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PREVIEW: Something to look forward to with theatres...

Posted on May 19th 2020 by Whats on Northeast

With a number of productions taking place in theatres towards the end of the year, there is defiantly something you can look forward to when theatres reopen around the North East.

Hopefully, if theatres are open by September, Tyne Theatre and Opera House has a fantastic line up of shows, such as the 2CC Music & Laughter Show (20th September) – a real fun-packed, value for money afternoon, starting at 1pm with over 3 hours’ worth of top entertainment. In October, Jimeoin brings new show ‘Turn it Up‘ (23rd October), a brilliant evening of world-class comedy from the Irishman internationally celebrated as one of live stand-up’s true masters, followed by the Crooners (29th October), which is a rip roaring comedy musical that has been wowing audiences with its witty and exhilarating show full of satirical energy, hilarious one liners, laugh out loud silliness and superb musical numbers. November brings Friends – The Musical Parody (1st November), a fabulous good-hearted romp through our favourite moments from the hit TV show in an uncensored, hilarious, fast-paced, music-filled production. John Bishop also brings his show ‘Warm Up‘ – this will be his eighth stand up show and its shaping up to be his best yet (13th November). Set your alarm clocks early for Christmas 2020 as Enchanted Entertainment, the team behind recent record-breaking pantos Aladdin and Cinderella, return with their magical pantomime Sleeping Beauty, packed with sensational songs, dazzling dance routines and fabulous costumes… (4th December – 3rd January).

Making its world premiere at Newcastle Theatre Royal prior to its much anticipated transfer to London’s West End, discover the remarkable story of The Drifters, one of the world’s greatest vocal groups, and the truth about the woman who made them in The Drifters Girl (5th – 19th September). In October, Theatre Royal sees the return of The Book of Mormon (30th September – 24th October), a comedy which follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent on a mission to a place that’s about as far from Salt Lake City as you can get. November welcomes the brand-new pantomime – Humpty Dumpty. The masters of mayhem Danny Adams and Clive Webb and the Grande Dame of Grey Street Chris Hayward are back in a brand new family panto and this time they are joined by X Factor winner Joe McElderry (24th November – 17th January).

Sunderland Empire also has a great line up, with Sunny Afternoon, a musical which tells the story of The Kinks who exploded onto the 60s music scene with a raw, energetic new sound that rocked a nation (22nd – 26th September). The Greatest Hits of Motown – How Sweet It Is is coming to Sunderland in October, you’ll be ‘Dancing On The Ceiling’, with songs from legendary artistes such as Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, The Isley Brothers, Edwin Starr and many more… (4th October). One Night of Elvis – Lee Memphis King is also coming to the Theatre in October, celebrating the iconic ‘Vegas Years’ from 1969 – 1977 (21st October). The Phantom of the Opera is also coming to the theatre, telling the tale of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House (4th November – 5th December). Finally, Sunderland are delighted to announce the return of North East Queen of comedy, Miss Rory (Boulevard, aka Dan Cunningham) who will star as the hilarious Nurse Rorina, and we say ‘Alreet’ to South Shields comic Tom Whalley, as the side splitting Muddles the Jester in the canniest panto of them all – Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs (12th December – 3rd January).

September also sees Grease the Musical, coming to Darlington Hippodrome, bursting with hits including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted to You and You’re the One That I Want, (8th – 12th September). Darlington Hippodrome also welcomes Carole – The Music of Carole King in September, with a cast of the UK’s finest singers, dancers and musicians this wonderful homage takes you on an incredible journey through the music that defined an era (30th September). Pepper Pigs Best Day Ever (17th -18th October) is a live show packed full of songs, games and laughter, it really is the best day ever for PEPPA PIG fans! Another great show for kids is coming to the Hippodrome in November… prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with this special production of Barmy Britain! Using actors and 3D special effects, this amazing show is guaranteed to thrill you and your children (18th – 22nd November). Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients audiences expect, Cinderella is this years Darlington Hippodrome Christmas Pantomime, featuring laugh out loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses (5th December – 3rd January).

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