Jeeves and Wooster Review

Grand Theatre, Leeds – 1 June 2015

download (2)Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense is perfect entertainment.  2 hours of perfect hilarity by just 3 perfect and incredibly talented actors.

A play within a play this show is a classic farce.  Sean Foley (The Ladykillers) is a great comic director and he is once again in winning form here. The pretext of Perfect Nonsense, neatly adapted by the Goodale Brothers from The Code of the Woosters (1937) is that Bertie Wooster (Robert Webb) has hired a West End theatre to put on a dramatised version of an elaborate anecdote involving his Aunt Dahlia, Gussie Fink-Nottle, the Basset family and various relatives and servants and crucially a silver creamer shaped like a cow.  That’s where the audience come in – from the off we are directly addressed and included in the ensuing amateur-theatrical riot. Realising he can’t possibly play all the characters alone, Wooster recruits the straight-faced fixer-of-all-things Jeeves (Jason Thorpe) and the diminutive manservant Seppings (Christopher Ryan) to recreate the rest, women, dogs and all.

One of the great fictional story tellers, Wooster speaks to you as if you were a most intimate friend, misquoting Shakespeare, stumbling over himself to explain the complexities of his social circle, comparing conversing aunts to ‘as if shouting across a ploughed field in a high wind,’ and on receiving bad news, said it hit him like ‘one who has been picking daisies by the railway line and catches the 4.15 in the small of the back’. He bestows ludicrous significance to the relatively minor mishaps of his pampered existence.

Jason Thorpe is excellent at these  hi-jinks, and is near-unrecognisable in some of his guises, all of which are inspired. There are laughs to be had guessing just how he’ll manage his next transition from one character to another. Christopher Ryan is the star of the show as Seppings and his impressions.

Whether emulating a gale with a wind shield-smacking branch or doing his utmost to convince as an eight-foot beast of a man, Ryan is hilarious.

While Thorpe and Ryan both play multiple parts, Robert Webb is the show’s anchor, his Bertie striking the right notes of cheery naivety and childlike fear – usually justified – of getting caught up to no good. The plot unfolding around him serves up a stolen cow-shaped creamer, an offensive notebook, a policeman’s hat, plus obligatory attempts to prevent Bertie being jostled into marriage. And though a very – VERY – wordy piece Webb manages it outstandingly

The show is bonkers and charming and laugh out loud funny from curtain up to the marvellous, deadpan, dance routine at the finale

In Leeds until Saturday 6 June and on a national tour of the UK, this is one of the funniest things you will see this year.

Perfect Nonsense – Perfect Comedy – Perfect Family Entertainment – Perfect Night Out

 

THRILLING THEATRE ROYAL AUDIENCES WITH QUEEN OF CRIME’S BEST-SELLER

The world’s best-selling mystery is coming to Newcastle Theatre Royal! Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were Nonehas recorded 100 million sales to date and the ‘Queen of Crime’s’ own stage adaptation of this dark and captivating tale is set to thrill audiences from 27 July – 1 Aug 2015.

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And Then There Were None is widely considered to be Christie’s masterpiece and this production marks the 125th anniversary of Agatha Christie’s birth, and the 10th anniversary of the Agatha Christie Theatre Company.

 

A group of 10 strangers is lured to a remote island off the coast of Devon. Upon arrival they discover that their host, an eccentric millionaire, is missing. At dinner a recorded message is played accusing each of them in turn of having a guilty secret and by the end of the evening the 10 guests become nine. Stranded on the island by a torrential storm and haunted by an ancient nursery rhyme, one by one the guests begin to die. And with only the fallen believed to be innocent who amongst them is the killer?

 

Featuring a host of familiar faces from the world of TV and theatre, the show stars 2015 British Soap Award winner Verity Rushworth, best known for her role as Donna Windsor-Dingle in the long-running ITV soap Emmerdale. Verity won the ‘Best Scene’ award for the scene where Donna says goodbye to her daughter April. And Verity is no stranger to the stage having made her West End debut as Penny Pingleton in the musical Hairspray and later she played Maria Von Trapp in the UK tour of The Sound of Music, taking over the role from Connie Fisher.

 

Verity is joined by fellow Emmerdale veteran Frazer Hines, who played Joe Sugden in the soap for 22 years from the pilot episode in 1972. Many will also recognise Frazer as Dr Who’s Jamie McCrimmon, companion to the second Doctor Patrick Troughton. Frazer’s theatre experience includes starring roles in Outside Edge, Dial ‘M’ for Murder, Spider’s Web, Not Now Darling, Doctor in the House, in which he played opposite Bill Kenwright, Run for your Wife, Wait Until Dark and Far From the Madding Crowd.

 

Musical Theatre star Paul Nicholas first made his name in the original London production of Jesus Christ Superstar, in which he played the title role and later went on to star in Hair and Grease in the West End with Elaine Paige. Paul will also be known to many as Vince Pinner in the 80s BBC sitcom Just Good Friends.

 

Colin Buchanan, best known for playing D.I Pascoe for eleven years in the hit BBC television series Dalziel and Pascoe, joins the cast off the back of starring in a UK tour of another Bill Kenwright production, J.B Priestley’s Dangerous Corner.

 

Susan Penhaligon is probably best known for starring in the 1976 ITV drama Bouquet of Barbed Wire and for playing Judi Dench’s sister in the 1981 LWT sitcom A Fine Romance. She has also appeared on TV many times in dramas such as Upstairs Downstairs, Casualty and Touch of Frost and her extensive West End theatre credits include The Three SistersOf Mice and Men (Mermaid) and Dangerous Corner (Whitehall Theatre).

 

Mark Curry is best known to children of the Eighties as one of the Blue Peter presenters as well as hosting Get Set for Summer, The Saturday Picture Show and Screen Test. His acting credits include Alan Parker’s Bugsy Malone, London’s Burning, and West End shows The Woman in Black, Talent and he toured with Noises Off and Singin’ In The Rain.

 

Ben Nealon is best known for his role as 2nd Lt/Lt/Capt Jeremy Forsythe in the ITV award winning series Soldier Soldier. His previous work for Bill Kenwright includes The Signal Man (Windsor) and the Passport For Pimlico tour. His TV credits includeCasualty, The Bill, EastEnders and Doctors, and film roles include the Bollywood blockbusters The Rising and the Oscar-nominated Lagaan.

 

As The Agatha Christie Theatre Company marks its 10th anniversary with this production of And Then There Were None, the interest and adoration for the great Dame Christie – who having sold over two billion books worldwide is outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare – continues to grow.

 

This production of And Then There Were None is produced by Bill Kenwright, with Joe Harmston directing, design by Simon Scullion, lighting by Douglas Kuhrt and sound by Matt Bugg.

 

And Then There Were None appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Monday 27 July – Saturday 1 August 2015. Tickets from £14.50 (pay 50p less per ticket when you book online). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

 

And why not tempt yourself with Afternoon Tea after the matinees on Thu 30 July and Sat 1 Aug? Served in our exclusive Olivier Suite and accompanied by one of our pianists, you can treat yourself for £14.95 per person or upgrade to Afternoon Tea with Prosecco for £20.90. Book via the Box Office or online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/afternoon-tea

The Magic Flute

UoY Opera Society presents Mozart’s

The Magic Flute.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

Saturday 30 May at 7pm

The University of York Opera Society present Mozart’s The Magic Flute on Saturday in their third venture at the Grand Opera House, York.

For one night only this talented student company will take you on a journey to an enchantingdreamland of magic and mystery with a cast and crew of more than 50 members and a 30-piece orchestra in the pit.

Director, Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong comments, “It’s been an extremely rewarding journey so far and we’re excited to perform in such a fabulous venue. The brilliantly fantastical narrative which features a heroic quest, a vengeful Queen and, of course, a magical flute calls for all manner of special effects. These include an attack from a monstrous serpent and trials by both fire and water.”

The Magic Flute will be performed at 7pm in an English translation by Jeremy Sams, courtesy of Josef Weinberger. Tickets are on sale from the York Grand Opera House Box Office on 0844 871 3024 or by visiting www.atgtickets.com/york. Be sure not to miss this thrilling performance, as it promises to be a visual and musical spectacle like none other.

