Showing posts with label Duet for One. Show all posts

Wednesday, 31 December 2014

The Jowheretogo Theatre Year 2014

The Jowheretogo Theatre Year

So what were the productions that made the Jowheretogo team smile, laugh and/or cry the most this year? Stephen Oliver looks back at an exciting 2014.

Funny play of the year: The Play That Goes Wrong which we saw at the Darlington Civic Theatre. This play had us laughing from start to finish – memories of watching Airplane! the movie at the cinema when we were very young. The show is still on in the London West End and a sequel Peter Pan Goes Wrong reaches Darlington Civic and Newcastle Theatre Royal in 2015. http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/review-play-that-goes-wrong-at.html

Musical of the year: Urinetown which we saw at the St James Theatre in London and became the play we love to quote thereafter. Great memorable songs, coupled with a cracking storyline – a feature that was missing on a number of musicals this year. We would love to see it tour to the North East. http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/review-urinetown-musical-at-st-james.html

Moving Play of the Year: the revival of Wet House at Live Theatre was superb. Joe Caffrey was in great form as one of the trouble souls in Paddy Campbell’s debut play. http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/review-wet-house-at-newcastle-live.html

Small scale show of the year: Thirsty from The Paper Birds which we saw at The Arts Centre Washington was a rollercoaster of emotions as Jemma McDonnell and Kylie Walsh consumed large amounts of liquid whilst exploring friendship and the demon alcohol.

http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/review-thirsty-by-paper-birds-at.html

Whodunnit of the year was Jason Durr’s portrayal of Agatha Christie’s Poirot in Black Coffee which had us guessing to the end at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal. We saw a number of murders of stage this year but this show was a cut above the rest. http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/review-black-coffee-at-newcastle.html

Amateurs showing the professionals how it is done play of the year has to be the moving Duet For One at the People’s Theatre in Newcastle. A fabulous look into some really difficult questions. http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/review-duet-for-one-newcastle-peoples.html

Kids show of the year is one we hand over to the wee-man of the team. Robert loved Get Santa! at Newcastle’s Northern Stage. A funny show that wasn’t afraid to connect with the young audience. It was funny and heart warming without any unnecessary innuendo. http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/review-get-santa-at-newcastle-northern.html

Dance show of the year was the incredible The Five & The Prophecy of Prana from Boy Blue Entertainment. The mix of manga style characters and strong storyline had the Northern Stage audience captivated. http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/review-five-prophecy-of-prana-at.html

Wedding of the year? Well we see a lot of coupling on stage and the great farce that was Perfect Wedding at South Shields Customs House was very funny and showed that the North East produces entertaining theatre. http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/review-perfect-wedding-at-south-shields.html

A massive thank you goes to the actors, producers, directors and theatres that have invited us along to the shows this year. Theatre remains a great night out and is not just about the Panto at Christmas. We have never seen a broadcast of a West End Show at a cinema because we now there is plenty of live entertainment out there in our wonderful theatres.

Looking ahead – 2015 is going to be another cracking year too!

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Review: Duet for One Newcastle Peoples Theatre

When Music is a Kind of Heaven

Duet for One

Newcastle Peoples Theatre

Until Saturday 31 May 2014


Dr Alfred Feldman(Steve Robertson)		Photo: Paula Smart

The Peoples Theatre have not been known from shying away from controversial texts or challenging productions. With Duet For One they have created a piece of theatre that tests both of the performers and demand full commitment from its audience. Excellent theatre should provoke and stimulate; this show does so and it does it well.

Stephanie Abrahams (Anna Dobson) Photo: Paula Smart

Tom Kempinski’s play is set in the consulting room of Dr Feldmann, a charming psychiatrist played very assertively by Steve Robertson. His latest client is the very successful violinist Stephanie Abrahams who has recently had to stop performing through her debilitating condition multiple sclerosis. Portraying the musicians many complex emotions is the outstanding Anna Dobson.

Abraham’s arrives in her wheelchair and describes how embarrassing it is to fall over in the High Street. We are plunged into a rollercoaster of emotions: rage, arrogance, anger, upset, depression, irritation and then rage again. The conversation is never dull as the blunt replies to Dr Feldmann’s enquiries reveal the gradual break-down of someone’s inner set of non-negotiables. The troubles of a childhood are contrasted with the rewards of an ideal partnership which music had brought together and kept together. Kay Worswick’s direction has permitted some long pauses in which the audience wonders who will break the silence. They are great at building tension without allowing the show to drag. In fact the two hours fly by.

The set designed by Stuart Taylor and Edward Wainwright, with shelves featuring a large collection of classical vinyl records, biographies of Tony Benn and reference books such as 1001 records to hear before you die, surrounds the action. This leaves a very intimate performance space that draws the audience in.

This is a formidable production of which the cast and crew should be suitably proud. Good theatre should make you think. Brilliant theatre also makes you glad to be alive.

Photos by Paula Smart: https://www.facebook.com/thejazzdevilphoto

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

DUET FOR ONE by Tom Kempinski

DATE: Tuesday 27– Saturday 31 May 2014

TIME: 7.30pm

VENUE: The Studio Upstairs, The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF

TICKETS: £12.50 (Concessions £10)

TELE: 0191 265 5020

WEBSITE: www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Thursday, 15 May 2014

Preview: Duet For One Newcastle Peoples Theatre

“Miss Abrahams, do you know the purpose of life?”

Duet For One - Photo: Paula Smart

Duet For One

by Tom Kempinski

Fresh from performing in the fabulous The Steamie, Anna Dobson returns to the intimate surroundings of the Peoples Theatre to appear in the Tom Kempinski play Duet For One from Tuesday 27– Saturday 31 May.

Stephanie Abrahams is a brilliant concert violinist struck down by Multiple Sclerosis. During six therapy sessions, psychiatrist Dr Feldmann helps his patient cope with her misfortune. Witty, insightful and tragic, their contest of wills makes for a deeply engaging evening in our studio theatre.

Duet for One premiered at the Bush Theatre in 1980 with Frances de la Tour and David de Keyser in the leading roles. It was to later feature in a film for which Julie Andrew's recieved a Golden Globe nomination.

Duet For One Photo: Paula Smart