Gregory's Girl - Review - People's Theatre

Gregory's Girl

The People's Theatre

16th Sept 2014

Based on the 80s film by Bill Forsyth but brought up to date and set the north east of England, this is a light hearted look at teenage angst – all the things that teenagers worry about – love, sex and football!  

The boys are either obsessed with girls or football or both, and the girls are obsessed with boys.  The play follows a group of final year students as they navigate their way through puberty – discovering the joys and horrors of changing bodies, emotions, hormones and the opposite sex. It’s a combination guaranteed to create comic situations and indeed it does.

The comedy is a given, and this young cast definitely provided the one liners. The teenage shrugs and sighs and the youthful lust was well portrayed by the gang of hormone ridden boys. The romantic aspect was less obvious. This is quite subtle in comparison and was the weakest part of the production for me.  The key relationship is the ‘almost’ love triangle of Gregory (Simon Stuart), Dorothy (Alex Carmichael) and Susan (Anna Robinson). Susan likes Gregory, Gregory likes Dorothy, and Dorothy likes football. The Gregory –Dorothy attraction, and the Dorothy-football attraction were obvious, but it took me quite a while to suss out the Susan-Gregory link. I’d have liked Susan to  have had a much stronger presence in the play.

Overall it was a good evening with plenty of laughs from the audience, which is always a good sign, and some good performances – Simon Stuart in the lead role as the awkward Gregory, Arthur Thorpe as his much put-upon mate Andy, and Colin Jeffrey as Phil the football coach in particular, but everyone put in a great effort. The set was simple, with some very smooth prop changes by the cast (I thought it was just me who was impressed by such things but Lynn spotted them too!) though I am a little concerned that the goal posts might not have lasted the week!

And of course some great music!

Gregory’s Girl plays till tomorrow night (Sat 20^th Sept). 

Denise Sparrowhawk

Mixtape: Boy Band vs Girl Band - Review - Live Theatre

Mixtape: Boy Band vs Girl Band
Live Theatre 
5.9.14

Last weekend I went along to check out Mixtape at the Live Theatre, not entirely knowing what to expect. I needed some company for the evening so invited my sister to come along. I lured her in with the Boy Band/Girl Band thing, and carefully avoided any words like quiz night or audience participation. She doesn't really do either of those but she does do pop music. In hindsight that may have been a mistake but as the Reluctant Teenager was more reluctant than ever over this one (he really doesn't do the boy band/girl band thing at all, and he enough audience participation at our last outing to last him a lifetime!).
Anyway, I digress!

Mixtape, as you may have gathered, is a kind of music quiz/sketch show hybrid kind of thing. Groups of young actors write and perform mini sketches based on pop songs - in this case by either girl or boy bands. There are many Mixtapes and they are all themed differently. The sketches cannot be any longer than the duration of the song and can only use words from the lyrics of the song. The same words, not necessarily in the same order (to misquote Mr Morecambe). The audience, complete with Playlist answer sheet, have to guess the song and artist. Points are awarded for correct answers.

Sounds like a piece of cake (and inded, there was cake at one point). It was almost as infuriating as the old Bits and Pieces intros quiz from the Radio 1 Roadshow (anyone else old enough to actually remember that?) The words were tantalisingly familiar but just not enough for us to guess correctly. The answers hovered out of the grasp of our braincells. But maybe that was just us? Other teams managed to score loads. I'm not good with Boy/Girl bands, they all sound the same to me! (Good grief am I sounding more and more like an old person?) But my sister is a Boyzone, Westlife, Take That fiend...and she was no help! We did abysmally but had a load of fun (well I had fun, my sister was not quite so thrilled by it all, but she's even older than me so, y'know...)

Some sketches were laugh out loud funny, some were painfully real and you laughed with that uncomfortable  "Should I really be laughing at this?" question in your head, others were just plain strange! But, isn't that just the pop world for you?

Mixtape is a quiz night with a difference. It's a bit of lighthearted fun. If you are looking for something other than the usual Friday night crush in the bar, pay them a visit! Next shows are 25th October and 7th November. Who knows, you might even win the coveted Golden Mixtape.

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

Review - Up Pompeii - Royalty Theatre

Hawksword: Titter Ye Not...?:
Review -  Up Pompeii - Royalty Theatre      

The Royalty Theatre have chosen a corker for their season finale. And I have to admit I had mixed feelings about going along to it - here is another well-loved classic from TV and film adapted for the stage with all the potential to ruin some youthful memories. If you've seen my reviews of other classics such as "Dad's Army" and "Allo Allo", you'll know I viewed them with similar trepidation... Could any production of Up Pompeii do justice to it without succumbing to a half-cocked (ahem!) Frankie Howerd impersonation? I had more or less decided that I'd give it a miss, until a friend recommended it as a "must see". So I dragged my sister along and I'm glad I did!

