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

Preview: HEARTBREAK PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCE SUMMER 2017 OUTDOOR THEATRE TOUR

Outdoor theatre experts, Heartbreak Productions are leading the way again this summer and will be touring throughout the UK with five new productions, over 130 performances and more than 90 venues.

The tours include a brand-new adaptation of David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy, a fresh and quirky interpretation of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen and a unique perspective on Shakespeare’s unconventional love story The Taming of the Shrew.

Completing the line-up are the family-favourite, The Secret Garden and their original murder-mystery spoof, Murder on the Terrace.

The productions can be seen at outdoor venues from Scotland to the furthest corners of Cornwall, the west of Wales to East Anglia.

Heartbreak has now been touring for over 25 years but this is the first time they’ve taken so many shows out at one time. Maddy Kerr, Executive Director explains

“It’s a really exciting but hectic time for us. But by doing such a mix of shows ensures that there’s something for everyone, so audiences of all ages and tastes can get involved and experience outdoor theatre in some of the most amazing venues throughout the UK.”

Heartbreak Productions are renowned for their unique style and tour each production with a small but multi-talented cast of actors auditioned at the company’s local headquarters in Leamington Spa but drawn from across the country. They are joined this year by a team of directors to help get the shows on the road including award-winning Dominic Waldron, Paul Chesterton, Kristoffer Huball and Adam Morley. Peter Mimmack, Heartbreak’s Artistic Director said,

“We’re delighted that this team of talented directors have been able to join us. Between them, there’s such a wealth of experience – perfect for this year’s productions.”

Billionaire Boy is the third adaptation of a David Walliams’ novel Heartbreak have undertaken having already gained success in previous years with national tours of Mr Stink and Ratburger.

Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey is a newly-commissioned adaptation by Dani Carbery who has written for Heartbreak before including her acclaimed version of Alice – An Extraordinary Adventure.

David Kerby-Kendall has also written for Heartbreak on many occasions and summer 2017 sees the return of his murder mystery spoof, Murder on the Terrace. He describes it as

“… part Downton, part Agatha Christie. Lots of innuendo and stacks of fun”

Heartbreak is revisiting their own production of The Secret Garden - adapted from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, this classic promises entertainment for all the family.

The final addition to the tour is The Taming of the Shrew. Heartbreak will stamp their own imitable style on this Shakespeare classic about a controversial yet tender tale of love.

Each of the productions open in Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa and will continue to tour the UK throughout the summer visiting various outdoor venues including National Trust mansions, city parks and private gardens until Wednesday 13 September. Details about these can be found on their website – www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk.

Preview: The Majestic are proud to present High School Musical from the talented students from Darlington College Performing Arts course

Disney Channel's smash hit movie musical comes to life on your stage! Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of first love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities.

Disney's High School Musical is fun for the whole family. So buy your tickets now to avoid disappointment!

With Performances Thursday 29th June to Sunday 2nd July

The students from Darlington College said “As we want to encourage more people to come and see our shows that are performed by our talented Darlington College Performing Arts students, our Thursday show will be priced on a Pay What You Decide basis. This means our audience will not have to pay until after you have seen our show.  This not only allows you to pay what you can afford, rather than a fixed ticket price, but also removes the financial risk of buying a ticket for a show in advance without knowing whether you are going to enjoy it or not”

Tickets are priced £10 on the other days are available from

http://www.majestic-tickets.co.uk

Preview: Darlington Operatic Society have 3 local performers set for stardom

Three members of a local amateur theatre company have been accepted into prestigious theatre schools.

Nineteen year old Ruby Hoggarth has been accepted into the Guildford School of Acting. 24 year old Rachel Slattery will be on her way to the London School of Musical theatre while 19 year old Estelle Denison-French has just received word she has been accepted onto the ArtsEd Musical Theatre course.

All three young actresses recently appeared in musical productions with Darlington Operatic Society. Ruby played the role of The Lady Of The Lake in the company’s recent production of Spamalot while Rachel took on the challenging role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde which was performed at Darlington Civic Theatre in April 2017. All three were in the company’s most recent production West Side Story and all were due to appear in Strictly Musicals 2 in November.

 Ruby Hoggarth

Ruby said “I feel absolutely ecstatic. The Guildford School of Acting has been my dream school since I stepped foot on the campus back in 2015. Since then, working with DarlingtonOS has given me the confidence to go out and give my all into every audition and, regardless of the outcome, still be happy with my performance. To be given the chance to train at one of the world’s leading institutions for musical theatre and acting is such an opportunity – I feel so excited for what the future holds.”

Guildford School of Acting is one of the most highly regarded theatre schools in the UK, past students at the college include Brenda Blethyn, Bill Nighy, Michael Ball and Celia Imrie.

Rachel Slattery

Rachel told us “I am absolutely over the moon. Going to drama school for Musical Theatre is something I have always wanted to do, and now it’s happening, it doesn’t seem quite real! I’m sad to be leaving DarlingtonOS as I have gained so many friends whilst taking part in the shows and it will always have a really special place in my heart. I’d urge anyone interested in performing and meeting new people to join the company.”

Past student at the London School of Musical Theatre have appeared in shows such as the current West End smash hit Half A Sixpence, Mamma Mia, Les Miserables, Kinky Boots and The Phantom Of The Opera.

Estelle Denison-French 

Estelle told us “I can’t quite believe it. After one of the longest (and hottest – it was 34 degrees during the dance audition) days of my life I am so excited to have received this news. I can’t thank everyone enough – friends and family, who have supported me and helped me get this far.”

Famous Alumni from ArtsEd include Julie Andrews, Samantha Barks, Sarah Brightman and Will Young.

Julian Cound, Chairman of Darlington Operatic Society said “We are absolutely thrilled for Ruby, Rachel and Estelle, all three have been fantastic advocates for DarlingtonOS and it has been a pleasure working alongside them both in Legally Blonde, Spamalot and West Side Story. The girls were all cast in our current show Strictly Musicals 2 so we are going to have to re-distribute some songs, but we have the strength in depth to fill the very big boots left behind by these three wonderful performers – we wish them well in the next step on their career ladder.”

Strictly Musicals 2 will run from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 November. Tickets go on sale on Monday 17 July. For updates or more information visit darlingtonos.org.uk

Preview: Brand New Musical Heaven on Earth Heading to Newcastle in 2018

Tickets for brand new musical Heaven on Earth which is heading to Metro Radio Arena Newcastle in 2018 go on sale Friday 16^th June at 9am.

Telling the story of Adam and Eve Heaven on Earth will be touring arenas across the UK and visits Newcastle Metro Radio Arena from Wednesday 11 - Saturday 14 April 2018.

This spectacular new musical is brought to audiences by Eden International Productions and journeys back to the very beginning of time.

Kerry Ellis

Starring Kerry Ellis (Wicked) and Hugh Maynard (Miss Saigon) and featuring the voice of Russell Watson, the greatest story ever told will come to life with brand new musical Heaven on Earth.

Heaven on Earth is 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

A huge production is planned which will see the Garden of Eden created in all its magnificent glory and a whole host of special effects including fire, water and animatronics.

Writer Sara Jeffs is the creator behind the script, music and lyrics. She said: “It is so very exciting to see my script coming to life in Heaven on Earth.

“This brand-new musical, and its original emotive songs, will resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds, and stay with the audience long after they view this thrilling and visual treat of a production.

“The story of Adam and Eve is the oldest and greatest story ever told and whether you are someone with faith or someone who just enjoys the theatre and a great show this will appeal to you.”

Heaven on Earth writer Sara Jeffs and Russell Watson

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 Geoff Alexander - Harry Potter, Notting Hill, Conductor for Gravity.

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

Follow Heaven on Earth:

Twitter: @heavenearthtour

Facebook: @heavenonearthtour

Credit Card Booking, Accessibility 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 / www.eventim.co.uk

Group Bookers should call (0191) 260 6006

Preview: PAY WHAT YOU LIKE FOR A SLICE OF THEATRE – KEBABS THROWN IN

Going back to the days of travelling story-tellers, ODDMANOUT Theatre Company aims to utilise a small kebab stall in Darlington as the platform for their latest show Chilli Sauce, the next adventure for Darlington Theatre Town. People can pull up a seat, have a drink and a kebab and watch the story unfold. There will be tales of love, politics, prejudice, and a whole lot of doner meat – and you can be a part of it.

Katy Weir from ODDMANOUT said “We are looking to explore what it means to live in Darlington and the UK as a whole in 2017. We’d love to hear from the people of Darlington who want to share their stories, hopes, fears and dreams to help us paint a real picture about real people told with a real voice. If anyone is interested in talking to us please email oddmanouttheatre@gmail.com”

Darlington Theatre Town is an exciting new initiative to present the most ambitious and high quality theatre in Darlington. The project brings together the expertise of partners Creative Darlington, Darlington Hippodrome, Luxi, Theatre Hullabaloo and ODDMANOUT to cement Darlington’s place in the Tees Valley as a Theatre Town and a place where theatre thrives.

The project, funded by the Arts Council and Darlington Borough Council, grew from the opportunity presented by the redevelopment of the Civic Theatre (opening as Darlington Hippodrome this Autumn), the exciting development of Theatre Hullabaloo’s new theatre for young audiences ‘The Hullabaloo’ (opening this Autumn) and the momentum that has built over the last couple of years around theatre in unusual places by events such as the award-winning Jabberwocky Market.

Chilli Sauce is a ‘pay what you decide’ event

Book your ticket at nil value. Then, after you’ve seen the show, decide what you would like and are able to pay.
Quaker Meeting House, Friday 30 June at 6pm. For further information visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk