20–26 October 2014 takeofffestival.org.uk
Produced by
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How to Book There are 2 ways to book shows at TakeOff Festival (listed from Page 6-14):
Book online: www.takeofffestival.org.uk
(Tickets for TiNY are sold via Arts Centre Washington & Gala Theatre Box Office only)
Call the venue Box Office: TakeOff Festival is spread across many different venues. The following places have their own Box Office that you can call to book tickets for the show you want to see there (more on Page 15)… ARC, Stockton on Tees P 01642 525199 Arts Centre Washington P 01912 193455
The Dolphin Centre & Quaker Meeting House, Darlington P 01325 486555
THE WITHAM P 01833 631107
Middlesbrough Town Hall P 01642 729729
Gala Theatre, Durham P 03000 266600
Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool P 01429 890000
Our Friends TakeOff Festival works with some special partners to promote a fantastic children’s theatre programme, not just for the Festival, but all year round too (see Page 18 for more information). Here’s a special round of applause (and a standing ovation!) to our partner venues, which collectively help support and encourage theatre for children in the region. Why don’t you come and visit them – they are all rather brilliant!
ARC, Stockton on Tees Arts Centre Washington Darlington Civic Theatre Gala Theatre, Durham Middlesbrough Town Hall Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool The Witham, barnard castle
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Welcome to TakeOff FESTIVAL 2014
20–26 October
A warm welcome to you and your family as we introduce another jam-packed festival of children and young people’s theatre. TakeOff Festival brings a fantastic programme of shows to more venues across the North East than ever before and we would love you to join in on the celebrations.
What is TakeOff Festival? TakeOff Festival is England’s leading festival of theatre for children and young people. The festival has been in the North East for 16 years, but this year’s festival reaches out to a record number of venues across County Durham, Washington and Teesside with shows and workshops for schools and families. TakeOff Festival is produced by Theatre Hullabaloo, the North East’s specialist producer of theatre for young audiences.
When is it? The festival runs from Mon 20 – Sun 26 October 2014. This brochure gives you information on when you can bring your family. If you are a teacher who would like to bring a class of students, turn to Page 16.
Who is it for? TakeOff Festival is programmed to bring the joy of live theatre to thousands of children across the North East. Our programme includes shows suitable for children and young people aged 0 – 16 and their families.
What can we expect to see? We have a busy programme of theatre, dance, puppetry and play, from some of the finest theatre companies from the UK specialising in theatre for young audiences.
WHERE IS TAKEOFF FESTIVAL 2014? We want as many children in the North East to access the festival, so we have spread ourselves far and wide, from Durham and Washington down to Middlesbrough. See Page 4 to find out where we are.
This all sounds marvellous, how do we get involved? Have a flick through this brochure, see which shows you think you will enjoy, then look at the How to Book section on Page 2 and book your tickets – easy! If you want to find out more about each of the TakeOff Festival shows, Lucy our TakeOff Festival Manager knows about them all really well, so you can chat to her on 01325 352004.
TakeOff also promotes children’s theatre at all venues in the North East all year round. We’ve put together a roundup of everything happening from Sept – Nov in the second half of this brochure.
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Where is TakeOff Festival? We want as many children in the North East to come to the festival as possible, so we have spread ourselves far and wide across the region. Have a little look at where you can find us‌ River
Tyne
NORTH S EA
Rive
r Wear
Durham
Hartlepool Riv
e r
Te
Stockton
e
s Middlesbrough Darlington
Gala Theatre, Durham
Alington House, Durham
Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool
Durham Johnston School, Durham
Enter CIC, Ferryhill
ARC, Stockton on Tees
Bishop Auckland Town Hall
Arts Centre Washington
The Dolphin Centre, Darlington
Greenfield College, Newton Ayclife
Middlesbrough Town Hall
Quaker Meeting House, Darlington
See Page 15 for more venues and their addresses.
