Aladdin the Wok 'n' Roll Panto - the reviews are in!

The reviews are in for our festive, fun-filled, firecracker of a production, Aladdin the "Wok 'n' Roll" panto! And don't just take our word for how good the show is...

"Virtuoso performances... Spectacular... For a family night our I can't recommend it enough" Express & Star

"This production maintains the venue’s success rate... The sound and lighting is top-notch and the magnificent sets provide the perfect backdrop for woking ‘n’ rolling"  The Stage


"The attention to detail is breathtaking... you will miss out if you don’t get tickets for this riotous production" Love Midlands Theatre

"Ten out of ten... Epic" Stoke Sentinel

"This year's rock 'n' roll panto at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is everything a pantomime should be" Staffordshire Newsletter


Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

Line-up Announced for Festive Cabaret Show!

Stafford's first, and only burlesque and variety show, Très Très Cabaret, will return to the MET Studio at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre with an evening of saucy decadence for one last time in 2016, on Wednesday 28^th December.

 

The first billing announcement for the December show is Sir Leopold Aleksander, otherwise known as THE MIGHTY MOUSTACHE!
  

Paragon of gentlemanly conduct, strongman, circus artist and adventurer: his feats of strength and skill will amaze, astound and amuse!  Sir Leopold first appeared on the Très Très stage back in April – wowing audiences in the process! Such was his popularity, Tres Tres producers have been clamouring to bring him back for December’s special festive extravaganza!




Also returning to Très Très Cabaret is none other than bonkers Russian starlet: NATALIA KALASHNIKOV! This vodka swigging Russian has a lust for danger and will be demonstrating this live on stage with her Martini Madness act!

Adding to an already stellar line-up is quirky clown and 'furlesque' pioneer, KIKI LOVECHILD!

Highly skilled in mime, puppetry and illusion (to name but a few), Kiki's hilarious routines have had audiences from across the globe rolling in the aisles with laughter and gasping in amazement.

Making her Très Très Cabaret debut in December will be the very special, TALULAH BLUE! 

With a history of classical dance and natural charm, this fabulous follie's performances feature burlesque and classic circus, in a style harking back to eras gone by. This vaudevillian showgirl has graced stages from London to Berlin, Dubai to Hong Kong.  Some bookings were so exclusive, she can't even tell you about them! Shhhh…

All of this personally selected for your entertainment by our resident producer, promoter and performer: STAGE DOOR JOHNNY

A flirtatious, lyrical lothario and seasoned comic raconteur with razor-sharp wit, Johnny will have audiences grinning, giggling and eating from the palm of his hand – sometimes literally. He can be heard singing everything from Shirley Bassey to Guns ‘n’ Roses as well as ridiculous self-penned medleys to surprise and delight!

But that’s not all, after the show, you can continue to dance the night away to the Rock n Roll music of JOHNNY AND THE SPEEDOS

A late bar, live music and a bumper line-up to kill for!

Très Très Cabaret is at The MET Studio at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on Wednesday 28^th December at 8pm. Tickets are £20.50 and can be booked by calling the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

Early booking is advised as a sell-out is expected again. The show is strictly for over 18s only.

Back Stage with Katie Pritchard for Aladdin the Wok 'n' Roll Panto!

Aladdin the “Wok ‘n’ Roll” pantomime is only a few weeks away!

To get everyone in the festive mood, our very own Kate Pritchard – who will be playing Cuddles the Monkey in the show – has decided to ‘dish the goss’ on all the goings on in last week's rehearsals.

Here's what se had to say...

Well, well, well, where to start?

We have been having an absolute blast in Panto-camp this week!!

The first week is always the craziest…on day one, we get to the theatre, meet a whole bunch of new people that we’re going to be doing the show with, and then 5 minutes later, we’re doing a full read-through of the script for all of the creative team working on the show to watch. It’s chaos. Then after the read-through we go straight into song learning.

This year, I have decided to continue last years’ challenge of getting the most obscure instruments into songs. So far, I have managed Kazoo and Bongo’s…I’m trying really hard to get a Stylophone into the score at some point, but I’m not sure if the Musical Director Craig seems to interested in this clearly fantastic idea!!

This week, I’ve also been working on my monkey walks, and they’re getting pretty snazzy indeed, if I do say so myself. I have a wide range of three different walks at the moment…what a show off! Maybe I’ll even try for a different walk each time I enter the stage? We’ll see what Director Rob thinks. I’m pretty sure it’s the kind of idea that could get me an Oscar! Right? Right. I’ve also watched about 10 hours’ worth of monkey video’s to really get into character. I’ve been jumping and swinging around the place – much to my flatmates’ distaste. I think I definitely need to get to the gym to do some squats to make sure I am ready for the show…don’t want to get thigh-cramp mid-crouch, that would be ouchie!

I’ve not seen all the choreography yet, but the bits I have seen are wonderful! Full on dance breaks with Saxophones and Trumpets, followed by slapstick Ballets, and lovely duets. I can’t wait to see the full thing on the stage. Although, I mostly get to see the show from the back of the stage as I play my instruments. Just as well the cast this year all have beautiful backs!

I think it’s safe to say that we’ve had a fabulous first week of rehearsals! We have a brilliant cast and creative team, and the staff at the theatre are all excellent! Bring on week two!!

Rehearsals begin a rockin’ and rollin’ for Gatehouse Panto!

The cast of Stafford Gatehouse Theatre’s latest rock ‘n’ roll pantomime have this week arrived safe and sound in the county town and begun rehearsing for Aladdin.

Each of the ten actor-musicians will spend three weeks preparing scenes and learning an array of rock ‘n’ roll classics ready for the opening performance on Thursday 8th December.

This year’s cast are led by Director Robert Salmon and Musical Director Craig Adams. Born in Madeley near Keele, Rob is well-known to local theatre goers having begun his career at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle under Lyme. In recent years, as Associate Director at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, he has also directed several sell-out rock ‘n’ roll pantomimes.

Audiences will be very familiar with Craig as well, following his critically acclaimed work on previous rock ‘n’ roll pantos at the Gatehouse Theatre, as well as Stafford Festival Shakespeare – for which he will be returning again in 2017 for the forthcoming production, The Tempest.

“We are hugely excited to be working with such an incredibly talented cast and creative team again for this season’s panto! It’s only been a week but the show is already looking fantastic, and combined with Deborah Mingham’s brilliant production designs, Aladdin will no doubt prove to be one of our best pantos ever” commented Producer Derrick Gask.

The show is already proving hugely popular, with nearly 11,500 tickets snapped up so far and many performances close to capacity.

“It’s fantastic to see so many people have bought their tickets to celebrate the festive season with us. However, I would encourage anyone intending to come and see the show to book their tickets soon to avoid missing out on their performance of choice” concluded Gask.

This dazzling panto will be filled with a storming line up of classic rock ‘n’ roll hits from Aretha Franklin, The Monkees, James Brown, The Temptations, The Jackson Five, and many more!

Tickets are great value for all the family – priced at £19 for adults, £15 for concessions and family tickets are just £62. Saver tickets are also available for the opening week and the New Year.
Group rates and school rates are also available – more information on both can be obtained by calling the box office on 01785 619080.

There is also a British sign language interpreted performance on Sunday 18th December at 2.30pm.
For those who want to rock ‘n’ roll without the kids there are two late night adult only performances to beat those New Year blues! The special performances are at 9pm on the 5th and 6th January 2017 and are for strictly for over 18s only. Tickets for the late night shows are just £15 and sell out fast so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment. Tickets for Friday 6th January 2017 are already extremely limited.

Aladdin opens on Thursday 8th December 2016 and runs until Sunday 8th January 2017. Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

Stafford Festival Shakespeare gearing up for a magical production with 2017 play

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre management have announced that the production for Stafford Festival Shakespeare (SFS) 2017 will be The Tempest.

The creative team behind last year’s acclaimed production of Othello – Director Clare Prenton, Music Director Craig Adams, and Production Designer Frances Collier – will reunite to showcase another Shakespearean masterpiece!

Acknowledged as Shakespeare’s final solo play, The Tempest is widely celebrated as one of Shakespeare’s most enchanting works. It follows the story of Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, who becomes stranded on a largely uninhabited island where music, magic and supernatural creatures provide a strange education for him and his young daughter, Miranda. Twelve years have passed and Prospero has acquired some rough magic & self-taught mysticism as well as protecting his daughter from his wild slave, Caliban. 

When Prospero's magic (with the help of his sprite, Ariel) causes a shipwreck, mayhem ensues in the course of one incredible day. Miranda falls in love with the shipwrecked Prince Ferdinand, murder plots are formed then abandoned, finally Prospero is reconciled with the brother who usurped him and all head safely home to Italy.

It’s a storm in a tea cup - but the SFS team will have everyone back home safe and sound in no time.
This twentieth century production is set against the backdrop of the glamour and elegance of the 1930s – the golden age of luxury cruise liners, Hollywood glamour and the dying days of vaudeville – all from a small Italian occupied island off the coast of Somalia.

“We are delighted to announce that SFS 2017 will feature one of The Bard’s works that has not been performed at Stafford Castle for many years” commented Producer Derrick Gask.

