Review: Mr Stink at Jesmond Dene

Family Fun In The Park

Mr Stink

Jesmond Dene

Until 21^st June 2015.

The beautiful setting of Jesmond Dene was the venue for the outdoor performance by Heartbreak Productions of David Walliams’s MrStink. The outdoor season begins with this firm family favourite about 12 year old Chloe, who is finding her place in the world.

The venue is set up with a spot for picnics and small people on rugs near the stage, a place for people to put their camping seats in the middle and covered seating area at the back. Everyone ends up with a good view of the raised stage.  The sound is amplified subtly so everyone is able to hear. All you then need is a warm evening and you’ll be ready for a great night out with the family.

The show opens with the popular daughter Annabelle Crumb (Abigail Lamb) welcoming everyone to her birthday party. The audience are invited to sing happy birthday in the first of several chances for audience participation which seems to go well with both parents and the younger crowd.

It is clear from the gifts and comments from mother Mrs Crumb (Lily Carrie) that Annabelle is the popular daughter compared to Chloe (Samantha Dart). Poor Chloe is a creative person who writes stories and keeps a diary which she wants to share but her unsympathetic Mother doesn’t want to hear.  Only her Dad (Danny Milwain) encourages her.

The audience are sent back in time to the start of Chloe’s diary and her first encounter with the tramp who calls himself Mr Stink (Howard Scott Walker). Despite his odour Chloe quickly strikes up a friendship with Mr Stink as he doesn’t talk down to her.  Mr Stink eventually moves into the Crumb’s shed, but only Chloe knows about it.

Some politics does play a part in the story as Mrs Crumb stands for election off the back of some funny policies.  The only trouble is you could imagine some political parties actually wanting to adopt them.

There is also some social commentary about the reasons behind homelessness and the general public’s attitude to it, though it remains light-hearted.

The production, directed by Peter Mimmack,  retains the funny elements of David Walliams original book.  The real strength is in the acting which kept the attention of the younger members of the audience.  From the delightful interplay between Chloe, her Dad and Mr Stink to the slightly over the top mother and sister, the story was wonderfully staged.

The musical numbers, with support from members of the Gosforth Community Choir, fitted into the story well.

The story reflects well the insecurities of life for a 12 year old trying to make sense of the relationships with everyone that she meets. As Mr Stink says “A bully can only make you feel bad about yourself if you let them”.

Mr Stick is cracking story that shows everyone has a back story to tell.  The cast worked hard to entertain the theatregoers and the show went down well with audience members of all ages.  All we need now is a weekend of warm sunny weather to make it perfect!

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East Theatre Guide by Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo

Read the original North East Theatre Guide review HERE.

Creatives:

Original Story: David Walliams

Director: Peter Mimmack

Adaption: David Kerby-Kendall

Designer: Kate Wragg

Musical Director: Andy Guthrie

Composer: Derry Pope

Costumes: Libby Esler

Tickets:

Mr Stink will be performed at Coleman’s Field, Jesmond Dene:

          Friday, June 19th 6.30pm

          Saturday, June 20th 2pm and 6.30pm        

          Sunday, June 21st 6.30pm

The entrance is at Pet's Corner at Jesmond Dene and the box office opens one hour before the show starts.

Covered and uncovered seating is available. Ticket prices for covered seating (includes a chair under a tent):  Adult £16.50, Child £12.50, Concession £14.

Ticket prices for uncovered seating (bring your own chair/rug) :  Adult £13.50, Child £9.50, Concession £11. Family tickets are available for uncovered seats £45 (2 adults, 3 children). Uncovered under 5s and carers go free.

Tickets available via www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk.

Previews: Incredible Invaders & Groovy Greeks at Darlington Civic Theatre

MORE HORRIBLE HISTORIES UNEARTHED

Incredible Invaders & Groovy Greeks

Darlington Civic Theatre

Wednesday 24 to Sunday 28 June 2015

Two brand new Horrible Histories shows are coming to Darlington Civic Theatre from Wednesday 24 to Sunday 28 June.

Thousands of years after the Ruthless Romans, Savage Saxons & Vicious Vikings stormed ashore on the coast of Britain and the Gruesome Greeks competed in the first ever Olympic Games, you can relive those horribly exciting times by bringing your family to see Birmingham Stage Company’s brand new Horrible Histories stage shows coming to Darlington Civic Theatre from Wednesday 24 to Sunday 28 June.

In Incredible Invaders the Celts are crunched when the Ruthless Romans invaded Britain. Can crazy Caratacus save the nation? Hide behind Hadrian’s Wall and witness the Savage Saxons smash their way in. Can you stop King Alfred burning his buns? Discover who’s at Sutton Hoo and survive the Vicious Vikings as they sail into the audience. It’s a thousand year journey with Incredible Invaders!

Groovy Greeks takes us from savage Sparta to angry Athens to discover the truth about growing up in Greece. Take on the Trojans and pummel the Persians! Compete in the first ever Olympic Games and appear in the very first play! Meet your match with the Minotaur and be zapped by Zeus! Hold on tight as you gatecrash the gruesome and Groovy Greeks!

It’s history with the nasty bits left in!

Writer and Director Neal Foster said today “I had a hugely exciting time bringing the Groovy Greeks to life in Horrible Histories style and loved shining the spotlight on Celtic, Roman, Saxon and Viking life in Incredible Invaders. Both shows feature special amazing 3D effects that provide a spectacular way for both children and adults to enter these extraordinary historical periods.”

Incredible Invaders and Groovy Greeks look like being BSC’s best Horrible Histories theatre shows yet - designed to both entertain and educate their audiences from ages 5 to 105! Come and goggle at the goings on of those Groovy Greeks and let the Incredible Invaders ignite your imaginations to learn more about our island’s early history.

Tickets:

Horrible Histories comes to Darlington Civic Theatre from Wednesday 24 to Sunday 28 June. Tickets are priced £13 for Adults and £9.50 for Children.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

Preview: Aladdin at Customs House

New Production Is En Pointe

Aladdin

South Shields Customs House

Friday 19^th June 2015.

A classic fairytale will pirouette into a north east theatre this week.

Ballet Theatre UK return to The Customs House in South Shields to bring their production of Aladdin to life on Friday June 19^th.

The company returns after its successful production of The Little Mermaid last summer.

Customs House Executive Director Ray Spencer said: “We are delighted to welcome Ballet Theatre UK back to The Customs House.  The Little Mermaid was absolutely stunning and we can’t wait to see what they do with Aladdin.  With just one rub of the magical lamp, Aladdin’s journey will sweep you into an exotic world full of daring adventure, enchanting spells and true love.”

Tricked by an evil sorcerer, Aladdin sets out on a quest in search for the ultimate treasure. Deceived, Aladdin is left alone in a dark and damp cave but it leads to him uncovering a life-changing object - a dusty old lamp.

This exotic tale is brought to life through the magic of classical ballet.

David Brewer, who plays Aladdin, said: “When it comes to translating something into ballet you need to find the truth behind every step you do.  One of my favourite moments is when Aladdin is dancing with the princess and he’s found a way into the world he’s been dreaming of.”

Sarah Mortimer, who plays his princess, said: “Every girl would love to be a princess but what I like about this one is she has an adventurous side.”

Charlotte Eades, who plays the Slave of the Ring, added: “The rehearsal process is really interesting and fun. You learn so much about yourself to really push the limits.”

Ballet Theatre UK are returning to The Customs House next year to perform The Snow Queen – the story Disney’s smash-hit Frozen was inspired by.

Tickets:

Tickets for Aladdin at The Customs House on Friday at 7.45pm are £18 and £10 for under 16s and are available from the box office on 0191 454 1234 or by visiting www.customshouse.co.uk.

Preview: Top Hat at Sunderland Empire

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR TRIPLE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

Top Hat

Sunderland Empire

Wednesday 24 June – Saturday 4 July 2015

Top Hat, winner of three Olivier Awards, for ‘Best New Musical’, ‘Best Choreography’, ‘Best Costume Design’ from its seven nominations and winner of the Evening Standard Award for ‘Best Night Out’, is on an epic 47-week UK tour, visiting 24 theatres nationwide and returning to the North East to play Sunderland Empire from Wednesday 24^th June – Saturday 4^th July 2015.

The world premiere stage production of Top Hat opened in the West End at the Aldwych Theatre on 9 May 2012 where it played over 600 performances during its run of nearly two years. Prior to the West End, the production previously enjoyed a sell-out UK Tour in 2011.

Stepping into the shoes of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the lead roles of Jerry Travers and Dale Tremont, are Alan Burkitt and Charlotte Gooch, who both return to Top Hat having previously performed these roles in the West End. They are joined by Clive Hayward who returns as Horace Hardwick, the role he played in the West End, Rebecca Thornhill as Madge Hardwick, Sebastien Torkia as Alberto Beddini and John Conroy as Horace’s valet Bates.

Ensemble and swing members are Lucy Ashenden, Thomas Audibert, Caroline Bateson, Sophie Camble, Matthew Caputo, Kristy Cullen, Paul Farrell, Ian Goss, Carys Gray, Alyn Hawke, Rebecca Hodge, Samuel Humphreys, Thomas Inge, Thomas-Lee Kidd, Sarah-Marie Maxwell, David McKechnie, John McManus, George Olney, Ben Palmer, Holly Rostron, Maria Ward, Amy West and Monique Young.

Top Hat is directed by Matthew White and choreographed by Bill Deamer (Olivier Award winner for Best Choreography), set designs are by Hildegard Bechtler (Olivier Award nominee for Best Set Design), costume designs by Jon Morrell (Olivier Award winner for Best Costume Design), lighting design by Peter Mumford, sound by Gareth Owen (Olivier Award nominee for Best Sound Design), new orchestrations by Chris Walker and musical supervision by Richard Balcombe.

Jerry Travers (Alan Burkitt), the famous American tap dancer, arrives in London to appear in his first West End show. Travers meets the irresistible Dale Tremont (Charlotte Gooch), the girl of his dreams, and follows her across Europe in an attempt to win her heart. 

With music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and based on the RKO motion picture, the screenplay by Dwight Taylor and Allan Scott has been adapted for the stage by Matthew White and Howard Jacques and is presented by arrangement with RKO Pictures LLC, Warner Bros Theatre Ventures Inc. and the Irving Berlin Music Company. 

Nominated for four Academy Awards, RKO’s Top Hat was the most successful picture of the nine movies Astaire and Rogers made together. It premiered at the Radio City Music Hall in 1935 where it broke all box office records. Within a few weeks, all five songs from the film occupied the top five places on the American Hit Parade. It is still widely regarded as one of the greatest dance musicals of all time.

Performed by a cast of 29 and accompanied by 11 live musicians, this multi award-winning musical comedy includes Irving Berlin classics from the movie such as Cheek to Cheek, Isn’t It a Lovely Day to be Caught in the Rain and Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.  In addition, from Berlin’s 1200 strong back catalogue, a further ten numbers have been interpolated including well-loved favourites Let’s Face the Music and Dance and Puttin’ On the Ritz.

Alan Burkitt started his career winning the All England Tap Dancer of the Year award. A member of the original West End cast of Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre, Burkitt understudied the lead role of Jerry Travers for both Tom Chambers and Gavin Lee. He received rave reviews when he stood in for Lee on press night, a success story documented by Channel 4 for the TV series ‘The Sound of Musicals’. Other recent stage credits include: Singin’ in the Rain, Andy Lee in 42^nd Street (Chichester Festival Theatre), the Prince in Adam Cooper’s Shall We Dance(Sadler’s Wells), Cats (German Tour) and We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre).

Charlotte Gooch took over the lead role of Dale Tremont from Summer Strallen in the West End, performing alongside Tom Chambers as Jerry Travers. Gooch performed the lead role of Penny Johnson in Dirty Dancing in the West End at the Piccadilly Theatre and also in the original national tour. Other recent stage credits include: the lead role of Sandy in Grease (UK Tour), Cats (German Tour) and the workshop of Swing Time, dancing a duet with Anton du Beke.

Top Hat is produced by Kenny Wax, and his partners on the production are Stewart Lane and Bonnie Comley, Ted Hartley, Flora Suk-Hwa Yoon and Lee Menzies.

On The Web:

Website: www.tophatonstage.com

Tickets:

Tickets available in person at the Box Office or booking online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland* plus a transaction fee applies. Premium seats also available.

Booking Information:

Box Office: 0844 871 3022*

Groups 10+: 0844 871 3042

Online: www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland

*Booking fee applies

Preview: Mr Stink at Jesmond Dene

Heartbreak Productions returns to

Newcastle with its 24th Summer Tour

Mr Stink

Coleman’s Field, Jesmond Dene, Newcastle

Friday 19^th – Sunday 21^st June 2015.

Heartbreak Productions is returning to Coleman’s Field, Jesmond Dene on Friday 19^th– Sunday 21^st June with its family show, Mr Stink, an original adaptation of the successful David Walliams novel.

Mr Stink unfolds at a birthday party for Annabelle Crumb, the spoiled sister of the book’s heroine, Chloe. With the audience members as party guests, this interactive, outdoor adaptation of the story focuses on themes of bullying, acceptance, and tricky family dynamics as Chloe’s new friendship with the homeless Mr Stink threatens to derail her mother’s political and social ambitions.

Jane Austen’s Emma

Later in the summer, Heartbreak will also be offering the Newcastle audiences Jane Austen’s Emma and Shakespeare’s Love’s Labours Lost.

Mr Stink

Heartbreak Productions aims to tell stories that inspire, entertain, and

challenge, and this summer, the stories also carry a common theme centred on young people. With that in mind, Heartbreak is offering a 2 for 1 discount to audience members aged 16-24 at its Saturday matinees. These special offer tickets can be purchased at the venue on the day of the performance. Limited availability.

Mr Stink and Chloe

Peter Mimmack, Artistic Director of Heartbreak Productions explained “The hero of the piece Chloe is going through the trauma of hormonal teenage years with an unsympathetic and controlling mother. Her impetuosity of housing the local tramp Mr Stink lead her family to the brink of breaking up.

This is a story about a young girl growing up, the fragility of family life and how emotional support can come from the most unlikely of sources.”

Tickets:

Mr Stink will be performed at Coleman’s Field, Jesmond Dene:

·        Friday, June 19th 6.30pm

·        Saturday, June 20th 2pmand 6.30pm

·        Sunday, June 21st 6.30pm

The entrance is at Pet's Corner at Jesmond Dene and the box office opens one hour before the show starts.
Covered and uncovered seating is available. Ticket prices for covered seating (includes a chair under a tent):  Adult £16.50, Child £12.50, Concession £14.

Ticket prices for uncovered seating (bring your own chair/rug) :  Adult £13.50, Child £9.50, Concession £11. Family tickets are available for uncovered seats £45 (2 adults, 3 children). Uncovered under 5s and carers go free.

Tickets available via www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk

  Buskers Event: https://www.facebook.com/AcousticCircus

 Link to Hanzel Und Gretal gig event page

Preview: No Sleep ‘Til Scotland! at Alphabetti Theatre

Nine spoken word shows in just one day!

No Sleep ‘Til Scotland!

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre,

Saturday 1 August 2015.

In a brand-new partnership, Apples and Snakes together with Alphabetti Theatre are starting a new annual tradition in the north-east cultural calendar with this showcase of performance poetry en route to Edinburgh.

Nine artists from around the country have been invited to preview their full-length solo shows in Newcastle’s newest theatre space, a chance for them to hone their bucket pitches and impress reviewers before crossing the border to craziness that is Edinburgh fringe festival. 

David Lee Morgan with ‘Building God’

Audiences can expect a staggering variety of styles and subjects, from dark literary fairy tales to scathing political satires, and all in a ‘drop-in’ festival format. If the next show doesn’t take your fancy, simply take a break at the outdoor buskers’ stage for some music, open mic and a bite to eat.

Agnes Torok with 

‘If You’re Happy And You 

Know It – Take This Survey’

Kirsten Luckins, who is the North Co-ordinator for Apples and Snakes said “Both Alphabetti and Apples are committed to fostering excellent new writing and supporting emerging artists. It made complete sense for us to work together on this event, which will introduce audiences to a wide variety of high-quality, thought-provoking and entertaining spoken word shows”. 

Matt MacDonald with

‘Something Wicked

This Way Comes’

In keeping with our passion for developing artists, we have invited regional artists with debut shows to rub shoulders with multiple-award-winning veterans of the scene. The line-up includes several award-winners and slam-winners, including the 2014 BBC Slam Champion David Lee Morgan. Our headline act is a new piece from Sophia Walker, whose previous works have been voted Best Solo Spoken Word Show in the Saboteur Awards two years running.

Ali Pritchard, Artistic Director of Alphabetti Theatre, added “We are so excited to have this event with us, having artists like Sophia Walker and David Lee Morgan on our stage is something really special and it’s we can’t wait to welcome back the likes of AJ McKenna and Jenni Pascoe with their debut solo shows.”

Tickets

No Sleep ‘Til Scotland! Comes to Alphabetti Theatre, Basement, 18 New Bridge Street West, Newcastle NE1 8AW on Saturday 1 August 2015, 11am – 1am

Tickets: FREE! Pay what you want in the bucket at the end!

Full List Of Shows And Artist Blogs

Jennie Pascoe with ‘Workie Ticket’

How many times can you fall on your feet and get the cream before you get to your ninth life?

Jenni Pascoe is the founder and host of the immensely successful spoken word cabaret, JibbaJabba.

Matt MacDonald with ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’

Remember when you were scared of the dark? You soon will…fairy tales – with no happily ever after.

Matt MacDonald is published by Red Squirrel Press. This is his debut show.

Henry Raby with ‘Up The Nerd Punks!’

Henry dissects friendship, growing up, protest, feminism and dinosaurs. Think Joe Strummer battling a Tory-voting Darth Vader.

Henry Raby is the founder and host of York’s Say Owt Slam.

Agnes Torok with ‘If You’re Happy And You Know It – Take This Survey’

A show about pursuing and finding happiness in strange and scientific places.

Agnes Torok won the PBH award for Best International Spoken Word Show in 2014 and is a multiple slam-winner, current holder of the StAnza Slam title.

Hannah Chutzpah with ‘Asking Nicely’

All about the power dynamics of permission and politeness – with rhymes and reasons. Contains: feminism, funnies, psychology, sociology, wit and wordplay

Hannah Chutzpah is a poet and activist, and runs Whippersnapper Press.

David Lee Morgan with ‘Building God’

Communism or Oblivion? London, UK and BBC slam poetry champion spits over music tracks produced and mixed by CloudFistConceptz.

David Lee Morgan is the current BBC Slam champion.

Sara Hirsch with ‘How Was It For You?’

A hilariously awkward, poetic unravelling of what it is to be single for the first time since being a teenager.

Sara Hirsch was UK Slam Champion 2013/14. This is her debut show.

AJ McKenna with ‘The Howl Of the Bantee’

An angry trans lesbian poet bashes back at Banter Culture.

AJ McKenna is a multi-slam winning poet and activist.

Sophia Walker with ‘Cult Friction’

When cult tactics meet Apple's marketing machines, can Jane Fonda and a belieber save us?

Sophia Walker is a former BBC Slam champion, and winner of the Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Show 2013 and 2014.