September to December 2012 www.live.org.uk
See life’s dramas unfold at Live Theatre
Tickets & Booking Information Book tickets by phone or online Call Live Theatre’s box office on (0191) 232 1232 or visit www.live.org.uk where it is easy to book tickets online. Tickets can be mailed out, at an extra charge of £1, or can be collected from the box office free of charge. Box office opening hours Monday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm. Also open from 2 hours before until 30 minutes after evening and weekend performances. Returns policy If you provide more than 24 hours notice tickets can be exchanged for other performances and events or credit for the full value can be returned to your Live Theatre account. 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. Preview Be amongst the first to see a new show during the preview period at a discounted price. Students are eligible for a £10 ticket for any preview performance.
Opening Night Celebrate the official first night of a production when there’s always an air of excitement in the theatre. Pay What You Can £PWYC PWYC 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
02 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
September to December 2012 Calendar…
Wed 29 Aug to Sat 8 Sept / p.6 The Prize
Thurs 13 Sept to Sat 6 Oct / p.8 Chalet Lines
Thurs 27 to Sat 29 Sept Sat 13 Oct / p.19 / p.13 Mindy Comedy in the Dark
Fri 14 & Sat 15 Sept / p.15 The Starting Line
Weds from 19 Sept / p.22 Live Writers Group 2012
Thurs 20 Sept / p.20 Lincoln Durham + Steph Macleod
Tues from 16 Oct / p.22 Stand-Up Comedy Workshops
Fri 26 to Sun 28 Oct / p.16 I’m Just Saying…
Tues 30 Oct to Sat 10 Nov / p.10 London
Thurs 15 Nov / p.23 Want to be a Playwright?
Thurs 15 Nov / p.14 Scratch Night
Fri 7 & Sat 8 Dec / p.21 The Caffreys Christmas Bash
Wed 12 Dec / p.14 The Broken Christmas Cabaret
Sat 3 Nov / p.17 Indiana Jones and the Extra Chair!
Tues from 6 Nov / p.23 Fri 9 & Sat 10 Nov / Introduction to p.18 Bunker Blues Playwriting
Fri 16 Nov / p.20 Catherine MacLellan + Tanya Davis
Tues 20 Nov / p.19 Stand-Up Comedy Course Final Show
Sat 1 Dec / p.20 Brendan Croker & Steve Philips
Fri 14 Dec / p.21 Archie Brown & The Young Bucks
Don’t forget to come to the only Arts + Entertainment quiz in town at 8pm on Monday 1 October, 5 November and 3 December with the chance to win a host of fantastic prizes.
Sun 16 & Mon 17 Dec / p.18 Toy Stories
Heritage Open Days: Tours of Live Theatre Saturday 8 September, 11am & 1pm. Free but limited places, booking essential.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 03
04 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
IMAGES: L-R, T-B: Close the Coalhouse Door photo by Keith Pattison, From Home to Newcastle, A Walk On Part, Jump, A Filletting Machine, Jonathan Likes This, You Couldn’t Make it Up, THE Pitman Painters, Max Roberts, A Northern Odyssey, Faith & Cold Reading, The Pigeon Man photo by Keith Pattison.
