Preview: Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero at Utilita Arena Newcastle

 

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Mickey Mouse is back in town!

 

Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero

Utilita Arena Newcastle

Thursday 9^th – Sunday 12^th December 2021

Tickets go general sale Friday 30 July: https://ticketmaster-uk.tm7559.net/DVQoYG

 

Make a December date with Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero. A magical medley of classic and modern tales including Moana, Tangled & Frozen. Tickets go general sale Friday 30 July

Disney On Ice is back with a magical adventure for the whole family! Audiences will discover what it truly means to be a hero as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends from around the Disney Kingdom come together to take families on a journey through timeless tales when Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero skates into Utilita Arena Newcastle from 9th-12th December this year. Featuring more than 50 Disney characters, this production includes something for everyone, from modern tales to timeless classics!

Tickets go on general sale from 9am on Friday 30 July from https://ticketmaster-uk.tm7559.net/DVQoYG

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy set the stage for a star-studded talent extravaganza in Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero. See how far Moana will go when she embarks on an action-packed voyage with mighty demigod Maui in a quest to save her island, become a wayfinder, and find her own identity.

Unleash the magic with royal sisters Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman, Olaf, as they sing captivating songs like ‘Let it Go’ and ‘In Summer.’ Life is the bubbles when Sebastian strikes up his hot crustacean band and the Daughters of Triton make a splash as they introduce Ariel in an ‘80s pop montage. Get tangled up with a chorus of rowdy inhabitants of The Snuggly Duckling when they get a visit from the spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally, Flynn Rider, on their journey to see the floating lights. Relive a ‘Tale as Old as Time’ when Belle opens her heart to new adventures and the Beast’s enchanted objects take centre stage for a dazzling skating spectacle inviting audiences to ‘Be Our Guest.’

Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero brings beloved characters to life through cutting edge figure-skating, eye-catching costumes and stunning set designs. Innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, high-flying jumps and breathtaking skating make Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero an experience for the whole family to treasure.

“We’re excited that Disney On Ice will be returning to the UK following the shutdown and providing families with the opportunity to make memories and experience live family entertainment,” said Kenneth Feld, Chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment. “We were the first live touring family entertainment company to come back at a reduced capacity in the US, with over a million people attending our live events since October 2020. We’ve been learning and leading the way to return to full capacity in a responsible manner for our fans, staff and the industry.”

Ailsa Oliver, General Manager of Utilita Arena Newcastle, added:

“We are absolutely thrilled that Disney On Ice is returning to the Utilita Arena Newcastle this year with this exciting new show. I know our family audiences have really missed their yearly trip to see Disney On Ice; it’s a fantastic opportunity for families to come together, have an amazing experience at the Arena and make fabulous memories filled with fun and laughter. Every year Disney On Ice produces a truly scintillating ice spectacular, where the electricity in the atmosphere is positively tangible. It’s great to see kids in their fancy dress costumes, singing along to the songs and totally engaged with the magic unfolding. Quite often the parents are enjoying watching their kids enjoying the show as much as the show itself! We can’t wait to welcome everyone to this year’s show in December, we’ll certainly be getting into the Christmas spirit by then!”

Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero

Utilita Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne

Thursday 9 December to Sunday 12 December 2021

Details: www.utilitaarena.co.uk 

Tickets are available from our affiliate Ticketmaster UK: https://ticketmaster-uk.tm7559.net/DVQoYG

Preview: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe at Sunderland Empire

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Cast Announcement For Spectacular 5 Star Stage Adaptation Of C.S. Lewis’ Much Loved Classic

 

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe

Sunderland Empire

Tuesday 30 November – Saturday 4 December 2021

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/SundEMpireLWW 

Casting was announced today for the smash hit Leeds Playhouse production of C.S. Lewis’ classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, voted the nation’s favourite book in 2019.  It will run at the Sunderland Empire from Tuesday 30 November to Saturday 4 December 2021. 

The show, which broke box office records at Leeds Playhouse in 2017 and played to packed houses and critical acclaim at the Bridge Theatre in London in 2019, will travel across the UK & Ireland. 

The Pevensie children are:  Ammar Duffus as Peter, Shaka Kalokoh as Edmund, Robyn Sinclair as Susan and Karise Yansen as Lucy.   Aslan is played by Chris Jared, Mr Tumnus by Jez Unwin, Mr Beaver by Sam Buttery and Maugrim by Michael Ahomka-Lindsay.  They are joined by Oliver Bingham (Mr Brinkworth, March Hare and Aslan Puppeteer), Kate Parr (Miss Gumley-Warmley and Phoenix), Grace Wylde (Mrs Pevensie, Robin and Falcon), Johnson Willis (Mr Willis, Professor Kirk, Father Christmas, Wise Owl and Whie Mouse), Rachel Dawson (Miss Chutney, Badger and Spirit of the Moon), Oliver Grant (Mr Wilson, Schrodinger, Red Squirrel and Aslan Puppeteer), Matthew James Hinchliffe (Mr Marsden, Mauve Mole and Professor), Sophie Naglik (on stage Swing), Anthony Starr (on stage Swing), Tash Holway (on stage Swing) and Brad Veitch (on stage Swing). Further cast are yet to be announced.

Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on the most magical of adventures in a frozen, faraway land where they meet a Faun, talking Beavers, Aslan, the noble king of Narnia, and the coldest, most evil White Witch.

This critically acclaimed production is “A theatrical miracle” (The Times).

 

The tour will be directed by Michael Fentiman, based on the original production by Sally Cookson with original Set and Costume design by Rae Smith.  Michael’s previous productions include the Olivier Award-nominated Amélie (Watermill Theatre/The Other Palace/UK Tour and currently running in the West End), The Windsors: Endgame (also running in the West End), The Importance of Being Earnest (Vaudeville Theatre), the 50th anniversary production of Joe Orton’s Loot (Park Theatre/Watermill Theatre), Titus Andronicus and Ahasverus (Royal Shakespeare Company), The Taming of the Shrew (Sherman Theatre/Tron Theatre) and, as director and writer, CinderELLA (Nuffield Southampton) and The Last Days of Anne Boleyn (Tower of London). 

Joining Michael Fentiman on the creative team are Set and Costume Designer Tom Paris, Composer Benji Bower with additional composition by Music Supervisor Barnaby Race, Choreographer Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, Lighting Designer Jack Knowles, Sound Designer Ian Dickinson and Gareth Tucker for Autograph, Puppetry Director Toby Olié, Puppetry Designer Max Humphries, Aerial Director Gwen Hales, Illusionist Chris Fisher, Music Director Toby Higgins , Fight Director Jonathan Holby, Costume Supervisor Joanna Coe, Wigs and Make Up Supervisor Susanna Peretz, Props Supervisor Lizzie Frankl, Dramaturg Adam Peck and Movement Consultant Dan Canham.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is produced on tour by Elliott & Harper Productions and Catherine Schreiber and based on the original Leeds Playhouse production.

Producer Chris Harper said: “C.S. Lewis wrote "they open a door and enter a world” and this is what every child imagines and dreams about. This is exactly why we’re thrilled to be able to bring this incredible new version of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe on a tour of the UK in time for Christmas 2021. Following a record breaking success at the Leeds Playhouse and the Bridge Theatre in London, the Pevensie children will travel from Narnia to venues across the UK and Ireland. 

It has been a challenging time for all of us, but we can’t wait for children and adults alike to join us on this truly magical journey through the wardrobe.”

 

On the web: 

Website www.lionwitchonstage.com 

Twitter @LionWitchOnTour  

Instagram @lionwitchonstage

 

Tickets:

To book tickets call 0844 871 7615 (Applicable fees apply. Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s standard network access charge) or visit https://tinyurl.com/SundEMpireLWW 

Preview: Totally Tina at Whitley Bay Playhouse

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Playhouse Whitley Bay Reopens with Totally Tina on Friday

 

The supreme recreation of a Tina concert ‘Totally Tina’ rocks into its 12th year coming to Whitley Bay – Playhouse on Friday 23rd July 2021.

Tickets available online from https://ticketmaster-uk.tm7559.net/2rjNzG. 

Come shake a tail feather with the UK’s original, award-winning Tina Turner tribute …. aka Justine Riddoch and her talented cast.

When Tina burst onto the scene, she won the hearts of music fans from the outset, creating a fearsome reputation for her live performances – and those never-ending legs!

Early hits River Deep – Mountain High, Proud Mary and Nutbush City Limits were just a taste of what was to come. We Don’t Need Another Hero, Simply the Best, What’s Love Got to Do With It, I Don’t Wanna Lose You and When the Heartache is Over  propelled her to stadium concert stardom.

Supported by her super-talented band and dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine is the ultimate Tina (a National Tribute Awards winner since 2013). She’s got the looks, she’s got the moves, she's got the legs, but most of all, she’s got the voice. Join an army of loyal fans for a truly authentic, fun-packed musical spectacular!

Twelve years have passed since Totally Tina first sprang to life in the vibrant city of Liverpool, but a Lifetime Achievement Award and many other prestigious accolades along the way have earned Justine’s ‘Totally Tina’ a deserved top spot in the musical tribute world.

 

Justine admits she has been observing her beloved muse from the start; constantly honing her homage to the legend herself with passion and an unrivalled attention to detail, to deliver the most authentic recreation of the rock and roll Queen’s live performances.

 

She’s determined the show will always be known as ‘Simply The Best’, which is particularly fitting as 2019 was the 30th Anniversary of the much-loved song of the same name, released in 1989.

 

The cast and crew of Totally Tina are pulling out all the stops this year with the promise of a brand new, custom-made performances featuring a whole host of fresh ideas, coupled with the band’s now famous humour.

 

The Show is designed to make the audience feel that the legendary performer is right back in front of them, strutting her stuff on the most famous legs in show business!

 

This year’s production is a heady mix of nostalgia and surprise with all the favourite Tina Turner hits, her best duets, much-loved covers and the odd twist in the tale. 

 

Jumping Jack Flash, Honky Tonky Woman, Get Back, It’s Only Rock and Roll and The Bitch is Back have been added to a set which includes Simply The Best, Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits and Private Dancer to name a few.

 

All the songs are enhanced by the customary flourish of sparkling stiletto heels, flamboyant tail feathers, high energy dance routines and musical genius. There’s plenty of audience engagement and post-show ‘meet and greets’ too, making the Show more personal.

 

In fact, it’s probably the closest thing to a live Tina Turner concert! 

 

 

Justine, a past winner of cult talent show, Stars In Their Eyes performing as Anastacia, is known in the business for her enthusiasm and drive, and has been singing professionally for 30 years.  She is justifiably proud of her cast and crew who’ve played a huge part in helping her to create the longest running Tina Turner tribute. 

 

She said: “I am thrilled by the success of this production – we have come so far! Having been told on many occasions that I sounded like Tina, I decided to take the plunge and then spent hours familiarising myself with her life story and scrutinising video footage to watch mannerisms and body movements.

 

We always add our own personality to the Show each year; the element of surprise keeps things fresh, but my ultimate aim is to remain faithful to a Tina Turner live concert paying tribute to her career, and bring the best version of this amazing woman; her voice, her passion and even her legs, to her many fans. 

 

That’s why we love it when people tell us that they go away feeling as though they have seen the real thing.”

 

Totally Tina has been the ultimate Tina Turner tribute for the past seven years, from 2013 to 2019 winning Best Female Artist, Best Choreography, Best Sound & Lighting and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the NTMA, and in 2020 winning Best Tribute at the NREA. 

 

The band plays to audiences all over the country and in Europe, and has performed at the Cover Festival in Davos, Switzerland (Tina Turner’s new home country) for the last 2 years.

 

Justine added: “We love what we do, and we’re lucky enough to have an incredibly loyal army of fans here and overseas. We hope to be meeting many more new fans this year.”

 

Tickets:

Totally Tina

Whitley Bay – Playhouse         

Doors open 7.00pm / Show Start Time – 7.30pm 

Tickets available from our affiliates Ticketmaster UK: https://ticketmaster-uk.tm7559.net/2rjNzG 

News: Curtain set to rise as Sunderland Empire announces reopening date

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Curtain set to rise as Sunderland Empire

announces reopening date

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/SunderlandEMIREticketLink #Ad

Sunderland Empire has today announced they will raise their curtain and turn off the symbolic Ghost Light on Thursday 2 September 2021 following over 16 months of closure.

What’s Love Got To Do With It? A tribute to Tina Turner

What’s Love Got To Do With It? A tribute to Tina Turner will be the first show to welcome audiences back on Thursday 2 September 2021. It is quite fitting that as the iconic theatre prepares to make a triumphant return, music that was on the programme from day one when the theatre officially opened on 1 July 1907 by music hall star Vesta Tilley will take centre stage as the first show back. The tribute concert will be followed that week by comedian Paul Smith (Friday 3 September), The Greatest Hits of Motown- How Sweet It Is (Saturday 4 September) and Derren Brown: Showman (7-11 September).

The Rocky Horror Show

Marie Nixon, Theatre Director, Sunderland Empire said: “We are delighted to announce our reopening date and we can’t wait to welcome our audiences back to enjoy the thrill of live theatre once more. Thanks to funding received from the Cultural Recovery Fund the team have been working hard behind the scenes to get our reopening campaign underway.

9 to 5 The Musical

The funding has supported the team to work on some exciting locally led projects including the virtual Big Sing and the virtual Ghostlight Sessions, and it has been so good to hear music ringing through the theatre again, but what has been missing is our amazing audiences.”

School of Rock

A packed season awaits customers and you’ll be ready to have the time of your life when smash hit Dirty Dancing – the classic musical on stage returns (14-18 September), hotly followed by cult classic The Rocky Horror Show (20-25 September), global hit musical, School of Rock (5-9 October) is sure to rock the stage, get ready for a slice of happiness with Waitress (25-30 October) and toe-tapping fun with Riverdance (4-6 November). Be sure to get your cup of ambition fix with 9 to 5 The Musical (9-13 November), enjoy family favourite Gangsta Granny and laugh out loud with Alan Carr (22-23 October), alongside a host of one night spectaculars including The ELO Experience (2 November), Jimmy Carr (1 November), An Evening with the Sunderland Legends (7 November). Top the season off and enter the enchanted kingdom of Narnia with the magical classic The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (30 November – 4 December) and finish 2021 with panto season and the long-awaited return of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (10 December – 2 January) with local favourites Dan Cunningham aka Miss Rory and Tom Whalley.

Waitress

Marie Nixon, Theatre Director, Sunderland Empire added: “Our What’s On Guide will be hitting later this month and as you can see we have a packed season in the pipeline with a mixture of comedy, spectacular musicals, a host of music tributes and family favourites, so there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

We really can’t wait to have this programme of amazing shows back on our stage and to welcome audiences back, and as an accredited See It Safely venue please be assured we’ll be following all the latest government advice when you visit us. This really is a joyous and long-awaited moment for the whole team here.”

Tickets: 

To book tickets for the new season call 0844 871 7615 (Applicable fees apply. Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s standard network access charge) or visit https://tinyurl.com/SunderlandEMIREticketLink