February to April 2009 www.live.org.uk
See life’s dramas unfold at Live Theatre Live What's On_spring.indd 1
15/12/2008 09:14
Tickets & Booking Information Book tickets online at www.live.org.uk
Visit Live Theatre’s new 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 and there is no booking fee. Tickets can be mailed out, at an extra charge of 60p, or can be collected from the box office, just visit www.live.org.uk
Book by phone or in person
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.
Box office opening times are:
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 a credit for the full value can be arranged.
Preview P
Be amongst the first to see a new show during the preview period at a discounted price.
Opening Night ON
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
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.
Group discount
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 Live What's On_spring.indd 2
15/12/2008 09:14
Highlights… Main House Tuesday 24 February to Sunday 1 March You Couldn’t Make it Up Are things really so black and white at Newcastle United? Find out what people have to say about one of the North East’s famous institutions as it experiences one of its most turbulent seasons to date. For more information see page 4. New Writing Studio Sessions Thursday 2 April, 8pm Jump! A unique opportunity to see a rehearsed reading of Jump! by Lisa McGee performed by some of the region’s finest young talent. For more information see page 7. Live Stand-Up Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 March, 8pm Gavin Webster Join cult Geordie comedian Gavin Webster for 90 minutes of jaw-aching fun with his latest line up of comic antics. For more information see page 9. Family Theatre Friday 27 March to Thursday 9 April The Garden of Dreams Meet Rat, Kip and a sleeping giant for 50 minutes of music and mischief in a show specially created for under 7s and their families. For more information see page 11. Live Theatre Hosts... Monday 16 March, 7.30pm Another Paradise The latest show from award-winning Kali Theatre Company is a vivid hi-tech comedy exploring a future where Identity Cards rule. For more information see page 15. Don’t Forget A+E Quiz Come along to the only Arts +Entertainment quiz in town on Monday 2 February, 2 March and 6 April with the chance to win a host of fantastic prizes.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 03 x74217_LiveT_p2_ju.indd 3
15/12/2008 Monday, 15 December 2008 13:14
Main House
Tuesday 24 February to Sunday 1 March
You Couldn’t Make It Up Written by Michael Chaplin & Tom Chaplin Directed by Max Roberts “When they’ve worked all week, they want to be entertained. It’s like people down south going to a theatre…” Kevin Keegan, 18 January 2008 We’re over halfway through a traumatic season that promised so much, only for fans to be let down by a series of on and off the pitch disappointments. Again. With a mixture of testimony material and speculative imagining, this script-in-hand production attempts to shed some light on some of the big questions every Toon Army fan wants to know:
DATES: Tues 24 Feb, 7.30pm ON Wed 25 Feb, 7.30pm Thur 26 Feb, 7.30pm Fri 27 Feb, 7.30pm Sat 28 Feb, 7.30pm Sun 1 Mar, 4pm TICKETS: £10; £8 concs LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour 45 minutes including interval SUITABILITY: 14+
• What’s going on at Newcastle United? • What really happened between Mike Ashley and Kevin Keegan? • Is there another Messiah waiting round the corner? • Why do people still care so passionately about it all? • And does it mean anything for those who don’t? It’ll be like people up North going to a theatre… Image © Trinity Mirror
04 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232 x74217_LiveT_p2_ju.indd 4
15/12/2008 Monday, 15 December 2008 13:19
The Tom & Julia Show To mark the official launch of Live Theatre’s two Writers Rooms, dedicated to the memory of North East writers Tom Hadaway and Julia Darling, Live presents a programme of rehearsed readings of their work. Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 March
Tom Hadaway Born in North Shields Tom Hadaway was a natural storyteller who developed a uniquely personal and poetic voice. Tom had a long association with Live Theatre where his work included sell out shows such as The Filleting Machine, The Long Line and Seafarers. To celebrate this special relationship join some of Tom’s closest friends and admirers as they perform a series of highlights from his plays. Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 March
Julia Darling Born in Winchester Julia Darling came to the North East as a community arts worker before embarking on a career as a writer. During her time as writer-in-residence at Live Theatre from 2001 to 2003 Julia wrote The Last Post, Attachments, Venetia Love Goes Netting, Personal Belongings and Sudden Collapses in Public Places. The evening will feature some of Live’s most familiar faces in a staged adaptation of Julia’s last novel The Taxi Driver’s Daughter (2003), a family drama set in Heaton.
