Month: May 2017

Chris Rea

Returns to Newcastle City Hall as part of his Road Songs for Lovers Tour 2017

We are delighted to announce that Chris Rea has added two new shows to his European Tour and will be coming to Newcastle City Hall on Mon 20 Nov 2017, to celebrate the release of his new album, Road Songs For Lovers.

 

Like all truly great artists, Chris Rea has followed his own unique artistic vision and a path that is his and his alone. And although his exemplary musical output to date is deeply embedded into the framework of the world’s rock n roll DNA, it is also safe to say that his presence has been something of a glittering thorn in the side of an industry that has always had him down as a perennial outsider. Artist and painter, blues aficionado and self-confessed motoring nut, filmmaker and Italian-influenced classical music composer, eclectic and maverick are two terms that hardly come close to describing a man who has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide for just being himself. In 2017 Rea returns to what he’s best known for: an album of gorgeous rock ballads which showcases Rea’s unique voice and a songwriting skill at the top of his game.

 

Born in Middlesbrough in 1951, Rea released his debut album in 1978 and promptly had a huge US hit with the first track to be lifted off the record, Fool If You Think It’s Over. In 1983, Rea’s fifth studio album Water Sign sold over half a million copies after I Can Hear Your Heartbeat became a Top 20 hit all over Europe. Rea’s follow up, Wired To The Moon was also a huge success and attendant tours of Europe would ensure that Rea commandeered a significant fan-base that has stayed with him through subsequent decades.

 

In 2000, Rea’s, King Of The Beach reached the Top 30 but his well-documented illness meant that he took a brief sabbatical from recording before returning to his blues roots.

 

Rea is not alone in the company of musicians who found fame later in life – think Jarvis Cocker, Leonard Cohen – and indeed it is interesting to note that he didn’t achieve UK Top Ten single status until the release of The Road To Hell (pt2), a record that was actually his eighteenth chart entry. Perhaps it is this fact that makes Rea such a breath of fresh air and a man effortlessly in control of his own faculties as a singer songwriter. “I was never a rock star or pop star and all the illness has been my chance to do what I’d always wanted to do with music,” he says. “The best change for my music has been concentrating on stuff which really interests me.“  He is obviously referring to his love of motor racing, painting and the blues but if Road Songs For Lovers proves one thing it is this: you can add beautiful, poignant rock ‘n’ roll love songs to that pantheon of passions.

 

Chris Rea plays Newcastle City Hall on Mon 20 Nov 2017. Tickets on sale Friday 12 May from 9am.  Tickets from £51.00 and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge).

 

Additional matinee performance announced for Salford run of
The Play That Goes Wrong

At The Lowry Mon 5 – Sat 10 June

The Play That Goes Wrong, the West End’s Olivier Award winning box office hit, has added an extra performance to its run at The Lowry. Due to popular demand there will now be an additional matinee performance on Fri 9 June at 2pm.

The production takes to the Lyric stage in Salford for nine performances from Mon 5 – Sat 10 June 2017.

The touring cast features: Katie Bernstein (Annie), Jason Callender (Jonathan), Edward Howells (Dennis), Edward Judge (Robert), Alastair Kirton (Max), Meg Mortell (Sandra), Graeme Rooney (Trevor) and Patrick Warner (Chris).

Winning the 2014 Whatsonstage.com Award for Best New Comedy, the 2015 Broadway World UK Award for Best New Play and the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong is now enjoying its third year in the West End, where it continues to play to sold-out houses. Licensed to thirty-three countries, with productions playing in Tokyo, Paris, Budapest and soon to open in Rome, Warsaw, Shanghai, Cape Town and Melbourne, the The Play That Goes Wrong is now set to receive its Broadway debut, with the original cast opening at the Lyceum Theatre in New York on 2 April 2017. It is a remarkable rags-to-riches story for a play, which started its life at a London fringe venue with only four paying members of the public at the first performance and has since played to an audience of over half a million.

Co-written by Mischief Theatre company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, The Play That Goes Wrong is a highly physical comedy packed with finely-tuned farce and Buster Keaton inspired slapstick delivered with split-second timing and ambitious daring. The play introduces The ‘Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’ who are attempting to put on a 1920s’ murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does, as the accident prone thespians battle on against all the odds to get to their final curtain call.

Mischief Theatre was founded in 2008 by a group of graduates of The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and began as an improvised comedy group. The company performs across the UK and internationally with improvised and original scripted work. Now with three productions playing concurrently in the West End: The Play That Goes Wrong at The Duchess Theatre; The Comedy About A Bank Robbery at the Criterion Theatre; and Peter Pan Goes Wrong at the Apollo Theatre. The company makes its television debut this Christmas on BBC One, with a TV production of Peter Pan Goes Wrong filmed in front of a live studio audience, featuring guest star David Suchet as the narrator (transmission date to be announced). The company is led by Artistic Director Henry Lewis and Company Director Jonathan Sayer.

The Play That Goes Wrong is directed by Mark Bell, with set designs by Nigel Hook, lighting by Ric Mountjoy and costumes by Roberto Surace. The Play That Goes Wrong is produced in the West End and on tour by Kenny Wax Ltdand Stage Presence Ltd.

Friends give support To Darlington Hippodrome

Friends of Darlington Hippodrome gift £20,000 to support the restoration project

The multi-million pound restoration project of Darlington Hippodrome has been given another financial boost following a donation of £20,000 from the Friends of Darlington Hippodrome which will fund the creation of a new green room.

The Friends of the Hippodrome Green Room will provide a relaxing break-out space for performers and members of visiting companies. In show business, the green room is the area in the theatre that functions as a waiting room and lounge for performers before and after a performance, and during the show when they are not engaged on stage.  The origin of the term is often ascribed to such rooms historically being painted green.

Rodney Burges, Secretary of the Friends of Darlington Hippodrome said “The theatre has has a long reputation among actors as being a wonderful theatre to perform in because of the welcoming staff and Friends.  We have continuously provided fresh fruit in the dressing rooms and put on regular opening night receptions for visiting companies.  With the restoration providing more space behind the scenes and in particular this much needed relaxation area, the Friends were proud to make this substantial donation to the restoration fund to be sole sponsors of the green room and further enhance the future reputation of the Darlington Hippodrome.”

Friends of Darlington Hippodrome is an independently run group of supporters that enjoys a whole host of benefits including discounts on tickets, advance notice of shows, priority booking and regular post show receptions with the performers.  Membership is just £15 per year for individual membership or £25 for double membership.  For more information to become a Friend of Darlington Hippodrome contact [email protected]

The restoration is still on-course to completed by November 2017 in plenty of time for the festive pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which opens on Saturday 9 December.  To book call the new box office number 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

 

Mark Goucher, Mark Rubinstein and Gavin Kalin present
THE MISER
Written by Molière
Freely adapted by Sean Foley and Phil Porter
Directed by Sean Foley

• LAST CHANCE TO SEE MAJOR WEST END REVIVAL OF THE MISER STARRING GRIFF RYHS JONES, LEE MACK AND MATHEW HORNE
• THE MISER MUST END ITS LIMITED SEASON AT THE GARRICK THEATRE ON 3 JUNE

Audiences have four weeks left to see a major West End revival of Molière’s classic comedy The Miser. The cast brings together two time Olivier Award-winner Griff Rhys Jones, who returns to the West End stage after a five year absence, British Comedy Award-winning Lee Mack who makes his West End debut and Mathew Horne. The play, newly adapted by Sean Foley and Phil Porter, opened at London’s Garrick Theatre in March and now enters the final weeks of a strictly limited season which must end on Saturday 3rd June 2017.

The full West End cast includes: Griff Rhys Jones, Lee Mack, Mathew Horne, Saikat Ahamed, Ryan Gage, Simon Holmes, Andi Osho, Michael Webber, Ellie White and Katy Wix.

Griff Rhys Jones is a two-time Olivier award-winning actor, writer, presenter and comedian. On stage, he has appeared as Fagin in Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver! (West End), the title role in Charley’s Aunt (West End) and in Feydeau’s An Absolute Turkey (The Globe). In a long-lasting comedy partnership with Mel Smith, his television credits include Not the Nine O’Clock News (BBC), Alas Smith and Jones (BBC), The World According to Smith and Jones (ITV), Smith and Jones in Small Doses (BBC) and Smith and Jones (BBC).

Best known for television and stand-up work, Lee Mack is widely recognised as one of the country’s favourite comedians and has won multiple awards. He is the writer and star of hit BBC One comedy, Not Going Out, which has run for seven series and holds the accolade of being the BBC’s longest running sitcom.  He is a team captain on popular BBC panel show Would I Lie to You, the host of Duck Quacks Don’t Echo on Sky One and a regular guest on panel shows, including Have I Got News for You, Nevermind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Lee has also toured the country with multiple sell-out stand up shows.

Mathew Horne has worked extensively in television where his credits include Are You Being Served?, Agatha Raisin, Worried About the Boy, Nan, Bad Education, Gavin & Stacey, Teachersand The Catherine Tate Show. His stage work includes Pride (Trafalgar Studios/ tour), Charley’s Aunt (Menier Chocolate Factory/ Theatre Royal Bath) and Entertaining Mr.Sloane (Trafalgar Studios).

Saikat Ahamed’s recent theatre credits include Peter Pan (National Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich), Strictly Balti (UK tour), 101 Dalmatians (Bristol Tobacco Factory) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bristol Old Vic). Television credits includeNadeem, Trollied, Being Human and Afterlife. Film work includes This Must be the Place andEast is East.  

Ryan Gage’s television and film credits include King Louis XIII in BBC One and BBC America drama The Musketeers as well as the feature film series The Hobbit and the film Serial Thriller: Angel in Decay. His stage credits include Ghost Stories (Lyric/ West End), The Lawes of War (Royal Court) and numerous credits with the RSC.

Simon Holmes’ recent theatre credits include Ghost Stories (West End), Yes Prime Minister(Chichester Festival Theatre/ UK tour), Romeo & Juliet (Menier Chocolate Factory) and The Cherry Orchard (Manchester Lowry). Film work includes V for Vendetta and Private Moments. Television credits include Doctors, Casualty, Silent Witness and Bad Blood.

Andi Osho has worked across stage, stand-up comedy, television and feature film. Her theatre credits include Breakfast with Mugabe (Theatre Royal Bath) and Yellowman (Theatre Royal Liverpool/ UK tour). She has performed on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Stand Up For The Week and Live At The Apollo. Recent television work includes Finding Carter, Psychoville, Life of Riley and The Andi O Show. Film credits include Swinging with the Finkels and Lights Out.

Michael Webber’s theatre credits include Cyrano (Chichester Festival Theatre) and Cause Celebre (Old Vic). His extensive film credits include Hysteria, Sherlock Holmes 2, The Scouting Book for Boys, Children of Men and Stormbreaker. Television work includes Black Mirror ‘The Waldo Moment’, What Remains, Little Dorrit, Wire in the Blood and Hustle.

Ellie White recently appeared in The Windsors on Channel 4. Other television credits includeCarters Get Rich, Class Dismissed, Murder in Successville and House of Fools. Humans, her debut solo show, ran at Edinburgh Festival with the Invisible Dot. She also works on ITV 2’s current affairs comedy show @ELEVNISH and has filmed a comedy sketch pilot for BBC3.

Katy Wix is best known for her television work and has appeared regularly alongside Lee Mack inNot Going Out as Daisy. Her other television work includes Decline and Fall, Sherlock, Agatha Raisin, Miranda all for the BBC, Anna and Katy and The Windsors for Channel 4. She has also appeared on panel shows such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Would I Lie to You. Her previous stage work includes Holes (The Invisible Dot) and Psister Psycho (Edinburgh Fringe). Her writing credits include Anna and Katy for Channel 4 and Bird Island for the BBC.

Sean Foley is an award-winning actor, writer and director. He co-founded The Right Size, creating over 10 original comedies for the theatre including the Olivier Award-winning and Tony-nominated production of The Play What I Wrote (Best Comedy 2002), Do You Come Here Often? (Best Entertainment 1999), and Ducktastic! (Albery Theatre – Best Entertainment nomination 2006). As director his work includes The Dresser, The Painkiller, Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense (Best New Comedy 2014), The Walworth Farce (The Olympia Theatre, Dublin), the multi Olivier-nominated The Ladykillers (Liverpool Everyman, Gielgud Theatre, UK tour), A Mad World My Masters (Royal Shakespeare Company & Barbican), What The Butler Saw (Vaudeville Theatre), The Painkiller (The Lyric Theatre, Belfast), Arturo Brachetti – Change (Garrick – Best Entertainment nomination 2010) , The Critic/The Real Inspector Hound (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Armstrong and Miller Show Live (UK tour) and I Can’t Sing! (London Palladium). Foley’s first film Mindhorn is released this month.

Mark Goucher has previously collaborated with Sean Foley, most recently on The Dresser at the Duke of York’s Theatre, as well as on the hugely successful production of Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense which played in the West End and on tour and is currently under option for a Broadway season.

 

The Miser is produced with long term producing partner Mark Rubinstein Ltd, and Gavin Kalin Productions.

 

Bridewell Theatre – 8 May 2017.  Reviewed By Jessica Brady 

I just returned from a really fun night at Bridewell Theatre, as a fellow improviser I am really impressed by this new troupe ‘SIMPROV’, this improvisation group is part of Sedos, the City of London’s premier amateur theatre company. It was a great location to start a new improv group, good space, good audience and a big stage to play with.

This 15 strong group of newly born improvisers are definitely on to something interesting and fun with the evening being split in two halves, the first being a series of improv games and the second was two rounds of Armando’s (long form improvisation). There were two improvisers who also act as hosts to the evening and made sure it ran smoothly.

One of my favourite games that SIMPROV played were Emotion Car where 4 improvisers and member of the audience leave the theatre and we had to give suggestions for an emotion for each improviser to take on. The improvisers and audience member came back into the theatre and the improvisers were assigned an emotion in secret from the audience member. The scene unfolds as each improviser takes the next person to get in the ‘car’s’ emotion and ends with the audience member having to guess what each improviser’s emotion was.

There were a lot of fun games that the group played and the second half of the evening with the long form improv showed a different side to all the improvisers and showed variation on their skills. Considering this was the first time that SIMPROV performed, I thought that they did a great job and each person involved brought their own personality and showed real skill. Improvisation is not an easy thing to do and requires nerve, imagination and acceptance which these performers have.

If I could suggest anything for SIMPROV to improve the show it would be to add some music related games and not to be afraid of going even further with the improvisations. Improv doesn’t always need to be funny, it can go in darker directions, or more bizarre areas.

A great evening with some giggles and silliness and SIMPROV is only going to get bigger and better!

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until Saturday 13 May 2017.  Review by Karen Millington Burnet

