February to May 2013

See life’s dramas unfold at Live Theatre

F e b r u a r y – M a y 2 0 1 3

www.live.org.uk

02 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232

Live Theatre offers everything from world class theatre to stand-up comedy and music in its beautiful location on Newcastle’s vibrant Quayside. Its historic spaces in Grade II listed buildings create a unique atmosphere with an intimate feel.

In 2013, Live Theatre celebrates 40 years of creating plays on Tyneside.

Location & Travel InformationPublic 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. 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 it’s 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.

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. For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232 or visit www.live.org.uk

About Live Theatre

To book online visit www.live.org.uk 03

CONTENTS

WeLcome BY MAX ROBERTS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOReVeNT cALeNdAr

mAIN ProdUcTIoNS

Live Theatre’s new plays, or co-productions with other leading theatre companies.

VISITING THeATre We welcome exciting regional and

national visiting theatre companies.

LIVe LAB

The most exciting and experimental new theatre in our intimate Studio space.

FAmILY THeATre

Plays and spoken word shows written especially for or by young people including

work from our award-winning education programme and Youth Theatre.

LIVe STANd-UP

Leading comedians perform original material in both our Main Theatre and intimate

Studio Theatre.

LIVe mUSIc

Both our Studio and Main Theatres are great spaces to watch the best visiting

musicians play.

coUrSeS & coNFereNce

Learn skills from experienced tutors on courses both at Live Theatre and online.

FrIeNdS oF LIVe THeATre

dINING & drINkING

TIckeTS, SeATS & AcceSS INFormATIoN

P4-5P6-7

P8-13

P14-16

P17-19

P20-21

P22-23

P24-25

P26-27

P28-29

P30

P31-36


2013 sees Live Theatre celebrate its 40th birthday. Throughout this time we’ve given a platform to the region’s finest writing and performance talent. Many of the plays have been inspired by the places, people and stories of the north east. That they have also been seen on national and international stages is not only a testimony to their quality and universality but also the rich and distinctive cultural identity of our region.

We are delighted to announce a special year-long relationship with Port Of Tyne to support our 40th anniversary. Celebrating their own 45th anniversary, this partnership with the Port will enable us to deliver a programme recognising Live Theatre’s own strong connections to the river, the Port and the trading heritage of the region.

So it’s a special year for us and we’ve tried to devise a programme of plays and events that will live in the memory for as long as some of the many triumphs seen on our stages over the last 40 years.

We kick off with a real birthday surprise. White Rabbit, Red Rabbit by Nassim Soleimanpour allows us to invite performers, writers and friends long

Celebrating years of world class theatre

In partnership with


Celebrating years of world class theatreassociated with the company back to Live Theatre for a unique one off performance. Every night will feature a different artist who will perform this intriguing play and I’m sure an exciting and ‘edgy’ atmosphere will pervade the theatre as nobody (including the performer) will know exactly what will transpire.

Live Witness is a special project created to celebrate the opening of The Schoolhouse at the back of our building, the latest in our complex of beautifully restored spaces. Audiences will tour the whole building and see and hear performances in unlikely places culminating in a startling presentation from within the old 17th century Schoolhouse which we are delighted to have brought back into the public domain. Following this performance the building will house office space for a number of small cultural businesses.

We have lots more in the pipeline for the rest of the birthday year so watch out for projects and plays by some of Live Theatre’s favourite writers including Lee Hall and two new and exciting talents in Paddy Campbell and Nick Payne (winner of the 2013 London Evening Standard best play award for Constellations).

We will also be working together with the Port of Tyne on a new project created especially for Live Theatre’s 40th birthday by the Port of Tyne’s writer in residence Michael Chaplin based on his book Tyne View.Our most famous play The Pitmen Painters, written by Lee Hall and produced by Bill Kenwright, is back for another national tour including visits to The Theatre Royal, Newcastle and Civic Theatre, Darlington in July.

Finally the Friends of Live Theatre is another new initiative aiming to help secure a future legacy of creative talent. I hope that you can join Sting, Tim Healy, Shelagh Stephenson, Lee Hall, Melanie Hill, Ron Cook, Michael and Susan Chaplin, Jill Halfpenny and many other supporters in becoming one of our friends in this special year.

Best wishes

Max RobertsArtistic Director Live Theatre

7 Mareditor Page 18

Live Lab


February to may 2013 calendar…

5 MayThe Toy Hearts + Vera van Heeringen Page 25

18-20 AprThe Space Between Us Page 15

30 Apr & 1 Maymess Page 16

2 MayStaggered Page 19

23 Marrebecca Pronsky + Bridie Jackson & the Arbour Page 25

10 Marrita Hosking + Archie Brown Page 24

15 MarTales From The old World Page 17

22 MarWrite Stuff Page 20

9 Feb Luisa omielan What Would Beyoncé do?! Page 22

31 JanThe old Tire Swingers + kentucky cowtippers Page 24

2 FebPhil Nichol & Sean Percival Page 22

7 FebThe Trials of an Invisible man Page 18

4 Feb

QUIZ

APrIL mAY

mArcH APrIL

JANUArY FeBrUArY

MUSIC

MUSIC MUSIC

MUSIC

Stand-UpStand-Up

Live Lab

CONFereNCeVISITING THeaTre

VISITING THeaTre Live Lab

Family Theatre

11 MarMr Drayton’s Record Player visits 1973

4 Mar

QUIZ

Live Lab

3&4 MayVictor Pasmore & richard Hamilton conference Page 27

MaIN PrODuCTION


27 FebPatrick monahan Shooting From The Lip!Page 23

10 Febcomedy course corkersPage 22

11 Febmr drayton’s record Player visits 1973 Page 24

16 & 17 FebToy Stories Page 20

21 Feb - 17 MarWhite rabbit, red rabbit Page 8

16 AprBandages Page 14

4 AprGood Breeding Page 19

9-13 Aprcaptain AmazingPage 10

11-13 Aprmichaela’s mistakePage 21

29 May - 15 JunBrilliant Adventures Page 13

7&8 MayStand-Up comedy course Final ShowPage 23

11 MayTerry Alderton –Series 4Page 23

14-25 May Live WitnessPage 11

26 Maymr drayton presents the Live Theatre Singles clubPage 25

APrIL mAY

mArcH APrIL

JANUArY FeBrUArY

MUSIC

MUSIC

Stand-Up

Stand-Up

Stand-Up

Stand-Up

Live Lab

MaIN PrODuCTION

Family Theatre

MaIN PrODuCTION MaIN PrODuCTION

Live Lab

Family Theatre

VISITING THeaTre

15 AprMr Drayton’s Record Player visits 1973

13 MayMr Drayton’s Record Player visits 1973

8 Apr

QUIZ

18 AprScratch NightPage 17


MaIN PrODuCTIONS


Literary Manager, Gez Casey said: “White Rabbit, Red Rabbit is an engaging and powerful allegory. Not only is the play a challenge for the performer, but the audience knows very little about it before they arrive, and are asked to keep the details secret afterwards. It was chosen for our 40th birthday year as it is an engaging piece of writing with a strong social message. It’s also a great opportunity to welcome back performers with a long association with the company.”

DaTeS: Thur 21 Feb to Sun 17 Mar

PerFOrMaNCeS: Thur-Sun, 7.30pm

LOCaTION: Main Theatre

DuraTION: Approx 1 hour

SuITabILITy: 14+

TICKeTS: £14-£10, £5 concs

THuRSDAY 21 FEBRuARY TO SuNDAY 17 MARCH, 7.30PM

White rabbit, red rabbit

Live Theatre in association with Aurora Nova Productions By Nassim Soleimanpour “I was born on Azar 19th, 1360 in Tehran. That’s Tehran, December 10th, 1981 in Christian years...”

Imagine being 29 and forbidden to leave your country. Nassim Soleimanpour dissects the experience of a whole generation in a wild, utterly original play from Iran. Forbidden to travel, he turns his isolation to his own advantage with a play that requires no director, no set and a different actor for every performance.

The actors arrive on stage without having seen the script and can only perform the play once. Performers confirmed so far include actors Chris Connel (The Pitmen Painters), John Hodgkinson (A Walk On Part), Hywel Morgan (A Walk On Part), Laura Norton (Faith & Cold Reading), Shaun Prendergast (Emmerdale, Searching for Tom Hadaway), Stephen Tompkinson (Faith & Cold Reading), and writers Stella Duffy and Shelagh Stephenson.

Performers will be announced on Wednesday 23 January please see www.live.org.uk for details.

MaIN PrODuCTIONS

earLy bIrD TICKeTS: available

until Tues 22 Jan. buy your ticket for just £10

before the performers are announced. (early bird

tickets are non- transferable).


TuESDAY 9 TO SATuRDAY 13 APRIL, 7.30PM

captain Amazing

Written by Alistair mcdowall directed by clive Judd Performed by mark Weinman My Dad is a superhero.

No one else knows but that’s cos it has to stay a secret, cos all superheroes have to not tell people they’re superheroes, cos they just can’t.

Him and my Mum don’t live in the same house anymore cos that’s what happens sometimes and everyone has different parents. He lives next door which is actually very lucky don’t you think? I can go round whenever I want.

Captain Amazing was one of the winners of Live Theatre and The Empty Space’s Bursary for our 2012 FUSES: New Writing Festival. This is the first full production of this funny and poignant one man show, which will transfer to the Edinburgh Fringe in August 2013.

alistair McDowall is a 2011 bruntwood Prize Winner. Captain Amazing is directed by Clive Judd, regional Theatre young Director Scheme bursary Winner 2011/12.

DaTeS: Tues 9 to Sat 13 Apr, 7.30pm


DuraTION: Approx 1hr 10mins

SuITabILITy: 14+


“I loved this. The writing was brilliant and the acting was excellent. Funny, touching

and compelling.” Audience Feedback, 2012

FUSES: New Writing Festival

MaIN PrODuCTIONS

alistair McDowall’s play

Brilliant Adventures is being performed at Live

Theatre from Wednesday 29 May to Saturday 15

June, see page 12 for details.


TuESDAY 14 TO SATuRDAY 25 MAY

Live Witness

From an idea by Stella Duffy Directed by Annie Rigby and Amy Golding

There are sights audiences never see. Voices heard only in earpieces. People that stay invisible, sharing their own stories in the darkness.

Join us for a theatrical tour that reveals the secrets of Live Theatre. Discover laughter, memories and characters in unexpected places on a journey through Live Theatre’s beautiful buildings, old and new. Prepare to be entertained and enchanted by a promenade performance that opens doors, draws back curtains, listens at windows and tells tales.

