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.
The Killing of Sister George - New Vic Theatre / Told By An Idiot
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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.
One of Them Ones - Pentabus March 2023
It was great to photograph for the wonderful touring theatre company Pentabus earlier the week.
Their new show tours till May and is a corker:
“Pentabus are delighted to present One Of Them Ones an inspiring and celebratory new play by rising star Charlie Josephine who wrote the critically acclaimed I, Joan - ***** The Times, **** The Guardian, **** Independent
An uplifting new play about two siblings living in a rural community trying to get their heads around gender identity. Frankie is desperate to be understood, accepted, loved. But LGBTQ alphabet soup has got Michael’s head spinning. Why's it gotta be so complicated? Why can't they understand? Why can't things go back to the way they always were? Unpicking the complexities of identity and the fierce family love that hopefully holds us together.
"Frankie said we should do this, tell our story, cus yeah, it’s a mad one, and maybe someone might like it, and find it useful or whatever? So, that’s why we’re here...."
Rehearsal Photography - 'Quality Street', Northern Broadsides
Here’s some rehearsal photography I did at the New Vic Theatre for Northern Broadside during their production of ‘Quality Street’ in 2023.
As always with rehearsal photography my approach is to not interrupt the session, work in a way that captures process and the flavour of the performance.
I’ll typically send an hour or so in the rehearsal room and look for images that let the viewer inside the rehearsal process, are useful for marketing the show and act as a record of the production.
Alice in Wonderland - New Vic Theatre 2022
Revisit the greatest children’s story of all time this Christmas, and join us as we take a trip to Wonderland!
Journey with Alice as she follows the White Rabbit into a curiously enchanting new world, filled with even curioser characters.
By Lewis Carroll
Adapted and directed by Theresa Heskins
Revisit the greatest children’s story of all time this Christmas, and join us as we take a trip to Wonderland!
Journey with Alice as she follows the White Rabbit into a curiously enchanting new world, filled with even curioser characters.
As she searches for a way home, Alice encounters strange and whimsical people: a disappearing cat with a grin wider than she’s ever seen, a Mad Hatter whose tea party never quite serves tea, and a bad tempered Queen who is looking for her jam tarts…
An adventure like no other, Alice In Wonderland is filled with fun, laughter and lots of magical moments. Brought to life in the New Vic’s sensational trademark style, this is a story that will give the young – and young at heart – a joyful festive treat this year!
It was great to photograph this production again (I photographed it first in 2011)
Quality Street - Northern Broadsides at the New Vic Theatre
From the writer of Peter Pan, this delicious farce was such a sensation in its day that it gave its name to the UK’s most loved chocolates.
By J.M. Barrie
Directed by Laurie Sansom
From the writer of Peter Pan, this delicious farce was such a sensation in its day that it gave its name to the UK’s most loved chocolates.
Phoebe Throssel runs a school for unruly children on Quality Street. Ten years since a tearful goodbye, an old flame returns from fighting Napoleon. But the look of disappointment on Captain Valentine’s face when he greets an older, less glamorous Phoebe, spurs our determined heroine to action.
She becomes the wild and sparkling Miss Livvy, a younger alter-ego who soon beguiles the clueless Captain. As their romance is rekindled, can she juggle both personas? Or will the deception scandalise the town and wreck any future with the man she loves?
Northern Broadsides revive their hit regency comedy, stirring in a good helping of Yorkshire wit from the retired workers of the Halifax factory where Quality Street have been proudly made since 1936. Think Bridgerton meets Inside the Factory.
Marvellous - SohoPlace Theatre + New Vic Theatre
Marvellous @SohoPlace Theatre
This is the second time I’ve photographed this production at The New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-lyme and it remained as fresh and enjoyable as ever.
Here’s a selection of images from the show and I’m so pleased that it is going to be the opening show at a new theatre in London’s West End - SohoPlace Theatre.
As You Like It - Northern Broadsides
Northern Broadsides tour of ‘As You Like It’ 2022.
What a joy to be asked to photograph Northern Broadsides latest production.
It ‘s a company I’ve seen and adored for years and it was a great to be able to provide the publicity material for their latest tour….
