Hull Truck Theatre is excited to be kicking off 2023 with their focus on the future with Mumsy, epic adventures with Around The World In 80 Days and some home truths with The Houses Are Sinking (And The Adults Don’t Care).
Expect exciting projects with a variety of co-producing partners both nationally and internationally, alongside some great music and comedy shows, shows for all the family and a diverse program of contemporary work in the Godber Studio to keep audiences entertained as we move through the winter and into the much-awaited Summer months.
Janthi Mills-Ward, Executive Director at Hull Truck Theatre, said:
“We are proud of what we have achieved over the last 50 years at Hull Truck Theatre, it’s been an exciting anniversary year which is not over yet. We look forward to our two Festive productions, ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘Jack, Mum & The Beanstalk’, where both shows will focus on the importance of family and community. We also turn our focus to the future with the world premiere of Hull playwright Lydia Marchant’s brand-new play ‘Mumsy’, which will complete our 50th year exploring the highs and lows of mother-daughter relationships in a highly entertaining and moving comedy.”
Mumsy (Thursday 2nd – Saturday 25th March) will wrap up the 50th anniversary celebrations at Hull Truck Theatre and what better way to go out with a bang then by showcasing one of Hull’s most exciting new artistic voices.Developed through the theatre’s Grow artist development program, Mumsy will be a world premiere of Hull playwright Lydia Marchant’s brand-new comedy. Kicking off Hull Truck Theatre’s in-house productions, this funny, authentic new play shines a light on three generations of women as they push at their circumstances (and sometimes each other) to let their dreams soar. For fans of A Taste of Honey and Motherland, this warm comedy will celebrate new writing, female voices and continue to champion people from the city of Hull.
Character Rachel might not want to change nappies but that doesn’t mean you can’t! Hull Truck Theatre introduces their second Baby Friendly performance, this time for Mumsy (Fri 10 & Fri 24 Mar 2023, 11am). These performances are aimed at adults with babies under 18 months, making sure that your visit is warm, welcoming and hassle-free as possible.
Bethany Sims, Parent in Hull who attended Ladies Unleashed Baby Friendly Performance, said:
“It’s such a rarity as a new mum to find new activities to do together so this was a real treat!! Having all the necessary baby facilities such as baby changing, feeding areas and a play area available was a massive bonus.”
In co-production with Theatre By The Lake, Hull Truck Theatre invite you transport back to the most exciting age of invention in the playful theatrical extravaganza with Around The World In 80 Days (Thursday 4th – Saturday 20thMay). Based on the novel by Jules Verne, Director Hal Chambers will bring to life a story that experiences a thrilling journey to faraway lands; by boat, by train by sledge and even by elephant, on an epic whirling adventure of wonder danger and romance! Join the ultimate race against the clock in a bold new production of this much-loved classic tale.
Get Inspired for change by Hull-based playwright and poet Josh Overton with The Houses Are Sinking (And The Adults Don’t Care) (Thursday 30th March – Saturday 1st April). Based on the opinions, ideas, and voices of the Young Creators Group – talented theatre makers aged 14-18 at Hull Truck Theatre, this bold, thought -provoking and contemporary theatre will ask ‘why we are planning for the future when the future isn’t going to be there?’ Trapped in a place where the future is uncertain and the present is bleak, how do the young stay optimistic? Join Nora and Donnie on their quest to uncover the town’s biggest secret. Why our town? Why us?
Josh Overton, Playwright, said:
“Super psyched to be working with Hull Truck again, making a show with a gang of funny, creative and talented young people inspired by their ideas. It’s a privilege to create work that speaks to young people’s concerns in a world that’s abandoning them more and more and I’m proud of the funny, weird and emotional play that we’ve built together.”
Tortoise And The Hare (Thursday 16th – Saturday 18th February), will bring fun and games to young children age 4+ as they follow the story of these two best friends. Hull Truck Theatre’s popular Great Adventures (Saturday 27th & Tuesday 30th May) continues to encourage children aged 3-6 and their families to get creative. Take on pirates. Explore the jungle. Journey across the desert. Both Tortoise And The Hare and Great Adventures will feature an arts and crafts session followed by an interactive performance where the children’s craft items come to life as part of the interactive play. Both experiences will offer a wonderful first theatre experience for young children. Twirlywoos(Thursday 13th – Sunday 16th April), with beautifully inventive puppetry and Fireman Sam (Saturday 22nd July) with more adventures in Pontypandy, both promise afternoons of colourful fun and laughter.