“It’s also great to welcome back Clare and the acclaimed creative team behind last year’s show for another exciting production. We have some fantastic, revolutionary ideas in the pipeline so keep your eyes peeled for some more announcements very soon”    

The Tempest will open on Thursday 22nd June and run until Saturday 8th July 2017 at Stafford Castle. Established in 1991, Stafford Festival Shakespeare has fast become one of Europe's largest open air Shakespeare productions.

For the first time in its 27 year, SFS 2017 will also feature a Sunday performance on 25th June at 5pm.

Next year’s production will once again be performed against the striking background of Stafford Castle, in a purpose-built auditorium under the stars.

Tickets will be available from Friday 11th November at 9.30am. Early Bird Tickets are available until January 31st 2017.

The early bird offer saves £3 per ticket on selected performances.

Full information can be obtained from the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting the new website, www.staffordfestivalshakespeare.com

Win tickets to see Aladdin the "Wok 'n' Roll" Panto!

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre (SGT) are going all Oriental this festive season, as preparations get underway for the forthcoming rock – or should we say – “wok” ‘n’ roll pantomime, Aladdin.

To celebrate the occasion, SGT are giving away a number of tickets to see the show!

Following the hugely successful productions of Dick Whittington, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and last season’s box office smash hit, Jack and the Beanstalk, this year’s rock and roll panto is set to be the biggest and boldest yet!

It’s time for celebrations in old Shanghai as the Emperor hosts a party to celebrate the engagement of his daughter to the mysterious Abanazer. Meanwhile, our hero Aladdin meets the Princess on the street and falls for her instantly, but knows a penniless boy like him could never marry a princess.
When Aladdin goes on an adventure with his best friend Nanas the Monkey, could the discovery of a magic lamp help turn his fortunes around?

Get ready to be whisked away on a magic carpet ride of festive fun, filled with a storming line up of classic rock ‘n’ roll hits from Aretha Franklin, The Monkees, James Brown, The Temptations, The Jackson Five, and many, many more!

Throughout November, SGT will post a different Q&A competition every week via its Facebook page, giving entrants the chance to win a pair of tickets to see the show. Beginning on Thursday 3rd November, each competition will run until the following Sunday. Simply leave your answer in the ‘Comment’ section of the post to be in with a chance of winning.

Terms and conditions apply. For more information contact gatehouse@staffordbc.gov.uk

Aladdin opens on Thursday 8th December 2016 and runs until Sunday 8th January 2017.
Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

Line up Change to Autumn Tres Tres Cabaret

***LINE-UP CHANGE***

Sadly, due to unforeseen circumstances, Stage Door Johnny is unable to appear at Friday 28th Oct's show.

Never fear, Tricity Vogue is stepping in to fulfil the hosting duties, and showgirl extraordinaire Scarlett Daggers will be a last minute addition to the show!

There are still a few tickets left for this burlesque bonanza, so snap them up while you still can!
https://www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk/…/tres%20tr…/info

Photo by Cherry Bomb Rock Photography

The festive season is nearly upon us! And we all know what that means – “oh no we don’t; oh yes we do” – it’s pantomime time!

Following the box office smash hit that was Jack and the Beanstalk, the production team at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre have recently announced the casts list for this season’s show: Aladdin the “Wok ‘n’ Roll” panto!

The fun-filled festive show will once again be packed with a storming line up of classic rock ‘n’ roll hits – all played live on stage by a cast of incredible actor musicians – fused with the magical fairy tale of a traditional pantomime.

Tickets are already proving hugely popular, with sales on course to top last season’s record breaking show, Jack and the Beanstalk!

This year, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre welcomes aboard a new addition to its acclaimed Creative Team, Director Rob Salmon. Joining Rob will be a host of new (and one or two old) faces, comprising the amazing Aladdin cast:




Mathew Burns – Story Teller / Drummer

Matt completed his drama school training at ALRA in July 2015 and is looking forward to the madness of another rock and roll panto!
Theatre: The Jungle Book (Sixteenfeet Productions); Buddy Holly and The Cricketers (Simon Fielder Prods); Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood (Leeds City Varieties); Henry V, Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet (Pendley Shakespeare Festival); Blue Stockings, Sense & Sensibility, You Can Still Make A Killing, The Cherry Orchard (ALRA)
TV / Film: Born On This Day (Channel 4/Outline Productions) Money (Loaded Productions); Absent (dreamthinkspeak); Equal Measure (Front Row Centre Productions); Tom and Sal (ALRA)


Michael Hamway – Aladdin

Michael trained at the Royal Academy of Music (2015 Graduate), Trinity College Cambridge
Theatre credits: David in Jackie the Musical (UK tour); High Tenor in Gobsmacked (Asia, Australia and European Tour); Cyril in Five Children and It (Tristan Bates Theatre); Puck in Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Theatre credits whilst training: Actor B in A Talent to Amuse; Painter/Communist/Bertand in Amour; Charley Kringras in Merrily We Roll Along; Larry in Closer; Henry in Next to Normal; Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd; Joseph Poorgrass in Far From the Madding Crowd.


Kieran Kuypers – Emperor

Kieran trained at The Musical Theatre Academy, graduating in 2012.
Theatre credits include: SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME (UK Tour), THE GLENN MILLER STORY (UK Tour), THE TRENCH (UK tour), GRIM (Charing Cross Theatre), SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME (UK tour) and PASSPORT TO PIMLICO (SouthWest Fest).
Other credits include: ELF THE MUSICAL (Corporate), DOUGAL IRVINE AND GUESTS (Concert, Landor Theatre), HARRIET (Recording), BINWEEVILS COMPUTER GAME (Voiceover), EMERALD (Rehearsed Reading, Landor Theatre) and MACMILLAN CENTENARY GALA (Concert, London Palladium).
For more information about Kieran, please visit: www.access-uk.com



Katie Pritchard – Cuddles the Monkey

Katie attained a First Class BA (HONS) Degree at Buckinghamshire New University.
Theatre Credits include: Jemima / Actor/Musician in Jack and The Beanstalk (Stafford Gatehouse), Cynthia in Carnaby Street (UK Tour), Swing on Dreamboats and Petticoats (The Playhouse, London); Swing on Dreamboats and Petticoats (UK Tour), Dandini in Cinderella (Key Theatre, Peterborough), Principal Performer on Showtime! (Spa Theatre, Bridlington), Kong/Ensemble u/s Aladdin in Rock and Roll Aladdin (Shaw Theatre, London), Servants Chorus in My Fair Lady (Cambridge Arts Theatre), Featured Ensemble / Musician in Call Me Madam (Upstairs at The Gatehouse), Molly's Brother / Musician in The Unsinkable Molly Brown (The Landor), Joanne's Mum / Musician in Rent (Broadway Theatre).

Other Credits include: Writer and performer of Hurricane Katie (UK Tour), Host of Notflix: The Improvised Musical by Waiting For The Call (UK Tour, including a sellout run at Gilded Balloon as part of Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Soho Theatre run, and residency at Leicester Square Theatre), Creator, writer and sole performer of  Literally Comedy (Radio Sketch Show and Podcast), Various Characters in Sketch, Please! (Sketch Podcast), Various Characters in TNUC, Written, Directed and Produced by Katie Pritchard for Everycloud Productions (Parody advert, winner of the Idea's Tap Short Parody Award 2014), Writer and performer of Even The Little Ones (Canal Cafe Theatre).
Katie is also a Guitarist and Vocalist in all-girl Rock'n'Roll band, The Daisy Chains. Winner of the London Vintage Awards 2014.

For more information about Katie, please visit: www.access-uk.com


Seren Sandham-Davies – Princess

Seren trained at Laine Theatre Arts graduating as head girl and recipient of the Valerie King award for acting. Other training includes NYT, NYMT and Royal Ballet Associates.
Seren recently played Patsy in the five star (Mark Shenton, The Stage) production of Crazy for You at The Watermill Theatre. Other credits include Gloria in the 40th anniversary Derby Theatre production of Brassed Off, Consuela/ dance captain West Side Story (Victoria Warehouse), ensemble Rock Around The Clock (Asia tour), Aladdin in Aladdin (Wyllyotts Theatre), Slave of the Ring Aladdin (Wyvern Theatre). Seren is also lead vocals/trumpet in the ten piece Latin jazz band Caliente.
Twitter @SerenSD


Steve Simmonds – Widow Twankey

Steve Simmonds trained at the Rose Bruford College.
His extensive Theatre credits include; Cortina Man, MADE IN DAGENHAM (Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch/New Wolsey Ipswich), Bosun in RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR (Forbidden Planet Musicals, directed by Bob Carlton), Steve Currie/Captain Sensible in 20th CENTURY BOY (UK No. 1 Tour),  THE RESISTIBLE RISE OF ARTURO UI (West End/Chichester Festival Theatre, directed by Jonathan Church), FROM A JACK TO A KING (Far East Tour for British Theatre Playhouse), Norman Petty in THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (Buddy Musical Productions/No. 1 Tour), LEND ME A TENOR, GUN METAL BLUES, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, ALADDIN, CAN’T PAY, WON’ PAY, TWELFTH NIGHT, THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, A SLICE OF SATURDAY NIGHT, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, GASLIGHT, BOUNCERS and IT’S A FINE LIFE (all for Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch),  Baron Hardup in CINDERELLA (Stafford Gatehouse), THE COMEDY OF BABI BABBETT, GENTLE HARRY’S FARM, IKARUS INC and NOAH BABEL’S ARK (Rude Mechanicals Theatre), MACK AND MABLE at the Criterion Theatre, West End (Adam Kenwright/Watermill Theatre), PINAFORE SWING (Watermill Theatre/National Tour), THE SWORD IN THE STONE, SLEEPING BEAUTY, Angie the Ox in GUYS AND DOLLS, ALADDIN, SUGAR and ROBIN HOOD AND THE BABES IN THE WOOD (all for the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich).
His TV credits include LOVE SOUP for the BBC and prior to training, he played Stitch in OLIVER! directed by Sam Mendes at the London Palladium.


Mike Slader – Grand Vizier

Since graduating Rose Bruford in 2009 Mike has toured round the UK with shows, jukebox musicals, and gigging with various bands.
Theatre credits include: Frankenstein (Salisbury Playhouse), Romeo and Juliet (The Watermill Theatre), Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood (City Varieties Music Hall) Dreamboats & Miniskirts (UK Tour), Delirium Show 6 (Workshop,St James Theatre), Dick Whittington (City Varieties, Leeds), Carnaby Street in Concert (UK Tour), Tiny Tempest (Brighton Dome)  Dave in Carnaby Street (UK Tour), Derek in Dreamboats & Petticoats (UK Tour), Ovid's Metamorphoses (Pleasance Dome), On the Third Day (The Mill Studios), Close (The Cockpit Theatre), Grimethorpe Race (The Arcola Theatre), Twelfth Night (UK Tour), The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (Chichester Festival Theatre), Dr Faustus (Chichester Festival Theatre).
Other work includes: Cruzier (Short Film), HTC Online Phone (Commercial) and Who Is In Control (Photography Stills)
For more information on Mike, please visit: www.access-uk.com


Lauren Storer – Genie

Lauren trained at Rose Bruford College and gained a first class BA(hons) in Actor Musicianship.
Theatre credits include: Onstage swing in Footloose (No.1 UK Tour), Narrator in The Santa Trap, Quilly Von Squint in Here Be Monsters! (Mayflower Productions/UK Tour), Ensemble in The Tale Of Mr Tumble (MIF and CBeebies), Genie in Aladdin (Shaw Theatre, London), Helga and U/S Sally Bowles in Cabaret (MAC, Belfast), Miranda in The Blonde Bombshells of 1943 (Upstairs at the Gatehouse), Girl in London Calling (Salisbury Playhouse), Mildred in Save The Last Dance For Me (No. 1 UK Tour), Phoebe in Carnaby Street (No. 1 UK Tour), Rabbit Rose in The Wind in the Willows (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Gloria in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Ensemble in Toad of Toad Hall (Watermill Theatre), Sarah in Acceptable in the 80's (Nabakov Theatre Company), Bet Bouncer in The Kissing Dance (Jermyn Street Theatre), Babs and U/S Donna, Sue in Dreamboats and Petticoats (No. 1 UK tour/ West end), Hera in Jason and the Argonauts, Ensemble in Medea (The Scoop Theatre, London), Fairy in Cinderella (New Wolsey Theatre), Maria in Twelfth Night (The Works Theatre Company).
Music credits: Keys on John Mitchell’s Lonely Robot tour (Holland/ UK), Keys/Assitant MD for Tommy (Greenwich theatre), Keys/Sax for Prince Revelations (G Live), Lauren also regularly gigs with the vocal duo ‘Verity and Violet’.


Benjamin Stratton – Abanazer

Benjamin trained at the Liverpool Institute of Peforming Arts.
His theatre credits include: Mal Evans in The Sessions (UK arena tour); Joe/Actor Musician in Hot Stuff(Oldham Coliseum); Ben and alternate Dan in Potted Potter (world tour, USA tour); The Opinon Makers (Mercury Theatre, Colchester and Derby Theatre); Ben in The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (Reduced Shakespeare Company, West End and UK national tour); Actor/Musician in The Opinion Makers (Mercury Theatre); Chip in Spelling Bee (Broadway Theatre, Catford); Mark Cohen in Rent (Greenwhich Theatre); Burly in Mother Goose (Key Theatre); Mark in Rent (Greenwich Theatre); Romeo in Romeo & Juliet (The Dell, RSC); Banquo in Macbeth (The Dell, RSC).
His television and film credits include Ben in Laundrapp commercial (Laundrapp); Mike in Out of Date.


Samuel Townsend – Wishy Washy 

Samuel trained at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Theatre credits include: Bill Humphries in 84 Charing Cross Road (Cambridge Arts Theatre), Flute in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Temple Music Hall), Bill Humphries in 84 Charing Cross Road (Salisbury Playhouse), Silvius/Le Beau in As You Like It (Southwark Playhouse).
Television credits include: Steve Manton in Doctors (BBC1), George in The Royals (Lionsgate Television).
Workshop includes: Ensemble in Pink Floyd: The Wall (Complicité).


Aladdin opens on Thursday 8th December 2016 until Sunday 8th January 2017. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked by calling the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

Line-up Announced for Cabaret and Burlesque Autumn Show at Gatehouse
Stafford's first, and only burlesque and variety show returns on Friday 28th October with an evening of saucy decadence!

Take your seat in the secluded intimacy of the MET Studio at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, before sampling the delights that Très Très has to offer.

The first act to be announced for the 28th October show is none other than charming, offbeat musical cabaret star, Tricity Vogue!

An exceptional vintage songstress, with a repertoire of surprising tunes and a somewhat colourful history of romantic misadventure, Tricity has cut a swathe through the UK cabaret scene with hit Edinburgh Fringe shows and a host of London cabaret productions under her belt. She was nominated for a London Cabaret Award two years running and regularly appears on variety bills across the UK and Europe, both as a solo artist and with her All Girl Swing Band.

Queen of the Ukulele, Tricity Vogue will bring her own blend of slink and sass to Stafford for the very first time; think Peggy Lee after a few too many cocktails and you’re getting close!

For the special Performer Friday show later this month, Tres Tres Cabaret organisers are thrilled to announce that tiki queen LOU ON THE ROCKS will also feature on the bill.

Tres Tres is often acclaimed for the international calibre of its performers, and Lou is the first ever overseas act heading to the UK to appear at the show! Flying in from Berlin, Lou is a passionate artist coming to tease Stafford audiences with elegance, fun and hippy hippy shakes, at the intersection where rock 'n' roll meets classic burlesque.

Her performances are inspired by the late 50s and 60s era Tarantino and Russ Meyer movies, combined with her own quirky touch.

Another overseas performer set to appear at the October 28th show: all the way from Minnesota, it's MUSETTE!

Musette the "Mistress of Mischief" is part sideshow sweetie – performing on her dainty bed of nails or eating fire – part vintage, vaudeville vixen doing her worst to make a crowd gasp or giggle with her bumping back side wiggle.

Musette has performed in hundreds of shows, including on the sparkly streets of NYC and greater Midwest, and aims to slay the unaware as well as the initiated with her bountiful burlesque charms and cheeky humour.

Another stateside performer also heading to Stafford this Autumn - it’s HAZEL HONEYSUCKLE!

Hazel Honeysuckle is a burlesque performer, actress and model based in New York City. She has been playing dress-up all her life, and lives to showcase both her love of classic burlesque as well as being a crazy, stupid nerd. A versatile performer, she can be sweet and innocent yet also bump and grind with the best of ‘em. This “Delicate Flower” is one you don’t want to miss! She performs on stages all over NYC, the US, and around the world, and can now add good old Stafford to her list!

All of this personally selected for your entertainment by resident Tres Tres producer, promoter and performer: STAGE DOOR JOHNNY!

A flirtatious, lyrical lothario and seasoned comic raconteur with razor-sharp wit, he'll have audiences grinning, giggling and eating from the palm of his hand - sometimes literally.

He can be heard singing everything from Shirley Bassey to Guns ‘n’ Roses, as well as ridiculous self-penned medleys to surprise and delight you. What’s more, he’ll be showcasing a brand new song and a new act for your delectation!

Do. Not. Miss. It. Book while you still can!

Très Très Cabaret is at The MET Studio at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on Friday 28th October at 8pm. Tickets are £15.50 and can be booked by calling the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk.

Early booking is advised as a sell-out is expected again. The show is strictly for over 18s only.

Meet the Cast of Stafford Festival Shakespeare 2016: Desdemona

Our final meet the cast interview is with Madeleine Leslay, who will be playing the role of Desdemona in this year’s production of Othello.  Madeleine has previously performed as part of a UK Shakespeare tour, which included the Comedy of Errors, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night.

 

What made you want to get involved with the Stafford Festival Shakespeare for the first time?

Not only is Othello just the most amazing play, Stafford is a beautiful place, particularly around Stafford Castle. It is a great opportunity to perform one of Shakespeare’s greatest works in a fantastic location.

The Stafford Festival Shakespeare also came highly recommended by friends of mine - Jen Greenwood, who played Hermia in a Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Joshua Manning who played Oliver in As You Like It.

How do you feel about being part of one of the largest outdoor Shakespeare events in Europe?

I am beyond excited! It’s a fantastic opportunity, particularly as the world commemorates the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death this year.

 

The Stafford Castle is not your typical setting, have you performed in any outside or in other unusual settings before?

I have recently performed in an outdoor UK Shakespeare tour, in which I performed slap bang in the middle of a field! This tour used minimal sets, so Othello will be a different scale. The Stafford Castle will be the most picturesque place I have acted in.

 

Could you tell us a bit more about Desdemona, what do you think she brings to the play?

Desdemona is a young, happy teenage girl and everything is exciting and new for her. She has had a lovely upbringing and a good education, which perhaps makes her a little naive. My character is also falls heavily in love with Othello, and secretly marries him! I hope that her character will bring a breath of fresh air to the play, which in turn actually makes it all the more tragic when things start to turn against her.

             

What is it your favourite thing about Othello as a play?

My favourite thing about Othello is the language, because it’s so rich, intense and amazing to perform.

I also think that the themes and issues running through the play, for example jealousy and abuse, are still issues that we’re facing and tackling today.

 

What is your personal highlight of the production and setting?

My highlight is definitely the music.  A group of very talented musicians bring the music is to life, so it’s a pleasure to listen to. I am a huge fan of the music of the 1950s, so it is perfect for me!

What do you think will be the highlight for the audience this year?

The set is phenomenal, and a real feast for the eyes.  I also think those who haven’t seen Othello before and don’t know what to expect are in for a treat as Othello is a brilliant, gripping story.

Desdemona is a young girl of high birth who becomes enthralled by stories of Othello’s childhood. She secretly marries and elopes with Othello but their marriage is much to the dismay of her father. Desdemona is a delicate, sweet and virtuous character.

Othello will run from June 23 until July 9 at the Stafford Castle, tickets are available here, or by calling 01785 619080.

Meet the Cast of Stafford Festival Shakespeare 2016: Iago

The latest meet the cast interview is with Niall Costigan who will be playing the role of Iago, one of Shakespeare’s most sinister villains. Niall has previously performed in several Shakespeare productions including Macbeth at the Liverpool Everyman, Much Ado About Nothing for page2stage.

 

What made you want to get involved with the performance of Othello at Stafford Festival Shakespeare?

Othello is a fantastic play, and Iago is a great part to sink your teeth into. The director, Clare Prenton, has amazing ideas about the production so I was honoured to be asked to get involved.

The Stafford Festival Shakespeare is now one of the largest Shakespeare events in Europe, are you excited about being involved?

I can’t wait. It’s a huge scale performance, the perfect setting for one of Shakespeare’s most ambitious and dramatic works. The story traverses two countries and takes the audience through an array of backdrops.

Have you performed in any outdoor productions before?

I grew up performing in the biggest street festival, the Aurillac Street Theatre Festival in France. I have also performed Shakespeare in the open air not far away at Trentham Gardens. However, this will be my largest scale outdoor performance yet.

Could you tell us about what Iago brings to the play?

Iago is the ringmaster of the Othello story, he is brilliantly fascinating and guides you through the play explaining exactly what he will do and then doing it. In essence, what he brings is that he makes the play happen, manipulating the entire production. He is the second largest part Shakespeare created, so you will spend a long time listening to my character talk!

What is it that you most like about the play Othello?

Honestly, I don’t know yet! Every scene we rehearse becomes my new favourite. It just makes you realise why Othello has remained as popular as it is for over 400 years, it reveals so much about humanity and truly depicts the human condition. I think every audience member will discover a part of the play that they can relate to.

What is your highlight of this year’s Othello production and setting?

The best thing for me has to be getting to work with such a fantastic team, who are all deeply passionate about the work we’re doing. I’m really looking forward to that first performance and getting to step onto the stage with them.

What do you think will be the highlight for the audience this year?

I think the audience will enjoy how different this Othello production is from performances they may have seen before. The production team have really opened the play up, and there is plenty for the audience to feast their eyes and ears on.

Iago is the villain in Othello. He betrays the trust of Othello despite having a reputation for being honest and honourable and he controls the other characters in the play through manipulation and deceit.

Othello will run from June 23 until July 9, tickets are available here, or by calling 01785 619080.

 

Meet the Cast of Stafford Festival Shakespeare 2016: Othello

Our meet the cast interview today is with Oliver Wilson, who is playing Othello. This is his first year at the Stafford Festival Shakespeare. Oliver has a love of Shakespeare, which sparked from his time at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) performing Seven Ages of Poetry.

 

 

This is your first year being involved in Stafford Festival Shakespeare.  What made you want to get involved with the performance?

The most interesting thing for me is the fact that it is an open air setting. I’ve never had the opportunity to be involved in an open air production before, and I have heard great things from the actors who have been involved in previous years.

How do you feel about being part of one of the largest open air Shakespeare events in Europe?

It’s certainly going to be a memorable performance for me! I’ve been passionate about Shakespeare for a long time, so being part of such a large Shakespeare festival as we commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death is a real privilege.

The Stafford Castle is not your typical setting, have you performed in any other unusual settings before?

I have done scenes and projects with a company called 1623 in Derby, which puts on Shakespeare performances in unconventional settings, but all my previous full scale productions have been in theatres.

Could you tell us a bit more about Othello, and what he brings to the play?

Othello is a successful leader and a warrior who is at ease in any environment - be it with soldiers, diplomats or dukes. He is a strong moral character with a good sense of right and wrong. The really interesting thing about him is how he is can be really hard when he needs to be, but his character softens a little as he falls in love with Desdemona.

What is it that you most like about Othello as a play?

Othello probably has the most twists the turns of any Shakespeare play, and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the drama!

 

What is your highlight of this year’s Othello production and setting?

I think the setting is amazing, probably the most impressive I have worked on to date. The audience will also be completely charmed and drawn in by both Othello and Iago – and end up despising them in equal measure!

What do you think will be the highlight for the audience this year?

This year we’re taking on a tragedy, which is a step away from the lighter plays and comedies of previous Stafford Festival Shakespeare productions. It’s a bigger challenge, and I am looking forward to shaking things up! 

The open air production fits particularly well with the nature of Othello, where you’re outside with the elements and it gets darker as the play gets darker. I think the audience will identify well with the drama and grit.
 

Othello is a Venetian Moorish prince who is appointed as a general in the army. After marrying Desdemona in secret, he is tricked by his officer Iago into believing Desdemona is having an affair.

You have until July 9 to see Othello, tickets are available here, or by calling 01785 619080.

Here comes the sun

~ Things to do in Staffordshire this summer ~

The landlocked county of Staffordshire offers much more than oatcakes, ceramics and the idyllic British countryside. Staffordshire is bursting with world class scenery, hugely popular attractions and award winning events. As summer draws closer, the team at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre has drawn up its list of the best things to see and do in Staffordshire during the season ahead.

#7 Live music at Trentham

Set against the picturesque lakeside scenery of Trentham Gardens, the Trentham Estate’s five-week run of outdoor summer concerts is bound to draw a crowd. Running every Saturday from June 15, through to August 27, Trentham is encouraging attendees to dance their way through the decades with a range of live tribute bands.

If live music isn’t your thing, don’t worry, the Trentham shopping village, garden centre and Monkey Forrest will still be open for the summer.

#6 Gin Jamborees

Britain’s gin scene has exploded over the past twelve months and Staffordshire hasn’t escaped unscathed. A Gin Jamboree provides gin enthusiasts with the perfect excuse to sample some of the newest, most exciting gins on the market – many of them provided by independent, artisan producers.

The ongoing Gin Jamborees are held all over Staffordshire, but you will have to be quick – some of the events have been known to sell out in a matter of days!

 

#5 Take on the Ironman triathlon

Following the success of the 2015 event, the Ironman 70.3 triathlon will be returning to Staffordshire’s Shugborough estate on June 12, 2016. Consisting of a 1.2-mile swim in Chasewater reservoir, a 56-mile bike course through the country and a concluding 13.1-mile run - this fierce challenge is not for the faint hearted.

If clambering through mud isn’t your thing, don’t worry, Staffordshire has plenty more in store.

#4 Summer of Vintage Festival

Showcasing an impressive mix of vintage clothing, collectables, homeware and eclectic antiques from the 1930s to 1970s, the Summer of Vintage Festival at Uttoxeter Racecourse is likely to attract a thrifty crowd of attendees.

Arranged by Staffordshire-based event company, The Vintage Suitcase, the award-winning fair will run at Uttoxeter Racecourse on the weekend of August 6-7.

#3 Summer School take to the stage

This year, the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre’s Summer School will be performing an all new British musical, Loserville, written by Elliot Davis and James Bourne. Aspiring young actors from the Staffordshire area, aged between seven and 21, will have battled for their place in this year’s performance. The highly-anticipated production will run towards the end of the summer, from August 10-13.

#2 The Great British Food Festival

Returning to the Shugborough Estate for its fourth consecutive year, the Great British Food Festival is slowly defining itself as a staple event in any food lover’s calendar. The festival includes a jam-packed schedule of live music, chef demonstrations, cookery classes and the hugely popular ‘man vs food’ challenges.

The family weekend will be returning to the estate on July 9 and 10. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.
 

#1 Stafford Festival Shakespeare

Featuring a brand new creative team, the Stafford Festival Shakespeare will return to Stafford Castle this summer for a debut performance of the dark tragedy, Othello. Performed against the stunning castle backdrop, with covered grandstand seating and delicious dining options, the festival promises to be an unforgettable experience.

The open-air event will run from Thursday, June 23, through to Saturday, July 9 and has been described as the theatre’s boldest production yet.

To book your tickets, go to www.staffordfestivalshakespeare.com or call Stafford Gatehouse box office on 01785 619080.