Gala brochure spring 2017

Spring 2017

gala

Welcome

Gala Theatre Online

When we produced our play The Fighting Bradfords back in September, outside of our annual pantomime, this was the first professional production we had staged at the Gala Theatre for many years.

All of our shows are available to book online at www.galadurham.co.uk - you can even select your own seat when purchasing your tickets. You can also find out the latest updates about our upcoming shows by ‘liking’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/ galadurham or by following us on Twitter at twitter.com/galadurham.

Watching the cast and creative team bring this story to life, perfectly demonstrated our desire for the Gala to be a creative heart for Durham. A place where people can go to create work, as well as see it; somewhere local writers, designers, directors, actors, musicians and technicians can flourish and thrive.

So we are delighted that our Spring season sees the next Gala Theatre production. Educating Rita is a modern classic. Intelligent and funny, it is as relevant today as it was when it was written in 1980. Tackling the themes of class, the education system and personal relationships though the eyes of two really strong stage characters makes it the perfect addition to our history of produced work.

We hope you like it, and find plenty in our new season to enjoy.

Gala Theatre Offers Keep an eye out for the below symbol when reading through our brochure - it means there is a ticket offer for you to enjoy!

SEASON TICKET

You know when you have a top night of comedy with a friend or family member and you say ‘we should do this again soon’. Well, now you can with our The Comedy Store season ticket. Not only will you get entry to all three shows, but also save £2 per show no matter what your ticket type. Belting!

Prices for The Comedy Store Season Ticket are £27 standard, £21 concession and £18 students and Gala Members.

To take advantage of this offer please contact our Box Office on 03000 266 600.

Robin Byers Service Manager - Place & Experience

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MUSIC

Gala Lunchtime Concert Series All concerts are 1.00pm - 2.00pm | £5

Hot Club du Nord Friday 13 January Emma Fisk’s Hot Club du Nord bring to life the classic 1930s and 40s repertoire of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli’s Hot Club de France. Featuring Emma Fisk on violin, James Birkett and David Harris on guitars and Bruce Rollo on double bass, the band encompasses a wealth of experience, knowledge and love of the hot club style.

Hot Club du Nord

Alan Barnes and Paul Edis Friday 10 February As one of the most in demand performers on the British Jazz scene, Alan Barnes is a virtuoso performer on saxophone, clarinet and flute, and has toured the world as a soloist and performed alongside a list of luminaries including Van Morrison, Jamie Cullum, Bryan Ferry and Paloma Faith. For this concert he teams up with brilliant young pianist Paul Edis.

James Harrison Trio Friday 10 March

Alan Barnes

James Harrison has quickly established himself as a recognised figure on the North East jazz scene regularly working with a host of different bands including the Lindsay Hannon Plus, Mick Donnelly’s Musicians’ Unlimited and giving regular solo performances. His trio features John Pope (bass) and Tom Chapman (drums), who James plays with regularly in a variety of different line ups.

Nicola Farnon Trio Friday 14 April We’ll leave this one to the great Humphrey Littleton, “(Nicola is) a remarkable performer on stage, a fine singer and an outstandingly swinging and propulsive bass player with an outgoing personality to match...I declare that she is a class act who should be on every jazz festival in the land….A sure fire hit!” .

Nicola Farnon Trio

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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SPECIAL EVENT

COMEDY

Funny Bones Comedy Club All shows start at 7.45pm | £8.50 If your New Year’s resolution is to laugh more, then look no further than our monthly Friday night of stand-up, bringing together seasoned comics and new talents who’ll leave you in fits of giggles!

Friday 13 January Not to be confused with the bass player in the Arctic Monkeys, James Cook compères our first Funny Bones of 2017 with sharp one liners from Michael Dryburgh, laid back storytelling from Jon Pearson and strong material from headliner Vladimir McTavish.

