Faust @ Theatre Royal Newcastle

The story of Faust is well known the world over, even giving rise to the term "making a Faustian Pact" but until now I had not had the opportunity to watch in full the theatrical works which gives this social commentary its gravitas.

Whilst the original work is very gothic and medieval in both setting and context this production has been brought right up to date, featuring the presidential elections in modern day France and the life consuming challenges of the stock market.

We first meet Dr Faust (Peter Auty) as a failing stockbroker who, through both mid-life crisis and depressed markets finds himself stood, quite litterally, on the edge of life.  In calling out for some sign of faith or hope he finds himself not finding God but making a pact with Mephisto (James Creswell).  In return for his soul he shall have youth, vitality and the love of a beautiful young woman (Juanita Lascarro) but as with all deals, if it looks to good to be true, then it generally is.

This three hour show is a masterpiece of powerful music (arguably Gounods finest work), stunning performances and a masterful set (using huge sliding panels onto which surreal images of the stock market trading displays, Faust's tortured soul and the depths of despair were projected).  Sung totally in French, there were, for the less educated (of which I am happy to include myself) two screens in the stage side boxes displaying subtitles.  Whilst this was very helpful, the nature of the opera being delivered (which much repetition of phrases) meant there were many occasions where the screens remained blank despite the continued singing of the leads.

I applaud the attempt to bring the story into the modern age, but at times it felt that this was done to the detriment of the flow of events; one never really felt as though we were being immersed in the story but instead were having separate acts performed to us.  There was no real feeling of menace from Mephisto to Faust, his 'pact' seemed more of a business agreement than the selling of his soul.  Likewise Fuast seemed to have little hesitation in making this deal, there was little deliberation over the terms and no moralising over the decision. 

The focus of Faust's affections, Margerite, was portrayed as the virginal sister of Valentin, a

right wing presidential candidate standing on pro-life and the anti abortion campaign.  The first half of the performance (2 hours) made a great deal about Valentin's political crusade without any discernible reason apparent, not until the third act when Margerite was found to be pregnant and thus shunned by her brother, but by this time the seeds of confusion not only been sold, but had taken root and started to flower.  Again, the desire to modernise the story felt like it was trying to be too clever; it almost like there was one big 'in-joke' and those not included were left to try and work it out on their own. 

Despite the obtuse storytelling the lead performances were excellent and the music stirring; for my first foray into Faust it has left me wanting more, but I like my devil to be magnificently malevolent, my victims to be tortured souls and my innocents to be distraught and destroyed.

Fascinating Aida Cheap Flights @ Newcastle

Sunday nights have always been a bit of a bore to me.  First it was the bath & early night before school, then the lull after a fun weekend before the drudgery of work, and finally the end of Super Sunday live football with only Countryfile to keep me from bed by 9.  Last night, however I had the best Sunday night of many a year, setting the bar impossibly high to beat and in the process introducing me to an absolute gem of an act.

I must admit, I only heard about Fascinating Aida when a friend sent me a link to “Cheap Flights” on YouTube – by that time the clip had gone fungal (!), so when the chance came to go and watch them live it was with intrigue and anticipation that I arranged the tickets.

From the first minute to the last of 2 hefty encores, the 3 ladies of mirth & musical merriment delivered the upmost in comic & satirical wordplay to give Flanders & Swann, Stephen Fry, Victoria Wood, Monty Python, Mel Brooks and Richard Digance (yes I still remember him) good reason to hang up their quills, put away their pianos and accept that they have been completely usurped.  (Sorry Stephen, you’re still my favourite presenter but even you cannot match three lovely ladies on stage)

Founded by  Dillie Keane in 1983 and joined in 1984 by Adele Anderson, Fascinating Aida have been successfully touring the world for over 25 years, delivering their blend of cutting satire with operatic harmonies and quint-essential devilment.  Now assisted by Sarah-Louise Young (who, by Dillie’s own admission, halves the average age of the group) we were treated to the full array of melodious mischief including songs about Dogging, the Economy (for which I daren’t disclose the title for fear of reproach by my mum), Modern Art, the aforementioned Cheap Flights and a wonderful exploration of the nuances of Bulgarian folk music.  The musical scope didn't stop at thematic harmonies, there was Dillie's wonderful Hip Hop omage to keeping up with the kids, Sarah-Louise's lament for the previous nights 'rendezvous' and Adele explaining how to be German. 

In these times of austerity and reduced disposable income, when times are bad and spirits low, when the world is teetering on the brink of a double dip, I can offer this suggestion; forego eating for a week, pass up the chance to buy those new shoes, stop the kids pocket money for a month – in fact, do anything to make sure you can buy a ticket for this show – the impact will be far reaching, the smiles long lasting and the glow of inner happiness..... who am I kidding, just go and watch 3 super talented & utterly charming ladies verge on dirty and forget your troubles for the night.

This was a night of firsts for me; it was also the first time I had been to the Journal Tyne Theatre, formally known as The Stoll.  What a wonderful theatre, full of character retaining all the charm of an old music hall and filled with the essence of hundreds of years of performing.  I doubt, however that it had ever played host to such a compelling & embracing example of cabaret which completely enthralled the audience.  A special thank you goes to Phil, the duty manager, who personally ensured that my brother & I had a very comfortable 2^nd half.

