Preview: Benidorm Live at Newcastle Theatre Royal

TV CAST TO STAR IN BENIDORM LIVE STAGE SHOW

Benidorm Live

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Friday 7^th - Saturday 15^th September 2018

Producers have revealed that Benidorm Live, the new stage show based on the hit ITV comedy premiering at Newcastle Theatre Royal next year, will star six of the original TV cast .

Jake  Canuso (Mateo)

Set to bring a heady dose of Spanish sunshine and smiles to Newcastle audiences, the first ever stage version of Derren Litten's hit ITV comedy Benidorm Live opens on Friday 7 September prior to a major national tour. 

It is now confirmed that six members of the TV cast, all much loved stars from the infamous Solana Hotel, will perform in the hotly anticipated new show.  Swapping sangria for the stage after a quick spruce at the Blow ‘n’ Go! will be everyone’s favourites Jake  Canuso (Lothario barman Mateo), Janine Duvitski (middle aged swinger  Jacqueline), Adam Gillen (holidaying teenager Liam), Sherrie Hewson (Solana manageress Joyce Temple-Savage), Shelley Longworth (loud mouthed lassie Sam), and Tony Maudsley (flamboyantly camp hairdresser Kenneth).

Janine Duvitski (Jacqueline)

Litten has written a new set of Alicante escapades for the debut stage production of the hugely popular show.  On making its transfer, writer Derren Litten said: “I’ve loved ten years of writing my TV show Benidorm but despite a successful writing career I’m first and foremost a performer so have always been secretly frustrated I couldn't hear the audience’s laughter. This national tour of Benidorm Live will not only make a long lasting dream come true but will also mean I no longer have to stand in strangers gardens listening at their windows at 9 o’clock on cold winter evenings.”

ITV’s smash-hit comedy celebrates a decade of all-inclusive hilarity, having followed the ensemble cast of holiday makers and staff for nine series since it first broadcast in 2007. Season 10 is due to broadcast early 2018.

Critically acclaimed, Benidorm has received two National Television Awards a TV Quick Award and nominations at the British Comedy Awards and BAFTAs.

Tony Maudsley (Kenneth)

After leaving school in Hull in the late 1980’s Derren Litten spent a year working as a professional magician whilst auditioning for drama schools.  He won a place on the 3 year acting course at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama where he met fellow student Catherine Tate.  After 10 years of working as an actor, Derren was asked by Catherine to write for her newly commissioned TV sketch show, The Catherine Tate Show; in which he also appeared in many of the sketches.  After co-writing and appearing in two series and a Christmas Special, Derren was given a script commission by legendary comedy producer Geoffrey Perkins, “just write anything you want as long as it’s funny” he said; that show turned out to be ITV’s BAFTA nominated hit comedy Benidorm. Derren’s hobbies include drinking and karaoke, usually in that order. He splits his time equally between homes in London and Spain.      

The show will be produced for the stage by Newcastle’s own Michael Harrison and David Ian. 

Tickets:

Benidorm Live premieres at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Friday 7^th September 2018 and runs until Saturday 15^th September, playing evenings at 7.30pm, matinees on Thu 2pm and Sat 2.30pm. Tickets are from £16.50 and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Preview: Santa’s Naughty Elf at South Shields Customs House

SANTA’S NAUGHTY ELF: EXTRA DATE ADDED

Santa’s Naughty Elf: A Christmas Carol

South Shields Customs House

Saturday 2^nd December - Sunday 24^th December 2017

Wayne Miller as Elfluent 

An extra date has been added to the three-week run of Santa’s Naughty Elf: A Christmas Carol at The Customs House in South Shields.

The panto for the under-sevens has become a firm fixture in the theatre’s festive schedule, with weekend performances selling out in record time this year.

This prompted writer and director Wayne Miller, who also stars as Elfluent, to add an extra show, at 10.30am on Sunday, December 3. 

This year, audiences will find out how Elfluent became Santa’s Naughty Elf, as he travels through time in a story inspired by the Charles Dickens classic.

