The Gambling Man - Review - People's Theatre

The Gambling Man

People's Theatre
16th July 2019

The People's Theatre close their season with a crowd-pleasing Cookson adaptation.
The Gambling Man, set in South Shields, follows the fortunes of Rory Connor (Stephen Sharkey) a rent collector with ambition. A gambler, he plans to use his skills at the tables to win enough money to lift himself and his brother out of poverty. His plan to buy a derelict boat yard, however, brings him into conflict with the Pitty brothers (Steve Hewitt and Steve Strouzer) and their employer Alfred Nickle (Tony Seghal). If Rory and his brother set up in the boat yard, their own shady business will be under threat and they won't allow it.  Rory's ambition and arrogance is greater than their threats and he and his brother eventually do set up their boatyard in opposition to the Pittie brothers but not without a cost. Rory gambles to win the money for the yard, and almost dies after a beating by the brothers.  He "borrowed" his gambling stake from  his best friend's rent account and because of the beating is unable to repay the money before it is discovered missing. His friend is jailed for the theft. The guilt of this will haunt Rory and ultimately destroys his relationship with Janie (Emma jane Richards), his childhood sweetheart.

It's a tale of harship, ambition, fate and fortune. Rory is essentially a good man but he has a flawed character. He is a man who wants to control his own destiny, but finds other people and circumstance have a hand in his fate, sometimes for the better, but ultimately or the worse and he pays dearly for his mistakes. In many ways it is a very hardy-esque tale with fate intervening to interfere with the chosen path of the characters and the weather (unremittingly stormy and brilliantly conveyed by the sound crew) mirroring the relentless difficulty and hardship and portent of what is come.

The experienced People's cast and crew do a grand job of presenting this adaptation of Catherine Cookson's work. Their affection for the local writer is clear in the portrayal of the characters and their stories.  Though a tragic tale, it is saved from being overbearingly dark by the honest observation of the characters and the snatches of humour in their dealings with each other. You might not like all these characters but will feel for their situation.

You can bet fans of Cookson will love this production, while fans of the theatre will appreciate the staging and performances.

The Gambling Man will be playing until Saturday 20th July. Raise your stake and take your place at the tables with him.

Denise Sparrowhawk

The Machine Gunners - Review - Royalty Theatre

The Machine Gunners  
Royalty Theatre
25th October 2016


This was promising to be an interesting show with a young cast, but as it turns out it was more interesting than anticipated. Unfortunately due to an accident just before the first night show the young lead Aidan Evans was unable to play his role and a stand in had to be found at the last minute. So we began the show with an apology from the Chairman as assistant director Peter Kelly would be taking the part of Chas McGill and would reading from the script at times. It also had to be said Peter Kelly is considerably older than the character of Chas McGill. However in true theatrical "the show must go on" style, the cast took up their places and the play began.

The play is a children's wartime adventure. The original story written by Robert Westall to entertain his own son, is full of wit and humour, the dialogue feels authentic - the kids talk and act like kids. It is great to hear a play in the north east dialect.
The story slips between narration by Chas and action and it moves smoothly from one to the other. Overall it has a Blytonesque feel to it - reminiscent of the Famous Five or Secret Seven - kids being kids but taking on roles more suited to adults, planning to save the day and be seen as heroes.

The stage was set with elements of each scene - a bomb damaged street, woodland, and the inside of Chas's home. Props and scenery were moved with ease by cast members to create each scene, a screen of trees brought forward for the woods, a table and chairs brought on stage for the inside of the house. Lighting was used to good effect, darkening for the scenes in the wood, then bright for the narration and the scenes in town. Sound effects combined with the lighting recreated the droning aeroplanes, explosions and gunfire. The tech was very well done.

As it turns out the chairman's apology was barely needed and any concerns the audience might have felt were quickly dispelled. It's a tall order to step into a role at short notice, and a taller one still for an adult to be asked to play a child. But, Peter Kelly not only stepped up he did so with style! Right from the start he was convincing as the character, capturing the cheekiness and ingenuousness of the boy. He got through the lengthy opening speeches without resorting to the script, and his assurance must have been hugely reassuring to the rest of the young cast - some of whom were on stage at this theatre for the first time. They did themselves and the theatre proud. If I had choose a man of the play - apart from Peter Kelly who was undoubtedly the hero of the hour - I would go with Lee Wilkins who gave a impassioned performance as the tough but vulnerable Glaswegian orphan, Clogger.

This is a great family drama, full of humour, some sadness, lots of adventure and it is a credit to the cast and team to have produced such a good show under difficult circumstances.

Tickets are just £8 and will be money well spent for two hours of entertainment and the play runs until Saturday 29th October.

Denise Sparrowhawk

The Machine Gunners - Royalty Theatre - Preview

The Machine Gunners
Royalty Theatre
24th-29th October 2016

Picture courtesy of Royalty Theatre

Next week the Royalty Theatre in Sunderland presents Ali Taylor's stage adaptation of Robert Westall's The Machine Gunners. Set on Tyneside in World War II it tells the tale of  Chas McGill. Chas has the second best collection of war souvenirs in Garmouth, but when he stumbles across a crashed German bomber with its machine gun still intact he knows he can have the best collection. He and his gang hatch a plan to take possession of the gun. However when a German pilot is shot down events take a dangerous turn.

