Theatre Review - THE REMARKABLE ROBIN ARMSTRONG'S EXTRAORDINARY CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE - QUEEN'S HALL, HEXHAM

 

Grandma and Robin played by Paula Penman and Jude Nelson
photographer credit is Jason Thompson, Sound Ideas Media

The Remarkable Robin Armstrong’s Extraordinary Christmas Adventure, is the Christmas production for The Queen’s Hall, Hexham with Alnwick Playhouse in a unique production written by Elijah Young and directed by Mark Calvert

Luke Maddison as Bograt
photographer credit is Jason Thompson, Sound Ideas Media

The first 10 minutes it felt very rushed as we met the cast with Robin Armstrong, Jude Nelson, her Mam, Hannah Goudie-Hunter, her Grandma, Paula Penman, The local bully, Declan, Luke Maddison and the mysterious figure in a red cloak, Callum Howard. There was so much information I was having to concentrate hard to follow every word, but it was clear that they needed to set up the scene ready for the adventure to begin. On Christmas Eve, Robin’s much-loved Grandma forgets who she is and Robin sets of on adventure into the mines to discover the magic to help her Grandma. Once the adventure began, wow, I was completely engrossed. The multi-level set was used ingeniously, Amy Watts – set and costume designer, as the cast slipped in and out swiftly through the mines. The magical creatures in the mine met by Robin on her adventure included the Bograt, Hob and the Trolls. Until meeting the Elderman, Calum Howard, and she eventually finding Lady Northumberlandia, Paula Penman. Robin finally discovers the magic she needed to save the day with kindness and friendship.  

This talented small group has created a perfect Christmas show for all the family, with great acting and singing.

Paula Penman as Grandma with Jude Nelson as Robin Armstrong
photographer credit is Jason Thompson, Sound Ideas Media

Theatre Review - THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE, NORTHERN STAGE - ONLINE AND LIVE 28th - 31st DECEMBER

 

The Sorcerers Apprentice cast at Northern Stage
credit Pamela Raith Photography

Unfortunately, Northern Stage have had to cancel some performances due to cases of COVID-19 in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice company.

Cancelling shows is a last resort but keeping everyone safe is their top priority. Performances will be cancelled from Wednesday 15 December until Tuesday 28 December.

Tickets are still available for 8 performances from 28 - 31 December and for those who would prefer to watch online, there’s the Northern Stage at Home option so audiences can still enjoy some Christmas magic this year. https://www.northernstage.co.uk/Event/at-home-the-sorcerers-apprentice

All @NETheatre wish the company a speedy recovery and hope they will be back to The Sorcerer’s Apprentice soon.

Review of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

It’s always fantastic when a Christmas show comes along, as this makes a change to the usual pantos. The Northern Stage have a strong tradition of creating amazing Christmas shows and this year is no different.

Beth Crame plays Hatty in The Sorcerers Apprentice
Pamela Raith Photography

I was completely engrossed after the first few minutes as an ancient magical force was at work. I couldn’t believe it when the interval arrived, I hadn’t noticed the time at all.

Hatty Rabbit, Beth Crame is the 13^th child, born on Christmas Day. The story begins with Hatty at 13^, before the story of her life is recounted, before returning to her at 13. Alice Blundell brilliantly plays a number of parts including Hatty’s Mam, who dies after having the 13 children. Hatty ends up living with Aunt Primula Fudge, Heather Dutton, who is perfectly over the top. After sending Hatty away to school, where Alice Blundell reappears as the school teacher. Hatty becomes best friends with Evie Speak, Talia Nyathi. When she is 12 she receives a letter to invite her as an apprentice to the Sorcerer Hopkin Hopkins. Where the magic continues and she finds out all about her powers.

Patrick Munday, Rats puppet, Beth Cramer
credit Pamela Raith Photography

The villain in the story is Canopus Sly, Jessica Johnson, who is cool and classic with evilness you want to hate, but love as she hunts for the 13^th child. Of course, I can’t miss out Rats, Patrick Munday, brilliant puppetry throughout.

Jess Johnson in The Sorcerers Apprentice
Pamela Raith Photography

The set design is exceptional. But my highlight was the music from Katie Doherty absolute perfection.

This incredibly strong cast and crew are perfect for young and old for a Christmas treat.

