Harrogate Theatre Spring Brochure 2023

SPRIN 2023

BRING ME SUNSHINE: A TRIBUTE TO PHIL LOWE

THU 12 J AN • 7 :30 pm

Join Harrogate Theatre for a fundraising event as we pay tribute to Phil Lowe, our pantomime director and co-writer of 13 years who sadly passed away in 2021. Packed with spectacular songs and comedy routines performed by pantomime cast members past and present, plus a special guest appearance from UK Foo Fighters’ Jay Apperley. Hosted by panto regulars Tim Stedman and Howard Chadwick, this will be a sensational celebration of Phil’s most memorable Harrogate Theatre moments, guaranteed to Bring You Sunshine!

This is a Harrogate Theatre fundraising event with proceeds being split between the British Heart Foundation and Phil’s children.

HARROGATE THEATRE • PAY WHAT YOU LIKE (£10–£40)

Funny things happen all the time; at home, at work, at the vets, in prison. Dave’s comedy radar has always drawn him to these small out-of-the-ordinary events and he reminds us that not only have we witnessed the events but they’ve probably happened to us!

HELLO AGAIN: THE NEIL DIAMOND SONGBOOK

The world's greatest celebration of the life and work of Neil Diamond starring Brooklyn Creed & The Salvation Band. Using evocative imagery, video and narration to enhance the magic, the show takes you on a musical journey through Neil Diamond’s glittering 50 year career.

HYENA COMEDY CLUB

Starring Rich Wilson (Brainiacs, tour support for Kevin Bridges and Rob Beckett). Alun Cochrane (Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You). Jonny Pelham (Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Russell Howard’s Good News) and Dave Twentyman (support act to John Bishop and Jason Manford).

Top of the charts in the 70s and 80s with You To Me Are Everything, Can’t Get By Without You and Can You Feel The Force, The Real Thing, with original vocalists Chris Amoo and Dave Smith and a live band are promoting their first album of original material in 44 years.

UNNATURAL CYCLES – A GHOST STORY

There’s a growing dark cloud above the Rosenberg house. Two women – one dead, one alive – need to reconcile their differences to remove it and let in new life…

Drawing on personal experiences, original new writing and film-making underpinned by a live looped soundscape, Unnatural Cycles – A Ghost Story is a nuanced exploration of infertility, faith and what it means to bear the weight of inherited generational trauma.

Unnatural Cycles emerged from a dream in which writer Avital Raz met her Grandmother, followed by a year of listening to old cassettes in which she was interviewed about her experiences surviving the Jewish Holocaust. This is ‘likely to be one of the most compelling things you hear all year’ —Herald Scotland.

ADELE: HOMETOWN GLORY

SAT 28 J AN • 7 :30 pm

Natalie Black is the ultimate tribute to Adele, setting the tribute industry alight with her stunning replica show she has been performing around the world since 2011. This stunning show is not to be missed for any Adele fan, with an unrivalled likeness in both vocal quality and appearance Natalie makes this a night to remember. She will perform your most loved Adele songs with such hits as Set Fire to the Rain and Make You Feel My Love

THE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW

MON 30 J AN • 7 :30 pm

Paying tribute to its favourite rock heroes, The Classic Rock Show thunders through legendary performances from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits, The Who, Eric Clapton, AC/DC, Queen, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and many more. Anthem after anthem, riff after riff and solo after solo, culminating in a show-stopping guitar duel that is definitely not to be missed.

JASON FOX: LIFE AT THE LIMIT

TUE 31 J AN • 7 :30 pm

Ex-special forces soldier, star of TV’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, Inside The Real Narcos and author of the number one bestseller Battle Scars; Jason Fox will bring to the stage the remarkable story of his daring exploits in a distinguished career as an elite operator in the UK Special Forces (SBS).

PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA

For over 50 years the Pasadena Roof Orchestra have been re-creating the sounds of a golden era of music from the 1920s and 1930s. Enjoy beautifully arranged songs from Irving Berlin, Ray Noble, Cole Porter and their contemporaries and re-live the electrifying hot jazz from Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington and more.

THU 02 FEB • 7 :30 pm HARROGATE THEATRE

• £26

'LETS ROCK THIS COUNTRY' WITH SHANIA AND FRIENDS

W ED 01 FEB • 7 :30 pm HARROGATE

ROYAL HALL • £29.50 ROYAL HALL • £31.50/£29.50

Join us for a toe tapping, hand clapping tribute to the Queen of country pop, also celebrating some of the biggest hits from the Kings and Queens of the rockier side of country. This high energy, fast paced, show includes the Big Music City band for an authentic Nashville vibe.

SAT 04

The sensational tribute to The Electric Light Orchestra. With sensational string section, stunning light show and large screen projection, The ELO Experience have been bringing the music of Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light orchestra to the live stage since 2006.

The Stage

Harrogate Dramatic Society presents a community production of

THE ARSONISTS (BEATON)

W ED 08 FEB–SAT 11 FEB • 7 :45 pm , 2 pm *

In this dark comedy, fires are ravaging the city, but Biedermann isn’t concerned. When two new house guests appear unexpectedly, he’s not worried. Being a great philanthropist, he welcomes them in, lets them store petrol in his attic and even supplies some matches.

This amateur production of The Arsonists (Beaton) is presented by arangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. On behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

HARROGATE STUDIO THEATRE

EAST 17

FRI 10 FEB • 7 :30 pm

• £15

90s kids listen up! Legendary British boy band East 17 are coming to Harrogate. With hits including Stay Another Day, House of Love and It’s All Right, this is a must-see show you won't want to miss!

You remember the music videos, the outfits, the moves...ICONIC!

LEGENDS OF AMERICAN COUNTRY

SAT 11 FEB • 7 :30 pm

Seen by over 350,000 fans live and watched by millions on TV Europe’s No.1 multi award winning show The Legends of American Country returns for another fantastic night of toe tapping country nostalgia. With highly acclaimed tributes to Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Don Williams, Patsy Cline, Kenny Rogers with countless other well-known singalong hit songs in this must-see musical extravaganza.

The John Godber Company presents

BOUNCERS

MON 13– W ED 15 FEB • 7 :30 pm , 2:30 pm *

The John Godber Company presents, the iconic Bouncers. Join Les, Ralph, Judd and Lucky Eric as they relive a night in a Yorkshire disco in the 80s. Like a hideously funny Saturday Night Fever, the original Bouncers is back in town. Everyone will be there; the DJ, the girls, boys and the fish and chip van.

HARROGATE THEATRE • £24/£18

FAIRPORT CONVENTION

TUE 14 FEB • 7 :30 pm ROYAL HALL • £29

British folk-rock band Fairport Convention have been entertaining music lovers for over half a century. This year’s Tour will present a mix of long-established favourites and some surprises from albums old and new. The band features founding member Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Ric Sanders and Chris Leslie and will be joined by former member Dave Mattacks on drums.

HENRY BLOFELD: MY DEAR OLD THINGS

THU 16 FEB • 7 :30 pm

Being confined to the pavilion for the past couple of seasons has given Henry time to reconnect with his Norfolk roots and reflect on a truly extraordinary life. This reflection inspired the online film, At Home With Henry, and this new theatre show.

Blowers recalls his days as a young England hopeful, recoiling from a career in the City to work as a cricket journalist before finding his way into the TMS box. There are hilarious tales of Johnners, Arlott and other characters in the box and on tour with England. Henry also has plenty of hysterical stories from his postretirement appearances on Would I Lie to You? and The Real Marigold Hotel.

HARROGATE THEATRE • £24

FATHERHOOD

FRI 1 7 FEB • 7 :45 pm

Being a father in the 21st century is complicated. Being the father of a young son of mixed South Indian, Turkish and Austrian heritage, even more so. Centred around everyday, relatable experiences, it follows the lives and journeys of three very different characters, with humour and sensitivity.

