Theatre Review - THE WATCH HOUSE - LAURELS THEATRE, WHITLEY BAY

 

Aoife Kennan as Anne in The Watch House at Laurels Theatre in Whitley Bay.
Credit Topher McGrillis

It makes a change to see a play at this time of year, when I have several pantos to review over the next week. I for one couldn’t wait for this new play based on Robert Westall’s The Watch House. This was one of my favourite books as a child, so it was exciting to see how they would turn it into a stage production.

In the intimate venue of Laurels Theatre in Whitley Bay with a 50-seat theatre space, it was perfect for the atmosphere of this supernatural ghost story.

Donald McBride, Catherine Dryden and Aoife Kennan in The Watch House
at Laurels in Whitley Bay. Credit Topher McGrillis

The story is set in Tynemouth in the late 1970s. Anne has been sent to stay with Prudie and her brother Arthur, so her mother can return to London and sort out her divorce. Arthur looks after The Watch House and Anne becomes fascinated by the stories and artifacts as she is drawn deeper into the mysterious activities through the flickering lights, moving skulls and apparitions.

Donald McBride, well known to the North East, plays Arthur and Geordie, his voice is perfect for the roles, creating an incredible atmosphere. Aoife Kennan plays Anne, she brilliantly shows a range of emotions, from disappointment being dumped in Tynemouth and the boredom she faces, to unlocking the secrets of the past. Catherine Dryden, plays a number of parts. Firstly she appears as Anne’s mother, Fiona, then Prudie, before Da Souza, the local priest and the teenage boy, Timmo, the friend Anne meets at the church disco. Catherine switches swiftly between the characters showing a range of physicality and accents.

Catherine Dryden and Aoife Kennan in The Watch House at Laurels in Whitley Bay.
Credit Topher McGrillis

The simple set with a backdrop silhouetting scenes of Whitley Bay and Tynemouth with graves below, set the local scene ahead. A large wooden box ingeniously at its simplicist becomes the kitchen worktop / table, with the complexity of creating the display case in the museum of The Watch House, easily pulled into place.

The Watch House is one of the best performed ghost stories I’ve seen for many years. I’m sure this will not be the last time we will hear of The Watch House.

Runs until 23rd December at Laurels Theatre, Whitley Bay.

Panto Review - CINDERELLA A FAIRYTALE- NORTHERN STAGE, NEWCASTLE

Cinderella cast at Northern Stage - set design by Alison Ashton +
Lighting Design by John Rainsforth

Whatever your age, if you want to be swept away into a very fun fairytale, then this is definitely the production for you! Of course, you are familiar with the story of Cinderella, but writers Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Original Company breathe new exuberance into this well-known tale. Drawing mainly from The Grimm brothers’ version, the story is without a fairy Godmother, using instead birds to aid Ella in her plight. Our heroine is her own person, using her humour and love of nature to make her way in life. Think less ‘glass slipper’ and more ‘sparkly Doc Martins’. Directors Katy Weir and Jake Smith brought an enchanting forest-like world that draws you into its sweet and funny world.  The sound of birdsong and understated warm lighting gave a pleasant rustic feel. The set had simple wooden sculptures that looked like a dreamy tree house playground. I could have happily just sat on the set all day if it was allowed.

 

Katie Tranter, Evlyne Oyedokun + Charlie Venables

But don’t let the serene setting fool you. This show is an all singing, all dancing, side-splitting cacophony of delights. I strongly advise you to get there early to enjoy the pre-show antics as various ‘birds’ cause havoc in the auditorium. Audience participation is vital as seats are climbed over and light projectiles thrown. The Music (composed by Ziad Jabero) felt like folk-pop with elements of Madness and it drives the story on. Our Prince (Charlie Venables), a charmingly awkward bird watcher, meets Ella (Evlyne Oyedokun) when she shows him how to call her bird friends. Ella has a step sister (Peace Oseyenum) and step brother (David Fallon) who are equally hilarious in different ways. The Queen (Katie Tranter) is a caring, yet completely bizarre and magnificent; her mere appearance brought a smile. As to Ella’s stepmother (Zoe Lambert), she was a triumphantly mad addition to the already glittering cast. Footman (Aron de Casmaker) used so much physical comedy, and was such a crowd favourite, that I had to suppress a cheer at the sight of him. Apart from Ella and Prince, everyone in the cast doubled as a different ‘bird’, taking on their mannerisms to great comedic effect. The way the show ended (I will not spoil it for you) was the most fun I’ve had in a theatre - ever. It’s just a fantastically fun show from before its start, to its finish.

 

Peace Oseyenum as Sister and Zoe Lambert as Mother

A wonderfully wild production in more ways than one, Cinderella a Fairytale is showing at Northern Stage, runs until Saturday 6^th January 2024.

Theatre Preview - THE WATCH HOUSE, LAURELS THEATRE, WHITLEY BAY

 

Star cast confirmed for adaptation of Robert Westall’s The Watch House on North East coast

Olivier Award-winning creative team confirm the actors who will bring the ghostly tale to life

 

A trio of North East stars of stage and screen will be opening their advent calendars on the North East coast this December as they prepare for the world premiere of The Watch House.

Donald McBride, Aoife Kennan and Catherine Dryden have been cast in the first stage adaptation of Robert Westall’s ghost story, which previews at Laurels Theatre, Whitley Bay from  December 5^th before opening on December 8^th in  a three week run.

Promising an alternative serving of Christmas spirit, Olivier Award-winning producers Jamie Eastlake (Laurels Theatre) and Chris Foxon (Papatango Theatre Company, who has adapted the book for the stage) have come together to bring audiences the unsettling tale - just around the corner from where the original story by Tyneside’s iconic Carnegie Medal-winner Robert Westall was set.

And while a very busy box office has already prompted the addition of three matinee performances, at 2pm on each of Saturdays 9, 16 and 23 December, the confirmation of this stellar North East bred cast looks set to make the production a festive sell out.

Director of The Watch House and Papatango Artistic Director, George Turvey, said: “We're delighted to be working with such an exciting cast to bring Robert Westall's incredible ghost story to life.

“Aoife, Catherine and Donald are some of the brightest talent in the North East, with a wealth of experience on major stages across the country, so audiences are in for a real treat.”

Set in a fictionalised Tynemouth, where Westall grew up, The Watch House follows teenage Anne, who is escaping the trauma of her parents’ ongoing divorce for the holidays.

She comes to stay with her mother’s old nanny Prudie, and her brother Arthur, but soon senses an otherworldly presence in the old coastguard’s Watch House.

Donald McBride will play Arthur.

A true North East acting treasure, Donald has spent more than four decades treading the boards across the region and beyond as well as appearing in iconic dramas like Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, Spender and Our Friends in the North.

He said: “I'm glad to be still working after 46 years in the business and delighted to be back working with Catherine - we did a national tour of The Pitmen Painters in 2013, which seems like yesterday.

“I’m also glad to be drawing attention to the appeal of Robert Westall’s wonderful story and of course looking forward to working with the talented lads at Papatango and Laurels.”

Joining Donald on stage will be Aoife Kennan as Anne and Catherine Dryden who will be bringing a collection of characters to life, including Prudie.

Durham-bred Aoife, who audiences will recognise from her roles in Vera, The Dumping Ground and Victoria, said: “I’m really excited to be working with two such exciting companies like Papatango and Laurels on this funny, touching and spooky new play!

“It feels like a real treat to come home and make theatre by the seaside in the run up to Christmas.”

Catherine, whose past credits also include Vera as well as the aforementioned The Pitmen Painters and The Play That Goes Wrong on stage is also delighted to be returning to her native North East.

She said: “I'm thrilled to have been cast in this first stage adaptation of The Watch House. I feel very lucky to be working back in my beloved North East with such fantastic creatives on this quirky and intriguing story set in Tynemouth, one of my favourite places in the world.”

Jamie Eastlake, Artistic Director at Laurels, said: “We’ve been bowled over by the response to tickets going on sale for our alternative Christmas show, and can’t wait to get into rehearsals with this ridiculously talented and homegrown cast.”

Supported by Arts Council England and The Mouth of Tyne Collective, it has also been confirmed that the play text will be published by Bloomsbury and can be pre-ordered here or picked up at Laurels during the run.

The Watch House will be performed at Laurels Theatre, Whitley Bay at 7.30pm on Mondays to Saturdays from December 5^th to 23^rd (excluding 14^th and 18^th and with matinee performances on the 9^th, 16^th and 23^rd at 2pm). Age recommendation: 12+.

For tickets, visit the Laurels Theatre website at www.laurelswhitley.co.uk

Theatre Preview - A CHRISTMAS CAROL - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 Join the People’s Theatre this week for a Christmas Eve like no other in this classic festive story.

 

Miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge is about to embark on an astonishing journey through his past, present and future thanks to three ghostly visitors. Can tight-fisted, cruel and bitter Scrooge learn the error of his ways and discover the power of kindness and compassion?

 

Written in 1843, Charles Dickens seasonal short story A CHRISTMAS CAROL is as popular and enduring as ever.

 

Brought to life on stage by Roger Liddle as Scrooge and an ensemble of twenty performers, this celebrated adaptation by Karen Louise Hebden is bursting with traditional carols, live music, dance, spooky ghosts and festive cheer!

 

Vibrant, moving and heart-warming, this A CHRISTMAS CAROL promises to be a must-see for the whole family, and the perfect way to get in the mood for the festive season!

 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL opens on Tuesday 21 November on the Main Stage. Tickets are available from the People’s Theatre Box Office on 0191 265 5020 (option 2) and online at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

 

And once Scrooge and Co have got you in the festive spirit, the People’s Panto PETER PAN will soon be swooping on to their stage! Tickets are flying for this awfully big Christmas adventure, and the run includes a Relaxed Performance on Tuesday 12 December. Hook your tickets now!

 

Theatre Review - PRIVATE LIVES - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Noel Coward’s classic tale of old flames inadvertently reunited on their respective honeymoons. Divorced couple Elyot and Amanda cannot bear to be around or apart from one another. They make each other crack up with laughter and yet as soon as they settle for a moment, Coward’s snappy, scathing dialogue releases gross cruelties. It should be noted that there are outdated attitudes and some (albeit comically portrayed) brutality.

 

This production pulls no punches; Director Gordon Russell has carefully crafted a tremendous infusion of esoteric wit and argumentative characters. We were blessed with some surprising twists in a fight in a brilliantly choreographed scene at the end of act two - with much praise to the Properties team (Catherine Moore and Hope McDonald) for some very realistic props. My thoughts go also to the actors using/having props used on them, as it must be very tricky to not hurt one another. A similar scene towards the end of act three was good but could have used a little tightening around the edges to hide the ‘tricks of the trade’ used to create the illusion. There was a pervading feeling of decadence to the show, illustrated further by the fine Art Deco set (Designed by Alan Potts and Gordon Russell). I was surprised to smell the actual cigarettes the actors were smoking on stage!

 

All of the cast had excellent timing, with snappy dialog tripping easily off the tongue, creating something that felt very natural. French Maid Louise (Pat Haggerty), exasperated by what she finds, is highly comical as she reacts the only way she can. Sybil (Natalie Plunga) provides a shrill contrast to the other character as she seems woefully unaware of her own shortcomings. Victor (Ben Ostell), is hilarious as the uptight new husband of Amanda (Catherine Ellis). Amanda and Elyot (Sam Hinton) are a powerhouse of sarcasm and timing. Elyot instantly draws in the audience with his quick wit and surprises with an amusing piano recital. As for Amanda. with her wonderfully louche attitude and interesting dance moves, she is a joy to watch. The end of act two will leave you breathless with these two actors’ skill, timing and hilarity. It is little wonder this production is so good.

 

Exquisitely droll, this is an evening of theatre at its very best. Private Lives, at the People’s Theatre, is a must see and runs until the 28^th October 2023.

Theatre Preview - PRIVATE LIVES - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 Join the People’s Theatre for a sublimely funny and high-spirited romp!

 

“We were quite ridiculously - over in love.”

 

Divorced couple Elyot and Amanda find themselves reunited while honeymooning with their new partners. Their unexpected meeting on adjoining hotel balconies reignites old passions … and problems!

 

Only days after finding each other again, their fiery romance is once more lurching between love and anger. And when their wronged spouses appear, accusations are hurled, truths revealed and new alliances form.

 

A classic comedy of manners, PRIVATE LIVES fizzes with sophistication, fun and sexual chemistry, and is packed with Noël Coward’s trademark wit and wordplay!

 

2024 marks Cowards 125^th birthday, and in the lead-up Concord Theatricals and the Noël

Coward Foundation are commemorating all things Coward, from his most beloved plays to famous quotes and more.

 

“If you’re  a star you should behave like one. I always have”

 

Sir Noël Peirce Coward (16 December 1899 – 26 March 1973) was an English playwright, composer, director, actor, producer and singer, known for his wit and flamboyance.

 

PRIVATE LIVES is the perfect celebration of Coward’s work, an endlessly witty observation of sex, marriage and social convention.

 

Director Gordon Russell comments:

“Noël Coward wrote the script for Private Lives in the Cathay Hotel in Shanghai whilst convalescing from a bout of influenza The final draft was completed in just four days and Coward wrote the play specifically with Gertrude Lawrence in mind for the role of Amanda. As soon as he had finished the script he wired Lawrence asking her to play the part. After reading it Lawrence wired back saying there was nothing wrong with the script that couldn't be fixed. Coward responded saying that the only thing to be fixed was her performance. This was typical of the relationship that Coward and Lawrence shared, and much of this cutting wit is reflected in the play!”

 

PRIVATE LIVES opens on Tuesday 24 October on the Main Stage. Tickets are available from the People’s Theatre Box Office on 0191 265 5020 (option 2) and online at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Theatre Review - HEATHERS THE MUSICAL - DARLINGON HIPPODROME

 

Heathers the Musical based on the late 1980s film is still extremely relevant today. Set in Westerberg High School, this is a delightfully dark story with the stereotypical group of social mixes. The jocks, Kurt, Alex Woodward, and Ram, Morgan Jackson. The overweight girl Martha, Kingsley Morton, ridiculed by many. The girls who believe they are top of the social hierarchy are the three Heathers – Heather Chandler, Verity Thompson, ruling the roost with Heather Duke, Elise Zavou and Heather McNamara, Billie Bowman. There’s the loner dressed in black as JD, Jacob Fowler. Then finally Veronica, Jenna Innes, the girl who desperately wants to join the Heathers, just so she can survive through school.  

After the Heathers discover Veronica’s skill in forging handwriting, she quickly becomes friends with them, leaving Martha behind. JD has a romantic interest in Veronica with murderous intent, as the jocks have an interest in Veronica.

From the start I was completely transfixed with the stage, drawn into the story through the incredible performances. The set was exceptionally versatile, David Shields, with subtle lighting, Ben Cracknell. The highlight though was the performance of Jenna Innes as Veronica, Wow Wow Wow! She was exceptional. I just wish I had time to return this week to see it again.

This is the best musical I’ve seen at Darlington for many years. An amazing night out, making you think about the many dark themes covered, but knowing I’ve just had one of the most enjoyable evenings this year.

Runs until Saturday 7^th October at Darlington Hippodrome.