Auditions: Arts North Studios based in Sunderland

 The search is on for Sunderland's next stage stars

Young performers from across the North East are being invited to audition for two major musical productions, as one of the region's leading performing arts colleges expands its training programme.

previous production

Arts North Studios, based in Sunderland, has launched a casting call for High School Musical and Finding Nemo The Musical, with auditions taking place at The Fire Station on Saturday 12 September.

The productions form part of a wider expansion for the college, which is launching a new Saturday academy in September to sit alongside its Sunday academy, already running at full capacity. The move will create further opportunities for young people to train in singing, dancing and acting alongside industry professionals.

previous production

Those cast in the shows will rehearse as part of their weekly Weekend Academy classes in the run-up to each performance. Finding Nemo The Musical is scheduled for the Easter holidays on 3 and 4 April 2027, followed by High School Musical on 26 and 27 July 2027.

Auditions are open to performers of all ages, and junior members will also take part in a Christmas concert at The Fire Station in December. Organisers say anyone with an interest in musical theatre, singing, dancing or acting is welcome to apply.

Annie Guy, Principal of Arts North Studios, said the response to the college's existing Sunday academy had encouraged the expansion. "There is so much talent in the North East, and these auditions are about giving young performers and those with a passion for musical theatre the opportunity to develop, perform and push themselves in a professional environment," she said. "Whether you're taking your very first step onto the stage or already dreaming of the West End, we want to hear from you."

Arts North Studios has built a reputation as one of the region's leading training grounds for young performers, offering professional-level tuition in singing, acting and dance with a focus on confidence, creativity and personal development.

previous production

The college also has a busy summer ahead, running its ArtsEd x Arts North Studios Musical Theatre Summer School, which gives aspiring performers the chance to train alongside tutors from Arts Educational Schools London, one of the UK's leading drama schools. Alongside this, a Musical Theatre Summer Camp will offer performers aged three and up a five-day course developing their singing, dancing and acting skills, culminating in a live performance at The Fire Station for family and friends.

Guy added that with the new auditions, the academy expansion and a packed summer schedule, Arts North Studios was heading into one of its busiest seasons yet as it continues its work nurturing the next generation of performers.

To register for auditions, contact academy@artsnorthstudios.com.

Preview: Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story at Sunderland Empire

advertisement

 DIRTY DANCING RETURNS TO SUNDERLAND EMPIRE THIS SEPTEMBER

The nation's favourite dance floor romance is heading back to the North East, as Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage visits Sunderland Empire from Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 September 2026.

Charlie Varlet (Baby), Joel Benjamin (Johnny), Ellie Fergusson (Penny) 
Photo: Paul Madeley 

Inspired by the beloved 1987 film, the show tells the story of Baby Houseman and dance instructor Johnny Castle, whose worlds collide over one unforgettable summer. Expect all the romance, rebellion and raw chemistry that made the original a classic, plus that unmistakable soundtrack, including "Hungry Eyes," "Hey! Baby," "Do You Love Me?" and the show-stopping "(I've Had) The Time of My Life."

Leading the cast as Johnny Castle is Joel Benjamin, recently seen in Disney's Hercules the Musical in the West End, with previous stints in Dirty Dancing itself (Dominion Theatre, UK tour and Paris), Chicago the Musical and Mamma Mia. Making her theatre touring debut in the iconic role of Baby is Charlie Varlet, whose screen credits include Sense and Sensibility. Rounding out the leads is Ellie Fergusson as Penny Johnson — familiar to TV audiences as the winner of the first series of The Greatest Dancer and a Strictly Come Dancing alum.

Charlie Varlet (Baby) 
Photo: Paul Madeley 

The production is directed once again by Federico Bellone, with choreography by Austin Wilks, and is produced by Karl Sydow in association with Lionsgate Films and Magic Hour Productions. Screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein, who penned the original film, has written the stage adaptation, preserving the dialogue fans know by heart.

Ellie Fergusson (Penny) 
Photo: Paul Madeley 

Joel Benjamin (Johnny) 
Photo: Paul Madeley 

Sunderland forms part of a UK and Ireland tour running through to summer 2027, following the show's record-breaking history at London's Aldwych Theatre, where it played to over two million people across a five-year run.

Tickets are on sale now via ATG Tickets' Sunderland box office site (a transaction fee may apply to online bookings). LINK

Interview: Dav Pilkey

"Let your imagination run wild": Dog Man creator Dav Pilkey on bringing his supa-popular hero to the North East stage

North East Theatre Guide speaks to bestselling author and illustrator Dav Pilkey ahead of Dog Man: The Musical's run at Darlington Hippodrome this September.

He's sold more than 70 million copies of his graphic novels worldwide, but Dav Pilkey still has one hard-and-fast rule for anyone who wants to watch him work: don't look. "I would not want anyone looking over my shoulder when I'm writing and illustrating my books," the American author admits. It's a habit of fierce creative privacy that makes it all the more striking that, when a team of theatre-makers set out to adapt his beloved canine superhero for the stage, Pilkey handed over the reins almost entirely. "I told the team to do what they wanted to do," he says, "and let their imagination run wild."

