May to August 2009 www.live.org.uk
See life’s dramas unfold at Live Theatre
Tickets & Booking Information Book tickets online at www.live.org.uk
Visit Live Theatre’s secure website where it is easy to book tickets online. An average booking will take 5 minutes, tickets can be booked 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tickets can be mailed out, at an extra charge of £1, or can be collected from the box office free of charge, just visit www.live.org.uk
Preview
Highlights… P
Be amongst the first to see a new show during the preview period at a discounted price.
Opening Night
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Celebrate the official first night of a production when there’s always a great air of excitement in the theatre.
Pay What You Can £PWYC
Call Live Theatre’s box office on (0191) 232 1232 or to book in person visit the theatre just off Newcastle’s quayside next to the law courts.
PWYC performances offer a great opportunity to see a show at a price you can afford. Tickets for Sunday PWYC performances go on sale at midday on the Friday before. A maximum of 4 tickets can be booked per transaction.
Box office opening times are:
Group discount
Book by phone or in person
Monday to Friday 11.30am to 5.30pm (11.30am to 8pm when there is an evening show). Weekend evening show only 5.30 to 8pm. Weekend matinee days 12 to 8pm.
Returns policy
If you provide more than 24 hours notice tickets can be exchanged for other performances and events or credit for the full value can be arranged.
Interested in bringing a group along to see a show? Then take advantage of Live Theatre’s great group discount buy 10 tickets and get one additional ticket free.
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. We welcome Typetalk calls.
This brochure can be made available in a range of formats. Call (0191) 229 2373 with your request. 02 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
Main House Thursday 7 May to Saturday 13 June Looking For Buddy Starring local hero Tim Healy, join the cast of Looking for Buddy for a witty jazz musical set on Tyneside. For more information see page 5. New Writing Studio Sessions Thursday 4 June & 2 July, 8pm Summer Double-Bill This summer listen to extracts from new plays by local writers. For more information see page 7. Live Stand-Up Wednesday 29 July, 8pm Sarah Millican – Work In Progress Winner of ‘Best-Newcomer’ at last year’s Edinburgh Festival, Sarah returns to Live and finally gets to the bottom of why men and women are so different. For more information see page 9. Family Theatre Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 August Summer Mix-Up Tune in and catch some smash-hit performances at this year’s Education & Participation festival. For more information see page 11. Live Theatre Hosts... Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 May Hand-me-Down Don’t miss the North East debut of this exciting one-woman show and discover the stories behind objects found in charity shops. For more information see page 13. Don’t Forget A+E Quiz Don’t forget to come to the only Arts + Entertainment quiz in town on Monday 11 May, 1 June and 6 July with the chance to win a host of fantastic prizes.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 03
Main House The Octagon Theatre, Bolton & Live Theatre present Thursday 7 May to Saturday 13 June
Looking for Buddy
Written by Alan Plater Directed by Mark Babych Original score by Alan Barnes Designed by Helen Goddard Written by one of the country’s most entertaining playwrights, Jarrow born Alan Plater (Z Cars, Blonde Bombshells of 1943 and Live Theatre favourites Close the Coalhouse Door, Tales from the Backyard and Charlie’s Trousers) Looking for Buddy is a witty jazz musical set in present day Tyneside. Starring one of Live Theatre’s founding members Tim Healy and featuring an original score provided courtesy of critically acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Alan Barnes this is an experience not to be missed. Audiences will be introduced to a Tyneside about to be transformed forever by the arrival of The Good Earth Corporation and meet a range of engaging characters including Phil, an underemployed architect, played by Tim Healy: Frank the Fitter, who once worked in a shipyard and now makes gourmet sandwiches and award-winning paninis: Ella, a beautiful ‘bottle blonde’: and Fat Jack, a Wallsend club-owner who isn’t really fat. What draws them together is that they are all haunted by the music of Buddy Bolden, the legendary jazz trumpet player from New Orleans whose unique sound was never recorded. Or was it?
DATES: Thurs 7 May to Sat 13 June TICKETS: £12 to £18 LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour 45 minutes including interval SUITABILITY: 15+ PERFORMANCES: Tuesday to Saturday, 7.30pm MATINEES: Sat 16 May, 2pm Thurs 21 May, 2pm Sat 13 June, 2pm £PWYC Sun 7 June, 4pm P Thurs 7 to Tues 12 May, 7.30pm ON Wed 13 May, 7.30pm Wed 20 May, 7.30pm CAP Thurs 28 May, 7.30pm TT Thurs 4 June, 6.15pm Thurs 4 June, 7.30pm
Join Phil as he becomes a Geordie private eye searching for the jazz maestro’s missing recordings and witness Please visit his clash with smart London developers as they plan to www.live.org.uk or call the box office on regenerate and vandalise Wallsend. Image: Looking for Buddy by Alan Plater. Photograph: Ian Tilton, www.iantilton.net/theatre
04 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
(0191) 232 1232 for full details of performance dates, times and associated events.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 05
New Writing Studio Sessions Interested in meeting some of the country’s leading writers, watching rehearsed readings of new work or showcasing your own script? Then come along to Live Theatre on the first Thursday of every month for a series of writing events in the intimate setting of Live’s Studio Theatre.
Listen to two summer double-bills of revised and new scripts from some of the region’s most interesting emerging writers.
Thursday 7 & Friday 8 May, 8pm
Thursday 4 June, 8pm
Short Cuts Join this popular writers’ event where audiences get to vote for their favourite five minute play or extract. This season’s theme is ‘writing for young people’ and will feature talented performers from Live’s youth theatre, directed by Amy Golding. This is a chance to come and support a new generation of writers and actors.
DATE: Thurs 7 & Fri 8 May, 8pm Tickets: £6; £4 concs Location: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 2 hours 15 mins including interval Suitability: 12+
If you feel inspired to write a five minute extract for next season’s Short Cuts then why not submit a script for the occasion? Please send two hard copies marked Short Cuts to Live Theatre by Friday 31 July. Selected scripts will be read on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 September at 8pm.
Watershed by Rosalind Wyllie Following its success at the 2-4-1 readings in March, this is a chance to hear the next progression of this engaging story about a group of university friends coping with life in their 30s. “Brilliant! Engrossing characters.” Audience feedback
Crush by Paul Charlton
DATE: Thurs 4 June, 8pm Tickets: £6; £4 concs Location: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 2 hours 15 minutes including interval Suitability: 14+
Watch a rehearsed reading of this gripping story about Sam and Anna, whose happy marriage begins to unravel under the twin pressures of economic recession and giving into temptation. Paul, from Bishop Auckland, has previously written extensively for Live’s youth theatre, and is also working with Tristan Bates Theatre in London.
Thursday 2 July, 8pm
Dial-A-Mate by Paddy Campbell A hit in March at the 2-4-1 reading, this is a chance to hear a newly developed version of this dark comedy and discover how the beleaguered Norman copes with his newly bought “friend” Jackie. “Intense, captivating and intriguing.” Audience feedback
DATE: Thurs 2 July, 8pm Tickets: £6; £4 concs Location: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 2 hours 15 minutes including interval Suitability: 14+
Islanders by Dick Curran Listen to a rehearsed reading of Dick Curran’s new play Islanders a funny, poignant and atmospheric drama. Set on a bird reserve on The Farne Islands the story follows the fascinating interwoven relationship between Peter, Nicola and Ellen. Dick, who lives in Whitley Bay, is a past winner of the Octagon Stage Play Prize. 06 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 07
Live Stand-Up Live Stand-Up is now a regular fixture in the North East’s comedy calendar, taking place in Live’s unique cabaret style venue and intimate Studio Theatre. This season sees some of the UK’s best comedy talent take to the stage for a series of warm up gigs before they head to fringe festivals in Prague and Edinburgh this summer. We are delighted that the laughter in 2009 is being sponsored by Cramlington based Potts, the print company. Thursday 14 & Friday 15 May, 8pm The Big Fun Club present:
I’m nearly a 50 year old bloke and this is what I know about music. By Rob Walton & Steve Drayton
Mr Drayton reveals the secrets of his love of music, explains the speed of sound, berates Dire Straits and brings back to the stage 1980’s pop phenomenon Bananarama*. He will also dance in a manner that many would find embarrassing.
DATES: Thurs 14 & Fri 15 May, 8pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour 15 minutes Suitability: 12+
Seymour Mace - Sundayland!
Like biscuits? Think swearing’s funny? Or just enjoy laughing at idiots? Whatever your bag, if you’re a daft bastard, get yourself down to Sundayland; funnier than dipping chickens in a bucket of custard. Star of BBC3’s Ideal.
Ivan Brackenbury’s Hospital Radio Show Unplugged.
Meet the legend behind the mic, The Cheerful Earful. Headhunted to join a rival hospital radio station, Ivan recreates the amazing events which took place on his first day in an unfamiliar hospital.
Wednesday 29 July, 8pm
Sarah Millican - Work In Progress
For a long time we’ve wondered what the difference is between men and women. Well, apart from the obvious cleanliness. In her new show, Sarah Millican has decided to get to the bottom of this. And find out whether it’s hairy or not.
Friday 31 July, 8pm
*Not actual size
Friday 24 July, 8pm
Saturday 25 July, 8pm
Richard Herring - Hitler Moustache DATE: Fri 24 July, 8pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour Suitability: 15+
Reclaiming Chaplin’s toothbrush moustache for comedy, the star of The Headmaster’s Son (***** Chortle, “Gutwrenchingly funny’ Sunday Times) muses on iconography, the positive side of racism and why an innocent square inch of facial hair has taken the blame for Nazism.
DATE: Sat 25 July, 8pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour Suitability: 15+ DATE: Wed 29 July, 8pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour Suitability: 15+
DATE: Fri 31 July, 8pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour Suitability: 15+
Sponsored by
Images: L-R Steve Drayton, Seymour Mace, Ivan Brackenbury, Sarah Millican & Richard Herrring.
08 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 09
Family Theatre Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 August
Summer Mix-Up
With summer finally in sight dig out your shades and prepare to be dazzled as over 250 talented members of Live’s youth theatre come together for a series of special performances in the annual Education & Participation festival. This year’s highlights include:
Here Come the Girls
A revealing exploration of what it’s like to be a young woman in the 21st century. Girls of all ages and backgrounds tell their stories, sharing their opinions, hopes, fears and ambitions.
DATES: Thurs 6 to Sun 9 August Tickets: £8, £5 concs; £3 youth theatre members LocationS: Main Theatre & Studio Theatre DURATION: Varies Suitability: All ages, excluding Standing-Up which is 12+
Standing-Up
A new batch of young stand up comedians working alongside local comic John Scott to produce an entertaining evening of their own side-splitting material.
Young Cuts
Listen to rehearsed readings of some of the best new work created by Live Theatre’s young writers’ group. The budding playwrights have spent 10 weeks with professional writers Gez Casey, Tom Chaplin and Carol McGuigan to help develop their final pieces.
24/7
7 writers, 7 directors and a host of actors embark on an adrenaline fuelled 24 hours to write, rehearse and perform 7 plays for the following evening.
Mega Mix
A night of exciting new theatre performances created with a range of local talented theatre makers.
10 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 11
Live Theatre Hosts… This season Live Theatre plays host to a fantastic selection of live music and visiting theatre, including more from Jumpin’ Hot Club and the North East premiere of Hand-me-Down. Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 May, 8pm
Jumpin’ Hot Club presents Luke Doucet + Melissa McClelland (Canada) Indie label ‘6 Shooter Records’ artists Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland are highly respected singer/songwriters on the Canadian scene. Doucet has made his name as a first-rate guitarist and creative force, with four solo albums. His most recent release, Bloods Too Rich is a step forward in confidence and style, blending altcountry twang, honky-tonk blues and hard rock along with country roots of his other solo work. Otis Gibbs (USA) + Sarah MacDougall (Canada) You may recall the long beard and trucker’s cap of the acclaimed Wanamaker born Nashville based songsmith Otis Gibbs and his sharply observed lilting country-roots songs, some far enough to the left side of the political fence to make him a spiritual descendent of Woody Guthrie and brother to Steve Earle. Alongside Otis we have the Newcastle debut of haunting Canadian songwriter, storyteller, entertainer, country pop troubadour and Po’Girl cohort Sarah MacDougall. A splendid double-bill.
