Review: Gregory’s Girl at Newcastle Peoples Theatre

She’s got style

Gregory’s Girl

Newcastle Peoples Theatre

Until Saturday 20^th September 2014.

Bill Forsyth’s classic story of growing up still resonates today as adolescents are still suffering from the same issues: school, teachers, boys, girls and the art of kissing.  The tale has been updated from the 80s film to include mobile phones and the fourth form has become year 10.

The action centres around Gregory who is your average fifteen year old. He is in the football team but his heart is no longer in it. He is fancied by Susan but he doesn’t notice her. He fancies the new member of the football team, Dorothy, but she has her mind on other things. Each member of the cast has their own dreams and aspirations but perhaps the most grounded individual is Gregory’s younger sister who seems to understand the connections between relationships.

A large youthful cast helps to bring the story to life. Simon Stuart plays Gregory with a sense of fun. Katie Maloney is a natural performer as his younger sister. The lads and Alex Carmichael did a cracking job with the football scenes. The play has retained the sense of fun of the original film, in particular the great cookery class scenes with Michael Critchlow, as Stephen, showing everyone has to make their pastry, and the bemused cheerleaders at the football matches.

A charming story performed by promising young actors.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo 

Tickets:

Gregory’s Girl by Bill Forsyth

Presented by The Young People’s Theatre. Director, Chris Heckels.

Dates:                         Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 September 2014

Time:                           7.30pm

Venue:                       The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon  Tyne, NE6 5QF

Tickets:                       £13.50 (Concessions £11)
Telephone:                0191 265 5020
Website:                    www.peoplestheatre.co.uk