Theatre Review - SLEEPING BEAUTY - THE PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Dust off your ‘He’s behind you’ and shake off your ‘Oh no he’s not’, it’s pantomime time again! The People’s Theatre brings you Sleeping Beauty by Tom Whalley, a show with all the classic pantomime tropes, a few new twists and all the stops pulled out! An all-singing, all-dancing, always-laughing spectacular of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty.

Jonathan Goodman as Carabosse

Director Pamela Birleson was not sleeping on the job when she put together this fantastical world of magic and song, where the worst crime you can commit is to be from Sunderland… This pantomime is constantly drawing you in to new delights, be that young dancers, inventive use of modern music, old jokes, new jokes, older jokes or just the usual fun of shouting along with the show. Emily Jeffrey plays the innocent Princess Beauty, who just wants to get out into the world, and Rhiannon Wilson plays the hansom Prince Frederick as they sing some beautiful duets together. However, the curse placed on the Princess by the wonderfully-wicked Carabosse, played by the very talented Jonathan Goodman, aided by his henchman Radgie Gadgie, played by Daniel Magee, threatens to spoil everything. A warning here: Carabosse’s opening song in act two is so good it will almost make you forget to ‘boo’ him. Luckily, we have the wonderful, and very Geordie, ‘Fairy Canny’, performed with excellent timing and harmony by Emma Cockburn. As for Queen Sadie, Steve Robertson sets just the right balance of saucy and hilarious to keep the story moving. It’s the poor love-lorn Chester The Jester, played by Callum Mawston, who brings the show together with cheeky jokes, a great rapport with the audience and an unexpected but very welcome solo.

Emily Jeffrey as Princess Beauty with Callum Mawston as Chester the Jester

The simply-painted set designed by Kalia Moyers and flamboyant lighting designed by Xander Brouwer will instantly transport you to the glitter-filled dreams of a very fun panto. It’s a production that seems to know what matters most to its audience – including a broad variety of dances and dancers, all of whom fill the stage with their own brand of brilliance. This is a show for all ages and is guaranteed to bring some Christmas sparkle into your life. Wake up and get yourself over to the People’s Theatre to see Sleeping Beauty!

Steve Robertson as Queen Sadie

Running at the People’s Theatre 11^th-19^th December 2021

Theatre Review - SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS - PLAYHOUSE WHITLEY BAY

There are a number of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs around this year, but this is probably the most traditional of them all. Especially with Lucy Kane as the sweetest and most delightful Snow White, with voice to match. Not surprising as she is known by appearing in The Voice and of course is the real-life daughter of Linda Lusardi, who also plays the evil Queen Scowlalot.

The mainstay of this panto has been the comic Steve Walls, as Muddles this year and panto dame Daniel Mawston, as Patsy, they have a great rapport. The one liners are great every year, even if many of his lines are repeated every year. Steve is just so natural and the audience are engrossed within minutes of him entering the stage.  Daniel is just one of the most natural and perfect dames. I can’t forget one of the best panto dancers with Mary Proud who has become as much a part of the panto as Steve and Daniel.

Linda Lusardi looked as if she was relishing every minute in her wicked part. Andrew Mcleish as Prince Charming with excellent acting and singing throughout. I’ve often seen pantos where the singing just doesn’t hit the spot, especially during solos, but not here, everyone was spot on especially during the 1980s mega mix.

The dwarfs weren’t just the small addition, sometimes they can hardly appear, here they were fully involved and worked incredibly well.

With plenty of comedy for all ages and the expected slap stick panto additions of silliness and songs, this is amazing family fun. Oh I nearly forgot, yes the bench was back, how could it not be there.

Theatre Review - BONNIE AND FANNY'S CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR - LIVE THEATRE - NEWCASTLE

Photo Credit TJ Mov

This is a show like no other; it’s an energetic mix of lip-syncing, dance routines and side-splitting humour. Bonnie & Fanny’s Christmas Spectacular has been created by comedy troupe Your Aunt Fanny and drag trio Bonnie and The Bonnettes. It’s an exuberant production that throws you into the awkwardness, cliques, frustrations and (most importantly) the fun of an office party. After an email goes astray, all the ladies of ‘Gosforth Office floor two’ decide to break into the boss’s office to retrieve it, although some of them have their own agenda for breaking in. The second half opens with the consequences of the their plans from Act 1 and leaves the audience with aching sides as they each tell the tale from their point of view.

Photo Credit TJ Mov

The basic set, with silver streamers and fairy lights, teamed with party music, lets you know what kind of tacky and happy fun is about to begin. There were simple effective changes as people added a jacket or scarf to become side-characters which added to the comical nature of the show and complimented the other characters perfectly. This is in no way a criticism, but there is strong language in the show and a few lewd conversations; it’s always done with heart and humour. You’ll find yourself comparing the characters with people you know, like Penny (Brogan Gilbert) who plays the naive and largely useless newbie who can only understand the world through the frame of social media. Kim (Lydia Brickland), the typical middle manager who is all about pompous speeches, drives poor Lorraine (Hattie Eason) to the brink as she continues to work the night away. Oh, the power of a wheelie chair! Ivy (Matilda Neill) is the office mean-girl with looks that could shatter glass, as Holly (Katy Powell) is praised once again for her perfect buffet skills. We see an awkward flirtation between the fiery Carol (Jackie Edwards) and Stacey (Rebecca Glendenning), the joyful office DJ that will melt your heart. Then there is Lynne (Cameron Sharp), the most senior member of the team, who, with a mere flick of her hair, will have you in hysterics. To say the cast is strong is an understatement; the whole cast is a powerhouse of talent. Everyone gets great comedic lines, all the cast work so well as an ensemble, it feels like a real work-family.

This show will have you bouncing with joy in your seat as you sing along too. It is, without doubt, theatre to rejuvenate the soul – and is one of the best experiences it’s possible to have watching a show in a theatre. If you don’t feel the urge to clap along, cheer and smile, please check your pulse. I left the theatre thinking, ‘When can I see this again?’ Bonnie & Fanny’s Christmas Spectacular runs from 1^st-23^rd of December 2021 at the Live Theatre; see you there!

Photo Credit TJ Mov

Theatre Preview - SLEEPING BEAUTY, PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

The People’s Panto is back this Christmas with the magical story of SLEEPING BEAUTY!

 

Once upon a time a beautiful Princess was placed under a terrible curse by the wicked fairy Carabosse! Just one prick of her finger and Princess Beauty would fall into a cursed sleep for 100 years only to be woken by true love's kiss.

 

With the help of the Queen and the hapless court jester Chester, will the handsome Prince be able to break the spell?

 

Find out in the all-singing, all-dancing Pantomime of your dreams!

 

The People’s Panto has become something of a must-see, garnering rave reviews like "slick, smart and big-hearted” (Dick Whittington, 2019) and “massively fun” (Cinderella, 2018).

 

The People’s was devastated to have to cancel the show last year. It’s always a huge part of the Theatre’s calendar and brings so much joy to members and audiences.

 

Director Pamela Birleson comments “Myself and the team are over the moon to finally see the show we have imagined on stage after two years of struggling. We have all been working so hard through all of the pandemic and challenges we have faced. We can’t wait to show everyone and bring Panto back to the People’s Theatre!”

 

This is Pamela’s first time directing the Panto, but she’s stage-managed plenty and is ready and excited for the challenge.

 

“It’s been a wonderful experience, and the show is packed with energy, jokes, and most of all, fun!”

 

The script is written by North-East Panto legend Tom Whalley. Tom’s award-winning scripts marry classic stories with comedy and modern twists, and the team are excited to be bringing his Sleeping Beauty to the People’s stage for the first time.

 

SLEEPING BEAUTY runs from Saturday 11^th to Sunday 19^th December. All of the afternoon performances are full, but there are tickets available for the evening shows. So don’t snooze and book yours now!

SLEEPING BEAUTY by Tom Whalley

Date:               Saturday 11^th – Sunday 19^th December 2021

Tickets:           £15 (Children & conc. £13)

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

Box Office:      0191 265 5020                    

Website:          www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Theatre Preview - CHRISTMAS WITH SANTA MUST DIE! - ALPHABETTI THEATRE - Thursday 16th – Friday 31st December 2021

 

Alphabetti offers a different take on

Christmas with Santa Must Die!

Alphabetti Theatre, St James’ Blvd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4HP

Thursday 16th – Friday 31st December 2021

 

Santa Must Die! is a raucous new gig theatre show for the gig economy at the most difficult time

of the year! This production by archipelago, written by Rosie MacPherson, with performers

Rhian Liu and Robin Ravi is a different kind of festive story about when Christmas is all work and

no play. It looks at finding joy in unexpected places and fighting against that which is meant to

keep you down.

 

Nadia and Abed might just be the next big thing. They are the duo behind The North’s greatest

Punk band this side of the Seventies, and for one night only they’re playing their local. But it’s

Christmas eve, and Santa is a bad boss. Dealing with unending queues of demanding, entitled

customers, minimum wage, unpaid overtime and zero hours contracts means the elves are

ready to riot.