This unique performance, specially commissioned for the company’s 40th birthday celebrations, will be directed by two of the region’s brightest theatrical talents: Annie Rigby (Artistic Director, unfolding Theatre) and Amy Golding (Artistic Director, Theatre Auracaria). Places are limited so early booking is advised.

DaTeS: Tues 14 to Sat 25 May

PerFOrMaNCeS: Tues-Sun,6.30pm & 9pm

LOCaTION: Across Live Theatre’s buildings

DuraTION: Approx 70mins

SuITabILITy: 12+

TICKeTS: £12-£10, £5 concsPlaces are limited so early booking is advised.

Artistic Director, Max Roberts said: “Live Witness gives audiences wider access to our wonderful buildings. It will introduce The Schoolhouse, our latest social enterprise project, which brings an important historical building back into use as part of our complex of beautifully restored buildings.”

MaIN PrODuCTIONS

MaIN PrODuCTIONS



WEDNESDAY 29 MAY TO SATuRDAY 15 JuNE

Brilliant Adventures

The royal exchange Theatre and Live Theatre co-production Written by Alistair mcdowall directed by caroline Steinbeis Nineteen-year-old science genius Luke finally has some peace to work on the extraordinary box in his living room, holed up in a dingy flat on a near-abandoned Middlesbrough housing estate.

After his unbalanced brother Rob introduces him to a wealthy out-of-towner they’re thrown into a dangerous world that threatens to tear the brothers apart and unleash the power inside his invention…

Brilliant Adventures is a fast paced tale of brotherhood, addiction and breaking the laws of physics.

Written by Alistair McDowall (currently on attachment with Paines Plough and Channel 4), Brilliant Adventures was awarded a Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting in 2011 and was part of the Royal Court Theatre’s Young Writers Festival 2012. Brilliant Adventures is directed by JMK Young Director Award winner Caroline Steinbeis.

Literary Manager, Gez Casey said: “We are delighted to be working with The Royal Exchange Theatre on this Bruntwood Prize winning play in which Alistair has created a world where the extraordinary is entirely ordinary and we watch the mundane turn into the fantastical.”

DaTeS: Wed 29 May to Sat 15 Jun



SuITabILITy: 14+, contains strong language

PerFOrMaNCeS: Tue-Sat, 7.30pm

MaTINeeS: Sun 9 Jun, 4pm,Thur 13 & Sat 15 Jun, 2pm

PreVIeW: Wed 29 May

OPeNING NIGHT: Thur 30 May

aFTerSHOW DISCuSSION: Sat 15 Jun, 4pm

Wed 12 Jun, 7.30pm

Thur 13 Jun, 7.30pm

Fri 14 Jun, 6.30pm

Fri 14 Jun, 7.30pm

MaIN PrODuCTIONS

TICKeTS: £14-£10, £5 concs Wed 29 May, 7.30pm Thur 30 May, 7.30pm Tues 4 Jun, 7.30pm Wed 5 Jun, 7.30pm Thur 6 Jun, 7.30pm Sun 9 Jun, 4pm Tues 11 Jun, 7.30pm Wed 12 Jun, 7.30pm Thur 13 Jun, 2pm Sat 15 Jun, 2pm

TICKeTS: £18-£10, £10 concs Fri 31 May, 7.30pm Sat 1 Jun, 7.30pm Fri 7 Jun, 7.30pm Sat 8 Jun, 7.30pm Thur 13 Jun, 7.30pm

TICKeTS: £22-£15, £15 concs Fri 14 Jun, 7.30pm Sat 15 Jun, 7.30pm

alistair McDowall’s other

play Captain amazing is being performed at Live Theatre in april (see page 10 for more details) and

will transfer to the edinburgh Fringe in

august this year.

TuESDAY 16 APRIL, 7.30PM

BandagesPresented by TEG Productions and Corn Exchange, Newbury Written and directed by Kirsty Housley

Surrounded by newspapers detailing horrific local crimes, two sisters build a fragile and fantastical web of stories in order to keep the dangers outside at bay. But when reality finally crashes in, their carefully constructed world can never be the same.

Kirsty Housley is an award-winning director (inaugural Oxford Samuel Beckett Theatre Trust Award, 2011 Northern Stage Title Pending Award) who has worked for Complicite, the National Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, RSC, Told By An Idiot and Paines Plough.

Her debut play as a writer is a taut psychological thriller about what happens when you love someone so much that all you want to do is protect them.

Previous praise for Kirsty Housley’s work: “Innovative, brave, beautiful” Time Out


DaTe: Tues 16 Apr, 7.30pm



SuITabILITy: 14+ contains some nudity and violence


Written and workshopped with the support of the National Theatre Studio and New Writing South, Bandages was commissioned by Corn Exchange, Newbury and is funded by Arts Council England.

IMAGE: ALvARO TAPIA-HIDALGO

VISITING THeaTre


THuRSDAY 18 TO SATuRDAY 20 APRIL

The Space Between Us

Presented by Open Clasp Theatre Company

The North East of England is in the grip of a storm on a biblical scale.

Three months of rain fall in one day, roads are closed, rivers are bursting their banks, and the region is submerged under water. Blown from four corners of the earth, four women seek sanctuary, security and refuge.

