Storyknowing Festival and Symposium at York Theatre Royal

Storyknowing Festival and Symposium at York Theatre Royal

Two-day event exploring storytelling with young people showcases new models of collaboration between theatres and universities

Cath Heinemeyer, Storyknowing coordinator, leads a storytelling workshop at York Theatre Royal

 

After a £6m redevelopment project lasting over a year, York Theatre Royal will host an innovative ‘Storyknowing’ Festival and Symposium as part of its reopening weekend on 22–23 April 2016. The project will explore the relationship between storytelling and adolescence, and will feature contributions by researchers from York St John University and other institutions, as well as storytellers, theatre practitioners and young people.

The interdisciplinary project has been organised by the International Centre for Arts and Narrative (ICAN), a practice-based research collaboration between the theatre and York St John University. ‘Storyknowing’ aims to showcase new and productive ways in which theatres and research institutions can work together to develop participative arts practice.

The symposium, the first of its kind at the theatre and University, will benefit from the input of professionals and young people from a wide variety of backgrounds, ranging from researchers in theatre, education and psychology to mental health professionals, teachers, arts practitioners and young people.

Storyknowing will feature presentations and performances which demonstrate how telling and listening to stories can make a difference to young people’s lives. Two Friday morning panels, ‘Storytelling In and Out of Education’ and ‘Storytelling for Resistance and Resilience’, will be followed by an evening of storytelling performances by and for young people, including a story told through Indian dance and a retelling of the classical myth Dido and Aeneas, set amid the current refugee crisis.

Keynote performances by acclaimed storytellers Roger Hill and Jo Blake Cave will also feature, as well as workshops exploring the use of stories in schools, in mental health settings, or with profoundly disabled young people.

The Storyknowing project is coordinated by ICAN PhD student Cath Heinemeyer, whose research into storytelling with adolescents is funded by a collaborative doctoral award from the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Cath said:

“Storyknowing is about bringing together the best research and storytelling practice with young people – but it is also going to be an innovative research activity in itself. To generate new perspectives on how young people use story, we need a dialogue which includes the expertise of researchers, teachers, arts practitioners, mental health professionals and teenagers themselves. And that dialogue cannot just be conducted through research talks – performance and practice workshops will allow us to find out ‘what story knows’ about this interface.”

The ICAN partnership was established in 2012 to investigate the role of narrative across art forms in community settings. The Centre is jointly run by Matthew Reason, Professor of Theatre and Performance at York St John University, and Juliet Forster, Associate Director at York Theatre Royal. It has worked with almost 1,000 workshop participants of all ages and backgrounds since its launch.

Juliet Forster said:

“York Theatre Royal’s mission is ‘to cultivate the potential of the community through the creative arts’ and this goes to the heart of what ICAN and Storyknowing are about. We know that young people are facing unprecedented challenges – in a competitive educational world, and increasingly in the area of mental health – and we want to support all those working with them to harness the power of narrative and the arts.”

Matthew Reason said:

“Storyknowing is that quality of understanding we have while within a narrative, when we intuitively ‘get’ what is at stake in terms of relationships or consequences or emotions. Yet the moment we exit the story and try and say what it is we know, we are oddly lost for words.

 

“We are interested in developing storytelling as a participatory practice – one that really embraces the notion that we are all storytellers – through working with groups and individuals from across the community. It is a space where a theatre and a university operate within their wider community and context, making art together, asking questions together, telling stories together.”

 

The Storyknowing Festival and Symposium runs all day on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 April, with events taking place at York Theatre Royal and York St John University. Parallel workshops for young people let teachers bring interested students, at a minimal contribution to cost, to provide them with a vivid and creative experience of the research environment.

Of Mice and Men Review

Civic Theatre, Darlington – 15 March 2016

Touring Consortium Theatre Company mark their 20th anniversary with a revival of John Steinbeck’s searing tale of migrant farm workers in America’s Great Depression. As we found out later the first show TCTC ever brought to Darlington was Of Mice and Men, so it was a nice circle that this was the last show for them to bring before the theatre closes for refurbishment.  

Dudley Sutton may be the “star” in this emotionally devastating revival of John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men.” But the other star of the show is Director Roxanna Silbert, who in conjuction with Birmingham Rep,  turns in an impeccably mounted production without a single blemish. The ensemble acting is flawless. The design work is breathtaking. And Steinbeck’s Depression-based views on the human connections that are our only hope of survival in desperate times are just as relevant — even imperative — for living through our own cruel times

The relationship between migrant ranch workers Lennie (Kristian Phillips) and George (William Rodell) is the bruised heart of Steinbeck’s vivid portrait-in-miniature of a parched 1930s California, where money has drained away and kindness is a luxury. It’s a fragile constant in a world where dreams are as easily crushed as the mice Lennie accidentally kills with clumsy affection.  The intensity of the drama and its focus on human relationships is perfect for stage, inspiring powerful performances all round. As a story which is embedded in the American conscious there is also a peculiar authenticity about the production, a feeling that nothing has been held back. It is a sort of anthropological case study in the origin of American culture as it functions today.