The Tin Ring Monday 23 January, 7.00pm | £10 (£8 concession) Hear the story of Zdenka Fantlova, one of the handful of Holocaust survivors still alive today.

Born in the then Czechoslovakia, Fantlova was 17 when the war began and she was given a tin ring by her first love which she kept as a symbol of truth and hope. Adapted for stage

by Mike Alfreds and Jane Arnfield, The Tin Ring is a profoundly uplifting story of great love.

The Tin Ring is presented by The Forge as part of their Defiant Voices programme of events to find out more, visit www.intheforge.com A post-show discussion will take place following the performance.

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Friday 10 February If Stewart Lee, Jack Dee and Morrissey had a child together, host Liam Pickford would be that kid.

He’ll introduce a man with a commanding stage presence Big Lou, winner of the King Gong 2016 Simon Lomas and crowd-pleasing headliner Steve Harris.

Friday 10 March Playful and cheeky performer Tony Basnett is your MC for the evening in March with a line-up including Fosters Breaking Talent Award nominee Lucy Thompson, Blackpool’s own ginger-faced and tweed clad Ryan Gleeson and the anarchic, tornado like stylings of Canadian comic Wes Zahurak.

Friday 14 April Kevin Bridges reckons Harriet Dyer has got “funny bones” and she’ll host April’s Funny Bones with professional Yorkshireman Keith Platt, a comedian who can’t talk but isn’t silent Lost Voice Guy and Chortle Award winning headliner Toby Hadoke.

MUSICAL

MUSIC SEASON TICKET see P2 for info

Spamalot Presented by DULOG Book and Lyrics by Eric Idle Music by John Du Pres and Eric Idle Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 January, 7.30pm (+2.30pm Wednesday and Saturday) | £8 - £14.50 Lovingly ripped off from the classic comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a thoroughly silly retelling of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

Featuring a bevy of beautiful showgirls, killer rabbits and cows, not to mention some particularly noisy coconut shells, this musical is sure to provide a plethora of daft entertainment.

Orchestra North East

The Comedy Store

Sunday 29 January, 3.00pm | £16 (£14 concession, £8 students, accompanied U16s free)

Sunday 29 January, 26 February and 16 April, 7.30pm | £11 (£9 concession), £8 students and Gala Members

Orchestra North East’s popular family matinee programme includes performances of music from composers such as Bruch and John Williams, including film scores from Schindler’s List and Star Wars. The Royal Northern Sinfonia’s Leader, Violin 1 Bradley Creswick will appear as the concerto sololist who with the orchestra will perform Bruch’s Violin Concerto no.1.

Four comedians and one mic. It can only be The Comedy Store. A stellar line-up of top comedic talent arrive in Durham with material that is sure to have you belly-laughing throughout the night. Their line-up is top secret, so be sure to ‘like’ our The Comedy Store - Durham Facebook page (facebook.com/ ComedyStoreDUR) where we unveil who will be performing each month. You can also join our amigos at Chiquitos where a mex-cellant main course and ticket for The Comedy Store is £15. Speak to our Box Office for more details.

Contains strong language, recommended age 16+.

Interested school groups can make direct enquiries with Orchestra North East at www.orchestranortheast.org.uk

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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MUSIC

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SCREENING

SCREENING

Durham Vocal Festival

Amadeus

The Tempest

The Northern Lights

Presented by NT Live

Presented by RSC Live

Tuesday 31 January, 7.30pm | £10 (£8 concession, £5 students and U18s)

Thursday 2 February, 7.00pm | £15 (£13 concession), £10 Gala Members

Friday 3 February, 7.00pm | £15 (£13 concession), £10 Gala Members

The Northern Lights are a mixed a cappella group made up of Durham University students from a wide variety of subjects and backgrounds. Performing a cappella takes on RnB, indie and dance hits to name but a few, they are an extremely talented and passionate group who seek to thrill their audiences solely through the power of the human voice.