 

Inspired by many friends who’ve had bad jobs over Christmas, with long hours and barely any

time off, Santa Must Die! looks at the fact that, for most of us, Christmas is actually a busy and

stressful time. Made in conversation with local people in Bradford and Newcastle who have

experience of working on zero hours contracts at Christmas, this is a Christmas show for

audiences who like their theatre with a bit of bite. Taking the riotous punk energy of

archipelago’s previous show about our NHS in crisis, An Act of Care, the company have been

inspired by the heart of traditional Christmas shows and brought them to the stage in this

production – expect audience interaction, panto-like tropes, great music, genre-bending video

2 projections and a heartfelt story about workers coming together to fight against the corporate

greed of Father Christmas.

 

Co-Director Laurence Young comments, archipelago are making Santa Must Die! for the people

for whom Christmas isn’t always a walk in the park. Whilst many of us get to relax, unwind, and

reflect on the year, for a huge number this isn’t true. Instead, Christmas is the culmination point,

a mad-dash scramble of busyness and overworking that leaves you tired and burnt out. It’s not

good enough that minimum wage barely covers people’s living expenses. It’s not good enough

that zero hours contracts mean you can lose work at the drop of a hat. It’s not good enough that

throughout the pandemic frontline workers (those deemed essential) have had minimal

protections and insulting levels of sick pay. Frankly, Santa is a bad boss, and he’s got to go.

Santa Must Die! is a great night out showcasing exciting emerging Northern talent and a show

that advocates for workers’ rights at the most difficult time of the year.

 

Dates Thursday 16th – Friday 24th December 2021 | Wednesday 29^th - Friday 31^st December 2021

7.30pm, plus 1pm Saturday matinees

Wednesday 22nd December (7:30pm) - captioned performance

Wednesday 29th December (7:30pm) - audio described

Saturday 18th December (1pm) - relaxed

Box Office Booking essential. Tickets are Pay What You Feel and are available from

https://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/santa-must-die

Facebook @AlphabettiTheatre | @ArchipelagoTC

Instagram @alphabetti_theatre | @archipelagoarts

Twitter @alphabetti | @archipelagoarts

#SantaMustDie

Running time 90 minutes including interval

Notes 14+, strong language, discussion of sexual assault and racism

Theatre Review - SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS - NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL

Clive Webb & Danny Adams
Photo Paul Coltas

FINALLY, pantomimes have arrived and at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal pantoland has burst into life with an explosion of glitter and fun with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the fairest panto in the land.

Steve Arnott
Photo Paul Coltas

Danny Adams as The Court Jester and Clive Webb as Oddjob are in their 16^th year at The Theatre Royal and still have as much energy as ever, with their return from the enforced break they certainly relish every minute being back on stage. As father and son, they are a fantastic duo with a mix of comedy, magic and superb entertainment. Danny and Clive are joined by X Factor Star, Joe McElderry as The Man in the Mirror. This gives us the start of some twists in the traditional story. The repartee between Danny and Joe, which is mainly aimed at Joe, is thoroughly enjoyed by the audience and shows what a great sport he is as well as an amazing singer. The Carole Stennett as Spirit of Pantomime is a delight. Mick Potts as The Idiot, I always want more of him, he plays the character brilliantly.

Joe McElderry -
Photo Paul Coltas

It always feels that no expense has been spared here and this year it even managed it to up a gear, including with Danny ending the first act travelling back, from taking Snow White into the Forbidden Forest, driving a double decker bus which lifts out into the auditorium. Followed by Queen Dragonella as she flies off with her dragon to cause more problems for Snow White.

Two Dames give us double the treats with Chris Wayward, this year, becoming the evil counterpart, as Queen Dragonella and Steve Arnott as Mrs Nelly Nightnurse. Having two of the top Dames in the country is such a delight.

Wayne Smith as Prince William of Wallsend who falls in love with Snow White as Kirsty Ingram and the Magnificent Seven as Josh Bennett, Simeon Dyer, Scott English, Jamie John, Blake Lisle, Andrew Martin and Fergus Rattigan who can’t be forgotten about, they may not be the main part of the show but they perfectly enhance the evening.

This may not only be the best panto in the North East, but is probably the best in the country. Plenty for adults and children alike. If you only have time to see one show this Christmas, this has to be it.

