Theatre Review - CILLA THE MUSICAL - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

CILLA The Musical is based on the hit TV series starring Sheriden Smith. It follows the life of Cilla as a teenage girl, like many girls then and now dreaming of a life of fame as a singer. Cilla of course remarkably managed this and more, by the age of 25 she was a singer and TV star.

The star of the show is undoubtably Kara Lily Hayworth who has achieved the well-known nasally tones of Cilla and sings to perfection. She takes us on the incredible journey from her friendship with The Beatles as a shy teenager through her relationships with her eventual husband Bobby Willis, Alexandra Patmore, and her manager Brian Epstein, Andrew Lancel.  

The Beatles are brilliantly portrayed by Bill Caple as Ringo Starr, Michael Hawkins as John Lennon, Alex Harford as George Harrison and Joe Etherington as Paul McCartney. While Alexandra Patmore grows into his role as her boyfriend. I loved the performance from Andrew Lancel, who is most well known from his role in Coronation Street. Cilla’s parents Big Cilla, Jayne Ashley, and John, Neil McDonald, gave a different perspective, as the proud parents of the fact she works in an office and aren’t interested in her search for stardom.

With the 1^st half ending with Cilla’s performance of ‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’ you can’t wait to get back for the 2^nd half. I was only held back by the 80 minute length advertised for the 2^nd half, 20 minutes longer than the 1^st half. The music and acting was amazing, I just wished it was shorter.

For anyone who loved Cilla and the 60’s scene this show will hit the mark.

Theatre Review - THE FULL MONTY - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

The award-winning play of The Full Monty is probably just as well known as the film which it based on. I am yet to see the film, but am aware of certain scenes and the play certainly delivers for those who know the film.

Set in Sheffield two unemployed men see a chance to make some money after seeing how popular The Chippendales are in the Working Men’s Club and enlist the help of four other unemployed men to help them go The Full Monty, regardless of their body shape and size.

Gary Lucy as Gaz has certainly made this role his own and has an excellent relationship with his son Nathan, Fraser Kelly. Janes Redmond as Guy and Joes Gill as Lomper are excellent throughout, both very different characters, Guy full of confidence compared to the timid and depressed Lomper, they share one of the more tender scenes through a discussion on their sexuality. Andrew Dunn plays the pompous Gerald, Kai Owen plays Dave, who struggles the most with his body image and Louis Emerick as Horse has other issues!

This isn't just a comedy play, themes of sexuality, depression and unemployment all feature heavily. The creative set transforms seamlessly between scenes designed by Robert Jones, Slick choreography from Ian West all held together by director Rupert Hill. 

With familiar scenes from the film including the dole queue and of course The Full Monty, This is certainly a night of Hot Stuff!

Theatre Preview - INTERVIEW WITH KYRA LILLY HAYWORTH PLAYING CILLA AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT, KYRA?

The smash-hit musical Cilla is on its way to Darlington Hippodrome later this month, we catch up with actor Kara Lily Hayworth who talks to us about playing a British entertainment icon.

What can you tell us about Cilla The Musical?

In essence, it’s a beautiful love story. It follows Cilla Black’s rise to fame, but underneath it’s about her relationship with Bobby and their journey. You watch how they progress and how Cilla becoming a star affects their relationship. The audiences love all the music. All of Cilla’s hits are in there – Anyone Who Had A Heart, You’re My World, Alfie, Step Inside Love – but there’s also early Beatles songs as well, Gerry And The Pacemakers, The Mamas & The Papas. But it’s not a jukebox musical. It’s a play with truly fantastic songs woven into it.

What’s it like playing Cilla Black?

She’s an absolute icon. I sing 18 songs in the show, so it’s tough vocally, but I feel incredibly lucky to be able to play her. When people come to stage door and share their memories of her, it reminds me how special it is and how much it means for me to portray someone who had such an influence on their lives.

Is it challenging playing someone who is so well-known and cherished?

The hardest thing to get across is that magic she had that made audiences fall in love with her. That’s what she was so good at; whatever she was doing, people just fell in love with her. That’s the hardest thing.

The trick is trying to capture her essence. I’m not doing an impersonation, but I’ve adopted certain mannerisms. It’s my own take on it. Hopefully I’ve included little things that remind people of her without mimicking her.

You premiered the show in Liverpool, Cilla’s home town. How was that?

It was incredible. I was extremely nervous playing a Liverpudlian icon in Liverpool. I didn’t know if they’d like the show or if they’d like me. I sing Anyone Who Had A Heart, her first number one hit, at the end of the first act. At that point, everyone stood up and everything just stopped. That was an extraordinary moment that I won’t forget. It’s always a real high point in the show. It’s the first time the audience sees her really become a star.

How do you find touring with the show?

Touring’s great. Going to a different theatre every week with different audiences keeps the show fresh. This is the first time I’ve toured a production for this long, so it’s been a new experience. But it’s lovely because you become a real family with the cast.

Is there anywhere you’re particularly looking forward to taking the tour?

We’re going to New Brighton. That will be a really good one, because that’s the closest we’ll have been to Cilla’s home since we opened at the Liverpool Empire. And we’re going to Bromley, which is the closest theatre to London, so I’ll have lots of family and friends coming to those dates.

Did you ever meet Cilla?

I did, when I was about 10. I played Annie opposite Paul O’Grady and he was one of Cilla’s friends. I met her in a clothes shop and told her that I’d worked with Paul and I was going to be a performer when I was older. She told me it was a tough industry. I’ve still got her autograph at home in a frame.

She was right, of course. It’s mad how things can change so quickly. A year or two ago, I struggled to even get auditions. I left drama school in 2010 and didn’t get any parts for two or three years. I signed with a different acting agent and everything changed.

It was my agent who thought I’d be good for this role, but I didn’t think I’d have a chance at open auditions. A friend of mine was going, so we went together to just see what might happen. It just goes to show, you have to believe that things happen for a reason. The jobs you don’t get mean you’re available for the perfect role that comes along next. Like this.

Cilla The Musical runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 November.

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

Theatre Preview - The Full Monty Interviews - Darlington Hippodrome

FULL MONTY CAST GIVE THE 

NAKED TRUTH BEHIND THE SHOW

It may be the last ever UK tour of this particular production but the story of the Full Monty is one that keeps on giving and comes to Darlington Hippodrome for a week-long run from Monday 12 November.

Vicky Edwards managed to get the naked truth from several of the cast members prior to their visit to Darlington.

“It is special,” insists Gary Lucy (famous for playing Luke Morgan in Hollyoaks as well as for roles in EastEnders, The Bill, Footballers’ Wives and as a Dancing on Ice winner) who plays Gaz. Having starred in almost every ‘Monty’ tour to date, he knows just how readily people fall for this funny, poignant and bitter-sweet story.

“People really love it. From proper theatregoers in Cambridge to Blackpool hen parties, everyone has an absolute ball. It is a gift of a role for me.”

Louis Emerick, recently on our screens in Coronation Street, concurs. “This is the third tour for me and it really is a special show. It is a great story that still resonates now. They are also a lovely company to work and travel with.”

Telling the story of six out-of-work steelworkers from Sheffield who put on a strip show to raise much-needed cash, the film went on to become one of the most successful British movies of all time. Writer of both the screenplay and the stage script, Simon Beaufoy is also the talent behind The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Slumdog Millionaire. Joe Gill (familiar to Emmerdale viewers as Finn Barton) believes the play’s credibility is key to its success.

“It is my first time on the show [he plays Lomper] but everyone knows how iconic it is and what a culture it has, so they come knowing that they will enjoy it.”

Another ‘Monty’ virgin, James Redmond has done lengthy stints in Hollyoaks and Casualty but has never toured in a stage play before. However, that doesn’t stop him recognising the show’s broad appeal.

“We can all relate to it and it is very moving. The poverty these guys lived in; Maggie Thatcher encouraged them to buy their council houses and then closed the steelworks so they were desperate. It’s a heart-warming story that still feels relevant today. Because half of us voted remain and half voted leave none of us know what the future holds.”

