Review: Continuum at Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

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Continuum written by Richard Stockwell

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

Until Friday 25^th March 2016

Written by Richard Stockwell, originally developed with Live Theatre

Directed & Produced by Ali Pritchard

Assistant Producer Josie Deacon

Performed by:

Matt Jamie

Rosie Stancliffe

Arabella Arnott

James Barton

Designed by James Pickering

Continuum began its life as a new piece of writing at Newcastle’s Live Theatre. Ali Pritchard has now produced a new version of the play that they hope to take on tour. Based upon the opening preview night, the intense show has real potential.

Jenny (Rosie Stancliffe) pays partner Ben (Matt Jamie) a visit every day in hospital. Ben has been in a coma since his car crash and hence he doesn’t respond to her monologue about the nature of domestic life.  For once she can rant about how he lives beyond their collective means without fear of any come back.

Adding to Jenny’s frustration is the fact that the doctor (Arabella Arnott) is reluctant to discuss the case as Jenny is not the next of kin. Eventually Ben awakes but the impact to his brain has robbed him of significant parts of his memory. Jenny and Dr Carol then attempt to rehabilitate Ben, who may have lost his memory but now has a different personality.

The production takes place in the centre of the venue, with tiered seating on both sides. James Pickering’s design relies on a significant number of technical lighting changes as the conversation oscillates between Ben’s internal dialogue and conversations with Jenny and with his physician. The rapid interplay helps create an intensity.

Rosie Stancliffe and Arabella Arnott play strong leads as women trying to be understanding but having their own baggage to deal with. It is easy to have empathy for Rosie’s character as she tries to make sense of the situation. Arabella shows the patience and sacrifices made by health professionals. James Barton completes the line up of actors as he tries to come to grips with Ben’s recent actions.

Matt Jamie brings Ben alive, complete with all of the contradictions that can result from a mental trauma.  It would have been easy for him to go over the top resulting in a character that it was difficult to care about. Having said that, the plays’ dialogue makes this show unsuitable for children.

The show is well worth checking out, especially when you consider that it is on a “pay what you decide” basis. You can reserve tickets and pay what you feel it is worth upon departure. This is a brave decision which the theatre hopes will encourage theatre goers to take a punt as there is no risk to their bank balance.

Continuum is a powerful study into the fragility of relationships and the imposition that comes with caring for someone.  A strong cast ensures that no performance disintegrate into caricature. It is another show that will help put Alphabetti on the North East theatre map for excellence without major cost.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for 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 preview: LINK 

Tickets:

When: Performance starts 7:30pm

Where Alphabetti Theatre, The Basement of 18 New Bridge Street West Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AW

Ticket Price: Pay what you feel

Reserve tickets online: http://alphabettitheatre.co.uk/whats-on/24-whats-on-articles/167-continuum

Running Length Approx 1 hour.

Age Recommendation 14+ (please be aware strong language is used)

Preview: Save The Last Dance For Me at Sunderland Empire

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FINAL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2016 UK TOUR OF
SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME

Starring AntonyCosta & North East Star Elizabeth Carter    
Introducing Lola Saunders

Save The Last Dance For Me

Sunderland Empire

Monday 9^th  - Saturday 14^th  May 2016

Final casting has been announced for the UK tour ofSave the Last Dance for Me. North East’s Lola Saunders, a finalist on The X Factor 2014, will make her theatrical debut in the role of Jennifer starring alongside previously announced Antony Costa as Milton, with Wayne Robinson as Curtis and Elizabeth Carter returning to the role of Marie.

From the writers, producers, creators and director of the huge success Dreamboats and Petticoats, Save the Last Dance for Me will take you back through the 'music and magic' of the early 60's, a time when each passing week brought another Rock'n'Roll classic. The production will start its UK tour at Theatre Royal Windsor from Wednesday 6^th April.

Written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran (of ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’, ‘Birds of a Feather’ and ‘The New Statesman’) the show features the unmistakable music of Doc Pomus & Mort Shuman, authentically recreating the Rock 'n' Roll sound live on stage with hits including Sweets for my Sweet, Please Mr. Postman, Viva Las Vegas, Can’t Get Used to Losing You, the title track Save the Last Dance For Me and more. This nostalgic, feel-good journey will transport you back to music's golden era.

Save the Last Dance for Me follows two teenage sisters through the summer of '63 as they embark, for the first time without their parents, on a holiday to the seaside. Full of freedom and high spirits they meet a handsome young American who invites them to a dance at the local U.S.Air force base... But young love and holiday romance is never as simple as it sounds, and the sisters soon realise that while the world around them is still watching itself in black and white, life and love can be much more colourful.

Lola Saunders (Jennifer) came to the public’s attention on The X Factor in 2014, becoming the UK’s most famous fishmonger almost overnight! Originally from East Boldon in South Tyneside, Lola wowed the judges with her powerful voice and soulful tone taking her as far as the judges’ houses before being sent home - only to return for the live shows as Cheryl Fernandez-Versini’s wildcard. Most recently Lola has been headlining concerts around the UK and writing and recording new music. Save the Last Dance for Me is her theatrical debut.

