Preview: Sunderland's Fire Station to broadcast National Theatre Live productions – here’s what’s coming up

Sunderland's Fire Station to broadcast National Theatre Live productions – here’s what’s coming up

The Fire Station is bringing London’s Royal National Theatre to Wearside with a run of 9 National Theatre Live productions. 

 

The screenings begin on Monday 22 July 2024 with Nye on the venue’s giant 4k screen, with NT Live events running monthly until April 2025.  

Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of the man who transformed Britain’s welfare state and created the NHS.

Nye

Confronted with death, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan’s deepest memories lead him on a mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and fights with Churchill.

The run continues on Monday 26 August with the multi award-winning production of Noël Coward’s provocative comedy Present Laughter, featuring Andrew Scott (Vanya, Fleabag).

As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.

Present Laughter - Photograph by Manuel Harlan

Filmed live from The Old Vic in London during a sold out run in 2019, Matthew Warchus

(Matilda The Musical) directs this giddy and surprisingly modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness.

The third and final screening announced so far promises to be hugely popular.

Prima Facie, Jodie Comer’s (Killing Eve) Olivier and Tony Award-winning performance in Suzie Miller’s gripping one-woman play, arrives at The Fire Station on Monday 23 September. 

The play tells the story of Tessa, a young, brilliant barrister who has worked her way up from working class origins to be at the top of her game; defending; cross examining and winning. 

Prima Facie - Production Photography: Helen Murray

An unexpected event forces her to confront the lines where the patriarchal power of the law, burden of proof and morals diverge.

Justin Martin directs this solo tour de force, originally captured live in 2022 during a sold out run at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End.

Tickets:

Tickets for all National Theatre Live events at The Fire Station are £14, visit thefirestation.org.uk/whats-on/theatre for tickets. 

Further screenings will be announced in the coming months via The Fire Station’s mailing list and social media platforms. 

National Theatre Live is an initiative operated by the Royal National Theatre in London. It broadcasts live, by satellite, performances of their productions (and those of other theatres) to venues and cinemas around the world.

News: Don’t miss Tyne Theatre & Opera House’s fantastic summer holiday lineup

Don’t miss Tyne Theatre & Opera House’s fantastic summer holiday lineup

With the summer holidays just around the corner, Newcastle's Tyne Theatre & Opera House are offering a host of shows that’ll entertain the little ones and provide fun for all the family.

On Saturday 20 July 2024, roll up to the smash-hit circus musical, Cirque: The Greatest Show! Featuring West End and Broadway hits combining with breath-taking, amazing aerialists and contortionists, this all-star cast is not to be missed. With songs from The Greatest Showman, Moulin Rouge, Hairspray and even Rocketman, the jaw-dropping circus spectacular turns into a night like no other. In a brand-new show for 2024, Cirque has proved to be popular in previous years and will dazzle audiences this July.

Children can see their favourite Milkshake! characters make the leap from screen to stage in Milkshake! Live on Holiday on Saturday 27 th July. With friends from Paw Patrol, Dora, Blue’s Clues and more, children will love seeing their beloved cartoons come to life in this exciting live show. Pack your bags, jump aboard the Milkshake! train and join the Tyne Theatre & Opera House on an all-singing, all-dancing holiday.

After last summer’s popular show, Dinosaur Adventure Live returns with a brand-new production. When the island’s ancient volcano becomes active, it spells danger for everyone – including the dinosaurs! In Dinosaur Adventure Live: Trouble on Volcano Island, rangers must save the island in a race against time. On the way, audience members can learn fun dino facts and even see a cheeky Spinosaurus, baby dinos, a gigantic T. Rex and more whilst conquering challenges. With a free photo opportunity at the end to meet the baby dino, this would make the perfect exciting day out on Wednesday 7August.

Looking for plans during the Bank Holiday weekend? In The Night Garden Live returns in its 15 year of performances! Join Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends on Saturday 24 - Sunday 25 August in their fun-filled live show, Igglepiggle’s Busy Day! Using full-size costumes, puppets and more, capture the magic of the show as the characters come to life before your very eyes. Plus, expect a special visit from the flying Pinky Ponk!

