Hull Theatres raises the curtain on a new autumn/winter season with a plethora of musical theatre, comedy, orchestral splendour, intimate performances, drama, dance, and family fun.
There’s an escape to Narnia with The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe as the stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ beloved children’s story launches the Hull New Theatre programme from 30 September to 4 October.
A break-out of a different kind follows with the acclaimed stage production of the hit movie Shawshank Redemption (21-25 October), with a stellar cast including ITV’s Heartbeat star and 2017 winner of Strictly Come Dancing, Joe McFadden, Ben Onwukwe, who starred in London’s Burning, and Coronation Street and Emmerdale favourite Bill Ward.
From the USA the theatre moves to Canada with Cirque Eloize presenting an intoxicating mix of breakdance, circus skills, and dance music from (17-18 October).
Another door opens as the venue heads into a web of twisted tales and black humour with Steve Pemberton and Hull’s own Reece Shearsmith in Inside No9/Stage Fright (28 October – 1 November).
The darkness lifts as Coronation Street’s Sue Cleaver swaps hotpot for Hull patties “from me to you” with comedy legend Paul Chuckle in the region’s largest pantomime, Beauty and the Beast. (10 – 31 December). And there’s more family fun with the adventures of Stick Man based on the beloved children’s book byJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (11- 12 November).
Hull New Theatre then ventures into the last days of the Vietnam War as Miss Saigon helicopters in with a spectacular new production of the legendary musical (20-24 January).
Following that, another blast from the sky erupts when the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon, arrives in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (28 January – 1 February).
Over at Hull City Hall the entertainment is fast, funny, full of feathers, with a touch of embarrassment and psychopathic tendencies to look forward to.
Speeding down the pitch is England fast bowler Jimmy Anderson with an evening of tales from behind the bails (19 September). From the crease to the green baize as the venue hosts the Black Ball 40th Anniversary Show reliving the 1985 World Snooker Final between Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor (27 October).
Fresh from the table, the Hall heads to the baking tray and beyond with The Great British Bake Off star Sue Perkins and her new stand-up show The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins (17 January). And audiences are Dragged to the Musicals with Ru Paul’s Drag Race star Divina De Campo (18 October). or may fancy a more risqué night at An Evening of Burlesque (12 September).
The celebrities keep coming as Katie Price and Kerry Katona reveal stories about fame and fortune (22 October). and renowned journalist, filmmaker, and author Jon Ronson hosts his Psychopath Night (22 November).
The Hull City Hall programme also features a Halloween Special Silent Disco with banging tunes from the 80s and 90s (31 October). Plus, amazing tributes to international artists including Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Celine Dion, The Beatles, and The Eagles, and an inspirational talk with Professor Alice Roberts. There’s also family fun withRude Science.
Plus, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Hull Philharmonic Orchestra return for our sensational Classics Series, there’s afternoon entertainment with our Organ Showcases and Tea Dances, and the LOL Comedy Club is back with more ‘Hullarious’ gags.
Claire Elsdon, Theatre and Halls Manager, said: “We are thrilled and delighted to announce our new season and as ever it is packed full of world-class productions.
“Hull New Theatre continues to host the biggest and best international stage shows, while Hull City Hall attracts stellar names from music, comedy, and amazing stories from adventurers and global sports stars.
“This programme has something for everyone, and we are very much looking forward to Autumn and Winter, it may be cold outside, but there is always a warm welcome at Hull Theatres with an incredible series of events. We look forward to welcoming our valued audiences to the theatre, whether you are a loyal regular, or this is your very first visit, we can’t wait to see you there.”
Tickets are on sale now. Book at the Hull City Hall Box Office, call 01482 300 306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk.