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A Live Theatre & Squiggle Production

WISHES ON THE WIND

Script and music by BENJAMIN STOREY
Directed by GRAEME THOMPSON
Design by AILEEN KELLY
Movement by ALICIA MEEHAN

Starring CAITLYN BARBER and LUKE HAMMOND

‘We would do this thing on New Year's Day. Whisper a wish into the wind and it’ll blow it all around the world so the universe can help it come true.’

Charlie’s dreams of becoming a musician are going nowhere. Sam’s back for New Year but her Instagram bubble life feels like it’s about to burst. As the pair struggle with a sense of belonging, can a chance Christmas encounter set off a sequence of events that unwraps the answers they have both been looking for?

Set across five New Year’s Eves, Benjamin Storey’s (Skeletons in Cullercoats & Gutter Weeds - Live Theatre) full length Live Theatre debut is about finding connection, losing it again and desperately trying not to self-sabotage.

A tender, romantic comedy with songs, Wishes On The Wind will be the perfect foot tapping treat for your festive season

This production will also feature a short play titled Secret Santa by Alison Scurfield (Intergalactic, Petals & Constellations - Live Theatre) as a festive curtain raiser. Two treats for the price of one!

Both playwrights have been developed through Live Theatre's talent development programme.

SECRET SANTA
Written by ALISON SCURFIELD
Starring JACKIE LYE and BROGAN GILBERT
Directed by RACHEL GLOVER

It’s Christmas Eve and while all lies on a merlot fueled Margaret to ensure the ladies of the W.I. North Yorkshire East Federation leave for midnight mass with both spirits and bellies full, Christie holds a far greater Christmas wish and gift to bear. Will Christie’s gift be accepted by all she cares for most? Will there be enough mulled wine to get them through the night? Is her Secret Santa even that big a secret at all?

Make A VIP Night Of It!
If you're looking for a fantastic festive night out - let us add that extra sparkle by combining an evening to see Wishes On The Wind with a VIP Party Night!  If you're coming in a group of four or more add a Prosecco reception, dedicated party space, festive buffet and party pack for only £20pp + ticket costs.  Find out more here and just add to your basket when booking your tickets!

Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Charming and tender festive romcom...creating real emotional heft' 
THE STAGE

'At last an engaging seasonal offering for adults...a rewarding night at the theatre'
NORTH EAST THEATRE GUIDE

'I thoroughly enjoyed this performance and would seriously recommend it'
FAIRY POWERED PRODUCTIONS

Wishes On The Wind Flyer

Wishes On The Wind Cast & Creative Team

Portrait headshot of Caitlyn - looking to camera

Caitlyn Barber - Sam

Born in North Shields, Caitlyn trained in musical theatre at The MTA London, graduating in 2020. Some of her theatre and film credits include: 'Accidental Death of an Anarchist' (Maria Feletti); 'Red Riding Hood' (Red Riding Hood); 'Underground' (Jessica). This is Caitlyn’s North East acting debut, having previously performed in other regions such as London and Guernsey.

Headshot of Luke Hammond - looking to camera

Luke Hammond - Charlie

Originally from Walker, Luke trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, graduating in 2022. 'Wishes on the Wind', marks his professional acting debut. Previously a member of Live’s Regional Young Actors Ensemble. Luke also appeared at Northern Stage as a member of their Young Company in 'Where Do We Stand, and Where Do We Belong'. He is delighted to be starting his career where it all began.

Photograph of Aileen Kelly

Aileen Kelly - designer

Aileen is a Newcastle based Set and Costume Designer. She graduated from LIPA in 2017 with a BA Hons in Theatre and Performance Design and has since worked in and around the North East with various companies. Her recent design credits include 'The Invisible Man' by Northern Stage, 'Grubbins Wood' by TimbaDash Theatre. Aileen loves designing for new writing as she enjoys bringing the story to life through the design and creation of the environment. She is delighted to be working with Live Theatre for the first time, and to be designing Wintry Tales and Wishes on the Wind this Christmas.

Alicia Meehan portrait, looking to camera

Alicia Meehan - Movement Director

Alicia Meehan is a Dance Artist, based in The North East, working as a Movement Director, Choreographer and Facilitator. Her training began in classical dance at Northern Ballet School. Alicia later progressed on to explore contemporary dance and choreography at Laban, gaining an MA in Creative Practise in 2013. Most recently Alicia has been awarded a DYCP Through Arts Council England to Develop her Movement Direction Practise. Her Movement Direction credits include: 'One Off', 'Redcoat', 'Brotherhood', 'Shine', 'We Are The Best!', 'W*nk Buddies', 'And She', 'The Ginger Bread Witch' & 'The Terminal Velocity of Snowflakes'. Alicia is delighted to be back working at Live theatre again this winter.

Secret Santa Cast

Portrait photograph of Jackie Lye

Jackie Lye - Margaret

Jackie made her professional debut with Live Theatre in the original production of C.P.Taylor's 'And a Nightingale Sang' She then trained at The Royal Central School of Speech & Drama and has worked extensively in theatre and TV ever since. Favourite roles include Grusha in 'Caucasian Chalk Circle' (Oxford Stage Co), Michelle in 'Strippers' ( tour and West End) and Mam in 'Cooking with Elvis' (Hull Truck Theatre and tour). More recent theatre includes ‘Wet House’ by Paddy Campbell at Live Theatre and Soho Theatre, and ‘Leaving’, also by Paddy, at Northern Stage and a National tour. Television credits include 'The Bill', 'Doctors', 'London's Burning', 'Harry's Mad', 'Casualty' and most recently, 'Vera' and 'Emmerdale' and a CBBC series 'Danny and Mick' - but she is still best remembered for playing Sandra in the popular BBC sitcom 'Brush Strokes'. She is currently enjoying annoying listeners as Joy Horville in Radio 4’s 'The Archers'!

Portrait photograph of Brogan Gilbert

Brogan Gilbert - Christie

Brogan Gilbert is a North East actress and writer. She began developing her skills through Live Youth Theatre, and went on to perform and train with the Shakespeare’s Globe in London for three years. She is a member of the comedy troupe Your Aunt Fanny, who recently took their newest show ‘Muff Said’ to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her acting credits include: CBBC’s ‘The Dumping Ground’, BBC’s ‘Inside Out’, Live Theatre’s ‘Bonnie and Fanny’s Christmas Spectacular’ and BRASH’s ‘Raising Shame’ & ‘Ankles.’ Brogan is represented by Janet Plater Management. She is delighted to be back at Live Theatre again this Christmas.

Wishes On The Wind

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  • Arts Council England
  • Community Foundation
  • European Regional Development Fund
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