North East Theatre Guide

Looking at theatre and the arts across North East England, the North East Theatre Guide continues to celebrate culture in our region. If a link is labelled #Ad: Tickets are now available from one of our affiliate ticket suppliers. The ticket company will also be the official supplier of tickets for the event. This means we receive a small share of the sale. Clicking on these links helps us to cover the costs of producing the NE Theatre Guide free of charge to both our readers and theatres.

25/01/2018

Preview: That’ll Be The Day at Darlington Hippodrome

THAT’LL BE THE DAY RETURNS TO DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

That’ll Be The Day

Darlington Hippodrome

Tuesday 13 - Wednesday 14 February 2018

The legendary That’ll Be The Day stage show returns to Darlington Hippodrome on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 February.

That’ll Be The Day is all about recreating nostalgia with live entertainment, reflecting the music and tone of an era that changed the course of music history and youth culture forever. Incredibly the show is now in its 30th year of touring, and the birthday party is coming to Darlington Civic Theatre.

Having delighted audiences throughout the UK for over three decades, That’ll Be The Day is back on the road entertaining audiences with classic gold hits from the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s and with more side-splitting comedy!

Originally established on the cabaret circuit in the late 1980's, the show began playing regional theatres in the early 1990's. Now it performs over 200 shows a year to capacity audiences across the UK. Trevor Payne (who first created the show) still directs, produces and stars in the production today.

Trevor rewrites all the material for the show for each year, and over six months is taken in planning and preparation.

Tickets* are priced from £24.50. *Includes £2 restoration levy. To book contact the Box Office on 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Preview: Teletubbies Live at Newcastle Theatre Royal

CHILDRENS’ FAVOURITES SET TO TAKE TO THE STAGE

Teletubbies Live

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 February 2018

The iconic, world-famous Teletubbies are to star in their first-ever live theatre show, “Big Hugs,” created especially for the youngest audience and will be playing six performances at Newcastle Theatre Royal in February.

Join Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po in a captivating stage show full of love, laughter, music and “Big Hugs,” as they explore the magical world of Teletubbyland. Look out for the Tubby Phone, Noo-Noo and Sun Baby in a fun, bright and safe world, which captures young children’s imaginations and encourages them to explore the world around them.

Young audiences will have the opportunity to join in and enjoy beloved features from the TV series along with brand new songs by BAFTA award-winning composer, Mani Svavarsson.

Teletubbies Live has been created and adapted for the stage by Richard Lewis, who has also created and directed the hugely successful Peppa Pig Live shows. The show is produced by leading children’s theatre team, Fiery Light, in collaboration with licensor DHX Brands.

Featuring full-sized Teletubbies characters, bright colours, puppetry, movement, songs and actions, Teletubbies Live is the perfect show for introducing young children to the fun and magic of theatre.

Photos: Dan Tsantilis

Tickets:

Teletubbies Live plays Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 February 2018 and tickets priced £13.50 can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge).

24/01/2018

Preview: Wisdom of a Fool at South Shields Customs House

WISDOM OF A FOOL PLAYS TRIBUTE TO

COMEDY LEGEND

Wisdom of a Fool

South Shields Customs House

Sunday 11^th February 2018

A tribute to the genius of Norman Wisdom is coming to The Customs House.

Jack Lane as Norman Wisdom

in Wisdom of a Fool.

Photo: Andy Hollingworth Archive

Wisdom of a Fool charts the early life of the comedy icon and his rise to fame, with Jack Lane playing the man behind the Gump costume. The play has received the backing of the late Wisdom’s family, with his children, Nicholas and Jacqueline, donating one of his suits for use in the show.

Star of stage and screen during the 1950s, Wisdom played to packed houses across the UK, with his trademark manic slapstick routine catapulting him to stardom. Over the years, he perfected an act that would go on to shape his unique style – a cloth cap, ill-fitting suit and classic underdog character. Success on the silver screen, including the hit song ‘Don’t Laugh at Me’, sealed his fame, but, as ever, fame came at a price.

Jack Lane as Norman Wisdom in Wisdom of a Fool.

Photo: Andy Hollingworth Archive

Portraying 30 characters in this tour de force performance, Jack Lane will take you on an emotional rollercoaster when Wisdom of a Fool arrives at The Customs House on Sunday 11^th February at 7pm.

Nicholas Wisdom said: “If the harder you work the luckier you become, then Jack Lane deserves all the luck in the world for his moving portrayal of the life of my father. His attention to detail would have surely impressed him and it was a delight to see Jack perform in one of his original suits. That for me was a poignant part of the show.”

