Preview: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Whitley Bay Playhouse

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POP LEGEND FAYE FROM STEPS HEADLINES WHITLEY BAY CHRISTMAS PANTO 2015

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Whitley Bay Playhouse

Thursday 10^th December 2015 – Saturday 3^rd January 2016

This winter Blue Genie Entertainment return with a Christmas spectacular at the Playhouse Whitley Bay, with the lavish professional pantomime ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’. The same creative team that produced last year’s record-breaking panto ‘Beauty and the Beast’ have been brought back together to create another theatrical spectacular in Whitley Bay from 10th December 2015 – 3rd January 2016.

Producer Gary Telfer said:  “We can’t wait to produce ‘Snow White’ this year, it has to be one of the most popular fairytales of them all. It’s got a great cast of TV stars, we are so lucky to have signed Faye Tozer from the legendary pop group Steps. They still have a massive following, Steps were such a huge group so I’m sure there will be plenty of people out there who would like to see Faye, the group have sold over 20 million records worldwide. Faye is a fantastic performer so I’m sure the audience are in for a real treat. We know how popular the Playhouse pantomime was last year, in fact most of the shows sold out so we’re extending the run this year in order to get everyone in. We are keen to continue building the reputation on the Pantomime in Whitley Bay which has grown dramatically over the last 4 years.

 

There will be 46 action-packed performances of ‘Snow White’ at the Playhouse, Whitley Bay from 10th December 2015 – 3rd January 2016. The show features a host of top quality professional performers including Faye Tozer from Steps, Any dream will do finalist Rob McVeigh and back by popular demand for his 6th year local top entertainer and funny man Steve Walls. 

Director Paul Ferguson said:  “It’s going to be great fun for all the family. ‘Snow White’ is a magical story and its our job to make sure the audience get a great show it has something for everyone. We can’t wait to get started with this Christmas production”.

Blue Genie Entertainment are spending tens of thousands of pounds to ensure ‘Snow White’ will be a spectacular family production, bringing together a top cast, amazing costumes, fantastic dance routines, plenty of popular songs to please all ages crazy Dwarfs and the most amazing magic mirror you have ever seen!!

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/preview-snow-white-and-seven-dwarfs-at.html

Tickets:

Tickets are on sale now and already selling fast. Call the Playhouse Box Office on 0844 248 1588 or book online at www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

 

Live Theatre’s January to June 2016 Season: Now on Sale

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Live Theatre’s January to June 2016 Season: Now on Sale

A new season of entertaining, imaginative and engaging theatre has been launched this week by Live Theatre.

The Savage

Next summer there is an exciting collaboration with Carnegie Medal-winning author, David Almond (Skellig),to present The Savage (30 June to 23 July), his first full length play for Live Theatre. This creative theatrical reimagining of his critically acclaimed short story has been commissioned to mark the launch of Live Tales, our new creative writing centre for children and young people which is at the heart of the new outdoor performance area and gardens next to the theatre.

Max Roberts, Artistic Director, Live Theatre said: “It’s great to have a writer of David’s quality and reputation writing for Live Theatre. His enthusiasm and support for Live Tales our Children’s Writing Centre has been enormous and The Savage marks its opening. I’m very much looking forward to bringing his play to fruition moulding David’s rich lyrical writing with music and beautiful settings that will appeal to a wide age range of audiences.”

Iris

Next year also sees a welcome return for Alison Carr, with the world premiere of Iris (6 April to 30 April), a heady cocktail of caustic humour and tender pathos and her first full-length show in Live’s main theatre. Alison was the winner of Live Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Bursary for The Soaking of Vera Shrimp.

Gez Casey, Literary Manager said: “Alison Carr has a distinct and individual voice as a playwright – witty, quirky and engaging. Following her previous work for the company, including The Girls From Poppyfield Close and The Soaking of Vera Shrimp in our Studio Theatre, I’m delighted that audiences will be able to see her first full commission in the Main House.”

Always the Bridesmaid

Young voices continue to make themselves heard in Write Stuff (4 March), and members of Live’s Youth Theatre perform in The Media Circus  (5 & 6 March) and along with young learning disabled actors in Always the Bridesmaid (19 & 20 February), written by award winning playwright Mike Kenny in a collaboration with Headway Arts in Blyth.

See exciting new work performed for the very first time in Live Lab which this season launches two new projects, Live Lab Elevator festival (9 to 13 February) and Live Lab Takeover (21 & 22 May) which present new theatre and work-in-progress showcases. This also includes new work from Northumbria University MA students, as part of the recently announced partnership.

The quayside based Theatre is also looking forward to welcoming some of the country’s most exciting visiting theatre companies.