Liz Carney who plays Jean is keen to chip in. “It appeals to men and women of all ages and from all classes. The girls in the play tell their own story, so audiences connect with them too.”

Playing Mandy, Amy Thompson voices her agreement, adding: “And the thing that I find really special is that it gets people coming to the theatre who haven’t been before. “

Well known for roles including Rhys in Torchwood and Pete in Hollyoaks, Kai Owen returns to the role of Dave and admits that he loves the audience reaction.

“They may start shouting at the start, but this isn’t Dream Boys or The Chippendales and as soon as they realise that it is a story they settle down. It is so well written that they get immersed and carried along until the end. Then everyone goes crazy!”

A play that covers a huge range of modern issues – as well as unemployment themes include financial insecurity, mental health, divorce, sexuality and body image – the mix of comedy, pathos, warmth and sadness is perfectly balanced.

And then there are the bums and willies. There’s no way to pussy foot around the subject of the boys getting naked, so I ask outright: Is it absolutely terrifying?

“I’m sure we’ll break Joe and James in gently,” says Louis with a naughty grin, recounting the first day in 2014 when he first had the ‘undress’ rehearsal.

“We had only been rehearsing for three days and we hardly knew each other. But we did it, although we all looked each other firmly in the eye! From then on it was pretty easy. It’s much more of a man’s story in many ways and it is great when you see blokes in the audience.”

“It is done really well on stage, although you do have to trust the lighting technicians, and some venues do have slow-closing curtains,” chuckles Andrew Dunn, best known for playing Tony in TV’s Dinnerladies.

Talking of different venues, the tour schedule is so full that it gives me motion sickness just reading it.

“I’ve been on stand-up circuit for nine years and I do like to explore and learn about where I am. I am looking forward to it,” declares James, while Andrew admits that he hates the rigmarole of searching for digs. Joe, nodding his head, chimes in: “It’s my first tour and finding accommodation is more daunting than getting my kit off!”

“I’m not a veteran tourer like Andrew, and it is difficult in the sense that I have three young children and I do like my own bed. That said, it’s great to absorb different towns and cities,” says Louis, explaining that he and Andrew generally share digs, trying to book places that will give them a daily walk into the theatre.

While most of the cast who have previously played Darlington are looking forward to the newly revamped theatre, Amy has already had a sneak preview, having toured there in a different show only recently. “It is absolutely fantastic!” she enthuses, adding: “and the dressing rooms are incredible!”

The youngest member of company, sixteen-year-old Fraser Kelly is an old hand, having already been in the production previously. Telling me that they have been blessed with some excellent children playing the role of Nathan, the returning cast are unanimous that Fraser has something special. He in turn can’t wait to embark on his first tour without needing to be formally chaperoned. Over the chorus of fond banter and mickey taking, he says: 

“I can’t wait to start. It is a privilege working with such great people and great actors.”

Ah, but are they great role models?

“No! He’s our role model” says Kai, as they all collapse into fits of giggles.

This final tour is directed by Rupert Hill. Best known as Coronation Street’s Jamie Baldwin, he is a previous Full Monty cast member – something he feels gives him a distinct advantage. 

“It gives me huge insight into the way it works. I don’t need to reinvent the wheel in every scene but there are things that I want to explore. The main thing for me was that all the female characters felt a bit secondary, so I am trying to make the relationship between the couples to be more meaningful and integral to the story.

“I also got the cast to watch the Ken Loach film Raining Stones. It was the film that inspired the Full Monty – they wanted to make a film that Ken Loach characters would watch. I think that’s one of The Full Monty’s strengths and it is unbelievable how relevant that film and our show feels now; payday loans, unemployment and anger at society. But also comedy is what Northerners use to get by. The financial situation the characters find themselves in is desperate, but that mix of comedy and relatability makes the show part story and part party. Ken Loach meets Cabaret! But it is celebratory and it works better on stage because the audience become part of the scene. The guys stripping at the end feels like a defiant gesture and the crowds go wild!”

More laughter from the others as they recall stories of audiences in different towns and cities, but they all agree that it is the most gratifying audience reaction they have ever witnessed. 

“I can’t imagine that I will ever experience that kind of response from an audience again. You can actually feel the sound wave hit you and it is wonderful. I really want to earn that and for the audience to buy into the story,” says Rupert.

The last word goes to Gary: “There is no better show on the road. Come along and I’ll prove it to you.”

That sounds like a challenge, Mr Lucy. And one that I am delighted to accept.

The Full Monty runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Monday 12 to Saturday 17 November.

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

IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE AT 

DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

In February 2019, the smash-hit children’s TV show In the Night Garden begins a first ever tour of UK theatres and will play Darlington Hippodrome on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September and tickets have just gone on sale.

Take a spectacular journey into the magical world of In the Night Garden and experience the UK’s favourite family show with all the enchanting characters magically brought to life on stage.

In the Night Garden Live is the perfect musical theatre experience for the entire family. Children’s favourite CBeebies stars - Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends - are all brought beautifully to life in a specially-written new story using full-size costumes and magical puppets with enchanting music and dancing.

This delightful classic is a firm favourite with young pre-schoolers and their parents. Seen by over one million people, the critically acclaimed production has established itself as a must-see first theatre experience for young children.

Oliver Seadon, Executive Producer said “When we made In the Night Garden Live we never imagined it would run for 10 years and that over a million visitors would come to see it. It's incredibly exciting now to be making a brand-new show and taking it into theatres all over the country. This will be the first time that audiences get to see In the Night Garden Live in their local theatre.”

Director Will Tuckett said, “Children know these characters so well, much better than we ever might think. They see them as proper friends- when they appear on stage live they are seeing friends liberated from the television or tablet. They are there, waving at THEM.  Taking your child to see them live on stage is an extraordinary experience - it’s a genuinely heartwarming and truly magical thing and makes me love my job as much as I do."

In The Night Garden Live runs at Darlington Hippodrome on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September.

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

Theatre Preview - SANDI TOKSVIG - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

SANDI TOKSVIG COMING TO DARLINGTON

Sandi Toksvig is touring a brand new, one-woman comedy show throughout the UK and is coming to Darlington Hippodrome on Friday 11 January.

Sandi realises some people harbour an ambition to be a National Treasure but following a misunderstanding with a friend has decided instead to become a National Trevor – half misprint, half Danish comedian, novelist, actor and broadcaster. Expect tall stories, fascinatingly funny facts, really silly jokes, a quickfire Q&A and a quiz. Don’t expect tap-dancing, leotards or a forward roll.

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sandi was brought up around the world in Europe, Africa and the United States. She began her comedy career at Girton College, Cambridge where she found time to write and perform in the first all-woman show at the Footlights as well as achieve a first-class degree.

Sandi is well known to UK audiences as a broadcaster having begun her career in children’s television playing Ethel in the long-running Saturday-morning show Number 73. Since then her television career has included celebrated series such as Call My Bluff (as regular team captain) and Whose Line Is It Anyway? She was also host of Antiques Master for BBC2 and 1001 Things You Should Know for Channel 4. In 2016, Sandi took over from Stephen Fry as host of ‘QI’, BBC2’s fiendishly difficult and hugely popular quiz. She also replaced William G. Stewart as the host of the popular teatime quiz Fifteen to One which made its comeback after 11 years in April 2014. In 2017 she and Noel Fielding became the new co-hosts of ‘The Great British Bake Off’.

For a decade Sandi was a familiar voice for BBC Radio 4 listeners as the chair of The News Quiz which led to her induction into the Radio Hall of Fame. Sandi is passionate about live performance. She performed at the very first night of The Comedy Store in London and for many years was a member of The Comedy Store Players, an improvisational comedy team. Sandi conceived Playhouse Live for Sky Arts, producing specially commissioned live drama for television and for three years was both a writer for the series and the executive producer.

Much of Sandi’s time is devoted to writing. She has more than 20 fiction and non-fiction books for children and adults to her credit. Her latest novel ‘The End of the Sky’ was published in 2017. For the theatre Sandi co-authored the musical Big Night Out at the Little Sands Picture Palace Theatre (with Dillie Keane), the Shakespeare deconstruction The Pocket Dream (with Elly Brewer), Charity Begins for Playhouse Live, Bully Boy and Silver Linings. Her adaptation of Treasure Island reopened the Leicester Haymarket Theatre in December 2018. In 2019 her adaptation of Mamma Mia the Party will open at London’s 02.

Sandi Toksvig drops into Darlington Hippodrome on Friday 11 January.

For full details and to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call 01325 405405.

Comedy Preview - JUSTIN MOORHOUSE - NORTHERN JOKER - THE WITHAM, BARNARD CASTLE & THE STAND, NEWCASTLE

Impatient Productions in association with CKP and InterTalent Group

Present

Winner – Chortle Best Compere Award 2017

JUSTIN MOORHOUSE

NORTHERN JOKER

Directed and script-edited by Henry Normal

UK TOUR 2018/2019

“NOT A MOMENT WITHOUT LAUGHTER. HE SMASHED THE HOUR OUT OF THE PARK.” «««« Chortle

Following his highly anticipated return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2018, award-winning comedian Justin Moorhouse is pleased to announce the UK tour of his brand-new show.

“HE CHARMS THE PANTS OFF THE CROWD” Sunday Times

These days Justin’s not certain about anything apart from his uncertainty – Brexit looms, it appears the Cold War is being rebooted and that’s before we begin to worry about what’s happening in America…closer to home he’s starting to feel redundant as a parent. One kid is leaving home, the dog is getting older and needs fewer walks, and the youngest kid hits thirteen and cancels the family subscription to The Beano.

On top of this the golden age of the Northern straight white male comedian has gone the way of the dinosaurs. Can he adapt to survive? What next for this Northern Joker? What can he talk to his daughter about now she cares little for Dennis the Menace and the Bash St Kids? Hang on. Perhaps nothing has changed that much. When he was thirteen, the Russians were scary, the White House was a madhouse and he’d never been to Europe anyhow. Thinking back this is when his reading habits changed too, more Dark Knight than Desperate Dan, more Catwoman than Minnie the Minx. Perhaps our heroes never went away…they just waited for us to pick them up again. Perhaps she just needs a different type of comic….

“HILARIOUS STORYTELLING COMBINED WITH A QUICK WIT.” «««« British Theatre Guide

Justin has performed around the world and his TV and film credits include tiger-faced Young Kenny In Phoenix Nights, Ken Loach’s Looking for Eric, Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow ,8 out of 10 Cats and Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled.

He’s also a regular contributor to BBC’s The Premier League show.

He has won Celebrity Mastermind majestically, won fortunes for charity on Celebrity Storage Hunters and lost even more magnificently on Celebrity Eggheads and Pointless Celebrities (twice)

“SIMULTANEOUSLY DOWN TO EARTH AND OUT OF THIS WORLD” List

On radio he has written and starred in two series of his own Radio 4 sitcom Everyone Quite Likes Justin and often appears on Radio 4’s The News Quiz. He’s a regular on 5 Live’s Fighting Talk. He is also a frequent guest on Shaun Keaveny’s Breakfast Show and Radcliffe and Maconie in The Afternoon (both 6 Music). He also pops up on TalkSport often as well as helming his own critically acclaimed podcast, About 30 Minutes, No More Than 45. 

www.justinmoorhouse.com   |    justinmoorhouse    |    @justinmoorhouse

      

Venue:              The Witham BARNARD CASTLE

Dates               Saturday 26th January

Time:                7.30pm

Box Office:        01833 631 107

Online:              thewitham.org.uk          

Venue:              The Stand Comedy Club NEWCASTLE

Dates:              Sunday 17th February

Time:                7.30pm

Box Office:        0191 300 9700

Online:              thestand.co.uk

Theatre Preview - ALADDIN - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

STARS LAUNCH DARLINGTON PANTOMIME

Three stars of the festive, family pantomime made a brief visit to Darlington Hippodrome for the official press launch of Aladdin which runs from Saturday 8 December to Sunday 6 January.

The irrepressible Louie Spence who will be playing the Spirit of the Ring, lost no time in getting to know the layout of the new theatre on his first visit to Darlington while Zoe Birkett and Liam Mellor felt right at home having appeared last year in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

 

Television personality, presenter and choreographer Louie Spence pirouetted into the nation’s consciousness thanks to the overwhelming success of Sky One’s Pineapple Dance Studios and Louie Spence’s Showbusiness, solidifying Louie’s reputation as an expert on all things dance. In addition to his television experience Louie has enjoyed an extensive stage career appearing in Miss Saigon and Cats and danced alongside Take That and the Spice Girls. Louie will play the Spirit of the Ring in Aladdin, his ninth foray into pantomime, bringing with him the high kicks and high jinks he’s best known for.

West End leading lady, Darlington-born Zoe Birkett, will star as the beautiful Princess Jasmine having played the Wicked Queen in last year’s pantomime, a role for which she was nominated for Best Female Villain at this year’s Great British Pantomime Awards.

Having been propelled to fame by entering Pop Idol in 2002, Zoe quickly solidified her reputation as a stunning vocalist, actress, presenter and pantomime star. Her stage roles include Diva in Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Palace Theatre, lead vocalist in What a Feeling, Respect La Diva and Thriller Live in London’s West End, Maureen in Rent at the Greenwich Theatre and Dion in the infamous musical Hair in Zurich. She went on to star as Rachel Marron in the critically-acclaimed UK tour of The Bodyguard in the role made famous by the late Whitney Houston. Zoe is currently starring in the UK tour of Rock of Ages.

Also back for more is Liam Mellor who stars as Wishee Washee, the hapless but hilarious brother to the high-flying hero Aladdin. Alongside his feature film appearances in Yellow Ribbon, Kick It Out and Jack Falls Liam is highly sought after on the comedy circuit and in the world of pantomime where he delights audiences with his infectious, ‘cracking’ humour every year.

The star cast line up is completed by Robin Askwith as the evil Abanazar while Eric Potts returns in the role of Widow Twankey. Aladdin flies into Darlington Hippodrome from Saturday 8 December 2018 to Sunday 6 January 2019. For full details and to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call 01325 405405.

Aladdin is supported locally by LNER.

Theatre Preview - SPRING 2019 AT NORTHERN STAGE

Spring 2019 at Northern Stage features ambitious new productions made in Newcastle, alongside new shows from some of the UK’s most exciting and innovative theatre companies and work made by and for children and young people. Plus comedy, dance and an eclectic programme in the intimate Stage 3 performance space.

