J U LY – D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4
www.live.org.uk See life’s dramas unfold at Live Theatre
About Live Theatre
Live Theatre is one of the UK’s leading new writing theatres. From its base on Newcastle’s quayside, Live Theatre produces work as varied and diverse as the audiences it engages with. To do this it creates and performs new plays of world class quality, finds and develops creative talent and unlocks the potential of young people through theatre.
Location & Travel Information Public Transport Live Theatre is located behind the Law Courts on Newcastle Quayside. It is approximately a 10 minute walk from Monument, Central and Manors Metro stations. The QuayLink bus service stops opposite the Law Courts and is a 2 minute walk to Live Theatre. Parking The car park in the Trinity Gardens complex is 100 metres from the Theatre and is accessed from City Road and Trinity Gardens. The secure car park is open from 7am to midnight, costs 90p per hour and is FREE after 5pm. There is limited on-street parking on Broad Chare and additional car parks nearby. Book tickets by phone or online Call Live Theatre’s box office on (0191) 232 1232 or visit www.live.org.uk where you can select your own seat online. Tickets can be mailed out, at an extra charge of £1, or can be collected from the box office free of charge. Box office opening hours Monday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm. Also open from 2 hours before until 30 minutes after evening and weekend performances.
2 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
CONTENTS EVENT CALENDAR MAIN PRODUCTIONS
P4-5 P6-11
New plays by Live Theatre. VISITING THEATRE
P12-14
We welcome exciting regional and national visiting theatre companies. AFROVIBES FESTIVAL
P15-17
Marking 20 years of South African democracy with award-winning performances. LIVE LAB
The most exciting and experimental new writing in our intimate Studio Theatre. YOUTH THEATRE FESTIVAL
P18-19
P P20-22
Live’s Youth Theatre present four evenings of entertainment in their 15th annual festival. SPOKEN WORD & TALKS
P23
Creative spoken word and informative talks. LIVE MUSIC
P24-25
Our Theatres are great spaces to watch the best visiting musicians play. STAND-UP
P26
Established and up-and-coming comedians perform original material in our intimate theatres. COURSES, WORKSHOPS & BE A PLAYWIGHT
P27-29
LIVE ON TOUR
P30-31
DINING & DRINKING
P32
FRIENDS OF LIVE THEATRE
P33
LIVEWORKS
P34
HIRE LIVE THEATRE
P35
TICKETS, SEATS & ACCESS INFORMATION
P36-39
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 3
July to December 2014 Calendar… LIVE LAB
YOUTH THEATRE FESTIVAL
6 Jul
10 Minutes to... Save the World Page 18
MAIN PRODUCTION
16 -19 Jul Good Timin’ Page 6
LIVE STAND-UP
27 Jul
Richard Herring Page 26
JULY
YOUTH THEATRE FESTIVAL
7 Aug
Plays for Today Page 20
8 Aug
Your Aunt Fanny Page 21
AUGUST
MUSIC
20 Sept
Ladies of Midnight Blue Page 24
VISITING THEATRE
26 & 27 Sept Butterfly Page 12
LIVE LAB
2 Oct
Scratch Night Page 18
VISITING THEATRE
3 Oct
Sounds & Guts Page 12
MUSIC
5 Oct
Carrie Elkin Band Page 25
6 Oct
Talk: Tony Benn – A Appreciation n Page 23
OCTOBER VISITING THEATRE
31 Oct & 1 Nov Bird Page 14
AFROVIBES FESTIVAL AFROVIBES FESTIVAL
4-6 Nov Mamela Page 16
AFROVIBES FESTIVAL
7 Nov
The Soil + Ladies of Midnight Blue Page 17
1 Nov
Young Peop le’s Writing Workshop Page 28
8 Nov
LIVE STAND-UP
11&12 Nov
Skierlik Page 17
Stand-Up Comedy Course Final Shows Page 26
8 Nov
NOVEMBER
4 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
Skierlik: Writers Workshop Page 29
YOUTH THEATRE FESTIVAL
9 Aug
#MouthingOff Page 21
MUSIC MUSIC
YOUTH THEATRE FESTIVAL
9 Aug
10 Aug
Session Americana Page 24
MAIN PRODUCTION
14 Sept
17 Sep t-11 Oct
Sheesham & Lotus & Son Page 24
24/7 Page 22
Wet House Page 8
12 Sep
4 Sep
Introducing LiveWorks Page 34
VISITING THEATRE
8 & 9 Oct
I Told You This Would Happen Page 13
SEPTEMBER
VISITING THEATRE LIVE LAB
15-18 Oct
The Soaking of Vera Shrimp Page 19
MAIN PRODUCTION
15-25 Oct Good Timin’ Page 6
27& 28 Oct
27 Oct
MUSIC
Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay Page 25
SPOKEN WORD & TALKS
30 Oct
Blind Page 13
Beat-boxing Workshop Page 28
13 Nov
Historic Building To ur Page 39
Claire Trévien & Matt Stalker Page 23
30 Oct
Claire Trév ien: Poetry Workshop Page 28
31 Oct
Ladies of lue Midnight B Page 24
MUSIC VISITING THEATRE
14 & 15 Nov Islands Page 14
MAIN PRODUCTION
27 Nov20 Dec Flying Into into Daylight Page 10
4 Dec
Petunia & Vipers Duo Page 25
29 Nov
Ladies of lue Midnight B Page 24
LIVE LAB
17 Dec
Christmas Carnival Page 19
,
15 Dec 8pm
DECEMBER
QUIZ
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 5
MAIN PRODUCTIONS
6 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
MAIN PRODUCTIONS
WEDNESDAY 16 TO SATURDAY 19 JULY [EDINBURGH PREVIEWS] WEDNESDAY 15 TO SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER
Good Timin’
DATES: Wed 16 to Sat 19 Jul, 7.30pm [Previews]. Wed 15 to Sat 25 Oct LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx. 1hr
A Live Theatre Production Written by Ian Mclaughlin Directed by Max Roberts Designed by Amy Watts
SUITABILITY: 14+, contains some strong language PERFORMANCES: Tues to Sat, 7.30pm
Good Timin’ is a one man show about one man’s journey to find another man. Actually, it’s a two man show with one man missing and two different endings. Join writer and performer Ian Mclaughlin (The Suggestibles) as he asks if there’s more than DNA linking him to his missing father? He discovers amazing parallels between their lives and personalities that make him question the very nature of nurture itself. Part personal testimony, part stand-up and part science, Good Timin’ questions how much we really pass on to our children and how the things we keep from them can have a profound effect on their lives.
MATINEES: Sat 19 Jul, 2pm, Sun 19 Oct, 4pm & Sat 25 Oct, 2pm PREVIEWS: Wed 16 to Sat 19 Jul OPENING NIGHT: Thurs 16 Oct, 7.30pm FRIENDS 241: Wed 16 Jul, 7.30pm & Sat 19 Jul, 2pm TICKETS: £14-£10, over 60s concs £12-£10, other concs £5
THURSDAY 23 OCTOBER, 8.45PM
Meet the Team
Join writer and performer Ian Mclaughlin and director Max Roberts as they discuss the process of taking Good Timin’ from page to stage. Free, booking essential.
