West End musical The Drifters Girl returns to the region from Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 November 2023.

Telling the remarkable story of The Drifters, one of the world's greatest vocal groups, and the truth about the woman who made them. Faye Treadwell is the legendary manager of The Drifters who fought for three decades alongside her husband (George Treadwell) to turn Atlantic Records' hottest vocal group into a global phenomenon.

The Drifters Girl boasts an incredible soundtrack of some of the most famous songs in history, including Save The Last Dance For Me, Under The Boardwalk, Kissin In The Back Row Of The Movies, Stand By Me, Come On Over To My Place, Saturday Night At The Movies and many more.

Carly Mercedes Dyer will play Faye Treadwell, alongside Ashford Campbell, Miles Anthony Daley, Tarik Frimpong and Dalton Harris (winner of The X Factor in 2018), taking on the roles of The Drifters.

From the highs of hit records and sell-out tours to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy, The Drifters Girl charts the trailblazing efforts of the world's first African American female music manager and how she refused to ever give up on the group she loved. Thirty years and hundreds of hit songs later, there is no doubt that Faye Treadwell was and always will be, The Drifters Girl.

Tickets:

The Drifters Girl plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 November 2023. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Preview: Three Acts of Love at Newcastle Live Theatre

 

Stellar cast announced for Three Acts of Love at Live Theatre

 

Three Acts of Love

Newcastle Live Theatre

Thursday 30 November - Saturday 16 December 2023

Live Theatre, Newcastle Upon Tyne is delighted to announce the stellar cast for Three Acts of Love, a new production that brings together three stories, each exploring what love means in the world today.  

Starring in the final main stage show of Live Theatre’s 50^th birthday year are legendary stage and screen actress Imogen Stubbs, Laila Zaidi (Ackley Bridge) and Rebecca Glendenning-Laycock (Bonnie & Fanny’s Christmas Spectacular).

Penned by three extraordinary female playwrights, Vici Wreford-Sinnott, Laura Lindow and Naomi Obeng, Three Acts of Love, runs from Thursday 30 November to Saturday 16 December 2023. From a closing social club to internet fandom via an animated lecture by a heart broken heart surgeon, the play takes the audiences on an incredible journey through this most complex and crucial emotion.

Born in Rothbury, Northumberland, Imogen Stubbs is a household name. Her extensive film and TV credits include Jack & Sarah, Sense and Sensibility, The Rainbow, The Browning Version and The Crown. Her many and varied theatre credits include A Street Car Named Desire, St Joan, Closer, The Glass Menagerie, Orpheus Descending, Private Lives and Uncle Vanya. Recent stage credits include Clybourne Park, The Be All and End All, Things I know To Be True and Elephants.

Rebecca Glendenning-Laycock is an actor, writer and theatre maker and founding member of queer theatre company Bonnie and The Bonnettes. She has performed in theatres across the North East and her Live Theatre credits include Drag Me To Love and Bonnie and Fanny’s Christmas Spectacular.

Laila Zaidi’s tv credits include Ackley Bridge, Holby City, Mood, Doctors, Dog Days, Hope and Benidorm. Theatre credits include Little Bits of Light, West Side Story, The Selfish Giant, Starlight Express, Bend It Like Beckham, The Boyfriend, Invisible, The Season Ticket and Frankie Goes To Bollywood.

Joining the cast of three will be acclaimed North East musician Me Lost Me, aka Jayne Dent who has composed the score and will play live on stage, weaving musical threads throughout the pieces. Her recently released album RPG was described by The Guardian as an ‘exciting and imaginative album exploring the links between traditional influences and electronics in fertile ways.’

Jack McNamara said: “We wanted to end our 50th year with a bang and how better to do that than with these three exceptional actors. We are honoured that Imogen and Laila have put their busy screen lives on hold to come back to their roots in the North East and play at Live Theatre for the first time. And Becky Glendenning-Laycock has becomes something of a young legend in these parts with their much loved body of work as an actor and maker. We are only two days into rehearsals but it’s pretty clear to me and my co-director Bex Bowsher that these are people at the top of their game. We can’t wait for you to experience them yourselves.” 

As part of Three Acts of Love, Live Theatre is proud to be collaborating with UK charity Smart Works by holding a clothing drive for the entirety of the production, encouraging individuals to bring along their quality clothing donations, and helping change the trajectory of another woman’s life.

These new plays are electrifying, pointing the way to the future of dramatic writing. Love is needed more than ever and this show will offer it in abundance.

 

Tickets:

To find out more and book go to www.live.org.uk or call Box Office on (0191) 232 1232.

 

REVIEW: Disciples at Newcastle Northern Stage

Stellar Quines present

Disciples

Newcastle Northern Stage

Until Wednesday 8  November 2023 

"Disciples is a brand-new production from Scotland’s leading intersectional feminist theatre company Stellar Quines. The show is devised in collaboration with five women and non binary performers who identify as D/deaf and disabled, led by director Rachel Drazek (Movement Director - My Left Right Foot) and poet/playwright and performer Ellen Renton (Within Sight). "

This is going to be tricky to write. Sorry.

As I left the theatre in my own thoughts I asked my female companion what she thought. She said that whilst it had nice music (including a community choir), some interesting lighting and some nice poetry, it felt like a wasted opportunity. If the aim was to give the females and non-binary members of society a voice then it has missed an opportunity. A shame - it could have been much more.

I listened. I did not disagree.

Though it is hard to put your finger on it. It started well enough. Some verse. The choir came on and were accompanied by live harp playing - this was lovely. Then the choir left - a shame.

The verse continued. The struggle for identity. The struggle for a level playing field. The struggle within ones self. It was broken up by various phases of movement. This was at its best when the silhouette of the actor in the foreground was projected on the back and cleverly covered the others in their pursuits.

After that it seemed to lose its way. I listened to my companion on the way home. She felt this was going to be a difficult review to write as the second half lost its momentum.

Here's the thing. Perhaps it is better not to say much more on the matter.

Watching theatre is subjective. It involves the emotion and reaction of each audience member to the stimulus. You're not going to like everything. Going by the reaction of some other members of the audience - other people will enjoy this more than we did.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Mihaela Bodlovic

Tickets: 

Northern Stage, Newcastle

Tuesday 7 - Wednesday 8 November at 7:30pm

Run Time: 65 minutes

Age Recommendation: 14+

Box office: https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/disciples/ or call 0191 230 5151

Access info

All shows will be captioned and audio described. 

Creative use of BSL performed by a member of the cast.  

Relaxed performances: Saturday 08 October 2.30pm & Wednesday 07 November. The relaxed performances are for anyone who would benefit from watching the show in a more informal and laid-back environment. More information can be found at www.stellarquines.co.uk/Disciples.

Preview: Dave Stewart at Sunderland Empire

 

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Eurythmics legend Dave Stewart announces

Eurythmics Songbook: Sweet Dreams 40th anniversary UK and European Tour

visiting Sunderland Empire

Friday 10 November 2023

Tickets: https://prf.hn/l/NdZ201Z

  

Eurythmics Songbook tour marks first time in more than 20 years fans can see a full length show of Eurythmics classics performed on tour by Stewart and full live band!

 

Dave Stewart, the award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, producer, innovator and Eurythmics co-founder, is set to captivate audiences across Europe once again as he announces Eurythmics Songbook: Sweet Dreams 40th Anniversary Tour.

Featuring Dave alongside an all-female band of virtuoso singers and musicians, the tour promises to take fans on a nostalgic and electrifying musical journey spanning four decades of the iconic musical partnership’s groundbreaking hits.

Celebrating a remarkable 40 years since the release of the timeless Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This), Eurythmics, known for their unique blend of synth-pop, new wave, soul and rock, have sold over 75 million albums worldwide since their 1980’s debut and have become enduring icons of popular music.

Following a highly acclaimed one-off Eurythmics Songbook show at London’s Royal Festival Hall in 2019 and with the blessing of musical partner Annie Lennox, who no longer tours, Stewart has decided to take the show on the road. This show garnered some rave reviews:

 

“Sweet dreams of synthpop heaven.”

-The Guardian

 

“Heart stopping performances.”

-The Sunday Times

 

“A night of musical joy.”

-The Weekender, London

 

“Serious passion in this house...ticker tape was flying in celebration of fandom, friendship and fabulous song craft.”

       -The Telegraph

 

The duo, who still come together for one off performances, such as for their induction last year into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, are delighted to be celebrating this landmark anniversary of Sweet Dreams and Stewart is relishing the chance to play a carefully curated selection of timeless hits from their extraordinary catalogue of songs, live on tour for the first time in over 20 years.

Dave Stewart said: “I love playing live shows and am so excited to be onstage with this amazing lineup of musicians and singers most of whom I have performed with on many occasions. My great friend Vanessa Amorosi an Australian legend known for her powerful vocal prowess , RAHH a brilliant artist/singer from Warrington with whom I’ve recorded and performed with for nearly 10 years and my daughter (Annie’s goddaughter) Kaya Stewart who was singing “There Must Be An Angel” on Annie’s knee since she was 5-years-old and since 14 has performed hundreds of solo shows wowing crowds with her very soulful and emotional voice. Choosing a band that are all outstanding female musicians led by the brilliant keyboardist Hannah Koppenburg is my way of paying homage to my great friend and collaborator Annie Lennox.

 

The tour is set to be a fitting testament to the enduring impact of Eurythmics’ music and the duo's lasting influence on the global music landscape.

"Eurythmics Songbook: Sweet Dreams 40th Anniversary Tour" promises an unforgettable experience, featuring state of the art production and visuals, and a myriad of mega-hits including: "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)," "Here Comes The Rain Again," “Love Is A Stranger”, “Would I Lie To You”, “Missionary Man” and “There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart).”

The full band line up is as follows: Dave Stewart on guitars, Vanessa Amorosi, RAHH and Kaya Stewart on vocals, Hannah Koppenburg on keyboards, Indiara Sfair on harmonica & backing vocals, Julia Lamb on bass guitars & backing vocals and Ellie East on drums.