DATES: Thurs 5 Mar, 7.30pm Fri 6 Mar, 7.30pm Sat 7 Mar, 7.30pm Sun 8 Mar, 4pm TICKETS: £10; £8 concs LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour 30 minutes including interval SUITABILITY: All ages DATES: Thurs 12 Mar, 7.30pm Fri 13 Mar, 7.30pm Sat 14 Mar, 7.30pm Sun 15 Mar, 4pm TICKETS £10; £8 concs LOCATION Main Theatre DURATION Approx 1 hour 30 minutes including interval SUITABILITY 12+
Images: The Filleting Machine by Tom Hadaway & The Last Post by Julia Darling
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 05 Live What's On_spring.indd 5
15/12/2008 09:14
06 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232 Live What's On_spring.indd 6
15/12/2008 09:14
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. Thursday 5 February, 8pm
Faith and Cold Reading By Shaun Prendergast Directed by Max Roberts
Sam is a professional medium who lives with Carla. He owes a lot of money to Frankie, a bigtime gangster who has recently buried his mother. Will Freddie overlook the debt if Sam can re-connect him with his mother in spirit? With the pressure on, can Sam deliver or will it be left to Carla, herself bereaved, to make the connection? Thursday 5 & Friday 6 March, 8pm
2-4-1
Be the first to watch rehearsed readings of two talented, emerging writers as they present their one-act plays in an exciting double-bill. The writers are both members of Live Theatre’s Writers Group.
Thursday 2 April, 8pm
Jump! By Lisa McGee
A unique opportunity to hear a reading of this clever and funny play about a group of young New Year’s Eve revellers by talented Northern Irish writer Lisa McGee. The script has been specially adapted for a cast of young North East actors.
DATE: Thurs 5 Feb, 8pm Tickets: £6; £4 concs Location: Studio Theatre DURATION: 1 hour 45 minutes including interval
DATE: Thurs 5 & Fri 6 Mar, 8pm Tickets: £6; £4 concs Location: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 2 hours including interval DATE: Thurs 2 Apr, 8pm Tickets: £6; £4 concs Location: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 2 hours including interval
Thursday 7 & Friday 8 May, 8pm
Short Cuts
The theme for the next Short Cuts event is “writing for young people”. Anyone interested in submitting a script should send two hard copies marked Short Cuts to Live Theatre by Friday 3 April. Images: Shaun Prendergast (top) & Lisa McGee (bottom)
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 07 Live What's On_spring.indd 7
15/12/2008 09:14
08 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232 Live What's On_spring.indd 8
15/12/2008 09:14
Live Stand-Up A regular fixture in the North East’s comedy calendar, Live Stand-Up takes place in Live’s unique cabaret style venue. We are delighted to announce that in 2009 the laughter is being sponsored by Cramlington based Potts, the print company. Sponsored by
Thursday 10 February, 8pm The Northumbrian Comedy Society proudly present
Geordie Ridley Night
To celebrate the Geordie bard’s birthday a special evening of stand-up comedy, pastiche songs and comedy characters come together for a bawdy night of humour in celebration of the music hall star from Gateshead who wrote ‘Blaydon Races’ and ‘Cushy Butterfield’ amongst other comedy songs. Hosted by North East comedy legend Bobby Healy the line up will include Howka Charvas, notorious Get Carter style Geordie gangster Kenny ‘where’s me money’ Atkinson, Blaydon’s very own sardonic ukulele merchant Gavin Webster and David the concert pianist on the ivories. Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 March, 8pm
Gavin Webster
Join cult Geordie comedian Gavin Webster as he performs a brand new high octane 90 minutes of stand up interspersed with sardonic songs, local set pieces and moronic jokes. To see Gavin is a unique comedy experience, there is no other quite like him. “His daftness is little short of surreal genius, as good as anything Vic Reeves could have come up with.” Chortle Friday 24 April, 8pm
Young Comics Stand-Up!