#ad Dav Pilkey books are available 
from our affiliate Waterstones: LINK

That leap of faith has paid off. Dog Man: The Musical is currently delighting audiences in London and is about to head out on a UK tour that brings it to Darlington Hippodrome from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September. For Pilkey, the trust placed in director and choreographer Jen Wineman and the show's co-writers, Kevin Del Aguila and Brad Alexander, was never in doubt. "I trust the entire team," he says. "They are brilliant and have adapted Dog Man into a truly enjoyable stage experience for all ages. Everyone is in for a fantastic treat."

A hero born in the classroom

Dog Man may have become a publishing phenomenon since his debut in 2016, but the character's roots go back much further, to a seven-year-old Pilkey doodling at his desk. That early creativity wasn't always welcomed at school. "I was often sent out in the corridor by my teachers for being disruptive in class," he recalls. "At the time, my teachers did not have a lot of resources to manage kids like me who have dyslexia and ADHD. I remember being isolated from my classmates and often felt like a misfit. But I also remember focusing on what I love: making comics."

It was his parents, he says, who kept that spark alive, commissioning stories from him and championing his imagination even when the classroom couldn't. "Despite my challenges in school, they always encouraged my creative pursuits. Their support and love was life-changing and helped me to become the reader, writer, and illustrator that I am today."

That half-formed police-dog hybrid eventually found his way into the Captain Underpants universe, then a film, then his own spin-off series starring sidekick Cat Kid. Now, drawing on four of the books — Dog Man, Dog Man Unleashed, Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties and Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas — the stage show weaves the stories into one adventure, framed as the creation of two mischievous fourth graders, Harold and George, who dream up a musical about their favourite comic invention after being kicked out of their own school show.

A silent hero, by design

Pilkey may have stepped back from the show's creative decisions, but there was one condition he held firm on: Dog Man himself never speaks or sings on stage. "It's part of how George and Harold think as fourth graders," he explains. The same goes for 80-HD, the robot sidekick whose name riffs on ADHD. "I wanted to emphasise using creativity to communicate in other ways besides speech," Pilkey says, pointing to drawing and dance as alternatives.

It's a theme that runs through everything Pilkey makes: that imagination and humour matter, especially for children who don't always fit the mould. "For children, humour is an essential tool for cognitive and social development and critical thinking skills," he says. "It reduces stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins and provides comfort during tough times. I think it helps all of us develop resilience and a positive outlook." Asked for a favourite line from the show, he points to one that captures the spirit of the whole project: "gotta shine like it's your finest hour, and let your 80-HD power show!"

Why theatre, why now

Pilkey's own love of theatre dates back to almost the same period as Dog Man's invention, when he saw a school production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. "I remember immediately after the show, I wanted to read all the books," he says. "I wanted to know more about the characters." He's since watched the off-Broadway run of Dog Man: The Musical in New York multiple times, and describes seeing his characters on stage as "an incredible feeling."

#ad Dav Pilkey books are available 
from our affiliate Waterstones: LINK

For Pilkey, live theatre carries a weight that feels especially timely. "I believe live theatre will become crucial in this era of AI," he says. "The direct human connection between the actors and the audience really leaves a lasting impression. It inspires creativity and stimulates the mind." It's the same feeling he hopes families walk away with after a night at Dog Man: The Musical: "I hope they will have as much fun watching the musical as I did. And I hope they are inspired to read books together and see more shows together."

As for whether he'd fancy an all-singing, all-dancing cameo in Harold and George's play-within-a-play? Pilkey isn't tempted. "I don't think you'd want me to!" he laughs.

His message to young audiences heading to the Hippodrome this September is much the same one that got him through the school corridor all those years ago: "I would encourage all kids to let their imaginations run wild, like George and Harold. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and keep practicing and be persistent."

Dog Man: The Musical runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September. For full details or to book, visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405.

Preview: Behind Closed Doors comes to The Customs House

Behind Closed Doors comes to 

The Customs House in South Shields

Behind Closed Doors,

South Shields The Customs House, 

Saturday 1 August 2026

A raw new two-hander tackling domestic abuse within a gay relationship is set to open at The Customs House in South Shields this summer, before heading to three of the UK's biggest fringe festivals.

Behind Closed Doors, written by Corey Muizelaar and directed by Jason Marc Williams, premieres at the South Shields venue on Saturday 1 August 2026 at 7.30pm, produced by Studio Muiz. Muizelaar also stars, alongside Ben Robert Cunningham.

Set almost entirely within the four walls of a bedroom, the play follows Jude and Charlie, two young men whose relationship begins in desire, humour and tenderness before curdling into something far more dangerous. When Charlie uncovers Jude's secrets, a late-night confrontation tips into a devastating unravelling of trust — one that drags addiction, obsession, betrayal and mental health into the open, and exposes just how thin the line between love and control can be.