Riksteatern and Matthew Linley Creative Projects will present in association with Hull Truck Theatre the funny new play by Anders Lustgarten: The City and The Town (Friday 10th – Saturday 11th February). This uniquely political piece of theatre will bring a fresh perspective to some of the political divides and problems facing our country today.
Dritero Kasapi, Artistic Director, Riksteatern (Sweden), said:
“Having brought Nina a story about me and Nina Simone to Hull Truck I am delighted to be returning, but this time to open Anders Lustgarten’s brilliant new play THE CITY AND THE TOWN. I’m excited that Hull audiences will be the first to see this new work ahead of its UK and Swedish tour and am really looking forward to sharing it with you all.”
Oh! What A Night (Saturday 14th January) starts our season of visiting companies where there are plenty of opportunities to let the music play. For one night only, you can be taken back in time on a musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Featuring songs such as Sherry, Let’s Hang On, Big Girl’s Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You! Continue to experience vibrant and authentic music and dance in January with Art of Believing (Friday 27th January). Promises to be a truly memorable performance, bringing a taste of pure Flamenco and outstanding musicianship to Hull Truck Theatre. The Time of Our Lives (Thursday 2nd February) invites you to come dressed up as your favourite 80’s character to sing along to an 80’s whirlwind of classic movies and timeless soundtracks! From Dirty Dancing to Top Gun, all the hits are here from your favourite 80s blockbuster movies.
Stand-up comedy to comedy dramas, this season has it all and February has something for everyone to laugh at, starting off the month with four hilarious evenings of entertainment. Lloyd Griffith: One Tonne Of fun (Wednesday 1st February) starts 2023 with his biggest tour to date. The Noise Next Door: Hometown Heroes (Wednesday 8thFebruary) returns to spin comedy gold out of all the things that YOU, the live audience, think is the best, worst and downright weirdest things about your hometown. Comedian Richard Stott returns home to Hull, bringing his new comedy show Afterparty (Saturday 11th February). Packed full of embarrassing anecdotes and acerbic one liners, learn how to be an adult when things haven’t gone to plan, stripping off for a documentary, dating with a disability and a n axe fight…all in one blistering hour. Ladies That Dig (Wednesday 15th February) will lead us to discover what it means to grow…Collected from real local interviews this moving comedy-drama is a fertile blend of live music, comedy and true tales. Blow Down (Friday 24th February) is a funny and poignant play based on stories collected from the local community. Marking the recent demolition of the iconic cooling towers at Ferrybridge Power Station, this hilarious, gritty and thought-provoking piece comes from the words of those who lived and worked beneath them.
Have you ever fancied trying your hand at Stand-up comedy? Ever watched a comedy performance and thought you would like to give it a go…now you can. In their final week of Hull Truck Theatre’s Introduction to Stand-Up Comedy course with comedian Kevin Precious, the graduates embark on their first 5-minute sets. Support them in their Comedy Graduate’s Performance (Wednesday 8th March).
If spoken word and dance is more your cup of tea…I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik! (Thursday 9th February) combines live music, dance and storytelling as Bobak Champion draws on his identity as a Bristolian, Iranian, Yorkshireman, and Hip-Hop head. Unearthing hidden truths and challenging stereotypes about this conservative yet thriving part of the world. From Hip Hop to the Lindy Hop, take a step back into the 1920’s with Swinging at The Cotton Club(Thursday 16th February), featuring the Lindy Hop Dance Company and their orchestra, the show celebrates spectacular music and dance, promising a hot night out. Expect more exhilarating Swing from award winning Jazz vocalist and band members, The Clare Teal Four (Saturday 18th February) with a fabulous new show that celebrates hits from the Great American and British Songbooks. Also performing your favourite Jazz standards, James Hudson(Friday 3rd March), born and bred in East Yorkshire is a rising star on the UK jazz scene., not to be missed! Tom Dale Company will present a double bill of immersive dance performance with Sub:Version and Surge (Tuesday 18thApril). Presented with Absolutely Cultured, Surge gives life to a future human between the digital and the organic worlds, while Sub:Version explores a hypnotic journey through an array of electronic music.