This dynamic and original new work brings together physical theatre, multilingual spoken text and sign languages, exploring fatherhood across generations and reflecting migrant stories from India, Singapore and Turkey, from the 1960s to the present day.

All performances include creative, integrated captions.

HARROGATE STUDIO THEATRE • £14/£12

LORE

LORE is the new production from award-winning dance company James Wilton Dance. It’s a folklore inspired journey into a pagan world of gods, demons and humans, all embodied through otherworldly athleticism.

LORE is about connection to nature, making you feel the energy that flows from the ground, through our bodies and back into the earth. The specially composed soundtrack by Michal Wojtas, who draws influence from Viking, Celtic and Slavic folk music, is like listening to the tales our ancestors told while sat in a clearing in the woods, and hearing the ancient stories that bind humanity together.

James Wilton Dance presents

SHOWADDYWADDY

SAT 18 FEB • 7 :30 pm

‘The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World’ is a bold statement but Showaddywaddy has lived up to that title for the last 5 decades! Their 50th Anniversary Concert will be a dynamic and uplifting show featuring their greatest hits, many of which reached number one in the pop charts of Europe.

HALL • £27

Gary Delaney presents

GARY IN PUNDERLAND

W ED 22 FEB • 7 :30 pm

Get ready to dive into a rabbit hole of the best jokes in the world - star of Live at the Apollo and sell-out sensation Gary Delaney is back! One of the most sought after joke writers in the country and longstanding Mock the Week special guest.

THEATRE • £22

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR

W ED 22 FEB • 7 :30 pm

Embark on a thrilling night of adventure with a brand-new collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival!

The Banff Mountain Film Festival joins the world’s best adventure film-makers and explorers as they push themselves to the limits in the most remote and stunning corners of the globe. Witness epic feats, life-affirming challenges and mind-blowing cinematography – all on the big screen!

An adrenaline-fuelled, not-to-be missed event with free prize giveaways that is guaranteed to ignite your passion for adventure, action and travel!

This is a screening of the Red Film Programme.

ROYAL HALL • £18/£16.50

ROYAL

HARROGATE

Image by: Simon Carter

COOKING WITH ELVIS

W ED 22–FRI 24 FEB • 7 :45 pm •

QUEENZ

From the writer who brought us Billy Elliot, Cooking with Elvis is a must see hilarious black comedy featuring songs from the man himself. Join us for an evening of outrageous entertainment featuring sex, food and rock ‘n’ roll!

When an amateur Elvis impersonator is paralysed in a car crash, his family are forced to cope with the aftermath. His sex-starved wife takes a lover from the local cake factory, who in turn helps himself to her cookerymad daughter. Amidst this comically grotesque ménage, we see dad as the rhinestone-jumpsuited King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

• £14/£12 1 6+

The trailblazing, life affirming drag extravaganza taking the UK by storm. Featuring mind blowing live vocals, and not a lip-sync in sight! Join these death-dropping divas as they slay the biggest hits of all time and serve up the sequin-clad pop party we’ve all been gagging for!

Get ready to sing along to reimagined classics from The Spice Girls, Lady Gaga, Little Mix, Britney, Whitney, and everything in between. Queenz is drag like you’ve never heard it before!

‘Fantastic’—Gary Barlow

‘Now that was right up my street, incredible’—Dawn French

MACBETH

1 4+

It will have blood, they say. Three mysterious figures enter the stage. They talk of the hurly-burly, of thunder and lightning, and of a young couple who believe they can overthrow the old regime. They conjure the Macbeths, placing them in a dangerous new world where paranoia, betrayal and brutality rule.

