Preview: Roll for Initiative: The Wizard’s Tower at Newcastle Dance City

 Gaming meets theatre in an interactive comedy fantasy quest adventure! 

Luna Attic Productions presents
Roll for Initiative: The Wizard’s Tower

Newcastle Dance City

Thursday 25th July 2024

After a successful run at the 2023 Newcastle Fringe Festival, then followed by multiple sell-out shows at Alphabetti Theatre, Roll for Initiative are back with their fantasy-quest inspired show The Wizard’s Tower!

Roll for Initiative is an interactive performance combining theatre with popular role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons. It is an interactive show blending theatre, improvisation, and interactive gaming into live playable audience experiences where no two shows are the same. Roll for Initiative is created largely by the audience for the performers to act out in a choose-your-own-adventure style theatrical experience; from creating the characters, building the locations, and rolling the giant 20 sided dice to determine the outcome of events.

The Wizard’s Tower is Roll for Initiative’s debut show, taking inspiration from the fantasy genre in a comedy quest adventure. Starting in a tavern, the audience is guided through the show by the Quest Master (who facilitates the show); from the creation of the Heroes through to the quest they will tackle and the creatures they’ll meet along the way, culminating in a final boss battle in The Wizard’s Tower. How our heroes reach the tower and what happens en-route is all completely down to the audience interactions, suggestions, and the rolls of our giant 20-sided dice.

The show is produced by Luna Attic Productions, the creative space for actor/director Michelle Bayly. Michelle’s work draws upon her passion for bringing communities together, collaboration, creating magical stories, and thinking of new ways to engage a wide range of audiences to enjoy a variety of productions. Post pandemic, Michelle wanted to create a live interactive show, mixing theatre and gaming together. Recognising the wish for audiences to feel more actively involved during shows, and seeing an ever increasing gaming and tabletop fan base, Roll for Initiative was born. 

The Roll for Initiative team is made up of a team of actors, musicians, comedians, improvisers, and directors: Graham Oakes, Hazel Dixon, Liam Scarth, Michelle Bayly, Helen Doyle, Jake Wilson Craw, Lewis Black, Michael Curry, Adam Harrison and Casey Railton.

On The Web:

Website: linktr.ee/rollforinitiativeshow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rollforinitiativeshow
X: @RollForShow
Instagram: @rollforinitiativeshow
Tiktok: @rollforinitiativeshow

Tickets:

Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/newcastle-fringe-festival/roll-for-initiative-the-wizard-s-tower/2024-07-25/20:00/t-lnrndva
Age Recommendation: 15+ with adult recommended. Under 15's may attend accompanied by an adult, but we warn there may be strong language and adult themes mentioned within the show from audience suggestions.

Box Office: 0191 261 0505

Venue: Dance City, Temple Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4BR
Date: Thursday 25th July 2024
Time: 20:00 (arrive for 19:30 to create your character sheets)
Running time: 2 hours with a 15 minute interval

News: Festive Comedy show Laffs4Kids heads to Utilita Arena Newcastle this December

Festive Comedy show Laffs4Kids heads to Utilita Arena Newcastle this December

 Laffs4Kids is coming to Utilita Arena Newcastle on Sunday, 15th December!

Produced and compered by Jason Cook, the event is a fantastic feel-good Christmas show bringing together some of the best comedy stand-up acts, well known faces from TV and some extra special guests too.

Laffs4Kids is not only a great show, it raises money to support the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas appeal which aims to ensure every child wakes up to a gift on Christmas Day. Audience members are asked to bring a gift with them on show day which will be given to a local child living in poverty. This generous Geordie audience have donated a total of 88,000 toys since Laffs4Kids began in 2015. For many people Laffs4Kids kick starts the festive period with the audience returning year after year and in 2024, the time has come for a BIG move to the Utilita Arena! 

There are over 40,000 North East children living in poverty who will potentially wake up to nothing on Christmas Day and we need your help! Everyone attending Laffs4Kids is asked to bring along a toy or gift which will be given to a local child. Gifts should be new, unwrapped and can be dropped off with the Cash for Kids team on show day for ages 0-18 years of age’

Tickets:

Please note that the show is for 16+.

Tickets for Laffs4Kids at Utilita Arena Newcastle on Sunday 15th December go on sale from Friday 12th July at 10:00AM from www.ticketmaster.co.uk.

