Preview: …Earnest? at Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

…Earnest?

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Wednesday 7 – Thursday 8 May 2025

After delighting audiences across the country, the smash-hit interactive comedy …Earnest? from award-winning company Say It Again, Sorry? heads to Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre & Opera House this May. Expect a night of theatrical chaos, laughter, and unexpected stars – quite possibly including you!

When the actor playing Ernest fails to make their entrance, Oscar Wilde’s beloved classic The Importance of Being Earnest takes a gloriously anarchic turn. With cast members dropping like flies, the audience is invited to step up, audition, and take their places in a riotous retelling like no other. Stage whiskey flows, portraits are painted, and improvisation reigns supreme in this madcap, quintessentially British farce.

Written by Josh King, Simon Paris, and the company, and directed by Simon Paris, …Earnest? premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2021, returning by popular demand for three consecutive years. Now extended into a full two-act show for its UK tour, the production has already seen almost 2,000 audience members swap their seats for the spotlight – with heartwarming and hilarious results. Past participants have found unexpected fame, new passions, and even love backstage!

Director and co-writer Simon Paris said "We are very excited to bring ...Earnest? back to audiences across the country and share our unique blend of chaos, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling. This show celebrates the magic of live theatre- where anything can happen and often does. With its playful twists and interactive surprises, we invite audiences to step into a world where every moment is delightfully unpredictable." 

Known for their groundbreaking approach to making theatre accessible – not just artistically but financially through their pioneering micro-unit investment scheme – Say It Again, Sorry? are as committed to community as they are to comedy. As director Simon Paris puts it, "This show celebrates the magic of live theatre – where anything can happen, and often does."

This is theatre at its most playful, unpredictable, and joyously human. Whether you’re a seasoned stage star or a first-time audience member, …Earnest? promises an unforgettable night that puts creativity firmly in the hands of the people.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic – who knows, you might just steal the show!

Photos: Mark Senior

On the web:

@SayItAgainSorry

www.sayitagainsorry.com

www.earnestshow.co.uk

Tickets:

🗓 Dates: Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th May 2025

📍 Venue: Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle

🎟 Tickets:  https://www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/whatson/earnest/

⏰ Running Time: 120 mins (plus interval)

👥 Recommended for ages 12+

REVIEW: Ghost Stories at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Ghost Stories

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Saturday 26 April 2025

A show with plenty of jumpy moments has landed on Grey Street direct from the West End this week. 

They said "When Professor Goodman, arch-sceptic out to debunk the paranormal, embarks on an investigation of three apparent hauntings – as recounted by a night-watchman, a teenage boy, and a businessman awaiting his first child – Goodman finds himself at the outer limits of rationality, and fast running out of explanations.

Enter a world full of thrilling twists and epic turns, where the ultimate love-letter to horror is imagined live on stage. A fully sensory and electrifying encounter, Ghost Stories is one of London’s best reviewed plays of all time and will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat. This is a theatrical experience like no other."

 

Secrecy in theatre is not unusual. Many thousands see The Mousetrap every year and agree to enter a contract with the cast not to reveal the killer. This show though is closer to Derren Brown in the instruction "don't reveal the plot!. I totally get why some shows will want the audience to arrive without a clue about what they are about to face. Indeed showman P. T. Barnum would be pleased with the showmanship on offer with Ghost Stories.

So I'm not left with much to write...

The Lecturer - Dan Tetsell

Ghostly productions are not new. The tricks of the trade that date back, in some cases to Victorian times, are on show here. If you've seen, for example, Woman In Black, then you'll appreciate how fab theatre can create tension and jump scares. The three central designs work collectively well together. Lighting design (James Farncombe) needs to only allow light in certain areas, though this includes auditorium lighting too. Sound design (Nick Manning) has to be selective in what you hear and need, as Hitchcock clearly used sound in his movies, to be tension. Finally the set design (Jon Bausor) coupled with special effects (Scott Penrose) need to tell as much of the story as the cast themselves. Add in the Theatre Royal, which as an old theatre whose interior was designed in Victorian times, so that it helps set up the pretence of the show. 

The Caretaker/ Night watchman - David Cardy 

The decision to run the show for 85 minutes without an interval also keeps the sustained tension - just like a good horror movie. Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman wrote and co-directed the show with Sean Holmes have created a popular show with the right balance of jumps and laughs. 

The cast have to have great timing.  In a comedy, you'd expect great comic timing - but the same applies to live horror. The cast don't have the benefit of editing and the ability to change the audiences view like a horror movie - this results in them needing to know how and, crucially, when to both move or deliver the line. I know that is what acting is about, but the audience are likely to compared the theatre experience with what can be achieved at the cinema - even though both formats are very different. This show proves that there is something much more kinaesthetic and physical than the celluloid experience.

The student - Eddie Loodmer-Elliott

I do worry if I have been desensitized to jump-scare theatre. Thus I'm reliant on good storytelling. This tale feels like a modern version of a classic Charles Dickens ghost tale. It has the short story cycle in which the same, apparently trivial detail presented at the start of the tale will either have bigger significance or add to the final narrative later on the in tale. 

The businessman - Clive Mantle

So there you go. I have not given anything away. The cast are tight - the people off stage who handle the lights/sound/props/effects are a hard working slick machine that needs credit in making the tale come to life. I'm glad I saw it. Is it perfect horror - no, though the influence of Korean and Japanese horror movies is apparent. But it is entertaining, and that's half the battle.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Hugo Glendinning

Tickets:

Evenings: Tue, Wed, Thu and Sat 8pm, Fri 6pm & 9pm

Matinees: Sat 2.30pm

Running time: 90mins (no interval)

Recommended: 15+, contains moments of extreme shock and tension, we strongly advise those of a nervous disposition to think very seriously before attending.

Website: https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/ghost-stories/

Preview: Unearthed Festival at Newcastle Live Theatre

Tarell Alvin McCraney and Alistair McDowall join Live Theatre’s Unearthed Festival championing new talent from the North East

Unearthed Festival

Newcastle Live Theatre 

Tuesday 20 to Saturday 31 May 2025

Live Theatre in Newcastle are launching their 11-day Unearthed Festival, dedicated to new work and artist development. Running from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 31 May highlights of the festival include: The Royal Court at Live led by David Byrne and Ishy Din, masterclasses with Alistair McDowall and an online Q and A with Oscar winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight).

The festival will also feature readings, performances, and scratch nights, the majority of which will be on sale for Live Theatre’s freelance rate of £6. There will also be a mid-career artist gathering, Fail Friday, led by theatre maker Luca Rutherford and creative socials for parents who work in the arts.

Live Theatre Artistic Director, Jack McNamara said: “The global level of artists we have gathered together for this festival is testament to how passionate people feel about nurturing the great artists of tomorrow. And Newcastle, and the wider North East, is rightfully being seen as the crucible of new work that it is. We hope that in these uncertain times a festival like Unearthed can fight against the doom mongering, reminding people that investing in new work is more necessary  than ever.”

 “Amid all the noise and division of today’s world new writing is more vital now than ever.  Stories can be lifelines – threads of hope, defiance and shared humanity. When people create they reclaim space, shatter barriers, and sow empathy in hardened ground where unearthed voices become mirrors for us all in a quiet revolution – tender, brave and unrelenting - reminding us who we are and who we still might become. 

John Dawson, Artist Development Producer added: “This Festival is about more than performances; it is about growth, risk, and connection through creating space for artists to take risks, find their people, and feel seen. That’s what drives us, championing voices that deserve to be heard, telling the untold stories rooted in our region, and boldly building a national stage right here in the North East. We exist to give artists the freedom to create without limits, and the recognition they deserve to rise, be seen, and be celebrated.”

