The Theatre Restaurant closes
June 26, 2008
The Theatre Restaurant in Sunderland is closing its doors on Saturday, which is a great shame as it provided the opportunity to have a meal while enjoying a show.
Popular in America, this was the first of its kind in the Northeast of England. The venue opened on the corner of John Street and High Street West in what is fast becoming Sunderland’s entertainment sector and incorporated a theatre and restaurant on the first floor.
With the popularity of musical theatre growing in recent years, this exciting new “house of Variety” offered a unique professional night of fun for those who love good food and fabulous entertainment
Behind the venue was Andrea Holmes and her family. Being brought up in a family that loved musicals, and grandparents who both sang, both in the clubs of the North East and for local amateur groups, it was only a matter of time before Andrea Holmes was caught up in the magic of musical theatre.
After training at the London Academy of Live and Performing Arts as a stage manager, and gaining a first class honours degree in performance arts studies, her passion for musicals drove her to seeking out a venue, which would be perfect to open a theatre restaurant. Over the past ten years she has dreamed of opening this type of venue to the public of the North East, unfortunately once opened the dream could not survive too long. Read more
Monkee business in Darlington
June 25, 2008
A new musical based on the songs of 1960s pop group The Monkees premieres later this year at the Theatre Royal Plymouth, prior to a national tour, which includes a stop in Darlington.
Entitled Daydream Believer, it includes hits such as I’m A Believer, Steppin’ Stone, Hey, Hey We’re The Monkees, Last Train to Clarksville, and the title song.
According to promotional material, Daydream Believer tells the story of four boys who audition for a band, and “unwittingly become stand-ins for the most famous group in the world”. It promises “a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who remember the TV series”, while producers hope the “enduring charm” of The Monkees’ back catalogue will appeal to a “whole new generation”.
The original Monkees - Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Micky Dolenz - were formed in 1966 as a fictional pop group for a zany TV show. But the success of their first album soon saw them start touring as a real band, going on to become one of the most successful pop acts of the 1960s, with songwriters including Neil Diamond, Carole King, and Harry Nilsson among their many collaborators.
The musical is written by Peter Benedict and directed by British-based American David Taylor, whose previous credits include international tours of Cats, South Pacific and Speed the Plow. It’s produced by Nick Brooke in partnership with the Churchill Theatre, Bromley and the Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Casting is yet to be announced.
Michael Harrison : panto update
June 24, 2008
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!
Magic of Dance
June 24, 2008
Venue: Theatre Royal, Newcastle
Date Reviewed: 23rd June
The Magic of Dance, is the hit show that puts a twist in to Irish dancing, is touring the UK once again and returns to the Theatre Royal after three years. While there is no doubt a comparison between this show and the likes of Riverdance, which popularised Irish dancing, The Magic of Dance has rightly built up a following all of its own
The story is narrated by screen legend Christopher Lee (who does not appear) and tells the story of two young lovers in Ireland at the dawn of the great famine. When the demons of starvation and depravation threaten to split them, they decide to leave for America. We know there will be a happy ending , but the dancing that gets us there is often breath taking. Read more
Zip Along to Darlington
June 22, 2008
Stars of the classic children’s television programme Rainbow take to the stage in a brand new live theatre show Zippy Superstar DJ at the Civic Theatre Darlington on July 19th.
Zippy’s life suddenly changes when he wins a hit record contract with Yellow Peril Records! With only a few hours to get Zippy ready before he leaves the Rainbow House, the gang help turn Zippy into a star.
Zippy’s record is a huge hit and quickly earns him Superstar status, but when Zippy starts to miss his Rainbow friends he has to decide where and who he’d rather be!
Zippy Superstar DJ features all of the fun ingredients associated with the popular Rainbow TV show including lots of sing-along songs, games and giggles.
Recommended age 3+
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