Live Theatre What's On Mar to Dec 2023

"Live Theatre, the work and community of artists that made it has been the most important and defining influence on all my writing.

"

Lee Hall (Billy Elliott, THE Pitmen Painters)

and the very worst bad. Their place on a printed page

The word LIVE means several things. It means something right there in front of you. It means a sharing of time or space with others. It means charged, active, changeable. Its other meaning refers to the very act of being, how we occupy our place in the world, how we coexist with others.

To live is a right each of us have, although its quality has varied radically and unjustly for too many for too long.

LIVE also refers to a special theatre at the heart of Newcastle’s Quayside. A theatre that has survived fifty years on the words of writers spoken by actors largely from this one corner of the world.

It has withstood huge changes to society. When many venues have the familiar to fall back on, Live Theatre remains resolutely committed to the new. We believe passionately in the value of the unheard. Our survival is in part due to our own shape-shifting nature, but ultimately is down to the dedication of our generous and endlessly curious audiences. And of course, to our growing community of artists who have never once run out of words.

Thank you all for the last 50 years. Now let’s enjoy the future.

CONTENTS

Welcome P3

A Proper Live Night Out P4 & P5

50 Years of Live P6 & P7

What’s On P8 – P27

Get Involved P28 – P33

Plan Your Visit P36 - P37

What’s On Calendar P39 - P42

The Live Team

Words have power. With just 26 characters and a smattering of punctuation we are able to evoke entire universes, enforce policy, affect minds, change worlds. Words can be used for the greatest good

is only the beginning. They come to life before we know it and the effect they have is immediate and very real.

A PROPER LIVE NIGHT OUT

Live Theatre is a different kind of theatre. We offer great nights out charged with a sense of discovery. The stories we put on our stage have mostly never been heard before. If you are in the audience, you were there first. You are part of our story.

People often tell us that Live Theatre is their favourite theatre. We have a lovely snug bar, a beautiful creative space for children, a flexible studio, and a theatre where every seat is close to the action. But what really makes this theatre great are the people who come here. And that means you. Our

audiences make this place what it is. It is important to us that each of you feel welcome and able to have the greatest night out possible.

Who is Live Theatre for?

Absolutely everyone. Every age*, background and identity is warmly welcomed here. You will be safe, you will be respected, you will be celebrated for who you are. Please don’t leave your culture at the door. You make Live Theatre what it is.

* Some productions have recommended age guidance.

How do I get there?

Live Theatre is situated just off the Newcastle Quayside on Broad Chare, behind the Law Courts. The closest car park is Quayside Multi-storey.

The closest Metro stations are Manors (0.4 miles), Central Station (0.5 miles) and Monument (0.7 miles).

When are shows on?

Usually Tuesday to Sunday. Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm with 2pm matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays. Sunday shows are usually at 4pm and children’s shows take place through the day as

scheduled. Shows don’t usually last much more than two hours so you can always get away at a reasonable time. Hanging out in our bar afterwards and chatting to actors is strongly encouraged.

How much does it cost?

We always try and keep costs as low as we can. Ticket prices can start from £6 and can vary from show to show depending on peak/off peak timing and seats, although all of our seats are comfortable and offer a great view (top tip –cabaret seats are the best!).

Are shows accessible?

Yes! Every performance space is wheelchair accessible and every in-house production has BSL, captioned and audio described performances as well as touch tours (please see show schedules on pages 39 - 42). We have a lift and there are accessible toilets on each floor. Our fixed theatre seats measure 41cm x 44cm and the informality of the space means audience members can always leave and re-enter if they wish. We are continually improving access and if you have any needs that are not being met please let us know.

What about safety?

Our building is always staffed with people who will ensure it is a safe, healthy space. Our main theatre’s heating and ventilation offers a full fresh air and extract air system. Live Theatre is cleaned each day and hand sanitiser is available throughout the building. Mask wearing is not obligatory but very much welcomed if audience members choose. Your health and confidence matters to us.

If you have not given Live Theatre a go yet, this is the year to start. We have a packed schedule for our 50th anniversary with something truly for everyone. Why not give it a go – you might just love it!

50 YEARS OF LIVE THEATRE

LIVE READINGS

Thu 13 Apr / 7.30pm

THE TAXI DRIVER’S DAUGHTER by

NINA BERRY

A celebration of Julia Darling on the anniversary of her death, with a first ever reading of Nina Berry’s new play based on Darling’s novel.

PRICE £12 / THEATRE

Fri 14 Apr / 7.30pm

We’ve hit the big 5-0! For half a century Live Theatre's mission has been to bring audiences cutting edge new theatre writing and amazing local talent. Our stories have been rooted in the North East, celebrating our unmistakable cultural identity. Our audiences and creative community will have cherished memories of visits to our unique theatre space and personal favourites from our extensive repertoire of past productions. To celebrate our 50th year and pave the way for the future we present a series of special readings, talks and events.

Sat 15 Apr / 7.30pm AN EXPERIMENT WITH AN AIR PUMP by SHELAGH

STEPHENSON

introduced by the writer

A rare opportunity to hear a reading of Live Theatre royalty Shelagh Stephenson’s internationally acclaimed play, set in Newcastle on consecutive New Years Eves.

PRICE £15 / THEATRE

Fri 21 Apr / 7.30pm

SNOOKERED by

ISHY DIN

A rare chance to experience renowned Middlesbrough playwright Ishy Din’s debut play about young men who meet in a snooker hall to commemorate the death of their friend.

PRICE £12 / THEATRE

Sat 22 Apr / 7.30pm

WET HOUSE by PADDY

Sun 16 Apr / 4pm

WITTGENSTEIN ON TYNE by LEE HALL

+ Writer in conversation

CAMPBELL

+ Writer in conversation

We asked our audience which play they would like to see return to Live Theatre. Paddy Campbell’s acclaimed play was the clear winner. Campbell’s “thrillingly funny” (The Guardian) and deeply moving play set in a homeless hostel receives a box fresh reading with a roll call of brilliant local actors.

