Preview: Cinderella at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

Polish those glass slippers, dust off that pumpkin and get ready to have a ball!

Enchanted Entertainment present:

Cinderella

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Friday 7^th - Sunday 30^th December 2018

IT’S THE MOST MAGICAL PANTOMIME OF THEM ALL…

Starring…

Singing Legend – MAUREEN NOLAN as ‘Fairy Godmother’

Britain’s Got Talent Winner – JAMIE LAMBERT from Collabro as ‘Prince Charming’

X-Factor Finalist – LOLA SAUNDERS as ‘Cinderella’

The Hilarious – CHARLIE RICHMOND as ‘Buttons’

Mike from CBBC’s Tracy Beaker and The Dumping Ground – CONNOR BYRNE as ‘Baron Hardup’

Back by popular demand – LEWIS DENNY as ‘Dandini’

Come and join in the festive fun with the lovable Buttons, the handsome Prince Charming, the wicked Ugly Sisters, the magical Fairy Godmother and of course, the beautiful Cinderella and make it a Christmas to remember for the whole family in 2018.

Watch with amazement as Cinderella’s pumpkin and white mice are transformed into a beautiful coach and horses in this true rags to riches story, but will Cinderella remember to leave the ball before midnight?

From the same team behind Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Tyne Theatre & Opera House and Enchanted Entertainment bring the world’s best known and most loved pantomime to life.

Don’t be late for the ball!… It’s never too early to book for panto 2018

Tickets:

Stalls & Grand Circle: Adults £23, Concessions (under 16s and over 60s) £21
Upper Circle: Adults £17, Concessions £15

(Please note that children 18 months or over will require a ticket – children class as a concession)

Family ticket: £83 (stalls & grand circle only, not available Christmas Eve. A family ticket is for 2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children.)

Boxes: £138
Schools: £10 (buy 10 get 2 free)
Youth Groups: £13 (buy 10 get 1 free, except on Christmas Eve)
Groups 10+ buy 10 get 1 free

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). Group booking hotline: 0191 2649447

Tickets for Cinderella are available online from our affiliate Eventim UK: http://bit.ly/TyneCinderella

Preview: Peter Planks Spooky Spectacular Show at South Shields Westovian

South Shields Actor Dons His Wig and Returns Home

Peter Planks Spooky Spectacular Show

South Shields Westovian Theatre

Saturday 27^th & Sunday 28^th October 2018

Actor and Entertainer Stephen Sullivan is set to return to the theatre where it all began for him. He will star as Dame Penelope Plank in Peter Planks Spooky Spectacular Show this Halloween. The show will play at The Pier Pavilion (The Westovian Theatre) in South Shields, a theatre where Stephen began treading the boards.

The family panto Peter Planks Spooky Spectacular Show tells the story of Peter, who whilst out trick or treating finds himself in a haunted graveyard with a cursed ghost. With the help of his gang of friends and mother Penelope, he hopes to defeat the evil and save the day. Oh, and eat as many sweets as he can!

This is the second Peter Plank pantomime of the year produced by Walton-Gunn productions, a new company set up by the show’s producer Stacy Walton. They produced the Easter pantomime Peter Planks Magical Mystical to great success back in April that also starred Stephen Sullivan. He played villain Gannabee Hellon with great relish, but this time around he gets to put the heels back on in a role that started it all.  “I started playing panto Dame for the Westovian Theatre Society, it’s a role I enjoy so much and had the chance to craft in my time at The Westovians. So, having the opportunity to get my Dame on once again in the theatre where it all began is an honour” Says Stephen.

Stephen Sullivan as Penelope Plank

As Penelope Plank he gets to share the stage once again with the show’s writer and star Wayne Miller. Having first worked together many years ago on the comedy The Big Time, they finally got to perform in panto earlier this year. Only this time it will be as the great panto pairing of mother and son.

“It was great playing the villain to Wayne’s hero in The Magical Mystical Egg, but getting to play the mother and son roles is even more special in panto. I can’t wait to be back at that theatre having some Halloween laughs.” Adds Stephen

Stephen Sullivan

Since learning his panto craft at The Westovians, Stephen has been earning great reviews and praise at The Customs House in South Shields, Whickham and Times Square Panto in Newcastle and Bolton Albert Hall’s. Something the show's producer Stacy Walton took note of. “Having known Stephen for some time now, I was following his career as any friend would. With the stellar reviews and reputation, he has gained though, I couldn’t not take notice as a producer. We knew we had to work with Stephen and to work with him on his old stomping ground made it even more special.” Says Stacy

Not only will Peter Planks Spooky Spectacular Show be celebrating Stephen’s return, but also the legacy of theatre lovers Chloe & Liam. Two north east teenagers who tragically lost their lives at the Manchester Arena bombing. The show will be holding a bucket collection after every show to raise money for the Chloe & Liam Together Forever Trust, which helps fund our future stars.

