Comedy Preview - Gary Delaney UK Tour 2017 calling at Durham Gala (13th September) and Playhouse, Whitley Bay (27th October)

GARY DELANEY UK TOUR 2017

EXTENDED 4^TH & FINAL TIME!

‘There’s Something About Gary’

…and that something is he likes to write and perform jokes. An awful lot of them.

Also, he appears to have some jizz in his hair. There's that as well.

  

Regular on Mock The Week * Double Sony Award Winner * Chortle Award Nominee

Gary thinks a good joke should be like a drunk Glaswegian - short and punchy.

His new show is not only great for people who like lots of jokes, but fun for people who enjoy getting offended by jokes!

Gary is perhaps best known for his regular appearances on ‘Mock the Week’ (BBC2) and is widely regarded as the most quotable one-liner comic in the country.

He is the only comic to have got 2 gags in the same top 10 for Dave’s Funniest Jokes from the Edinburgh Fringe.

His audiences can’t help but be carried along by his infectious charm, he’s like a cheeky schoolboy delighted with each and every gag.

TV and Radio credits include ‘Celebrity Pointless’ (BBC1) ‘Live At The Comedy Store’ (Comedy Central) and winning Celebrity 15-1 (Channel 4).  He is a Double Sony Award Winner and has written extensively for TV and Radio including ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’ and ‘The Royal Variety Performance’, ‘Live At The Apollo’, ‘A League of Their Own’, ‘Have I Got News For You’, ‘Big Heads’ and ‘The News Quiz’.  He has toured twice previously with his last tour being extended 4 times and taking in over 200 venues!  Through twitter he has become one of the most followed and quoted comedians in the country.

‘An endless flow of top quality jokes’.

The Guardian

‘A hugely impressive collection of exquisitely crafted gags by one of Britain’s grandmasters

of the one-liner’

Chortle

‘Gary Delaney has more quality jokes in one hour than many comics have in their entire careers…quite brilliant’.

The Scotsman

‘I laughed and I laughed and I laughed…A master craftsman’.

The Times

www.garydelaney.com

Twitter: @GaryDelaney

Facebook: /Gary Delaney

Preview - Full Casting announced For Brand New Arena Spectacular HEAVEN ON EARTH

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR BRAND NEW ARENA SPECTACULAR

HEAVEN ON EARTH

METRO RADIO ARENA, NEWCASTLE

WEDNESDAY 11^TH – SATURDAY 14^TH April 2018

STARRING KERRY ELLIS, HUGH MAYNARD

FEATURING THE VOICE OF RUSSELL WATSON

Full casting has been announced for the brand-new musical Heaven on Earth which will be coming to Newcastle Metro Radio Arena from Wednesday 11^th – Saturday 14^th April 2018.

The greatest story ever written comes spectacularly to life in a brand new musical experience. This epic and inspirational journey of Adam and Eve is told through state of the art digital technology, innovative staging and stunning choreography.

Kerry Ellis, Hugh Maynard and Russell Watson at the launch of Heaven on Earth

Joining the previously announced star cast of Kerry Ellis as Eve (Wicked, Cats, Les Miserables, We Will Rock You) and Hugh Maynard as Adam (Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar, Lion King), and featuring the voice of the UK’s award winning and bestselling classical artist, Russell Watson as God, are:

Russell Watson performing at the launch of Heaven on Earth

Richard Carson as Enoch (Mamma Mia, Miss Saigon, Wicked), Lisa Bridge as Isla (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bend It Like Beckham, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Neil Moors as Serpent, (Jesus Christ Superstar, Shrek, The Sound of Music), Denis Grindel as Cain (The Commitments), Michael Colbourne as Abel (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Les Miserables) and Albert Simon Hart as Young Enoch (Oliver).

The ensemble is:

Alice Baker, Laura Benazaize, Tom Brandon, Charlie Bull, Carly Cook, Martin Dickinson, Mike Fellows, Taofique Folarin, Loula Geater, Richie Gooding, Kelly Hampson, Zoe Innes, Abbi Kennedy, Victoria Lamm, Nick Len, Adam Margilewski, Stephanie Rojas, Craig Ryder, Guy Salim, Hayley Ellen Scott, Spin, Sam Varley and Sharon Wattis.