PRICE £12 / THEATRE

THE FILLETING MACHINE by TOM HADAWAY + THE FILLETING APP by ALEX OATES

Live Theatre’s flagship play is given a rare reading alongside Alex Oates’ brand new update on the story for the digital age. The same cast will perform both shows.

PRICE £12 / THEATRE

One of the defining creative partnerships at Live Theatre was director Max Roberts and writer Lee Hall. Here we bring them both together with members of the original cast to hear an extremely rare reading of the hilarious and thought provoking short play that established their relationship.

PRICE £15 / THEATRE

SEE MORE AND SAVE Book 2 readings and save 10% / Book 3 readings and save 20% / Book 4 or more and save 30%

We are thrilled to welcome a number of extremely special guests to Live Theatre's stage to meet our audiences and help us celebrate our milestone year.

Funds raised from these events will support Live Theatre’s Talent Development and Children and Young People’s programmes.

Early booking strongly advised.

LIVE 50

LIVE ENCOUNTERS

Tue 14 March / 6pm

MAYOR JAMIE DRISCOLL in conversation with KEN LOACH

One of the most important filmmakers of our time, and regular chronicler of the North East, Ken Loach joins us for a rare conversation with North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll about his work, career and political passions.

PRICE £6 / THEATRE

Sat 15 Apr / 3pm

STEWART LEE in conversation with NEIL JACKSON

'The world’s greatest living stand up' (The Times) comes to Live to talk art and ideas with Newcastle’s Neil Jackson in support of the recent publication of Post Nearly Press Conversation Series. With live music by Mariam Rezaei and Angharad Davies courtesy of Tusk Festival.

PRICE £15 / THEATRE

Wed 19 Apr / 7.30pm

CHRIS MULLIN DIARIES

FUNDRAISER HIGHLIGHTS

Wed 12 Apr / 7.30pm

JIMMY NAIL and friends

Legendary actor and musician Jimmy Nail will talk about those who inspired and encouraged him throughout his own personal odyssey and perform a select few songs with a trio of very special musicians.

PRICE £40 / THEATRE

Thu 6 Apr / 7.30pm

NADINE SHAH

An extremely rare onstage Q&A with one of the greatest voices of our age and proud Tynesider Nadine Shah. Hear her talk about creativity, formative influences and her upcoming play To Be A Young Man.

PRICE £15 / THEATRE

Chris Mullin launches a new volume of his acclaimed diaries. From the demise of New Labour, through Brexit to the death of the Queen, he paints a vivid picture of our recent political history. Chris will be interviewed by playwright, Michael Chaplin.

PRICE £5 / THEATRE

Thu 20 Apr / 7.30pm

STING

We are thrilled to welcome the iconic artist Sting to Live’s stage. The 17-time Grammy Award winner will chat with our Artistic Director, Jack McNamara, about his life, career and musical inspirations, and will also perform a few songs. An extremely special event for one night only!

PRICE £50 / THEATRE

A LIVE THEATRE production in association with EMMERSON AND WARD

Written by ROB WARD

Directed by BEX BOWSHER

It’s Spring 1996, Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United are riding high in the Premier League and Tony Blair’s New Labour are gathering pace. Hope is in the air and victory seems within reach. Len, a long term traditional Labour left activist, has decided to run as a candidate for local Labour MP, but the arrival of Victoria as front runner throws a spanner in the works. With loyalties tested and tensions reaching fever pitch, the winning team will be decided in an explosive head-to-head challenge.

Love It If We Beat Them is a new political drama that explores a time of significant change in the identity of North East communities and perfectly captures a moment in recent history that defines who we are today.

CAST: DAVID NELLIST - LEN, JESSICA JOHNSON - JEAN, DEAN BONE - MICHAEL, EVE TUCKER - VICTORIA

Thu 2 – Sat 25 Mar / 7.30pm

Matinees: Sat 4, 11, 18 & 25 Mar / 2pm

Thu 9, 16 & 23 Mar / 2pm

Sun 12 & 19 Mar / 4pm

PRICE £10 - £28

Concessions from £6

Age Rating 14+

THEATRE Approx. 2hrs with interval Contains strong language and themes of child loss

FOOTBALL & POLITICS

George Caulkin, northern sports correspondent from The Athletic hosts a guest panel talking footie and politics.

Sun 19 Mar / 7pm

PRICE £15

THEATRE

A knockout play about Labour, Love and the Beautiful Game

BUY MORE AND SAVE

Buy tickets for more than one of our 50th Birthday highlight productions Love It If We Beat Them, To Be A Young Man, The Cold Buffet and Three Acts Of Love and you will qualify for a discount on full priced tickets.

lasagna

presented by OPEN CLASP THEATRE COMPANY

Written by CATRINA MCHUGH

Directed by LAURA LINDOW

Co-created with the women from Pause, North East.

What would you do if a neighbour started to leave food on your step? It’s the first national lockdown, two women, both strangers, step out and across the line that divides them. Lasagna is based on the true life experiences of women who have lost multiple children to the care system. It celebrates community, generosity and humanity.

From the company behind Key Change (New York Times Critics’ Pick) and Sugar on BBC iPlayer

Wed 8 – Sat 11 Mar / 8pm

Matinee Sat 11 Mar / 2.30pm

PRICE £15 Concessions from £6

Age Rating 13+

STUDIO Approx. 1hr no interval

LIVE YOUTH THEATRE presents:

ADD TO PLAYLIST +

Live Theatre’s acclaimed Youth Theatre creates an original album of their lives, thoughts and concerns inspired by favourite song titles.