Director, Max Roberts said: “I’ve been an admirer of Ian Mclaughlin’s amazing talent as a performer in The Suggestibles for some time. One night he told me the amazing story of his search for his lost Dad. It struck me immediately that it would make a fantastic one man show which he should write and perform. A departure for a performer more well known for improvisation, comedy and crazy films. But the result is a beautifully written, witty and at times a heart-breaking piece of theatre. Come and enjoy it but maybe bring a hanky.” To book online visit www.live.org.uk 7
MAIN PRODUCTIONS
8 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
MAIN PRODUCTIONS
WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER TO SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER
Wet House
DATES: Wed 17 Sept to Sat 11 Oct LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx. 2hrs 30mins including an interval
A Live Theatre Production Written by Paddy Campbell Directed by Max Roberts Designed by Gary McCann
SUITABILITY: 14+, contains strong language, scenes of violence and adult themes
One of the Guardian’s Top 10 Plays of 2013, Wet House makes a triumphant return to Live Theatre starring many of the original cast. When Andy, an idealistic young graduate, gets a job in a wet house, a homeless hostel where residents can drink alcohol, he is plunged into a twilight world where the rules about what is right and what is normal have become a little blurred. And that’s just among the other staff. Based on his own first-hand experience working in a wet house, Paddy Campbell’s award-winning debut full length play asks who will look after the people that no one else will look after? Wet House, a comedy tinged with sadness and tragedy, won three awards at the 2013 Culture Awards, Paddy Campbell for best writer, Wet House for best performance and Joe Caffrey for best performer. “Paddy Campbell’s debut play is a thrillingly funny and painful vision of life in a homeless shelter that allows alcohol. All hail a fine new voice”
«««« The Guardian SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER, 6.45PM
Homelessness & Addiction Discussion
PERFORMANCES: Tues to Sat, 7.30pm MATINEES: Sat 27 Sept, 2pm, Sun 5 Oct, 4pm & Sat 11 Oct, 2pm PREVIEW: Wed 17 Sept, 7.30pm OPENING NIGHT: Thurs 18 Sept, 7.30pm FRIENDS 241: Wed 17 Sept, 7.30pm & Sat 27 Sept, 2pm TICKETS: £14-£10, over 60s concs £12-£10, other concs £5 Wed 17 Sept, 7.30pm, Thurs 18 Sept, 7.30pm Fri 19 Sept, 7.30pm Sat 20 Sept, 7.30pm Tues 23 Sept, 7.30pm Wed 24 Sept, 7.30pm Sat 27 Sept, 2pm Tues 30 Sept, 7.30pm TICKETS: £18-£10, over 60s concs £16-£10, other concs £10 Thurs 25 Sept, 7.30pm
Wed 1 Oct, 7.30pm Thurs 2 Oct, 7.30pm Sun 5 Oct, 4pm Tues 7 Oct, 7.30pm Sat 11 Oct, 2pm TICKETS: £22-£15, over 60s £22-£15, other concs £15 Fri 26 Sept, 7.30pm Sat 27 Sept, 7.30pm Fri 3 Oct, 7.30pm Sat 4 Oct, 7.30pm Wed 8 Oct, 7.30pm Thurs 9 Oct, 7.30pm Fri 10 Oct, 7.30pm Sat 11 Oct, 7.30pm
Writer Paddy Campbell and experts who work in the homelessness and addiction sector discuss issues raised in the play. Free, booking essential.
ASSISTED PERFORMANCES: Tues 7 Oct, Thurs 9 Oct, 7.30pm 6.15pm Wed 8 Oct, Thurs 9 Oct, 7.30pm 7.30pm
TUESDAY 7 OCTOBER, 10.15PM
Please see page 39 for more information on our assisted performances.
Meet the Team
Join writer Paddy Campbell, director Max Roberts and the cast as they discuss the making of the show. Free, booking essential. This talk will be BSL interpreted.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 9
MAIN PRODUCTIONS
10 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
MAIN PRODUCTIONS
THURSDAY 27 NOVEMBER TO SATURDAY 20 DECEMBER
Flying Into Daylight
LOCATION: Main House
A Live Theatre Production – A World Premiere Written by Ron Hutchinson Directed by Ron Hutchinson & Max Roberts Based on an original story by Victoria Fischer Music created & performed by Julian Rowlands Choreographed by Lee Proud Designed by Gary McCann ‘You really only get to know someone when you dance Tango with them.’ Virginia has a decision to make: whether to continue with the comfort and security of her mundane British life or to gamble - to walk out on everything she knows, get on a plane, travel twelve thousand miles to Buenos Aires and learn the Tango. Sometimes you have to follow your feet. And your heart. Live music and passionate dance make Flying Into Daylight a vibrant, life affirming journey where seductive rhythms can change lives. Flying Into Daylight is this year’s production supported by the Friends of Live Theatre. For more information about the Friends see P33.
THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER, 10.30PM
Meet the Team
Join writer Ron Hutchinson, musical director Julian Rowlands, director Max Roberts and the cast as they discuss the creation of the play, its choreography, dance and music. Free, booking essential.
DATES: Thurs 27 Nov to Sat 20 Dec
Look out for more dance and music events linked to Flying Into Daylight.
SUNDAY 14 DECEMBER, 7PM
Music in the Show, by Julian Rowlands
Join the play’s musical creator and performer Julian Rowlands as he discusses the music in the show and demonstrates the Bandoneon, an essential instrument in Tango. Free, booking essential.
DURATION: Approx. 2hrs 45mins, including an interval SUITABILITY: 14+ PERFORMANCES: Tues to Sat, 7.30pm MATINEES: Sat 6 Dec, 2pm, Sun 14 Dec, 4pm & Sat 20 Dec, 2pm PREVIEWS: Thurs 27 to Sat 29 Nov, 7.30pm OPENING NIGHT, GOOD & BEST FRIENDS RECEPTION: Wed 3 Dec, 7.30pm TICKETS: £14£10, over 60s concs £12-£10, other concs £5 Thurs 27 Nov, 7.30pm Fri 28 Nov, 7.30pm Sat 29 Nov, 7.30pm Tues 2 Dec, 7.30pm Wed 3 Dec, 7.30pm Sat 6 Dec, 2pm Tues 9 Dec, 7.30pm
Sun 14 Dec, 4pm Tues 16 Dec, 7.30pm Sat 20 Dec, 2pm
TICKETS: £22-£15, over 60s £22-£15, other concs £15 Fri 5 Dec, 7.30pm Sat 6 Dec, 7.30pm Thurs 11 Dec, 7.30pm Fri 12 Dec, 7.30pm TICKETS: £18- Sat 13 Dec, 7.30pm £10, over 60s Wed 17 Dec, 7.30pm concs £16-£10, Thurs 18 Dec, 7.30pm other concs £10 Fri 19 Dec, 7.30pm Thurs 4 Dec, 7.30pm Sat 20 Dec, 7.30pm Wed 10 Dec, 7.30pm ASSISTED PERFORMANCES: Tues 16 Dec, Thurs 18 Dec, 7.30pm 6.15pm Wed 17 Dec, Thurs 18 Dec, 7.30pm 7.30pm Please see page 39 for more information on our assisted performances.
Artistic Director, Max Roberts said: ‘‘The raw, passionate and distinctive music and dance of the Tango aligned with a beautifully written, compelling and life affirming narrative provides the basis of an inherently theatrical experience. This should be yet another not to be missed Live Theatre highlight.’’ PHOTO: AARON DAVIES, DANCERS PABLO INZA & SOLEDAD LARRETAPIA
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 11
VISITING THEATRE
FRIDAY 26 & SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER, 8PM FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER, 8PM
Butterfly
Sounds & Guts
Presented by Northern Nomads & Bridging the Gap Written by Paul Charlton Directed by Emma Roxburgh
A Tender Buttons & Queen’s Hall Arts co-production Written, performed & directed by Tess Denman-Cleaver Sound by Tim Shaw A young mother lies alone in a hospital bed unable to see her child. As her family come to Film & Installation by Taryn Edmonds Associate Director Matthew Evans terms with the events that put her there, we discover why what should be the happiest In the 1970s 17% of the UK’s population time in a new mother’s life is anything but. lived alone. Today it is 31%. Can we forgive the actions of someone when Separated from the mainland by a large they are unwell? More importantly, can they sound, or channel of water, ‘The Island’ forgive themselves? is home to one human being and a huge A heartfelt drama about one woman’s craving colony of sea birds. for understanding, written by double Fringe Tender Buttons will take you on a theatrical First winner Paul Charlton (Moving Family and tour of ‘The Island’, through a labyrinth of The Ginge, the Geordie and the Geek). archive film, field recordings and collected stories of solitude. An ARC, Live Theatre, The Customs House, The Maltings and Northern Nomads co-production. A Bridging the Gap award winner, a project devised by ARC to support new theatre work to tour to North East venues.
Sounds & Guts is a playful tale about the fine line between being alone and being lonely.
DATES: Fri 26 & Sat 27 Sept, 8pm
DATE: Fri 3 Oct, 8pm
LOCATION: Studio Theatre
LOCATION: Studio Theatre
DURATION: Approx. 1hr 15mins
DURATION: 1hr
SUITABILITY: 16+, contains some disturbing scenes
SUITABILITY: 12+
TICKETS: £8, £6 concs
TICKETS: £8, £6 concs
12 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
VISITING THEATRE
WEDNESDAY 8 & THURSDAY 9 OCTOBER, 8PM MONDAY 27 & TUESDAY 28 OCTOBER, 7.30PM
I Told You This Would Happen Blind Presented by ARC Written & performed by Kathryn Beaumont
Presented by The Paper Birds Co-commissioned by Theatre in the Mill & The Marlowe Studio
Girl meets boy. Boy meets... Girl attempts to rewrite script. This is the story of a girl who finds out her ideal man has a secret identity. This is the story of a boy on a quest to become everything society wants and needs him to be…
A beat-boxing theatre show unlike any other; UK beat-boxing champion Grace Savage explores what young people are hearing in the world today, from motherly advice to what we learn in the school playground and the music charts. An interrogation into the current influences on A new show about love, loss and the expectations we put on ourselves, and our young people, this energetic and powerful show will have you on the edge of your seat. partners. Kathryn Beaumont is a graduate of Northumbria Live Academy and was recently seen in How To Occupy An Oil Rig (Northern Stage). There will be laughter, tears, and time travel – from Kathryn – the rest of you are along for the ride. DATES: Wed 8 Oct & Thurs 9 Oct, 8pm LOCTATION: Studio Theatre
Supported by The Lowry, ARC and The Albany. DATES: Mon 27 & Tues 28 Oct, 7.30pm LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx. 1hr SUITABILITY: 15+ TICKETS: £14-£10, over 60s conc £12-£10, other concs £5
Grace Savage leads a free beatboxing workshop on Mon 27 Oct, 3.30pm. See P28.
DURATION: 1hr SUITABILITY: 18+, some strong language TICKETS: £8, £6 concs
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 13
VISITING THEATRE
FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER & SATURDAY 1 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM
Bird Presented by Root Theatre & Ros Terry for Echo Written by Laura Lomas It’s four in the morning and Leah Bird is alone in a flat in Derby waiting for her boyfriend to call. Over the course of a single night she tells us what it’s like to be fourteen, fearless and full of love. But everything isn’t what it seems, and as the sun comes up Leah begins to unpick the true nature of her relationship. A contemporary and cutting edge drama, Bird is a monologue that steps inside the mind of a teenage girl, it explores grief, the deep bond of sisters, teenage friendship, first love – and feelings you can’t control.
FRIDAY 14 & SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM
Islands Presented by Caroline Horton & Co with China Plate and Bush Theatre Commissioned by Warwick Arts Centre This is my world, I am the king so I make the rules and everyone else can f**k off. This is off-shore. Islands is an illuminating, absurd and unnerving new show with music about little empires, enormous greed and the few who have it all – yes, your bit too. This is a brand new play from Stage Award winner and Olivier Award nominee Caroline Horton (You’re Not Like The Other Girls Chrissy and Mess). “Comes perilously close to genius and announces Horton as a major, major talent” Time Out (on Mess)
DATES: Fri 31 Oct & Sat 1 Nov, 7.30pm LOCTATION: Main Theatre DURATION: 1hr SUITABILITY: 14+ TICKETS: £14-£10, over 60s concs £12-£10, other concs £5
DATES: Fri 14 & Sat 15 Nov, 7.30pm
Bird director Jane Fallowfield leads a free writing workshop for young people on Sat 1 Nov, 3pm. See P28.
LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx. 1hr 10mins SUITABILITY: 14+ TICKETS: £14-£10, over 60s concs £12-£10, other concs £5
14 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
AFROVIBES FESTIVAL
TUESDAY 4 TO SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER
Afrovibes Festival 20 years on… theatre, dance, film and music from the new South Africa. Afrovibes Festival brings some of the very best South African Arts to Newcastle. Afrovibes’ programme, the biggest-ever, marks 20 years of South African freedom: 20 years since the ending of apartheid and the beginning of democracy. Making a welcome return to Live Theatre, this year Afrovibes Festival extends to Northern Stage for the first time. Work by award-winning artists reflect what it is to be part of 21st century South Africa, which promises to be thought-provoking, energetic, reflective, fascinating, exhilarating. To find out what events Live Theatre is hosting see overleaf.
Look out for our Afrovibes Festival loyalty card. Collect stamps for the shows you see to get free tickets and merchandise.
Afrovibes events at Northern Stage See Biko’s Quest (Fri 7 & Sat 8 Nov), a spectacular, vibrant and powerful dance piece and Rainbow Scars (Thurs 6 Nov) in which Mike Van Graan, one of South Africa’s leading playwrights, confronts the question of racial identity head on. Northern Stage also hosts the Township Café (Thurs 6 to Sat 8 Nov from 11am daily), a free South African themed space to hang out, drink, and eat, with live performances from 9pm until late. Afrovibes Festival Closing Party (Sat 8 Nov, from 9pm) features live music and performances from festival acts. For more information on Afrovibes events at Northern Stage see www.northernstage.co.uk and across the country see www.afrovibesuk.com To book online visit www.live.org.uk 15
AFROVIBES FESTIVAL
TUESDAY 4 TO THURSDAY 6 NOVEMBER, 7.30PM
Mamela Presented by Curious Monkey in association with Live Theatre, The Swallows Foundation UK & Isiseko Senkonjane Edited by Gez Casey & Ziphozakhe Hlobo Directed by Amy Golding Mamela (meaning ‘listen’ in the South African isiXhosa language) follows a group of remarkable young women from the Eastern Cape of South Africa: the opinions, experiences and aspirations of those born towards the end of the Apartheid era, the ‘born-free’ generation. A fusion of European and African theatre, this cutting edge, verbatim piece is a moving personal testimony and storytelling, fused with traditional African song and dance: a compelling narrative for the 21st century. Mamela premiered at the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown in July 2013 and received a Standard Bank Ovation Award for Innovation and Artistic Excellence.