Well, we were bamboozled this evening attending Jane Eyre at the Mayflower, Southampton; it started at 7.00 and we had 7.30pm in our heads – but then, it is a three hour performance! I only mention this because, having arrived five minutes late, the Mayflower staff could not have been more accommodating and found us great seats at the back until we could take up our reserved places. In fact, the seats at the very back of the stalls were a revelation, giving us as good a view and appreciation of the performance as if we had been at the front; top marks to the Mayflower!
As for the performance, what a dark, depressing and tragic love story – the cast did credit to Charlotte Bronte’s tale. I didn’t know the plot and my wife, who is far more educated as to the story, was able to explain to me the nuances and depths which, once I understood, was able to spot in this very impressive production; full of emotion and grim imagery. Much needed light relief was delivered by Paul Mundell’s Pilot, the dog…with his waggy tail, who raised my spirits in between the powerfully draining performance of Nadia Clifford’s Jane Eyre – truly the Man of the Match, delivering a character from ten years old to the emotionally mature Jane of the final Act (Nadia Clifford gets extra plaudits for soldiering on after sustaining what looked like a sprained ankle half way through the first half causing a fifteen minute pause in the whole performance). She drew me completely into her character and the drama between herself and Tim Delap’s Rochester and I was transfixed as the plot unfolded.  Initially I had high hopes for Tim Delap, but I felt his performance became eclipsed by Nadia and even by some of the more minor characters. This is not to detract from him but to recognise a generally strong team of players. My wife was particularly taken with Melanie Marshall’s Bertha Mason who loved her voice and the expression she brought to the story.
Strawberries to the Movements Director – Dan Canham – who created some very evocative choreography to bring to life episodes in the story including stage coach journeys and riding scenes.  For once the lighting team “got it” and we really enjoyed the effects of creating spaces, movement, fire and mood changes which the team evoked. We enjoyed the novelty of the band on stage and their ability to both accompany and play a role in the performance was a great addition to the cast and to the visual performance – as well, of course, the music. We were divided on the scenery: the cast moved over, through and around it with agility and were obviously very well drilled, however, it was quite a contemporary set which might not please everyone. The costumes matched the mood well and the Costume Supervisor Jennie Falconer gets top marks for delivering a slick, on-stage change routine.
In the end, we left the theatre quite drained with the emotion of it all; a great cast delivered a dark and powerful tale with intensity and passion. This is no uplifting love story and despite the suggestion of a happy ending, we drove home under a full moon rather than riding off into the sunset.

Edinburgh Playhouse – until Saturday 13 May 2107.  Reviewed by Linda McLaughlan 

Opening night at the Edinburgh Playhouse for the production of Dreamboats and Petticoats, who could I expect? The show began with a grandfather and granddaughter reminiscing over his teenage years an old vender and the love of his life (or so he thought).

“Teenage love, Heartbreak and Rock N Roll’………. so the adventure begins.

The story of teenage years in the 1950’s and the group of hopeful rock stars who dream of hitting the big time rehearsing at their local Youth Club and love they find along the way.

Act 1

Exceptional use of songs and music guide you easily through the story of young unacquainted love and the main character’s Bobby, Sue, Laura, Norman, Donna and Ray who all want to noticed by the person of their dreams….

Bobby kicks off the music with ‘Let’s Dance ‘ as he tries out for lead singer in the band and he is successful for all of five minutes when the overly confident and somewhat arrogant Norman makes his appearance and charms not only the ladies but also the group with his vocals, singing ‘The Wanderer’ . A disheartened Bobby is unaware of the effect he has on Laura who watches from the sidelines dancing and cheering him on … why because he only has eyes for Sue.

Sue however has set her sights on Norman and goes out of her way to get noticed with her flirtatious dance moves…. but Norman is not interested. The opportunity to try make Norman jealous arises and although Bobby is not her usual catch, she uses him in her game. The opportunity to enter a songwriting competition presents itself and Laura seizes her opportunity to spend time with Bobby (who subsequently is her brother Rays best friend). Bobby is as proud as punch to have Sue on his arm for the trip to Southend, unaware of her intentions. The day progresses and Sues’s plan works and Norman is won over but things do not go to plan for Sue.

The songs go from strength to strength with hits from the Rock N Roll era that have everyone dancing in their seats and follows the characters highs and lows of unacquainted love, fist fights for the honour of their true love and budding romances.

Act 2

The return of Older Bobby with his granddaughter starts off with him talking about his true love Sue as they are now an item after he fought for her honour during the trip to Southend. Bobby still unaware of the flame Laura carries for him, neglects the time to spend writing for the song competition preferring to be with Sue (who still carries a flame for Norman despite his behaviour). Like all teenage romances there are turbulent times ahead when hormones are raging and urge to grow up and be a man brings Bobby’s romance to a turbulent halt, when he pushes Sue out his bedroom window due to the prompt arrival of his dad. Again the expert timing of songs such as ‘Only the lonely’ has you feeling for Bobby who just doesn’t have much luck in love.

The story begins to focus on what Laura has been doing in preparation for her ‘Sweet Sixteen’ party. A time when 16 was seen as a ‘Coming of Age’ the music has everyone singing along to ‘Happy Birthday Sweet 16’ and ‘Da Do Ron Ron’ songs that everyone knows no matter what your generation. The hearts of our young characters are put through their paces but love conquers all and when Bobby realises how Laura feels about him he realises what a lucky guy he really is and to top it all they enter and win the song writing competition with their version of ‘Dreamboats and Petticoats’

I would recommend everyone takes the opportunity and spend the evening watching this fantastic performance which takes you back to the time of Rock N Roll and no matter what generation you belong to this is a feel good show for eveyone

NEW SHOWS AT SHEFFIELD THEATRES

A host of new shows have been added to the Lyceum Theatre’s line-up, including master illusionist Derren Brown, a stage adaptation of best-selling novel The Kite Runner, and looking ahead to 2018, the return of everyone’s favourite ogre in Shrek The Musical. Tickets for the productions go on sale to Sheffield Theatres’ Centre Stage Members on Saturday 13 May and to the general public on Saturday 20 May.

 

The latest stage show from the multi award-winning master of psychological illusion Derren Brown: Underground comes to Sheffield from Thursday 24 – Saturday 26 August.  Provocative and entertaining, this spell-binding show offers a unique opportunity to see the ultimate showman perform some of his favourite work, live on the Lyceum stage.

Cut loose with rock ‘n’ roll musical Footloose when it bursts onto the stage from Tuesday 29 August – Saturday 2 September.  Based on the 1980s film which took the world by storm with its youthful spirit, dazzling dance and electrifying music, Footloose tells the story of city boy Ren who moves to a rural American backwater, where dancing is banned. Starring Maureen Nolan as Vi Moore, the show features a score of classic hits including Holding Out For A Hero, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and Footloose.

TV favourites Paul Bradley (Elliot Hope – Holby City, Nigel Bates – EastEnders) and Jessie Wallace (Kat Slater – EastEnders) lead the cast in Ira Levin’s spine-chiller Deathtrap fromWednesday 6 – Saturday 9 September.  With a plot full of twists and turns, it’s guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat.

The Kite Runner a haunting tale of friendship based on Khaled Hosseini’s international best-selling novel comes to the Lyceum from Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 October.  Spanning cultures and continents, it follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption.   

 

Following the unprecedented success of its UK tour, Shrek The Musical returns to the Lyceum Theatre for Easter 2018 (Wednesday 28 – Sunday 8 April 2018).  This larger than life production sees unlikely hero Shrek and his loyal steed Donkey embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from a 14 foot fire-breathing, love-sick dragon.  Featuring new songs as well as cult Shrek anthem I’m a Believer, Shrek The Musical brings over 100 much-loved fairytale characters to life in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza.

The new shows go on sale to Sheffield Theatres’ Centre Stage Members on Saturday 13 May at 10.00am and to the general public on Saturday 20 May.  For more details about Centre Stage membership or to book tickets call the Box Office on 0114 249 6000 or visit sheffieldtheatres.co.uk. 

SMOLDERING NIGHT IN BUENOS AIRES PROMISED WITH 21^ST CENTURY TANGO SHOW

 

This spring audiences can take a trip to late night Buenos Aires with a seductive new dance show celebrating the art of Tango.  m¡longa or ‘tango dance party’, will be immersing Newcastle Theatre Royal in rhythm for two nights only, Fri 16 & Sat 17 June 2017.

 

m¡longa is the work of contemporary dancer and choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, the man behind Beyoncé’s breath-taking routine for the 2017 Grammy Awards. A Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist, Cherkaoui is internationally renowned for his ground-breaking productions and celebrated as one of the most original talents working in contemporary dance today.

 

Deeply rooted in Argentinean culture, tango has long captivated the world with its sexuality, power and beauty. Inspired by the late night tango scene in intimate bars across Buenos Aires (the street dance culture of Argentina that has influenced popular tango shows today such as Vincent & Flavia and TV’s Strictly Come Dancing), Cherkaoui draws on traditional influences and adds a contemporary twist. The result is a seductive and fascinating exploration of tango for the 21st century.

 

Combining a cast of 17 performers – ten Argentinean tango dancers, two contemporary dancers and five musicians – Cherkaoui brings his own unique choreographic style to the production.

 

m¡longa features music from Argentinean composer Fernando Marzan. He continues the legacy of the Marzan family as a line of extremely reputable and well-known musicians in Buenos Aires and some of his many recordings include the soundtracks of Evita, starring Madonna, and The Impostors, starring Oliver Platt and Stanley Tucci. For m¡longa, Cherkaoui reunites with long term collaborator, additional composer Szymon Brzóska. Video and set design is by Eugenio Szwarcer, costumes are by renowned fashion designer Tim Van Steenbergen, lighting is by Adam Carrée and sound by Gaston Briski.

 

Tango superstar Nélida Rodriguez de Aure is artistic consultant for the production. An accomplished tango teacher, some of Nélida’s most well-known students include stars of stage and screen Rita Moreno, Sharon Stone, Ivan Vasiliev, Anthony Quinn and Robert Duvall.

 

m¡longa is at Newcastle Theatre Royal for two nights only, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 June 2017, at 7.30pm. Tickets are from £16.  Tickets 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

Dementia friendly first for The Lowry with Gilbert and Sullivan classic.

Ahead of Dementia Awareness Week (14-20 May 2017) The Lowry are pleased to announce they will be presenting their first ever dementia friendly performance this Summer.

Regan De Wynter Williams Productions will present Sasha Regan’s all-male The Mikado Tue 25 – Sat 29 July at The Lowry, with a specially adapted dementia friendly performance on Wed 26 July, 2pm.

Dementia friendly performances were pioneered by West Yorkshire Playhouse, The Lowry is proud to be the first theatre to offer one in the North West.

Although not yet confirmed, adaptions to The Mikado for the dementia friendly performance can include things like looking at the pacing of the story, if there are quick plot developments they may look to slow things down and make more obvious references to changes in the story. There may also be a lot of repetition so that theatregoers are able to follow along with the story.

As a theatre The Lowry can make adaptions like keeping the lights up in the auditorium so that theatregoers are not in complete darkness; having an open door policy so that theatregoers can see all exits and are free to leave when they need to; having extra trained staff on hand to help out with individual’s needs.

The Lowry is committed to providing access to the arts and has a silver ‘attitude is everything’ award. The Salford arts centre regularly presents British Sign Language performances, Audio Described performances, Captioned performances and Relaxed performances. This work extends into the galleries with accessible gallery tours and relaxed family activity.

More information on access at The Lowry can be found on the website.

Following the highly successful all-male tours of H.M.S. Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance, Sasha Regan returns to Salford with the irresistible The Mikado – one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most famous operettas.

In true topsy –turvy fashion, Gilbert and Sullivan’s inherent humour and timeless tunefulness are married with Regan’s wicked sense of fun. This vibrant production successfully pokes playful fun at British politics and institutions. The crazy storyline takes us to 1950s England where a school camping trip is visiting the far away land of Titipu – a place where flirting is banned on pain of death and where tailors can become Lord High Executioners but cannot cut off another’s head, until they have cut off their own!
Listings Info
The Mikado
Dates: Tue 25 – Sat 29 July
Times: 7.30pm. Thu & Sat 2pm.
Dementia friendly performance: Wed 26 July, 2pm.
Tickets: £26.50 – £29.50. Conc £2 off.
Website