Spamalot - Review - Theatre Royal

Spamalot

NMTC at Theatre Royal Newcastle Tuesday 28th of May

I flaming love this theatre company and I think for the past 5 years I have seen all their productions and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

This is one of the funniest shows that they have done in a long time, but sadly tonight the audience wasn't there.
There was a severe lack of audience members so this is my call to you (person reading this) GO and SEE THIS SHOW!!!!

Even if you don't like or get Monty Python (I don't), you will love this play which tells the story of King Arthur and his knights of round table as they try to find the holy grail.

King Arthur, played by the charismatic Charles Docherty, is joined by his noble steed - Patsy - played Stuart Liddle. Just try to find a better double act than these two...... I'll wait.

JoJo Hatfield -who should really be on broadway playing parts in big shows - is amazing as the Lady of the Lake.
Her vocals are amazing and wow! she hits that high note with ease.

There are plenty of comedic parts  including Sir Robin the Brave who was played (apparently) by James Mitchinson... but knowing James as I do, I know he doesn't have long hair. (perhaps he was wearing a wig? - Ed)

Dennis / Sir Galahad tonight is played by Jay Robinson (but he will also be played by Jamie Douglass later in the week). Jay is fantastic and is transformed into a dashing knight by the Lady of the Lake.

Sir Lancelot who is played by Stephen Mason who I have to say looks good in fishnets and it's not the first time he has played this character (Are you trying to tell us something, Stephen?).

Sir Bedevere is played by Dan Collins who looks like he is enjoying himself in his first NMTC show.

I have to say that James Forster (who plays Prince Herbert) looks fabulous in a dress and a wig!! (You must do it often?)

There are so many characters that I could talk about but I'll be here all day so I'll just go through them quickly.

Prince Herbert's Father was played by Gawen Robinson, Dan Greener was fantastic and showed a more comedic side to his acting this year.
Carl Luke played Not Dead Fred, Lindsay Gill who is also the publicity officer plays the historian.
Dan Fisher plays Brother Maynard and Concorde and Lee Benson plays Black Knight and Bors with Kim Robinson playing Galahad's Mother and Micheal Skoles who multitasks well playing 4 parts.

But the star of the show was the coconuts!!!!!! (Only Joking).

We go through the journey with Arthur and his knights to find the holy grail but seeing as the knights are not the brightest crayons in the box they don't last long until they come unstuck.

With Great songs like Lady in the Lake, Knights of the Round table and of course the song we all know Brave Sir Robin.... (What you don't know it???, you ain't lived) LOL only joking . It's Always look on the Bright Side of Life.
This show has a fantastic ensemble of lovely young ladies,
I'll list them below.
Jacqui Simpson, Susan Sanderson, Lisa Powell, Alia Nabi, Judy Mahoney, Claire Blake, Tricia Tait, Cindy Redhead, Sheila Coleman, Sara Blair, Kate Sword, Jess Wells Auchteronie, Laura Wood, Bryony Souza Hawkins, Ruth Scott, Jessica Carle and even a cheeky little cameo from Choreographer Sandra Laidler who I swear lies about her age saying she's 40 (she's only 38!!!).

Bea Atkinson has done a great job directing the cast alongside Carl Luke (He's not paying me for these mentions I promise), the man with the musical baton is Malcolm Moffat and Lisa Roach is Dance Captain. And God is played by the Idle called Eric. This show is funny and sophisticated and you will belaughing and tapping your feet and whistling - or trying to in my case as I was losing my voice!

With many people backstage working their asses off to help with the show.

All they need is the audience. Tickets start as little as £17 in the stalls so do go and book one! You won't be disappointed!

Book here

On until Saturday 1st of June.

Rubes Hiles

Trump The Musical - Review - Alphabetti Theatre

Trump The Musical 
Alphabetti Theatre 
26th February 2019

The first thing I saw when I arrived in the venue was a Make America great again AGAIN hat. I had to look twice at the hat to realise this was also satire, just when I thought I might have made a mistake and come to a trump rally by accident. The guys wasted no time in getting the show on the road with a sickeningly America pride song, about as over the top as America fuck yeah from the team America soundtrack.

The 4 performers and musician (and occasional performer) were all well polished, with a straight out of drama school like feel to their performance. Trump, Kim Jong Ill and Putin are all played by women to quite a high and recognisable level. It’s hard to do a satire of Trump without approaching stereotypes and boy were there stereotypes, Trump comes off lightly compared to ‘King’ Nigel Farage who is just about the antipathy of Brexit racism. Putin’s Russian accent and the general American accents are pretty much superb, Kim Jong Ill needs a bit of work however and was less North Korean more Scandinavian, but was a great caricature all the same. Pretty much all the characters are caricatures. If you are looking for subtlety and well rounded, fair and balanced characters you have come to the wrong place. However if you want cutting satire, this is it!

At one point Trump simulates taking a dump and there is rather uncomfortable bondage scene and attire. This production is simply a laughfest from start to finish. The songs are well thought out, the narrative is obviously always changing, as are some of the jokes, of which there are many are based on recent news stories. It must be hard writing a show you will tour knowing by the time you have finished it, it will already be largely out of date. They get around this brilliantly by setting it a year in the future (2020), in which king Nigel Farage rules over England (he’s lost the other three countries in the UK. The plot is farce, but what wee you expecting?