DATE: Sat 9 May, 8pm Tickets: £10 Location: Studio Theatre www.myspace.com/ lukedoucet
DATE: Sat 16 May, 8pm Tickets: £10 Location: Studio Theatre www.myspace.com/ otisgibbs www.myspace.com/ sarahmacdougall
The Empty Space & Kate Craddock present Hand-me-Down Co-created & performed by Kate Craddock Co-created & directed by Steve Gilroy Designed by Tanya Axford Lighting Design by Kevin Tweedy After its successful run at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, Live Theatre is delighted to be staging the North East premiere of Hand-me-Down – a one-woman show that unfolds stories from the everyday objects and unwanted clothing of the second hand shop to ask what it means to be charitable in today’s world of instant gratification and must-have bags. Immersive, intimate and funny – this is a little piece of charity shop heaven.
DATES: Tues 26 to Sat 30 May, 8pm Tickets: £10; £8 Location: Studio Theatre Duration: Approx 1 hour 10 minutes SUITABILITY: 12+
Hand-me-Down was created by a team of North East artists in Newcastle upon Tyne. Sweet yet sharp and intertwining fact with fiction, it presents a series of extraordinary characters, connected by their abandoned possessions and a willingness to ‘give’. Kate Craddock is a performer and performance maker with an interest in creating unique theatrical experiences that engage audiences in playful and imaginative ways. “Kate Craddock’s cosy one-woman show... is imaginative and thought-provoking” The Scotsman **** “Gently funny and ingeniously staged” The Metro ****
Images: from top to bottom, Luke Doucet & Melissa McClelland, Otis Gibbs.
12 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 13
Don’t Miss...
Live on Tour... A co-production between the National Theatre & Live Theatre
Monster Productions & Live Theatre Present
The Pitmen Painters
The Garden of Dreams
By Lee Hall Live Theatre is delighted to announce that Lee Hall’s critically-acclaimed play, The Pitmen Painters, will be returning to Newcastle for a five day run at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday 29 September as part of a nine week UK tour. Audiences in Cardiff, Milton Keynes, Salford, Sheffield, Norwich, Bath and Plymouth will now have the chance to enjoy the fascinating true story of a group of Ashington miners as they learn about art appreciation and join them on their journey into the highbrow world of art in the 1930s. The Pitmen Painters: winner of Best Play - Evening Standard Awards 2008, Best New Play TMA Awards 2008 and Performance of the Year Journal Culture Awards 2007.
Mischief, music and myth for under 7s and their families Written by Chris Speyer Music by Ieuan Goch ab Einion Following the premiere of The Garden of Dreams at Live Theatre the production is now touring the UK. Watch out for performances at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, The Customs House and Lamplight Arts Centre. To find out more visit www.thegardenofdreams.co.uk
e-news
Be the first to receive exclusive updates about shows, events and special offers by signing up to Live’s free email service. Simply email your full name to mailme@live.org.uk and get the latest news direct to your inbox every two weeks.
Building Tours
DATES: Sat 9 May, 12pm & Sat 13 June, 11.30am TICKETS: £4 DURATION: 1 hour
Caffé Vivo
OPEN: Tues to Sat, 10am to 10pm CALL: (0191) 232 1331 EMAIL: enquiries@caffevivo.co.uk www.caffevivo.co.uk
Designed & Made
OPEN: Wed to Sat, 12.30 to 6pm CALL: (0191) 229 2398 EMAIL: info@designedandmade.co.uk www.designedandmade.co.uk
Join a member of the front of house team on a fascinating informal tour around Live Theatre. Explore the history of the award-winning building (winner of the North East Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Building Conservation and Leisure & Tourism Awards 2008) and take a sneaky peek at areas usually off limits, including backstage and the dressing rooms.
Looking for a tasty pre-theatre supper? Then look no further than Terry Laybourne’s, Caffé Vivo offering special early evening deals (from 5.30pm). The pre-theatre offer includes two courses for £13.50 and three courses for £16.50.
The Designed & Made Gallery, located on the first floor at Live Theatre, showcases the best of North East designer makers. With a changing exhibition programme there is always something new to see.
Live Bar
At the heart of Live Theatre is the Atrium bar, a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely drink before and after a performance. Order your interval drinks and ice creams at the bar before the show and remember you can take your drinks into the theatre. The bar opens two hours before a performance and closes at 11.30pm. 14 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
Image: Rat and Kip in The Garden of Dreams.
Image: Writers’ Room 2
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 15
Support Live Theatre
Corporate Partners
There’s a lot more to Live Theatre...
Membership of the Corporate Partners Scheme allows your company to support all aspects of Live Theatre’s work both at the theatre and in the community.
Connecting with young creative talent
Level 3
Live Theatre has been delivering arts education since the early 1970s. Every year hundreds of young people take part in activities at the theatre and out in the community. Thanks to support from our corporate partners, alongside regional and national trusts, we are proud that this work remains free to all, ensuring open access for any young person in the area who wishes to take part. This programme costs over £500,000 a year to deliver and funding is becoming more and more difficult to find. If you share our passion for open access education please consider supporting Live Theatre.
Through the Small Steps partnership, green support services company, eaga have discovered just how broad the benefits can be: “…as well as helping Live continue their excellent work, sponsorship also benefits us as a business. Using theatre to educate and inform in such an entertaining way is in my mind one of the most engaging and powerful ways of leaving a lasting impression, and a highly visible way of showing staff how we can engage directly with our communities.” Ross Armstrong, eaga Director
Level 2 Level 1
Hire Live With its quirky historic spaces and unique atmosphere Live Theatre is the perfect venue for a range of events and occasions. The Main Theatre which seats up to 170 people is ideal for conferences, presentations and parties, whilst the Studio Theatre, rising into the rafters of a 19th century warehouse, offers fantastic views across the Quayside and provides a great location for seminars, training sessions, or dinners. There are also a number of smaller rooms like the Undercroft; with its medieval stonework and soft furnishings it offers a memorable space for meetings and drinks receptions. For information about Live Theatre’s Corporate Partners Scheme, sponsoring a production or hiring a space please contact Gillian Firth on (0191) 269 3498 or email gillian@live.org.uk
L-R: Adam Lapardo, Arts & Business, Gillian Firth, Live Theatre, Presenter Bob Fischer, BBC Radio Tees and Ross Armstrong, eaga receiving the Best Arts & Business Partnership at the Journal Culture Awards 2008.
16 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
Images: left to right, Main Theatre and Undercroft.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 17
Location & Travel Information
Choosing your seat Live Theatre is the only theatre in Newcastle to offer customers the chance to enjoy a performance from any seat for the same price.
Studio Theatre – Live’s intimate Studio Theatre is located on the third floor and provides a flexible space ideal for acoustic music, rehearsed readings and family theatre.
Main House – whether you choose to watch the show from the cabaret section, where seats are allocated four to a table, or relax in the fixed seating of the theatre and balcony sections, audiences at Live Theatre are never far from the action.
Remember – seats in the cabaret section of the Main House and all seats in the Studio Theatre can be pre-booked, but are allocated on a first come first served basis. To ensure you get the seat of your choice we recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of the show.
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Live Theatre is a 10 minute walk from Central Station, Monument and Manors Metro Stations. The Quay Link bus service runs every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes during the evening until midnight providing a safe and easy way of getting to and from the theatre. Call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 for more travel information.
18 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
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Public Transport
‘A Night Less Ordinary’ is an Arts Council England scheme, supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to get more young people into theatres across the country. Live Theatre has joined forces with Northern Stage and the Theatre Royal to offer at least 20 free tickets a week across the three venues. To find out more visit www.newcastletheatres.org.uk
Quay Link bus stops
Parking
There is a car park in the new Trinity Gardens complex 50 metres up the road from the theatre, which can be accessed from City Road and Trinity Gardens. This is a secure 24 hour car park and costs 70p per hour and 25p per hour after 6pm. There is limited on street parking on Broad Chare and additional car parks nearby.
Live Theatre is grateful to the following for revenue funding:
The Gillian Dickinson Charitable Trust, The Shears Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Baring Foundation, Christ’s Hospital in Sherburn.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 19
Live Theatre, Broad Chare, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ Admin (0191) 261 2694 Box office (0191) 232 1232 Textphone 18001 232 1232 Fax (0191) 232 2224 tickets@live.org.uk feedback@live.org.uk www.live.org.uk