Peter Shaffer’s iconic play had its premiere at the National Theatre in 1978, winning multiple Olivier and Tony awards before being adapted into an Academy Award-winning film.

Robbed of his position, power and wealth, Prospero is left on a distant island by his enemies. But this is no ordinary man, as magician Prospero is able to control the elements and bend nature to his will to create a magical storm that wrecks the ship that carries the men who wronged him.

In this new production directed by Michael Longhurst (Constellations, The World of Extreme Happiness), Lucian Msamati plays Salieri who, seized by obsessive jealousy, begins a war with the genius Mozart, with music, and ultimately, with God.

In a unique partnership with Intel, today’s most advanced technology is used in this bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s magical play.

COMEDY

MUSIC

MUSIC

Mitch Benn

The Blues Band

The Pitmen Poets

Don’t Fear the Reaper

Saturday 4 February, 7.30pm | £22

Sunday 5 February, 7.30pm | £18

Friday 3 February, 7.30pm | £10 (£8 concession)

The individual members of The Blues Band were already held in admiration by generations of rhythm and blues fans when they formed in 1979. More than two and a half decades and over sixteen albums later, they are acknowledged throughout Europe and beyond as being amongst the very finest purveyors of rhythm and blues.

After selling out their show at the Gala Theatre in 2016, Billy Mitchell, Bob Fox, Benny Graham and Jez Lowe return to celebrate the triumphs, tragedy, humour and hard times of North East England’s coal mining tradition in an evening of music, song and spoken word, illustrated by atmospheric archive photography.

It’s been a morbid time for Mitch; he’s turned 46 – over the hill by anyone’s standards – his personal life is in turmoil, and his childhood heroes are dropping like flies. At times like these, a man feels the Reaper creeping up on him, but is death anything to fear? Mitch confronts his – and your – mortality with hilarious (and tuneful) consequences.

“Well crafted, well sung, his songs are just plain funny.” The Guardian

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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THEATRE

MUSICAL

The Wizard Of Oz The Empty Nester’s Club Presented by The John Godber Company and Theatre Royal Wakefield Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 February, 7.30pm | £15 (£13 concession), £12 Gala Members Join Vicky Barret for the inaugural meeting of The Empty Nester’s Club. If your children have left home and the nest is empty, this is the group for you! Vicky will share her story of empty bedrooms, fresher’s flu, boyfriends, long goodbyes, motorway service stations and trips to Ikea; and how she fought back to be the woman she is today...exhausted.

In true John Godber style, this funny and moving production sees two multi-talented actors portray a host of characters you will love, and some you will hate!

There will be a post-show discussion following the performance on Monday 6 February.

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Presented by Durham High School for Girls Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 February, 7.30pm (+ 2.30pm on Saturday 11) | £15 (£12 concession) Adapted from the screenplay by John Kane with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg.

Durham High School for Girls return to the Gala Theatre stage with the musical favourite A Wizard of Oz. Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion on their perilous journey to seek their hearts’ desires. With the much-loved music and lyrics of the MGM motion picture score, L. Frank Baum’s classic tale of friendship, courage and loyalty is sure to delight the whole family.

COMEDY

Susan Calman The Calman Before the Storm

MUSIC

Hits of the West End and Broadway

Sunday 12 February, 8.00pm | £16

Presented by New College Durham

It’s Susan’s tenth year in comedy and she’s back with a brand new show.

Tuesday 14 February, 7.00pm | £7 (£5 concession)

She’s ready to create a storm, set the record straight and give it to the man (whoever he is). Incidentally, she would also like to be Batman.

An exciting collection of song and dance from the biggest hits of the West End and Broadway, including The Lion King, Jersey Boys, School of Rock and many more. A collaboration of students from the acting and dance programmes perform along with live music from the music department. Join us for this family friend show, with a special love section to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Ninety minutes of comedy that you will enjoy if you’re over 16, like what she does, and won’t be so drunk that she has to throw you out. Seriously…it’s going to be epic.

