live theatre (february to april 2009)

See life’s dramas unfold at Live Theatre

www.live.org.ukFebruary to April 2009

Live What's On_spring.indd 1 15/12/2008 09:14

02 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232

Tickets & Booking Information

Book tickets online at www.live.org.ukVisit Live Theatre’s new secure website where it is easy to book tickets online. An average booking will take 5 minutes, tickets can be booked 24 hours a day, seven days a week and there is no booking fee. Tickets can be mailed out, at an extra charge of 60p, or can be collected from the box office, just visit www.live.org.uk

Book by phone or in 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 times are:Monday to Friday 11.30am to 5.30pm (11.30am to 8pm when there is an evening show). Weekend evening show only 5.30 to 8pm. Weekend matinee days 12 to 8pm.

Returns policy If you provide more than 24 hours notice tickets can be exchanged for other performances and events or a credit for the full value can be arranged.

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

Opening Night ONCelebrate the official first night of a production when there’s always a great 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.

Group discount Interested in bringing a group along to see a show? Then take advantage of Live Theatre’s great group discount - buy 10 tickets and get one additional ticket free.

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 Typetalk calls.

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


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

Highlights…

Main House Tuesday 24 February to Sunday 1 MarchYou Couldn’t Make it UpAre things really so black and white at Newcastle United? Find out what people have to say about one of the North East’s famous institutions as it experiences one of its most turbulent seasons to date. For more information see page 4.

New Writing Studio Sessions Thursday 2 April, 8pmJump!A unique opportunity to see a rehearsed reading of Jump! by Lisa McGee performed by some of the region’s finest young talent. For more information see page 7.

Live Stand-Up Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 March, 8pmGavin WebsterJoin cult Geordie comedian Gavin Webster for 90 minutes of jaw-aching fun with his latest line up of comic antics. For more information see page 9.

Family Theatre Friday 27 March to Thursday 9 AprilThe Garden of DreamsMeet Rat, Kip and a sleeping giant for 50 minutes of music and mischief in a show specially created for under 7s and their families. For more information see page 11.

Live Theatre Hosts... Monday 16 March, 7.30pmAnother ParadiseThe latest show from award-winning Kali Theatre Company is a vivid hi-tech comedy exploring a future where Identity Cards rule. For more information see page 15.

Don’t Forget A+E QuizCome along to the only Arts +Entertainment quiz in town on Monday 2 February, 2 March and 6 April with the chance to win a host of fantastic prizes.

x74217_LiveT_p2_ju.indd 3 15/12/2008 Monday, 15 December 2008 13:14

Tuesday 24 February to Sunday 1 March

You Couldn’t Make It UpWritten by Michael Chaplin & Tom ChaplinDirected by Max Roberts

“When they’ve worked all week, they want to be entertained. It’s like people down south going to a theatre…” Kevin Keegan, 18 January 2008We’re over halfway through a traumatic season that promised so much, only for fans to be let down by a series of on and off the pitch disappointments. Again. With a mixture of testimony material and speculative imagining, this script-in-hand production attempts to shed some light on some of the big questions every Toon Army fan wants to know:

• What’s going on at Newcastle United?

• What really happened between Mike Ashley and Kevin Keegan?

• Is there another Messiah waiting round the corner?

• Why do people still care so passionately about it all?

• And does it mean anything for those who don’t?

It’ll be like people up North going to a theatre…

DATES: Tues 24 Feb, 7.30pm ON Wed 25 Feb, 7.30pmThur 26 Feb, 7.30pmFri 27 Feb, 7.30pmSat 28 Feb, 7.30pmSun 1 Mar, 4pmTICKETS:£10; £8 concsLOCATION:Main TheatreDURATION:Approx 1 hour 45 minutes including intervalSUITABILITY:14+


Main House

Image © Trinity Mirror


Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 March

Tom HadawayBorn in North Shields Tom Hadaway was a natural storyteller who developed a uniquely personal and poetic voice. Tom had a long association with Live Theatre where his work included sell out shows such as The Filleting Machine, The Long Line and Seafarers. To celebrate this special relationship join some of Tom’s closest friends and admirers as they perform a series of highlights from his plays.

Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 March

Julia DarlingBorn in Winchester Julia Darling came to the North East as a community arts worker before embarking on a career as a writer. During her time as writer-in-residence at Live Theatre from 2001 to 2003 Julia wrote The Last Post, Attachments, Venetia Love Goes Netting, Personal Belongings and Sudden Collapses in Public Places. The evening will feature some of Live’s most familiar faces in a staged adaptation of Julia’s last novel The Taxi Driver’s Daughter (2003), a family drama set in Heaton.

