Live Theatre, May to August 2011 Season Brochure

See life’s dramas unfold at Live Theatre

www.live.org.ukMay to August 2011

02 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232

Tickets & Booking Information

Book tickets online at www.live.org.ukVisit 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

Coming this season – select your own seat.

Book by phone or in personCall 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 hoursMonday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm. 10am to 8pm when there is an evening show. Weekend evening show 5 to 8pm. Weekend matinee days 12 to 8pm.

Returns policyIf 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.

Group discountInterested 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.

Preview Be amongst the first to see a new show during the preview period at a discounted price.

Opening Night Celebrate the official first night of a production when there’s always a air of excitement in the theatre.

Pay What You Can £PWYCPWYC 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.

Do you have friends and family that find it hard to hear or see?Live Theatre offers a range of assisted performances throughout the year aimed at improving the theatre experience for all audience members. Watch out for the following symbols to find a performance that meets your needs:

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

For up-to-the-minute information follow Live Theatre on

Don’t forget to come

to the only Arts +

Entertainment quiz in

town on Monday 9 May

and 6 June with the

chance to win a host

of fantastic prizes.

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

May to August 2011 Calendar...

Don’t forget to come

to the only Arts +

Entertainment quiz in

town on Monday 9 May

and 6 June with the

chance to win a host

of fantastic prizes.

22 to 30 July / p.8 & p.9 Newcastle Gateshead Comedy Festival

12 August / p.10 Blackout

12 to 14 August / p.11 Words on the Street

31 July / p.9 Richard Herring’s What is Love Anyway?

13 August / p.11 The 24 Hour Digital Shoot-Out

14 August / p.11 Standing Up

7 & 8 July / p.7 Short Cuts: Poetic Licence

8 July / p.8 Gavin Webster & Luke Benson

30 June / p.8 David Hadingham & Christian Steel

9 July / p.13 Bound

14 July / p.7 Scratch Night

16 July / p.8 Mick Sergeant & John Scott

15 July / p.8 Alfie Joey

17 July / p.8 Kai Humphries

12 June / p.12 The Station: Fourstones

11 May to 4 June / p.5 A Walk On Part

23 to 25 June / p.7 The Girls From Poppyfield Close

24 & 25 June / p.14 The Caffrey’s Summer Bash

The Pitmen Painters embarks on its second national tour this spring prior to opening in the West End. Don’t miss the play when it returns to Newcastle at The Journal Tyne Theatre in August. See page 17 for more information.

Image: The FIghTback begIns Today © sTeve bell www.bellToons.co.uk


A Walk On Part

Wednesday 11 May to Saturday 4 June Live Theatre presents, in association with New Writing North, the World Premiere of A Walk On Part The Fall of New LabourFrom the diaries of Chris Mullin Adapted for the stage by Michael Chaplin Directed by Max Roberts

Chris Mullin served Sunderland South as its MP for 23 years, retiring last year after serving as a Minister in three Government departments, including the Foreign Office, as well as a distinguished and influential backbencher. Shortly after leaving Parliament, he published the second volume of his diaries to universal acclaim, many critics suggesting that they offer the clearest insight into the Blair and Brown years. On the first anniversary of the fall of New Labour, Live Theatre brings Mullin’s witty, irreverent take on contemporary politics to the stage, reflecting three worlds during a time of crisis and change – the febrile political village of Westminster, the flash points of Africa he toured as a Minister and the fragile community he served as its MP.

This is the first outing of this newly staged production which, including extracts read from the diaries and dramatised scenes involving everyone from Tony Blair to African refugees to a Durham taxi driver, promises to be a revealing and entertaining evening of theatre.

DATES: Wed 11 May to Sat 4 Jun

TICKETS: £10 to £18

LOCATION: Main Theatre

DURATION: Approx 2 hours including an interval

SUITABILITY: 11+ PERFORMANCES: Tues to Sat, 7.30pm & Sun 22 & 29 May, 4pm

MATINEES: Sat 21 May & Thurs 2 Jun, 2pm

£PWYC: Sun 29 May, 4pm

Wed 11 May, 7.30pm

Thurs 12 May, 7.30pm

Thurs 2 Jun, 7.30pm

Please visit www.live.org.ukor call the box office on (0191) 232 1232 for fulldetails of performance dates, times and special events.

These events are free but tickets must be booked via Live Theatre’s box office on (0191) 232 1232 or online at www.live.org.uk. Places are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment.

Image: The FIghTback begIns Today © sTeve bell www.bellToons.co.uk


Free Events Don’t miss former journalist Chris Mullin as he joins writer Michael Chaplin and director Max Roberts on Saturday 21 May at 5.30pm to talk about the process of transforming the diaries from page to stage or hear Chris talk about his latest diary Decline & Fall on Thursday 2 June at 5.30pm.

‘Every once in a while, political diaries emerge that are so irreverent and so insightful that they are destined to be handed out as leaving presents across Whitehall for years to come...’ David Cameron

Live Lab Experimenting with new work first

After the sell out success of last season’s Live Lab events the team have been conjuring up an exciting mix of the best in new writing. The final concoction includes a darkly comic new play by Alison Carr, a series of poetry inspired short plays as well as the next instalment of Scratch Night. Don’t miss the perfect formula created to test your imaginations to the limit.

Sponsored by:


Thursday 7 & Friday 8 July, 7.30pm Short Cuts: Poetic LicenceDo you like theatre that’s short and sweet? So do we! That’s why Short Cuts celebrates the art of the short play. Short plays can be as funny, as poignant and as thought-provoking as any full-length theatrical epic. This season writers are challenged to create a new short play inspired by their favourite poem: will they pick a sestina, a sonnet or a limerick? The best entries will be performed alongside dramatic poems and poetic plays from around the world.

If you fancy penning your own poetry-inspired short play, visit www.live.org.uk/shortcuts for full details of how to enter. The deadline for script submissions is Sunday 15 May.

DATES: Thurs 7 & Fri 8 Jul, 7.30pm

TICKETS:£8; £6 concs

LOCATION:Studio Theatre

DURATION:Approx 2 hours including an interval

SUITABILITY:14+

Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 June, 7.30pm The Girls From Poppyfield Close By Alison Carr

Over two decades ago, 15 year old Charlotte set off home from school. She never made it. But now the papers say a body has been found, bones dug up and the case is back in the headlines. In the remains of the house they all grew up in, now condemned for demolition, her sisters wait to find out, each harbouring their own guilt and secrets about what happened.

A poignant and sometimes darkly comic new play by Alison Carr, whose work has recently been performed at Northern Stage, the National Theatre, and the Old Vic.

DATES: Thurs 23 to Sat 25 Jun, 7.30pm



DURATION:Approx 2 hours and 30 minutes including an interval

SUITABILITY:16+

Thursday 14 July, 8pm Scratch NightFollowing the success of Live Theatre’s first event in April with The Empty Space, Scratch is back, bringing more of the most exciting companies and artists from around the country. They’ll perform short extracts of new plays and works-in-progress: they might be comedy, tragedy or anything and everything in between. Afterwards, head to the bar and tell us what you thought: all feedback is welcome so come and have your say on the future of theatre and say you saw it here first.

DATE: Thurs 14 Jul, 8pm



DURATION:Approx 2 hours including an interval

SUITABILITY:16+


Thursday 30 June, 8pmDavid Hadingham & Christian Steel

Friday 8 July, 8pmGavin Webster & Luke Benson

Friday 15 July, 8pmAlfie Joey & Guest

Saturday 16 July, 8pmMick Sergeant & John Scott

Sunday 17 July, 8pmKai Humphries & Guest

Friday 22 July, 8pmChris Ramsey & Tom Deacon

Saturday 23 July, 8pmSimon Donald & Seymour Mace

DATES: Thurs 30 Jun to Sun 31 Jul, 8pm

TICKETS: £10; £8 concs


DURATION: Approx 2 hours 30 minutes

SUITABILITY: 16+

Thursday 30 June to Sunday 31 July, 8pm

Live Stand-Up

Sponsored by:


A regular fixture in the North East’s comedy calendar Live Stand-Up takes place in Live’s unique cabaret style venue providing up close and personal access to some of the UK’s best comedians.

This season Live Theatre is continuing its successful partnership with The Grinning Idiot Comedy Club including the return of the Newcastle Gateshead Comedy Festival from 22 to 30 July. Don’t miss the chance to see some of the best new comedians as they preview their shows before heading north of the border for the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Bringing the comedy bonanza to a close is Richard Herring with his new show What Is Love Anyway? featuring some shocking revelations, some sentimentality and an hour of stand up about all that love entails.

