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THEATRE ROYAL ANNOUNCES SUBLIME NEW PRODUCTIONS FOR 2014!
As we eagerly await the opening of Theatre Royal’s spectacular pantomime which will round off the venues 176th year, the theatre has today announced its next season of exciting drama, comedy, musicals, dance and family entertainment; there is something for everyone!
Alongside a host of musicals that are already on sale, including Priscilla Queen of the Dessert (Mon 3 – Sat 15 Feb) starring Jason Donovan, the record breaking Dirty Dancing (Tue 6 – Sat 31 May), Buddy (Mon 4 – Sat 9 Aug) and Shrek the Musical (Wed 11 – Sun 29 Mar), the theatre has announced a further four musical delights to suit all tastes.
First up, Evita (Mon 24 Feb – Sat 1 Mar) tells the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, and features some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre, including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, On This Night of a Thousand Stars and You Must Love Me. With more than 20 major awards to its credit and starring Wet, Wet, Wet’s Marti Pellow this is sure to be a big hit!
Direct from West End, where it’s in its record breaking 5th year, Thriller Live (Mon 23 – Sat 28 Jun) provides over two hours of non-stop hits from pop to rock, soul to disco in a show that pays homage to Michael Jackson’s 40 year musical history, legendary live performances and innovative dance moves.
Another show which promises the magic of the West End is Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s CATS (Tue 1 – Sat 12 Jul) which returns for two weeks only. This wonderful blend of fantasy, drama and romance is a musical phenomenon featuring an amazing score, including the timeless Memory, spectacular sets and stunning costumes.
Top Hat (Tue 9 – Sat 20 Sept) rounds up the new musical additions as it visits Newcastle for the very first time. Top Hat brings the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the glorious tap dancing magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in one of the greatest dance musicals of all time. Packed full of Irving Berlin’s greatest hits including Cheek to Cheek, Top Hat, White Tie & Tails and Let’s Face the Music & Dance, this is an uplifting and hilarious romantic comedy celebrating the 1930s’ song, style and romance with over 200 beautiful costumes, breath-taking dance and a love story that will set the pulse racing!
If drama is more your style then do not fret as there’s plenty of dramatic delights in store too.
David Essex returns to the stage in The Dishwashers (Mon 17 – Sat 22 Feb). Telling the story of young Emmett, who, once a highflyer and regular in his local upmarket restaurant, finds himself in that same restaurant starting his career as a dishwasher. In this world of dirty dishes, soapsuds and despair, playwright Morris Panych brings wit and humour to Emmet’s quest for existential meaning.
Following a sell-out run at Live Theatre earlier this year, Tyne (Tue 4 – Sat 8 Mar), originally produced as part of Live Theatre’s 40th birthday celebrations, will travel up the hill to Theatre Royal in March. Journeying in time and space along the banks of the river, Tyne maps the epic history, atmosphere and soul of the mighty river in story, music and images. The play dramatises extracts from Michael Chaplin’s book Tyne View, woven together with stories from some of the greatest writers of the North East. It also features live music inspired by the river compiled by the show’s musical director, Kathryn Tickell, including from Sting’s most recent album, The Last Ship.
For those who prefer an intense thriller, Dial M for Murder (Tue 18 – Sat 22 Mar), starring Christopher Timothy, is the one for you. Tony is convinced his wife is having an affair. Watch mesmerised as he plans what surely must be the perfect murder… until it falters in the most unexpected way. Claustrophobic and frightening, this exciting new production reclaims this brilliant and erotic tale of betrayal, passion and ultimately, murder.
Playing in the same week as Dial M for Murder is Private Peaceful (Wed 19 – Sat 22 Mar). Written by Michael Morpurgo, the author of War Horse, Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War solider awaiting the firing squad at dawn.
Delving into the lives of soldier’s once more, The Two Worlds of Charlie F (Mon 28 Apr – Sat 3 May) offers a soldier’s view of service, injury and recovery. Performed by real ex-service men and women it explores the real life consequences of war injuries, both physical and psychological, and its effects on others as the soldiers fight the new battle for survival at home.
Fancy something a bit more light-hearted? Alistair McGowan leads an established company of actors, including Rula Lenska and Jamie Foreman, in a major revival of one of the best-loved plays of the 20th Century, Pygmalion (Tue 22 – Sat 26 Apr). Pygmalion is one of theatre’s most entertaining and beguiling explorations of gender and class and is perhaps best known as the inspiration for the musical ‘My Fair Lady’. It remains one of George Bernard Shaw’s most popular plays and a classic British drama; full of his trademark wit, style and humour.
From one classic British drama to another, Black Coffee (Mon 14 – Sat 19 Jul), the first play ever written by Dame Agatha Christie, is the play that introduces us to a character that went onto become the most famous detective of all time – Hercule Poirot. The play sees Poirot investigating the murder of eccentric inventor Sir Claud Amory and the theft of his earth shattering formula.
Dame Agatha Christie fans are in for a second treat as The Mousetrap (Mon 1 – Sat 6 Sept), possibly the greatest and most enduring “Who Dunnit?” ever written, returns on the second leg of its 60th Anniversary tour following a sell-out run at the theatre in February. If you didn’t catch it the first time round then make sure you get your tickets early as its back by popular demand!
