Theatre Preview - THE CAT AND THE CANARY - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

ANTONY COSTA TO JOIN THE CAST OF THE CAT AND THE CANARY

A chilling tale of murder, mystery and greed comes to Darlington Hippodrome later this month with a stage adaptation of The Cat and The Canary which will see singer-songwriter, actor and boy band super-star Antony Costa making his debut appearance at the Hippodrome.

 

Heading the stellar cast is silver screen and Bond-girl legend Britt Ekland, whose numerous films include The Man with The Golden Gun with Roger Moore, The Wicker Man with Christopher Lee, and Get Carter with Michael Caine.

 

Britt and Antony will star alongside Tracy Shaw, best known for her long-running role as Maxine Peacock in Coronation Street. They are joined by West End leading lady Marti Webb, whose credits include Evita and Tell Me on A Sunday; Gary Webster, who played Gary Costello in Family Affairs and Ray Daley opposite George Cole in ITV’s Minder; Classic Thriller Theatre Company veteran Ben Nealon, who played Lt. Forsythe in the drama series Soldier Soldier, and Eric Carte, who played Geoff Roberts in two series of Bouquet of Barbed Wire. The cast is completed by Priyasasha Kumari, Martin Carroll, Jack Taylor and Clara Darcy.

 

Twenty years after the death of Mr. West, his descendants gather to learn who will inherit his vast wealth and the hidden family jewels. Within moments, the heritage hunters turn into prey. Walls crack open, shadows loom, and dark secrets are revealed.

 

Who is The Cat? His movements soundless, unnoticeable, and his vengeance swift! Who will feel his horrible grasp next?

 

The Cat and The Canary runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 September.

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

Theatre Preview - MY MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD - PEOPLE'S THEATRE - NEWCASTLE

 People’s Theatre back on stage with award-winning drama

We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming audiences back in to the People’s Theatre this month with Charlotte Keatley’s highly-acclaimed MY MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD, a warm and poignant exploration of womanhood set against the huge social changes of the twentieth century.

Years pass in emotional rather than chronological order as four generations of a family - Doris, Margaret, Jackie, and Rosie - encounter and struggle with motherhood, marriage, and work.

Keatley’s powerful and funny drama is a classic study of mothers and daughters, of growing up and independence, and provides a stark reminder of the tough choices and compromises faced by women.

Like so many productions over the last eighteen months, MY MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD’s road to the stage hasn’t been a usual one. Originally slated to be filmed for online broadcast, the decision was then made to bring it live to the stage. There have been stops and starts along the way due to the challenges of COVID, but at last we are here thanks to the hard work, dedication and tenacity of the team.

Director Mark Burden comments “when we were given the opportunity to be the first play of our re-opening, we had no hesitation in agreeing. Rehearsing over Zoom is no replacement for being in a room together, and we have been able to explore and discover the play so much more deeply. We’re so excited to be back to our passion of making fantastic theatre”.

When we announced our re-opening last month, we received so many messages of support and excitement about our return. As a venue that receives no public funding, the majority of our revenue comes from ticket sales. As we re-open we need audience support more than ever to help us get back on our feet and carry on in to the future. We have a hugely loyal audience who we’re excited to welcome back, but if you’re yet to try us out – now is the time!

To help audiences return with confidence we have included some socially-distanced performances, and as well as MY MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD we’ve also got legendary BBC comedy BLACKADDER II coming up, along with hilarious spoof THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES and heart-warming festive fun in THE FLINT STREET NATIVITY. And, of course, our Panto SLEEPING BEAUTY! All details are on our website www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

LISTINGS INFORMATION:

MY MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD by Charlotte Keatley

Date: Tuesday 14 - Saturday 18 September 2021

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 - THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY LONGSTAFF - NORTHERN STAGE

A theatrical version of The Ballad of Johnny Longstaf performed by three-time BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winners, The Young’uns returns to Northern Stage from 7-18 September as part of the theatre’s Housewarming season under new Artistic Director, Natalie Ibu.