Land of our Fathers

Among the exciting visiting theatre programme, is Iphigenia in Splott, (11 & 12 March), winner of Best Play in the UK Theatre Awards 2015; as well as Land of our Fathers, (27 to 30 January), compelling account of six Welsh miners trapped down a mine as Margaret Thatcher wins the 1979 general election; and Petrification, (26 to 28 May) the world premiere of a new piece by Zoe Cooper, (Nativities) the past and present collide with dizzying consequences.

Adrian Edmondson

The latest addition to the season is Bits of Me Are Falling Apart (24 to 27 February), which sees Adrian Edmondson staring in a new adaption of William Leith’s hilarious and touching bestselling novel, directed by Steve Marmion, Artistic Director of Soho Theatre.

Mark Watson

Live Theatre will also host live music from Jumpin’ Hot Club and this season there will be live stand-up from comedian Mark Watson (2 & 3 June) as part of his national tour.

Tickets:

For more information about Live Theatre’s January to June 2016 season or to book tickets visit www.live.org.uk or contact the box office on (0191) 232 1232.

Preview: Puss In Boots at Seaton Delaval Arts Centre

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Purrfect panto comes to Seaton Delaval

Puss In Boots

Seaton Delaval Arts Centre

Friday 4^th to Saturday 12^th December 2015

Talented cast members from South East Northumberland are ready for a magical pantomime adventure as their Christmas production of Puss in Boots takes to the stage next week. Seaton Delaval Pantomime Society present the family fairy tale but bigger and better than ever before. This year’s production promises all of the usual show-stopping songs, dazzling dance routines, knockabout comedy with bags of audience participation.

The feline hero Puss in Boots arrives in the merry kingdom, to gain wealth and power for his master. This cunning feline swashbuckler has it all; the looks, the walk, the talk and most importantly his magic boots! Expect laughs and sparks as the loveable rogue defeats the evil Grim and wins the day!

The cast have been rehearsing for the show since September, learning words and complex dance routines ready for the festive extravaganza. Puss in Boots is the Pantomime Society’s 43 annual Christmas Pantomime in the village, originally performing in the Community Centre before moving to their own home the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre in 2007.

Making her debut and taking the lead role of Puss is talented 13 year old Brooke Wilkie from Seaton Delaval. She’s been part of the group for a number of years as a chorus member but is delighted to be stepping up to play a principal role for the first time. Lauren Greenwood from Shiremoor returns as the principal boy Jack, along with Mick Blewitt from Seaton Delaval donning the dresses again as the ditzy dame Queen Bea.

The show features a wide mix of new and old music, hilarious comedy routines and a story that’s guaranteed to finish happily ever after.

Stu Bennett, Chairman of the society said: “Last year we really set the bar with Robinson Crusoe, so it has been tricky to take it to the next level again with Puss in Boots this year. The show is set to be spectacular, featuring a local cast for the local community to come enjoy. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the start of Christmas and perfect for the whole family, young and old.”

Tickets:

Puss In Boots takes place nightly from Friday 4th to Saturday 12th December at the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre.

Performances take place nightly at 7.00pm with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 1.00pm.

Tickets are priced at £9.00 for full price, £8.00 for concessions and £30.00 for a family ticket, available from the Box Office on 0191 237 5460 or book online at www.seatondelavalartscentre.com.

Preview: Alice in Wonderland at South Shields Customs House

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Alice and The Customs House

Celebrate 150 years!

Alice in Wonderland

South Shields Customs House

Tuesday 1^st December 2015 to Saturday 9^th January 2016.

Alice 150: Natasha Haws as Alice blows out the birthday candles

It was celebrations all round at The Customs House theatre this week.

The venue in South Shields is staging a lavish production of Alice in Wonderland, which celebrated its 150^th anniversary on Thursday 26^th November, as its annual pantomime. 

The theatre chose Lewis Carroll's zany tale as it too is celebrating 150 years this year since the building first opened its doors as a customs port in 1865.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party: 

Natasha Haws and Steven Lee Hamilton

Customs House Executive Director Ray Spencer, who directs, co-writes and stars in the annual festive show, said: "Alice in Wonderland was the obvious choice for this year's pantomime.  “It’s a fantastic story with very colourful characters who really lend themselves to the art of pantomime. And, as some of the story was written in South Tyneside, we felt we had to really celebrate our link to one of literature’s greatest and most iconic tales. Come take a trip to a winter wonderland this Christmas."

Alice and White Rabbit: 

Luke Maddison and Natasha Haws

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was first published in November 26, 1865 and tells the story of a young girl named Alice who falls through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world.

It was written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll and it is said he wrote famous poems Jabberwocky and The Walrus and the Carpenter while visiting family in Whitburn.

The Customs House is also adding to the madness of Carroll’s world with Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties throughout the festive season. On December 6, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and 30, children will be able to enjoy special parties with an afternoon tea, party games, entertainment and an opportunity for a meet and greet with some of the panto cast members.