Preview: Bat Out of Hell - The Musical at Sunderland Empire

 Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical returns to tour the UK - 

Visiting Sunderland Empire from 18 - 23 August 2025

Following a successful UK, Ireland and International tour from 2021 - 2023 the Award-winning Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical, featuring Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s greatest hits, will return to tour the UK in 2025, with performances at Sunderland Empire from Monday 18 - Saturday 23 August 2025.

Inspired by the spectacular arena tour of Australia and New Zealand, this reimagined show promises to be a thrilling experience, featuring a dynamic eight-piece rock band on stage and sprawling multi-level platforms that will transport you through the diverse worlds of Bat Out of Hell, from Raven’s bedroom to the depths of the Lost’s underground domains.

Returning to the cast are Glenn Adamson (We Will Rock You, London Coliseum, Bat Boy in concert, London Palladium) as Strat, Katie Tonkinson (Bonnie and Clyde, UK & Ireland Tour) as Raven and original leading cast members Rob Fowler (MAMMA MIA!, UK & International tour, Tanz Der Vampire Das Musical, German tour) as Falco and Sharon Sexton (MAMMA MIA!, UK & International tour, Billy Elliot The Musical) as Sloane.

Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical wowed critics and public alike when it played limited seasons at Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum and London’s Dominion Theatre. The musical also had successful runs in Canada, Germany and New York, a residency in Las Vegas and the international tour took the show to the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical won the Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical at the Evening Standard Awards and was nominated for 8 WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical.

Bat Out of Hell became one of the best-selling albums in history, selling over 68 million copies worldwide.  16 years after the release of the original album, Steinman scored again with Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell, which contained the massive hit I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).

For the stage musical, the legendary and award-winning Jim Steinman incorporated iconic songs from the Bat Out of Hell albums, including You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth, Bat Out of Hell, I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) and Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad, as well as the previously unreleased song What Part of My Body Hurts the Most.

As the Lost boys and girls flee into the tunnels below the city from its ruler Falco, his teenage daughter Raven locks eyes with fearless leader of the Lost, the immortal Strat, and the immensity of their love-at-first-sight-obsessions threaten to destroy both of their families. Experience the thrill of the electrifying songs of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf's epic collaboration: “Bat Out of Hell.”

Bat Out of Hell - The Musical has book, music and lyrics by Jim Steinman, direction by Jay Scheib, with musical supervision and additional arrangements by Michael Reed, additional choreography by Xena Gusthart, set and costume design by Jon Bausor, original costume designs by Meentje Nielsen, original wig designs by Linda McKnight, video design by Finn Ross, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestration by Steve Sidwell, original casting by David Grindrod CDG and casting by Anne Vosser.

The West End & UK Tour of Bat Out of Hell – The Musical is produced by Michael Cohl, Tony Smith & David Sonenberg with executive producer Julian Stoneman.

 

Tickets:

Bat Out of Hell - The Musical will rock on Sunderland Empire’s stage from Monday 18 – Saturday 23 August 2025. ATG+ TheatreCard pre-sale tickets available 10am Friday 5 July. General ticket on sale 10am Monday 8 July at https://tinyurl.com/BatInSUnderland *

*A £3.95 transaction fee applies to online bookings.

Preview: Birdsong at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

There is nothing more than to love and be loved 

Birdsong

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 January 2025

Award-winning actor Max Bowden, best known for the roles of Ben Mitchell in Eastenders and Justin Fitzgerald in Waterloo Road, will star as Jack Firebrace in Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks’ epic story of love and loss, when it returns to the Newcastle Theatre Royal stage. 

The critically acclaimed show, adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Alastair Whatley, tells the story of one man’s journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the First World War.

In pre-war France, a young Englishman, Stephen Wraysford, embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their world upside down. As the war breaks out over the idyll of his former life, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep underground. Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world explodes around him.

  

On taking on the lead role in a tour marking the 30th anniversary of the international best-selling novel, Max Bowden said: “I’m so excited to be collaborating with Original Theatre again on a project close to my heart. Birdsong highlights the tragedy of war, yet the beauty of humanity simultaneously through strong relationships under extreme circumstances, and I can’t wait to bring Jack Firebrace to life under their guidance.”