I'm sure you all know the plot - Vesuvius is about to errupt, while a Roman senator, Ludicrus Sextus (Peter Kelly), and his family get up to all sorts of things they shouldn't, under the watchful eye of the head slave Lurcio. It is brim full of innuendo, double entendres and straight up smut!

There is a distinct pantomine atmosphere to it with a lot of audience engagement - characters cajole the audience to laugh at jokes, (or not!) depending on how good or bad they are. And some of them are awful!

There are a lot of laughs, and even with a fairly small audience, the actiors build the momentum and keep the mood high.

David Farn plays Lurcio with quite a bit of ham, but, thankfully no half-cocked (or not that we saw!) Frankie impersonation. He made it his own character which was all to the good. Irene Lathan is suitably manic as Senna the Soothsayer, and I especially like Henry Cockburn (surely this was no coincidental casting choice??) as the unfortunate and iffeminate Nauseus, and Michael Luke as the very gruff  Capt Treacherus, adding just the right amount of machismo to the proceedings!

My only criticisms would be that The Royalty has a very small stage and there was a lot of scenery on there and, at times, a lot of actors which made it all a bit crowded. The final scene with its excellent special effects and sounds could be an absolute killer (pun fully intended!) as the volcano erupts but it just lacked a little bit of crispness in the execution which left the audience slightly unsure if it was time to applaud or not...which is a shame as it was definitely worthy of a longer show of the audience's appreciation.

Full of laughs, it is well worth the £8 entry. It runs until Sat 28th June. Definitely not one to miss! Thanks to Kathy for persuading me to go along!

Review - Get Up and Tie Your Fingers - Town Hall Theatre

Get up and Tie your Fingers

 

Thurs 5th June

 

Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool

 

 

Get Up and Tie Your Fingers is based on the lives of the herring lasses - independent women who followed the herring fleets. Tough, strong, hardworking women they travelled with the fishing fleet as it followed the shoals along the coast, gutting and selling the fish. It was a hard but rewarding life that gave these women the opportunity to travel and to earn money of their own at a time when independent women in any society were a rarity.

It is a tale of hardship and tragedy. Lives lost through sickness and drowning, families broken by cholera and the sea, a tale of despair and regret, guilt and blame.

But it is also of resilience, of loyalty and of hope. It is a story of identity, told through song (using local choirs at each venue on the tour, in this case from Hartlepool Sixth Form College) and reminiscences and action.
 

Jean (played by Barbara Marten) has spent a lifetime lost in regret. She clings to her daughter Molly (Samantha Foley) refusing to let her join a crew to follow the herring, arguing with her friend Janet (Sian Mannifield) over it. The three characters each represent a different outlook on life - Jean dour and intransigent, full of self recrimination and regret, Janet practical but full of life, refusing to let the tragedies of life weigh her down, and Molly, a dreamer, full of hope and excitement, impatient to experience life for herself. The love between these three women shines out despite their arguments and differences.

The cast is entirely female yet men are central to the women's lives - husbands, fathers and sons - they appear in the story only through the words of the women and yet are as real as the characters on the stage.
 

This is an incredibly moving play, beautifully produced and presented and performed, portraying a way of life and an industry that was once the mainstay of coastal communities, and which is now gone forever. You will laugh and, possibly, cry at at it.

There is one more show in Hartlepool tonight then, like the herring shoals it moves on down the coast.

 

For more information  Follow the Herring!

 

Denise Sparrowhawk

Review - The Next Train to Depart - Arts Centre Washington

The Next Train to Depart

Arts Centre Washington
30^th Jan 2014
 

Written by John Challis and directed by Melanie Rashbrooke, The Next Train to Depart is the first of three Bitesize plays from Queen’s Hall Arts.

The play follows the developing relationship of two people who meet by chance at a railway station. Dante (Adam Donaldson) is a would be poet, sitting in the station day after day people watching, and writing, and waiting for his girlfriend to call. Kayleigh (Alex Tahnee) is a call centre worker, on her last warning for being late, and stuck in a rut in her personal life.

We see them develop from chance acquaintances to friends, and maybe more. Kayleigh dreams of another life, another world, finding an escape in their daily meetings, growing in confidence finally realising that she must take the chance to change her life. Dan matures and becomes less self conscious as a writer, finding inspiration in Kayleigh’s dreams. But will he have the strength to choose adventure when the time comes?