Following their barnstorming success in last year’s Education & Participation Festival in the Studio Theatre, Live’s very own stable of top young comedy talent progress to the main stage. Come and catch eight of the very best young comics around, compered by John Scott, the funniest Scot(t) in Newcastle. Images: Gavin Webster (top) & Matthew Frost (bottom)
DATE: Tues 10 Feb, 8pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 2 hours including interval Suitability: Adults only
DATES: Thurs 26 to Sat 28 Mar, 8pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION: 1 hour 45 minutes including interval Suitability: Adults only DATE: Fri 24 Apr, 8pm Tickets: £6; £4 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour 30 minutes including interval Suitability: 12+
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 09 Live What's On_spring.indd 9
15/12/2008 09:14
10 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232 Live What's On_spring.indd 10
15/12/2008 09:14
Family Theatre Saturday 14 February 10am & 1pm A Live Theatre & Seven Stories Collaboration
Playing With My Heart By Shaun Prendergast Directed by Amy Golding
Performed by Live’s youth theatre this is a tale about friendship, football and the Angel of the North. Full of laughter and drama, the play is an entertaining look at life growing up in the North East.
DATE: Sat 14 Feb, 10am & 1pm Tickets: £6; £4 concs Location: Studio Theatre DURATION: 45 minutes Suitability: 8+
Supported by Culture10 and Gateshead Council, part of the Angel of the North 10th Anniversary Celebration.
Friday 27 March to Thursday 9 April Monster Productions & Live Theatre present
The Garden of Dreams Mischief, music and myth for under 7s and their families Written by Chris Speyer. Music by Ieuan Goch ab Einion Directed by Paul James. Designed by Isla Shaw Choreography by Balbir Singh
When mischievous Rat dares Kip to wake the Sleeping Giant, they have no idea of the trouble their game will cause. The Giant dreams every new thing that enters the world. Without his dreams no new flower opens, no egg hatches, no baby is born, no new story is told. How will Kip and Rat get the Giant back to sleep? Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 April
Up There In Lights A musical with words by Gez Casey and songs by David Scott and Neil Blenkinsop. Directed by Paul James. Designed by Andrew Wood
Set after the arrival of Punk Up There In Lights tells the story of the fierce rivalry between two comprehensive schools. This large scale musical, featuring members of Live’s youth theatre and a full live band, follows the journey of youngsters who don’t know what they want to be but know that they could be anything. Hoping that one day their name too will be up there in lights. Image: The Garden of Dreams
DATES: Fri 27 Mar to Thurs 9 Apr. For performances, including BSL, contact the box office. Tickets: £8; £5 concs; family ticket £22 Location: Studio Theatre DURATION: 50 minutes (no interval) Suitability: Under 7s & their families
DATES: Thurs 16 Apr, 7.30pm Fri 17 Apr, 7.30pm Sat 18 Apr, 7.30pm Sun 19 Apr, 4pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs; family ticket £30 Location: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 2 hours 15 minutes including interval Suitability: 8+ Family ticket = 2 adults & 2 children
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 11 Live What's On_spring.indd 11
15/12/2008 09:14
12 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232 Live What's On_spring.indd 12
15/12/2008 09:15
Live Poetry Join in this monthly event and hear the UK’s best contemporary poets read and talk about their work. Wednesday 11 February, 7.30pm
Ian McMillan Yorkshire poet, comedian and broadcaster Ian McMillan hosts weekly words show The Verb on BBC Radio 3. He is also Yorkshire Planetarium’s Poet in Space, Poet in Residence at Barnsley FC, Humberside Police’s Beat Poet and is a regular on Newsnight Review, Just A Minute and Have I Got News For You? He was recently celebrated by The South Bank Show. His poetry shows are the stuff of legend, so come and hear him read from Talking Myself Home, his life story in poems. To find out more about Ian visit www.ian-mcmillan.co.uk
DATE: Wed 11 Feb, 7.30pm Tickets: £7; £5 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION: 1 hour 30 minutes SUITABILITY: 13+
‘You could call him daft as a brush but he’s as switched on as a power station’ Yorkshire Evening Press Sunday 14 March, 7.30pm
Benjamin Zephaniah A living literary icon, Benjamin Zephaniah was born in Birmingham and raised in Jamaica and Handsworth, where he was sent to an approved school for being rebellious and ‘a born failure’. After being jailed for burglary, he decided a career change was in order, and quickly established a huge following as a poet. Benjamin turned down an OBE in 2003, and was recently voted one of the 50 greatest post-war writers by The Times. His live performances are nothing short of electrifying!