However, all is not as it should be and the women find themselves in a battle, not only with the rising tide and with each other, but with humanity itself.

“Truly a treasure of the North East” British Theatre Guide

Max Roberts, Artistic Director, Live Theatre said: “I’m delighted to welcome back Open Clasp, a local company that I really admire. Their work is always accessible, popular and important and offers a welcome and timely response to issues of inequality and prejudice.”

DaTeS: Thur 18 to Sat 20 Apr, 7.30pm

MaTINee: Fri 19 Apr, 2pm



SuITabILITy: 13+


Fri 19 Apr, 7.30pm

MAIN PHOTO: ZBIGNIEW KOTKIEWICZ

VISITING THeaTre


TuESDAY 30 APRIL & WEDNESDAY 1 MAY, 7.30PM

messProduced by China Plate By Caroline Horton

Josephine is putting on a play - Boris and Sistahl help. It’s about anorexia. But don’t let that put you off. Unflinchingly they confront big issues (and extremely tiny ones). Today they will tackle a particularly thin elephant in the room.

Obsession, addiction and not wanting to get out of bed: a play with songs from You’re Not Like Other Girls Chrissy creator Caroline Horton. WEDNESDAY 1 MAY, 2PM Workshop with the company: Turning Personal Stories into compelling TheatreThis workshop explores techniques to turn a personal story into a beautiful, exciting piece of theatre. Free, but booking essential

WEDNESDAY 1 MAY, 8.45PMPost Show discussion Writer Caroline Horton and the creative team will discuss how the show came about, the creative process and discuss responses to the show. Free, but booking essential

DaTeS: Tues 30 Apr & Wed 1 May, 7.30pm



SuITabILITy: 13+

WOrKSHOP: Wed 1 May, 2pm

POST SHOW DISCuSSION: Wed 1 May, 8.45pm


★ ★ ★ ★ Time Out, Financial Times,

Evening Standard and Metro

“Comes perilously close to genius and announces Horton

as a major major talent”

VISITING THeaTre


FRIDAY 15 MARCH, 6PM

Tales From The old WorldWe’re thrilled to welcome back sleepdogs, the creators of The Bullet and The Brass Trombone which went down a storm at our Scratch Night back in April last year.

They’ve just won our Emerging Artists bursary and are developing a brand new show inspired by our fabulous city and its surroundings.

Come and see the very beginnings of this exciting new project and tell us what you think over a drink in the bar afterwards.

THuRSDAY 18 APRIL, 8PM

Scratch NightOur hugely popular Scratch Night returns, featuring some of the best new theatre from the region and elsewhere.

Jointly curated by Live Theatre and The Empty Space, the evening consists of short performances of work in development in the Studio followed by lively discussions with writers, directors, artists and audience members afterwards in the bar. We’ll even provide a free glass of wine to get the conversation going. It’s an opportunity to see interesting work at an early stage and even help to influence its development.

See www.live.org.uk for the companies taking part.

DaTe: Thur 18 Apr, 8pm

LOCaTION: Studio Theatre

DuraTION: Approx 1hr 45mins, including an interval

SuITabILITy: 16+

TICKeTS: £5

Live Lab: Experimenting with new work first

DaTe: Fri 15 Mar, 6pm


DuraTION: Approx 1hr

SuITabILITy: 16+

TICKeTS: £3 including a drink

Bringing you the most exciting and experimental new theatre in our intimate Studio space.Sponsored by:

LIVe Lab


THuRSDAY 7 FEBRuARY, 8PM

The Trials of an Invisible manWritten and performed by Mike Edwards Part of Live ARCADE

A comic adventure combining spoken word, stand-up comedy and theatre. Paying affectionate homage to HG Wells’ character and to classic science fiction and horror movies, the Invisible Man wrestles with his own inner torment, ghosts from his past and a giant Komodo dragon.

THuRSDAY 7 MARCH, 8PM

editorWritten and performed by Claire Murphy Morgan Part of Live ARCADE

One day in March, a woman has a diary containing intimate reflections on the last three years of her life stolen from her car. Searching amongst wheelie bins and rubbish for her discarded words, she reconsiders her past, her values, and what she can find through what she has lost.

DaTe: Thur 7 Feb, 8pm



SuITabILITy: 14+

TICKeTS: £5

DaTe: Thur 7 Mar, 8pm




TICKeTS: £5

Gez Casey, Literary Manager said: “Live Theatre is delighted to be teaming up with our colleagues at ARC in Stockton to showcase work from their ARCAdE group of artists and theatre makers as part of our Live Lab season.”

LIVe Lab


THuRSDAY 4 APRIL, 8PM

Good Breeding

Written and performed by Kate Fox Part of Live ARCADE

What’s life for if you don’t want children? Stand-up, writer and Radio 4 regular Kate Fox uses this funny, thoughtful feel good show to try and find the answer. Join her journey which might involve baking, sea monkeys and the singing of Happy Birthday. “Funny, quirky and a wonderful writer” Sarah Millican (Comedian).

THuRSDAY 2 MAY, 8PM

Staggered

Written by Dan Perry Directed by Helen Ferguson Part of Live ARCADE

Waiting for Godot meets The Hangover in a new play about the perils of the stag do.

