On a freezing North East night, as the snow (sleet really, but I’m setting the scene and that doesn’t sound as picturesque) began to fall and the streets became rivers of car light reflections, a couple of 40-year-olds put on their woolly hats and went to Northern Stage in search of some Christmas cheer and a little bit of much needed magic. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice running from 9th December 2022 to 7th Jan 2023 definitely pulled the Rabbit out of the Hatty!
Excitement was building as the auditorium filled up with kids, mams and dads, grans and grandads, and I’m pleased to say, near middle-agers like my pal and I, who were there to get the festive season off with a whizz-bang! The production was energetic from the get-go and didn’t stop until the very end. There was also a very real message that was delivered by the cast and Director Maria Crocker, “This is a story to remind us that nobody is a nobody”. It was heart warming to watch good triumph over evil and see chances being given to everyone, even the amazing puppet Rats (Matthew Nicholson)…Squeak!
Hatty Rabbit played by Newcastle’s own Beth Crame, was a delight to watch. She connected with the audience, brought the character to life and added the sparkle to the production we were all waiting for. She interacted with all the characters, good (Nick Figgis as Hopkins, The Sorcerer) and evil (Jessica Johnson as Canopus Sly). Her purple tights were rather fab too!
The music and songs are all original compositions by Musical Director Katie Doherty, who has created music for five Christmas productions for Northern Stage as well as the RSC. They were memorable and lively. The children sitting in front of us were really enjoying the dancing and the music! The set was amazing – as good as I’ve seen anywhere – and designed for interaction with the audience, bringing the magic direct from the stage.
The after-show feedback was that everyone of all ages had fun watching The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. I reckon there would have been some very frazzled parents by the time bedtime came around...
This is a refreshing change from pantomime but no less fun. Izzy whizzy, let’s get busy…buy a ticket before they’ve all sold out!
Images: Pamela Raith Photography