DATE: Sun 14 Mar, 7.30pm Tickets: £7; £5 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION: 1 hour 30 minutes SUITABILITY: 13+
‘I defy anyone to listen to a performance of his poetry and not come away uplifted’ Poetry Review To find out which poet will appear in April 2009 please visit Live Theatre’s website www.live.org.uk
Images: Ian McMillan (top) & Benjamin Zephaniah (bottom)
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 13 Live What's On_spring.indd 13
15/12/2008 09:15
Live Theatre Hosts… This season Live Theatre plays host to a fantastic selection of live music and visiting theatre, including more from the Jumpin’ Hot Club, the return of Kali Theatre Company as well as the latest show from Mind the Gap.
Jumpin’ Hot Club Jon Dee Graham (USA) & Jack White (Wales) Austin songwriter extraordinaire Jon Dee Graham is stopping off at Live Theatre for a special one-off gig as part of his European tour. Malcolm Holcombe (USA) + Gordon Smith (South Shields) Malcolm Holcombe from North Carolina is a unique guitarist, vocalist and performer. His music is a meeting ground where traditional folk, country, rock and blues all converge. Peter Case (USA) + Steph MacLeod (Scotland) Folk, country and blues singer-songwriter and guitarist Peter Case is recognised the world over as a compelling ‘live’ performer and received a prestigious Grammy nomination in 1987. Jen Grant & Amelia Curran (both Canadian) Join two of Canadian indie label ‘6 Shooter Records’ finest young songwriters Jen Grant and Amelia Curran as they make their UK debut in an exclusive double bill. Gold Heart Bluegrass Band (USA) + The Cornshed Sisters (UK) Gold Heart is the Virginia based award-winning young bluegrass band with jaw-dropping harmonies and a “fresh zest”!
DATE: Sun 1 Feb, 8pm Tickets: £10 Location: Main Theatre DATE: Thurs 12 Feb, 8pm Tickets: £10 Location: Main Theatre
DATE: Fri 20 Feb, 8pm Tickets: £10 Location: Studio Theatre
DATE: Sun 21 Feb, 8pm Tickets: £10 Location: Studio Theatre
DATE: Sat 25 Apr, 8pm Tickets: £10 Location: Main Theatre
Images: from top to bottom, John Dee Graham, Malcolm Holcombe, Peter Case, Jen Grant & Gold Heart Bluegrass Band
14 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232 x74217_p4.pdf 14
15/12/2008 Monday, 15 December 2008 13:18
The Pakistan Cultural Society & Live Theatre present
Another Paradise Kali Theatre Company By Sayan Kent Directed by Janet Steel Are you who you think you are? A satirical comedy about sex, corruption and Identity Cards. Five people’s work lives, home lives… even their sex lives… are thrown into confusion and chaos in this vivid hi-tech comedy when their official identities disintegrate with surprising and hilarious results.
DATE: Mon 16 Mar, 7.30pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre Duration: Approx 1 hour 30 minutes with no interval SUITABILITY: 14+ small amount of bad language
‘a thoroughly enjoyable play from Kali… a good piece of wacky British radicalism’ The Scotsman Mind the Gap presents
Boo
Ever wondered what it’s like to get away with murder? By Mike Kenny Directed by Tim Wheeler When he was born, his parents called him Beau. It means beautiful. Over time, as the years went by, the other children started to call him Boo. Though none could remember if it was because he was afraid of them, or they were afraid of him.
