Theatre Review - SUMMER HOLIDAY - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

AS the nights draw in and the first frosts appear Darlington Hippodrome brings a touch of warmth with a return to the summer in the 1963 musical Summer Holiday. This feel good musical is filled with song and dance. Former X Factor star Ray Quinn, plays Don, who sets off with his friends in a revamped London bus for a well-deserved holiday, looking for sun and adventure. On their travels they pick up an all-girl singing group who are in distress with a broken-down car p

romising to get them to Athens for a gig, then they encounter a stow away running from her domineering mother and agent. The story may be fixed firmly in the 60’s and isn’t the type of story which would be written today, but it isn’t trying to be anything other than 2 hours of complete escapism with the tracks of Cliff Richard, giving today's audience a great night out.

The set of course has to include the full-size double decker red London bus which is moved around the stage swiftly and effectively.

Ray Quinn certainly brings a sense of style to the production and shows what a talented musical theatre performer he is. Most of the comedy comes from the superb partnership of Barbara’s mother, Taryn Sudding, and her agent, Wayne Smith. Their scenes are an absolute delight.

The finale, with most of the audience on their feet, showed the cast were having as much fun as the audience.

Theatre Preview - ROMEO AND JULIET - THE PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

Romeo and Juliet

By William Shakespeare

“These violent delights have violent ends”

Famous as a romance about two “star-crossed” lovers, Shakespeare’s ROMEO AND JULIET is also a bloodthirsty tragedy that pulls no punches in its portrayal of feuding families, doomed love and violent confrontations.

Romeo and f***ing Juliet

Inspired by hit television series Peaky Blinders director Anna Dobson and the team have created a gritty and stylish backdrop to tell this legendary story.

Like Peaky Blinders, the production is set just after WW1, and expect a blisteringly contemporary and edgy soundtrack.

The Romani gypsy culture present in Peaky Blinders helps to create a world where a belief in fate and the stars makes sense and the violence and corruption so rife in the TV show helps to depict the ‘ancient grudge’ between families Montague and Capulet.

We’ve got the haircuts, the suits, the caps and the music. But... it’s Shakespeare’s words.

Redevelopment update –

Over the last four years we have raised £1.6 million to complete the biggest update to our building since moving here in 1963. The results of this effort - including an improved exterior and a new foyer, bar and gallery and full access to all areas of the venue for wheelchair and mobility restricted users - can now be enjoyed by all our visitors.

We continue to fundraise for exciting and necessary projects, including enhancing our new Studio Theatre to an even higher standard for exciting and varied performances and upgrading our ladies toilets to do away with queues at busy times.

To find out how you can help us continue our improvements, please visit https://www.peoplestheatre.co.uk/about/support-us

LISTINGS INFORMATION:

DATE:             Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 October 2018

TIME:              7.30pm

VENUE:          People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF

TICKETS:       £14 (Concessions £11.50)
TELE:              0191 265 5020
WEBSITE:      www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Theatre Preview - SUMMER HOLIDAY - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

ALL ABOARD FOR A FABULOUS SUMMER HOLIDAY

The new stage musical based on the hit 60s film starring Cliff Richard is coming to Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 25 September for one week only.

Enjoy fun and laughter on a Summer Holiday when the stage musical packed with classic Cliff Richard hits comes to Darlington later this month starring Ray Quinn.

Based on the iconic 1960s film starring Cliff Richard and The Shadows, this new stage musical includes all of the number one hits from the movie, plus some additional Cliff classics.

The famous red double-decker bus will be stopping of at Darlington Hippodrome to entertain audiences from Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 September.

Summer Holiday tells the story of Don and his fellow London Transport mechanics as they journey together in a red double-decker bus through Paris, the Alps, Italy and Greece. Along the way they pick up a girl singing group and a young American pop star who is on the run from her domineering mother.

Taking the lead role of Don is Ray Quinn whose musical theatre credits include playing Danny Zuko in Grease in the West End), Dirty Dancing also in the West End, the UK Tour of Legally Blonde and most recently the UK Tour of The Wedding Singer.

We caught up with Ray to ask him a few questions about Summer Holiday and also filling the rather big shoes of Cliff Richard:

Tell us a bit more about Summer Holiday?

Summer Holiday the musical is based on the Iconic movie from the ‘60s. I am playing the role of Don, made famous by Sir Cliff Richard. With a group of friends we take a trip round Europe in a big red double decker bus - and along the way the adventure turns into a romance and lots of fun! The audience are in for a huge delight! It’s fast paced and exciting, with iconic songs that everyone will know and want to sing along to. In a nut-shell it’s what I would call good old fashioned entertainment at its best!!

To play the lead part in Summer Holiday, a role made famous by Sir Cliff must be a huge honour?

I’m very excited but also a bit nervous at the same time. When I was offered the role I jumped at the chance and then it hit me! This is my first role as lead male and on a personal note it was my Nan’s favourite movie and she adored Sir Cliff Richard! So big boots to fill and I’m up for the challenge and I know my Nan would be so proud..

Did you watch the film a few times to help you with the role?

Yeah, I have watched the movie several times to get my head around the role. I want to stamp my own identity on the part, but at the same time want to do justice to the original. I have to have a bit of a ‘60s posh London accent, so that’s totally new to me. And those iconic songs, such iconic hits!

How many rehearsals did you have to do for this show?

We had 3 weeks of intense rehearsals in North London studios, followed by a week of tech rehearsal in the theatre before opening in Liverpool. I know this sounds short but everyone in the cast and production team are so committed to making the show great and with my crazy schedule it had to be done!

You are touring all over the country, I'm guessing that must be hard at times, being away from home so much?

Yeah it gets little tough at times. I get to see my fans who have been with me since year dot !! I miss my family and friends, but when I get time off I spend it at home with them, which is always special.

It seems like a lifetime ago, you finished runner up on the X Factor to Leona Lewis. Can you believe it was 12 years ago now? What was it like to be on the show?

I know, I was reminded about this last week in an interview and it made me gasp… 12 years - wow! It was such an amazing and crazy period a whirlwind of ups and downs and to be in the final with Leona was incredible. X Factor was such a great learning experience for me and will remain one of my career highlights – I loved it!

You won Dancing on Ice in 2009. Did you have much ice skating experience before you went on the show?

I get asked this a lot and when I tell them ‘no’,  they say ‘really?!’ I never set foot on the ice before I was selected to be in DOI. I like a challenge and I am kind of fearless sometimes (a little too much!). Working with Jane & Chris was amazing. I would go to rehearsals each week wanting to take things to the next level and they would always support my ideas for new moves and having them mentor me was such a big part of making those idea come true.

Did you suffer any bad injuries during the show?

Yeah I had a couple of accidents on the Ice, luckily not too bad but you have to expect injuries as it can be a pretty dangerous environment. Luckily I’m still standing!

When you're not working, what do you like to do?

Like most people I like to spend my downtime at home with my Family doing the normal things. I don’t get to do this on a regular basis as I am tour a lot, so its important to me as that’s when I can totally relax and chill and recharge my batteries.

If you hadn't of done the X Factor, what sort of job do you think you would have done?

I wanted to be a copper (police officer) or barber when I was kid. I’ve been known to cut hair when on tour for the guys in the show. However, it all changed when my Mum took me to see my first show and I told her “this is what I want to do Mum!”

Who was your hero growing up?

Sammy Davis Jnr, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jean Kelly Fred Astaire…

Well I could go on for day’s when it comes to this subject. My love for Swing and The Rat Pack comes from my childhood. My Dad is such a massive Fan of this era and he would play his records in the house and I started to sing along. When it comes to singing and dancing there’s no one to touch the great Jean or Fred.

What would be your dream job and why?

Playing James Bond. I’m a massive fan of the Bond Movies. My ultimate Bond was Sean Connery - he is Mister Cool I wanted to be him. I love action Movies and I think this is the ultimate British role..

Do you still get nervous before you go on stage?

Yeah you bet! Opening night is the most intense time for me. Once on stage I’m fine, but those few seconds in the wings…oh boy! I love my job and couldn’t imagine doing anything else now.

Summer Holiday runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 September.

For more information or to book call 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Theatre Review - DUET FOR ONE - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

DUET for One is a two hander which focuses on the misfortune of Stephanie Abrahams, a brilliant concert violinist, whose life fell apart as she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis leaving her wheelchair bound and unable to continue with her passion. We are confronted with Stephanie as she tries to face the truth through a series of visits to psychiatrist Dr Feldman.

With such a theme and setting, there is little scope of major action, so in what is bound to be a wordy play, the acting and wordplay are laid bare to the audience. Belinda Lang and Jonathan Coy certainly lived up to the expectations of the quality of acting required and are a perfect partnership, delivering a masterclass of a two hander. The mood swings from Stephanie are delivered to perfection as she moves from defensiveness, anger, acceptance and self-loathing. While through the Dr we follow the calmness of the professional to someone who obviously cares immensely about what happens to Stephanie’s state of mind.

The set is superbly lavish and certainly shows the Dr’s love of music through the large collection of music adorning the shelves.

A play with MS as a main theme is never going to have a happy ending so unsurprisingly Kempinski ends the play with the audience unsure of what will happen next, but this is one of those plays where less is more.

Theatre Preview: THE GREAT JOE WILSON - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

WORLD PREMIERE AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

The Great Joe Wilson is a must-see comedy drama set in Darlington and is heading for a world premiere here at Darlington Hippodrome on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 September.

The Great Joe Wilson is a play with music about (arguably) the greatest-ever North East singer/songwriter. Wilson's dramatic life will be told using his tremendous music, which covers everything from lost love through to hard-hitting songs condemning domestic violence and supporting striking workers. Joe performed in Darlington at the Theatre Royal Music Hall.

Joe Wilson died in 1875, aged only 33, but during his brief life wrote 360 songs, many of which are still popular today: The Unthanks recorded Gallowgate Lad in 2011, Keep Your Feet Still, Geordie Hinny has been covered dozens of times and Sally Wheatley is a staple throughout UK folk clubs.

The play stars top North East actors Micky Cochrane, Sarah Boulter and the multi-award winning Jamie Brown. Musician Jordan Miller, who has just finished a European tour with top North East band The Lake Poets, completes the top-class quartet.

The Great Joe Wilson has its world premiere at Darlington Hippodrome on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 September.