Theatre Review - I, DANIEL BLAKE, NOTHEREN STAGE, NEWCASTLE

 

THE film of I, Daniel Blake, directed by Ken Loach and written by Paul Laverty was a hard-hitting film, which politicians claimed it was a work of fiction. Now it has been adapted for the stage by Dave Johns, the actor who played Daniel Blake in the film, now with the posters emphasising ‘This is not fiction.’ Unfortunately, this is still a highly relevant message to audiences today.

The show opens, as in the film, with Daniel Blake, David Nellist, being asked questions such as can he raise his hand? Has he any pets? Which give him a score showing he can work or not. He is in this situation after suffering a heart attack with the Doctor telling him he is not fit to work. The benefit system has other ideas, classing him fit to work. creating hoops, he will need to jump through in order to receive anything. In the benefits office, he meets Katie Jenkins, Bryony Corrigan, and her daughter, Daisy, Jodie Wild. They’ve just arrived in Newcastle and missed her appointment, meaning sanctions may be imposed. A delightfully though unlikely friendship develops, where support is given to each other. Dave Nellist perfectly portrays Daniel as an honest, hardworking man, where Bryony Corrigan shows the proud Katie becoming more desperate as the situation develops and beginning to act out of character. There are lighter moments throughout, though you can feel the audience becoming tense as the conclusion draws nearer. There was a mixture of emotions from the audience, silence, tears and a unanimous standing ovation.

There are some people who will abuse the system and take advantage, but there will be so many more people who are just like Daniel Blake and Katie Jenkins, who are just needing support from the system just to survive.

The current run is already sold out, but it will return to Northern Stage 12^th – 16^th September.

Theatre Preview - HEY DUGGEE - THEATRE ROYAL, NEWCASTLE

 

OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING HEY DUGGEE SHOW DELIGHTS FANS ON DEBUT TOUR

 

Best Family Show – Olivier Award Winner 2023

 

Fans of the smash hit CBeebies series HEY DUGGEE are delighting in the Olivier Award-winning ‘joyous’ all-new interactive stage show now touring the UK.

 

Duggee, the Squirrels and some of their friends star in the musical play Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show – named BEST FAMILY SHOW at the 2023 Olivier Awards – which is packed with non-stop fun, laughs, music, singing and dancing!

 

This is the first-ever stage adaptation of the hugely popular CBeebies series, which brings Duggee and friends to life through extraordinary puppetry and storytelling, with families able to see their TV heroes live in theatres across the UK until August 2023 and it’s coming to the Theatre Royal in Newcastle on Thursday to Sunday, May 18 to 21.

 

Tickets are available now at www.heyduggeelive.com and direct from the Theatre Royal.

 

Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show has been adapted for the stage by Vikki Stone (#zoologicalsociety – Royal And Derngate, Romeo And Duet – ITV) and Matthew Xia (The Wiz ­– Hope Mill Theatre, artistic director Actors Touring Company). Matthew also directs the production and Vikki is musical supervisor and arranger.

 

Matthew said: “My daughter was born in 2014, the same year Hey Duggee started, so we’ve really grown up with the TV series, and it’s been an absolute treat to create this new stage show.

 

“Without any spoilers, the Squirrels have never been to a show before, and they set out to learn about all the things that go into making a show and earn the relevant badges, with some of our favourite Hey Duggee characters helping them along the way.

 

“And the children and families in the audience are very much part of the Squirrel gang with some important jobs to do!”

 

Vikki added: “Hey Duggee is such a special TV series in the realm of co-viewing, where adults are watching it with their children, not just putting it on to entertain them while they’re doing something else. And it is brilliant to see families come together in theatres on the tour to experience that same magic live on stage – and in many cases it’s the children’s first theatre experience.”

 

Since bursting onto TV screens in 2014, the BBC Studios and Studio AKA creation has won seven BAFTAs and is an international Emmy award-winning hit.

 

Hey Duggee was the most streamed children’s show on BBC iPlayer in 2022 for the third year in a row and is popular among both children and parents; with fans both young and old, up and down the country now able to join the much-loved character on tour.

 

HEY DUGGEE THE LIVE THEATRE SHOW is presented by award-winning theatre producer Kenny Wax and theatre and live entertainment promoters Cuffe and Taylor in association with Live Nation.

Theatre Review - THE COMMITMENTS - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

RODDY Doyle’s The Commitments has given us a fantastic ending for The Coronation bank holiday weekend at Darlington Hippodrome. I’ve never seen the film, so although I knew the basis of the story, I had no idea what to expect. From the second the show began I was completely engrossed with a great mix of superb music, humorous script and great movement.

Set in Dublin during the 80’s, a group of working-class friends decide to create a soul band covering classics from the 50s and 60s. Which gives us a mix of part gig weaved with the story of the group setting up the band showing their development through music, arguments and relationships.

The music is non-stop and full of energy. The story merges in well with the music performed as rehearsal or performances, making it almost feel concert like, but this doesn’t detract from the story. The cast are outstanding throughout, from the range of singers, musicians and acting. Ben Morris as Deco was incredible, he is perfect for the role.

The set is incredibly impressive, designed by Tim Blazdell, with a mixture of levels, the various venues transform swiftly enhanced by the effective from lighting designer Jason Taylor.

As the show concludes The Commitments take centre stage as they take charge with a finale to get the audience on their feet, they all appeared disappointed when it finally ended.

Runs until Saturday 13^th May at Darlington Hippodrome.

Theatre Preview - NELL GWYNN - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 Join the People’s Theatre next week for a bawdy, 

witty romp celebrating an unlikely heroine!

 

1660, London. King Charles II has ascended to the throne with a love of all things extravagant and sexy. Over at Drury Lane, theatregoers are finding themselves stirred by young orange-seller turned actress Nell Gwynn. Praised for her comic performances, lively wit and good looks, Nell was a woman ahead of her time who became a celebrity figure and one of the first actresses on the English stage!

 

Sam as Charles II & Emma as Nell photo Paul Hood

“They’ve disgraced our trade. Ruined our art. They’ve put a woman on the stage.”

 

Described as Shakespeare In Love, meets Blackadder, meets My Fair Lady, meets the Carry On films, NELL GWYNN won the 2016 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. It’s a riotous royal rom-com that sees Nell causing gleeful havoc in a traditionally male world. But at a time when women are second-class citizens, can her charm and spirit protect her from the dangers of the Court?

 

Rehearsals Sara Jo Harrison - Director

Directors Sara Jo Harrison and Tracey Lucas comment: “We are so delighted to be able to present this joyful celebration of theatre and the story of one of the finest actresses to have graced the stage, the inimitable Nell Gwynn.  Famed for being Charles II mistress, but revered for her comedic talent, she is one heck of a leading lady. This is a timely production, featuring England’s last King Charles while the next one is being crowned! It’s a modern take on a 17^th Century story and it offers a thoughtful and vital consideration of how far women have really come in the last 400 years. The play is bursting with music, dance and comedy, and we can’t wait to give audiences a hugely entertaining night out – of the kind Charles II himself would have greatly approved!”

 

NELL GWYNN by Jessica Swale opens on Tuesday 16^th May. Tickets are available from the People’s Theatre Box Office on 0191 265 5020 (option 2) and online at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Panto Preview - SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS - PLAYHOUSE, WHITLEY BAY

 

Playhouse Panto: who’s the fairest EastEnder of them all?

 

Mirror, mirror on the wall, where’s the fairest fun time of them all? It’s at the Playhouse Whitley Bay, this August, as the EastEnders legend, best known as Heather Trott, plays the Wicked Queen in this year’s Summer Panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

 

Star of stage and screen, Cheryl Fergison returns to the prestigious coastal venue after a record-breaking appearance in 2019 in the smash-hit Rapunzel. Produced by Reece Sibbald Productions Ltd, who have been bringing “the best panto’s ever” to the Playhouse each summer since 2018, Snow White is set to be the biggest and best to date.

 

Producer, Reece Sibbald commented:

“Each year, we ask our audiences who they would love to see in the Summer Panto, and every year Cheryl Fergison is a top hit. So, we were thrilled once we approached Cheryl, that she was able to fit Snow White into her schedule. She’s one of the country’s most sought-after performers and to have her with us, in our native North East, is a great booking for the Playhouse.”

 

Snow White features a host of west-end performers and the crème de la crème of the North East talent alongside children from the community, this is sure to be the hottest ticket in town. Don’t delay and book your tickets for this Summer’s most unmissable spectacular family show.

 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will play for a limited run of 8 performances from 2^nd – 6^th August 2023 at the Playhouse Whitley Bay.

Theatre Review - TWELFTH NIGHT - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Viola (Alex Burns) photo Paul Hood

A story of separated twins, mistaken identities, gender confusion, love and much pomposity! Director Sam Hinton brought us to ‘Illyria Fest’ where a flood has separated twins Sebastian and Viola. The festival theme starts the moment you enter the lobby, with posters for Olivia, bunting and glitter-faced bar staff. As you move to the Studio, the original score, created by Thomas Brumby, and actors sat chilling out on a blanket, instantly transports you to ‘Illyria Fest’. Claire Brissenden created bright colourful lighting effects that added to the theme of the production, while Panos Ioannou had perfect timing with sound effects. Sarah Pearson (costumes) made simple and effective choices to distinguish between the two houses and brought the house down with Malvolio’s yellow-stockings outfit.

 

Feste (Jo McGarry) photo Paul Hood

There was a lot of cross-casting which only added to the wonder the show. There are not enough words in the English language, old or new, to express how truly magnificent the entire cast of this production are. Sir Toby Belch (Moira Valentine) and Maria (Alison Carr) had perfect timing and chemistry as they went about their schemes with clueless and hilarious raver Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Sam Burrell). Casting Antonia (Brooke Milburn) as a woman clearly in love with Sebastian (Sean Burnside) brings different meaning to the character’s devotions, then heartbreak, when it seems she is betrayed. Our Welsh Malvolio (Anna Dobson) is superbly arrogant and yet brings so much sympathy out when so abused. Feste the jester is always fun to watch but Jo McGarry made every word seem as if it was her own, whether witty or affecting thought, and entertained us all with a beautiful voice and some acrobatics; it seems as if Feste was written purely for her.

 

Olivia (Emma Robson) photo Paul Hood

Each change to the original had reason, be that added poignancy, or humour. It’s evident that Sam Hinton had a very clear vision for the production and I promise it will not disappoint. The whole production seems to politely inform you that no matter our age, gender, or persuasion, love is always confusing and often frustrating.

 

Fabian (Ruth Gibson) Sir Andrew (Sam Burrell) photo Paul Hood

A wonderful cacophony of music, light, glitter and words. The show is, in a word, enchanting!

 

Twelfth Night is at the People’s Theatre until 1^st April

Theatre Review - LUCKY NUMBERS - PEOPLE'S THEATRE - NEWCASTLE

A play by Mike Yeaman, Lucky Numbers takes us on a hilarious romp through the various mishaps of a family after matriarch Nana wins the lottery. Everyone has their own opinions on how to spend the money but Nana isn’t sure she wants to cash in her ticket yet. As Nana seems more and more muddled by life, the family begin to wonder if they will ever get the money. It’s a hilarious and enriching show that will leave you wondering what you would do. 

Director Ian Willis has created a show full of fun and laughs that keeps you engaged through each ludicrous turn. Stewart Dives’ set design brings you into a typically miss-matched family living room, setting the scene for family drama. Sound design by Mike Cornish and Lighting Design by Claire Brissenden gave a fun feeling to the show and helped keep the correct tone for the piece. Annie Elizabeth Cairns played Janice, Nana’s exasperated daughter, as she tries to care for her mum. Pete McAndrew is Ronnie, Janice’s lacklustre husband who through the course of the show becomes a new man. Declan Marshall plays the lazy son, Steven, who’d much rather stay in and play his computer games than go out, while Emma Cockburn was simply magnificent as the ditzy misunderstood daughter Lisa. Mark Buckley played family friend Mick and Jack Stuart was Shane, Lisa’s ex-boyfriend, who both end up caught in the family’s shenanigans.

At the eleventh hour, Rhiannon Wilson set aside her duties as Assistant Director and took on the role of Nana. It is true testament to the dedication of all working on the production that the show continued on joyfully. Nana was fantastically funny. It’s a very fun show that leaves you chuckling.

Lucky Numbers is on at the Peoples Theatre from until the11^th March.