Live Theatre Jan to April 2010

January to April 2010 www.live.org.uk

Live Theatre, Broad Chare, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ Admin (0191) 261 2694 Box office (0191) 232 1232 Text Relay 18001 232 1232 Fax (0191) 232 2224 tickets@live.org.uk feedback@live.org.uk 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

January to April highlights…

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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

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 Text Relay calls.

This brochure can be made available in a range of formats. Call (0191) 229 2373 with your request.

03 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232

New Writing Festival Friday 5 to Sunday 21 March Different Stages Celebrate the best of British new writing at Live’s 2010 festival. See page 5.

New Writing Studio Session Thursday 4 February, 8pm A Northern Odyssey by Shelagh Stephenson Be one of the first to hear a rehearsed reading of this Cullercoats based drama. See page 8.

Live Stand-Up Friday 22 January, 8pm David O’Doh-party Join Dublin based comedian David for an evening of songs and laughter. See page 9.

Live Theatre Hosts…

Tuesday 23 February, 7.30pm Beating Berlusconi!

A date for all footy fans – don’t miss this hilarious portrayal of life as a red! See page 14.

Don’t Forget A+E Quiz Come along to the only Arts + Entertainment quiz in town on Monday 4 January, 1 February, 1 March and 12 April with the chance to win a host of fantastic prizes.

To book online visit www.live.org.uk 04

Different Stages highlights include...

Friday 5 March, 7.30pm

How to Make A Successful Play Come and hear Lee Hall (The Pitmen Painters and Billy Elliot) talk about the essential elements of writing a hit show. Drawing on work that has influenced him as a writer and discussing theories of drama, Lee illustrates how to create the well-made play.

Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 March, 7.30pm Live’s Youth Theatre in association with the National Theatre present

Whose Art is it Anyway?

New Writing Festival Friday 5 to Sunday 21 March Come and celebrate the best of British new writing as Live Theatre hosts a series of exclusive events led by award-winning writers as part of the 2010 new writing festival, Different Stages.

Throughout March aspiring playwrights and theatre enthusiasts can hear internationally renowned playwright Lee Hall (The Pitmen Painters and Billy Elliot) share his thoughts on how to write a good play; listen to Shelagh Stephenson (The Memory of Water) talk about her latest Cullercoats inspired production, or learn the art of structuring a scene in a practical workshop with David Edgar.

05 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232

Other experts making their way to Live Theatre include Simon Stephens (writer of On the Shore of the Wide World, Harper Reagan and Pornography), Roxanna Silbert (Associate Director RSC, former Artistic Director at Paines Plough), Tim Crouch (creator of An Oak Tree and The Author) and Jeremy Herrin (Deputy Artistic Director at The Royal Court).

Join members of Live’s youth theatre and five of the region’s finest writing talent as they present a weekend of Pitmen inspired dramas. Talented youngsters from 11 to 25 years of age have created ten exciting short pieces based on the key themes and issues raised in Lee Hall’s award-winning play The Pitmen Painters.

Writers involved in the project include Beth Coverdale, Paddy Campbell, Paul Charlton, Lee Mattinson and Ellen Phethean.

Sunday 7 March, 2 to 4pm

David Edgar Workshop: Making a Scene Drawing on his vast experience teaching the MA in Playwriting Studies at Birmingham University, David Edgar (Destiny, Maydays, the RSC adaptation of Nicholas Nickleby) leads an illustrated workshop on structuring a scene. This is a must for all aspiring playwrights.

David has recently published How Plays Work, a guide to the anatomy of drama, which is available to purchase from Live Theatre as part of this event.

DATES: Fri 5 March, 7.30pm TICKETS: £6; £4 concs LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour 30 minutes SUITABILITY: 14+ DATES: Sat 6 & Sun 7 March, 7.30pm TICKETS: £6; £4 concs LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 2 hours including interval SUITABILITY: 12+

DATES: Sun 7 March, 2 to 4pm TICKETS: £6; £4 concs LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 2 hours SUITABILITY: 16+

To book online visit www.live.org.uk 06

New Writing Studio Sessions With new writing taking centre stage in March here are some additional events to keep you going in February and April.

Thursday 4 February, 8pm

A Northern Odyssey

by Shelagh Stephenson

Thursday 11 March, 7.30pm

Q&A with Shelagh Stephenson A unique chance to hear Tynemouth-born Shelagh talk about her plays (including The Memory of Water, An Experiment With An Air Pump and Five Kinds Of Silence) and discuss A Northern Odyssey, a new commission for Live Theatre about the American painter Winslow Homer’s time in 1880’s Cullercoats. Shelagh will also be answering any questions.

Thursday 18 March, 7.30pm

Richard Bean’s Desert Island Plays Ever wondered where writers get their ideas and inspiration from? Come and hear extracts from Richard Bean’s favourite plays which have informed his unique style as a playwright. Richard’s plays for Live Theatre include Smack Family Robinson and Toast and he recently enjoyed success with England People Very Nice at the National Theatre. Richard will also be answering any questions.

DATES: Thurs 11 March, 7.30pm TICKETS: £6; £4 concs LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour 30 minutes SUITABILITY: 12+

DATES: Thurs 18 March, 7.30pm TICKETS: £6; £4 concs LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour 30 minutes SUITABILITY: 15+

In 1881, the American painter Winslow Homer arrived in Cullercoats, expecting to stay for a few weeks.

However, something about the landscape and the people, particularly the fishergirls, kept him there for nearly two years and influenced his work for the rest of his life.

This is the first chance to hear this new Live Theatre commission, written by Shelagh Stephenson, which explores the role of the artist in society, what is expected of them and what it is that makes Homer stay.

Don’t miss out on the chance to listen to Shelagh talk about her plays on Thursday 11 March at 7.30pm. See previous page for more details.

Thursday 1 April, 8pm

Spring Short Cuts Join us for an evening of eclectic new work as a series of ten minute extracts are performed as rehearsed readings competing for the winning vote. If you feel inspired, why not submit a script for the occasion? As this event takes place on April Fools Day, the theme is “Duplicity”.

Please send two copies of scripts to: New Writing Department, Live Theatre, Broad Chare, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ by Monday 22 March.

For full details of festival events, times and dates visit www.live.org.uk or email your full name to mailme@live.org.uk and receive the latest news direct to your inbox every two weeks.

DATE: Thurs 4 February, 8pm Tickets: £6; £4 concs Location: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 2 hours 15 minutes including interval Suitability: 12+

DATE: Thurs 1 April, 8pm Tickets: £6; £4 concs Location: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 2 hours 15 minutes including interval Suitability: 12+

Images: Shelagh Stephenson and Richard Bean

07 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232

To book online visit www.live.org.uk 08

Live Stand-Up Live Stand-Up is a regular fixture in the North East’s comedy calendar, taking place in Live’s unique cabaret style venue.

We are delighted that for the second consecutive year the laughter is being sponsored by Cramlington based Potts Printing & Packaging.

Sponsored by

Saturday 23 January, 8pm

A new sketch show from…

G3: The Ginge, the Geordie and the Geek Tuesday 19, Wednesday 20 & Thursday 21 January, 8pm

Sarah Millican: Typical Woman

Many comics have asked “What’s the difference between men and women?” If.com Best Newcomer Sarah Millican gets to the bottom of it. And finds out whether it’s hairy or not. Join Sarah for her award-winning show as well as the chance to hear half an hour of new side-splitting material.

‘At times poetic, at times brutally honest, Sarah Millican is never less than belly-laugh hilarious’ Mirror

DATE: Tues 19, Wed 20 & Thurs 21 January, 8pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION: 1 hour 45 minutes including interval Suitability: 16+

Fresh from their sell out run at this year’s Edinburgh Festival join these three comedians for a genuinely funny, fast paced sketch show, jam-packed with great characters, silliness, surrealism, 80’s power ballads and 90’s icons.

‘Seldom do you get a pair of comedians that work well together; it’s much rarer to find a trio whose talent and timing is so good.’ Edinburgh Guide Saturday 30 January, 8pm

Comic to Comic: Simon Donald Friday 22 January, 8pm

David O’Doherty: David O’Doh-party

The Ryanair James Bond and the 1990 East Leinster under 14 triple jump bronze medallist returns to the UK for his second ever tour. There will be standing up, there will be sitting down and there will be a song where he tries to seduce the entire audience. The songs will most likely be played on small pianos from the mid-eighties, which he chooses for their versatility and range, and also the fact that they fit into a sports bag so you don’t have to pay excess on flights.

‘Truly delightful – a glistening stream of consciousness that turns mundanity to enchantment wherever it flows.’ Metro

DATE: Fri 22 January, 8pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION: 1 hour 45 minutes including interval Suitability: 14+

Simon Donald’s one-man show celebrates 30 years of Newcastle’s own Viz comic. The first half is autobiographical, touching on his early life in a talented, eccentric and dysfunctional Newcastle family; the second sees Simon appear on stage as five different comic characters, created since taking to the stage full-time as a stand-up comedian in November of 2008.

‘Brilliant. I haven’t laughed so much in ages. Donald is clearly Newcastle’s second funniest man.’ Ross Noble Thursday 25 March, 8pm

Standing Up

Following their success at last year’s Summer Festival, Live Youth Theatre stand-ups return with brand new material.

Come and catch tomorrow’s funniest comedy talent today.

DATE: Sat 23 January, 8pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION: 1 hour Suitability: 14+ (contains some adult content)

DATE: Sat 30 January, 8pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 2 hours 30 minutes including interval Suitability: 16+ (contains strong language)

DATE: Thurs 25 March, 8pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre Duration: 2 hours including interval SUITABILITY: 13+

L-R: Sarah Millican, David O’Doherty, G3, Simon Donald.

09 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232

To book online visit www.live.org.uk 10

Live Theatre Hosts…

Thursday 28 January, 7.30pm

No Limits Theatre present Cuckoo Jack Innocent victim or heartless criminal?

Son of a clockmaker, Jack left home early, drawn towards the river and its ever changing tides. Jack proves to have a rare talent for finding things, trinkets, treasures and people – alive or dead. Jack’s a man of few words.

In fact, now I think about it, he doesn’t speak at all.

No Limits invites you on a fascinating journey of intrigue and allegations inspired by the legend of Cuckoo Jack. Fusing theatre, music and design follow Jack as the secrets he has kept catch up with him and decide if he’s a brave man or a liar and a cheat.

‘Theatre should take audiences to places they did not even know they wanted to go to and I wasn’t disappointed.’ Sunderland Echo

11 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232

DATES: Thurs 28 January, 7.30pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION : 1 hour Suitability: 10+

Thursday 4 & Friday 5 February, 7.30pm

Iron Shoes present Crush

By Paul Charlton Sam loves Anna, football and gambling. But when the spark disappears, how much is he prepared to risk in the chase to recapture the thrill? Seducing audiences with sharp humour Charlton’s moving new play is an acutely observed insight into modern relationships that examines a loving, but dysfunctional relationship against the backdrop of individual and collective obsessions.

Intimate storytelling at its best.

Produced by Iron Shoes, ScenePool and Tristan Bates Theatre.

‘Fresh, radiant and entertaining.’

Scotsman DATES: Thurs 4 & Fri 5 Feb, 7.30pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre DURATION: 1 hour 10 minutes Suitability: 16+

To book online visit www.live.org.uk 12

Wednesday 17 to Friday 19 February, 7.30pm

Open Clasp Theatre Company present Rattle & Roll

By Catrina McHugh Directed by Amy Golding Designed by Joanna Scotcher Four women are trying to jump track. A new name, street and a settee mean a new start, a way out, and a past left behind. However a missing wheelie bin, a broken promise and Mother’s Day throw the women back on familiar ground, but this time they are on a collision course with a runaway train. Set over 24 hours, Rattle & Roll is a story about chaos, the order behind it, and the strengths of those women trying to survive it.

13 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232

DATE: Wed 17 to Fri 19 Feb, 7.30pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre BSL: Friday 19 February, 7.30pm Duration: 2 hours including interval SUITABILITY: 13+

Tuesday 23 February, 7.30pm

Turf Love present Beating Berlusconi!

By John Graham Davies Despite threats from his wife and bank manager, in May 2005 middle-aged Kenny Noonan travels to Istanbul to watch Liverpool play AC Milan in the Champions’ League final. He carries the scars of thirty years as a Red - Heysel, Hillsborough, Alex Ferguson - and of living in a city which has been demonised. Beating Berlusconi! is a story of love and friendship, of defeat and of victory. It is also based on the bizarre true story of a real Liverpool fan who ended up sitting next to Silvio Berlusconi at the Attaturk Stadium.

DATE: Tues 23 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £10; £8 concs Location: Main Theatre Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes including interval SUITABILITY: 16+ (contains strong language)

Starring Paul Duckworth Beating Berlusconi! is the hilarious story of one man’s attempt to rediscover his belief in himself, his club, his city and his class.

To book online visit www.live.org.uk 14

Live Music Enjoy more exceptional toe-tapping tunes from the Jumpin’ Hot Club’s new batch of distinctive musicians as well as rockin’ jazz from Acoustic Ladyland.

Saturday 23 January, 8pm Malcolm Holcombe (USA) + Ruth & Gabe Minnikin (Canada) Presented by the Jumpin’ Hot Club With the swampiest, deepest of bluesy growls, like your Granddad when he’s smoked 20 woodbines, acclaimed songster Malcolm Holcombe lets it all hang out. Malcolm belongs to the Guy Clark school of grizzled old countryfolk, his voice crackling like an open fire over stringy acoustic guitar and prone to sudden eruptions. He has real soul and plenty of blues suggesting he’s more than worthy of the same success as say Seasick Steve.

DATE: Sat 23 January, 8pm Tickets: £12 Location: Studio Theatre

Friday 29 January, 8pm Pokey LaFarge & The South City 3 (USA) + Sour Mash Trio (USA) Presented by the Jumpin’ Hot Club Kentucky born Pokey and his acoustic quartet offer a wonderfully fresh and quirky kind of pop music that combines delta-meets-appalachia song writing with a big, big beat.

DATE: Fri 29 January, 8pm Tickets: £10 Location: Studio Theatre

Images: This page: Malcolm Holcombe and Pokey LaFarge.

Opposite: Holly Williams, Ramsey Midwood and Acoustic Ladyland.

15 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232

Saturday 20 February, 8pm Holly Williams (USA) + Andrea Glass (England) Holly Williams, the granddaughter of country godhead Hank Williams, has paid her dues with five years of independent touring before signing her first record deal. Citing influences from Dolly Parton to Radiohead, she eloquently embraced her country heritage on 2009’s widely-acclaimed sophomore release, Here With Me. Sunday 28 March, 8pm Ramsey Midwood (USA) + Emil Friis (Denmark) Popular Austin Texas based folk blues musician Ramsey Midwood makes his long awaited return. A rough, real voice and a stripped down guitar style - as timeless and American as music can be there’s simply nobody like him.

Thursday 8 April, 8pm Acoustic Ladyland Presented by Jazz North East Few bands have blurred the boundaries between jazz and rock as successfully as Acoustic Ladyland. Originally formed to perform versions of Hendrix tunes, they now play ferocious original compositions that combine the visceral immediacy of punk with the spontaneous creativity of jazz. Driven by Seb Rochford’s stunning drumming, this is music that’s loud, fast, and jaw-droppingly brilliant.

DATE: Sat 20 Feb, 8pm Tickets: £12 Location: Studio Theatre

DATE: Sun 28 March, 8pm Tickets: £10 Location: Studio Theatre

DATE: Thursday 8 April, 8pm Tickets: £12; £10 concs Location: Main Theatre

To book online visit www.live.org.uk 16

Why Live Theatre needs your support

Don’t Miss...

Tours

Interested in taking a sneak peek behind the scenes of Live Theatre’s Grade 1 and 2 bonded warehouses and almhouses? Then why not book a guided tour and discover the history of Live Theatre including some tall tales and anecdotes from the company’s years in residence. Tours can be organised by contacting Carol Wears, House Manager on (0191) 269 3489 or via email at carole@live.org.uk.

Caffé Vivo

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) and situated within the Live Theatre building, Caffé Vivo is your first choice, serving simple, sunny and generous Italian food in a bright and fun atmosphere.

The pre-theatre offer includes two courses for £13.50 and three courses £16.50.

TICKETS: £5 per head, students £4 per head.

Minimum tour fee £50 per group.

DURATION: Approx 1 hour

OPEN: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 10pm CALL: (0191) 232 1331 EMAIL: enquiries@caffevivo.co.uk www.caffevivo.co.uk

Education & Participation

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.

Every year nearly 250 young people between the age of 11 and 25 years old benefit from this service where they learn valuable life skills and have the chance to perform in specially devised productions.

The team also work on a series of specialist projects including collaborations with the North East Refugee Service and Safe Newcastle’s anti social behaviour forum.

Take a seat

Images: Caffé Vivo

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.

Current Corporate Partners are:

Live Theatre runs the largest free youth theatre in the city and is committed to getting young people involved in a range of opportunities that reflect genuine and Level 2 valid concerns of their lives.

This work is only made possible by the generosity of local and national supporters. If you share our passion for open access education, please consider joining them.

Live Bar

Corporate Partners

Buying a seat in the auditorium is a great way to support the company as well as making an ideal gift. Seats cost £195 and can be paid for in 10 monthly installments of £19.50.

Level 1

Regular giving

Making a regular monthly or annual gift will help pay for plays, writer development and for young people to take part in the education programme.

Hire live

With its quirky historic spaces and unique atmosphere Live Theatre is the perfect venue for a range of event and occasions. The Main Theatre, Studio Theatre, Undercroft and other smaller rooms are ideal for conferences, presentations, parties, seminars, training sessions or dinners.

For more information about hiring a space, Live Theatre’s Corporate Partners Scheme or sponsoring a production please contact Gillian Firth on (0191) 269 3498 or email gillian@live.org.uk 17 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232

To book online visit www.live.org.uk 18

Choosing Your Seat

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Quay Link bus stops M

Live Theatre is the only theatre in Newcastle to offer customers the chance to enjoy a performance from any seat for the same price.

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Q Q

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.

Studio Theatre – Live’s intimate Studio Theatre is located on the third floor and provides a flexible space ideal for rehearsed readings and acoustic music.

Remember – Seats in the cabaret section of the Main House and all seats in the Studio Theatre can be pre-booked, but are unreserved and 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.

e-news – To be kept up to date about Live Theatre then join our free email service and be the first to receive exclusive update about shows, events and special offers. Simply sign up by emailing your full name to mailme@ live.org.uk and get the latest news direct to your inbox every two weeks.

A Night Less Ordinary – 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 help encourage more young people into theatres.

To find out more visit:

19 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232

Location & Travel Information 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 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 20