Review: The Charlie’s Angel Band & Guests at Tyne Theatre
Charlie’s Angels with Charlie Richmond and Guests
29th July 2023
Some of the best nights I have had at the glorious Tyne Theatre and Opera House have been nights such as this. A variety concert that offers something for everyone and to raise money for a worthy cause.The Tyne Theatre has done this kind of show really well over the years including a decade of the 2CC supporting some amazing charities and helping to keep this historic building part of our theatrical history – and tonight was a wonderful example.
Local panto legend Charlie Richmond hosted the show and gave some brilliant vocals of his own including his heartfelt rendition of ‘Stars’ from Les Misérables. Tonight, he was joined by Tyne Theatre panto princess Beth Clarke, the immensely talented Glen Townsend, along with the superb vocals of Phoebe Carr and Bethan Amber to enthral the audience from the opening number to the Abba mega mix as the end.
In addition to the Charlie’s Angels group there were wonderful performances from True Colours Theatre and SA Performing Arts and I do not think there was a dry eye in the house when True Colours signed a beautiful rendition of A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman.
Variety is something I am very enthusiastic about and it seems to have been lost or at least forgotten about in modern theatre. It is high time that venues up and down the land remembered how inclusive, uplifting,and encouraging it can be and I applaud Charlie and all the cast of this production for bringing it back to the stage.
The first act was mainly musical theatre ranging from Cabaret through Grease, a wonderful mash up of Dear Evan Hansen and Hamilton, and the breathless ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ from Hairspray. The second act took us all on a journey through pop music ending with a fabulous Abba tribute where the audience were on their feet, in the aisles, and breaking out their own personal dancing queens.
Charlie’s Angels is superb theatre in the tradition of music hall. They were supporting the cancer charity Myloma UK which is close to Charlie’s heart. They also gave a platform to some amazing new talent from Alisar Taylor, Zac Deeney and everyone at True Colours Theatre and the splendid work from the students at SA Performing Arts in Byker.
I will be the first in the queue for another evening of entertainment from all those involved this evening and I encourage everyone to click on the links below to learn more about the respective organisations.
https://www.saperformingarts.co.uk/
https://www.truecolourstheatre.co.uk/
https://www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/about/about
– Stephen Stokoe