I'll Be Back Before Midnight -Review- Westovian Theatre

I'll Be Back Before Midnight
Westovians 
12th November 2012

Following a nervous breakdown Jan is brought to an isolated farmhouse by her husband Greg – ostensibly to complete her recovery. But unsettling things start to happen as soon as they arrive. First, Greg’s sister Laura, with whom he seems to have an unnaturally close relationship arrives. There is also George, the slightly demented old farmer who lives nearby. A nightmare series of frightening occurrences results in a thrilling and heart-stopping ending!

With all of the ghouls and ghostly happenings that was Halloween a few weeks ago, you would think that the Westovians would ease us into the dark cold nights with something funny, maybe something fruity. Not so, right from the off with the lights low, the eeriness of the set, and the characters that play upon it, were set out to scare and make us sit on the edge of our seats.
Set in the living room of the farmhouse, with the colours dark and gothic you definitely got a feel of coldness and something about to happen, so great marks to the technical team for bringing this illusion, the lights and sound were very good.
With all of the action taking place in the same set, the actors were always the main focus of the play, with great scenes of mental psychology, tussles and some great jumpy moments that had the audience saying all of the 'oooahs'and 'aaaahs'
James Barton (Greg) played the husband and brother figure with great ease, his final scenes were very well acted and scary.
Paul Dunn (George) playing the strange and funnily scary farmer, was very instrumental with his interaction with all on stage, a really good showing from him.
Laura Pigford (Jan), played a great part in this play but I sensed a little nervousness especially with her flow of words in the first half..she did warm up and pick herself up in the second, which was great to see.
Megan Wright (Laura) played with great style the wicked manipulative sister(in law) who used her acting skills to the best of her vantage.
I'll Be Back...is a scary, interesting, well acted play, with smidgens of humour thrown in.
Produced by Carrie Wilson, Directed by Peter Dawson
Well worth the entrance fee.

I'll Be Back Before Midnight is playing until Sat 12th November

Michael Hunter

Make Better Please -Review- Northern Stage

Make Better Please
Northern Stage
15 June 2012

Writer: Fuel, Uninvited Guests
Director: Paul Clark
Reviewer: Michael Hunter
Rating: 4 Stars

I love the news. Turning on the TV or the radio on the hour and flicking through the papers in the newsagents, to find out what has happened to that corrupt politician, my football team, and events all over the globe, is one of favourite ever things. For me 'no news' is 'bad news'.
At the minute the European Football Championships and the run up to the London Olympics (the Olympic torch/flame is currently in Newcastle) is high on the agenda of every publication, be it broad sheet or red top.
The smaller stories are also making big headlines; a Scottish schoolgirl who has created a school dinner blog, had been told to cease publication because the local authority didn't like it, creating waves etc, but was overturned to maybe save their face.

Once the theatre doors were opened, we were lead to the backstage of Studio 2. I didn't know if this would be as normal, with audience in seats and actors performing for us. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the audience would play a massive part in tonight's proceedings.
Laid out before us were four small coffee tables full of the days newspapers, massive pots of tea, biscuits and writing implements.
We were told to look through the papers and find a story that shocked, or held something strong in our hearts; a story that fuelled enough passion to be able to create further discussion.
The assembled audience picked five stories that were all shocking, or thought provoking to merit inclusion to the next stage of the night. We were also told the pick a story that had a little bit of hope included.
Once the tables had been cleared away we all sat in a circle and after a minutes silence to reflect on our thoughts were asked to relay the stories to the other members of the audience.
This is where it became apparent that our stories would figure highly in whatever happened to the the rest of the night, our thoughts and stories would become theatre itself.
The performing artists of Paul Clark, Richard Dufty and Jessica Hoffman leapt into action as each story was finally told. They became the headline, they became Cameron,or Tesco's chief officer. The audience became judge and jury, we had to ask the headline makers why, when and how much!!.
We were put into a scenario of a war torn village in Homs, some of us were the fighters, some of us were the dead. Again a minute silence was put into place to reflect on what was happening. For myself it was quite emotional, thinking about how I could possibly kill another human being, i am sure the dead amongst the crowd felt similar.
Another scenario of the Leveson inquiry had us thinking what really did go on in the minds of the top brass of the Uk's power leaders.
All of the stories that we had picked were transcribed onto the wall of the theatre by the performers, think of the studio wall in 'Have I Got News For you' with current issues sticking out like sore thumbs.
The god or indeed the devil of bad news was paraded in front of us. Some of us were given mugs of milk to throw over him to, maybe to confirm our hatred of the stories that he loved to make popular.
Atmospheric music and sounds from the likes of cymbals being crashed, a piano being plonked and a mad crazy drummer beating out rhythms led us to Hoffman being the narrator to all of the stories involved, creating a crescendo of swirling words and mayhem.
I must admit that some of the scenes were very contemporary, leaving the audience asking questions that might only come to them in the days that pass. The devil wearing a huge newspaper made penis, certainly one of them, although I did guffaw when he started to bash the bass drum with it.

It was then our turn to highlight the hope that can come from the mass media, we again rose to our feet and reeled off stories that we found, or stories of our own little utopia.
The ending lead us to outside the theatre with the performers burning up our little pieces of paper of headlines, with the hope of 'Make Better Please'.
Make Better Please was a joy to be part of, really made me think that there is more to a story than just the simple headlines. The depth of tonight's performance will be put into full force the next time I buy my newspaper or get a thrill when the clock strikes the hour to tune into the radio news headlines.


Runs until 16th June

Tags: Fuel,Jessica Hoffman,Make Better Please,Newcastle,Northern Stage,Paul Clark,Richard Dufty,Uninvited Guests

Michael Hunter

The Pitmen Painters -Review- People's Theatre

The Pitmen Painters
The People's Theatre 
13 June 2011

The first time that Lee Hall's The Pitmen Painters was in our region was the professional production at Live Theatre along Newcastle's Quayside.
I viewed that performance with open mouthed awe. It was well before my days as a hobbyist theatre reviewer but even then I would have gave it a magnificent 5*'s.
Tonight -and for the rest of the SOLD OUT week- it is the turn of the amateurs. Hall (of Billy Elliot fame) has given special permission for the first staging of this North East tale by an amdram team.
The Pitmen Painters is the story and fine social commentary on the harsh North East working platform. Seen through the eyes of five Ashington pitmen; struggling with the many hours underground for a pittance of a wage. They need more out of their existence of work-home-work, so the onsite Union devise up a deflection tactic (absolutely nothing to do with their work) of creating an art appreciation society. What starts off as looking at unfamiliar and alien pieces set by their tutor Robert Lyon, turns into competition between the miners at who can produce the best art between them all with a humourous-but subtle-edge, but remain totally focused as a group. What follows is a wonderfully funny tale of 'whoever you are you can be whatever you want to be'.
Given that The People's Theatre is an amateur theatre, you would think that this production would be very much lower in expectations to the more professional offerings of the original in 2007. You would be very very wrong to think along these lines. From the staging to the lighting, the audio visual delights to the wonderful acting of the local players, The Pitmen Painters is a smash, it was very very close to the Max Roberts directed play all those years ago. The Pitmen's has of course gone on to score rave reviews in Broadway on the other side of the pond. George Brown played by Harry Gilbert took off the very much nose-in-his-union-rule-book character with so much realism that I wanted to join up there and then. The humour of the down to earth workmen surrounding the styles of their painting and practice was so upbeat that even the sometimes glum Marxist Harry Wilson played by Mike Smith cracked up a few times. Jimmy Floyd played by Steven Robertson kept the humour flowing with some fantastic scenes. The youthful essence of the play rested on the shoulders of the 'Young Lad' played by Steven Wallace, his performance reminded me of Pike out of BBC's 'Dads Army' he even had a long stripey scarf to boot. Lyon's commanding part played by Matthew Cummins kept the balance between roll on the floor laughter and serious educational desires. Star painter and keen to 'get it' Oliver Kilbourn played by Pete McAndrew has a major role alongside Helen Sutherland played by the fab Val Russell, his talent was immediately picked up by art collector Sutherland, who wanted him to give up his 9 to 5 to fund his ambitions. The interaction between these two was fantastic to see, cumulating in terrific scenes that the audience grasped. Grace Robson made up the numbers by playing a life art model Susan Parks, her feisty character certainly was eye opening.
Chris Heckels directing has done a brilliant job with fantastic actors to turn this play into the hit that it is. It is really exciting that full houses will be enjoying, laughing and contemplating what the Pitmen had to go through to paint and show off their art.
Superb production from Derek Nellist (stage design), Lighting (Richard Flood) and Tom Saunders (projections) gave this a very crisp feel, buzzing with energy.
I cant give this 5 out of 5 as a rating as a few lines were talked over by other characters, and have to say that at the back of the theatre it was a little hard to hear audibly. Altogether though this was a superb performance that I have been used to at People's. Nothing at all amateur about this staging, well done

Runs until 18 June 

Michael Hunter

Annie Jr.

Performers Stage School

Customs House

12 June 2011

After the typical summer weather in the North East of four seasons in one day, it was very apt that the ‘The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow’ would be blaring from the stage of The Customs House.

‘Annie’ performed by The Performers Stage School is the story of an orphanage girl cast aside by her parents in 1930’s New York. Teased by the other children there and ruled by an iron fisted Miss Hannigan; Annie receives some great news when billionaire Mr Warbucks decides to alleviate one of the children and have them stay at his mansion for two weeks over Christmas. Such is the impact of the child on the household; Warbucks decides to press for adoption not before he issues statements putting aside a large amount of money and asking for the birth parents to come forward. Hannigan plots a scheme to defraud Warbucks by inventing a couple to come forward and claiming Annie as their own.

What will happen to the dastardly ways of Hannigan? Will Annie get the love that she deserves?

Director David Ducasse has assembled a brilliant junior cast for this performance of the much loved stage classic; his actors really shone giving superb accounts of themselves. For an opening night in front of a relatively full house the children pulled out all the stops to ensure that the start of the tenth anniversary of the School got off to a wonderful start.

With superb singing and choreography throughout, the audience – no doubt full of very proud parents and friends – responded very well to the end of each piece, this I am sure spurred on the actors even more. ‘Hard- knock life’ and of course ‘Tomorrow’ were the highlights of the vocals but the acting of these talented stars to be took all the plaudits. Molly Waters as the nasty Hannigan, and Joshua Trueman as Warbucks both were solid as their characters explored the highs and lows of ‘love’ but Laura Roberts as Annie totally outshone all on stage, her singing voice and acting will keep me glued to the amateur scene looking out for her.

Production was very good with the sound (Tony Atkinson) and the lighting design (James Henshaw) coming up trumps at every push of their buttons. Musical Director (Stacey Ghent) and Choreographer (Ashley Lamb) added a lot to this play with their craft.

As the rain came crashing down outside, The Performers Stage School made sure that the crowd left with a nice warm glow.

Runs until 13 June

Michael Hunter

The 39 Steps – Review- Customs House

The 39 Steps 

Customs House

Ion Productions

8 June 2011

I have always been a massive fan of Alfred Hitchcock, his directorial work is just breathtaking and as spooky as the films that he makes.

When Gareth Hunter (Director) asked me to review his companies’ humorous take on Hitchcock’s ‘The 39 Steps’, I didn’t think twice about it. I had often reviewed Gareth’s work behind the scenes, but first time as a director.

The 39 steps is a spy\mystery tale of the highest order, but with a huge giggle along the way. Richard Hannay - a rugged, tired of war and strife type of man -  becomes embroiled in a tangled web of lies, conspiracy and murder when he meets Anabella a foreign spy. With the security of the country under her hat, the secrets and blood begin to flow…along with the laughter levels!

Right from the start the production takes us by the throat and half throttles us into an early submission. Lots of dry ice and perfectly formed sound and lighting design propel us into Hannay’s world of confusion and anxiety. The fast paced dialogue coupled with the even faster stage changes made this perfect theatre going. With Hannay running from the law in the best part of this show many scenes were hastily set up, some truly loud out loud frivolity over took the Customs House audience as the four actors on stage took on many multi roles. One very memorable scene had Hannay in true Hitchcock styling climbing out of a train compartment fleeing from the Law; this had the audience lapping up the performance.  Some superb silhouette acting scenes  made it theatre within a theatre.

Alongside the enigmatic Jamie Brown (who was last seen at the Customs House playing South Shields hero John Simpson Kirkpatrick in the fantastic The Man and The Donkey) playing our lead hero Hannay, was Patricia Whale playing Anabella, sexy farmers wife Margaret and Pamela who at first turns Hannay into the police but becoming involved herself on the run, soon softens to his charms. Craig Richardson and Ian Reay performed many a part including one brilliant clothes swapping spot as husband\wife\policeman at the scene of the Bed and Breakfast that Hannay and Pamela escape to.

The standard of acting in The 39 Steps was of a very high calibre, all parts played with top professionalism and deftness. A brilliant casting!

The stage craft on show as I say was of a very high standard; lighting design by James Henshaw and that man again Gareth Hunter with the sound, created brilliant energy on stage that was delightful.

 Hunter has been very imaginative in this play, with such a lot going on, such a lot could have gone wrong. In my eyes it was perfect and thrilling, top class entertainment. He definitely deserved that pint afterwards!

I had never witnessed any of Hitchcock’s work in the theatre before but this was as entertaining on stage as on celluloid. I thoroughly recommend seeing this play it will not only have you laughing you socks off but also marvel at the performances.

Runs until Saturday 11 June.

Michael Hunter

Chapterhouse Theatre Company press release

CHAPTERHOUSE THEATRE COMPANY

Presents

Open-air garden theatre UK and Ireland 2011

Magical Theatre in Magical Surroundings

Cranford

Directed by Rebecca Gadsby

The Taming of the Shrew

Directed by Rebecca Gadsby, Music Composed by Richard Main

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Directed by Andrew Ashenden, Music Composed by Richard Main

Sense and Sensibility

Directed by Rebecca Gadsby

Snow White

Script by Laura Turner, Music and lyrics by Richard Main and Laura Turner

                            

‘A brilliant staging of Jane Austen's classic’ Michael Hunter, Shields Gazette, 2011

“not only beautiful, but also laugh out loud funny and incredibly well acted”

Don't Delay, 2010

Chapterhouse Theatre Company is touring five wonderful new productions across the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland, from June to September 2011. In a season of magical, mysterious and romantic characters, Chapterhouse is performing some of the best-loved stories of literature. We pride ourselves on producing accessible, traditional but innovative shows that have entertained thousands of theatregoers throughout the UK and Ireland.

“played to perfection” Worthing Herald 2011

‘Don’t miss…the perfect evening’ The Daily Express

If you would like any further information regarding tickets for competitions and press reviews, interviews with directors/actors or details for specific venues please contact Chelsey Cottrill on 01522 569777 or leave a message with our office staff. We will always be glad to hear from you.

CHAPTERHOUSE THEATRE COMPANY

Open-air garden theatre UK and Ireland 2011

Foreword

Magical Theatre in Magical Surroundings

Chapterhouse Theatre Company enters its 12^th season of touring open-air theatre at some of the most beautiful country houses, castles and heritage sites across the UK and Ireland.