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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SCREENING

Saint Joan Presented by NT Live Thursday 16 February, 7.00pm | £15 (£13 concession), £10 Gala Members George Bernard Shaw’s classic play follows the life and trial of a young country girl who declares a bloody mission to drive the English from France. As one of the first Protestants and nationalists, she threatens the fabric of feudal society and the Catholic Church across Europe.

Josie Rourke (Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Coriolanus) directs Gemma Arterton (Made in Dagenham) as Joan of Arc in this electrifying production.

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OPERA

COMEDY

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

ComedyFest

Presented by Durham Opera Ensemble

Sunday 19 February, 8.00pm | £10 (£8 concession)

Friday 17 and Saturday 18 February, 7.30pm | £15 (£12.50 concession, £10 student, £9.50 Durham Student Theatre members) Allow yourself to step into this spellbinding tale of lovers. In the depths of the enchanted forest, watch as their worlds collide on a mystical midsummer night, swarmed by mischievous fairies and rustics. As they venture into the unknown they are faced with an array of trials and tribulations. Will their love conquer evil?

Presented by Durham Revue

For one night only, the three biggest names in student comedy are coming together!

Join the Durham Revue and their friends, the Cambridge Footlights and the Oxford Revue, and satisfy your craving for comedy with an evening brought to you by the finest student comedians in the country!

TALK

MUSIC

COMEDY

Ruby Wax

Biff Bang Pow

Count Arthur Strong

Frazzled

St. Cuthbert’s Charity Night

The Sound of Mucus

Monday 20 February, 7.30pm | £20

Tuesday 21 February, 7.30pm | £10

Wednesday 22 February, 8.00pm | £17.50

The follow-up to her sell-out touring show Sane New World, which helped us understand why we sabotage our sanity with our own thinking, Frazzled is funny, insightful and a passport to saner living. This discussion, based on her new best-selling book A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled, shows that although Ruby may not be sane herself, she does a pretty good imitation.

An evening of music from the 60s and 70s in aid of St. Cuthbert’s Hospice performed by two popular North East Bands. After Midnight, famed for their Classic Clapton tribute, will perform a selection of material by The Beatles, The Eagles and Eric Clapton, and The Fix, in their original line-up, will play songs from The Who, Bob Dylan, The Kinks and more.

Nostalgia awaits…

Using stories and other things that are secret, the showbiz legend pays tribute to one of the best musicals he can remember, uniquely recreating the salient and poignant moments for your enjoyment. Plus something else. Don’t miss this amazing event.

“Just get’s funnier and funnier.” The Guardian

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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FAMILY

Sponge

The Horne Section

Presented by Big Imaginations

Friday 24 February, 8.00pm | £17.50

Friday 24 and Saturday 25 February, 11.00am and 2.00pm | £7 (£5 concession, £1 babe in arms)

Following their hit BBC Radio 4 series and many years of sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, don’t miss everyone’s favourite Dictionary Corner regulars on 8 out of Ten Cats Does Countdown and the first band to ever host Never Mind The Buzzcocks! Expect a heady mix of spontaneous stand-up, spectacular performance and outlandish musical talent led by the brilliant Alex Horne (Taskmaster).

Sponge is about all things spongy: a child’s ability to soak things up like a sponge, a nice piece of cake or the squashy, squishy texture that fascinates children and adults alike. Infused with audience participation and improvisation, multi-sensory experiences and happy hearted inclusivity, Sponge is a fabulously kitsch adventure into the 1970s set to a score with interludes from composers such as Henry Mancini.

Performance for babies aged from 6 months to children under 4 and their grown-ups.

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COMEDY

“We can’t recommend The Horne Section highly enough.” HHHHH Time Out

MUSIC

The Rat Pack of Vegas Saturday 25 February, 7.30pm | £21 Come and relive the magic in this live show, bringing wonderful memories of the classic Rat Pack - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Featuring the Rat Pack trio, the Rat Pack Orchestra and the fabulous Vegas Show Girls, all the classics will be performed including Come Fly with Me, Volare, That’s Amore, Under My Skin, Mr Bojangles, Mack The Knife and many more of your favourites.

COMEDY

COMEDY

COMEDY

Matt Forde

Iain Stirling

Mark Thomas

It’s My Political Party (and I’ll Cry if I Want To)

Onwards!

The Red Shed

Monday 27 February, 7.30pm | £12

Wednesday 1 March, 8.00pm | £16 (£12 concession)

Monday 27 February, 8.00pm | £15 Following the UK’s most important referendum until the next one, Matt Forde celebrates why it’s great/awful that we’re in/ out of the EU/UK/NATO/whatever the hell happens next. As seen on The Royal Variety Performance 2015, Have I Got News For You, Mock The Week and Question Time.

“Highly engaging, inherently funny…an ability to ad-lib laughs out of thin air.” Chortle

Triple BAFTA award nominee and narrator of ITV2’s Love Island Iain explores the perception of his generation within today’s society. As well as looking at their function within it. Are all young people self-entitled, ego maniacs that can’t get off their phones? Come to the show and find out…or just Google it.

“Provides an intriguing twentysomething perspective on the current state of his nation.”

The Guardian

Mark’s The Red Shed is the third part in a trilogy that started with multi award winning shows Bravo Figaro and Cuckooed. A story of strikes, fights, dinner ladies and commies. Crap beer, great beer, burgers and burger slingers. Pickets, placards, friendship, love, history, dreams and above all remembering. The show will involve the audience (in a nice way) to recreate the shed and its inhabitants. Part theatre, stand up, journalism, activism it’s the story of the battle for hope and the survival of a community in a small wooden shed.

“Evocative… hard to resist.” HHHH Sunday Times 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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THEATRE

MUSIC

Elkie Brooks Sunday 5 March, 7.30pm | £25

Hysteria

By Terry Johnson

Quite simply one of the most successful and popular singers the UK has ever produced, Elkie is still proving to be one of the most powerful and versatile vocal talents of our generation. With numerous hit singles, million selling albums and awards, her live shows are a treat for fans old and new.

Presented by London Classic Theatre Thursday 2, Friday 3 and Saturday 4 March, 7.30pm | £15 (£13 concession), £12 Gala Members 1938. Hampstead, London. Sigmund Freud has fled Nazi-occupied Austria and settled in leafy Swiss Cottage. The ageing Freud intends to spend his last days in peaceful contemplation, but when Salvador Dali pays a visit, and discovers a naked woman in the closet, intoxicating mayhem ensues. An acknowledged modern classic, Terry Johnson’s hilarious farce explores the fallout when two of the twentieth century’s most brilliant and original minds collide.

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“Still one of the great British voices.”

The Guardian

DANCE

TALK

Danny Baker Cradle to the Stage Wednesday 8 March, 7.30pm | £20 (£18 concession)

Phoenix Dance Tuesday 7 March, 7.30pm | £15 (£13 concession), £12 Gala Members Phoenix Dance Theatre’s mixed programme for 2017 presents a programme of thrilling works demonstrating the company’s internationally respected athletic power, emotional intensity and dynamic movement, including Douglas Thorpe’s Beast and a new piece currently in development

by Sandrine Monin and composer Roberto Rusconi entitled Calyx.

A post-show discussion will take place following the performance.

A night at the theatre can either be deep dish or high kicking. What Danny promises to haul before you is very much in the latter category.

Content wise he will make Springsteen and Dodd look like short changing slackers. He can’t wait. This is the sort of radio Danny has always wanted to do, i.e, radio without radio.

Just him and you.

In fact, if you don’t show up he’s going to do it at the Gala Theatre anyway. So you may as well come. Why should the ushers have all the fun?