Tim was unsure what to expect from his brother-in-law’s stag do, but a chance encounter with the Stag’s lager-swilling and self-titled ‘best mate’ – the mysterious Mr. Jazz – leads to inebriated mayhem. But Tim’s intuition senses something more sinister at play...

DaTe: Thur 4 Apr, 8pm



SuITabILITy: 16+

TICKeTS: £5

DaTe: Thur 2 May, 8pm




TICKeTS: £5

LIVe Lab

SATuRDAY 16 & SuNDAY 17 FEBRuARY, 7.30PM

Toy StoriesHave you ever received a toy you didn’t like? Lost a toy you couldn’t live without? Do you have a favourite toy? Do toys expand the imagination? Or is it just a corporate money making scheme?

Join Live’s Youth Theatre as they take a magical journey into the world of toys. Ten groups present ten short plays over two nights. Toy Stories is an ideal half term treat for all the family.

FRIDAY 22 MARCH, 7.30PM

Write StuffSix new short plays written by 13 and 14 year olds from the East End of Newcastle are performed for the very first time as script-in-hand readings by professional actors and members of Live’s Youth Theatre.

Showcasing the concerns of young people today, the plays have been developed in partnership with Benfield School in Walkergate as part of Write Stuff, Live Theatre’s new writing residency which gives young teen voices a platform through theatre.DaTeS: Sat 16 & Sun 17 Feb, 7.30pm


DuraTION: Approx 1hr 45mins, including an interval

SuITabILITy: 5+

TICKeTS: £8; £6 concs

DaTe: Fri 22 Mar, 7.30pm



SuITabILITy: 11+



Family Theatre: Theatre written especially for or by young people, including by our award-winning education programme and Youth Theatre.

FaMILy THeaTre

THuRSDAY 11 TO SATuRDAY 13 APRIL, 7.30PM

michaela’s mistakeWritten by Chelsey Cleminson

Michaela is about to make a mistake. The same mistake any lonely, insecure school girl might make. For the first time in her life a beautiful young lad with abs and a suntan fancies her. But Facebook isn’t real life is it?

This play shows how easily an alternative world can be created over the internet and how quickly that world can come tumbling down.

Written by Chelsey Cleminson from Excelsior Academy when she was just 12 years old, Michaela’s Mistake was originally developed as part of Live Theatre’s Write Stuff project and was performed as part of I’m Just Saying… in October 2012.

DaTeS: Thur 11 to Sat 13 Apr, 7.30pm



SuITabILITy: Ages 12+


“What a fabulous initiative and what a

marvellous thrilling night at the theatre.”

The Good Review


Artistic Director, Max Roberts said: Michaela’s Mistake by Chelsey Cleminson is a compelling and prescient play superbly written, performed and directed. It was created initially as part of our young writers’ initiative Write Stuff and has been expanded and developed for presentation here and for a tour of local schools. It’s a ‘must see’ believe me.”

FaMILy THeaTre

Michaela’s Mistake will go on a tour

of regional schools in April 2013. See www.live.org.uk/

education or email [email protected]

for information on booking the schools tour available

FREE for KS3 classes.


SAT 2 FEB, 8.30PM

Phil Nichol & Sean PercivalPresented by The Grinning Idiot Comedy Club

Phil Nichol and Sean Percival are two of the best headline

acts in the country. Phil Nichol is a truly unique performer and award winning comedian, whose high energy act leaves the audience breathless. “Seismically powerful award-winning comic force” The Scotsman.

Sean Percival looks like the bass player in a heavy rock band. He’s not surreal, not whacky just bloody funny. “I was in hysterics...a master of comedy timing” BBC.

SAT 9 FEB, 8PM

What Would Beyoncé do?! By Luisa Omielan

All the Single Ladies, all the Single Ladies! You know when you fall Crazy

In Love, but it all goes wrong and you’re like Me, Myself and I, but then you Get Me Bodied, you’re like he’s the Best Thing I Never Had! I must have bumped my head, because Who Runs The World? Well, if like me, you’re an Independent Woman still living with your mumma, come check up on What Would Beyoncé do?! It’s the smash hit show from the Edinburgh Festival and sell out London run, so Come Say Hello and let’s get this party Jumpin’ Jumpin’.

SuN 10 FEB, 8PM

comedy course corkersTo celebrate the fifth anniversary of Live Theatre’s highly successful courses in stand-up comedy, we’re bringing together the tutors and welcoming back former students for a unique night of comic entertainment. John Scott and Vladimir McTavish are joined by comedy graduates Lauren Pattison and Lewis Gray (both now regulars on the comedy circuit) along with the very best comics from the first adult course in 2012. And, if you feel inspired to have a go yourself, see page 26 for details of the next Stand-Up Comedy Course beginning in April 2013.

Sponsored by:

DaTe: Sat 2 Feb, 8.30pm


DuraTION: Approx 2hrs 30mins, including 2 intervals

SuITabILITy: 18+

TICKeTS: £12, £10 concs

Please note that this show starts later than normal, at 8.30pm.

DaTe: Sat 9 Feb, 8pm


DuraTION: 1hr 10mins

SuITabILITy: 18+


DaTe: Sun 10 Feb, 8pm


DuraTION: Approx 2hrs

SuITabILITy: 16+


LEADING COMEDIANS PERFORM ORIGINAL MATERIAL, IN OUR MAIN THEATRE AND INTIMATE STUDIO THEATREStand-Up:

LIVe STaND-uP


WED 27 FEB, 7.30PM

Patrick monahan Shooting From The Lip! Brilliant stand-

up from the loveable Teessider renowned for

his superb anecdotes. Brought up by his Iranian Mother and Irish Dad in Middlesbrough, he has many hilarious and engaging stories about his heritage.