Preview: World War Why? at Durham City Theatre

World War Why? brings absurdist satire to Durham Fringe

World War Why? 

Durham City Theatre

Wednesday 29 - Thursday 30 July 2026

A group of students and graduates from the Northern School of Art in Hartlepool are bringing their sharp-edged comedy to this year's Durham Fringe Festival, with performances of World War Why? at the City Theatre on 29 and 30 July.

Written and directed by Shaun Patrick Wilson, the 50-minute piece imagines a world at war not between nations, but between the right-handed and the left-handed. Split between the trenches and the generals' office, the play follows soldiers and commanders as they live out very different versions of the same conflict - asking, along the way, whether any of it means anything to the people fighting it, or whether it's all just a game to those giving the orders.

Drawing inspiration from Blackadder and Oh! What a Lovely War, the show leans into the absurdity of its premise while not shying away from war's harsher realities, mixing comedic set pieces with more gut-wrenching moments. It's billed as a piece that will get audiences laughing and questioning in equal measure, and comes with a content warning for loud noises, flashing lights, strong language, and depictions of violence and suicide, with an age suitability of 14+.

The cast features Joshua Brown, Josh Prudence, Sophie Pedlar and Stephen Lister, all currently studying or recently graduated from the BA(Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen course at the Northern School of Art. The production has already had one outing this year, performed at ARC Stockton in June as part of the "A Bunch of Plays" showcase, before this run at Durham Fringe.

Speaking ahead of the festival, cast member Joshua Brown said the team were keen to bring the show to Durham audiences: "It's a show that makes you think, laugh and question the concept of war. It's not one to miss."

Tickets:

World War Why? plays at the City Theatre, Durham, on 29 and 30 July at 3pm. Tickets are £7, available via the Durham Fringe Festival website.

Preview: The Girl on the Train at Newcastle People's Theatre

The Girl on the Train 

Newcastle People's Theatre

Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 July 2026

A missing woman. A tangled web of secrets. One unforgettable journey. The People's Theatre brings Paula Hawkins' global bestseller The Girl on the Train to its Heaton stage this July, in a sharp psychological thriller that promises to keep audiences guessing right to the final moment.

Rachel (Kate Plass) longs for a different life. Escaping her own unhappiness, she becomes captivated by the perfect couple she glimpses each day from her train window — happy, successful, deeply in love. Or so it seems. When the woman suddenly vanishes, Rachel is drawn into a gripping mystery that starts to blur the line between truth and imagination, and as suspicion mounts and hidden lives are exposed, she finds herself at the centre of a shocking investigation.

Adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel from Hawkins' novel and the DreamWorks film, the production is packed with suspense, intrigue and unexpected twists, as obsession, deception and desire collide. Step aboard — but be warned, nothing is as it seems.

The production is directed by Sam Sanford, with Kate Plass leading the cast as Rachel Watson, alongside Sam Hinton as Tom Watson, Ellie Adamson as Anna Watson, Tom Kelly as Scott Hipwell, Mark Buckley as DI Gaskill, Callum Mawston as Kamal Abdic and Lauren Urmson as Megan Hipwell.

The Girl on the Train runs at the People's Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5QF, from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th July 2026, with performances at 7.30pm. Tickets are £16.50/£14.

Tickets: available from the People's Theatre Box Office on 0191 265 5020 (option 2) or online at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

This amateur production of The Girl on the Train, based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and the DreamWorks film, is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.

Preview: Annie at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Annie, the Smash Hit Musical, Comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal

Annie

Newcastle Theatre Royal 

Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 August 2026

Producers Michael Harrison and David Ian have announced that their smash hit production of Annie will pull into Newcastle Theatre Royal this August as part of its tour of the UK and Ireland, with Claire Sweeney starring as Miss Hannigan.

Set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, the show follows brave young Annie, forced to endure a miserable life at Miss Hannigan's orphanage. Her luck changes when she's chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with billionaire Oliver Warbucks — but spiteful Miss Hannigan has other plans, and hatches a scheme to derail Annie's search for her true family.

This Tony award-winning production features one of musical theatre's best-loved scores, including It's the Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don't Need Anything But You and Tomorrow.

Annie has music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and a book by Thomas Meehan. It is directed by Curve's Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, with set and costume design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Nick Winston, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Richard Brooker. The production is produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian, and this tour is licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI).

Photos: Paul Coltas

Tickets: www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/annie-2

Box Office: 0191 232 7010

Evenings: 7.30pm

Matinees: Wednesday & Thursday 2pm, Saturday 2.30pm

Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes, including interval

Please note the production contains strobes, smoke and haze, and confetti bursts on stage

An Audio Described and Captioned performance, with pre-show Touch Tour, takes place on Saturday 8th August at 2.30pm

Tickets start from £23, with prices varying by performance.