There’s no way to overpraise this ensemble who bring Steinbeck’s characters to life. They’re a motley crew, one and all, and most are truly memorable. Sutton is heart-wrenching as Candy, the pathetic old ranch hand who can read his fate on the bunkhouse walls, as well as Neil McKinven’s burly Carlson, the bunkhouse bully who intimidates Candy into letting him shoot his old dog. And Jonah Russell’s Slim, the sober peacemaker, along with Ben Stott’s sadistic Curley, who does everything a man can to destroy that peace. Not to mention Dave Fishley’s blazingly intelligent Crooks, the black guy the white guys won’t allow inside the bunkhouse.

Every last one of these men on this farm is given human dignity as well as character dimension by members of this extraordinary company. Which is more than the real-life models for these men got back in Steinbeck’s day.

As the never named Curley’s wife, Saoirse-Monica Jackson lights up the stage with every appearance, displaying the nuance and complexity necessary to make the character more than just the catalyst for the play’s tragic ending. Jackson and Phillips play off each other very well in a key scene when Curley’s wife shows the troubled man some kindness right before her sad end.

This is a truly stunning production, the staging is magnificent.  Every aspect of the show’s design is first-rate, including Liz Ashcroft’s set designs, which help root the play in time; Simon Bond’s eloquent lighting; and Nick Powell’s understated sound design.

This was a book that I read for my O Levels far too many years ago for me to mention, but a tale that as stood the test of time and is still on the syllabus today.  The theatre was filled with students who were reading this as set text and hopefully seeing this production will give them even more of an insight into this remarkable story.

In Darlington until Saturday 19 March and on tour around the UK

The 39 Steps Review

Grand Opera House, York – 14th to 19th March.  Reviewed by Marcus Richardson

The 39 Steps a great British classic, a farcical-comedy came to the Grand Opera House York on the 14th March 2016.

With the cast compiled of only four actors; Richard Ede who played the dashing Richard Hannay, Olivia Green as the main delicate Pamela, whist also taking a good spy and a oppressed scots-woman.  But, where the true talent of multi-roling takes place, is between Andrew Hodges and Rob Witcomb taking on more roles than I can count.

The witty style of comedy that all us Brit’s live for, was shown in many a scene, but the scene that shone like a flashlight is the hotel scene where Witcomb played an eccentric landlady where he is switching between characters in a matter of seconds. Along with his counterpart Hodges they gained a great roar of laughter for the whole audience.

The staging was minimalistic which added to the farcical elements, with Ede climbing through a window (photo frame). The scene changes were quick and effective and at times the use of props to create a funny moment such as a lamppost was used very well with the dynamic duo bring a streetlight every time our daring hero opened the blind of a window. The play was full of Hitchcock related jokes with the shower scene being implied and mention of vertigo, these were very cheesy and did make a few audience members laugh. However some Hitchcock jokes did last just a tad bit too long.

I would encourage anyone looking for a good laugh; with exciting chases, a melodramatic love connection and a ton of humour thrown in to see the wonder that is The 39 Steps.

Lazarus Future

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

BACCHAE IMAGE NO TEXTLazarus’ 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

heart300x300Continuing 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

 

British Cast Premiere of The Great American Trailer Park Musical arrives at Waterloo East Theatre

Trailer Park Musical 50The Great American Trailer Park MusicalThe 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:

 

11th May to 5th June 2016 – Press Night May 17th 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 11th to 15th 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

Announcing OUT OF THIS WORLD

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We are delighted to announce the London Stage Premiere of:

OUT OF THIS WORLD

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

 

Continuing our commitment to producing revivals of rarely produced Musicals, we are proud to announce that our next show will be OUT OF THIS WORLD.

In this rampant Musical Comedy, the Roman Gods Mercury and Jupiter are in search of some entertainment of the human kind. The focus of their attention is a young bride, Helen and her husband, Art. Mercury joins the two on their trip to Athens, intending to put himself between the blushing newlyweds. While the men are busy chasing Helen, the goddess Juno (Jupiter’s wife) is playing games of her own with inept gangster Nikki as her reluctant sidekick.

Featuring a dazzling score by Cole Porter (Anything Goes, Kiss Me Kate) the show opened on Broadway in 1950 and played for 157 performances and received its UK Stage Premiere at the Chichester Festival Theatre in 2004.

OUT OF THIS WORLD is the second show in All Star Productions’ 2016 season, having just presented the highly acclaimed THE KISSING DANCE which was nominated for Seven Off West End Awards.

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LISTINGS INFORMATION


Venue: Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre, 53 Hoe Street, London, E17 4SA
Closest Tube/National Rail: Walthamstow Central, Victoria Line. (5 mins walk)
Dates: 12th – 30th April 2016
Press Night: Friday 15th April 2016
Times: Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm; Sunday at 3.00pm; No performances on Mondays
Price: £18.00/ £16.00 Concessions, Previews £12.50
Box Office: 020 8520 8674/ www.ticketsource.co.uk/allstarproductions

Director: Randy Smartnick

Musical Director / Orchestrations: Aaron Clingham
Choreographer: Kate McPhee

Casting: Benjamin Newsome
Producer: Andrew Yon
Website: www.allstarproductions.co.uk
Twitter: @ootwldn

Other: Presented by arrangement with Tams Witmark Inc.

HAIRSPRAY WILL TOUR THE UK AGAIN IN 2017 FOLLOWING CURRENT UK TOUR

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UK TOUR

www.hairsprayuktour.com / @HairsprayUKTour

  • FOLLOWING THE PHENOMENAL SUCCESS OF THE 2015/16 UK TOUR OF HAIRSPRAY, THE HIGHLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION WILL HIT THE ROAD ONCE MORE FOR A SECOND MAJOR UK TOUR IN 2017

  • HAIRSPRAY CONTINUES ON TOUR ACROSS THE UK UNTIL MAY 2016 WITH CLAIRE SWEENEY (VELMA VON TUSSLE), PETER DUNCAN (WILBUR TURNBLAD) AND BRENDA EDWARDS (MOTORMOUTH MAYBELLE)

Today, producer Mark Goucher has confirmed that following the phenomenal success of the current UK tour, the new production of Hairspray will return at the end of summer 2017 to once again tour the UK. This second tour of the smash hit musical will visit venues across the country until the spring of 2018. Casting, dates and locations for the 2017/18 tour will be announced in due course.

The producer of Hairspray Mark Goucher said: “I am delighted that after seeing this new production of Hairspray, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman have personally extended the rights to the show, in order for us to embark upon a second UK tour. This next tour of Hairspray will give us the opportunity to bring the show to new venues which we were unable to visit in 2015/16 and also to return to theatres which welcomed the show during its current tour.”

This new production of Hairspray embarked on a major UK tour in 2015 beginning at the Curve theatre, Leicester and continues across the UK until May 2016. The production has enjoyed huge success on the road having been seen by just under quarter of a million people with nine venues still to visit.

Hairspray is directed by Paul Kerryson, with choreography by Drew McOnie and musical direction by Ben Atkinson. The show has music and lyrics by Academy Award, Tony and Emmy winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

The current UK tour sees Matt Rixon (The Producers, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) play Edna alongside TV and stage actress and presenter Claire Sweeney (Educating Rita, Guys and Dolls) as Velma Von Tussle, Olivier Award nominated actor and much-loved Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan (BBC1 Tumble) as Wilbur Turnblad and British singer and West End performer Brenda Edwards (Chicago, We Will Rock You, The X Factor) as Motormouth Maybelle.

It’s Baltimore 1962, where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way.

Hairspray is a musical based on the 1988 film of the same name which starred Divine and Ricki Lake by cult filmmaker John Waters. With music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Hairspray originally opened to rave reviews on Broadway in 2002 and subsequently won eight Tony Awards. The production opened in London at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2007 and won four Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical. Proving to be an international success, Hairspray has also opened in South Africa, Japan, South Korea, China and Dubai. Following the musical’s phenomenal success on stage, a film of the musical was released in 2007 which starred John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and James Marsden.

Hairspray is produced by Mark Goucher and Laurence Myers, Tom O’Connell Productions Ltd., Just for Laughs Theatricals, Gale King Productions, Gary Brown and Curve theatre, Leicester.

Opera & Shakespeare hit the big screen at Empire Cinemas this April

image001 (17)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 2nd 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 6th 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 16th 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 23rd April 2016

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

From the Royal Shakespeare Company, this exceptional two hour event is a celebration marking the 400thanniversary 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 25th 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 17th 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 30th 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.

The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie

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!

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).