Reviews

Venue : Sunderland Empire

Date : August 18th 2008

The latest Disney picture WALL-E is introducing Hello Dolly to a whole new audience as it’s the one musical the lovable robot wants to see over and over again. So the timing of this revival could not be better placed.

When you think of this show, you cannot help immediately think of Barbra Streisand and Michael Crawford in the film version or one of the many female leads who have played the role ranging from Ethel Merman to our own Dora Bryan, with Danny La Rue even having a successful run in the role in London’s West End Read more »

Venue: Sunderland Empire
Date Reviewed: 13th August, 2008

Lifting a TV from the screen and placing it on stage without the orginal actors is tricky at the best of times but here it works a treat.

Lazy Town Live is the story of Lazy Town and its problem of only being able to have one Superhero. Lazy Town’s current favourite superhero is Sportacus, but if the nasty Robbie Rotten gets his way, he will be replaced with Roboticus. This upsets the people of Lazy Town as Roboticus does everything Sportacus can, only better. Read more »

News

Just when you thought you’d seen the back(side) of it PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS is back with the Res-Erection Tour at The Journal Tyne Theatre Newcastle on Sunday 28th September 2008.

It’s been 10 years – or a dickade – since audiences were first wowed by the genital origami extravaganza that is PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS.  Since then it has played to over 10 million people, been performed in 5 different languages, 28 countries and in temperatures ranging from 52 degrees to –38!  Such is its popularity that Simon & Friendy are still taking the penis to the people with performances this year in all Australian States & Territories, Canada, USA, the UK and South Africa.

PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS is a mind-blowing show featuring two strapping Australian men who manipulate their genitalia into various shapes, objects and landmarks.  With worrying ease and an unbelievable stretch factor the Puppeteers demonstrate installations such as The Eiffel Tower, The Windsurfer and even edible delights likes their signature dish, The Hamburger.  A video camera projects intimate detail of the installation onto a large screen ensuring little can be missed – even from the very back row!

This show includes male nudity

Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood , the writers of the hit comedy Dirty Dusting, have a new trour on their hands with Son of Samurai.

A young Geordie shoe salesman discovers that he’s the descendant of a legendary Samurai warrior, reasulting in an inevitable and affectionate clash of cultures, attitudes and swords.

Tour Details

September 3rd to 5th Customs House South Shields (Box Office 0191 454 1234)

September 18th to 20th The Arc Stockton (Box Office 01642 525199)

September 25th to 27th Theatre Royal Newcastle (Box Office 0844 8112121)

Interviews

As we hurtle past the longest day of the year, which means nights are already starting to draw in and winter approaches, we once again catch up with Michael Harrison, Producer and Director of this years pantomime at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle.

Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates is already a box office smash with father and son team Clive Webb and Danny Adams retuning to delight North East audiences for the fourth year running.

Following on from our previous chats with Michael it is obvious that the whole show is coming together, with our hero Robinson Crusoe (Danny) being helped out by a friendly  sea-horse, in an amazing 3D adventure sequence.  Michael brought the 3D Bogglevision to the North East in last years’ record breaking production of Aladdin.

It  has also been decided that due to the popularity of Clive and Danny and the views of the North East audiences, that each year the pantomime itself is the real star of the show (regardless of the likes of 3D effects or The Darleks, who appeared in last years production. People realise if you take these elements away, underneath is still a first rate production). This means there is no need for a TV personality or pop star to support the show, as the North East audience know what they want and each year Michael delivers it, bigger and better. 

While Whatsonstage North East are aware that Michael will be making a major announcement soon regarding further casting!

We do know other casting includes local actor Phil Corbitt, who was recently in Coronation Street as Rick the builder, who will play Black Heart, making his pantomime debut at the Theatre Royal.

Whatsonstage North East will catch up with Michael again next month to bring you the latest developments on what promises to be the best ever pantomime at the Theatre Royal.

Roll on December!

Whatsonstage.com North East caught up with Michael Harrison (MD of Qdos Pantomimes) for the second of our monthly updates on this years pantomime at the Theatre Royal Newcastle, just as he finished discussing the choreography for the show.

Michael , who is writing, producing and directing the Newcastle pantomime, sounded relaxed as he told us everything was on schedule for Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates of the Caribbean to open in December.

Since we last talked Chris Hayward has been confirmed as Mrs Crusoe (returning after being Dame in last years show) and he is already working on some spectacular costumes. While the original score for the show is nearing completion, we do know that Chris will have a fun number called Ship Shape, reminiscent of his Twanky Boogie Woogie routine in last years Aladdin. Read more »