Preview: Chicago at Sunderland Empire

 Chicago - the multi award-winning musical is visiting Sunderland Empire in August 2025

 

David Ian for Crossroads Live in association with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce further dates for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour of the multi award-winning musical Chicago. The tour will visit Sunderland Empire from Monday 4 to Saturday 9 August 2025. Casting to be announced soon. 

 

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.

 

Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago’s sexy, sassy score includes the show-stopping songs “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”.  Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, Chicago is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history.

 

Since it opened in New York in 1996, Chicago has played in 38 countries worldwide, and been performed in English, Dutch, German, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, French, Danish, Japanese and Korean.  Worldwide it has been seen by an estimated 34 million people, grossed over $1.7 billion has played over 33,500 performances.

 

Chicago, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.  The 1996 Broadway revival of Chicago was choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.

On the web: www.chicagothemusical.com/uk-tour

 

Tickets: 

Chicago will bring some razzle dazzle to Sunderland Empire’s stage from Monday 4 – Saturday 9 August 2025. Tickets now on sale from our affiliates ATG Tickets https://tinyurl.com/Chicago2025Sund *

*A £3.65 transaction fee applies to online bookings.

Interview: The 39 Steps at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

Dramatic, Suspenseful And Riotously Funny – The 39 Steps Visits Newcastle Theatre Royal

The 39 Steps

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 April 2024

 

For the first time in eight years, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning comedy, The 39 Steps, is to tour the UK, where Newcastle Theatre Royal will be the first stop outside of London.

John Buchan wrote the book in 1915 and Alfred Hitchcock turned it into a classic spy film in the 1930s, but the producer of the stage version of The 39 Steps Edward (Ed) Snape of Fiery Angel Productions feels, despite being set in 1935, the story very much resonates today.

He smiles. "But the best thing of all is that this version is a comedy and I think people want that more than ever now. They want to laugh. It's a story with suspense and drama but also absurd, wonderful comedy."

Patrick Barlow, who did the play’s side-splitting adaptation and whose acting credits include Shakespeare in Love, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Nanny McPhee, A Very English Scandal and Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, feels theatregoers will also relate to the hero Richard Hannay, saying: "He has a realisation of what a dangerous world we're in and that we have to be really careful of people bullying us, totalitarian states and so on. That might make it sound deadly serious but I hope it's also riotously funny. It's madcap and very fast-moving but with heart."

The play has toured to 39 countries and played to more than three million people around the world.

"It's hard to come up with countries that we haven't visited," Ed says proudly. "At one point it was the most performed play in North America in one year apart from Shakespeare. That's pretty cool, isn't it? And it's something that you can bring anyone to, from age eight to 80."

At the centre of the story is the stiff-upper-lipped, gung-ho, pencil-moustached everyman Hannay, who is mistakenly drawn into a world of dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents and devastatingly beautiful women as he flees for his life. One of the many clever twists is that Hannay is an innocent man on the run from the bad guys. "They're the villains, not him," Patrick points out.

Ed agrees, "Here is a man who feels the world is against him and he's got to prove his innocence. He thinks of himself as unlovable, then he falls in love and finds that actually he is lovable."

There's another clever twist to the production: one actor plays Hannay while three other performers take on the 139 characters swirling around him. Barlow, who acts as well as writes, marvels: "I have watched from backstage and the actors rush on and off, bang into each other, props are taken off and props are brought on. It's done very, very fast and everybody is acting very seriously as if they know exactly what they're doing, which isn't always the case. The joke is they're always a bit thrown by the next scene."

Snape laughs. "And the audience is on the edge of their seats wondering not only about the story and the spy thriller, but also how on earth these four actors are going to do all of this in one evening. And that's the joy of The 39 Steps - the spectacle of it all and four actors doing the near-impossible."

It retains the 1930s setting and costumes and features some of the original score from the Hitchcock film. "So you're transported into it as if you're actually living in a movie," says Patrick of a play that also includes a few nods to other films directed by the Master of Suspense. "I'm not going to say what they are but, if you're a Hitchcock buff and you see the show, you'll spot them for sure."

How does Patrick balance comedy with suspense in the script? "Well, as long as both engines are running, as long as there are some really funny moments and funny lines in it and as long as it really is genuinely, nail-bitingly scary, which this definitely is, then that's how we keep the balance going."

The production hasn't toured the UK since 2016 and Ed believes the timing is just right for its return. He smiles again. "As I say, more than ever we want to laugh, and I guarantee The 39 Steps will deliver on that promise."

Photos: Mark Senior

 

Tickets:

The 39 Steps plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 April 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Preview: The Syndicate at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

Gaynor Faye On Bringing Three Generations Together With The Syndicate

The Syndicate,

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 May 2024

 

Star of stage and screen Gaynor Faye and her son, Oliver Anthony join the cast of the world premiere UK stage tour of The Syndicate, written by Gaynor’s mother, Kay Mellor, when it visits Newcastle Theatre Royal in May 2024 as part of its premiere UK tour.

The smash-hit, critically acclaimed BBC One drama of the same name was a family affair long before it burst onto television in 2012, although written and produced by titan of TV Kay Mellor, her daughter Gaynor Faye was the series script editor.

"I just knew that it was going to be a hit because she captured the whole arena of what winning the lottery and such a substantial amount of money brings to people – both the good and the not so good!”

Gaynor tells of how her “Mum writes for people, not accolades. The people who watch her shows are the people she relates to, the people she champions and admires. She encapsulates them and shows what it is to be a normal, every day person.”

When it aired on BBC One with a cast including stars Timothy Spall and Joanna Page, Kay Mellor’s The Syndicate was a huge hit and went on to enjoy success with three more series. “At times it’s funny, at times it’s dramatic or moving, but the key thing is that everyone can see themselves in her characters and that’s why people love her work.” Gaynor adds.

The first series has now been adapted for the stage by Kay Mellor in what was her final venture into theatre before her untimely death in 2022. She had already asked Gaynor to co-direct the project with her, and now the actress is going it alone in a move that she confesses has been rather daunting.

The Cast of The Syndicate

Gaynor says, “Mum’s shoes are big ones to fill, but I understand what her vision was for this production because I have been by her side from the very beginning. I’m excited for everyone to see it.”

Adding to the family feel of The Syndicate is the news that Gaynor’s son, Oliver Anthony, has joined the cast in the role of Jamie. He believes having three generations of one family involved in the show brings a unique experience for audiences: “There’s real heart to this show, there’s a lot of love for it, it just feels special.”

Oliver shares his grandmother, Kay, had been mentoring him for the last four years, and as someone who knew how hard the industry could be, had said she saw potential in him.

“She took me under her wing and really helped me learn the business both in front of the camera and behind. To now be involved with the stage show, and Gaynor, my mum directing it too, it just feels special. I have so many wonderful memories of my grandmother, every day beside her was a dream.”

Such is the success of Kay’s writing that her stories have become a hit on the stage as well as the screen with the hugely successful stage adaptions Fat Friends – The Musical, which played to sell-out audiences at Newcastle Theatre Royal in 2018, and Band of Gold, which, like The Syndicate, were also collaborations between Kay’s company Rollem and theatre producer, Josh Andrews.

The Syndicate star cast also features Samantha Giles (Emmerdale) and Brooke Vincent (Coronation Street) and tells the story of five supermarket workers whose lottery syndicate numbers come in just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat. Will a share of the jackpot make their dreams come true or their nightmares a reality?

Tickets:

The Syndicate plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 May 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010

Preview: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Sunderland Empire

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Further Casting Announced

Joining Emmerdale Star Liam Fox as ‘Grandpa Potts’ will be Ellie Nunn as ‘Truly Scrumptious’ in the new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 

Opening at Sunderland Empire April 2025

David Ian for Crossroads Live is delighted to announce further casting for the new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang  opening at Sunderland Empire on Tuesday 22 April where it plays until Sunday 27 April 2025 as part of a UK tour. 

 

Casting for the role of Caractacus Potts and The Childcatcher to be announced soon.

 

Joining Emmerdale star Liam Fox as Grandpa Potts and Ellie Nunn as Truly Scrumptious are Martin Callaghan as Baron, Jenny Gayner as Baroness, Adam Stafford as Boris, Michael Joseph as Goran and John Macaulay as The Toymaker. The cast also includes Charlie Bishop, Ruaraidh Blackwood, Hadrian Delacey, Belle Kizzy Green, Tia Gyngell, Kirsty Ingram, Bibi Jay, Isabella Mason, Joe Press, Theo UK Rose, Molly Rees Howe, Callum Train and Luke Woollaston.

 

The roles of Jeremy and Jemima Potts will be shared by Gracie Cochrane, Ayrton English, Isla Ithier, Isabella Manning, Charlie McGuire, Jasmine Nyenya, Roshan Thomson and Louis Wilkins.

 

Liam Fox

Liam Fox is best known for playing the role of Dan Spencer in ITV’s Emmerdale, where he featured in more than a thousand episodes. His many other TV credits include Stephen Poliakoff’s Dancing on the Edge, Cold Feet, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Clocking Off, A Touch of Frost, Always and Everyone, At Home with the Braithwaites and Dinnerladies. His many theatre credits include The Collector and Tuesday’s Class, both at The Lowry Studio and Iron at Manchester’s Royal Exchange.

 

Ellie Nunn

Ellie Nunn’s many theatre credits include Identical at Nottingham Playhouse, the UK tour of Posh, Shakespeare in Love at the Noel Coward Theatre, Twelfth Night at Leicester Square Theatre, The Game of Love and Chance and Daughter in Law, both at the Arcola Theatre, Honk! at the Union Theatre and on tour and Gatsby at the Arts Theatre.

 

Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children and later made into the famous 1968 film, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang  features the unforgettable songs by the Sherman Brothers including Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, Truly Scrumptious and the Academy Award-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

This new production will be directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic, Parade), choreographed by Karen Bruce (BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, The Bodyguard) with Set and Costume design by Morgan Large (Newsies, Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat), Lighting design by Ben Cracknell, Sound design by Gareth Tucker, Musical Supervision by George Dyer (The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Billy Elliot) and casting by Debbie O’Brien.

In Chitty Chitty Bang Bang  we meet absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts who restores a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children Jemima and Jeremy. Soon the family discover the car has magical powers, and along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious, the family end up on a hilarious fantastical adventure to far off lands.

 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Music by Special Arrangement with Sony/ATV Publishing and is Adapted for the Stage by Jeremy Sams. Based on the MGM Motion Picture the Licensed Script is adapted by Ray Roderick. It was Originally produced by Eon Productions, Dana Broccoli, Frederick Zollo, Nicholas Paleologos, Jeffrey Sine, Miriam Productions and Michael Rose at The London Palladium.

 

This production is presented by permission of Music Theatre International.

 

On the Web: www.chittyontour.com

 

Tickets:

https://tinyurl.com/SunderlandCCBBtickets

Preview: SIX at Stockton Globe

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Six The Musical

 Returns To Reign Over Stockton

DIVORCED ★ BEHEADED ★ LIVE!

 

The crowning glory of Broadway, the West End and beyond, the international smash hit musical SIX makes its royal return to Stockton this Christmas, following its previous sell out success at Stockton Globe!

Winner of over 35 international awards including the Tony Award for ‘Best Original Score’ and ‘Best Costume Design’, double winner of the Whatsonstage Award for ‘Best West End Show’ and a Gold-Disk winning album, this sell-out Tudor take-off has ‘an incredibly strong and powerful message’ (The Australian) and is ‘pure entertainment’ (New York Times).
 
From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red.

Think you know the rhyme, think again... Divorced. Beheaded. LIVE!

Tickets:

SIX heads to Stockton Globe from Tuesday 17th December - Thursday 2nd January 2025. Tickets are available on general sale now via https://tinyurl.com/STOCKTONsixTickets

Preview: Abigail’s Party at Newcastle Northern Stage

 

Jack Bradfield, winner of the 2023 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director’s Award, will direct Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party.

 

Abigail’s Party

Newcastle Northern Stage

Friday 13 – Saturday 28 September 2024

A sparkling new production of Mike Leigh’s cult-classic comedy, Abigail’s Party, will premiere at Newcastle’s Northern Stage ahead of a national tour.

The show will be the mid-scale debut for director Jack Bradfield, winner of the 2023 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award. Jack’s new production promises a fresh version of this classic text which garnered cult-like status following the 1977 Play for Today televised version starring Alison Steadman.

Jack Bradfield - Photo: Steve Gregson

Jack is an award-winning playwright and director, currently Associate Director on Player Kings in the West End and has worked as an Assistant Director with the ITA-Ensemble in Amsterdam, The Old Vic, London, and on major productions in New York City. He is Artistic Director of Poltergeist (“One of the UK’s Best Young Companies” - Guardian).

This will be the party to end all parties and you’re all invited! The show transports us to 1977 where, self-appointed queen of suburbia Beverly is hosting a cocktail party for her neighbours. Next door, 15-year-old Abigail is throwing a party of her own. No one can stop talking about Abigail's party. Something must be done about Abigail’s party.

Jack said: "I'm thrilled to be reviving Abigail's Party, Mike Leigh's razor-sharp, savage, suburban comedy. At Northern Stage and on tour, we're going to light a fire under this classic and bring it bright and burning into 2024."

Natalie Ibu, Artistic Director Northern Stage said: “Mike Leigh’s iconic comedy rightly deserves its cult status. Jack’s vision brings it to life for audiences in 2024 with wit, humour and sprinkle of psychological drama – it will be spectacular. Jack is so committed to putting audiences at the centre of his work that people across the UK are in for a real treat.”

Abigail’s Party is a co-production between Northern Stage, Rose Theatre, Colchester Mercury Theatre and ETT and is supported by a grant from the Royal Theatrical Support Trust. Abigail’s Party will open at Northern Stage, Newcastle before touring to Mercury Theatre Colchester, Rose Theatre Kingston with more venues to be announced.

Tickets:

For more information or to book tickets visit https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/abigails-party/

Tickets are already on sale to members and on general sale from Tuesday 4 April.

Preview: The Bounds at Newcastle Live Theatre

 

Banging Cast Announced For Live Theatre’s Kick Off Production Of The Bounds

The Bounds by Stewart Pringle

Newcastle Live Theatre

Thursday 16 May - Saturday 8 June 2024

The hotly anticipated first play of Live Theatre’s new season, The Bounds by Stewart Pringle, has just announced a cast of major North East talent. Soroosh Lavasani, Ryan Nolan and Lauren Waine will lead the cast of the play, joined by alternating child actors James Green and Nathaniel Campbell-Goodwin. The play runs at Live Theatre in Newcastle before transferring to London’s prestigious Royal Court Theatre in June.

The Bounds is set during a village-wide football game in Northumberland in 1553, and follows two foul-mouthed friends, Percy and Rowan, stuck in rear defence who find themselves confronted by a strange visitor, Samuel, bringing news they don’t realise will change their lives.

Ryan Nolan

Ryan Nolan, who received huge acclaim for his 2022 performance of Live Theatre’s prison drama One Off, takes on the role of Percy. Nolan said: “Buzzing to be back at Live Theatre and collaborate again with Jack after One Off. Can’t wait to two foot Stewart’s delicious script with some brilliant North East talents, and bring some Tudor radgies to life!”

Lauren Waine

Lauren Waine, a former member of Live Youth Theatre, will play Rowan. She said: “I am thrilled to be making my Live Theatre debut in The Bounds. Having been part of the youth theatre, I am so excited to be back at Live Theatre in a professional capacity and also honoured to get to take this show to The Royal Court, flying the flag for the North East!’

Soroosh Lavasani

Playing Samuel is Soroosh Lavasani, last seen at Live Theatre in the 50^th anniversary reading of The Fileting App by Alex Oates. He said: “Getting an opportunity to develop characters who have been written so delicately that they can both fill you with joy and make you feel uneasy is very rare. All for such cherished establishments as Live Theatre and The Royal Court theatre. Looking forward to the adventure!”

Live Theatre’s Artistic Director Jack McNamara said: “We held open auditions for this production and the talent in our region is genuinely outstanding. A lot of people walked through our doors that we have never met before or have never been in full productions with us, including two of our final cast. There was an instant electricity between these three actors and I just knew they would take Stewart’s script to amazing new heights. I am so proud to think we will be going to London with this incredible showcase of North East brilliance.”

Tickets:

https://www.live.org.uk/whats-on/bounds

Contains strong language and violence.

BSL performance (28 May)
Audio Described
Captioned performance (29 May)