The greatest story ever told will come to life with Heaven on Earth, a classic re-telling of the story of Adam and Eve and their fall from Paradise.  It is an exhilarating story of love, loss, and redemption, and an exploration of the universal search for the meaning of life.

Hugh Maynard and Russell Watson performing at the launch of Heaven on Earth

eHeaven

The creative team behind Heaven on Earth includes director & choreographer Racky Plews - American Idiot (West End and Tour), Footloose (West End and Tour), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tour), set designer Jacqueline Pyle - Robbie Williams (Take The Crown Tour), Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremony (UK), Take That (Progress Live Tour), and arranger Adam Langston – (Alien Covenant, Les Miserables, Independence Day Resurgence, Walking With Dinosaurs) and musical director Richard John – Sinatra (London Palladium), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre).

For further details about Heaven on Earth go to www.heavenonearththemusical.co.uk    

Follow Heaven on Earth:

Twitter: @heavenearthtour

Facebook: @heavenonearthtour

Tickets are available online, from the booking hotline number 0844 493 6666 or in person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office. Please note venue facility and booking fees will apply.

Tickets are available from:-

·         Credit Card Booking and Information Line 0844 493 6666

·         The Metro Radio Arena Newcastle Box Office (Mon – Fri: 10.00am – 4.00pm, Sat: 11.00am – 2.30pm)

·         Internet Site:- www.metroradioarena.co.uk

·         Group Bookers should call (0191) 260 6006

·         Accessible Bookings should call 0844 493 6666 and select option 3 for further details

Music Preview: The Blues Band perform at The Sage and Stockton Arc

THE BLUES BAND

Gary Fletcher       ~   Rob Townsend      ~      Paul Jones    ~   Tom McGuinness     ~    Dave Kelly  

         

The Blues Band was formed in 1979, by ex Manfred Mann group members, Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness, originally to play a few pub gigs. Slide guitar ace and vocalist Dave Kelly was recruited, Gary Fletcher filled the bass post. Rob Townsend of Family fame  replaced Hughie Flint in 1982 at the drums. 

 

Simply the best purveyors of the Blues in the UK today.

The story of how band formed in 1979 to play the music that was their passions - the blues - just for fun and a bit of beer money, and then found themselves with whole new careers on their hands, has been well documented in countless magazine articles and record company biographies.

They've released 20 or so albums - culminating in their current release FEW SHORT LINES.

In the past 35 years the band have played all around the world in venues ranging from intimate clubs through to civic halls and theatres, and have wowed festival audiences in many countries - including headline appearances at Glastonbury.

Whilst not being unique in being the only band to have survived such longevity, they are one of the few outfits to have consistently recorded new material throughout such a long career, and whilst staying true to their blues roots and have constantly developed their music and redefined their approach on several occasions.  Their 1994 album 'Wireless' saw them venture into the purely acoustic arena for the first time, and the 2000 release of the 'Scratchin' on My Screen' album confirmed the presence of purely acoustic settings of the blues in their repertoire.  1999's 'Brassed Up' cd was, as the title suggests a foray into big band blues whilst 'Stepping Out'  released in 2002 saw a return to the band's basic 5 piece line up with the double barreled vocal front-line of Paul Jones & Dave Kelly being joined by Tom and Gary both singing lead on a couple of songs.

With 4 singers and songwriters in the band the quality and variety of performance and material offered by The Blues Band is pretty much unrivaled, and the band's passion and reverence for the music, their presentation and showmanship all combine to deliver the definitive 'good night out' available from any artist currently operating in the Blues field in Europe.

For a band to stay together for such a period takes commitment and belief but most of all requires an audience that keeps coming 'Back For More' (as per their 1989 album).  Thousand of gigs and hundred of thousands of attendees cannot be wrong !

2017 TOUR DATES 

OCTOBER

Thu  19  Andover The Lights  www.thelights.org.uk    01264 368368

Fri  20  Cannock  Prince of Wales   www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.org    01543 578762

26th Floral Pavilion, Marine Promenade, Wallasey CH45 2JS   www.floralpavilion.com    0151 666 0000

27th The Brewery Arts Centre, 122a Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4HE  www.breweryarts.co.uk    01539 725133

28th Sage Gateshead, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR   www.sagegateshead.com 0191 443 4661


NOVEMBER

Th  2  Barrow in Furness Forum  http://www.theforumbarrow.co.uk/  01229 820000

Fri  3    Ayr Gaiety Theatre  http://ayrgaiety.co.uk/  01292 288235

Sat  4  Stockton  http://arconline.co.uk/  01642 525199

Th  9  Exmouth Pavilion    https://www.ledleisure.co.uk/exmouth-pavilion  01395 222477

Fri  10  Truro  Hall For Cornwall  https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk/ 01872 262466

We 15  Solihull          https://www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk  0121 704 6962

Thu 16  Peterborough    https://www.vivacity-peterborough.com/vivacity-venues/the-key-theatre/  01733 207239

Fri  17  Cheltenham Bacon Theatre  http://www.bacontheatre.co.uk/  01242 258002

Sat  18  Bradford u Avon  http://www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk/  01225 860100

Tue 21  Epsom  The Playhouse https://www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk/ 01372 742555

Fri  24  Herne Bay Kings Hall   https://www.kinghall.com  01227 374188

Sat  25  DISS  Corn Hall  https://www.thecornhall.co.uk/ 01379 652241

Mo  27  Bury St Edmunds Apex  https://www.theapex.co.uk/  01284 758000

Tue  28  Crawley   Hawth  https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/The-Hawth  01293 553636

DECEMBER


Sat  2   Cardiff  The Globe  http://globecardiffmusic.com/  07590 471888

Th  7  &   Fri 8th    Wavendon  The Stables  http://www.stables.org/ 01908 280280

Sat  9  Wimborne  Tivoli Theatre  https://www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk/  01202 885566

Thu 14  Portsmouth  The Guildhall  http://www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/  023 9387 0200 /  0844 8472362

Fri  15  Witham Public Hall  http://www.withampublichall.co.uk/shows.html 0345 017 8717

Ed Fringe Preview - The D-Day Dodgers - An Attempt to Right a Wrong.

Only 2 chances to see this new play written by Rob Wilson. Tuesday 15th August 2017 at 19:30 and Wednesday 16th August 2017 at 15:30. Venue 290.

One million people on all sides were killed in Italy in WW2. This didn't stop a British politician calling the allied troops 'D-Day Dodgers'. Their response? Don't get mad, get even! Well, it was to write and perform a satirical song about said politician. This show brings out this story in a fun but poignant way. It's full of music so why not come along, be entertained and join in with the singing?

Preview - THE GAME’S A FOOT, TRY THE FISH (AND THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED HIP) at Newcastle, Richmond and Harrogate

THE GAME’S A FOOT, TRY THE FISH

(AND THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED HIP)

AUTUMN TOUR 2017

“A GLORIOUSLY SILLY SOLO HOMAGE TO HERCULE POIROT AND LORD PETER WIMSEY” The Stage

Award-winning comedian, Tom Taylor, sets out to tour the UK this autumn with the first and second episodes of his critically-acclaimed Charlie Montague Mysteries. These delightful one man plays are packed with nonstop laughs from start to finish and a revolving gallery of high society dames and eccentric waiters – all played by Taylor.

Two gloriously silly murder mysteries for anyone who ever wished Bertie Wooster was a detective.

“AN HOUR OF VERY SILLY AND VERY FUNNY COMEDY” «««« Broadway Baby

The Game’s a Foot, Try The Fish is the introduction to our hero, Charlie Montague. Inspired by the Hippodrome’s latest mystery play, rakish aristocrat Charlie takes out an advert offering his services as a consulting detective and, one breakfast later, finds himself on his first case. What follows sees the gloriously inept love child of Agatha Christie and PG Wodehouse determined to prevent a murder.

The chap dies.

The Man with the Twisted Hip sees Charlie (not put off in the slightest by the ups and downs of his first case) accept an invitation to the opening of a new art exhibition where he is presented with the double-threat of murder and modern art.

He is equally baffled by both.

“THE LONGEST AND LOUDEST LAUGHS I’VE HAD THIS AUGUST… AN ASTOUNDINGLY FUNNY SHOW” «««« Fringe Guru

Tom Taylor is an award-winning stand-up comedian, musician, writer and actor who has received high praise from audiences and critics alike. After graduating with a degree in Music from the University of York, Tom worked as a composer and lyricist on a number of productions including a new family musical and an adaptation of Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge.

A regular on the national stand-up circuit, Tom has been a finalist in numerous comedy competitions including the prestigious So You Think You're Funny?, The Hobgoblin Comedy Award and, most recently, the Musical Comedy Awards where he won the Audience Favourite Award. Additionally, Tom has supported Simon Munnery on tour and has performed on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 4 as part of the BBC Radio New Comedy Award.

Listings Information:

Venue:              Alphabetti Theatre NEWCASTLE

Dates:              Thursday 21^st & Saturday 23^rd September

Time:                19.30

Box Office:        0191 261 5906

Online:              alphabettitheatre.co.uk

Venue:              Theatre HARROGATE

Dates:              Tuesday 10^th October

Time:                19:45

Box Office:        01423 502 116

Online:              harrogatetheatre.co.uk

Venue:              Georgian Theatre Royal RICHMOND

Dates:              Thursday 19^th October

Time:                19:30

Box Office:        01748 825 252

Online:              georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk

Preview: Darlington Hippodrome announces a grand opening season

Darlington Hippodrome unveils a packed spectacular opening season following a 

multi-million pound restoration.

Following 18 months of expectation the opening season of the newly restored Darlington Hippodrome can finally be revealed.

As a curtain-raiser and emotional homecoming we welcome DarlingtonOS with Strictly Musicals 2 – a song and dance extravaganza featuring some of the best-loved musicals of all time including Mamma Mia, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Jersey Boys and many, many more. Be one of the first to see inside the new venue from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 November.

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a pantomime, and this year we have the fairest of them all - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Starring boy band and soap star Lee Ryan alongside Darlington’s own West End leading lady Zoe Birkett this year’s pantomime will be packed full of comedy, songs, dance numbers and the usual Darlington pantomime magic between Saturday 9 December and Sunday 14 January.

On Monday 1 January, we usher in the New Year in style with New Year in Vienna 2018 which will whisk you away to a fairy-tale world as a host of singers showcase the very best of popular Viennese music, from waltzes and polkas to uplifting marches.

Just because it’s January it doesn’t mean it’s too late for a party! The music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons is as popular today as it was back in the 60s and 70s. New Jersey Nights is a spectacular show direct from the USA and takes the audience on a nostalgic musical journey through the career of one of the biggest selling groups of all time from Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 January.

From Friday 2 to Sunday 4 February celebrate the re-opening of Darlington Hippodrome with a specially created show, Anywhere, performed by the theatre’s own acting company. Step through the doors of the theatre and go behind the scenes to explore the amazing stories that lie within the theatre.

A spectacular new musical is heading to Darlington from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 February. Son of a Preacher Man is an all-new production directed and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood who won critical acclaim for his productions of Sister Act, Chess and Sunset Boulevard. This sparklingly funny and touching new musical features the greatest hits of Dusty Springfield including ‘The Look of Love’, ‘I Only Want To Be With You’ and of course, the classic ‘Son Of A Preacher Man’.

If you are a fan of Andy Williams or The Osmonds then we have a real treat on Monday 12 February as Jimmy Osmond presents his own tribute to Andy Williams in Moon River and Me. Featuring award-winning music, nostalgic footage and special memories, this brand new show will touch your heart.

Jimmy Osmond

Just in time for Valentines, That'll Be The Day returns with a brand new show for 2018 for two nights only on Tuesday 13 & Wednesday 14 February. This hugely entertaining line-up of classic gold hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s provides both laughs and nostalgia.