The UK stage premiere of Khaled Hosseini’s international best-selling novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns (30 May -15 June) will be directed by Roxana Silbert in a Northern Stage and Birmingham Repertory Theatre co-production. From the writer of The Kite Runner, and adapted for the stage by Irish/Indian Scriptwriter for theatre and screen, Ursula Rani Sarma, it’s the powerful story of three generations of women discovering strength in unity and finding hope in the unlikeliest of places. Roxana Silbert, Artistic Director, Birmingham Repertory Theatre said, “A Thousand Splendid Suns is a rare glimpse into 30 years of contemporary Afghan history. Ursula Rani Sarma’s emotionally stirring adaptation effortlessly weaves the extraordinary story of two radiant women who struggle to survive the terrifying politi-cal situation they find themselves in. The result is an inspiring, enlightening and magical theatrical experi-ence.” Playwright Ursula Rani Sarma said, “This play is about the immense strength and endurance of women and how they can survive tremendous suffering to keep those they love alive. It is also about how even in the darkest of times and places, love can grow and sustain the human spirit beyond all pain and hard-ship. It’s about friendship and loyalty, courage and selflessness, grief and violence. What the play has to say about love, endurance, and survival is very much worth listening to for a contemporary audience. There is beauty and strength at the heart of A Thousand Splendid Suns, and I feel so proud to be part of its evolution from novel to stage.” Wonderland (27 Feb - 9 March) is a spirited and uplifting drama written by a miner’s daughter. Expect dark humour and tension in this 360° look at the events leading up to and during the miners’ strike. Directed by Nottingham Playhouse Artistic Director, Adam Penford and written by Beth Steel, Wonderland premiered in 2014 in London to critical acclaim. Designer Morgan Large's stunning set design was widely praised by critics, and has been nominated for Best Design at the 2018 UK Theatre Awards. Director Adam Penford said: “Beth’s play is really special. It’s incredibly funny and moving, with great charac-ters, and looks at the strike in a fresh way. The set design is hugely ambitious and there are movement se-quences and live music; it’s a visual treat.” Beth Steel added, “I could not be more thrilled that Wonderland, having played to audiences in London and the Midlands, is now coming to the North of England. For us to be sharing it with the people of Newcastle is a privilege. Whilst the play is set in the Midlands the scope of the story is nationwide, just as the devastating Miner’s Strike was itself.” Following on from Richard III and fresh from directing Two Noble Kinsmen at Shakespeare’s Globe, Barrie Rutter OBE will both direct and play the title role in Jack Lear (12 – 16 February). The production will include live music by award-winning English Folk Musician, Eliza Carthy MBE and will premiere at Hull Truck Theatre before transferring to Northern Stage. Barrie Rutter said: “I am thrilled to be directing and playing the title role in Jack Lear. This is a play that be-longs on the East Coast: fish, fighting, passion and pride; served up with a healthy dollop of tradition and song.” Mark Babych, Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre, said: “Barrie’s passion and iconic northern voice is at the heart of this piece of work and it’s our pleasure to be delivering this ambitious play with him by our side. We’re also really excited that the play will be transferring to Northern Stage, to give audiences in the North East a chance to sample a very Yorkshire twist on a Shakespearian tragedy.” Following the success of Where Do We Stand?, Northern Stage Young Company presents Where Do We Be-long? (24 - 26 April) - a vibrant view of what global citizenship looks like through the lens of young Europe-ans finding their way in the world made by young people from Newcastle and Gateshead. Visiting companies include the return of Pilot Theatre, who follow their critically acclaimed Brighton Rock with Sabrina Mahfouz’s exciting new adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s bestselling young adult novel Noughts & Crosses (7-11 May). Directed by Pilot Theatre’s Artistic Director Esther Richardson (Brighton Rock), the new adaptation will premiere at Derby Theatre in February 2019 before a national tour. Told from the perspectives of the two teenagers, Noughts & Crosses is a love story set in a volatile, racially segre-gated society and explores the powerful themes of love, revolution and what it means to grow up in a di-vided world. Malorie Blackman has written over 60 books for children and young adults, including the award-win-ning Noughts & Crosses series and science fiction thriller Chasing the Stars. Her work has also been adapted for TV with Pig-Heart Boy winning a BAFTA and Noughts and Crosses currently in production for the BBC. Sa-brina Mahfouz is a British Egyptian poet, playwright, performer and writer from South London, England. Her recent plays have included Offside (co-written with Hollie McNish) and With a little bit of luck (Paines Plough). Sabrina said: “As a young adult, Noughts & Crosses showed me the power storytelling can have in highlighting injustice in the world, so it is a complete honour to now be adapting the legendary Malorie Blackman's words for the stage, alongside the bold vision of Pilot Theatre and partners.” Chekhov’s First Play (25 – 27 April) from Dead Centre and Battersea Arts Centre is a deconstructed and ab-surd take which explores the essence of Chekhov and performance itself. Bill Kenwright’s Rain Man (8-13 April), is based on the Oscar-winning film starring Tom Cruise. Ned Bennett’s bold new production of Sir Peter Shaffer’s critically-acclaimed classic, psychological thriller Equus in an English Touring Theatre co-pro-duction opening at Theatre Royal Stratford East in February, before a national tour including Northern Stage (30 April - 4 May). The Letter Room’s No Miracles Here (15-16 February) is a tale of resilience, strength and the need to just stay on your feet. Harry Gibson’s adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s cult novel Trainspotting (5-9 March) is an immersive production for In Your Face Theatre company which invites the audience into the action. John Godber’s international smash hit comedy Bouncers (19-23 March) returns with contemporary music and an updated script. The Scotsman Fringe First award-winning show The Shape of the Pain (5 April) explores life in extremity and the joy that can be found there. Outcaste (13 May) is a new play by Avin Shah (Tommies, BBC Radio 4) directed by Fay Lomas (The Crucible, Royal & Derngate) – a story of forgotten voices and individual struggles set in 1914 Punjab.