Jacqueline Wisdom added: “Dad was once called ‘this little genius called Wisdom’ and this truly lives on in Jack Lane. His performance was compelling and the characters he played dovetailed together so cleverly. Wearing dad’s Gump suit, which no one else has ever done, brought dad back to life. It was incredibly emotional for me and I know that dad would be very flattered and proud that Jack’s performances rightfully earned him standing ovations every night.”

Lane began his theatrical career in 2003, starting backstage as a resident technician before honing his craft with leading touring companies in a variety of roles for countless plays, musicals and pantomimes. He founded Engine Shed Theatre Company in 2010 and went on to adapt three episodes and two Christmas specials of the classic BBC sitcom Steptoe and Son, taking on the role of Albert Steptoe.

Wisdom of a Fool opened to critical acclaim in 2015 and embarked on a UK tour in 2016/17.

Ray Spencer, Executive Director of The Customs House, said: “When this show came through to us, we knew we had to book it. It has garnered a legion of fans, including Wisdom’s family, national reviewers and a string of industry professionals, including Vera star Brenda Blethyn.”

Tickets for Wisdom of a Fool are priced from £17 and available from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk.

News: Luca Rutherford previews new show at Stockton ARC

Luca Rutherford previews new show at Stockton ARC on Tuesday 20th February 2018

ARC’s Artistic Associate, Luca Rutherford brings her latest show, Luca Rutherford's Political Party to ARC on Tuesday 20th February. Co-commissioned by ARC, in association with The Albany, Camden People’s Theatre, Northern Stage and Unity Theatre, this is the first chance to see this new show before it tours later in the year.

Politics has always been somewhat overwhelming to the casual observer and in the 21st century it sometimes feels like that there's no escape. Whether it be general elections, Brexit, or Donald Trump; there's nowhere to turn from political commentary and in a time where we're told that people are fed up of experts, it seems that to comment and participate in politics we’re expected to be experts ourselves.

Are you confused and overwhelmed by the political sphere? Do you feel stupid about politics? Luca Rutherford is so she’s throwing a party. A political party. We're promised music, dancing and eggs! No suits, no know-it-alls, and no big words.

Everyone is invited to this thinking-out-loud party. It’s okay to be wrong, it's okay to not know, and you don’t need to hide the questions you feel compelled to pretend to have the answers to. This is a show about how we do politics instead of just talking about it.

Luca Rutherford’s Political Party is priced on a Pay What You Decide basis. ARC wants to encourage more people to come and see shows at ARC more often. Pay What You Decide not only allows visitors to pay what they can afford, rather than a fixed ticket price, but also removes the financial risk of buying a ticket for a show in advance without knowing whether they are going to enjoy it or not. More information about this pioneering initiative can be found here.

Ticket Link: http://arconline.co.uk/whats-on/theatre-dance/luca-rutherfords-political-party-preview

News: Popular scratch performance New Writing Night returns to Stockton ARC

Popular scratch performance New Writing Night returns to Stockton ARC on 30th January 2018

New Writing Night returns to ARC on 30th January where visitors will have the opportunity to view sharings of new short plays by artists that are looking for feedback from audiences in order to aid their development.

New Writing Night is performed and directed by MA Theatre and Performance students (and friends) from Northumbria University, Newcastle. The group are thrilled to be working at ARC on such exciting new scripts and gaining further valuable experience in working and collaborating with arts venues.

The plays are all works-in-progress and, as such, will be fresh to both the audience and the venue. This means that audience members will be able to give feedback on what they have seen and, potentially, have a direct influence on how the works will look when complete.

The MA in Theatre and Performance is a one year postgraduate taught course with a strong industry focus. The course offers students the opportunity to develop and hone their skills as independent creative practitioners, and support them in the transition of those skills from the classroom and into the professional world.

For more information about the course visit:

https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/theatre-and-performance-dtfthp6/

New Writing Night is priced on a Pay What You Decide basis. ARC wants to encourage more people to come and see shows at ARC more often. Pay What You Decide not only allows visitors to pay what they can afford, rather than a fixed ticket price, but also removes the financial risk of buying a ticket for a show in advance without knowing whether they are going to enjoy it or not. More information about this pioneering initiative can be found here.

Ticket link: http://arconline.co.uk/whats-on/theatre-dance/new-writing-night

News: FIRST ACT ANNOUNCED FOR SOUTH TYNESIDE COMEDY FESTIVAL 2018

FIRST ACT ANNOUNCED FOR

SOUTH TYNESIDE COMEDY FESTIVAL 2018

South Tyneside Comedy Festival is heading back to The Customs House for a third year – and the first act has been revealed.

Carl Hutchinson

Tickets are now on sale for Carl Hutchinson on Sunday 29^th July, at 5pm.

As seen on Comedy Central’s Stand Up Central and The Chris Ramsey Show, Jarrow lad Carl is back with a new show following a sold-out 2017 tour. I Know I Shouldn’t Behave Like This will see him take his unique adolescent approach to grown-up issues, with stories and observations from buying a house to having kids.

He is the first act confirmed by organiser Jason Cook, a stand-up comedian and writer, for the 10-day comedy extravaganza, which runs from July 27 to August 5 at The Customs House in South Shields – and more big names are being promised!

Last year’s bill featured Sarah Millican, Chris Ramsey, Jo Caulfield, Ed Gamble, Pete Firman, Stephen K Amos, Rory Bremner and The Mimic Men.

Roughead and Cook

Jason, who has scored TV hits with Hebburn and Murder on the Blackpool Express, said: “After the success of previous Comedy Festivals, I now have comics asking me to play at The Customs House instead of me having to trawl around and find the acts. As usual, we are talking to some big names and seeing how we can make all of the diaries work to get the shows programmed, but this year is going to be incredible.”

Jason is currently putting the finishing touches to a new show with his The Geordie Rat Pack co-star, Glen Roughead, which mixes music and comedy.

Roughead and Cook Save the World takes to The Customs House stage at 7.45pm on Saturday 3^rd February.

Jason said: “Glen and I have been doing a couple of songs at every comedy club gig at The Customs House, so it made sense to do our own show. We can't wait, we've written some great new stuff and it's going to be a full-on night.”

Adam Rowe

Jason, who hails from Hebburn, started the South Tyneside Comedy Festival to put The Customs House on the comedy map and nurture new talent, such as Adam Rowe, who has proved a big hit with the South Tyneside audience.

After making several appearances at Jason Cook’s Comedy Club, which is held monthly at the venue, and the previous two comedy festivals, Adam played a sold-out gig at The Customs House earlier this month.

Tickets are now on sale for Adam Rowe’s return on January 18^th 2019.

Jason said: “Adam already has a show on sale with us for next year and I couldn't be happier. It's exactly what I wanted when I joined forces with The Customs House, which was not only to have a regular comedy night, but to start promoting great comics there and make it a must-play venue for anyone touring in the north east. With Adam's success of this year, that's what we've done, and he's selling very fast for next year already.”

Tickets:

Tickets for Carl Hutchinson: I Know I Shouldn’t Behave Like This are priced from £8, Roughead and Cook Save The World tickets are priced from £12 and Adam Rowe’s 2019 show is priced from £8.

Tickets are also still available for Jason Cook’s Comedy Club on Saturday 3^rd March, at 7.45pm, priced £9.50.

Contact the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk.

For South Tyneside Comedy festival updates, sign up to the mailing list at www.southtynesidecomedyfestival.co.uk.

Preview: Brian Blessed at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

An Evening with Brian Blessed

Newcastle Tyne Theatre and Opera House
Thursday 6^th September 2018

Tyne Theatre and Opera House are very excited to welcome larger than life legend Brian Blessed to the stage for ‘An Evening with Brian Blessed’ on Thursday 6^th September.

British actor Brian Blessed is known for his hearty, king-sized portrayals on film and television.

A giant of a man accompanied by an eloquent wit and booming, operatic voice.

An evening with Brian Blessed is an experience that nobody should miss. His eloquence and humour will have the audience captured from the moment he walks on stage until the moment he leaves.

Brian will talk about his career on stage and screen including anecdotes from Flash Gordon, Blackadder, I,Claudius and Z Cars and his many appearances in Shakespearean Productions.

He is also an avid climber and has conquered Everest and Kilimanjaro amongst others.

His show may not be suitable for people of a nervous disposition or those who aren’t expecting the odd expletive!

An Evening with Brian Blessed is the latest addition to a host of fantastic spoken word events at Tyne Theatre & Opera House. On Friday 23^rd February we celebrate the life and career of Michael Parkinson, as the star appears in person to discuss his remarkable journey. On Friday 2^nd March, the one and only Suggs will discuss his ‘Life in the Realm of Madness’ in ‘What a King Cnut’, and American humorist, best-selling author and radio star David Sedaris will be at the theatre on Tuesday 17^th July.

Theatre Director Joanne Johnson says: “An Evening with Brian Blessed is a show we’re all so excited about! I’m thrilled that we can bring such a larger than life personality to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House stage, and I’m sure his tales will be utterly fascinating! Spoken word events are proving very popular at the theatre, and I think we provide a beautiful, intimate setting for people to listen to their heroes talk about their incredible lives.”