The Witham, Barnard Castle
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TAKEOFF FESTIVAL Diary Show Age Time (End time) Location Sunday 19 October Hansel & Gretel
5+
11:00 (12:15), 14:00 (15:15)
Gatecrash
14+
18:30 (19:30)
Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool
Monday 20 October Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool
Tuesday 21 October TiNY 0-12m 10:00 (10:30), 11:00 (11:30) 13:00 (13:30), 14:00 (14:30)
Arts Centre Washington
Hansel & Gretel
The Witham, Barnard Castle
5+
18:30 (19:45)
Wednesday 22 October Handmade Tales
6+
13:00 (14:00),18:30 (19:30)
Gala Theatre, Durham
Angel
10+
13:00 (14:00)
Bishop Auckland Town Hall
Gatecrash
14+
18:00 (19:00), 20:00 (21:00)
Middlesbrough Town Hall
Thursday 23 October TiNY 0-12m 10:00 (10:30), 11:00 (11:30) 13:00 (13:30), 14:00 (14:30)
Ashington Children’s Centre
The Secret Life of Suitcases
4+
10:30 (11:15), 13:30 (14:15)
Middlesbrough Town Hall
Hansel & Gretel
5+
13:45 (15:00)
Hamsterley Village Hall
Handmade Tales
6+
10:30 (11:30),13:00 (14:00)
The Dolphin Centre, Darlington
Gatecrash
14+
19:00 (20:00)
Durham Johnston School
Friday 24 October TiNY 0-12m 10:00 (10:30), 11:00 (11:30) 13:00 (13:30), 14:00 (14:30)
Alington House, Durham
The Secret Life of Suitcases
4+
10:30 (11:15), 13:00 (13:45)
Gala Theatre, Durham
Handmade Tales
6+
18:30 (19:30)
Bishop Auckland Town Hall
13:30 (14:30), 19:00 (20:00)
Quaker Meeting House, Darlington
Educating Ronnie 12+
Saturday 25 October TiNY 0-12m 10:00 (10:30), 11:00 (11:30) 14:00 (14:30), 15:00 (15:30)
Alington House, Durham
The Secret Life of Suitcases
4+
11:30 (12:15), 16:00 (16:45)
Gala Theatre, Durham
Dusk
4-7
11:30 (12:30), 14:30 (15:30)
ARC, Stockton on Tees
Hansel & Gretel
5+
11:00 (12:15), 14:00 (15:15)
Gala Theatre, Durham
Alice
10+
14:00 (15:00)
Enter CIC, Ferryhill
SUNDAy 26 October Hansel & Gretel
5+
11:00 (12:15)
Seaton Delaval Arts Centre
For more information about other show times available for schools as part of TakeOff Festival call Lucy our Festival Manager on 01325 352004.
TiNY
: ge s a n th R on ge m A 12 – 0
6
Replay Theatre Company
A teeny weeny show for the very youngest audiences.
Duration: 30 mins Full of magical sounds, lights and textures, TiNY takes our very youngest audience members on a fantastical journey full of wonder and surprises! Small enough to pop up anywhere, TiNY comes with its own magical theatre space and is performed to just a few babies at a time.
“Snuggle up to enjoy an intimate and mesmerising first theatre experience for our very youngest festival-goers.”
Performances Tue 21 Oct Arts Centre Washington 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 Adult & Child: £8 Additional Adult/Baby: £5 Thu 23 Oct Ashington Children’s Centre 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 Adult & Child: £3.50 Fri 24 Oct Alington House, Durham 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 Adult & Child: £8 Additional Adult/Baby: £5 Sat 25 Oct Alington House, Durham 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00 Adult & Child: £8 Additional Adult/Baby: £5
Tickets for TiNY are not available on the TakeOff Festival website. Please telephone the venue Box Office to book (see Page 15). 12 places available per performance. Photo: Neil Harrison
Produced in association with Fuel
Duration: 60 mins Performances Sat 25 Oct ARC, Stockton on Tees 11:30, 14:30 All tickets: £6 Family Ticket for 4: £20
DUSK
: ge an rs R ea ge 7 y 4-
A
Fevered Sleep & Young Vic
7
It’s Dusk, the time when everything changes. Come with us to celebrate the wide, wild world around you. Nestled together in the heart of a forest, a group of creatures with furry tails are watching and waiting for someone to arrive. Their friend has a long way to travel, many things to discover and huge challenges to face. Children will play a central role in this inventive show, combining film and live performance that explores the meaning of home, family, change and reunion. So put on your tail, prick up your ears, and get ready for Dusk. Tails will be provided!
“A playful and beautiful adventure: a mix of film and live performance, which will thrill and inspire young imaginations.”
Highlighted event in this year’s Family Arts Festival. Photo: Bronwen Sharp
THE SECRET LIFE OF SUITCASES
: ge an s R ear ge y A 4+
8
Ailie Cohen Puppet Maker / Unicorn production Duration: 45 mins
Larry works in an office and he likes it very much. He likes sorting and tidying and generally putting things in order.
Performances
One day, a suitcase suddenly appears at his door. A suitcase with a tiny label. A tiny label with Larry’s name on it.
Thu 23 Oct Middlesbrough Town Hall 10:30, 13:30 All tickets: £5
Join Larry as his world gets turned upside down by a fantastical flying suitcase in this enchanting new collaboration nominated for a Critics’ Award for Theatre in Scotland.
“A treat for puppet lovers! Awardwinning puppeteer, Ailie Cohen, takes us on a quirky adventure.”
Fri 24 Oct Gala Theatre, Durham 10:30, 13:00 Adult: £7, Child: £5 Family Ticket for 4: £20 Sat 25 Oct Gala Theatre, Durham 11:30, 16:00 Adult: £7, Child: £5 Family Ticket for 4: £20
“A charming, ingenious piece of puppet theatre infused with a spirit of adventure.” HHHH The List
: ge an s R ear ge y A 5+
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Horse & Bamboo
HANSEL & GRETEL
Duration: 1h 15 mins
Hunger. Gnaws at the stomach like a dog on a bone. If only… if only there were a cake... a cake as big as a house!
Performances Sun 19 Oct Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool 11:00, 14:00 Adult: £4, Child: £3 Family Ticket for 5: £12 Tue 21 Oct The Witham, Barnard Castle 18:30 Adult: £7, Child: £5 Family Ticket for 4: £20 Thu 23 Oct Hamsterley Village Hall 13:45 Adult: £7, Child: £5 Sat 25 Oct Gala Theatre, Durham 11:00, 14:00 Adult: £7, Child: £5 Family Ticket for 4: £20 Sun 26 Oct Seaton Delaval Arts Centre 11:00 Adult: £8.50, Child: £6.50
Sometimes, if you want something badly enough, it might just happen. But getting what you want isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. With succulent music and film, puppets and masks, Horse & Bamboo have baked up a delicious treat of a show - dark, chewy and delicious at heart, yet coated with a sprinkle of something light, sweet and zesty. Hansel & Gretel promises to be a feast for the senses.
“A delicious retelling of this much-loved tale for brave children and their families.”
HANDMADE TALES
: ge an s R ear ge y A 6+
10
Tap Tap Theatre
A story is a very peculiar thing. A story can be found in almost anything…
Duration: 60 mins
A delightful and enchanting family show for the young and the young at heart. Handmade Tales is brimming with five original children’s stories and live music, exploring a land of lost things, magical kingdoms and supernatural dictionaries!
Performances
A whole worlds bursts out of cardboard boxes, as a lively ensemble and musician inspire anyone of any age to pick up a pen and start writing their own stories.
“This energetic, musical storytelling show reminds us of the magical place we can go to in our imaginations.”
Wed 22 Oct Gala Theatre, Durham 13:00, 18:30 Adult: £7, Child: £5 Family Ticket for 4: £20 Thu 23 Oct The Dolphin Centre, Darlington 10:30, 13:00 All tickets: £5 Fri 24 Oct Bishop Auckland Town Hall 18:30 Adult: £7, Child: £5 Family Ticket for 4: £20
“One of the happiest lunchtimes I have spent in a long while. It made me smile, laugh, and sincerely wish that I was a child again.” HHHHH Three Weeks
Metta Theatre
Duration: 60 mins Performances Sat 25 Oct Enter CIC, Ferryhill 14:00 All tickets: £5
ALICE
: ge an rs R ea ge y A 0+ 1
11
1915. Bombs rain down. Sheltering in her dusty cellar, Alice rediscovers her past amongst old lamp shades and moth-eaten christening gowns. Meanwhile her son Alan, a WW1 soldier, makes the same imaginary journey down the rabbit hole to escape the madness of the trenches, returning them both to a wonderland of talking rabbits, mad hatters and savage queens. Based on Lewis Carroll’s literary classic and the real life Alice who inspired it, Metta Theatre bring this charming new play imaginatively to life with live music, puppetry and object manipulation.
“This engaging new play, packed with puppetry and storytelling, is a timely way to enhance the study of The Great War.”
“All of the pupils were spellbound by your production. Your magical, moving play was outstanding.” Teacher
ANGEL
: ge an rs R ea ge y A 0+ 1
12
Angel is the story of Bill who returns an old woman’s shopping bag and finds her life is never the same again. The old woman, Miriam, lives between then and now. She keeps her watch in the fridge, plays guns with bananas and has an imaginary dog called Satan. When Bill, who is a girl by the way, realises that Miriam needs help she decides to sort things out – and if that means not going home, telling lies and kidnapping a man in order to mend the past, then that is what she will have to do.
“An adventure story about the impact of dementia on the life of a young girl and the old woman she befriends from one of the UK’s leading children’s theatre companies.”
Theatre Hullabaloo
Duration: 60 mins Performances Fri 10 Oct The Dolphin Centre, Darlington 19:00 All tickets: £5.50 Wed 22 Oct Bishop Auckland Town Hall 13:00 All tickets: £5 Sat 1 Nov ARC, Stockton on Tees 14:30 All tickets: £7.50
“Angel is an unqualified success… This is children’s theatre at its best!” British Theatre Guide
: ge an rs R ea ge y A 12+
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macrobert and Utter Co-Production
EDUCATING RONNIE
Duration: 60 mins
In 2002, Joe Douglas went on a gap year trip to Uganda. There, he made friends with Ronnie... Ronnie was 16, Joe was 18. They were both the eldest sons of large families. They both supported Manchester United.
Performances Fri 24 Oct Quaker Meeting House, Darlington 13:30, 19:00 All tickets: £5
Six months later, back in Manchester, Joe got a text: “Brother my sponsor has pulled out on me and I want to stay in school. Can you help? Ronnie x” An astonishing award-winning true story performed by Joe himself, Educating Ronnie takes place over a decade: 4000 miles apart and thousands of pounds invested, it explores the murky processes behind bettering oneself in Uganda.
“Award-winning, interactive storytelling which really makes young people think about the things that have true value.”
“A compelling true-life tale, engagingly told.” HHHH The List
GATECRASH
: ge an rs R ea ge y A 4+ 1
14
Put on your wireless headphones, step through Sam’s front door and experience the night unfold around you as you Gatecrash the party. With his parents on holiday Sam’s having a house party. Nothing big, just a few close friends…at least that was the plan until you knocked on the door. Zest Theatre’s interactive production gives you control of the conversations you listen to through Silent Disco technology. Through a drunken night of unrequited love, youthful insecurity, needy voicemails, vomit in handbags and dancing on tables; Zest Theatre examines the biggest and most life changing revolutions – being a teenager.
“Must-see interactive theatre for teenagers which will really get the party started!”
Zest Theatre
Duration: 60 mins Performances Mon 20 Oct Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool 18:30 Adult: £4, Child: £3 Family ticket for 5: £12 Wed 22 Oct Middlesbrough Town Hall 18:00, 20:00 All tickets: £5 Thu 23 Oct Durham Johnston School 19:00 All tickets: £5
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Venue Information Here is a list of the all the venues TakeOff Festival will be at this year.
Alington House
The Dolphin Centre
Middlesbrough Town Hall
4 North Bailey Durham DH1 3ET P 03000 266600
Horsemarket Darlington DL1 5RP P 01325 486555
Albert Road Middlesbrough TS1 2QJ P 01642 729729
ARC
Durham Quaker Johnston School Meeting Crossgate Moor House
Dovecot Street Stockton on Tees TS18 1LL P 01642 525199
Arts Centre Washington Biddick Lane Washington NE38 8AB P 01912 193455
ASHINGTON CHILDREN’S CENTRE Alexandra Road Ashington Northumberland NE63 9EF P 01670 819988
Bishop Auckland Town Hall Market Place Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP P 03000 269524
Durham DH1 4SU
Enter CIC 2 Chapel Terrace Ferryhill DL17 8JL
Gala Theatre 1 Millennium Place Durham DH1 1WA P 03000 266600
Greenfield College Greenfield Way Newton Aycliffe DL5 7LF
Hamsterley Village HaLL Hamsterley Bishop Auckland DL13 3QF P 01388 488323
6 Skinnergate Darlington DL3 7NB P 01325 486555
Seaton Delaval Arts Centre Avenue Road Northumberland NE25 0DY P 01912 375460
Town Hall THEATRE, HARTLEPOOL Raby Road Hartlepool TS24 8AH P 01429 890000
THE WITHAM 3 Horse Market Barnard Castle DL12 8LY P 01833 631107
Book tickets AT: www.takeofffestival.org.uk Or call the Box Office at the venue. If there isn’t a Box Office number, you will need to book tickets on the TakeOff Festival website. Want to talk to someone about any of the shows at TakeOff Festival? Chat to Lucy on 01325 352004.
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Schools can join in too! Are you a teacher who wants to bring a class of students to TakeOff Festival? Excellent! We have a separate timetable of shows designed to fit around the school day. Chat to our TakeOff Festival Manager Lucy on 01325 352004 and she will be able to give you more information, and send out one of our Schools Brochures.
PS. If you are a parent who thinks your child’s class should be involved, share the secret and give this brochure to the class teacher.
What have people said about TakeOff Festival? “The show was super b ut the main impac t of the day was the amazing hospitality […] it felt warm, welc oming and a wonderfu l place to learn” Northwood Pr
imary School 2013
“The children were enthralled, it really grabbed d their attention an appealed to their imagination” Durham University Day Nursery 2013
azing “An am nity tu oppor lots of e v a to h r– gethe g fun to in h somet he t doing f o out totally ary” ordin ber ce Mem 2012
Audien
LI N
NI
PIC
G
FAMILY DAY SATURDAY 25 OCT
A world of tepees fo r your littles ones (and you big ones) to explore an d listen to mag ical tales.
Cuddle up around as the campfire es you al g re ad d Grand f greedy with tales o py trolls, m ru goblins, g pair of and a giant . underpants
i nt
in
g
, Music pets p u film, p s we asks a nd and m la e s Han follow into the Gretel st. fore
Teeny tiny people can enter a magical wo rld of sounds, light s and textures .
Fac e pa
S T O RY T E L
C
Me and my friends would love to see you and your family for a day of festival fun at Durham Castle on Sat 25 Oct. See you there!
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S
Go to www.takeofffestival.org.uk for more information.
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TAKEOFF ALL YEAR ROUND TakeOff is the home of theatre for young audiences in the North East and we work hard with venues across the region to bring you great theatre specially made for children and families all year round. TakeOff Festival takes place each autumn, but visit www.takeofffestival.org.uk and enter your postcode to see where there are shows near you at other times of the year. Sign up to the newsletter and receive a monthly digest of family theatre opportunities and loads of other treats. From Berwick in the north to Richmond in the south, North East families will be spoilt for choice at the array of dance, drama, poetry and play that is available for you to enjoy with your little ones. TakeOff works with some special partners to promote a great children’s theatre programme. Why don’t you come and visit them?
ARC, Stockton on Tees Arts Centre Washington Darlington Civic Theatre Gala Theatre, Durham Middlesbrough Town Hall Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool The Witham, Barnard Castle
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More theatre in the North East Of course, TakeOff Festival isn’t the only opportunity for you to see children’s theatre in the North East of England this Autumn, our exciting region is buzzing with a huge array of fantastic theatre for children, from the tip top of Northumberland all the way down to Middlesbrough. We really don’t want you to miss out on any of it, so here is a round up of everything happening elsewhere this September – November. Find out what is happening the rest of the year on www.takeofffestival.org.uk and look at our What’s On list, or join our mailing list for monthly updates by emailing info@theatrehullabaloo.org.uk
Musical Rumpus Spitalfields Music, presented as part of Juice Festival Explore a magical underwater world of mermaids and monsters on this journey into the beautiful music of JS Bach, especially designed for very young ears.
A
Duration: 25 mins plus play session
0
Duration: 45 mins plus play session
A
ge –2 Ra ye ng ar e: s
Sat 1 Nov 11:30, 13:30, 15:30 Gateshead Old Town Hall
Circles in the Sand Half Moon (A Tam Tam Theatre Production)
ge
0
Sat 4 Oct 10:30, 12:30, 14:30 ARC, Stockton on Tees
–3 Ra ye ng ar e: s
An intimate, imaginative and captivating play, exploring sand in new and exciting ways. A story without words framed by an evocative soundscape using rhythms and music drawn from the around the world. Join us in a world of play with buckets and castle building, spinning and tumbling, delighting in the feel of the sand as it trickles between toes and fingers.
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Peppa Pig’s Big Splash Fiery Angel Productions The nursery roof is leaking and Peppa and her friends need to fix it - quick! Peppa Pig returns live on stage with super cute puppets and brilliant sing-a-long songs that will brighten your day. An all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles. Grab your wellies and brollies and get splashing.
: ge an s R ear ge y A 2+
Duration: 1h 20 mins
Wed 22 - Thu 23 Oct Wed 13:00, 16:00; Thu 10:00, 13:00 Forum Theatre, Billingham
Inside Out Tell Tale Hearts A clothing adventure for anyone who loves dressing up! It’s bedtime, but, instead of getting ready for bed, two siblings use their imaginations to turn their room into a wonderland of mess! While playing dress-up that leads to a mountain top rescue, the older brother loses his special hat and so begins an adventure to find it!
: ge an rs R ea ge y A 2-6
Duration: 40 mins plus play session
Tue 28 Oct 11:00, 14:00 Arts Centre Washington
Wed 29 - Thu 30 Oct 11:30, 14:30 ARC, Stockton on Tees
The Sooty Show Cadell Productions Izzy Wizzy lets get busy! It’s Sooty’s Birthday party and things aren’t going to plan. Sooty and Sweep get messy baking the Birthday cake and will Soo ever decide which dress to wear? A spectacular mix of magic, music and mess - guaranteed giggles for Sooty Fans old and new!
: ge an s R ear ge y A 3+
Duration: 1h 50 mins
Sun 14 Sept 11:00, 14:30 Forum Theatre, Billingham
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The Princess and the Pea Tutti Frutti and York Theatre Royal
Thu 16 Oct 10:30, 13:30 Arts Centre Washington
Sat 15 Nov 11:00, 14:00 Middlesbrough Town Hall
Wed 12 Nov 10:30, 13:30 The Witham, Barnard Castle
Sat 22 Nov 11:00, 14:00 Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool
Duration: 55 mins
A g 3+ e R ye an ar ge s :
Imagine a place where what you see is not what it seems, with a hidden castle where Princesses don’t know they are Princesses and Princes don’t want to become Kings!
Three Little Pigs Northern Ballet
Duration: 30 mins
A g 3+ e R ye an ar ge s :
Fri 24 Oct 11:30, 13:30 Theatre Royal, Newcastle
Duration: 1h 30 mins
A g 3+ e R ye an ar ge s :
Three little pigs set out into the world. The first pig decides to build a house of straw, the second a house made of sticks and the third pig chooses to build a house of bricks. Then along comes a very hungry wolf. The perfect opportunity to introduce your little ones to the magic of live ballet, music and theatre.
Andy & Mike’s Tick Tock Time Machine Cheeky-Chap Productions Andy and Mike discover a mysterious Time Machine which sends them on a quest to collect the things they need from the past and the future. Their trademark energy and their irrepressible sense of fun, promise to make the show a real treat. Tue 28 Oct 13:00 Middlesbrough Theatre Wed 29 Oct 14:30 Empire Theatre, Consett
Thu 30 Oct 13:00 The Maltings Theatre, Berwick-upon-Tweed
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Charlie and Lola’s Extremely New Play Watershed Productions Charlie and Lola are completely excited to be back on stage with their Extremely New Play – and this time they’re bringing along Sizzles the Dog! Enter a magical journey through the seasons, as Charlie and Lola discover that everything is different and not the same. What happens when Lola and her best friend Lotta say they will look after Sizzles?
: ge an s R ear ge y A 3+
Duration: 1h 15 mins
Tue 28 - Thu 30 Oct 10:00, 13:00, 15:30 Northern Stage, Newcastle
Emily Brown and the Thing Tall Stories Emily Brown and her old rabbit Stanley hear a Thing crying outside their window. They set off to find the Thing’s cuddly and his bedtime milk. Will anyone ever get to sleep?
: ge an s R ear ge y A 3+
Fri 14 Nov 16:00 The Maltings Theatre, Berwick-upon-Tweed Duration: 55 mins
Sat 18 Oct 13:00, 16:00 Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham
Sat 15 Nov 14:30 ARC, Stockton on Tees
Once in a Blue Moon Wriggle Dance Theatre It’s the moon’s birthday! He is having a party and we are all invited... But how do we get there? Join us as we journey to the moon through strange, distant lands and meet some curious characters along the way. Incorporating dance, live music and audience interactivity, this dance theatre piece offers children a truly magical experience.
: ge an rs R ea ge y A 3-6
Duration: 55 mins
Sat 1 Nov 11:00, 13:00 Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham
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In a Nutshell Queen’s Hall Arts and PuppetShip
Sat 8 Nov 11:00, 13:30 Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham
Thu 27 Nov 11:30, 14:00 Alnwick Playhouse
Duration: Contact Venue
A g 3- e R 7 a ye ng ar e: s
The clock has stopped at a quarter to Spring. The World is frozen in Winter. Who could guess the key to the New Year lies hidden…In a Nutshell? A warm and touching story of beginnings and endings; goodbyes and hello’s told with puppets and bits and pieces.
The Worst Princess New Writing North in association with Sage Gateshead
Duration: 50 mins
A g 3- e R 7 a ye ng ar e: s
Mon 29 Sept – Fri 31 Oct Full schedule on the TakeOff website
Duration: 50 mins
A g 3- e R 7 a ye ng ar e: s
Princess Sue waits to be rescued; she just wishes her loyal prince would move his royal bum. But when he finally does arrive, he’s not quite what she had in mind. Find out how the feisty princess defies expectations in this funny twist on a traditional fairytale, with an equally disgruntled dragon by her side.
Hugless Douglas Blunderbus Hugless Douglas is a huggable, lovable young brown bear who wakes up one morning in need of a hug. He tries to find the perfect one, but none of them seem quite right. After all, there are so many different hugs to choose from. But Douglas soon discovers that there’s only one hug that will do - a big bear hug from his mum! Sat 8 Nov 11:00, 14:30 Arts Centre Washington
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Hey Presto! Peaceful Lion Productions Presto, the cat, is a very talented magician, so when he and his best friend Monty, the dog, join a funfair and start a magic show things look good for the duo. But fame goes to Monty’s head and soon Presto loses his friend and his show! Will true friendship prevail? Is there a touch of magic in the air?
: ge an rs R ea ge y A 3-8
Duration: 45 mins
Sat 20 Sept 14:30 ARC, Stockton on Tees
Bleu Compagnia T.P.O Follow Sailor as he embarks on a magical journey to the bottom of the deep blue sea. Swim, splash, be carried on the wind and guided by the stars in this interactive and immersive adventure by Italy’s award winning Compagnia T.P.O. The performance combines theatre, dance and technical wizardry to transport you into an interactive world of play.
: ge an s R ear ge y A 4+
Duration: 1h 15 mins
Sat 25 - Sun 26 Oct 11:00, 14:30 Dance City, Newcastle
Room On The Broom Kenny Wax The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a stormy wind blows the witch’s hat, bow and wand away into the night. With the help of a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog, her belongings are retrieved. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK! - it snaps in two! Who will save the poor witch?
: ge an s R ear ge y A 4+
Duration: 55 mins
Tue 11 – Thu 13 Nov Tue 16:30; Wed 13:30, 16:30; Thu 10:30, 13:30 Forum Theatre, Billingham
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Babar the Little Elephant Big Mouth Piano Tales
Sun 5 Oct 13:00 The Maltings Theatre, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Duration: 60 mins
A g 4- e R 7 a ye ng ar e: s
There is so much to tell about how Babar escapes a hunter in the Great Forest and goes to live with the Old Lady in the town, before returning to his fellow elephants. Let’s hope there are some good dancers, singers and actors in the audience (you!) to help with the story. They will need to become camels, birds, monkeys, and of course – elephants!
THE JUNGLE BOOK Riverbank Productions
Duration: 1h 40 mins
A g 4- e R 9 a ye ng ar e: s
Sat 25 Oct 14:00 Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond
Duration: 50 mins
A g 4- e R 9 a ye ng ar e: s
A lively musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale (with puppets!). Join Mowgli and his friends - Baloo the loveable bear, Bagheera the wise panther, as well as the cheeky monkeys - as he grows up in the Indian jungle.
Misunderstood Monsters Half Moon Overcome your fear of all things creepy and crawly through the power of poetry and live music in this out of this world adventure. Two professional monster catchers who use the latest digital gadgets to battle vile beasts are on their most dangerous mission yet. But be warned, you will definitely need to watch out for those monsters! Sat 6 Sept 14:00 Arts Centre Washington
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Pigeon Lunabug Theatre in association with Little Mighty Travel back 100 years to WWI, when pigeons saved lives by flying messages. First there was an egg with a tiny little pigeon, who then learnt to fly. This young bird was growing in a time of terrible war. Every man was needed to fight, and every pigeon. Inventive puppets, live music and delightfully daft characters combine to uncover a remarkable historical story.
: ge an s R ear ge y A 6+
Duration: 60 mins
Sat 27 Sept 11:30, 14:30 ARC, Stockton on Tees
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain Birmingham Stage Company We all want to meet people from history, but everyone is dead! What if a Viking moved in next door? Would you lose your heart or head to horrible Henry? Can evil Elizabeth entertain England? Will Parliament survive gunpowder Guy? Can King Charles keep his head? It’s the horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!
: ge an s R ear ge y A 6+
Duration: 2h
Wed 5 – Sat 9 Nov Wed 19:00; Thu 10:30, 13:30; Fri 10:30, 19:00 Sat 14:30, 19:00; Sun 11:00, 14:30 Darlington Civic Theatre
Private Peaceful Scamp Theatre Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the injustices of war that brought him to the front line.
: ge an s R ear ge y A 8+
Duration: 2h
Tue 9 – Sat 13 Sept Tue 19:00; Wed 13:30; Thu 10:30, 13:30 Fri 10:30; Sat 11:00, 14:30 Darlington Civic Theatre
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Chalk About Curious Seed, presented as part of Juice Festival
Thu 30 Oct 10:30, 13:30 Dance City, Newcastle
Duration: 50 mins
A g 8+ e R ye an ar ge s :
A playful look at how we see ourselves and others, featuring dance, chat and one perfect scene. Join Christine and Hendrik on their journey as they find answers to some big questions about identity and the meaning of life. What makes us who we are? Is it where we are from? Is it the way we move, or how we talk?
One Giant Leap Wee Stories
Duration: 1h 10 mins
A g 8+ e R ye an ar ge s :
Fri 26 Sept 19:00 St Thomas Church Hall, Stanhope
Duration: 2h
A g 8+ e R ye an ar ge s :
An impossible attempt to understand the whole universe, using a tennis ball, a wastepaper basket and a dash of theatrical invention. Iain Johnstone’s passionate solo performance begins on a simple journey of helping his son write a project on the moon and takes us on a spin through the solar system.
A Magical WORLD The Lawnmowers Independent Theatre Company, presented as part of Juice Festival Enter in the Magical world of Lawnmowers Theatre Company and take a visual, participatory journey through the rooms of this creative company and experience live music and theatre, then take the opportunity to have a go yourself. Thu 30 Oct 10:30, 15:00 Swinburne House, Gateshead
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Rumplestiltskin Northumberland Theatre Company An adaptation of this classic fairy-tale, which is humorous yet darkly scary, full of wonderful storytelling, physical comedy, and includes witty rhyming couplets with songs and music. Thu 4 Dec 19:30 Alnwick Playhouse
: ge an s R ear ge y A 8+
Duration: Check TakeOff website
Heaven Eyes Théâtre Sans Frontières Three orphaned teenagers run away from the children’s home. They sail down the Tyne on a home-made raft and get stuck on mudflats in the Ouseburn area. They encounter a strange girl who speaks in pigeon English and is living with an old man, Grampa, whose jacket says “Caretaker”. They discover a photo of the girl and finally they begin to learn the truth of her past.
: ge s an r R ea y ge 13 9-
A
Duration: 1h 20 mins
October - November Full schedule on the TakeOff website
Join our mailing list! There is so much brilliant theatre for young audiences in the North East and it’s TakeOff’s job to make sure everyone knows about it. Sign up to our e-newsletter, by emailing info@theatrehullabaloo.org.uk, for a monthly digest of shows and family fun in the region or visit www.takeofffestival.org.uk where you can browse upcoming events.
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Venue Information Here are all the venues which children’s theatre is happening this Sept – Nov in the North East (which aren’t part of TakeOff Festival). Call the Box Office to book tickets, and find out about venue facilities.
Alnwick Playhouse P 01665 510785
Gateshead Old Town Hall P 01914 434661
Northern Stage, Newcastle P 0191 230 5151
ARC, Stockton P 01642 525199
The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond P 01748 825252
Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham P 01434 652477
Swinburne House, Gateshead P 0191 478 9200
Theatre Royal, Newcastle P 08448 11 21 21
Empire Theatre, Consett P 01207 218171
St Thomas The Maltings Church Hall, Theatre, Berwick Stanhope -upon-Tweed P 01388 528673 P 01289 330999 Town Hall Middlesbrough Theatre, Theatre Hartlepool P 01642 815181 P 01429 890000
Forum Theatre, Billingham P 01642 552663
Middlesbrough Town Hall P 01642 729729
The Witham, Barnard Castle P 01833 631107
Arts Centre Washington P 01912 193455 Dance City, Newcastle P 01912 610505 Darlington Civic Theatre P 01325 486555
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Who are Theatre Hullabaloo? Theatre Hullabaloo is the North East’s specialist producer of theatre for young audiences. We make, tour and promote theatre for children and young people because we believe that they are the most important audience of all. Our work puts children at the centre of the artistic process, inspiring artists to create theatre experiences that will grow their minds and inspire their imaginations.
We produce plays and tour them to theatres across the region and the rest of the country. Our work reaches more than 15,000 children and young people every year.
HHHHH “…children’s theatre at its very, very best”
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Children’s Theatre Reviews, Luna We also produce plays to tour into schools and support teachers to bring quality theatre to their students and to develop Artsmark and Arts Award with partner schools. Over the last 20 years, we have worked with more than 350,000 children and young people across the North East and beyond.
If you want to learn more about Theatre Hullabaloo and what we do, visit www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk or chat to us on 01325 352004.
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Our new venue Theatre Hullabaloo are celebrating the news that we have been awarded Stage 1 funding to develop a new flagship theatre for children in an old fire station next to Darlington Civic Theatre.
Tex HULL1 t: to 7006 £5 70
Support Theatre Hullabaloo
Theatre Hullabaloo are a registered charity and we rely on generous donations to support us to bring theatre to more children. You can help us do more and realise our dream of a flagship theatre for children by donating.
Called The Hullaballoon, the new theatre will include: a 150 seat studio theatre, family café, creative play spaces plus rehearsal and office space for Theatre Hullabaloo – there will even be a storytelling yurt! There will be a busy programme of shows, workshops and play all year round from tots to teens. We want to make The Hullaballoon a fantastic place to learn and play and a true hub for children’s theatre in the North East. Follow our adventure as we build The Hullaballoon on www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk
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TakeOff Festival is produced by Theatre Hullabaloo Theatre Hullabaloo 5 Skinnergate, Darlington, Country Durham DL3 7NB Tel: 01325 352 004 Web: www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk • www.takeofffestival.org.uk Email: info@theatrehullabaloo.org.uk
Charity Number: 279690
TakeOff Festival Theatre Hullabaloo @TakeOffFestival @HullabalooTweet