In 2013 Live Theatre will have been creating plays on Tyneside for 40 years “I am amazed to find that Live Theatre is almost as old as me. It remains one of the very few new writing theatres in the country and has supported generation after generation of new writers, actors and theatre artists – all of whom have a very different take on the world than you’d find in the Metropolitan theatres. What marks Live Theatre out is that the work is accessible, funny and doesn’t patronise its audience. It’s British Theatre’s best kept secret – producing writers, directors and actors who work in the West End, Broadway, Hollywood and beyond. But what is most important is those voices stay connected, bringing that experience back to the region. I count myself incredibly lucky to have the relationship I have with Live Theatre and the incredible pool of talent that works there. I can’t wait to start work again.” Lee Hall, Playwright The list of writers and artists associated with Live Theatre over the last 40 years is an outstanding one resulting in the creation of over 300 plays written by some of the greatest playwrights of their generation. Exciting ideas in development for our 40th year include new plays by Lee Hall and Shelagh Stephenson and two multiwriter projects; one inspired by the River Tyne led by Michael Chaplin, and the other from an idea by Stella Duffy, which will traverse Live Theatre’s buildings. 2012 has been a tremendous year for the company, one which has seen our plays and co-productions performed in Newcastle, London and venues around the
country. This continued output of new plays is a testament to the commitment and hard work of Artistic Director Max Roberts, the staff and the Board of Live Theatre. But every year presents challenges to make and create new work. As part of Live Theatre’s drive to invest resources into artists, new plays and young people we will be launching an individual giving campaign in spring 2013. We look forward to seeing you this autumn and in 2013, our anniversary year. Jim Beirne Chief Executive Live Theatre
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 05
Awards for Motherland
06 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
The Prize
Wednesday 29 August to Saturday 8 September
Presented by Murmur & Live Theatre By Steve Gilroy & Richard Stockwell Directed by Steve Gilroy Design by Gary McCann Supported by Arts Council England & Northumbria University
DATES: Wed 29 Aug to Sat 8 Sept TICKETS: £10 to £18 LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: 70 minutes
For some, making it to London 2012 has been literally a matter of life and death and the struggle is not over yet. Get the inside track into the true stories behind Olympic success from the team that presented the multi award-winning show Motherland, the hit of the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe. The cast includes Chris Connel from Live Theatre’s Close the Coalhouse Door, The Pitmen Painters and Nativities, Helen Embleton, award-winning actress from Motherland whose accolades include Spotlight Best Actress and The Stage Best Ensemble awards, Seroca Davis whose TV credits include Dr Who and That Mitchell and Webb Look, Carl Kennedy, performer with North East comedy favourites The Suggestibles and newcomer Melissa Johns. Returning directly from the Edinburgh Fringe 2012, the play draws on interviews with past Olympic medal winners and aspiring first time competitors. Full of sacrifice, tragedy and touching humour, these stories are brought to life with dynamic physicality taking the audience on a journey – the inside experience of being an elite athlete striving for the ultimate prize.
SUITABILITY: 12+ PERFORMANCES: Tues to Sat, 7.30pm MATINEES: Thurs 6 & Sat 8 Sept, 2pm MEET THE TEAM EVENT: Sat 8 Sept, 4pm P
ed 29 Aug W 7.30pm
ON Thurs 30 Aug 7.30pm Tues 4 Sept 7.30pm Thurs 6 Sept 7.30pm Fri 7 Sept 6pm
Fri 7 Sept 7.30pm
The Prize is one of the outstanding projects granted the London 2012 Inspire Mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire programme, which recognises exceptional and innovative projects inspired by the 2012 Games. Saturday 8 September, 4pm
Meet the Team Meet the team and cast behind The Prize to find out how they transformed real life stories from aspiring Olympians into an inspiring theatre performance. Free, but booking is essential.
Please visit www.live.org.uk or call the box office on (0191) 232 1232 for full details of performance dates, times and special events.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 07
08 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
Chalet Lines
THURSDAY 13 September TO Saturday 6 October
A Bush Theatre production In association with Live Theatre By Lee Mattinson Directed by Madani Younis Associate Director Omar Elerian Designer Leslie Travers
DATES: Thurs 13 Sept to Sat 6 Oct TICKETS: £10 to £18 LOCATION: Main Theatre
“Some women long their whole lives to be asked how they are, if just by a complete stranger.” Butlins Skegness, Chalet Number 12, where the Walker women have been holidaying since 1961. This year it’s Nana Barbara’s seventieth and everyone’s airing their dirty laundry. Loretta’s had too many camp cocktails, Jolene’s fallen tits over teeth for a Redcoat and Abigail’s harbouring more than knickers and hairspray in her suitcase. A shockingly funny journey through five decades of birthdays, wedding and hen dos which asks can we ever really cut the apron string that ties us to our parents? Chalet Lines returns to Live Theatre after a successful run at Bush Theatre, London. “It takes chutzpah for a man to write an all-woman play. But Lee Mattinson pulls off a tricky feat with panache in this initially raucous comedy… The five actors… all give surefire performances.” Michael Billington, The Guardian
DURATION: 2 hours 30 mins including interval SUITABILITY: 12+ PERFORMANCES: Tues to Sat, 7.30pm MATINEES: Thurs 4 & Sat 6 Oct, 2pm PWYC: Sun 30 Sept, 4pm MEET THE WRITER & CAST: Sat 6 Oct, 5pm P Thurs 13 Sept 7.30pm ON Fri 14 Sept 7.30pm Thurs 20 Sept 7.30pm Tues 2 Oct 7.30pm Thurs 4 Oct 6pm
Saturday 6 October, 5pm
Thurs 4 Oct 7.30pm
Meet the Writer and Cast Writer Lee Mattinson talks about the development process behind Chalet Lines and, along with members of the cast, will discuss its evolution from the first scriptin-hand performance here at Live Theatre, through the play’s London run and return to Live’s main theatre. Free, but booking is essential.
