Panto Review - GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS - PEOPLE'S THEATRE - NEWCASTLE

Steve Robertson photo by John Brown

You might think Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a thin premise for a pantomime. It is, but with many lewd jokes, bad jokes, Dad jokes, dances, songs, general panto tropes and tricks, the People’s Theatre have created a full-blown theatrical extravaganza. Written by Tom Whalley, the story follows a family circus, trying to make ends meet to pay the rent. They end up enlisting the help of the three bears and all seems to be going well. However, when the evil Ringmaster Heinkel gets involved, things go badly wrong and the happy ending is in jeopardy.

 

Molly Winton (Goldilocks) & Chorus photo Jess Chapman

Director Pamela Birleson has created a production that forces merriment into every aspect. One of the greatest and strongest features of this production is its group dances, expertly choreographed by Julie Bowman. The dancers fill the stage with a diversity of movement and sparkle. Musical Director Jonathan Goodman has a good selection of fitting and fun songs to work with, which highlights the joy of the show. What truly makes the stage shine with delight are the Adult Ensemble, Babes and Children’s Chorus who were clearly enjoying every moment of their time on stage. The feeling was quite infectious! Speaking of infectious – Snot, played by Rachel Potts, had the audience going ‘aww’ for the poor side-kick. The evil Ringmaster Heinkel was played by Ian Willis with such malevolent intent he seemed to even hate the pantomime he was in! Fear not, because the harmonious Emily Jeffrey as Mystic Sharon is here to thwart his plans. With Sharon’s help, the joyful Bear family of Jonathan Goodman as Daddy Bear, Kaila Moyers as Mummy Bear and the very sweet Abbie Martin as Baby Bear, ensure that the show goes on. Eileen Davidson as Colossus and Stewart Dives as Mystical Keith will have you chuckling as they show their acts. Mike Smith brings a lot of strength of character to the role of Baron Wasteland. Molly Winton is a delight as the loveable Goldilocks, who charms us all. Steve Robertson is the bawdy Dame Gertie Dollop, bringing mirth and delivering questionable jokes with flair. Callum Mawston is a comedic tour de force as the hilarious and well-meaning Silly Billy. This show could get laughter from a stone.

 

Ian Willis (Heinkel) & dancers photo Jess Chapman

There were times the show suffered from a few sound issues, leading to odd noises or talented singers sounding a little flat. However, in such a big production with so many different threads being twisted together, there was bound to be the odd hiccup on opening night. Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a great night of fun for all ages with plenty of jokes to make you chuckle. Get down to the People’s Theatre before you miss a truly great Pantomime.

 

Goldilocks and the Three Bears is showing at the People’s Theatre, 10^th - 18^th December!

Theatre Review - STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

I’VE never seen the Baz Luhrmann film of Strictly Ballroom and I’ve never watched Strictly Come Dancing, so I must admit I was not sure what to expect of Strictly Ballroom The Musical and if I would really enjoy the evening.

Set in the world of the Australian open amateur ballroom dancing, Scott, Kevin Clifton, is desperate to break out into his own dance steps away from the ballroom’s rules and restrictions. Scott finds Fran, Maisie Smith, to partner with, but his family and friends disagree.

From the start the show is full of pure glitz and glamour all the way. The choreography from the ensemble as expected is slick. Kevin Clifton, as a professional dancer is obviously outstanding, his voice may a surprise from some people but having seen him perform previously, I knew he could certainly perform in all areas. The highlight of the show though is definitely Maisie Smith. She is absolutely incredible the dancing, the acting, but especially the voice – I was mesmerised every time she sang. She has certainly got a future in musical theatre.

The finale was for a little short for me, I’d have loved a long finale reprising numbers from the show, luckily there was still time to be on my feet enjoying the final minutes.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of Strictly or not. You’ll leave the theatre knowing you’ve had an amazing night of entertainment. I can’t wait to see the show again.

Runs until Saturday 19th November.

Panto Preview - ALADDIN - PLAYHOUSE, WHITLEY BAY

 

X FACTOR LEGEND STARS IN WHITLEY BAY 

CHRISTMAS PANTO 2022

This winter, Blue Genie Entertainment will return for its 13th year with a Christmas spectacular at the Playhouse Whitley Bay, bringing the lavish, professional pantomime Aladdin to the Playhouse Whitely Bay. The same creative team that produced last year’s record-breaking Christmas panto, Snow White, will be bringing even more magic and laughter this festive season. 

 

The annual theatrical spectacular will run from 9th December 2022 – 7th January 2023. 

Producer Gary Telfer said: 

“We can’t wait to produce Aladdin this year. It has to be one of the most popular and traditional pantomimes of them all. This year will be our biggest and best year ever, and we are thrilled to have signed X Factor Legend Chico. Chico is one of those people everyone remembers from the X Factor, especially his antics dancing in Ozzy Osbourne’s pool with a live mic. Chico is a fantastic performer, so I’m sure the audience is in for a real treat. We know how popular the Playhouse pantomime was last year. In fact, most of the shows sold out. We are keen to continue building the reputation of the Pantomime in Whitley Bay, which has grown dramatically over the last decade.’’ 

There will be a total of 53 action-packed performances of at the Playhouse, Whitley Bay, from 9th December 2022 – 7th January 2023. The show features a host of top-quality professional performers, including the original X-Factor star - Chico and North Tyneside’s favourite comic (back by popular demand for his 12th year) Steve Walls. Daniel Mawston returns as Patsy for his 4th year and we are also thrilled to be joined by the legendary comedy duo Simmons & Simmons, who plays the Peking Police.

 

Director Simon Barnard said:

“It’s going to be great fun for all the family. Aladdin is a traditional story, and it is our job to ensure the audience gets a great show that has something for everyone. We can’t wait to get started with this Christmas production”.

 

Blue Genie Entertainment spends tens of thousands of pounds on panto each year, and Aladdin is guaranteed to be another spectacular family production. 

 

Producers will bring together a West-End cast, fabulous costumes, and fantastic dance routines, along with plenty of popular songs to please all ages - not to mention a stunning flying carpet sequence!

 

Tickets are on sale now and already selling fast.

Purchase online at www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

 

Theatre Review - STAIRWALL - THE THINGS WE FIND - NORTH SHIELDS

Credit Luke Waddington

A combination of expressive dance performance, visual art and music, Stairwall – The Things We Find is a creative hot pot of styles inspired by the notion ‘Almost too serious’. Produced by Sarah Hudson, it’s an interesting combination of different artistic elements that endeavours to create a connection to the audience. Costume Designer Imogen Cloët placed the artists in primary colours to further illustrate the innate innocence of the piece. A short video plays at the beginning and end by by Luke Waddington and Jeremy Bradfield which gives a feel of a disconnected and odd world we are entering. Artistic Lead and Dance Artist, Esther Huss, brought a child-like wonder to everything as she danced in a balletic style throughout, interacting with the others in the show. Claudia Sacher, a Visual Artist seemed to weave through Esther’s movements with her own art; whether it was creating with chalks and paints, using clay or boxes and string. The final layer is that of Jeremy Bradfield, a Sound Artist and Composer, who seemed to have great fun with his collection of strange and unusual instruments. Objects brought by spectators were donated to be used during the show to the great amusement of all - as items were given an almost Antiques Roadshow treatment and shown reverence by the performers. I wasn’t sure if it was the music influencing the performers or the performers influencing the music but they seemed to live harmoniously with one another. A few things at the very front were easy to miss if you are not on the front row, as due to the nature of the space the floor can be hard to see.

The performance is like half-remembered dream. It is fragmented and doesn’t always ‘make sense’ but then it doesn’t need to. It is a performance that begs for you to come with your mind switched firmly on and bring to it your own interpretations and meaning.

Next performance is 11/11/2022, 7pm, at Knott Memorial Hall, Towne Gate Heddon-on-the-wall NE15 ODT. All the work created during the production will form an exhibit at The Institute in Cambois, 3^rd and 4^th December, 1pm-3pm.

Credit Luke Waddington

Theatre Preview - SLEEPING BEAUTY - GALA DURHAM

 

Panto preparation gets underway as rehearsals begin

A Durham City theatre is preparing to get into the festive spirit as rehearsals begin for its popular annual pantomime.

Cast and crew came together for the first time for Gala Durham’s Christmas show, Sleeping Beauty.

The production, written by Gary Kitching and directed by Rachel Glover, is a hilarious new telling of the classic story inviting audiences to follow the adventures of Briar Rose as she tries to escape a marriage to poetry-mad Prince Chad of Middles-boroughly.

Meanwhile, having not received an invite from King Archibald of Durham-ion to Briar Rose’s Christening years prior, the Evil Witch Karen has plans to cast a curse which will see the princess sleep for a hundred years.

Sleeping Beauty brings together a North East cast of new and familiar faces to give audiences a panto that truly gets them into the spirit of Christmas.

Returning for his third panto at Gala Durham, Jacob Anderton, who played Robin Hood in last year’s production, will this year play King Archibald of Durham-ion.

Also returning is Lauren Waine, who previously appeared in Snow White and Robin Hood and this year plays Hester the Jester.

Prince Chad of Middles-broughly will be played by Benjamin Storey, who appeared in The Nutcracker Re-Miced at Gala Durham last Christmas, and Chloe Jane Millar plays Briar Rose.

Sammie the Dog will be played by County Durham actress Jude Nelson, who recently appeared in A Way Home, and Steve Byron, an actor with 35 years of working in theatre in the region, will play the Nanny.

Having previously appeared in Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads and more recently Brassed Off at Gala Durham, Zoe Lambert rounds off the cast, playing the Evil Witch Karen.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships said: “With rehearsals now underway for our pantomime, it is officially time for the festive season and we are really excited to welcome audiences to Gala Durham to see this fantastic show.

“We are proud of our commitment to showcasing the brilliant local talent we have through our Christmas shows and we are delighted to be putting forward an all North East cast. Our Gala Durham pantomime is a key event in the vibrant Christmas programme we put together each year, aligning with our ambition of being the culture county.”

Also starring in the production will be an ensemble cast including James Carson, Rebecca Cunningham, Ebonie Fletcher, Olivia Jones, Eleanor Monaghan and Harvey Morris

Sleeping Beauty is just one of the many cultural events taking place in the county this year, cementing Durham’s position as the ‘culture county’ and demonstrating the county council’s ongoing commitment to culture-led regeneration. This includes delivering key projects within the county’s shortlisted UK City of Culture bid; progressing major capital projects and raising the county’s profile as a fantastic place to live, work, visit and invest.

Rehearsals will continue for the production ahead of opening on Wednesday 23 November, from when it will run until Sunday 8 January.

Tickets are priced from £7, with family discounts available, and can be purchased by calling the theatre’s Box Office on 03000 266 600 or online at www.galadurham.co.uk

Theatre Review - A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM - NORTHERN STAGE - NEWCASTLE

 

Nadine Shah , Titania - Photo credit - Patch Dolan 

It’s Shakespeare, but not as you know it! If you like Shakespeare, see this for an interesting take - an almost Punk Rock version. Different, but with purpose, this production has it own, occasionally rude, voice. If you hate Shakespeare, see it anyway! This is a show that will change hate to love without even the need of a purple flower; maybe a pizza instead? All the usual elements are there: Elizabethan costume, the characters, the storyline, the Bard’s sage words, but something else is hidden in this production - it is the beating heart of theatre and all the possibilities it holds. Created by Not Too Tame in collaboration with Shakespeare North Playhouse, Director Matthew Dunster and Co Director Jimmy Fairhurst have made a show that is innovative, eerie, entertaining, rude, raucous, powerful, but above all else magical.

