Jun 2nd

London's West End - Two for one and discount ticket offers

By Douglas McFarlane

Being Shakespeare : Trafalgar Studios 1 - 14 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2DY

Being Shakespeare

Trafalgar Studios 1 - 14 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2DY

15 June - 1 July 2011 - Top Price tickets for £29.50 (Mon-Fri)

Star of stage and screen, Simon Callow brings to life Shakespeare's unforgettable characters and the real man behind the legend in this triumphant one-man show. Callow joins forces with Jonathan Bate (Shakespeare biographer and editor of the RSC's Shakespeare: The Complete Works) and director Tom Cairns (Old Vic's All About My Mother, National Theatre's Aristocrats) to fill the stage in an extraordinary theatrical event. Following a hugely successful national tour, Callow's magnificent performance sets the West End alight for a strictly limited summer season.

**** 'Callow and Shakespeare: A brilliant combination' 
The Times No 1 Critic's Choice

Theatre Offer
Ticket
£29.50

Butley : Duchess Theatre - Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5LA

Butley

Duchess Theatre - Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5LA

31 May - 19 June 2011 - £29.50 for Top Price tickets (All performances)

Ben Butley is having a monumentally bad day. So bad, he's making sure everyone else has a worse one. His estranged wife has taken up with the most boring man in London. His beloved protégé has found a new benefactor. And in an unprecedented act of betrayal even the English department's resident failure has a book deal. 

Butley's trusty arsenal – mischievous irony and gleeful troublemaking – have never failed him yet. Might they finally prove to be the weapons of his own self-destruction?

Theatre Offer
Ticket
£29.50

Flying Karamazov Brothers : Vaudeville Theatre - 404 The Strand, London. WC2R 0NH

Flying Karamazov Brothers

Vaudeville Theatre - 404 The Strand, London. WC2R 0NH

9 - 10 June 2011 - Sneaky Previews £10 Offer

Take four entertainers who are musicians, comedians, acrobats, dancers, jugglers and philosophers. Add kilts, moustaches, musical instruments, two thousand cardboard boxes, tutus, topical satire and the ability to juggle anything. 

Who are they? The Flying Karamazov Brothers.

They don't fly, they're not Russian and they're not brothers. But they are the funniest, most thought-provoking, kilt-wearing, clever idiots in town. Direct from Broadway, this multi-faceted, mischievous and marvellous show at the Vaudeville Theatre in London's West End from June 9th, their first visit back to London for 17 years. For a strictly limited run you'll be entranced by the wit, comedy and virtuoso skills of these world renowned maverick masters of new-vaudeville in their new London home.

Theatre Offer
Ticket
£10

Lend Me A Tenor The Musical : Gielgud Theatre - Shaftesbury Avenue, W1V 8AR

Lend Me A Tenor The Musical

Gielgud Theatre - Shaftesbury Avenue, W1V 8AR

2 June - 31 Aug 2011 - £30 for Top Price tickets (All perfs)

Set in Ohio in 1934, where the failing Grand Opera Company is about to be saved by the arrival of the world's greatest tenor Tito Merelli.

When he is unexpectedly incapacitated, it falls to the director's meek assistant to find a replacement, a task made more difficult by a scheming soprano, a tenor-struck ingénue, a jealous wife and the Cleveland Police department.

Theatre Offer
Ticket
£30

Stomp : Ambassadors Theatre - West Street, London, WC2H 9ND

Stomp

Ambassadors Theatre - West Street, London, WC2H 9ND

4 Apr - 22 Jul 2011 (Sun - Fri, excl. 22/04/11- 02/05/11)

This multi-award winning show has a universal language of rhythm, theatre, comedy and dance. Eight performers use everything from Zippo lighters, plastic bags, bin lids and even the kitchen sink to hammer out an explosively feel good rhythm.

Buy 2 for 1 Tickets
Ticket
Various Prices

The 39 Steps : Criterion Theatre - 2 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 4XA

The 39 Steps

Criterion Theatre - 2 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 4XA

1 Mar - 30 Sept 2011. 2-4-1 on Top Price tickets (All perfs)

John Buchans the 39 Steps - memorably filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935 - continues its sensational run at the Criterion Theatre.

Literally nothing has been cut from this hilarious and spectacular version of Britains most spell-binding thriller - legendary scenes include the chase on the Flying Scotsman, the Escape on the Forth Bridge, the first theatrical bi-plane crash ever stage, the rather provocative 'bedroom' sequence and the death-defying (or nearly!) finale at the London Palladium! 