To find out more visit www.live.org.uk

DATES: Thurs 30 Jun to Sun 31 Jul, 8pm

TICKETS: £10; £8 concs


DURATION: Approx 2 hours 30 minutes

SUITABILITY: 16+

Images l-R: comedIans luke benson, Paul sInha, Josh howIe, andRew lawRence & RIchaRd heRRIng


Sunday 24 July, 8pmPaul Sinha & Mick Ferry

Monday 25 July, 8pmNorman Lovett & Isy Suttie

Tuesday 26 July, 8pmAlun Cochrane & Guest

Thursday 28 July, 8pmGavin Webster & Josh Howie

Friday 29 July, 8pmIan D Montford & Guest

Saturday 30 July, 8pmAndrew Lawrence & Guest

Sunday 31 July, 8pmRichard Herring’s What is Love Anyway?

Friday 12 to Sunday 14 August

Family Theatre

Friday 12 August, 2pm & 7.30pm Charged

Blackout by Davey Anderson is a short hard-hitting play about getting bullied, fighting back, trying to make a name for yourself, turning vicious, doing something stupid, losing everything, then finding your way again.

Originally commissioned by the National Theatre as part of their ‘New Connections 2009’ Blackout examines traditional views of teenagers as well as challenging the conventional theatre experience.

Blackout is accompanied by two new monologues written in response to the piece by talented writers Paddy Campbell and Tracy Whitwell.

DATE: Fri 12 Aug, 2pm & 7.30pm


LOCATION:Main Theatre

DURATION:Approx 1 hour 15 minutes (no interval)

SUITABILITY:11+


Just like a certain brand of sweets, this year’s Youth Theatre Festival, Quality Treats, is packed full with an assortment of goodies perfect for enjoying with all the family. Audiences of all ages can enjoy the experience of seeing a live show and with plenty of variety guaranteed, everyone can tuck in and find their favourite!

These events are part of NewcastleGateshead’s Bridges Festival taking place from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 August www.NewcastleGateshead.com/BridgesFestival

Image leFT: cITIzens TheaTRe young co PeRFoRmIng blackouT, Image couRTesy oF naTIonal TheaTRe Images ToP l-R: woRds on The sTReeT, dIgITal shooT ouT, sTandIng uP

Saturday 13 August, 7.30pm The 24 Hour Digital Shoot-Out

At high noon on Friday 12 August seven teams will meet a pair of actors and be given a top secret location at an unusual space on the Quayside. They have just 24 hours to devise, write, shoot and edit their film, working through the night to deliver it by high noon on Saturday 13 August. The seven films will be screened and the evening will culminate in an award ceremony announcing the winning film.

DATE: Sat 13 Aug, 7.30pm



DURATION:Approx 2 hours including interval

SUITABILITY:11+

Friday 12 to Sunday 14 August Words on the Street

Join Live’s Youth Theatre for this exciting and colourful event which uses the old and modern sites of the Quayside as an inspiration for fun and lively street theatre performances.

See www.live.org.uk for performance times.

DATES: Fri 12 to Sun 14 Aug

TICKETS:Free

LOCATION:Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside

DURATION:Approx 45 minutes

SUITABILITY:Suitable for all the family

Sunday 14 August, 7.30pm Standing Up

Don’t miss some of the best young stand up comedians as they present their own brand of new comedy material. This is a one night only event and promises to be a hilarious finale to this year’s festival. The group of talented comics were mentored by award-winning comedian John Scott through a series of interactive workshops.

DATE: Sun 14 Aug, 7.30pm



DURATION:Approx 1 hour 45 minutes including interval

SUITABILITY:11+


Sunday 12 June, 7.30pm The Idle Dream presentThe Station: Fourstones Directed by Nick Young Produced by Katie Dunn Written & Performed by Malcolm Hamilton

From a deserted railway platform Al explains why he’s searching for a tropical rainforest... in Northumberland.

The Station: Fourstones follows the journey of Al, a young lad trying to reconnect with a Grandad he never knew he had. As Al’s pursuit turns into obsession he ventures away from home life and onto the path that ostracised his relative so many years ago.

Ridiculous, poetic, sad and beautiful this expedition proves to be an adventure doomed to fail but willed to triumph.

‘A vivid, surrealistic collage, evocative and poetic storytelling that draws the audience into his imagined world’ Venue

DATE: Sun 12 Jun, 7.30pm



DURATION:Approx 55 minutes

SUITABILITY:12+

Live Theatre Hosts


Saturday 9 July, 7.30pm Bear Trap Theatre Company present BOUND Written & Directed by Jesse Briton Music & Movement by Joe Darke Design by Buddug James Jones

Compelled by the threat of bankruptcy, fishing trawler ‘The Violet’ is forced out into treacherous weather. Competing against the overpowering force of nature, the tribulations of life with the opposite sex and each other’s egos. Will they lose more than a way of life?

