Review: The Best of 2016

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The Best of 2016

2016 was another great year for the North East Theatre Guide. We more than doubled the readership of the theatre blog during the year which continues to go from strength to strength.

Stats wise: This year 244000 (2015:115 000) read the guide which featured 133 (2015: 93) reviews and it had a peak readership of over 30300 in a month. Thanks go to everyone who read, wrote or helped out in any way in helping us to celebrate North East theatre.  The review which created the most traffic was Bishop Auckland’s open air spectacular Kynren http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/reviewkynren-at-bishop-auckland.html. Now we don’t claim to see every show but here are the shows that stood out for us from those we covered.

We don’t pretend that this is anything other than a list of what we liked. We don’t go on anything technical or clever – we are just members of the audience that say if we liked the show or not, nothing more or less. You may disagree – great! We will be happy that the theatre that you saw caused you to react in that way. Please remember that we are Newcastle based and for most of this year the roadworks on the A1 has prevented us from attending shows in the southern half of the region after work. 

The Proud to be in the North East Award:

Here is the first surprise, as neither Jo or I saw the winner, but we value the opinion of our reviewer plus the audience reaction. Baby Love and Ultimate Warrior were both very personal shows and had a real impact. We thought about Billy Elliot but we’d like to keep this category local.

1 Dolly Mixtures at South Shields Customs House http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/review-dolly-mixtures-at-south-shields.html

2 Baby Love at Durham Gala and  South Shields Customs House http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/review-baby-love-at-durham-gala.html

3 Being An Ultimate Warrior at South Shields Customs House http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/review-being-ultimate-warrior-at-south.html

2015:   Geordie The Musical – South Shields Customs House http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/review-geordie-musical-at-south-shields.html

TheLaugh out loud stand up comedy award:

A tough category as a number of great stand up tours have come to the region, especially at the Tyne Theatre. We are going to allow Steffen to hold the title for 2 years as his ingenious format generates a different show every time you see it. Suggestibles are always a favourite annual trip and form the perfect antidote to the panto season.  We are pleased to note the return of the Grinning Idiot back at St Doms. It is great value and good fun.

1 Steffen Peddie 99 Problems And The Chips Still Ain’t One http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/review-99-problems-and-chips-still-aint.html

2 The Suggestibles Improv Pantso at Newcastle Northern Stage http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/review-suggestibles-improv-pantso-at.html

3 Grinning Idiot at Newcastle St Doms http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/review-grinning-idiot-comedy-club-at.html

2015: Steffen Peddie – Newcastle The Stand http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/review-steffen-peddie-at-newcastle.html

The Stunning set design award:

Did you go to Kynren? We have to admit we wondered if they’d pull it off – and they did! They plan to return bigger and better next year. The Theatre Royal has had a good year in the stunning department and the set of Lord of the Flies was another close contender.

1 Kynren at Bishop Auckland Flatts Farm http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/reviewkynren-at-bishop-auckland.html

2  Mary Poppins at Newcastle Theatre Royal http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/review-mary-poppins-at-newcastle.html

3  Cinderella at Newcastle Theatre Royal http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/review-cinderella-at-newcastle-theatre.html

2015: Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time – Sunderland Empire http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/review-curious-incident-at-sunderland.html

The Best dance production award:

Dance continues to develop in the region and we have two fabulous tours that visited the region and a locally produced show that could easily have gone in our North East Pride category.

1 Rambert at Newcastle Theatre Royal http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/review-rambert-at-newcastle-theatre.html

2 NDT2 at Newcastle Theatre Royal http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/review-ndt2-newcastle-theatre-royal.html

3 Launch day at Hexham Queens Hall http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/review-launch-day-at-hexham-queens-hall.html

2015:  5 Soldiers – Newcastle Dance City http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/preview-5-soldiers-at-newcastle-dance_14.html

The Best amateur musical award:

Oh boy, there was some debate about this group as we have a lot of talented people who appear in these shows. Spamalot was as good as the professional show we saw a few years ago and just shows how good “amateur” can be. Tyne Theatre has had a number of entertaining shows this year and, in our opinion, Sweeney Todd was the pick of the bunch. Keeping the Stephen Sondheim theme going, we were impressed with the Newcastle College show and the young actors have a great future ahead of them we’re sure.

1 Spamalot at Yarm Princess Alexandra Auditorium, http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/review-spamalot-at-yarm-princess.html

2 Sweeney Todd at Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/review-sweeney-todd-at-newcastle-tyne.html

3 Into The Woods at Newcastle College PeterSarah Theatre http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/review-into-woods-at-newcastle-college.html

2015: Hairspray – Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/review-hairspray-at-newcastle-tyne.html

TheBest musical award:

Another surprise? This was a close one and the result of much debate. This is down to personal preference and we admit it – we love The Kinks! It was probably the best “jukebox” musical we’ve seen. Poppins was a great success too and quite rightly attracted a lot of praise. Avenue Q is another, shameless, one we love and regularly play the cast recording (when not in polite company of course). Special mention for Tom – the Tom Jones Musical – which was much better than some newspaper critics would let you believe.

1 Sunny Afternoon at Sunderland Empire http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/review-sunny-afternoon-at-sunderland.html

2 Mary Poppins at Newcastle Theatre Royal http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/review-mary-poppins-at-newcastle.html

3 Avenue Q at Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/review-avenue-q-at-newcastle-tyne.html

2015:    Our Ladies – Newcastle Live Theatre http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/review-our-ladies-of-perpetual-succour.html

The Best Show for Children:

Regular readers will know that we love the Christmas show at Northern Stage and this year’s show was no exception. These shows were Robert’s introduction to theatre and from that a real passion has developed. Savage, however, did something very brave – it aimed itself at older children than are usually the case for kids shows. This is a move that should be encouraged. The magic show Impossible just missed out in this category and is still worth a mention.

1 Savage at Newcastle Live Theatre http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/review-savage-at-newcastle-live-theatre.html

2 James & The Giant Peach at Newcastle Northern Stage http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/preview-james-and-giant-peach-at.html

3 Groovy Greeks/Horrible Histories at Sunderland Empire http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/review-groovy-greeks-at-sunderland.html

2015:  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – Newcastle Northern Stage http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/review-wonderful-wizard-of-oz-at.html

The Best new writing award:

This is always the toughest category to do as there is so much wonderful new writing in the North East. Alphabetti had a string of great shows and we wish them every success in relocating when the current venue is closed for redevelopment. The Rooms in 2016 was a brand new show with 3 new plays to experience and hence it can take the title again. Meanwhile Live Theatre had a cracking year and didn’t put a foot wrong with its ambitious programming. Likewise Northern Stage continues to push the boat out on stages 2 and 3. Just missing out is The Customs House in South Shields which is regularly pulling in new writing talent and taking a risk rather than just programming the regular pot boilers. With all 4 venues we can recommend taking a risk if you are free one evening next year and fancy seeing a show without breaking the bank. Yes, we have a joint third place because that is easier than a divorce.

1 The Rooms (2016) at Newcastle Alphabetti http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/review-rooms-at-newcastle-alphabetti.html

2 How To Make A Killing In Bollywood at Newcastle Northern Stage http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/review-how-to-make-killing-in-bollywood.html

3 Terminal Velocity Of Snowflakes at Newcastle Live Theatre http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/review-terminal-velocity-of-snowflakes.html

3 Mobile at Newcastle Live Theatre http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/review-mobile-at-newcastle-live-theatre.html

2015:  The Rooms (2015) – Newcastle Alphabetti http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/review-rooms-at-newcastle-alphabetti.html

The Most entertaining pantomime

Ray Spencer MBE and his team had us all in stitches for start to finish. It set the bar extremely high in entertaining the audience and ensuring something for everyone. The chasing pack are catching up and the other 3 pantos deserve a billing for making us laugh and getting a reaction out of the youngsters in the audience. There is something magical when you hear children going “wow!” in a show.

1 Jack And The Beanstalk – South Shields Customs House http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/review-jack-beanstalk-at-south-shields.html

2 Aladdin – Whitley Bay Playhouse http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/review-aladdin-at-whitley-bay-playhouse.html

3 Aladdin – Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/review-aladdin-at-hartlepool-town-hall.html

3 Jack And The Beanstalk – Durham Gala http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/review-jack-and-beanstalk-at-durham-gala.html

2015: Alice In Wonderland – South Shields Customs House http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/review-alice-in-wonderland-at-south.html

The Most spectacular Christmas show

The North East has big pantos too and each one has their own merits. All three were better than last year which is good news as standards continue to improve. Panto is important as, for many kids, it will be the first experience of live theatre. We need to capture their hearts and minds and encourage them to try something else which is live and not on a screen. 

1 Cinderella at Newcastle Theatre Royal http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/review-cinderella-at-newcastle-theatre.html

2 Sleeping Beauty at Sunderland Empire http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/review-sleeping-beauty-at-sunderland.html

3 Beauty And The Beast at Newcastle Tyne Theatre and Opera House http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/review-beauty-beast-at-newcastle-tyne.html

2015:    Dick Whittington - Newcastle Theatre Royal http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/review-dick-whittington-at-newcastle.html

The Laugh Out Loud funniest production

The not-so-wee-these-days-man always gets the job of nominating this one. He didn’t know what to expect and loved it. We hope Sell-A-Door continue to bring shows to the Tyne Theatre.

