Preview: Tim Rice at Darlington Hippodrome

 Spend an evening with Sir Tim Rice at the Darlington Hippodrome

Tim Rice: My Life In Musicals - I Know Him So Well 

Darlington Hippodrome

Monday 26 May 2025 

Sir Tim Rice, the multi-award winning, internationally renowned lyricist, will visit Darlington Hippodrome in 2025 with Tim Rice My Life In Musicals - I Know Him So Well on Monday 26 May. 

This incredibly special show which toured earlier this year has proved so popular that 33 new dates have been added.   During the show Tim reflects on his illustrious career at the heart of musical theatre, sharing anecdotes behind the songs - the hits and the misses along with stories of his life.  There will be live performances from the wonderful catalogue of songs that are synonymous with his name and that of his collaborators. Musical accompaniment will be from an array of the UK’s leading West End singers and musicians led by Musical Director Duncan Waugh.

Tim is associated with writing the lyrics for so many of the world’s great musicals - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Chess, and the Disney productions The Lion King, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. His work has not been limited to musical theatre with Evita transferring to the big screen and All Time High, the theme music for the James Bond movie Octopussy with music by John Barry and lyrics by Tim Rice.

With a show packed full of songs including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina (Evita), Any Dream Will Do (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat), A Whole New World (Aladdin) Can You Feel The Love Tonight (The Lion King),  I Don’t Know How To Love Him (Jesus Christ Superstar) , Circle of Life (The Lion King), Chess, Hakuna Matata (The Lion King)   Another Suitcase in Another Hall (Evita), I Know Him So Well (Chess),  All Time High (Octopussy), Must Love Me (Evita), and  A Night In Bangkok (Chess),  My Life In Musicals is an absolute must for fans of musical theatre and brilliant music.

Regarded by many as one of the world’s greatest lyricists Tim Rice commented My Life in Musicals is a show in which I reveal all (well, nearly all) of the secrets behind the creation of some of the best-known songs featuring my lyrics. I have had the good fortune to work with some of the greatest composers of our time, including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, Elton John, and Alan Menken, without whose wonderful melodies I’d be at home watching television.

Tim told us “You’ll know quite a few of the songs – and will therefore be relieved to hear I won’t be singing them. All musical aspects of the show I hand over to the outstanding Duncan Waugh Band and West End Singers. There will be plenty of stops in between the hits during which I’ll tell you how they happened and, in some cases, nearly didn’t. Actually, I might sing a little – but not Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.” 

What better way to celebrate the world of musical theatre than with Sir Tim Rice.

Tickets:

Sir Tim Rice – My Life In Musicals – I Know Him So Well comes to Darlington Hippodrome on Monday 26 May 2025. For full details or to book call the Box Office on 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Preview: Christmas with Anton & Friends at Stockton Globe

 

 Anton Du Beke embarks on brand new UK Christmas tour

  

Christmas with Anton & Friends

Stockton Globe

Monday 9 December 2024

Anton Du Beke, one of the country’s best-loved and most accomplished entertainers, is setting off on a brand-new nationwide tour this Christmas.

 

The show, Christmas with Anton & Friends, will see Anton joined by singer Lance Ellington, as well as a live band and a company of dancers to create an evening filled with song, dance and a lot of Christmas cheer.

  

The tour kicks off in Dunfermline on Sunday, November 24th and will continue throughout the UK and Ireland, visiting Edinburgh, Dublin, London and Stockton to name just a few. 

Anton will be performing alongside his dancers, a classic Christmas sing-a long with some of his favourite Christmas songs, as well as a big Christmas medley to end the show. 

   

Anton said: “I’ve always dreamed of doing a big Christmas show as it’s the best time of the year, so this is a real treat for me. It’s the show I’ve always wanted to do with some old faces and some new!”

“I’m returning to some venues I’ve been to before which is always a joy. I’m particularly excited to perform at His Majesty’s Theatre as I’ve never performed there before!”

Lance Ellington said: “I’m beyond excited to perform all your favourite songs with my wonderful friend Anton Du Beke! It’s my favourite time of the year and to be sharing it with you all on tour, with a fabulous live band and such a wonderful cast is going to be great fun. Don’t miss your Christmas fix for 2024!”

Anton added: “Don’t forget to bring your voices for a mega singalong… it’s going to be lots of fun and full of Christmas cheer.”