Blood will have blood. Fusing live action with innovative video technology, imitating the dog bring their ‘breathtakingly inventive’ (The Times) style of storytelling to Shakespeare’s tragic tale of ambition, destiny and downfall. An audacious and daring retelling made for the audiences of today, Macbeth is a neon noir thriller where Shakespeare’s original language collides with startling new scenes, stunning visuals, and a powder-keg intensity.

imitating the dog presents FRI 24–SAT 25 FEB • 7 :30 pm , 2:30* • HARROGATE THEATRE • £26/£18

LITTLE STAGES FESTIVAL

We're introducing the magic of theatre to children this season with our Little Stages Festival. Experience storytelling, puppetry, ballet, music and much more in this fantastic selection of shows this spring.

Look out for information on our Family Fun Day on Thursday 13th April 2023. More details will be released in February.

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM

SAT 25 FEB • 12 pm & 2 pm •

4+

A hopeful, adventure story about two very different creatures displaced from their respective worlds by climate change.

A story of our time, visual, accessible and with delightful puppetry and original music.

HARROGATE STUDIO THEATRE • £9

ZOG

FRI 10–SAT 11 M AR •

11 am , 1:30 pm , 3:30 pm , 4:30 pm •

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved Zog. Large in size and keen in nature, Zog is eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, where dragons learn all the things that dragons need to know. The smash-hit stage adaptation is back and promises to be bigger, brighter and more roar-some than ever before!

HARROGATE THEATRE • £17/£15

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

SAT 25 MAR • 1 pm •

4+

From the peaceful pleasures of Ratty’s beloved river bank to the fearful frights and wicked weasels of the Wild Wood, join Mole and Ratty on their marvellous adventures, along with gruff old Badger and magnificent Mr Toad. A beautiful new adaptation featuring wonderful puppetry, innovative theatre and an original score.

HARROGATE STUDIO THEATRE • £9

3+

Sponsored by:

TALES FROM ACORN WOOD

MON 27 –TUE 28 MAR •

10:30 am , 1:30 pm , 4:30 pm •

Based on the favourite stories by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock? And Rat-a-tat-tat! Who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake? Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry and all the friends from Acorn Wood; the perfect treat for children of all ages.

HARROGATE THEATRE • £17/£15

SING-A-LONG-A-ENCANTO

SAT 15 APR • 1 pm & 5 pm •

4+

Gather la Familia! It’s time to celebrate something truly Magical. The smash hit film musical with lyrics on screen, live host & free props bag. Remember we don’t talk about Bruno No No No.

This is a screening of the film, not a live stage show.

HARROGATE THEATRE • £18/£14

Northern Ballet presents

UGLY DUCKLING

TUE 18 APR • 1 pm , 4:30 pm , 6:30 pm •

1+

2+

Retelling the famous Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, Ugly Duckling is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre for the first time. As seen on CBeebies, Northern Ballet’s sell-out productions for children are not to be missed.

HARROGATE THEATRE • £13/£11

I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE

SAT 22 APR • 2:30 pm •

2+

Molly and Bingo the puppy are having a birthday party and you’re invited! There’ll be a terrific treasure hunt, all your favourite sing-along songs and lots of fantastic games to play, including I Spy With My Little Eye! So put on your party clothes and come join us for what promises to be a magical day of fun and laughter.

HARROGATE THEATRE • £15/£10

Ukrainian

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

TUE 28 FEB • 7 :30 pm

Set in Japan at the turn of the last century, Madama Butterfly is the story of a doomed love affair between an American naval officer and his young Japanese bride whose self-sacrifice and defiance of her family leads to tragedy.

Music by G. Puccini. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

ROYAL HALL • £34–£39

Ukrainian National Opera presents

CARMEN

W ED 01 MAR • 7 :30 pm

Carmen tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who falls head over heels in love with Carmen, a seductive, free-spirited femme fatale. The infatuated Don José abandons his childhood sweetheart and neglects his military duties, only to lose the fickle Carmen to the glamorous toreador Escamillo.

Music by Georges Bizet. Sung in French with English surtitles.

ROYAL HALL • £34–£39

AN EVENING WITHOUT KATE BUSH

W ED 01 MAR • 7 :30 pm

Howl with the Hounds of Love and dance on the moors with Wuthering Heights!

She’s not there - but you are. Whether you’ve been a fan for decades or recently joined the shoal via the Stranger Things phenomenon, there has never been a better time to release your inner Bush and celebrate at this joyful, unique and mind-blowing show.

HARROGATE STUDIO THEATRE • £14/£12

HAUNTED

WED 01–THU 02 MAR • 7 :45 pm

Two classic ghost stories adapted and performed by Adam Z. Robinson.

In The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs, the White family are visited by an old friend who brings with him a strange object, said to be able to grant wishes to anyone who possesses it. As the old saying goes: be careful what you wish for!

In The Upper Berth by F. Marion Crawford, Cabin 105 of an ill-fated ocean liner has many strange tales about the thing that dwells in the upper berth. But none of the stories can be true…can they?

Dare you join The Storyteller as he brings to life two classic ghost stories for a unique and thrilling solo show.

LUKE WRIGHT: THE REMAINS OF LOGAN

DANKWORTH

FRI 03 MAR • 7 :30 pm

I believed that Fukayama line: the end of history. But history didn’t end, did it?

Logan Dankworth, columnist and Twitter warrior, grew up romanticising the political turmoil of the 1980s. Now, as the EU Referendum looms he is determined to be in the fray of the biggest political battle for years. Meanwhile, Logan’s wife Megan wants to leave London to better raise their daughter. As tensions rise at home and across the nation, something is set to be lost forever.

The third of Luke Wright’s trilogy of political verse plays looks at trust, fatherhood and family in the age of Brexit.

HARROGATE THEATRE • £14

WHITNEY: QUEEN OF THE NIGHT

FRI 03 MAR • 7 :30 pm

Direct from the West End celebrating the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time with a sensational cast and live band. Taking audiences on a magical rollercoaster ride through three decades of nostalgic hits that include: I Wanna Dance With Somebody, I’m Every Woman and I Will Always Love You.

ROYAL HALL • £33.50

HYENA COMEDY CLUB

SAT 04 MAR • 8 pm

Starring Angelos Epithemiou (Shooting Stars, The Angelos Epithemiou Show), Tez Ilyas (Man Like Mobeen, Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo). Jack Gleadow (multi-award winning one man variety show) and Hayley Ellis (tour support to Sarah Millican). It’s a hilarious night out for people who love to laugh all night long!

RACHEL

FAIRBURN: CAN I BE AWFUL?

W ED 08 MAR • 7 :45 pm ROYAL

Brassy, abrasive, rude, belligerent. The four horsemen of the apocalypse? No. They're all words that have been used to describe Rachel and she's proper sick of it now. She's also sick of being told to "be kind" by everyone. What's wrong with saying it how you see it? What really is kindness? Why is Rachel's truth not respected? Why are you all so annoying? Probably because nobody tells you that you are. Let Rachel change that.

Co-host of the podcast, All Killa No Filla, with comedian Kiri PritchardMcLean, Rachel has been described as ‘very much the Rock ‘n’ Roll Star of British comedy’ by Rolling Stone.

THE CLARE TEAL SEVEN

SUN 12 MAR • 7 :30 pm

Expect exhilarating swing from award winning jazz vocalist and broadcaster. Clare (formerly on Radio 2 now on Jazz FM) and band celebrate the art of early pop featuring some of the greatest songs ever written from the Great American and British songbooks, plus originals and contemporary covers.

HARROGATE THEATRE • £28

LEVELLERS: ACOUSTIC TOUR

W ED 15 MAR • 7 :30 pm

Five years after they set out on their hugely acclaimed 2018 Acoustic Tour, and released its companion album We The Collective, Levellers will embark upon a brand new Acoustic Tour which will be accompanied by a new album of acoustic reworkings of some of their finest compositions.

ROYAL HALL • £37/£29.50

VERVE: TRIPLE

BILL

WED 15 MAR • 7 :30 pm

VERVE presents a visually striking, highly physical triple bill of new contemporary dance works by outstanding artists.

Award-winning choreographer and creator of Extended Play, Jamaal Burkmaar creates a new work exploring complex physicality and exquisite timing. In work by Faye Tan of National Dance Company Wales, the dancers become intoxicated by rhythm and sensation, resulting in moments of catharsis and pure joy. Lastly, acclaimed Spanish duo KOR’SIA combine

striking visuals with a cinematic feel to produce an ambitious, large-scale work.

VERVE comprises eighteen dancers, trained at some of the world’s leading conservatoires. Each year the company commissions choreographers from all over the world to create an artistically distinct, physically daring, and engaging programme of dance work.

HARROGATE THEATRE • £17/£10

Northern School of Contemporary Dance presents

RAY BRADSHAW: DEF COM 1

THU 16 MAR • 8 pm

Following his groundbreaking 2018 show, Deaf Comedy Fam, Ray Bradshaw’s new stand-up show, Deaf Com 1, covers his recent fatherhood, teaching his young son sign language and a disastrous trip to Bahrain!

International award-winning comic, Ray, spent 2021/22 touring the UK as John Bishop’s handpicked support act, having previously toured with Frankie Boyle in 2019. Ray was the first comedian to ever win a Scottish Culture Award and is a regular host of Scotland’s most popular radio show, Off The Ball.

All of his shows are performed in both BSL and English.

DIA-BEAT-ES

WED 15 MAR • 7 :45 pm

A new rave/show by Paul O'Donnell. Paul is a Type 1 Diabetic, and has been for 28 years. Paul is also a DJ, and has been for about 5 months. Both are challenging skills, a sequence of spinning multiple discs at any one time. Paul is not perfect at either. With DIA-BEAT-ES he hopes to cross-fade between the two in this mega-mix of sweet sweet music dedicated to the carb counting druggies* like him.

Join Paul as he drops beats on the past 27 years of his drug-filled life, mixing in the highs and lows of living as a full time diabetic... and part time DJ.

*insulin

‘Bradshaw is raucously funny... captivating, funny and sharply executed’—Broadway Baby

WESLEY CENTRE • £14

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2

Starring Mary Byrne (X Factor), Annabel Giles (TV Personality), Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) and Susie Fenwick (West End Star). In this hilarious sequel to smash-hit Menopause the Musical®, we fast forward five years to catch up with the same four characters for tales of their lives, loves and losses as they set off on the high seas.

ALL SHOOK UP

THU 23–SAT 25 MAR • 7 :30 pm , 2 :30 pm *

Based on Twelfth Night and featuring classic Elvis Presley hits like Jailhouse Rock, Blue Suede Shoes, Devil in Disguise and, of course, All Shook Up, the story begins when Chad, a mysterious, guitar-playing stranger, rides into a square little US town. Chad inspires the town to dream about the magic of romance and the power of rock & roll.

ONE NIGHT IN DUBLIN

THU 23 MAR • 7 :30 pm

A glorious night of high-energy Irish music and more than a little bit of Irish Craic. In their own inimitable style, multi award winning Irish tribute band The Wild Murphys perform classics tracks including: Galway Girl, Tell Me Ma, Dirty Old Town, The Irish Rover, Brown Eyed Girl, Seven Drunken Nights, Whiskey in the Jar, Wild Rover and Molly Malone, guaranteed to have the audience’s hands clapping and toes tapping all night long.

Harrogate Phoenix Players presents a community production of

GULLIVER

Gulliver, a traveller and pioneer, shipwrecked and lost at sea for nine years, has returned. He tells tales of lands undiscovered and creatures unheard of, but is he really the same man who disappeared so long ago? With unique puppetry and stunning original music, this is a breathtaking new version of Swift’s incredible adventure.

BOND! AN UNAUTHORISED PARODY

Exploding every cliché in the book(s)… solo! Celebrating 70 years since the first 007 novel - Bond is back – unfit, older but still wisecracking… and someone’s out to get him - his greatest arch-villain yet – author Ian Fleming himself, courtesy of a time-machine.

MIKE OLDFIELD'S TUBULAR BELLS

Gavin Robertson presents FRI 24–SAT 25 MAR • 7 :45 pm W ED 29 MAR • 7 :30 pm W ED 29 MAR • 7 :30 pm

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tubular Bells, the iconic masterpiece will be performed live with a full band, conducted and arranged by Oldfield’s long term collaborator Robin Smith. A bold and progressive fusion, Tubular Bells is a journey through classical, jazz, folk, prog rock and electronica.

PAUL YOUNG: BEHIND THE LENS

THU 30 MAR • 7 :30 pm

LIVING ON FRESH AIR

Newly retired couple Caroline and Dave have everything they have ever wanted; a nice house, a hot tub, a small mortgage, a few savings and a new smart meter. But with Covid and the cost of living crisis things are changing. Their children have moved back home, their money is disappearing, the hot tub’s gone, the lights are going out and the smart meter is stressful. No wonder they feel like starting again, and with their new found hobby of walking it feels like they have.

From the Wolds, to the Dales, from the Lakes to Scafell, they’re determined to get out and keep positive, but with rising bills, rising temperatures and the family home full, there’s only so far you can go when you’re living on fresh air. But Caroline and Dave are as tough as old boots, and as they reach another peak, they both recognise that there is always another mountain to climb.

In this breath-taking state of the nation comedy, the double BAFTA and Olivier award winning partnership of John Godber and Jane Thornton pull on their walking boots, pack up their knapsacks, and tackle modern life head on.

John Godber Company in association with Harrogate Theatre presents

WHEN WE DIED

He’s dead, and it’s her job to prepare and present his body for his family’s final goodbye. She often imagines what each person’s life was like. But today she doesn’t have to imagine who he is. She knows him.

Faced with the body of the man who raped her eleven months ago, When We Died is a striking new play about one woman’s choice to confront her trauma and tell her story, on her terms.

An early version of the play was long-listed for the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting in 2017 before premiering at VAULT Festival in March 2020.

Online version is available between 31 March–21 April.

DAVE GORMAN: POWERPOINT TO THE PEOPLE

TUE 04 APR • 7 :30 pm

The man behind Dave TV’s hit show Modern Life Is Goodish as well as Are You Dave Gorman? and Googlewhack Adventure.

The ‘high priest of the comedy Powerpoint talk’ (The Times) is touring again - as much as anything to demonstrate that a powerpoint presentation doesn't have to involve a man in a grey suit standing behind a lectern and saying ‘next slide please’. We've all had enough of that, so let's put it all behind us and never speak of it again - there are far more important things to analyse. Well... more important in Dave's head anyway.

GORDON BUCHANAN–30 YEARS IN THE WILD

THU 06 APR • 7 :30 pm

One of the most prominent wildlife presenters and filmmakers working today, Gordon’s journey is a remarkable story to tell. Having produced some of the most popular wildlife programmes on the BBC, we have been able to see his incredible passion for the animal kingdom and the unique ability he has for presenting such hidden animal worlds to an audience.

Gordon will be taking a look back at his incredible 30 years working both behind and in front of the camera. This will be a rare opportunity to discover what has driven his career and what are his most favourite wildlife encounters.

Harrogate Dramatic Society presents a community production of

MINDGAME

BY ANTHONY HOROWITZ

W ED 12–SAT 15 APR • 7 :45 pm , 2 pm *

When Mark Styler, a writer of glossy “true crime” paperbacks, tries to get an interview with Easterman, a notorious serial killer, he has no idea what he’s walking into.

This amateur production of Mindgame is presented by arangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. On behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

HARROGATE STUDIO THEATRE

THU 20 APR • 7 :30 pm

• £15

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY

The Simon & Garfunkel Story is back! Using huge projection photos, original film footage and a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Homeward Bound and many more. This is an evening not to be missed!

'Fantastic'—Elaine Paige, BBC Radio 2. 'Authentic and Exciting'—The Stage

ROYAL HALL • £28/£25.50 ROYAL HALL • £29

Everybody needs a break. Everybody needs a Happy Place. But what happens when you find yours occupied by strangers? Follow four individuals on an extraordinary journey in this comedic imagining of a world where happiness is commodified.

Critically acclaimed Forget About The Dog presents their unique style of highly physical, bombastic comedy, packed with puppetry, live music and thought-provoking whimsy. Your Happy Place awaits. A highly acclaimed comedian, writer, and actor. She wrote and starred in her recent BBC2 sitcom Out Of Her Mind, and is the celebrated host of BBC2’s The Great British Sewing Bee, BBC’s Last Woman On Earth, Dave’s Comedians Giving Lectures and Comedy Central’s Guessable.

CALENDAR GIRLS

The death of a much loved husband prompts a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire Women's Institute to do an extraordinary thing, they decide to do an artistic nude calendar to raise money for charity. With unforgettable songs, every performance continues to add to the millions already raised for charity and also prove that there is no such thing as an ordinary woman.

BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY

It’s time to celebrate the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons! Our phenomenal cast and live band will transport you back in time for a magical evening enjoying all your favourite songs.

So it’s time to hang on to what we got and celebrate one of the world's treasures in two hours of non-stop hits with Big Girls Don’t Cry!

SUSIE

Lexicographer - Best Selling AuthorQueen of Dictionary Corner.

Take a journey into the curious, unexpected, and downright surreal origins of the words we use every day. Susie will retell the adventures that lie hidden within such words as lasagne (involving a chamber pot) and bugbear (a terrorising monster), and explain such oddities as the silent h in ghost and the mysterious disappearance of kempt, gormful, and ruly (and yes, you really can be gruntled).

You will also hear Susie’s selection of the funniest moments from her 30 years on Countdown and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

RAOS

HARROGATE YOUTH THEATRE

Harrogate Youth Theatre is a great opportunity to make friends, build confidence, work with theatre professionals and, above all, have brilliant fun!

Each term, members get to explore their own creativity by making up stories, pretending to be different people and seeing where their imaginations lead...Come and try us out and keep your eyes peeled for HYT performances in March.

OUR VENUES

HARROGATE THEATRE MAIN AUDITORIUM

Harrogate Theatre is home to drama, music, comedy and dance. Built in 1900, Harrogate Theatre is a typical example of a late Victorian proscenium arch venue built over five floors. The Main House has level access from Cambridge Parade.

THE ROYAL HALL

The Royal Hall is a 950-seat Grade II* listed Edwardian performance hall and theatre located just on the outskirts of Harrogate Town Centre. The building is accessible via a lift for wheelchair users.

THE HARROGATE CONVENTION CENTRE

Harrogate Convention Centre is a world class conference venue with an impressive 2000-seater auditorium hosting some of the best British and International acts. There is Blue Badge parking in Harrogate Convention Centre's underground car park with direct lift access to the auditorium.

THE WESLEY CENTRE

Situated in the old chapel, the Wesley Centre affords an open space with fantastic height that seats up to 200 people. The mixture of floor seating and pews offers a great view for audiences and the space has great acoustics. There is step free access, an accessible toilet and baby change facilities.

HARROGATE STUDIO THEATRE

Harrogate Studio Theatre is an intimate 60-seat performance space situated on the third floor at the top of Harrogate Theatre. The Studio is a versatile space with unique, thought-provoking, and memorable shows by some of the best emerging and mid-career artists.

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