BBC Newcastle Studio Tours

For most of my life BBC North East has been the thread with which my day has been woven; BBC Radio Newcastle breakfast bulletins during the snowy days hoping that the school would be closed, the "It's a Goal Show" on a Saturday afternoon (and the unbearable tension of who has just scored), the unparalleled news coverage of all things local and of course the breaking sports stories of Keegan, Mirandinha, Cole, Shearer and Beardsley.  

Added to this were more national stories; Prince Charles & Lady Diana were in the North East when they broke news of their divorce, the opening of Europe's largest shopping mall - The Metro Centre, The Great North Run and right up to the chase and standoff with Raul Moat - all these stories have had national and international impact and were all captured and 'broken' by BBC Newcastle.

Of course, there is so much more to BBC Newcastle than simply the local news & weather;  Byker Grove, Inside Out, The Politics Show and many more all are testament to the quality & diversity of our regional productions.

So, when we got the chance to take a tour around the 'Pink Palace' to see how these TV shows & radio programmes are produced we jumped at the opportunity.  Situated just north of St James Park on Barrack Road, it's really easy to find the broadcasting headquarters.  We went on a Saturday for the 13.30 tour and, along with a family from Stamfordham and a couple from York we were warmly greeted by our tour guides for the afternoon.

Sarah & Jessica were a very welcome, friendly and smiley sight on a dismal afternoon of rain & wind and they very quickly made us forget all about the outside weather.  Both girls are very knowledgeable about all things 'Beeb', as well as having great insight into broadcasting in general.  Sarah is in fact a budding playwright (having already had a play produced at the Theatre Royal and a commendation for an upcoming novel) while Jessica is already a successful Look North researcher and reporter.

Our tour started with a look back in time to see how BBC Newcastle first started and the key people and changes along the way.  From here we were taken into the archive room to see just how big the library of previous news, reports and programmes BBC Newcastle keep.  As Sarah explained, the intention is for this huge collection to eventually be digitised and made available through the BBC On-Line service - no small task when you think that there is over 45 years of regional news as well as all the 'rushes' of outside broadcasts and interview. 

From here we were given a great insight into the use of 'greenscreen' technology (or, if I remember what the girls said, it is Colour Separation Overlay - CSO) in a cosy studio used during the week for travel reporting - we too were Gilly Hope stood above the A19.  But if we were impressed by this technical box of delights then the next stop was really going to grab our breath.

We were taken through the news room, through some thick, soundproof doors and into the main studio - and what an impressive set up this is.  The studio, complete with 80 huge ceiling-hung lights, is set up as the BBC regional news desk, the weather board and the 'sofa-corner' used for the evening Look North. In here we were given an overview as to how the studio was built, how the scenery and backdrops work to give the impression of a news-desk behind and how the weather presenters interact with the graphics.  We got to sit at Colin's news desk while reading the autocue and realise that sometimes it's only him in there, all on his own, automatic cameras and no tea/coffee boy.  We all had chance to have our pictures taken before we left the studio and followed Sarah into the control gallery.

This is a technical Aladdin's cave with vision mixing, sound desk and the producer & directors control areas.  All through this both Jess & Sarah were giving us commentary as to how the team come together on broadcasting day, who takes the lead and just how tight to the wire things can get.  These girls are great; they obviously have fun doing the tours and no question is too daft or simple for them.

We then left the TV area and headed into BBC Newcastle - just as we were leaving the Green Room and going into one of the empty radio studios to take a closer look we were enthusiastically beckoned by Jonathan Miles (usual presenter of the mid-morning show and, despite a very 'active' night, admirably stepping into the breach to cover the Saturday afternoon slot) to come into his studio while live on air.  If you haven't listened to Jonathan before, he normally tackles very thought-provoking issues in a completely unique style, but this afternoon he was in a relaxed and somewhat mischievous mood.  In between announcing tunes and time-checking he explained how he learnt his craft (naming Kenny Everett and Mike Aspel) and how the play lists are now all pre-defined - mainly by groups of women being asked to pick their favourite songs - no wonder I keep hearing Boyzone, Take That and Daniel O'Donnel!!!

Bidding adieu to Mr Miles and leaving him to take the listeners back to a mystery year, we concluded our tour with a little something special - I am not going to tell you what as it was a great surprise for us and it's best that you too have that to look forward to.

This was a wonderful way to spend a few hours in the company of two charming & delightful guides. I would urge anyone who has ever watched a BBC Newcastle show or listened to the BBC radio to book a tour, it's a unique chance to see behind the scenes of OUR regional broadcaster.

Thank you to Sarah & Jess and good luck in your future productions.

BBC Newcastle Tours are available on Tuesdays & Saturdays at either 10.45 or 13.30 and can be booked through http://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tours/newcastle.shtml

As BBC Newcastle is a working environment, the different times & days for the tours will mean various things are happening through the week.