The North East Theatre Guide: Noel Sullivan

Showing posts with label Noel Sullivan. Show all posts

Thursday, 11 June 2015

Review: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Sunderland Empire

A Classy Comedy Hit At The Empire

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels The Musical

Sunderland Empire

Tuesday 9^th – Saturday 13^th June 2015

Michael Praed As Lawrence

Noel Sullivan As Freddy

Carley Stenson As Christine

Mark Benton As Andre

Directed & Choreographed

By The Tony Award Winning

& Olivier Nominated

Jerry Mitchell

Based upon the 80s hit comedy movie starring Steve Martin and Michael Cain, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a fabulous barrel of laughs. Direct from the West End, the show is a wonderful night out.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - The Musical is set on the French Riveria and con men Lawrence and Andre work together fleecing rich people. Their moral compass feels that they are giving people what they want as they suggest that they will feel good by donating money to various sob stories and bogus causes.

The situation rapidly changes when Freddy appears on the scene. He is young, keen, brash and wanting in on the action. Lawrence sets the young upstart a challenge, the loser of which has to go home. Freddy agrees that they should try to fleece hotel guest Christine for 50 000 euros to win the bet.

The casting for this musical treat is superb. The star from TV’s Robin Hood Michael Praed is great as the sophisticated Lawrence. He is also a talented singer who makes easy work of the shows big numbers. Mark Benton, best known from Waterloo Road delivers many laughs as the side kick Andre. Mark connects with the audience and gives them plenty to smile about.

Noel Sullivan is pehaps best known as a member of the pop group Hear'Say but he is now making a name for himself in musicals. After roles in Rock of Ages and We Will Rock You, he seems very comfortable on stage as the young con man Freddy. Noel seems to enjoy the audience reaction to the many physical jokes that he finds himself in.

Carley Stenson, who has appeared in her long running role as Steph in Hollyoakes is delightful as the subject of the bet Christine.

Mention should also be given to Phoebe Coupe who had a big production number as rich oil target Jolene. Her song Oklahoma? was a great highlight from the first half.

The large scale nature of the set design regular slots into place without a pause in the action. The ensemble sing and dance superbly leaving a lavish and beautiful impression. Director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell has done a great job.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels feels big, bright and classy. This bold show oozes confidence and is highly entertaining.

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels here.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East Theatre Guide by Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo

On The Web:

Website: www.scoundrelsontour.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScoundrelsUK

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScoundrelsUK

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCzFt5gDl9Y

Tickets:

Tickets available in person at the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 3022* or booking online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland* plus a transaction fee applies.

Groups of 10+ should call 0844 871 3042

*Booking fee applies

On Tour

Sunderland Empire Tuesday 9 June – Saturday 13 June

www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire

King’s Theatre, Glasgow Tuesday 23 June – Saturday 4 July

www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre

Liverpool Empire Theatre Tuesday 7 July – Saturday 18 July

www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire

Princess Theatre, Torquay Tuesday 21 July – Saturday 25 July

www.atgtickets.com/venues/princess-theatre-torquay

Regent Theatre, Stoke Tuesday 28 July – Saturday 1 August

www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre

New Theatre, Oxford Tuesday 4 August – Saturday 8 August

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford

Thursday, 21 May 2015

Preview: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Sunderland Empire

From The French Riviera To Sunderland

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels The Musical

Sunderland Empire

Tuesday 9^th – Saturday 13^th June 2015

Starring

Michael Praed As Lawrence

Noel Sullivan As Freddy

Carley Stenson As Christine

Mark Benton As Andre

Directed & Choreographed

By The Tony Award Winning

& Olivier Nominated

Jerry Mitchell

The Ambassador Theatre Group (Jersey Boys, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, West Side Story) and Jerry Mitchell Productions are delighted to announce full casting for the national tour of the critically acclaimed Best New Musical of 2014, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, opening at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham on 5 May 2015.

For the Sunderland Empire performances Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will star Michael Praed as Lawrence, Noel Sullivan as Freddy, Carley Stenson as Christine and Mark Benton as Andre. They are joined by Geraldine Fitzgerald as Muriel. The rest of the company includes Emma Caffrey; Andy Conaghan; Phoebe Coupe; Soophia Faroughi; Jonny Godbold; Orla Gormley; Patrick Harper; Justin Lee-Jones; Jordan Livesey; Lisa Mathieson; Andy Rees; Freya Rowley; Regan Shepherd; Kevin Stephen-Jones; Katie Warsop and Jenny Wickham.

Direct from London’s West End, where it ran for a year to rave reviews, packed houses and was also nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Choreography, the hit musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is based on one of the funniest films of all time, the legendary 1988 film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin.

Prepare to be transported to the luxurious lap of the French Riviera where the decadent world of sophisticated conman Lawrence Jameson is set to come crashing down with the arrival of larger-than-life Freddy Benson – a conman of an entirely different order.

Soon realising the town ain’t big enough for the both of them, the two 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. Little do they know what they’ve let themselves in for.

Michael Praed (Lawrence) is best known for his TV roles including ‘Robin Hood’ in “Robin of Sherwood”, ‘Prince Michael’ in “Dynasty” and ‘Phileas Fogg’ in “The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne.” On stage his credits include ‘Captain Von Trapp’ in the national tour of “The Sound of Music”; ‘Tony’ in “Copacabana”; ‘Alex’ in “Aspects of Love” and ‘Sir Robert Chiltern’ in the national tour of “An Ideal Husband”.

Noel Sullivan (Freddy) is best known as a member of the British pop group Hear'Say. His theatre credits include ‘Drew’ in the national tour of “Rock of Ages”; ‘Tick’ in the “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” and ‘Galileo’ in “We Will Rock You.” His TV appearances include a guest appearance in the hugely successful “Gavin and Stacey”.

Carley Stenson (Christine) is best known to TV audiences for her long running role as ‘Steph’ in “Hollyoaks”. Her recent theatre credits include: ‘Lady of the Lake’ in “Spamalot” at the Playhouse Theatre; ‘Princess Fiona’ in “Shrek” at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and ‘Elle Woods’ in “Legally Blonde the Musical” at the Savoy Theatre.

Mark Benton (Andre) is known to millions for playing maths teacher, ‘Daniel Chalk’ in “Waterloo Road”. He has had a prolific TV career with roles in “Kavanagh QC”, “Ballykissangel”, “Silent Witness”, “Doctor Who”, “Murphy’s Law”, “Holby City”, “Hustle” and “Northern Lights”. In 2013 he was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. His stage credits include ‘Henry Horatio Hobson’ in “Hobson’s Choice” at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, ‘Edna Turnblad’ in the UK tour of “Hairspray” and ‘Mr. Perks in the “Railway Children” at Waterloo Station. His film credits include: Mike Leigh’s “Career Girls”, Anthony Minghella’s “Breaking and Entering” and Terry Gilliam’s “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus”.

Geraldine Fitzgerald (Muriel) has many musical theatre credits including ‘Tanya’ in “Mamma Mia!”, both in the West End and on tour internationally; ‘Maggie Jones’ in “42^nd Street” and ‘Tessie Tura’ in “Gypsy”, both at Leicester Curve. Her other credits include “The Lady in the Van” in the West End and “Absolute Hell” at the National Theatre.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is directed and choreographed by the Tony Award winning Jerry Mitchell in his debut production for Jerry Mitchell Productions. Recently nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Choreography for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Jerry’s many other award winning credits include the direction and choreography for Kinky Boots, currently Broadway’s biggest Tony Award winning hit and due to open in London’s West End this Summer, Legally Blonde and Hairspray. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has music and lyrics by Drama Desk Award winner David Yazbek (Late Night with David Letterman, The Full Monty) and book by the Golden Globe and Emmy-Award winning Jeffrey Lane (Mad About You).

Jerry Mitchell Productions is a partnership between the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) and Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell. Jerry Mitchell Productions will work to develop, create and produce new productions, focussing on a wide range of projects from new commissions to fresh, innovative versions of classic pieces for ATG Theatres in London, New York and around the World.

“A MASTERCLASS IN HOW TO PUT ON A MUSICAL” Daily Mail

“RICHLY ORIGINAL, DAMNABLY CHARMING, A SCANDALOUS DELIGHT” Sunday Times

“VERY, VERY, VERY FUNNY” BBC

On The Web:

Website: www.scoundrelsontour.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScoundrelsUK

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScoundrelsUK

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCzFt5gDl9Y

Tickets:

Tickets available in person at the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 3022* or booking online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland* plus a transaction fee applies.