 

This is a simple, gentle play, with some beautiful, poetic moments set against the background of station sounds (which were recorded for real at Newcastle Central). It asks questions about life and relationships, personal happiness and development, and our ability to choose to change.  There is a real sense of two people on the brink of discovery, but perhaps too afraid to step out. In the end you are left feeling that one of them at least will take the opportunity and move forward.

The Next Train to Depart is playing at Seaton Delaval Arts Centre and Alnwick Playhouse in February and is well worth an hour of your time.

Denise Sparrowhawk

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!

My Fair Lady - Review- Whitley Bay Playhouse

My Fair Lady
Whitley Bay Playhouse
Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society
28 Feb 2011

My Fair Lady is the simple story of a Eliza Doolittle, a humble flower girl in the heart of London trying to make her way in life. A chance encounter with Professor Higgins a leading linguist could well change her life

I last saw My Fair Lady in its less musical role as Pygmalion (REVIEW) last month in Newcastle. I was blown away by the set up, the acting and the good feeling vibe that was obvious in the audience leaving the theatre. Tonight Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society needed to push the boundaries out to meet and match the previous amateur offerings.
In my opinion Pygmalion was flat in comparision to the bright and buzzing My Fair Lady that was served up.
The marvelous singing and the dazzling choreography (Lyndsey Harrison) as well as the fantastic sets made all of the difference.
Charlotte May as Doolittle captivated the audience with not only her superb singing voice, but her accents (the harsh Covent Garden cockney type to the stiff upper lip Queens English) were spot on. To be honest I found it hard to differentiate between her accents and the accents of the previous Doolittle in Pygmalion, which for me was brilliantly eerie. May's acting skills have lead her to audition for the Professional Musical Theatre Course, I certainly think there is a  rightful place for her.
Professor Henry Higgins was brilliantly played by Alan Davison, his rough around the edges, but caring character came through in his performance. The stage was lit up by his poise and charm. His singing voice was also very enjoyable.
Andy Dean, as the sidekick of Higgins -Colonel Pickering- gracefully made his part his own, although I am sure he succeeded with his other previous three starring roles in MFL.
The lovely designed sets took us from the Opera House in Covent Garden, to the in and outside of Higgins' study. The attention to detail was fabulous, a lot of work must have been done by Technical guys there.
Sound was adequate, from Leah McKenzie and Darren Lowe as was the lighting (also by Lowe).
Musical direction from Andrew Clarence was very precise and his musicians played their parts well in enhancing the performance.
Director Chris Johnson, who I last reviewed as part of the super NOISES OFF, has worked very hard in putting all of his breadth of experiences together and creating a fun and very enjoyable musical. Considering this was his first bash at directing a musical production, then more so that I take my hat off to him. I only hope that the public support him and their local theatre better than they did tonight, far too many empty seats spoiled what was a great evening at the theatre.
It is fitting that this TAOS opening night play is performed the day after The Oscar ceremony in America. It is touted that multi award winning actor Colin Firth is lined up to play Prof Higgins in a forthcoming rehash of the movie, he would definitely benefit from a few acting lessons off Mr Davison.

For timings and pricing please refer to my PREVIEW

The Day after this review I spoke to Chris Johnson, the director, regarding the sound and light. He is very much a perfectionist. He asked me if I would come back to re-review it at the end of the week, so he could tweak this and take this from a great review to a fantastic review.
My right hand man Noel Harris who stepped into reviewing When Harry Met Sally for me, stepped into the breach and again watched it with his review head on.
This is what Noel thought of it:-

I listened to some of the audience as they left, many people were saying that it was nothing short of professional in every way. From the acting, to the singing and through to the lighting, sound and scenery, the whole package left the audience totally gobsmacked. The complex scene changes occurred seamlessly, with none of them appearing to take more than 30 seconds.
The fast dialogue from the actors sped us through the rather long first half, and to be honest I could easily watch this show again. 
Chris Johnson has taken a place in the history of amateur theatre, and any company wanting a refreshing twist on an old favourite should really be calling him up. The TAOS is clearly succeeding in bringing old favourites into the twenty first century, whilst graciously incorporating the invaluable talent of it's senior members, both on and off the stage. Well done to them!

So it seems that Mr Johnson has tweaked his way into creating even better than what was originally on offer. The sound and the lighting which worked on the Monday -but could have definitely been better - has been bettered! All the stops seemed to have been pulled out!
I feel confident through the words of Noel, and my own viewing that is was a pretty special performance, both on and off the stage.
I cant wait for the next production that Johnson is involved with.

Michael Hunter

The Man & The Donkey review Customs House

In a recent TV survey, nearly half of South Shields folk didn’t know that a gallant war hero came from their town, even though a statue of him is erected in a prominent position.

The Man and The Donkey is a portrayal of John Simpson Kirkpatrick, who was born in the town in 1892. At the age of 17 he joined the Merchant Navy, and headed off around the world, ending up in Australia. Life wasn’t good to him, so after deserting and travelling around the continent for five years, he enlisted with the army as a way and means of getting back to England. His job was that of a stretcher bearer on the front line. A year after this he was posted to the Gallipoli Peninsula - Turkey, where he tended his comrades. During the first few days of his landing, he came across a stray donkey and quickly made use of it to carry the wounded. Kirkpatrick seemed to be fearless and dodged bullets and shrapnel as though it were all make believe. Some reports say that he saved many hundreds of lives, some say thousands.

On May 19^th 1915, three weeks after Kirkpatrick entered the ANZAC Corps, he was fatally injured and died from machine gun fire.

The play tonight, showed us all the goriness of war, but the compassion of its company.

The scenery and lighting of the stage set up was so realistic that you could only just imagine being in the trenches along with the brave soldiers.

From the frontline of the dead and dying, to the transport of the wounded, Kirkpatrick sailored them from the pits of despair to the relative comfort of first aid and shelter. Stepping back in time a touch, we see the timeline of his journey from young Navy man to frontline mercy angel. This was all done in the humour from him of the well served ‘Sandancer’- the native of South Shields, a true Geordie. Even when he was berated by his Company Sergeant he still had that cheeky little answer and bewildering spirit to carry on regardless. From the moment that he set foot in the trenches of war to his sad death, John Simpson Kirkpatrick fought dam hard for his fellow soldier, from the cheery chattering,to the caring
for his passenger, John soldiered on like the war depended on it!  Him and his Donkey.!

Directed by the brilliant Jackie Fielding, and written by Valerie Laws the play was fronted by the fantastic Jamie Brown as Kirkpatrick, and his donkey played by two fellow actors, were cast superbly as they toiled for the greater good.

There is a statue of Kirkpatrick in every state of Australia, he is known as their greatest war hero; hopefully this play will elevate him, in the minds and the hearts of the townspeople of Shields, from being a lot more than just something for the pigeons to rest on.

This play, made me proud of our greatest hero that South Shields has ever seen, and was a joy to watch as the buzzing audience followed in line with my thinking.

This is a must see for anybody who is proud of the fantastic theatre on offer by brilliant cast and crew.

The Man & The Donkey
Date: 3 Feb 2011 - 12 Feb 2011 Time: 7.30pm & 2.30pm (Thurs 10 only)
Price: £15, £14conc, FRIENDS - £11 (first evening only)
Venue: Theatre

Michael Hunter

I dont actually mean break a leg

Image via Wikipedia

It's just what they say on stage,when they want you to have a good time,and to make a fist of things. .

I am Spikemike,aka Michael Hunter,and this is my attempt to inform and entertain the world in my scribblings.

I have been for the past couple of years,submitting a week by week list of gigs,theatre and anything Cultural,to a North East of England Community radio programme called The Cultural Thing.
This programme is picked up by 3 local Community radio stations and it also has a slot on Ex pat internet Radio. .
The Cultural Thing

More recently my passion for getting my message across,has led me to delve into the world of interviewing,and reviewing some of the events that I am publicising.
The Cultural Thing website is in its infancy,it will be getting a revamp.
I also dont have any editorial control over that website,so this blog is purely me and my words . .
I am very excited about this venture,and will quickly pick up what is needed to get my points across.
My aims are simple- to get more people out from the rut of tv dinners, for me to enjoy the theatre and the arts,like I have done,since I saw Grease and Star Wars,back in the day

I am making more and more contacts in the Cultural world day by day,and it is very much like a 'I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine' approach to it all. .
Basically,offer me a couple of Press tickets to a ticketed event in North East England(theatre,cinema,stand up comedy,public speaking(cultural of course)) and I will review it(totally unbiased). . This will not only feature on this blog,and The Cultural Thing website,but I will also submit it to my facebook page and to the local and national press.
I would be happy to come along to final dress rehearsals,as well as 'Press Nights',would also like to continue to meet casts and directors,to see what makes them click.

I really want people to embrace what they have around them,and to enjoy stuff that isnt going to break the bank.
If I can get a few more bums on seats,by people who wouldnt normally head to Cultural events,by reading my review,then I will have achieved some of my aims. .


Cheers

Spikemike