With four actors playing a minimum of one hundred and thirty-nine roles, the 39 Steps proves to be the most astonishing theatrical tour de force of this, or any other, decade.

Buy 2 for 1 Tickets
Ticket
Various Prices

The Woman In Black : Fortune Theatre - Russell Street, London WC2B 5HH

The Woman In Black

Fortune Theatre - Russell Street, London WC2B 5HH

7 Mar - 30 Sept 2011 (Mon - Fri, inc. Sat Matinee only)

The most terrifying live theatre experience in the world! The unanimously acclaimed, The Woman in Black, combines the power and intensity of live theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir. It gives audiences an evening of unremitting drama as they are transported into a terrifying and ghostly world.

Celebrating over 21 years in the West End with over 7 million people having lived to tell the tale The Woman in Black is of one of the most exciting, gripping and successful theatre events ever staged.

"The most brilliantly effective spine chiller you will ever encounter... if you haven't seen this show yet you are missing a treat" Daily Telegraph

Buy 2 for 1 Tickets
Ticket
Various Prices

Yes Prime Minister : Apollo Theatre - 31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London. W1V 7DH

Yes Prime Minister

Apollo Theatre - 31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London. W1V 7DH

6 - 29 July 2011 - 2-4-1 on Top Price tickets (Mon - Fri only)

The original writers of the classic BBC TV series, Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn have reunited for this anniversary production and now the Prime Minister Jim Hacker, his Cabinet Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby and his Private Secretary Bernard Woolley are back in this hilarious new play.

In a world of spin, Blackberrys and 'sexed up' dossiers, the PM is staring disaster in the face. The country is on the brink of financial meltdown and the Government's only apparent salvation comes from a morally dubious deal with the Foreign Minister of Kumranistan. Will Jim Hacker and his team of advisors be able to rescue the country from the edge?

Richard McCabe will be playing the role of Jim Hacker in the tour of Yes, Prime Minister with Simon Williams (Upstairs, Downstairs, Don't Wait Up, Holby City) as Sir Humphrey Appleby.

Yes, Prime Minister is a Chichester Festival Theatre Production.

Buy 2 for 1 Tickets
Ticket
Various Prices
Jun 2nd

Video Preview: Les Miserables

By Douglas McFarlane


Cameron Mackintosh's legendary production of Boublil and Schonberg's LES MISERABLES is indisputably the world's most popular musical - seen by over 57 million people worldwide in 42 countries, 291 cities and sung in 21 different languages. Includes the songs I Dreamed A Dream, Do You Hear the People Sing, Bring Him Home and many more. This spectacular adaptation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece continues to thrill audiences night after night.

PROLOGUE: 1815, DIGNE
 

After 19 years on the chain gang, Jean Valjean finds that the ticket of leave he must display condemns him to be an outcast. Only the Bishop of Digne treats him kindly and Valjean, embittered by years of hardship, repays him by stealing some silver. Valjean is caught and brought back by the police and is astonished when the Bishop lies to the police to save him. Valjean decides to start his life anew.

 

BOOK NOW »


May 26th

UK Theatre Networker Performance in Hello Jerry

By Douglas McFarlane

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Leanne Masterton
is a graduate of Guildford School of Acting.  As a student Leanne brought depth and layers to her performances. Her life experience of a 12 year business career with the Railways of Britain saw her involved with two fatal train crashes and she decided that it was time to follow her heart as "life was too short"; she hasn't looked back since.

Following a varied career which includes film and West End credits; August sees her present her own brand of classic cabaret in "Hello Jerry!"  at The Jermyn Street Theatre, Jermyn Street, London. The evening presents the music and life of Jerry Herman, the man who gave us Hello Dolly, La Cage Aux Folles and Mack and Mabel amongst others.

Described as a "standout singer" in recent critiques, Leanne's brand of cabaret is a combination of character and quips.  Her personable easy approach to working in front of a live audience brings relaxed fun, elegant entertainment and is both funny and heart rending in turn.

"Hello Jerry!"  is on the 15th August 2010 at 730pm Jermyn St Theatre, Jermyn Street, London. More information can be found on www.leannemasterton.com and www.dresscircle.co.uk.  Tickets are available at www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk or 0207 287 2875 £10 in advance £14 on the door.


Hello Jerry!

the life, lyrics and music of Jerry Herman

Musical Director: Leigh Thompson

Director: Katherine Hare

Jermyn Street Theatre, Piccadilly,

London, SW1Y 6ST

Sunday 10th July 2011 at 4.00pm

Special Guest: Sarah Lark. Finalist in BBC’s “I’d Do Anything”

 

In London’s only celebration of Jerry Herman’s 80th birthday, Leanne Masterton returns with her classic cabaret on his life, lyrics and music. This fundraising gala performance, in aid of

Jermyn Street Theatre includes very special guest artist Sarah Lark (finalist in BBC’s “I’d Do Anything”) and features music from shows such as “Hello, Dolly!,” “Mame,” “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Mack and Mabel”. His wonderful melodies and lyrics will have you tapping your feet and singing along.

 

What the critics say:

 

“The best rendition of “I Wont Send Roses” I’ve ever heard!”

Gary Gonzalez (Theatre Critic)

 

“A wonderful new voice......”

Don Pippin (Jerry Herman’s MD of 40 years)

 

Hello Jerry! is a combination of character, quips and stories. Ms. Masterton’s personable, easy approach brings you relaxed entertainment, funny and heart-rending in turns.

 

See you there!

 

All tickets £20 (includes a glass of bubbly)

Box Office: 0207 287 2875 

 

May 26th

How I made it in Hollywood- Film blogger quit IT for the red carpet

By Douglas McFarlane

How I made it in Hollywood- Film blogger quit IT for the red carpet

Douglas Mcfarlane Image 2

A film featuring Ewan McGregor, Kate Winslet and Clint Eastwood - not bad for a first-time director.

Movie blogger Douglas McFarlane got to uncover the secrets of the stars on the red carpets of the Oscars, Cannes and the Sundance Film Festival.

The resulting documentary, Making It In Hollywood, won him critical acclaim and a Golden Palm award - and now the DVD has gone on sale for the first time.

Douglas, originally from Clydebank, near Glasgow, said: "It was an incredible two years but I think my ultimate moment was coming face-to-face with Clint Eastwood. "I grew up going to see his films at the ABC minors in Clydebank every Saturday morning. He is a true statesman of Hollywood.

"Although standing in the same pub as Quentin Tarantino was also another amazing moment."

Douglas, 50, got to meet Eastwood at the 2007 Oscars, when he took his camera to see which celebs he could speak to.

He found out about an award ceremony for Ennio Morricone, the composer of the score of the 1966 western, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, which starred Eastwood.

Douglas said: "It was a cocktail party-type scenario when there was a sudden huge surge of energy, there was a real buzz that was almost euphoric.

"The next thing I knew Clint had walked round the corner.

"It was incredible. I couldn't believe I was there filming this legend.

"When I did my piece to camera afterwards, you can see I am buzzing.

"And Clint and Ennio hadn't seen each other for 40-odd years, so I was desperate to catch that moment on film."

The next day, Douglas was on the red carpet at the Oscars - and ended up presenting live on US TV network ABC.

Douglas said: "One of the crew shouted "kiltcam" and suddenly I was live around the nation as well as doing a take for my own documentary.

"Americans love the Oscars being international, so I got a lot of attention, as you can imagine."

Douglas, 50, then decided to hit the red carpet at the Cannes Festival, where he captured stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio.

He said: "He was a good example of how strangely stars behave.

"On the red carpet with his entourage he was all smiles and waving but then just half an hour later on the way to the airport he was hiding under his jacket."

Douglas even got a chat with Jessica Simpson about what it is like dealing with stardom.

He said: "She talked about living her life in front of the press, invasion of privacy and how the publishers control what media they do.

"All the paparazzi were trying to get in on the act."

After Cannes, he went to the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, where he chatted with Ewan McGregor about making it big in Hollywood.

He said: "It was just another one of those chance moments.

"He was a really thoughtful guy and he gave me some really profound words on Hollywood."

Douglas also got Sharon Stone talking about her career at the same festival - and her regret at taking on some jobs.

He said: "She told me she didn't want to be doing any more Catwoman-type roles."

Douglas's story is all the more remarkable because 10 years ago, he was working in IT in Edinburgh.

He said: "I wanted to do something different, something which wasn't just hanging around pubs, so I came up with the idea of taking up singing.

"After about 18 months and a bit of performance coaching I went to a Les Miserables masterclass.

"I performed with the professionals and it was immense, I got the bug.

