Review: Petrification at Newcastle Live Theatre

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The Bonds and Broken Bridges Between Brothers

Petrification

NewcastleLive Theatre

Until Saturday 28^th May 2016and then on tour

Zoe Cooper’s Petrification receives its world premiere at Newcastle’s Live Theatre this weekend. It is an intense drama about two brothers exploring their mutual history and all of the issues that comes with sibling rivalry.

Simon is sat waiting in the pub that he has used so many times before with his brother and father. On this occasion however, the Gatesheadvenue is where he will meet his brother on the eve of his father’s funeral. Sean, as usual is late even though he has to only walk around the corner from their Mam’s house. When Sean appears he has his boyfriend Aidan in tow and after greetings Sean heads of to the bar.

In that initial conversation it is revealed that Simon has completed his thesis for his PhD on micropaleontology in London and he is awaiting his viva. Aidan, who works for the family bakery firm, is keen to get Simon to explain what his research is about when Sean returns with the beers. 

The lads then reminisce about how they spent time in this very bar with their father and a photo is brought up. The snap shows the lads on holiday in Whitby and clearly there are strong memories and emotions about their annual holidays to the seaside. The evening continues and the drinks flow.

The TellTale Theatre Company is a partnership between playwright Zoe and director Mark Maughan. If this show is anything to go by it will be worth keeping an eye out for future projects.

As the story develops, the conversation appears to rewind back and is repeated with different details. In this way it feels that memories can be modified and corrupted, especially as the alcohol flows. The alcohol also helps increase the mood changes and makes the arguments seem more poignant than, perhaps, they ought to be.

Emma Bailey’s design has involved ripping out the stage and turning the former stage and cabaret seating area into the Gatesheadpub with the audience on three sides of the brother’s table.  Indeed the actors will often break the fourth wall by letting on to the audience members on the surrounding tables like there are regulars at the pub.

Petrification is blessed with a strong cast. Neil Grainger plays the London based student Simon and James Baxter appears as the Gateshead based Sean. Together they appear to understand the complex relationships that even currently distant brothers have. Jamie Quinn is the sharp boyfriend Aidan, and the character quickly reveals himself to have become like family, in a skillful portrayal.

At times the story is a little confusing to follow as the alcohol soaked reminiscing continues and old wounds are opened up. The story cleverly handles the complexities of families.

Petrification is a powerful drama that reflects that everyone’s families have favourites and strained relationships.

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 North East Theatre Guide Preview:  http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/preview-petrification-at-newcastle-live.html

Running time: 75mins / Suitable for ages 14+

Creatives:

Written by Zoe Cooper

Directed by Mark Maughan

Design by Emma Bailey

Lighting Design by Josh Pharo

Sound Design by Guy Connelly

Produced by LittleMighty

Development supported by Live Theatre, Northern Stage, GIFT and the Kevin Spacey Foundation.

Tickets:

Petrification comes to Newcastle’s Live Theatre from Thursday 26 – Saturday 28 May, 7.30pm

Saturday 28 May, 2pm

£18 - £10 full, £16 -£12 over 60s, £10 - £6 other concessions

Box Office: (0191) 232 1232

www.live.org.uk

Future Tour Dates

2 June: The Victorian Craft Beer Cafe

In Association with Halifax Square Chapel Centre for the Arts Plays in Pubs www.squarechapel.co.uk

3 June: Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal www.brewaryarts.co.uk

15 June: Customs House, South Shields www.customshouse.co.uk

16 June: CAST, Doncaster www.castindoncaster.com

18 June: The Lowry, Salford Quays www.thelowry.com

20 - 22 June: Pub gigs with 2’s Company Festival in association with Harrogate Theatre

20 June - The Mitre Inn, Knaresborough

21 June – Pub gig (tbc), Ripon

22 June - Tap and Spile, Harrogate

www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

26 June: The HUB, Leeds www.slunglow.org

28 June – 2 July: The Shaftesbury Club, London, in association with Theatre 503 www.theatre503.com

Review: Sense and Sensibility at Newcastle People’s Theatre

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Society Comes To Peoples Theatre

Sense and Sensibility

by Jane Austen (adapted by Jessica Swale)

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Until Saturday 28^th May 2016

Period drama is very popular on television and indeed a healthy turn out had come out on a Thursday night to enjoy the show. Jane Austen’s classic tale, first published in 1811, of courtship in a romantic time will appeal to the followers of Downton Abbey.

The story starts with the death of Mr Dashwood who has sought a promise from his son that his wife and daughters will be cared for after his passing. Unfortunately John (Jake Wilson Craw) is quickly persuaded by his greedy wife Fanny (Alison Carr) to not only reduce the agreed annual allowance but also to evict them from their home.

Photo: Paula Smart

Mrs Dashwood (Karen Elliott) struggles to get a reality check on a lifestyle without 12 servants and a 4 figure income stream. The family move to a simple cottage in Devon with a single servant to establish their new life. She has 3 daughters. Elinor Dashwood is a sensible, caring eldest daughter who soon catches the eye of Fanny Dashwood’s brother Edward (Richard Priday). The middle daughter, Marianne Dashwood (Geffen Yoeli-Rimmer) is strong minded and expressive  lover of poetry who is quickly sought by 2 suitors. The straight-laced Colonel Brandon (David Parker) and the dashing Willoughby (Sam Hinton) have to weave through societies conventions to catch her eye.

The youngest daughter is the wonderful Margaret Dashwood (Ruth Gibson), who is much more into collecting bugs from the garden than messing around with men.

Photo: Paula Smart

The story moves around the country and the girls’ fortunes are not helped by the society gossips and matchmakers. This includes the fabulous larger than life Mrs Jennings (Helga McNeil) who seems to be pairing the girls off at each opportunity.

The ensemble work well together. The daughters are delightful and the suitors are dashing. The costumes, designed by Dianne Edwards, are bright and colourful.

Photo: Paula Smart

The number of characters has been trimmed down from the original book and that leaves behind a coherent and enjoyable period stage production.  Director Kate Wilkins takes advantage of Stuart Taylor and Kate Wilkins split set to enable events to happen in two places at once. The situations are allowed to have their comedic moments. The only issue is that the characters can become stereotypes by the way they respond but that is probably more about the source material than the way the show was produced.

Sense And Sensibility is a charming period drama with numerous light hearted moments that will appeal to fans of the genre.

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 North East Theatre Guide Preview:  http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/preview-sense-and-sensibility-at.html

Tickets:

Sense and Sensibility

by Jane Austen comes to the People’s Theatre in Newcastle from Tuesday 24^th to Saturday 28^th  May 2016 at 7.30pm

Tickets:      £13.50 (Concessions £11)
Box Office: 0191 265 5020 and www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Preview: The End of the Pier at Washington Arts Centre

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Dark Deeds in Sunny Places

The End of the Pier

Washington Arts Centre

Thursday 23^rd June 2016

The End of the Pier is a brand new comedy written by award winning Washington playwright Neil Armstrong which comes to Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 23^rd June as part of a regional tour.

Edith and Lionel Bosh (The Lovebirds) are a music hall double act. Married for 25 years, their only desire now is to kill each other.  As they approach the last night of their run marooned at the end of a pier in a godforsaken Edwardian Theatre their plans to dispatch each other are thrown into chaos by an unforeseen arrival. Will the end of the pier signal the end of them, or will they survive to yield another crop of bad reviews?

The play is produced by North East Theatre Company Cloud 9 and promises no references to pierrots, Wurlitzers, kiss-me-quick hats or little sticks of rock! But it does engage the audience by involving them a world of suspicion, revenge and murder!  The End of the Pier is a trip back in time to when the world turned at a different pace and murder was an art - if you got it right.

Writer Neil Armstrong explains:  “The End of the Pier began life as an idea I wrote down on a post it note.  I scribbled down "A plans to kill B - and B plans to kill A - at the same time."  I then had a second idea which I shouldn't really tell you about because if I do I'll be giving a bit of the plot away!  I love writing comedy thrillers and this seemed like a good enough pretext to get me started - so I did.  When it came to thinking of when and where to set the play and who the characters would be, a song I had recently enjoyed listening to popped into my head.  The song was an old music hall number entitled "Let's all go to the Music Hall."  So I decided upon Edwardian England as my time frame and a music hall dressing room as my setting.  And so to the characters - who would they be?  Well a music hall duo sounded like a good idea and then I thought, "Why would these two people consider killing each other."  The answer was simple - They've been married for twenty-five years!  And so we have Lionel and Edith Boshe - the rather inappropriately named duo - The Lovebirds. I hope it makes you laugh and I hope you leave the theatre feeling entertained. “

Neil has been writing comedy for Theatre and Television for over twenty five years now. His work has been nominated for awards by both BAFTA, The Writers Guild of Great Britain and The National Comedy Awards. His most recent play “Remember Jim” won “Best Show” in the 2014 Sunderland Culture awards. He is also Co/director, writer and chief pantomime villain of the Gala Theatre Durham pantos. This year’s production of Cinderella received rave reviews and officially became the most successful show ever staged in the Gala's history selling close to 30,000 tickets and attaining a 93% box office over 63 shows.

Tickets:
The End of the Pier comes to Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 23 June at 7.30pm as part of a regional tour.  Tickets are £8.50 / £6 (conc) and are available from www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or by calling 0191 561 3455

Tour Dates
Monday 20 June – Memorial Hall – Wallsend – 0191 263 4852
Tuesday 21 June – The Exchange – North Shields – 0191 258 4111
Wednesday 22 June – Hartlepool Town Hall– 01429 890 000
Thursday 23 June – Arts Centre Washington – 0191 561 3455
Friday 24 + Saturday 25 June – Gala Theatre, Durham – 03000 266 600
More information on Cloud 9 Theatre http://cloudninetheatre.co.uk/

More information on Neil Armstronghttp://armstrongneil.wix.com/scripts

Preview: South Tyneside Comedy Festival at South Shields Customs House

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SARAH MILLICAN TO PLAY THE SOUTH TYNESIDE COMEDY FESTIVAL

South Tyneside Comedy Festival

South Shields Customs House

Friday 29^th July – Sunday 7^th August 2016

The organizers of the South Tyneside Comedy Festival have announced that Sarah Millican will be part of the incredible festival line up this year.

Paul Sinha

She will be joining the tv names already confirmed: Chris Ramsey, Jason Cook, Justin Moorhouse, Gary Delaney, Paul Sinha, Nish Kumar, James Acaster and Joel Dommett.

Sarah Millican

Sarah's show will be a fundraiser for her hugely successful Standard Issue magazine.  The sharp and witty online women’s magazine hosts a killer line-up of funny women talking about comedy, women, feminism and other topics as yet undecided. Join Sarah Millican, comedian Dotty Winters and Standard Issue editor, Mickey Noonan, and another brilliant woman who’ll be added to the bill soon for what’s bound to be an excellent  afternoon of chat.  

Sarah said "I couldn't possibly not pop in at the very first South Tyneside Comedy festival! Thrilled to be involved. Congrats to Jason and hooray to be spending more time at the glorious Customs House."

Jason Cook and Ray Spencer

Festival Director Jason Cook said “We’re so grateful to Sarah for supporting us in our first year, she’s topped off what has turned out to be an incredible festival lineup. And, in line with our other shows, she’s doing it at a rock bottom ticket price so we can make great comedy affordable for the people of Tyneside."

Ray Spencer, Executive Director of the Customs House said “Always a joy to have our Sarah pop in.  Not only is she a massive star but also a proper Sandancer My guilty pleasure is Standard Issue so I am delighted that Sarah is bringing this live edition to the House. The festival just gets bigger and better by the day!’

Chris Ramsey and Jason Cook

As if that's not enough, Chris Ramsey and Jason Cook have announced a second performance of their highly popular "Mucking About" shows. The first on July 29^th sold out in just 2 days so another, the final show of the festival will bring the programme to a close.

An entirely improvised show based on suggestions and questions from the audience, Cook and Ramsey have used these shows in past years to develop new material for tours and tv scripts.

Cook said "the first one flew out of the door so it seems daft not to do a second. The beauty of it is that no two shows are the same so people who have tickets for the first one will see a totally different show at the second on!"

Chris Ramsey said “I love doing these shows, it’s total free for all comedy and we’re thinking on our feet. The audiences seem more electric at these gigs, because they can see the comedy forming right in front of them."

Filling out the bumper crop of shows added to the festival line up is a long awaited return from Adam Rowe, Liverpool Comedian of the Year, bringing his new solo show to the festival on it’s way up to the Edinburgh Fringe where he is tipped for great things this year.

Adam said: "I absolutely can't wait to get back to South Shields. It reminds me of certain areas of Liverpool; just proper working class people who are up for a laugh. The response from the audience last time, both on the night and on social media was really great so I'm hoping enough of them remember me & make it down to see me do a full hour. Don't tell anyone else, but this is the Edinburgh Preview I'm looking forward to more than any other."

Jason Cook said “Adam is the most requested act for me to have back at the comedy club after he ripped the roof off on our opening night. His new show is an absolute belter so people need to come down and check him out before he gets too big for us to book."

The South Tyneside Comedy Festival will run in 3 spaces at The Customs House in South Shields from July 29 - August 7 with almost all shows being 10 pounds or under.