An exciting mix of theatre and comedy sketches offering a fascinating window into issues affecting young people here and now. Spin the decks and witness an action-packed weekend with an array of talent on display.

Sat 1 Apr / 7pm

Sun 2 Apr / 2pm

PRICE £10

Concessions £6

THEATRE Approx 2hrs with interval

A LIVE THEATRE production In association with BRIGHTON FESTIVAL

TO BE A YOUNG MAN

Written by NADINE SHAH and JACKIE THOMPSON

One of the most important voices in contemporary music and a proud exponent of the North East, Nadine Shah’s debut album Love Your Dum and Mad turns ten this year. To mark this major cultural moment, Shah has been working with writer Jackie Thompson to develop an original play that takes a deep dive into the themes and influences of that remarkable album, giving them a whole new theatrical life.

The result is a play both haunting and hilarious, a story of grief, mental health, the complexities of friendship and the power of creativity. Digging deep into a defining personal and creative relationship in Shah’s life, this play for four actors will be saturated with sounds from that mesmerising first album.

Thu 4 – Sat 20 May / 7.30pm

Matinees: Sat 6, 13 & 20 May / 2pm

Thu 11 & 18 May / 2pm

Sun 14 May / 4pm

PRICE £10 - £28

Concessions from £6

Age Rating 15+

THEATRE Approx. 2hrs with interval Contains strong language and themes of suicide

BUY MORE AND SAVE

Buy tickets for more than one of our 50th Birthday highlight productions Love It If We Beat Them, To Be A Young Man, The Cold Buffet and Three Acts Of Love and you will qualify for a discount on full priced tickets.

Strangers meet at the funeral of a friend. But is it their friend who is the real stranger?

SHY BAIRN THEATRE present

Amara meets Bridgette at a protest, one of those, ‘hippy, green, save-theplanet’ things. She’s just popped out to grab some milk and now she’s late - and there's a flood coming.

Bridgette’s a committed activist. Amara’s about to finish her GCSEs. Their town’s been flooded. Again. But how’s getting arrested going to help anything? They can’t afford to do that.

Burnout was created with climate activists across the UK. The show exposes the burnout experienced by activists from marginalised communities alongside the burnout of our planet.

Burnout is written by Nicole Acquah (Women’s Playwriting Prize Shortlist 2022 for SANKOFA) and devised by the company. It’s a call to action for audiences to think about privilege, activism and climate justice.

Fri 2 & Sat 3 Jun / 7.30pm

PRICE £15 Concessions from £6

THEATRE Approx. 1hr

WITHOUT US

Written and directed by STEVE GILROY Co-created with ANDREW MACLEOD and ANDREW ROBSON

The Lawnmowers’ brand new production Without Us, a story about the sacrifices parents make for their children and the fact that ultimately, those children need to fly. With warmth and humour it depicts one man with learning disabilities’ journey to discover his own voice, identity, and purpose.

The development of Without Us began at the start of 2019, but like so many theatre projects its progress was stalled by Covid 19. It is a delight to bring the show to the stage.

Thu 15 – Sat 17 Jun / 8pm

PRICE £10 Concessions £6 STUDIO

‘Like the planet I’m trying to save I am screaming - and you want me to speak of hope?’

LAWNMOWERS THEATRE COMPANY in collaboration with MURMUR THEATRE present

Iconic local theatre company

CATH AND PHIL TYLER

Described as ‘one of the most compelling musical partnerships on the scene’ Cath and Phil Tyler play Anglo-American folk music using guitar, banjo, voice and fiddle. ‘An intimate musical experience that penetrates to the very rawest essence of folk tradition.’

Thu 13 Jul / 7.30pm

THEATRE PRICE £12

EDINBURGH

RUTH LYON

An intimate acoustic performance from rising star Ruth Lyon, a singersongwriter of intense honesty and an impulse to say it how it is. Making a unique brand of ‘baroquepop’ she bares her soul with courage and conviction - full of stark self-reflection but also a knowing nod to the absurdity of life.

Fri 14 Jul / 7.30pm

THEATRE

PRICE £12

AN EVENING WITH LINDISFARNE

Ray Laidlaw & Billy Mitchell

- The Lindisfarne Story. Lindisfarne have always been close to Live’s heart. This is a rare chance to experience much loved songs and stunning music up close and personal and to hear from these two North East legends in a candid and lively Q&A.

S at 15 Jul / 7.30pm

THEATRE PRICE £25

Can’t get to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year? Don’t worry, we’ll bring it to you! Catch a range of some of the

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

installation: housing contains the word sing by gobscure

The extraordinary body of work made by our new Associate Artist gobscure can now be experienced in full through a new studio installation that brings together a trilogy of provocative and playful works based on gobscure’s lived experience of homelessness.

Sat 1 – Sat 8 Jul STUDIO FREE –donations to the artist encouraged.

GEORGIAN SHORE

Directed by EMMA ROXBURGH with writer/performers

SIAN ARMSTRONG, SAMANTHA BELL, CHESS TOMLINSON, OLIVIA HURST & LAUREN HURWOOD.

Who run the world? Men! It’s Georgian England and Beyonce would not be happy. But hello girls, why let the small things like thousands of years of ingrained misogyny, societal constraints, and the long arm of the law get in the way of living your best life? Based on the lives of five real Georgian women with absolute factual-ish accuracy. What happens when wellbehaved women, aren't? Mischief and exaggeration guaranteed, with enough truth for good measure!

Ghosts of Metroland

Written by REECE CONNOLLY

‘Hear that? That’s the sound of Europe’s largest indoor rollercoaster, flying past 6ft above your head. And if you thought that was the coolest, scariest, radgiest thing about this place… wellget a load of this…’

Two teens working their first jobs over a long warm 90s summer… As the friends navigate the often treacherous boundary between tweendom and adulthood they find themselves suddenly embroiled in an equally fantastic, inexplicable, dangerous adventure… A rift has opened, between worlds, somewhere just behind the out-of-order Slush Puppie machines… People are falling in… Other things have started to come out…

I DREAM OF THERESA MAY

Written by VIVEK NITYANANDA

December, 2013. The Supreme Court of India overturns a previous judgement and upholds Section 377, a colonial law criminalizing homosexuality. Queer Indians who had come out after the previous judgement instantly find themselves in jeopardy in their own country. Three queer Indian friends living in the UK are left in limbo, not belonging in the UK, but criminals if they return to India.

PLUS WORKSHOPS, MASTERCLASSES, TALKS, SCRATCHES and SOCIALS

FANCY A GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE? GET BOOKING: www.live.org.uk/ef2023

YOUR VOICE YOUR WORLD NORTH EAST

At Live Theatre we believe everyone is a potential artist. Your Voice Your World North East flings the doors open and asks writers who have never written for our stage to share their unique visions with our audience.

These writers and artists are the future of our theatre. Be there at the very beginning and see the world afresh.

The stage is set. Anything is possible.

“Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it. I’m eternally grateful to the brilliant team at Live Theatre for seeing the potential in my story. An experience of a lifetime, working with Live, for the Geordie audience, in the greatest f****** city on the planet.”

Playwright RIC RENTON

Thu 7 - Sat 9 Sep / 7.30pm

Matinee: Sat 9 Sep / 2pm

PRICE £10 - £15 Concessions from £6

Age Rating 14+

THEATRE Approx 1hr 40 with interval

Script submission deadline Fri 2 Jun see page 28

A CURIOUS MONKEY Production

by HAMZEH AL-HUSSEIN

Supported by D6: CULTURE IN TRANSIT

PENGUIN

BE PROUD. BE WHO YOU ARE. BE MORE PENGUIN.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW …

I AM HAMZEH. MY FAVOURITE SHISHA FLAVOUR IS DOUBLE APPLE. I LOVE DANCING.

HERE’S WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN… THERE WILL BE LOUD MUSIC. A WEDDING. MY FIRST TIME ON A PLANE. A LOT OF MOONLIGHT.

THIS IS THE STORY OF MY LIFE (SO FAR). PEOPLE HAVE A LOT OF QUESTIONS. THE ANSWER IS "YES. I CAN DO ANYTHING."

Full of humour and beauty, Hamzeh Al-Hussein’s extraordinary story takes you on a personal tour of the places he knows best. His village in the Syrian mountains, Za’atari camp in Jordan, Gateshead and inside his mind: a place full of music, dancing, fantasies and marbles. Hamzeh invites the audience to be his childhood friends, to hold up the moon to light his way, and into his dreams, brushing the dust from his clothes...and taking the stage.

Wed 20 - Sat 23 Sep / 7.30pm

Matinee: Sat 23 Sep / 2pm

PRICE £10 - Concessions from £6

Age Rating 14+

THEATRE Approx. 1hr 15 mins

A LIVE THEATRE production

Written by ELIJAH YOUNG

There’s always something to celebrate!

Making an appearance at family gettogethers is the only time Ellis can muster the strength to visit home. The awkward small talk with his younger cousin, the underlying tension with his dad, avoiding conversation with his intolerable soon-to-be step mam and slighting comments from his passive aggressive grandma are a few of the things he prepares himself for. When it begins to become tradition at these occasions for true feelings to be unearthed, is it time for Ellis to cut ties?

Many things change over the years but something that will always remain is the small function room and the same old, cold buffet.

A delicious North East family saga, laced with dry humour and a good dose of interpersonal tension.

Thu 5 – Sat 28 Oct / 7.30pm

Matinees: Sat 7, 14 & 21 Oct / 2pm

Thu 12, 19 & 26 Oct / 2pm

Sun 15 & 22 Oct / 4pm

PRICE £10 - £24

Concessions from £6

BUY MORE AND SAVE

Buy tickets for more than one of our 50th Birthday highlight productions Love It If We Beat Them, To Be A Young Man, The Cold Buffet and Three Acts Of Love and you will qualify for a discount on full priced tickets.

THE COLD BUFFET

UNEXPECTED ITEM IN THE BAGGING AREA

Written, devised and performed by SCOTT

TURNBULL and ANDY BERRIMAN

Welcome to ‘The Dog-House’. An old, run-down, American style Diner just off the A19.

Working the night shift is our unlikely hero, Mark, who is about to embark on the strangest night of his life...

Join him as he battles giant cockroaches, vampires, serial killers and singing sausages. Will Mark triumph against the surreal and often hilarious forces of evil??? Only one thing’s for certain - There's Something Unexpected in the Bagging Area...

Fri 20 & Sat 21 Oct / 8pm

PRICE £10 Concessions £6

STUDIO

A GALA DURHAM & QUEEN'S HALL ARTS CENTRE co-production

Beyond Caring

By CHRISTINA CASTLING

Directed by JONLUKE MCKIE

“Older people, they’re still people. Like you and me. Just a bit, well, baggier around the edges.”

Meet Queenie, Elaine and Alex, resident, relative and carer at Cedar Point Care Home. A place where the corridors roar with laughter and ache with sadness and where outrageous antics mingle with tough conversations. Beyond Caring is a powerful new play that takes a frank, humorous and heartbreaking look at life behind the doors of a care home. Based on interviews with residents, relatives and staff, this play uncovers the reality of caring for others, looking after ourselves and getting older.

"I don’t know what I pictured, but it wasn’t this. Having to let go, bit by bit until, well – I’ve let go of so much, I’m not quite sure what’s left to hold on to."

