Preview: The Cinder Path at South Shields Customs House

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World Premiere of Cookson Classic

The Cinder Path

South Shields Customs House

Wednesday 9^th to Saturday 12^th September 2015.

A top South Tyneside theatre producer will be celebrating his tenth anniversary by presenting the world premiere of Catherine Cookson’s The Cinder Path.

The show is the first book of the late author’s to be adapted for the stage in over 20 years and was only granted after months of negotiations with the Cookson Estate.

Gareth Hunter, 35, director of ION Productions said “The process was long and detailed but ultimately the success and critical acclaim of our production of The Fifteen Streets last year convinced them to allow us the exclusive rights.

The Cinder Path is a fantastic drama which spans the years and follows the life of Charlie Macfell, a man in search of himself but being driven by outside forces, which will carry the audiences from rural Northumberland to the horror of the trenches in World War One.”

Dame Catherine Cookson was, at her prime, the UK’s most widely read novelist with sales exceeding 100 million, and remained the most borrowed author from public libraries for 17 years, losing the title only in 2002, 4 years after her death.

She remains popular all over the world, with generations of readers enjoying her work. Gareth added: “Since posting our promotional photos on Facebook I have had messages from people around the UK, as well as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, asking if the show will be touring near them in the future.”

The production will feature some established North East actors such as Jamie Brown (Hadaway Harry, Death at Dawn), James Hedley (Geordie the Musical, Byker Grove) and Paul Dunn (I Left My Heart in Roker Park), who has also adapted the book for the stage. It also sees new faces with Georgina Nicholson, Rosie Fox and Anna Nicholson returning to the area.

Tickets:

The Cinder Path runs from Wednesday 9^th to Saturday 12^th September 2015 at the Customs House with matinees on the 10^th and 12^th. For tickets contact The Customs House on 0191 4541234 or visit www.customshouse.co.uk.

Promo photography by George Knox (weblink)

Preview: Joseph at South Shields Customs House

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Go, Go, Go Joseph and Co.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

South Shields Customs House

Friday 7^th – Sunday 9^th August 2015.

Musical fans can enjoy a truly amazing show this week.

The youngsters from The Customs House Summer School have been working hard for the last three weeks to put on their own production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s biblical saga will be performed at the Mill Dam theatre in South Shields from Friday to Sunday.

Director Gareth Hunter said: “Rehearsals are going fantastically and the cast are proving just how talented they are every day.  It’s getting nearer to the curtain going up and they are all so excited to get on stage and perform for the audience.”

The youngsters aged seven to 15 have been working on their acting, dancing and vocals with the team.

Musical director Andrew Clarence, who joined the production team this summer, has been blown away by the talent. He added: “It has been a joy to be involved with The Customs House Summer School. They may be a small company but what a wonderful sound they make.  I have been astonished by the level of talent and we’re all looking forward to hearing the applause at the end of each performance that they so richly deserve.”

                

Join Jacobs’s favourite son Joseph and his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours in this unforgettable musical with a memorable score including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door and Go, Go, Go Joseph.

Long-time choreographer Hazel Pude added: “You really don’t want to miss this show. In my five years of doing the summer school I can truly say this is my favourite. The cast have worked so hard and I can’t wait for them to see it pay off. They are absolute stars in the making.”

Tickets:

Tickets for the show are £11, £9 concession or £34 family ticket and they are available from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online from www.customshouse.co.uk.

Review: Waiting for Gateaux at Customs House

Comedy with a Cherry On Top!

Waiting for Gateaux

South Shields Customs House

Wednesday 10th – Saturday 13^th June 2015

Dirty Dusting’s writers Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood have penned another slice of comedy gold which is on at South Shield’s Customs House this week.

Welcome to “Motivators” – a select health club for those who love food. Perhaps they love food too much. As much as they suggest having a sprout crumble following Christmas, they like to finish their work out with chips, or a pizza, or both.

Maureen, played by the lovely Philippa Lyall who was making her Customs House debut, runs the club and makes the meal suggestions. She is a real diamond in the rough and sees the good in everyone.  

Donald is the only man who attends and he has lost a lot of weight as a huge photo reminds us. Paul Dunn clearly has fun playing the chap with a hang up over the lack of male changing facilities.

The select group is completed by Jackie – a role which earns Laura Lonsdale a lot of laughs from the South Shields’ crowd.

The story starts just after the excess of Christmas and Jackie brings along her sister. She was christened Whitney, after Miss Houston, but prefers to be known as Raven in tribute to Edgar Allen Poe.   Raven dresses in black and listens to Marilyn Manson records which is in stark contrast to the usual bright lycra and pumping dance music that accompanies keep fit classes. Sarah Boulter is also making her Customs House debut and she gets her share of laughs as the sharp-witted Raven.

Excitement spreads through the group when Maureen takes a call from Sophie who wants to make a tv programme called “Disarming The Obesity Timebomb”. Despite trying to be nonchalant about it, they are keen to impress.

When Sophie appears Maureen quickly signs the contract but this is not before the audience has plenty of opportunities to laugh at everyone’s exercise technique. Sophie is a strong character and Christina Berriman Dawson is terrific as the lady who thinks she is a cut above the rest.

Add caption

The show is full of quick nuggets of comedy gold in the dialogue which come thick and fast throughout the show. The shows adds extra portions of funny situations and a side dish of some quality sight gags. 

Gareth Hunter has directed and produced another delightful show.  Waiting For Gateaux is both a great story, with plenty of twists and turns, and a super serving of comedy. It’s a show that leaves the audience with a smile on its face.  

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

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview of Waiting for Gateaux HERE

Read about the next Ion Production at the Customs House which is the premiere of The Cinder Path HERE.

Tickets:

Waiting for Gateaux will be performed at the Customs House from Wednesday, June 10, to Saturday, June 13 at 7.30pm, with a matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £13 and £11 (conc).

Customs House website link: http://www.customshouse.co.uk/whats-on/Theatre/1879/waiting-for-gateaux 

Preview: Waiting for Gateaux at Customs House

LISA RILEY SAYS WAITING FOR GATEAUX IS THE FUNNIEST PLAY SHE'S EVER BEEN IN

Waiting for Gateaux

South Shields Customs House

Wednesday10th – Saturday 13^th June 2015

Lisa Riley took time out of her busy filming schedule to send a message of support to South Shields theatre producer Gareth Hunter who is overseeing a production of the comedy Waiting For Gateaux at the Customs House next month.

Lisa, who is currently on location in Hungary for a feature film called Love in Budapest,  starred in the national tour of Waiting for Gateaux in 2010 and told Gareth how much she loves the play.

"Waiting For Gateaux is the funniest play I've ever been in," said the star of hugely successful national stage tours that includes Calendar Girls and The Vagina Monologues. 

In her 2013 autobiography Never Judge A Book By its Cover, the former Emmerdale star who has also been the voice of You’ve Been Framed and more recently captured the nation’s heart in Strictly Come Dancing, said: “Waiting For Gateaux is a wonderfully clever piece. We toured for five months and everywhere we went audiences and critics loved the play."

She told Gareth: "What I love about it is that it is a satirical play, set in a slimming club with one cycle, one yoga mat, one exercise ball and one muscle stretcher on stage it’s about four seriously dysfunctional people who come to the club more out of loneliness than a desire to lose weight. They are there to make friends and have a gossip.

"It's a great girls night out and for two hours allows people to realize what life is really about - friendship!"

Gareth said: "Lisa even asked me to let her know how the show went in South Shields."

Tickets:

Waiting for Gateaux will be performed at the Customs House from Wednesday, June 10, to Saturday, June 13 at 7.30pm, with a matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £13 and £11 (conc).

Acoustic Circus / Gateshead Staiths Cafe Facebook event page LINK HERE

Click here to be taken to the Meghann Clancy EP launch event page

Auditions: Joseph at Customs House

Go, Go, Go Joseph and Co.

Auditions for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

South Shields Customs House

Wednesday 27^th May 2015

Budding young stars are invited to join a truly ‘Amazing’ show.  The Customs House in South Shields is holding auditions for its latest summer school.

The Mill Dam theatre's annual production will be Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Youngsters aged between eight and 18 are invited to take part in the three-week summer school which runs from July 20 to August 9.

Director Gareth Hunter

Director Gareth Hunter said: "Every year the young people from around the region who come forward to take part astound us with their talent and enthusiasm they have for each show.  We are looking forward to meeting our new cast at auditions later this month."

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice biblical saga will be performed at The Customs House from August 7 to 9.

                

Join Jacobs’s favourite son Joseph and his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours in this unforgettable musical with a memorable score including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door and Go, Go, Go Joseph.

Application forms are available now to pick up from The Customs House box office, in the current What's On guide and are available to download from www.customshouse.co.uk.

Choreographer Hazel Pude

For young people wishing to take part the three week participation costs are £150 and will conclude with five performances over three days.  It will be ran by Gareth, newcomer Andrew Clarence as musical director and long-time choreographer Hazel Pude.