We are delighted to welcome The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia back to Darlington with three great ballet masterpieces: Romeo & Juliet (Thursday 15 Feb), the tragic Swan Lake (Friday 16 and Saturday 17 Feb) and family favourite The Nutcracker (Sunday 18 Feb).

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi award winning Blood Brothers (Tuesday 20 – Saturday 4 February).  Written by Willy Russell, this legendary story tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks only to meet again with fateful consequences. The superb score includes ‘Bright New Day’, ‘Marilyn Monroe’ and the emotionally charged ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’.

Lynn Paul 

Having first appeared in Darlington back in the 1960s we welcome back the world class orchestra The Hallé on Monday 26 February.

March strides in with the stage adaptation of Awful Auntie – another classic from David Walliams. When Stella visits London she has no idea her life is in real danger. Waking up three months later only Aunt Alberta can tell her what has happened. Awful Auntie runs from Tuesday 27 February to Saturday 3 March.

The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society is back with their multi award-winning production The Play That Goes Wrong from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 March. Hailed a ‘gut-busting hit’ by the New York Times, Mischief Theatre’s sell-out West End comedy is now taking Broadway by storm. Don’t miss this brilliantly funny comedy that’s guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter.

Following recent productions of To Sir, With Love, Brassed Off, A View From The Bridge, Brave New World and Of Mice and Men, The Touring Consortium Theatre Company presents Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde from Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 March. Phil Daniels (Les Miserables, This House, EastEnders) stars in the title role in a story of human nature, love and the power of pure evil.

Jekyll

On Monday 19 March the world’s official number one Eagles tribute Illegal Eagles returns for another outstanding show promising more of their trademark musical prowess, acute attention to detail and incredible showmanship followed on Tuesday 20 March by a night of comedy with Stewart Lee with his stand-up show Content Provider, his first full-length show since the award-winning Carpet Remnant World.

Stewart Lee

Ellen Kent returns with Madama Butterfly on Wednesday 21 March and the smash-hit 70s band Smokie will raise the roof on Thursday 22 March. For the younger theatre fans Peppa Pig has a wonderful adventure on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 March. The opening season draws to a close as Middleground Theatre Company bring the Ruth Rendell classic Gallowglass to the stage from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 March.

Tickets for the Darlington Hippodrome opening season are on sale now; brochures are available from our Cornmill box office and in venues across the region.

For further information and to book contact the box office on 01325 405405, or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk to choose your own seats online.

Review: High School Musical - on stage - The Majestic Theatre, Darlington

High School Musical – On Stage is based on the very popular Disney film High School Musical, which is still just as popular today judging by the number of children in the audience who knew the words to every song.

The story is based in East High School and begins with Troy, Nathan Morse, telling his friends about a girl he met during the holidays, Gabriella, Chloe Rowell, who it just so happens has started at East High School. This may start to sound very similar to Grease, but High School Musical is aimed at a much younger audience, therefore it flows along in the way you would expect from Disney. Troy and Grabriella stuck in their respective cliques, bond over a shared love of music despite the attempts of Coach Bolton, Peter Charlton, Sharpey, Mackenzie Swash and Ryan, Jordan Poole. Throw in a mix of songs including ‘Stick to the Status Quo’ and ‘We’re All in this Together’ and the recipe for an evening of entertainment is complete.

Chloe Rowell commands the stage as Gabriella with her singing. Nathan Morse as Troy is confident in his role. Millie Hall is superbly over the top as Miss Darbus. Jordan Poole as Ryan and Mackenzie Swash as Sharpay have a great chemistry between them. Sophie Thompson is perfect as the shy Kelsi, writer of the musical Juliet and Romeo. One of my favourite scenes was the detention when they were all made to act as animals Gareth Baker’s worm was hilarious.

They use the full width of the stage to great effect especially during dance numbers. The auditorium is also used effectively during scenes. The first entrance by Miss Darbus from the behind the audience showed such confidence from Millie Hall as she squeezed along the row.

For a show full of energy and enthusiasm Darlington College Performing Arts certainly deliver. It is always great when you can also see just how much the cast have enjoyed performing. At the curtain call you may never see a happier cast.

High School Musical – On Stage runs until Sunday 2^nd July at 7:00pm