Eleanor Faye, Jayden Blacklock, Nik Grundison & Sara-Jayne White

as Elflinda, Elfreda, Elfrancis and Elflorence 

Wayne said: “I am a huge Dickens fan, so the idea of using A Christmas Carol as a story base, to see into the past of Elfluent, seemed like a winner. Our audience this year will see what kind of crimes against Christmas he caused in his younger days. Also, could we find out why he became naughty in the first place? I have put together a brand new cast this year, a cast who I know will knock it out of the park and make this year’s Santa’s Naughty Elf the best one yet. We are so pleased our audience agree and have snapped up so many tickets. We’re heading for a record-breaking year!”

Jayden Blacklock, Eleanor Faye and Nik Grundison

as Elfreda, Elflinda and Elfrancis 

Jordan Calling, from Sunderland, is playing Elfrankie, having recently played The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz at The North Pier Theatre in Blackpool.

Elflorence will be played by Sara-Jayne White, from Newcastle, who appeared in Wendy the Witch and the Long Lost Spell at The Customs House in October, which was also written and directed by Wayne.

Jayden Blacklock, who is leader and director of The Customs House Junior Youth Theatre, will play Elfreda, while Eleanor Faye, from Washington, will play Elflinda and Nik Grundison, from Edinburgh, plays Elfrancis.

Tickets:

Santa’s Naughty Elf: A Christmas Carol runs from Saturday, December 2, until Sunday, December 24. For performance times and tickets, which are priced £10 and include a gift from Santa, contact the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or visit www.customshouse.co.uk. 

Preview: Chris Ramsey at Newcastle Arena

CHRIS RAMSEY - LIVE 2018

THE JUST HAPPY TO GET OUT THE HOUSE TOUR

Chris Ramsey

Newcastle Metro Radio Arena

Saturday 3^rd November 2018

Critically acclaimed and award winning Stand Up comedian, host of his own TV entertainment show and Stand Up show on Comedy Central, Celebrity Juice regular and the only person to ever put Katie Hopkins in her place; Chris Ramsey brings his brand new 2018 live tour to the Metro Radio Arena Newcastle. It sold out last time so snap tickets up as soon as you can! 

Tickets will go on sale 10.00am Friday 1^st December and are available online from our affiliate Eventim UK using this online LINK, from the booking hotline number 0844 493 6666 or in person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office. Please note venue facility and booking fees will apply.

**Limited offer**

Everyone who buys a ticket for Chris Ramsey’s brand new tour before Midnight on Sunday 3rd December will get a free download of his last tour show.

Preview: Justin Fletcher at Sunderland Empire

JUST ANNOUNCED!

Justin Fletcher is heading back to Sunderland Empire in 2018!

Justin Fletcher

Sunderland Empire

Sunday 8^th April 2018

BAFTA award-winning actor Justin Fletcher is coming back to Sunderland Empire with his brand new show – Justin’s Band for one performance only on Sunday 8 April 2018 (11am) following two sell-out shows earlier this year!

Join Justin and his friends on a musical adventure singing lots of songs and learning about musical instruments along the way. There will be bags of fun and laughter and lots of live music from Justin’s Band.  So make a musical note in your diary and we will see you there!

Tickets on public sale: 10am, Thursday 30 November.

Early booking recommended.

Tickets:

Tickets are available in person at the Box Office on High Street West, from the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022* or online from our affiliate ATG Tickets www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland*

*Calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your standard network charge. Booking fees may apply to telephone and online bookings.

Preview: Kevin Bridges at Newcastle City Hall

COMEDY SUPERSTAR KEVIN BRIDGES RETURNS TO THE CITY HALL STAGE IN 2018 WITH HIS NEW SHOW…

THE BRAND NEW TOUR

Kevin Bridges: Brand New Tour

Newcastle City Hall

Thursday 30^th August -Saturday 1^st September 2018.

Scotland’s biggest comedy export, Kevin Bridges, is back next year with his hotly anticipated live stand-up show: Brand New Tour coming to the City Hall Thursday 30^th August -Saturday 1^st September 2018.

Embarking on his biggest tour to date, The Brand New Tour will see Kevin perform at some of the finest venues across the UK and Ireland from August 2018 with more dates will be announced over the coming months.

Kevin Bridges says: “I’m delighted to announce that I will be back on the road in 2018. It’s been 3 years since my last tour, 3 tough years of watching the world fall apart thus, I’ve decided that I need to get out of the house more and lend a hand in saving it. With amusing anecdotes and witty observations I’m sure I can save the world or at least provide a decent enough night out. We’ll see. I’ll catch you there folks. Yaldy!”

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Kevin Bridges is no stranger to breaking box office records. When his 2015 tour A Whole Different Story went on sale at the end of 2014 it won awards from both Ticketmaster and Ents24 for the Fastest Selling Comedy Ticket of the year. The tour saw him sell over 500,000 tickets across 145 dates, including an incredible 16 nights at The Hydro in Glasgow.  His 2012 tour, Kevin Bridges – The Story Continues…also smashed box office records selling a staggering 45,000 tickets in one day and went on to sell-out an incredible nine-show run at the Glasgow SECC Arena as part of the 136 date tour.

Kevin has previously hosted much-lauded documentaries for BBC One including ‘Kevin Bridges - What’s The Story’ in 2012, followed by ‘Kevin Bridges – What’s The Story Referendum Special’ in 2014.  In 2014 Kevin also hosted two BBC One stand-up specials on the Commonwealth Games and the Scottish Referendum.

Other recent notable TV appearances include BBC One’s ‘Have I Got News For You’ and ‘Would I Lie To You?’, BBC Two’s ‘Mock The Week’, Channel 4’s ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown’ and ‘The Last Leg’ and Sky One's 'A League Of Their Own'. 

Kevin has released three best-selling DVDs by Universal Pictures (UK): ‘The Story So Far – Live in Glasgow’ in 2010, ‘The Story Continues’ in 2012 and 2015's ‘A Whole Different Story’, his biggest selling DVD to date.

At the tender age of 28, Kevin released his own autobiography ‘We Need To Talk About… Kevin Bridges’ published by Penguin Books in 2014.

2017 has seen Kevin travel internationally to perform a string of sold-out dates in Australia and New Zealand as well as Singapore and Dubai. He also had the prestige honour of performing for former US President Barack Obama during The Hunter Foundation’s charity dinner in Edinburgh in May.

Tickets:

Tickets for Kevin Bridges: The Brand New Tour Thursday 30 August – Saturday 1 September 2018 are now on sale and can be purchased online from our affiliate Ticketmaster using this LINK or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge).

Preview: Lambton Worm at South Shields Customs House

PANTO IS A FAMILY AFFAIR FOR THE LAMBTON WORM STARS

The Lambton Worm

South Shields Customs House

Tuesday 28^th November 2017 - Saturday 6^th January 2018

Panto is all about family for writer, actor and director, Ray Spencer.

The executive director of The Customs House has been involved in the festive tradition for more than 40 years in South Tyneside, including a previous production of this year’s panto, The Lambton Worm, in 1997.

Natasha Haws as a child with her mother,

Trish Whale, in panto costume.

He formed a formidable double act with Bob Stott at the Westovian Theatre Society, in South Shields, in 1975, with the pair going on to produce their own shows, moving to The Customs House in 1999.

Ray, who plays Dame Bella Ballcock this year, said: “I can’t imagine not being involved in panto. It is absolutely unique to the UK and it is such a big part of everyone’s Christmas, which is a special time anyway.  You rarely get a chance to get generations of families together, from the very young to the very old, and have an opportunity to entertain them all.”

Bob may have retired in 2013, but Ray is still surrounded by familiar faces when he takes to the stage during pantomime season.  His daughter, Natasha Haws, is playing Susie the Soothsayer in The Lambton Worm, having played a leading role alongside her father in the last three pantos at The Customs House.  She also appeared as a dancer in panto between the ages of seven and 15.

Natasha Haws as Susie the Soothsayer

and Ray Spencer as Dame Bella Ballcock

The 23-year-old said: “I have been a part of panto for as long as I can remember.  My dad and I get on really well, we work very well together and we always sit and have a cup of tea in the interval and talk about how things are going.  Panto is definitely his favourite time of year. He’s been doing it for so long and there are so many happy memories linked to it.”

