Preview:Looking Good Dead at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 All-Star Cast Set To Thrill In New Edge-Of-Your-Seat Drama

 

Looking Good Dead

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Monday 19^th – Saturday 24^th July 2021

 

Two of TV’s favourite faces are bringing top crime author Peter James’ spine-tingling new world premiere play Looking Good Dead to Newcastle Theatre Royal.

Adam Woodyatt 

The no.1 best-selling author’s all new ‘page-to-stage’ thriller will be brought vividly to life by award-winning EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt and TV and stage star Gaynor Faye (The Syndicate, Coronation Street, Emmerdale).

Adam Woodyatt is the longest serving cast member in EastEnders having appeared continuously as Ian Beale since the show began in 1985. For his portrayal of the role he was honoured in 2013 with the Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2015 after the EastEnders 30th Anniversary Live episode, Best Actor at the British Soap Awards.

Looking Good Dead marks Adam’s return to stage in a play for the first time since 1982 as a 13-year-old at the National Theatre in Tom Stoppard’s On The Razzle. In addition to EastEnders Adam has also appeared on many TV programmes including Robot Wars, Dream House, A Question of Sport, presented The National Lottery draw live and last year was a contestant on Celebrity Masterchef. He has also previously appeared in the pantomimes Peter Pan, Snow White, Aladdin, Mother Goose and Cinderella.

Gaynor Faye

Gaynor Faye played the role of Megan Macey in Emmerdale for seven years. She is also well-known for playing Judy Mallett in Coronation Street and most recently played Cheryl Armitage in the BBC1 drama The Syndicate. Her many other TV credits include Fat Friends and Playing The Field. Gaynor’s stage credits include Celia in the original West End production of Calendar Girls and Rose in the UK premiere and tour of Band of Gold.

Looking Good Dead is the fifth Peter James novel to be brought to the stage and follows the hugely successful productions of The House on Cold Hill starring Joe McFadden and Rita Simons, Not Dead Enough starring Shane Richie and Laura Whitmore, The Perfect Murder starring Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace and Dead Simple starring Tina Hobley all of which have been Newcastle Theatre Royal audience favourites in recent years. 

No good deed goes unpunished…. hours after picking up a USB memory stick, left behind on a train seat, Tom Bryce inadvertently becomes a witness to a vicious murder. Reporting the crime to the police has disastrous consequences, placing him and his family in grave danger. When Detective Superintendent Roy Grace becomes involved, he has his own demons to contend with while he tries to crack the case in time to save the Bryce family’s lives.

Peter James is a number one bestselling author of crime and thriller novels and the creator of the much-loved Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, now a major ITV series. He has topped the Sunday Times best seller list seventeen times and has achieved global book sales of over 21 million copies which have been translated into 37 languages. Synonymous with plot twisting page turners, he has garnered an army of loyal fans throughout his storytelling career which also included writing for TV and producing films. He has won over 40 awards for his work, including the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award, Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger and a BAFTA nomination for The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons for which he was an Executive Producer.

Looking Good Dead is produced by Joshua Andrews and Peter James and has been adapted for the stage by Shaun Mckenna. An award-winning British dramatist, Shaun’s previous theatre credits include Ladies in Lavender, the Lord of The Rings musical and Peter James’ The Perfect Murder, Dead Simple, Not Dead Enough and The House on Cold Hill. Looking Good Dead is directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, Designed by Michael Holt with Lighting Design by Jason Taylor. The Composer and Sound Designer is Max Pappenheim.

 

Tickets:

Looking Good Dead plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 19 – Saturday 24 July 2021. Tickets are priced from £15.00 and 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).

 

Preview: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Hartlepool Town Hall

 

Make a date for all the family for Hartlepool’s summer Snow White panto

 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Hartlepool Borough Hall

Friday 20^th to Monday 30^th August 2021

The magic and fun of a much-loved fairy tale is coming to Hartlepool’s Borough Hall this year as it hosts its first-ever summer pantomime. There’ll be ten enchanting performances of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by our new pantomime supplier AJ Productions from Friday 20^th to Monday 30^th August and tickets are on sale now.

Get set for a spectacular with no expense spared and special effects to amaze both youngsters and adults alike in this sparkling new production of the classic story.

Featuring Steph Aird in her pantomime debut as the Magic Mirror and Hartlepool’s own Britain’s Got Talent finalist, impressionist Danny Posthill, this is one show that’s sure to be a sell-out.

They’ll be joined by South Shields pantomime legend, the hilarious, Davey Hopper as Muddles, and everyone’s favourite dame, Gary Martin Davis, will be on the lookout for her next husband – so men beware!

As if lavish sets and gorgeous costumes weren’t enough, the show also features a fabulous band including Great British Pantomime Award winner James Harrison – aka “the most enthusiastic man in show business.”

Lauren Wilkinson, of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Cultural Services Team, says: “Mirror, mirror on the wall – this is the fairest family entertainment of them all!  We’re so excited to be hosting our first-ever summer panto at the Borough Hall, with a fantastic cast and spellbinding sets and special effects. So don’t wait until Christmas to treat your family to the wonder of pantomime – snap up your tickets now and give them something to really look forward to this summer.”

 

Tickets:

Tickets cost £18 for adults, £15 for children or £59 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). Book at www.hartlepoolboroughhall.com or call 01429 890000.

 

REVIEW: Jack And The Beanstalk at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

Jack And The Beanstalk

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Until Sunday 6^th June 2021

 

Pantomimes were put on hold last Christmas and during each school holiday since. Thus it was a relief when Charlie Richmond and the gang got the green light for the socially distanced panto to go ahead during the May half term holiday.

 The show was produced by Enchanted Entertainment, who have been responsible for the successful Tyne Theatre shows in recent years. They build up a local cast with one or two bigger names from out of town to complete the bill. In this show the titular role was performed by George Sampson, who had won Britain’s Got Talent with his dancing.

So what is a visit to the Tyne Theatre like in these strange times? The auditorium is open earlier to help stagger the arrival of the audience. Upon arrival you are asked to sanitise your hands and to have your temperature taken before going straight to your seat. At the seats you are offered a limited range of drinks and snacks which are then delivered to your seat. The seats are allocated in such a way that the other audience bubbles are not that close to you but you still get to see and hear their reactions. The departure is also staggered by bubble and the circle left by a different route to the stalls so everyone continues to be kept apart.

As for the show – it had a planned running time of 75 minutes with no interval. Thus the number of songs, solo spots and big dance numbers were cut right down. You no longer have to sit through a solo by everyone in the poster. The songs are often tailored to fit by the story and the region (eg Dancing in the streets becomes Dancing in the Toon). George Sampson still gets a solo dance spot to showcase his Singing In The Rain routine but much of the excess baggage was cut out of the usual 2.5 hour shows that are often a feature of this story.

The delivery of the gags and exposition is rapid. Everyone talks quickly – though the rapid delivery meant the kids have no opportunity to get board. The panto staples are still there – the take off scene set to Ghostbusters – in which the kids are encourage to point loudly and end up shouting “its behind you anyway) and the ‘Jobs I’d Rather Be’ song. To be honest, the better pantos tend to have the shorter running times normally.

Cast wise, in addition to dancing Jack, we see the return of Gateshead’s Robyn McEnaney, who was Snow White at the Tyne back in 2017. Tyne Panto regular Lewis Denny from Alnwick donning the frock as Dame Trott. Attracting the boos from the audience is Dunston’s Micky Cochrane. Completing the main cast is Tyne Legend Charlie Richmond as Simple Simon who has a natural ability to work the room whilst delivering some classically corny jokes. There was a few nods to the past year in the jokes, it would have been wrong to ignore what everyone has collectively gone through. Other jokes probably date to a time before the theatre was even built – but who cares – it is funny to hear them.

There were 4 talented dancers and at least another team of 4 in charge of Daisy the cow and the Giant. Alas, there were no programmes and so it is difficult to credit these people who were on stage, or indeed the crew working rapidly through the many scene changes.

In a cut down show, the show is more likely to stick to the task of telling the story and entertaining the kids. Some bigger, much more expensive shows, often pay scant regard to the advertised story and this can leave he younger audience members feeling bewildered. The kids were well served with quick moments of interaction and plenty of not-that-rude-but-rude-enough  jokes. When you are seven jokes about cows breaking wind are funny.

Here is the important part about panto: it is often the kid’s first time at a live show. It represents the first time they get to see a comic, or someone singing live or any form of drama. In this day and age – it is the first time they will hear singing that has not been auto tuned too. If you speak to regular attendees of live shows (drama, comedy or music) or the people that perform in them then they will say that panto was were the habits begin. I too remember looking in awe at the magical performers from the box of my local theatre when my great-grandma gave us her annual treat of a trip to see the panto. These shows cannot be underestimated in their importance of developing both future audience and performers.

Fortunately Enchanted Entertainment, and the cast and crew, got it right within the limitations of the current situation. The show was both a laugh and it still had that magical feeling. Charlie and Lewis were funny, Robyn has that princess feeling (though I wish one day that she says that she isn’t going to marry as it isn’t her thing) and Jack has that star quality as he sang and danced. As for the panto baddie, I can report that Micky’s Fleshcreep was close to upsetting a couple of the younger ones around us during one brief moment of peril at the start but they quickly picked up on booing him as a solution to his evil persona.

 

Jack in the Beanstalk was a success for the theatre to run such a show and for the cast to deliver it. At least when the Christmas Panto comes around later in the year it will be a full house with the knock on effect on the atmosphere and volume from the audience. The Tyne Panto remains one of our favourites in the region.

 

Coming up – advertising future shows at the Tyne Theatre

Please note that this links to online tickets are from our affiliate Eventim UK, who are the official online ticketing agents for the Tyne Theatre.

 

Sleeping Beauty – running from 03/12/2021 – 03/01/2022 as staring Charlie Richmond – Tickets: https://tidd.ly/3g6ZRYw

 

The Wizard of Oz Easter Panto – running Saturday 16^th & Sunday 17^th April 2022 starring Bobby Davro and Charlie Richmond – Tickets: https://tidd.ly/3uWMG1V

 

Carrying David on Friday 17^th September 2021 – Not a Panto, but starring Micky Cochrane who appeared in this produciton

The remarkable true story of boxer Glenn McCrory and his heartwarming relationship with his brother David is brought to life and back to the stage in this powerful and gripping production. Tickets: https://tidd.ly/3ptqUl3

 

REVIEW: Cherryade Supernova at South Shields Customs House

The Best Show We Have Seen This Year!

 

Cherryade Supernova

By Andrew Finnigan

South Shields Customs House

Until Sunday 6^th June 2021

 

As part of the Custom’s House Takeover Festival, Cherryade Supernova is a well crafted debut from a promising new playwright delivered by a talented young cast that we hope to see more off in the future.

Okay. The best show of the year so far? I know – it may be June but it is 448 days since I had the chance to sit in a theatre and enjoy a show with other people. To hear people laugh openly in a way that just doesn’t happen on Zoom  was wonderful. To hear them react to the story as it unfolded was blissful. Indeed, to see an actor improvise seamlessly when it didn’t quite go to plan, unless he expected to consume some of the silver wrapper with his mint/gum, was a rare pleasure. This first post-lockdown show was always going to be something special – fortunately it was also worth seeing in its own right. I hope no one stays away because of the you-know-what situation. I felt perfectly safe in my socially distanced seat and enjoyed the luxury of drinks being served before the show to my seat. The only grumble, and it is a teeny-weeny one, is that my regular coffee wasn’t available so I had to settle for a Coke.

Hang on… I need to start reviewing this show. I know.

The story is quite an ambitious one to deliver for the writer Andrew Finnigan as it features a large cast of eight. Yet, in this impressive debut, he manages it. His relative youth working in his favour as each character spoke with an authentic voice. This was not a play written by some middle aged person trying to create / understand how kids speak. The scenario is universal and timeless, even Shakespeare would recognize it, but the delivery was crisp and contemporary. As it started I felt it was potentially a companion piece to Abigail’s Party – i.e: what was happening next door.

So clearly Josie (Chloe Jane Millar) and Josh (Benjamin Michael Smith) have enjoyed an academically successful but socially awkward start to their lives. Josie’s mother suggests that they hold a house party for their friends, though she doesn’t think anyone will turn up. With quiche, cherryade and leftover Shloer in the fridge and the possibility of fish fingers as a snack later on, they await their first guest after Josie has cleaned the house. Josh has invited a lot of people he is in touch with on social media for the “rave to the grave – it’s going to be epic”. First arrival is Callum (Kieron Michael), armed with a bag of satsumas and a phone full of Monkey tunes. He may have had a tough time at school but he plans to stay tee-total.

In quick succession Reece (Jack Breedon) arrives at the same time as Lily ((Becky Lindsay), who Josh fancies and Stevie (Emma Corless) who is full of the self-entitlement that comes with assuming that you’re alpha in a group. The girls arrive with wine but expected more booze to be available.  Completing the party are Sophie (Lucy Marie Curry) and Jae (Jackson Watson) who are no longer getting along. Sophie has just flung Jae’s wallet out of the Metro window and so he lacks the funds to get any alcohol.

There is a mismatch between the hosts, who expect everyone to take their shoes off upon arrival and most of the guests who feel drink is the answer to a party’s problems. Some of the guests go with the flow better than others and this is the source of both tension and a number of laughs.

This is definitely a comedy that doesn’t fall down the rabbit hole of farce.

Director Abigail Lawson has created a show that flows through the action in just over an hour. There is an authentic feel to the casts delivery most of the time. This helps the comedy that Kieron Michael delivers as the charva, who is in his unique space and dimension compared to the other guests in the show, work well. He has great timing plus he was able to develop empathy for his character. The cast work well as an ensemble and as credible individuals.  For a group who are so early on in their careers it was delightful to watch them come across as their characters rather than as actors pretending to be these various personalities. That in turn also helped the delivery both of the lighter moments in the tale and the darker brushes with bullying.

The show was a pay what you feel performance. So after paying the £2.50 per group booking fee, it is up to the individual to choose how much to pay at the end by putting it in the bucket. This is a great idea as it makes theatre accessible to all. One suggestion for the future is to include a card reader as a part of the options as not everyone carries cash these days.

If there is any justice then, just like opening night, this show will have the “house full” sign up again tomorrow (Sunday) night for the last show. It is a modern and authentic comedy delivered by a tight cast that I hope to see again soon. The writer too is one to watch. I couldn’t have wished for a better start to theatre in 2021.

 

Review by Stephen Oliver.

 

Tickets:

https://www.customshouse.co.uk/theatre/takeover-cherryade-supernova/

Age recommendation: 14+

 

 

Preview: 9 to 5 the Musical at Sunderland Empire

 

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Louise Redknapp gets back to business as she reprises her role as Violet Newstead in the forthcoming UK tour of Dolly Parton’s smash hit 9 To 5 The Musical

 

9 to 5 the Musical

Sunderland Empire

Tuesday 9th - Saturday 13^th November 2021

Tickets: https://prf.hn/l/rd9m4L4

 

Fresh from dazzling in the West End run of the show, Louise Redknapp will reprise her role as ‘Violet Newstead’ in the forthcoming UK tour of Dolly Parton’s smash-hit 9 To 5 The Musical Leading the way as one of the first full scale musicals to tour the UK in 2021, Louise will appear in the show from Tuesday 9 - Saturday 13 November 2021 at the Sunderland Empire.

 

Louise Redknapp played the role of ‘Violet Newstead’ to rave reviews from audiences and critics alike when 9 To 5 The Musical opened in the West End at the Savoy Theatre in 2019. Louise’s other theatre credits include ‘Sally Bowles’ in the national tour of “Cabaret”. In 2016 she reached the final of “Strictly Come Dancing”. As a musician Louise has sold millions of records. She was a member of the band Eternal before embarking on a highly successful solo career, with her first live shows in 15 years selling out all over the UK.

Dolly Parton said today “I am so proud that 9 to 5 will be coming back soon to theatres all across the UK. Louise has been wonderful since she led the show in the West End and we're all so excited to give audiences the best night out after we have all waited so long!”.

 

9 To 5 The Musical features a book by Patricia Resnick, the legendary film’s original screenwriter, and an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton. It tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy - three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the girls manage to reform their office - or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? Inspired by the cult film this hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!

9 To 5 The Musical is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun, choreography by Lisa Stevens, design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, musical supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Mark Crossland, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and casting by Victoria Roe.

 

9 To 5 The Musical Original Broadway Cast Recording is planned for re-release via Dolly Records/Sony Music.

Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009.

 

 9 To 5 The Musical Selladoor Worldwide with Gavin Kalin Productions, Glass Half Full Productions, Showtime Theatre Productions, Hartshorn – Hook Productions and Kilimanjaro Live.

Photos: Simon Turtle

Tickets available now from our affiliate ATG Tickets https://prf.hn/l/rd9m4L4

 

 

Preview: Four Pantos from Walton-Gunn Coming to South Shields

 

Four Pantos from Walton-Gunn Coming to South Shields

North East theatre company Walton-Gunn Productions announce their upcoming 2021/22 Pantomime Season. Four pantos that will deliver some much needed entertainment for people of all ages. The company based in South Shields have fought through a tough year, like many companies throughout the UK.  To celebrate surviving, what has been the toughest year for the entertainment industry, they announce they are back and hope to be stronger than ever.

Walton-Gunn producer Stacy Walton says “Our industry like many, has been tested like never before. A real lack of government support and guidance has forced so many companies and theatres to close. We have been so lucky to survive and bounce back, getting to bring theatre back and employ actors once again. That has only been possible because of the support of theatre goers, not arts funding, not government funding…just the love and need for entertainment from those that love what theatre has to offer.”

Peter Plank and Wendy The Witch Returns

The company, who have become known for their popular Peter Plank and Wendy The Witch pantomimes,  are set to bring back those popular characters alongside some traditional favourites. In August they will produce a true family classic ‘Sleeping Beauty’, this will be their largest pantomime to date, featuring a selection of the North East’s top pantomime stars, dancers and their own Walton-Gunn Performing Arts students.

Following that, Wendy The Witch returns to the stage this October in a brand new Halloween adventure, ‘Wendy The Witch & The Phantom Panto Party’. Hot on Wendy’s heels will be Peter Plank as he returns with a very popular Easter pantomime from 2019, Peter Plank In…It’s Bearly Easter. Bearly Easter will entertain families April 2022, concluding the pantomime season for company.

Stacy Walton adds “ We are so pleased to celebrate being back, with a fan favourite like Sleeping Beauty. However, having our home grown Peter & Wendy pantos return is so so special to us. We hope to enjoy every production with our supportive theatre family , not just this year, but for many more to come.”

Adult Panto arrives in Shields

So, entertaining times ahead for families and the young ones over the next twelve months from Walton-Gunn. Wait, what about the big kids you ask? They have those covered too, something to kick start the season… something adult this way comes. June 11^th to 13^th will see a take on the panto classic Dick Whittington at Armstrong’s Bar in South Shields. ‘Dickless Whittington’ the adult’s only version of the well known tale makes a welcome return, after being shut down by government restrictions in March 2020. The hilarious production managed to get one show into its run, before having to take a bow and leave the stage.  This time, they hope they get to enjoy every performance, sharing some long overdue laughs with an audience who’ve supported the company though a tough time. 

The shows writer and director Wayne Miller says: “This will be a huge step for us as a company and an industry, something that we want to celebrate with our audiences. Not only that, but give back a little, by supporting a trust that was created to help dreams come true for young performers. Those who are wanting to be part of the theatre and entertainment industry. We will be raising money for the Chloe & Liam Together Forever Trust in June, with a bucket collection and a raffle.”

If ever there was a time to laugh and let go, it’s now. Walton-Gunn Productions have on offer, many chances for people of all ages to be able to enjoy some comedy, calamity and catchy tunes. So, don’t miss out, grab some tickets and celebrate the return of theatre.

Tickets for all Walton-Gunn pantomimes are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/walton-gunn.

 

 

 

 

 

Preview: Stratagem With Alan Partridge at Utilita Arena Newcastle

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Stratagem With Alan Partridge

Utilita Arena Newcastle

Wednesday 4^th May 2022

Tickets now on sale: https://ticketmaster-uk.tm7559.net/e4nxDO  

 

Love him or loathe him, we all love Alan Partridge. 

Over a multi-decade broadcasting career, this wonderful and surprisingly well-read man has brought delight to millions of ordinary people the nation over.

Which is why, with the country riven with discord, beset with disease, and niggled by bickering, Alan is touring the country with a message of hope, a new way of thinking.

Welcome to Stratagem With Alan Partridge, a live stage show that promises to inform, educate and entertain in approximately equal measure. 

Wearing a head-mic favoured by TED talkers, market hawkers, TV evangelists, backing singers and carnival barkers, Alan will perform a stage show that combines all of these roles and more. It’s a manifesto for the way we can move forward, a roadmap to a better tomorrow, an ABC for the way to be.

Devised, written, produced, choreographed, performed and funded by Alan Partridge, Stratagem will see Alan - in person but with heavy security - not just treading the boards but pounding them, atop stages graced by such luminaries as Michael Ball, Jack Whitehall and Welsh rockers the Stereophonics.

So join Alan, live on stage, (though patrons are asked not to join Alan live on stage) as he brings Stratagem to a city or selected good-sized town near you.

Stratagem With Alan Partridge. Join him.

Tickets are on sale and are available online from our affiliate Ticketmaster https://ticketmaster-uk.tm7559.net/e4nxDO . Please note venue facility and booking fees will apply.