Tickets:

Don’t miss this special opportunity to get up close to the King of the ballroom this Christmas when he returns to Stockton Globe on Monday 9th December. Tickets are available now via www.stocktonglobe.co.uk

News: Community theatre in Seaton Delaval receives royal award

 Community theatre receives royal award

Volunteers at a community arts hub in Seaton Delaval have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of their outstanding work.

Seaton Delaval Arts Centre on Avenue Road in Seaton Delaval

The team at the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre have been recognised with highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, the equivalent to an MBE. The volunteers run and maintain the thriving venue which hosts a range of performances, shows and community events.

The 160 seat theatre opened in 2007 to bring residents together to enjoy and take part in the arts. The venue is also used by a range of community groups on a weekly basis along with a popular pantomime each Christmas.

Volunteers at the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre
L-R Stu Bennett, Gareth Miller, Pamela Iley, Helen Orchard, Chris Orchard

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and, was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2024 marks the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Stu Bennett, Theatre Director said “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this prestigious award from his majesty in recognition of the work and dedication of our amazing volunteers. In 2007 a small group came together to secure an old Salvation Army church in need of repair. After a huge amount of hard work, we’ve transformed the building into a community arts hub which continues to go from strength to strength. I’m delighted this award has recognised all of our volunteers past and present. We have no paid staff and are completely led by our volunteers, they truly are superstars making a huge difference to Seaton Delaval and beyond.”

Performers on the stage at the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre

Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Volunteers of the Arts Centre will receive an award crystal and certificate from Dr Caroline Pryer, Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland in the new year. In addition, volunteers from the group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next summer.

You can find out more about the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre and see what’s on at www.seatondelavalartscentre.com.

News: Presents for Present gift drive for homeless people launched

Presents for Present gift drive for homeless people launched

Alphabetti Theatre in association with Live Theatre and Crisis Skylight Newcastle are delighted to announce the Presents for Present initiative.

Every year Crisis Skylight Newcastle runs a Wishlist Scheme, so people suffering from homelessness in Newcastle and the surrounding area can have a Christmas present to open. This year, to coincide with Live Theatre’s festive offering Present, running from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 21 December, the venue is encouraging audience members to bring a gift along with them to be go to the Wishlist.

Present
Photo: Matt Jamie

Premiering in 2019 at Alphabetti Theatre, Present by Ali Pritchard was created in collaboration with members from Crisis Skylight.  This heartfelt and funny production with live music from the incredible Ceitidh Mac, tells the story of a homeless man Dave, played by the mesmerising Malcolm Shields, and his epic quest to buy his grandson a Christmas present.   

So, what is Presents for Present? Writer and director Ali Pritchard explains:

“It’s a gift drive for homeless people, with items donated by audiences visiting Live Theatre in December. Whether you are coming to see any of Live Theatre’s festive offerings: Present, Blitzen On The Tyne or visiting Santa, you can bring a present for a person less fortunate than you, drop it off at Live Theatre and it will be delivered to Crisis Skylight, who will then distribute it.”

Crisis Skylight have some helpful hints for suggested presents and these include alcohol-free food and drink (with a ‘use by’ date extending beyond 31 January 2025), toiletries and gift items such as travel games, gift cards, puzzles, colouring books, pencils and paints. Most of Crisis’ members are male and donations of clean and in excellent condition warm clothing and footwear are urgently needed and would be very much appreciated. Further information on items to donate can be found at www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved 

Gifts can be wrapped and also made into Christmas hampers but it is essential that they are labelled so the amazing Crisis volunteers can distribute them where requited. Any surplus items will be donated to local organisations, particularly those working to eradicate poverty and homelessness.

Present is a high octane festive show with live music and when it was first staged In 2019, it was applauded by audiences and reviewers alike, with The Stage describing it as: ‘Beautifully written and powerfully performed, this alternative Christmas fable is packed with humour and heart.’ The 2024 production has been extended by the writer Ali Pritchard, with the help of the dramaturg Tamsin Rees and audiences can expect entertainment with a punch.

Pritchard continues:

“Present is a tonic to the commercialism of Christmas. Although ironically we would love it if you would still buy tickets for Present as capitalism makes the world go round! If you were really in the Christmas spirit you could even pay it forward and Share A Show. Simply tick the donation box when you book and you will be buying a ticket to give to someone who wouldn’t normally be able to afford to see a play”.

Tickets:

For more information about Presents for Present and to book tickets for the show which runs from 3 to 21 December go to www.live.org.uk or call Box Office on 0191 232 1232.

 

Dates: Tue 3 Dec – Sat 21 Dec 2024

Running time: approx. 90mins including interval

Age Rating 15+

Content Warnings: Contains some themes and language that some audiences may find upsetting and distressing.

Accessible Performances:

Tue 10 Dec - BSL

Wed 11 Dec - Captioned and Audio Described 

Preview: Picture You Dead at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 Star cast announced for Picture You Dead at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Picture You Dead 

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 May 2025

A multi-star cast has been announced for the world premiere of the stage adaptation of Picture You Dead - adapted from Peter James’ bestselling novel - which will visit Newcastle Theatre Royal. 

2024 National Television Award winning actor, Peter Ash (War Horse; Footballers’ Wives), will return to the stage, following his acclaimed and unforgettably emotional exit from Coronation Street in September. Joining Peter is Fiona Wade who, following 11 years in Emmerdale, took to the stage earlier this year in the hit 2:22 A Ghost Story alongside George Rainsford, who will return to the Peter James franchise to reprise the role of DSI Roy Grace, which he also played in the most recent Peter James play to visit Newcastle Theatre Royal, Wish You Were Dead. West End favourite Jodie Steele (Wicked, Heathers, SIX) will star as Roberta Kilgore.

The story of Picture You Dead was inspired by Peter’s meeting with real life art forger and now acclaimed copyist, David Henty. Set in Brighton, DSI Grace investigates a cold case that leads him to the rarified air of fine art, but beneath the respectable veneer lurks a dark underworld of greed, deception and murder. When an unsuspecting couple unwittingly buy a potentially long-lost masterpiece in a car boot sale, they discover that their dream find is about to turn into their worst nightmare and only Grace can stop them from paying the ultimate price.

Roy Grace is a crime fiction phenomenon - the books have sold over 23 million copies worldwide, been previously adapted for six hugely successful stage productions, and transformed into ITV's critically acclaimed primetime drama about the Brighton-based detective, Grace.  Season four of the crime series was another ratings smash-hit, with season five currently in production. And earlier this year, Grace was declared by Her Majesty Queen Camilla herself, as her favourite literary detective!

Peter James said: “It is truly incredible for me to see the seventh stage adaptation of my books coming to theatres in 2025. I am so grateful to the hundreds of thousands of people around the country who have come to their local theatre and enjoyed the plays over the last 10 years, and I am thrilled to tell you all that personally, I think this brand-new play, is the best one so far! On top of that, I could not be more delighted by the fantastic cast that we have assembled to star in the world premiere production of Picture You Dead – they are all brilliant actors and it’s going to be a great and thrilling night at the theatre!”

Peter James has 20 Sunday Times number one bestselling crime novels to his name. The world premiere tour of Picture You Dead marks the latest and seventh thrilling theatre adaptation of his books and is once again produced by Joshua Andrews and Peter James cementing the adaptations of James’ Grace books, as the most successful modern-day crime franchise on stage, since Agatha Christie.

Tickets:

Picture You Dead plays Newcastle Theatre Royal during May 2025. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

News: Newcastle Theatre Royal announce Aladdin - a brand-new panto for 2025/26

Newcastle Theatre Royal announce Aladdin - a brand-new panto for 2025/26

Whilst cast and crew are in rehearsals ahead of diving into this year’s pantomime, The Little Mermaid, Newcastle Theatre Royal and Crossroads Pantomimes are delighted to announce that a brand-new version of Aladdin will fly into the Grey Street venue in 2025/26.

In celebration of Danny and Clive’s 20th year as the stars of the Theatre Royal panto, audiences will enter a whole new world of pantomime with a brand-new version of Aladdin. Michael Harrison’s retelling of the legendary story is set in the Royal Kingdom of Pantomania, where a whole host of fairytale characters come together in a pantomime for the 21st century where wicked witches meet dancing geese, colliding with one very magical flying carpet!

Chris Hayward once again dons the Dame’s frocks as Aladdin’s mum, Mother Goose, and Joe McElderry returns as The Spirit of the Ring. This is Aladdin as it’s never been seen before - with a Tyneside twist! With brand-new sets and costumes designed especially for Newcastle Theatre Royal, Aladdin promises to be a Genie-us of a pantomime.

Michael Harrison, Producer and Director of the Theatre Royal pantomime said: “We’re absolutely delighted to announce the return of Danny, Clive, Chris and Joe next Christmas in a brand-new staging of Aladdin. Opening spectacular new pantomimes at the Theatre Royal is becoming somewhat of a tradition, with our new production of The Little Mermaid opening in a few weeks time, and following the huge success of Pinocchio last year.”

Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, Marianne Locatori added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Danny and Clive back to the venue for their 20th season! Many of our audiences have grown up watching pantomimes here, and they are a huge part of that tradition. We’re looking forward to being able to celebrate this milestone by welcoming audiences to watch a version of Aladdin unlike any they have ever seen before.”

“Later this month we’ll be opening yet another brand-new pantomime, The Little Mermaid and we’ve already sold more than 75,000 tickets. Rehearsals are now underway, and we can’t wait to share the finished show with our audiences, every year we’re sure the production can’t outdo the last, yet they still keep getting better and better!”

Tickets:

Aladdin plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 25 November 2025 – Sunday 11 January 2026. This year’s pantomime – The Little Mermaid - plays Tuesday 26 November 2024 – Sunday 12 January 2025.

Tickets for Aladdin are on sale from Thursday 14 November 2024 to Friends Plus members and Monday 18 November 2024 to Friends of the Theatre Royal. Flexi members, Groups and Schools can book from Thu 21 Nov 2024 and public booking opens on Tuesday 26 November 2024.

Tickets for both shows can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Relaxed performances: Sun 7 Dec 2025, 12pm & Wed 7 Jan 2026, 12pm
Audio Described: Tue 9 Dec 2025, 7pm
BSL & Captioned performance: Thu 11 Dec 2025, 2pm & 7pm   

 
Website: theatreroyal.co.uk
Box Office: 0191 232 7010
Groups Sales: 0191 232 7020

Facebook: /NewcastleTheatreRoyal
Twitter: @TheatreRoyalNew
Instagram: @NewcastleTheatreRoyal

News: War Horse Visits Beamish Museum to Commemorate Remembrance Day

War Horse Visits Beamish Museum to 

Commemorate Remembrance Day

 

 

To mark 110 years since the start of World War One and to commemorate Remembrance Day, last week on Thursday 7 November, the iconic puppet of the National Theatre’s War Horse, ‘Joey’, visited Beamish Museum’s Home Farm to remember not only the men and women lost in the First and Second World Wars but the animals who served, too.

 

The National Theatre’s production War Horse, which is currently playing at Sunderland Empire until Saturday 16 November, features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing, galloping, charging, horses to thrilling life on stage.

 

Joey travelled to the living, working museum to meet their Clydesdale horse, Mick, who is a real-life example of a working horse that would have been used in World War One. Also in attendance were Beamish Museum’s engagement staff, who recreated First World War soldiers.

 

This tour of War Horse follows the 40^th anniversary of the publication of Michael Morpurgo’s global best-selling novel, which has now sold over 35 million copies in 37 different languages worldwide.

 

 

Rhiannon Hiles, Chief Executive of Beamish Museum said:

 

“It was wonderful to have War Horse here and to see the actual Joey with our horse Mick. It was quite emotional when he came out of the hemmel. I felt a bit choked up and had a tear in my eye. It’s significant for us to host this, not just because we’re partners with Sunderland Empire, but because it’s brilliant to work together with anchor institutions across the north, especially at this time of year.

 

Yesterday being Remembrance Sunday, the staff came down into our 1900s Town - but we’re not just about the men and the women who fought and lost their lives, we’re also about the animals and we promote that as part of what we do, so to have had Joey here is very emotional. When you think about what took place back then, it was very significant and made quite a lot of impact for people. I know it’s a puppet, but it doesn’t feel like a puppet. It feels real.”

 

When asked about the significance Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse still has today, local actor Owen Dagnall from County Durham, who plays Albert, said:

 

“It’s the humanity in it. It’s based on Joey and the bond he has with Albert. It’s humanity in its purest form. We need humanity - the rawness of it is very special. It’s very captivating.”

 

Hartlepool puppeteer Lewis McBean who plays Heart of Joey said:

 

“There’s so much war happening and I think both World War One and World War Two made such big impacts upon everyone all over the world. Of course, we’ve built our future from that point on and war, no matter which one it is, teaches you lessons of how we act, the human condition and how we deal with things. What’s nice (about the show) is although war is the backdrop, it explores a lot of the relationships and how people deal with war in those moments, as well as how we connect and the decisions we make.”

 

At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France.  He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land.  Albert, who remained on his parents’ Devon farm, cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.

 

War Horse, adapted by Nick Stafford and originally directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris has become the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre, winning more than 25 major awards and has been seen by over 8.3 million people worldwide. Creative development for this all-new tour has been led by Tom Morris and revival director Katie Henry and is co-produced with Michael Harrison, Fiery Angel, and Playing Field.

North East Theatre Guide Review link

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