“He has the dark looks and stubble of the Middle East, married to the charm of the Irish and the sense of fun of the Teessider. Omid djalili meets dave Allen you might say.” Daily Mail

TuES 7 & WED 8 MAY, 8PM

Stand-Up comedy course Final ShowJoin the graduates of our stand-up comedy course in this special gig in our Studio Theatre space, as they present the routines they have honed over the last six weeks. See page 26 for course details.

SAT 11 MAY, 8.30PM

Terry Alderton - Series 4Presented by The Grinning Idiot Comedy Club

Following his critically acclaimed smash hit Edinburgh

shows award-winning comedian Terry Alderton is back on tour. His brand new show is a spellbinding combination of noises, the voices, the shoes, incredible physicality and a mind-blowing insight into the inner workings of a fantastic comedy mind. Terry is quite simply the most exciting live act working in comedy today!

DaTe: Wed 27 Feb, 7.30pm


DuraTION: Approx. 1hr 45mins, including an interval

SuITabILITy: 14+


DaTe: Tues 7 & Wed 8 May, 8pm



SuITabILITy: 16+

TICKeTS: £5

DaTe: Sat 11 May, 8.30pm



SuITabILITy: 18+


Please note that this show starts later than normal, at 8.30pm.

LEADING COMEDIANS PERFORM ORIGINAL MATERIAL, IN OUR MAIN THEATRE AND INTIMATE STUDIO THEATRE

LIVe STaND-uP

THuRSDAY 31 JANuARY, 8PM

The old Tire Swingers (USA) + kentucky cowtippers Presented by Jumpin’ Hot Club

The Old Tire Swingers are a young – old-timey String band out of Fresno, California uSA playing original and hot traditional old time, bluegrass, country and Americana music plus special added bonus - local bluegrass hobos Kentucky Cowtippers.

MONDAYS: 11 FEBRuARY, 11 MARCH, 15 APRIL, 13 MAY

mr drayton’s record Player visits 1973To celebrate Live Theatre’s 40th birthday, vinyl aficionado Steve Drayton brings us four special editions of Mr Drayton’s Record Player.

With the birth of Live Theatre 1973 was a golden year. It was also an exceptional year for music and we invite you to vote for your favourite album. The top four will be unveiled and played in their entirety on vinyl in the comfort of the undercroft.

view and vote for the top albums on www.live.org.uk and to discover the final four.

SuNDAY 10 MARCH, 8PM

rita Hosking (USA) + Archie Brown Presented by Jumpin’ Hot Club

From Shasta County, California, Rita Hosking sings original mountain roots music – soulful ballads and old time drive, a kind of cross between the haunting delivery of Gillian Welch and the richness of Iris dement. Then there are the songs, wow, can this girl write. Altogether, Rita is a talent that you just don’t come across every day.

Local country roots legends Archie Brown and Pat Rafferty play a rare duo set as support.


DaTe: Thur 31 Jan, 8pm



TICKeTS: £12

DaTeS: Mon 11 Feb, 7.30pmMon 11 Mar, 7.30pmMon 15 Apr, 7.30pmMon 13 May, 7.30pm

LOCaTION: Atrium Bar and Undercroft


TICKeTS: £5

DaTe: Sun 10 Mar, 8pm



TICKeTS: £12

BOTH OUR STUDIO AND MAIN THEATRES ARE GREAT SPACES TO WATCH THE BEST VISITING MUSICIANS PLAYMUSIC:

LIVe MuSIC


SATuRDAY 23 MARCH, 8PM

rebecca Pronsky (USA) + Bridie Jackson & The ArbourPresented by Jumpin’ Hot Club

Rebecca Pronsky is one of New York City’s finest singers and songwriters playing a unique blend of twangy and dark Americana music.

“A fabulous act who capture and charm an audience” Sounds in the Suburbs.

Bridie Jackson & The Arbour are a local based four-piece, who use sparse instrumentation and intriguing vocal harmonies to create music that is simultaneously beautiful, ethereal, dark and powerful.

SuNDAY 5 MAY, 8PM

The Toy Hearts + Vera van Heeringen Presented by Jumpin’ Hot Club

The Birmingham based family Bluegrass/Western Swing outfit, The Toy Hearts have carved out their own niche in the Americana and Roots music scene. They are the only uK act to have received long list nominations by the International Bluegrass Music Association. This is a sort of farewell tour as they are relocating to Austin Texas uSA in 2013.

Plus support from guitarist and singer vera van Heeringen whose self-penned songs and virtuoso bluegrass guitar playing is bold, modern bluegrass shot through with nostalgia and bittersweet melancholy.

SuNDAY 26 MAY, 7.30PM

mr drayton presents the Live Theatre Singles clubEveryone has a fave 45. In his second special event, join Mr Drayton as he discovers the 7˝ delights as chosen by the great and the good who have passed through the doors of Live Theatre over the past 40 years. Contributors tell why their single is the best, then at the end of the night, the audience votes for the best.

