Preview: Boeing Boeing at Darlington Hippodrome

High Flying Comedy On Sale Now At Darlington Hippodrome

Boeing Boeing

Darlington Hippodrome

Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 November 2019

Ladies and gentlemen sit back, relax and start laughing! Tickets have just gone on sale for the sparkling comedy Boeing Boeing at Darlington Hippodrome in November as part of its full UK tour.

Don’t miss Tom Lister (Emmerdale) and Daniel Casey (Midsomer Murders, Eastenders) in a brand-new, high-octane production of this multi award-winning West End and Broadway comedy classic, from director Guy Unsworth (Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em).

Bernard has managed to keep his three fiancés blissfully unaware of each other – until now.

Three Flight Attendants, three different airlines, three different timetables, each perfectly manoeuvred to avoid Bernard’s intricate love life crashing down to earth.

But it’s 1965, and Boeing have launched a new, faster aeroplane that’s going to create some serious turbulence, with Bernard’s three fiancés landing unexpectedly and simultaneously! As the hilarity really starts to take off, can Bernard survive while his long-suffering maid struggles to keep up with the changes and his befuddled friend Robert can’t even remember which stories go with which airline….?

Tickets:

Boeing Boeing is at Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 November

For more information or to book call 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk.

REVIEW: Urinetown – The Musical at Newcastle College

Urinetown – The Musical

Newcastle College Peter Sarah Theatre

Until Saturday 25^th May 2019

Music & lyrics: Mark Hollman

Book & Lyrics: Greg Kotis

Followers on social media will appreciate that we love Urinetown. It is funny, has memorable songs and some brilliant lines. So, when we discovered that the students at Newcastle College were going to perform it, we knew we’d have to buy tickets.

It was also clear by the comments overheard from members of the audience, at the interval and end of the show, that we were in the minority and a number were seeing it for the first time. It is a idiosyncratic little piece, but it won numerous awards during its run on Broadway for a reason. The big surprise for us is that it hasn’t become better known on this side of the pond.

So what is this musical with an awful title about? Imagine a town that has suffered droughts. There is a need to conserve water and so a large monopolising corporation, the Urine Good Company (UGC) was set up by megalomaniac Caldwell B. Cladwell (James Hardy) with support from politicians like Senator Fipp (Courtney Munro). Together they charge high fees to visit the toilet, and have harsh penalties for those who go in the bushes which are policed by the likes of the show’s narrator Officer Lockstock (Connie Handyside-Cook) and their sidekick Officer Barrall (Ailsa Bennett).

Act one alternates between the offices of the UGC, where Cladwell’s daughter Hope (Steph Crewe) has completed her studies at the world’s most expensive university and has started work faxing and copying at the UGC, and one of the company’s toilets. She quickly sees how the sycophantic employees, such as Ms McQueen (Rebecca Burgon), adore her Dad. In contrast, the toilet is located in one of the poorest parts in town. People are struggling to raise the cash in order to be able to pay a visit to the loo. The wc is operated by Penelope Pennywise (Gabrielle Fletcher), assisted by the hero of the piece Bobby Strong (Alex Mailen).

The show opens at the public amenity where the queue is forming. Bobby’s Dad (Aaron Hastings) needs the loo but has insufficient funds.  This gives the production the chance, though the conversation between narrators Officer Lockstock and Little Sally (Olivia Wrathmail) to set out the exposition. Throughout the show, these exchanges are very witty. Using references to the format of musicals, they flag up the ridiculousness of the format. It took a while for tonight’s audience to pick up on the humour, which is a shame as there are some great lines in the opening exchanges, but there were some big laughs in the second act. Perhaps the audience were not expecting a comedy?