Sometimes even the truth is harder to believe, so in a way it’s the gift that keeps on giving. I recommend you check it out yourself if you are lucky enough to snap up a ticket for this run. I believe they are also playing Edinburgh this year along with their Boris Johnson musical, who makes a brief appearance in this play.

Be reassured even if you don’t like musicals you will thoroughly enjoy this must-see production.

Frank Cromartie Murphy

Fans - Review - Live Theatre

Fans

Photo from Live Theatre

Live Theatre
4th October 2018

So I was a bit apprehensive about going to this as this is what I do as a day job.
But......OMG!!!!!
Fans, presented by The Six Twenty is a gig/play that isn't a sit down shut up theatre show and should be enjoyed at maximum volume.
Phones are allowed and you can take photos and videos, they even have #hashtags.
The show takes you on a journey along with the characters.
Chris Foley who was Musical Director in the show played Chris (I think he played himself)
He likes Green Day and has seen them a few times.
Someone hopefully woke up the band a few days ago.
Charlie Raine, plays Charlie is the lead singer of the band and had many phases emo, goth, but she's always had one person who she absolutely loves - the legend that is Madonna.
Charlie is a style queen, or so she thinks!
Andrew Bleakley, plays Andrew the drummer of the band. He's a fan of the Indy/unknown bands but can also do a good rendition of an Elton John song on piano.
And Alex Tahnee (who stared in Byker Grove - it took me a while to remember where I had seen her face) plays -  can you guess??
Meghan! That's right! Now Meghan is like myself, she likes every kind of music and can't choose who she likes. Much like a lot of people. She plays bass in the band but Alex Tahnee can sing! She has one of the purest vocals I have heard.

The play is written incredible well by the talented Nina Berry and is directed by the equally talented Melanie Rashbrooke.
It's hard to explain the plot of the play as it's not really a play but the audience is taken on a journey with songs from all ages and from many different artists such as Oasis, Green Day, Elton John, Beyoncé and many more.
The 4 actors are great and have real chemistry on stage playing their instruments really well. The production team need to be praised for getting the casting spot on. It's not just all loud music, there are some fantastic quiet moments that make this a remarkable show for everyone.
The Set, created by Luke W Robson, is fantastic - it reminds me of the old unit I used to get the sound gear from (I'm a sound engineer) and it was spot on.
Production Management and Sound and Lighting by Craig Spence is excellent he made it feel like a gig and a play at the same time even adding haze into the mix (us lighting guys love haze).
Co-ordinating it all is Steven Blackshaw.

This show had me laughing most of the way through, and the guy next to me was nearly crying with laughter. If you go to this then you are not going to be sitting watching you will be getting involved in many ways. You even get a glow stick to take home.

Before you come to experience this show, take yourself back in time to your first ever gig, remember how you felt, then come to this performance and relive that feeling.

A great show that will have you singing, laughing, crying and just having a good time.
On until Saturday 6th of October and you CAN go and see this show more than once.

Reuben Hiles

Season Preview - Royalty Theatre

ROYALTY THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2018/19 SEASON 

The Royalty Theatre have announced the programme for their 2018/19 season, and it is a strong programme with a great mix of plays which we are very much looking forward to!

They begin a packed season with classic comedy No Sex Please, We’re British. 

The farce by Alistair Foot and Anthony Marriott kicks off a season that theatre bosses believe has something for everyone.  It’s joined in the comedy stakes by May’s Barefoot in the Park, the film version of which starred Robert Redford and Jane Fonda.

For fans of suspense drama, Daphne du Maurier’s My Cousin Rachel will be performed in October and November, and the time-honoured favourite Dial M for Murder is the Royalty’s March offering.  Hobson’s Choice in February and Jane Austen’s Emma in June add to the drama.

The annual pantomime this year is Jack and The Beanstalk by local writer David Farn.

Once again, the studio is put to use for intimate small scale productions with the premier in  January of Billy Towers’ Mary, Mary, based on the life of Jack the Ripper victim Mary Kelly.  April’s studio production is John Godber and Jane Thornton’s Shakers (Re-stirred)

Thanks to the popularity of last year’s A Night at the Musicals, The Royalty are reprising this for two nights only on September 7^th and 8^th.

Visiting companies include Pink Floyd tribute act What the Floyd, appearing on 5^th October.  Sunderland Stages return to the Royalty with Red Ladder Theatre’s The Damned United, the story of Sunderland and Middlesbrough legend Brian Clough’s ill-fated 44 days at Leeds United, on 13^th and 14^th November.

Artistic Director Nikki Slack says, “We’re now raring to go for the 2018-19 season. We have a year packed with a range of diverse plays that will appeal to all. Recent media has been much focussed on equality and ‘Girl Power’ is certainly coming back with a bang! Our programme of plays this coming season shines the spotlight on our female talent from more female-centred plays to our female directors and technicians.”

Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketsource.co.uk/royaltytheatre.  
Tickets for The Damned United are available from the Sunderland Stages website.

Heaton! - Review - People's Theatre

Heaton!

The People's Theatre
17th July 2018

Heaton! The Peoples Theatre 17^th July 2018 presented in association with Shoe Tree Arts.

Heaton! Is a play inspired by local area of Heaton and the Great Exhibition of the North and is an original production for The People’s Theatre. Upon my arrival my ears were greeted with a full band playing, which was nice, the band was also featured in the play and performed at the end. The play itself was a cornucopia of ideas mixing several genres, including musical aspects, live film action, a blend of real and fictitious characters and stories, set against a backdrop of footage on a giant screen (which wouldn’t look out of place in a cinema).

There was a boatload (quite literally at one point) of cast, not all in speaking rolls, some just for the musical elements, which did make it feel like a musical in places, aside from the fact it actually had some plots to it (sorry I’m not a fan of musicals) The quality of the music was actually quite high too. Some of the characters included from Heaton’s illustrious past included: Lord Armstrong, engineer and original owner of Armstrong Park; Sir Ove Arup the engineer of the Sydney opera house; Sir Charles Parsons the inventor of the steam turbine; Lady Katharine Parsons, the founder of women’s engineering society; Colin Veitch, Heaton’s footballing wonder kid who played in a successful Newcastle United side in the 1800s and early 1900s, who was also co founder The People's Theatre and later a journalist with the Evening Chronicle; prominent feminist and suffragist activist Florence Nightingale Harrison Bell; Rachel Parsons, engineer and advocate for women's employment rights; Edith Stoney, mathematician who helped Charles Parsons in his gas turbine calculations.; Jorn Oberg Utzon a Danish architect notable for designing the Sydney Opera House, and finally George Stanley a historian who narrates much of the action.  

What was very nice was the brilliant original music compositions created specifically for this production by Ken Patterson and Richard Scott. The acting was good and in one of the most enjoyable moments the narrator said Newcastle Upon Tyne instead of Newcastle council, (I guess you had to be there!).  One of the reviews from a guy in the audience made me laugh he said “I thought I was going to fall asleep, but I didn’t it was good”. Praise indeed.

There were so many different stories going on in it, too many to mention, but all weaved into a nice overall narrative capturing the early 1900s in Heaton very well. It was also funny in places, - it seemed to have everything mixing the various genres seamlessly. A whole year's work went into the production and it’s evident, you can see the love that’s gone into it - this is people who are clearly proud of their local heritage. The place was packed out like I’ve rarely seen it, I had a blast and learned a lot and you will too. Get down and share in some local pride! 

Frank Cromartie Murphy

Hot Flush! - Washington Arts Centre - Review

Hot Flush!

Arts Centre Washington
28th June 2018

Presented by Washington Theatre Group
Directed by Angela Marshall
Musical Director Tim Jasper

Hot Flush! is billed as the naughtiest musical in town. In case the title hasn't already given you an inkling, you need to know that this is a menopausal musical - following the everyday experiences of three women as they cope - or not - with mood swings, temperature swings, libido swings, you name it - if it swings they cope with it! Four women united in hormonal imbalance and everything that that entails. Their mostly absent husbands bear the brunt of their discontent, the blame for all the unfairness and inconvenience of the menopause laid at their door. Myra's husband leaves her for a younger, prettier woman, Helen's husband rather selfishly dies unexpectedly, Ingrid's husband retires to his shed, while Sylvia's husband simply can't keep up with her HRT induced sex drive.

The four female cast members give strong performances. The delivery of the lines is well timed and punchy - there are a lot of funny one liners in this  - and the singing is accomplished - some of the harmonies are beautifully sung. There were some problems with the sound at the beginning which might have floored some, but they carried on with professional determination. The issue was quickly remedied and the show went on!

Emma Simpson is assured as Myra, the divorce lawyer who is gradually falling apart in the face of competition from a younger woman. Her venom towards her recalcitrant husband is palpable and she delivers some of the best lines of the show including my favourite - "if she was any younger she'd be a foetus!"

Sarah Clarke plays Helen - a woman lost in a world where her husband is gone and their daughter, off at university is drifting away from her. Her character reminds me of Tracey from Birds of a Feather. I think her performance was the most natural feeling of the four. 

Joanne McLernon is well cast as the American Sylvia - strong willed, physical, she drives the four women forward, sometimes intentionally - making them take up a fitness regime, sometimes unintentionally by becoming the source of scandal and threatening the friendships. 

Ingrid Middleton - is a delight as Jessica, pillar of the church and menopausal shoplifter, doggedly avoiding the advances of the amorous vicar! 

Matt Lowe - as the token man in the show has his work cut out - he plays all the male characters from the son, to the husband, to the lover, and an array of other random men that the women encounter - barman, vicar, doctor, Chinese herbalist, referee, security guard...the list goes on. He sports an array of costumes, wigs, hats, and saucy shorts and shows a fair amount of barefaced cheek in his performance and, perhaps not surprisingly considering the number of costume changes, he sports more than a few misplaced wigs!

This is a naughty musical - it is full of cheek, and sauce! It's a little bit rude and a little bit sweary. It's also very funny and women of a certain age will recognise, empathise and roar with laughter at some of the situations. Leave your PC head at home - there's nothing politically correct about four menopausal women and one poor beleaguered man! It's a lot of fun and a credit to the theatre group that they carry it off with a deal of flair.

Hot Flush is only on till Saturday - grab your girlfriends, a fan and ticket and go see it!

Denise Sparrowhawk

Preview - Hot Flush - Washington Theatre Group

 Naughtiest musical in town comes to Washington!

Take a deep breath and get ready to meet Myra, Sylvia, Helen and Jessica, a quartet of feisty menopausal women who get together at a local bar every Tuesday night. Affectionately named the ‘Hot Flush Club’ the ladies offer each other moral support, cry on each other’s shoulders and most importantly (of course), gossip and malign the many men in their lives! (Fifteen in fact, all played by one brave man!)