Tickets: £21 & £15 in person from the theatre box office, or call ATG tickets  on 0844 871 3024, to book online go to www.atgtickets.com/york

Punchdrunk Enrichment and Hijinx Announce Sequel to Beneath the Streets

Hijinx and Punchdrunk Enrichment present

Beneath the Streets: Lost and Found
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Beneath the Streets: Lost and Found is an immersive theatrical experience in which the audience is invited to roam through the space encountering characters and uncovering a story as the action unfolds all around them. The performance uncovers a hidden world of lost items from keys and glasses to love and loved ones.

The piece is performed by a large cast of actors with and without disabilities, including nine performers from Hijinx Academy in Cardiff, Hijinx’s professional training course for actors with learning disabilities.

THEATRICAL ADVENTURE CREATED BY HIJINX AND PUNCHDRUNK ENRICHMENT RETURNS TO SECRET LOCATION IN CARDIFF CITY CENTRE

Beneath the Streets: Lost and Found reunites the successful partnership between Welsh theatre company Hijinx – specialists in inclusive theatre – and Punchdrunk Enrichment, the education and outreach arm of renowned theatre company Punchdrunk.

Beneath the Streets 2014, which saw the basement of Cardiff’s Castle Arcade transformed in to a labyrinth of performance spaces, received a nomination for Best Production in the English Language at Wales Theatre Awards 2015.

This year’s production develops some of the stories and characters from the first show, and takes place in a new secret location in the city centre with an extended run of 12 performances.

Hijinx’s Chief Executive, Clare Williams, commented “We are thrilled to be producing a sequel to the highly successful ‘Beneath the Streets’. We firmly believe that our partnership with Punchdrunk Enrichment, who are experts in immersive performance, combined with the talents and uniqueness of Hijinx Academy actors and a wider inclusive cast, will make for an utterly unique performance. Don’t miss it!

Punchdrunk’s Enrichment Director, Peter Higgin, commented “We relished our time with Hijinx in 2014. The partnership was a profound experience; Hijinx Academy have an intoxicating and infectious energy that makes working with them compelling, addictive and incredibly rewarding. We are delighted to return to Cardiff and pick-up where we left off, and know that ‘Beneath the Streets’ audiences both old and new are in for a real treat.”

Hijinx have received funding from Arts Council Wales to produce Beneath the Streets: Lost and Found. This year, Wales Millennium Centre are a production partner on the show.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR HOTLY ANTICIPATED SEQUEL TO BENEATH THE STREETS 2014, RUNNING FROM 26 JUNE – 3 JULY 2015

BENEATH THE STREETS: LOST AND FOUND
A limited number of tickets are available for each performance due to its unique setting. Early booking is advised, available from Chapter Arts Centre  and Wales Millennium Centre.

The secret location will be revealed at the time of booking.

Pricing

Tickets £10 (£6 concessions)

Dates

Friday 26 June, 7pm & 9 pm
Saturday 27 June, 7pm & 9 pm
Sunday 28 June, 3pm & 5pm
Tuesday 30 June, 7 pm
Wednesday 1 July, 7 pm
Thursday 2 July, 7 pm & 9 pm
Friday 3 July, 6.30 pm & 9 pm

Access

BSL interpretation on 3 July, 6.30pm & 9pm
Audio Description on 3 July, 9pm

 

ROBERT WEBB COMES TO LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

JEEVES AND WOOSTER in PERFECT NONSENSE

 

 

Robert Webb, star of Peep Show and Mitchell and Webb, stars as Bertie Wooster in Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense at Leeds Grand Theatre next week

Alongside Robert Webb as Bertie Wooster, the Olivier award-winning comedy stars Jason Thorpe as Jeeves andChristopher Ryan as Seppings ; they take to the Leeds’ stage from Monday 1st to Saturday 6th June.

 

When a country house weekend takes a turn for the worse, Bertie Wooster is unwittingly called on to play matchmaker and to steal a silver cow creamer from Totleigh Towers.

 

The ever-dependable Jeeves is there to prevent Bertie from making a fool of himself in front of a cast of Wodehouse’s finest characters including Gussie Fink-Nottle, Madeline Bassett, Sir Watkin Basset, Dahlia Travers, Roderick Spode and Constable Oates.

