Preview: Brooke Bentham at Tynemouth Surf Club

SOUTH SHIELDS SINGERBROOKE BENTHAM ANNOUNCES TYNESIDE HOMECOMING GIG

Brooke Bentham

TynemouthSurf Club

Saturday 17^th June 2017 

NEW SINGLE HEAVY AND EPHEMERAL - OUT NOW - LISTEN

Following the release of her sublime new single ‘Heavy And Ephemeral’, Brooke Bentham has announced a special Tyneside homecoming show in this Summer. 

Having just embarked on her first proper tour in March supporting the esteemed John Smith at 8 salubrious venues across the UK inc. London’s Union Chapel, Brooke returns to the North East for a headline performance at the Surf Club in Tynemouth on June 17th. 

Produced by Ben Baptie (Daughter, Adele, Låpsley), ‘Heavy And Ephemeral’ is a brilliant introduction for those who are meeting Brooke Bentham for the first time. At just 21 years old, Brooke channels a maturity and life ethic that's wise beyond her age, having been born and raised in South Shieldsbefore relocating to New Cross to study at Goldsmiths. Here, 'Heavy And Ephemeral' emerged, impressively completed in conjunction with Brooke jumping into a record deal, EP release and national touring alongside her graduation from University this spring. 

‘Heavy And Ephemeral’ is the first track to be taken from Brooke’s forthcoming debut EP, the swells and plummets of which feel as inspired by the epic alt  rock  journeying of War On Drugs or Ryan Adams as the emotional vocal depths of Sharon  Van  Etten  or  Angel  Olsen.  Brooke openly admits to writing it at a time of bitterness, as she felt suffocated by a specific relationship. ‘Heavy And Ephemeral’ sees her breaking out; a powerful and emotional anthem, full of light and darkness in equal measure. 

Following its premiere on Loud & Quiet, Heavy And Ephemeral’ is available to listen to here: https://soundcloud.com/brooke-bentham/heavy-and-ephemeral/s-P74DK 

On The Web:

Stream/Download ‘Heavy And Ephemeral’ here: https://brookebentham.lnk.to/hae

Brooke Bentham : Facebook/ Twitter/ Spotify

Preview: The Hunting of the Snark at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

All aboard!  The ship is departing!  All children, animals and silly people welcome!

RGM Productions presents:
The Hunting of the Snark

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Tuesday 17^th October 2017

Tyne Theatre & Opera House are excited to announce that sparkling musical comedy adventure The Hunting of the Snark will burst onto the stage on Tuesday 17^thOctober.

The impossible voyage of an improbable crew to hunt an imaginary creature is brought magically to life in this show that is fabulous fun for the whole family, from 4 to 94 year olds.

Enter the imaginative world of Alice in Wonderland creator, Lewis Carroll, in this brand new, highly original, ultra-modern adaptation inspired by his much loved classic poem.

   

Fresh from London’s West End, this show features five high-energy actors, life-like puppets, fantastical characters, and lashings of daft humour.

A riotous ragtag gang of bold adventurers including the Boy, the Banker, the Butcher, the Baker, the Bellman and the knitting Beaver set off on a quest to catch the mythical Snark… on the journey they encounter the Jub Jub bird, the sly Bandersnatch and the dastardly Boojum… Can a Snark be caught with soap?  Will the Beaver escape the hungry Butcher’s clutches? Will the Baker remember his name?  Does anyone know what a Snark actually looks like?

Side-splittingly funny, joyful, fast-paced and bursting with a soundtrack of witty songs by an award-winning songwriter, The Hunting of the Snark is a tour de force that‘ll delight, excite and entertain.

‘Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Bedknobs and Broomsticks, a slick slapstick and zippy one-liners.’ 

 THE STAGE (4 stars)

‘Packed to the gunnels with laughter and mayhem.’

EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS (5 stars)

‘A bit bonkers and a bit crazy, heartwarming and very, very funny.  Sometimes some of the best theatre is made for young people.’

BBC SCOTLAND RADIO

‘Full of laughs, brilliant songs, and a great story.’

PRIMARY TIMES MAGAZINE

‘… an enchanting, triumphant piece of children’s theatre.'

EDFRINGEREVIEW.COM (5 stars)

Tyne Theatre & Opera House Director Joanne Johnson says: “The Hunting of the Snark is the latest addition to our programme of family shows, and can be enjoyed by any age. It’s going to be a joyous and hilarious performance! I’m so thrilled that we can add more family shows to our 2017 programme, as a trip to the theatre is a wonderful family experience.”

Tickets:

The Hunting of the Snark comes to the Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House on  Tuesday 17th October 2017 with performances at 1pm & 4pm

£16 adults, £13 under 16s & concessions, £54 family (2 adults, 2 children).

Tickets available now from Eventim Tickets LINK

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House Box Office is open 10am-3:30pm Monday to Friday and event days

Booking and Information Line: 0844 2491 000 (10am – 6pm Monday to Friday)

News: PANTO PIONEER MICHAEL HARRISON TO BE AWARDED FREEDOM OF NEWCASTLE

PANTO PIONEER MICHAEL HARRISON TO BE AWARDED FREEDOM OF NEWCASTLE

Leading West End producer Michael Harrison is to be awarded Honorary Freedom of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne in recognitionof his services to Newcastle Theatre Royal and its record-breaking pantomime.

Michael, a pre-eminent West Endtheatre producer behind several major global successes including The Bodyguard, travels back to his home town of Newcastle every year to produce the Theatre Royal’s legendary annual panto and has opened several major touring shows at the venue, including Chess and Annie.

The title of ‘Honorary Freeman’ is purely honorary (and does not confer the privileges of Hereditary Freemen) but still represents the highest honour the Council can bestow.  Following a formal installation ceremony on 3 May, Michael’s name will be engraved on the Banqueting Hall wall at the Civic Centre alongside the names of other esteemed recipients of the honour since 1886.  

Michael said: “To be made a Freeman of my home city is a great honour to me – no matter where I travel Newcastle will always have a great place in my heart, and will always be ‘home’.  I have had a relationship with the Theatre Royal since being a boy and it is a very special Theatre and a particular highlight on the touring and producing calendar.”

Philip Bernays, chief executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, who nominated Michael for the honour with Theatre Royal Trust Chairman Bill Midgley (OBE), said: “We are very proud of Michael in so many ways.  He’s a leading light in his field and an inspiration to so many.  His pantomimes are frankly the best in the world, and it is a great honour to have him at the helm of ours.  This new accolade is well deserved.” 

Four Honorary Freedom awards will be conferred in total this year, the other recipients being The Little Sisters of the Poor, Freddy Shepherd and Bruce Shepherd OBE.  The ceremony will be held in the Council Chambers at the Civic Centre and recipients will be invited to process with the Lord Mayor’s party before signing the Register of Honorary Freemen.

In his role as Managing Director of Qdos Pantomimes Michael has produced over 100 pantomimes for the company and will oversee a staggering 35 pantos this Christmas, three of which he will personally direct (including Newcastle Theatre Royal’s record breaking Peter Pan). But before then he will be bringing massive West Endhits Funny Girl (starring Sheridan Smith, 16-20 May), Sunset Boulevard (9-14 October) and Beautiful (The Carol King musical, 14-18 Nov) to the Theatre Royal.  In August he will also be premiering his latest show here, a comedy musical collaboration with Mel Brooks - Young Frankenstein (26 Aug – 9 Sep) immediately prior to a West End run.

This year’s high-flying Theatre Royal panto Peter Pan (28 Nov ‘17 – 21 Jan ‘18) will be the thirteenth consecutive pantomime Michael has created for Newcastle Theatre Royal, and has already sold a record 60,000 tickets.  Of the twelve pantos he has created for the Theatre starring now local legends Danny Adams and Clive Webb, last year’s Cinderella hit the millionth ticket mark.

Tickets:
Peter Pan – The High Flying Pantomime Adventure appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 28 November 2017 – Sunday 21 January 2018 (Evenings: 7pm and 5pm, Matinees: 2pm and 1pm). Tickets are from £13.00 and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.ukFor information on the other shows Michael is bringing to the Theatre Royal please also visit the Theatre’s website.

Preview: Gods & Mortals at Sunderland Minster

Presented by Sunderland Stages in association with GemArts and Kadam/Pulse
Gods & Mortals 
Sunderland Minster 

Friday 12^th May 2017

Stunning Indian dance takes centre stage at the breath-taking Sunderland Minster as part of Sunderland Stages 

On Friday 12^th May at 7.30pm the Kadam/Pulse Odissi Ensemble bring their stunning Indian classical dance show Gods & Mortals to Sunderland. Don't miss the UK's only odissi dance group, who've thrilled London audiences at the Southbank Centre, as they perform in Sunderlandfor one night only.

Photo: Simon Richarson

Odissi is one of the principle Indian dance styles and is recognised by its close replication of poses found on classical temple sculptures and by its vivid storytelling. This emotional and moving performance, from some of the country’s finest odissi artists, will be staged within the breath-taking Sunderland Minster as part of the Sunderland Stages programme, which brings innovative live performance to favourite and unexpected places in and around Sunderland.

