Showing posts with label rock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rock. Show all posts

Sunday, 27 September 2015

Preview: Music at Sunderland Empire Autumn 2015



Follow North East Theatre Guide on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NETheatreGuide and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NETheatreGuide.  Read about JoWhereToGo and its PR and photography services here.



FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY THIS AUTUMN
AT SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

A host of one night spectaculars are set to rock the Sunderland Empire stage this Autumn, starting with the return of Steve Steinman as Barron Von Rockula in the all new Vampires Rock Saga Ghost Train (Thursday 8 October). As Club Live and Let Die burns to the ground, Barron Von Rockula flees the ill-fated club with his band of blood sucking vampires in search of a new home. Eventually they come across an old abandoned fairground ride, the Ghost Train where they take refuge and make this their new home. The Barron and his motley crew then set a cunning plan to lure victims into the ride and to live in Rock n Roll hell forever.

Along with Steve Steinman a full cast of singers, dancers, formidable band and aerial performers, blast their way through some of the greatest classic rock anthems of all time. Tracks made famous by some of the best known artists of all time such as Meat Loaf, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Rolling Stones, Cher, White Snake and Guns and Roses plus many more. All teamed with an amazing stage set and pyrotechnics to blow your mind.

Due to popular demand, reggae legends UB40 have confirmed extra UK live dates including a date at Sunderland Empire (Friday 9 October). UB40 are Robin Campbell (co-lead vocals and guitar), Duncan Campbell (lead vocals) Earl Falconer (bass, vocal), Brian Travers (sax and keyboards), Jimmy Brown (drums), Norman Hassan (percussion, vocals). The band also feature, Martin Meredith (sax) and Lawrence Parry (trumpet), who have both been in UB40’s touring line-up for over twenty years, and Tony Mullins (keyboards).

Naming themselves after the unemployment benefit form, UB40 formed in 1978, before releasing their debut album ‘Signing Off’ in August 1980 – considered by many to be one of the greatest reggae albums ever released by a British band. It was the start of a career that has since seen the band have over forty UK Top 40 hit singles and achieve sales of over 100 million records, making UB40 one of the most successful British groups of all-time. The band’s latest Top 30 album ‘Getting Over The Storm’ was awarded BBC Radio 2’s ‘Album Of The Week’ accolade and received 5-star reviews from the UK’s music press on its release in September 2013. Read the full North East Theatre Guide Preview here.

The Illegal Eagles have been thrilling audiences nation-wide for over 18 years and look forward once again to returning to the road in 2015 calling at Sunderland Empire on Saturday 10 October. Following a number of critically acclaimed UK & international tours and headlining countless concerts and festivals, the band have established themselves as not only the Official No.1 tribute to The Eagles, but as one of the foremost authentic and talented theatrical experiences in the world!

Extremely tight harmonies and an acute attention to detail have always been synonymous with The Illegal Eagles. Members Phil Aldridge, Keith Atack, Al Vosper, Darin Murphy, Garreth Hicklin and award-winning vocalist Greg Webb’s ability to capture the emotion of Don Henley’s vocal deliveries have ensured that critical and audience acclaim has been unanimous.
This latest production brings you all the classics - Hotel California, Take It Easy, Take it to the Limit, Lyin’ Eyes, Tequila Sunrise, Life in the Fast Lane, One of These Nights, Witchy Woman, Rocky Mountain Way, Heartache Tonight and a whole lot more!

One Night of Queen, performed by Gary Mullen and The Works hits the stage on Sunday 8 November. In 2000, Gary Mullen won ITV’s “Stars In Their Eyes” Live Grand Final, with the largest number of votes ever received in the shows history.  The record of 864,838 votes was more than twice that of the runner-up.  Gary began touring on his own and in 2002 formed a band ‘The Works’, to pay tribute to rock legends Queen.  Since May 2002, ‘Gary Mullen and the Works’ have performed throughout the UK, USA, Europe, South Africa and New Zealand to sell-out audiences.  The outfit have also twice rocked the prestigious BBC Proms in the Park, in front of a very enthusiastic crowd of 40,000. One Night of Queen is a spectacular live concert, recreating the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of arguably the greatest rock band of all time.

Tickets:
Tickets available in person at the Box Office on High Street West, from the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022* or online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland
*Booking fees and charges apply to telephone and online bookings.
Box Office: 0844 871 3022*
Groups 10+: 0844 871 3042
*Booking fee applies






Saturday, 2 August 2014

Review: Rock of Ages at Sunderland Empire



Its Nothin’ But A Good Time!


Rock of Ages
Sunderland Empire
Until 2nd 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:



Tour Schedule

Monday 28 July 2014 – Saturday 2 August 2014
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
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
023 8071 1811

Monday 15 September 2014 – Saturday 20 September 2014
DUBLIN
(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
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
01702 351135

Monday 17 November 2014 – Saturday 22 November 2014
WIMBLEDON
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:

Tour Schedule

Monday 7 July2014 – Saturday 12 July 2014
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

Monday 21 July 2014 – Saturday 26 July 2014
LIVERPOOL EMPIRE
0844 871 3017

Monday 28 July 2014 – Saturday 2 August 2014
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
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
023 8071 1811

Monday 15 September 2014 – Saturday 20 September 2014
DUBLIN
(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
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
01702 351135

Monday 17 November 2014 – Saturday 22 November 2014
WIMBLEDON
020 8545 7900