 

Alastair Whatley, Director of Birdsong and Artistic Director of Original Theatre, said “Max joined us to play the character of Tipper, a young soldier, in the 2016 tour of Birdsong and now the best part of a decade later returns to play the wonderful role of Jack Firebrace. I cannot wait to get back in the rehearsal room with Max to explore one of Sebastian’s most unforgettable characters.”

Photos: Michael Wharley

Tickets:

Birdsong plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 January 2025. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Preview: Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life on tour

 Award-winning inspirational true story returns to the stage for an exclusive four-date tour this Summer 

CaroleW Productions presents an exclusive micro tour of 

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life 

Friday 26 - Monday 29 July 2024

Performed by Keith Alessi 

Directed by Erika Conway 

Following a series of international sell-out runs, Keith Alessi is returning to the North East & Cumbria for an exclusive four-date tour of his hit one-man show Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life this July, presented by CaroleW Productions. 

Audiences are invited to four eclectic venues to hear Keith Alessi share his exceptional true story of leaving the world of corporate board rooms behind to follow his long-delayed passion—playing the banjo.

When faced with a deadly cancer battle, his musical pursuit took him on a journey that became the key to saving his life. Told through authentic storytelling, heartfelt humour and music, this show is an uplifting story of challenge, triumph, and the power of positivity. 

Carole Wears, founder of CaroleW Productions, said: “Keith’s show is an intimate experience sure to leave audiences feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to dust off their own long-forgotten dreams. Keith’s unique life journey makes his story all the more relatable and inspiring, and his message of hope and resilience resonates with people from all walks of life. We are delighted that Keith is returning to the North East & Cumbria to share his story with audiences ahead of his run at Surgeon’s Hall at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. We guarantee this show will stay with you long after the applause has ended. Don’t miss it!”

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life will be performed in Cumbria at Staveley Roundhouse in Kendal on Friday 26 July at 7.30pm before paying a visit to Northumberland for a performance at Wark Mechanics Institute and Town Hall in Hexham on Saturday 27 July at 7pm. Audiences in Newcastle can catch the show at Gosforth Civic Theatre on Sunday 28 July at 3pm before it heads to the coast in North Tyneside for a final performance at Cullercoats Watch House on Monday 29 July at 7.30pm. 

Keith is neither an actor nor a musician. His journey to the stage was a highly improbable one. Featuring the grassroots sound of the banjo, Keith takes audiences on the journey of his unique personal story about how music was the catalyst to ultimately saving his life.

The show has been highly awarded and has toured internationally, including sold-out runs across Canada, Off-Broadway in New York City, and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland.

Director, Erika Conway, said: “Keith is an entertaining and dynamic storyteller. But, it is his bravery, authenticity and vulnerability on stage that holds the real power to this piece. We have purposefully constructed it in a way that allows him to engage audiences in the journey, disarm them with music and humour and then pull at their heartstrings. It has been an absolute privilege to be a part of bringing this incredible story to the stage. I hope audiences will reflect on their own journeys and unlock passions that have been tucked away.”

Since its humble beginnings as a six-show experiment, Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life has grown into a powerful force for good, raising money for important causes and touching countless lives. 

A heartfelt passion project that began as a nudge after Keith Alessi’s life took a major turn, it has been his mission to raise money for causes close to his heart. Through donations, including 100% of all artist fees, the show has, so far, raised over £765,000 as of March 2024 for various cancer, community, music, and theatre charities.

All the money earned from ticket sales at these four performances will be donated to eight charities and good causes across the North East & Cumbria. Organisations to receive a donation are Staveley Roundhouse Theatre in Kendal; Wark Mechanics Institute and Town Hall; The Monday Men, a group of men who maintain the village of Wark; Core Music in Hexham, a safe, supportive space for musicians of any age and ability to connect, create, develop, study and play; Daft as a Brush, who transport cancer patients to and from hospital free of charge; Radio Tyneside, a hospital and community radio station for Newcastle and Gateshead; Liberdade Community Development Trust the disability arts organisation who ounded, and run, Gosforth Civic Theatre; and Cullercoats Watch House Restoration Fund which aims to restore the former lookout post to make it once again a thriving and inviting community hub. 

Photos: Tom Hall

Tickets:

For more information about Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life and to book tickets, visit www.carolewproductions.com/tomatoes-tried-to-kill-me.

REVIEW: Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch

Newcastle Theatre Royal 

Until Thursday 4 July 2024

A parody musical that began life at the Edinburgh Fringe has been revised, extended and given the big stage treatment. It keeps the lovely brashness that made it such a fresh hit in the first place. One for the broad minded adults who love a laugh, it is a real shame that this show only has two more shows left in the Newcastle run.

I will say this again - it is a show for adults - before I say that it can be viewed as a spin off from Disney's Little Mermaid. What about the characters of the sea that were too ugly to feature? What was their story? ...and poor Ursula, the sea witch. She got a lot of bad press in the original movie. Was she that bad?

Now is the time for Ursula to tell her side of the story.

Shawna Hamic may be known to UK audiences from Orange Is The New Black but as someone who has appeared on Broadway, she knows how to make an appearance and to star on the stage. Her Ursula is a fabulous character who is able to put a completely different spin on the sea witch. You quickly warmed to her character, helped by breaking the fourth wall with a knowing look. Add in a decent singing voice and you have the central core of a great show.

Ursula falls in love with Triton (Thomas Lowe) but, after the death of the sea cucumber Kirsty, Ursula is banished away. Matters then become complicated when Ariel (River Medway) enters the scene. You then have a range of characters performed by Allie Dart and Julian Capolei plus a great ensemble cast. They have a real energy about the performance that helps the 130 minute plus interval fly by.

This is a camp revisionist of a popular story directed with pace by Robyn Grant, who is - along with Daniel Foxx - responsible for the book. It is a love story, but it has a number of layers between the characters. What really lifts this tale are the songs. Following on from the trend set by our favourites Vulvarine and Tom and Bunny Save The World we have a set of memorable songs that help with both character development and exposition. The lyrics are important rather than just fluff. Ask The Girl is one such standout track. My companion says that they want to add the cast recording to their collection.

The show is funny and charming. A hard working cast keep the action flowing and the audience smiling. It works as a show and it is great to see this one grow from the first acorns we saw before the pandemic. True, it is camp. But the caring sentimentality is far more poignant.

We left with smiles on our faces. This is a "new" musical that is worth checking out.

(...and because it is the law when we write about these guys - please bring back Vulvarine, release a cast recording - especially the cat song!)

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Pamela Raith

Tickets:

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 2 – Thursday 4 July 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Preview: Made In Dagenham at Darlington Hippodrome

 North East theatre company announce full casting for Made In Dagenham

Made In Dagenham 

Darlington Hippodrome 

Wednesday 23 October - Saturday 2 November 2024

Full casting has been revealed for the DarlingtonOS production of Made in Dagenham coming to Darlington Hippodrome in October.

Ellen Dunbavin-Lomas and Charlotte Sisson will share the role of Rita O’Grady, James Bearpark and Jason Slater will share the role of Rita’s husband, Eddie. Claire Willmer will take on the role of the feisty MP Barbara Castle and Neil Harland will portray Prime Minister Harold Wilson. 

These leading performers will be joined by David Murray as Mr Tooley, Julian Cound as Monty, Sam Morrison as Connie, Sasha Gibbs as Cass, Zoe Kent as Beryl, Rhiannon Walker as Sandra and Eddie Taylor-Jones and Kirsty Furness as Mr and Mrs Hopkins.

 Made In Dagenham cast members

The cast also features Lucy Adams as Claire, Scott Edwards as Macer, Barry I’Anson as Hubble, Alex Taylor-Garthwaite as Sid, Joshua Kay as Barry, Patrick Callan as Buckton and Luke Oldfield as Stan, all supported by a 17 strong ensemble cast of DarlingtonOS regulars and several newcomers to the company.

Made In Dagenham is a powerhouse musical comedy inspired by a true story about friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what’s right. The show’s themes are relevant today with the current status of the gender pay gap over five decades after the famous 1968 strike at the Dagenham Ford factory.

Essex, 1968. When Ford’s Dagenham car plant drops female workers’ pay, working mum Rita leads her friends in a battle against the mighty Ford company and the corrupted union supposed to protect them. As the women’s journey progresses, so the pressure mounts. Can Rita keep up the fight and the happy home she’s built?

Enduringly funny, touching and timeless, Made In Dagenham shows how ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they stand together.

Tickets:

Directed by Jo Hand with musical direction by Steven Hood, Made In Dagenham will run at Darlington Hippodrome from Wednesday 23 October to Saturday 2 November. 

Book now for the ultimate feel-good night out. Call the ticket hotline on 01325 244659 or book online at darlingtonos.org.uk