UK Theatre Network

Richard Parker Review by Rick Allden 

An hour long play consisting of two actors and two benches might sound like the typical small scale, wry-smile, nice but forgettable production that theatre is so often deluged with.   Not so.  Richard Parker is a genuinely stand-out work that shows us how theatre should really be.

A play concerning the nature of coincidence and one man’s absolute faith in it, Owen Thomas’ script is absolutely first rate.  His skilful crafting leads the two characters a merry dance between light and shade with never a word wasted.   The ability to flit between hilarity and tragedy is not an easy one to master, but with Richard Parker Thomas has proved himself extremely adept.

The actors, Alistair Sill and Gareth Bale (who also directed) make up the happy triumvirate, and both delivered exceptionally believable, and comic, performances; Alistair as the increasingly agitated victim, and Gareth as the menacing force controlling their fate.  The writing is skilful but that is not to do away with the complete knowledge and power with which these two actors wield it.

A palpable wave of excitement washed over the privileged audience at Richard Parker’s conclusion, and it would be folly to expect him to disappear. 

”Three of the Best from 24:7” to land in London!

 For six years now our annual 24:7 Theatre Festival has been a springboard for new writing and acting talent in the North West.

Just last week the Octagon Theatre, Bolton, hosted “Three of the Best from 24:7” to appreciative audiences.

Now, supported by The Co-operative (and for one day only: Thursday, 15 October!), the Three will transfer to London’s Young Vic as part of our drive to put regional work on a national stage.

These shows are guaranteed to delight, excite, entertain and provoke. Written by Alistair McDowall, the compelling, sometimes terrifying 5:30 is set on a train and charts the unlikely friendship between aggressive, manic Rob and the quiet, reserved Tim.

In Lub You, writer Eve Steele inhabits the mind and body of a two year old, as Charlie’s world is turned upside down by the birth of his baby brother.

Rounding off the Three is Richard Vergette’s memorable and moving As We Forgive Them. The writer himself plays an American Congressman who controversially saves his daughter’s murderer from the death penalty in order to educate the man on his wrongdoings.

A bit of background...

This showcase is the latest exciting development of an initiative that began in January 2004 as an unfunded showcase for undiscovered, under-resourced or under-utilised theatre-related talent. We persuaded bars, nightclubs and other non-traditional theatre venues to let us stage 17 premières of new one-hour plays.

Just six years later – having received industry awards and now supported by the Arts Council, Manchester City Council and The Co-operative – the Festival has showcased 113 plays by 89 writers, and around 20,000 people have seen a performance.

Scripts for 24:7 are selected by a panel of industry professionals and each writer invited to participate is regarded as executive producer – a system which has built the Festival’s reputation as a showcase for the highest levels of new talent.

A number of productions have gone on to perform at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton, Manchester’s Library Theatre and on tour across the country. Writers have won awards in the UK and Ireland and commissions from national and regional producing companies.

Showcase details:

Date: Thursday, 15 October 2009

Venue: Young Vic, 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ (near the Old Vic and Waterloo Station)

 Running order: 1pm 5:30, 2:15pm Lub You, 3:30pm As We Forgive Them; 6:30pm 5:30, 7:45pm Lub You, 9pm As We Forgive Them

 Tickets: £5 per performance from the Young Vic box office on 020 7922 2922 or book online at http://www.youngvic.org/whats-on

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 Click here to see a video montage of the 2009 Festival: There were 21 original 1-hour shows:

 5:30 • As We Forgive Them • Blinded by the Light • CELL • The Coffee Hour • Dancing to the Sound of Crunching Snails • Detaining Mr K • Donal Fleet: A Confessional • Exit Salford • Freshers • Frontline • The Last Chair • Lub You • Maine Road • No Wonder • Out of Dead Air • The Person Without • Phys-Ed • Remember Me • Temp/Casual • Working Title

 Click here to go to the 24:7 website. There are masses of reviews and videos. This year there was more coverage than ever!

Hello UK Theatre Networker

It's new, it's fresh, it's your redesigned UKTheatre.TV. I've given it a lick of paint and I'm in the process of redesigning a logo for the new look website. Have a look here:- http://www.uktheatre.tv

Also new, is the UK Radio Blog. Now live online and streaming around the world, the radio show that started out in Scotland is now a live 365 radio station where you can listen to all the latest news, stories and music. A new show is uploaded every week and you can listen to it anytime while you are social networking - http://www.live365.com/ukradioblog

Look out for Sky News next Friday between 7-7:30pm, where you'll find another TV blog on Martin Stanford's Bafta award winning "News With A Web Agenda".

This week I went to see the play Oh Well Never Mind Bye at the Union Theatre in Southwark. It's a perfect venue to get close up and personal with any performance, and where you can see the latest talent in London. Each of the actors were first class and complimented a well written play with energy in the dialogue. The set design, lighting, sound and pace were all carefully considered and well executed. Find out more about the play here:-

http://upandcoming.webeden.co.uk/#/oh-well-never-mind-bye/4533472660

And in the meantime, head down to Leicester Square this weekend where you'll see everything London’s West End has to offer, absolutely free. Among the acts taking part in this year’s West End LIVE are American talk show host Jerry Springer, who is currently appearing in Chicago, and I’d Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger, who performs with the cast of Oliver! Other shows taking to the open air stage in the middle of Leicester Square. There's also the Jersey Boys and La Cage Aux Folles, Hairspray, Wicked, We Will Rock You, Dirty Dancing, Avenue Q, Thriller Live, Stomp and two massive West End newcomers Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical and Sister Act. The main website was inactive when I checked but here it is http://www.westendlive.co.uk

Have a great week in the world of theatre, where you are.

Douglas McFarlane
editor, uk theatre network
http://www.uktheatre.tv

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Menopause: The Musical

Published by: Steve Burbridge on Friday 19th June 2009 03:06pm

Menopause: The Musical

Reviewed at The Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle

WHEN four different women are thrown together at a lingerie sale in a well-known London department store, it seems as though they have little in common. One is a shrewd business woman, one a vegan Earth mother, one a successful soap star and one a dowdy housewife from Skegness.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/menopause-the-musical_214.html

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The Pianist at Manchester Royal Exchange

Published by: Caroline May on Friday 19th June 2009 02:06am

Two years ago audiences were raving about Neil Bartlett’s Manchester International Festival production of The Pianist, which was originally staged in the highly unconventional setting of a loft above the Museum of Science and Industry. Now there’s another chance to see it with the original cast in the Royal Exchange main house.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/the-pianist-at-manchester-royal-exchange_213.html

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Mama Mia! The Musical

Published by: Elspeth Rae on Thursday 18th June 2009 07:06pm

MAMA MIA! The Prince Of Wales Theatre London

It's funny, because ever since I was little I have loved Abba songs, so it's not the music. No, I say, thank you for the music. And it's not the cast (although I could have wrung some of their necks at numerous times trhoughout.) I think it's the story. I know it's meant to be funny, but the whole thing is so cliched and so unfeasible, that at times I looked across to my friends and others in the audience who weren't struck down with incurable mamamiaitis, and watched a confused and clouded look wash over their faces.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/mama-mia!-the-musical_212.html

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Manchester's 2:47 Theatre Festival launches this year's programme

Published by: Caroline May on Thursday 18th June 2009 03:06pm

Running from 20-26 July, Manchester's top festival of new writing showcases 21 original one-hour pieces in unconventional venues.

The programme features a mix of experienced and new writers, while previous 247-ers returning this year include Steve Timms, Ian Townsend and Steve Pearce.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/manchesterand39;s-247-theatre-festival-launches-this-yearand39;s-programme_211.html

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"Shining Days" a new play written and directed by Julie S. Halpern

Published by: Rachel Thomas on Wednesday 17th June 2009 10:30pm

"Shining Days," the second full-length play by Julie S. Halpern, made its debut on June 17th on the Royal Stage at the Producers Club in midtown . The play focuses on the relationships of six historical figures living in the torrid times of war and struggle in Ireland and England in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/andquot;shining-daysandquot;-a-new-play-written-and-directed-by-julie-s.-halpern_210.html

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Killing Time

Published by: Steve Burbridge on Wednesday 17th June 2009 07:39pm

Killing Time

Reviewed at Darlington Civic Theatre

The second production of the 10th Anniversary Summer Repertory Season at Darlington Civic Theatre is an intense and gripping thriller starring, once again, Hannah Waterman and Huw Higginson.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/killing-time_208.html

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Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Reviewed by Louise Winter on Tuesday 16th June 2009 at Milton Keynes Theatre

Every obvious cliché can be used to describe this musical – thigh slapping, foot tapping, yeehah shouting, hand clapping fun! It is a lovely story and really quite sad at times.

