Fans Theatre Show Goes on Tour (AD)

Do you love live music and theatre? 

Were you in a band when you were younger? 

Did you dream of being in a band? 

Then the latest show from The Six Twenty could be right up your street. Fans returned to Newcastle last weekend, to which we received an invitation attend the press night, and is now on a short tour taking it to Doncaster and London before one more performance in the North East in Sunderland at The Peacock in November.

Fans - A Live, Loud, Gig Theatre Show

FANS, described accurately as a live, loud, gig theatre show, is written by Nina Berry and directed by Melanie Rashbrooke, The Six Twenty’s Artistic Director and features a dynamic North East cast and creative team.

On stage, there are just four actors, Andrew Bleakley, Charlie Raine, Alex Tahnee and Chris Foley, all on stage throughout, and all amazing singers & accomplished musicians, belting out tunes from Madonna to Green Day and the Spice Girls, as well as beautiful acapella versions of The Beatles and playing Baker Street Gerry Rafferty. It was hard to remember sometimes that you were at a theatre performance rather than a gig - and that’s no bad thing. And I defy anyone to not get goosebumps during Chandelier.

Based on people’s love affair with music, Fans is an electric mix of stories. Intertwined between the songs are beautiful anecdotes, musically based but all about growing - both up and as a person. Whether your understanding was as a parent or child (and I was both) it was easy to have empathy with the characters. There is tenderness, humour, lots of laughs but also lots of understanding and self-awareness. My kids' primary school even got a shout out, endearing it to me even more.

When I worked at Live Theatre I used to work alongside one of the actors, the producer and the writer. Although skilled in their work for Live Theatre their talents are far greater than working in an office even if it is Live Theatre, one of the great new writing theatres in the UK.

This is a show I could very easily sit through again and again. Knowing some of the team I wondered if my love of the show was influenced by that in any way, however, I took a friend of mine along too, she has no affinity to any of the actors or the theatre, and she totally loved it too. She’s not even a ‘muso’ but got all of the references ... even if our favourite tracks on the evening were very different!

All the music could be in one of my playlists. And it made me reminisce so much about every mixtape I’ve ever owned, and still own. I have kept every mixtape I’ve ever been given - by best friends, housemates and ex-boyfriends. All made with love and telling a story of their own. I really need to dig them out of the cupboard and give them another listen.

Overall it was an emotional talent fest. It is full of energy, as well as warmth and enjoyment, but also makes you think ... and with the current state of the world that’s no bad thing. I really didn’t want the evening to end.

Fans will now go on tour to Doncaster and London before returning to the North East for a performance at The Peacock in Sunderland

1 Nov @ CAST (Doncaster) BOOK

2 Nov @ Canada Water Theatre (LDN) BOOK

7-8 Nov @ Theatre N16 (LDN) BOOK

16 Nov @ The Peacock (Sunderland) BOOK

The Six Twenty will be back at Live Theatre with Mixtape this Christmas with Mixtape Xmas from 5-8 December.

What is The Six Twenty?

The Six Twenty are a Newcastle-based theatre company; making work that’s bold, immersive and fun. Creating conversation and bringing people together for a great night out. They create dynamic new work and playful re-imaginings of classic and contemporary plays. Setting fire to what theatre can be, they often fuse new writing, live music & devised theatre together to make shows that are relevant and responsive to the modern world. Touring throughout the UK to theatres, outdoor spaces and unexpected places; they work with an ever-changing ensemble of performers, writers, creatives and theatre-makers. The Six Twenty is a Live Theatre Associate company.

What is Live Theatre?

Live Theatre is a theatre in Newcastle with an international reputation as a new writing theatre. As well as producing and presenting new plays, it seeks out and nurtures creative talent. It offers everything from world-class theatre, stand-up comedy and live music in its beautiful theatre. Its quirky historic spaces made from five Grade II listed buildings joined together to create a unique atmosphere with an intimate feel.  Located on Newcastle Quayside it is approximately a 10 minutes walk from Monument, Central Station and Manors Metro Stations. It has two indoor performance spaces, the theatre and the studio in which to enjoy a performance. Fans was performed in the main theatre which has both fixed seating and cabaret seating.

Are you a live music and theatre fan?

Deb x

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