Natasha is playing a magical role for the first time this year, having been encouraged to try something different by her mother, Trish Whale.  She said: “My mam used to do panto and she played principal boy for years. She said it was all very familiar until she played the Spirit of the Ring in Aladdin and moved on to the magical roles, which she said were her favourite.”

This year’s panto has been written in celebration of the 150^th anniversary of The Lambton Worm song, which tells the County Durham legend of John Lambton’s battle against a fearsome worm that had been terrorising local villages.

It has been given a fresh panto spin by Ray and co-writer Graeme Thompson, with Ray’s son James influencing the ending. Ray said: “Victorians liked really gruesome ends to their pantomimes, but we have moved on. My son said he didn’t want the worm to die at the end, so we have put a twist in the tale.”

Newcastle-based Fox and Shriek have designed the set and costumes and South Tyneside Dance Workshop are providing the backing dancers.

The cast also includes David John Hopper as Arbuthnot, Steven Lee Hamilton as The Brave and Bold Sir John, Georgia Nicholson as Poison Pen from Penshaw, Eleanor Chaganis as The Princess, Gareth Hunter as The Sultan, Cal Halbert as Lord Larry Lambton and Lewis Jobson as Puddles the Dog.

Tickets:

The Lambton Worm runs from Tuesday, November 28, 2017, until Saturday, January 6, 2018, with ticket prices starting at £9.99. Performance times vary. Contact the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or book online at www.customshouse.co.uk.

REVIEW: Blood Brothers at Sunderland Empire

The Brothers Are Back!

Blood Brothers

Sunderland Empire

Until Saturday 2^nd December 2017

Enjoying its 30^th anniversary, Blood Brothers continues to attract large audiences. Sometimes described as a musical that even people who dislike musicals can enjoy, it has its many fans. This tour sees the return of Lyn Paul, as Mrs Johnstone, who first appeared in Willy Russell’s show back in 1997.

There is a Dickensian feel in a show about twins that were separated when their mother was persuaded to hand one over to the childless wife that she works for.  Mrs Johnstone agrees to the secret pact with Mrs Lyons (Sarah Jane Buckley) as she will still had 8 other children to feed. The original deal was that she would be able to stay in touch but she is promptly sacked as their cleaner.

The Lyons raise young Edward (Mark Hutchinson) as their own, whilst Mickey (Sean Jones) is brought up alongside his frequently off the rails brother Sammy (Daniel Taylor) and the rest of the Johnstone clan. Given that the Lyons home only live walking distance from the Johnstone’s house it was only going to be a matter of time when the lads would meet up. Sure enough, at the age of 7/going on 8 they meet up and play.

Willy Russell uses the first act to compare and contrast the comfortable existence of the middle class couple with the mother that is buying everything out of the catalogue on the never never.  He isn’t afraid to flag up that whilst Mr Johnstone had long since ran off, at least the mother gives her children attention and a share of what little she has. By comparison Mr Lyons (Tim Churchill) works away and leaves the running of the house to his wife. Russell also flags up some of the effects of businesses downsizing. He also manages a cheeky dig at authority figures in both the law and the education system.

But part of the reason behind the musical’s success and longevity is the typically northern British humour, particularly in the first act.  Like the classic Coronation Street of the 1970s, the script finds the funny side of some pretty desperate situations. This means that the audience feel empathy for many of the characters and it is that emotional attachment which prompted the Sunderland Empire audience to rise to their feet and give the cast a well deserved standing ovation.

Linking the scenes and providing some of the exposition is Dean Chisnall as the Narrator. He is less of a guardian angel and much more of a menacing presence on the Merseyside streets.

The former New Seekers singer and the featured vocalist on their 1972 Eurovision Song Contest entry, Beg, Steal or Borrow, Lyn Paul has chance to shine with the songs Marilyn Monroe and Bright New Day. The role isn’t just about singing and she is able to show the emotion necessary as the mother is a victim to circumstance.