Hazel added: “I’m really looking forward to this year’s summer school and I’m excited to discover new talent in North East.  The fresh new production team all have strengths in many different areas of performing arts and I can’t way to share the knowledge and skills with the young people while having lots of fun.”

Auditions will take place at The Customs House from 10am on Wednesday, May 27 and application forms should be sent to Joseph Summer School, The Customs House, Mill Dam, South Shields, NE33 1ES by Friday, May 15.

Tickets for the show are £10 or £8 concession before May 31 or £11 and £9 and are available from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online from www.customshouse.co.uk.

Come and celebrate the launch of the new Meghann Clancy EP 'Lay it on the Line'!

Sunday 31st May, The Cumberland Arms. Doors open at 7.30pm. First up is the absolutely stunning Agerskow, followed by Meghann Clancy and band (Liam Gaughan - bass, Danny Ward - drums, Paul Emmett - keys/guitar)

We hope you can make it! See www.facebook.com/events for details of the event. Follow Meghann Clancy on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meghannclancymusic

Review: The Cinder Path Workshop

Catherine Cookson’s The Cinder Path

Workshop

19^th April 2015.

I was invited to a workshop based around the latest draft of South Shields author Catherine Cookson’s The Cinder Path by Gareth Hunter of Ion Productions. Gareth has been producing high quality shows in South Tyneside for 10 years. He had recently brought Cookson’s The Fifteen Streets to South Shield’s Customs House. From the success of that show the stage adaptation of her 1978 book The Cinder Path will be making its world premiere at The Customs House in September 2015.

With it being the hundredth anniversary of World War 1, it is fitting that The Cinder Path is the show which has been chosen to be produced this year as it shows how men who had a tough farming background were to head off to war and fight in the trenches.

Whilst Cookson is a very popular author, who still regularly features in the charts for the most borrowed author from libraries, she has a reputation for portraying the males in her books in a fairly negative light.  The challenge for any stage show will be to retain the strong female characters and make the audience engage with the men. A scan of reviews online for The Cinder Path often refer to a dislike, by the readers of her book, of either the nasty or the weak male characters.

This brought us to the very ornate surroundings of the Chapel at the Mission to Seafarers in Mill Dam to see the product of the day’s workshop involving a talented group of actors. Working script in hand and without props they brought the first part of the script alive.

The story began with a farmer issuing orders to his staff and castigating the lad from the workhouse who was told to go to the cinder path in order to be punished. Very quickly the father is seen as a very strict disciplinarian as he ignores the pleas of his son to not see the cruel act take place. The strong caring female roles are, likewise, quickly established too.

Stories of royal families linking together, through the marriage of offspring, in order to strengthen alliances is mirrored by the desire of the owners of the two neighbouring farms to see their children marry. A funeral and a birthday party later and Cookson’s story looks at relationships within families and by employees.

The workshop performances finished with the sacking of an employee who knows a dark secret of his master. It will be interesting in September to return to the full story and find out what happens next. My initial fears about not engaging with the male parts had not come to light. I hope that the son is seen to have some backbone though in the full story. The female roles have the trademark Cookson strength of character. The script and direction had a quick pace. The use of the same actors for multiple roles wasn’t a problem. I’m intrigued to find out how they will bring the key scenes to the stage.

The drama has some interesting interplay between its characters and there are some clear challenges ahead to bring the full production to the stage. I have never considered myself to be a fan of wor Kate’s books, I have never had the desire to read one nor have I watched the dramas on TV, and yet I am looking forward to seeing the full finished production of The Cinder Path.

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 www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo

Preview:Three Little Pigs at South Shield's Customs House

The Three Pigs are Back

The Three Little Pigs

The Customs House

Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 February 2015.

Luke Maddison, Gareth 

Hunter & Sarah Boulter

The three little pigs are back and this time in their own show.

Chorizo, Bratwurst and Saveloy starred in The Customs House pantomime, Little Red Riding Hood, and were a hit with children and adults alike. Now the trio will be telling their own tale at the Mill Dam venue in South Shields with the help of Santa's Naughty Elf writer and director Wayne Miller.

Gareth Hunter and Luke Maddison will be back as Bratwurst and Saveloy, while newcomer to the trio Sarah Boulter (who has starred in Santa’s Naughty Elf, Wendy the Witch and Silly Simon the Sailor) will play the part of Chorizo.

Long-time pantomime favourite Steven Lee Hamilton will also be returning as the big bad wolf and Made in Tyne and Wear's Lowdown host Hazel Pude will play villager Marla.

Big Bad Wolf 

Steven Lee Hamilton

Director Wayne said: "We are delighted to have Gareth, Luke and Steven back in their costumes and I’m looking forward to working with Sarah and Hazel again. This is the Three Little Pigs as you've never seen them before in a new take on an old fave."

The pigs have also been out on tour to schools around the region warning youngsters of the dangers of playing on building sites and promoting a good carbon footprint.

Gareth said: "I can't wait to get back into my role. The pantomime was so much fun and I can't wait to hear all the laughter from the children in the audience."

Luke added: "Being a pig is an absolute squeal, the make-up takes a lot to do though we were dab-hands at it by the end of the panto run and I'm looking forward to stepping back into my pig suit. It's like I’ve never been away."

Tickets:

The Three Little Pigs, sponsored by Gentoo, is on at The Customs House from February 17 to 19 and is the perfect half term treat.

Tickets are £6.50 for adults and £7.50 for children and are available from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or by visiting the website www.customshouse.co.uk.

Preview: Little Red Riding Hood at South Shields Customs House

Panto has the Axe Factor

Little Red Riding Hood

South Shields Customs House

Tuesday 2^nd December 2014 to Saturday 10^th January 2015

This year’s Customs House panto has the axe-factor. For the first time in the venue’s history Little Red Riding Hood will be the festive offering. Leading the cast through the run from December 2 to January 10 will be panto legend and the Mill Dam venue’s Executive Director Ray Spencer as dame Granny Hood.  It seems panto fans are seeing red with more than 15,000 tickets already being snapped up. 

Ray, who’s starred in pantomimes in South Tyneside for almost 40 years, said: “Panto is in my blood and after a year out due to a knee injury I can’t wait to get back up on our stage and perform.   It’s an exciting year – it’s the first time we have performed Little Red Riding Hood and we have created a brilliant family show.”

The show will mark several firsts.  Ray’s daughter Natasha Haws will make her debut in a leading pantomime role at The Customs House as Red, long-time principal boy Steven Lee Hamilton will swap his smile for a sneer when he is unveiled as baddie Wolfgang and three new faces will be joining The Customs House panto family.

Ray, who also directs and co-writes the show with Graeme Thompson, added: “I can’t wait to get started and more importantly for the audiences to come in and see what we’ve created for them in this year’s ‘little panto with the big heart’.  This year our designers Paul Shriek and Matt Fox have outdone themselves – the costumes are stunning and the sets are going to be just as amazing.”

Steven, 30, from South Shields, said: “I loved playing the principal boy and now I can’t wait to get my teeth into this new role.”  Pairing up with Steven’s ‘Big Bad Wolf’ will be Jamie Birkett as Bracken the Witch.  The West End star and I’d Do Anything finalist from Cumbria joined the cast last year as Cinderella’s stepmother and is looking forward to getting back on The Customs House stage.  She said: “Once you’re in the panto family it just stays with you, I’m so excited to be back!” 

Craig Richardson, one of last year’s Ugly Sisters, will play Timber and certainly has big boots to fill when he takes on the funny role traditionally filled by Ray’s alter-ego Tommy, while fellow ‘Ugly’ Stephen Sullivan will attempt to woo Granny Hood in his first none-dame pantomime role, Mr Fracker.

Also back from last year’s cast is the loveable Luke Maddison who will play one of the Three Pigs, Savaloy. His fellow pigs will be played by panto newcomers but Customs House regulars Gareth Hunter (Bratwurst) and Kylie Ann Ford (Chorizo).  Also making his panto debut will be Jamie Brown as Prince Chop-a-lot. Jamie impressed earlier this year in Catherine Cookson’s Fifteen Streets, helping to land him the role.

No Customs House pantomime would be complete without the dancing babes. South Tyneside Dance Workshop – where Natasha first debuted in the pantomime – will once again be adding to the glitz and glamour.

Tickets:

Little Red Riding Hood, sponsored by Hays Travel, is at The Customs House from December 2 to January 10.

Tickets, priced from £9, are available from the box office on 0191 454 1234 or visit www.customshouse.co.uk.

Cast:

Natasha Haws: Red

Ray Spencer: Granny Hood

Steven Lee Hamilton: Wolfgang

Jamie Birkett: Bracken

Jamie Brown: Prince Chop-a-lot

Craig Richardson: Timber

Stephen Sullivan: Mr Fracker

Luke Maddison: Savaloy

Gareth Hunter: Bratwurst

Kylie Ann Ford: Chorizo