Avenue Q at Newcastle Tyne Theatre and Opera House http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/review-avenue-q-at-newcastle-tyne.html

2015:    Peter Pan Goes Wrong – Darlington Civic Theatre http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/review-peter-pan-goes-wrong-at.html

The Best amateur play:

Three great shows here from a venue that has had the builders in this year and is undergoing an extensive revamp. We cannot wait to visit the new studio theatre when it opens. Be My Baby was really emotional and feature superb young acting talent. Richard III was incredible and Lords and Ladies was the best Pratchett adaptation to date.

1 Be My Baby at Newcastle Peoples Theatre http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/review-be-my-baby-at-newcastle-peoples.html

2 Richard III at Newcastle Peoples Theatre http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/review-richard-iii-at-newcastle-peoples.html

3 Lords and Ladies at Newcastle Peoples Theatre http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/review-lords-and-ladies-at-newcastle.html

2015: They Shoot Horses Don’t They – Newcastle Peoples Theatre http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/review-they-shoot-horses-dont-they-at.html

The Best Adaptation award:

Again. No apologies. We loved the funny 39 Steps. We are massive fans of Get Carter (read the book, got the DVD etc). We were pleased with Lord of the Flies which was studied at O Level (ask your grandparents). We are biased. Get over it.

1 39 Steps at Newcastle Theatre Royal http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/review-39-steps-at-newcastle-theatre.html

2 Get Carter at Newcastle Northern Stage http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/review-get-carter-at-newcastle-northern.html

3 Lord Of The Flies at Newcastle Theatre Royal http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/review-lord-of-flies-at-newcastle.html

2015:    Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour  – Newcastle Live Theatre http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/review-our-ladies-of-perpetual-succour.html

The Best Shakespeare award

A new category – but we’ve seen a fair bit of Bill’s work this year. Cranked Anvil nearly got a clean sweep if it wasn’t for Colin Jeffery’s power hungry Richard III. Romeo has a toon vs mackem adaptation which worked well. Henry was rebooted for the Great War and, once again, brought the Bard’s work to life with its relevance.

1 Romeo And Juliet at Newcastle Alphabetti http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/review-romeo-and-juliet-at-newcastle.html

2 Richard III at Newcastle People’s Theatre http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/review-richard-iii-at-newcastle-peoples.html

3 Henry V at Newcastle Alphabetti http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/review-henry-v-at-newcastle-alphabetti.html

 

The Best drama award

This was always going to be a tough one as 2016 was a great year for drama. The Father was personal. It was clever and well interpreted however it was nevertheless personal. Likewise The 56 means a lot to a pair of Yorkshire football fans who support, what was at the time, another club that was going nowhere. The harrowing detail remains with us as we know what our ground was like at the time. Bollywood was a very clever script which was executed very well and shows the high standards achieved by shows on Stage 2 at Northern Stage.

1 The Father at Newcastle Theatre Royal http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/review-father-at-newcastle-theatre-royal.html

2 The 56 at Newcastle Live Theatre http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/review-56-at-newcastle-live-theatre.html

3 How To Make A Killing In Bollywood at Newcastle Northern Stage http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/review-how-to-make-killing-in-bollywood.html

The Best at Edinburgh Fringe award

Fringe was fun. Shows definitely fell into 2 categories: the good and the meh! Not all shows seen had reviews written about them. They simply weren’t good enough to have to spend time writing them up. The Blueswater Blues show nearly made the cut. Of the 35 shows seen, it is Lifted, Cat Loud and Jay’s Trump show that we still regularly talk about months later.

1 Lifted http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/edfringe-review-lifted-at.html

2 Cat Loud’s Wayward Blues http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/edfringe-review-blueswater-presents-cat.html

3 Trumpaggedon http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/edfringe-review-trumpageddon.html

So that leaves, once again, a thank you to everyone that has helped us by reading, reviewing, performing, inviting and booking the shows.  Special mention goes to the very patient Joanne and our son Robert. He is only 13 and has literally sat through over a hundred shows.  For the record Robert’s top pick this year was Avenue Q and Jo puts The Rooms at the top of her list.

Finally, we like to put on record our sincere thanks to one amazing lady who was a big supporter of the North East Theatre Guide. Dawn Taylor was full of support, ideas and encouragement and we were extremely saddened to hear about her very severe stroke. We wish her a full and speedy recovery and would like her family to know that they remain in our thoughts.

Happy New Year!

Stephen Oliver

North East Theatre Guide