 

Billed as ‘… a delightful evening of theatrical absurdity…’ the iconic double act promises a raucous evening of comedy.

 

 

Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense is at Leeds Grand Theatre from

Monday 1st to Saturday 6th June

 

Tickets are on sale now priced from £23 to £34

 

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call box office on 0844 848 2700

 

 

LIFE SUCKS. BUT DON’T SWEAT IT, AVENUE Q ARRIVES AT DARLINGTON CIVIC THEATRE

Cross Sesame Street with the Muppet Show, give it a 14+ age rating and clap on a government health warning that too much laughter can make your sides ache and you’ve got Avenue Q.

The countdown has begun! With just over a week to go until award winning musical Avenue Q hits Darlington Civic Theatre, the venue is preparing to host the most unholy comic allegiance between humans and puppets the world has ever seen. Following massive success all over the globe and nearly five years of mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness in the West End, Avenue Q finally arrives in Darlington from Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 June as part of its current national tour.

Avenue Q is a musical about the lively and off-the-wall characters on a downtown New York street trying to make sense of life’s burning issues: love, work, relationships, and, above all, just how are you supposed to pay the bills with a BA in English? Hilarious and uproariously entertaining with songs performed by a cast of hugely talented performers and puppets, Avenue Q is a musical like no other.

Avenue Q follows Princeton, a bright-eyed college graduate new to the area, as he desperately tries to follow his dreams and discover his ever-elusive purpose in life. A tiny bank balance, the distraction of a busty blonde, and a variety of weird and wonderful friends and neighbours lead Princeton on a story of self-discovery.

The show has enjoyed enormous success, both on Broadway and in London, proving to be the perfect, contemporary musical. Witty, rude and extremely funny, Avenue Q ingeniously combines a cast of humans and puppets who tackle subjects such as dating, racism, being gay and finding your purpose in life.

Avenue Q is at Darlington Civic Theatre from Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 June. Tickets* are priced £19 to £30.50

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy. Age recommendation 14+

Sunderland Empire Listings

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ISTINGS JUNE – JULY 2015

RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR

3 June 2015, 7.30pm

Purveyors of Cool’ return to Sunderland Empire with The Greatest Music Of The 20th Century’. Wonderful memories of classic 60’s Las Vegas – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis. Come Fly With Me, Sway, Mr Bojangles, Under My Skin and many more favourites. The BBC summed it up – ‘MAGNIFICENT’.

UNDER 16s FREE when accompanying an adult

(Price C only)

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN

4 June 2015, 7.30pm

Britain’s biggest Motown spectacular returns with an all-new, all-star show. Featuring the music of the Four Tops, Supremes, Temptations, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie and more. Five-star performances revive over 36 back-to-back hits with all the dazzling dance moves, glittering costume changes and musical brilliance of the original artistes.

AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE

5 June 2015, 8pm (Age Advisory 18+)

Britain’s No1 burlesque show goes global with the world’s biggest burlesque legends. It’s Vaudeville gone volatile: couture costumes, a steamy score, mind-boggling speciality acts and worldwide allstars in a wickedly hilarious extravaganza. As seen from Milan to Minsk, Zurich to St Petersburg, Helsinki to Dresden, join a thrill-a-minute, fun filled frolic into the bizarre world of burlesque, we dare you! Dress up and come to the cabaret.

ROY ORBISON & FRIENDS

6 June 2015, 7.30pm

Barry Steele is recognised as one of the world’s leading tributes to music legend Roy Orbison. He’s stunned audiences with his uncanny visual similarity and his ability to authentically revive the exquisite toe-tapping sound of this music giant. Using original film footage and backed by his fabulous band and big screen, this celebration of The Big O’s musical legacy is unmissable.

Joining Barry is the phenomenal Paul Molloy as Elvis Presley and the mesmerizing talent of Boogie Williams as Jerry Lee Lewis.