Tickets:

Peter Planks Spooky Spectacular Show runs the 27^th & 28^th October at The Westovian Theatre in South Shields.

Tickets are available online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/walton-gunn

Preview: Aladdin at Simonside Community Centre

Aladdin

Simonside Community Centre in Westerhope. Newcastle 

Thursday 6^th - Sunday 23^rd December 2018

 

Mendes Management proudly present the pantomime Aladdin, written and Directed by Dale Meeks. Dale started his professional acting career at the age of 14 in the smash hit BBC drama 'Byker Grove'. Also known for his role as fishmonger Simon Meredith in 'Emmerdale', Dale has appeared in over twenty pantomimes starring alongside Mickey Rooney and Paul Michael Glaser and has written and directed at least twenty more.  This Christmas sees Dale return to the Manchester Royal Exchange theatre in a revival of Mel Brooks comedy musical 'The Producers'.

Mendes Management received great reviews for their debut pantomime at the NE6 Suite last year. The North East Theatre Guide said it had “a sense of fun and enjoys both a likeable, hardworking cast and a funny script.” They're back this Christmas with the ever popular tale of Aladdin with an array of North East actors. The main aim this year is to make panto available to all so they have joined forces with Newcastle West End Foodbank.

        

John McCorry, Ceo said: 'At this very special time of the year we are delighted to be part of the wonder that is Aladdin. The organisers and audience will play a huge part in helping us to fight food poverty this Christmas'

Craig Richardson, our fabulous Wishee Washee, started performing at the Pier Pavilion in South Shields for the Westovians, where he has performed in over 38 of their productions and at least 15 of their pantomimes. He then went on to perform professionally in panto at the Customs House. Craig performed at the Metro Radio Arena this year in 'Sunday for Sammy'.  He also performed as Muddles in last years production of Snow White at the NE6 Suite.

Local actor Luke Maddison, who is playing Aladdin, has gained roles in stage and screen as well as radio and Opera. He made is first television appearance in an episode of 'Inspector George Gently' (BBC). Most recently Luke was very proud to be a part of the Northern Stage in house production of 'The war of the worlds'. He also performed in “When the boat comes in” World premiere at the Customs house theatre in the summer.

Playing alongside Luke is Lucy Marie Curry playing his Princess. Lucy trained at Sage Academy of Performing Arts and has been working professionally around the UK. Some of her credits include; Suffragette - Alphabetti Theatre, Stand By Me - The Drifters UK tour, Preservation - Live Theatre Live Lab, ‘84  Mary Shelley in Frankenstein - North East Tour, 'Sunday For Sammy'.

Abanazar played by Michael Geddes. Michael an Art teacher is the set designer and artist for our fantastic Aladdin sets and scenery. Whilst teaching he practised his other love, the theatre, and has been involved in many productions both amateur and professional. As an actor, singer, director and designer, he has performed and worked at most of the major theatres throughout the region, most notably at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle.

Steven Charles Stobbs from Sunderland is our very beautiful Dame, 'Widow Twankey'.He became a member of the National Youth theatre at 18 and started his professional career playing roles in musicals around the UK and Europe. This will be Steven's 5th time playing a Panto Dame in the North East. Most recently toured performing in Butcher's Bill with Canny Craic productions and performed Griffin's man in 'The Big Time' up at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this Summer.

Also in the Aladdin cast are Jayne Mackenzie who will be playing The Genie and one of the policemen. Jayne trained at Italia Conti Stage School television credits: 'Auf Wiedersehen Pet', 'Supergran', 'Spender' and 'Byker Grove'.

And Janine Leigh as The Slave of the Ring and policeman. Previous theatre credits include A Piece of Cake, Stepping Out, Blithe Spirit and currently A Night in Provence at The Mill Theatre, Sonning. Janine also played the Fairy-godmother in last years production of Snow White at the NE6 Suite.

Chantal McCartney, choreographer -CM School of Dance pupils are our dancers and mini Genies this year.