Elizabeth Carter (Marie) played Marie in the 2013 UK tour of Bill Kenwright's Save the Last Dance for Me. Her theatre credits include Dreamboats and Petticoats (UK tour 2012 for Bill Kenwright Ltd) and the original cast of Dreamboats and Miniskirts (UK tour 2014/15 for Bill Kenwright Ltd). Elizabethalso appeared in The Wizard of Oz (Popular Productions) and PeterPan (Evolution Productions).

Wayne Robinson (Curtis) most recently appeared in Kiss Me, Kate (Opera North / National Tour), Thriller (West End/International tour) and In The Heights (Southwark Playhouse). Wayne’s many other theatre credits include Stephen Ward (West End), We Will Rock You (West End) and The Wiz (Birmingham Rep/West Yorkshire Playhouse).

Previously announced, Antony Costa(Milton) has previously appeared on stage in Blood Brothers (West End) and Boogie Nights (UK Tour). He is best known as one of the members of Blue, one of the biggest British boy bands of the Noughties, who enjoyed chart success with three number one albums and 11 Top Ten singles including their debut song All Rise. Blue, which also included Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan and Duncan James, disbanded in 2004 but then reunited in 2011 and that year they represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. This year they released their fifth studio album Coloursbefore embarking on a UK tour.

The cast also includes: Sackie Osakonor, Rachel Nottingham, Kieran Kuypers, Joe McCourt, Andrew Joseph, Michael Kantola, Chris Coxon, Sheridan Lloyd, Josef Pitura-Riley, Alan Howell, Anna Campkin and Kate Hardistry.

Directed by Bill Kenwright; Designer Mark Bailey; Sound Designer Dan Samson; Lighting Designer Tim Oliver; Musical Supervisor Tom de Keyser; Choreographer Bill Deamer.

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/preview-save-last-dance-for-me-at.html

Tickets:

Tickets available from the Box Office on High Street West, via the ticket centre 0844 871 3022* or www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland

*calls cost 7p per minute plus standard network charges. Booking and transaction fees may apply to telephone and online bookings.

Preview: Stones in His Pockets at South Shields Customs House

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Anniversary Tour is Sure to be a Hit

Stones in His Pockets

South Shields Customs House

Thursday 24^th March 2016

An award-winning hit comedy is coming to The Customs House as part of its 20^th anniversary tour.

A new production of the worldwide theatre sensation – Stones in His Pockets – is coming to The Customs House in South Shields on Thursday 24^th March.

Irish actors Conan Sweeny and Charlie de Bromhead play a vast array of eccentric and lovable characters in this universally loved play by Marie Jones, in its 20^th anniversary year.

There’ll be laughs a plenty when a Hollywood film crew turns a quiet Irish community’s lives upside down, looking to shoot the ‘real’ Ireland for their latest schmaltzy blockbuster, where cultures clash and divas strop.

The play’s director John Terry said: “Stones in His Pockets is the most theatrical of theatre experiences. Two actors embody two whole communities of people – a rural Irish village, and a Hollywood film crew – in all of their vivid, eccentric glory.

“Before our eyes, without so much as a costume change, the actors transform from character to character – the stage feels crowded with people. It is a magic trick full of delight and discovery, endless hilarity and astonishing skill.”

This new production is presented by the theatre Chipping Norton and The Dukes, Lancaster in association with Oxfordshire Theatre Company, with actors who have extensive stage, television and film careers.
Performed at a breakneck pace, the Olivier Award-winning play has become internationally renowned and deeply loved among audiences in more than 30 countries since it was premiered in 1996. 

Customs House Executive director Ray Spencer said: “This was a huge hit the last time we had this show and this new production of the play has already received five-star reviews – A must see.”

Stones in his Pockets is now on tour across the country supported by Arts Council England until May 28.

Tickets

Tickets start are £15 or £13 concession and are available from the box office on 0191 454 1234 or by visiting www.customshouse.co.uk.

Review: How I Became Myself at Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

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Reinventing Your Image

How I Became Myself (By Becoming Someone Else)

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

Saturday 19^th March 2016

Perhaps everyone has had that moment when you’re thinking: Who am I? What on Earth am I doing in my life?

Perhaps that moment when you wonder: Why did my parents give me this name?

Paula Varjack brought her single handed show about these very issues to the intimate Alphabetti Theatre. She used a mix of different media to describe a personal journey how “Sara Quin” found herself becoming the much more gregarious Paula Varjack. The journey not only involved a change of name but a change of many aspects of Paula’s life.

What moves this show apart from other spoken word performances was the mix of media used in delivering the story. There was audio and video clips mixed in with stuff on the microphone but there was also live videoing of Paula. Having Paula sat in a chair with her face obscured by a laptop which had a live feed from the video camera worked. Her face revealing her emotion as the interview clips were played gave the performance a live televisual quality. And it worked.

The packed Alphabetti  crowd were given the dual treat of a fascinating tale and a stimulating multi-media delivery. As with any great piece of theatre, it left you with reflective questions about your own identity.  A great evening’s entertainment.