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS

9 – 20 June 2015, various times

Audiences will be transported to the luxurious lap of the French Riviera when the West End spectacular Dirty Rotten Scoundrels graces the Sunderland Empire stage from 9th June. The decadent world of the sophisticated conman Lawrence Jameson (Michael Praed) is set to come crashing down with the arrival of larger-than-life Freddy Benson (Noel Sullivan) – a conman of an entirely different order.

With North East’s Mark Benton as the hilarious Andre, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has been acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. Undoubtedly one of the biggest new musical openings to hit the West End stage, this indulgent and decedent comedy is a rare chance to return and relive the golden age of the classic musical.

Soon realising the town ain’t big enough for the both of them, Lawrence and Freddy find themselves going head to head in the con of their lives, pulling out all of the stops in a bid for the affections of millionaire soap heiress Christine Colgate (Carley Stenson).  Little do they know what they’ve let themselves in for.

TOP HAT

24 June – 4 July 2015, various times

Direct from its tremendous success in the West End, winning three Olivier awards for Best New Musical, Best Choreography, Best Costumes and the Evening Standard Award for Best Night Out, this spectacular production is making its Sunderland debut this summer.

Top Hat brings the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the glorious, tap-dancing magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to the stage in one of the greatest dance musicals of all time. Packed with Irving Berlin’s greatest hits including, Cheek to Cheek, Top Hat, White Tie & Tails, Let’s Face the Music & Dance and Puttin’ on the Ritz, this uplifting and hilarious romantic comedy dazzles with over 200 beautiful costumes, breathtaking dance and a love story that will set the pulse racing!

THE DREAMBOYS

9 July 2015, 7.30pm (Age Advisory 18+)

Following the biggest male strip show tour in UK history in 2014, The Dreamboys are back and hotter then ever with a brand new show. With special guest appearances on some of the UK’s biggest TV shows such as The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, Celebrity Big Brother, Loose Women, This Morning and The Only Way Is Essex and sold out worldwide tours, it’s no wonder they’ve earned themselves celebrity status.

THE CARPENTERS STORY

10 July 2015, 7.30pm

Widely regarded as the first ever ‘Tribute’ show back in its 1989 incarnation, Phil Aldridge’s lavish arrangements, stunning vocal harmonies and Claire Furley’s uncanny representation of Karen Carpenter combine to bring back memories of pop’s most melodic duo.

Featuring all the songs that made The Carpenters a legend in the world of music. Featuring We’ve Only Just Begun, I Won’t Last a Day Without You, Goodbye to Love, Top of the World, Please Mr Postman and lots more.

JIMMY CARR

11 July 2015, 8pm (Age advisory 16+)

Jimmy’s been described as ‘the hardest working man in comedy’, which, let’s face facts, is not that impressive. It’s like being the ‘Tallest Dwarf’ or the ‘Healthiest Glaswegian’. Really not that big a deal. Funny Business is Jimmy’s brand new stand up show. Come for the witty and incisive musings on the human condition; stay for the kn*b gags.

LOVE ME TENDER

13-18 July 2015, various times

From the producers of Hairspray, Midnight Tango, West Side Story and The Rocky Horror Show comes a hilarious, feel-good musical featuring Elvis Presley’s greatest hits. In a small town in 1950’s America, a guitar-playing, hip-swivelling stranger rides his motorbike into town. Is he The Devil In Disguise or a Hound Dog in his Blue Suede Shoes? The townsfolk are about to be All Shook Up

and could be headed for Heartbreak Hotel, but for Natalie, the love-struck, tomboy mechanic, it really is Now or Never.

Packed with 25 of the best loved songs by The King himself, Love Me Tender, by the writer of the award-winning West End and Broadway smash hit Memphis, is a funny and moving tale of hope, second chances and the healing qualities of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

THE DRIFTERS

23 July 2015, 7.30pm

Following on from the success of their recent tours, this new tour defines the evolution of the phenomenal story of The Drifters, through its music from the past to the present. This high energy show brings many of the greatest hits Under The Boardwalk, Saturday Night At The Movies, Up On The Roof, Kissin In The Back Row, Down on the Beach, More Than A Number In My Little Red Book, along with newer songs that have evolved through the first new recordings in over 30 years!