Tue 31 Oct & Wed 1 Nov

PRICE £10 - £15 Concessions from £6

THEATRE

LAURELS AT LIVE A LAURELS THEATRE, EASTLAKE PRODUCTIONS

& HELEN DOUGHTY PRODUCTIONS presentation

Adapted by JAMIE EASTLAKE

Antony Gormley's Angel looked down on the lads. 'She'll see us through, she'll help us. The guardian angel of f*****g toe rags.'

TWO LADS. ONE MISSION. BELTA.

Based on Jonathan Tulloch's The Season Ticket, adapted by Jamie Eastlake. Sewell and Gerry live in Gateshead. Theirs seems the perfect partnership. Sewell is physically strong, Gerry is small but crafty. Neither has attended school for a long time. Both are broke, and both love one thing, Newcastle United. An exciting adaptation featuring puppetry, live music and a purely belter tale of epic proportions.

Transferring after two sell out runs at Laurels, Whitley Bay. Making the production the first ever North East fringe theatre transfer in 50 years of Live Theatre.

Winner ‘Best North East Fringe Production’ ChrisOnTheatre

‘Engaging performances, sharp writing and smart design in an adaptation that balances darkness and laughter to great effect.’

THE STAGE

Wed 8 – Sat 18 Nov / 7.30pm

Matinees: Sat 11 & 18 Nov / 2pm

PRICE £24

Concessions from £18

Age Rating 15+

THEATRE Approx. 2hrs with interval

A LIVE THEATRE production

THREE ACTS OF LOVE

Written by LAURA LINDOW, NAOMI OBENG & VICI WREFORD-SINNOTT

Passion. Obsession. Acceptance.

Betrayal. It’s time for a massive bowl of love soup!

Three ground-breaking female playwrights have cooked up a feast for you, with a trio of short plays with music that explore love in all its glorious, sticky complexity.

A young woman runs away from a world that doesn’t understand her and finds shelter in a local social club. But will they have the heart to truly let her in?

A visiting expert lecturing on the secrets of the heart has a dark and unexpected truth of their own.

An obsessive fan poses as her musical idol online and becomes lost in a maze of love and revenge.

From the boozy warmth of the social club to the endless labyrinth of the internet, this is a show about the communities we form, the care that we show each other and the love that we hope never tears us apart.

Come in out of the cold and enjoy a three-course play to warm the soul.

Thu 30 Nov – Sat 16 Dec / 7.30pm

Matinees: Sat 2, 9, 16 Dec / 2pm

Thu 7 & 14 Dec / 2pm

Sun 10 Dec / 4pm

PRICE £10 - £20

Concessions from £6

Age Rating 14+

THEATRE Approx. 2hrs with interval

BUY MORE AND SAVE

Buy tickets for more than one of our 50th Birthday highlight productions Love It If We Beat Them, To Be A Young Man, The Cold Buffet and Three Acts Of Love and you will qualify for a discount on full priced tickets.

After the triumph of our first family Christmas show, Live Theatre presents a brand new gloriously outrageous winter treat for children.

Snow covered maps and mountainous mayhem

Christmas show we present a brand new gloriously outrageous winter treat for children. Merging the pen of a world class writer with the uncontainable imaginations of schoolchildren, Wintry Tales brings you a series of entirely new, entirely delightful, borderline ridiculous and deeply warming tales brought to stunning theatrical life.

Lisette Auton is a proudly Northern and disabled writer, activist, and creative practitioner who works with words in all their forms, solo and with collaborators, as a children’s author published by Puffin, a playwright, a film and theatre maker, in galleries, in theatres and in the community. Some people say she’s a word artist – she says she does stuff with words.

is proper new writing for kids. No fairytale adaptations, no happily ever afters. These stories and ideas are as fresh as new snow and as wild as an avalanche ride (a really safe one).

Sat 9, 16 & 23 Dec / 10.30am, 1.30pm & 6pm

Wed 13 – Fri 15 Dec / 6pm

Sun 10 & 17 Dec / 10.30am, 1.30pm & 6pm

Tue 19 – Sat 23 Dec / 10.30am, 1.30pm & 6pm

PRICE £12 Concessions £8

Age Rating 5+ but all ages and family members are very welcome!

STUDIO Approx 1hr

Written by Lisette Auton in collaboration with primary school children from across the North East.

Wintry Tales is generously supported by The Gillian Dickinson

‘Will certainly warm your heart!’ THE REVIEWS HUB on Wintry Tales

Trust.

artist development OF the FUTURE

GET INVOLVED

For fifty years Live Theatre has been the voice of the North East, championing the stories of our region and communities. Many of the plays you see on our stages began life in a workshop, a scratch night or one of our rehearsal spaces. As we celebrate our fiftieth anniversary, we open our new season with Love It If We Beat Them by Rob Ward, a play idea that won the Live Theatre Elevator Bursary back in 2020. Later in the autumn we welcome Elijah Young’s play The Cold Buffet.

Elijah has participated in a number of our talent development opportunities,

LIVE PLAYWRITING

Do you want to be a playwriting voice of the future? Learn key aspects of writing a play for the stage through a mixture of practical workshops and masterclasses. Led by Live Theatre’s creative team and leading industry professionals, this is a friendly and informal course for writers at an early stage in their career.

The course will run from Sat 4 Nov 2023, to Feb 2024. (10 sessions delivered in a combination of on-line and at Live Theatre)

Deadline: Tue 30 May

Free (by application)

DO YOU HAVE A VOICE THAT NEEDS A STAGE?

Do you have a story that needs to be heard?

We’re on a mission to find new ten minute plays that reflect contemporary lived experience in the North East. We will select and commission seven scripts to be performed in September 2023.

Deadline Fri 2 Jun

Free By application

Suitable 14+

LIVE THEATRE BURSARY

Submissions are now open for Live Theatre Bursary. This bursary is open to writers, artists, companies and collaborations. The bursary includes dramaturgical and producing support.

Deadline: Fri 30 Jun

Free (by application)

MEET OUR ASSOCIATES

The North East Playwriting Award

We are hugely excited to announce the inaugural North East Playwriting Award, presented by Live Theatre in partnership with The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust This brand new venture seeks to award commissions to two playwrights who are either from or based in the North East of England. The commissioned plays will be produced for our stage.

Our main award will offer a playwright a fulllength commission fee and ensuing production in our main theatre.

Furthermore, we are thrilled to build on our commitment to young talent by offering a second award to a young playwright (16-25 years) to write an under-70 minute play.

The winner will be announced in a ceremony at Live Theatre early 2024.

"An amazing opportunity for writers from our rich and diverse region to be able to take part in such a generous and timely award....this has the potential be life changing for the winners."

Ishy

Din (playwright)

Submissions open: Thu 9 Mar - Mon 7 Aug

Free (by application)

Suitable 16+

Find out more at www.live.org.uk/talentdevelopment

Live Theatre is delighted to support the work of two new Associate Artists, gobscure and Kemi-Bo Jacobs. These two highly distinctive and deeply political North East artists will develop their work alongside the Live Theatre team. These artists are the future. Watch this space…..

Presented by Live Theatre

Supported by The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust

Photo: photosbybish

LIVE THEATREYOUTHNewcastle and Sunderland

Live Youth Theatre is all about meeting new friends, developing self-confidence and creating original plays that reflect your views, thoughts and opinions. We are really proud that the weekly sessions in Newcastle and Sunderland are delivered by some of the most exciting theatre makers in the region.

Live Youth Theatre meet weekly throughout the school year and over three exciting terms young people will develop their skills in stage craft, create a new play to perform on the stage and explore scripts that have been produced and performed at Live Theatre.

If you want to join the North East’s largest free

youth theatre, and you are aged between 10 – 25 years please see joining info below. We welcome everyone!

FREE, limited places

Registrations for Sunderland Youth Theatre open on Mon 3 Apr with sessions starting week commencing Mon 1 May.

Registration for 2023/24 academic year in Newcastle opens on Mon 3 Jul for current members and on Mon 17 Jul for new members. Places will be confirmed by Mon 4 Sep.

Terms start week commencing Mon 18 Sep.

Suitable for ages 10 - 25 years (academic year 6 upwards).

FREE STORY & PLAYWRITING WORKSHOPS FOR KS2 &

KS3 in Newcastle and Sunderland

Live Tales is a programme of free, fun, engaging workshops which unlock the incredible imagination of pupils. They can embrace their creativity as worlds are built, characters come to life and ideas spark excitement and confidence. They can explore original thinking and discover their voice as they craft their own stories and explore playwriting. Even the most reluctant of writers will be inspired!

Live Tales, Story Writing

Workshop KS2 (year 3 to 6)

Your class create a brand new story and characters that are illustrated live as the children create a theme. Every child leaves with their own story and they can carry on writing at school or at home.

Live Tales Play Makers

Workshop KS2 & KS3 (up to year 8)

Your class explores plays and scripts through games designed around character, story, conflict and dialogue.

Live Tales Playwriting

KS3 (year 7 to 9)

The focus is on playwriting through games that playfully explore change and conflict in drama, giving the pupils the freedom to write without constraints, and create an original short script by the end of the workshop.

Live Tales offers online (90 mins) and in person workshops (2 hrs) at our studio at Live Theatre Newcastle or Sunderland Fire Station. All workshops can be adapted to suit the ability of your class/group.

“The children loved the session and asked if they could carry on with another ‘Yes And’ story. They then set themselves a challenge to create a whole class version. They had to go round everyone before lunch to complete the tale. They were still talking about it well into the afternoon. Thanks again for the session it was excellent.”

Mr Boyle, Y5 teacher, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Southmoor.

“We’ve had an amazing morning – a whole term’s worth in 90 minutes! The children had a great time!” Mrs Howe, St Alban’s Primary School, Gateshead. (Online Play Makers).

This is what the children had to say:

“It was extremely, extremely fun and amazing! Thank you for the lovely lesson!”

“Brilliant! Interesting! Hilarious!”

FREE , Booking essential

For information on times available and to book, go to www.live.org.uk/livetales and why not sign up to the teachers e-newsletter to receive regular updates.

BE PART OF OUR STORY

VOLUNTEER

Theatre lovers

Creative sparks

Behind-the-scenes-helpers

From greeting guests to sparking the imaginations of children and young people, it takes all sorts of volunteers to bring our stories to life and ensure our shows go on.

Live Theatre’s volunteers are an incredible and invaluable group of people who give a wealth of energy and enthusiasm to the work of the theatre.

Volunteer roles are varied and available in Live Tales our thriving children and young people’s writing centres (Newcastle and Sunderland), and in other areas of Live Theatre’s work. Roles include supporting and encouraging children and young people to write, illustrating their stories, or leading tours of the buildings.

Volunteering is a fabulous means of personal development and a great way to make friends. All

volunteers receive ongoing training and support, a programme of social events and some discounts at Live Theatre.

‘It’s so exciting to see the children’s ideas flourish in this environment, and the way they work together to create brilliantly original stories.’

Live Tales Volunteer.

To join Live Theatre’s thriving group of volunteers, email volunteer@live.org.uk or call (0191) 229 2371.

LIVE FRIENDS

Live Theatre is a registered charity and depends on the support of our valued Friends to help us produce new plays, nurture new talent, bring the stories of the North East to life and introduce as many people as we can to the thrilling experience of theatre. Our Friends make Live better!

Join as a Best Friend, Good Friend or Friend from as little as £5 per month, and take advantage of a range

of EXCLUSIVE benefits

• 2-4-1 Tickets on Selected Performances

• 10% Discount at Live Theatre’s Atrium Bar

• Special Friends Events

• Invitations to our Season Launch

• Priority Booking

• Free Ticket Exchanges

For our 50th Birthday, we would like your help to recruit 50 new Friends to grow our community of supporters, and create more opportunities for special Friends events and exclusive behind the scenes experiences. Do you have a friend or family member who loves theatre, likes a discount and is passionate about supporting new writers, children and young people in the North East? Every introduction will make a difference to our community of writers and theatre makers. Share our #FiftyFriends campaign in 2023.

Best Friends: Noreen Bates, Jim Beirne, Michael & Pat Brown, George Caulkin, Sue & Simon Clugston, Helen Coyne, Christine Elton, Chris Foy, Robson Green, Brenna Hobson, John Jordan, Graham Maddick, Elaine Orrick, Paul Shevlin, Margaret & John Shipley, Shelagh Stephenson, Sting, Alan Tailford and Lucy Winskell.

To find out more and join see www.live.org.uk/friends, email friends@live.org.uk or call (0191) 269 3497.

LIVE GIVING

Help Live Theatre to continue its inspiring creative programme and play a vital role in supporting theatre in the North East. Every donation we receive contributes to our work on stage and behind the scenes - commissioning writers, finding and nurturing future generations of talented theatre makers, producing original and innovative work, that will reach new audiences and enrich lives. Donate now at: www.live.org.uk/donate

LIVE CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Our Corporate Partnership scheme develops mutually beneficial relationships between businesses and Live Theatre. Your company can become involved as a Corporate Partner, a sponsor of a production or a performance or by supporting one of our writing programmes, education or community initiatives. With four highlight productions, celebratory readings from favourite plays from the last 50 years, special VIP guests and events to mark the milestone anniversary, 2023 is the ultimate year to join our Corporate Partnership scheme. For more information about becoming a Corporate Partner, go to www.live. org.uk/corporatepartner or email alison@live.org.uk

LIVE LEGACIES

Remember Live Theatre in your will and help us support the next generation of new writers, and inspire children and young people to realise their potential through theatre.

Philanthropic support has enabled Live Theatre to entertain audiences with powerful productions committed to the voices and stories of our region, and to nurture emerging writers for 50 years. We have been particularly grateful for our donors' generosity during and since the pandemic, which ensures we can plan a brighter future with confidence.

If you’ve loved coming to Live Theatre, seeing standout performances in our intimate setting and being moved by honest, spirited stories rooted in the North East, over the last few decades, please consider a legacy gift. Even a small percentage of your estate or a modest cash sum can make a huge difference and would be gratefully received.

If you would like to leave a legacy to Live Theatre, we would love to hear from you. Your information will be treated in strict confidence. Please email alison@live.org.uk

PAY IT FORWARD – SHARE A SHOW

At Live Theatre, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to participation. We want to share the life changing experiences that live theatre can create with our communities. Our Pay It Forward scheme allows audiences and supporters to buy an extra ticket for just £10 which will be gifted to a member of one of the community groups we are working with in the North East. In 2022, ticket buyers generously donated 90 Share A Show tickets.

“BEING A FRIEND OF LIVE THEATRE IS MUCH MORE THAN A NIGHT AT THE THEATRE. BENEFITS FOR ME HAVE INCLUDED OBSERVING ACTORS, THE DIRECTOR AND TECHNICAL STAFF DURING REHEARSALS AND HAVING STAGE SET DEVELOPMENT EXPLAINED. BEING A FRIEND GIVES A FEELING OF BELONGING AND KNOWING YOU ARE SUPPORTING EMERGING LOCAL TALENT.”

Alan Tailford

A VENUE LIKE NO OTHER

HIRE A SPACE

Nestled at the heart of the Quayside, Live Theatre’s five Grade II listed buildings combine to create a series of unique and flexible spaces perfect for making your event that little bit different.

Dating back over 500 years, the venue has an intimate atmosphere with hidden history in every corner. Spaces to hire include two theatres, historic meeting rooms, Undercroft, Atrium Bar and outdoor Live Garden. We offer great value, with

Our spaces are flexible and can be altered to suit the occasion. Whether it’s formal or informal events, meetings, team away days, private parties, or even wedding receptions - you can host unforgettable events whilst supporting new writing and local creative talent. Children’s parties are new for 2023 too!

We have a dedicated team of experienced, friendly staff on hand to help you every step of the way. We can arrange catering from a number of suppliers so that your vision can be turned into a reality.

BE OUR NEIGHBOUR

If you are looking for characterful office space in a prime Quayside location then look no further than Live Theatre. We have a number of office spaces available up to 15,000 sq ft with flexible options available for short and long term lease.

Call (0191) 269 3493

EATING & DRINKING

With a great range of premium and regular drinks on offer, Live Theatre’s Bar and Undercroft are the perfect spaces to relax and enjoy a leisurely drink before and after the performance. Drinks from the bar can be taken into the theatre and drinks and ice creams can be ordered for the interval. Look out for Happy Hour discounts prior to selected performances.

On our doorstep you will discover the vibrant Live Quarter with an array of friendly bars and restaurants:

THE BROAD CHARE

A proper pub serving well-kept beer, honest food and good cheer.

www.thebroadchare.co.uk

ST. VINCENT

A wine-bar with a city centre buzz offering natural wines and continental food that’s big on flavour and low on fuss.

www.stvincentnewcastle.co.uk

HEAD OF STEAM, QUAYSIDE

Award winning pub with a great selection of craft ales, wines and spirits and fantastic food with 50% vegan friendly.

www.theheadofsteam.co.uk

CHART HOUSE

An exceptional modern bar and bistro, with stylish interiors and mouthwatering cuisine.

www.pubculture.com

PLAN YOUR VISIT

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION

Opening Hours

Tue – Fri: 12noon – 4pm and until 8pm for evening performances

Sat – Sun: Subject to performance schedule

Bank holidays: Normally closed

TICKETING INFORMATION

Concession tickets*: Available for students, those aged 25 and under, those on unemployment or disability benefits and freelance art sector workers.

Live’s Youth Theatre Members & Family Max Card holders: Get one £3 ticket for the young person for selected performances subject to age suitability. Available at Box Office.

Companions: A free ticket is available for a companion when they are essential to enable an individual to access the theatre.

Over 65s & Equity Card

Holders: Receive £2 off selected theatre performances (excludes PURPLE and GREEN priced performances).

Group/teacher/tutor discount: For every ten tickets bought for the same performance get one additional ticket free.

Side seats: There are a limited number of lower priced side seats available for theatre performances in the main theatre, which may have a restricted view.

Exchanges: Tickets can be exchanged for another performance of the same show if you contact us at least 48 hours before the original performance. A fee of £1 per ticket (up to a maximum of £5 per transaction) applies. All tickets must be produced before an exchange can be processed. Exchanges are

subject to availability and at Live Theatre’s discretion.

Covid-19: We currently offer a 24hr notice, no quibble credit on account.

TICKETS

We offer e-tickets and a print at home option. Tickets can also be collected from the Box Office free of charge or mailed out at an extra charge of £2.

*Only one concession per ticket applies. Proof of eligibility for any concession will be required on collection of tickets.

Some

Theatre

Cabaret seating: Chairs around tables are closer to the actors with a social atmosphere. The Cabaret area is situated directly in front of the stage and is unreserved. We recommend you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of the show to pick your seats.

Ground Floor and Balcony: Traditional rows of fixed theatre seating. Selected seats at the end of each row on the ground floor may have a restricted view and are offered at slightly lower prices. Access to the balcony is on the first floor via the lift or stairs.

STUDIO

The Studio accommodates 60 people, either in seats and cabaret tables, or a raised bank of fixed seating. It is an intimate setting to see new plays or live music.

Seats are unreserved, allocated on a first-comefirst-served basis when the doors open. It is recommended to arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of the show to choose your seat. Located on the third floor, the Studio can be accessed via the lift and stairs.

If you have any access needs please let our Box Office team know so that

THEATRE SEATING PLAN

they can advise you of the most appropriate seats. Talk to them on (0191) 232 1232 during opening hours or send them an email to tickets@live.org.uk

GET IN TOUCH

Admin (0191) 261 2694

Box Office (0191) 232 1232

Email tickets@live.org.uk

Sign up to our mailing list: www.live.org.uk/signup

Follow Live Theatre on:

ACCESS

We are an inclusive and welcoming venue. Although we are housed in an historic building we have made adaptations to ensure that our venue is accessible and one where audience members and visitors feel at home.

On arrival you will find level access from Broad Chare with the main double width doors being automatic. Reaching our performance spaces is easy thanks to lift access. Our flexible Cabaret space in the main theatre easily accommodates wheelchairs and we offer free companion tickets for those requiring them.

Fixed seats in the main theatre are 41cm wide x 44cm deep with fixed arms.

You’ll find accessible toilets on all levels with the downstairs toilet having height adjustable sinks, rails and a hoist - lighting levels are bright and there are baby changing facilities.

We aim to offer a great theatre experience for all our audience members. Look out for access symbols on the diary pages P39 - P42 for assisted performance dates and times. Please let Box Office know when booking that you plan to use the assisted interpretation so they can ensure that you are seated in the most appropriate place.

British Sign Language

A BSL interpreter is positioned on or next to the stage to communicate the dialogue and relevant sounds to Deaf theatre-goers.

Captioned

The words spoken by the performers are displayed as text on a screen, on or next to the stage, similar to television subtitles.

Audio Described

A verbal commentary (through headphones) that tells visually impaired theatre-goers what is happening on the stage when there is no dialogue.

BSL CAP AD TT

Touch Tours

To complement 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. Touch Tours must be booked in advance. They usually take place an hour before the main performance.

Internal Hearing Aid Systems

An induction hearing loop system is available for all shows in the theatre for use with a visitor’s own hearing aid. The Theatre can also provide in ear monitors and receiver to amplify the sound on stage.

Did You Know?

ACC-

We have a specific access mailing list which you can opt into if you wish to receive information about our Access interpreted performances.

Sign up by logging into your online account at www.live.org.uk or by calling the Box office.

To find our more about assisted performances call Box Office on (0191) 232 1232 (Typetalk on 18001 232 1232) or email tickets@live.org.uk

KEEP CONNECTED

Don’t miss a thing - be the first to hear about show announcements, on sales and ticket offers. Sign up to our mailing list at www.live.org.uk/mailinglist

WHAT’s ON CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS

LIVE THEATRE IS SUPPORTED BY

CORPORATE PARTNERS

EDUCATION PARTNERS

Hadrian Trust

RFF Gibson Trust

The Lucy Winskell Fund at The Community Foundation

29th May 1961 Charitable Trust

The John Horseman Trust The Garrick Charitable Trust

Photography credits Mayumi Nashida, picturesbybish.com, Graeme Peacock

LIVE THEATRE is what it says it is. And more.

LIVE THEATRE is about life. In all its beauty, richness and complexity.

LIVE THEATRE begins in Tyneside but speaks of the whole world

LIVE THEATRE isn’t a typical theatre. How boring that would be.

LIVE THEATRE is a home. For audiences, for artists, for anyone creative and curious.

LIVE THEATRE is not afraid. We try new things. We trust new people.

LIVE THEATRE deals with big issues but tries not to get too heavy about it all.

LIVE THEATRE is better than Netflix.

LIVE THEATRE is about people. We don’t care what they look like. Everyone is beautiful.