Jonathan Higgins, CEO of the Tyne Theatre & Opera House says, “We’re thrilled to be a venue that people trust to offer something for everyone over the summer holidays. Book early to guarantee great seats to see a show, no matter the weather! We love facilitating children’s first theatre experiences, as well as welcoming families who choose to visit us again and again.”

Tickets for each of these shows can be purchased from: Eventim UK LINK

Preview: Murder on the Orient Express at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 Michael Maloney to star as Hercule Poirot in Murder On The Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 January 2025

Michael Maloney will star as Agatha Christie’s famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, in Lucy Bailey’s new production of Murder on the Orient Express. Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic will visit Newcastle Theatre Royal on its UK tour.

Michael Maloney as Hercule Poirot 

Winter 1934 and an avalanche stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks.  An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Trapped in the snow with a killer still on board, can the world’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot, crack the case before the train reaches its final destination?

Michael said of taking on the role, “I am very excited and honoured to be joining a long line of extraordinary actors who have taken on the role of Hercule Poirot and hope I can be so, too.  To work with such a talented director as Lucy Bailey and with top producers Fiery Angel is a gift and a privilege.  Here's to Orient Express hurtling through your town or city soon!”

Michael Maloney’s extensive film and television work includes Belfast, Iron Lady, Young Victoria, Notes on a Scandal, Truly Madly Deeply and The Crown amongst many others. On stage, his many roles for the Royal Shakespeare Company include Edgar, Romeo and Prince Hal as well as multiple appearances in National Theatre productions.

Michael Maloney as Hercule Poirot

Murder on the Orient Express is one of Agatha Christie’s greatest literary achievements, with a final twist that is amongst her very best.  Gripping, tense and masterfully cryptic, this brand-new production is a deliciously thrilling ride and an ingenious murder mystery, guaranteed to keep you guessing until the end of the line.

Murder on the Orient Express is directed by Lucy Bailey (Witness for the Prosecution, And Then There Were None, The Other Boleyn Girl) and designed by Mike Britton, with lighting design by Oliver Fenwick, video design by Ian Galloway, sound design by Mic Pool, movement direction by Leah Hausman, casting by Abby Galvin and with Victoria Gartner as assistant director.  

Further casting still to be announced.

Tickets:

Murder on the Orient Express plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 January 2025. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

News: AXS to become new Official Ticketing Partner for Utilita Arena Newcastle

Utilita Arena Newcastle joins Playhouse Whitley Bay and announces AXS as their new new Official Ticketing Partner 

Enhancing ticket-buying experiences with a user-friendly interface, cutting-edge technology and unparalleled customer service

Excellent news for music and event lovers across the North East and beyond, as AXS becomes the new ticketing partner for major local venue, Utilita Arena Newcastle. The transition takes place today, 16 July, and celebrates a major step towards enhancing ticketing experiences for all customers.

The largest concert and exhibition venue in the North East, Utilita Arena Newcastle plays host to live music, comedy, dance, entertainment shows, sporting events and so much more. Making the switch to AXS will streamline the ticket-buying process for customers, offering a user-friendly platform created to make purchasing tickets easier and smoother than ever. With their innovative technology, AXS is committed to ensuring a safer experience for all attendees, employing advanced security measures such as AXS Mobile ID and AXS Official Resale to protect the venue and its customers.

This announcement follows ticket partnerships with four other notable UK venues - first direct arena in Leeds, Whitley Bay Playhouse, York Barbican and Connexin Live Hull - and is part of a continued growing partnership between AXS and ASM Global, the world's largest and most trusted venue management and services company who operate those venues.

AXS continues to gain momentum in the UK as a preferred ticketing platform, known for its cutting-edge technology and unparalleled customer service. AXS is already the proven ticketing partner for a host of major UK event venues, such as The O2, BST Hyde Park, and Dreamland Margate, amongst others. With a track record of success in delivering ticketing solutions for some of the world's most high-profile shows, including the recent Bruce Springsteen Tour which visited the North East, AXS continues to set new standards for the industry.

In addition to enhancing the ticketing process, AXS is deeply committed to ensuring safe and secure access to events for both customers and venues. Their comprehensive approach includes strong procedures to prevent fraud, alongside their AXS Mobile ID digital entry system. AXS also utilises AXS Official Resale, which gives fans the best opportunity to access 100% valid tickets safely and simply – all in one place – for a fair price. For an inside look at how AXS ticketing works and how they improve the fan experience throughout the entire event process, check out AXS FAQ’s.

General Manager for Utilita Arena Newcastle, Caroline James says: “We're thrilled to announce our new ticketing partnership with AXS. This collaboration will significantly enhance the cultural scene in Newcastle, providing our customers with the seamless and user-friendly ticket purchasing experience AXS is known for. We eagerly anticipate this exciting new chapter for our venue and the entire North East region.”

The transition to AXS at Utilita Arena Newcastle, following transitions at Whitley Bay Playhouse, first direct arena, York Barbican and Connexin Live Hull, marks the continuation of an exciting new venture for live entertainment in this region:

"We are excited to continue our work with ASM, and welcome yet another esteemed venue to AXS," says Managing Director for AXS UK, Chris Lipscomb. "This announcement not only reflects our long-standing commitment to provide the best consumer ticketing experiences, but also allows us to continue revolutionising the ticketing industry alongside powerhouse ASM Global. With a history of delivering top-level shows and incredible new talent, we’re excited to help bring even more special moments to these venues across the UK.” 

Preview: Live Theatre is first to the Fringe

Live Theatre is first to the Fringe

Live Theatre is bringing Newcastle audiences an exclusive chance to be first to see the best Edinburgh Fringe shows before they head up North of the border in August. 

F**king Legend Tue 16 July

Luca Rutherford’s Political Party Thu 18 July

Athens of the North Fri 19 July

Buried Alive (and loving it) Wed 24 July

North East Comedy Send Off! Thu 25 July

All You Need Is Love Fri 26 July

Larry Dean – Work In Progress Mon 29 July

Live Encounter – Larry Dean Mon 29 July

With a bunch of hilarious hand picked previews featuring F**king Legend, Athens Of The North, Buried Alive (and loving it), North East Comedy Send Off and Larry Dean: Work In Progress.

Presenting some of the most exciting new artists as well as local favorites previewing their latest shows, ahead of Europe’s biggest arts festival, this is an unmissable opportunity to see them first.

Olly Hawes

Previews kick-off on Tuesday 16 July with F**king Legend by Olly Hawes. A rollercoaster one-man show about socks, sex, love, fear of death and cognitive dissonance that cuts to the core of modern masculinity. It can be hard to change, even when the world’s falling apart and all you can do is try to find meaning in the dancing of the flames.

Athens of the North

Athens of the North, written and performed by Mark Hannah and directed by Fraser Scott on Friday 19 July, is a new play exploring the people that make up the fabric of the city of Edinburgh, through humanity, love, loss and family. In a city being commodified and gentrified so rapidly, three Edinburgh characters weave in and out of each other’s lives. 

Buried Alive

Tom Lawrinson’s ridiculously entertaining show about family and growing up in a Spanish subterranean cave, Buried Alive (and loving it) previews on Wednesday 24 July. An unusual origin story from an unusual stand up comedian, this is a show for siblings who shared a rubbish childhood and comedy fans alike!

North East Comedy Send Off

North East Comedy Send Off hosted by charismatic stand-up Alex Redman on Thursday 25 July, showcases three home-grown talents. The trio of brand new shows includes: Two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Lauren Pattison with Big Girl Pants; Sean Lock Comedy Award nominated comic Lauren Stone’s Cool for Cats; Hilarious, storytelling comedian, Lee Kyle with Throwing Bottles Into The Sea. 

On Monday 29 July Larry Dean: Work in progress will see the three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee try out some new jokes! Prior to the show this master of stand up, will join loveable oddball Alex Redman, for an exclusive evening of chat and candid questions. Dean has been seen and heard on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Michael Mcintyre’s Big Show and Shared Baggage.

Luca Rutherford's Political Party - Photo: Camilla Greenwell

Luca Rutherford will be taking You Heard Me to the Edinburgh Fringe this summer but you can catch her show Luca Rutherford’s Political Party at Live Theatre before she heads to Scotland. On Thursday 18 July join Luca in her attempt to get playful with the seriousness of figuring out what’s going on, how we got to this point and where we go from her! There will be music, dancing and eggs. No suits, No know-it-alls. No big words. 

Tickets:

Find out more and book at www.live.org.uk or call box office on (0191) 232 1232.

News: Newcastle's ‘Tyne Theatre & Opera House share first look at new Victorian scenery

 Newcastle's ‘Tyne Theatre & Opera House share first look at new Victorian scenery

On Friday 2 August 2024, Tyne Theatre and Opera House host a 1-day conference focusing on Victorian scene painting; ‘Theatrical Scene Painting in the 19th Century: The Artist and the Picture Frame’.

Following an acclaimed international conference in September 2023, which saw over 100 delegates from America, Canada and Europe meet to discuss aspects of Victorian theatre, the 2024 conference will include a demonstration of the theatre’s unique Victorian stage machinery, with newly commissioned scenery. 

This will be the first time that the recently restored stage machinery is seen with scenery, as it would have been in the Victorian times. Created by specialist scenic painter and stage historian Wendy Waszut-Barrett, the landscapes have been painted onto canvas using historic techniques. Fixed to multiple wooden frames, they will rise from under the stage, giving an impression of scenic perspective. In the Victorian times this would have been a new and thrilling experience for the audience, who came to see the extraordinary pantomime transformation scenes. 

Tyne Theatre & Opera House’s Master Carpenter Colin Hopkins says “It has been a privilege to work on the historic machinery, restoring it to working condition so that we can demonstrate it with scenery and give the public a sense of how it would have looked and worked over 150 years ago. I am simply following in the footsteps of the nineteenth century stage machinist – we are rediscovering a lost art.”

The demonstration will take place at approximately 1.15pm in the main auditorium as part of the one-day conference. For more details regarding the conference, you can email conference@ttoh.uk or view the event page on the Tyne Theatre & Opera House website: https://www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/portfolio/theatrical-scenepainting-in-the-19th-century. 

Preview: Only The Beginning… South Shields Customs House

Only The Beginning…a co-production by The Customs House and ThickSkin is coming in Autumn 2024

Only The Beginning…

South Shields Customs House Studio Theatre 

Friday 1 - Sunday 3 November 2024

The Customs House and ThickSkin are delighted to announce their upcoming co-production, Only The Beginning…

Only The Beginning… will be a thrilling, fast-paced and highly physical new show by Susan Mulholland (Gala Durham’s One More Sleep, Northern Stage’s The Christmas Grump and 11 Arches Park’s The Golden Cape) and directed by ThickSkin’s Artistic Director, Neil Bettles (Disney’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Frantic Assembly’s The Unreturning), showcasing ThickSkin’s award-winning physical, visual style of storytelling.

Following the Lionesses call to arms after their Euro 2022 victory, Only The Beginning… will take a deep dive into what it takes to be a female footballer and the bonds created through grassroots sport. This exciting new production will be developed with involvement from local girls’ football teams in the North East.

Susan Mulholland - Writer of Only The Beginning...

The piece, which will be written by Susan Mulholland, will be devised following a series of workshops and facilitated conversations with local football teams as well as those who have played but have since left the game. Susan said ‘I hope to paint a picture of the women’s game in our region right now. I’m interested in all of it; the talent, the obstacles and inequalities, the passion and motivation it takes to play and how much fun it is; It feels timely to tell these stories now, when, despite the success of the National Team, grassroots teams still have to fight for survival.’.

The Customs House

The show will be created as part of The Customs House’s Future Creatives, their programme aimed at nurturing emerging artists aged 25 and under, across various art forms. The initiative has been made possible through investment from Arts Council England and will provide opportunities for young creatives in the North East. The project is also supported by a successful ACE’s Place Partnership Fund, delivered on behalf of the South Tyneside Cultural Partnership Group.

Andrew Walker, Creative Engagement Producer at The Customs House has said, ‘We’re so excited to be working with ThickSkin and Susan on Only The Beginning. We’re very passionate about our football in the North East and we hope that the piece will celebrate the role that the game plays in the lives of young women, as well as highlighting the inequalities of opportunity and all of the work that is still yet to be done to correct that.”

Neil Bettles - Artistic Director of ThickSkin

Neil Bettles, Artistic Director at ThickSkin said “I am incredibly excited about developing this show with the team at The Customs House. The visceral energy of a game of football captured in a theatre production sounds like a brilliant challenge to me. There is a huge amount of interest in the women’s game at the moment, and I hope we can make something that reflects the energy and dynamics of the game as well as the stories of the people who are at the heart of the sport.”

Only The Beginning…will premiere at The Customs House Studio Theatre from 1-3 November 2024, and tour to community venues across South Tyneside from 6-10 November.

Tickets:

To book tickets, visit The Customs House website on https://www.customshouse.co.uk/theatre/only-the-beginning/ or contact the box office on 0191 454 1234. 

REVIEW: How to Disappear Completely and Never be Found at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Project A, Newcastle Theatre Royal's Actor Training Course presents

How to Disappear Completely and Never be Found

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Saturday 13 July 2024

This play by Fin Kennedy is an adaptation of the 1985 book, of the same name by Doug Richmond,  that suggested losing your current identity and picking a new one is more straightforward than you'd believe.

As a play the action surrounds an advertising executive called Charlie (Oscar Ridley) who is working punishing hours, fuelled by alcohol and cocaine. His lifestyle is damaging mentally, physically and emotionally. To cap it all his employer is less than sympathetic to the notion that he took some time out to attend the funeral service of his mother whom he now carries around in a small urn.

Charlie collapses and finds himself in the lost property area of a tube station being attended to by a underground worker (Dan Culyer). With a cut to the head he seeks support from the company doctor only to find that his recent past dealings with his employer is starting to catch up on him. The tale then appears to explore the options.

This is a graduation production for the Theatre Royal's own production company - Project A - which it describes as "a full time actor training company for 18 – 25 year olds. Suitable for those just starting their journey as an actor or those who are almost ready to enter the industry, we keep our cohort sizes small which means we can dedicate the time and support required to get the best from each of our students." 

Based upon this production, directed by Alex Elliott, the class of 2024 have clearly grown into a fertile creative force that have a lot of potential for the future. I know a number of past graduates have quickly found work in the region and beyond and as such, this course needs to be celebrated. The action takes place in the recently refurbished studio theatre and the flexible nature of the space is exploited. 

The show is, at times heavy going as it examines the low point in the main characters life. At times it is a tough watch, but, as is the nature of life - you also get those light relief moments even in the points of desperation - especially when dealing with bureaucracy. 

It is a large cast of 18, many of whom cover multiple roles as Charlie's life falls apart and he seeks a new path. The story is a powerful one, though you keep hoping for some genuine professional support. Though this play dates back to 2005, it shows how historically the mental health services have never really had appropriate priority and how employers still have a lot to learn about their employees welfare. As a society we still have a long way to go.

This is an engaging production from Project A, which in itself adds to the rich cultural tapestry of the north east.  The talented ensemble work well with a challenging script and we look forward to seeing each of them in action again. Oscar Ridley, in particular pulling off the desperation of a man last seen in the film Falling Down.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Tickets:

https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/how-to-disappear-completely/

Evenings: 7pm

Running time: 2hrs (including interval)

Recommended age by the theatre: 12+ contains flashing lights, haze, strong language, reference to suicide, drugs and drug use, visual representations of dead bodies and fake blood.