Reviews

Venue: Theatre Royal , Newcastle
Date Reviewed: 21st July, 2008

As Disney’s High School Musical settles in to the Theatre Royal, for a two week run, it is hard to believe that Kylie appearing across town at the same time will get a better welcome than the cast of this all singing and dancing show.

As expected from Disney, there is a selection of merchandise on sale in the foyer and auditorium to accompany the high quality production on stage. But as High School Musical has become such a phenomenon the buzz before the show is quite tangible.

Disney have certainly hit the jackpot again with the show as High School Musical One and Two are  on TV all the time with number three released in the cinemas in October, on top of this we have the ice show ( which is returning to Newcastle in January)  and not only is this show on tour, but it is playing London’s West End at the same time.

This show is the Grease of today and appeals to children of all ages, as well as a lot on Mums and a few Dads as well, judging from last night’s audience.

The story is simple and familiar, with Troy Bolton being the school basket ball star, whose Father is the coach who wants him to focus totally on the sport. Meanwhile Troy meets new girl Gabriella Montez and together they audition for the School Musical Juliet and Romeo. This really upsets twins Sharpey and Ryan Evans who are used to having their own way and go out of their way to stop Troy and Gabriella winning the lead roles. But we know good will conquer evil and Troy will get his girl and the lead role in the school musical. Read more »

Venue : Sunderland Empire

Date : July 14th 2008

Fiddler on the Roof won 9 Tony awards when it opened in 1964 and although the original star was Zero Mostel, it will be always associated with Topol. Like Rex Harrison will always be the definitive Professor Higgins, Topol will always be Tevye, a role he has played on the very stage where Joe McGann is now given his interpretation. McGann, best known for his role as Charlie Burrows in The Upper Hand, takes time to settle in to the role of Tevye, the man who dreams of riches, respect and a quiet family life.

Unfortunately the main song of the show “If I Were a Rich Man” comes very early in Act 1 before he has shaken the ghost of Topol off to prove he was a worthy successor in a charming understated performance.  

The musical is set in year is 1905 where Jewish community in the village of Anatevka, Tsarist Russia are trying to eke out a living. The story revolves around Tevye a milkman  who has a personal relationship with God, as he strives to keep up the traditions of his faith, race and culture.

Tevye is father to five daughters and trying to find husbands for eldest three. He turns to Yente, the matchmaker, who does her best, but with no money and dowry to offer she is struggling. Read more »

News

Seven weeks before its scheduled opening – and just a week after Whatsonstage.com announced the production – Monkees musical Daydream Believer has been pulled. The new musical, based on the greatest hits of the 1960s pop group, was scheduled to premiere on 26 August 2008 at the Theatre Royal Plymouth ahead of an extensive UK tour which included a stop at Darlington.

A statement issued by the show’s producers today said: “It is with regret that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the production of Daydream Believer has been cancelled for the foreseeable future.” Actor James Bisp, who recently announced on his website that he had been cast in the show, has since posted a message saying that the show’s demise was due to “poor ticket sales”.

According to promotional material, Daydream Believer would tell the story of four boys who audition for a band, and “unwittingly become stand-ins for the most famous group in the world”. It promised “a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who remember the TV series”, while producers hoped the “enduring charm” of The Monkees’ back catalogue would appeal to a “whole new generation”. Read more »

The press launch for Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates turned in to a real scream!

As specially invited school children took their first glimpse of the special guest star when he emerged from a marquee in Newcastle’s City Centre, they ran screaming from the event.

Press and Communications Officer for the Theatre Royal, David Brookbanks, taken totally by surprise , along with school teachers, soon rounded them up and within minutes the initial fear turned to delight as they befriended TITAN the eight foot robot .

The human stars of the show Clive Webb (Mr Crusoe) and Danny Adams (Robinson Crusoe) back for their forth pantomime along with Kathryn Rooney (Magical Mermaid) and Chris Hayward (Dame Rita) , who were both in last year’s show Aladdin, all dressed in full costume were overshadowed by the giant robot. After formal introductions were over and done with Titan sang to the human members of the cast as the crowd of onlookers grew.

Titan then started a mini walkabout before mounting his “chariot” and driving off to meet unsuspecting shoppers in Newcastle City Centre, all under the watchful eye of Wallsend born Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Qdos pantomimes, who is once again writing and directing the show.

Also joining in the fun was Pudsey Bear, as this year the pantomime is supporting Children in Need. Read more »

Interviews

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!

Whatsonstage.com North East caught up with Michael Harrison (MD of Qdos Pantomimes) for the second of our monthly updates on this years pantomime at the Theatre Royal Newcastle, just as he finished discussing the choreography for the show.

Michael , who is writing, producing and directing the Newcastle pantomime, sounded relaxed as he told us everything was on schedule for Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates of the Caribbean to open in December.

Since we last talked Chris Hayward has been confirmed as Mrs Crusoe (returning after being Dame in last years show) and he is already working on some spectacular costumes. While the original score for the show is nearing completion, we do know that Chris will have a fun number called Ship Shape, reminiscent of his Twanky Boogie Woogie routine in last years Aladdin. Read more »