As Helen Ferguson, Director of Sunderland Stages explains: ‘This will be a fantastic event for Sunderland, giving audiences the chance to experience a vibrant performance of odissi dance and traditional Indian music in the dramatic setting of the Minster. What a fabulous way to spend a Friday evening taking in an exciting cultural experience in our city!’ 

Discover this exceptional quartet of dancers and live musicians, from very different backgrounds, brought together by their love of odissi. In this exciting show four passionate, committed and highly-trained odissi dancers, accompanied by live music, present a richly-textured evening of solo and group choreographies. They tell the stories of the Hindu gods and highlight the everyday struggles and triumphs that people face.

This dance of devotion, divine and human, will be presented in pieces created by the dancers for the group as well as solo performances, with the thrill of live musical accompaniment that draws out the intricacies of melody and rhythm while the dancers create harmonies of movement.

Gods & Mortals is presented as part of an exciting new collaboration between GemArts and Sunderland Stages. GemArts creates and programmes diverse work, championing artists from home and abroad, presenting cross art form work in spaces across the North East.

As Vikas Kumar, Director of GemArts said: "It is fitting that GemArts and Sunderland Stages will showcase classical Odissi dance, first seen in the temples of eastern Indian, within one of our regions stunning minsters this May, and we are thrilled to have been given a platform to bring this fantastic work to the North East. Audiences to Gods & Mortals can expect a breathtakingly beautiful style of dance, marked by sculpturesque positions, with four of the UK’s top odissi dancers performing as part of the ensemble. This work will really compliment and enrich the exciting programming which the team at Sunderland Stages have put together, and GemArts looks forward to developing our work with them further going forward”.

Tickets:

Gods & Mortals is suitable for all ages and is at Sunderland Minster on Friday 12 May at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 full price and £10 for concessions. For more information or to book tickets visit www.sunderlandstages.co.uk or contact the box office on 0191 561 3455.

Preview: Declaration at Arts Centre Washington

Art with Heart presents

Declaration

Arts Centre Washington

Thursday 29^th June 2017

A new play which challenge stereotypes with a curious, comic and candid look at ADHD, mental health and diagnosis in 21st century comes to Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 29^th June as part of a national tour.

Photo: Sam Ryley

Award-winning Manchester theatre company Art with Heart have co-created Declaration, a new show on the process of seeking a diagnosis for ADHD as an adult.

Declaration is based on comedian and storyteller, Sarah Emmott’s personal experiences who says, “As a child, I was a coiled spring, bouncing off the walls but I was never diagnosed. My current doctor thinks I have ADHD, but adult diagnosis is complex.”

Photo: Sam Ryley

Women and girls are more likely to go undiagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as they cover symptoms and ‘act normal.’ ADHD is a group of behavioural symptoms including inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. After the difficult process of gaining diagnosis, Art with Heart decided to publically explore a private matter.

Art with Heart tackle difficult subjects with honesty, warmth and humour, and hope. Declaration will open conversations and challenge preconceptions around mental health and ADHD.

 

Photo: Sam Ryley

Venturing into a world often unexplored onstage, Emmott shares her experiences of ADHD and adulthood with authenticity and candour; combining storytelling, comedy and movement.

“In the media the images projected of ADHD are of young boys tearing around supermarkets, Mums in despair.” says Emmott. “Women and indeed, adults with ADHD are almost invisible in popular culture.” Declaration will offer a fresh, fun and frank perspective on the ADHD debate.

Since 2010, the company have produced numerous theatre productions and arts projects, receiving national attention when 100 Deeds featured on BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour and BBC News. Their work with local communities led to a nomination for ‘Community Group or Organisation of the Year’ at the 2016 LGBT Foundation Hero Awards.

Photo: Sam Ryley

Declaration is performed by Sarah Emmott, written and created by Sarah Emmott and Rachel Moorhouse with Lighting Design by Greg Akehurst. Movement Direction is by Deborah Pugh with Costume Design by Christine Emmott and Set Build by Richard Walker.

Tickets:
Declaration comes to Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 29 June at 7.30pm.  Tickets are from £6 and are available from www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or by calling 0191 561 3455

Tour Dates:

Friday 12th May                   Live @ Oldham Library

Saturday 13th May    Live @ Oldham Library

Tuesday 16th May     Saltburn Arts Centre

Wednesday 17th May        Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre

Friday 19th May         The   Witham, Barnard Castle

Tuesday 23rd May     Alnwick Playhouse

Wednesday 24th May        Arc Stockton

Saturday 27th May    The Civic, Barnsley

Thursday 1st June       Brentwood Theatre

Wednesday 7th June          Cast

Saturday 10th June   Harrogate Theatre

Wednesday 14th June        Action Transport Theatre

Thursday 15th June    Wigan Youth Zone