Groups of 10+ should call 0844 871 3042

*Booking fee applies

On Tour

New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Tuesday 5 May – Saturday 16 May

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-alexandra-theatre-birmingham

Opera House, Manchester Wednesday 20 May – Saturday 30 May

www.atgtickets.com/venues/opera-house-manchester

Sunderland Empire Tuesday 9 June – Saturday 13 June

www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire

King’s Theatre, Glasgow Tuesday 23 June – Saturday 4 July

www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre

Liverpool Empire Theatre Tuesday 7 July – Saturday 18 July

www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire

Princess Theatre, Torquay Tuesday 21 July – Saturday 25 July

www.atgtickets.com/venues/princess-theatre-torquay

Regent Theatre, Stoke Tuesday 28 July – Saturday 1 August

www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre

New Theatre, Oxford Tuesday 4 August – Saturday 8 August

www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford

CLICK HERE for the link to the Acoustic Circus event at Gateshead Staiths Cafe

Saturday, 2 August 2014

Review: Rock of Ages at Sunderland Empire

Its Nothin’ But A Good Time!

Rock of Ages

Sunderland Empire

Until 2^nd August 2014.

Book: Chris D’Arienzo

Director: Kristin Hanggi

Choreographer: Kelly Devine

Rock Of Ages is an entertaining trip to when technology was as simple as a smoke machine and the music was loud.

The North East has a proud tradition of loving rock music at its finest. It had the world longest running rock club in the shape of The Mayfair until it closed in 1999, a venue full of hair, leather, denim and Spandex in 1987 which is when this production is based. By using a rich back catalogue of memorable songs from this era performed by a live band that look and sound the part it distances itself from many other jukebox musicals. Each song is well sung and, unlike We Will Rock You on occasions, all of the songs are comfortably within the vocal range of each performer.

The storyline has some stereotypical Germans wanting to demolish the Sunset Strip which is full of legendary bars frequented by lovers of loud rock. There is an attempt to save the Bourbon Room from the wrecking ball. Barman Drew (Noel Sullivan) persuades bar owner Dennis Dupree (Daniel Fletcher) to let wannabe actress Sherrie (Cordelia Farnworth) work at the bar. Naturally we need to chuck in a boy/girl love story in for good measure too and Drew’s attempt to woo Sherrie works well.

Many of the shows laughs and opportunities to interact with the audience comes through the narrating role of fellow barman Lonny and bar owner Dennis which develops into a full blown bromance by the end of the show. The way in which the show breaks through the fourth wall and doesn’t take itself too serious is reminiscent of rock movies like Wayne’s World.

The German developers in the form of Hertz Klinemann (Jack Lord) and his son Franz (Cameron Sharp) appear on the scene to bribe the Mayor (Rakesh Boury) causing town planner Regina (Jessie May) to resign and start a protest. The decision is made to host the final gig of the band Arsenal after lead singer Stacee Jaxx (Ben Richards) announces he is about to quit and go solo.

Whilst the development storyline comes as no surprise, the humour and quality of the musical performances, coupled with how the numbers segued nicely around each part of the book set this apart from a number of recent jukebox musicals to reach the region recently. Noel Sullivan is likeable and Cordelia Farworth plays the role of the young starlet well. The band are a constant throughout the show and faithfully reproduce the music to please fans of the hits. Songs by REO Speedwagon, Poison, Bon Jovi, Extreme and Whitesnake, amongst others, pepper the action but the finale is given over to Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing which had the audience out of their seats.

This is a likeable story for those with fond memories of the rockier end of the late 80s music scene.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo

On The Web:

Website: www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rockofagesuk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rockofageslondon

Tour Schedule

Monday 28 July 2014 – Saturday 2 August 2014
SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire/

0844 871 3022

Monday 4 August 2014 - Saturday 9 August 2014
KINGS THEATRE, GLASGOW
www.atgtickets.com/glasgow
0844 871 7648

Monday 11 August 2014 – Saturday 16 August 2014

THEATRE ROYAL, BRIGHTON

http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton/

0844 871 7627

Monday 18 August 2014 – Saturday 23 August 2014
MILTON KEYNES THEATRE
www.atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre
0844 871 7652

Monday 25 August 2014 – Saturday 30 August 2014
NEW VICTORIA THEATRE WOKING
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre/

0844 871 7645

Monday 1 September 2014 – Saturday 6 September 2014

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york/
0844 871 3024

Monday 8 September – Saturday 13 September 2014
SOUTHAMPTON

www.mayflower.org.uk

023 8071 1811

Monday 15 September 2014 – Saturday 20 September 2014
DUBLIN

www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

(Ireland) 0818 719 377 (UK) 0844 847 2455

Monday 22 September 2014 – Saturday 27 September 2014

BELFAST
www.goh.co.uk

028 9024 1919

Monday 29 September 2014 – Saturday 4 October 2014
HULL
http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/hull-new-theatre/