On The Web:

Details can be found here: www.southtynesidecomedyfestival.co.ukand http://www.customshouse.co.uk/

 

Review: American Idiot at Sunderland Empire

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 GREEN DAY MUSICAL ROCKS THE EMPIRE

American Idiot – the Muscial

Sunderland Empire

Until Saturday 28^th May 2016

Photo: Darren Bell

We have to admit it. We love this show. We saw it in London last year and were blown away by its fresh approach and lack of compromise. (Review LINK)  Is it a gig? Is it a musical? Who cares! It is a thoroughly entertaining show. So, how did it fare when moving from the intimate confines of London’s smallest West End theatre to the much larger Sunderland Empire?

Photo: Darren Bell

Green Day have had much success through the 90s with albums such as Dookie. They went on to have a massive hit in 2004 with the concept album American Idiot. Green Day front man Billie Joe Armstrong explores the impact of 9/11 on the youth of America in his lyrics. The original expectation was that the story could be brought alive by a film, but the band were approached with the idea of bringing it to the stage. Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer then produced a book that relies heavily on the songs rather than the dialogue between them.

Designer Sara Perks has conceived a split level set which enables the action, and music, to flow.

Photo: Darren Bell

The show begins with a large tv set repeating the broadcasts made of 9/11.  After a number of statements by George W Bush the opening number American Idiot kicks in with 2 guitarists on the upper level and the ensemble taking advantage to swing off the fixtures and fittings.

Photo: Darren Bell

The story is largely centred three friends: Johnny, performed by successful musician Newton Faulkner, Tunny who was ably covered by understudy Cellen Chugg Jones and Will, using the talents of Steve Rushton.  They sing most of the opening numbers and their voices harmonise well.  Unable to make a go of life in their home of Jingletown, they decide to hitch the bus to the big city and a new life. Will’s girlfriend, Heather (Emma Housley) soon brings a stop to Will’s plans to join his friends when she points out that she is pregnant.

Photo: Darren Bell

Johnny and Tunny have mixed success in their new place. Johnny finds a girl, Whatsername (former X-factor finalist Amelia Lily), but gets involved in drugs thanks to St Jimmy (Lucas Rush).  Tunny has less success settling and he decides to sign up for the army, suffering the consequences of active service as a result. Whilst convalescing in hospital he hallucinates that the nurse, that he names as Extraordinary Girl (Jarrow’s Alice Stokoe), is an angel and that they fall in love.

Photo: Darren Bell

American Idiot is an adventure through the strong lyrics of the Green Day album. Director and choreographer Racky Plews presents a vibrant and lively show. There is a mix of some lively dance routines and some humour which leads to a visually exciting show.

The live band, under musical supervisor Richard Morris, is partially visible throughout the show and this helps give the show a feeling of a gig at times.

Photo: Darren Bell

Newton Faulkner is, perhaps, the biggest difference between the current show and last summer’s run in London. During numbers such as Wake Me Up When September Ends he injects his own interpretation into the material and it works.

Photo: Darren Bell

Nunthorpe’s Amelia Lily reprises her role as Whatsername and, unfortunately, only gets a few songs to show off her singing talent. However, Amelia takes full advantage during songs such as Letterbomb  and  21 Guns and seems much more confident compared to the last time we saw her.

Photo: Darren Bell

Whilst the ladies don’t get many moments in the spotlight, they do shine in those chances. Alice Stokoe, from Jarrow, celebrated her homecoming show with both Extraordinary Girl and a quick costume change.

Photo: Darren Bell

Overall the show is a rock opera for the 9/11 generation. A great ensemble pull together to deliver a collection of memorable songs from one the generation’s popular song writers. Is this the “Hair” for the 2010s? Green Day fans will not be disappointed.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East Theatre Guide from 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:  http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/preview-american-idiot-at-sunderland.html

Running time:                      1hr 40 mins plus interval

The show contains regular swearing and a number of scenes of drug abuse.

On The Web:

Website:                       www.americanidiotthemusical.co.uk

Twitter:                          @ukamericanidiot

Facebook:                   American Idiot UK

Instagram:                            ukamericanidiot

Tickets:

Tickets on sale now and are available in person at the Box Office on High Street West, from the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022* or online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland *

*Calls cost 7p per minute plus your standard network charge. Booking fees may apply to telephone and online bookings

Tour:

Photo: Darren Bell

AMERICAN IDIOT - THE MUSICAL

DIRECTED BY RACKY PLEWS

UK NATIONAL TOUR

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE 24 – 28 MAY

0844 871 3022

KING’S THEATRE GLASGOW 31 MAY – 4 JUNE

0844 871 7648