News

- Lobster on tour -

Lobster Productions starts the new season with a 6 week Arts Council sponsored tour of 'Dangle In The Dust'.

The play has been described as 'Faust on steroids' and is set in the changing rooms of a premiership rugby union club somewhere in England. A mix of comedy, drama, action and rugby songs it follows the fortunes of a talented young player whose success may depend on his relationship with Mephistophelean club 'physio'.

Dates and venues to be released soon.

Butchers Bill

A new play written by Ken Reay and directed by Darren Palmer will be staged at The Customs House, South Shields from Monday 4th to Friday 8th September 2006. Set in No Man's Land in the First World War this black comedy looks at courage, violence and friendship. Customs House Box Office 0191 4541234.

'Riot 1930
One of the many excellent reviews Darren Palmer received for his direction of the new Peter Mortimer play 'Riot 1930'. This play was commissioned by The South Shields Customs House is based on the first ever 'race riot' in Britain.
Darren's grandfather, who came from The Yemen was involved in the actual events surrounding the riot which took place at The Mill Dam in South Shields just outside the theatre's main entrance!
The play, which revolves round a love story between a Yemeni man and a South Shields girl, looks at all the issues raised at the time: issues which are still relevant today. There are now plans to tour the play nationally.

Santa, Charva and Bob the Builder help local business deliver messages
Lobster Productions created characters in 3 short comedy plays to help deliver essential messages to invited audiences for South Tyneside Primary Health Care Trust, South Tyneside Older People Awareness Week and Tedco's Build Your Own Business in North Tyneside.
Santa Claus debated his health problems with a personal lifestyle advisor in front of G.P's, Nurses and health officials to launch the PHCT iniative at lunchtime seminar.
The Charva, played by Darren Palmer, discussed his ideas for starting a small business with a Build Up Business advisor played by well known local actor Neil Armstrong.
Pantomime star Bob Stott played a retired builder beset by accidents and rogue traders to provide solutions for older people's problems in a launch event at South Shields Fire Station organised by a multi agency including Trading Standards, Age Concern and the Fire Brigade.

All 3 events got excellent reviews and evaluations from organisers and audiences.

Youth Theatre
Lobster Productions are delighted to have been awarded the contract to take over running The Customs House Youth Theatre from the summer of 2006. (Provide link to Youth Theatre Page please)

Byker has Lobster!
Darren Palmer is to play a major role in the last series of BBC TV's Byker Grove. Darren completes filming his part in June and can only say that his character creates a dramatic situation involving one of the 'kids'! Catch the show in early autumn 2006.

Yemeni Lobster
The Heritage Lottery Fund are working with Bridge and Tunnel Films and Lobster Productions to create a film and an historical museum piece about the 'South Shields Arabs'. Darren Wohab Palmer will research the piece using his contacts amongst the Yemeni population of South Shields. Hannah Ali, daughter of the ledgendary Mohammed Ali, will be invited to unveil a plaque to commemorate the 30th anniversary of her father's visit to the South Shields Mosque in 1977.
 

"...three Tyneside actors have a vigour that lifts the piece
above a lot of the balls on Fringe stages."
Maxie Szalwinka - Scotsman 11/08/01

( click here to view full letter

The play is both hilarious and dramatic... overall a great entertainment... - Rob Andrew & John Gray - Newcastle Falcons- 04/2004

click here>	Our Bid for fame - Catherine Jewitt - South Shields Gazette - 05/2001
click here>	Dangle in the Dust - 'it's funny, shocking and thought-provoking, and deserving of a much bigger audience.' - Fringe Edinburgh Festival Review - 08/2001
click here>	Trying for the Fringe - Clive Crickmer - South Shields Gazette - 05/2001
click here>	'roars of laughter from a full house… it's funny, shocking and thought provoking' - British Theatre.com
click here>	CAST GET PREPARED TO TACKLE NEW PLAY - Clive Crickmer - South Shields Gazette - 01/2001
click here>	'Hysterically funny...gripping plot, packed with action, suspense...superbly directed and choreographed.' - Leah Shaw - South Shields Gazette - 02/2001
click here>	'Dangle in the Dust is a funny, clever tale which keeps the audience both on the edge of their seats and rolling in the aisles.' - Leah Shaw - South Shields Gazette - 09/2001
click here>	Yanks for Night Out! - Terry Kelly- South Shields Gazette - 07/2001
click here>	Role-ing around with rugby team - Catherine Jewitt - Herald & Post - 01/2001

	Master Key A comedy drama set in a University Halls of Residence 'a little knowledge is a dangerous thing...but knowing too much can be fatal! Funny & shocking. Writen by Ken Reay Directed by Darren Palmer Feb 21st - 23rd 2002