Klass Productions: High Ridin' by James Hogan Theatre & Performing Arts

'An unlikely love story of two men who dont live likely lives. neither of them quite get what they were looking for...'

Many performers, theatres & production companies found themselves without work, without an income and some, unfortunately, could not survive the effects of Lockdowns and restriction.
Local Business woman Claire Khass has taken the opportunity to help live theatre in the North East recover.
Having been involved with theatre for the last 30 years, she’s taken the brave steps of setting up a new production company – Klass productions. With the simple goal of creating professional accessible theatre to local communities and helping locally based actors and venues bounce back from the knock effects from the pandemic.
The first production that will be staged is the acclaimed play High Ridin’ written by James Hogan.
'An unlikely love story of two men who don’t live likely lives. Ex-bouncer Stan, just out of prison, and hitchhiker teen Ronnie take a turn off the motorway to the moors.. Neither of them quite gets what they were looking for...'
The play features 3 local performers, Simon Pinkney, Matthew Rowan & Alison Stanley.
Simon Pinkney; Simon has worked extensively throughout the North East theatre circuit over the last 23 years, at venues such as the Newcastle Theatre Royal, Tyne Theatre & Opera House, The Playhouse Whitley Bay and The Blyth Phoenix Theatre. Simon’s involvement with local theatre has included many principal roles with groups such as Whitley Bay Theatre Company, Whitley Bay Operatic society, Tyne Theatre Productions & Newcastle Musical Theatre Company. He has covered disciplines such as Musical theatre, straight, comedy theatre as well as pantomime. Simon has carved a very successful career over the last 10 years as the comedy lead in the annual family pantomime at the Phoenix Theatre Blyth.

Matthew Rowan; Matthew Rowan is a 19 year old actor-drummer based in the North East. After training with Project A at the Newcastle Theatre Royal he has begun his professional career!
Since graduating Matthew has contributed to the short film Louder (dir. Liv Hunt) with Helix Arts and Rape Crisis Tyne& Northumberland and the horror anthology film LORE (dir. Patrick Ryder & James Bushe).
Matthew's passion lies in the creative process, whatever form it may take.

Alison Stanley; Alison Stanley is an actor/writer/singer/theatre maker based in North Tyneside.
A regular to screen & stage for many years Alison’s latest credits include the lead role in HARD which was performed at THE VAULTS, London, multiple roles in the NEWSTHUMP film sketches, the role of Agnetha in THE ABBA GIRLS tribute show and an upcoming lead role in THE LIFE OF REILLY which will be performed in June 2022 at The Gosforth Civic Theatre.

The play is being performed at the northeast coasts newly established Laurels: Ultimate entertainment venue in Whitley Bay. Founded by award-winning theatre producer Jamie Eastlake and writer and filmmaker Stephen Robertson. Laurels aim to provide a hub for artists along the North East coast. Despite being incorporated during the pandemic, Laurels has already become a huge success with visitors from all over the region, already establishing itself as a top venue for exciting and new theatre & comedy – a true success story of the pandemic.

This debut production for Klass productions will be performed from Thursday 19th May 2022 until Saturday 21st May 2022 – Tickets are priced at £15 per person and can be either purchased on Laurel's website or directly on the door.

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