Tynemouth Priory Theatre

Written by Ken Ludwig

It is December 1936 and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play ‘Sherlock Holmes’, has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and hilarity are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.

Written by Neil Simon

Plaza Suite is a trio of short plays related by one theme – they all take place in suite 719 of The Plaza Hotel in New York, during the swinging sixties.

The play tells the tale of three couples as a marriage dissolves, a seduction occurs and a bride is ‘gently’ persuaded to leave her locked bedroom and attend her own wedding.

Neil Simon is considered a master playwright, with Plaza Suite being one of his most popular and celebrated comedies, showcasing Simon at his best

Written by by Norman Robbins

Hansel and Gretel are brother and sister who adventure deep into the woods to collect blackberries to help their poor Aunt. On one of their journeys they are kidnapped by a witch living deep in the forest in a house constructed of cake and confectionery. The two children save their lives by outwitting the witch who gets her just desserts! Full of fun, comedy routines and laughter, this is family entertainment at its best.

Written by William Douglas-Home

This play, based on the autobiography of Sibyl Hathaway, the hereditary feudal chief of the Island of Sark, chronicles the German occupation of the island during WW11 covering each year from 1940 to 1945. It shows how she and her husband with dignity and ingenuity dealt with the occupying forces, and the hardships the islanders endured which included near starvation and the eviction of some from their homes.  The main theme throughout the play is the relationship between the Dame of Sark and the German Commandant, Colonel von Schmettau, their growing respect for one another whilst each trying to maintain their own authority, pride and dignity. There is humour and pathos in equal measure in this moving adaptation of Sibyl Hathaway’s autobiography.

Written by Ray Cooney & Tony Hilton

Jonathan Hardcastle, a wealthy northern mill owner, wants to pay tribute to a late employee and close friend by giving a handsome amount of cash to the person he believes to be the only surviving relative of the deceased, namely his son, Billy.  On the evening of a party to celebrate the birthday of Hardcastle's daughter, Cynthia, Billy arrives to collect his inheritance. In this classic Whitehall farce, what could possibly go wrong?

Written by by Noel Coward

In his wickedly funny `forgotten` final play, Noël Coward takes us behind the red-curtain glamour of a new West End production in 1951. Conjuring up an authentic backstage world of talent and treachery, Coward creates a gallery of unforgettable characters including, jaded old troupers, and a temperamental leading lady and her director engaging in a battle of egos which will make or break the production – and possibly the rest of the cast.  Caught somewhere between them all, an innocent young playwright. From tentative first rehearsal to opening night, the clash of egos becomes increasingly and hilariously bloody.  Bursting with Coward charm, what emerges from the mayhem of wit, hissy fits and fisticuffs is proof that Star Quality will always triumph... This new adaptation premiered in the West End in 2001