Please visit www.live.org.uk or call the box office on (0191) 232 1232 for full details of performance dates, times and special events.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 09
10 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
London DATES: Tues 30 Oct to Sat 10 Nov
Tuesday 30 October to Saturday 10 November
Co-production by Paines Plough, Live Theatre & Salisbury Playhouse By Simon Stephens Directed by George Perrin
TICKETS: £10 to £18 LOCATION: Main Theatre
“You get back to London and the noise of the place and the dirt and the colour and the roar of it.” In a city full of the push and pull, incessant chatter and endless hum you can barely find the time to breathe. You want to get away. You deserve to get away. There is a choice – you can take everything you love with you or leave it all behind. This new play by Olivier award-winning playwright Simon Stephens tells two heart-rending stories of family and the choices they make for the precious things they love. Simon Stephens’ previous productions include The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Harper Regan at National Theatre and Punk Rock at Lyric Hammersmith. Catch London at Live Theatre before it’s performed at The Tron Theatre Glasgow (Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 November) and The Studio, Royal Exchange, Manchester (Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 November).
DURATION: Approx 1 hour 30 mins SUITABILITY: 14+ PERFORMANCES: Tues to Sat, 7.30pm MATINEES: Thurs 8 & Sat 10 Nov, 2pm MEET THE TEAM: Sat 10 Nov, 6pm P
Tues 30 Oct 7.30pm
Wed 31 Oct ON 7.30pm
Please visit www.live.org.uk or call the box office on (0191) 232 1232 for full details of performance dates, times and special events.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 11
Live Lab
Experimenting with new work first Live Lab brings you the most exciting experimental theatre in our intimate studio space. Come to Scratch Night and be the first to see new work in development and share your opinions afterwards with writers and directors.
Sponsored by:
Bursary opportunity Live Theatre, in collaboration with The Empty Space, North East England’s theatre development agency, is offering a bursary of £1000 for a theatre-maker or emerging theatre company. The bursary is to encourage innovative artists not already supported through the Arts Council England’s National Portfolio to explore different ways in which text and performance can be brought together. The award also includes developmental support, ten days free rehearsal space and technical support, after which the artist will give a public performance of their piece in Live’s Studio Theatre. Deadline: Friday 28 September 2012. See www.live.org.uk/bursary for application details. 12 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
Live Lab: Mindy
A script-in-hand performance
DATES: Thurs 27 to Sat 29 Sept, 8pm
Thursday 27 to Saturday 29 September
By Frazer Flintham Directed by Charlotte Bennett
TICKETS: £8, £6 concs
Mindy is a glamorous 50-something American; a faded and jaded former dancer who longs to get home. Terrorised by the teenage gangs who prowl the streets outside her bleak council flat, Mindy’s only escapes are her glittering dresses, her memories of home and The Juke – the 1950s jukebox whose whirling records she dances to whilst waiting for a longed for call from Reno. Into her life comes schoolboy Timmy who becomes a frequent visitor to Mindy’s flat, where he too develops a love for The Juke, its music and dancing. This unlikely pair might not have much, but they now have each other – and dreams of a better life. But the safe haven they’ve created for each other is about to be destroyed by a knock at the door.
LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour 45 mins including interval SUITABILITY: 14+ MATINEE: Sat 29 Sept, 2pm
Mindy is a touching play which explores how a little love and friendship can transform lives, if only for a short time.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 13
Live Lab
Experimenting with new work first
Thursday 15 november, 8PM
Scratch Night Scratch Night is back and together with The Empty Space we’re bringing you more of the best new theatre from around the country. Watch extracts of work in development then join the writers, directors and artists in the bar afterwards to let them know what you thought. At this Scratch, we’re excited to present a collaboration between Verity Quinn and Beth Coverdale (the team behind When She Went), and a brand new show from Chris Goode, writer of the Edinburgh Fringe hit The Adventures of Wound Man and Shirley.
DATE: Thurs 15 Nov, 8pm TICKETS: £5 LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour 30 mins including interval SUITABILITY: 16+
For more details visit www.live.org.uk/scratchnight
Wednesday 12 December, 8PM
The Broken Christmas Cabaret Presented by Live Lab & Trashed Organ The turkey’s cold, the piano’s been drinking, and the fairy lights are on the blink. A bah humbug night of cabaret, theatre, music and poetry as a dark alternative to the yuletide season. Bring a trashy gift for our Secret Santa and glam-up in your finest sartorial wears to impress the blues. Plus a special Christmas edition of the infamous Trashed Laureate competition. “I could certainly get used to Trashed Organ night after night. Highly recommended.” The Bleed Magazine
14 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
DATE: Wed 12 Dec, 8pm TICKETS: £8; £6 concs LOCATION: Main Theatre and around the building DURATION: Approx 2 hours including two intervals SUITABILITY: 14+
Family Theatre: The Starting Line Friday 14 & Saturday 15 September
Commisioned by Bupa Great North Run Culture Stand-up poet Kate Fox is actually much better at sitting down. However, when she became Poet in Residence for the Bupa Great North Run she discovered that running and writing had more in common than she had ever imagined. She also discovered that it’s not what your body looks like that matters – it’s what your body can do. A funny, thoughtful spoken word show suitable for a family audience and involving optional interaction with brains and bodies. Warning: may include rhymes.
DATES: Fri 14 Sept, 6pm & Sat 15 Sept, 3pm TICKETS: £8, £6 concs, £20 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour SUITABILITY: 8+ and their families
Developed in association with the Manchester Children’s Book Festival and produced by ARC, Stockton Arts Centre.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 15
Family Theatre: I’m Just Saying… Friday 26 to Sunday 28 October
Showcasing the concerns of young people today, these six short plays include vampire fantasies, dealing with parental pressure over careers and not knowing if your Facebook friends are who they say they are. Developed with 12 and 13 year olds from the West End of Newcastle, in partnership with Excelsior Academy, these new works are performed by professional actors and members of Live’s Youth Theatre. From comedy to thriller, horror to fantasy, this is a night of theatre that is guaranteed to have you at the edge of your seat. The One and Lonely by Arif Miah Chicken Pox Blues by Ellie Perry Obsessive by Alex Dowson Chewbacca Stole My Wife by Kieran Sanderson Michaela’s Mistake by Chelsey Cleminson Super Copper by Jordan Fowler Presented as part of Juice – NewcastleGateshead’s award-winning festival for children and young people.
16 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
DATES: Fri 26 Oct, 10am & 7.30pm Sat 27 Oct, 2pm Sun 28 Oct, 7.30pm TICKETS: £8; £6 concs, £20 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: 1 hour 30 mins SUITABILITY: 11+ POST SHOW DISCUSSION: Fri 26 Oct, 7.30pm
Family Theatre: Indiana Jones and the Extra Chair! Saturday 3 November, 1pm & 6pm
Presented by Simon Mole In association with Apples and Snakes, New Writing North & Live Theatre as part of Juice Festival
DATE: Sat 3 Nov, 1pm & 6pm TICKETS: £8; £6 concs, £20 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) LOCATION: Studio Theatre
Every family dinner needs a hero… Relating to your relations isn’t always easy, and it’s often on those rare occasions when everyone sits down to eat together that things really kick off.
DURATION: Up to 2 hours SUITABILITY: 13+
Simon Mole’s groundbreaking one-man show is a sensory explosion that combines spoken word theatre, riotous adventure, laughs a-plenty and tasty culinary delights. Having collaborated with a group of young writers from New Writing North, Simon and site-specific theatre director Peader Kirk take spoken word performance in an exciting new direction. The young writers will serve food with poetic memories and perform their own original family-themed writing as they host guests at this unique event. Tickets for these shows are limited so early booking is advised. Indiana Jones and the Extra Chair! is written and performed by Simon Mole and supported using public funding by Arts Council England. Presented as part of Juice – NewcastleGateshead’s award winning festival for children and young people, in association with Live Theatre, New Writing North and Apples and Snakes. Originally commissioned by Apples and Snakes and The Albany.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 17
Family Theatre: Bunker Blues Friday 9 & Saturday 10 November
Presented by Theatre Auracaria “ Sshhh… This is strictly confidential. Bunker 13 runs like a well-oiled machine and you are the newest recruits. Remember: Loose lips sink ships, walls have ears and she is not really your best friend. What What!” Theatre Auracaria’s debut production Bunker Blues is set in a WWII bunker in Kenton on 15 August 1940 – a little known but momentous day in Newcastle’s history. Join the ladies in blue as they reveal the secrets of the plotting room, the barracks and the dance halls too.