Runs until Sunday 9^th January 2022

Theatre Review - FLINT STREET NATIVITY - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Joseph (Adam Lowe), Mary (Rye Mattick), Narrator (Ellie North),
Shepherd (Jess Chapman) photo Stephen Sharkey

It is normal to expect a few giggles, awkwardness and even the odd tear in your eye when watching The Nativity; when Miss Horrocks’ Year Three class do theirs, you’ll do all these things, but for all the wrong reasons. Here, an adult cast also portray the children - doing their best to get through the biggest theatrical moment in a child’s life - a school Nativity. This play is a reminder that children are always listening and learning even when we don’t want them to be.

 

Director Chris Heckles-Thompson has created a delightfully funny, and at times heart rending, production - reminding us that being a child was even more complicated than we remember. In a brilliant touch, Caretakers and Dinner Ladies sort the quick scene changes and clean the stage. At one point, though, the ‘effects’ seemed a little over the top, taking away from my favourite moment as Herod got caught in his cloak - to hilarious effect. Alan Potts as Set Designer created a classroom you feel you could step right into to learn your times-table, with a little help from Broadway East First School and Chillingham Road and Hotspur Primary Schools. Sound Designer/Musical director Kate Scout took us all back to those childhood days with echoing corridors and children chattering. She also created a jolly musical score for the actors to sing to but, be warned, you will never hear Christmas Carols in quite the same way again. Lighting by Phil Bradley created the perfect illusion of an increasingly frustrated Miss Horrocks and a larger than life stick insect.

 

Mary (Rye Mattick) & Gabriel (Alison Carr)
photo Stephen Sharkey

Ashley/Gabriel (Alison Carr) really came in to her own as she sang of her utter exasperation as Jenny/Mary (Rye Mattick) seems to be ‘Little Miss Perfect’ - at everything she turns her hand to. Well done to Jenny for managing to sing the correct words throughout, as the rest of the cast sang different lyrics to the same song; true focus. Hats off to Ryan/Herod/Joseph (Adam Lowe) for taking a funny part and ‘rolling’ with it! Zoe/Shepherd (Jess Chapman) was perfect as the all-too-frank daughter of a farmer, delighting in telling stories about real animals. Bradley/Innkeeper (Stuart Laidler) was the ideal mix of disturbing and heart-breaking as he strives to win the heart of Jenny. With Jess/Wise Gold (Lisa Marchioli) and Shamima/Angel (Geffen Yoeli-Rimmer) seemingly always separated by being on the wrong side of Ashley’s temper - and Marcus/Star (Steve Parry) trying to impress Bradley - it’s easy to recall childhood friendships gone wrong. But when the wonderful Donny/Donkey (Ben Watkins) teaches Adrian/Wise Frankincense to worry a little less, and embrace the joy of being ‘in a Donkey’s head’, it warms your soul a little. Tina/Narrator (Ellie North), who simply wanted to do a good job for her Mum, melted my heart as she became more ever more Christmassy.

This is enchanting show is at The Peoples Theatre 23^rd-27^th November 2021; I was still laughing as the final bows came.

The class photo Stephen Sharkey

Theatre Review - ROCK OF AGES - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

ROCK of Ages has returned to Darlington Hippodrome; this musical is crammed with classic rock songs from the 1980s and at the opening night the audiences were certainly rocking in their seats.

This light hearted, tongue and cheek story has Sherrie, Rhiannon Chesterman, arriving on Sunset Strip full of dreams to become an actress. She enters The Bourbon Room, a bar owned by Dennis, Ross Dawes, where she finds work to keep her going. Also working in the bar is aspiring rocker Drew, Luke Walsh, who instantly falls in love with Sherrie. Clearly the love story of boy meets girl is on, off with, of course, the final happy ending. Add to the plot a pair of German developers Hertz, Vas Constanti, and his son Franz, Andrew Carthy, who persuade the mayor, Adam Strong, to introduce clean living to the city to abandon the sex, drugs and rock-n-roll, as they demolish the Sunset Strip. Much to the anger of the city planner Regina, Gabriella Williams. It continues fast and furious as Stacee Jaxx, Kevin Clifton, playing as a Rock Star, shows it’s not only his dancing which excels, but also his voice. Jenny Fitzpatrick as Justice shows such a powerful voice. Of course, the narrator of the story as Joe Gash playing Lonny can’t be forgotten, he breaks the fourth wall with perfection as he directly addresses the audience, he certainly turns it into glam rock and much more.

Although the cast are faultless and the strong story flows, there are still two members of the cast who stand out, which are Rhiannon Chesterman and Luke Walsh, the most amazing voices you need to see on stage.

The show may be risqué and would be taken by children with caution. As the cast say after the last 18 months, theatre is back and this is one show to have a great night out.

Runs until Saturday 27^th November at Darlington Hippodrome.

Theatre Preview - THE FLINT STREET NATIVITY - THE PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

“An angel came down, and the shepherds were sore …

The Shepherds had sores. I’m afraid.”

 

The People’s Theatre in Heaton are taking audiences back to school next week with THE FLINT STREET NATIVITY by Tim Firth!

 

Miss Horrocks' class of seven-year-olds are getting ready to perform their nativity play at Flint Street Junior School for the proud mams and dads - and the occasional social worker.

 

But squabbles arise when Gabriel wants to play Mary, the Star grumbles he's not a proper star like they have at NASA and Herod won't stop waving to his parents. And then the stick insect escapes ...

 

A cast of eleven adult actors play both the children and their parents, offering a telling glimpse at the dysfunctional grown-ups these Year 3 pupils have sprung from.  

 

Director Chris Heckels-Thompson comments “spending time with a bunch of adults finding their inner seven year old has been a joy, and bringing to life the children, their classroom and their play has been a unique rehearsal process! We really hope audiences enjoy the experience as much as we have.”

 

Originally made for television with a comic cast including Jane Horrocks and Frank Skinner, the stage version adds Christmas carols with brand new lyrics that offer a hilarious glimpse into the minds of the youngsters.  

Chaos, calamity, and comedy abound in this funny and warm-hearted take on an annual rite of passage in British primary schools.

 

Written by the award-winning Tim Firth, whose credits include ‘Calendar Girls’ and ‘Kinky Boots’, this promises to be a fun night out that will get you in the mood for the festive season!

 

The People’s Theatre is proud to be a See It Safely accredited venue and there is a socially-distanced performance on Tuesday 23rd for those not ready to return to a busy indoor space.

 

All details are on the website www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Cast:

 

Mary / Jenny: Rye Mattick

Gabriel / Ashley: Alison Carr

Narrator / Tina: Ellie North

Shepherd / Zoe: Jess Chapman

Angel / Shamima: Geffen Yoeli-Rimmer

Wise Gold / Jess: Lisa Marchioli

Innkeeper / Bradley: Stuart Laidler

Herod & Joseph / Ryan: Adam Lowe

Wise Frankincense / Adrian: Tony Sehgal

Star / Marcus: Steve Parry

Donkey / Donny: Ben Watkins

 

Director: Chris Heckels-Thompson

THE FLINT STREET NATIVITY by Tim Firth

Date:               Tuesday 23^rd - Saturday 27^th November 2021

                        (socially-distanced performance on Tuesday 23^rd)

Time:               7.30pm

Tickets:           £15 (Conc. £13)

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

Box Office:      0191 265 5020                    

Website:          www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Theatre Preview - Cast announced for The Remarkable Robin Armstrong’s Extraordinary Christmas Adventure

 

A Queen’s Hall Arts and Alnwick Playhouse production:

Cast announced for The Remarkable Robin Armstrong’s Extraordinary Christmas Adventure

Remarkable Robin cast & creatives at Queen's Hall Hexham

10-28 December at Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham

 

The cast have been announced for a brand new Christmas show for all the family at the Queen's

Hall from 10-28 December. Five North East actors will take to the stage to perform The Remarkable

Robin Armstrong’s Extraordinary Christmas Adventure, written by Elijah Young and directed

by Mark Calvert.

 

Jude Nelson will play Robin Armstrong. Jude is an actor, singer and facilitator from the North

East. She trained with The National Youth Theatre in 2016 and Project A, an actor training program

at Newcastle Theatre Royal, in 2017. Her theatre credits include Poppy in Isolation (The Customs

House/Alphabetti Theatre), Georgina Stephenson in Rocket Girl (Alphabetti Theatre/The Worriers),

and Sheltered (10 minutes to… at Live Theatre). And if her voice sounds familiar, she was in the

Queen’s Halls first animated production, Christmas with the Hobs written by Becci Sharrock last

December. Jude says, “I’m delighted to playing the part of Robin Armstrong and can’t wait for the

adventure to begin!”

 

Paula Penman will play Grandma. Paula has twenty-three years’ experience working as an actor,

director and theatre maker, most notably for regional and national tours of solo shows Donna Disco

(Live Theatre, Winner of Wimbledon Theatre’s Best of the Fringe Award) and Brown Bird (Bush

Theatre). Other acting credits include: The Snow Queen, Get Santa!, The Little Detective Agency,

The Goblin Who Saved Christmas, The Hoppings (Northern Stage), Pause, Three Shorts, Wrong

Place Wrong Time, Bricks and Mortar, Christmas Carol (Alphabetti Theatre) and Woven Bones

(Cap-a-Pie) shortlisted for Living North Performance of The Year in 2019.

 

Hannah Goudie-Hunter will play Mam. Hannah is a theatre maker and performer specialising in

physical storytelling, puppetry and theatre for young audiences. She is a founding member of Kitchen

Zoo and her theatre credits include The Three Bears and WOLF! with Kitchen Zoo, and The

Emperor's New Clothes for Kitchen Zoo and Northern Stage.

 

Luke Maddison will play Declan and Bograt. Luke is a North East actor whose credits include The

War of the Worlds adapted by Laura Lindow at Northern Stage, national tour of Leaving written by

Paddy Campbell for Curious Monkey, and Der Rosenkavalier for Opera North. His TV credits include

Inspector George Gently on BBC ONE.

 

Calum Howard will play the Elderman. Originally from Hexham, Calum is an actor, musician,

composer, sound designer and producer who composes music and sound for theatre, film and digital

media across the UK. Calum says, “The Queen’s Hall played a formative role in the development

of my theatrical and musical skills, so I’m excited to help bring The Remarkable Robin Armstrong’s

Extraordinary Christmas Adventure to life on its stage.” Calum has toured extensively

across Europe as a keyboard player - appearing on Later with Jools Holland (with Beth Jeans

Houghton, now known as Du Blonde), supporting Placebo in Wembley Arena as part of their 20th

anniversary UK arena tour (with Minor Victories, a band comprised of members of Mogwai, Slowdive

and Editors), and performing live several times on BBC 6 Music, XFM and Virgin Radio.

 

North East playwright Elijah Young is an Associate Artist at Live Theatre Newcastle where his writing

was first performed, in 2019 he was Young Writer in Residency at the Customs House

Takeover festival, his play Isolation premiered at Alphabetti Theatre and he was named the British

Theatre Guide's Most Promising Newcomer. He was recently selected to be a part of the BBC

North East writers development programme. He says, “It's a modern fairytale that will give you all

the Christmassy feels. Writing Remarkable Robin was so much fun, and now we’re in rehearsals I

can't wait to share it with audiences at the Queen’s Hall!”

 

The creative team includes Director Mark Calvert who has a strong track record, having directed

large scale family Christmas shows for five years at Northern Stage, including The Wizard of Oz,

James and the Giant Peach and A Christmas Carol. Mark says,“The show is set in the mines of

Northumberland but they’re not the mines we all know. The message at the heart of this show is

the importance of family and holding onto the idea, for as long as you dare, that magic does exist

in our sometimes humdrum world. It has all of the ingredients of a great Christmas tale and the

cast and creative team are working hard to give Queens Hall audiences a proper theatrical treat.”

 

Elijah and Mark are joined by Set and Costume Designer Amy Watts whose credits include The

Hound of the Baskervilles/Northern Stage and West End Girls/Live Theatre; Sound Designer and

Musical Director Jeremy Bradfield - a composer, sound designer and performer specialising in

multi-instrumental live music for theatre, his credits include The Three Bears at Christmas/Kitchen

Zoo and James and The Giant Peach and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz for Northern Stage; and

Movement Director Martin Hylton - Rehearsal Director at Phoenix Dance Theatre and Gateway

Studios Artistic Director, Martin’s theatre credits include The Snow Queen for Northern Stage.

 

Katy Taylor, Artistic Director/Chief Executive of Queen’s Hall Arts said, “We’re delighted to welcome

local families back to the Queen’s Hall this Christmas with a magical festive show for the whole

family set in the North East. And we’re really excited to be working with such a brilliant cast and

creative team to create Remarkable Robin here in Hexham, our audiences are in for a real treat!”

 

The Remarkable Robin Armstrong’s Extraordinary Christmas Adventure is at the Queen’s Hall from

10-28 December and is suitable for all ages. Tickets start from £12. For more information or to

book tickets visit www.queenshall.co.uk or call the box office on 01434 652 477.