01482 300300

Monday 6 October 2014 – Saturday 11 October 2014
CARDIFFF NEW THEATRE

www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

029 2087 8889

Monday 20 October 2014 – Saturday 25 October 2014
NEW THEATRE, OXFORD
www.atgtickets.com/oxford
0844 871 3020

Monday 27 October 2014 – Saturday 1 November 2014

LYCEUM THEATRE, SHEFFIELD
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
0114 249 6000

Monday 10 November 2014 – Saturday 15 November 2014

SOUTHEND
www.southendtheatres.org.uk

01702 351135

Monday 17 November 2014 – Saturday 22 November 2014
WIMBLEDON

http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-wimbledon-theatre/

020 8545 7900

Wednesday, 9 July 2014

Preview: Rock Of Ages The Musical at Sunderland Empire

Rock Of Ages The Musical

Sunderland Empire 28 July – 2 August 2014

Ben Richards stars as Stacee Jaxx

Noel Sullivan stars as Drew Boley

Following a three-year run in London’s West End, audiences around the country will get the chance to enjoy Rock Of Ages The Musical as it embarks on a UK tour, calling at the Sunderland Empire from 28 July – 2 August 2014.

Rock Of Ages The Musical is the ultimate rock mix-tape musical, an hilarious story of dreams, love and - of course - rock. A celebration of classic 80s rock culture, the show tells the story of a small town girl and a big city rocker falling in love to the greatest songs of the decade. Featuring memorable tunes such as ‘We Built This City’, ‘The Final Countdown’, ‘I Wanna Know What Love Is’ and ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, the show brings its wild celebration of Los Angeles rock culture to the UK. Warning: this show may unleash your inner rock god, and have you reaching for your air guitar in the aisles.

Ben Richards will star as rock god Stacee Jaxx, with more casting to be announced soon. Richards is best known for playing Bruno Milligan in ITV hit-television series Footballers Wives, along with roles in The Bill and Holby City, and as a regular judge on the BBC’s Strictly Dance Fever. He returns to the stage in Rock of Ages after an extensive career in London’s West End and around the UK. Previous theatre credits include Sky Masterton in Guys and Dolls (West End and UK tour), Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever (West End and UK tour), and Jerry Lukowski in The Full Monty (West End). Richards’ film credits include Julie and the Cadillacs and Bring Me The Head of Mavis Davis.

Noel Sullivan stars alongside Ben Richards as Drew Boley. Noel is currently playing Tick in the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and has previously starred as Galileo in We Will Rock You and Danny Zuko in Grease, both in the West End. Sullivan is also well-known as a member of the pop group Hear’Say, completing multiple arena tours with the band. Other theatre credits include young Yusef Islam in Moonshadow (Royal Albert Hall), Black Mountain Male Chorus of Wales (US Tour), Nick Piazza in Fame the Musical (Edinburgh Playhouse). TV Credits include: Gavin and Stacey, Popstars, Meet the Popstars, Hear'say It's Saturday, Hear'say the Next Chapter, The Royal Variety Show and Top Of The Pops.

Following the musical’s onstage success around the globe, a star-studded movie version of the show was released in 2012. It starred, amongst others, Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

ROCK OF AGES The Musical is written by Chris D’Arienzo, directed by Kristin Hanggi and choreographed by Kelly Devine. The UK Associate Director & Choreographer for this tour is Leigh Constantine, and the UK Musical Supervisor is Elliott Ware. Scenic design for the production is by Beowulf Boritt, costume design is by Tony Award nominee Gregory Gale, lighting design is by Jason Lyons, sound design is by Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski, and projection design is by Zachary Borovay.

**** Infectious. A feelgood, singalong, rock ‘n’ roll musical that’s hard to fault

(Independent, Pierre Perrone)

Tickets:

Tickets from £10 in person at the Box Office or from £12.90 when calling 0844 871 3022* or booking online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland plus a transaction fee applies.

Groups 10+: 0844 871 3042

*Booking fee applies

On The Web:

Website: http://www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rockofagesuk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockofageslondon?fref=ts

Tour Schedule

Monday 7 July2014 – Saturday 12 July 2014
BRISTOL HIPPODROME

www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome

0844 871 3012

Monday 14 July 2014 – Saturday 19 July 2014
REGENT THEATRE STOKE
www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre

0844 871 7627