DATE: Tues 31 Mar, 7.30pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre Duration: 75 minutes without an interval SUITABILITY: 11+
Mind the Gap is an award-winning theatre company that works with learning disabled and non-disabled artists as equals. The Paper Birds presents
In a Thousand Pieces Ice-creams, suitcases, floorboards and buttons tell the physically and visually moving tale of a young Eastern European girl and her journey to England. In a Thousand Pieces is a touching and delicate depiction of the violent, isolated and brutal world home to thousands of women forced into the British sex trade.
DATE: Sat 4 Apr, 7.30pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre Duration: Approx 1 hour SUITABILITY: 13+
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 15 Live What's On_spring.indd 15
15/12/2008 09:15
Live on Tour... The Pitmen Painters
By Lee Hall The Pitmen Painters, winner of ‘Best Play’ at the 2008 Evening Standard Awards, is back at the National Theatre until Tuesday 14 April. To book tickets visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
The Garden of Dreams
Written by Chris Speyer. Music by Ieuan Goch ab Einion Live Theatre has joined forces with Monster Productions for 50 minutes of mischief, music and myth for under 7s and their families. The show will be premiered at Live Theatre before touring Britain and Ireland.
e-news
To be kept up to date about Live Theatre then join our free e-mail service and be the first to receive exclusive updates about shows, events and special offers. Simply sign up by e-mailing your full name to mailme@live.org.uk and get the latest news direct to your inbox every two weeks.
Coming to Live in May 2009… The Octagon Theatre, Bolton & Live Theatre present
Looking for Buddy By Alan Plater TV writer and playwright Alan Plater (Tales from the Backyard; Close the Coalhouse Door) who created the hit musical Blonde Bombshells of 1943, has teamed up with award-winning multi-instrumentalist Alan Barnes for a new jazz musical. With an original score, a dark and mysterious atmosphere and a Geordie, Phillip Marlowe, the show is a wry, witty and surreal look at new Tyneside. Images from top: The Pitmen Painters, The Garden of Dreams & Looking for Buddy
16 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232 x74217_LiveT_p2_ju.indd 16
15/12/2008 Monday, 15 December 2008 13:21
Don’t Miss… 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.
Building Tours
DATES: Thurs 5 Feb, 6.30pm & Sat 7 Mar, 12pm 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@designed andmade.co.uk www.designedand made.co.uk
Join a member of the front of house team on a fascinating informal tour around Live Theatre. Explore the history of the building 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 £14 and three courses £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.
Images: Wine at the Atrium Bar, Writers’ Room 2 & Caffé Vivo
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 17 Live What's On_spring.indd 17
15/12/2008 09:15
Get More From Live Theatre Hire Live
The unique atmosphere and quirky, historic spaces at Live Theatre are available to hire for a range of events and occasions. For more information contact Wendy Barnfather on (0191) 269 3497 or email wendy@live.org.uk
Take a Seat
Love Theatre? Then why not buy a seat to show your support. For more information call (0191) 232 1232.
Corporate Partners
Become one of Live Theatre’s Corporate Partners for a chance to entertain clients, meet the cast and discounts on room hire. For more information contact Gillian Firth on (0191) 269 3498 or email gillian@live.org.uk Current Corporate Partners are: Level 2 Level 1
Seating Plan Whether you choose to sit in the cabaret, theatre or balcony section of Live’s unique and intimate theatre audiences are never far from the action. Seats in the cabaret section can be pre-booked but are allocated on a first served basis for each performance.
18 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232 Live What's On_spring.indd 18
15/12/2008 09:15
Location & Travel Information Q
Quay Link bus stops M
Q
Q Q
Public Transport
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.
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
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 19 x74217_LiveT_p2_ju.indd 19
15/12/2008 Monday, 15 December 2008 13:43
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 Live What's On_spring.indd 20
15/12/2008 09:15