The original story was written by Westall for his son and is a classic boys adventure. The casting therefore gives younger actors the opportunity to take on the major roles. The lead role is taken by Aidan Evans, a member of the Royalty's Youth Theatre.  He will be acting alongside newcomers Lee Wilkins, Luke Harrison, and Emma Griffiths, as well more established members of the theatre including Matt Macnamee, Richard Delroy, Kirsty Downham and Scott Henderson. More information about the cast is available on the theatre's facebook page. The director is Anna Snell.

The Machine Gunners is a great family drama set right here in the north east, and should prove a good choice for half term entertainment. It runs from Monday 24th to Saturday 29th and tickets are available online from TicketSource or from the box office from 6.45pm before the show. Curtain up is at 7.30pm.

Iris - Review - Live Theatre

Iris
Live Theatre
7th April 2016

Iris is a compelling piece of drama which tackles some huge issues. Motherhood, sisterhood, grief, guilt and legacy. It explores the relationship between two sisters and their mother, and the lasting influence a parent can have on her children.

The central character is the elder of the two sisters, Julie (Katy Cavanagh), and the play essentially follows her discovery of herself as she battles through her own internal conflicts and finally comes to terms with the legacy of her relationship with her mother, Iris. She has returned home after many years away, and minimal contact with her mother or sister Ruby (Sam Neale), for Iris's funeral. There is friction between the two sisters fuelled by Julie's guilt and Ruby's resentment. At first it seems that Julie's guilt is purely due to her abandonment of her sister, but as the play progresses more and more of the circumstances of Julie's life with Iris are revealed and it becomes clear that the mother daughter relationship was hugely flawed.

Ruby is much younger - it was hard to put an age on her but the "whatever" attitude suggested teenage. Certainly she is immature, having been overly protected by Iris after a childhood accident.

As the play opens Julie is returning to the house, drunk, with a man in tow. The remains of a buffet and drinks are left on the coffee table and dining table, but the notion that there has been a party is quickly dismissed when Gerry (Joe Caffrey) draws attention to the debris. It is not until later that we discover it is the day of Iris's funeral and Julie has abandoned her sister and the few friends who turned out, at the wake.

Alison Carr has written Iris with humour and compassion. There is much that could be disliked in the two women, but the audience never feels it. The themes of self awareness and self discovery run through the play - symbolised by the many mirrors that adorn the walls of Iris's home and echoed in the repetition of Iris' mantra to "always be able to look ourselves in the eye".

The set of the play is the front room of the house - ordinary, except for the mirrors - but as the second act begins the walls are suddenly transparent for a moment to show the cracks beneath the surface, before the scenes begin and the cracks are covered.

This play unfolds like a puzzle - it is clear from the start that there are unresolved issues between the sisters, and within Julie herself. Iris, their mother, although dead, is a constant presence within the play - a malevolent one for Julie, but a more ambivalent presence for Ruby. Into the middle of all this is drawn the unsuspecting Gerry - one of life's helpers. He acts as the catalyst which draws out the truth for both women. slowly revealing clues for the audience as well as the sisters, so that we piece together the history of the family bit by bit. Like one of Gerry's puzzles the answers gradually fit together until almost all the pieces are in place and the truth is revealed. It's a hard truth and it could easily break any or all of the characters, but Alison Carr ends the play on a note of hope.

Excellent production, clever writing and sympathetic acting by the three members of the cast. Brilliant.

Iris plays until the end of April.

Denise Sparrowhawk

Figureheads - Review - TVLB Watch House

Figureheads

TVLB Watch House Museum
24th Jan 2016

Last weekend I was invited to a live performance of a new radio play at the Watch House Museum in Tynemouth: Figureheads, written by Whitley Bay writer Noreen Rees, with readings from members of Whitley Bay's creative writing group  Elementary Writers. The event was organised by Sam Levy, education officer at the museum and Rachel Cochrane of Listen Up North.

Elementary Writers have produced poems and stories inspired by Whitley Bay and St Mary's Lighthouse. The readings were lively and the range of subjects surprising - from a Russian love letter to a first football match.

Through a Prism a poem by Harry Gallagher
Famous Five at St Mary's Lighthouse by Moira Conway
New Year Resolution by Jean Laurie
Letter from Cholera Island by James Tucker
Wish You Were here by Jennifer Wilson
My Team by Mike Cockburn
St Mary of the Lighthouse by Harry Gallagher

Elementary Writers is run by Victoria Watson .

After a short break that gave us all the chance to see some of the interesting and intriguing artefacts in the museum, we sat back for the main feature: Figureheads tells of the fateful events on the 24th November 1862, when two ships ("The Stanley", a passenger steamer from Glasgow, and the schooner "Friendship") foundered on the notorious Black Midden Rocks with the loss of 24 lives, including members of the lifeboat crew who were attempting a rescue in the heavy seas.
The tale is narrated by eye witness, Brendan, who recalls the storm, and the sight of a strange figure up on the cliffs. It then unfolds through the eyes of four Figureheads from wrecked ships, as they try in vain to save the Stanley and the Friendship. 
Each Figurehead has a tale to tell, and a different outlook on events, from the practical Lowestoft, to the lugubrious Rupert. The four characters of the Figureheads are brought to life in this original and touching play, and the actors make the events feel very real. Because this is a radio play the writing is very visual, aided by sound effects of sea and wind and the cries of the shipwrecked, it is a very atmospheric and moving experience - all the more so because of the venue and the tolling of the actual bell from the Stanley as the names of the lost are called at the end of the play. I highly recommend listening later in the year when it will be available online, and definitely find time to visit the museum to find out about the history and the on-going good work of the TVLB.

'Figureheads' was written by Noreen Rees

Lowestoft by Mary Pickin

First of May by Karen Traynor

Fame by Ann Ridley

Rupert by Penny Lamport

Brendan (narrator) by Ray Moore

Produced and directed by Rachel Cochrane

 

Available to listen as a radio play on listenupnorth.com in the Spring

 

Denise Sparrowhawk

The Fifteen Streets - Review - People's Theatre

The Fifteen Streets
The People's Theatre
14th July 2015

Catherine Cookson is an iconic author in the North East. Working in libraries even as late as the 1990s I saw first hand the popularity of her writing. We would have waiting lists that ran well into double figures, sometimes into trebles when the new title was due out. She writes about the harshness of life for the working classes in the north, where just surviving could be a struggle, and where the slightest change in circumstance could be the difference between life and death. She writes of families and communities - of loyalty and betrayal, identity and conformity, of justice and injustice. Her books have been read by many, labelled as 'light fiction' because they are romances and family sagas, but actually they are full of powerful social commentry. Catherine Cookson never preaches, and she does not romanticise the lives of her characters. She pulls no punches in her depiction of the harshness of life for those living on the edge of poverty.  The Fifteen Streets is no exception and it makes for a powerful and emotionally charged stage play. There are many strands to the story, religion, social mobility, class division, domestic violence, prejudice. It would be easy to be overwhelmed by the diversity and the intensity of the themes, or for the play to become something of a charicature, but under the direction of Maggie Childs and John Gray the People's Theatre production manages to cover it all convincingly and realistically.

The play opens with an off-stage tribal drumbeat and chant which seems out of place at first, but it quickly becomes clear that this is indicative of the tribal nature of the communities and their inhabitants, not just the workers in the Streets, but in the church and the other social classes.
The cast is substantial, not only in numbers but in quality - there are many familiar names in the cast list and there was not a bad performance among them. The Fifteen Streets is a story of hardship and love - acted with passion, whether in the love scenes between John O'Brien ( Craig Fairbairn) and 'Miss Llewellen' (Rachel Scott) or in the ferrocious fight scenes between brothers, fathers, sons, and neighbours.  The O'Briens are a notorious family, known for their in-fighting and drinking, held together by the mother Mary Ellen (Sarah McLane) and terrorised by the father (Sands Dobson). Two of the family though, are determined to rise above life in the Streets and better themselves, their strength of character evident from the first - John O'Brien - a good man - and his sister Katie ( Rhiannon Wilson) 'a clever girl', they shine forth, different from their siblings and neighbours. But tragedy strikes and more than one family is torn apart by the repercussions. Will goodness win out and a dream be realised - or will the environment win out and pull them all back down into the darkness?

There are some great performances, notably the scenes between John O'Brien and Mary Llewellyn, which are beautifully acted, and bitter sweet, and the relationship between John and Katie O'Brien, which shows the affinity between a brother and sister who are both so different from their other family members.  I also loved the performance by Helga McNiel of Beatrice Llewellyn, the aggreived mother, clearly jealous of the relationship between Mary and her father, too conscious of her social standing, and too quick to forget her own husband's lowly beginnings.

The People's Theatre have produced another excellent piece of drama. It is much, much more than the tale of the school teacher and the docker.

It runs until Saturday 18th July.

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!

A Walk On Part, The Public Review link

A few months ago I applied to become a reviewer for a national online company.
The The Public Reviews set up in 2006 is a collaboration of dedicated volunteer theatre reviewers.
I got a call a few days ago and was asked if I would like to try out for them.
I jumped at the chance! This of course would be a test review, but if good enough for submission would go onto their website.
The play in question was the superb A Walk On Part, at The Live Theatre in Newcastle. I am glad to say that I received great feedback from the regional editor Steve Burbridge regarding my review. A decision as to whether I join their ranks of brilliant reviewers will come in a few days.
As with the policy of TPR any reviews that a contributor makes cannot be posted to their own personal website, till three days after submission. I will be copying and pasting the review here on Sunday 15th, so please come and have a gander.
If you cannot wait till then please feel free to have a look at my review HERE. The review is currently on the first page of the review section of the website.


Michael Hunter

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

Guys and Dolls today

Really looking forward to it.
A bit of crime on Tyneside,it has never been known. Ha ha

Hoping to meet up with the cast and the production staff,after the curtain has closed

Hope to get a review on here,as soon as I can