"I was at the back of the stage thinking, 'This is what I want to do'."

Still working in IT, Douglas was soon winning roles in film, TV and theatre - from Taggart and BBC drama The Key to an advert for AOL.

Douglas said: "For some reason I found it pretty easy to get parts. The characters I play tend to be surgeons and policemen, possibly because I am 6ft tall, professionallooking and have a Glasgow accent."

Working in Jersey for six months in 2001, Douglas also began to write a theatre blog.

It wasn't long before 20,000 people were reading his site and he now has 100 volunteer reviewers around the country.

Fascinated by the mechanics of film-making, he took part in a series of classes run by Canadian director Elliot Grove, the founder of both the Raindance Film Festival and the British Independent Film Awards. He said: "I actually showed him a short film I was working on at the time and he told me it was good and it would sell. Those words were music to my ears."

In 2005, BAFTA Scotland invited him to make a short film of the red carpet at their awards - as no-one else had showed any interest.

National Theatre Scotland invited him to their bash and he got a taste for something bigger - finding out how the world's biggest film stars made it to the top.

Douglas said: "I wanted to make a film about how you become successful in Hollywood.

"After all, this is what a lot of people on the theatre network want to know about.

"A lot of what we do on the website is about trying to coach people to be a success."

And Douglas also showed them how keeping going when things go wrong can pay dividends.

At the Oscars, he ended up in the lift with singer Celine Dion - but couldn't remember who she was.

He said: "I was staring at her because I knew who she was but I just couldn't place her.

"I had my camera on but her bodyguard told me he would take the tape and crunch it so it never ended up in the film.

"Then I look up and see Kate Winslet in that famous green dress coming towards me.

"I didn't get to speak to her, sadly, but I got her on film."

:: Making It In Hollywood by Douglas .McFarlane is available from Amazon, follow the link http://tinyurl.com/hollywoodfilm

May 20th

Czech out Live Theatre in Prague: Gottland at Svandovo Divadlo

By Lisette Allen
If you’ve been dragged to Prague on a stag weekend and want to check out a cerebrally rather than sexually stimulating live performance, then fear not – the mini-break capital of Europe has more to offer than dingy pubs and dodgy cabaret shows. There’s the opera – Mozart’s Don Giovanni was first performed here in 1787 – and plenty of ballet too. The National Theatre’s recent version of Cinderella had enough tradition to keep purists happy despite the Lady Gaga inspired costumes. Laterna Magicka, with its blend of video projections and mime first pioneered in the late fifties, still pulls in the punters too. Getting to see live drama accessible to English speakers can be trickier. One theatre – Švandovo Divadlo – is making a concerted effort to reach out to expats and tourists alike by providing surtitles for all its shows. Tickets are very affordably priced – 220 – 300kc (around £8 – 10). Having been delighted by the ensemble’s version of Lars Von Trier’s high octane farce The Boss of it All last year, I returned this week to check out (‘czech’ out? Geddit?) the company’s latest offering, Gottland. As a reviewer, I feel I ought to be able to succinctly sum up in a few pithy sentences what Gottland is all about. This is a more challenging task than usual as by the end of the evening I felt baffled and confused – but thankfully not bored. Anyway, here goes. Gottland is a surreal, quirky and satirical overview of twentieth century Czech history, based on a book penned by Polish journalist Mariusz Szczygiel. During the first half, the action takes place in a virtual social network reminiscent of Facebook and then after the interval in the summer residence of Karel Gott, the Czech nation’s answer to Cliff Richard, now a Gracelands style museum to the star. The play tells the stories of various figures from Czech history including Lida Baarová, Goebbels’ glamourous mistress, Otakar Švec, the sculptor responsible for the largest ever monument to Stalin but committed suicide before completing it, and Jan Kaplicky, the world-renowned architect whose proposed design for the National Library, nicknamed the Blob, was controversially blocked. There’s Jan Palach, the Czech student who famously set himself alight in protest at the brutal Russian suppression of the Prague Spring in 1968. And there was an Amazonian Indian frantically leaping up around and screaming something about ‘good water’. It’s hard to say exactly what the message behind this chaotic assortment of vignettes was. Were we supposed to draw parallels between the stories of the different historical figures or identify recurrent themes – oppression, capitulation, a tendency towards self-immolation rather than resistance? Perhaps. It could be that the message – if there is one – is that it is impossible to forge a coherent national identity, especially when you’re a small nation surrounded by bigger, more powerful ones. One thing’s for sure though: even with the English surtitles and ‘Who’s Who’ guide we were given by the usher, if you know nothing about Czech history, prepare to feel lost: I learned a good deal but this really was an initiation by fire. Still, for the more adventurous culture vultures amongst you, Švandovo Divadlo offers a welcome opportunity to enjoy live theatre in the heart of Bohemia. Lisette Allen http://www.svandovodivadlo.cz/index.php?lang=en
May 20th

The ‘Calendar Girls’ set a record-breaking date in the Civic Theatre’s History

By Steve Burbridge


Calendar Girls.jpg

The ‘Calendar Girls’ set a record-breaking date in the Civic Theatre’s History

A star-studded cast has set a box office record at one of the North East's major theatres.

Calendar Girls, which has been playing all week and continues until tomorrow has entertained capacity crowds at Darlington’s Civic Theatre and has been the most successful drama in the theatre’s 104 year history!

Over 6,500 theatre-goers have laughed and cried at this inspirational show, which is based on the true story of 12 extraordinary members of the Women’s Institute who give their annual calendar a very untraditional twist to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research and spark a global phenomenon in the process.

The cast is headed by Lesley Joseph, one of Britain’s best-loved actresses, who plays Chris Harper, the ebullient driving force behind the calendar idea. She said: ‘It’s a fantastic true story. It is funny because things have changed a lot, theatrically. A lot of these plays deal with female issues and invite a whole new audience into theatres, which is fantastic.

Lesley Joseph Photo!.jpg 

The line-up also brings together some of the best-known actresses in the British entertainment industry, including sitcom stalwarts Ruth Madoc (Hi-de-Hi) and Sue Holderness (Only Fools and Horses), soap stars Kacey Ainsworth (EastEnders) and Deena Payne (Emmerdale), Helen Fraser (Bad Girls) and Strictly Come Dancing sensation Camilla Dallerup.

Calendar Girls 2.jpg 

Ironically, the success of Calendar Girls comes at a time when the theatre’s future remains uncertain. Darlington Borough Council has advertised the town centre venue for sale as a going concern on a long leasehold basis.

 The council warned last year that it may have to close the theatre's doors because of cuts in Government grants unless a new operator came forward.

In January, the authority's ruling cabinet group gave the theatre - as well as the towns Arts Centre - a stay of execution.

The cabinet also agreed to seek expressions of interest from organisations interested in buying the 893-seat traditional Edwardian theatre to be leased at a peppercorn rent.

The council asked for approaches to be made in writing by February 28.

It is also believed to have already been in contact with two companies who could take over the theatre, one of which is believed to be Qdos Entertainment Group, which runs the annual pantomime in Darlington, through its HQ Theatres division.

Qdos chairman Nick Thomas said: ‘Having produced the pantomime for 25 years and many other shows at Darlington Civic Theatre, we hold the venue in very high esteem and hope to continue our relationship. Qdos has a pantomime contract for the 2012 pantomime season, so obviously it is very important to us that the theatre's future is secured.’

A council spokeswoman said: ‘Our priority is not capital receipt, but ensuring we secure a provider who will continue to provide a high quality programme at the theatre.’

Darlington Civic Theatre, which was originally known as The New Hippodrome & Palace of Varieties, was formally opened on Monday September 2 1907. Its first Managing Director was Signor Rino Pepi, an Italian ex patriot who was originally a quick-change artist (or protean) and impersonator, whose love of theatre took him into a management career. George F Ward of Owen and Ward of Birmingham, a firm specialising in theatre building, designed the theatre and Owen and Ward were responsible for the building of the theatre. It is constructed from local Middlesbrough red brick with terracotta dressings. Above the Parkgate entrance is a 64foot high pyramid-roofed tower (housing a water tank) that gives the theatre’s distinctive appearance and was used to provide high-pressure water for aquatic scenes that were popular at the time. The ornamental canopy is a replica of the original iron and glass structure, which was destroyed by a traffic accident in the 1960s.

The theatre flourished during the 20 years Signor Pepi ran it but following his death in November 1927, its future became uncertain. Competition from cinema became a real threat and a succession of different managers struggled to balance the books. Indeed at one stage the theatre was equipped with a film projection box at the rear of the Upper Circle, this can be seen above the name on Borough Road side of the building. In 1966 after much hard work and enthusiasm from members of the community, especially Darlington Operatic Society, the Borough Council of Darlington assumed full financial, administrative and artistic responsibility for the theatre on behalf of the town. The ‘New Hippodrome’ became officially known as Darlington Civic Theatre.

 

 

 

May 11th

NICE SWAN THEATRE COMPANY: 'West Side Story' Launch

By Steve Burbridge


WSS A3 poster low res.jpg

WEST SIDE STORY LAUNCH NIGHT IN

CONJUNCTION WITH ‘AS YOU LIKE IT’, JESMOND

AND COMPANY DEVELOPMENT.

 

Nice Swan Theatre Company revives WEST SIDE STORY as part of its on-going mission to regenerate the regions amateur theatre.

Fresh from the successful run of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ at the Peoples’ Theatre, Nice  Swan Theatre Company were not resting on their laurels the following day but launching their most ambitious project to date; ‘West Side Story’. Over sixty young talents from across the area auditioned and a cast of 24 were selected. They met rather ironically in conjunction with As You Like It in Jesmond to mingle with the management and start a process that will have them working tirelessly for the next 6 months.

The theatre company has quickly gained a reputation for edgy, professional performances that have audiences laughing one minute and crying the next. Their vision for ‘West Side Story’ is no different. The classic musical based upon the ideas of William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ tells the story of the forbidden love between two rival gang members ‘Tony’ and ‘Maria’, a story that encompasses passion, comedy and tragedy. With well known numbers such as ‘I Feel Pretty’, ‘Tonight’ and ‘Somewhere’, it has thrilled audiences for generations and with Nice Swan’s inimitable style the hope is that it will continue to speak to original fans plus a new generation of theatre goers with a promising production this year. 

It has been this ‘new generation’ that has been at the forefront of Nice Swan Theatre Company’s aim since its conception in 2008. Creators Ben Hunt (22) and Jamie Gray (21) envisioned a company that could offer a stepping stone between amateur and professional theatre to students in the region. A three pronged approach of productions, workshop classes and event participation has certainly made this possible and developed the group beyond all expectations in only a short period of time.

Their production of ‘Rent’ in 2009, the North East premiere of ‘Spring Awakening’ in 2010 and ‘As YouLike It’ in 2011 have been showered with praise from the critics but, more importantly to the team, have given opportunities to many youngsters aged 16-25 in the region. Spring Awakening was reviewed to have ‘Standards of a production on London’s West End’ by Steve Burbridge, a critic from nationwide UK Theatre Network. The audition processes have allowed more than 150 youngsters to experience a taste of the demands of the acting profession and those that have gone on to star in the shows have been a part of an amateur group that really expects professional standards at every level. The technical aspects of the productions have also been implemented by local students, and from direction to sound and lighting design and operation, more than 20 students have been involved and now have impressive experience to add to their resume. The fact that productions carried out on a solely voluntary level shows just how committed every person involved has been.

 In the past year the company has branched out even further using their success and enthusiasm to hone the talents of even younger students. They presently hold weekly workshop classes for 10-15 year olds taking them through every aspect of acting and musical theatre in order to challenge and push them. The fact that the younger students are learning from a team of passionate people not only builds their confidence but gives them positive role models that can inspire and convince them that there are opportunities for young people with dreams and determination in the North East.

Community has always been important to the company and involvement in events such as the Gateshead Arts Festival, Metro Centre Christmas Launch and Gateshead Summer Flower Festival have given them the opportunity to give something back to a region that has supported them. The growth of the company in just three years really proves the adage that ‘anything is possible’ and dispels the myth that young people these days are apathetic and reticent to work hard. 

Managing Director, Jamie Gray ‘I am very excited about the ideas that Artistic Director, Ben Hunt has for West Side Story, it is certainly going to be something special and I am proud to be producing the show during the Peoples Theatre Centenary year.’

Cast Member Jessica Brady ‘I was honoured and delighted to be cast as ANITA in West Side Story. It truly is a dream come true not just because of the part, but because I get to work once again with some of the most amazingly talented people. It promises to be a spectacular show in September’.

‘West Side Story’ will open at the Peoples’ Theatre in September and is promised to be yet another unmissable experience. Tickets will be on sale from May 2011.

For more details of the company, past productions, workshops and upcoming events see   www.niceswan.com

 

May 11th

The Von Trapps Skip Into Glasgow

By Laura Pearson
The Von Trapp family arrived in Glasgow yesterday in the form of Jason Donovan, Verity Rushworth and a group of very talented children.
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The UK leg of the new cast's tour began in the city last night and runs until 4th June before moving onto Leeds, then Nottingham and Newcastle.
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Get your tickets for this iconic musical before you miss out!
Apr 14th

HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO HAVE ‘THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE’?

By Cameron Lowe

Dirty Dancing National Tour
NATIONWIDE AUDITIONS FOR THE COMPANY OF FIRST EVER UK TOUR OF DIRTY DANCING TO TAKE PLACE IN BIRMINGHAM,
CARDIFF AND EDINBURGH

 

 

The producers of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, one of the most successful musicals in West End history, are delighted to announce that they will be holding nationwide auditions to find outstanding performers to star in the first ever national tour of the production.

 

Dirty Dancing is the classic story of the iconic ‘Johnny Castle’ and idealistic ‘Baby Houseman’, played so memorably by Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in the 1987 movie. Since its announcement in November 2010, demand for tickets for the first ever UK tour for has been phenomenal, with sales already exceeding £10m for the first seven cities currently on sale, and many performances already sold out.

 

Auditions will be held as follows:

 

Tuesday 3 May          Birmingham

Hippodrome/ Dance Xchange Ltd
Birmingham Hippodrome, Thorp Street, Birmingham, B5 4TB

 

Wednesday 4 May                 Cardiff                       

THE GATE ARTS & COMMUNITY CENTRE
Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3JW

 

Thursday 5 May         Edinburgh     

DANCEBASE

14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JU

 

For each of the venues:

Women: Sign-in begins at 7.45am. Sign-in/be in line no later than 7.30am

Men: Sign-in begins at 12.45pm. Sign-in/be in line no later than 12.30pm.

 

Women must wear dance shoes with a heel, and no baggy clothes. All auditionees should bring along a photo and CV stapled together, and artists of all ethnicities are encouraged to attend.

 

The producers of Dirty Dancing have said, “After five triumphant years in the West End, we are so pleased to be able to expand on the production’s success to date and take this iconic story to cities across the UK. The production demands performers of huge talent and passion, and we are really looking forward to drawing on the incredible quality of artists across the UK to fill these much loved roles and bring this classic love story to life.”

 

For further press information, please contact:

 

David Bloom - Target Live

T: 020 3372 0950
E:
david.bloom@target-live.co.uk

 

Arabella Neville-Rolfe – Target Live

T: 0203 372 0961

E: arabella.neville-rolfe@target-live.co.uk

 

 

Tour Venues

 

Bristol – Bristol Hippodrome, Thursday 1st September to Saturday 8th October 2011

Glasgow – King’s Theatre, Wednesday 19th October to Saturday 12th November 2011

Manchester – Manchester Palace, Tuesday 22nd November 2011 to Saturday 7th January 2012

Dublin – Grand Canal Theatre, Tuesday 17th January to Saturday 25th February 2012

Aberdeen – His Majesty’s Theatre, Tuesday 6th to Saturday 31st March 2012

Southampton – Mayflower Theatre, Tuesday 3rd to Saturday 28th April 2012

Milton Keynes – Milton Keynes Theatre, Tuesday 1st to Saturday 26th May 2012

Leeds – Leeds Grand Theatre, Tuesday 29th May to Saturday 23rd June 2012

Birmingham – Birmingham Hippodrome, Wednesday 4th July – Saturday 25th August 2012

Norwich – Norwich Theatre Royal, Tuesday 28th August – Saturday 15th September 2012

Sunderland – Sunderland Empire, Tuesday 18th September – Saturday 6th October 2012

Liverpool – Liverpool Empire, Tuesday 9th October – Saturday 27th October 2012

Cardiff – Wales Millennium Centre, Tuesday 6th November – Saturday 1st December 2012

Edinburgh – Edinburgh Playhouse, Tuesday 4 December 2012 – Saturday 12th January 2013

 

 

www.dirtydancingontour.com

 

 

For the West End production, please contact:

Kate Etteridge/ Ali Castriotis - LD Communications

T: 0207 439 7222

E: kate.etteridge@ldcommunications.co.uk / ali@ldcommunications.co.uk

Mar 15th

ROUNDHOUSE TO HOST CARAVANSERAI FRINGE BINGE FEST

By Douglas McFarlane

ROUNDHOUSE TO HOST CARAVANSERAI FRINGE BINGE FEST

A two-day celebration of some of the finest young creative talent in the country takes place at the Roundhouse in Camden as the venue plays host to the first of two Caravanserai Fringe Binge Fest events on 29th and 30th March, raising money for two charities amidst a spectacle of new performances every 90 minutes for 12 hours strong.

Starting at 12 noon and running until midnight on both days, the festival features theatre, comedy and live music including performances from actors of the Caravanserai Acting Studio, critically acclaimed sketch troupe Beta Males and blues, jazz and classical music. The event is a celebration of the best in new talent, independent comedy and individual performers, and proceeds will support future Caravanserai productions as well as two charities – Youth Leadership & Social Responsibility (YLSR) and Developing Artists.

The Caravanserai Fringe Binge Fest is the brainchild of members of the studio, spearheaded by Giles Foreman, the founder of Caravanserai Productions and Acting Studio (soon to become the Giles Foreman Centre for Acting when it moves to new customised premises in the heart of Soho this summer). The company offers professional acting training in a number of disciplines, as well as coaching for films both on and off set, and is at the forefront of some of the most innovative and acclaimed new productions in London and across the UK.

The Caravanserai was founded in 2005 and offers ongoing and master-class training for beginners through to professional actors. Founders of Drama Centre London, Christopher Fettes and Yat Malmgren, and Reuven Adiv, its acting teacher between 1982 and 2004 under whom Giles trained, continue to influence the Caravanserai’s work.

Giles has established a reputation as one of the leading acting specialists in the UK and trained at the Drama Centre, London, where he has since returned as an acting coach. He has also worked with the Deutsche Schauspiel Akademie in Berlin, Pula International Festival of Theatre, The City Lit and NODA, whilst he worked as an acting coach on films including Berlin Film Festival hit ‘ROMEOS’, ‘Ruhestoerung’ (directed by Robert Ralston) and ‘Sennentuntschi’ (directd by Michael Steiner). He also worked with Daniel Sharman for ‘Immortals’ and Alex Gonzalez on ‘X Men First Class’.

The Fringe Binge is the culmination of months of preparation, and the varied programme reflects the Caravanserai’s range of expertise. The programme on 29th March includes popular works from the likes of Tennessee Williams and Anthony Neilson, as well as new writing by up-and-coming playwrights such as Freddy Syborn, complemented with comedy from acclaimed stand-up Benjamin Crellin. Similarly, the programme on the 30th March includes performances of work ranging from Anton Chekhov to Jean Genet, with laughter assured by performances from established comedy group Shotgun Impro amongst others.

In April, the studio’s brand new adaptation of Shakespeare’s Richard The Third will be at The Courtyard Theatre, Hoxton, which will also host Caravanserai Fringe Binge Fest 2 on 22nd and 23rd April.

With something new every 90 minutes, audiences will be entertained, enlightened, warmed, humoured and sorrowed in one sitting by the Caravanserai Fringe Binge Fest.





LISTINGS/WEBLINKS 

WHAT: Caravanserai Productions and Acting Studio: Fringe Binge Fest
WHEN: 12 noon – midnight, Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th March 2011
WHERE: Roundhouse Studio Theatre, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH
TICKETS: £12 (£9 concession) / £44 festival pass
BOX OFFICE www.roundhouse.org.uk / 0844 482 8008 

WHAT: Caravanserai Productions and Acting Studio: Richard III
WHEN: 7.30 PM, Tuesdays 5th through to Sunday 24th April 2011
WHERE: The Courtyard Theatre, Bowling Green Walk 40 Pitfield Street, London N1 6EU
TICKETS: £14 (£11 concession)
BOX OFFICE: Ticket Web 0844 477 1000 / www.ticketweb.co.uk/
ENQUIRIES: 020 7729 2202 / www.thecourtyard.org.uk

WHAT: Caravanserai Productions and Acting Studio: Fringe Binge Fest 2
WHEN: 12 noon – midnight, Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd April 2011
WHERE: The Courtyard Theatre, Bowling Green Walk 40 Pitfield Street, London N1 6EU
TICKETS: £11 (£8 concession) / £40 festival pass
BOX OFFICE: Ticket Web 0844 477 1000 / www.ticketweb.co.uk/
ENQUIRIES: 020 7729 2202 / www.thecourtyard.org.uk
For more information on Caravanserai Productions and Acting Studio, visit www.caravanseraiproductions.com