DATES:Thurs 5 Mar, 7.30pm Fri 6 Mar, 7.30pm Sat 7 Mar, 7.30pmSun 8 Mar, 4pmTICKETS:£10; £8 concsLOCATION:Main TheatreDURATION:Approx 1 hour 30 minutes including intervalSUITABILITY: All ages DATES: Thurs 12 Mar, 7.30pmFri 13 Mar, 7.30pm Sat 14 Mar, 7.30pm Sun 15 Mar, 4pmTICKETS£10; £8 concsLOCATIONMain TheatreDURATIONApprox 1 hour 30 minutes including intervalSUITABILITY 12+


To mark the official launch of Live Theatre’s two Writers Rooms, dedicated to the memory of North East writers Tom Hadaway and Julia Darling, Live presents a programme of rehearsed readings of their work.

Images: The Filleting Machine by Tom Hadaway & The Last Post by Julia Darling

The Tom & Julia Show



Thursday 5 February, 8pmFaith and Cold Reading By Shaun PrendergastDirected by Max Roberts

Sam is a professional medium who lives with Carla. He owes a lot of money to Frankie, a bigtime gangster who has recently buried his mother. Will Freddie overlook the debt if Sam can re-connect him with his mother in spirit? With the pressure on, can Sam deliver or will it be left to Carla, herself bereaved, to make the connection?

Thursday 5 & Friday 6 March, 8pm2-4-1Be the first to watch rehearsed readings of two talented, emerging writers as they present their one-act plays in an exciting double-bill. The writers are both members of Live Theatre’s Writers Group.

Thursday 2 April, 8pmJump! By Lisa McGeeA unique opportunity to hear a reading of this clever and funny play about a group of young New Year’s Eve revellers by talented Northern Irish writer Lisa McGee. The script has been specially adapted for a cast of young North East actors.

DATE: Thurs 5 Feb, 8pmTICKETS: £6; £4 concsLOCATION:Studio TheatreDURATION: 1 hour 45 minutes including interval

DATE: Thurs 5 & Fri 6 Mar, 8pmTICKETS: £6; £4 concsLOCATION:Studio TheatreDURATION: Approx 2 hours including interval

DATE: Thurs 2 Apr, 8pmTICKETS: £6; £4 concsLOCATION:Studio TheatreDURATION: Approx 2 hours including interval

New Writing Studio SessionsInterested in meeting some of the country’s leading writers, watching rehearsed readings of new work or showcasing your own script? Then come along to Live Theatre on the first Thursday of every month for a series of writing events in the intimate setting of Live’s Studio Theatre.

Images: Shaun Prendergast (top) & Lisa McGee (bottom)

Thursday 7 & Friday 8 May, 8pm Short CutsThe theme for the next Short Cuts event is “writing for young people”. Anyone interested in submitting a script should send two hard copies marked Short Cuts to Live Theatre by Friday 3 April.


To book online visit www.live.org.uk 0908 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232

Thursday 10 February, 8pmThe Northumbrian Comedy Society proudly presentGeordie Ridley NightTo celebrate the Geordie bard’s birthday a special evening of stand-up comedy, pastiche songs and comedy characters come together for a bawdy night of humour in celebration of the music hall star from Gateshead who wrote ‘Blaydon Races’ and ‘Cushy Butterfield’ amongst other comedy songs. Hosted by North East comedy legend Bobby Healy the line up will include Howka Charvas, notorious Get Carter style Geordie gangster Kenny ‘where’s me money’ Atkinson, Blaydon’s very own sardonic ukulele merchant Gavin Webster and David the concert pianist on the ivories.

Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 March, 8pmGavin WebsterJoin cult Geordie comedian Gavin Webster as he performs a brand new high octane 90 minutes of stand up interspersed with sardonic songs, local set pieces and moronic jokes. To see Gavin is a unique comedy experience, there is no other quite like him.

“His daftness is little short of surreal genius, as good as anything Vic Reeves could have come up with.” Chortle

Friday 24 April, 8pmYoung Comics Stand-Up!Following their barnstorming success in last year’s Education & Participation Festival in the Studio Theatre, Live’s very own stable of top young comedy talent progress to the main stage. Come and catch eight of the very best young comics around, compered by John Scott, the funniest Scot(t) in Newcastle.

