New musical set to rock South Tyneside theatre

A new musical - based on one of South Tyneside's most famous landmarks - is set to rock South Tyneside when it takes to the stage next week.
The Rock cast members Tracy Office, Bethan Amber Carr, Patricia Whale, Christine Prince and Viv Wiggins.The Rock cast members Tracy Office, Bethan Amber Carr, Patricia Whale, Christine Prince and Viv Wiggins.
The Rock cast members Tracy Office, Bethan Amber Carr, Patricia Whale, Christine Prince and Viv Wiggins.

The Rock, written by David Cooke with music by Grahame Wright, features the turbulent history of the famous pub and restaurant built into the cliff face at Marsden Rock.

The performance, at The Customs House, South Shields, is set when are hard at the fictional venue and some tough decisions must be made.

The cast of The Rock at Marsden Rock.The cast of The Rock at Marsden Rock.
The cast of The Rock at Marsden Rock.
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“The pub looks doomed and the owners and their loyal staff must take action,” Mr Cooke said. “Various weird and wacky solutions are considered and rejected.

“Then a mysterious stranger turns up with fabulous plans and masses of money. 
“Will he save the day. Will the pub survive or will it go crashing into the sea, taking the owner’s daughter, with her hopes of love and dreams of success, with it?”

He added: “The show is inspired by the history, myths and legends of Marsden Rock, reflecting the beauty of our fascinating and treacherous coast, with love songs celebrating a 20-year affair and a modern romance.

“It’s been great to research and fun to write.”

The cast of The Rock at Marsden Rock.The cast of The Rock at Marsden Rock.
The cast of The Rock at Marsden Rock.

Mr Cook and Mr Wright are the team behind the award-winning shows ‘Dance to Your Daddy’ and ‘Dance Across the Tyne.’

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The duo have worked alongside the cast of local performers which includes Angela Hannon and Patricia Whale - who both starred in last year’s hit musical, ‘Dolly Mixtures.’

Also involved is Graeme Smith, a familiar face to Customs House audiences through his appearances with singing group ‘Encore.’

Mr Wright added: “The Rock was a great opportunity to develop some musical ideas.”

“Happy songs reflecting the beauty of our seaside, a sea shanty remembering local smugglers, love songs and a rock song - of course - to help us find a better future.’

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The show opens on Tuesday at 7.30pm and runs through until Saturday, March 11.

On the Saturday there will be a matinee at 2.30pm, as well as an evening performance at 7.30pm.

Ticket prices start from £8.

To book, please visit: www.customshouse.co.uk.

Alternatively call the box office direct on: 0191 454 1234.