Baker goes Potts in Chitty
October 4, 2007
During his seven and a half years on Blue Peter established Matt as one of the best loved and most versatile presenters in the show’s history, winning 2 BAFTA awards for best Children’s presenter and a Royal Television Society Award. One of his task on the show was to join the cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium in the extremely difficult song and dance number “Me Ole Bamboo”. He so impressed producers and the creative team alike (with very little rehearsal Matt proved he was a real talent), that they have been looking for a chance to bring Matt back to Chitty ever since.
Our Friends In The North
October 4, 2007
Our Friends in the North is an epic play that spans two decades and is best remembered as a TV series rather than a play. Therefore it is fitting that this, the first revival in twenty five years of Peter Flannerys play, is staged at the Northern Stage, Newcastle, as the central action takes place on Tyneside.
At first glance the story revolves around corruption and lies but underneath there is a story of friendship and hope. Audience members who are old enough to recall events on Tyneside during the 60s and 70s could be under no illusions as to who some of the fictional characters are based on, but to others there is worthy story to tell, that unfortunately is still all too familiar.
Director, Erika Whyman has brought out the best in all the cast in this mammoth production, (14 performers playing 43 characters over a 17 year period) which runs for well over three and a half hours. There are only two members who actually stay as their one character throughout (Craig Conway as Geordie and Neil Phillips as Donohue) others have the task of playing three or four characters, complete with quick changes of both costume and accents.
The Pitmen Painters
October 3, 2007
Live Theatre : runs until 27th October
Newcastle’s Live Theatre has reopened after a massive rebuild and I am pleased to say they have lost none of their commitment to the area and production quality in doing so.Even though the stage area has not been moved the rest of the building including the seating area is unrecognisable form the old building. But the welcome was as friendly and I look forward to returning to the venue to become more familiar with the “new” surroundings in the coming months.
As for the opening production , well they have picked a five star play which will ensure that Live Theatre is still recognised for its high quality productions.
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