LAZARUS THEATRE COMPANY

Lazarus’ Season of Rebellion;

 Season of Rebellion continues with a brand new adaptation of Euripides’ sexual and liberating, The Bacchae.

 Lazarus returns to The Tristan Bates as part of The Camden Fringe for John Ford’s daring and revolutionary, Tis Pity She’s a Whore.

The Bacchae

After Euripides

Lazarus’ season of Rebellion and Revolution continues with Euripides’ final play The Bacchae in a new production Directed by Gavin Harrington-Odedra and sees us transform The Blue Elephant Theatre into the stadium of Dionysus.

A wanderer returns, driving the people of the city into a ferocious and liberating sexual frenzy. His actions excite, his message thrills, but his mission is revenge.

Euripides’ hedonistic and uncompromising final play comes to the stage in an all-new, devised, ensemble production. Through the use of spoken word, movement and music, this electrifying new production examines belief, sexuality and liberation.

The Bacchae plays from the 19th April through to 7th May at The Blue Elephant Theatre, Tuesday – Saturday at 8pm.

Tis Pity She’s a Whore

John Ford

Continuing our season of Rebellion and Revolution, one of the most provocative and daring plays of the period, John Ford’s shocking and taboo, Tis Pity She’s a Whore. Returning to The Tristan Bates Theatre and running as part of The Camden Fringe, Tis Pity is Directed by Lazarus Artistic Director Ricky Dukes.

Ferocious, murderous and bloody. Love will not conquer all. Love will destroy all.

John Ford’s Jacobian masterpiece follows two young lovers, Anabella and Giovani, caught in the grip of sexual adventure and discovery. But their love is damned and their sex is a sin; they are Brother and Sister. When the siblings’ love is discovered – their world is changed forever.

Tis Pity She’s a Whore plays from the 23rd August through to 10th September at The Tristan Bates Theatre, Monday – Saturday at 8pm.

“This is a fantastic re-interpretation of a classic. Venice in all its dark splendour unfolds before you; the cast deliver outstanding performances… Magnificent work… Do not

miss this production” ★★★★

Everything Theatre on The Merchant of Venice

 

The Great American Trailer Park Musical – The Hit off Broadway show finally receives its LONDON PREMIERE!

 

There’s a new tenant at Armadillo Acres – and she’s wreaking havoc all over Florida’s most exclusive trailer park. When Pippi, the stripper on the run, arrives and comes between the Dr. Phil-loving agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth-collector husband Norbert. – the storms begin to brew!

 

The Great American Trailer Park Musical with music and lyrics by David Nehls and book by Betsy Kelso, is a musical comic fable exploring the relationships between the tenants at the exclusive Armadillo Acres Trailer Park in Florida.

 

 “A delicious new musical. The joint is jammed and jumping with raucous laughter. It’s like The Honeymooners meets The Best Little Whorehouse in Urinetown.” — NY Post

 

“Joyful and unashamedly vulgar, Betsy Kelso’s comic fable about women in a Florida trailer park and their no-account men is more fun than a chair-throwing episode of Jerry Springer set to music.” — The New Yorker.

 

The show premiered at the first annual New York Music Theatre Festival in 2004 and transferred to The Dodger Stages off-Broadway in 2005, it has since played throughout the USA, Australia and Europe. This will be its British cast Premiere.

 

Following the recent success of Garry Lake’s production of Jest End at Waterloo East Theatre, the collaboration is set to continue by presenting the British Cast Premiere of the hit off Broadway show The Great American Trailer Park Musical, by David Nehls and Betsy Kelso.

 

Presented by Garry Lake & Waterloo East Theatre by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED.

 

Cast: TBC

 

Director – Richard Fitch (Urinetown – Assasins – Funny Girl)
Choreographer – Rebecca Howell – (American Psycho – Funny Girl)
Musical Director – James Taylor – (Sound of Music Live)

 

 

Listings Information:

 

11^th May to 5^th June 2016 – Press Night May 17^th at 7.30pm

Tues to Sat at 7.30pm. Sun at 4pm (No Monday performances)

Running time approx 110 mins with an Interval

Tickets: £20 / £18(Cons) Previews: May 11^th to 15^th All tickets £15

No Booking Fees (All seating is unreserved) Age16+

Waterloo East Theatre Brad Street London SE1 8TN

Book Online www.waterlooeast.co.uk  Box Office 0207 928 0060

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter
Book by Dwight Taylor and Reginald Lawrence

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

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Opera and Shakespeare hit the big screen this April as Empire Cinemas announces its Empire Extra line up, including:

Madama Butterfly – MET Opera

Giselle (Live) – Royal Opera House

Shakespeare Live

Empire Cinemas’ Empire Extra programme uniquely allowed viewers to experience world class performances and productions without the theatre price tag. Diverse in all it has to offer, each month Empire Extra screens a range of opera, music, ballet and theatre; all in high definition. This experience enables audiences to witness the performance as it is live, all from their comfy cinema seat.  April is no exception as Empire Extra showcases a stunning selection of screenings making spring all that more spectacular.

In addition to the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare Live, April sees a number of high profile operas coming to the big screen from the MET Opera and the Royal Opera House.

APRIL

MET Opera – Madama Butterfly

Released 2^nd April 2016

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/1lEfTLM

Anthony Minghella’s incredible production has enthralled audiences since it first premiered in 2006. This romantic love story stars Kristine Opolais alongside Roberto Alagna and depicts a tale of heart break. The performance is 198 minutes and is split into two sets with Hei-Kyung Hong and Massimo Giordano starring in the latter.

Royal Opera House – Giselle (Live)

Released 6^th April 2016

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/1Sf3IlK

Giselle epitomises romantic ballet at its very best, the story of a love affair which begins in the real world and transcends beyond the grave. This role is famed for being notoriously difficult for ballerinas to portray as Giselle adopts two roles within the one performance.

Peter Wright’s production seamlessly masters the dual aspect of the performance which makes for impeccable viewing.

MET Opera – Roberto Devereux

Released 16^th April 2016

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/1Mxk44L

Witness the talented Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky take on the challenge of singing all three of Donizetti’s Tudor queens in the course of a single season. This performance showcases the story of Queen Elizabeth I who is forced to sentence her lover Roberto Devereux to death.  This critically acclaimed performance is celebrated for its immensely aspiring directorial triumph.

Shakespeare Live!

Released 23^rd April 2016

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/1UN5hI8

From the Royal Shakespeare Company, this exceptional two hour event is a celebration marking the 400^thanniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. The event can be enjoyed at Empire Extra cinemas despite originally being screened live from Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. The star studded show celebrates Shakespeare’s works and is a must see for theatre and literature enthusiasts alike.

Royal Opera House – Lucia Di Lammermoor (Live)

Released 25^th April 2016

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/1L221H0

Sung entirely in Italian, Lucia Di Lammermoor is a story rooted in rivalry. This opera tells the tale of two families embroiled in a bitter feud back in 17^th century Scotland. Romantic undertones make for a beautiful performance as the story sees two young lovers endure very unfortunate consequences.

This performance is famed for providing some of the opera world’s most moving and riveting scenes- which make it truly unmissable viewing.

MET Opera – Elektra

Released 30^th April 2016

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/216DCBT

This story depicts a daughter’s quest for revenge after the unlawful killing of her father. This opera performance stages two incredibly heroic female roles, which take form in the characters of Strauss and Wagner. This performance is rooted in rich history making it one of opera’s most infamous classics.

 

Jon Nutton, Marketing Director of Empire Cinemas, said: “The Empire Extra programme allows our viewers to immerse themselves in culture, as it provides them with the unique opportunity to experience some of the world’s most celebrated performance events. Engaging and thoroughly enjoyable, Empire Extra offers the perfect entertainment for everyone this spring”.

 

For further ticketing information visit www.EmpireCinemas.co.uk or call 08714 714 714.

Woody Sez – The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie

Grand Opera House York

Friday 13 May at 7:30pm

BEST MUSICAL NOMINATION – London Evening Standard.