Also back by popular demand is One Man, Two Guvnors (Mon 28 Jul – Sat 2 Aug) the award winning play by Richard Bean based on ‘The Servant of Two Masters’ by Carlo Goldoni. A unique, laugh-out-loud mix of satire, songs, slapstick and glittering one-liners, heralded as ‘the funniest show in the western world’ and with a host of five star reviews under its belt, this is a must-see!
Another comedy-drama - perhaps one for the women - is lined up in the shape of The Full Monty (Mon 27 Oct – Sat 1 Nov). In 1997, a British film about six out of work steelworkers took the world by storm. Now they’re live on stage, straight from London’s glittering West End, and this time they really are going to go The Full Monty!
Dave Gorman provides a unique blend of stand-up comedy and visual story-telling in his brand new live show Dave Gorman Gets Straight to the Point* (*The Powerpoint) (Sun 9 Nov), for one night only!
Fans of Matthew Bourne are in for treat as the theatre offers up two helpings next year. Spring sees the return of Matthew Bourne’s legendary dance company New Adventures, this time with a thrilling, audacious and undoubtedly original production of Swan Lake (8 – 19 Apr). Always extremely popular at the Theatre Royal, Matthew Bourne’s productions never fail to astound audiences. Boldly shattering the traditional concept of swans in tutus, Matthew Bourne has created a contemporary Swan Lake for our times which is now unquestionably established as one of theatre’s great events. Later in the year, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures dancers will unite with young talent from the North East in an extraordinary adaptation of William Golding’s classic novel, Lord of the Flies (Wed 5 – Sat 8 Nov). This new production will enthral Bourne fans and inspire a generation of new audiences.
Children (and parents!) are in for a treat as the theatre has announced three shows for the little ones spread throughout the year; What the Ladybird Heard (Thu 24 – Sun 27 Apr), The Gruffalo (Tue 24 – Sat 28 Jun) and Peppa Pig’s Big Splash (Sat 30 – Sun 31 Aug), not forgetting, Shrek The Musical (Wed 11 – Sun 29 Mar 2015). Based on the award-winning DreamWorks animation film, Shrek the Musical is a must-see show for all the family. Join our unlikely hero and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from a fire breathing, love-sick dragon. Add the diminutive Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude and you’ve got the biggest, brightest musical comedy around! It’s not until 2015 but to guarantee the best seats in the swamp you better book now!
These new shows will go on sale alongside a host of dramatic delights that are already on offer prior to the launch of the new brochure.
From panto dame to another great dame, Australia’s greatest entertainment export Barry Humphries, a.k.a Dame Edna Everage, will kick off 2014 following pantomime with his farewell tour Eat, Pray, Laugh (Tue 21 Jan - Sat 25 Jan). The show, featuring spectacular sets and gorgeous dancers, will give audiences in the North East a final chance to see Barry and his iconic comic creations. This is the perfect night out to wipe away those post-Christmas blues!
Derren Brown – Infamous (2 – 7 Jun) is sure to be a highlight for many as his previous show at the theatre sold-out very quickly!
Ballet fans can unwrap a tasty new treat from Scottish Ballet who present the world premiere of Christopher Hampson’s fantastical Hansel & Gretel (29 Jan – 1 Feb).
There is an amazing treat in store for fans of Midnight Tango, as Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace return with a brand new show Dance ‘Til Dawn (9 – 14 Jun). Dance fanatics can also look forward to Rambert (25 – 27 Mar) featuring the much anticipated return of Christopher Bruce’s electrifying Rooster, and, for one night only, Compagnie Kafig – Boxe Boxe (29 Mar) – the French company return to the UK with a breath-taking show which fuses the noble art of boxing with dance.
Spring brings another three striking productions from Opera North; the bloody and energetic Macbeth (11 & 13 Mar), the rarely performed The Girl Of The Golden West (12 & 14 Mar) and, at the heart of all things bohemian, From Paris with Love (15 Mar).
Edward Halls all-male company will have you rolling in the aisles as Propeller return with two sensational comedies - A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2, 3 & 5 Apr) and The Comedy of Errors (1 & 4 Apr). Propeller never fail to impress and these two contrasting comedies are a guaranteed to leave you wanting more. We’ve said it before – nobody does Shakespeare like Propeller!
Plus, nestled amongst the theatre’s programme of dramatic and musical delights is a special event; the Alexander Millar Silent Auction Launch (Mon 13 Jan). Renowned artist Alexander Millar has produced a new oil painting, entitled My Way, featuring his famous ‘gadgie’ character in support of Theatre Royal, which will be sold via a silent auction. The silent auction for the My Way oil painting will be launched at a free event taking place at the Theatre in January, and will run for two weeks hosted by Castle Fine Art. At the event, audiences will hear Millar talking about journey through life and engaging in a question and answer session whilst painting live on stage. Two pieces of Millar’s work will be auctioned off on the night and the proceeds will be donated to the Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust, as well as a percentage of money raised from the auction of the original oil, My Way.
Friends of the Theatre Royal can book new season shows on Monday 11 November, before the general public on Friday 15 November, and receive 20% off tickets, as well as discounts on drinks in Pasqualino’s restaurant and bars, exclusive ticket exchange, reduced booking fees and immunity from dynamic price rises. To become a Friend and book early, please contact the Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or sign up online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.
Tickets for all new shows in the Spring/ Summer ‘14 season go on public sale on Friday 15 November. Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk
