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.

Theatre Review - A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE - THE PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

Kay Edmundson as Stella & Sarah Scott as Blanche

Most people are familiar with Tennessee Williams’ tale of desire, violence and madness. Faded southern belle Blanche is forced, by her inability to face reality, to live with her sister Stella. Blanche’s feigned gentility violently clashes with Stella’s husband Stanley and his animal vitality - leading to a dark, unnerving conclusion.

 

Kay Edmundson as Stella & Steven Arran as Stanley

Directors Kaila Moyers and Jonathan Goodman, with the aid of Tennessee, will take you on a journey into a dark corner of New Orleans. The stage is filled with smoke, and lighting is subdued, giving the feeling of oppressive heat. At times you find yourself surrounded by the Ensemble (Catalina Gallego Anex, Udayvir Gurjar, Lukas Cordes, Alex Burns and Will Moffat), as they go about everyday life selling their wares. It did make the production feel more immersive; however, there was the odd occasion when it distracted from the emotional scene unveiling on stage. The whole design of the show both invites you in and unnerves you. The lighting (designed by Claire Brissenden) helped the audience lean into the feelings and emotions on stage with occasional projections also highlighting character explanations. The costumes (by Sarah Pearson) fit the characters and actors well. Special attention was clearly paid to Blanche’s outfits, which seemed to highlight her character’s mental state – with clothes not always fitting her situation, but showing her childish love of beautiful things. The more ‘spicy’ moments felt authentic, which is testament to the hard work of the actors and Intimacy Coordinator (Sarah McLane).

This roles in this show must have been more than a little daunting for all the actors as it calls not only for them to plumb the depths of emotion, but also to enact expertly choreograph fight and love scenes. Eunice Hubbell (Alison Carr) and Steve Hubbell (Jonathon Goodman) provided some much needed humour as they play out their own fiery relationship upstairs. Harold ‘Mitch’ Mitchell (Sam Burrell), who is almost taken in by Blanche, is played with an empathetic nature - contrasting with the other men around, until he learns the truth. This allows us to see why Blanche hides from reality, as it is always too harsh and violent for her. Speaking of which, Blanche DuBois (Sarah Scott) is skilfully played as a woman on the edge, trying to smile through considerable pain. Stanley Kowalski (Steven Arran) was the perfect tone of toxic masculinity, unfeeling about the pain caused to those around him as long as he still feels like a man. The chemistry between Stanley and Stella is key and was pitch-perfect in this production. Stella Kowalski (Kay Edmundson), Blanche’s sister, moves with perfect precision from optimistic, matter of fact new bride, to hopeless, fearful wife as her husband’s temper becomes a bigger part of her life. Kay Edmundson’s accent was near flawless, as was her performance.

A extraordinary production that will have you gasping for breath, A Streetcar Named Desire is on at the People’s Theatre until 7^th  October 2023.

Theatre Review - BY THE WATERS OF LIVERPOOL - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

BY The Waters of Liverpool has finally made it to Darlington Hippodrome, after being cancelled for obvious reasons in 2020. Based on Helen Forrester’s books, they follow her own life in an autobiographical style.

This story follows Helen’s teenage years through the start of the 2^nd World War. The first act takes us through the miserable time she is having. She’s not treated as fairly as other siblings in the family, her mother, Lynn Francis, is appalling to Helen, her father, Tom Roberts, financially ruined the family losing it all in the 1929 crash. Eventually she does persuade her family to allow her to go to work, ironically working for a charity helping those in need.

As the bombs start to fall, everything starts to change in the 2^nd act for Helen, where in the first act she had a miserable exitance, now there is a glimmer of hope. Her mother begins to show her equally amongst her siblings. She starts to go out dancing, meeting friends and eventually meeting Harry, Joe Gill. Here she finds her first romance where her future is looking promising.

The characters throughout are larger than life resulting in some being over the top. Though the narration to the audience drives the story forward it means the performances often becomes static. Emma Mulligan as Helen, is incredibly strong in her performance, surrounded by a versatile cast.

Runs until Saturday 30^th September at Darlington Hippodrome.