Likely Lads
June 13, 2008
Venue: Gala Durham
Date Reviewed: 12th June, 2008
There is certainly no doubting the importance of Gala Durham persuading writers Dick Clements and Ian La Frenais to revive the Likely Lads as a stage play. As is often the case it call came about by luck with Director Simon Stallworthy calling the writers when the American Screen Writers strike was on, so not only had they never been asked to do a stage version before, they were available and liked the idea.
With interest already being shown from other theatres for a tour next year and the ticket office at the Gala having its busiest period ever ( apart from pantomimes), a lot rides on the success of the show.
So can a hit TV series, set firmly in the 1970s still work in the confines of the theatre, without any of its original stars? Well it’s a case of yes and no. With the original writers still being at the helm there are flashes of the original humour which shine through, but the set and some of the casting just do not work .
The story follows the life long friendship of Bob Ferris and Terry Collier, who are reunited when Terry comes out of the Army. But Terry has trouble settling back to life without the Army and causes problems for his friend, who is about to marry Thelma.
As Bob tries to settle in to married life, Terry is always there, causing him angst and while wanting to be helpful, his rough diamond approach never fails to upset the situation, with of course comic results. Read more
Panto Stars Announced
June 9, 2008
Following on from last year’s hit pantomime Cinderella (starring Hollywood Legend Mickey Rooney) First Family entertainment are promising a bigger and better show at the Sunderland Empire with this year’s production of Aladdin.
The Press launch started (ironically on hottest day of the year so far) with a traditional Lion Dance to set everyone in the mood for the Aladdin. This was followed by confirmation of the casting that had been made so far:
The “local” talent comes from Dale Meeks (TVs Emmerdale,stared in Sunderlands pantomime last year and toured in Chicago) who will play Widow Twankey , with local comedian Steve Walls as Wishee Washee.
The two big names confirmed so far are Paul Michael Glaser (TVs Starsky and Hutch)as Abanazar and the Three Degrees Singer, Sheila Ferguson as the Genie, who sang “This Is The Moment” at the reception.
While casting for Princess Jasmine is agreed but not confirmed, there is no mention yet of who will play the title role of Aladdin
The show runs from Friday December 5th to Sunday January 4th with tickets available from the Box Office 0844 847 2499
Relatively Speaking
June 9, 2008
Venue: Theatre Royal, Newcastle
Date Reviewed: 3rd June, 2008
A play set in the 60’s, with a cast I’d hardly heard of, didn’t exactly seem like a riveting night out at the theatre, however after seeing Relatively Speaking I’m more than prepared to eat my words.
The play tells the story of young, soon to be wed couple, Ginny and Greg and Greg’s attempts to do things the “old fashioned way.” These attempts involve winning over Ginny’s “father” – played by Peter Bowles – who actually isn’t Ginny’s father at all, but rather her ex-lover, a fact which Ginny is desperate to conceal from Greg. However when Greg follows Ginny down to her “parents” home, all involved get more than they bargained for, with absolutely side-splittingly hilarious results. Read more
Theatre Royal’s new season
June 8, 2008
The Theatre Royal, Newcastle has promised a great new season in their latest brochure, which lists shows in to the summer of 2009.
Highlights include the new touring version of Evita (Monday June 22 to Say July 4th 2009), the National Theatre’s multi-award winning An Inspector Calls (March 31st to Sat April 4th), Eastenders and Strictly Come Dancing star Matt Di Angelo in the only pre West End performances of Joe Orton’s Loot (Monday 2 to Sat Feb 7th) and another chance to catch Willy Russells masterpiece musical Blood Brothers (Monday 19th to Saturday 31st January).
While the first lady of British Musicals, Elaine Paige appears for two nights (Feb 23rd and 24th) during her 40th Anniversary tour. She will be revisiting the shows that made her famous including Evita, Cats, Chess Paif and Sunset Boulevard as she takes the audience on a journey through her career since 1968
Booking to the general public opens at the end of June 08 box office 08448 11 21 21 or on line at www.theatreroyal.co.uk
Britain’s Got Talent adds another Newcastle date
June 8, 2008
An extra date in Newcastle has been added to the Britain’s Got Talent Tour, at The Metro Radio Arena on Monday 23rd June at 7.30pm.George Sampson who won Britain’s Got Talent Final with a Singing In The Rain dance performance, watched by more than 14 million people.
Now he will headline the Britain’s Got Talent 17-date Live UK Tour along with all the other finalists. The acts who will appear on the live touring show are: dancing sensation Signature, the incredible canine free styling duo Kate & Gin, voices like angels, Faryl and Andrew Johnston, the delightfully cute Cheeky Monkeys, street dancing star George Sampson, singer, plumber Andrew Muir, extreme martial arts experts Strike, classical music babes Escala and hip hop dance crew Nemisis. They will each perform their inimitable acts live on stage in UK arenas when the Tour starts on Friday 6th June at London’s Hammersmith Apollo.
Stephen Mulhern, presenter of ITV2’s behind-the-scenes show ‘Britain’s Got More Talent’, will host the live show.
-
Recent Posts
Advertisement
Other Regional Sites