DaTe: Sun 26 May, 7.30pm



TICKeTS: £7

DaTe: Sun 5 May, 8pm



TICKeTS: £12

DaTe: Sat 23 Mar, 8pm



TICKeTS: £12

LIVe MuSIC


SIX TuESDAYS FROM TuESDAY 2 APRIL

Stand-Up comedyFollowing the popularity of the inaugural Stand-Up Workshops for adults in autumn 2012, we are pleased to offer another opportunity for you to hone your comedy performance skills.

Tutors John Scott and vladimir McTavish, with special guests, guide you through creating an on stage character, using improvisation and stagecraft and shaping your material into a workable routine that you can try out at a special gig at the end of the course in Live’s Studio Theatre.

Places are limited please visit www.live.org.uk/courses or ring the box office to book your place.

FIvE THuRSDAYS FROM THuRSDAY 2 MAY

Introduction to PlaywritingLive Theatre’s ever popular Introduction To Playwriting course returns for five Thursdays in May.

With a combination of practical exercises and discussion, you can learn the key elements of the writing for the stage: narrative development, theatrical dialogue, character progression, structure and strategies for overcoming writers block. Many students from the course have gone on to have work produced professionally, including Lee Mattinson, Fiona Evans and Paddy Campbell.

Places are limited and the deadline for applications is Friday 19 April. If you would like to take part, then visit www.live.org.uk/courses or email [email protected] for more details.

DaTeS: Tues 2 April to Tues 7 May, 7-9pmFinal Shows on Tues 7 and Wed 8 May, 8pm


COST: £100; £60 concs DaTeS: Thur 2 to Thur 30 May, 6.30-9pm

LOCaTION: The Gallery

COST: Free, booking essential

courses at Live Theatre

COurSeS & CONFereNCe


FRIDAY 3 & SATuRDAY 4 MAY

conferenceVictor Pasmore and richard Hamilton: the artists who made Newcastle a focus for radical innovation and artistic experiment

Introduced by Lee Hall Organised by Frances Spalding, Professor of Art History, Newcastle University

A two day conference in which leading art historians and alumni from Newcastle university debate the Pasmore/Hamilton legacy. The event will include scholarship, oral history and lively discussion about the art and ideas of the artists who made Newcastle a centre for innovation and radical art and design in the 1950s and 1960s.

Tickets, which include lunch and refreshments, will be available after Friday 15 March from Live Theatre.

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY, 5.30PM

Want to Be A Playwright?Join Gez Casey, Live Theatre’s Literary Manager, as he introduces Live Theatre’s unique online course www.beaplaywright.com

Find out more about 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.

New for 2013 the course will now include new videos clips from writers Stella Duffy (The Book Of Ruth (And Naomi), Breaststrokes), Mike Kenny (The Railway Children, 13.1) and Michael Chaplin (A Walk On Part) who were all interviewed about their writing practice.Writers who attend this event will receive an exclusive promotional code offering a discount on the course.

DaTeS: Wed 22 May, 5.30pm



COST: Free, booking essential

COurSeS & CONFereNCe

DaTeS: Fri 3 May 11am-6pm, Sat 4 May 10am-1pm

LOCaTION: Throughout Live Theatre

COST: £40, £30 concs


Becoming a Friend is an exciting new way of showing your support for Live Theatre. Our Friends receive exclusive benefits including discounted tickets, behind-the-scenes access, invitations to special events and a discount at the Atrium Bar. All from as little as £5 a month.

All the money raised will directly contribute towards one Live Theatre production each year acknowledged as being ‘supported by the Friends of Live Theatre’.

The support of the Friends of Live Theatre will help us continue to develop creative talent, unlock the potential of young people through our education and outreach programmes and create new plays of a world class quality into the future.

As a registered charity we can also claim gift aid on your membership, which makes your support go further.

How to become a Friend of Live TheatrePick up a form at the theatre, request one by emailing [email protected], phoning (0191) 269 3498 or see www.live.org.uk/friends

Be our friend and make a differenceJoin Friends of Live Theatre and help us celebrate 40 years of making plays on Tyneside

FrIeNDS OF LIVe THeaTre

our Best FriendsMr & Mrs Bates

Jim Beirne

Michael & Susan Chaplin

Helen Coyne

Lee Hall

Tim Healy

John Jordan

Annette Marlowe

Elaine Orrick

Ian & Christine

Shelagh Stephenson

Sting

Nick & Melanie Tulip

Alison Walton

Lucy Winskell


There are three categories of Live Theatre Friends, each offering a wide range of membership benefits:

Friend From £5 a month • 2 for 1 ticket offers on selected shows• Free ticket exchanges• 10% off drinks at the bar

Good Friend From £10 a month Receive all the Friend benefits plus: • invitations to season launches• An invitation to a guest night and pre

performance reception• Acknowledgement on Live Theatre’s website• 10% discount on any Live Theatre courses

Best Friend From £25 a month Receive all the Friend and Good Friend benefits plus:• An annual exclusive backstage event • Acknowledgement in our seasonal brochures• Acknowledgement in play texts (when printed) • An invitation to a guest night and post performance

reception

FrIeNDS OF LIVe THeaTre

Shepherdson

The Broad Chare is a proper pub serving proper food and was recently awarded a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand. A unique partnership between Live Theatre and 21 Hospitality Group a proportion of the turnover is invested back into the work of Live Theatre.

