New Play Invites Audiences to Explore Life Backstage at Newcastle Theatre Royal in 1854

Limelight, a funny and heartwarming play written by Janet Platter and presented by CaroleW Productions, with support from Newcastle Theatre Royal, will be performed in the newly refurbished Studio Theatre at the iconic Grey Street venue (Tue 8 – Sat 13 Apr).

Audiences are being invited to travel back in time to Newcastle in 1854 and meet actresses Emily and Fanny as they excitedly await the arrival of Julia St George, a real-life star of the Victorian stage.

At the height of her fame, in October 1854, Julia returned to her hometown to make a star-guest appearance at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Grey Street. Based on real the career of Julia St George, Limelight explores life backstage - full of dreams, aspirations and the odd secret.

Performed with songs from the era and original music by Wilf Stone, the play, directed by Christina Berriman Dawson (one of Newcastle Theatre Royal’s much-loved pantomime stars) is set against a dramatic night in the city’s history.

Limelight will star three actresses, all hailing from the North East; Rebecca Withers, Dayna Dixon and Newcastle Theatre Royal’s actor training programme Project A graduate, Caitlin Fairlamb.

Carole Wears of CaroleW Productions explains:

“Limelight is a play about friendship, camaraderie and ultimately, the price of fame. Both moving and inspiring, this play has a big heart and features Janet Plater's shrewd eye for human character and trademark empathy for her subjects. She has carefully crafted characters who call the stage their own but whose hopes, dreams and aspirations are played out backstage in their dressing room set against the backdrop of dramatic real events that took place in Newcastle during this time."

Limelight’s writer, Janet Plater, adds:

"I first came across Julia St George in a book I was reading and was fascinated to learn that this young woman, who was born on Broad Chare on Newcastle's quayside, had become such a big star. After working at Newcastle Theatre Royal, she left for London, performing at Sadlers Wells and all over the country. She was incredibly famous and would occasionally return to Newcastle for a guest appearance, which I thought was a brilliant starting point for a story."

Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Chief Executive, Marianne Locatori said:

“We're excited to support CaroleW Productions in bringing the story of Limelight to life on our Studio stage. We're looking forward to working together and are delighted to be launching the tour here at Newcastle Theatre Royal, where the real Julia St George performed many years ago. Our region is rich in storytelling and ensuring that these local narratives are represented in our programme and performed in our venue is incredibly important. We are committed to supporting and providing opportunities to nurture and develop creative talent in the region and are delighted that Caitlin Fairlamb – a recent graduate from our Project A actor training course – will be returning to the venue to perform the role of Fanny."

Brimming with humour and humanity, Limelight promises to capture the hearts and minds of audiences, transporting them to the Victorian era for a night of feel-good entertainment.

Limelight plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Studio (Tue 9 – Sat 13 Apr 2024). Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.