March and April present famous plays and new recommendations starting with The Island (Saturday 4th March). This rich, boisterous funny moving piece of theatre is a hymn to the human spirit and a cry for freedom everywhere. The Multi-award-winning, sold-out Fringe sensation Coming Out of My Cage (And I Am Doing Just Fine) (Thursday 23rd March) is an interactive investigation with karaoke, lip-syncing and absolute bangers that attempts to uncover stories of incredible people – all united by one song; ‘Mr Brightside’. Megson (Thursday 13th April), create a truly unique brand of folk music, presenting a collaboration between Megson (winners of the Spiral Earth Awards), and playwright Kieran Knowles (Operation Crucible, Chicken Soup). Too Much World at Once (Friday 21st – Saturday 22nd April) is a new play by Billie Collins and an urgent coming of age story for our times. Dirty Corset (Friday 28thApril) is about desire, the struggle for freedom and queer love. Set in Yorkshire in 1687, join a company of flea-bitten actors as they try and fail to live up a to their on-stage personas.
Loose yourself in musicals and tap your feet as Hull Truck Theatre presents a variety of musicals and musical shows. Footloose (Wednesday 5th – Saturday 8th April), brought to you by the Northern Academy of Performing Arts, this iconic musical, based on the 1984 movie will have you rockin’ out to it’s contagious Oscar and Tony-nominated score, packed full of 80’s hits. Showstopper! The Improvised Musical (Friday 21st April) returns to Hull for another truly unique evening of smash hit musical comedy. Where audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all dancing productions with hilarious results. One Off Productions return to Hull Truck Theatre with the smash hit Spamalot (Tuesday 11th – Saturday 15th July). This award-winning musical based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a genuinely funny, laugh out loud production not to be missed. Rock For Heroes (Friday 21st July) asks ‘where were you when Bon Jovi was Livin’ on a Prayer? Or when Prince was drenched in Purple Rain? Featuring over 20 classic rock songs this will be the night out that you’ve been waiting for.
You asked for more and so we delivered! Simon Brodkin: Screwed Up (Saturday 22nd April) presents the return of world-famous prankster and Lee Nelson creator Simon Brodkin with an outrageous new stand-up show.
The iconic and original Bouncers (Tuesday 25th – Saturday 29th April) is also back in town! In John Godber’s outrageous parody of Saturday Night Fever, relive a night in a Yorkshire disco set in the 80’s. Originally premiering at the Edinburgh Festival in 1977, Bouncers is still one of the most performed plays in the UK today. Don’t miss this classic comedy and northern favourite.
The month of May will bring exciting collaborations and co-productions to Hull Truck Theatre. Modest (May – dates TBC), is a collaboration between Hull-based A Middle child and queer led Milk Presents, two award–winning companies. Music Hall, theatre and drag king cabaret erupts as Modest brings you Elizabeth Thompson – megastar of the Victorian art scene. Northern Broadsides revive their hit regency comedy and New Vic Theatre co-production of Quality Street (Wednesday 31st May – Saturday 3rd June). With a good helping of Yorkshire wit this delicious farce returns with a mixture of Bridgerton meets Inside the factory.
Variety will be on offer in June and July as Hull Truck Theatre invites you to enjoy the summer with them. Sully(Tuesday 6th – Saturday 10th June) tells the unique sand touching story of how Clive Sullivan MBE, a Welshman, came to be the first black person to captain Great Britain in any sport and led them to World Cup Glory. The Gods The God The Gods (Thursday 29th June) presents 4 stories; 12 tracks; 3 performers; in this perfect piece of gig-theatre that will take you on a euphoric journey of intimacy, death and faith. Justin Moorehouse (Friday 30th June) is back! Still funny but middle aged, Justin returns with a brand-new show that may contain: Labradoodles. Come, it’ll be fun. Kevin Precious provides a funny overview of the pitfalls and pratfalls of his former profession in The Reluctant Teacher (Thursday 13th July). Look out for this second top circuit act, making it a lovely double bill of Edinburgh-bound shows. The Very Best of Tommy Cooper (Wednesday 26th July) will recapture one of the UK’s most loved comedians. The show will include many of Cooper’s beloved one-liners, dazzling wordplay, and celebrated tricks.