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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SCREENING

Hedda Gabler

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MUSIC

MUSIC

Presented by NT Live

Swings, Strings and Sir Tom

NOEBBC Brass Band Championship

Thursday 9 March, 7.00pm | £15 (£13 concession), £10 Gala Members

Friday 10 March, 7.30pm | £15 (£10 concession)

Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon and the relationship is already in trouble. Trapped, but determined, Hedda tries to control those around her, only to see her own world unravel. Directed by the Tony Award-winning Ivo van Hove (A View From The Bridge), Ruth Wilson (Luther, The Affair) stars in this modern production of Ibsen’s masterpiece.

Saturday 11 March, 12.00pm and Sunday 12 March, 10.00am | £6 on Saturday, £7 on Sunday

Join Sir Thomas Allen for an evening of jazz and big band classics. This is a one-off opportunity to see the world-famous baritone ditch his operatic persona and delve into the world of Cole Porter and Frank Sinatra, accompanied by the award-winning Durham University Big Band and the string section of the Durham University Orchestral Society.

Up to twenty-five of the finest Brass Bands from all over the North of England come together to compete in the fourth and first section for the prestigious title, North of England Champions on the Saturday, whilst up to thirty brass bands the north east and north west perform in competition for the 1st and 3rd section title on the Sunday. Come along and hear some fantastic brass band performances.

SPECIAL EVENT

FAMILY

Next Up…

Goldilocks & the Three Bears

Tuesday 14 March, 7.30pm | £4

Presented by Northern Ballet

Our seasonal showcase of new work returns with performances from some of the most exciting emerging talent in the North East.

A relaxed evening of performance as artists try out their work in front of an audience with conversation and constructive feedback actively encouraged!

Wednesday 15 March, 2.00pm, 4.00pm and 6.00pm | £6 (£5 concession) With sell-out performances and hugely successful CBeebies TV adaptations, including Ugly Duckling and Tortoise & the Hare, Northern Ballet’s magical productions continue with a brand-new retelling of Goldilocks & the Three Bears.

Bringing the classic children’s story to life, Goldilocks & the Three Bears is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre for the first time.

This child friendly performance lasts approximately 40 minutes.

The 4pm performance of Goldilocks & the Three Bears is a relaxed performance.

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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COMEDY

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MUSICAL

Al Murray

Carousel

Let’s Go Backwards Together

Presented by the Durham Musical Theatre Company (DMTC)

Saturday 18 March, 3.30pm and 7.30pm | £27.50

Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 March, 7.00pm (+2.00pm on Wednesday 22 and Saturday 25) | £17 - £18.50

Publican. Politician. Other thing beginning with P. Philospher...yeah that. The nation’s critically acclaimed bar-based braveheart, Al Murray – The Pub Landlord, embarks on a common sense campaign to re-Great Britain through troubling times in his brand new show.

DMTC follow on from their award-winning productions of Sunset Boulevard and The Best of British Musicals with the sensational Roger and Hammerstein musical Carousel. The timeless classic features a breathtaking score with some of the most powerful, uplifting and moving music ever composed for stage including If I Loved You, June is Bustin’ Out All Over and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Dazzling lights, fabulous songs, a dramatic, uplifting story – don’t miss out on the company’s latest production

FAMILY

DANCE

SPECIAL EVENT

The Owl and the Pussycat

Rhythm of the Night

Best Foot Forward

Presented by Kitchen Zoo

Presented by The Dance Fusion Academy

Presented by TIN Arts

Saturday 25 March, 11.30am and 1.30pm | £7 (£5 concession, £1 babe in arms)

Sunday 26 March, 6.30pm | £10

Tuesday 28 March, 7.30pm | £9.50 (£7.50 concession)

The Owl and the Pussycat are surprised when a storm sweeps them out the window, SPLASH! On to an unexpected voyage to a curious land.

A joyful journey for energetic little explorers aged 3 -7 and their grownups using puppets and live music, Kitchen Zoo brings to life an unexpected telling of Edward Lear’s The Owl and the Pussycat.