 

“Terrific” – The Guardian

Following its critical success in London’s WEST END, the hit musical Woody Sez heads out on a full UK tour. Woody Sez captures the heart and spirit of America’s original folk hero Woody Guthrie, who paved the way for Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and more. Woody Sez is a soul stirring musical event performed by four amazingly talented actor-musicians performing over 25 of his classic songs (on over 20 live acoustic instruments!). It’s a joyous, toe-tapping and heartfelt musical portrait that uses Woody’s words and songs to transport the audience through his fascinating and sometimes tragic life.

“A Must See” – The List

WOODY SEZ is a joyous, toe-tapping, and moving theatrical concert event that uses Woody’s words, and over twenty-five of Woody’s songs to transport the audience through the fascinating, beautiful, and sometimes tragic life of Woody Guthrie. Performed by a talented group of four versatile actor/musicians who not only play 15 instruments ranging from guitar and fiddle to jaw harp and dulcimer, but they also bring to life the many people who are the fabric of Woody Guthrie’s amazing story. The combination of the cast’s infectious enjoyment, Woody’s incredible journey, and a stirring mix of moving ballads and energetic foot-stompers make this a must see. Woody Guthrie gave voice to the beauty and struggles of the common man and WOODY SEZ gives the same to the spirit of the man himself.

“Resonates…Profound” – The Times  “A Haunting Powerful Show’ – New York Times

“Go Bask In It” – Telegraph

Tickets from £12.50 from box office on 0844 8713024 or book online at www.atgtickets.com/york

DANCE, DRAMA AND DEADLY INTENT FOR NEW SEASON AT NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL!

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

No Man’s Land 15 – 20 Aug ‘16

Dirty Dancing 23 – 28 Jan ‘17

Peter James’ Not Dead Enough 20 – 25 Mar ‘17

Mamma Mia! 28 Mar – 15 Apr ‘17

 

A programme bursting with variety, from musicals to murderous plays, has just been announced at Newcastle Theatre Royal for the flagship theatre’s Summer / Autumn ‘16 season.

 

Following their hit run on Broadway, acting superstars Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart return to Newcastle Theatre Royal in Sean Mathias’ acclaimed production of No Man’s Land (Mon 15 – Sat 20 Aug). Written by Nobel Prize laureate Harold Pinter, the play explores the lives of two ageing writers, Hirst and Spooner, who meet one summer’s evening in a Hampstead pub and continue their drinking into the night at Hirst’s stately house nearby. As the pair become increasingly inebriated, and their stories increasingly unbelievable, the lively conversation soon turns into a revealing power game, further complicated by the return home of two sinister younger men. Don’t miss this rare treat of two master actors in Pinter’s comic masterpiece.

 

Fans of the ballet will be delighted to see Beauty and the Beast (Tue 8 – Sat 12 Nov) on the programme. Northern Ballet’s adaptation of this timeless classic brings one of the world’s most famous fairytales to life in a kaleidoscope of colour, set to an infectious score, including music by Saint-Säens, Bizet and Debussy, played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia.

 

Then it’s dancing to a different beat for Dirty Dancing which swings into town (Mon 23 – Sat 28 Jan ‘17). Come and see the classic story of Baby and Johnny on stage for the ultimate time of your life experience! Full of passion and romance, heart-pounding music including hit songs Hungry Eyes and the heart stopping The Time Of My Life and sensationally sexy dancing, the record-breaking musical is even better than before in this all new production.

 

Romance is on the cards over the Valentine’s Day week when Regent’s Park Theatre presents Pride and Prejudice (Tue 14 – Sat 18 Feb ‘17). As the Bennet sisters haplessly search for love in Jane Austen’s ultimate romantic comedy, it is Mr Darcy who unwittingly finds his match. From the creators of the recent smash-hits To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies, this adaptation of a much-loved classic was a sell-out during its original run at Regent’s Park Theatre.

 

Next for a totally local tale, Hadaway Harry races onto the Theatre Royal stage (Fri 24 & Sat 25 Feb ‘17) with the life story of Harry Clasper, the first Geordie sporting superstar and the man The Blaydon Races was written for. North East playwright Ed Waugh tells the story of how Harry ‘Hadaway’ Clasper brought the World Rowing Championship to the Tyne for the first time, in June 1845 and how when Harry died in 1870, more than 130,000 people paid tribute in Newcastle. During its premiere in May 2015, this fantastic play received standing ovations after every performance.

 

Audiences can get their gladrags on ready for a night of rock ‘n’ roll legends with Million Dollar Quartet (Mon 6 – Sat 11 Mar ‘17). Following its success in the West End, Las Vegas and on Broadway, this worldwide smash-hit musical is inspired by the famous recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. Featuring a score of rock hits including Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, Great Balls of Fire, Walk the Line, Hound Dog and many more.

 

Back by popular demand, Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers (Mon 13 – Sat 18 Mar ‘17) tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

 

Following the huge sell-out success of The Perfect Murder and Dead Simple, multi-million selling author Peter James returns to Newcastle Theatre Royal with the world premiere stage production of Not Dead Enough (Mon 20 – Sat 25 Mar ‘17). On the night Brian Bishop murdered his wife, he was sixty miles away, asleep in bed at the time. At least, that’s what he claims and

that’s the puzzle confronting Detective Superintendent Roy Grace who is still dealing with the mysterious disappearance of his own wife. As Grace starts to dig a little deeper, it soon becomes clear that love can be a dangerous thing… Not Dead Enough is the third novel in the award-winning Roy Grace series and the third play in the multi-million selling stage franchise.

 

The worldwide smash-hit musical Mamma Mia! comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal for the first time (Tue 28 Mar – Sat 15 Apr ‘17). Seen by more than 60 million people in 49 productions in 16 different languages, Mamma Mia! is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise. The ultimate feel-good show has been thrilling audiences everywhere and now the party comes to Newcastle!

 

An all new production of the Broadway and West End smash hit musical comedy Sister Act arrives (Mon 19 – Sat 24 June ‘17) starring former X-Factor and The Bodyguard star Alexandra Burke. Directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, Sister Act is based on the blockbuster film. This uplifting musical tells the story of a disco diva under police protection, being concealed as a nun and helping her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. Featuring dazzling dance routines and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, Sister Act is the funniest and funkiest musical around.

And there are plenty of great shows to suit all tastes already on sale in our current season. Dance fans will delight at Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty (Tue 5 – Sat 16 Apr), ingenious dance company NDT2 (Tue 26 – Wed 27 Apr), the beautiful and timeless classic Swan Lake (Wed 11 – Sat 14 May) and That’s Entertainment starring special guests The Overtones (Tue 5 – Sat 9 Jul).

If drama is your cup of tea then be sure to book for the gripping tale The Father (Mon 18 – Sat 23 Apr), experience the unique opportunity of three history plays in a day with The James Plays (Sat 30 Apr – Sun 1 May), classic comedy The 39 Steps (Mon 27 Jun – Sat 2 Jul), or for something new and raucously different Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour (Tue 12 – Sat 16 Jul).

 

Comedy lovers will enjoy a night with Julian Clary (Sun 15 May), or Grumpy Old Women (Sun 26 Jun) and if it’s illusions you’re after, look no further than Derren Brown (Mon 20 – Sat 25 Jun).

Family audiences can bring the children along to Goodnight Mr Tom (Tue 17 – Sat 21 May), or for the really little ones Peppa Pig’s Surprise (Wed 27 – Thu 28 Jul) and of course our Box Office-busting pantomime Cinderella is fun for all the family (Tue 22 Nov – Sun 15 Jan ‘17). Come and enjoy top-class musicals Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Wed 1 – Sun 12 Jun) starring recently announced actors Shaun Williamson (EastEnders) as Baron Bomburst and Carrie Hope Fletcher as Truly Scrumptious. Or indulge in the magic of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins (Fri 9 Sept – Sat 29 Oct). For a more grown-up musical why not try Chicago (Mon 1 – Sat 13 Aug) or discover the story of Tom Jones in TOM (Tue 3 – Sat 7 May).

Take a trip down memory lane with Heartbeat (Mon 23 – Sat 28 May) or if you’re a Gilbert and Sullivan fan then The Mikado(Wed 15 – Sat 18 Jun) is for you!

 

Tickets for all new shows in the Summer / Autumn ‘16 season can be purchased online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge).

