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20 Questions with ….. Tim Prottey Jones

TPJ
Singer, composer, west end performer and bona fide Superstar Tim Prottey Jones agreed to answer 20 questions….
Lets start with some favourites
1. Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)?
Les Miserables
2. Favourite book?
“First last kiss” by Ali Harris
3. Favourite theatre?
Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin
4. Favourite song?
Bohemian Rhapsody
5. Favourite music?
Rock
6. Favourite food?
Roast Chicken Dinner
7. Favourite line from any show?
“Finish him” – from the as yet unwritten, Karate Kid the musical…
8. What is your favourite role?
My current role of Billy in the West End production of ‘Once’ is a great match for me. I love the humour, I love the music and it’s given me such a love of acting. The book is so strong and it allows me to constantly find new ways of delivering the lines which really suits my short attention span.
9. What role would you really love to play?
This is an easy one for me…Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. It’s a role and show that grabbed me from a very early age and has never let me go. Each year I hope that I’m what they are looking for!
10. What was your first role?
My first professional role was covering Tim Minchin’s role of Judas in the 2012 arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. My first role when I was young was, non too surprisingly, Fat Sam in Bugsy Malone!
11. Which do you prefer writing or performing?
I think I have to continue to do both. I genuinely love both. Deep down, I love a quiet life and so the writing world really interests me. Writing a song, recording a song and having other people perform my work is such an incredible buzz but of course so is performing…just in a different way. I do think I need both of those fixes though.
12. After the success of “After The Turn” will you write any more musicals?
Yes indeed. Since ‘After the Turn’ I have reunited with Tori Allen Martin and have written a new musical called ‘Equally’. The show had a brief run at the Cockpit Theatre in 2014 but we are currently in the re-writing and refining stages to bring the new and improved show back. As well as that project, I am writing for some musical film projects and turning a best selling novel into a musical.
13. Are you glad you did “Search for a Superstar”?
I really am. Whereas the live shows were potentially a little more than I could cope with, the entire process was very rewarding and eye opening. It was that programme that allowed me to stop working a 9-5 job whilst giving me the confidence to pursue musical theatre. I went for the TV show purely because of my love for Jesus Christ Superstar and the role of Jesus. I am massively grateful that I was able to be a part of the arena tour that followed the television show.
14. Do you still keep in touch with any of the other ‘Superstars’?
Yes indeed, I have a lot of contact with many of the guys from the top 40! I’ve worked with Ben, Jeff, Rory, Dave from the top 10 since the show too which has been great. Definitely made some friends for life during that experience.
15. If you weren’t an amazing singer, what would you be?
Haha, even if that were true, I would never believe it. I am always working to get better though, but there are so many people that I look up to who do what I do in a different and better way. But, if you’re asking what I’d do if I didn’t perform, I have always been keen to be a policeman, or rather strangely, a sniper!
16. What advice would you give 16 year old Tim?
Wow, where to start?! I would probably just forewarn him about the perils of the internet, the bravery of trolls that not everybody’s opinion is worth knowing and don’t let anyone tell you no…particularly yourself.
17. What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed?
I’ve seen a couple of great shows recently and am massively aware that I need to see a lot more…particularly plays. I have most recently loved both Miss Saigon and La Soiree. Both very different but equally as impressive.
18. Would you like to act in a play and not sing?
Actually yes. This is a bit of a revelation to me actually as it has been ‘Once’ that has really opened my eyes to what a brilliant book can do. Be it a play, television or film, I’d be really keen to do more.
19. If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be?
It would have been Freddie Mercury, but now…Beyonce…
20. Can you tell us what you are up to next?
I will be releasing my 3rd album this year, full of guest vocalists and new music. I have a number of other writing projects being completed and will be auditioning for future shows and performing work as well as performing with my bands ‘Straight on Red’, ‘Harper J’ and ‘I Live on Thorns’
 
I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Tim for helping me with this
 
 
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Peter Pan Goes Wrong Review

Civic Theatre, Darlington – 3 February 2015

Cornley Polytechnic returns with their classic Christmas vignette of Peter Pan, however this being Cornley – Peter Pan Goes Wrong