"HOT FLUSH!" takes us on an hilarious musical journey that follows the ups and downs of the friendship between four ordinary women. It delves into their laughter, tears, and secrets. When it comes to matters of the heart, the opposite sex, and the menopause, Myra, Sylvia, Helen and Jessica will leave no stone unturned, and no story untold. 

'HOT FLUSH!', has the music, the menopause and the men (well, the one man). The naughtiest musical in town really is the ultimate girl’s night out! There won’t be a dry eye in the house, because you'll be crying with laughter.

Performed by Washington Theatre Group, 28^th – 30^th June at Arts Centre Washington

Tickets are £10 (Group discount: £8 a ticket for groups of 5+) Book online or telephone Arts Centre Washington on 0191 561 3455. 

The Last Ship -Review- Northern Stage

The Last Ship
Northern Stage
Wednesday 21st March 2018 7pm

Music and Lyrics by Sting
Directed by Lorne Campbell
Designed by Fifty Nine Productions



Apart from a select few, musicals have never been my first choice for theatre so it was with both hesitation along with an open mind for my opinion to be changed that I went along to see The Last Ship, and changed it definitely did.

When settling into my seat before the show started, the sound of seagulls could be heard (a familiar noise with my coming from a seaside town) and an impressive industrial stage setting of a shipbuilders yard set the scene. Members of the cast arrived on stage and danced to the background music that started. As they looked into the audience the local actors spotted and started pointing and waving to (I assumed) family members and friends and this made for a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The Last Ship was inspired initially by Stings 1991 album The Soul Cages and is a personal political and passionate musical telling of family community and ultimately a great act of defiance as the last ship sails.

It tells of life on a Tyneside shipyard where the workers include foreman Jackie White (played by Joe McGann) and his strong and loving wife Peggy (played brilliantly by Charlie Hardwick) The workers are then told that the shipyard is no longer financially viable. That all they've ever known will have to change. Joe McGann plays this role perfectly as a hard but fair man whilst struggling with his own (and for the main) undisclosed problems.We see the workers fight, strike and plan an act of defiance as these proud people (who just want to work) deal with day to day living and tragedy- always with a great sense of hope and resilience.

There is also humour throughout, including asides to the audience and a song led by Mrs Dees (played by Annie Grace) about how she'd been looking for a cuddly man but instead could only find yard workers.
The scene where Baroness Tynedale (played by Penelope Woodman) is attending the yard workers meeting explaining there was nothing that could be done and consequences of strike action was very reminiscent of an 80s female prime minister and the portrayal led to laughter from the audience

Alongside this is the story of a young man (Gideon Fletcher) who doesn't want to continue in his father's footsteps as a yard worker. He chooses to leave the area to become a sailor instead. He left his childhood sweetheart Meg (played by Frances McNamee) with the promise to return but never did, until 17 years have passed. He returns just before the shipyard strike and this is when he learns of ALL that he left behind. As Gideon tries to make amends for leaving Meg and she tells him what happened since his departure, this leads to some beautiful scenes of determination strength and love.

The sets included inside a pub, houses,  streets, as well as the shipyards and were done impressively through projection images, backdrop, lighting as well as the huge metal walkway with metal stairs going up either side. The costumes were well chosen reflecting the style of the 80’s.

I enjoyed that musically there was a live band playing to the side of the stage for this production. The whole cast were very good vocally. Notably for me was when Richard Fleeshman (who plays the older Gideon Fletcher) sang When We Dance (one of Stings previously released singles) Other songs in the show that were previously released included All This Time and Island Of Souls.

The acting by the whole cast was of a very high standard and was superb throughout. The stage was used to great effect and always lots happening, a visual delight and the choreography flawless. The Geordie accents from non Geordies were great and didn't have me thinking what on earth accent is that supposed to be as is sometimes the case. The show was never condescending either which can sometimes happen when dealing with things relating to the North East.
The director states that it is not a musical about the past, it is what we might be and maybe are and this comes across well in the storytelling


As the show finished to a standing ovation Sting joined the cast onstage to take a bow during the second encore and the emotion of it all was felt throughout the theatre. Afterwards a girl turned to me and said how she was needing to reapply all her eye make up and I overheard a conversation from two others saying that they must take their fathers to see this- their fathers who are two retired shipbuilders

The Last Ship continues its 4 week run at Northern Stage until 7th April before embarking on a tour of the UK and Ireland



Belinda Bekki-Winter

Westovians - New Season - Preview

Westovians at the Pavilion Theatre
Season Preview
Sept 2017-June 2018

The Westovians' new season starts in October (17th -21st). with David Cooke's "All together like the folks of Shields". A comedy drama about two very different couples living next door to each other in typical Tyneside flats.

Next up is the panto Aladdin in January (19th-27th) - perfectly timed to miss the pre Christmas rush and give everyone something to look forward to in the new year. Join them in Long Poo Village to see whether Abanazar can become Master of the Universe. Expect much booing and hissing and some terrible jokes...

March (6th-10th) brings a musical drama with Be My Baby by Amanda Whittington. A poignant story about teenage pregnancy and keeping up appearances in60s Britain. If you were unmarried and pregnant life was very different back then.  A great play featuring songs from the era.

In May (8th-12th) things turn a little more sinister with Simon Brett's ingenious thriller Silhouette. Who murdered Martin Wallis? Was it the wife or her lover...or someone else?

And finally the Westovians round off the season in July (10th-14th) with another local comedy - "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Durham" - Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood's irreverent take on the story of the Lindisfarne Gospels. 1400 years of history and over 40 characters condensed into 90 hilarious minutes by just 3 actors...

The programme has a good mix of plays with a nice northern feel to it.  Tickets are on sale from Sept 1st from www.westovians.co.uk or from the The Word in South Shields.

Denise Sparrowhawk

Rent - Gala Theatre Durham - Review

Rent
Gala Theatre Durham
29th July 2017

GTSS Production
My son (the former Reluctant Teenager) reminded me that when he first told me that he wanted to see a performance of this musical, and asked if I had heard of it, I (allegedly) said, "isn't that the rude one?" So you might think it something of a bold move by GTSS Director Kate Sorahan to choose this
as the summer show. It is not just a show with pretty adult themes - AIDS, prostitution, sexuality, anarchy, -  it is also a pretty demanding show musically. The programme lists 25 musical numbers in the first act alone. With a cast ranging in age from just 14 to 20 years would the Gala Stage School have the skill and stamina to do it justice? This is the School Edition, so some of the language has been modified, and a verse or two omitted from one of the songs, but other than that it does not differ from the full version.

Set in the Bohemian artist's community in New York at the end of the twentieth century, RENT follows a year in the lives of a group of friends. Recorded by Mark (Luke Henderson), for his documentary film, they struggle to find money to live, find ways to cope with the knowledge that they are HIV positive or worse, and that they will almost certainly not have a long life. They live day to day on the margins of society, with the knowledge that life is not permanent. So they live for the day taking what comfort they can, wherever they can, however they can, fighting for what they believe, for their way of life and for those who are marginalised by the authorities and whose voices are not heard. It sounds bleak, and at times it is, but it is also joyous and life affirming, as they each find a way to follow their dream.

So, can such a young cast deliver? You bet your sweet ass they can!

From the first note we are swept up into the world of Rent. We watch as they fall in and out of love, struggling to cope with friendships, lovers, ex-lovers, parents. It is an emotional, exhilarating, heart-breaking rollercoaster of a musical and the audience feels every joy and every pain along the way.

For such a young cast they give astounding performances. There is not a single actor or actress who doesn't shine on stage, but special mention has to be made of Stephen Robson, his performance is absolutely brilliant as the cross-dressing Angel. He has dance moves to die for and I swear there is not a dry eye in the house in Act Two.
Georgia Lennon is excellent in the role of Mimi, and Amy George as Maureen, gives a fantastic and funny performance of the avant-garde Over the Moon (based on the nursery rhyme the Cat and the Fiddle). It feels unfair to single out any performer but these are my three favourites from an extremely talented cast.

If you can still get one, buy a ticket for this - it is worth every penny and more. You see will a fabulous show performed most surely by some of the future stars of the West End.

Rent runs until 5th August. Tickets are £14.50 and are available (but be quick!) from the Gala Box Office.

Denise Sparrowhawk

Wizard of Oz - NMTC at the Theatre Royal - Review

Wizard of Oz
Newcastle Musical Theatre Company

Wednesday 26th July 2017

So I went to see the wizard the wonderful wizard of Oz today and if you haven't read my preview then you may want to take a read of that before you read this.
(So what are you waiting for?)


I was in the Gods tonight but had a fantastic view from above.
In the first half Lucy Conroy played Dorothy who was stuck in Kansas when she sang Somewhere over the Rainbow my hairs stood up on my back she sang it amazingly and did a great job in the first half.
Second half Dorothy changed a bit with Victoria Monaghan taking over the role again making my hairs stand up on end with her amazing tone of voice
Jonny Hill I have to say was fantastic as Hunk/Scarecrow one of Dorothy's friends, he made the part his own and made the audience laugh at his punchlines.
Dan Greener once again did a great job in another main role for the company in the role of Hickory/Tinman and yeah his acting was a bit stiff sometimes!!
Jonathan Cash, What to say? Where to start? I will say that he had massive shoes to fill but I have to say he performed amazingly as Zeke/Lion, his portrayal of part was amazing and he got me from the start. And he has a great roar !!
So Aunt Em played by Linda Short gave a great performance alongside Dan Fisher who played Uncle Henry.
The Evil Wicked Witch was played by Claire Blake exceptionally well giving an evil performance which made the crowd boo and hiss at her.
Glinda, The Good Witch of the West was played by Nikki Cunningham who for me was perfect for the role!!
She helps introduce to the audience to The Munchkins.
The Munchkins were fantastic tonight and I'm sure they will only get better as the week goes on.
We followed the yellow brick road to get to the Wizards castle and the Wizard was played by the very wise Ken Allen and he bought this to the play.
Toto was played by Sunny and I have to say he was very well behaved and very cute.
Chris Jones was great and brought the comedy factor with his performance on the guard.
The performance was fantastic but I unfortunately missed a few major bits because of where I was sitting, which was disappointing but it didn't affect the performance too much.
The sound was a bit patchy for me with microphones not working properly (Sod's law) and a few times there was feedback which was coming from the orchestra pit I believe, but I'm sure it will be better as it was technically opening night.
Well on that subject I would like to say that the orchestra were absolutely amazing and full credit to them after what happened last night and I wish a speedy recovery for the member of the orchestra that was injured.
This show doesn't disappoint and is one for all the family! It will make you laugh cry and clap along to all the songs, so why not bring the whole family?
But hurry Tickets are nearly sold out.
Reuben Hiles

