Northumbria University Students' Final Showcase
Newcastle Live Theatre
Friday 15th September 2017
This was
the first of two nights showcasing the work of the MA Performing Arts students
who have attended Northumbria University. Course leader Kate Craddock began
proceedings, introducing the 5 pieces on show.
First up on
the main stage was Jake Jarratt in Blokes,
Fellas, Geezers. Jake has created a lively performance which starts by
skipping whilst making some toast. After burning the toast Jake decides to
watch some football and that causes him to change in character from a “bloke”
to a right “geezer” in order to fit in.
This
frequently physical performance was often funny in the same way as the classic
Eric Sykes movie The Plank. Jake is
successful in making a connection with the audience and that’s why the
performance works. The performance is the first of many that could be worked up
into a full one hour Ed Fringe show…however the climax is not one he’ll be able
to do every night!
Creating a
snapshot of teenage life in 2017 Don’t
Shoot The Messenger with Ashley Fraser and Becky Morris follows 2 underage
college girls on a night out. Toni and Evie are armed with £35.60, borrowed ID
and a hotel room acquired cheaply on GroupOn. They simply want a good night out
but it finishes too soon so they join some lads for a post club party.
The show
then changes from a recognisably fun night out of illegal access to drunken fun
and toilet capers to a modern hellish landscape of social media and blame. The
distribution of inappropriate images is a very current problem and Ashley
Fraser and Becky Morris have the potential to work this up into a longer piece
whilst the topic is still hot. The post club-scenes could easily be extended to
add exposition to the events. Their charm and clear onstage chemistry created
an entertaining performance and the ending come too soon.
Beyond the
confines of the Main Stage, Hattie Eason was entertaining individuals with her
one-to-one performance in the theatre’s Undercroft. It was interesting to see
audience reaction as they left the room. What could possibly be happening in
there? I had to investigate.
After a
choice of whether or not to stand or sit Hattie started the music and
performed. On paper it seems a fairly simple idea but it was really quite
intense. I’ve never held a performer’s hand whilst they look directly into my
eyes before - very different from sitting in the shadows. However it was really
pleasant and nice to be told I was appreciated - even if the same thing was
going to happen to the next person in the queue. Hattie has a lovely singing
voice and I could happily listen to it if she was to release an album.
The second
act started with the Fable of the Lambton
Worm which the programme notes stated the performance was inflenced by “the
Japanese art forms Noh and Rakugo.” This was totally new to me and a quick
Google search states “The lone storyteller (rakugoka) sits on stage. Using only
a paper fan and a small cloth as props, and without standing up from the seiza
sitting position, the rakugo artist depicts a long and complicated comical
story. The story always involves the dialogue of two or more characters, the
difference between the characters depicted only through change in pitch, tone,
and a slight turn of the head.” So that’s cleared up and indeed Anthony
Wilkinson used his fan, cloth and face to illustrate the tale which came out of
the speakers - though he was standing and occasionally walking during some of
it.
It was very
different as a theatre as an art form. The very long pause in action during the
battle is a massive change from the usual stage craft that I’m used to.
It was
interesting to hear the tale of the Lambton Worm as it is coming
to the panto stage this year and, not being local, I wasn’t as familiar
with it. This version of the tale seemed to suit the style of performance.
The evening
finished with Acting the Maggot presenting Keep
it PG”, a tale about our neighbours performed by Irish Gary Quinn and
Northern Irish Paige Hegarty. Using a combination of news clips, music and
emotionally charged dialogue we were given both a history lesson and two views
on the issues facing the island. Honest and energetic, it was a great way to
finish the evening’s entertainment. Gary & Paige were able to be funny and
controversial without going at each other’s throats. The B*Witched moment was
one to cherish.
The evening
was a bargain for 5 well devised pieces and it’ll be interesting to see what
these performers do next. We wish them every success for the future.
It is worth
noting that Saturday’s show will showcase a completely different set of
performances and tickets
are available from Live Theatre for £6.
Review by Stephen Oliver
Details of the show on
Saturday 16th September
The 12th Man by Andrea
Scrimshaw
A part-autobiographical,
part-verbatim commentary on the idea of women at the match. A feminist
portrayal of a ‘working-class male’ domain. An opportunity for women’s voices
to be plucked from the crowd. Expect a singing, scarf-waving, pie-eating mix of
‘the beautiful game’ and the issues we face as female football fans. Andrea
Scrimshaw is a live artist/theatre-maker based in Newcastle upon Tyne. Underpinned by theoretical study, her work often
incorporates the themes of gender roles and autobiography to comment on wider
societal issues.
Into the Garden by Alexandra
de Jong
Close your eyes, count to
three. Step out of the back door and feel the warm air brush past you. The sun
is warm and the sky is clear and blue. You look around and begin to walk into the
garden
Into the Garden is a mixture
of tasked based activities and guided meditation. Inspired by her own garden at
home, this piece aims to create a relaxing environment in theatre where you can
feel comfortable. Everyone’s house is their castle and their garden is their
refuge. This piece will recreate the sanctuary. Be prepared to get your hands
dirty.
Rooted by Fleur Rozan and
Becky Glendenning
We found a place. Away from
everything. Under the soil. It’s dark down there but we can make it our home.
A place away from them. A
place where we can remember.
Just the two of us.
They’re coming for us, Pip.
The spine is breaking.
Rooted is the first
collaboration between Fleur Rozan and Becky Glendenning. This piece began as an
exploration of who we wanted to be as little girls, and if womanhood has lived
up to expectations. They want to ask questions about childhood, memory, and
female representation on stage.
It’s a Funny Old Thing By Hattie Eason and Cameron Sharp
Two little black dresses.
A stage.
Red roses.
Lots of red roses.
A song.
A duo.
The audience.
On repeat.
As a drag performer and a
vocalist together they will entertain. They will thrive in your applause
because without you they could not do… this.
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