Theatre Review - THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Bill Ward & Wendi Peters (credit Craig Sugden)

THE legend of Sleepy Hollow has had many incarnations over the years and now it’s time for this gothic stage version from Tilted Wig Productions.

Lewis Cope and company
(credit Craig Sugden)

Ichabod Crane, Sam Jackson, arrives to the small town of Sleepy Hollow. Visitors, by the sign, tells them ‘Don’t pass by, stay forever.’ This creates foreboding especially from the sinister set. Crane discovers the legend with its secrets of Sleepy Hollow through the approaching Hallowmass where the locals re-enact the mysterious and disturbing events. Baltus Van Tassel, Bill Ward and Widow Papenfuss, Wendi Peters, confidently show some strong characterisation providing the highlights of the acting.

The other characters played by Rose Quentin, Lewis Cope and Tommy Sim’aan show glimpses driving the script, but with the confusion of the subplot and mix of characters it makes it difficult to follow the action, only picking up the story now and then.

Rose Quentin &
Tommy Sim'aan
(credit Craig Sugden)

There are some excellent scenes through the synchronised movement of the cast and the imaginative dance. But unfortunately, it was the over complicated story of the dialogue. Due to the blocking, it also meant it was often unheard.

A chilling atmosphere was created with effective lighting and dry ice. The special effects, although impressive, just don’t create the fear factor which was lacking. The Headless Horseman makes a brief appearance lacking its full impact. As a school report may say – they show promise but must try harder.

Theatre Preview - CINDERELLA - THEATRE ROYAL, NEWCASTLE

If you want to be first to get your tickets, you need to be quick. Tickets are coming on sale for next years panto at Newcastle Theatre Royal. Don't miss out!

Next Christmas Newcastle Theatre Royal panto audiences are invited to join the comedy trio of Danny Adams, Clive Webb and Chris Hayward at the most magical pantomime of them all, Cinderella.

Cinderella will be brought spectacularly to life in a sumptuous production packed with special effects, family-friendly comedy, stunning sets, outrageous costumes, and the most magical pantomime moment when Cinderella is transported to the Prince’s Ball with the help of a pumpkin, some mice and lots of Fairy Godmother magic!

You shall go to the ball....

BOOKING DATES:

Tue 16 Nov, 10am – Friends of the Theatre Royal

Thu 18 Nov, 10am – Advantage, Groups & Schools

Tue 23 Nov, 10am – Public

Theatre Preview - SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS - THEATRE ROYAL, NEWCASTLE

 

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL – NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL’S PANTO IS THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL!

 

The count-down has begun! There’s less than two weeks to go until Newcastle Theatre Royal opens its magical panto – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - which will run for seven weeks from 23 November 2021 to9 January 2022.

After a year away panto, legends Danny Adams and Clive Webb return this year to play Danny, The Court Jester and Oddjob along with Chris Hayward as the Queen Dragonella.

The long-time favourites will be joined by X Factor star Joe McElderry as The Man in Mirror and this year’s cast also sees the return of Danny & Mick’s Mick Potts with musical theatre star Carole Stennett making her Newcastle Theatre Royal panto debut as the Spirit of Pantomime

They are joined by Steve Arnott as Mrs Nelly Nightnurse, Wayne Smith as the Prince and Kirsty Ingram as Snow White. The seven dwarfs will be played by Jamie John, Scott English, Fergus Rattigan, Simeon Dyer, Andrew Martin, Josh Bennett and Blake Lisle.

Featuring a brand-new script and epic sets, the panto will be full of fun, laughter and surprises that audiences have come to love and expect from a Newcastle Theatre Royal pantomime and more.  Spectacular choreography, glittering sets, breath-taking special effects and a wonderful musical score form the backdrop to a tale full of adventure and hilarious slap-stick.

Newcastle Theatre Royal pantomimes are widely thought to be among the best in the UK due to the exceptional combination of father and son team Clive and Danny - for whom Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will mark their sixteenth Theatre Royal panto appearance with West End producer and Chief Executive of Crossroads Pantomimes (and Newcastle’s own) Michael Harrison, who produces and directs the show.

 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was last performed at Newcastle Theatre Royal during the 2021/2022 season and is one of the venue’s most popular pantomimes ever.

 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will play Tue 23 Nov 2021 – Sun 9 Jan 2022. Tickets are on sale now with prices starting from £14.50 and can be purchased at theatreroyal.co.uk or by calling 0191 232 7010.