This is a production of Newcastle College’s students and there have been some interesting casting decisions. Previous productions have had male actors in the police roles and I was interested how it would work with the gender reversal – and do you know what? It did work. Thanks to the stage presence of Connie Handyside-Cook, and her eyes, she is able to own this pivotal role. Lockstock and Barrel have a menacing role in maintaining the mystical place Urinetown, which is were the offenders of the water control regulations end up. Their delight of the work comes out in The Cop Song in which they are supported by Mia Taylor, Becca Nesham and Amy Nolan.

Urinetown is also a love story. On her way to her first day at work Hope gets directions from Bobby Strong and over the duration of act one the pair hit it off, even though they lead very different lives. The chemistry between Hope Cladwell and Alex Mailen actually came across better than one of the professional productions I had seen in London. The sub-plot is important to holding the balance in show. Alex also did well with the talented ensemble in the big number in act two Run Freedom Run.

The big number in act one, which puts a lot of demands on the singing capabilities of the actor, is It’s A Privilege To Pee in which toilet owner Pennywise literally sets her stall out. Gabrielle Fletcher coped very well with the range demanded and she is someone to watch for the future.

The songs were accompanied by a small live band, situated on the side of the set, conducted by James Robert Hedges. Their output felt very close to the cast recording which gets regular play in my car.

Mention should also go to the rest of the ensemble who dramatise and dance their way through the show as both UGC staff and poor customers of Public Amenity number 9. Their energy and pace helped glue the show together.

We love Urinetown and these college students did not let us down with this rare appearance in the North East for one of the quirkiest new musicals.

Hail Malthus!

Review by Stephen Oliver

Tickets:

ENSEMBLE - Newcastle College MT 2018-2019
'Urinetown'
Peter Sarah Theatre
Newcastle College

23rd May 2019
24th May 2019 - 2PM & 7PM
25th May 2019 - 2PM & 7PM

Ticket Prices -
Adults : £5
Concession : £2

https://www.flowte.me/storefront/?v=425

REVIEW: Captain Corelli’s Mandolin at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 21^st – Saturday 25^th May 2019

Alex Mugnaioni as Captain Corelli & Elizabeth Mary Williams as Psipsina

Ashley Gayle as Mandras & Madison Clare as Pelagia

Captain Corelli's Mandolin, the 1994 novel by the British writer Louis de Bernières, has been adapted for stage by Rona Munro and appears at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal this week. The story, which is set on the Greek island of Cephalonia during the Italian and German occupation of the Second World War, is a powerful love story. A tight cast and a effective set help deliver this popular tale.

LtoR front, Ashley Gale as Mandras & Madison Clare as Pelagia (seated)

The tale begins with the local doctor, Dr Iannis (Joseph Long) sorting local fisherman Mandras (Ashley Gayle) out with removal of some shrapnel. It is clear from the off that this is convenient for him as he is interested in the doctors daughter Pelagia (Madison Clare). Their relationship quickly blossoms but the war raging elsewhere in Europe finally arrives in Greece. Mandras decides to fight leaving Pelagia to write daily to him. Greece capitulates and a mixture of Italians and German are posted on the island. These invaders become the unwanted house guests of the islanders. One, Captain Corelli (Alex Mugnaioni), carrying his mandolin, moves in with the doctor and his daughter.

Ryan Donaldson as Carlo & Fred Fergus as Francesco

The islanders are in conflict with the invading force who reduce their food supply. Meanwhile, the captain enjoys impromptu musical performances amongst his men. The result is a play  that looks at a number of love stories: between people and pets, between couples and between men in conflict. Add in the nationalistic love for ones country and the need to survive and you have a complex mix. Fortunately, this production keeps the storyline fairly streamlined and easy to follow. Some of the cast of 15 have multiple roles but it is easy to spot who they are by the outfits and uniforms.

 

The company of Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Luisa Guerreiro as Goat in Captain Corelli's Mandolin

What sets this show apart is the setting which is cleverly captured. In addition to 2 metallic plates, onto which projections reinforce the story, we also have numerous villagers and animals. Having 2 humans acting as a goat and a pine martin really worked well at animating the interaction between humans and animals. In addition, the bell of the goat added to the overall soundscape which was a really nice touch.

Melly Still’s direction keeps the story flowing at a fair pace. The years are flying by but it still made sense.  The combination of lighting design (Malcolm Rippeth), movement (George Siena) and sound (Jon Nicholls) helps the tension during the battles and skirmishes.

The company of Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Joseph Long as Dr Iannis

I should, at this stage, confess that I have never read the book nor seen the movie so I am just taking this production on its own merit.  It is a very good drama about a painful chapter of European history. It is also successful, though the excellent ensemble cast, at showing the strength of people through adverse situations. The best in people can come through in tough times – even if it is stopping the snails escaping when you’re lacking protein in your diet.

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is a fine drama with a great cast. The play is well worth seeing and I now fancy checking the book out.

 

The company of Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Review by Stephen Oliver

Photos: Marc Bremmer

Tickets:

Tickets from £16.00 can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.

REVIEW: Club Tropicana at Sunderland Empire

Mark Goucher & Gavin Kalin Present

Club Tropicana

Sunderland Empire

Monday 20^th – Saturday 25^th May 2019

Tickets available online from our affiliates ATG Tickets: http://bit.ly/ClubTROPICANAtix  #Ad

Joe McElderry returns home this week with an 80s comedy that had the Sunderland Empire crowd laughing from the start.

A bride, Lorraine (Karina Hind) decides to call her groom Olly (Cellen Chugg Jones) on his huge mobile phone to say she has changed her mind. Her friends decide not to let the honeymoon tickets go to waste and three of them head off to Spain. But, just like a good farce, the groom's best man and his mate has a similar plan and they head off to the same resort.

After the story is quickly set up, local lad Joe McElderry makes his first appearance, much to the delight of the audience. Talking directly to the audience as Garry the hotel entertainments manager, he gets everyone on their feet for a quick dance routine.

The action then moves to the Spanish hotel run by long time friends Serena (Amelle Berrabah) and Robert (Neil McDermott) who are in the running for a local hotel competition that they are keen to win. They are expecting the arrival of an inspector and are on the look out. They quickly identify Christine (Emily Tierney) as a likely suspect as she seems to be asking a lot of questions about how the hotel is organised.

The audience tonight are up for a good night out. The script's humour is often wedged between 80s Carla Lane/ ITV sit-com and a Carry On film. Add in some great choices of opening lines ('Don't leave me this way') from the 80s songs and a large section of the crowd are getting regular laughs.

Yes, the storyline is predictable as it refuses to deviate from a well worn direction of travel but that's not the point. This isn't intended to be high drama, this is simply a good laugh.

Oddly enough, I didn't expect to find the show as funny  as I did. As a big fan of 80s music, I expected the songs to be a bigger part of the show. Don’t get me wrong, there were lots of 80s hits in there but the main source of my enjoyment tonight were the jokes. The 21 songs supported the story rather than being included for inclusions sake only. Some, like The Lion Sleeps Tonight added comedy. Others like Take On Me and The Look Of Love supported the story.

This is the campest role I've seen Joe in and, along with the rest of cast, he seemed to enjoy the show and the audience reaction. The cast worked well together on stage. The dancing and singing was lively.

Special mention should go Kate Robbins, as cleaner Consuela. She was well cast as the lady with many impressions. She had a large share of the laughs and quickly established a rapport with the audience.

So, this isn't Shakespeare. You don't have to think too hard or have to explain the jokes to your companions afterwards – unless perhaps if they are still at school. Well paced, full of memorable songs - this was good light hearted fun. And there's nothing wrong with that.

Review by Stephen Oliver

Creatives:

Book by Michael Gyngell

Directed by Samuel Holmes & Nick Winston

Choreographed by Nick Winston

Set & Costume Design by Diego Pitarch

Lighting Design by Tim Deiling

Sound Design by Ben Harrison

Musical Director Charlie Ingles

Musical Supervision and Arrangements by Greg Arrowsmith

On The Web:

Facebook @SunderlandEmpire

Twitter @SundEmpire

Instagram @SundEmpire

Facebook @ClubTropicanaMusical

Twitter @ClubTropMusical

Instagram @ClubTropicanaMusical

Tickets available online from our affiliates ATG Tickets: http://bit.ly/ClubTROPICANAtix   #Ad

Preview: Bradley Wiggins at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

Sir Bradley Wiggins to delight fans with exclusive tales!

Bradley Wiggins: An Evening With

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Saturday 28^th September 2019

Tickets now available from the theatre and online from Eventim UK: http://bit.ly/SIRBradleyWiggins

Join Britain’s most decorated Olympian Sir Bradley Wiggins as he brings his insightful and at times hilarious live show to Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle on Saturday 28th September 2019.

‘Bradley Wiggins: An Evening With’ provides a rare opportunity for fans to see the five-time Olympic Gold medallist and Tour De France winner share exclusive tales, prized memorabilia and career highlights in a unique and intimate live setting. The shows will be moderated by ITV cycling Matt Barbet, who will also be putting your questions to Wiggo on the night.

A British household name and undeniable national treasure, Bradley Wiggins holds the iconic track hour record and is the only cyclist who has won World and Olympic championships on both the track and the road along with winning the Tour De France.

His easy charm in front of the press is legendary and he won the 2012 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award (voted for by the public), helping cycling smash its way into the mainstream. 2013 brought further success, including the Tour of Britain title, and in 2014 Wiggins added the rainbow jersey to his collection by winning the World Time Trial Championships.

The Summer of 2016 saw Wiggins win his 5th gold medal at the Rio Olympics in the team pursuit and his eighth Olympic medal overall, making him Britain’s most decorated Olympian ever and rounding off one of the most impressive sporting careers the nation has ever witnessed.

Announcing his retirement from professional cycling at the end of 2016, Wiggins said, “2016 is the end of the road for this chapter, onwards and upwards, ‘feet on the ground, head in the clouds’ kids from Kilburn don’t win Olympic Golds and Tour de Frances! They do now.”

Wiggins’ latest release ‘Icons’ takes readers on an extraordinarily intimate journey through the sporting world, presenting key pieces from his never-before-seen collection of memorabilia. Bradley will reflect on the icons, races and moments that have fundamentally influenced him on both professional and personal levels. (Released 1st November and available at each live show on the tour)

Theatre Director Joanne Johnson said: "It’s an honour to welcome a genuine living legend to the Theatre – it’ll be the first time we’ve had an Olympian cyclist grace the stage! Sir Bradley Wiggins’ tales are bound to be fascinating – this show is a must, not just for cycling fans, but for sports fans in general.”

Tickets are priced: £32.50, £115 Meet & Greet tickets (limited availability, included meet & greet, photo opportunity and exclusive gift)

Tickets now available from the theatre and online from Eventim UK: http://bit.ly/SIRBradleyWiggins #Ad

Preview: Frankenstein at Newcastle Peoples Theatre

Frankenstein

by Nick Dear, based on the novel by Mary Shelley

Newcastle Peoples Theatre

Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 May 2019

Mary Shelley’s celebrated gothic novel Frankenstein may be over 200 years old, but her mythic fable of an obsessive scientist and his tragic creation has lost none of its power or appeal.

This humane and intelligent adaptation by Nick Dear took the National Theatre by storm when it was unleashed in 2011 starring Benedict Cumberbatch and we are delighted to stage the North East premiere.

For their production this week, Mark Danbury has created the Creature make-up and prosthetics. Starting with a discussion between Mark, Brian Green (director) and actor Colin Jeffrey, their jumping off point was the fact that Dear uses the term ‘The Creature’ in his playtext, not ‘Monster’ as in Shelley’s novel. He humanises him, and so they drew from Leonardo da Vinci’s drawing of Vitruvian man, a perfectly proportioned human, a new Adam.

