SPRING 2O18 O1642 81 51 81 TEES VALLEY’S PLAYHOUSE · 60th ANNIVERSARY YEAR
book online at www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
Welcome to the new-look Middlesbrough Theatre 2017 has marked our 60th anniversary – the theatre was opened (as the Little Theatre) on October 21st 1957 by Sir John Gielgud - and has seen not only bumper audiences, but significant investment by Middlesbrough Council in improving our front-of-house facilities. This centred on a long-awaited upgrade to the ladies’ toilets (the gentlemen have also not been forgotten!) but gave us the opportunity to re-model the foyer, improve disabled access to the box office and give the front of the theatre a facelift, including some arresting new signage. At the same time, we installed a new box office system and a re-designed website, with the aim of making booking easier, particularly on mobile devices. The project was delivered by the Council’s Property Services in a very tight six-week timeframe during our normal Summer closure period, with the theatre shutting down at the end of July and re-opening on schedule (just!) with the Ladyboys of 2 Bangkok at the beginning of September. We are grateful to all those involved, who worked so hard to ensure the works were completed on time and with minimum disruption to our activities – so crucial to our financial security. Plans are already in hand for further improvements both front-of-house, including the bar, and backstage next Summer and we retain our longer-term aspirations for a major extension to the front of the theatre, to expand both bar and foyer space. You can keep in touch with all these plans via our social media sites and we look forward to welcoming you to the theatre over the coming year.
David Lindsey THEATRE MANAGER
CLASSICS UP CLOSE We are delighted to be collaborating once again with our colleagues at Middlesbrough Town Hall on their Classical Concert Series, whilst their building is closed for refurbishment (re-opening this Spring), with two more stunning concerts – Royal Northern Sinfonia on February 6 (page 5) and the Russian State PhIlharmonic on March 6 (page 13). Two worldclass orchestras performing some of the most popular works in the repertoire in the intimate surroundings of Middlesbrough Theatre – UNMISSABLE!
CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
SATURDAY 20 JANUARY 7.30PM Upbeat Classical Management presents
THE MAGIC OF VIENNA
FRIDAY 26 JANUARY 7.30PM
DEREK ACORAH
Adam Summerhayes and His Orchestra
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Following the success of their concert in 2017, Adam Summerhayes and His Orchestra are back with another fabulous concert for the New Year. Infectious waltzes and popular classics come together with one of this country's most extraordinary violinists and his wonderful orchestra. Introduced in Adam’s unique style and with flashes of humour – and the odd surprise or two – this is sure to prove another unforgettable evening.
Derek Acorah describes himself as a spiritual medium. He is best known for his television work on Most Haunted, broadcast on Living TV (2002-2010). The pioneer for spiritualism and mediumship on television, arguably the world’s most renowned spiritual medium, he has demonstrated to many hundreds of thousands of people in theatres throughout the UK. Another chance to experience this very special event.
WEDNESDAY 31 JANUARY – SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY 7.30PM Middlesbrough Little Theatre Ltd presents
DEAD FISH
by Gordon Steel. Directed by Mike Crooks A LOCAL play by a LOCAL author about LOCAL issues! Written over 20 years ago when the closure of yards like Smith’s Dock was still a raw memory, this play’s impact remains undiminished, especially since the recent closure of the steelworks. Mixing humour and pathos, the story follows a Middlesbrough family, the Blacketts, whose future seems all too bleakly defined. £11 / Concession £10 An amateur production by arrangement with Alan Brodie Representation Ltd
£18.50 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
£18.50/Concessions £17.50 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
SATURDAY 27 JANUARY 7.30PM
THURSDAY 8 FEBRUARY 7.30PM
VAMPIRES ROCK GHOST TRAIN The Country’s Most Successful Classic Rock Musical Concert!
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Over fifteen years on tour and winners of the National Tribute Awards, Mercury have firmly established themselves as one of the world’s most authentic tributes to Freddie Mercury and Queen. With a dynamic stage show that fully emulates the true charismatic appeal of rock’s most flamboyant front man, backed up by superbly crafted harmonies and intricate guitar work, Mercury faithfully and accurately recreate the distinctive Queen voice. The show includes fantastic and authentic performances of the most popular Queen hits, such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga, We Are The Champions, We Will Rock You and many more.
‘… the next best thing.’ - JER BULSARA (FREDDIE’S MUM)
£19.50/Concessions £18 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
Steve Steinman has ramped up the vamp in this spectacular sequel to the phenomenally successful Vampires Rock. This rock-tastic, hilarious musical concert lives up to its rocking reputation. A tongue-in-cheek story, spellbinding cast, guitar gods and sexy vampettes take you on a ride through some of the greatest classic rock anthems ever! Throwing just the right amount of fun and humour into his script ensures that Steinman always has the audience up on their feet and roaring with laughter. Including tracks from Queen, AC/DC, Meat Loaf, Journey, Bon Jovi, Guns n Roses and many more. Prepare for a night of mischief and mayhem! £26 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
WEDNESDAY 7 FEBRUARY 7.30PM makin projects presents
FROM IBIZA TO THE NORFOLK BROADS Written and Directed by Adrian Berry Performed by Alex Walton With a blistering Bowie soundtrack, the life of the pop fan is dissected in this tale of unnatural teenage wildlife. Martin is a boy with problems - an illness no-one understands and a head full of sound and vision. So when an unexpected gift arrives on his birthday, Martin embarks on a thrilling journey in the footsteps of his obsession, leading him to discover some long-hidden truths about himself. What follows will change his life forever... Powerful and touching, music and magic realism collide in this darkly funny and moving tour-de-force solo show featuring Alex Walton and the voice of comedian Rob Newman. 'A touching Bowie oddity, compelling, sharply observed, impressive conviction and touchingly believable' – THE GUARDIAN ‘An enthralling hour of theatre in atmospheric surroundings that will blow your minds' – MIND THE BLOG Running time 75 minutes TUESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 7.30PM
ROYAL NORTHERN SINFONIA Director/Violin: Bradley Creswick BACH: Brandenburg Concerto No. 1, BRUCH: Violin Concerto No.1 MENDELSSOHN: Symphony no.1
£22 / Under 16 half-price £12 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
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FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY 7.30PM
SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY 7.30PM
Ballet Theatre UK presents
Artistes International Management presents
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
THE STORY OF BART
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Lovers, fairies, mischief and moonlight conspire in Shakespeare’s classic tale. Following on from the company’s critically-acclaimed production of Romeo and Juliet, we present a ballet set to charm the whole family. Be transported to a fantastical world of dazzling dance, music and enchantment. Through the vision of Artistic Director, Christopher Moore, this innovative production gives the old tale a new life. With stunning original choreography set to the iconic Mendelssohn score and breath-taking costume you will be transported to the magical woodland of old where you will rediscovery the magical charm of this classic tale. £18.50/Conc £17.50/U16 £12 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
Lionel Bart was a songwriting genius, penning huge chart hits, musicals, film scores and one of the biggest musicals of all time. But things went wrong. In the 1960s he earned every minute what the average person earned in a week. By 1972 he was bankrupt. This musical show is far more than a run-through of Bart’s evergreen hits: interweaved within them are all the juicy yarns about Bart’s crazy millionaire-to-bankrupt life. West End Star John Barr takes on the role of Lionel Bart telling you his story, joined by a supporting cast utilizing some of Bart’s most unforgettable hits as well as one or two songs you haven’t heard before. Is there a Happy Ending? £19 / Concessions £18 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2.00PM AND 7.00PM Oddsocks presents
Will the Scarecrow find a brain? The Lion some courage?
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The Tin Man a heart? The Audience some ice cream?
The “irresistibly anarchic” Oddsocks Productions are bringing another classic adventure to life with a hearty dollop of their trademark comedy: new songs, familiar faces and laughs aplenty! In a brand-new adaptation, the Oddsocks troupe invite you to meet Dorothy as you’ve never seen her before. Join the Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man as they travel through the weird and wonderful land of Oz, encountering Wet Witches, Flying Monkeys, Poisonous Poppies and a multitude of Munchkins along the way! What could possibly go wrong?
£14 Adult/£12 Child/Family £44 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
WED 14 FEBRUARY 2.30PM & 7.30PM
FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY 7.30PM
Strictly Theatre Co presents
Entertainers presents
DANCE TO THE MUSIC
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Created by and starring Kristina Rihanoff (Strictly Come Dancing) Featuring X Factor finalist Chris Maloney
Get ready for an unforgettable evening with a global superstar, as he puts the Boom Boom into your heart.
Dance to the Music is a new “must-see” dance show like no other – the only one to feature ALL dance styles.
The show is packed with crowd-pleasing anthems. From Wham! classics of the ‘new pop’ revival to the chart-topping success of the Eighties album Faith. All the awesome tunes of the Nineties and Noughties including the irresistible Flawless.
Experience the evolution of dance from the Roaring Twenties, with tap and Charleston, up to the modern day Ballroom and Latin. Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, Jive, Rock-n-Roll, Funk, Waltz, Disco, Breakdancing, Street, Contemporary Ballet and Salsa are just a few spectacular styles that will be presented to you by a full cast of versatile dancers, plus two amazing singers, performed to your favourite ultimate music hits of all time.
This is a spellbinding experience you don’t want to miss. You’ll be getting up (to get down) to all your favourite songs: Careless Whisper, Freedom, Faith, and many more. Relive the passion, the flare, and the unique sensitivity of George Michael in this incredible concert sensation.
The perfect Valentine’s Night out!
As the great man said: you gotta have faith…
£30/ Concessions £28 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
£22/Conc £20 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY 7.30PM Isosceles presents
THE
HAUNTERS A ghost story based on a short story by Edward Bulwer Lytton Written by Patrick Prior Directed by Jim Dunk Performed by Pat Abernethy and Dave Marsden No-one ever stayed in the dark, brooding house for very long. There was something wrong, very wrong. A brilliant doctor takes up residence only to die violently. What is the terrible secret behind the doors of the house by the river? When the dead man’s brother decides to investigate, he sets in motion a chain of events which will eventually lead him into a vortex of terror. He pursues the truth through the gas-lit, fog-filled streets of Victorian London until eventually he is forced to confront the horrifying truth. There, in the flickering shadows of the house of fear, the secret of his brother’s death is finally revealed and he finds that perhaps death is only the beginning…
‘A stark staging with graveside solemnity, shadowy silhouettes, ghostly shrieks and murmuring voices in which two men are scared out of their wits by past events too horrible to contemplate’ – THE STAGE ‘…If you like ghost stories, haunted houses and hanson cabs dashing across London, dash to this... This haunting tale makes for a seriously creepy evening.’ – INDIE LONDON
£14/Concessions £12 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
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WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 7.30PM Blackeyed Theatre, in association South Hill Park, presents
TEECHERS by John Godber. Directed by Adrian McDougall
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Blackeyed Theatre revives its highly-acclaimed production of John Godber’s classic comedy about life for Mr Nixon, an unsuspecting new drama teacher at a struggling ‘sink school’. Featuring breathtaking ensemble performances and a bang-up-to-date soundtrack, Teechers brings to life an array of terrifying teachers and hopeless pupils through the unique eyes of Salty, Gail and Hobby; three Year 11 students about to leave school for good. Will Mr Nixon abandon his students for a green and pleasant Grammar school? Who puts the bounce in Miss Prime, the PE teacher? Will Mrs Parry ever find her Koko? And why does everyone smell of spring onions? Crammed full of unforgettable characters, political left-hooks and razor-sharp comedy, Teechers is more relevant today than ever, a modern classic with something vital to say about education for the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’.
Suitable for age 11+ FRIDAY 16 MARCH 7.30PM Blackeyed Theatre, in association with South Hill Park, presents See page 15 for more details £15 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY 7.30PM
FRIDAY 9 MARCH 7.30PM
Entertainers presents
Entertainers presents
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If you love the music of Stevie Wonder, then you’ll love this smash hit show. Featuring back-to-back number ones including the Grammy award-winning Signed, Sealed, Delivered as well as Superstition, Higher Ground, Master Blaster, Sir Duke, Part-Time Lover, Isn’t She Lovely and the biggest international hit of all time – I Just Called To Say I Love You, plus many, many more! What’s more, to ensure we’ll have you all dancing in the aisles, our American star Lejaune André will be joined on stage by a fabulous seven-piece band, outstanding backing vocalists, and top dancers.
Celebrating the Queen and King of country, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers… Leave your 9 to 5 worries at the door and get ready for a night in the company of Country Music Royalty! This thigh-slapping stage show brings together the beloved glamour and personality of Dolly, along with Kenny’s charisma and energy with hit after hit including: Jolene, Ruby, 9 to 5, Lucille, Here You Come Again, The Gambler, I Will Always Love You, Coward of the Country, plus the smash hit Islands in the Stream.
So, get ready for the wonder that is… Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
Enjoy a superb score and supreme musicianship as we bring the house down with the ultimate tribute to two country music legends.
£22/Concessions £20 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
£22.50/Concessions £21 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
WED 28 FEBRUARY – SAT 3 MARCH 7.30PM. MATINEE SATURDAY 2.30PM Less is MORE and Middlesbrough Theatre present
THE REVENGERS by Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood
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A darkly funny tale from the North-East authors of the hit comedies Dirty Dusting and Waiting for Gateaux. When Katy Dream left drama school she walked straight into a starring TV role in The Revengers. Sadly, her days as Gemma Peel - the leather-clad, crime-solving, kung-fu queen of Tyneside - are long gone. 25 years later she's back to being plain old Katy West, the apron-clad, debt-ridden, dancing queen of Nowhere. Her husband, Jimmy, a Castro-obsessed Marxist, has been in a wheelchair since a shipyard accident and spends his time training for road races and making soup. When Katy's new agent manages to secure her an audition for the role of Portia in a touring production of The Merchant of Venice she sees a light at the end of the tunnel. Enter Gary, a charming but sinister loan shark, who is about to turn her world upside down…
'... while they've proved they can make us laugh, this shows they can also craft plays with real depth.' - THE METRO WEDNESDAY 16 MAY 7.30PM
£14/Concessions £12. Matinee all seats £10. CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
THURSDAY 8 MARCH 7.30PM New Old Friends presents
CRIMES UNDER THE SUN Directed by James Farrell (Associate Director - The 39 Steps, West End). A secluded island hotel just off the English coast becomes a crime scene, as a scandal-inducing femme-fatale is felled. All the guests on the island are suspects, but are they alone and is this the first crime this idyllic island has witnessed? The latest comedy-thriller from this award-winning theatre company features four actors playing multiple outrageous characters, and a plot that romps along in the company’s trademark inventive style.
‘A mesmerising mix of murder, mayhem and laugh-out-loud comedy... echoes of those word-play specialists The Two Ronnies.’ **** - THE STAGE (on Crimes Against Christmas)
‘Hugely entertaining… terrific fun’ **** - THE SCOTSMAN (on The Falcon’s Malteser) TUESDAY 6 MARCH 7.30PM
RUSSIAN STATE PHILHARMONIC TCHAIKOVSKY Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture PROKOFIEV Violin Concerto no. 1 (Alexander Sitkovetsky), TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony no. 4
£22 / Under 16 half-price £15 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
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SATURDAY 10 MARCH 2.00PM
SATURDAY 17 MARCH 7.30PM
Les Petits presents
KEEP IT CASH
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Flinn is back! Les Petits theatre company return to the high seas in the hugely anticipated sequel based on the book by Giles Andreae and Russell Ayto. When Flinn is in the middle of his school play his old nemesis, Mr T the T-Rex, appears and kidnaps his friends, forcing them to hunt for the Magic Cutlass: a sword that grants any wish! The children are whisked away for another fantastic adventure to a world of devious dinosaurs, deep sea dangers and smelly sausages!
The tribute band that keeps the sound of Johnny Cash alive. The most accurate-sounding tribute show to Johnny Cash on the planet ... that is what they say about Keep it Cash, centred around the uncanny natural sound-alike quality of Dave Burnham’s voice. The band is a labour of love and a product of many years of hard work and dedication.
Les Petits make a welcome return visit following the highly-successful First Hippo on the Moon.
Expect a note-perfect musical journey from the humble gospel beginnings of the Tennessee two, right through to the final and emotional American Recordings.
‘Vividly engaging’ #### - THE STAGE ‘Les Petits have executed this sequel with lively invention’ #### – LIST Running time 55 mins
Keep it Cash have now performed hundreds of sold-out shows to thousands of people across Europe and America.
£11.50 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
£16 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
FRIDAY 16 MARCH 7.30PM Blackeyed Theatre, in association with South Hill Park, presents by Robert Louis Stevenson Adapted for the stage and Directed by Nick Lane
This thrilling adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark psychological fantasy immerses you in the myth and mystery of 19th century London’s fog-bound streets where love, betrayal and murder lurk at every chilling twist and turn. Doctor Henry Jekyll is a good man. Successful within his field and respected by his peers, he’s close to a neurological discovery that will change the face of medical science forever. However, his methods are less than ethical, and when a close friend and colleague threatens to expose and destroy his work, Jekyll is forced to experiment on himself, whereupon something goes very wrong…or very right. And suddenly Jekyll has a new friend, the brutal Edward Hyde. Gripping, stylish and thought-provoking, this is unmissable theatre. Go on...treat your dark side!
‘One of the most innovative, audacious companies working in contemporary English Theatre’ - THE STAGE Recommended for age 11+ £15 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
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THURSDAY 5 APRIL 7.30PM The Pantaloons presents
THE WAR OF THE WORLDS 16
“No one would have believed in the last years of the nineteenth century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man’s…” And fewer would have believed in the first years of the twenty-first century that H. G. Wells’ science fiction classic would be performed live by just four actors with intelligences lesser than average… The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons invade the stage in this funny yet faithful new adaptation as they use musical instruments, puppetry and, um, enthusiasm to recreate deadly heat-rays, giant fighting-machines, squidgy tentacled Martians and interplanetary warfare on an epic scale. The chances of success? A million to one…
‘Part alternative rock band, part thespian… wholly charming.’ - THE TIMES WEDNESDAY 4 APRIL 2.30PM AND 7.30PM Timeless Theatre Productions presents
ALL OUR YESTERDAYS Another sensational show from the producers of Memory Lane, Rolling Back the Years, and Memories are Made of This. The ultimate feel good show! £14.50/Concessions £13.50. Matinee £10.
£15 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
FRIDAY 6 APRIL 7.00PM; SATURDAY 7 APRIL 2.00PM AND 6.00PM Gordon Craig Theatre Productions presents
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Book, Music and Lyrics by Dennis, Lomax & Williams A brand-new musical adaptation of the classic fairytale – the perfect Easter treat! The King and Queen are throwing a party to celebrate the birth of their beautiful daughter. Everyone in the kingdom is invited - everyone apart from Narcissus. When a jealous Narcissus discovers she hasn’t been invited she curses the baby Princess Aurora but her magic is so powerful that even the good fairies cannot stop it! On her sixteenth birthday, just when everyone thinks they have escaped the curse, Aurora pricks her finger on a spinning wheel and falls into a dreamless sleep. What will become of the sleeping princess? Will she be left to sleep forever? Can true love save the day? With colourful sets, fairytale costumes, lively songs and dance numbers, this adaptation of Sleeping Beauty is guaranteed to keep you awake! TUESDAY 10 - SATURDAY 14 APRIL 7.00PM. MATINEE SATURDAY 2.00PM
GANG SHOW £10
£18 Adults/£15 Children/ Family £58 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 7.30PM Seabright Productions presents
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Based on the classic BBC sitcom by Jimmy Perry and David Croft Performed by David Benson and Jack Lane Two actors play 25 characters in this brilliant staging of classic radio scripts based on favourite episodes from the original TV series. Celebrating 50 years of Perry and Croft's quintessential sitcom, which won the Best One-Liner accolade in a poll of comedians conducted earlier this year by Gold, with the immortal words "Don't tell him, Pike". Double Fringe First Award winner David Benson (Think No Evil Of Us: My Life With Kenneth Williams) and Jack Lane (Wisdom Of A Fool) make welcome returns to Middlesbrough Theatre to present a selection of classic radio episodes featuring favourite lines, cherished characters and great feats of vocal impersonation!
‘The best-loved of all British comedies.’ - DAILY TELEGRAPH ‘Benson and Lane’s impersonations are peerless, the show an absolute treat from start to finish. Wonderful stuff!’ - DAILY MAIL ‘Classic British comedy recreated by two classic performers. A show not to miss.’ ##### - SOUTHSIDE ADVERTISER
£15 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
FRIDAY 20 APRIL 7.30PM Hambledon Productions present
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Ray Galton and Alan Simpson’s
STEPTOE AND SON Adapted by John Hewer
Albert and Harold; father and son. One proclaims he’s “a poor old man” while the other protests that he’s “a dirty old man”! In actual fact, both are telling the truth. These two warring rag-and-bone-men, in their Shepherd’s Bush scrapyard home, became household favourites for entire generations throughout the 60s and 70s and still they continue to entertain audiences today. Now it’s time to relive some of their finest misadventures through this brand new production. Marking fifty-five years since the show’s first ever broadcast, Hambledon Productions (Hancock’s Half Hour – The Lost Episodes, Educating Rita, Just Like That! The Tommy Cooper Show) breathe life back into the Steptoe household with this faithful, fresh and hilarious adaptation of original episodes from the long-running smash hit BBC sitcom. Features the classic episodes: Divided We Stand, Men of Letters and Come Dancing. £15 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
SATURDAY 21 APRIL 7.30PM
SUNDAY 22 APRIL 5.00PM
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This outstanding concert-style production showcases the vocal talents of six professional performers who between them have appeared in the most prestigious West End musical shows of the last decade, including Beauty & The Beast, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar & Oliver! Delivered with style and panache, this exceptional cast under the musical direction of Jae Alexander - current MD of 42nd Street - and accompanied on stage by their fantastic band, perform a huge selection of your favourite songs from the World’s Greatest Musicals. WEDNESDAY 25 – FRIDAY 27 APRIL 7.15PM SATURDAY 28 APRIL 1.15PM AND 6.15PM Teesside Musical Theatre Company presents
ANYTHING GOES Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter Director Alison Dale An amateur production by arrangement with Musicscope £15. Matinee £12. Under 18 £10
£20 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
Join Ballet Theatre UK on this dramatic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s all-time favourite story of The Little Mermaid, who falls in love with a human Prince and gives up everything to win his love. The kind-hearted Little Mermaid rescues the Prince during a storm at sea, and begins a journey that takes her far from her home beneath the waves. Determined to pursue her love on to the shore she makes a bargain with an evil Sea Witch, but it comes at a heavy price. Ballet Theatre UK’s charming and poignant ballet explores the nature of longing, how making choices have lasting consequences and how goodness can be rewarded in unexpected ways. £18.50 / Conc £17.50 / Under 16 £12 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
WED 9 MAY 11.30AM, 1.30PM & 5.00PM
FRIDAY 11 MAY 7.30PM
Northern Ballet presents
Entertainment Unlimited in association with Artistes International Management presents
UGLY DUCKLING
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Don’t miss Northern Ballet’s hugely popular Ugly Duckling as it returns to the stage for the first time since 2013. Ugly Duckling is lonely and fed-up, ignored by those around her who think she is too ugly to fit in. Follow her on her journey as she overcomes her troubles and realises that she was beautiful all along. 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.
Life’s a party that never ends: it simply moves to another location. Thelma Henderson, deceased, cannot gain entry through The Pearly Gates as the system has gone digitalised and she has the incorrect paperwork. Told to wait by the scrapyard gates until the issue can be resolved, she finds herself a rather reluctant Guardian Angel watching over her school friend and the one true love of her life, Billy Blenkinsopp. As one audience member said “If that’s what it’s like when you get to the Pearly Gates – I can’t wait to go!!!” THURSDAY 17 MAY 7.30PM
THE FUREYS 40th Anniversary tour.
Running time 40 minutes. For ages 3+. £5 / £4 Children CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
£21 £21 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
SATURDAY 12 MAY 7.30PM Swansea City Opera presents
forthcoming shows WEDNESDAY 16 MAY 7.30PM
ONE WOMAN SEX AND THE CITY A Parody on Love, Friendship and Shoes
This loving tribute and send-up takes audiences through a laughter-infused version of all six seasons of the beloved show. The ULTIMATE Girl’s Night Out!
£16 FRIDAY 18 MAY 7.30PM Baroque Theatre Company presents
TWIST 22
Swansea City Opera return with their hugely successful production of Rossini’s most famous opera - razorsharp and full of twists and turns. Count Almaviva is in love with the beautiful and rich Rosina, ward of the lecherous Doctor Bartolo, who plans his own marriage to her. Along comes the meddling Figaro, the town barber, and suddenly we have all the ingredients for confusion and mayhem.
by Miles Tredinnick (“Up Pompeii”) UK Premiere Theatre Tour Edgy, slick and cool - Tarantino meets British farce in the rip-roaring comedy thriller that will have you guessing until the shocking end!
£15 SATURDAY 19 MAY 7.30PM Chipperchaps Productions presents
CROONERS
A truly British swingin’ affair Three self-assured gentlemen of style and vigour swing the hell out of the music of the Rat Pack, Bobby Darin and Matt Monro, with an outrageous live 10-piece band and a splendiferously British injection of comedy…
£20
From Figaro’s famous entrance aria ‘Largo al factotum’ to the frenzy of the Act I finale, The Barber of Seville makes for a rollicking evening’s entertainment.
WEDNESDAY 23 MAY 1.30PM AND 4.00PM
There will be a pre-performance talk about the opera and production at 6.15pm given by the Artistic Director of Swansea City Opera, Brendan Wheatley.
From the books by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler FOUR TERRIFIC TALES – ONE SUPERB SHOW! Is Tiddler telling the truth? Will Monkey find his Mummy? Will George The Giant make lots of friends? Can the old lady really squash and squeeze all those animals in? £11.50 / Schools £9
£18.50 / £17 Concessions CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK
Freckle Productions presents
TIDDLER AND OTHER TERRIFIC TALES
www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
GENERAL INFORMATION MIDDLESBROUGH THEATRE The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley TS5 6SA
EMAIL boxoffice@middlesbrough.gov.uk Not for ticket booking.
WEBSITE middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk For more information on all our shows and online booking
BOX OFFICE OPENING HOURS Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm Saturday 10am - 3pm On performance days, we re-open for telephone bookings at 6pm (11/2 hours before curtain-up on Sundays) and 3 /4 hour before curtain-up for personal callers and stay open until 9pm. Telephone 01642 81 51 81
HOW TO BOOK By Phone on 01642 81 51 81. A £1 handling and postage charge applies. In Person at the Theatre Box Office. Online at www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk. A £1 handling charge per sale applies. By Post to the theatre address above. Cheques should be made payable to MBC; write guarantee and events details on the reverse. Please enclose SAE and include a daytime telephone number.
BOOKING FEES Due to changes in legislation, the current charge of 50p per ticket for payment by credit and debit cards will be extended to all methods of payment, including cash, with effect from 13th January 2018. Refunds Tickets cannot be exchanged nor money refunded, except in the event of a cancelled performance.
Babes In Arms Due to fire regulations, a ticket must be purchased for ALL children. We strongly recommend that children under 3 are not brought, except to specific productions as advised by the Box Office. Special Needs We can accommodate up to six wheelchairs; one free ticket will be issued for each companion. We regret that access to the bar is via stairs: drinks may be ordered and collected from the ground floor kiosk. An infrared system is available for the hard of hearing using discreet headsets (available from the box office). Let us know your requirements at the time of booking. Change of Programme All details correct at time of going to print. Advance booking always recommended. Data Protection When you book with us, we 23 will ask you for your name, address and telephone number. In return, we will be able to inform you of any last-minute changes to your performance. You will be asked separately if you wish to join our free mailing list. Use of Electronic Equipment The use of cameras, recording equipment, mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices - including e-cigarettes - is not permitted at any time. Parking Facilities Free security-patrolled parking on site. Accessibility of Information We will try to make a summary of this document available in other languages, Braille or large print on request. Telephone 01642 824490. Seating Plan available at www.ents24.com/middlesbroughtheatre Social Media Facebook – www.facebook.com/middlesbroughtheatre Twitter - @MbroTheatre Instagram - @middlesbrough_theatre
SPRING 2O18 DIARY O1642 81 51 81 JANUARY 2018
MAY
20 The Magic of Vienna 26 Derek Acorah 27 Mercury 31-3 Feb Dead Fish
2-5 9 11 12
FEBRUARY 6 7
Royal Northern Sinfonia From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads 8 Vampires Rock 9 A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Ballet Theatre UK 10 The Story of Bart 13 Oddsock’s The Wizard of Oz 14 Kristina Rihannoff 15 The Haunters 16 Fastlove 21 Teechers 24 Signed, Sealed, Delivered 28-3 Mar The Revengers
MARCH 6 8 9 10 16 17
Russian State Philharmonic Crimes Under The Sun Islands in the Stream Captain Flinn : The Magic Cutlass Jekyll and Hyde Keep It Cash
APRIL 4 5
All Our Yesterdays The Pantaloons’ War of the Worlds 6-7 Sleeping Beauty (musical) 10-14 The Gang Show 18 Dad’s Army Radio Hour 20 Steptoe and Son 21 Westenders 22 The Little Mermaid – Ballet Theatre UK 25-28 Anything Goes COVER IMAGE - SEE PAGE 13
www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
Professional Productions Amateur Productions
Much Ado About Nothing Ugly Duckling – Northern Ballet Seriously Dead The Barber of Seville – Swansea City Opera
COMING NEXT – Now On Sale 16 17 18 19 23 25 26
One Woman Sex and the City The Fureys Twist Crooners Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales Classic Clapton Great Hits of Motown : How Sweet It Is