A blog for the latest theatre, music, dance and performance photography from Andrew Billington - live performance photographer based in Staffordshire and photographing across the UK.
Dave Graham's 60s Musical Comedy Show
This year, Eric is throwing a huge party to celebrate 25 years of sensational shows at the New Vic and you’re all invited!
This year, Eric is throwing a huge party to celebrate 25 years of sensational shows at the New Vic and you’re all invited!
Everyone’s favourite hero Eric has been entertaining audiences with the
very best 60s music and side-splitting comedy in shows that have seen him in all manner of compromising positions! He’s taken on murder mysteries, adventures into the outback and even ballroom dancing and you’ve laughed, and laughed some more at his hilarious antics, all whilst dancing away to the songs you love.
In this special concert, ‘Eric’ and friends will be performing all your favourite 60s hits for a celebration of his 25 years of appearances at the New Vic.
Come along and join in the fun!
Song of the Sytch: Performance Photography, Claybody Theatre
Song of the Sytch: Performance Photography, Claybody Theatre
Wednesday 4 October - Saturday 14 October
Spode Works, Stoke-on-Trent
September 1938. Neville Chamberlain has averted another catastrophic conflict in Europe, but there isn’t much peace at The Pelican – a pub in a poor part of Burslem known as The Sytch.
While a Male Voice Choir practices in the back room, dirty deals are done in the cellars beneath; subversive ideas take root and forbidden love is kindling. As the world hurtles to the brink of war once more, a community finds it must pull together or fall apart.
Performance Photography: Astley's Astounding Adventures
Performance Photography: Astley's Astounding Adventures
By Frazer Flintham
Directed by Theresa Heskins and Vicki Dela Amedume MBE
When Philip and Patty meet, they both know their lives are about to change. As the couple begin their adventure together, they are unaware that they will become the legends of one of the greatest stories ever told…
This is the story of Philip Astley, local town hero from Newcastle-Under-Lyme who became the international impresario that invented Circus – the spectacular phenomenon that captured the hearts of millions of people all over the world!
Astley’s Astounding Adventures is filled with fast-paced action, laugh-out-loud humour, gripping drama and breath-taking circus spectacle.
Revived to coincide with Newcastle-under-Lyme’s 850th anniversary, this is a bold, colourful celebration of a local hero that you won’t want to miss!
RSC 37 Plays: Rehearsed Reading
Here is some performance photography taken at the New Vic Theatre of a rehearsed reading from the RSC’s 37 Plays project in October 2023.
Here is some performance photography taken at the New Vic Theatre of a rehearsed reading from the RSC’s 37 Plays project in October 2023.
The Doris Effect by Tim Wallers
The Doris Effect: Shropshire. Now. Doris crucifies herself on a solar panel to challenge local politics.
Rehearsal Photos : Astley's Astounding Adventures
Rehearsal photography from ‘Astley’s Astounding Adventures’ at the New Vic Theatre in Staffordshire.
September 2023: Rehearsal photography from ‘Astley’s Astounding Adventures’ at the New Vic Theatre in Staffordshire.
The Killing of Sister George - New Vic Theatre / Told By An Idiot
By Frank Marcus
Directed by Paul Hunter
A much-loved character on Applehurst, the BBC soap opera, Sister George is a cheerful nurse who cycles around the countryside singing hymns and doing good. In reality June Buckeridge, the actress who plays her, is a swaggering, foul mouthed loose cannon who has very little in common with her radio persona.
Due to low ratings, cut backs and June’s own bad behaviour, the BBC decides “Sister George” has to go…
for good!
The Killing of Sister George is an iconic black comedy shot through with surprising moments of tenderness. Famously adapted into a film in 1968 with Beryl Reid in the title role, the New Vic and Told by an Idiot will bring to life this bittersweet play with a unique visual flair and an audacious blend of raucous humour and compelling drama.
Join us as we premiere this ‘60s cult classic on our extraordinary stage!
‘Their work is never less than sublime’
The Independent on Told by an Idiot
The Pantomime Awards 2023
The UK Pantomime Association (UKPA) has announced the winners of The Pantomime Awards 2023 in association with Butlin’s at a star-studded ceremony which took place at the Trafalgar Theatre in London’s West End on the evening of Tuesday 11 April 2023.
The UK Pantomime Association (UKPA) has announced the winners of The Pantomime Awards 2023 in association with Butlin’s at a star-studded ceremony which took place at the Trafalgar Theatre in London’s West End on the evening of Tuesday 11 April 2023.
I was there to photograph it.
'Bright Ideas' Community Arts Production in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire
It was great to capture this super community installation along the canal in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire. Working with Appetite, Canal & River Trust and B Arts the community came together to produce this amazing installation.
Appetite in partnership with Canal & River Trust are excited to be taking another trip Down the Rabbit Hole!
Over two nights the stretch of canal from Kidsgrove railway station to the north entrance of Harecastle Tunnel will come to life. The experience will include two stunning projections created by story, projection and sound artists, Illuminos, with students from The King’s Church of England Academy. Illuminos have been back to the school this year to work with students to create a brand new projection, with last year’s projection also being part of the evening.
Since January the Bright Ideas project, made up of women of Kidsgrove and young women who are students from The King’s, have been working together with lighting award-winning New Vic lighting designer Daniella Beattie. The culmination of their project will be unveiling a lit art installation that they have created from concept to build, which can be viewed alongside the light show.
As you walk along the towpath you will also Follow the Rabbit, led by a trail of 50 jars decorated with fantastical beasts and magical creatures made by artists and community with B-Arts in 2022.