Tickets:

Aladdin will run at the Simonside Community Centre in Westerhope. Newcastle  NE5 4LQ   From the 6th - 23^rd December 2018

Tickets for Aladdin are already available from the box office on 07766 335055 or https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/mendesmanagement

Preview: Cinderella at Newcastle People’s Theatre

Cinderella is coming to the People’s Theatre Ball

Cinderella

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Saturday 8th – Sunday 16^th December 2018

There’s magic in the air here at the People’s this December!

Cinderella, Prince Charming, Dandini and all their friends will be at the People’s Theatre to bring a sparkling shower of fairy tinsel to wintry Heaton in our fun-packed Panto for the whole family.

Photos: Paula Smart

Cheer for Fairy Moonglow as she works her magic to get Cinders to the Ball, and boo hiss Mother Malady and those evil Ugly Sisters and they do everything in their power to stop her.

Following his successes as Wishy Washee in last year’s sold-out smash Aladdin and Jack in Jack And The Beanstalk the year before, Joe Robson returns as lovelorn Buttons.

Don’t let the clock strike midnight - get booking to avoid disappointment

Tickets:

£14.50 (children and concessions £12)
Box Office: 0191 265 5020
Online:      www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Preview: Peter Pan at Whitley Bay Playhouse

Producers promise not to make this year’s Whitley Bay Pantomime Peter Pan too Blue…

Blue Genie Entertainment Ltd. Present

Peter Pan

Whitley Bay Playhouse

Saturday 1^st December 2018 – Saturday 5^th January 2019

Blue Genie Entertainment, producers of the hugely popular pantomime at the Playhouse Whitley Bay, have announced Antony Costa from the sensational pop band Blue will headline this year’s Pantomime, Peter Pan. Antony is set to play the evil Captain Hook in this swashbuckling adventure.

Antony joins the hugely popular local funny guy and all round entertainer Steve Walls, who returns to the Playhouse for his ninth year in panto playing the part of Smee.

Producer Gary Telfer said: “We can’t wait to produce ‘Peter Pan’ this year; it is without a doubt the most spectacular pantomime of them all! It’s going to have the most amazing special effects ever. We will also have plenty of Pirates, Indians, and Mermaids too. This year is going to be our biggest and best year ever and we are thrilled to have signed such a high quality performer as Antony Costa. Blue are still hugely popular all over the UK and their last album sold over 2 million copies, Antony is extremely popular and he is also a fantastic performer; he has performed in many pantomimes up and down the country as well as performing in Blood Brothers in London’s West End.”

“Antony can be seen can be seen this summer touring with his band Blue who are performing with Steps all over the UK. The Playhouse pantomime attracts more and more people each year, in fact most of the shows sold out last year. We are keen to continue building the reputation that we have built in Whitley Bay, which has grown dramatically over the last 5 years. Last year we catered for almost 25,000 people.”

As the North East Theatre Guide said about last year’s panto “Cinderella is one panto that you can safely take your younger family members too.|  Steve Walls is acutely aware of how to handle the audience and get them involved. The fact that he appeared in the foyer at the end to meet the audience was a nice touch too.  A friendly, happy family show with a glittering ending. Isn’t that what panto should be about?”

This year’s production of Peter Pan will run for 63 action-packed performances from 1^st December 2018 – 5^th January 2019.

Tickets costing from £15 are on sale now and already selling fast.
Tickets are available from the Box Office open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturday 10.30am – 2.30pm plus until show start on event days. Tickets can also be purchased on the booking hotline 0844 248 1588* or online from our affiliates Ticketmaster UK: http://bit.ly/PeterPanWBay *

*Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

REVIEW: Future Bodies at Newcastle Northern Stage

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HOME & Unlimited Theatre co-production in collaboration with RashDash present:

Future Bodies

Newcastle Northern Stage

Until Thursday 18^th October 2018

Unlimited Theatre return to Northern Stage with another cracker. We wouldn’t expect anything else. Their shows have been thought provoking whether they were family shows like Mission To Mars, a game show concept MONEY The Gameshow or mind boggling drama such as The Noise. Add in a touch of RashDash and we have a very deep, yet accessible show.

This is another show which combines scientific ideas with a devastating twist of ethics. What is the relationship that we have with our brains? Would we want to upgrade our personal capacity? Should we build in features such as sat nav or mobile phones? Would you want a company adding chips to your brain and sending you upgrades? Will these upgrades be any more successful than the ones on our laptops?

Then we can push the concept further: What if our children could have a distinct advantage if we approve their upgrades? What if our employer had access to our internal voice? If we uploaded our brain to a different substrate, will we be considered to be alive even if our physical body is dead? This is a big set of questions that are not that far from needing to be answered soon. Funnily enough, as I left the theatre I witnessed a number of students milling around outside all wired up to their phones – perhaps this is the next logical step?