Family Open Day returns (Saturday 17th June), to once again invite audiences to join Hull Truck Theatre and the Albemarle Music Centre for a fun-filled event. Youth Theatre Takeover Week (Tuesday 14th – Saturday 18th March) will see 7-18-year-olds from across the city and region take to the stage to entertain, inspire and challenge you. 2023 will also see a refreshed and renewed Grow, Hull Truck Theatre’s artist development programme.
Hull Truck Theatre is proud to screen some of the best art and independent cinema from around the world. In 2023 theatre will present: NT Live: The Crucible (Thursday 26th January); Royal Opera House: The Barber of Seville(Wednesday 15th February); NT Live: Othello (Thursday 23rd February); Silent Cinema (Wednesday 22nd March); Royal Ballet: Cinderella (Wednesday 12th April); Royal Opera House: The Marriage of Figaro (Thursday27th April); and Royal Ballet: Sleeping Beauty (Wednesday 24th May). Further dates and titles to be announced throughout the season.
For music lovers everywhere, summer will present a variety of shows starting with the world’s leading tribute to Coldplay; Coldplace (Thursday 15th June). Celebrating one of the most successful bands of all time, this outstanding band will include your favourite hits – Yellow, Paradise and A Sky full of Stars. For all those who dreamed of going to New York’s Studio 54, Disco Inferno (Friday 16th June) screams glitter balls and good times. The Pasadena Roof Orchestra (Thursday 22nd June) changes styles for audiences who appreciate the sounds from a golden era. Listen to the Orchestra as they re-create music from the 1920s and 1930s. The Sound of Springsteen (Friday 23rd June) brings their live performances to rock you with Bruce Springsteen’s greatest hits and deep cuts. With songs including Born In The USA, Glory Days, and some of Bruce’s most recent hits, including Ghosts. Rave On (Saturday 24th June) features the greatest hits of the 1950s and 60s, from the likes of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and many more. Join Alex Voysey Blues Band in their highly entertaining show Old Dogs New Tricks (Saturday 22nd July), for fans of the Blues, from Robert Johnson to John Mayer. Nick Cope’s Family Show (Friday 28th July) is a performance of unique songs for children and their families that have been performed for over 10 years. King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys present Good Time Rhythm and Blues (Saturday 29th July). With nearly 7000 performances across 27 countries under their belt, join the finale of the season with the world’s greatest jump, jive and swing band.
Mumsy
Dates: Thursday 2 – Saturday 25 March
Tickets: £28.50 – £10 | Conc. Available
Around The World In 80 Days
Dates: Thursday 4 -Saturday 20 May
Tickets: £28.50 – £10 | Conc. Available
The Houses Are Sinking (And The Adults Don’t Care)
Dates: Thursday 30 March – Saturday 1 April
Tickets: £10 | Conc. £2 off
Tortoise and The Hare
Dates: Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 February
Tickets: £7
Great Adventures
Dates: Saturday 27 and Tuesday 30 May
Tickets: £6 per child, one FREE accompanying adult (no ticket required)
Session 1 – 10am: Arts and Crafts / 10.45am Show
Session 2 -11:30am: Arts and crafts / 12.15pm Show
Twirlywoos
Dates: Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 April
Tickets: £15 Adult / £13 Child
Fireman Sam
Date: Saturday 22 July
Tickets: £16.50 /Conc. £1 off
Family of 4 £60
The City and The Town
Dates: Friday 10 – Saturday 11 February
Tickets: £16.50
Oh What A Night!
Date: Saturday 14 January
Tickets: £24.50
Art of Believing
Date: Friday 27 January
Tickets: £27
The Time of Our Lives
Date: Thursday 2 February
Tickets: £21.50 / Conc. £3 off
Lloyd Griffith: One Tonne of Fun
Date: Wednesday 1 February
Tickets: £19.50
The Noise Next Door: Hometown Heroes
Date: Wednesday 8 February
Tickets: £13.50 / Conc. £2 off
Richard Stott’s Afterparty
Date: Saturday 11 February
Tickets: £13.50 / Conc. £2 off
Ladies That Dig
Date: Wednesday 15 February
Tickets: £20 – £13.50
Blow Down
Date: Friday 24 February
Tickets: £13.50 / Conc. £2 off
Hull Truck Theatre’s Comedy Graduates
Date: Wednesday 8 March
Tickets: £8
I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik!