Eurythmics Songbook: Sweet Dreams 40th Anniversary Tour hits the UK in November, when fans can see Dave and the band performing in his hometown of Sunderland on Friday 10 November 2023. 

Tickets: https://prf.hn/l/NdZ201Z *

*A £3.65 transaction fee applies to online bookings.

 

News: Tyne Theatre & Opera House appoint Jonathan Higgins as Chief Executive Officer

 

Tyne Theatre & Opera House appoint Jonathan Higgins as Chief Executive Officer

The Tyne Theatre and Opera House has announced the appointment of Jonathan Higgins in the brand-new Chief Executive Officer role at the historic entertainment venue.

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House is a Grade I listed, Victorian theatre in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, delivering a varied programme of entertainment including comedy, music, theatre, ‘in conversation’ events and more.

The theatre has been operating independently, on a not-for-profit basis, since 2015 and is known for its lavish auditorium, outstanding acoustics, and full set of Victorian under-stage machinery.

Jonathan moves to Tyne Theatre and Opera House from Croydon’s Fairfield Halls, where he was Venue Director for operators BH Live. Prior to his role in South London Jonathan was Head of Events for Your Trust in Greater Manchester, and from 2007, spent twelve years heading up the arts and events team at The Sands Centre in Carlisle.

Chairman of the Trust, Mike Wilmot, has said “We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to the unique Tyne Theatre and Opera House as our first Chief Executive Officer. These are exciting times for our theatre as we look to invest in our Grade 1 listed opera house and seek to expand our activities. Jonathan joining us will give us the capacity and expertise to deliver these ambitions.”

Jonathan will work alongside existing Theatre Director, Joanne Johnson, in this new role with a goal of leading the theatre to becoming a fully refurbished and sustainable independent venue, hosting a variety of entertainment and events with wide appeal.

Jonathan Higgins has said “I’m so pleased to have moved to this beautiful theatre in such an iconic city. The Tyne Theatre & Opera House is a beloved part of the North-East’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Theatre staff, trustees and volunteers have worked so hard, and achieved so many great things, since taking on the independent running of the theatre in 2015. The diary is bursting with a brilliantly eclectic mix of shows, and the annual pantomime goes from strength to strength. I’m looking forward to supporting and leading the team for the next chapter of the Tyne Theatre & Opera House’s story.”

Preview: São Paulo Dance Company at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

Newcastle Theatre Royal to host São Paulo Dance Company on their first ever UK tour

São Paulo Dance Company

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 5 – Wednesday 6 March 2024

 

Audience favourite Dance Consortium returns to Newcastle Theatre Royal to present São Paulo Dance, as part of their premiere UK tour.

São Paulo Dance Company is at the forefront of the South American contemporary dance scene and during their visit to the UK next spring, the company will showcase the work of three choreographers whose inspiration is deeply rooted in Latin American and Spanish Culture.

The first of the three works performed will be the epic and emotionally charged Anthem. Created in 2019, the piece reflects on life cycles and collective identities, inspired by songs that become hymns - anthems - for an individual, a group, a generation or a nation. Owen Belton, a frequent collaborator with choreographer Goyo Montero, provides a unifying and uplifting sound-score. 

The sensually harmonious Gnawa will be the second piece performed. Created by (now artistic director of the Mikhailovsky Ballet), Nacho Duato in 2005 and restaged on São Paulo Dance Company in 2009, the piece draws on the Mediterranean colours and flavours of Valencia. Gnawa is powered by the hypnotic, ritualistic music of North Africa created by seven composers - Hassan Hakmoun, Adam Rudolph, Juan Alberto Arteche, Javier Paxariño, Rabih Abou-Khalil, Velez and Kusur e Sarkissian.

Brazilian choreographer Cassi Abranches’ colourful and flirtatious Agora provides an exhilarating finale. Created in 2019, by exploring time and rhythm, Abranches sculpts the movement of each dancer’s body to the percussive beats and bass grooves of Sebastian Piracés’ score, mixing drums and Afro-Brazilian percussion with rock music and vocals.

The company produces artistic performances that encompass works from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, including both classical and modern masterpieces, as well as contemporary pieces, specially created by nationally and internationally recognised choreographers.

São Paulo Dance Company director Inês Bogéa says: “In 1994, I had the pleasure to tour British theatres as a dancer with Grupo Corpo. It was a very intense time, full of art and exchange of experiences.  30 years later, as São Paulo Dance Company’s artistic director, I am thrilled to be back, with the company performing in wonderful theatres around the UK and in Ireland. I thank Dance Consortium and everyone who is making this tour possible. We hope our art opens an expressive, intense, and enjoyable channel of communication with the audiences that await us”.

Dance Consortium, a group of 19 large-scale theatres with a mission to bring the best international dance to stages across the UK and Ireland, has become an audience favourite at Newcastle Theatre Royal, with memorable past productions including Dada Masilo’s The Sacrifice, Nederlands Dans Theater 2, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo and most recently Ailey 2.

 

Photos: Charles Lima

 

Tickets:

São Paulo Dance Company visits Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 5 – Wednesday 6 March 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.