It's Coming Home - Rumours of Fleetwood Mac at Darlington Hippodrome

 

It feels like a lifetime since we welcomed a tour to live theatre, and in the current climate of looking back with fond memories, it is fitting that one of the 1st to grace the Hippodrome is one of the most popular.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is THE worlds most official tribute to Fleetwood Mac - even the maestro Mick Fleetwood himself endorses the show as "an extraordinary performance of Fleetwood Mac".  They have played to almost 1 MILLION fans across the world and guarantee a fabulous evening of songs, music, dancing and memories.

Now touring again after the enforced break, this is a perfect opportunity to refamiliarise yourself with just how much fun can be had on a night out.

Encompassing nearly five decades of legendary music and channeling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very best, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac offer a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances that have ensured Fleetwood Mac’s place as one of the most loved bands of all time.

Anyone who loves music from the past 40 years will have no doubt enjoyed at least a handful of Fleetwood Mac’s songs; from their first hit Albatross right through to the 80’s smashes Big Love and Little Lies. Likewise their albums have always managed to deliver on every occasion but the history books will show that it was their eponymous ‘Rumours’ album that does, and will continue to, stand the test of time as a true classic.  The songs are masterpieces in their own right but when the story surrounding the band (the in-fighting, love triangles and months of silence) are added there is more than a frisson of extra edge and pathos to the words.

Hits include Tusk, Everywhere, Little Lies, The Chain, Don't Stop, Rhiannon, Gypsy and a special Blues set of the Peter Green era.

Check out the link below for tickets to the tour - the Darlington Hippodrome stop is on Tuesday 7th September - tickets via the Hippodrome website or by calling the box office on 01325 405 405.

https://www.rumoursoffleetwoodmac.com/uk-touring  

https://www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on/Rumours-of-Fleetwood-Mac 

Twenties by Charlotte Anne-Tilley on YouTube

Twenties - a familiar story?

In the absence of indoor live theatre we are looking for other creatives to review and share

Today's offering is a YouTube video part of the Command Fringe Festival

The play, performed as a series of talking heads direct to camera (and filmed creatively in lockdown) follows the story of Hope, a young girl who takes her first steps into adulthood by moving from her hometown in Cheshire down to the bright lights and glamorous attractions of London.  Initially written by Charlotte Anne-Tilley as a one person show for the Edinburgh Fringe, this has creatively been adapted to a full cast production.

Initially full of optimism and excitement of finally becoming independent, she soon realises that the neurotic ramblings of her overprotective mum were actually warnings she perhaps should have heeded.

Securing her first job, living in the cosmopolitan world and being free to make her own choices begin to lose their lustre when she has to face up to the fact that not all people are good, honest and compassionate.    Things take a marked turn for the worst when she has to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace and the fallout of unwanted advances from her boss.

A great play which at this time of year, when many young adults are getting ready to leave home for university, rings some all to familiar bells.

Cast:

Hope - Charlotte Anne-Tilley
Mum - Jessica Jane Parsons
Daz/Dad - Harry McMullen
Beth/Jenna - Zoe Birkbeck
Jess - Fiona Townsley

Written by Charlotte Anne-Tilley

Directed by Kaye Somerton

Watch it now - https://youtu.be/xcusTnn58BM 

 

Eastern Airways Teesside to Newquay

A new route to an old favourite

July 6^th marked a new chapter in the ever expanding routes from Teesside International Airport and a great example of the partnerships being forged by Mayor Ben Houchen to open up routes from the North East.

With Covid-19 restrictions in force, any travel is likely to be a very different experience from pre-lockdown and there are many who are still nervous about going back on public transport.  However right from our arrival at Teesside International Airport the experience was anything but confusing.  Met at the main entrance by a member of staff (in facemask and gloves) , they explained fully the process throughout the airport, the key areas for social distancing, pointed out the frequent cleaning stations and offered facemasks and gloves if required.

The airport has made brilliant use of floor signs, giving a clear path through check in, security and into the departure lounge.  From there we were able to watch the water cannon salute for the incoming first flight from London for over 10 years before being invited to board our own inaugural journey.  There were 19 passengers on board, all well spaced throughout and sat in comfort.

The flight down to Newquay, targeted as being 90 mins, is the perfect way to travel.  The view over familiar Durham countryside makes way for the climb above the clouds with views across to the Irish Sea.  No sooner had we reached cruise height it felt like we were turning right at Bristol and beginning the descent over the North Devon and then Cornish coast with the golden beaches and deep blue sea generating no small amount of excitement.  Newquay airport could be a sister airport of Teesside – small, very friendly and a wonderful welcome to Cornwall and the South West. 

Of course, the real appeal for taking this route is the comparison to either driving or taking the train.  Had I driven (and set off at 9am) I would probably have only made it to Birmingham by the time the flight landed in Newquay.  If I had opted for the train then I would have been no further south than the car, but looking at at least one change and an hour wait and would not have got to Newquay until gone 7pm.

Flying down on Eastern Airways meant by 2pm I had enjoyed a lite lunch and a coffee and by 3pm we were heading off for a few hours fishing, still feeling fresh and relaxed.  In fact, after catching a nice mixed bag of Carp, Bream, Tench and Roach; and making a supper of roast chicken and salad, there was still enough energy to sit and watch the dying rays of the Cornish sun, with any semblance of hangover this morning having nothing to do with the travel and more to do with the lovely Cornish cider.

With flights on Mondays and Fridays, flying Eastern Airways from Teesside to Newquay means a weekend in Cornwall (surfing, fishing, eating fresh seafood or just relaxing) is now not just the reserve for people living along the M4 corridor.

Many thanks to Eastern Airways who provided my outbound flight.

https://www.easternairways.com/

https://www.teessideinternational.com/

Come What May - the Moulin Rouge Tribute night

Come What May – an evening at The Moulin Rouge

Step into the decadence and hedonism of Paris in the 1890's and bask in the opulence, the glamour and the glitz of some of the best musical numbers from the worlds most loved shows. 

Produced by two of the best touring production companies, Sweeney Entertainments and Sisco Productions, Come What May is a brilliant evening of song and dance, humour and happiness and a large portion of sexiness.

This cabaret style show, complete with an MC channelling Tim Curry and Joel Grey, is a relentless delivery of brilliant show stoppers.  The pace never lets up as we are whisked through hits such as Lady Marmalade, The Greatest Show, Saturday Night’s alright (for fighting), Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend, the Love medley, Roxanne and one of the best, and most unexpected, La Vie en Rose.

The whole play list is a tribute to the best songs from modern musical film and theatre and is guaranteed to have everyone singing and dancing in the aisles.

The three leads each have power, poise and lots of purpose – they are a great blend, complimenting each other and the show in general – great casting and clearly something they love doing. Helen Hill is a sultry, sexy, beautiful and powerful lady – she shines as bright as the diamonds she sings of and carries tunes that usually are group songs on her own without losing any of the impact.  Steffan Lloyd-Evans is a great ‘Rocketman’ – his renditions of Elton John numbers had everyone rocking in their seats and, when duetting with Helen in the titular Come What May he brought a tenderness that stopped people in their seats.

Stealing the limelight, not least due to his very cheeky Emceeing was David Wyatt – as mentioned earlier he was a wonderful blend of Tim Curry and Joel Grey, camp and cute one moment, dangerous and controlling the next – his hits from Burlesque, his lead on the seedy Roxanne and an eye popping ‘Like a Virgin’ were complimented by some very snazzy boxer shorts.

The dancers were non-stop energy, their routines keenly honed to compliment the music and never far away from descending into the 1890’s absinthe induced psychedelia of spins, twists and some amazing acrobatics.  The stand out routine is most certainly the Can Can, a perfect rendition of the famous dance which put the Moulin Rouge firmly into the consciousness of a country.  By the end even the audience were breathing hard.

If you love musical numbers, have enjoyed the recent revival of musical films celebrating great song and dance, and want an evening of escapism and unapologetic hedonism then treat yourself (and your lover) to tickets to this show.

Check out https://www.sweeneyentertainments.co.uk/shows/come-what-may/ for tour dates and links to book

A BRAND NEW PLACE TO ENJOY MUSICALS

Do you love musicals ?

Would you love to play a part in putting them on ?

Do you think you'd be a super Sister Delores, a brilliant Hamilton or want to be one of the Mamma Mortons Jailbirds ?

Teesdale Operatic Society are holding an open night for all abilities, ages, shapes and sizes