Heathers the Musical @ Theatre Royal, Newcastle

 Heathers The Musical

Heathers The Musical opened last night to expectant applause and closed to a rapturous standing ovation.  This latest in the series of new modern musicals is based on Michael Lehmann’s 1989 black comedy and manages to retain all the danger, uncomfortableness and thought-provoking whilst delivering it with a stunning score and no shortage of gallows humour.

Heathers is set in a stereotypical High School (think more 13 Reasons Why rather than Grease) with the usual groups of jocks, nerds, cool kids and, of course, Heathers.  Here, the Heathers, 3 rich and entitled seniors, control who is in, who is out and who deserves to be just left alone.

Veronica (Rebecca Wickes – Six, We Will Rock You) is a plain Jane who wants to be noticed more and so attempts to befriend the Heathers.  Usually this would be met with an acerbic put-down, but Veronica has a skill that she can forge handwriting and as such the Heathers see this (and Veronica’s not so subtly disguised beauty) as reason to bring her into the gang.  Rebecca is a brilliant as Veronica; a feisty pocket dynamo with great range and wonderful timing.

The Heathers; Chandler (Maddison Firth – Six, Waterloo Road), Duke (Merryl Ansah – Lion King) and McNamara (Lizzy Parker – Urinetown The Musical) begin to force Veronica to turn her back on her friends and adopt their callous, snide and bitchy approach to their classmates.  This doesn’t sit well with Veronica but the rewards of attention prove too big a draw to refuse so she does their bidding, albeit under duress.  (Not surprising as Firth, Ansah and Parker are very convincing as manipulative divas)

Seeking someone she can confide in, Veronica falls for Jason ‘J.D.’ (Simon Gordon – Urban Myths, Moulin Rouge – Secret Theatre) a new guy at school who she soon finds is more Lone Wulf than Lonely Soul, he begins to lead her into deadly revenge on the Heathers and all those who follow them.

There is no mistaking the darkness in this production; murder, poisoning, teen suicide, attempted date rape are some weighty topics but they are delivered in the guise of High School life and Director Andy Fickman hits the right level everytime.  With a stunning score and some brilliant performances, this never feels preachy, nor does it stray into exploitation.  The young cast ensure that there is no dip in energy and brilliantly portray the hectic, chaos of High School.

Whilst the premise of Heathers is elitism and exclusion, the show actually celebrates tolerance, inclusivity and acceptance, nowhere better seen than in ‘My Dead Gay Son’ – a brilliantly hilarious coming out song.

Heathers is at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle until September 11^th, tickets from 

https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/heathers/ 

Magic Goes Wrong, but so Right at Theatre Royal

 Magic Goes Wrong

Tonight’s fun is brought to you by the letter ‘M’. 

Magic, Mystery, Madcap, Mayhem, Must-See.

The return to live theatre was always going to be a special one and for the audience at Newcastle Theatre Royal who were watching the opening night of Magic Goes Wrong they were treated to a slice of escapism that has been sorely missed over the past months.

Building on their brilliant Cornley Polytechnic previous productions (The Play that Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Story about a Bank Robbery), the Mischief Theatre company have melded real magic with their brand of zany mistakes and cringe-inducing mishaps.

Set as a fundraiser event for the Disaster in Magic Charity, we are treated to illusions, mind reading, escape stunts, card tricks and much more.  Of course, these are not destined to run smoothly, there are accidents aplenty, no shortage of physical injury, prop failures and some rather unfortunate events with wildlife.  

All in all, the charity night does not quite provide the much needed boost in funds, but it does give us, the real audience, plenty to enjoy.

The cast includes Daniel Anthony (Mickey), Valerie Cutko (Eugenia), Sam Hill (Sophisticato), Kiefer Moriarty (The Blade), Jocelyn Prah (Spitzmaus), Chloe Tannenbaum (Bar), with understudies Ishbel Cummings, Rory Fairbairn, CJ Field and Jay Olpin. 

Stand out performance was the brilliant David Nellist as the Mind Mangler;  a native to the North East (Alf Ramsey Knew My GrandFather, Pitmen Painters, The Far Corner) David’s performance of the oft thwarted mentalist is a counterpoint to the madcap physical comedy of the other acts.

MGW was possibly a marriage made in heaven; the ‘Magic’ has been designed and written by Penn and Teller – American magicians whom I first saw almost 30 years ago and whose performances have taken magic and twisted it into the macabre, drawing you into a safe expectation of traditional magic and then throwing you against the wall.  The ‘Goes Wrong’ part is the latest child sired by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields – names that now guarantee mayhem and test the bounds of how much they can inflict on a cast before they cause them real harm.  The blend of the two (there is real magic being performed) ensures that you are not really sure what to expect next, a true variety show.

Much credit must go to the staff and management of the Theatre Royal, Newcastle who have worked very hard to bring a sense of safety and confidence to the theatre going experience.  It is not easy to suit everyone’s sensibilities but they have provided clear guidance, sensible rules and effective spacing so as to ensure you feel part of a large collective without cause for worry.

Magic Goes Wrong is at The Theatre Royal, Newcastle until Saturday 28^th August.

Tickets can be purchased from www.theatreroyal.co.uk

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/