The joy of Mischief Theatre is their writing, its pure genius.  The jokes you can see coming a mile away and that just makes them even funnier. The technical aspects are outstanding with the incidents and accidents precise, concise and so well executed.  From tiny mishaps like a falling light missing an actress by millimetres to the huge disasters that befall the rest of the show really show the high callibre of the writing, the acting and the production and technical crew who ensure everything goes badly really well.  And with a misbehaving rotund it can be no coincidence that by the end it looks like the death scene on the barricade from Les Mis

Its also wonderful that the talented trio of Lewis, Sayer and Shields write such believable characters.  So we get to love Sandra, Annie, Robert, Dennis, Chris, Jonathan, Max and Trevor the Stage Manager

This very visual show within a show needs to be seen to be believed so its unfair to give away too much of the plot.  However there are simple added extra’s that make the show shine from the start.  The hilarious programmes, being stuck in the theatre foyer due to “technical issues” until almost before the show starts, the stage crew still being in the auditorium as we get seated doing last minute bits, arguing between themselves and asking for help from the audience.  And an impromptu rendition of “Happy Birthday” for ‘Mary’.

Due to the indisposition of the member of the youth theatre, toddler Michael Darling is now played by “the most mature of the mature students” Robert Grove (Cornelius Both), made funnier that he is over 6 foot tall and had mighty fine beard.  John Darling (James Marlow), also over 6 foot has memory problems so is fitted with an ear pierce that predictably picks up different radio stations, police reports and taxi’s.

Wendy Darling (Leonie Hill) is overly flirty and over-acted in every respect.  The girlfriend of Peter Pan (Alex Bartram) she is very much the lead and not keen on performing with Max Bennett (Matt Cavendish) who was only given the role because his uncle donated £40,000 to the AmDram’s.  However, it is Max who is the true hero of the show

Huge respect to Naomi Sheldon who plays Annie playing Mrs Darling, Liza the Maid, Tigerlilly and who gets electrocuted in her role of Tinkerbell; and to Rosie Abraham who plays Lucy playing Tootles, who over-comes her stutter to get the whole audience yelling “I do believe in Fairies” and manages to keep her head (despite almost losing her leg) and admirably finish the show

The whole cast and crew are outstanding.  It’s not just a show but a total immersive experience. You will laugh, so much so you may feel you are going to suffocate from lack of air from laughing so much.  In Darlington til Sunday – make the trip, its worth every penny

 

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Peter Pan Goes Wrong Review

Peter Pan Goes Wrong – Civic Theatre, Darlington

Posted by: The Reviews Hub – Yorkshire & North East 

https://www.thereviewshub.com/peter-pan-goes-wrong-civic-theatre-darlington/

04/02/2015 

Writers: Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, Henry Shields

Music &Lyrics: Richard Baker, Rob Falcolner

Director: Adam Meggido

5*

Cornley Polytechnic returns with their classic Christmas vignette of Peter Pan, Peter Pan Goes Wrong.

The joy of Mischief Theatre is the pure genius in their writing. You can see the jokes coming a mile away – and that just makes them all the funnier. The technical aspects are outstanding; the incidents and accidents precise, concise and well executed. From tiny mishaps such as a falling light missing an actress by millimetres, to the huge disasters that befall the rest of the show, show the high calibre of the writing and acting as well as the production and technical crew ensuring that everything goes badly really well. And with a misbehaving rotund it can be no coincidence that by the end it looks like the death scene on the barricade from Les Miserables!

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a very visual show within a show which needs to be seen to be believed, so it’s unfair to give away too much of the plot. However there are simple added extras that make the show shine from the start. Being stuck in the theatre foyer due to “technical issues” until almost before the show starts, the stage crew still being in the auditorium as we get seated doing last minute bits, arguing between themselves and asking for help from the audience, and an impromptu rendition of “Happy Birthday” for ‘Mary’.

Due to the indisposition of a member of the youth theatre, toddler Michael Darling is now played by “the most mature of the mature students” Robert Grove (Cornelius Both), made funnier that he is over 6 foot tall and had mighty fine beard. John Darling (James Marlow), also over 6 foot has memory problems so is fitted with an ear pierce that predictably picks up different radio stations, police reports and taxis.

Wendy Darling (Leonie Hill) is overly flirty and over-acted in every respect. As the girlfriend of Peter Pan (Alex Bartram), she is very much the lead, while huge respect goes to Naomi Sheldon who plays Annie playing Mrs Darling, Liza the Maid, Tigerlilly and who gets electrocuted in her rôle of Tinkerbell. Special mention also to Rosie Abraham who plays Lucy playing Tootles, who over-comes her stutter to get the whole audience yelling “I do believe in Fairies”, managing to keep her head and admirably finish the show.

The whole cast and crew are outstanding, and Peter Pan Goes Wrong really has to be seen. You will laugh to the extent you may feel you are going to suffocate from lack of air. In Darlington until Sunday – make the trip, this show is worth every penny.

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20 Questions with ….. ANNA JANE CASEY

Anna-Jane-Casey_2595308b

West End leading lady, star of stage and screen, Anna Jane Casey kindly agreed to be the first to do 20 questions with.  Here is how our interview went

Let’s start with some favourites

1 Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)?

Favourite show will always be West Side Story

  1. Favourite book?

I love “Perfume” by Patrick Suskind

  1. Favourite theatre?

Sheffield Crucible is the best theatre in the universe!

  1. Favourite song?

My funeral song is Can You Feel It by the Jacksons so I suppose that’s a fave.

  1. Favourite music?

I’m a huge R&B and soul girl.

  1. Favourite food?

I could eat black pudding and piccalilli for ever…

  1. Favourite line from any show?

“here Billy, d’ya not fancy us like? If you want I’ll show you m’fanny…” Said by Debbie, Mrs Wilkinson 10 year old daughter in Billy Elliot. Genius

  1. What was your favourite role?

My favourite role changes but I suppose Anita in West Side Story means a lot as it’s where I met my husband.

  1. What role would you really love to play?

I’d love to play Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL so if anyone has a couple of million to produce it, I’m there!

  1. What was your first role?

My very first professional role was Tessie in the touring production of ANNIE in 1982… I was 10 and got £50 a week and it was the greatest 12 weeks of my young life!

  1. Your sister is actress Natalie Casey,do you have any sibling rivalry?

There’s no sibling rivalry between Nat and I, in fact we both sit watching the other beaming and crying with pride.

  1. Has Natalie ever had a role you would have liked?  

I think with Nat being nearly 10 years younger than me, I’d look silly trying to take on any of her roles!

  1. Have you ever auditioned/played the same part?

We’ve auditioned for the same show but never the same role.

  1. If you weren’t the greatest singer in the world what would you be?

Bless you for thinking I’m a great singer, I’m just shouting in tune most of the time! But if I couldn’t sing, I’d like to be a PA to someone like Hilary Clinton or Angela Merkel. I’m RIDICULOUSLY good at nagging and organising, that’s what 16 years of marriage and two kids will do for you!

  1. What advice would you give 16 year old Anna Jane?

I’d say take every opportunity that’s offered to you and don’t back down because someone says it’s not for you. If I’d have been braver, I’d probably be a major rockstar by now!

  1. What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed?

I saw Warhorse for the first time a few months ago and it blew my mind. I was moved for days after.

  1. Would you like to act in a play and not sing?

I’ve done a few plays that haven’t required me to sing or dance and they’ve been great but straight actors are usually so intense about it all and moaning about how hard their work is and I just keep thinking, “wait til you have to do that big dance break in act 2″…!

  1. How did you get into marathon running?

We live near Blackheath where the London marathon starts and my hubby and I used to watch it on telly in bed and then when I had my first girl, I couldn’t get any work and so to keep me from going insane I entered the marathon  to give myself a focus in life. And now I run to get out of the house and away from the kids for an hour!!!!

  1. If you could be anyone else for the day, who would it be?

If I could be anyone else for a day I’d be Barack Obama…now THAT’S a position of responsibility I’d like to get a handle on!

