Joe McLaughlin

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
This year I've been working a lot on writing and directing commitments, but now I'm returning to acting for this exciting new project by Mercurie Theatre and Northern Stage.

"The Importance of Being Earnest" is arguably Oscar Wilde's most popular work. Famous for it's razor sharp wit and hilarious social commentary it has been entertaining audiences for over 100 years. In this production, I'll be playing the role of upper class rogue: "John Worthing", who is known as: "Earnest in the town and Jack in the country."

The play will be performed at Northern Stage on Friday 14th November at 7:30pm, and on Saturday 15th November at both 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are £9.50 (£8.50 concessions).

To book tickets, please contact the Northern Stage box office on: 0191 230 5151 or visit: www.northernstage.co.uk

In partnership with Alphabetti Theatre, The Writers' Gym will be producing a new show for Alphabetti's 2013 "Brolly Season". The evening will be called "A Session at: The Writers' Gym" and will feature two one act plays. The first play is a brand new piece called "Put to the Test". The second is a new production of "Down to Earth", back after much demand and written by myself and my writing partner: Will Steele.

In Down to Earth I'll be playing the role of "Mike" - an overworked and underpaid cargo pilot, facing death with only ten minutes to save himself.

Both plays will be performed from the 6th - 8th of November at Aplhabetti's "Dog & Parrot" venue. Doors open at 7:30pm and tickets are £7

Tickets are available from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/alphabettispaghettitheatre/

The Dog & Parrot is located at:                                               52 Clayton Street West,                                                  Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE1 4EX

Tel: 0191 232 6841

For more information on "The Writers' Gym", please visit: www.facebook.com/writersgym

For more information on "Aplhabetti Theatre", please visit: www.aplhabettitheatre.co.uk

THE HISTORY BOYS
I've just accepted the role of "Posner" in Alan Bennett's award winning play: "The History Boys".

The play is set in the 1980's and follows the lives of eight working class boys from Sheffield, each fighting for a place at Oxford university. A coming of age story that fuses sexuality, religion and literature together with Bennett's comedic wit.

The play will run from October 29th until November 2nd at Newcastle's People's Theatre.

For full information, please visit the People's Theatre Arts Group website:      www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

NEVER SO GOOD
My last performance of 2012 will be in the historical Howard Brenton play: “Never So Good” - an in depth study of the troubled life and political career of former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan.

The play begins with Macmillans early years at Eton, his horrific experiences in the trenches of World War I, and how those memories haunted him throughout his political life.

I'll be playing the role of a young "Harry Crookshank” – Macmillans close friend during the terrible years of the trenches. The play will be performed at Newcastle’s People’s Theatre from October 9^th until October 13^th.

For full information, visit the People's Theatre Arts Group website:      www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

NEWCASTLE IMPROV: THE RAT RACE
The improv Comedy Rat Race is back, and I will once again be competing for the champions crown along with a fantastic crowd of very talented performers. The Rat Race always delivers an exciting whirlwind of comedy and will take place at "The Millstone" South Gosforth.

For more information, visit the Newcastle Improv facebook page:     www.facebook.com/Newcastleimprov

Or you can contact "The Millstone" at: 0191 285 3429

LIFE X 3
My next performance for 2012 will be in the Yasmina Reza's play: Life x 3, in the role of "Henri". The play centres around the lives of a married couple (Henri and Sonia) whose evening descends into chaos after an unexpected knock at the door.

The audience are presented with three different versions of the evening's events, each with subtle differences to the characters and their relationships with one another. It will be performed at Newcastle's People's Theatre studio space from May 22nd until May 26th.

For full information, visit the People's Theatre Arts Group website:      www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

 
BLOOD BROTHERS
After accepting the role of "Kav" in "Stags and Hens", I am appearing in a second Willy Russell play for 2012: Blood Brothers, performing the role of feuding brother "Eddie". This powerful drama tells the story of two brothers separated at birth, forced to grow up at opposite ends of the social spectrum. This class divide fuels a bitter conflict resulting in the play's tragic end. The show will be performed by Ponteland Repertory Society from April 25th until April 28th. 

For full information, visit the Ponteland Repertory Society website:     www.pontelandrep.co.uk

 
STAGS AND HENS (THE REMIX)
I'll be appearing in this updated version of Willy Russell's popular play to perform the role of graffiti artist: "Kav". This exciting production examines relationships and friendships pushed to their limits, and will be performed at Newcastle's People's Theatre from March 6th until March 10th.

For full information, visit the People's Theatre Arts Group website:      www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

KAYVAN'S COMEDY VOLCANO
The latest comedy volcano dates are just around the corner, and I'll be performing more improvisation comedy alongside some amazing up and coming comedians. Each night promises to be a celebration of stand up, improvised and musical comedy, taking  place on January 20th and 21st. Entrance is £3 and doors open at 8pm. The venues for each night are...

20/01/12:    The Blue Bunny Cafe,
                   11 Saint Mary Place,
                   Newcastle upon Tyne,
                   NE1 7PG.

                   Tel:  0191 447 8522
                
21/01/12:    The Mixer,
                   3 West Jesmond Avenue,
                   NE2 3EX.

                   Tel:  0844 884 2920