Aladdin (tour)
December 18, 2007
Aladdin (touring production)
Away from the glamour of the main theatres is a touring version of Aladdin, playing up to three shows a day at different venues. Entertainments agency Beverley Artistes has employed South Tyneside theatre company KG Productions to write, produce and tour Aladdin around the social clubs of the North East from Northumberland to Teesside.
The production is written and directed by KG’s artistic director Peter Lathan, author of It’s Behind You: The Story of Pantomime, and has a cast of five who play eight parts between them.
This is the first time a lot of the children will experience live theatre and in this show there are all the elements you want in a traditional pantomime, audience participation, slap stick, jokes and songs. Read more
Jack and the Beanstalk
December 16, 2007
Jack and The Beanstalk : Customs House South Shields until Jan 6th
Not trying to compete with the big budget pantos in the area the Customs House show has become known as “the little panto with a big heart”. The annual pantomime at the Customs House has its own following and they know giving the audience what they want and have come to expect, is half the battle. Add to that a cast and production crew that understand and can deliver pantomime, you are well on your way to success.
This year Ray Spencer is back as Tommy The Trumpeter, Jacks brother, and Bob Stott as their mother Dame Dotty. There is no doubting the affection the local audience shows for Ray and Bob and in return they delivered the goods. From topical jokes, including bringing a canoe on when one of the cast had to make a quick exit, to slap stick and the final sing-along all the ingredients of a great show are present. Read more
Cinderella: Sunderland Empire
December 12, 2007
Cinderella Sunderland Empire until January 6th
Pantomime has returned to the Sunderland Empire for the first time in a few years with a production of Cinderella that is glitzy, glamorous and great fun.
We still have Cinderella, as the young girl who is put upon by here sisters and cannot return the love shown to her by Buttons as she has met the man of her dreams Prince Charming, if only she could marry him. But as we expect her fairy Godmother sorts it all out and we are left with a happy ending.
In this version of the show we have a real life living legend playing Cinderella’s father Baron Hardup, the 87 year old Mickey Rooney. This is his first pantomime and there was certainly a large part of the audience who were there to see him. While Baron Hardup is a small role in the show , he joined in different scenes and became the cabaret at the princes ball . When he sang in that scene, he said as a passing comment that the song was a favourite of his friend Fred Astaire. Read more
Sleeping Beauty : Newcastle
December 8, 2007
Sleeping Beauty : Journal Tyne Theatre Newcastle
The annual pantomime at the Journal Tyne Theatre this year is Sleeping Beauty and stars local favourites Brendan Healey and Maxie and Mitch.
While we still have the story of the princess being cursed by the evil fairy who was not invited to her christening, which leads her to prick her finger and sleep for 100 years, at the heart of the show. Healy has taken great liberties with the story, but all in the name of family entertainment.
We have at the heart of this show three people who understand pantomime and that is very important. It is a true old fashioned show, there may be more lavish productions around but here we have sweets thrown in to the audience, children brought up on stage and crazy songs thrown in for good measure, which even include a group of leprechauns. Read more
Sleeping Beauty : Gala Durham
December 7, 2007
Sleeping Beauty: Gala Durham until January 6th 2008
The story of Sleeping Beauty starts with a celebration marking the birth of Princess Briar Rose, but her father King Humphrey forgets to invite the wicked fairy Carabosse. As she was not invited Carabosse places a curse on the Princess stating she will die. Just before her 18th birthday the curse becomes true as the Princess pricks her finger and appears to die. It is only the Crystal Fairy that manages to save “Sleeping Beauty” by changing the curse so she sleeps for 100 years instead of actually dying.
In this production we have four members of the cast that make the show actually work. First is co-director Mike Holloway (TVs Tomorrow People and the pop group Flintlock) who plays the dual role of Prince Gallant and Valiant. There is no doubting he has the looks and singing voice for the role and when on stage gives 110% at all times. Read more
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