Date: Thursday 9 February
Tickets: £13.50 / Conc. £2 off
Swinging at The Cotton Club
Date: Thursday 16 February
Tickets: £21.50
The Clare Teal Four
Date: Saturday 18 February
Tickets: £23 / Conc. £2 off
James Hudson
Date: Friday 3 March
Tickets: £13.50 / Conc. £2 off
Sub:Version and Surge
Date: Tuesday 18 April
Tickets: £12 / Conc. £8
The Island
Date: Saturday 4 March
Tickets: £13.50 / Conc. £2 off
Coming Out of My Cage (And I Am Doing Just Fine)
Date: Thursday 23 March
Tickets: £13.50 / Conc. £2 off
Megson
Date: Thursday 13 April
Tickets: £15 / Conc. £2 off
Too Much World at Once
Dates: Friday 21 – Saturday 22 April
Tickets: £13.50 / Conc. £2 off
Dirty Corset
Date: Friday 28 April
Tickets: £13.50 / Conc. £2 off
Footloose
Dates: Wednesday 5 – Saturday 8 April
Tickets: £17
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Date: Friday 21 April
Tickets: £25 / Conc. £3 off
Spamalot
Dates: Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 July
Tickets: £17.50 / Conc. £1.50 off
Rock for Heroes
Date: Friday 21 July
Tickets: £21.50 / Conc. £3 off
Simon Brodkin: Screwed Up
Date: Saturday 22 April
Tickets: £22.50 / Conc. £2 off
Bouncers
Dates: Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 April
Tickets: £21 – £15 / Conc. £3 off
Modest
Date: TBC
Quality Street
Dates: Wednesday 31 May – Saturday 3 June
Tickets: £28.50 – £10 / Conc. Available
Sully
Dates: Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 June
Tickets: £18.50 / Conc. £2 off
The Gods The Gods The Gods
Date: Thursday 29 June
Tickets: £19 / Conc. £2 off
Justin Moorhouse
Date: Friday 30 June
Tickets: £16.50 / Conc. £3 off
The Reluctant Teacher
Date: Thursday 13 July
Tickets: £13.50 / Conc. £2 off
The Very Best of Tommy Cooper
Date: Wednesday 26 July
Tickets: £20 / Conc. £3 off
Family Open Day
Date: Saturday 17 June
Tickets: FREE
Youth Theatre Takeover Week
Dates: Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 March
NT Live: The Crucible
Date: Thursday 26 January
Tickets: TBC
Royal Opera House: The Barber of Seville
Date: Wednesday 15 February
Tickets: TBC
NT Live: Othello
Date: Thursday 23 February
Tickets: TBC
Silent Cinema
Date: Wednesday 22 March
Tickets: TBC
Royal Ballet: Cinderella
Date: Wednesday 12 April
Tickets: TBC
Royal Opera House: The Marriage of Figaro
Date: Thursday 27 April
Tickets: TBC
Royal Ballet: Sleeping Beauty
Date: Wednesday 24 May
Tickets: TBC
Coldplace
Date: Thursday 15 June
Tickets: £26.50 / Conc. £3 off
Disco Inferno
Date: Friday 16 June
Tickets: £25 / Conc. £3 off
The Pasadena Roof Orchestra
Date: Thursday 22 June
Tickets: £23
The Sound of Springsteen
Date: Friday 23 June
Tickets: £26.50 / Conc. £3 off
Rave On
Date: Saturday 24 June
Tickets: £23.50 / Conc. £3 off
Old Dogs New Tricks
Date: Saturday 22 July
Tickets: £13.50 / Conc. £2 off
Nick Cope’s Family Show
Date: Friday 28 July
Tickets: Adult £14.50 / Child £13
Good Time Rhythm and Blues
Date: Saturday 29 July
Tickets: £21.50 / Conc. £3 off
Box office information
Hull Truck Theatre, 50 Ferensway, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU2 8LB
01482 323638