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 dinner 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

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 order drinks or ice creams for the interval.


The Broad chare

caffé Vivo The Atrium BarFor a tasty Italian pre-theatre supper then look no further than Caffé vivo for simple, authentic Italian food cooked with passion.

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

DINING & DrINKING

We offer a range of drinking and dining options for before, after, or during the show.

INFOrMaTION


Hire Live Theatre

Buying a seat in the auditorium is a great way to support the company; they make an ideal present and can be used to mark occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries or to remember someone special who enjoyed happy times at the Theatre.

Seats cost £195 and can be paid for in 10 monthly instalments of £19.50. Your seat dedication can be up to 10 words long and will remain on the seat for many years to come.

For information on how to buy a seat contact [email protected] or ring (0191) 269 3498.

With its quirky historic spaces and unique atmosphere Live Theatre is the perfect venue for a range of events. We can host seminars, conferences, parties and even weddings. All hires are fully supported by Live Theatre’s highly experienced technical and front of house teams and a range of catering options are available to meet everyone’s needs.

Why not take a look around Live Theatre via the online virtual tours by visiting www.live.org.uk/360

For more information or to make a booking please contact: Holly on (0191) 269 3499 or email [email protected]

Why not take a Seat?


main Theatre Seating

cabaret Our unique cabaret area has free standing chairs and tables offering 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.

Fixed Seating On our ground floor and balcony are more traditional rows of fixed theatre seating.

Side Seats A limited number of side seats in the fixed seating on the ground floor and balcony are available for slightly lower prices and may have a limited view.

Accessible Seats Standard fixed seating prices apply to accessible seats although they may be 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.

Select your own seat When booking for our main house you can select your own seat online at www.live.org.uk.

When booking by phone or in person, our box office staff will discuss your choice of seating with you.

Cabaret area

Fixed Seating

main Theatre Seats

There is a range of seating options across our Main Theatre including our cabaret area and our fixed seats on the ground floor and balcony. Wherever you choose, audiences at Live Theatre are never far from the action.

INFOrMaTION

SIDE SEATS

SIDE SEATS


main Theatre Ticket Prices

concessions Students, under 16s, those on disability and unemployment benefits can get £15 tickets on Purple performances, £10 tickets on Pink performances and £5 tickets on Blue performances for the best available seats. 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.

Group/teacher/tutor discount Interested in bringing a group along to see a show? For every 10 tickets bought Live Theatre’s great group discount gives one additional ticket free.

comedy gigs in the main Theatre are £12 and £10 for concessions, students and over 60s.

music events in the main Theatre may be either general admission or reserved seating, and prices vary. Please check when booking your tickets.

THEATRE PURPLE £22 £20 £15 £15 –PERFORMANCES

THEATRE PINK £18 £16 £10 £10 £2 OFF PERFORMANCES Cabaret/Fixed Seats

THEATRE BLUE £14 £12 £10 £5 £2 OFF Cabaret PERFORMANCES Cabaret/Fixed Seats

MAIN THEATRE COMEDY – £12 – £10 £10

CABARET

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SIDE S

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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 mid week and mid demand performances.Blue for previews, matinees, off-peak or shorter performances.

INFOrMaTION


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.

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.

Studio Theatre Prices Most Live Lab events are just £5. Studio shows are £12 and £10 for concessions, students and over 60s and retired.

Book 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 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 another date or performance where available, or credit your account. Friends of Live Theatre can exchange their tickets without the exchange fee.

Studio Theatre Seating & Tickets

Booking Tickets

INFOrMaTION

MAIN PHOTO: STuDIO THEATRE


Assisted Performances Access

Live Theatre offers a range of assisted performances throughout the year aimed at improving the theatre experience for all our audience members. They should not affect or distract from the performances for other audience members.

Watch out for the following symbols to find a performance that meets your needs:

British Sign Language A BSL interpreter is positioned on or next to the stage to communicate in a non-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.

Audio description Through personal headphones a professional describer provides a live commentary of the action on stage between words spoken by the characters.

Touch Tour To compliment an Audio Described show; this is a ‘hands on’ tour of the set describing props, costumes, characters and the visual style of the show especially for visitors with visual impairments.

Internal Hearing Aid Systems can be used for shows in both the Main Theatre and Studio Theatre.

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.

To find out more about assisted performances please visit www.live.org.uk/assisted/performances.

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

INFOrMaTION

PHOTO: CAROLE WEARS, HOuSE MANAGER

Please let our box office know

when you book tickets if you plan to make use of the assisted performances

so they can ensure that you are seated in the

most appropriate seat.

Live TheatreBroad ChareQuaysideNewcastle upon TyneNE1 3DQ

Admin (0191) 261 2694Box office (0191) 232 1232Type Relay 18001 (0191) 232 1232Fax (0191) 232 2224

[email protected]

For up-to-the-minute informationfollow Live Theatre on

corporate partners: Membership of the Corporate Partners Scheme allows companies to support all aspects of Live Theatre’s work both at the Theatre and in

the community. Current Corporate Partners are:

Live Theatre is grateful to the following for funding:The Shears Foundation, RW Mann, The Ironmongers’ Company

Level 2 Level 1

J PAUL GETTY JNRCHARITABLE TRUST

Documents

February to May 2013