This is the story of six trawlermen from Devon as they embark on one final voyage.

2010 Fringe First Winner The Herald The Scotsman The Independent

‘Beautifully thought out... told with passion and performed with real dynamism.’ Lyn Gardner, The Guardian

DATES: Sat 9 Jul, 7.30pm



DURATION:Approx 1 hour

SUITABILITY:12+

Live Theatre Hosts


Image: The caFFReys

Friday 24 & Saturday 25 June, 8pm The Caffreys Summer Bash

The Caffrey Brothers have been perfecting their three part harmonies ever since they were young lads of 10 and 11. Some 50 years later they are still delighting music fans with their eclectic sound drawing on a musical palette of acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, drums, percussion, bass, violin and accordion.

The Caffreys create a sound which is variously rocky, rootsy, folky... but always engaging. Don’t miss this chance to be entertained by Tyneside’s favourites when they return to Live Theatre for two nights with their trusted tunes and some exclusive new material.

‘There is no doubt that with the quality of song writing and those magnificent three-part harmonies, The Caffreys are very much a force to be reckoned with’ CannyGigs

DATES: Fri 24 & Sat 25 Jun, 8pm

TICKETS:£10


DURATION:Approx 3 hours

Live Music


Image: The PITmen PaInTeRs © keITh PaTTIson

Wednesday 6 April to Saturday 1 October The Pitmen Painters

Originally produced at Live Theatre in 2007, and following sell-out seasons at the National Theatre and on Broadway, Bill Kenwright presents the award-winning play The Pitmen Painters which embarks on its national tour this spring prior to opening in the West End.

Written by Lee Hall, creator of the worldwide sensation Billy Elliot, The Pitmen Painters, has received huge critical acclaim and won the Evening Standard award for Best New Play.

In 1934, a group of Ashington miners hired a professor to teach an art appreciation class.

Rapidly abandoning theory in favour of practice, the pitmen began to paint. Within a few years the most avant-garde artists became their friends and their work was acquired by prestigious collections; but every day they worked, as before, down the mine. Examining the lives of a group of ordinary men that do extraordinary things, The Pitmen Painters is a humorous, deeply moving and timely look at art, class and politics.

Don’t miss the play when it returns to Newcastle from 8 to 13 August where it will be performed at The Journal Tyne Theatre. For more details about the tour visit www.live.org.uk/ontour

Live On Tour


The Broad Chare is a proper pub, with proper beer, serving proper food. The small, cosy and intimate pub, formerly home to Café Live, is the third exciting venture between Live Theatre and Terry Laybourne’s 21 Hospitality Group. Housed over two floors the main dining area, with 56 seats, is situated on the first floor and is open for dinner Monday to Saturday with lunch served on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Downstairs is the bar and separate ‘snug’ where snacks, simple meals and a ‘Dish of the Day’ are served daily.

The Broad Chare takes its drink as seriously as its food. There is a good range of regional real ales along with craft beers from around the world. The Broad Chare offers its own bottled ale, The Writer’s Block, brewed exclusively to a unique recipe by Wylam Brewery. This is a new city centre destination not to be missed.

For more information visit www.thebroadchare.co.uk

Open early May.

Caffè Vivo

Don’t forget if you’re looking for a tasty pre-theatre supper then look no further than Caffè Vivo. Offering special early evening deals (from 5.30pm) Caffè Vivo is the ideal choice, serving simple, sunny and generous Italian food in a bright and fun atmosphere.

The Atrium Bar

If it’s a relaxing drink you’re after then Live Theatre’s Atrium Bar and Undercroft provide the perfect location for a leisurely drink before and after a performance. Open two hours before a show and closing at 11pm you can take your drinks into the theatre, as well as ordering drinks or ice creams for the interval.

Eating & Drinking


www.beaplaywright.com

Beaplaywright.com launched in November 2010 and now has an active online community of budding playwrights all learning the craft of playwriting. Interested in finding out more about the course? Then join course co-creator, and Live Theatre’s Literary Manager, Gez Casey for two special events and enjoy a live guided tour of www.beaplaywright.com

Providing behind the scenes access to the five step-by-step modules, each covering different aspects of playwriting, as well as an insight into the practical, tried and tested writing exercises to be completed by participants, this event is not to be missed. There is also a chance to see video clips of great dramatists who offer the benefits of their experience to students.

Anyone who attends these events will be eligible to receive an exclusive promotional code offering a discount on the course.

DATE: Sun 8 May, 1pm

TICKETS:Free; booking essential

LOCATION:Hexham Book Festival, Queen’s Hall Arts Centre DATE: Thurs 23 June, 6.30pm

TICKETS:Free; booking essential

LOCATION:Live Theatre

DURATION:Approx 1 hour

SUITABILITY: 16+ For more information about Hexham Book Festival, which runs from Thursday 28 April to Thursday 12 May, or to book tickets call (01434) 652477 or visit www.queenshall.co.uk


Don’t Miss...

Live Theatre ToursInterested 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.

Join an organised tour on Thursday 9 and 16 June at 6pm or contact Carole Wears, House Manager on (0191) 269 3489 or email [email protected] to arrange your own tour.

TICKETS: £5 per head. Minimum fee of £50 per group when organising a private tour

DURATION: Approx 1 hour

Level 3 Stage & Production BTECLive Theatre is pleased to announce a new collaboration with Gateshead College to provide the next generation of stage production teams.

With delivery of the course split between the College and Live Theatre, students will work on productions with student and professional performers in music, dance and drama to develop skills across all aspects of backstage production.

Disciplines such as stage management, lighting, sound, props and stage design will be covered and students will also become equipped with an “Industry Skills Passport” – those skills that are vital for a career in the industry including: First Aid, rigging, electrical safety, risk assessment and manual handling.

DATES: This course is enrolling now for a September start date

DURATION: Two years

LOCATION:Gateshead College and Live Theatre

ENTRY REqUIREMENTS:Four GCSE grades C or above or equivalent, ideally including Maths and English and an interview.

For more information please visit www.gateshead.ac.uk or call (0191) 490 2246


Image: acToR sTePhen TomPkInson, lIve TheaTRe’s PRoducTIon manageR dRummond oRR & gaTeshead college’s head oF cReaTIve IndusTRIes TIm Poolan aT The mIxIng desk

Support Live

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

For more information about Live Theatre’s Corporate Partners Scheme, sponsoring a production or hiring a space please contact Gillian Firth on (0191) 269 3498 or email [email protected]

Take a Seat Buying a seat in the auditorium is a great way to support the company; they make an ideal present, can be used to mark occasions such as a birthday and anniversary 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.

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:

Level 2

Level 1

Hire Live With its quirky historic spaces and unique atmosphere Live Theatre is the perfect venue for a host of events including seminars, conferences, meetings, 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 via the online virtual tours by visiting www.live.org.uk/360


Image: benFIeld wRITeRs Room

STAGE

Choose your seat

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

KEY

Cabaret - Ground Floor Theatre - Ground Floor Balcony - First Floor

Main HouseWhether customers choose to watch the show from the cabaret section, which is made up of a flexible mix of tables and free standing chairs, or relax in the fixed seating of the theatre and balcony sections audiences at Live Theatre are never far from the action.

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

Seating InformationSeats in the cabaret section of the Main Theatre and all seats in the Studio Theatre can be pre-booked, but are unreserved and are allocated on a first come first served basis. Ticket numbers do not refer to a particular seat. To help you get the seat of your choice we recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of the show.

Select your own seat Audiences will soon be able to select their own seats in the theatre and balcony sections of the Main Theatre online. Cabaret and Studio Theatre seating will remain unallocated.

E-newsTo be kept up to date about Live Theatre join the free email service and be the first to receive exclusive updates about shows, events and special offers. Visit www.live.org.ukand sign up now to get the latest news direct to your inbox every two weeks.

Virtual ToursNever been to Live Theatre before? Then why not take a look around the building via the online virtual tours by visiting www.live.org.uk/360


KEY

Parking quaylink Stops Metro Station

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.

ParkingThere is a car park in the Trinity Gardens complex 50 metres 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 is now free after 5pm. There is limited on street parking on Broad Chare and additional car parks nearby.

Location & Travel Information

The Gillian Dickinson Charitable Trust

The Shears Foundation

LankellyChase

J Paul Getty Jnr Trust

Hadrian Trust

1989 Willan Charitable Trust

R.W. Mann Trust

Port of Tyne Fund

The Sage Community Fund

Live Theatre is grateful to the following for revenue funding:


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

AccessLive 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.

Live Theatre Broad Chare Quayside Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ

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

[email protected]/reviewswww.live.org.uk

For up-to-the-minute information follow Live Theatre on

Documents

Live Theatre, May to August 2011 Season Brochure