Directed by former Northern Stage Artistic Director Lorne Campbell (who directed Sting’s The Last Ship), The Young’uns, Northern Stage and Harbourfront Centre Toronto present a musical celebration of northern working class activism, with songs from the original album alongside new material and stunning animation.

It is the true story of one man’s journey from poverty and unemployment in Stockton on Tees, through the Hunger Marches of the 1930s, the mass trespass movement and the Battle of Cable Street, to fighting fascism in the Spanish Civil War. In a timely, touching and hilarious musical adventure, the production follows the footsteps of a working class hero who chose not to look the other way when the world needed his help, and took part in some of the momentous events of the 1930s.

Sean Cooney from Teesside folk trio The Young’uns said, “When Duncan Longstaff told us the incredible story of his Dad’s life we knew we had been given something very special. Deciding how best to share this remarkable gift might be a life’s work. Five years on from our meeting with Duncan this new fully staged theatre version of The Ballad of Johnny Longstaf is the culmination of our journey together and our big chance to share Johnny with the world he fought so hard to raise at the time it needs him most.” Johnny Longstaff’s son, Duncan adds, “The success of The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff has been truly remarkable, more than anything I could have imagined when I first made contact with The Young’uns. I wish mum and dad could have seen the show, as it is a real tribute to Johnny.”

It was the last production Lorne Campbell directed at Northern Stage before taking us his new role as Artistic Director of National Theatre Wales. Lorne said, “The Young’uns have created something both traditional and utterly contemporary with The Ballad of Johnny Longstaf. This story of a young man from the north east forced to leave his home town to find work and undergoing a profound political awakening as he fights for social justice, opposes fascism, racism and the vested interests of a global capitalist system run amok, could as easily be set today as in the run up to the second world war. Johnny’s story reminds us emphatically that change always rises up from ordinary people.” The creative team also includes designer Kai Fischer, best known for his long-standing relationship with Vanishing Point and work with National Theatre Scotland; animation by Scott Turnbull (Where Do All the Dead Pigeons Go?/ Northern Stage at Summerhall) and Aaron Brady; and sound design by composer, performer, DJ and improviser Mariam Rezaei.

Tickets start at £10 from northernstage.co.uk or call the box office on 0191 230 5151. After its run in Newcastle, the show will tour to Hull Truck Theatre (22-25 Sept), Oxford Playhouse (28-30 Sept) and York Theatre Royal (28-30 Oct).

Theatre Preview - HEATHERS THE MUSICAL - THEATRE ROYAL, NEWCASTLE

 

‘DEAR DIARY, DID YOU HEAR?’

SMASH-HIT MUSICAL HEATHERS COMES TO NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL

 

Greetings and salutations! Heathers the Musical (WhatsOnStage 2019 award for Best New Musical) is making its North East debut at Newcastle Theatre Royal (Tue 7 – Sat 11 Sep 2021) on its first ever tour of the UK and Ireland.

 

Produced by Bill Kenwright and Paul Taylor-Mills, this high-octane black-comedy rock musical, based on one of the greatest cult teen films of all time, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, embarks on its first national tour.

 

The 2021 touring Class of Westerberg High includes Rebecca Wickes (Veronica Sawyer), Simon Gordon (JD), Maddison Firth (Heather Chandler), Merryl Ansah (Heather Duke), Lizzy Parker (Heather McNamara), Georgina Hagen (Ms. Fleming/Veronica’s Mom), Mhairi Angus (Martha Dunnstock), Liam Doyle (Kurt Kelly), Rory Phelan (Ram Sweeney), Andy Brady (Kurt’s Dad/Veronica’s Dad/Principle Gowan) and Kurt Kansley (Ram’s Dad/Big Bud Dean/Coach Ripper). Completing the cast in the ensemble is Callum Connolly, Rhiane Drummond, Bayley Hart, Benjamin Karren, Sam Stones, May Tether and Daisy Twells.

 

Westerberg High’s Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity may finally come true. Mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it is murder being a somebody.

 

The award-winning writing team, Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy’s hit musical adaptation enjoyed successful runs in Los Angeles and New York; the UK productions are directed by acclaimed its original off-Broadway director, Andy Fickman. Choreography is by Thriller Live’s Gary Lloyd, design by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound by Dan Samson.

 

Heathers the Musical previously enjoyed two record-breaking seasons, launching at London’s The Other Palace and transferring to the Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2018.

 

In conjunction and running in parallel to the touring production, the hit show has also made its return to the West End’s Theatre Royal Haymarket for a strictly limited 12-week run, running until 11 September 2021.

 

Heathers the Musical plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 7 – Sat 11 Sep 2021. Tickets are priced from £15.00 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge).

Theatre Review - FREE SCHOOL MEALS - NORTHERN STAGE - NEWCASTLE

 

photo credit - Luke Waddington

AS theatres finally begin to re-open, with real audiences and actors without a screen, it starts to feel as if a new normal is about start. Here at Northern Stage in their co -production with Unfolding Theatre they’ve started with a punchy and powerful start ensuring safety and entertainment. Free School Meals has been inspired after Marcus Rashford’s campaign to end food poverty. In the North East 1 in 4 children living below the poverty line are not eligible for free school meals. Some local children have worked with Annie Rigby, director, Alex Elliot, associate artist and Luca Rutherford, writer and created their own story based on the recent experiences.

photo credit - Luke Waddington

Cabaret style tables, socially distanced across the floor in Stage 2, has placed the audience in the centre of the action as we are the customers of this new restaurant called ‘The Future.’ As the children nervously appear peeping above from the kitchen area, they clearly wonder if they will be able to do it for these new customers. Designed by Simon Henderson the set allows the action to play at all four sides of the room, as the 15 children mingle around the tables or perform across the areas. The only adults working in ‘The Future’ are Alex Elliot as the apprentice pot washer in the kitchen and Kay Greyson, rapper, who delivers succinct and thoughtful lyrics.

photo credit - Luke Waddington

We are fully immersed as firstly we are provided with the rules of the restaurant and have to write down our favourite childhood foods, so they can make the right foods for us to eat. Whilst waiting for catering supplies to arrive, we are provided with a cup of tea with colouring sheets and crayons to pass the time. Finally, as food arrives, in large boxes, the anticipation is clear as they will now be able to make some food and make everyone happy. Disappointed they find the large boxes contain nothing but the odd carrot, a slice of bread, a cheese slice and half a pepper amongst the food parcels. They complain, they deserve better and demand more. Some children want to give up, others are more hopeful that they can still do it for the customers. Thankfully they succeed and provide food for the restaurant with sweet and savoury pancakes.

For the first production back at Northern Stage this is a thought-provoking and exciting piece of theatre. The future is bright!

Runs until Saturday 28^th August at Northern Stage.

photo credit - Luke Waddington

An Unfolding Theatre and Northern Stage co-production 

Free School Meals

Kids cook up a storm in a brand new show inspired by Marcus Rashford’s campaign to end child food poverty

Northern Stage, 25 - 28 August 

 Inspired by Marcus Rashford’s campaign to end child food poverty, Unfolding Theatre’s Free School Meals puts kids in charge in a new show about power, inequality and hope for change.

During the pandemic, kids were given food parcels with 10 cheese slices, a Frube and half a carrot. The kids are pretty outraged. They think people deserve better. So they’re taking over and turning the tables, dishing up delicious bites, brilliant beats and tastes of a better future. Written by Luca Rutherford and co-created with 40+ school children, Free School Meals is set in The Future - a restaurant run by children serving up super fresh ingredients and a healthy portion of home truths.

Director Annie Rigby explains how the show came about, “Bringing people together is what Unfolding Theatre is all about, and welcoming people is a big part of our ethos - we’ve baked bread, served drinks and cooked pancakes for families on their doorsteps during lockdown and we wanted our next show to be even more ambitious in how it hosted its audience. Inspired by Marcus Rashford’s brilliant campaign against the inadequate food parcels offered to families during the pandemic and having listened to more than 4,000 children and young people tell us about the change they wanted to see in the world in our Multiverse Lab project, we started thinking about inequality, protest and hope for change. Then, like many of our best ideas, no one can remember who said it. But someone said – what if we made a show set in a restaurant run by children?”

