[Ad-gifted] J M Barrie is a name that most of us are familiar with (through Peter Pan of course), as is the popular Christmas-time chocolates that feature in many a household – Quality Street.
Well now put those two things together and you have a not-so-familiar play by J M Barrie called Quality Street! Although the play has been a not been seen frequently over recent years this isn’t its first revival. It had had one back in 2020 that of course was cut short. So read on to find out what we thought of Northern Broadsides‘s first leg of Quality Streets UK tour which was performed at The New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
What I thought of Quality Street
Quality Street by JM Barry, is a fabulous play and I’m glad it’s had a revival for the round at The New Vic where it starts it’s tour.
The play was a delightful comedy that had the audience laughing at the right moments which was pretty much throughout.
The acting was great with a story to match. With strong roles being played out by lead character, Phoebe (Paula Lane) her love Valentine (playing a war, hero and gentlemen, by, Aron Julius) and the character of a sister, Susan (Louisa-May Parker) who all worked well together on stage.
In the performance, Phoebe and Susan are teachers of genteel children, and in order to represent the children puppets had been created. These added a different dimension to the play and additional comic value – they were so cheeky and funny to watch although with slightly menacing faces!
Susan was the star character, her role as Phoebe’s sister was kind and caring with great comic timing. However, another character not to miss, especially for her presence on stage was unmissable is that of Patty (Gilly Tompkins). The other accompanying actors were equally fabulous (see their names below) and had everyone giggling.
The only bit that missed the mark for me in this adaptation was the addition of the two factory workers. I understand the significance of having them – based on the fact that the famous chocolates were named after the play but I felt that their presence didn’t quite work.
That being said this is a must see show and is a wonderful romantic comedy, representing the plights of women back in the 1900s. So please keep reading to find out how you can book your tickets to watch the show below.
Cast & Creatives Details
Cast:
Aron Julius as Captain Valentine Brown
Paula Lane as Phoebe Throssel
Jelani D’Aguilar as Fanny Willoughby / Isabella / Sandra
Alice Imelda as Charlotte Parratt / Jo
Alicia McKenzie as Mary Willoughby / Lotte
Alex Moran as Ensign Blades / Arthur / Brenda
Louisa-May Parker as Susan Throssel
Jamie Smelt as Recruiting Sergeant / Georgy / Lieutenant Spicer
Gilly Tompkins as Patty / Barbara
Creative Team:
Director Laurie Sansom | Original Designer Jessica Worrall | Lighting Designer Joe Price | Sound Designer Nick Sagar |
Puppet Maker Beka Haigh | Casting Director Sarah Hughes | Choreographer Ben Wright
How much do the tickets to Quality Street cost?
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £20 – £29.
Concessions: £2.00 off
Group Discounts: £2.00 off for ten or more
Opening Night: Fri, 3 March – All seats £20.00 (no cons)
Part of the Four Plays for £90 package, and Four Friends for £82 offers.
How do I book tickets to Quality Street?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01782 717962 or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
Quality Street will run until Saturday, 25 March 2023 with evening shows at 7.30pm while the matinee shows will be at 2.15pm. There will be Captioned Performance on 21 March and Audio Described Performance on 25 March 2023.
Where is New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?
New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG
The theatre has a large car park, with a £1.50 charge after 6pm on show days. Only contactless card payment is currently accepted for parking charges.
The theatre café is open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday – then from 5.30pm for pre-show meals.
Booking is required for pre-show meals 5.30pm onwards, via their booking system at this link.
About The New Vic Theatre
Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
About Northern Broadsides
Northern Broadsides is a unique theatre company with a true northern voice. Their work is characterised by theatrical inventiveness and robust performances from a large ensemble cast of multi-talented and charismatic Northern actors who all perform in their natural voices. For the past 29 years, they have delighted audiences in the UK and internationally with bold, radical and accessible productions of classic and new plays that both reflect the diversity and multiplicity of voices in the north, and act as a catalyst for change throughout the region.
About Arts Council England
Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. By 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone of us has access to a remarkable range of high quality cultural experiences. Between 2018 and 2022, we will invest £1.45 billion of public money from government and an estimated £860 million from the National Lottery to help deliver this vision.
Keeping you safe
To help you enjoy your visit, the New Vic has put measures in place to help all visitors feel as comfortable as possible:
Feeling unwell? If you, or a member of your party, are exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 prior to your visit, they politely ask you do not attend the theatre. If this is the case, please speak to a member of their box office team who will be able to talk you through options to exchange your tickets. Feeling unwell? If you, or a member of your party, are exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 prior to your visit, they politely ask you do not attend the theatre. If this is the case, please speak to a member of their box office team who will be able to talk you through options to exchange your tickets.
Review by : Lex Ward
You may also want to read this:
Abigail’s Party is heading to the New Vic Theatre
Review: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Adapted for New Vic Theatre
Review: Happy Jack by John Godber Company at The New Vic Theatre
Photo Credit: New Vic Theatre/Andrew Billington
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
20 comments
I have to admit I did think chocolate when I read the title of the play, and love the sound of the play. I have heard about this but never seen it I do also love rom coms so this is definitely one for me to look out for
Glad you did, and that how the show originated from as well
What a great show! I have never had theater experience but I would love to watch this show.
Hope you do get the chance Beth
I would love to go see this play. It seems very fun and interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Anytime, Lavanda
You share the best plays!!! I can’t wait to watch this one, can’t wait! It seems awesome.
Thank you, glad you think so
Wow, that looks like a good time! This would be a fun one to see with my mom, she loves stuff like this and we need a night out.
Hope you get the chance to watch the show
Another exciting live show! It looks and sounds highly entertaining…would love to see it in person!
Hope you do get the chance
So much wonder when we go and enjoy a live production at our local theatre or during our travels. This one is so amazing. Adore the pictures!
Great shots there, I have to agree with you
How exciting, looks like all the cast are fun to watch. I’ve never been to one but I will definitely try to watch them in person!
It was a good show to watch
Sounds like a gret way to get transported to another place in time. I desperately want to see a show now!
Hope you do get the chance to watch this
This seems right up my alley. I would love to see Quality Street. It seems like it was such an amazing play.
It was and I had a lovely evening