 

Tyler Dobbs and Rebecca Hesketh Smith - Demetrius and Hermia -
Photo credit Patch Dolan

The story is the same: we have proud Titania, Queen of the Fairies, arguing with jealous Oberon. The Rude Mechanicals rehearsing their show for Theseus’ wedding, unaware of a magical presence. The confusion of the four lovers lost in the wood as Puck meddles, unseen. However, the modern element added into this show by its creator makes it so much more inviting. Characters swear often and break the fourth wall. The immersive feeling of the show is added to by actors popping up from all directions. The stage looks simple, but the moment the show gets going you realise how complex it must be and yet how natural it is made for the cast. The production plays with the way characters behave and uses the four-hundred-year-old lines to affect a very modern point. By having Oberon as a voice recording by David Morrisey it gives a distant and foreboding feeling to the dark presence who controls, unseen. The fairies are more dark and gothic rather than sparkly and with the addition of sinister music it gives a definite feeling that this other realm is not a place in which you should tarry. The lovers bring the reality of heartbreak and friendships betrayed, whereas the Rude Mechanicals make it feel almost like a merry panto for you to join in. The entire cast and crew seem extraordinarily talented. The occasional use of sign language reminds you to really focus on what is happening not necessarily just what is said. Puck, played Louise Haggerty, is brilliantly underplayed, watching those around them and reacting quietly to the effects. The most interesting part was the true reactions from Titania, played by Nadine Shah, as the play unfolds. Not just a wonderful singer, but an extremely powerful actor. Bottom, played by Jimmy Fairhurst, is a riotous performer and, along with his fellow Mechanicals, sets energy levels very high. I must ask - is Shakespeare allowed to be this much fun? 

I entreat you - see A Midsummer Night’s Dream now; it is theatre that reminds the soul to fly.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is showing at Northern Stage until the 12^th November.

 

Theatre Review - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Fogg (Roger Liddle) Fix (Sean Burnside) Von Darius (Ruth Gibson) Mrs Aouda (Nadia Rafi-Kenny)
photo Mark Burden

Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne, adapted for the stage by Laura Eason, tells the story of the wealthy aristocrat Phileas Fogg, who lives a happy and very predictable life. He frequents the Club to play Whist the same time everyday meeting the same people, never having even ventured out of England. All this changes when someone claims it is not likely that anyone could traverse the world in a mere eighty days. Much to the chagrin of his new valet Passepartout (who was hoping for a quiet life), the pair are swept into an adventure that spans the globe. With so many obstacles thrown in their path, will they make it back to England in eighty days?

Director Mark Burden certainly had a mammoth task on his hands, creating an ever-moving show that follows Fogg’s remarkable journey. The staging of scenes, involving boats, trains and, my personal favourite, an elephant, uses actors and props in an ingenious and fun way. The set, designed by Sands Dobson and Tim Swinton, is a triumph of simple, well-chosen adaptations such as stairs painted to be suitcases. In an interesting touch, open suitcases lie across the back of the stage containing props and costumes for the Ensemble to use as they change roles during the play. They also occasionally watch the show with us, in an almost Brechtian twist. Roger Liddle is superb as the eccentric Phileas Fogg, as he rescues Mrs Aouda, played by Nadia Rafi-Kenny. Moira Valentine is funny, heroic and extremely lovable as Fogg’s valet, Passepartout. Meanwhile, the wily Inspector Fix, played by Sean Burnside, will make you wish it was panto season so you can ‘boo’ his underhand and ungentlemanlike behaviour.

For me the star(s) of the show were the Ensemble (Daniel Magee, Cat White, James Hardy, Jess Chapman, Ruth Gibson, Isabella Warburton Brown, Geffen Yoeli-Rimmer, Alison Carr, Jo McEvedy and Sands Dobson), who wove in and out of each other like a needle and thread. Not only that, they also created the multitude of eccentric characters Fogg encountered along the way, forming an atmospheric background and became a variety of different transportations. The Ensemble swayed with such perfect synchronicity as crew on several ships, I almost felt seasick!

Around the World in 80 Days is well worth the bus fare!

Showing at the Peoples Theatre until 29^th November.

Passpartout (Moira Valentine) Insp Fix (SeanBurnside)
photo Mark Burden