Broken Biscuits - Live Theatre - Review

Broken Biscuits

Live Theatre

11th Oct 2016

 

Cast 

Faye Christall - as Megan 
Grace Hogg-Robinson - as Holly 
Andrew Reed- as Ben 

 

Creative Team
Writer Tom Wells
Songs Matthew Robins
Direction James Grieve
Design Lily Arnold
Lighting Joshua Pharo
Sound Dominic Kennedy
 

Broken Biscuits is a coming of age tale. Three friends Megan (Faye Christall) Hollie (Grace Hogg-Robinson) and Ben(Andrew Reed) have just started the long summer break between GCSEs and the start of College. They are on the cusp of change and Meg has a grand plan to ensure they start the next stage of their lives in the "cool" corner. Hollie and Ben aren't so sure they want to be in the cool gang but they humour their friend. In fact, Meg is not the kind of friend you don't humour. She is bold, and brash and basically browbeats her friends into doing what she wants through the sheer force of her will. It's easier to give in to her than to deal with the fall out. And so the painfully shy, geeky Hollie and the sensitive, recently outed Ben find themselves reluctantly recruited into a band project for the summer. This will catapult them into coolness when they start college, (obvs!). The fact that they neither own nor play any instruments, nor know any songs, is beside the point. This will not deter Meg - she has acquired a drum kit from the charity shop and nothing is going to stop her!

 

And so the three friends meet for band night each Friday in Meg's shed, learning to play their instruments, learning to write lyrics, learning who they are and what they want - and what they don't - want out of life.

 

Broken Biscuits is incredibly funny. Laugh out loud funny. But it is also touching and sweet. You can't help but be swept along with Meg's bombastic enthusiasm, to feel every squirm of Hollie's shyness, and to cheer for Ben's self-deprecating self-awareness. Their characters are acutely observed, a bit stereotypical for sure - but lets face it, we all know those kids on the outside of the social elite, the geeks, the nerds, the uncool kids. Some of us were those kids. And the thing about stereotypes is, they are always based in some truth.

 

The three young actors are utterly convincing in their roles. The set is fabulous - even down to the sheddy smell of wood and creosote - I don't think I have ever actually smelled a set before. The script is witty and sharp, and it speaks the language of the teenager.  

 

Broken Biscuits plays until 22nd Oct. I swear on the biscuit, you will have fun if you come to see this!

 

Denise Sparrowhawk

Sweeney Todd - The Elephant Tea Rooms - Review

Sweeney Todd
Elephant Tea Rooms, Sunderland
6th Sept 2016

 

Last night we were invited to a dress rehearsal of a new production of Sweeney Todd - in a tea room of all places. A tea room? I must admit, not having been to The Elephant Tea Rooms before, I was imagining quaint china and lacey tablecloths. It didn't quite fit as my idea of a venue for Sweeney Todd. A Miss Marple Investigates seemed a more appropriate production...Just goes to show you should never make assumptions. The Elephant Tea Rooms is no quaint teashop. It is interesting and quirky with big old oak tables and a mish-mash of different chairs, and dimly lit  (though the subdued lighting may have been deliberate for the evening's entertainment - perhaps during the day it is bright and cheery?) Perhaps a macabre murder might fit after all. The ambience was definitely not Miss Marplish!
 

And so among the tables and chairs (filled by the family and friends of the cast for this dress rehearsal, plus a couple of reviewers) and with the backdrop of a selection of exotic teas, the action began. Dramatic, we are plunged straight in as Anthony and Mr Todd disembark from a ship and say their farewells - Anthony to go onwards to Plymouth and Todd to 'a thing he must do'. He is anxious to be away and brusque with a friend who saved his life. Immediately we are aware of mystery and an urgency around Mr Todd.

 

The drama and suspense builds throughout this intriguing production, cast members are seated in amongst the audience, rising slowly to sing the ensemble pieces, and moving between the tables making eye contact with members of the audience, at times speaking to them and including them in the action. It is in your face theatre and there is nowhere to hide from it - so if you have a ticket be prepared to be included in the drama (especially if you have a lot of, or too little, hair, or a beard in need of a trim!)

 

There are so many good performances in this but if I have to single out any for special attention, then I particularly like Jenni Winter as Nellie Lovett - she was a delight with her self deprecating attitude to being the purveyor of "the worst pies in London"  and as she proffers mischievous yet down to earth advice on how to dispose of the bodies. Liam Gilbert as Todd has a marvellous voice and portrays perfectly the many aspects of the barber's unbalanced character. Marie Swan, the Beggar Woman, has the interaction with the audience spot on, eliciting a great mix of interest and discomfort in those she chooses to grace with her attention. Altogether the cast are a grand mix of flawed characters, each adding to the sinister and macabre story.

The asylum scene was excellent - a cacophony of shrieks and cries that makes you positively uncomfortable.

 

This is a macabre story, but it is also full of humour - albeit dark - so there are some chuckles and the odd belly laugh in amongst the gasps of horror. This is probably just as well for those of you who are partaking of a pie or two while watching (I'm not sure how conducive Sweeny Todd is to good digestion!).   