LOCAL PRODUCTIONS

Full details at atgtickets.com/sunderland

THE WORX

1 JUNE 7.15PM

FARRINGDON PRIMARY – THREE BECOME ONE

2 JUNE 6.30PM

NCDTA 90TH ANNIVERSARY SHOWCASE

21 JUNE 2.30PM & 6.30PM

SHAMEEM KARIM – DANCE EXPLOSION

7 JULY 7PM

SUNDERLAND SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL

8 JULY 1.30PM

NORTHERN STAR – GALAXY OF STARS

20 JULY 7PM

KATHLEEN KNOX – 30 YEARS OF DANCE

22 JULY 7PM

KATHLEEN DAVIS – A SUMMERTIME SPECIAL

25 JULY 7.15PM

AUGUST 2015 ONWARDS AT A GLANCE

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME 11-15 August 2015

PRISICLLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT 31 August – 5 September 2015

JERSEY BOYS 8-19 September 2015

SWAN LAKE 22-24 October 2015

SHREK THE MUSICAL 11-22 November 2015

All tickets can be purchased in person from the Box Office on High Street West, Sunderland, the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022* and online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland*

*A booking/transaction fees apply to telephone and online sales.

Competition: Your chance to appear on an album alongside West End stars

Have you ever sung along to your favourite cast recording and dreamt of appearing on an album yourself? Well now is your chance with this amazing opportunity to appear on a forthcoming album of new musical theatre songs, alongside some of the most exciting talent that the West End has to offer.

The album, “To Do. To Be.”, features songs written by West End star Tim Prottey-Jones (Once (Phoenix), Kinky Boots (Adelphi), Superstar (ITV)) and is set for release this Summer.

There’s one song left to record and, with the competition open to all ages, professional or amateur, it could be you singing it.

Entries will be shortlisted by Tim Prottey-Jones and a winner chosen by an esteemed collection of judges including Wicked star Rachel Tucker, Les Mis and Phantom legend Jon Owen-Jones, theatre critic Mark Shenton and What’s on Stage’s features and video editor Ben Hewis.

Artists that have appeared on Tim’s previous albums have included: Louise Dearman, Samantha Barks and Michael Xavier.

To be in with the chance of appearing alongside some of the West End’s finest, you must:

1. Upload a video of you singing a modern song or a piece of new musical theatre (a verse and chorus will be fine), to YouTube.

2. Use the words “TPJ Competition” In the title, along with your name and the song title.

3. Tweet @TimProtteyJones with the link to your video.

4. OR, you can e-mail your video link to [email protected]

The deadline for entries is June 14 at 8pm and the winner will be announced in the week beginning 19 June.

Terms and Conditions

1. Recording will take place in the week beginning 19 June.
2. There is no payment for appearing on the album.
3. The winner will be responsible for any travel and accommodation costs incurred.
4. This prize is non-transferable.
5. By entering into this competition you agree for your entry to be shared online and on social media.

Darlington Civic Theatre Pantomime additional casting

 

L-R Brendan Sheerin - Ashleigh & Pudsey - Niki Evans -- Cinderella -- Darlington smallBRENDAN SHEERIN AND NIKI EVANS JOIN ASHLEIGH & PUDSEY IN CINDERELLA – THE GREATEST PANTOMIME OF THEM ALL!

Channel 4’s popular TV show Coach Trip’s Brendan Sheerin and X Factor finalist Niki Evans have joined the cast of this year’s spectacular family pantomime Cinderella at Darlington Civic Theatre. The news follows the theatre’s recent announcement that Ashleigh Butler leads the cast as Cinderella, with her talented four-legged friend Pudsey.

Veteran travel expert Brendan Sheerin became a household name through Channel 4’s runaway hit reality programme Coach Trip, having started his travel career in Costa Brava in the late 70s. Coach Trip and Celebrity Coach Trip catapulted Brendan to fame, with more than 300 episodes having aired since the series started in 2005. Brendan’s other TV credits include Brendan’s Magical Mystery Tour and Brendan’s Love Cruise. Brendan has written about his travel adventures in his autobiography titled My Life: A Coach Trip Adventure.

Niki Evans, who rose to fame in the fourth series of ITV’s The X Factor will play The Fairy Godmother. Niki has performed extensively as a solo vocalist and has recently toured the UK as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers and as Paulette in Legally Blonde the Musical. Most recently she starred in Cool Rider, the concert-production of Grease 2 in the West End and has starred in a number of critically acclaimed pantomimes.

Michael Harrison, executive producer of Cinderella said “Brendan brings his big personality and infectious humour to the stage alongside Niki who has such a fabulous voice and wonderful stage presence. We’re delighted that they have agreed to be part of our spectacular Darlington production this year. With such a strong cast already in place this year’s pantomime is going to be a real treat for all the family.”

Lynda Winstanley, Director of Darlington Civic Theatre said “We are absolutely thrilled to announce this additional casting for Cinderella. With Ashleigh and Pudsey already creating a great buzz around the town, Brendan and Niki will both be a huge hit with audiences of all ages.”

Tickets are already on sale for Cinderella, which runs from Saturday 5 December 2015 to Sunday 16 January 2016. For tickets and more information visit darlingtoncivic.co.uk or call 01325 486555.

Brand New Sensational 60’s Show

image004Brand new production for 2015 making this without doubt the most dynamic 60’s show touring the UK. This is the must see 60’s extravaganza for all 60’s fan’s. For one night only all the hits performed by five of the most popular artistes of the 60s Starring HERMAN’S HERMITS, CHRIS FARLOWE, STEVE ELLIS the voice of LOVE AFFAIR, UNION GAPuk, NEW AMEN CORNER.  And hosted by Alan Mosca from Freddie and The Dreamers

    

This explosive line up from the 60’s delivers to you nostalgia & hits such as, Hermans Hermits, I’m Into Something Good, Something Is Happening, No Milk Today, I’m Henry The 8th, Silhouettes, Mrs Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter. Steve Ellis, Everlasting Love, Rainbow Valley, Bringing On Back The Good Times, A Day Without Love.Chris Farlowe. Out Of Time, Handbags and Gladrags, Let The Heartaches Begin, Reach Out I’ll Be There. The Union Gapuk , Young Girl, Lady Willpower, Woman Woman. The New Amen Corner, Bend Me Shape Me, If Paradise Is Half As Nice

Don`t miss the ultimate sensational 60s show of 2015 with over 25 hits performed. Step back in time and relive the past during an evening true to the 60s when pop music was at its very best.

Herman’s Hermits

Herman’s Hermits throughout the mid-60’s music scene proved to be a dominating force worldwide.  From 1964 the band chalked up over 23 top 20 singles, 10 hit albums, 3 major movies. Hermans Hermits as of to date have sold 75,000,000 records worldwide.  Their chart breaking hits include,  Mrs Brown You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter, Silhouettes, There’s A Kind Of Hush, Henry V111, Something Is Happening & I’m Into Something Good & many more to numerous to mention.  Hermans Hermits perform over 200 shows a year worldwide & after over 40 years in the business Hermans Hermits are still into something good

 

Chris Farlowe

Originally Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds started out in the late fifties. Chris later moved on to perform all over Europe & still does to this day. His hits include classics like Out Of Time, Handbags and Glad Rags (which was also released by Rod Stewart as a single) Let The Heartaches Begin, Mr Pitiful, Midnight hour.

 

Steve Ellis The voice of Love Affair

Formed in 1967 Love Affair stormed into the charts with Everlasting Love. At the time Steve was only 17 years of age but with his distinctive powerful voice he and the band notched up further hits, Rainbow Valley, Bringing On Back The Good Times & A Day Without Love.

 

The Union Gapuk will perform such classics as Young Girl which hit the number 1spot in the UK & number 2 in the USA.  Next came Lady Willpower which again reached number 5 in the UK & again number 2 in the USA.  The next release Woman Woman also proved a major top 10 hit in both the UK & USA. Other hits include Over You & This Girl Is A Woman Now.

 

The New Amen Corner a force to be reckoned with on any stage throughout Europe will keep you entertained with classics such as If Paradise Is Half As Nice, Bend Me Shape Me

 

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

Wednesday 1 November at 7:30pm

Tickets: £26.50 & £28.50

Box Office: 0844 871 3024

Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/york