The brothers have to be convincing as they move from primary age to adults, with the change in attitude that goes with that.  Sean Jones and Mark Hutchinson strike the right balance through the ages.

The ensemble play multiple roles – a fact Willy Russell jokes about early on as the milkman suddenly reappears as a doctor. Linda (Danielle Corlass) and Donna Marie (Amy-Jane Ollies) in particular help with the sense of the passage of time as the brothers turn into teenagers and then into adults with responsibilities.

The set design from Andy Walmsley help directors Bob Thomson and Bill Kenwright ensure the action flows and there is no break from scene to scene. The action simply continues as the set falls into place.

This is a great production of a timely musical. Supported by a great live band, the cast and behind the stage crew combine to produce a vibrant show that is  worth seeking out – even if you’re not a traditional fan of musicals.

Review by Stephen Oliver

NB *Previous cast photos*

Creatives:

BLOOD BROTHERS By Willy Russell

Directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright

Designed by Andy Walmsley                    

Sound Designed By Dan Samson

Musical Direction by Kelvin Towse            

Lighting Designed by Nick Richings

  

Tickets:

Tickets available from the Box Office on High Street West, via the ticket centre 0844 871 3022*or online  from our affiliate ATG tickets*calls cost up to 7p per minute plus standard network charges. Booking and transaction fees may apply to telephone and online bookings. 

Preview: Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Newcastle Theatre Royal

NO PAWS IN PANTO FUN AS NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL ANNOUNCES GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS FOR 2018/19

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 27^th November 2018 – Sunday 20^th January 2019

The doors have not yet opened for 2017/8’s record-breaking panto Peter Pan but Newcastle Theatre Royal has today announced a rip-roaring show for  2018/9 – Goldilocks and The Three Bears, the pantomime that’s just right!

A rollicking adventure is once again in store for seasonal favourites Clive, Danny and Dame Chris, the stars of next year’s big top family panto extravaganza.  In Goldilocks and the Three Bears audiences will go straight into the fun of the fair as Danny The Clown, Ringmaster Clive Webb and Dame Rita attempt to save their Big Top from disaster. Expect  magic, music, mayhem and plenty of porridge!

Produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, Goldilocks and the Three Bears – the Pantomime that’s just right! promises everything that Theatre Royal audiences have come to expect, and more.  Spellbinding choreography, glittering sets, breath-taking special effects and a wonderful musical score form the backdrop to a tale full of adventure, hilarious slap-stick and new for this year – a host of jaw-dropping circus acts. Will Danny win the hand of the beautiful Goldilocks? It might just take three amazing bears to join the circus and save the day.

Theatre Royal pantomimes are widely thought to be among the best in the UK, due to the winning combination of father and son team Clive and Danny - for whom Goldilocks will mark their fourteenth consecutive Theatre Royal panto appearance – and their West End production quality. This combination is brought together by Newcastle’s own Michael Harrison, who co-writes, produces and directs the show.

Theatre Royal Chief Executive Philip Bernays said: “It’s exciting to be able to whet our audience’s appetite for next year’s show before we even open this one.  We tend to find that people race from the auditorium to the box office to snap up their seats for the following year so we need to be ready!

He added:  “This year’s production of Peter Pan promises to be another spectacular show and has broken a new record with a staggering 80,000 tickets sold prior to opening.  We are so very proud of our pantomimes, but never wish to rest on our laurels.  This is a competitive industry and we need to make sure that we are at the top of our game every single year.  With Goldilocks and the Three Bears we have a show that profiles Clive and Danny’s incredible circus skills to an extent of no panto before.  It’s going to be sublimely entertaining.

  

“It’s thanks to a superb cast, incredible staging, expert behind-the-scenes team and the talent of top West End producer Michael Harrison that we can keep delivering what is considered not only the biggest panto in the region but one of the best festive spectaculars anywhere in the country.”

Tickets:

Goldilocks, the pantomime that’s just right! plays Tuesday 27^th November 2018 – Sunday 20^th January 2019 and tickets are on sale for Friends of the Theatre Royal. Advantage Members, Groups and Schools can book from Thursday 23^rd November and the general public from Tuesday 28^th November.

Peter Pan – the High Flying Pantomime Adventure plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal Tues 28 Nov ‘17 til Sun 21 Jan ‘18.  Tickets for both pantos are from £13 and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk (only from 28 Nov for Goldilocks).

To become a Friend of the Theatre Royal and snaffle the best seats, visit https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/support/become-a-friend

REVIEW: Robinson Crusoe at Durham Gala

Panto Sails Into Durham

Robinson Crusoe

Durham Gala

Until Saturday 6^thJanuary 2018

Pantomime season is upon us once again. The British Institution that combines traditional stories with gags, and audience participation is actively encouraged. Getting the formula right is harder than it looks as it needs to keep both adults and children entertained. Writers Neil Armstrong and Paul Hartley have once again worked their magic in order to bring a lively family show to Durham.

Of course Robinson Crusoe isn’t a frequent panto tale and that helps to make it a fresh experience. The show begins with Captain Blackheart (Neil Armstrong) making his crew walk the plank as he has no need for them. The Goddess of the Sea Aqua Marina (Jayne Mackenzie) appears and suggests the he seeks the Pearl of Wisdom. This involves getting hold of a lad called Robinson Crusoe (Jamie Brown) who will support him in finding the treasure. So once the ship lands at Seaham Captain Blackheart sends his one remaining crew member Polly Percy Perkins (Lauren Waine) to head off to Durham to find him.

Robinson lives with his mother, Dame Connie (Paul Dunn), who runs a cleaning business and his charming yet intellectually challenged younger brother Billy Bob (Paul Hartley). They also have a parrot called Pecky (John Murdoch) who prefers chips to Trill and hence he prefers to walk rather than fly.

If the story sounds a little bit like Aladdin then you wouldn’t be far off the mark but at least it can steer clear of any awful Disney films.

All of the classic panto themes and structures are there with a couple of noticeable differences. Firstly the narrative of the story actually drove every scene whereas many pantos seemed to often forget which story they’re supposed to be telling at times. Secondly, according to Joanne, Neil Armstrong was far too cute to be the baddie.

Having said that the cast work hard to get the audience involved. Paul Hartley and Paul Dunn are friends of the audience and encourage them to get involved. Lauren Waine is full of energy. Neil Armstrong, lovable as he is, pushes to get the crowd booing at his character’s evil intent. Jamie Brown can do no wrong in our eyes in diverse roles ranging from those he played in Testing Times through to Hadaway Harry via The Man And The Donkey. Jamie feels very natural as the hero of the piece.

The script is full of puns for both the kids and the adults. A lot of alliteration and rhyme kept it a friendly affair too. Many of the audience were laughing no matter how bad the joke was. Our son Robert suggested that some of the jokes were bad enough to be ‘Dad jokes’. I would take that as a compliment! There are some local references but the script didn’t resort to putting down rival towns – it was too nice to do that.

Supporting the action were a team of dancers, including one of 3 young groups of dancers. A nice touch was actually giving the youngsters some lines and roles to play – even if that involved bashing adults with a frying pan! The choreography from Amanda Woods was a positive accompaniment to the many songs that proliferated the show.  The show also features a live band under Musical Director Mark Thompson. It is always better, in our opinion, to have a live band rather than a backing tape. The band were also called upon to fill in during the scene changes.

This was the second day of the run and, like a good wine, the panto is going to improve with each show. It is a friendly and fun pantomime which isn’t afraid to go a little bit leftfield and do somethings differently. The show’s creators know what works with the Durham crowd and, once again, delivered the goods. The messy scene, for example, had the younger members of the audience squealing with delight. At just over two hours the show had good pace, and it actually told a story throughout.

It is our first panto of the season and it has set the bar pretty high. In a crowded market place it deserves to succeed.

Review by Stephen Oliver

Tickets:

Tickets cost between £6 and £17 with family tickets also available.

A BSL interpreted performance will take place on Sunday, 10 December, while a relaxed performance for people with autism and their families will take place on Thursday, 14 December.