Arriving in Stage 2, the set is imposing in the performance space. The frame was reminiscent of Mission To Mars. In the window of the frame was a plastic curtain, like the type you see on a cold store. This would be used as both a backdrop and a projection screen as the dialogue and song lyrics were projected on the set. On the left was a musical performance stage on which Becky White would deliver live dressed in futuristic blue (remember Hazel O’Connor in the final big stage scene in Breaking Glass?)

The sound design can be described as loud as it filled the room with either music or sound effects. Lighting picked off the action around the set which eventually revealed itself to be a box with a soil filled floor.

This is very much an ensemble piece. The cast of 6 engaging in a series of skits to describe both the technology and the ethics behind it. From the parent refusing to have their children fitted through to the employee questioning the lack of privacy that such a fitting would make. They are thoroughly engaging and they quickly draw you in to this world without giving a value judgement – that is something that they leave to the audience.  To the cast’s credit: it is easy to follow the constantly changing foci as the action moves from one pair of actors to another group.

This is very much a thought-provoking piece that had my brain working overtime as I drove home. It was also an entertaining show as you relate to each event on stage. As someone who enjoys the ability to switch off I couldn’t imagine anything worse than being hooked up to the grid. The openness of the presentation enables the audience to make up their own mind – so the rest of the audience may disagree with me.

Having said that, I’m not sure what was happening on the final 15 minutes. I don’t mind admitting I was lost there!

I look forward to seeing what Unlimited and RashDash come up with next.

Review by Stephen Oliver

Cast and Creatives:

Co-created by Clare Duffy, Abbi Greenland, Helen Goalen, Jon Spooner and Becky Wilkie

Script by Clare Duffy and Abbi Greenland

Original songs and music by Becky Wilkie

Performed by Deshaye Gayle, Alison Halstead, Kate Maravan, Lara Steward, Yusra Warsarma and Becky Wilkie

Directed by Helen Goalen and Abbi Greenland

Set and Costume design by Rhys Jarman

Lighting & Video Design by Josh Pharo and Sarah Readman

Sound Design by Becky Wilkie and Joel Clements

Stage Managed by Alyssa Watts, Alice Winter and Amy Chandler  

Photos: Jonathan Keenan

Tickets:

FUTURE BODIES - TUE 16 – THU 18 OCT 7.45pm at Northern Stage 

Tickets from £10

Recommended age: 16+

Tickets available online from www.northernstage.co.uk/Event/future-bodies or from the box office on: 0191 230 5151

NEWS: Newcastle Theatre Royal has been voted the North East’s ‘Most Welcoming Theatre’ for the fourth year

THEATRE ROYAL VOTED WARMEST WELCOME IN THE NORTH EAST

Newcastle Theatre Royal has been voted the North East’s ‘Most Welcoming Theatre’ for the fourth year in succession at the prestigious UK Theatre Awards.

The UK Theatre Awards are the only nationwide awards to honour achievement in regional theatre throughout the UK.  Over 170 theatres of all sizes from across the country competed to be named as the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre 2018 at a glittering ceremony in London on Sunday night. Newcastle Theatre Royal beat off stiff competition to scoop the North East title.

(L-R) Newcastle Theatre Royal's Susie Wardley,
Paula Mitchell and CEO Philip Bernays

Philip Bernays, Newcastle Theatre Royal chief executive said:  “To be the North East regional winner is just fantastic and to have received the accolade for the fourth year is particular pleasing as this award is determined by public votes alone. We have an extremely hardworking team here who always go that extra mile to make customers and visiting companies feel welcome and ensure they have a great experience at the theatre, and it’s wonderful to be recognised for this.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has taken the time to vote for us, from our loyal and generous audiences to touring companies, sponsors, partners and participants. This award means a great deal because we are constantly striving to raise the bar in terms of the customer experience – we want everyone who comes through our doors or who interacts with our staff to be made to feel well looked after and right at home.”

Nick Swales chairman of Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust said:  “A huge thank you must be given to all the team at the theatre who always ensure a wonderful welcome is extended to every person who visits.  To be named as the North East’s Most Welcoming Theatre once again is a very richly deserved honour.”

Julian Bird, Chief Executive, UK Theatre, added: “Theatres play a vital role in communities across the UK, so it has been wonderful to see so many votes cast. This campaign brought together audiences, theatres, performers and producers and gave everyone the opportunity to celebrate their local venue.”