 

Do YOU want to Rock US? Then We Will Rock You wants YOU!

Darlington College Performing Arts are looking for additional cast members for its end of year production at The Majestic Theatre in Darlington.

If you are aged 14 to 18, can sing and dance and want to be part of our cast then get in touch now

Kings Head Theatre Pub  8 March – 2 April.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Oh dear.

There are some good thing in this show, but they are scattered about between long periods of indescribable nonsense. I really wanted to like it, but found myself just waiting for the whole mess to end. And then, the last 20 minutes were great!

With book and lyrics by John Myatt, music by Simon Arrowsmith, and directed by Dan Phillips, the plot (if you can call it that) involves Vee and Della rehearsing for their show when they are interrupted by bar owner Dan and barboy Jay. A chair has been delivered from Dan’s ex and he goes into meltdown and, after lots of histrionics and faffing about, ends up strangling Jay. THAT’S where the show comes to life. Jay’s corpse stands up and begins a wonderfully bitter and twisted cabaret act as we are all now inside Dan’s head for the vital 8 seconds between Jay’s life and death. The songs now all have coherence and the interaction between the cast and the audience is brilliant. Why oh why couldn’t they have killed Jay in the first five minutes?

Yes, there were some funny lines and decent physical comedy –especially from Valerie Cutko as Vee, prowling around the stage like the lovechild of Patsy from Ab Fab and Jack Skellington. The cast all have great voices, and Daisy Amphlett (also musical director) truly shines in her multi instrumental duel with Jay (Daniel Cech-Lucas). Ralph Bogard is wasted as Dan – just wandering around with weepy eyes in a vile purple paisley dressing gown until the last section, where he gets to let rip and strut his fantastic stuff.

There is a germ of a good idea here, but as it is, this show was not for me.

Old Red Lion   8 March – 2 April.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

It’s Spring 2011, and as the UK prepares for the royal wedding, 16 year old Ben’s interest in the protests in Syria grows to dangerous proportions. His Syrian friend on X Box live has stopped contacting him, so Ben runs away to Syria to find him and help the anti-government cause.

Lucinda Burnett’s thoughtful and sympathetic portrayal of mental illness gives this story of unlikely friendship and politics an innocent sense of warmth and optimism. She has written characters that are easily recognisable and likeable in their flaws, and who respond to their situations in believable ways.

The set is simple, with a large circular structure centre stage acting as bed, seat, bush and anything else that’s required. As the audience settles, Ben (Joe Atwell) is seated on this holding his games console and playing one of those horrible warfare games. His conversations with Jibreel (Ali Ariaie) as they play are sweet and funny, with Jibreel just trying to improve his English and avoid thinking about what is going on around him in Deraa, and Ben becoming more and more curious about Syria. What begins as an interview for the school magazine soon escalates into an obsession for Ben and the use of lighting and sound – flashes and increasingly erratic and frantic rhythms – as his psychosis develops is cleverly done, never going too over the top.

Atwell gives a moving performance as Ben, beginning as a slightly geeky seeming lad and gradually showing the obsessive behaviour and delusions of his character with a subtle and unnerving touch. His scenes with bully Harriet (Jill McAusland) are wonderfully written and played – their bonding over his “mad” idea to bunk off to Syria evolves into touching, and terrifying, scenes in Syria when she finally realises that Ben is unwell and she tries hopelessly to help him. McAusland’s performance is feisty and funny, giving Harriet a blunt and accepting view towards her lot that is the complete opposite to Ben’s parents.

Joanna Croll and Mark Extance play the recently divorced parents with great humour. She is aware of Ben’s possible problems but cannot cope, and he is in complete denial – celebrating when he thinks Ben has finally rebelled! Croll‘s scene trying to leave phone messages for Ben is wistfully funny, she shows her helplessness and unconditional love for her child brilliantly and bravely.

The realistic approach to Ben’s recovery and treatment is a breath of fresh air – there may not be a happy ending, but the play ends with hope, for both Ben and Jibreel, and gives Ben the chance to finally help his friend.

Correspondence is well worth seeing – mental illness needs to be discussed and this play brings it into focus with heart and hope.