DATES: Fri 9 Nov, 7.30pm Sat 10 Nov, 2pm & 7.30pm TICKETS: £8; £6 concs, £20 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: 1 hour SUITABILITY: 8+
This poignant, intimate and uplifting piece is based on true stories interwoven with heartwarming live vocal harmonies and vibrant choreography.
Family Theatre: Toy Stories Sunday 16 & Monday 17 December, 7.30pm
Live’s Youth Theatre Have you ever received a toy you didn’t like? Lost a toy you couldn’t live without? Do you have a favourite toy? Do toys expand the imagination? Or is it just a corporate money making scheme? Join Live’s Youth Theatre as they take a magical journey into the world of toys. Ten groups present ten short plays over two nights. Toy Stories is an ideal Christmas treat for all the family.
18 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
DATES: Sun 16 & Mon 17 Dec, 7.30pm TICKETS: £8; £6 concs, £20 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour 45 mins, including interval SUITABILITY: 5+
Live Stand-Up Sponsored by:
Experience comedy in a whole new way this autumn when leading comedians perform the highly original Comedy in the Dark show and be the first to see newly fledged comedians from our Stand-Up Comedy Course take to the stage.
SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER, 8pm
DATES: Sat 13 Oct, 8pm
Comedy in the Dark Presented by Dave
TICKETS: £10, £8 concs
Stand-up like you’ve never seen before.
DURATION: 1 hour
LOCATION: Main Theatre
Comedy in the Dark is a truly unique comedy experience where comedians take on the challenge of performing in the pitch black. After sell out success at the Edinburgh Fringe, Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival and the Udderbelly Festival, Comedy in the Dark stretches its legs and hits the road for its first UK Tour.
SUITABILITY: 16+
“Destined to be one of the most talked about shows” Time Out
Four great stand-ups, one hour, no lights.
TuesDAY 20 novEMBER, 8pm
DATES: Tues 20 Nov, 8pm
tand-Up Comedy Course S Final Show
TICKETS: £5
Join the graduates of our standup comedy course in this special gig in our Studio Theatre space as they present the routines they have honed over the last six weeks.
LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 2 hours SUITABILITY: 16+
See p.22 for course details.
Atrium Bar open 6pm Doors open 7.45pm Drinks can be taken into the theatre WARNING: Live Stand-Up performances may contain strong language.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 19
Live Music
Thursday 20 September, 8pm
Presented by Jumpin’ Hot Club
Lincoln Durham (USA) + Steph Macleod
Texas based Lincoln Durham is a walking, talking, wailing, riffing revelation roots music revivalist from Texas. Lincoln’s new album The Shovel vs. The Howling Bones produced by his mentor and legendry artist/producers Ray Wylie Hubbard and George Reiff, has received star reviews and an immense amount of radio and press coverage.
Friday 16 November, 8pm
Presented by Jumpin’ Hot Club
Catherine MacLellan (Canada) + Tanya Davis (Canada)
Out of Nova Scotia, Canada, comes two of their best young singer/songwriters in one package. Songbird Catherine MacLellan’s voice strikes you immediately, insinuating itself into your heart, and just won’t let go. Her deeply confessional, folksycountry blues songs are where Gillian Welch meets Emmylou Harris. Tanya Davis is the remarkable poet/ musician whose video How To Be Alone has had almost 4 million hits on YouTube. saturday 1 december, 8pm
Presented by Jumpin’ Hot Club
Brendan Croker & Steve Philips
o celebrate 27 years of the Jumpin’ Hot T Club, they have invited one of the first national acts they ever booked, Brendan Crocker & Steve Philips, to Live Theatre, as a very special treat. They performed as The Notting Hillbillies with Mark Knopfler many winters ago and play stompin’ country blues and goodtime music. This will also be Steve Philips’ farewell tour. A true not-to-be-missed event.