  1. Can you tell us what you will be up to next?​

This year (2015) I’m doing lots of lovely concerts and there’s a big summer musical I’ll be involved with but I can’t tell you what yet as it’s not been announced!

I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Anna Jane for helping me with this

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Woman In Black Ghost Hunt

Darlington Civic Theatre – 23 January 2015

 

Making full use of the atmospherics from The Woman In Black and some very muted lighting, our group of around 30 or so met in the stalls for a Ghost Hunt around the magnificent Civic building. Led by Front of House manager Andrew Hutchinson and helped along by Signor Pepe himself we were introduced to various friendly spirits said to still reside in the theatre.
While we sat in the stalls Andrew told us some history of the building and of Signor Reno Pepe, quick change artist and favourite of Queen Victoria, who owned the Civic when it was the Hippodrome and Palace of Varieties. We learnt of his wife and of their dog, a pekingese whose body was found buried in the building during a 1990’s refurbishment and whose ghost is frequently seen by children.


On the stage we got to hear about a phantom ballet dancer and Gordon the stage door manager who still rattles his keys around the building. In the dress circle we heard about seat 666 which has been found in the seated position despite the countered springs that close it. And the brave ones went to look in the side box favoured by Pepe and a popular place for sightings of him.


Up in the upper circle we split into groups, the first group went to dressing room 12 which is reportedly haunted by a child. And some of the group could hear quite clearly a child playing and a strong alcoholic smell. The other group visited the Flyfloor and said “Hello” to Jimmy the Flyman who is said to still like to keep an eye on his ropes. The groups then swapped so they could experience all there was to see and hear and do.


All too soon the tour was over. And we had to say goodbye to the ghost and the Civic. A huge big THANK YOU to Andrew and the staff who helped to make this ghost tour so thoroughly enjoyable

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Woman In Black Review

Civic Theatre, Darlington – 23 January 2015

 

Since its first performance in 1987 The Woman In Black has been terrifying the audiences of UK. Written by Susan Hill and adapted by the late Stephen Mallatratt this play within a play entertains and frightens in equal measure, drawing on the imagination of the audience to produce shocks and scares.

 

Telling the story of Arthur Kipps, old Arthur (Malcolm James) takes the unnamed actor (Matt Connor) through his spine chilling tale. Young Arthur is given the job, by the firm of Solicitors he works for, to travel north to sort out the affairs of the late Alice Dablow. Visiting her house, cut off by tides and sea fret, Arthur experiences far more than he bargains for.

 

With James taking on the various bit parts of characters along the way and Connor, at times, acting a monologue, we are treated to a genuine spooky experience.

 

Special mention must go out the sound and lighting directors because its partly their fabulous setting that helps to build the atmosphere, the elderly theatre also lends itself to the effect. But it really is the power of the imagination that is the main clincher in this tale. Sitting in the auditorium, petrified, surrounded by people audibly screaming is an experience in itself.

 

Its a show worth seeing twice, the first time to be scared witless and the second to take in this magnificent story and to watch the reactions of the people around you

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Treasure Island Review

National Theatre Live – 1st broadcast Thursday 22nd January 2015

 

Bryony Lavery’s inspired re-imagining of Treasure Island is a true wonder to behold. Big and brash, wonderfully acted but the star of this production is undoubtedly the magnificent set. Making full use of the Olivier rotunda we saw the Hispaniola in full glory in the first half and the tunnels of the island in the second. The stars by which the route was plotted filled the ceiling and Lizzie Clachan and Bruno Poet must be congratulated on their vision and their staffs abilities to bring it to fruition.

 

Jim (Jemima) Hawkins is brought to life by Patsy Ferran and Arthur Darvill brings charm to the villainous Long John SiIver but Joshua James as half mad cheese loving Ben Gunn is outstanding too.

 

James, who argues with himself as if he were in his own chat show, is one of the original features of the production. Tim Samuels’s doleful Grey – a pirate so colourless that no one ever recognises him – is another. But a difference worth noting is Ferran as Jim: “Be you boy or be you girl?” “That be my business.” And Captain the Flint the parrot remotely controlled is a triumph

 

Although in the National for the Christmas period this is not a pantomime. Its rough and rugged with body parts, blood splatters and pirates – all of them bad, mad and dangerous to know. Treasure Island is daring, scary, fast paced and has moments of (black) comedy.

 

Its an exciting romp promoting a children’s story to classic theatre but this not children’s theatre and is well worth a visit to the National Theatre or your local cinema to see an encore performance

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Queen and Adam Lambert Review

Queen and Adam Lambert. Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle. Tuesday 13th January

 

From around 30 minutes before the show began the spot lights started to slowly move around the stage and a low reverb from a guitar started. The closer to the start of the show the faster the lights moved and the guitar got louder until there in silhouette stood Brian May. Then all lights off, pitch black and full light and into One Vision.

 

Brian May is, of course, a musical genius. His 6 minute guitar solo to lead into Tie Your Mother Down was outstanding as was the drum off, deliverance style, between father and son Roger and Rufus Taylor.

 

Adam Lambert is the first to admit he is not Freddie Mercury, there could only ever be one. But he has an amazing voice, and his campness and flamboyance have an echo of the immortal Mr Mercury. His showmanship complimented rather than imitated. Who else would have a chaise longue and drink champagne?

 

And Freddie himself did show up to sing. In the first song One Vision he did his “I had a dream. When I was young. A dream of sweet illusion. A glimpse of hope and unity. And visions of one sweet union” etc. During a Brian May solo version of Love of My Life up popped Freddie to help lead the singing and of course no one else could sing Bohemian Rhapsody and it was amazing.

 

There were songs I hoped to hear but didn’t and there were songs in there I wasn’t expecting, The Fog On The Tyne being the main one – but as a homage for the first night of a tour in Newcastle what else would you sing?

 

The show ended with Adam Lambert in the trade mark crown singing We Will Rock You followed by We Are The Champions and an instrumental version of God Save The Queen and it was done.

 

The stage and the lights were awesome. The stage was the shape of a Q with a large O with lights on it and the stick of the q was a path on to the main stage. They are very fond of red as a background colour but with a vast array of lights producing amazing patterns it was difficult to concentrate on the music with the lights hypnotising you. They were inspiring, I only wish I could produce such a show. With the sound and lights matching perfectly it was almost a son et lumiere with the narrative of the Queen back catalogue.

 

In a dream come true I finally got to see Queen and in a night of high voltage entertainment I was totally blown away. If you missed it you missed out but if you get the chance go and see this spectacular show

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Jersey Boys Review

Jersey Boys – Empire Theatre, Sunderland

Posted by: The Reviews Hub – Yorkshire & North East 

https://www.thereviewshub.com/jersey-boys-empire-theatre-sunderland/

27/11/2014 

Book: Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice

Music: Bob Gaudio

Lyrics: Bob Crewe

Choreographer: Sergio Trujillo

Director: Des McAnuff

4*

It’s easy to see why Jersey Boys is such an award winning and popular musical. It’s a feel good night out and jam-packed with hit after hit. Seeing this musical for the first time you may be fooled into thinking you’re unfamiliar with the songs, but once you hear them, they are all recognisable.

Long before Bon Jovi put New Jersey on the map, the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tells how the boys from the wrong side of the tracks rose to stardom. One of the most successful bands in pop history, they were inducted into the Rock &Roll Hall of Fame and sold 175 million records – while still in their twenties. Jersey Boys is a rags-to-riches Cinderella story, the tale of four young boys who try to break out of their poor, crime-ridden neighbourhood by starting a band. Fast forward a few years, and they are playing to thousands, selling a hundred million records. The money and the girls are rolling in. But Jersey Boys looks beyond the number one records, to the realities of fame and a life permanently on the road. Neglected families, angry mob bosses and the internal politics of four egos sharing the same space eventually catch up with the boys; tough for them, but fascinating for us.

The cleverest part of Jersey Boys is the structure. As founder member Tony DeVito says at the start:

The show is split into Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, giving each band member a chance to tell the audience their side of the story; all of them working their way into the audiences affections. Regardless of their various differences, we know and care about Bob Gaudio, Tony DeVito, Nick Massi and Frankie Valli, and it’s that which gives their song lyrics extra resonance.

On press night, the phenomenal Matt Corner took the rôle of Frankie Valli, showing a perfect falsetto, dance moves and an ability to engage the audience. All four of the ‘Seasons’ get a chance to tell their part of the story. Stephen Webb has the rôle of Tommy DeVito, the small time crook and successful talent spotter whose risk-taking both propels the band to success and puts them in danger. Sam Ferriday is genius song-writer Bob Gaudio, capturing the essence of the two-minute pop song. Lewis Griffiths takes the rôle of Nick Massi. They’re believable as a group where loyalties, tensions, support and occasional betrayals take them through failure and success.

Before the pantomimes take over, get yourself down to the Empire for a guaranteed night of pure enjoyment. A true story with the familiar falsetto tunes and a night of singing and dancing, you will leave the theatre with a smile on your face.

Recommended to all.

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Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain Review

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Civic Theatre, Darlington

Posted by: The Reviews Hub – Yorkshire & North East 

https://www.thereviewshub.com/67738/

05/11/2014 

Writer: Terry Deary, Neal Foster
Music: Matthew Scott
Director: Neal Foster
4*

The Birmingham Stage Company presents Barmy Britain in Darlington. Rog (Gary WIlson) and Rex (Benedict Martin) have to convince parking wardens Esmeralda (Laura Dalgleish) and Queenie (the divinely vocal Alison Fitzjohn) that Britain is Barmy or they will get a parking ticket.

The audience are taken on a trip through time with themes all will recognise, including Boudicca singing ‘I Will Smash You’ to the tune of ‘We Will Rock You’ to the Romans. Phil Spencer does an episode of Location, Location, Location in Lindisfarne with the Vikings and a date between Edward Longshanks and William Wallace is arranged during an episode of Take Me Out. At this performance, a child from the audience was cured of the plague in Wales, while everyone sang a happy song about the symptoms. Blue Peter interviewed a very petulant Henry VIII and Elizabeth I posed as “Betty from London” for Undercover Boss. In a shock revelation, she discovers the executioner doesn’t get paid but does get to keep the clothes of his victims, and that the whipping boy was punished for a Prince’s mistakes as it was an offence to touch royalty (and the Groom of the Stool held the highly prestigious job as Royal Bottom Wiper).

The second half is brought to us by 3d Bogglevision, for which the audience are invited to wear special glasses. Again, we are treated to a very busy Guy Fawkes who (very thoughtfully) spared time tonight to take part in Who Wants to Blow up Parliament, where he has the options to phone a friend, go 50/50 or ask the audience if we think his plan to blow up parliament will succeed.

Barmy Britain takes us from Guy Fawkes to Charles I and II via Oliver Cromwell and an episode of TOWIE starring Dick Turpin and the Essex Gang. There’s even a jaunty tune about being hung at Marble Arch called ‘The Tyburn Jig’.

The show doesn’t miss a beat, as it quickly moves on to a hip hop break dancing Queen Victoria (known as Vicky with a V and Albert with an A). Forward in time to the 1st World War, and the victor decided by way of a WWE wrestling match, but rather beautifully poignant as it includes the dropping of CGI 3D poppies as a sign of respect among the comedy.

We finish on a high as Queenie and Esmerelda agree that Rog and Rex are right and Britain is indeed off-its-rocker barmy, ending with a chorus of Barmy Britain to the tune of ‘If You’re Happy and You Know it’.

Barmy Britain is fast, fun and educational. We learn the Celts put severed heads in rivers as a gift to the Gods, and Longshanks was so called because he was over 6 foot tall and Henry VIII ordered the execution of 72,000 people.

Billed as suitable for ages 6 to 106, the show is fantastic. Borrow some children and get to the Civic before Sunday to see it. It’s a win-win situation, you will love the show and the kids will love you for taking them. Monty Python meets Pantomime via the GCSE History syllabus – this is a show not to be missed!