 

Tuesday night was the dress rehearsal, and the first full run through the cast had had in the venue. There were a couple of minor hiccups but nothing drastic, and considering the tight production schedule, they have done a fantastic job. Under the direction of Matthew Rankcom they have produced an impressive and  quite unique theatrical experience. If you are going along you are in for a treat and a half - but don't worry, we have it on good authority that the meat in the pies is beef...

Cast
Sweeney Todd - Liam Gilbert
Jenni Winter - Nellie Lovett
Stephen Stokoe - Judge Turpin
Shaun Crosby - Beadle Bamford
Gemma Hutchinson/marie Swan - Beggar Woman
Lewis Harley - Tobias Ragg
Jamie Douglass - Adolpho Pirelli
Matthew Rankcom - Anthony
Emily Miller - Johanna
Ashleigh Bentham   )
Cat Louise Moody   ) Ensemle
Steve Udale            )

Sweeney Todd plays at the Elephant Tea Rooms till the 10th Sept.

Denise Sparrowhawk
 

West Side Story – Newcastle Musical Theatre Company, Theatre Royal - Review

https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/westsidestory

West Side Story

Newcastle Musical Theatre Company

Theatre Royal

19th Jul 2016

 

 

 

 

After seeing their last production Sister Act I was very much looking forward to seeing West Side Story and it didn't disappoint.

West Side Story is a tale of love and gangs  which is gripping from start to finish.  The Jets and The Sharks., led by two great leaders Riff played fantastically by Dan Dickinson and Bernardo, Ty Roach Thompson. These two seem to be like ghosts in the second half of the show but their presence is still felt.

The Jets and The Sharks and have a dance this is where our two star crossed lovers meet; Maria who is Bernardo's sister played by the amazingly talented lady, Nikki Cunningham, falls head over heels in love with Tony played by Jamie Douglass.

I would love to take a minute to talk about The Jets because these guys were great and they really made you believe that they could be a gang, we have spoken already about Riff but in every team you need the engine and in the Jets you have Action played amazingly by Simon Pinkney. A-Rab played really well by Jack Hindmarsh, Baby John (Curtis Appleby), Diesel (James Mitchinson), Big Deal (Martin Hampton Matthews), Tiger (Daniel Thomas), Mouthpiece Nathan Denton), Aisling Vallely and Carl Luke who plays Snowball.  The star of the Jets is a girl called Anybodys (It couldn't have been Anybody else) played to perfection by the amazingly talent Beth Johnson who was full of energy throughout the show (and her hair grows back really fast!)

The Sharks comprised of Bernardo,  Anita played by Lauren Gordon, Rosalia played by Helen Cash who brings great comedy to the role, Ellen Crake who plays Velma, JoJo Hatfield who plays Consuela, Kara Ferguson plays Somewhere Girl and Savanna,  and finally the star of the Sharks, Chino played extremely well by Andrew Ewart.

Keeping the two gangs from fighting are four brilliantly actors  Dan Greener as Lt Shrank (and you should have seen the crowd of girls that flocked to him at the stage door after the show)) and the wonderfully talented Joe Costigan playing the delightful Officer Krupke, Noel Harris as Glad Hand and finally Ken Allen is brilliant and deserves great praise for the work he does for the company leading the Junior Section of NMTC.

Taking over as MD this year was Malcolm Moffat who does a great job with the baton with his 18 person band (yes it is that many).

The Crew deserve a mention because a lot of the great work they do goes unnoticed unless there are hiccups! The sound and lighting are great - a few little technical glitches but not enoughto spoil the show.

The Ending! Now some people would say that I have a heart of stone but jeez guys the ending nearly had me in tears (Don't believe anybody who says I was crying, they were tears of joy). I'm not going to ruin the ending but it will make you shed tear or two…

Before I finish I just have to give a shout out and an amazing well done to one lady who has worked on this show and the last 2 shows the NMTC have done - the amazingly talented Sandra Laidler. She has done a brilliant job with all the shows that she has worked on and I wish her all success with Copacabana in 2017. The  NTMC will have their work cut out finding a replacement, although of course she couldn't do it without her amazing production team - Chantal Riley ( Dance Captain), Philip Stockley ( Production Manager) Malcolm Moffat (MD) and Julie Macnaughton ( Accompanist).

Once again I would say that this is one show that will make you laugh and cry and take you on a journey and you will come out feeling better and having seen a great show performed by a great theatre company. This show is amazing and I do want to see it again and I definitely think that you should go down to the Theatre Royal box office and get your tickets before they run out.

It Plays until Sat 23^rd July. 

Reuben Hiles

Preview - Jekyll and Hyde - Gala Theatre

Jekyll and Hyde
Gala Threatre, Durham

The Gala Theatre Stage School (GTSS) is bringing the gripping thriller "Jekyll & Hyde - The Musical", to the Theatre from Sat July 9 to Wed July 13 with daily performances at 7:30pm and a 2:30pm matinee performance on Wednesday. 

Based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson, the show features a score by the multi-Grammy and Tony nominated Frank Wildhorn and double Oscar and Grammy-winning Leslie Bricusse. "Jekyll & Hyde - The Musical" is described by Director Kate Sorahan as "spine tingling". It is an evocative tale of the epic battle between good and evil. The classic story follows a brilliant doctor whose experiments with human personality create a murderous counterpart. Convinced the cure for his father's mental illness lies in the separation of man's evil nature, Dr Henry Jekyll unwittingly unleashes his own dark side, wreaking havoc in the streets of late 19th century London as the savage and maniacal Mr Edward Hyde. madness, tragic romance, and gruesome murder are on the cards, along with fabulous music and songs.

Members of the Cast were out in Durham on Saturday morning singing songs from the production to promote the show - and they were sounding impressive! This show looks set to be as great a success as last year's production of Phantom of the Opera! 

Tickets are just £16.50 (£15 comcession) and available online at http://www.galadurham.co.uk/theatre/index.php

Denise Sparrowhawk

Barnum - Review - Customs House

Barnum

Customs House
17th Oct 2015

Roll up! Roll up! Roll up and prepare to be amazed by the sights, sounds and sensations brought to you by Starset Theatre! No flim flam, no bunkum and 100% no humbug!

Starset Theatre have taken on an almighty challenge with the story of P T Barnum and the road that led to Barnum and Bailey's Circus - the greatest show on earth!
The stage is set with the trappings of a circus tent and the fun begins with tumbling clowns, acrobats and jugglers...before the entrance of Mr Barnum himself (Peter Archer) on a unicycle! Barnum is a man with a dream - he wants to bring colour and excitement to people's lives, and make some money along the way. He is extravagant and extrovert and flamboyant. A dreamer with big dreams and he's not going to let a little matter of the truth get in the way! He is the king of humbug, and he knows how to fool everyone into believing his "trimmings". Everyone that is except Mrs Barnum (Katie Howes). A former school teacher and the steadying force in his life, she understands her husband completely and strives to keep his feet on the ground - at least some of the time.

This is a great production - a challenge, for sure, to recreate the thrill and adventure of a circus on a small stage. It calls for more than just singing and acting skills - and Peter Archer throws himself (quite literally at times!) into the role of P T Barnum - and it doesn't always go strictly to plan but he never gives up! He sings, dances a bit, jumps, cycles, and walks the tightrope...just about...and part of the joy of the show is his interaction with the audience when it doesn't quite go to plan. In fact all of the cast coped with the physical demands of their roles brilliantly - there was no panic when balls were dropped or plates refused to spin, though there were a fair few grins when the seam of Mr Barnum's trousers gave way!

This is a great family show - performed with enthusiasm and professionalism. The little clowns are adorable - drawing awhs! and applause from the audience everytime they come on stage. At times there are a lot of people on stage dancing and juggling, and throwing bricks (yes, you read that right) and amazingly no-one bumps into anyone else - except for the clowns, who do it on purpose, or has an accident (except Peter Archer and his trousers, and the jury is still out as to whether that was meant to happen or not!)

Great performances by Katie Howes, Charlotte Archer as the 160 year old Joice Heth, and Michael Brabbs as the ringmaster, and fabulous singing from Angela Hannon as the Blues Singer and Laura Dollimore as the Swedish Nightingale, to mention just a few, though all the cast deserve credit.
It's also great to have a live band playing the music rather than taped backing music (which is all to common these days)!

A fine afternoon's entertainment, well done to all involved - challenge met!
Final shows on Sunday 18th 2.30pm and 7pm.

Denise Sparrowhawk

Review - Red Hot and Cole - Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society

Red Hot and Cole 
Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society
Thursday 17th July 2014

On Thursday evening I was invited along to King's Priory School in Tynemouth to the dress rehearsal of Red Hot and Cole, performed by the Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society, directed by Bryan Watson (making his directorial debut).

As you might expect, this is a feast of wonderful show tunes. Following the life of the millionaire composer through anecdotal reminiscences from friends, the show reveals the hedonistic lifestyle of the rich and famous and Cole Porter's rise to fame, his careful manipulation of friends to make the right contacts, but also his insecurity and need for affirmation and adoration. Even before he is famous he has a band of loyal supporters - but were they true friends or merely sycophants drawn to a wealthy man? Time would tell. As his fame grew, so did his lavish lifestyle. Like moths to a flame people were drawn to him, and he to them. A workaholic, despite being rich in his own right ("What did your grandfather do to make you so wealthy?" "He died...") Cole (Phil Dixon) gradually alienates his wife Linda (Rebecca Mellor) and they end up living apart until tragedy strikes reunites them for a while. And in the hard times that follow, the true friends stick by him.

The show flows through Porters hits - each one illustrating a development in his life. The musical numbers are beautifully performed, with musical direction from Andrew Soulsby and choreography by Lyndsey Harrison. The costumes are sumptuous - as they should be, and the wit is cutting!
It's hard to single out individuals as all the performances were excellent. Phil Dixon in the lead is brilliantly cheeky, and Lucy Cockeline as Elsa sets the scene and mood of the show right from the start. I particularly liked Julia Neale in the role of Bricktop - her voice was amazing. And Chris Carr played Noel Coward to a T!

This was the dress rehearsal, so there were a few minor glitches - which will no doubt be ironed out by time the show opened to the public. It is a glorious celebration of Porter's work - well performed, beautifully sung. Bryan Watson and the cast can be suitably proud of their show.

Red Hot and Cole plays on Fri 18th and Sat 19th July. It is well worth a visit - you will leave the theatre humming your favourite tunes and tapping your feet!

Denise Sparrowhawk