Live Stand-UpA regular fixture in the North East’s comedy calendar, Live Stand-Up takes place in Live’s unique cabaret style venue. We are delighted to announce that in 2009 the laughter is being sponsored by Cramlington based Potts, the print company.

Images: Gavin Webster (top) & Matthew Frost (bottom)

DATE: Tues 10 Feb, 8pmTICKETS: £10; £8 concs LOCATION:Main TheatreDURATION: Approx 2 hours including intervalSUITABILITY: Adults only

DATES: Thurs 26 to Sat 28 Mar, 8pmTICKETS: £10; £8 concs LOCATION:Main TheatreDURATION: 1 hour 45 minutes including interval SUITABILITY: Adults only

DATE: Fri 24 Apr, 8pmTICKETS: £6; £4 concs LOCATION:Main TheatreDURATION: Approx 1 hour 30 minutes including intervalSUITABILITY: 12+

Sponsored by



DATE: Sat 14 Feb, 10am & 1pmTICKETS: £6; £4 concs LOCATION:Studio TheatreDURATION: 45 minutesSUITABILITY: 8+

DATES: Thurs 16 Apr, 7.30pmFri 17 Apr, 7.30pmSat 18 Apr, 7.30pmSun 19 Apr, 4pmTICKETS: £10; £8 concs;family ticket £30LOCATION:Main TheatreDURATION: Approx 2 hours 15 minutes including intervalSUITABILITY: 8+

DATES: Fri 27 Mar to Thurs 9 Apr. For performances, including BSL, contact the box office.TICKETS: £8; £5 concs; family ticket £22LOCATION:Studio TheatreDURATION: 50 minutes (no interval)SUITABILITY: Under 7s & their families

Saturday 14 February 10am & 1pmA Live Theatre & Seven Stories Collaboration

Playing With My HeartBy Shaun PrendergastDirected by Amy GoldingPerformed by Live’s youth theatre this is a tale about friendship, football and the Angel of the North. Full of laughter and drama, the play is an entertaining look at life growing up in the North East.Supported by Culture10 and Gateshead Council, part of the Angel of the North 10th Anniversary Celebration.

Friday 27 March to Thursday 9 AprilMonster Productions & Live Theatre present

The Garden of Dreams Mischief, music and myth for under 7s and their familiesWritten by Chris Speyer. Music by Ieuan Goch ab Einion Directed by Paul James. Designed by Isla ShawChoreography by Balbir SinghWhen mischievous Rat dares Kip to wake the Sleeping Giant, they have no idea of the trouble their game will cause. The Giant dreams every new thing that enters the world. Without his dreams no new flower opens, no egg hatches, no baby is born, no new story is told. How will Kip and Rat get the Giant back to sleep?


Image: The Garden of Dreams

Family Theatre

Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 AprilUp There In LightsA musical with words by Gez Casey and songs by David Scott and Neil Blenkinsop.Directed by Paul James. Designed by Andrew WoodSet after the arrival of Punk Up There In Lights tells the story of the fierce rivalry between two comprehensive schools. This large scale musical, featuring members of Live’s youth theatre and a full live band, follows the journey of youngsters who don’t know what they want to be but know that they could be anything. Hoping that one day their name too will be up there in lights.

Family ticket = 2 adults & 2 children



Wednesday 11 February, 7.30pmIan McMillanYorkshire poet, comedian and broadcaster Ian McMillan hosts weekly words show The Verb on BBC Radio 3. He is also Yorkshire Planetarium’s Poet in Space, Poet in Residence at Barnsley FC, Humberside Police’s Beat Poet and is a regular on Newsnight Review, Just A Minute and Have I Got News For You? He was recently celebrated by The South Bank Show. His poetry shows are the stuff of legend, so come and hear him read from Talking Myself Home, his life story in poems. To find out more about Ian visit www.ian-mcmillan.co.uk

‘You could call him daft as a brush but he’s as switched on as a power station’ Yorkshire Evening Press

Sunday 14 March, 7.30pmBenjamin ZephaniahA living literary icon, Benjamin Zephaniah was born in Birmingham and raised in Jamaica and Handsworth, where he was sent to an approved school for being rebellious and ‘a born failure’. After being jailed for burglary, he decided a career change was in order, and quickly established a huge following as a poet. Benjamin turned down an OBE in 2003, and was recently voted one of the 50 greatest post-war writers by The Times. His live performances are nothing short of electrifying!

‘I defy anyone to listen to a performance of his poetry and not come away uplifted’ Poetry Review

Live PoetryJoin in this monthly event and hear the UK’s best contemporary poets read and talk about their work.

Images: Ian McMillan (top) & Benjamin Zephaniah (bottom)

DATE: Wed 11 Feb, 7.30pmTICKETS: £7; £5 concs LOCATION:Main TheatreDURATION: 1 hour 30 minutesSUITABILITY: 13+

DATE: Sun 14 Mar, 7.30pmTICKETS: £7; £5 concs LOCATION:Main TheatreDURATION: 1 hour 30 minutesSUITABILITY: 13+

To find out which poet will appear in April 2009 please visit Live Theatre’s website www.live.org.uk



Live Theatre Hosts…This season Live Theatre plays host to a fantastic selection of live music and visiting theatre, including more from the Jumpin’ Hot Club, the return of Kali Theatre Company as well as the latest show from Mind the Gap.

Jon Dee Graham (USA) & Jack White (Wales)Austin songwriter extraordinaire Jon Dee Graham is stopping off at Live Theatre for a special one-off gig as part of his European tour. Malcolm Holcombe (USA) + Gordon Smith (South Shields)Malcolm Holcombe from North Carolina is a unique guitarist, vocalist and performer. His music is a meeting ground where traditional folk, country, rock and blues all converge. Peter Case (USA) + Steph MacLeod (Scotland)Folk, country and blues singer-songwriter and guitarist Peter Case is recognised the world over as a compelling ‘live’ performer and received a prestigious Grammy nomination in 1987. Jen Grant & Amelia Curran (both Canadian)Join two of Canadian indie label ‘6 Shooter Records’ finest young songwriters Jen Grant and Amelia Curran as they make their UK debut in an exclusive double bill. Gold Heart Bluegrass Band (USA) + The Cornshed Sisters (UK)Gold Heart is the Virginia based award-winning young bluegrass band with jaw-dropping harmonies and a “fresh zest”!

Jumpin’ Hot Club

Images: from top to bottom, John Dee Graham, Malcolm Holcombe, Peter Case, Jen Grant & Gold Heart Bluegrass Band

DATE:Sun 1 Feb, 8pm TickETs: £10LocATion: Main Theatre

DATE:Sun 21 Feb, 8pm TickETs: £10LocATion: Studio Theatre

DATE:Sat 25 Apr, 8pm TickETs: £10LocATion: Main Theatre

DATE:Thurs 12 Feb, 8pm TickETs: £10LocATion: Main Theatre

DATE:Fri 20 Feb, 8pm TickETs: £10LocATion: Studio Theatre

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The Pakistan Cultural Society & Live Theatre present

Another Paradise Kali Theatre CompanyBy Sayan KentDirected by Janet Steel

Are you who you think you are? A satirical comedy about sex, corruption and Identity Cards.

Five people’s work lives, home lives… even their sex lives… are thrown into confusion and chaos in this vivid hi-tech comedy when their official identities disintegrate with surprising and hilarious results.

‘a thoroughly enjoyable play from Kali… a good piece of wacky British radicalism’ The Scotsman

Mind the Gap presents

BooEver wondered what it’s like to get away with murder?By Mike KennyDirected by Tim Wheeler

When he was born, his parents called him Beau. It means beautiful. Over time, as the years went by, the other children started to call him Boo. Though none could remember if it was because he was afraid of them, or they were afraid of him.

Mind the Gap is an award-winning theatre company that works with learning disabled and non-disabled artists as equals.

The Paper Birds presents

In a Thousand PiecesIce-creams, suitcases, floorboards and buttons tell the physically and visually moving tale of a young Eastern European girl and her journey to England. In a Thousand Pieces is a touching and delicate depiction of the violent, isolated and brutal world home to thousands of women forced into the British sex trade.

DATE:Mon 16 Mar, 7.30pmTICKETS: £10; £8 concsLOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour 30 minutes with no intervalSUITABILITY: 14+ small amount of bad language

DATE:Tues 31 Mar, 7.30pmTICKETS: £10; £8 concsLOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: 75 minutes without an intervalSUITABILITY: 11+

DATE:Sat 4 Apr, 7.30pmTICKETS: £10; £8 concsLOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hourSUITABILITY: 13+




Images from top: The Pitmen Painters, The Garden of Dreams & Looking for Buddy

The Pitmen Painters By Lee HallThe Pitmen Painters, winner of ‘Best Play’ at the 2008 Evening Standard Awards, is back at the National Theatre until Tuesday 14 April. To book tickets visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

The Garden of DreamsWritten by Chris Speyer. Music by Ieuan Goch ab Einion Live Theatre has joined forces with Monster Productions for 50 minutes of mischief, music and myth for under 7s and their families. The show will be premiered at Live Theatre before touring Britain and Ireland.

e-news To be kept up to date about Live Theatre then join our free e-mail service and be the first to receive exclusive updates about shows, events and special offers. Simply sign up by e-mailing your full name to [email protected] and get the latest news direct to your inbox every two weeks.

Live on Tour...

Coming to Live in May 2009…

The Octagon Theatre, Bolton & Live Theatre present

Looking for BuddyBy Alan PlaterTV writer and playwright Alan Plater (Tales from the Backyard; Close the Coalhouse Door) who created the hit musical Blonde Bombshells of 1943, has teamed up with award-winning multi-instrumentalist Alan Barnes for a new jazz musical. With an original score, a dark and mysterious atmosphere and a Geordie, Phillip Marlowe, the show is a wry, witty and surreal look at new Tyneside.



Live BarAt the heart of Live Theatre is the Atrium bar, a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely drink before and after a performance. Order your interval drinks and ice creams at the bar before the show and remember you can take your drinks into the theatre. The bar opens two hours before a performance and closes at 11.30pm.

Building ToursJoin a member of the front of house team on a fascinating informal tour around Live Theatre. Explore the history of the building and take a sneaky peek at areas usually off limits, including backstage and the dressing rooms.

Caffé VivoLooking for a tasty pre-theatre supper? Then look no further than Terry Laybourne’s, Caffé Vivo offering special early evening deals (from 5.30pm). The pre-theatre offer includes two courses for £14 and three courses £16.50.

Designed & MadeThe Designed & Made Gallery, located on the first floor at Live Theatre, showcases the best of North East designer makers. With a changing exhibition programme there is always something new to see.

DATES: Thurs 5 Feb, 6.30pm & Sat 7 Mar, 12pmTICKETS: £4DURATION: 1 hour

Images: Wine at the Atrium Bar, Writers’ Room 2 & Caffé Vivo

Don’t Miss…

OPEN: Tues to Sat, 10am to 10pmCALL: (0191) 232 1331EMAIL: [email protected]

OPEN: Wed to Sat, 12.30 to 6pmCALL: (0191) 229 2398EMAIL: info@designed andmade.co.ukwww.designedand made.co.uk



Get More From Live Theatre

Hire LiveThe unique atmosphere and quirky, historic spaces at Live Theatre are available to hire for a range of events and occasions. For more information contact Wendy Barnfather on (0191) 269 3497 or email [email protected]

Take a SeatLove Theatre? Then why not buy a seat to show your support. For more information call (0191) 232 1232.

Corporate PartnersBecome one of Live Theatre’s Corporate Partners for a chance to entertain clients, meet the cast and discounts on room hire. For more information contact Gillian Firth on (0191) 269 3498 or email [email protected]

Current Corporate Partners are:

Level 2

Level 1

Seating PlanWhether you choose to sit in the cabaret, theatre or balcony section of Live’s unique and intimate theatre audiences are never far from the action. Seats in the cabaret section can be pre-booked but are allocated on a first served basis for each performance.



Live Theatre is grateful to the following for revenue funding:

The Gillian Dickinson Charitable Trust, The Shears Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Baring Foundation

Public Transport Live Theatre is a 10 minute walk from Central Station, Monument and Manors Metro Stations. The Quay Link bus service runs every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes during the evening until midnight providing a safe and easy way of getting to and from the theatre. Call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 for more travel information.

Parking There is a car park in the new Trinity Gardens complex 50 metres up the road from the theatre, which can be accessed from City Road and Trinity Gardens. This is a secure 24 hour car park and costs 70p per hour and 25p per hour after 6pm. There is limited on street parking on Broad Chare and additional car parks nearby.

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Quay Link bus stops

Location & Travel Information


Live Theatre, Broad Chare, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ Admin (0191) 261 2694 Box office (0191) 232 1232 Textphone 18001 232 1232 Fax (0191) 232 2224 [email protected] [email protected] www.live.org.uk


live theatre (february to april 2009)

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