Preview: Varna International Ballet at Darlington Hippodrome

 

DARLINGTON HIPPODROME TO HOST VARNA INTERNATIONAL BALLET ON THEIR FIRST UK TOUR

Founded in 1947 in Varna, Bulgaria, and currently celebrating their 75th anniversary, the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet comes to the UK for the very first time.

Renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, the company has been delighting audiences for decades at home and abroad with its performances of the highest quality.

Accompanied by the Varna International Ballet Orchestra, Darlington audiences will have the opportunity to see four classic titles at Darlington Hippodrome between Thursday 26 and Sunday 29 January, 2023.

On Thursday 26 January the company presents Coppélia. Every toy has a story, especially in this charming comedy of errors, a witty combination of antics and abracadabra, set in a doll maker’s workshop. This light-hearted tale of mistaken identity and confused lovers follows mischievous Swanilda, her impetuous suitor Franz and the eccentric toymaker Dr.Coppelius as they are brought to life by sparkling choreography and the animated score of Delibes. Coppélia is perfect for first-time ballet goers, families and everyone in between.

Giselle is performed on Friday 27 January. The most poignant of all classical ballets is filled with dramatic passion in a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave. The moving story of delicate Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous lover Albrecht is set to a glorious score. From the visual splendour of the rustic villagers happily gathering the harvest at the start of the story to the eerie moonlit forest haunted by beautifully drifting spirits, this production is unforgettable.

On Saturday 28 January audiences will be spell-bound by Swan Lake. The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tutu as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.

The company end their visit to Darlington on Sunday 29 January with The Nutcracker. This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve.  As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins.

Artistic Directo Daniela Dimova said “We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians to the UK for the very first time. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.”

Tickets:

Varna International Ballet comes to Darlington Hippodrome from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 January 2023. To book call the Box Office on 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Preview: Mixtape: Summer Sizzlers at Newcastle Live Theatre

Mixtape is back with a sizzling summer show

Presented by The Six Twenty in association with Live Theatre

Mixtape: Summer Sizzlers

Newcastle Live Theatre

Friday 15 - Saturday 16 July 2022

Mixtape 001 L-R Craig Fairburn, Jessica Dawson, Cameron Sharp, James Barton,
Hannah Walker and Caroline Liversidge (c) The Six Twenty

Infamous cult comedy music quiz show, Mixtape, is back with a red-hot sizzling summer special. The Mixtapers return to Live Theatre with their unique brand of music quiz tomfoolery for two-night’s this July before heading out on the road to Sunderland and Alnwick later in the summer. This is not your average show; it’s a mix of edge-of-your-seat comedy, theatre and everyone’s favourite pub quiz round - the music round!

As Live Theatre’s Executive Producer, Graeme Thompson, explains: “Mixtape is one of the most unique performance experiences in our region. Combining theatre, music and comedy it is always a hit with Live Theatre audiences. The Mixtape shows are always an hilarious, alternative night out which usually sells out!”

Mixtape 002 L-R Caroline Liversidge, Craig Fairburn, Hannah Walker, James Barton, Cameron Sharp,
Steven Blackshaw, Jessica Dawson (c) Mixtape, The Six Twenty

Using only song lyrics, The Mixtapers perform comedy sketches taking on everything from Madonna to Wham!, Green Day to Bob Marley, Sam Ryder to Beyoncé. Players (audience members) battle it out in teams to try and guess the tracks that inspire the sketches to be in with the chance of winning the highly coveted GOLDEN MIXTAPE. Players can expect non-stop hits from a huge range of music genres and decades that are bound to keep them guessing. Jam packed with sketches inspired by summer staples, this ‘Quizisential’ summer edition of Mixtape is guaranteed to get audiences head scratching, dancing and belting out the tunes.

It’s not all about winning the GOLDEN MIXTAPE. There are plenty of chances for players to bag a prize including for best team name and best Fancy Dress inspired by Summer Music Icons or Summer Festival Party dress.

As Mixtape’s creator and director, Melanie Rashbrooke, explains: "After over two years away, we couldn't be more excited to be bringing Mixtape back for a summer of fun in Newcastle, Sunderland and Alnwick. Unlike your typical theatre trip, you can expect to hear teammates debating the answers, people dancing in the aisles (and sometimes on the tables) and everyone singing along to their favourite tunes.

Mixtape 003 L-R Cameron Sharp, Jessica Dawson, Caroline Liversidge, Hannah Walker, Craig Fairburn,
Steven Blackshaw and James Barton at Live Theatre (c) Mixtape, The Six Twenty

Mixtape is a celebration of all our favourite things; music, pub quizzes, theatre and comedy sketches. It's about bringing people together for a fun night out, which I think is something we could all really do with right now. You can come as a team, play in pairs or (if you’re feeling up for the challenge) battle it out solo to try and win the ultimate prize; The Golden Mixtape. We can’t wait to press play on our boombox and get Mixtape back out on the road this Summer"

Mixtape features a cast and creative team of North East theatre-makers and artists called The Mixtapers. This Summer they include fan favourites, James Barton (I Made You a Playlist, Summer Streets), Steven Blackshaw (Club Six Twenty, The Independent), Jessica Dawson (Bluebeard, Camisado Club), Caroline Liversidge (Bluebeard, Alphabetti Theatre), Lewis Jobson (Redcoat, Live Theatre), Cameron Sharp (House of Love and Drag Idol 2022 winner) and Hannah Walker (Gamble, Northern Stage and Savvy B, UK Tour).

Tickets:

Mixtape is at Live Theatre from Friday 15 to Saturday 16 July at 8pm (doors 7pm), with a free DJ summer party set after the show for ticket holders on Saturday 16 August. Tickets are £10 - £15, concessions from £6. Mixtape is suitable for ages 14+ and includes adult content and strong language. For more information or to book tickets visit www.live.org.uk or contact Live Theatre’s Box Office on (0191) 232 1232.

Touring dates include; Carnival House (Sunderland) Saturday 20 August, and Alnwick Gardens, Thursday 1 & Friday 2 September as part of Mixtape’s Summer Sizzlers Tour. For more information visit: https://thesixtwenty.com/mixtape

Preview: Bugsy Malone at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

SPLURGE GUNS AT THE READY!

 

 

Bugsy Malone

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 16 – Sunday 21 August 2022

 

Alan Parker’s world-famous 1976 movie Bugsy Malone is to head out on a UK tour and brings the streets of Prohibition Era New York City to Newcastle Theatre Royal.

The film, which launched the careers of Jodie Foster and Scott Baio, received eight BAFTA® nominations and three Golden Globe® nominations including Best Motion Picture for a Musical.

Packed with instantly recognisable songs from Oscar®-winner Paul Williams including My Name is Tallulah, You Give A Little Love and Fat Sam’s Grand Slam, Bugsy Malone is a masterclass of musical comedy with one of the most joyously uplifting finales in musical theatre.

Set in New York City during the Prohibition Era, Bugsy Malone tells the story of two rival gangster bosses - Fat Sam and Dandy Dan – who are at loggerheads; the custard pies are flying and Dandy Dan's gang gets upper hand thanks to a new-fangled "splurge" gun.

Bugsy Malone, a penniless one-time boxer and all-round nice guy, is thrust not-so-willingly into the gangster limelight when he becomes the last resort for Fat Sam's hapless hoodlums. All Bugsy really wants to do is spend time with his new love, Blousey, but that just isn't on the cards.

Will Bugsy be able to resist seductive songstress Tallulah, Fat Sam’s moll and Bugsy’s old flame, and stay out of trouble long enough to help Fat Sam to defend his business…?

Bugsy Malone stars a talented cast of young performers, aged between 9 and 15 as well as adult performers.

The lead roles will be performed by three young casts of seven in rotation.   Bugsy Malone will be played by Shaun Sharma, Gabriel Payne and Amar Blackman, Blousey Brown by Mia Lakha, Delilah Bennett-Cardy and Avive Williams, Fat Sam by Albie Snelson, Isham Sankoh and Charlie Burns, Tallulah by Taziva-Faye Katsande, Jasmine Sakyiama and Fayth Ifil, Fizzy by Aidan Oti, Jamie Northey-Dennis and one performer yet to be announced, Lena/Babyface by Cherry Mitra, Kayla-Mai Alvares and Ava Hope Smith and Dandy Dan by Rayhaan Kufuor-Gray, Kit Cranston and Desmond Cole.

They are joined by adult ensemble members: Georgia Pemberton, Alisha Capon, Lucy Young, D’Mia Lindsay Walker, Jessica Daugrida, Alicia Ally, Alicia Belgarde, Esme Bacalla-Hayes, Luchia Moss, Kalifa Burton, Rory Fraser, Andile Mabhena, Thomas Walton, Ru Fisher, Mohamed Bangura, Marcus Billany, Luke Mills and Will Lucas.

Photos: Tristram Kenton

Tickets:

Bugsy Malone The Musical plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 16 – Sunday 21 August 2022. Tickets are priced from £15.00 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

REVIEW: Book of Mormon at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 This Musical Might Change Your Life! 

(though that is unlikely)

The Book of Mormon

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Saturday 9 July 2022.

Possibly the rudest musical to hit Newcastle this year has landed at the Theatre Royal for a three week run. It was very popular on the first visit to the North East with a number of people I know wanting to see it again, including one who doesn’t normally like musicals. Gauging by the packed opening night word-of mouth has clearly spread that this is a must-see show.

So the first point is going to be: “who will enjoy it?”   Trey Parker and Matt Stone are two of the writers behind it and they are the creators of South Park. The other is Robert Lopez, whose previous work includes Avenue Q. If you are on the wavelength of the Team America / South Park movies and / or Avenue Q then you are probably going to love the show. Having said that…I won’t be recommending my elderly parents see it! Nor would I take young children. There is a lot of swearing and sexually explicit dialogue.

The Book of Mormon focuses on two 19 year old members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as they go out from Mormon training school to Uganda in order to spread the word. The contrast could not be greater between the leading star Elder Price (Robert Colvin) and the bumbling Elder Cunningham (Conner Peirson). The Mission would last two years with strict rules such as the fact that they shouldn’t be apart unless they were in the bathroom. 

(An aside here: It is suggested that there is a curfew of 9pm, and lights out by 10pm, however when the show finished at about 10pm there were two actual Mormons giving out information outside as we left!)

The lads get robbed on arrival before a village leader Mafala (Ewen Cummins) appears to take them to their living quarters. It is quickly apparent that the two Americans suffer from the culture shock immediately. The need to adapt is further enhanced when they meet the other villages and are introduced to the local saying “Hasa Diga Eebowai.” 

Price makes it clear that he is still hoping to be transferred to his dream location (Orlando). Meanwhile Cunningham wants to finally experience success and, with the help of the Mafala’s daughter Nabulungi (Aviva Tulley) he starts a study group. The big issue with Cunningham is that he has a big imagination and is known to over elaborate on the truth rather than stick to the text and his training. Still the musical wouldn’t be half as funny if he had!

The show has a big cast and a number of memorable songs, which has not always been the case with newer musicals. There is often a lot going on from the opening Hello sequence through to the nightmare sequence.  The set cleverly copes with the changes in scene and the lighting picks out the action.

It is clear that the creative team have a lot of love for musicals and the show follows a fairly traditional format even if the subject matter is not so traditional. Parker and Stone used their South Park movie to make a big statement about racism in the States. Whilst this show addresses racism within religion, poverty, AIDS and female genital mutilation, it does so with much less preaching than the movie and potentially misses a trick. The resultant show, which had the Theatre Royal audience regularly laughing, could end up getting cancelled at some point in the future due to its handling of some issues. Perhaps, like TV sit-coms such as On The Buses, this show may date rather quickly as attitudes change.

However - it is 2022 and The Book of Mormon has grossed over $500 million for a reason: it knows what it is and how to do it.

The cast is fantastic. As an ensemble, they create a lively well-paced show that gets its comic timing right every time.

Special mention goes to two of the story's linchpins:  Conner Peirson and Aviva Tulley have a lot of stage time in this show. As Elder Cunningham, Peirson presents a lovable character that has the audience rooting for him as he struggles against the odds. Tulley’s Nabulungi is often the glue that carefully keeps the on stage chaos in check. Both were superb.

The supporting cast, including Robert Colvin and Ewen Cummins, help raise the show and make this a very memorable night out for the audience.

So, yes I really enjoyed it. Is it for everyone? No it isn’t. But, as I often say, it would be a dull world if we all liked the same things.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Paul Coltas

 

Tickets:

The Book of Mormon plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal Wednesday 15 June – Saturday 9 July 2022. Tickets are priced at £17.50 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

NEWS: Young people across Sunderland to take part in National Theatre’s Speak Up Programme

  

Young people across Sunderland to take part in National Theatre’s Speak Up Programme in partnership with Sunderland Empire & Sunderland Culture  

 New creative programme delivered for free across Sunderland with Sunderland Empire and Sunderland Culture

Young people, teachers and artists to collaborate in 5 secondary schools in Sunderland with Creative Associates LUNG  

 

Following a successful pilot phase that began in Autumn 2021, the National Theatre’s Speak Up programme will work with young people in 5 secondary schools in Sunderland across the next three years.  

Speak Up is the NT's new national programme which sees young people, who have been most affected by the pandemic, working in collaboration with local artists and teachers to co-create artistic responses to issues that are most important to them. Responding to the current challenges in schools, the programme aims to develop young people’s self-expression, wellbeing and personal skills, with an open-ended offer to make creative projects in their local area.  

Speak Up is taking place in selected schools across Sunderland in partnership with Sunderland Empire and Sunderland Culture as part of the national programme which is also being delivered in Doncaster, Greater Manchester, Hornchurch, Wakefield and Wolverhampton with the project extending into additional areas in 2023. 

As part of the pilot with Oxclose Community Academy and Beacon Of Light School across Sunderland, students have taken part in a variety of creative sessions to empower them to tell their own stories and connect with each other and their local communities. So far this has included, Rap, Video Production, Animation, Songwriting, Comedy, typography and much more! Artists, partner organisations and young people have used the sessions to work collaboratively to design what Speak Up is going to look like for them in their schools for the next three years. 

The NT is collaborating with LUNG as Creative Associates to deliver the training of artists and teachers and to develop the creative ambitions of Speak Up. LUNG is a campaign-led verbatim theatre company which works closely with communities nationally to shine a light on political, social and economic issues in modern Britain to ensure hidden voices are heard. 

Speak Up is generously supported by the Mohn Westlake Foundation which shares the NT’s belief in the power of youth voice and working with young people to enable positive change in their lives, schools and local communities. Through a £3.3million grant to deliver the programme nationally, Speak Up will reach hundreds of thousands of students, with the majority of the funding distributed to partners enabling local employment of producers and artists.  

Anthony Hope, Senior Creative Learning Manager at Sunderland Empire said; “Speak Up is such an incredible and much needed programme that truly celebrates what young people have to say in an authentic way supported by the power of creativity. The need for young people to be given the experiences and tools to express themselves creatively is needed more than ever, as the decline in arts subjects in our schools becomes more prevalent. We still have a great number of teachers in Sunderland who continue to celebrate the power the arts can have on their pupils and are committed to joining us on this 3-year journey. We can’t wait to share what the young people in our city have to say – watch this space!”  

Rachel Hamer, Young People and Communities Producer, Sunderland Culture said: “Sunderland Culture is delighted to be partnering with the Sunderland Empire on such an exciting project that empowers and inspires young people through a variety of artforms including performance.”

Amanda Parkes, Head Teacher at Oxclose Community Academy said: “This unique opportunity has allowed pupils to be part of the creative process, work with peers and introduce them to a wealth of professional expertise. In doing so the children have blossomed and learned so much about themselves and the opportunities the arts offer them - and, more importantly, how valuable their voice and place is in this world. 

Speak Up has reignited a love for group creativity that Covid decimated. Whenever I go to visit the groups, their energy and engagement is electric. One of the most magical memories I will have of Speak Up is seeing the confidence grow in some of our most vulnerable learners who struggle with "normal" academic life; they have embraced the experience with both arms.” 

Rufus Norris, Artistic Director of the National Theatre said, "Speak Up is a crucial part of the National Theatre’s work in levelling up, giving agency to young people nationwide whose voices often go unheard and that the Covid pandemic hit even harder. This innovative model will empower young people to share their views on current issues and put them at the heart of the creative process. We are excited to build on our in-depth relationships with our Theatre Nation partners across the country to deliver this new programme, guided by the creative vision of LUNG with invaluable funding from the Mohn Westlake Foundation. Together we will support young people to become leaders of the future and make positive change in their own lives and in their communities".  

Photos from NT at Oxclose Academy: Colin Davison

Preview: Book of Mormon at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

THE MORMONS ARE COMING TO NEWCASTLE!

The Book of Mormon

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Wednesday 15 June – Saturday 9 July 2022.

The Book of Mormon, Broadway’s smash-hit musical written by Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez, is coming to Newcastle Theatre Royal for a three week run Wednesday 15 June – Saturday 9 July 2022.

Trey Parker and Matt Stone are the creators of the Emmy and Peabody award-winning television show, South Park, which has run for more than 20 seasons and the feature films South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut and Team America: World Police.

Robert Lopez co-created the Broadway musical Avenue Q and co-wrote the songs for Disney’s Frozen and Coco. He is one of only fifteen artists to win all four major entertainment awards - Emmy®, Grammy®, Oscar® and Tony® Awards.   

The Book of Mormon follows a pair of Mormon boys sent on a mission to a place that’s a long way from their home in Salt Lake City.

Since making its world premiere in March 2011 at New York’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre, where it won nine Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, The Book of Mormon has been performed on three continents and won over thirty international awards. The musical has smashed long-standing box office records in New York, London, Melbourne, Sydney and cities across the U.S.

The London production opened in February 2013, winning four Olivier Awards® including Best New Musical, and breaking the record for the highest single day of sales in West End history. It has sold out every one of its 2735 performances to date at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

Book, Music and Lyrics are by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone.  Directed by Casey Nicholaw and Trey Parker, The Book of Mormon has choreography by Casey Nicholaw, set design by Scott Pask, costume design by Ann Roth, lighting design by Brian MacDevitt, sound design by Brian Ronan, orchestrations by Larry Hochman and Stephen Oremus and music supervision and vocal arrangements by Stephen Oremus.

The Book of Mormon is produced by Anne Garefino, Scott Rudin, Important Musicals and Sonia Friedman Productions.

Photos: Paul Coltas

 

Tickets:

The Book of Mormon plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal Wednesday 15 June – Saturday 9 July 2022. Tickets are priced at £17.50 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

REVIEW: A Way Home at Clara Vale Village Hall

 Co-commissioned by Queen’s Hall Arts Centre Hexham & Gala Theatre, Durham

A Way Home - The fight for a place to belong

Clara Vale Village Hall Friday 10 June 2022

On Tour until Monday 27 June 2022

• Saturday 11 June, 2pm & 7pm, Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens

• Monday 13 June, 7pm, St Mark’s Church, Eldon

• Tuesday 14 June, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Alnwick Playhouse

• Wednesday 15 June 7pm, Trimdon Grange Community Centre

• Thursday 16 June, 7.30pm, Binchester Community Centre

• Friday 17 June, 7pm, Hamsteels Community Centre

• Saturday 18 June, 3pm, St John’s Hall Meadowfield

• Monday 20 June, 7pm, Toft Hill Community Centre

• Tuesday 21 June, 7pm, Hamsterley & Low Westwood Community Centre

• Wednesday 22 June, 7.30pm, Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham

• Thursday 23 June, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Live Theatre, Newcastle Upon Tyne

• Friday 24 June, 7.30pm, Live Theatre, Newcastle

• Saturday 25 June, 7pm, Coundon & Leaholme Community Centre

• Sunday 26 June, 7pm, Witton Park Village Hall

• Monday 27 June, 7.30pm, Gala, Durham

Written by Christina Castling

Direction by Jonluke McKie

Set Design by Alison Ashton

Composed by Roma Yagnik

Produced by CaroleW Productions

In 1951 Durham Council decided to put each town and village into four categories. The villages in category D were to be allowed to die. They had the improvement grants stopped and the council actively tried to move the residents to the new estates such as Newton Aycliffe or Peterlee. This move involved about 85 000 people in over 130 villages. That is a major undertaking - uprooting people from their homes. One such category D village, Clara Vale, was the host of the world premiere of a show that follows a family who discover that their “world” is about to be demolished by the council.

I live near the site of Addison village - another former County Durham village that is now a part of Gateshead. I was aware that a village was there and that the current wildlife area and industrial estate was demolished as it “was not worth rebuilding the houses” but until A Way Home I was not aware of the details behind this move.

The show centres around the kitchen table of a powerful matriarch, Bet (Jacqueline Phillips). The four rooms of the building are home to four people including Bet’s pigeon racing husband Frank (David Raynor), her daughter Kathy (Jude Nelson) and son in law Joe (Luke Maddison). The action begins on Carnival Day and neighbour Jean (Jackie Lye) pops around for Bet’s entry for the cake competition.

Unexpectedly a condescending stranger appears - it is an official from the council (Lawrence Neale) who is making a survey of each house in the village. The question about the general state of repair is the first sign that the village is in danger and that the community is about to receive a big shock.

Writer Christina Castling does an excellent job in drip feeding the exposition so that one is not overloaded with too much information.  In each scene we discover a little more about the four occupants. Bet is house proud, Frank and Joe are both miners and Kathy is enjoying the early stage of her marriage. The news that the village is in category D is met with protests: this place has a close knit sense of community and it is not going to die without a fight. Bet is appointed secretary of the group set up to fight the council.

The council is offering an alternative: houses with running hot and cold water, a lack of mould, damp and rats but and inside toilet.These houses, which are a few miles away, also include gardens. The lure is most definitely there and when the young couple discover that they are to become parents they have a big decision to make. Alpha leader Bet is keen that the house that she has lived in all her life remains the focal point for her extended family. She is determined that the family stays in the village. She offers support to those wanting to appeal against the council’s decision.

The strength of this play is in the ensemble. Jacqueline Phillips nails the role of the powerful matriarch. David Raynor acts as a counterpoint to her reactions as the laid back Frank - a man with poetry in his heart who ultimately wants to be supportive of his family but is after an easy life if he can get it. Getting the role of Kathy right is a challenge. The daughter is loyal to her family and Jude Nelson doesn’t make the challenges that her character faces appear out of place. Jackie Lye and Lawrence Neale support the action, punctuating the action whenever necessary.

In a show that it touring both traditional theatres and community centres in villages that were either in category D, or next to them, the set had to fit into a number of different spaces. The Alison Ashton's set design served such a function well.

It was interesting to hear clips from Durham Council officials in some of the scene change overs. Such changeovers were a continuation of the action which helped the pace. 

This is not so much a kitchen sink drama as a kitchen-without-a-sink drama. Christina Catling’s writing understands the difference between a house and a home totally. There is an exploration of the complexities of relationships between family members and between neighbours. In other words: how people that love each other can drive each other mad at times! It is also an underappreciated episode in our communities common history and not one that should be ignored.

Well acted and on a topic that helps us understands more about ourselves - this was a good night out at the theatre.

Photos: Matt Jamie

Review: Stephen Oliver

Tickets and details of the rest of the tour: www.a-way-home.co.uk