Read the original preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/preview-alice-in-wonderland-at-south.html

Dame: Ray Spencer as The Duchess

Tickets:

Alice in Wonderland, sponsored by Hays Travel, is at The Customs House from Tuesday 1^st December 2015 to January 9^th.

Tickets for the pantomime and Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties start from £9 and are available from the box office on 0191 454 1234 or from www.customshouse.co.uk.

For exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, competitions and all the latest news in Wonderland follow #BigHeart @thecustomshouse.

Cast:

Anne-Marie Owens – Queen of Hearts

Ray Spencer – Duchess

Natasha Haws – Alice

Steven Lee Hamilton – Mad Hatter

Luke Maddison – White Rabbit

Afnan Iftikhar – Knave of Hearts

Stephen Sullivan – King of Hearts & Mad March Hare

Kylie Ann Ford – Dormouse

Craig Richardson – Tweedle Dum

Gareth Hunter – Tweedle Dee

Preview: Laffs4Kids at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

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A Night Of Comedy In Exchange For An Unwrapped Present For A Child!

Laffs4Kids

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Saturday 19^th December 2015, 8.30pm

Tyne Theatre & Opera House are thrilled to announce that on Saturday 19^th December they will host Laffs4Kids, a fantastic charity event in aid of Cash for Kids featuring North East favourite’s Jason Cook, Chris Ramsey and more.

This Christmas 40,000 children across the North East living in poverty will not have a Christmas present on Christmas day. Laffs4Kids is trying to do something about that. A stellar bill of globe-trotting Geordie comedians coming together for one night to make you laugh your Christmas stockings off. And the price of admission? Merely bring an unwrapped present for a child.

To cover the admin costs and book a seat, there is a nominal one pound charge, but book your ticket then turn up with a present for a child and watch the finest comedians knock your socks off just before Christmas. This promises to be the happiest comedy show you have ever been to. People are paying with presents!

Lineup:

Jason Cook will introduce:
Chris Ramsey
Billy Mitchell
Steffen Peddie
Alfie Joey
Mickey Hutton

And more

to be added!

Tickets:

£1 booking fee per ticket. Ticket holders must buy a child’s present to hand in on the evening. Tickets will only be available from Tyne Theatre & Opera House Box Office and website, not via our telephone booking line.

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House Box Office is open 10am-3:30pm Monday to Friday and event days.

More information at our Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

Preview: Cinderella at Darlington Civic Theatre

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THE CLOCK IS TICKING FOR CINDERELLA

Cinderella

Darlington Civic Theatre

Saturday 5^th December 2015 to Sunday 16^th January 2016.

As the nights become darker and the wintery weather takes root it can only mean one thing – the Darlington Civic Theatre pantomime is almost here.

For 2015 / 2016 Qdos Entertainment and Darlington Civic Theatre have pulled out all the stops to bring you a mega-star studded pantomime – the greatest pantomime of them all, Cinderella.

Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh & Pudsey star as Cinderella and her faithful four legged friend. Described by Simon Cowell as “one of my favourite ever acts”, Ashleigh and Pudsey have won a huge following and will amaze audiences with their special tricks and routines.

Joining them will be Brendan Sheerin from Channel 4’s popular TV show Coach Trip as Baron Hardup, X-Factor finalist Niki Evans as the Fairy Godmother and children’s TV favourite Dooby Duck and Friends.

Add to this a whole cast of spectacular dancers, this production will be bursting at the seams with comedy, stunning sets and outrageous costumes and the most magical pantomime moment when Cinderella is transported to the Prince’s Ball with the help of a pumpkin, some mice and lots of Fairy Godmother magic.

A chance to win your own fabulous Coach Trip...

Everyone who books tickets for the first week of the pantomime will be automatically entered into a special free draw to win a fantastic coach trip – be in with a chance to win and book your tickets now.

For the first time at Darlington Civic Theatre there will be a specially adapted relaxed performance of Cinderella, designed to welcome people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, learning disability or sensory and communication disorders. This performance will allow audience members to leave the auditorium and return at any time, light and sound levels will be specially adapted, and there will be a ‘chill-out zone’ outside the auditorium. Audience members can talk as much as they like and there will be no expectation that the audience has to be quiet. (More details here: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/preview-relaxed-cinderella-at.html)

The special relaxed performance is on Friday January 8, tickets are £8.50. For every ticket purchased for a child, one adult can go free. To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486555.

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview of Cinderella here: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/news-dooby-duck-to-join-cast-of.html

Tickets

Cinderella runs at Darlington Civic Theatre from Saturday 5 December 2015 to Sunday 10 January 2016. For tickets and more information visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk or call 01325 486555.