20 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
DATES: Thurs 20 Sept, 8pm TICKETS: £12 LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 3 hours
DATES: Fri 16 Nov, 8pm TICKETS: £12 LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 3 hours
DATES: Sat 1 Dec, 8pm TICKETS: £12 LOCATION: Studio Theatre DURATION: Approx 3 hours
DATES: Fri 7 & Sat 8 Dec, 8pm TICKETS: £12 LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 3 hours Friday 7 & Saturday 8 December, 8PM
The Caffreys Christmas Bash The Caffreys do a Christmas knees up like no other and promise an acoustic set of songs including some from the 70s. This is a band that has earned a formidable reputation based on heartfelt and uplifting original songs, incredible musicianship, dynamic live performances and – at the core of The Caffreys sound – astonishing close harmonies unique to three brothers who have, for most of their lives, sang as one. Those wonderfully crafted songs and harmonies are embellished by a band consisting of some of the North East’s most respected musicians. 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... and always engaging.
Friday 14 December, 8PM
Archie Brown & The Young Bucks Christmas Shebang 2012 It’s the Christmas gift that keeps on giving – a night of rhythm, blues, western swing and other musical titillations to get you in to the festive spirit and on to the dance floor! Guest artists include the next generation, Younger Bucks and the Heaton Horns.
DATES: Fri 14 Dec, 8pm TICKETS: £12 LOCATION: Main Theatre DURATION: Approx 3 hours
Book early to avoid bitter disappointment.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 21
Courses
EIGHT WEDNESDAYS FROM 19 SEPTEMBER TO 14 NOVEMBER
Live Writers Group 2012 An opportunity to develop a one act play with Live Theatre’s Literary Department. Sessions include visits from playwrights and theatre makers, readings of your work-in-progress with actors and full feedback from the department on your final script.
DATES: Wednesdays 19 Sept to 14 Nov (excludes 17 Oct), 7-9pm COST: £80/£60 concs LOCATION: Live Theatre Gallery
Limited places, for information on how to apply contact degna@live.org.uk. SIX Tuesdays FROM 16 October to 20 November
Stand-Up Comedy Workshops Following the success of Stand-Up Comedy Workshops with Live’s Youth Theatre, tutor and top turn John Scott returns, ably assisted by Scottish stand up legend Vladimir McTavish to offer a course for grown ups. Learn how to create material and refine routines in six sessions culminating in a special gig in Live’s Studio Theatre.
DATES: Tuesdays 16 Oct to 20 Nov, 7-9pm Final Show on 20 Nov, COST: £80/£50 concs LOCATION: Studio Theatre
Limited places, for information on how to apply contact degna@live.org.uk. SATURDAY 24 November, 10am
The Bruntwood Prize for Playwrighting 2013: Bruntwood Roadshow Writing Workshops The Bruntwood Prize is the search for great new plays – the biggest national competition of its kind. Winning plays have been produced at the Royal Exchange Theatre and beyond. In the run up to the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2013, this workshop led by a Bruntwood Prize-winning playwright will help writers put pen to paper, create stories on stage and bring ideas and imagination to life. 22 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
DATE: Sat 24 Nov, 10am-1pm COST: FREE, but ticketed (limited places so book early) LOCATION: Studio Theatre
The prize will open for submissions in January 2013. More information from 25 September 2012 on www.writeaplay.co.uk
FIVE TuesdayS from 6 November to 4 December
Introduction to Playwriting Fancy yourself as the next Lee Hall or Shelagh Stephenson? This popular five week course aims to give writers a sound understanding of the key elements of playwriting through a combination of practical exercises and discussion. What makes a great story and how do you tell it? What makes characters leap off the page? Learn about playwriting from people in the know. Previous students of the course that have gone on to have work produced on our main stage include Lee Mattinson (Chalet Lines) and Fiona Evans (Geordie Sinatra).
DATES: Tuesdays 6 Nov to 4 Dec, 6.30-9pm COST: Free, booking essential LOCATION: Live Theatre
Places are limited and the deadline for applications is Friday 19 October. If you are interested in honing your playwriting skills visit www.live.org.uk/courses for information.
Thursday 15 November, 6.30pm
Want to be a Playwright?
DATE: Thurs 15 Nov, 6.30pm
Join Gez Casey, Live Theatre’s Literary Manager, as he introduces Live Theatre’s unique online course www.beaplaywright.com. Find out more about the five step-bystep modules, each covering different aspects of playwriting, the practical tried and tested exercises students are asked to complete, and the exclusive video clips of great dramatists as they offer the benefits of their experience.