Dance includes BalletBoyz: Them & Us (22-23 March) – two brand new works set to original scores by world-class composers; Proceso Eterno (6 April) from one of the most celebrated female flamenco dancers of the moment, Patricia Guerrero; Northern Ballet: Mixed Programme (16-18 April) features three new works by three young choreographers; and Abbott Dance Theatre returns with Deeds Not Words (21 May) – a moving and energetic piece of dance theatre commemorating women’s suffrage in the UK.

For families and young people, Princess Charming (23 February) explores gender stereotypes in a fun ques-tioning way for children aged 7+; based on the much-loved book by Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat (27 – 31 March) features infectious humour and spectacular circus for kids aged 4+ and all the family; Northern Ballet presents live ballet, music and theatre for children aged 3+ in Puss in Boots (18 April); inspired by Hans Chris-tian Andersen, What the Moon Saw (21-23 February) is a new dance and circus performance for ages 3+; We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (6-9 February) is a smash-hit production direct from the West End, for children aged 3+; Showstopper! Kids Show (23 February) – Olivier Award-winners turn kids ideas into musical adven-tures in this comedy improv show for kids aged 6+; The Isle of Brimsker (29-30 April) is a new multi-sensory story for young people aged 13+ from Frozen Light, specialists in making theatre for audiences with pro-found and multiple learning disabilities; Kitchen Zoo follow up their popular production of the Owl and the Pussycat with The Tin Foil Astronaut (28 May – 1 June) – a space adventure for children aged 3-7 years; CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch uses a pioneering mix of live cinema and theatre in There and Back Again – An Od-yssey (22 June) for ages 6+; and on the first Saturday of every month The Storyteller Chris Bostock shares stories from all over the world with children aged 5-8 and their grown-ups (starting Sat 2 February).

Comedy and spoken word shows include Mark Kermode: How Does it Feel? (4 February) – the film critic and broadcaster recounts his utterly foolhardy attempts to fulfil his dreams of becoming a pop star; the anthro-pologist, broadcaster and author shares behind-the-scenes stories from her personal journey to explore Brit-ain’s past in An Evening With Alice Roberts (31 January); after a sold out run at the Great Exhibition of the North, stand-up poet and broadcaster Kate Fox’s comic and thought-provoking Where There’s Muck There’s Bras (13 March) is a show about the real Northern Powerhouse – Northern Women; following last year’s sellout tour, RuPaul’s Drag Race favourite Jinkx Monsoon returns with Major Scales to showcase music from their upcoming album in The Ginger Snapped (6 April) – a witty, biting look at the dark side of Drag fame; the Great Northern Slam (14 March) is back, featuring special guest David C. Johnson who has toured his brand of quirky, witty performance poetry all over the USA and headlined the Austin International Poetry Festival in 2018; Edinburgh Fringe Best Newcomer Sofie Hagen returns with Bubblewrap (24 May) after a sell-out at Northern Stage earlier this year; and Crick Crack Club present The Remarkable Tale of Robert Desnos (5 June) – performance storytelling by Claire Muireann Murphy and Daniel Morden.

Tickets for most shows start at £10. Priority booking for members opens on 4 October and tickets go on gen-eral sale on 17 October. Season passes offering savings of 20% when booking three, or 25% when booking five selected new season dramas are on sale now. For full details or to book tickets see northernstage.co.uk or call the box office on 0191 230 5151.