From a first year of performances at some thirty venues with Romeo and Juliet in 2000, the company has established itself as one of the most successful and acclaimed touring companys in the country. In previous years the company has toured with a variety of shows including Shakespeare’s, Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night and The Taming of The Shrew together with performances of classic works such as The Mystery Plays and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. In 2004 the company produced the first West End show ever to tour open-air, ART directed by Nigel Havers.

In 2011 Chapterhouse is performing in over one hundred of Britain and Ireland's most beautiful and idyllic garden settings, such as Woburn Abbey, Savill Gardens and Fountains Abbey, the perfect venues for garden and theatre lovers alike. Open-air theatre lends itself perfectly to pre-show picnics creating an enjoyable and memorable experience for the audience. A wonderful opportunity for friends and family to sit back and enjoy the pleasure of each other’s company whilst indulging in a glass of chilled summer wine and watching a fantastic evening of entertainment.  

Whether a play seen under the stars or during an afternoon of summer’s bliss, Chapterhouse welcomes you to their 2011 season.

"...an entertaining performance."

               "...this confident company should be commended for their enthusiastic production"

Lisa Whitbread, The Stage – 2010

“A charming, accessible and most enjoyable production”

Fraser Marshall, The Leicester Mercury – 2010

‘Open-air theatre at it’s best’

Richard Parr, Eastern Daily Press – 2009

‘an energetic and lively performance’

Fiona Reid, Annandale Observer – 2011

‘not to be missed’

Worthing Herald - 2011

‘Delightful...enthusiastic...entertaining company’

The Stage – 2010

'well received by the sell out crowd’

Annandale Observer - 2011

If you would like any further information regarding tickets for competitions and press reviews, interviews with directors/actors or details for specific venues please contact Chelsey Cottrill on 01522 569 777 or leave a message with our office staff. We will always be glad to hear from you.

Open-Air Garden Theatre 2011

Cranford
Written By Laura Turner
Adapted from the novel by Elizabeth Gaskell

Relax into a lazy summer’s evening of delightful entertainment as Chapterhouse transports you to the sleepy Victorian town of Cranford. Based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s classic novel, this brand-new adaptation of Cranford will bring a smile to young and old alike as the adventures and dramas of life in the countryside are brought to a picturesque venue near you as part of the national celebrations of Gaskell's bicentenary.

The Taming of the Shrew
By William Shakespeare

The battle of the sexes is in full swing as Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents one of Shakespeare’s most wonderful comedies. Feisty Katherina meets her match in Petruchio, who slowly manages to woo the shrew with a somewhat unconventional courtship. Merriment will meet the magic of true love under beautiful summer skies at some of the UK and Ireland’s most spectacular venues. Be sure to join Chapterhouse in 2011, as tricks, tantrums and lovers’ tiffs create a hilarious evening’s entertainment.

Sense and Sensibility

Written By Laura Turner
Adapted from the novel by Jane Austen

Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company for an evening of Regency wonderment as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood make their first forays into the excitingly decadent world of eighteenth-century high society. Follow the sisters as they fall in love, make mistakes and experience heartbreak for the first time in their quest to find a balance between sense and sensibility.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

By William Shakespeare
Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents Shakespeare's glorious romantic comedy, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. This magical evening is simply the best in family entertainment as flitting fairies, forest bound lovers and raucous tradesmen all join to create the perfect summer evening. With music especially written for Shakespeare's magnificent verse, lovely costumes and a splendid band of travelling players, this promises to be one of the finest evenings entertainment the summer has to offer.

 Snow White
By Laura Turner

Children and adults alike will adore this lovely new adaptation of such a familiar story, set in  some of the most beautiful gardens in the UK. Snow White is a lovely traditional fun filled show where six 1940s’ children decide to perform their own version of the tale one hot summer’s afternoon. Join the children and their special friend Milky-White the cow and a host of woodland creatures for a wonderful afternoon’s entertainment – and don’t forget to come in fancy dress for the Fairytale Parade during the interval!