Backstage at Robinson Crusoe
January 15, 2009
At this time of year many pantomimes have already finished, while some still have a few performances left before the magic disappears for another year. So when we were offered the opportunity to go backstage at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, and watch a performance of Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates we jumped at the chance.
We have followed this show since Michael Harrison (producer and director of the show, as well as MD of Qdos Pantomimes) started writing it over a year ago so this visited rounded off the whole process. We had already reported on the writing and casting during 2008,then sets coming alive as the technical rehearsals started and finished with reviewing the whole production on press night.
Now to see the production from the cast and backstage crews perspective is not only very interesting it is a rare opportunity. During our visit Michael Harrison unexpectedly arrived at the Theatre Royal and had already started work on the synopsis of next year’s production Cinderella. So as we finished reporting on this year’s show, the whole cycle has begun again for a show opening in eleven months time. Read more
Crusoe prepares to open in Newcastle
November 26, 2008
Over the next few weeks pantomimes will be opening all over the country but few, if any, can have the anticipation factor of this year’s Newcastle Theatre Royal production of Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates.
Once again written and directed by Michael Harrison, the MD of Qdos Pantomimes, the production promises to be larger and more spectacular than his preceding shows at the Theatre Royal, all of which have been box office record breakers. It all started four years ago when brought Clive Webb and Danny Adams to the Theatre Royal in Cinderella. Along with Jill Halfpenny they returned the following year with Jack and the Beanstalk, which was followed by last year’s record breaking show Aladdin.
It is true to say that over the years the audiences have taken Clive and Danny to their hearts and the Theatre Royal box office is already busy selling tickets for next year’s show, when the boys will be returning in a new version of Cinderella, once again written and directed by Michael. Read more
Theatre all at sea
September 18, 2008
Over the past few weeks we spent our holiday on the new P&O ship Ventura, which is marketed as the 21st Century Superliner designed for Britain. Being the editor for the Whatsonstage North East site meant that the entertainment, especially the on board theatre, was of great interest and a major part of our holiday.
With this in mind, I contacted the on board Cruise Director Neil Oliver and he kindly arranged a backstage tour of the 785 seater Arena Theatre, which is not normally available to passengers. Read more
New season at Theatre Royal announced
March 10, 2008
THEATRE ROYAL NEWCASTLE has announced details of its new summer ’08 season which features fantastic drama productions.
These include both Alan Ayckbourn’s Relatively Speaking (Mon 9 – Sat 14 June) starring Peter Bowles (To The Manor Born)
and the revival of Anthony Shaffer’s stage thriller Sleuth (Mon 30 Jun – Sat 3 Jul) which stars Simon MacCorkindale (Casualty, Falcon Crest) and Michael Praed (Dynasty).
Other highlights of the season include:
Dad’s Army (Tue 27 – Sat 31 May) is one of the most popular British comedies of all time and it is lovingly recreated for the stage with a star-studded cast, including Leslie Grantham (Dirty Den, EastEnders). This production will offer a unique opportunity to see the lost episodes after the originals were erased by the BBC. Read more
Dinner Theatre opens in Sunderland
February 10, 2008
Towards the end of last year Sunderland’s newest entertainment venue. “The Theatre Restaurant “opened giving people the opportunity to have a meal while enjoying a show.
Popular in America, this is 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. The venue incorporates a theatre and restaurant on the first floor. Customers do not have to move from their seats as they dine and watch this fabulous entertainment.
With the popularity of musical theatre growing in recent years, this exciting new “house of Variety” offers a unique professional night of fun for those who love good food and fabulous entertainment. Audiences can book for a night of top class musical theatre and variety shows with a fabulous 3-course meal. It’s ideal for a very special occasion, birthdays, anniversary’s, hen nights, and meeting friends or for a romantic table for two. Read more
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