 

Free School Meals will be performed by a cast of school children with Alex Elliott (Hold On Let Go/Unfolding Theatre) and rapper Kay Greyson who has written original songs for the show. The creative team also includes choreographer Patrick Ziza, designer Simon Henderson, lighting designer Nick Rogerson, dramaturg Natalie Ibu, and sound designer Garry Lydon.

As with all of Unfolding Theatre’s work, participation drives the creative process. For Free School Meals, the team has created a fictional world for their young co-creators to play in - a restaurant where the children are in charge. The creative team is working with 40+ children aged 8-12 to explore what they want to say in this space. In weekly workshops, they are talking about politics, about hopes for the future and what they think needs to change.

Writer Luca Rutherford says, “I have always been fascinated by children’s imagination and curiosity. You hear children ask the question ‘why?’, often to adults’ eventual annoyance. I think this is one of the best questions in the world and it’s at the heart of the creative process for Free School Meals. It is so simple and so profound and so open. 

“While writing this show, I’ve also been asking myself how to honour the imagination of children to build a better world. I’ve created a structure and woven a narrative together based on the world created in the devising process, leaving chunks unwritten, marked only with a question. We then brought these questions into the workshops with local children at Byker Primary school, because I don’t want to be an adult telling children what to say - the writing process has to honour this, giving the children agency over the words they will be speaking in the performance.”

Led by Artistic Director Annie Rigby, Unfolding Theatre brings together surprising combinations of people to better represent England’s diversity on our stages. Over the last decade, the company has built a reputation for working with all sorts of people from different walks of life to make theatre with a wild sense of humour and strength of character. Recent work includes the “Fantastic - funny, big-hearted, moving and truthful.” Putting the Band Back Together (as reviewed in the Guardian), and Hold on Let Go, a poignant show about memory described by the Scotsman as having “Infectious energy and good humour...A show to remember”. Hold on Let Go will tour across England in Spring 2022.

Free School Meals opens Northern Stage’s Housewarming season with seven performances from 25 - 28 August. Tickets start from £10. Visit www.northernstage.co.uk or call 0191 230 5151 to book.

www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk | @unfoldingtheatr | #FreeSchoolMeals |

Theatre Preview - CLASSIC CINEMA SCREENINGS AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Darlington Hippodrome is screening a series of classic movies in its beautifully-restored auditorium during September.

 

As part of a season of socially-distanced activities Darlington Hippodrome will be screening a series of classic films throughout September. There is something for everyone in an eclectic mix of films that will be shown in the theatre auditorium.

 

You can sit back, relax and enjoy films ranging from the cult musical Grease starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John to the Audrey Hepburn classic romance Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

 

Grease kicks off the season on Thursday 10 September. The film needs no introduction and is consistently ranked as the best-loved movie musical of all time. On Friday 11 September join Gordie, Chris, Teddy and Vern on their journey of discovery in Stand By Me. Disney fans can enjoy another trip down Cherry Tree lane with Mary Poppins on Saturday 12 September.

 

On Thursday 17 September Audrey Hepburn stars in Breakfast at Tiffany’s alongside George Peppard in the romantic comedy. Family favourite Matilda features on the afternoon of Friday 18 September followed by the outrageously funny This Is Spinal Tap in the evening. The September season of films comes to a close with Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft in The Graduate on Thursday 24 September and another Disney classic The Jungle Book on Friday 25 September.

 

Councillor Andy Keir said “After six months of closure it is fabulous news that the Hippodrome is open to the public once more and, whilst we would all like to see the return of live entertainment on the stage, this series of classic films will breathe life back into the theatre’s auditorium.”

 

It is advised to book early for these film screenings as audience numbers are limited with social distancing in place throughout the auditorium.

 

Groups of seats are two+ metres apart following government guidelines. Groups of seats should only be occupied by members of the same household.

 

For full details of the classic film screenings and all the events taking place in September please visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the box office on 01325 405405