COST: Free, booking essential LOCATION: Live Theatre DURATION: Approx 1 hour
he course now includes exclusive new T video clips from Dennis Kelly (Matilda), Zoe Cooper (Nativities, Utopia) and Alistair McDowall (Captain Amazing, Utopia).
Writers who attend this event will receive an exclusive promotional code offering a discount on the course. To book online visit www.live.org.uk 23
Christmas at Live
Celebrate Christmas with a party at Live
Corporate Partners
With its quirky historic spaces and unique atmosphere Live Theatre is the perfect venue for a range of events including parties, seminars and conferences. We can also host seminars, conferences, meetings 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.
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:
Why not take a look around Live Theatre via the online virtual tours by visiting www.live.org.uk/360
Level 2
Why not Take a Seat for Christmas? Buying a seat in the auditorium is a great way to support the company; they make an ideal Christmas present, and can also be used to mark occasions such as a birthdays and anniversaries or to remember someone special who enjoyed happy times at the Theatre. Seats cost £195 and can be paid for in 10 monthly instalments of £19.50. Your seat dedication can be up to 10 words long and will remain on the seat for many years to come. For information on how to buy a seat contact gillian@live.org.uk or ring (0191) 269 3498.
24 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
Level 1
Eating & Drinking
The Broad Chare
The Broad Chare provides proper food and proper beer all from the small, cosy and intimate surroundings of this neighbourhood pub. Bar snacks include the now infamous Scotch Eggs, delicious deep-fried monkfish cheeks and cauliflower fritters. If it’s just a drink that you’re after then don’t forget to try The Writer’s Block, a new ale which has been brewed exclusively for The Broad Chare and Live Theatre to a unique recipe by Wylam Brewery. With drinks taken as seriously as its food this is a new destination to be enjoyed both before and after a show. For more information visit www.thebroadchare.co.uk
Caffè Vivo
If you’re looking for a tasty Italian pre-theatre supper then look no further than Caffè Vivo. Offering special early evening deal (from 5.30pm) Caffè Vivo is the ideal choice, serving simple, sunny and generous Italian food in a bright and fun atmosphere. For more information visit www.caffevivo.co.uk
The Atrium Bar
Live Theatre’s Atrium Bar and Undercroft open two hours before a performance and close at 11pm providing the perfect location for a leisurely drink before and after a performance. Remember you can take your drinks into the theatre and you can also order drinks or ice creams for the interval.
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 25
Choose Your Seat
Main House
Select your own seat
Whether 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.
Audiences are now 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.
Studio Theatre Live’s intimate Studio Theatre is located on the third floor and provides a flexible space ideal for rehearsed readings and acoustic music.
Seating Information Seats 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. 26 For tickets and information call (0191) 232 1232
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Location & Travel Information KEY
Parking Quaylink Stops Metro Station
ALL SAINTS CHURCH
LAW COURTS MALMAISON M
IUM BRIDG ENN E ILL
RIVER TYNE
BALTIC
THE SAGE GATESHEAD
Public Transport Live Theatre is a 10 minute walk from Central Station, Monument and Manors Metro Stations. The QuayLink 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.
Live Theatre is grateful to the following for revenue funding:
Parking There is a car park in the Trinity Gardens complex 100 metres from the Theatre, which can be accessed from City Road and Trinity Gardens. This secure car park is open from 7am to midnight and costs 90p per hour and is free after 5pm. There is limited on-street parking on Broad Chare and additional car parks nearby.
Virtual Tours Never been to Live Theatre before? Then why not take a look around the building via an online virtual tour by visiting www.live.org.uk/360
The Gillian Dickinson Charitable Trust The Shears Foundation LankellyChase J Paul Getty Jnr Trust Port of Tyne Fund
To book online visit www.live.org.uk 27
Access Live Theatre is fully accessible. If you have any special access requirements please inform the box office team when booking so that we can meet your needs. We welcome Text Relay calls.
This brochure can be made available in a range of formats. Call (0191) 229 2373 with your request.
Live Theatre Broad Chare Quayside Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ Admin (0191) 261 2694 Box office (0191) 232 1232 Type Relay 18001 (0191) 232 1232 Fax (0191) 232 2224 tickets@live.org.uk www.live.org.uk/reviews www.live.org.uk For up-to-the-minute information follow Live Theatre on