Theatre Review - SUGAR BABY - ALPHABETTI THEATRE - NEWCASTLE

 Written by Alan Harris and directed by Natasha Hawes, the play centres around small-time drug dealer Marc, living in Cardiff. Trying desperately to get his Dad out of trouble with loan shark Oggy, whilst also avoiding this from his Mum, he stumbles into Lisa. This is the turning point, where his life goes from hiding the drugs he grows among tomato plants, and getting annoyed that tomatoes are going up in price, to the downright surreal. As Marc tells you his tale, you’re drawn into an unexpected escapade - which even has a seal. There is a satirical intelligence to the writing of this show that is rare, pointing out that loan sharks are actually cheaper than most Pay-Day loan schemes. There are subtle undertones of money being at the root of all problems. Begging the question; in whose debt do we wish to be?

It’s an energetic, furiously paced, hilarious thrill-ride through the streets of Cardiff.  The feeling of following Marc through surreal moments in an otherwise normal life is brought out by the crisp timing of the lighting and sound as they punch the tale’s storyline forward. With Matrix-style lighting and sound bringing out a whole new dimension to the play’s key moments. The staging, too, was expertly utilised with four plain boxes managing to fulfil a multitude of purposes.

Actor Ben Gettins is a solid gold talent. Not only did he maintain an excellent Welsh accent throughout the show but for nearly sixty minutes he held the audience in the palm of his hand. From laughter to sadness to laughter to horror to a seal called Billy, the audience followed along with delight. Ben Gettins energised the room and despite being just one man, the stage always felt full.

There are aspects of the show that could be difficult or triggering to some and strong language is used. However, it’s all used to great effect and to contribute to an extraordinary show.

Sugar Baby is running at the Alphabetti Theatre until 8^th October. Don’t miss your chance to see such a unique and amusing show it will remind you why you need theatre.

Theatre Preview - THE GOOD LIFE - PEOPLE'S THEATRE - NEWCASTLE

 The People’s Theatre are heading to 1970s Surbiton next week in THE GOOD LIFE!

Over fifty years before we started quiet quitting, Tom and Barbara Good rejected corporate drudgery in favour of new beginnings. While recent years have seen many of us growing our own food and living simpler lives nurturing sourdough starters, the Good’s were the original eco-warriors – swapping the rat race for self-sufficiency, turning their garden into an allotment and installing chickens, pigs and a goat named Geraldine!

It's the good life for them – but not for their next-door neighbours Margo and Jerry Leadbetter who are desperately trying to maintain their snooty status quo.

Following hot on the heels of their hugely successful THE VICAR OF DIBLEY earlier this year, the People’s have established a reputation for bringing small screen classics to their stage.

THE GOOD LIFE by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey ran for four series from 1975 to 1978. At its peak it attracted audiences of 16 million and made TV stars of Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal, Penelope Keith and Paul Eddington.

This theatrical reimagining by Jeremy Sams reunites the well-loved characters and plunges them into hilarious scrapes and escapades! About the show’s 2021 UK tour, Broadway World called it “a feel-good psychedelic 70s trip” while West End Best Friend said it “excels at bringing to life one of Britain’s greatest sitcoms”!

Director Steve Hewitt comments: “This stage version retains all of the original’s charm and wit, whilst balancing the nostalgia with a knowing and more modern perspective. As we watch Tom and Barbara getting to grips with self-sufficiency, armed to the teeth with giant library books and the noblest of intentions, we can easily imagine how much time we’d spend watching YouTube tutorial videos if we attempted a similar feat today! And always the same question remains: could this actually work..?”

THE GOOD LIFE is playing at the People’s Theatre in Heaton from Tuesday 4th to Saturday 8th October. The People’s are offering a reduced-capacity performance on the Tuesday for audience members who prefer a less busy space where mask-wearing is required.

Also in October, the People’s are heading AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS! In Victorian London, the fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg accepts a wager of £20,000, challenging that he can’t circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days. Cue a dazzling, madcap adventure which promises to be rollicking good fun for the whole family! All details at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Cast:

Tom Good: Stuart Laidler

Barbara Good:  Ellie Pullen

Margo Leadbetter:  Sarah McLane

Jerry Leadbetter: Mark Buckley

Director: Steve Hewitt

This amateur production of “The Good Life” is presented by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

The Good Life adapted by Jeremy Sams. Based on the TV series by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey

Date: Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 October 2022

Includes a reduced-capacity performance on Tuesday 4th

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 Review - THE MIRROR CRACK'D - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

MURDER mystery whodunnits are such a popular format, especially based on the large audience on opening night. When Agatha Christie is involved, you know you have an expert in control of the story, but of course because they can be so well known, you either know the ending or you soon remember once the story begins. This is where the Original Theatre Company with The Mirror Crack’d is able to change the perception. This is a new adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff and she’s taken this story and created a performance with a difference.

The expectation of the set in a living room, with the characters coming in and out, with a murder then a reveal, was far from it and a pleasant surprise. Instead, we jump around from Miss Marple’s home, Gossington Hall and the film set. Moving back and forth in time as the cast act out the recent events Miss Marple is discussing. This gives us a fresh approach and see the whole of the action, rather than just a description. This may take a little time to get used to, but the excellent direction by Philip Franks makes this seamlessly, flowing perfectly. The repeat of a number of scenes, as more is revealed, was especially enjoyable. This also allows us to get deeper into each of the characters.

An incredible cast has been collected together including Susie Blake as a delightful Miss Marple giving us a brilliant mix of the sweet old lady, pretending not to take much notice then showing her forceful character. Her friend Chief Inspector Craddock, Oliver Boot, shows his irritation perfectly towards Miss Marple with a touch of respect. With Marina Gregg, Sophie Ward, and her husband Jason Rudd, Joe McFadden, shows the quality of the casting.

With the quality of The Original Theatre Company, this could be the most perfect murder!

Runs until Saturday 24^th September at Darlington Hippodrome.

Theatre Review - DEMON DENTIST - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

BIRMINGHAM Stage Company have brought the premiere of Demon Dentist by David Walliams to Darlington Hippodrome. They are probably the best theatre company with productions for schools and families and on the first night the children were enthralled throughout.

Alfie, Sam Varley, lives with his father, James Mitchell, who is mainly confined to a wheelchair after suffering from lung disease through his work in a mine. Alfie’s mother has passed away and Alfie is the main carer. Alfie hasn’t been to the dentist for 6 years and has been hiding the letters, when the new social worker – Winnie, Misha Malcolm, insists on taking him to the new dentist, – Miss Root, Emily Harrigan.

Unusual events have been happening with the tooth fairy, instead of money they’ve been finding bats wings, toads and other ghastly items under their pillows. Alfie and his friend Gabz, Georgia Grant-Anderson, have a feeling that something is quite right about the dentist. Raj, Zain Abrahams, the local shopkeeper and Alfie set up a plan to find out what’s been happening leading to danger before the eventual happy ending.

One of the highlights with Birmingham Stage Company is the set, designed by Jacqueline Trousdale, it swiftly changes between scenes with an ingeniously constructed set. The entire cast are excellent, brilliantly choreographed, Paul Chantry and Rae Piper, but my favourite had to be Emily Harrigan creating a delightfully evil Miss Root.

This production is perfect for families of all ages and is now my favourite David Walliams story.

Runs until Sunday 11^th September.