The make-up and prosthetics – which on first run-through took over two hours to apply but will get quicker! - reflects this image of something perfect but gone wrong. This is no zombie lookalike with bolts through the neck, but a shot at human perfection. The beautiful and the terrible in co-existence.

The team work hard to blend the prosthetics on the face, neck, chest and back into the skin, painstakingly creating bruising, blood and sutures, so the audience can never forget that there is a living, breathing human beneath the terrible visage.

Mark comments “We hope to help give the Creature a more realistic yet sympathetic look. My design uses small, delicate prosthetic appliances to show the medical work of Victor Frankenstein. I’m using the latest materials and techniques to help prolong the life of the make-up through what is a very physical performance by Colin.”

Photos by Paula Smart

Tickets:      £14 (Concessions £11.50)
Box office: 0191 265 5020 - www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Preview: Spamalot at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Spamalot Honors 50 Years Of Monty Python

Spamalot

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 28 May - Saturday 1 June 2019

Marking 50 years since the creation of Britain’s, silliest and most iconic comedy series, Newcastle Musical Theatre Company (NMTC) are staging Monty Python’s Spamalot at Newcastle Theatre Royal.

Adapted by Monty Python from their film The Holy Grail, Spamalot follows King Arthur of Camelot as he gathers together knights on his quest to find the Holy Grail.

The side-splitting show, which is famous for its French taunters, killer rabbits and a coconut, takes the audience on a magical journey of song and dance across the kingdom to fight foe, throw insults, fall in love and run away, a lot.

NMTC have performed at the renowned venue annually for more than 60 years, staging shows such as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS, West Side Story, Sister Act and Grease, and the 30 strong cast is led by an award-winning musical theatre team comprising Director Bea Atkinson, Choreographer Sandra Laidler and Musical Director Malcolm Moffat.

Tackling the role of the somewhat clueless King Arthur is Charles Doherty, whose professional musical theatre career has included Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Company and Cameron Mackintosh International, and opposite him, the diva extraordinaire Lady of the Lake is played by former Capital FM presenter and radio personality, JoJo Hatfield.

Director Bea Atkinson said: “A Monty Python fan since my youth, I am thrilled to be directing Spamalot. I wanted to remain faithful to the iconic Python characters yet give the audience our own interpretation and rehearsals have been endlessly happy and vibrant, with gut busting laughter. The audience is sure to go home feeling lighter and happily singing ‘Always look on the bright side of life’!”

Choreographer Sandra, who directed NMTC’s spectacular 2018 performance of CATS, has found this year’s show has brought a very different challenge:  “Spamalot is very much a comedy and a ‘micky-take’, and therefore the dance moves can be much more fun and not so technically challenging compared to my previous NMTC shows. Like those shows however, it will still be drilled to perfection before hitting the stage though!

The most enjoyable moments are putting what I have prepared on paper onto the dance floor. Sometimes it doesn’t quite work, but sometimes it’s better, and it’s been particularly great to see it materialise amongst the men playing knights, many of whom have a ‘unique’ style of dance!”

Musical Director Malcolm has also had to take a different approach to the witty lyrics and spirited score: “Timing and clarity is everything in a show like this or the humour is lost. Spamalot has a riotously fun score, with that big, brassy Broadway sound that just lifts and energises the comedy on stage. The songs are catchy and there are lots of snippets of tunes that the audience will recognise. The cast are working so hard to bring this music to life and we're excited to bring it to the Theatre Royal with a fantastic orchestra."

Rehearsal photos: Joe Costigan

SPAM® is a registered trademark of Hormel Foods LLC.

On The Web:

Facebook: /newcastlemusicaltheatrecompany

Twitter: NMTC_Official

Tickets:

Spamalot runs at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal from Tuesday 28 May to Saturday 1 June, with tickets priced from £13 and available at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.