GOHY New(es): The Bleat on the Street, June 2011

Welcome

Yes that's right, I've finally found time to blog, after our very busy May period finally draws to an end. All the Grand Opera House staff have demonstrated their worth over the last few weeks; getting in and out two large scale musicals and numerous one nighters, back to back without a single dark day in well over a fortnight!

The Grand Opera House is a recieving venue, and so every time a new show arrives the Technical Department have to lift in tour sets and lights, learn how to tech the show in a day with no dress run to practice, and then pack it all up again after a very long day. It's very touch and go, and an extremely fast turn around, so periods like this can be very demanding.

Up near the rafters in the Marketing department, we've been running around like headless chickens with so many shows to promote in such short space of time. Box Office has also been extremely busy as we programme more and more exciting shows for the winter season; many of the staff having talked themselves horse. Front of House, as ever, have charmed and wooed our audiences, in efforts to make the theatre experience as it should be, a real treat and a grand night out!

With no chance to sit back and take a breath, we throw ourselves into June, excited by the programme. If we ever needed a bit of comic relief to spur us on, this would be the time, and luckily for us we have a funny fortnight ram packed with comedians; Dom Joly, Jimmy Carr, Al Murray, and the legendary Lee Evans!

Last week

We had the pleasure of hosting the long awaited Thriller: Live, returning to touring after a healthy period on The West End.We had an exciting lead up to the show; teaming with Vodka Revolution the Grand Opera House York, for a Michael Jackson dance off:

 Some terriying terrors from StageCoach York wowed unexpectant passersby and shoppers, with a Thriller routine Flashmob:

Whilst the Gallery York hosted the opening night party Monday, and a Michael Jackson fancy dress on the closing night on Saturday, white socks and sparkly gloves were in abundance!
The show was busy busy busy, full of avid MJ fans, by no means disapointed by the fabulous showcase of talent and the extremely funky and elabotate set!
Read Reviews: The Press Jeanette Minns

This Week

As the Thriller tour lorry pulled away from our dock door, we could see the Spirit of the Dance lorry on the horizon, and after these Irish beauties have tiptoed out the stage door we expect the arrival of Shaun Sheep's Big Show. Shaun came for a visit back in May to personally give prizes to the "Draw Shaun" competition winners, chosen from a number of participating local primary schools. While Shaun was here he took the opportunity to visit all of Yorks historical landmarks, and posed for a few press photographs. You might spot Shaun hitchiking a ride on the back of a poor oblivious cyclists bike, on the front of this months Local Link Magazine!  The show opens tomorrow night at 7pm and runs through till Sunday, times and prices are listed here.

There will be arts and crafts session 45 minutes prior to every show if you have budding artist tots that like to get their hands dirty (don't worry, we have wet wipes at the ready, and wont be using paints), special thanks to WHSmiths for providing our crafts bits and pieces!

Industry News

OMG! at last the Legally Blonde  Tour cast has been confirmed! The cast is led by Faye Brookes as 'Elle' (Grease in the West End), Iwan Lewis as 'Emmet' (Fame in the West End, Passion at The Donmar Warehouse), Liz McClarnon as 'Paulette' (former member of girl band Atomic Kitten, The War of the Worlds arena production), Neil Toon as 'Warner' (Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, Les Misérables in the West End) and Dave Willetts as 'Professor Callaghan' (Les Misérables, Phantom of The Opera, Sunset Boulevard all in the West End).

We are also expecting a visit from Alan Carr on 5th of September this year with his new show Speccsy Beast and BalletBoyz has been confirmed for 10th March 2012!

In-House News

Pantomime auditions are afoot...Yes already!...Monday 19^th September, starting at 4.30pm and cast names have been confirmed: Steven Arnold (Ashley in Coronation St) as Aladdin, Aiden J Harvey as Wishey Washy, Phil Randall as Widow Twankey and John Sagar as the Genie of the Lamp

Due to popular demand the School of Wizardry will be returning for yet another season, so all mini Harry Potters, little Derren Browns and young Paul Daniels, email lizzierichards@theambassadors.com to book a place.

In Septemeber to kick off the new accademic year we shall be beginning our very own Writing Workshops for Theatre and Comedy. Local playwrite Chris Bush will be planning and teaching a course that will be tailored very much to meet the needs of the individual. For more information or to book a place please email katesmithson@theambassadors.com

So that's it. Thats my Blog entry for this week. I hope you enjoy it! If you feel inspired to get involved with the Theatre you can keep an eye on our vacancies page on our website, but we also have a Gang of volunteers who lend their services to the theatre in exchange for free tickets, back stage meetings etc. If this sounds like something you might like to be involved with please email rockyklimaszewska@theambassadors.com and join our GOHY Gang!