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.
A Celebration of
Tyneside hero
Hadaway Harry
Newcastle Theatre Royal
Until Saturday 25th
February 2017
Written
by Ed Waugh
Directed
by Russell Floyd
Stage
and Scene Design by Steve Arnott
Hadaway
Harry: Jamie Brown
Additional
Characters: Wayne Miller
Newcastle
United was founded just 124 years ago in 1892. This raises the question “Which
sport did people follow before football?”
Hadaway
Harry is a tale about the 19th century passion for rowing, or
‘aquatics’ as it was known. Each North East river had numerous clubs and a race
meeting between rival rivers, say Wear vs Tyne, could attract not just tens of
thousands but sometimes over 100 000 spectators. The oarsmen were the ‘Alan
Shearers’ of their time with monuments and songs produced in their honour.
We
had heard on the grapevine that this was a must-see show that celebrates the
grit and determination of the North East people. It is pleasing to say they
were right as this is indeed a fine production that celebrates a true Geordie
Hero. Well written, superbly acted and very engaging, it is no surprise that
many of the Theatre Royal audience were on their feet at the end. Indeed, dear reader, this was one of those
rare shows in which we found ourselves on our feet too.
The
production is about the legendary Harry Clasper. He was a working class hero
who had spent time down the pit, working in shipbuilding and feeding the coke
ovens. Harry also was a member of a large family which ended up being a ready
made crew of 5 – 4 rowers and a coxswain. Over 90 minutes, plus interval, Ed
Waugh’s writing describes how the young Harry overcame obstacles to be become
the leader of a successful team.
Jamie
Brown shows his versatility as he both narrates and acts his way through
Harry’s life. It takes real skill to have the Theatre Royal hanging on to your
every word as you describe a rowing race. The applause that follows was as much
a spontaneous appreciation of his performance as it was in recognition of Harry
Clasper’s achievement.
Jamie
is supported by follow North Eastern actor Wayne Miller who plays a variety of
charismatic characters. Often breaking the fourth wall and drawing the audience
in, he helped create many of the funny moments in the story.
The
story is a celebration of what make the region special. The accent, the
sayings, the strength of character and the individuals who overcome adversity
in order to succeed. Engaging and informative, it never leaves the audience
behind in a wall of rowing jargon. It is a fabulous performance about a real
Geordie Hero. No wonder the song “Blaydon Races” was written in his honour.
2017
is already off to a great start in North East Theatre!
Review by Stephen Oliver.
Review by Stephen Oliver.
Tickets
Tickets
cost from £10. Contact the box office on 08448 112121 or https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/hadaway-harry
Website:
https://www.hadawayharry.co.uk/
