Dad’s Army
May 28, 2008
Venue: Theatre Royal, Newcastle
Date Reviewed: 28 May, 2008
The thought of seeing Dads Army return to the stage filled me with dread, how could a set of new actors recapture the world-wide hit BBC comedy? Forty years on we were being expected to laugh again at the Walmington –on-Sea Home Guard as they blundered through another four episodes of the Jimmy Perry and David Croft comedy.
It could not work, could it? The characters are so well defined and live on in the memory so vividly, it seems sacrilege to tamper with them. This reviewer can even remember the original cast bringing a touring version of the show to this very theatre in the mid seventies! Read more
Fantasmagorical offer to see Chitty in Sunderland
May 23, 2008
With Chitty Chitty Bang Bang still flying high at the Sunderland Empire until June 7th, there has never been a better time to catch this magical family show.
The reason?
Well, to celebrate Ian” H” Watkins from STEPS taking over the role of the Child Catcher there are a limited number of seats available at only £15 each, for Monday to Thursday 7.30 p.m. performances.
To book call the box office on 0844 847 2499 and quote” Step in to Chitty” or go on line at SunderlandEmpire.org.uk quoting the password “Stepping”
This is the last opportunity to see the high flying show in England as next stop is Cardiff where the tour concludes.
Capital entertainment in the region
May 21, 2008
As The Pitmen Painters prepares to open at the National Theatre after two sell out runs at the Live Theatre , in Newcastle, it is interesting to see how many shows currently running in the West End have recently played the region, either on pre London tryouts or on separate tours.
Currently The 39 STEPS, Darren Brown, Woman in Black, as well as Pitmen Painters, are all playing in the capital having recently played the region. While Penelope Keith, as Lady Bracknell in The Importance Of Being Ernest has just ended her run, having played the Theatre Royal prior to the West End, as has The History Boys. While the musicals Eurobeat, due at the Theatre Royal on July 7th and High School Musical are already taking bookings for their London seasons which follow on from playing in the North East. Read more
It’s Madness in Sunderland
May 20, 2008
Steve Brookstein, who was the winner of the 2004 X Factor, will play Dad in the upcoming tour 2003 Laurence Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical Our House, based on the greatest hits of Madness, playing opposite Gwyneth Strong (TV’s Only Fools and Horses) as Kath Casey.
Our House features more than 20 of Madness’ hits, including “One Step Beyond”, “House of Fun”, “My Girl”, “Baggy Trousers” and the title song. It has a book by Tim Firth and is directed by Matthew Warchus. The tour stops off at the Sunderland Empire from Tuesday September 30th to October 4th.
Lazy Town
May 17, 2008
Venue: Theatre Royal
Date Reviewed: 16th May, 2008
Converting a hit children’s TV show into a format suitable for theatre is a difficult task, however one that the cast of Lazy Town Live made look easy!
Lazy Town Live tells the story of Lazy Town and its apparent dilemma in the fact that the town can only have one Superhero. Lazy Town’s current favourite superhero is Sportacus, but if dastardly Robbie Rotten gets his way, he’ll be replaced with his own brand of Superhero, Roboticus. This causes alarm for the townsfolk, especially since Roboticus can do everything Sportacus does, only better. Read more
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