DATES: Tues 4 to Thurs 6 Nov, 7.30pm LOCTATION: Main Theatre DURATION: 1hr SUITABILITY: 10+ PREVIEW: Tues 4 Nov, 7.30pm OPENING NIGHT & FESTIVAL LAUNCH PARTY: Wed 5 Nov FRIENDS 241: Tues 4 Nov, 7.30pm TICKETS: £14-£10, over 60s concs £12-£10, other concs £5
Join us for an Afrovibes Festival Launch Party after the Wed 5 Nov performance of Mamela. Free for ticket holders for Mamela that evening.
Literary Manager, Gez Casey said: “I’m delighted that Afrovibes is returning to Newcastle with events both at Live Theatre and Northern Stage. We’re especially pleased that our audiences will have the chance to see Mamela, a verbatim project with young women from the Eastern Cape that Live Theatre has been developing with UK and South African partners over the past four years.” 16 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
AFROVIBES FESTIVAL
FRIDAY 7 NOVEMBER, 8PM
SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER, 4PM
The Soil + Ladies of Midnight Blue
Skierlik
A Native Rhythms Production Presented in association with Jumpin’ Hot Club This award-winning three piece a cappella group from Soweto combines a dazzling mix of musical styles including township jazz, hip hop, Afro-Pop and Afro-Soul. The group’s music is underpinned by a great rhythmic vocal bass line and beat-boxing while the other two singers provide the choral and polyphonic top lines. In the past seven years platinum album selling The Soil have toured internationally including a residency at the Apollo Theater, Harlem and at the 2013 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. DATE: Fri 7 Nov, 8pm LOCTATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx. 3hrs including an interval TICKETS: £12
Presented by arrangement with Lentswe Arts Projects Written & performed by Phillip Dikotla This award-winning play revisits the aftereffects of racially-motivated shootings that devastated the remote settlement of Skierlik in 2008. Thomas moved away after his wife and three month old daughter were killed in the atrocity: the burden of living alone in the family home was unbearable. He returns on the long dirt road back to Skierlik, to face being back home in his tiny shack. Skierlik was the Winner of Best Production at the 2013 Zabalaza Theatre Festival and won a Standard Bank Skierlik’s Ovation Award at the 2013 writer Phillip Dikotla National Arts Festival, leads a free Writers Grahamstown.
Workshop on writing theatre of the oppressed Sat 8 Nov, 11am. LOCTATION: Studio Theatre See P29. DATE: Sat 8 Nov, 4pm DURATION: 1hr
SUITABILITY: 12+ TICKETS: £8, £6 concs
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 17
LIVE LAB
Live Lab: Bringing you the most exciting
and experimental new theatre, first.
Literary Manager, Gez Casey said: “As well as providing audiences with the opportunity to see new work and the chance to influence the creative process, Live Lab events in our Studio Theatre space are part of Live Theatre’s extensive talent development programme. Our recent Edinburgh Fringe hit Captain Amazing emerged through Live Theatre and The Empty Space’s Bursary scheme and we’re delighted to be showing our 40th birthday winning production The Soaking of Vera Shrimp in October. A number of this season’s visiting productions, including Northern Nomads and Tender Buttons, have been workshopped and scratched here at Live Theatre.”
For more details on our new talent development programme see www.live.org.uk/livelab SUNDAY 6 JULY, 8PM
THURSDAY 2 OCTOBER, 8PM
10 Minutes to... Save the World
Scratch Night
10 Minutes to... is a brand new Live Lab event in which five playwrights are matched with five directors and given the opportunity to write, rehearse and perform a ten minute short play that responds to a particular theme. Join us for a fantastic night of new short plays by new voices. Keep an eye on our website for more information about, and how to get involved in future 10 Minutes to… events. DATE: Sun 6 Jul, 8pm LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: 1hr SUITABILITY: 15+ TICKETS: £5
Scratch Night is an opportunity to see an evening of short performances of brand new work-in-progress shows and help to shape their future development in conversation with the theatre makers afterwards. Live Theatre’s popular Scratch Night, jointly curated with The Empty Space, has recently celebrated its third birthday. In that time, early versions of many critically acclaimed productions have been presented, including Beats Our by Kieran Hurley, Knight Scratch Nights Watch by Inua Ellams have provided a and Landscape II by performance platform Melanie Wilson. for over twenty different companies from the region and LOCATION: Studio Theatre beyond. DATE: Thurs 2 Oct, 8pm
DURATION: Approx. 2hrs including an interval SUITABILITY: 16+ TICKETS: £5
18 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
LIVE LAB
WEDNESDAY 15 TO SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER, 8PM
The Soaking of Vera Shrimp
WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER, 8PM
Christmas Carnival Presented by Live Lab & Trashed Organ
Presented by Live Theatre & The Empty Space, in association with Rosie & Me Written by Alison Carr Directed by Rosie Kellagher Performed by Tessa Parr
Following last year’s sell-out success, Christmas Noir, Trashed Organ and Live Lab invite you to their topsy turvy Christmas Carnival of theatre, poetry and music.
In the middle of an almighty thunderstorm, fourteen year-old Vera Shrimp discovers an extraordinary ability – she can ‘read’ raindrops, each one having soaked up an emotion from those their water has come into contact with. And amongst all of the hundreds of millions of raindrops falling from the sky, Vera starts the search for the one that holds what she is desperate to find.
This year join Santa as he makes his descent into the underworld’s chaotic masquerade where all is not what it seems. Rudolf is drinking Dionysus underneath the table, and the worker elves, in revolt, have stolen the sleigh to deliver presents to all the naughty children. A night of debauched abundance.
Part science lesson, part storytelling, part Post-It note explosion, The Soaking of Vera Shrimp won the Live Theatre and The Empty Space Bursary Award 2013 and is a playful, touching and poignant solo show.
DATE: Wed 17 Dec, 8pm LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: 3hrs SUITABILITY: 16+ TICKETS: £8, £6 concs
DATES: Wed 15 to Sat 18 Oct, 8pm LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: 1hr SUITABILITY: 14+ TICKETS: £8, £6 concs
CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL IMAGE: © SPURIOUS NONSENSE ART PHOTOGRAPHY – JONATHAN PARKER
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 19
YOUTH THEATRE FESTIVAL
THURSDAY 7 TO SUNDAY 10 AUGUST
Youth Theatre Festival
Right Here Right Now
Young people from Live’s Youth Theatre take over Live Theatre for two weeks to create four evenings of entertainment based around the theme of current affairs. This is Live Theatre’s fifteenth annual Youth Theatre Festival and is produced and facilitated by Live Theatre’s Education & Participation Team. Look out for additional performances, curated by young people to showcase young talent, around Live Theatre’s building, before and during the intervals of the Festival shows.
THURSDAY 7 AUGUST, 7.30PM
Plays for Today A selection of pieces inspired by recent stories, headlines and pictures from the news. Devised over ten days by groups of young people with support from some of the region’s leading freelance theatre makers. DATE: Thurs 7 Aug, 7.30pm LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx. 1hr SUITABILITY: 11+ TICKETS: £8, £6 concs
Director of Education & Participation, Live Theatre, Paul James, said: “This year’s Youth Theatre Festival is a great platform for our young people to showcase their talents and express their views and opinions through theatre and comedy. We have an eclectic and diverse programme that should appeal to a wide audience. The Festival will include an exciting collaboration with comedian John Scott on #MouthingOff, a panel game show with young people responding to current affairs and offering youthful insights on big issues.”
20 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
YOUTH THEATRE FESTIVAL
FRIDAY 8 AUGUST, 7.30PM
SATURDAY 9 AUGUST, 7.30PM
Your Aunt Fanny
#MouthingOff
Your Aunt Fanny is a sketch group made up of some of the most talented female member of Live’s Youth Theatre.
Join the Youth Theatre comedy coalition for a new panel show in which they take a satirical look at our current affairs and the people that make them. A politically From the absurd to the downright ridiculous the girls celebrate everything that themed game show in which the leaders of tomorrow point out what’s wrong with the is funny and inappropriate. Their hilarious ones we have today. collection of original and new sketches has been written especially for them by DATE: Sat 9 Aug, 7.30pm two of the region’s most exciting writers LOCATION: Main Theatre Laura Lindow (Wishbone and Sawdust & Stardust) and Lee Mattinson (Never Forget, DURATION: Approx. 2hrs, including an interval SUITABILITY: 11+ Chalet Lines and Donna Disco). TICKETS: £8, £6 conc DATE: Fri 8 Aug, 7.30pm LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx. 1hr SUITABILITY: 14+ TICKETS £8, £6 concs
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 21
YOUTH THEATRE FESTIVAL
SUNDAY 10 AUGUST, 7.30PM
24/7 Seven 10 minute plays are performed after an adrenalin fuelled 24 hours. Seven writers each choose a director, two actors and a prop to inform their work and write, rehearse and perform their piece in a day. DATE: Sun 10 Aug, 7.30pm LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1hr 30mins SUITABILITY: 11+ TICKETS: £8, £6 concs (includes entry to the After Show Wrap Party)
Ticket holders for 24/7 are welcome to stay for the After Show Wrap Party curated by a team of young people for everyone involved in the Festival.
About Live’s Youth Theatre Each week 250 young people between the ages of 11 and 25 meet at Live Theatre and satellite venues to participate in free workshops, performances and commissions. Live’s Youth Theatre offers the largest youth theatre in the region, which is free to participants. To watch a short film and to find out more about Live’s Youth Theatre see www.live.org.uk/youththeatre 22 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
SPOKEN WORD & TALKS
MONDAY 6 OCTOBER, 7.30PM
THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER, 8PM
Tony Benn – An Appreciation
Claire Trévien & Matt Stalker
By Chris Mullin
In association with Apples and Snakes
During his long political career Tony Benn went through many incarnations; pillar of the Labour establishment; Cabinet minister; tabloid bogeyman; serial dissident and national treasure. Former Labour minister and fellow diarist, Chris Mullin, for 35 years one of Benn’s closest friends, offers a sympathetic but not uncritical assessment of one of the most significant politicians of the post-war era.
Claire Trévien transforms her magical, lyrical debut poetry collection The Shipwrecked House (longlisted for The Guardian First Book Award in 2013) for the stage and into a multi-sensory experience. Her beguilingly original voice is accompanied by compelling musical seascapes and specially commissioned scents.
Chris Mullin is the author of three widely acclaimed volumes of diaries, which were adapted for stage by Live Theatre as the hugely popular play A Walk On Part. DATE: Mon 6 Oct, 7.30pm LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: 1hr 30mins, including a Q&A session SUITABILITY: 12+ TICKETS: £10, £8 concs
In a former life Matt Stalker was a forensic psychologist. He is now the singersongwriter of Matt Stalker & Fables, a five-piece dubbed as ‘chamber folk’ and noted for their intricate, strings-laden arrangements and literary bent. This unprecedented solo performance by Matt is also the début outing of his poems. Kicking off the evening is a ten minute set by local spoken word artist Rowan McCabe. The Shipwrecked House is produced by Penned in the Margins and co-commissioned with Ledbury Poetry Festival. DATE: Thurs 30 Oct, 8pm LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx. 2hrs including an interval SUITABILITY: 14+ TICKETS: £8, £6 concs
Join Claire Trévien, for a poetry workshop exploring the theme of ‘home’ at 4pm, ahead of the event. See P28.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 23
LIVE MUSIC
MUSIC:
SATURDAY 9 AUGUST, 8PM
SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER, 8PM
Session Americana (Boston USA)
Sheesham & Lotus & Son (Canada) + Gypsy Dave Smith (Australia)
Presented by Jumpin’ Hot Club A country rock band in a tea cup, or possibly a folk band in a whiskey bottle who craft a musical experience unlike any other. Session Americana is a collective of talented musicians based in Boston, USA; singersongwriter Ry Cavanaugh; drummer Billy Beard; multi-instrumentalist Dinty Child; bassist Kimon Kirk; harmonica player Jim Fitting and on fiddle Adam Moss. DATE: Sat 9 Aug, 8pm LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx. 3 hrs TICKETS: £12
Presented by Jumpin’ Hot Club Sheesham & Lotus & Son Trio are a modern yet the most authentic old time vintage music troupe you will ever hear. Tunes played on jaw-harps, gourd banjos, sousaphone and homemade instruments like the contra-bass harmoni-phoneum add depth and absurdity to their amazing sound. They also project their voices in stupefying harmonies, while playing ragtime and blues in a pleasing mono-phonic delivery. DATE: Sun 14 Sept, 8pm
SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER (Halloween Special) & SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER, 8PM
Ladies of Midnight Blue + special guests Presented by Jumpin’ Hot Club, Africa Waka Waka and Songs for Sanctuary Once again Ladies of Midnight Blue’s Hannabiell and Yilis take centre stage for this Afro funk party with Jamaican Ladies DJ Shadow of Midnight Blue spinning the finest support The Soil on in reggae Fri 7 Nov as part of Afrovibes Festival. music. See P17.
Each month features new and emerging artists showcasing music from around the world, for details see www.live.org.uk
LOCATION: Studio Theatre
DATES: Sat 20 Sept, Fri 31 Oct & Sat 29 Nov, 8pm
DURATION: Approx. 3hrs
LOCATION: Studio Theatre
TICKETS: £12
DURATION: Approx. 3hrs TICKETS: £5
24 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
LIVE MUSIC
SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER, 8PM
THURSDAY 13 NOVEMBER, 8PM THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER, 8PM
Carrie Elkin Band (USA) + Elaine Palmer
Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay (USA) + Hannah Rickard & Friends
Presented by Jumpin’ Hot Club Carrie tours with her Austin, Texas based trio of Anthony da Costa and Lindsey Verrill. She was last seen at Live Theatre as part of Sam Baker’s band. With the vocal fire of Patti Griffin and the lyrical rawness of Rickie Lee Jones, Carrie’s songs are, at once, intimate yet universal, naked yet richly adorned. Her voice is simply revelatory and very few people in this world can captivate an audience with just a voice and a guitar the way Carrie Elkin can. So with her hometown trio this is set to be a real treat. DATE: Sun 5 Oct, 8pm
Presented by Jumpin’ Hot Club For young songbird, Brennen Leigh has firmly established herself in the warm rich soil of contemporary Americana and Country Music. Dividing her time between worldwide touring (she was here for SummerTyne Festival 2013 in Honky Tonk Angels) and Austin, Texas, she is regarded as one of the Lone Star State’s premiere singer-songwriters. DATE: Thurs 13 Nov, 8pm LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx. 3 hrs
Petunia & Vipers Duo (Canada) + Sour Mash Trio 29th Anniversary Show Presented by Jumpin’ Hot Club Jumpin’ Hot Club has hand-picked Petunia for its 29th Anniversary Show, along with stunningly talented musician, Mr Nathan M. Godfrey playing old time guitar, banjo and mandolin. This is the first European appearance for this stunningly talented duo. Expect covers of Hank Williams, Lefty Frizell, Jimme Rodgers, Riley Puckett and Jelly Roll Morton as well as strong collections of originals, including many already known to fans of The Vipers.
TICKETS: £12 DATE: Thurs 4 Dec, 8pm
LOCATION: Studio Theatre
LOCATION: Studio Theatre
DURATION: Approx. 3 hrs
DURATION: Approx. 3 hrs
TICKETS: £12
TICKETS: £12
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 25
LIVE STAND-UP
SUNDAY 27 JULY, 8PM (EDINBURGH PREVIEW)
Richard Herring – Lord of the Dance Settee After covering weighty issues like death, love, religion and spam javelins, “The King of Edinburgh” (The List) returns with a show about daftness, being uncool and bouncing joyously on the sofa. “Dependably funny” Chortle DATE: Sun 27 Jul, 8pm LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx. 1hr SUITABILITY: 16+
TUESDAY 11 & WEDNESDAY 12 NOVEMBER, 8PM
Stand-Up Comedy Course Final Shows Join graduates of Live Theatre’s Stand-Up Comedy Course in these special gigs in the Studio Theatre as they present routines that have been honed over the last six weeks. DATES: Tues 11 & Wed 12 Nov, 8pm LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: 1hr SUITABILITY: 16+ TICKETS: £5
TICKETS: £12, £10 concs
26 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
For information on how to join the Stand-Up Comedy Course see opposite page.
COURSES & WORKSHOPS
Courses
WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER TO WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER, 7PM-9PM
Live Writers Group An opportunity to develop a play alongside a small, select group of emerging playwrights. With advice and support from Live Theatre’s Literary Department, the course also includes visits from playwrights and theatre makers. New for this season is the opportunity for each participant to receive a 30-minute one to one session after they’ve received their feedback report. Deadline for applications is Friday 22 August.
TUESDAY 7 OCTOBER TO TUESDAY 4 NOVEMBER, 7PM-9PM
TUESDAY 11 NOVEMBER TO TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER, 6.30PM-9PM
Stand-Up Comedy Course
Introduction to Playwriting Course
Have you watched live comedy and thought ‘I could do that’? Tutors John Scott and Vladimir McTavish along with special guests guide students through creating an on stage character, using improvisation and stagecraft and shaping your material into a workable routine, which students try out in a special gig in Live’s Studio Theatre.
Live Theatre’s popular Introduction to Playwriting course combines practical exercises and discussion. Learn key elements of writing for the stage including narrative development, theatrical development, character progression and structure. Many students from the course have gone on to have work produced professionally including award-winning writers Lee Mattinson, Fiona Evans and Paddy Campbell.
Limited places.
Limited places. See www.live.org.uk/courses for details on how to apply.
DATES: Tues 7 Oct to Tues 4 Nov, 7-9pm
Participants will be notified by Monday 1 September.
COST: £100; £60 concs
DATES: Wed 17 Sept to Wed 19 Nov, (excl. Wed 15 Oct & Wed 5 Nov), 7pm-9pm ONE TO ONE SESSIONS: By arrangement between Mon 19 Jan & Fri 30 Jan 2015 LOCATION: Live Theatre Gallery COST: £120; £80 concs
Deadline for applications is Friday 10 October.
LOCATION: Gallery
See the students perform in their Final Shows on Tues 11 & Wed 12 Nov, 8pm. See opposite page.
Limited places. See www.live.org.uk/courses for details on how to apply. Participants will be notified by Monday 20 October. DATES: Tues 11 Nov to Tues 9 Dec, 6.30pm-9pm LOCATION: Gallery COST: Free, booking essential.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 27
COURSES & WORKSHOPS
Workshops
MONDAY 27 OCTOBER, 3.30PM
Beat-boxing Workshop An introduction and a chance to try out beatboxing with UK champion Grace Savage ahead of her one person show. DATE: Mon 27 Oct, 3.30pm LOCATION: Gallery
THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER, 4PM SATURDAY 1 NOVEMBER, 3PM
Poetry Workshop: Writing Home
Writing Workshop for Young People
In association with Apples and Snakes
A two hour writing workshop for young people, run by Bird director Jane Fallowfield (who has worked with Clean Break, Birmingham Rep, Royal Court, National Theatre and RSC) on basic playwriting skills and developing dramatic characters.
Join Claire Trévien, poet, editor, reviewer, workshop leader and live literature producer for a poetry workshop exploring the theme of ‘home’.
DURATION: 1hr 30mins
DATE: Thurs 30 Oct, 4pm
SUITABILITY: 15+
LOCATION: Gallery
COST: Free, limited places, pre-booking essential
DURATION: 2hrs
Grace is performing in beat-boxing theatre show Blind on Mon 27 & Tues 28 Oct. See P13
SUITABILITY: 16+ TICKETS: £10 includes admission to the Claire Trévien & Matt Stalker event
Claire is performing with Matt Stalker in a poetry and music event at 8pm that evening. See P23.
28 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
DATE: Sat 1 Nov, 3pm LOCATION: Gallery DURATION: 2hrs SUITABILITY: 14+ COST: Free, limited places, booking essential
Jane Fallowfield directs Bird on Fri 31 Oct & Sat 1 Nov. See P14.
COURSES && CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS COURSES
Be A Playwright
SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER, 11AM
Writers Workshop with Phillip Dikotla Explore issues around writing theatre of the oppressed with Skierlik’s writer Phillip Dikotla. DATE: Sat 8 Nov, 11am LOCTATION: Gallery DURATION: 1hr 30mins COST: Free, limited places, booking essential
Skierlik is performed on Sat 8 Nov as part of Afrovibes Festival. See P17.
THURSDAY 25 SEPTEMBER, www.beaplaywright.com 6PM
Want to Be A Playwright?
Ever had an idea for a play but weren’t sure how to develop it?
Join Gez Casey, Live Theatre’s Literary Manager as he introduces Live Theatre’s unique online course www.beaplaywight.com
Live Theatre’s unique online course www.beaplaywright.com offers a straightforward guide to the craft of playwriting.
Find out more about the five step by step modules, each covering different aspects of playwriting, the practical tried and tested exercises students are asked to complete and the exclusive video clips of great dramatists as they offer the benefits of their experience.
Students learn from leading theatre practitioners by working through stepby-step modules, each covering different aspects of playwriting and can watch exclusive videos of awardwinning writers including Shelagh Stephenson (A Northern Odyssey), Lee Hall (The Pitmen Painters, Billy Elliot) and Alan Plater (Close the Coalhouse Door).
DATE: Thurs 25 Sept, 6pm LOCATION: Gallery DURATION: Approx. 1hr COST: Free, booking essential
The course can be taken at the student’s own pace and from anywhere in the world. For more information and to sign up see www.beaplaywright.com
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 29
LIVE ON TOUR
THURSDAY 14 TO SATURDAY 23 AUGUST (EXCL. SUNDAY 17 AUGUST), 12.55PM
MONDAY 18 TO SATURDAY 23 AUGUST (EXCL. THURSDAY 21 AUGUST), 8.15PM
Good Timin’
Captain Amazing
A Live Theatre Production Written by Ian Mclaughlin Directed by Max Roberts Designed by Amy Watts
A Live Theatre Production By Alistair McDowall 2013 Directed by Clive Judd Performed by Mark Weinman Good Timin’ is a one man show about one Illustrations by Rebecca Glover man’s journey to find another man. Actually, This Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013 sellit’s a two man show with one man missing out hit, which is a funny and poignant one man show that thrusts us into the life of and two different endings. Britain’s only part-time superhero, returns Writer and performer Ian Mclaughlin (The to the Fringe for just five performances. Suggestibles) takes his one man show to Struggling to balance his family the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. responsibilities and more conventional job, Part personal testimony, part stand-up and with defeating super villains and rescuing part science, Good Timin’ questions how families from burning buildings, Captain much we really pass on to our children and Amazing explores how all parents strive to how the things we keep from them can be heroes in the eyes of their children. have a profound effect on their lives. Discover Captain Amazing’s origins, his family life and how even the invincible aren’t immune to tragedy. “The best one-man show you’re likely to see...” «««« The Telegraph “A phenomenal achievement…” ««««« Fest Magazine Northern Stage at King’s Hall, Venue 73 Box office: 0131 447 6630 www.northernstage.co.uk
30 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
LIVE ON TOUR
Wet House
Hull Truck Theatre Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 October www.hulltruck.co.uk (01482) 323 638
A Live Theatre Production Written by Paddy Campbell Directed by Max Roberts Designed by Gary McCann Award-winning play Wet House, a hit with audiences during Live Theatre’s 40th birthday year, tours nationally for the first time in a production starring many of the original cast.
Soho Theatre, London Tuesday 21 October to Sunday 16 November www.sohotheatre.com (020) 7478 0100
When Andy an idealistic young graduate gets a job in a wet house, a homeless hostel where residents can drink alcohol, he is plunged into a twilight world where the rules about what is right and what is normal have become a little blurred. And that’s just among the other staff. Based on his own first-hand experience working in a wet house, Paddy Campbell’s startlingly original first full length play asks who will look after the people that no one else will look after? “Paddy Campbell’s smartly structured debut play defies expectations and finds a strong, theatrical language in which to tell some unpalatable truths.”
«««« Telegraph
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 31
DINING&&CONFERENCE DRINKING COURSES
The Broad Chare
Caffè Vivo
The Broad Chare is a proper pub serving proper food. It was recently awarded a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand and was named as one of the 20 best gastropubs in Britain by The Times. A unique partnership between Live Theatre and 21 Hospitality Group a proportion of revenues are invested back into the work of Live Theatre.
For a tasty Italian pre-theatre supper then look no further than Caffè Vivo for simple, authentic Italian food cooked with passion.
The bar downstairs is the perfect place for a drink before the show and the bar snacks, including their now famous Scotch Eggs, are not to be missed. Serving dinner from 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, there’s plenty of time for a meal before the show. With a dish of the day, a specials board showcasing fresh local ingredients and an a la carte menu, choosing what to have is the difficult bit. For more information visit www.thebroadchare.co.uk To make a reservation call (0191) 211 2144
Before the show, share an antipasto board with a cocktail or choose from the 2 course fixed price menu which is served Tuesday to Friday from 12noon to 10pm – you won’t miss the opening act and you can always go back for dessert after the curtain falls. For more information visit www.caffevivo.co.uk To make a reservation call (0191) 232 1331
The Atrium Bar Live Theatre’s Atrium Bar and Undercroft open two hours before a performance and close at 11pm providing the perfect location for a leisurely drink before and after a performance. Remember you can take your drinks into the theatre and you can also pre-order drinks or ice creams for the interval.
Drinking and dining before, during, or after the show. 32 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
FRIENDS LIVE THEATRE COURSESOF & CONFERENCE
Friends of Live Theatre Live Theatre is one of the UK’s leading new writing theatres. Our Friends’ commitment enables us to stage one new production each year. Last year, Wet House by Paddy Campbell, the production supported by the Friends became an award-winning sell-out play and was voted one of the top 10 plays of 2013 by The Guardian. This year our Friends are supporting Flying Into Daylight by Ron Hutchinson, a life affirming narrative about a girl who gives up her mundane life to travel 12,000 miles to Buenos Aires to learn Tango. We are delighted Live Theatre has the opportunity to produce this new play by this internationally respected writer. Good and Best Friends receive an invite to exclusive events on the opening night of the show. You can become a Friend for as little as £5 a month, a Good Friend for £10 a month or one of our Best Friends for £15 each month. Each Friendship level enjoys a different range of exclusive benefits such as discounts on tickets and invitations to exclusive events.
Pick up a leaflet at Live Theatre, email friends@live.org.uk or see www.live.org.uk/friends
We choose to list our Best Friends in each of our Season’s brochures: Noreen Bates Jim Beirne Michael & Pat Brown Paul Callaghan George Caulkin Michael & Susan Chaplin Helen Coyne Maurya Cushlow Robson Green Lee Hall John Jordan John Josephs Annette Marlowe Madelaine Newton Elaine Orrick Eileen Sandy Ian & Christine Shepherdson Margaret & George Shipley Sting Shelagh Stephenson Peter Straughan Graeme & Aly Thompson Paul & Julie Tomlinson Nick & Melanie Tulip Alison Walton Kevin Whately Lucy Winskell IMAGE: WET HOUSE BY PADDY CAMPBELL
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 33
LIVEWORKS
Live Theatre’s exciting new Quayside development coming soon… Live Theatre has purchased Quayside land and buildings adjacent to the Theatre, and is developing an exciting £10 million project to create: • A new landscaped public park and performance space • A children and young people’s writing centre – the only one of its kind in the region • A landmark building on Newcastle’s For more Quayside with highly desirable information see premium office space available www.live.org.uk/ to lease liveworks
THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER, 6PM
Introducing LiveWorks Join Jim Beirne, Live Theatre’s Chief Executive and architects Flanagan Lawrence as they share the plans for this exciting new development and explain how it will continue to benefit Live Theatre into the future. The presentation will be followed by the opportunity to ask questions. DATE: Thurs 4 Sept, 6pm LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx. 1hr 15mins COST: Free, booking essential
34 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
HIRE LIVE
Hire Live Live Theatre’s five Grade II listed buildings combine to create a series of beautiful and unique spaces ideal for any special occasion. Dating back over 500 years there’s hidden history in every corner. Add to that the intimate atmosphere and award-winning food from Terry Laybourne’s 21 Hospitality Group team and you have the perfect venue for those looking for something a little different. The light and contemporary Atrium bar and showstopping Undercroft offer the perfect location for a drinks reception or canapés. Whilst the cabaret style theatre is an ideal space for a sit down meal, it is also a unqiue spot for a live band, disco or DJ. On the first floor there’s the Gallery with exposed brick walls and original pillars adding to the historic charm. It’s a versatile and flexible space which can be used for anything from sit down dinners to a wine reception. With a dedicated Events & Hire Co-ordinator on hand to help you every step of the way as well as in-house Technical and Front of House teams we can help turn your vision into reality.
So if you’re looking for a memorable wedding reception, birthday party, venue for a retirement do or an interesting space to host a business meeting or conference why not visit www.live.org.uk/360 to view the space or contact Chris Foley on (0191) 229 2376 or email chris@live.org.uk to find out more.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 35
INFORMATION
Main Theatre Seating Cabaret Area
SIDE SEATS
Fixed Seating
SIDE SEATS
Main Theatre Seats There are a range of seating options in the Main Theatre. These include our cabaret area and fixed seats on the ground floor and balcony. Wherever you choose, audiences at Live Theatre are never far from the action. Cabaret chairs and tables offer an intimate view of the performance with a social atmosphere. Cabaret seating is unreserved and allocated on a first come first served basis when the doors to the theatre open. We recommend you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of the show. Fixed Seating on our ground floor and balcony are more traditional rows of fixed theatre seating.
Side Seats located in the fixed seating on the ground floor are available for slightly lower prices and may have a limited view. Accessible Seats have standard fixed seat prices, even if they are located in the cabaret area. When making a booking please let our box office staff know of any access needs that you have so they can allocate the most appropriate seats.
36 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
Select your own seat when booking online for a performance in the Main Theatre, see www.live.org.uk When booking by phone or in person, our box office staff will discuss your choice of seating with you.
INFORMATION
S TU C DE O N N T C S ES & SI O O N VE S R RE 6 0 TI & RE D
XE (G D S ro E un AT d IN & Ba G SI lco D E ny SE ) AT S
FI
C AB AR ET
Main Theatre Ticket Prices
THEATRE PURPLE £22 £20 £15 £15 No additional PERFORMANCES concessions THEATRE PINK PERFORMANCES
£18 £16 £10 £10 £2 OFF
THEATRE BLUE PERFORMANCES
£14 £12 £10 £5 £2 OFF
MAIN THEATRE COMEDY
£12 £12 £12 £10 £10
Cabaret/Fixed Seats Cabaret/Fixed Seats
Main Theatre ticket prices We have introduced a wider range of ticket prices to include cheaper priced seats for all performances and lower ticket prices for students and concessions from just £5. Our Main Theatre performances now have a colour classification on different nights with a range of prices depending on the type of seat that you choose: Purple for peak performances at weekends and towards the end of the performance run. Pink for midweek, later matinees and mid demand performances. Blue for previews, early matinees, off peak or shorter performances. Concession tickets for students, under 16s, those on disability and unemployment benefits are £5 on Blue performances, £10 on Pink performances and £15 on Purple performances. One ticket per concession holder and appropriate proof of concession will be required when collecting tickets from the box office.
Over 60 and retired receive £2 off on Pink and Blue performances on seats in cabaret and fixed seating for theatre productions.
Music events in the Main Theatre may be either general admission or reserved seating, and prices vary. Please check when booking your tickets.
Group/teacher/tutor discount are available for those bringing a group to see a show. For every 10 tickets bought Live Theatre’s great group discount gives one additional ticket free. To book online visit www.live.org.uk 37
INFORMATION
Studio Theatre Seating & Tickets Booking Tickets Live’s intimate Studio Theatre is located on the third floor and provides a flexible space ideal for rehearsed readings, acoustic music and more experimental work in our Live Lab programme (See P18). Seats in our Studio Theatre are unreserved and allocated on a first come first served basis when the doors to the theatre open. Ticket numbers do not refer to a particular seat and we recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of the show.
Booking tickets by phone or online Call the box office on (0191) 232 1232 or visit www.live.org.uk where it is easy to book tickets online. Tickets can be mailed out at an extra charge of £1, or can be collected from the box office free of charge.
Ticket exchanges are available up to 24 hours before a performance, for a fee of £1 per ticket (up to a maximum of £5 per transaction), we can exchange your tickets for Studio Theatre Prices for most Live Lab another date or performance where available, events are just £5. Plays in the Studio are £8 or credit your Live Theatre account. Friends and £6 for concessions. of Live Theatre can exchange their tickets without the exchange fee. 38 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
INFORMATION
Assisted Performances
Touch Tour To compliment an Audio Described show; this is a ‘hands Live Theatre offers a range of assisted on’ tour of the set describing props, performances throughout the year aimed costumes, characters and the visual at improving the theatre experience for all style of the show especially for our audience members. They should not visitors with visual impairments. affect or distract from the performances I nternal Hearing Aid Systems can be for other audience members. used for shows in both the Main Theatre Watch out for the following symbols to find and Studio Theatre. a performance that meets your needs: Please let our box office know when you book British Sign Language A BSL tickets if you plan to make use of the assisted interpreter is positioned on or next to performances so they can ensure that you are the stage to communicate in a nonseated in the most appropriate seat. verbal language. Captioning The words spoken by the performers are displayed as text on a screen on or next to the stage, similar to television subtitles.
Access Live Theatre is fully accessible. If you have any special access requirements please inform the box office team when booking so that we can meet your needs.
Audio Description Through personal headphones a professional describer provides a live commentary We welcome Text Relay calls. of the action on stage between To find out more about assisted words spoken by the characters. performances please visit www.live.org.uk/assistedperformances
Tours Take a tour behind the scenes in Live Theatre’s historic buildings led by heritage guide Carole Wears. Learn factual history of the buildings and the theatre peppered with some tall tales and anecdotes from the company’s past.
Tyne & Wear Heritage Open Day Tours FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER, 12PM & 3PM & 5.30PM
Historic Building Tour Free, limited places, booking essential. Tickets available to book from Friday 1 August.
We can also book a tour for your group which can be tailored to particular areas of interest, usually last an hour and cost £5 per head with a minimum fee of £50 per group. Contact Carole on carole@live.org.uk or (0191) 269 3489 or visit www.live.org.uk/tours
This brochure can be made available in a range of formats. Call with your request on (0191) 232 1232.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 39
Live Theatre, Broad Chare, Quayside Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ
For up-to-the-minute information follow Live Theatre on
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Live Theatre is grateful for the support of: The Shears Foundation Corporate Partners
Buckley Burnett Limited
Educational Partners
The Friends of Live Theatre For more information on the benefits of being a Friend and how to join see P33
Live Theatre is operated by North East Theatre Trust Limited, a registered charity number 513771, company registration number 1697756.