The Pontipee brothers live a typical bachelor life out in the wilds of Oregon.

Big brother, Adam, well played by Steve Houghton, drives into town to find a wife to ‘keep house’ for him and the other boys.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/seven-brides-for-seven-brothers_207.html

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PRODUCT MEDEA 4.0 COCK TAVERN THEATRE

Published by: OLIVER VALENTINE on Monday 15th June 2009 06:06pm

Medea.4.0 at the Cock Tavern Theatre, Kilburn is a modern marketing take on the classic Greek myth that engages from beginning to end.

Slovenian playwright Sasa Rakef gives the legend a 21st Century angle by placing it in the corporate world, and spinning Medea’s tragedy for mass entertainment and maximum financial return. With an aggressiveness that would shame even Alan Sugar’s apprentices Medea. Inc uses ‘emotion design technology’ to sell their product.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/product-medea-4.0----------------cock-tavern-theatre_206.html

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PETER PAN KENSINGTON GARDENS

Published by: OLIVER VALENTINE on Monday 15th June 2009 08:06am

PETER PAN

KENSINGTON GARDENS

A new effects laden production of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, the original place where the story began, sounds like the perfect scenario for this much loved 1904 tale to return home. But on it’s journey it has lost it’s heart and soul in a messy plundering of J.M Barrie’s original concept.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/peter-pan------------------------kensington-gardens_205.html

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Magic Bullet' - new show with King of Comedy Magic, Christian Lee, Hackney Empire July 1 & 2 2009

Published by: Nicola Hollinshead on Sunday 14th June 2009 07:06pm

Comedy Magician Christian Lee played at Jackson's Lane Theatre, Highgate, for three nights last week with his new show 'Magic Bullet' & what an enjoyable show it was!

Lee has worked hard to produce a fully rounded themed show which is hugely entertaining, funny and skillful, appealing at Highgate to both an adult and younger audience - quite a feat!

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/and39;magic-bulletand39;---new-show-with-king-of-comedy-magic-christian-lee-hackney-empire-july-1-andamp;-2-2009_204.html

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PANDA Spotlight On Making Work in Challenging Economic Times

Date: Tuesday 30th June 2009

Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm (followed by optional networking session: 8.30pm – 9.30pm)

Venue: Contact, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA

Cost: Free to PANDA members / £5 non-members

http://www.uktheatre.tv/events/profile/64

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YOUTH AUDITIONS

Casting For The West End

Talented youngsters are always in demand in the West End.

With shows such as Cat On A Hot Tin Roof,  The Lion King, Oliver and the classic Les Miserables.

 Some of these positions are open to auditions on recommendation only. UK Theatre Network are acting as agents to represent a select quality of young individuals who are clearly passionate about theatre. Parents should enquire for further details by emailing editor@uktheatre.net 

There are strict age, skin tone, height and some requiring dance and singing skills, please provide some details with your enquiry.

GETTING YOUR FIRST MOVIE MADE

 Saturday/Sunday 20/21 June - Central London

Weekend Masterclass 

Make the movie, sell the movie.

Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking -The Original And Still The Best.....with Elliot Grove, Raindance

The courses that shot Guy Ritchie and Chris Nolan to fame.

Only £250 plus vat.

There’s also a wide range of foundation courses which give you all the skills from lighting to sound and direction to production.  

Email editor@ukfilm.tv for dates and details or to register your interest for future courses.

Goodbye: The After Life Of Cook and Moore

Published by: OLIVER VALENTINE on Monday 1st June 2009 09:06am

GOODBYE: THE AFTER LIFE OF COOK AND MOORE             

Goodbye: The (After) Life of Cook and Moore, at The Leicester Square Theatre offers an hilarious review of the sometimes bumpy working relationship of iconic British comics Peter Cook and Dudley Moore.

It's 2002 and Dudley Moore has died. Moore finds himself in a bar run by his ex-comedy partner Cook. The booze is free and never gives a hangover but all is not perfect. The comics are in Limbo, and they have an eternity to settle old scores. In death Cook and Moore face divine judgment for ‘Derek and Clive,’ and are forced to face their past, present and future with performers whose paths they crossed - not always favorably, before they are allowed to enter heaven or hell. With them in Limbo are a whole host of comics like Kenneth Williams, Tony Hancock and Charles Hawtrey who despite successful careers were deeply unhappy on earth.

 http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/goodbye-the-after-life-of-cook-and-moore_184.html

Thriller: Live

Published by: Steve Burbridge on Tuesday 2nd June 2009 01:06am

Thriller: Live

UK National Tour

Reviewed at Darlington Civic Theatre

In a career that has spanned forty years, Michael Jackson has sold an unparalleled 750 million records worldwide, with his Thriller album still the world’s best-selling record of all time. Love him or loathe him, his impact upon 20^th century pop music cannot be denied.

So, it would seem, the time is right for musical theatre to pay tribute to his achievements in a production that is dedicated to his career. After all, Queen has We Will Rock You, Madness has Our House, Boney M has Daddy Cool, Barry Manilow has Can’t Smile Without You . . . you get the point, right?

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/thriller-live_187.html

Studies For A Portrait Oval House theatre

Published by: OLIVER VALENTINE on Tuesday 2nd June 2009 03:06pm

STUDIES FOR A PORTRAIT                OVAL HOUSE THEATRE

 Studies For A Portrait, at the Oval House Theatre follows the last few days of Julian Barker, a highly successful artist in the ranks of David Hockney, Francis Bacon and Andy Warhol.

The dying artist retreats to his East Hampton beach home with his much younger partner Chad. The latter is a hard-faced but efficient gold-digger who is determined to take sole control of Barker's estate once he is dead. However Barker’s previous long term boyfriend Marcus, appears on the scene broke and believing he has also a stake in the painter’s work. Along for the ride is also Justin, Chad’s cute twenty-three year old underwear model boyfriend who wants Chad’s full attention but is also willing to share his time with Barker as his new muse. As the battle for inheritance, heart and legacy begins amongst the ménage a trios, the best and worst of human nature is seen.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/studies-for-a-portrait-------------------oval-house-theatre_185.html

Unreal

Published by: Steve Burbridge on Wednesday 3rd June 2009 09:06am

Unreal

The Customs House, South Shields, Tyne and Wear

Two of the North East’s leading ‘new writing’ producers have teamed up for a three year partnership to offer playwrights in the North East region various opportunities to develop and showcase their work.

The Customs House, South Shields and Cloud Nine Productions launched the project, last night, with a trio of brand new one-act plays from aspiring Northern writers, collectively entitled ‘Unreal.’

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/unreal_189.html

A View From The Bridge – Theatre Royal, Glasgow – 1st – 6th Jun 2009

Published by: Jon Cuthbertson on Wednesday 3rd June 2009 01:06pm

After a critically acclaimed run in London, A View From The Bridge stops in Glasgow for one week as part of a very limited national tour.

 Arthur Miller has created many tragic heroes in his time, and many of his plays focus on situations surrounding family loyalty and responsibility. A View From The Bridge seems to combine many of his themes in one play, and it’s humour and drama still provides entertainment to this day. The political statements that speak to us about our lives today, including the immigrant workers, the struggles for money are the background in which to place a simple story about misplaced love and loyalty.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/a-view-from-the-bridge-�-theatre-royal-glasgow-�-1st-�-6th-jun-2009_186.html

In This Update

- Breakfast at Tower Bridge
- Making It In Hollywood
- Looking For Eric
- Stars In Their Eyes
- Wikipedia's Fact Fight With Scientology
- Relatively Speaking
- Hot Mikado
- Scooby-Doo And The Pirate Ghost
- Quadrophenia
- His Dark Materials
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Breakfast at Tower Bridge

Sunny days in London, and hopefully where you are. It was breakfast on my balcony this morning while watching Tower Bridge opening up to let a big cruise ship through as it headed on it's journey around the world. Sigh ! One day I'll take a long cruise around the world but somehow I feel I'm a little too young for that, and a little less grey on top!

I've just signed up for another 6 months to Project Manage the launch of the largest Internet Bank in Europe. As you know, I like BIG challenges. That's just my day job, while I juggle being a presenter on Sky News, a DJ on Nevis Radio, a film producer and blogger. Well, there are 24 hours in every day, it's best we make the most of it don't you think ? I hope you'll make the most of it by visiting your nearest theatre and supporting your local performers.

Have a great week.

Douglas

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Making It In Hollywood

The documentary is now doing the rounds of broadcasters, festivals and distributors. My mentor and filmmaking coach at Raindance, Elliot Grove, has been really supportive and I met him briefly in Cannes as he was going about his business of networking for his film festival and independent film awards. With his help I managed to get a listing on IMDB after Raindance Film Festival accepted my submission for consideration this year.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1442263/

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Looking For Eric

I had the pleasure of being invited to the first London screening of Looking For Eric, which was introduced by the talented Ken Loach. He really has a cracker with this film. It reminded me in some ways to that Northern humour in The Full Monty. Steve Evets, who co-starred last year with Robert Carlyle in "Summer", was superb, as was the perfectly cast John Henshaw....as a postman (he's the guy in the Post Office adverts). It's out in cinemas from June 12th and worth going to see.

http://www.lookingforericmovie.co.uk/

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Stars In Their Eyes

It's finals day with Britain's Got Talent, Scottish Cup Final and the FA Cup Final. Listen to Doug's Radio Blog live today from 12-2pm. The show includes I Dreamed A Dream, I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea and Simply The Best.

Streaming live from http://www.nevisradio.co.uk

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Wikipedia's Fact Fight With Scientology

Douglas McFarlane, who blogs at uktheatre.net, talks Matt Smith through the growing stories exciting the web audience. Broadcast live on Sky News on Friday 29th May.

http://tinyurl.com/nuun37

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Relatively Speaking at Manchester Library Theatre

Published by: Caroline May on Friday 29th May 2009 11:05am

It’s becoming something of a tradition for The Library Theatre to end their season with an Alan Ayckbourn comedy, and this is one of his best, a gentle farce of mistaken identities and sexual misdemeanours dating from the mid 1960s.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/relatively-speaking-at-manchester-library-theatre_181.html

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Hot Mikado

Published by: kelly potter on Thursday 28th May 2009 06:05pm

The Queen's Theatre Hornchurch.

Directed bt Matt Devitt, this production featuring members of the multi talented resident company, Cut to the Chase, promised a sizzling, swinging evening.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/hot-mikado_177.html

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Scooby-Doo And The Pirate Ghost – Live On Stage!

Published by: Louise Winter on Wednesday 27th May 2009 10:05pm

Scooby-Doo And The Pirate Ghost – Live On Stage!

Reviewed at Milton Keynes Theatre 27th May 2009

This is a great fun production for children to at any time of the year. My co-reviewer (5 year old niece!) thought it was super and thoroughly enjoyed herself.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/scooby-doo-and-the-pirate-ghost-%EF%BF%BD-live-on-stage!_178.html

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“Quadrophenia”, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, 26 to 30 May 2009

Published by: John Sinclair on Tuesday 26th May 2009 11:39pm

“Quadrophenia” is based on the album of the same name, produced by The Who in 1973.

The album has iconic status, representing the clashes between the mods and rockers in Brighton in the sixties. This was one of the first instances of mass teenage rebellion and the success of the album and subsequent film has made sure it won’t be forgotten.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/%EF%BF%BDquadrophenia%EF%BF%BD-festival-theatre-edinburgh-26-to-30-may-2009_179.html

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“His Dark Materials”, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, 21 to 24 May 2009

Published by: John Sinclair on Saturday 23rd May 2009 05:56pm

Birmingham Rep and the West Yorkshire Playhouse are presenting the first tour of Nicholas Wright’s adaptation of Philip Pullman’s internationally successful trilogy of books “His Dark Materials” (consisting of “Northern Lights”, “The Subtle Knife” and “The Amber Spyglass”). The books have often been compared to “Harry Potter”, but in fact go much deeper.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/%EF%BF%BDhis-dark-materials%EF%BF%BD-festival-theatre-edinburgh-21-to-24-may-2009_180.html