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

Next week at Alphabetti: Continuum written by Richard Stockwell

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

Tuesday 22^nd – Friday 25^th March 2016

Directed by Ali Pritchard

Performed by Arabella Arnott, James Barton, Matt Jamie, Rosie Stancliffe

Ticket Price Pay what you feel

Reserve tickets online: http://alphabettitheatre.co.uk/whats-on/24-whats-on-articles/167-continuum

Running Length Approx 1 hour.

Age Recommendation 14+ (please be aware strong language is used)

Read the North East Theatre Guide Preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/preview-continuum-at-newcastle.html

 

Preview: Avenue Q at Newcastle Tyne Theatr

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Sell a Door Theatre Company and Richard Darbourne Ltd present

Avenue Q

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Friday 16^th - Saturday 17th April 2016

A smash hit on Broadway and in the West End, award-winning comedy musical Avenue Q will bringing a host of fuzzy friends to Newcastle, playing at Tyne Theatre & Opera House from Friday 16th to Saturday 17th April 2016.

Featuring the naughtiest puppets in town, brought hilariously to life by an ensemble cast of 11 performers, Avenue Q is a Tony Award-winning musical about growing up, dreaming big, and finding your purpose in life.

Meet Princeton, a bright-eyed graduate who comes to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. Soon discovering that the only neighborhood in his price range is Avenue Q, he finds himself moving in with some truly quirky characters. There’s Brian the out-of-work comedian and his therapist fiancée Christmas Eve; Nicky the good-hearted slacker and his closet gay Republican roommate Rod, an Internet ‘sexpert’ called Trekkie Monster and a very cute kindergarten teacher named Kate Monster. And would you believe the building’s superintendent is Gary Coleman?!

Featuring hysterically funny songs including The Internet is

for Porn and Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist, Avenue Q is a hilarious musical with a warm (and very fuzzy) heart.

“You’d be a muppet to miss it” EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS

Avenue Q first opened Off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre in 2003, before transferring to Broadway later that year where it won three Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. In 2006 it transferred to the West End produced by Cameron Mackintosh, where it ran for five years before touring the UK. It has appeared in more than ten countries all over Avenue Q is co-created by Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winner Robert Lopez, who also co-created the smash-hit Broadway and West End musical The Book of Mormon. With his wife Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert also co-wrote the songs for Disney’s recent animated feature Frozen, with his work also seen on television in Scrubs, The Simpsons and Southpark.

Avenue Q is produced by Sell a Door Theatre Company, who first presented this new production in a 6 month tour in 2014. Formed in 2007, Sell a Door creates touring productions aimed at engaging young adults in live theatre. Recent productions include a forthcoming UK Tour of The History Boys, Seussical in the West End and the debut UK tour of Spring Awakening. Their co-producer is Richard Darbourne Ltd whose recent work includes Pride and Prejudice on UK Tour and the 25th Anniversary tour of Return to the Forbidden Planet.

Avenue Q has a book by Jeff Whitty and music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. It is directed and choreographed by Cressida Carré, with set design by Richard Evans, lighting design by Charlie Morgan Jones and sound design by Chris Bogg and DBS Solutions.

Orchestrations and arrangements are by Stephen Oremus. It is produced by Sell a Door Theatre Co and Richard Darbourne Ltd. Puppets are designed by Paul Jomain for Q Puppets (www.Qpuppets.co.uk).

Website: www.AvenueQUK.com

Tickets: £32.50 premium & £28.50 Stalls, Grand & Limited View.  (plus booking fees when booking online and over the phone)

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House Box Office is open 10am-3:30pm Monday to Friday and event days

Booking and Information Line: 0844 2491 000 (10am – 6pm Monday to Friday) Online booking link here.

Preview: Joe Lycett at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

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Joe Lycett added to a stellar comedy line-up for 2016 at Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Joe Lycett

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Friday 1st July 2016

The 2016 programme is already jam-packed with side-splittingly hilarious comedians, and at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House they’re excited to announce the addition of Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Joe Lycett to their laughtastic line-up!

Following appearances on Live at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and a wine tour of the French Riviera, the self-proclaimed ‘absolute lad’ will bring his all new stand-up show ‘That’s The Way, A-Ha A-Ha’ Newcastle on Friday 1st July 2016. There’s a good chance you’ll Lycett.

Joe Lycett joins a whole host of other favourites paying The Tyne Theatre a visit this year, guaranteeing people of the North East plenty of laughs in 2016.

Theatre director Joanne Johnson says: “It’s great to add Joe Lycett to our impressive comedy programme for 2016. Tyne Theatre and Opera House is the perfect venue for comedy with its intimate feel, with local favourite Chris Ramsey even filming his latest DVD here. We can’t wait to welcome these comedy heroes to Newcastle in 2016.”

‘Cheeky, warm and super-funny’ (Time Out).

‘Entertainingly mischievous’ (Guardian).

Tickets:

Tickets for Joe Lycett are now on sale, priced at £15 or £13 concessions.

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House Box Office is open 10am-3:30pmMonday to Friday and event days

Booking and Information Line: 0844 2491 000 (10am – 6pmMonday to Friday)

Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk