Preview: Cluedo 2 at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Cluedo 2 Visits Newcastle On Its World Premiere Tour

Cluedo 2

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 28 May – Saturday 1 June 2024

 

For Strictly Come Dancing champion Ellie Leach and former Casualty actor Jason Durr, the chance to play Miss Scarlett and Colonel Mustard in Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter were roles they both simply couldn’t turn down. We caught up with them before their visit to Newcastle Theatre Royal later this month...

Both actors admit they can’t wait to go on tour. “This is my first stage play and I am very excited to be playing Miss Scarlett, “says Ellie ahead of her stage debut. “It is nerve-wracking as it’s something completely different to TV, but I really want to push myself out of my comfort zone. A year ago, I would never have expected Strictly, then the arena tour and now Cluedo 2 to happen. I am so grateful as Miss Scarlett is such an iconic character to play.”

Meanwhile Jason admits he has long harboured an ambition to return to his theatre roots, “I have done an enormous amount of television but there is nothing quite like performing in front of a live audience and making people laugh. When I read the scripts for the first time, I was in a quiet coach on a train and I started hooting with laughter! A lady told me to be quiet, but I couldn’t help but laugh throughout. It’s going to be phenomenal to bring comedy and a classic whodunnit to the stage where the audience get to be the detective.”

The two are starring in the world premiere of Cluedo 2, a stage show based on the classic Hasbro boardgame. Written by BAFTA Award winning Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran (who wrote TV hits including Birds of a Feather and the stage hit Dreamboats and Petticoats) and directed by the award-winning Mark Bell.

As the actors go on to explain, both their roles have been cleverly reinvented to fit in with the new setting of the play in the rock and roll era of the 1960s – something they are both hugely excited by. “At first, Miss Scarlet seems like butter won’t melt,” reveals Ellie. “She is an interior designer and she seems very unassuming. But as the play develops, well…. people may not be quite what they seem. Cluedo is, after all, a thriller and murder mystery game!”

Like Miss Scarlett, Colonel Mustard is also hiding secrets, Jason explains, “We are going to be reinventing the narrative,” says the actor. “Rick Black is a rock star in the play and Mustard is his manager. Like Elvis had the Colonel, this chap has Mustard! He thinks he knows everything, but he doesn’t really.”

The cast also get the chance to work alongside the show’s critically acclaimed director Mark Bell, who as well as Cluedo 2, is behind the global hit, The Play That Goes Wrong. “Mark is the master of mishap and mayhem and he has his finger on the pulse. This is the perfect tonic we need right now in the world we are living in.” enthuses Jason.

Smiling, Mark insists it’s the play’s writers, Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, who should win all the praise. “I am a minor Viscount compared to their Highnesses,” he jokes before adding: “They are royalty and as soon as I met them, we hit it off. It’s a privilege to be working with them and this great new cast.”

Determined to throw everything into the new production, all three are working hard behind the scenes to make sure it’s a success. Jason says he hopes to be sure to steady his stage nerves whilst Ellie is drawing from her experience performing in front of thousands on Strictly.

For Mark, “Putting on a comedy is far harder than a straight play because the comic timings have to look effortless. The jokes won’t work otherwise. I never get bored of telling stories and structuring jokes so you get laughter. Shared laughter is so important.”

For all three, touring around the UK can be tough but each are making sure to balance family life and other work commitments. With other projects also on the go, Mark explains he tries to visit different cities hosting the play every fortnight whilst both Ellie and Jason reveal they are planning to bring their families along to watch. “It’s never great leaving home but you make it work,” admits Jason. “My wife and children will definitely be coming to watch. It will be a chance for us to have a giggle. I think I look rather fetching in yellow!”

“My family can’t wait to come and watch me in this show. I was known for many years as Faye Windass but now it’s going to be great to transform myself into a new character. I love how Cluedo 2 is perfect for everyone in the family.” adds Ellie.

As for what the audience can expect when they watch the new stage version, Mark smiles as he teases: “Cluedo 2 is a really great whodunnit. It’s fast paced, high energy with lots of verbal and visual jokes. This is one for all the family – everyone is going to come out smiling!” 

Photos: Marc Brenner

Tickets

Cluedo 2 plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 28 May – Saturday 1 June 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

REVIEW: The Syndicate at Newcastle Theatre Royal

The Syndicate

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Saturday 11 May 2024

The Syndicate, based upon the first series of the BBC One show has rolled over into Newcastle this week. Kay Mellor's final play looks at the journey of a lottery winning syndicate and the complications that can happen when you win big money.

Stuart (Benedict Shaw) works in a small supermarket. He is short of money and desperately wants to set up his own home with his expectant partner Amy (Brooke Vincent) and their children. He has more debt than funds and as a result he is five weeks behind on paying for his stake in the lottery syndicate. His younger brother Jamie (Oliver Anthony) also works at the store and he comes up with a plan to rob the store after the boss Bob (William Ilkley) points out that a bigger store is taking over and that they'll need to reapply for their jobs.

Bob leaves the store early as he is ill and he trusts Stuart to cash up. Once fellow workmates Denise (Samantha Giles) and Leanne (Rosa Coduri-Fulford) head home they carry out their crime for the benefit the CCTV cameras. Unfortunately Bob comes back as he has forgotten his phone and their plans quickly unravel. 

DCI Newall is sent to investigate and, just like Columbo, he starts chipping away at the evidence. However, in addition to taking on board the robbery, Denise appears with the news that her partner has left her and they have scooped the big prize on the lottery - and Kay (Gaynor Faye) is coming down to verify the win.

Thus the audience are faced with two questions: will the lads get away with their crime and how will the syndicate members cope from thinking that they are going to lose their jobs to suddenly having a large sum of cash at their disposal. 

Gaynor Faye also directs this pacey drama and manages to let the story develop - though it has to be said, there are few surprises as the story unfolds. People with cash suddenly find people want to know them, they also often splash their cash around buying stuff - no surprises there. Nor many surprises as the DCI keeps reappearing with more evidence as that will naturally happen in a police investigation. Having said that - some of the audience were getting really involved with gasps and the odd involuntary "oh dear!" or "oh no!". At least that is a sign that they were investing in the story.

The syndicate is a pacy drama that has a more modern feel than, say, an Agatha Christie crime story. It is also happy to be based in Leeds and have Yorkshire accents, The end result is a pleasant and fun night at the theatre.

Photos:  Dave Hogan

Tickets:

The Syndicate plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Wednesday 8 – Saturday 11 May 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Preview: What The Butler Saw at Darlington Hippodrome

London Classic Theatre to bring Joe Orton farce to Darlington Hippodrome

 

What The Butler Saw

Darlington Hippodrome

Tuesday 18 - Saturday 22 June 2024

London Classic Theatre has announced the full cast for their UK tour of Joe Orton’s farce What The Butler Saw which comes to Darlington Hippodrome in June. The cast is made up of Alex Cardall (Nicholas Beckett), John Dorney (Doctor Prentice), Alana Jackson (Geraldine Barclay), Jack Lord (Doctor Rance), Jon-Paul Rowden (Sergeant Match) and Holly Smith (Mrs Prentice).

Rehearsal - Alex Cardall as Nicholas Beckett,
Holly Smith as Mrs Prentice

Artistic Director of London Classic Theatre, Michael Cabot said today, “I’m delighted to be directing What The Butler Saw. I’ve always been a massive admirer of Joe Orton’s work and this play in particular. It’s undeniably a ground-breaking, challenging piece. Orton was firmly into his stride as a playwright and determined to push boundaries. Primarily, it’s a brilliantly constructed farce, but it also explores territory that allows Orton’s wicked sense of humour free reign. No one is safe! The play was first performed at the end of the 1960s, causing something of an outcry, so it will be fascinating to see what audiences make of it in 2024. I’m very excited to be working with an ensemble of terrific actors, most of whom are making their LCT debuts. And our fabulous creative team, Designer Bek Palmer and Lighting Designer Hector Murray, are in the process of creating a unique visual feast for our audiences.”

London Classic theatre has wowed Darlington audiences with previous productions atDarlington Hippodrome of Boeing Boeing and, most recently, Abigail’s Party.

Rehearsal - John Dorney as Doctor Prentice,
Jack Lord as Doctor Rance

Within his private psychiatric clinic, Doctor Prentice is interviewing a new secretary. Geraldine wants the position but seems underqualified and uncertain about her parentage. Mrs Prentice appears, flushed and in urgent need of a drink, following an illicit encounter at the Station Hotel. In the meantime, Doctor Rance, a Government Inspector and Sergeant Match, a policeman, arrive amidst increasing chaos with searching questions of their own.

What The Butler Saw is a most ambitious play, manic farce and masterclass in fearless comic writing. No institution, political view or tradition is safe, as Orton explores comic territory few playwrights have dared to visit.

Rehearsal - Alex Cardall as Nicholas Beckett, John Dorney as Doctor Prentice,
Alana Jackson as Geraldine Barclay

Tickets:

What The Butler Saw runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 June. For more information or to book visit  www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405.

 

 

Preview: The Syndicate at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 

Samantha Giles and Brooke Vincent on swapping soaps for The Syndicate

The Syndicate

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Wednesday 8 – Saturday 11 May 2024

 

Based on the smash-hit, critically acclaimed BBC One drama of the same name, The Syndicate visits Newcastle Theatre Royal as part of its premiere UK tour. For actresses Samantha Giles and Brooke Vincent, the chance to work on a Kay Mellor production was too good an opportunity to miss...

Brooke, who became a household name playing Sophie Webster in the ITV soap Coronation Street from 2004 to 2019, says landing the role of Amy in the UK tour of The Syndicate was a real thrill: “I’ve taken a step back to have my two boys, so this is my return to acting and I’m so excited. I love Kay’s work, it’s so real and there’s such a sense of warm northern humour that I just adore.”

Meanwhile Samantha was looking for a new challenge after recently leaving her hugely successful role as Bernice Blackstock in Emmerdale, where she entertained fans on and off over the last 26 years.

Talking about her role in The Syndicate as kind-hearted worker Denise, Samantha says: “A lot of people are only used to seeing me as Bernice, who is this glamorous person and Denise is the polar opposite! She’s a bit on the frumpy side, life hasn’t been so good to her, she’s just totally different to Bernice which is so lovely to play.”

Samantha shares why she thinks Kay Mellor’s writing is so good; “She’s able to create real stories and wonderful characters that people can relate to and reflect how ordinary people live.”

Samantha and Brooke are veterans of drama having navigated the fast pace of soap-land for years, so taking to the stage in front of a live audience should be a walk in the park. Brooke laughs, “No, of course I’ll be nervous! The way I deal with it is to face the fear anyway!”

She enjoys being part of a team, “You all have a part to play to bring the show to life and you just need to feed off that.”

Samantha agrees, “It’s been 14 years since I've done a play, so I am feeling nervous. Nerves are good and I think the more we do it, the more confident we get. I just think you can’t beat live theatre; hearing the reaction from the audience and having that shared experience, there’s nothing like it.”

Their admission of nerves will come as welcome relief to their co-star and Gaynor’s son Oliver Anthony.

While he’s no stranger to The Syndicate, having starred in series four of the BBC drama, he is making his theatre debut in the role of Jamie. He says: “I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but that's just because I want to make Kay proud.”

“I've been a part of this story since she adapted it into a theatre script. I played the role of Jamie in the development workshops of the play and actually read the part in the auditions for many of these other amazing actors. So to then be on the other side of the auditioning process as an actor, and get the part, is incredible. Now I really want to prove I deserve my place in the show and give it my best shot, I’m grabbing this opportunity with both hands.”

Oliver explains more about his character Jamie, “He’s very three dimensional, he’s got a switch in him which can make him villainous, and that’s always amazing to play as an actor, but he’s also got a real sense of love and connection with his brother. I love that he’s brash, but he gets away with it because he’s always got a cheeky smile and a glint in his eye!”

For Brooke taking on the role of Amy has been a delight: “She’s more Rosie Webster than Sophie Webster! I’ve never played a dolly bird before; she even comes out with hair extensions! I’m such a tom boy in real life so that’s been great to take on, I love that Amy is so different to me. I’ve never played a character like this before.”

Samantha adds: “Denise is quite mumsy at the start, always putting everybody else before herself and it’s interesting to see the change that happens during the course of the play, especially when she gets her hands on the money!”

The appeal of The Syndicate is that there won’t be a theatregoer anywhere in the UK who hasn’t dreamt of winning the lottery, how they would react if their numbers came up and, of course, what they would spend their winnings on.

“This play is a reminder to be careful what you wish for.” Samantha adds, “With money comes greed and then a sense of desperation about what you’re willing to do to keep it.”

For theatre newcomer Oliver the UK tour may seem a daunting schedule; luckily, he’s got an experienced cast, including his mum Gaynor, to turn to for advice. As well as directing the production, Gaynor is set to join the stars on stage, playing the role of the lottery representative, who, in honour of her mum, she has called, ‘Kay’.

While some might not like working with their parents, for Oliver it’s a chance to learn from the best; “She’s an amazing actress and is absolutely killing it in her directing role, so to be able to work alongside her and learn from her is an utter privilege. I feel very lucky to have someone of her experience and talent coaching me through this. I really want to make her proud.”

Photos:  Dave Hogan

Tickets:

The Syndicate plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Wednesday 8 – Saturday 11 May 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

News: Lee Mead and Su Pollard to headline Darlington Panto Sleeping Beauty

 Lee Mead and Su Pollard to headline Darlington Panto Sleeping Beauty

Star casting announced for Darlington Hippodrome’s 2024 pantomime spectacular – Sleeping Beauty

Darlington Hippodrome has today [Wed 1 May 2024] announced that singer, TV actor and musical theatre star Lee Mead and Hi-de-Hi! favourite and panto legend Su Pollard will be leading the cast of Sleeping Beauty this Christmas.

Rising to fame as winner of the BBC talent show Any Dream Will Do, Lee Mead won the title role in the West End revival of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to rave reviews. Since then, Lee has had lead roles in We Will Rock You, Wicked and Legally Blonde. Lee starred as Ben “Lofty” Chiltern in Casualty, which saw him nominated for various national Best Newcomer television awards, a role he reprised on the popular BBC spin-off series, Holby City. Lee has also released several solo albums and toured extensively.

Su Pollard made her television debut on Opportunity Knocks, where she came second to a singing Jack Russell dog! She is best known for her role as Peggy in the BAFTA award-winning sitcom Hi-De-Hi! and was honoured to be the subject of This Is Your Life. Su has extensive credits in television and film including Two Up Two Down, You Rang M’Lord, Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special and The Best of The Royal Variety, alongside West End and theatre credits including Godspell, Me and My Girl, Little Shop of Horrors and Grease.

Sleeping Beauty also sees the return of much-loved comic Josh Benson and fabulous Dame Jamie Jones, who are back to take Darlington audiences by storm for a second year following a triumphant season at the Hippodrome last Christmas.

Sleeping Beauty will be produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, whose Chief Executive Michael Harrison said: “I am so excited to have Lee and Su with us in panto this year in Darlington. Every year Lee is a hit with audiences up and down the country wherever he performs, and Su is always a crowd pleaser who will bring her inimitable comic style to the show. The two of them together on stage, alongside the return of Josh and Jamie, is a recipe for a magical Christmas indeed.”

Speaking on the casting, Heather Tarran-Jones, Programming and Development Director of Darlington Hippodrome said: “We’re so thrilled the super talented Lee and bona fide panto legend Su will be making Darlington Hippodrome their home this Christmas. Along with the welcome return of Josh and Jamie, our audiences are in for a festive treat!”

Packed full of the magical ingredients Darlington audiences have come to expect, including beautiful sets and costumes, stunning song and dance and plenty of audience participation, this is a fairytale adventure the whole family can enjoy.

Tickets:

Sleeping Beauty runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Friday 6 to Tuesday 31 December . For full details or to book call the Box Office on 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Preview: An Audience with Mark & Lard at Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

 MARK AND LARD SHAMLESSLY MILKING IT

Following phenomenal demand for their March 24th theatre and online reunion show on the twentieth anniversary of their last programme for Radio 1, Mark Radcliffe and Marc Riley are now shamelessly milking it by announcing further events for Autumn and beyond! 

An Audience with Mark & Lard will be at the Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Wednesday 12 March 2025.

The shows will take the form of an extended interview with selected audio clips followed by a question and answer session. There may be the odd Shirehorses classic to sing along to but try not to let that put you off.

David Bowie called their Radio 1 afternoon programme ‘THE show’ and he was David Bowie so who the heck are you to disagree with him? That’s right – nobody!

So, in the mis-quoted words of Fred Pontin (one for the teenagers): book early to ensure disappointment!

Tickets cost £32 plus fees and can be purchased from our affiliates Eventim UK: TICKET LINK or from the theatre box office.

Preview: 101 Dalmatians the Musical at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 Kim Marsh To Play Cruella De Vil At Newcastle Theatre Royal

101 Dalmatians the Musical

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 27 August – Sunday 1 September 2024

 

Actor, singer and presenter Kym Marsh will play the iconic villain Cruella de Vil in a new musical version of Dodie Smith’s classic book 101 Dalmatians; which will be visiting Newcastle Theatre Royal.

Kym Marsh
Photo:  Matthew Pover

Written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), with a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris, this classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and irresistible puppies!

Kym Marsh is no stranger to the Newcastle Theatre Royal stage having wowed audiences with her portrayal of bunny boiler Alex Forest in the nationwide tour of the thriller Fatal Attraction in 2022 before returning, alongside her daughter Emily, in the summer of 2023 to lead the cast in the smash-hit Take Take musical Greatest Days.

Kym Marsh arrived on British TV screens back in 2000 appearing on the hit reality TV show Popstars and winning a place in the band Hear'Say. The band achieved two UK number one singles and a number one album - and Kym went on to pursue a successful career as a solo artist.

She went on to star in London’s West End, playing the role of Annette in the critically acclaimed musical Saturday Night Fever and appeared in BBC One’s Doctors as well as Channel 4’s Hollyoaks: In The City before joining the cast of ITV’s Coronation Street in the role of Michelle Connor in 2006. During 14 years on Britain's famous cobbles, she won a string of prestigious awards for her work.

Since then, she has appeared in hit BBC One drama The Syndicate and currently can be seen on BBC One’s continuing drama Waterloo Road, where she plays the role of Nicky Walters.

Kym Marsh
Photo:  Nick James

Kym Marsh said: “I’m over the moon to be joining the cast of 101 Dalmatians playing the iconic Cruella De Vil! Being able to bring to life my take on this renowned character is a real treat. Douglas and Johnny have written this brilliant new musical filled with songs I’m already finding myself humming under my breath. The 101 Dalmatians story spans generations and I'm sure young and old alike will absolutely love this production."

When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging young pups.

101 Dalmatians the Musical is directed by Bill Buckhurst, with sets designed by David Woodhead, costumes designed by Sarah Mercadé and choreography by Lucy Hind. Musical supervision is from Alfonso Casado Trigo, orchestration by Jack Hopkins, the puppets are designed by Jimmy Grimes, with lighting by James Whiteside and sound design from Chris Whybrow. The musical director is Leigh Thompson, and casting director is Lucy Casson.

 

Tickets:

101 Dalmatians the Musical plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 27 August – Sunday 1 September 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.