Beauty and the Beast summer pantomime at Whitley Bay Playhouse

 AD

A pantomime in the summer? Oh yes there is! 

Once again Reece Sibbald productions is back at Whitley Bay Playhouse in North Tyneside with a summer panto. Now I know what your thinking pantos are for Christmas, well they are just as much fun in the summer and are definitely not just for Christmas. 

This years production was Beauty and the Beast staring popular regular cast members Reece Sibbald, Cal Halbert and Pippa Smith alongside Ryan Hill as the beast, Leah Cook as Belle and Phil Dixon as Dame Dotty. This year they had a special guest Jamie and Chuck from Britain's Got Talent. 

The show was running from the 3rd to 7th of August 2022 so you have probably missed out on seeing it this year as today is the last day. Hopefully they will be doing another summer panto next year so you can grab some tickets as we have watched the summer panto a few times before. 

Jack And The Beanstalk Pantomime At Whitley Bay Playhouse Review

AD - Press Tickets.

It just wouldn't be Christmas without a trip to the pantomime and as a family, one pantomime that we always look forward to is the one at Whitley Bay's Playhouse. We have been going to see the pantomime here for the past four years and it is always the children's favourite one as it is perfect for young children. This year's panto was Jack and the Beanstalk produced once again by Blue Genie Entertainment and starring Ashleigh Butler and Sully the dog, former X-Factor contestant Molly Scott, Playhouse legend Steve Walls and the return of Playhouse favourites Damian Patton, Dame Patsy Trott and David Burton. 

Settling in our seats we were transported to Happyvale and as soon as the curtains were up the audience was captivated with the singing, dancing and non-stop silliness of the cast. Last year I mentioned that there were not enough jokes for us grow-ups well this year there was plenty, myself and my husband were laughing along just as much as the children with many of the jokes going totally over their heads. 

10 Pantomimes To See In The North East This Christmas

As a family we love nothing more than a family day out at the panto each year, it always gets us in the festive spirit and is something we can all enjoy together. I love watching the kids face light up, watching them shout 'he's behind you' and giggle at all the slapstick humour that panto brings. For the past few years, we have always headed to Whitley Bay Playhouse to see Blue Genies Pantomime production as they are perfect for young families and it is local to where we live - plus I highly recommend it as it is always a great show. 

If you're looking for a festive pantomime to see here in the North East this year then I thought I would put together this little guide to what pantomimes are on this year as we all know they can get booked up super early!

Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years Of Magic In Newcastle This October

AD- I received press tickets for the show in return for this post. 

Disney On Ice is returning to Newcastle's Utilita arena this October to celebrate 100 years of magic and I for one can not wait! This year's show is set to bring more than 50 unforgettable Disney stars to the ice from 14 much-loved Disney stories. Mickey and Minnie will be on hand as always to introduce us to mesmerising skating scenes from The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Toy Story, Nemo and Aladdin to name just a few and I am sure the audience will be mesmerised and singing along to popular Disney songs from the start. 

As a parent, I adore Disney On Ice, let's be honest must of us do as Disney just evokes such wonderful memories. I have been going to see Disney On Ice for over ten years now, I remember taken my eldest to see Princess Classics all the way back in 2008/2009. She went dressed up as Cinderella, complete with glass slippers and she was thrilled to be watching the show as it set it off a love affair with Disney On Ice. 

Peter Pan Pantomime At Whitley Bay Playhouse Review

Last weekend we were invited to Whitley Bay Playhouse to see this year's pantomime, Peter Pan. Produced once again by Blue Genie Entertainment and starting Anthony Costa from Blue as Captain Hook and Playhouse legend Steve Walls as Smee along with last years favourite Ben Hanson (Bouncer in Tracey Beaker) as Starkey and lots of returning Playhouse panto cast members. We could not wait to see the show as we have really enjoyed previous years and it is the perfect panto for the whole family to enjoy.

Disney On Ice Presents Dream Big Review

Disney on Ice is back in town with this years show Dream Big and we headed along to Metro Radio Arena to see the show for ourselves on opening night (on Tuesday). We are huge Disney on Ice fans in our house, I must have seen at least ten shows over the years as I used to take my eldest when she was younger and for the past four years, we have taken Sophia (aged 5). No matter how many times we have seen Disney on Ice we always enjoy the show and find it rather magical, this year was no exception - in fact, I think I would go as far as to say it was probably my favourite show to date! 

The show started at 6.30pm and Tinkerbell burst onto the stage closely followed by Mickey, Minnie and the gang to get the packed audience up on their feet and dancing for the warm-up. Sophia and her friend were mesmerised from the start as they looked on in wonder with pure joy written all over their little faces. 

Disney On Ice presents Dream Big

Like a lot of families, Disney On Ice is something we look forward to each year. Every year the show tours UK arenas and it is once again heading to Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena this October. I have been taking my children to see Disney On Ice for over ten years now, I used to take my eldest when she was small and now I take my younger children who love it just as much as their big sister did. Each year the show is different and this year it sounds like it is going to be extra special as Disney On Ice presents Dream Big.

This year Moana takes to the ice for her European debut and we are super excited, my children (like so many we know) are huge Moana fans. Taking to the ice alongside demigod Maui I am sure she will have the audience captivated and we can't wait to see how she manages to swap the ocean for the ice rink. It sounds like it will be spectacular and not only will the show be featuring Moana but it will also feature eight tales of courage and heart, including Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Tangled. 

Kynren - An Epic Tale Of England Review

On Saturday night we were kindly invited along to Kynren - an epic tale of England, a live-action outdoor show performed here in the North East in Bishop Auckland, Durham. The show tells the story of England, spanning over 2,000 years of history, myth and legend, mostly based here in the North East. With a cast and crew of over 1,000 it really is a truly amazing show that is not like anything I have ever seen before.

Before seeing the show I had seen lots of advertising for Kynren and I had read a few blog posts and heard people recommend it, but I still did not really know what to expect. Seeing it for myself I was blown away, it is easy to see why it has so many 5* Tripadvisor reviews and is currently ranked among the top five must-see performances here in the UK. It exceeded my expectations and was so well organised. 

The Moscow State Circus Is In Newcastle

The iconic and much-loved Moscow State Circus is back on Newcastle's town moor this week with new show Gostinitsa and it is sure to delight fans both old and young. We were very kindly invited along to see the show yesterday afternoon and once again we were blown away with the stunts and performance and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. We visited with family aged between 60 (my dad) and my son who is 3 (very almost four) and every member of our group had a brilliant time, we were on the edge of our seats during the stunts to roaring with laughter at some of the slapstick humour. It really is a show that the whole family will enjoy. 

Located on Newcastle's Town Moor just outside of the city centre you can not miss the big red top circus tent, with plenty of free onsite parking and regular buses from the city centre stopping just outside it is easy to get too. The show is running from the 15th to Tuesday the 21st August 2018 with performances twice a day, Check the website www.moscowstatecircus.com for full details and ticket prices. 

Image courtesy of Moscow State Circus

Paw Patrol Live Review

On Thursday Paw Patrol Live was in Newcastle and we were lucky enough to go along and see the show called The Great Pirate Adventure at the Metro Radio Arena. Following the success of last years Paw Patrol show - Race To The Rescue, this was a very much anticipated show. My little girl Sophia (age 5) adores Paw Patrol, she has been a big fan for the last three years and has probably seen every episode and has all of the toys. She was super excited when she found out we were heading to see them live on stage, I also took my friend and her little boy (almost 3) along too as he is a huge Paw Patrol fan. 

The Great Pirate Rescue is based on Mayor Goodway getting Adventure Bay ready for a big pirate day celebration, however, clumsy Cap'n Turbot falls into a dark cave and needs to be rescued. It is Paw Patrol to the rescue as Chase, Marshall, Skye, Rubble, Rocky and Zuma race to rescue him with Ryder's help to save the day. During the rescue, they discover a secret treasure map which leads them on an adventure to discover the hidden treasure. 

The Wizard Of Oz At Whitley Bay Playhouse

As a family we do love a good pantomime, oh yes we do! (sorry I couldn't resist) so when we heard that The Wizard of Oz was heading to the Whitley Bay Playhouse this August we were looking forward to going to see the show. Reece Sibbald productions present the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz with a few minor adaptions and a whole heap of laughs, it is a show the whole family will enjoy and we left wishing we could see it again. 

Starring Dani Harmer (from Tracey Beaker and Strictly Come Dancing fame) as the wicked witch, Cal Halbert (from Britain's Got Talent) as the Wizard, Steve Arnott as the Lion, Pippa Smith as Dorothy, Alex Smith as the Tin Man, Lily Grundy as Glinda the good witch and producer and writer of the show Reece Sibbald as the hilarious Scarecrow. It was a cast that worked well together and really brought the show to life. 

Cirque Berserk Review

The circus has come to town and not just any old circus but the must-see Cirque Berserk, Zippos Circus have created a real circus just for theatre. Billed as Britains biggest theatre circus spectacular it has received rave reviews from the press and we were invited along to join in the fun at Newcastle's legendary Tyne Theater and Opera House.

Showcasing the finest in traditional circus thrills and skills, Cirque Berserk! celebrates the 250th anniversary of the invention of circus by bringing this treasured form of live entertainment bang up-to-date in a jaw-dropping spectacular created especially for the theatre. Combing contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, this astoundingly talented international troupe includes over thirty jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, drummers and daredevil stuntmen. featuring the world's most hair-raising circus act - the legendary motorcycle 'Globe of Death'. 

Smyths Toys Is Hosting A Free Party

Next weekend is a bank holiday weekend and it is also the start of the May half-term holidays, if you don't have any plans yet then why not head to your local Smyths toy store. Smyths will be hosting free parties at all of their stores next Saturday the 26th May 2018 from 9am to 2pm, there is no need to book either as you just turn up on the day and there will be lots going on to keep children entertained. 

Beauty And The Beast Easter Panto At Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Yesterday afternoon we headed into Newcastle to enjoy an Easter pantomime production of Beauty and the Beast at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House, in the city centre. We had planned on going to the show as a family but my youngest currently has chicken pox so just myself and my two girls (aged 4 and 15) went along to watch the show. The show is from the team behind last years Snow White pantomime at the Tyne Theatre and was starring Bobby Davro at Silly Billy and Dani Harmer (Tracy Beaker) as Belle. We were really looking forward to the show as Beauty and the Beast is both my girl's favourite fairytale. 

Meeting Mister Maker At Mister Maker & The Shapes Live - Whitley Bay Playhouse

Yesterday we were invited to see Mister Maker live at the Whitley Bay Playhouse in North Tyneside, not far from where we live. We really like the Playhouse as it spacious and modern and located near the seafront in Whitley Bay, we reviewed the Aladdin pantomime there last year. We had a brilliant time at the Mister Maker live show and much to my children's delight we got to meet Mister Maker himself, he is so nice and friendly in real life. 

Cirque Du Soleil Varekai Is Coming To Newcastle This Week

This week world famous Cirque Du Soleil will be arriving at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena to perform it's signature production Varekai. Featuring new acts previously unseen by UK audiences the critically-acclaimed show is sure to delight and entertain us Geordies when it arrives in the toon this Wednesday. Cirque Du Soleil will be performing at the Metro Radio Arena from Wednesday 15th February until Sunday the 19th of February and it really does sound like a show that is not to be missed.

Cirque Du Soleil is a major Quebec-based organisation which was formed back in 1984 with a group of 20 street performers and now has over 1,300 performing artists from over 50 countries. Over the years it has become world renowned for providing top class entertainment that will take your breath away, performing to over 160 million spectators in over 400 cities all over the world. It is a show that I have always wanted to see myself, I keep hearing how utterly mind-blowing and fantastic the show is from friends who have been lucky enough to see it.

Win Tickets To The North East Wedding Show

It is no secret that me and the other half often talk about getting married. We both know it is something that we want but we have never actually gotten around to planning things yet, plus we have yet to make things official with a ring or proposal yet. To be honest I can not really see it happening anytime soon. For those of you lucky enough to have received a proposal over the festive period, or who are already engaged or planning a wedding then I have details about the North Easts best wedding show, plus a giveaway where you could win a pair of tickets to the event.

Disney On Ice

Yesterday we were lucky enough to go and watch Disney on Ice at Newcastle's Metro radio arena. I love Disney on Ice, I use to take my eldest every year until a few years ago when she lost interest in princesses. However now my toddler Sophia is two she has taken an interest in Disney and adores the movies and characters, Minnie Mouse and Toy Sory are firm favourites. So when we were given the chance to go and see the show I knew Sophia would love it, of course, my eldest decided she still liked Disney so she came too along with my partner and my three-year-old niece Heidi, as we thought Jacob (aged 13 months) would be too young to join us.

Gung-Ho Came To Newcastle

AD

On Saturday, September 19th Gung-Ho the fun 5k giant inflatable obstacle course came to Newcastle racecourse and we went along to see what it was all about. 

Gung-Ho is like nothing you have ever seen before it is a 5k run but it is not any old run, oh no this is a 5k run that is an obstacle course and the obstacles are giant inflatables that are seriously fun. I am not just talking bouncy castles either they are really impressive huge inflatable obstacles that are fun for adults and older children. There was a climbing wall, giant ball pool, foam filled maze and the giant Thriller which is a 5 storey high slide, which is Europe's biggest inflatable slide. 

My First Britmums Live 2015

AD - MAM UK sponsored me to attend this event. 

Thank you to my wonderful sponsor MAM UK who sponsored me to attend the Britmums Live event in London. A blogging and social media weekend event. 

I travelled on the early morning train from Newcastle to Kings cross station.  Arriving at my hotel for the night, the Travelodge Central City Road at noon. I then made my way to the Brewery which was the venue for Britmums live and just a short walk from the hotel.