Further Details & Tickets:

Look out for further programme announcements, check out the Unearthed Festival lineup and book tickets at https://www.live.org.uk/whats-on/unearthed-festival

Preview: Newcastle Theatre Royal Hosts Free Open Day This April

Step Into the Spotlight: Newcastle Theatre Royal Hosts Free Open Day This April

Ahead of an open day, the North East Theatre Guide was given a preview tour of Newcastle's historic gem.

Newcastle Theatre Royal is set to open its doors in grand style for a very special Open Day on Thursday, 17 April 2025, from 10am to 3pm. For one day only, the public is invited to go behind the scenes of one of the North East’s most treasured cultural landmarks. With an exciting lineup of activities planned and free entry for all, the event promises an unforgettable day of discovery, inspiration, and creativity for visitors of all ages.

Thursday will give you a chance to see beyond
the public areas that you are familiar with.
Photo: Stephen Oliver

This will be the first time the magnificent 1,247-seat Matcham-designed theatre has welcomed walk-in visitors since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative is part of a wider drive to ensure that more people can access and enjoy everything the theatre has to offer — not just during performances, but as a community space rich in history, creativity, and charm.

A Warm Welcome Back to a Historic Gem

The current Newcastle Theatre Royal, which first opened its doors in 1837, is no ordinary venue. With its iconic façade and breathtaking auditorium, it's a space that has hosted some of the biggest names in theatre for nearly two centuries. Whether you're a lifelong theatre lover or just curious about what happens beyond the stage curtain, this Open Day offers a rare chance to explore the venue in a new and immersive way.

Behind the stage - the tour will
show you the rehearsal areas
Photo: Stephen Oliver

What’s On: Activities for Every Interest

The Open Day boasts a packed programme of events and activities, all designed to appeal to a wide range of interests and age groups. Here’s a closer look at what visitors can look forward to:

🎭 Theatre Tours

Ever wondered what goes on backstage or how a stage show is brought to life? Join an expert-led tour of the theatre to discover hidden corners and insider secrets, from the spectacular auditorium to behind-the-scenes technical areas. Tours last 30 minutes and are available to pre-book online, or you can join a queue on the day. As you can see from the photos, you will get to see what happens behind the stage and the view from the stage.

The tour will include the dressing rooms
  Photo: Stephen Oliver

🐉 Immersive Fantasy Creatures Experience

In a collaboration with local schools in Newcastle’s West End, children have imagined magical creatures roaming their neighbourhoods. These creations will come alive through interviews, artwork, photography, and a specially produced soundscape in the Theatre Royal’s Studio space, transforming their imagination into an interactive exhibit.

The tour gives you a chance to ask questions
about the theatre - Is that real gold on the ceiling?
Photo: Stephen Oliver

🕰️ History Talks

For those fascinated by the past, the History Talks will take you on a journey from the theatre’s founding in the 19th century to the present day. Learn about architect Frank Matcham’s redesign, explore iconic performances, and hear stories of legendary actors who’ve graced the stage. Talks last one hour, with a chance to view historical archives and join in a Q&A session.

Have you ever wondered what the view
is like for the performers? 
Photo: Stephen Oliver

🎭 Adult Acting Workshop

Thinking of stepping into the limelight yourself? Try an hour-long acting workshop in the theatre’s rehearsal room. Based on their popular Adult Ensemble classes, the workshop explores performance techniques, character development, and voice projection. It’s a fantastic confidence-builder and perfect for anyone curious about acting. Pre-booking is advised, but walk-ins will also be welcome where space permits.

🎚️ Stage Management Demonstration

Take a peek into the technical wizardry that supports every production. From lighting and sound to props and set changes, this demonstration showcases how stage managers and technicians work together to create theatrical magic across genres — including drama, dance, musicals, opera, and the ever-popular family pantomime.

The tour also includes the history behind
some of the features that you will
have seen in the public areas too
Photo: Stephen Oliver

🎨 Craft Workshops

Creativity isn’t just for the stage. Young visitors (and the young at heart) can take part in family-friendly craft stations, where they can make theatre masks, design badges, or decorate tote bags to take home as unique mementos of the day.

🥚 Fantasy Egg Hunt

As part of the Fantasy Creatures exhibit, kids can roam the theatre hunting for hidden eggs laid by the mysterious beasts of the West End. It’s a fun and interactive way to explore the venue.

Music will be performed from the Grand Circle bar
Photo: Stephen Oliver

🎹 Live Music & Refreshments

When it’s time for a break, visitors can enjoy live piano music performed by a professional pianist in the Grand Circle bar, creating the perfect backdrop for relaxing. Or head to 100 Grey Street, the theatre’s stylish coffee and wine bar, offering artisan Baristocracy coffee, Eden Fine Wines, and delicious Pink Lane Bakery pastries and cakes.

This event is a celebration of everything the Theatre Royal represents: heritage, creativity, and accessibility. Whether you come for the history, the workshops, the crafts, or just a good cup of coffee in a beautiful setting, this Open Day is your invitation to connect with the magic of the theatre in a whole new way.

Of course - highlights include going under and
onto the stage and seeing the magnificent venue
from a new perspective.
Photo: Stephen Oliver

So mark your calendar for Thursday 17 April, gather your family and friends, and prepare to discover the heart and soul of Newcastle’s most beloved stage. Admission is free, and no previous theatre experience is required — just bring your curiosity, your imagination, and maybe a tote bag to decorate.

Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Open Day is on Thursday 17 April from 10am to 3pm. The building will be open from 9.30am for people who prefer a more sensory-friendly and less overwhelming experience.

The event is free to enter, and no booking is required. Tours are not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility, but the auditorium, bars, talks, workshops and crafts can be accessed via lifts.

Tours begin at the front of the theatre 
Photo: Stephen Oliver

Tickets:

Events can be booked at https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/open-day2025/ 

Review: Hairspray at Sunderland Empire

Hairspray

Sunderland Empire

Until Saturday 19 April 2025

The irresistible feel-good musical Hairspray has burst onto the Sunderland Empire stage this week with a kaleidoscope of colour, infectious rhythms, and an uplifting message that never goes out of style. With a dazzling cast, toe-tapping tunes, and tight direction from none other than Brenda Edwards – herself a former Hairspray star – this production is a joyous celebration of individuality, community, and change.

There are a small number of shows that I love to watch and this is one. I know I will have You Can't Stop The Beat going through my head on the drive home. A show that you leave with a smile on your face.

Set in 1962 Baltimore, Hairspray follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big-hearted teen with big dreams and even bigger hair, who dances her way into stardom on the Corny Collins Show and fights to integrate the once-segregated dance programme. It’s a story that still resonates today, packaged in glorious musical numbers and larger-than-life performances.

Katie Brace stars as Tracy and she encompasses the fabulous positivity of a character that sees good in everyone. She brings a winning combination of innocence, determination, and humour to the role, carrying the show with ease and boundless energy. Her vocals are strong, her timing impeccable, and her sincerity shines through in every scene. She absolutely earned the enthusiastic standing ovation on press night – a star turn in every sense.

The heart and soul of the show, however, are Tracy’s quirky but loving parents, Edna and Wilbur Turnblad. Neil Hurst delivers an outstanding performance as Edna, balancing broad comedy with genuine emotion. His chemistry with Dermot Canavan’s Wilbur is truly touching, especially during their duet “(You’re) Timeless to Me”, which had the audience in stitches and sighs in equal measure. The duo’s onstage rapport feels authentic and joyous – a clear highlight of the evening.

Michelle Ndegwa stuns as Motormouth Maybelle, delivering powerhouse vocals and commanding the stage with grace and presence. Her rendition of “I Know Where I’ve Been” was spine-tingling and brought a poignant weight to the show’s themes of racial equality and perseverance. 

There's a need for a villain of the piece and in this show Joanne Clifton appears as the openly racist television producer Velma Von Tussle, a mother with a mission to propel her daughter Amber to stardom. Allana Taylor completes the pairing as the aspiring young personality. Their performance gives the show a pivot that doesn't descend into the boo-hiss of panto.

Solomon Davy charms as teen heartthrob Link Larkin. He’s suave, vocally assured, and brings warmth to the role, making it easy to see why Tracy falls for him. Katlo’s Little Inez is delightful – bright, feisty, and full of charisma. In supporting roles, Freya McMahon is a comic gem as the awkwardly adorable Penny Pingleton, while Reece Richards brings energy and charisma to Seaweed, delivering some of the slickest moves of the night.

The ensemble cast are tight and enthusiastic, executing Drew McOnie’s original choreography with flair and precision. Every number crackles with life, from the iconic opener Good Morning Baltimore to the rousing finale You Can’t Stop the Beat, which had the audience up on their feet and clapping along. Brenda Edwards’ direction keeps the pace brisk and the tone buoyant, ensuring every emotional beat lands while keeping the fun front and centre.

A key part of this production’s magic is the presence of a live band, led with verve by Musical Director Rickey Long. It’s a thrill to see musicians on stage, and the band adds vibrancy and authenticity to the score. The brass section, in particular, deserves special mention for their dynamic performance that lifts each number to new heights.

The show’s vibrant aesthetic is another triumph. The bold, cartoon-like set and colourful costumes transport us straight into the early 60s, and the lighting design punctuates the action with sparkle and drama. From the hairspray can-shaped set pieces to the rainbow-hued dance costumes, every visual detail adds to the party atmosphere.

For those unfamiliar, Hairspray began life as a cult 1988 film by John Waters, known for its offbeat humour and subversive charm. It was adapted into a stage musical in 2002 by Marc Shaiman (music), Scott Wittman (lyrics), and Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan (book), opening on Broadway to great acclaim. It went on to win eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has since become a global phenomenon – and with good reason. Its messages of acceptance, equality, and joy are wrapped in unforgettable tunes and characters you can’t help but root for. 

I would argue that the musical is one of those rare adaptations that has its own momentum now that is separate from the movie of origin. A number of those watching the show this week will not have seen the original picture and this is down to the skilful writing of the musical - they ensured that you don't need to be familiar with the source material. The exposition is delivered quickly and efficiently, the set up has been transferred to the stage in a way that acknowledges that what makes a good movie is very different to what makes a good stage performance.

This latest tour production manages to capture all of that original spark while injecting a fresh sense of fun and relevance. Brenda Edwards, having previously played Motormouth Maybelle herself, clearly understands the heart of the show and infuses every scene with warmth and humour. Her direction ensures that the social commentary is never lost amid the laughs, and the result is a show that is as moving as it is entertaining.

In a world that sometimes feels increasingly divided, Hairspray is a joyful reminder of the power of community, courage, and coming together. It’s a show with a big heart, a big voice, and, yes, big hair – but it’s the message that stays with you long after the glitter has settled.

If you’re looking for a night out that will leave you smiling, dancing in your seat, and maybe even wiping away a tear, Hairspray at Sunderland Empire is not to be missed. It runs until Saturday 19 April – we enjoyed it and look forward to seeing it again.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Pamela Raith

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Tickets:

Tickets are available from the theatre box office or online from ATG Tickets: LINK

Preview: Dogs On The Metro at Newcastle Live Theatre

New Live Theatre production Dogs On The Metro takes on consent from a female perspective

Dogs On The Metro 

Newcastle Live Theatre 

Thursday 1 - Saturday 17 May 2025

While Adolescence is currently being referenced in Parliament and brought to schools around the country for its study of nascent male violence,  one voice that remains noticeably silent in that depiction is that of the young woman herself. Live Theatre’s upcoming production of Dogs On The Metro, may not be about murder but it takes an unflinching look at gender attitudes and consent from a distinctly female perspective.

The inaugural winner of the North East Playwriting Award, the play observes young friends Jen, played by Sarah Balfour and Dean played by Dean Logan, as they ride the Metro together, people watching and taking part in a series of seemingly harmless games of ‘would you rather?’. But as the narrative unfolds it becomes clear that they have very different perspectives of an event that took place between them years earlier at a party. As the Metro thunders through the city, we learn, piece by piece, not only about what happened, but, crucially, how it felt for the woman involved and what it ultimately meant. With Dean continually reframing and downplaying the significance of what took place, Jen has to fight to ensure that the truth of her experience is heard and the meaning of it fully understood.

Emilie Robson
Dean Logan
Sarah Balfour

Award-winning writer Emile Robson said of her play: “Despite being largely set in the late noughties, it’s remarkable how current and relevant the themes of Dogs on the Metro are. It’s evident that kids then and kids now can lack the necessary language and compassion to relate to the opposite sex and properly communicate with each other. It’s really important to us that Dogs On The Metro does not make villains out of alienated young men but instead honours the perspectives of the young women who can often become collateral damage in other’s sexual exploration."

The play’s director Maria Crocker added: “I love making theatre because it can thrust audiences right into the middle of something. It can create space for difficult conversations, it can illuminate voices that are sometimes overlooked and can allow us to look at the world through a different lens. Dogs On The Metro does all three.”

Tickets:

A gripping portrait of young lives, Dogs On The Metro plays at Live Theatre from Thursday 1 to Saturday 17 May 2025 with tickets priced from £11 to £26.  For more information and to book tickets go to www.live.org.uk

Preview: Uncanny: Fear Of The Dark at Darlington Hippodrome

Brand New Uncanny Stage Show Coming To Darlington Hippodrome

Uncanny: Fear Of The Dark 

Darlington Hippodrome 

Sunday 8 February 2026

A brand new stage production of Uncanny: Fear Of The Dark is on its way to Darlington Hippodrome in February 2026.

The first Uncanny live stage show I Know What I Saw was one of the best-selling paranormal shows in theatre history. Now, Danny Robins and his team of experts are back with all-new, thrillingly terrifying, real-life stories and witness accounts that will have audiences utterly gripped.

This is no ordinary podcast show. This is story-telling and paranormal investigation at its peak. With a backdrop of spine-tingling sound design, video projection and theatrical magic, Danny will bring to life accounts of hauntings, apparitions, poltergeists, UFOs and events that seem to defy logical explanation, examining them with the help of experts, psychologist Dr Ciarán O’Keeffe and writer and parapsychologist Evelyn Hollow, with input from audiences who will get the chance ask questions, come up with theories and share their own potentially paranormal experiences. 

 

As always, whether you are Team Sceptic, Team Believer or somewhere in between, everyone is welcome.  So the question is: ‘Are you afraid of the dark? Or are you brave enough to try to solve these chilling, intriguing mysteries?

Uncanny: Fear of the Dark is written and performed by Danny Robins, creator of the hugely successful BBC Radio 4 podcasts and global hits, Uncanny, The Battersea Poltergeist and The Witch Farm, the BBC TV series Uncanny and the award-winning West End play 2:22 – A Ghost Story. 

Danny Robins said ‘Taking Uncanny on the road and meeting thousands of fans over the last two years has been thrilling for me, so it’s great to be hitting the road again. If you love ghost stories and want to try and make sense of these strange mysteries, we can promise you a fun, thought-provoking, scare-filled night out. Across the podcast, TV series and live show, there’s been no shortage of new stories to tell. Each case is hand-picked for the format and the atmosphere at the live shows has been electric.  I can’t wait to welcome people back at some new venues this time, as well as inviting new audiences along for the ride,’ 

Tickets:

Uncanny: Fear Of The Dark comes to Darlington Hippodrome on Sunday 8 February 2026. For full details or to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405