Developed in partnership with ARC and The Witham.

The Dance Fusion Academy host their annual dance event at the Gala Theatre with a large group of dedicated dancers of all ages joining together to provide you with a fun packed night of entertainment to suit all.

An evening of dance and performing arts created and performed by artists with a learning disability from across the North East.

This year includes a TIN Arts feature-length, in-house production entitled The Gallery, inspired by the 11 Million Reasons to Dance photography exhibition, which is currently on tour with Sean Goldthorpe’s commissioned images of iconic dance moments from film, all re-imagined by Deaf, sight impaired and disabled dancers.

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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THEATRE A Gala Theatre Production

Tuesday 4 to Saturday 8 April, 7.30pm (+2.30pm Thursday and Saturday) | £15 (£13 concession), £12 on first night performance, all matinee performances and Gala Members 2-4-1 tickets for Gala Members on opening night

by Willy Russell Directed by Rebecca Frecknall

Willy Russell’s award-winning play sees hairdresser Rita, unhappy in her job and with a thirst for knowledge, sign up for an Open University course in English Literature where she meets her tutor Frank, a middle-aged, alcoholic academic. With Rita’s brash honesty and Frank’s deep intellect, each inspires the other as they begin to form an unlikely bond.

Following the Gala Theatre’s acclaimed production The Fighting Bradfords, we are delighted to be producing this British theatre classic. Considered a comic masterpiece, this thought-provoking and funny play was originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and has since become a BAFTA award-winning film starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine.

A post-show discussion will take place following the performance on Wednesday 5 April.

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MUSIC

MUSIC

Macca: The Concert Celebrating the music of Paul McCartney Sunday 9 April, 7.30pm | £21 Starring West End leading man Emanuele Angeletti (Let It Be) as Paul McCartney, this career-spanning musical biopic covers McCartney’s entire solo career from 1970 to 2016. The show features a recreation of the acclaimed Wings Over The World Tour 1975-76 Concert Tour with all of Paul’s solo hits along with a selection of Beatles favourites.

“Emanuele Angeletti is an uncanny carbon-copy of Paul.” The Telegraph

Yamato Drummers Tuesday 11 April, 7.30pm | £20 (£17 concession) Following their hugely successful tour in 2015, the Yamato drummers are back in the UK by popular demand. Their acclaimed performances of Japanese Taiko drumming and music have captivated audiences of over 6 million people in 53 countries across the globe. In a brand new show, the drummers challenge and push themselves to their absolute limits. Yamato will leave audiences exhilarated by this visually spectacular, high-energy and explosive show.

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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DANCE

An Audience with Ian Waite & Natalie Lowe Somewhere In Time Wednesday 12 April, 7.30pm | £26 (£24 concession), £23 Gala Members Strictly’s favourite couple are back with Ian and Natalie developing a new show with newly choreographed routines of their favourite Ballroom and Latin dances. This dance showcase spectacular will give full on entertainment with a romantic feel, and will transport you to a place of wonderful moments with lots of laughs and stories along the way. A limited number of meet and greet tickets are available for after the show priced at an additional £20. Call our Box Office for more details.

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MUSIC

SPECIAL EVENT

Chantel McGregor

Champions of Magic

Thursday 13 April, 7.30pm | £16 (£14 concession)

Friday 14 April, 7.30pm | £20 (£17 concession)

After four years of touring and festival appearances, guitarist and singer-songwriter Chantel McGregor followed up her critically acclaimed debut solo album Like No Other with the release of her highly anticipated album Lose Control in 2015. Her live show will feature songs from the album that not only salute contemporary rock, but show her gradual transition from conventional Blues to a harder, bigger and bolder rock sound with progressive influences.

Direct from a hit season in London’s West End, world-class illusionists bring you a spectacular night of mystery that’ll keep you guessing for a long time to come. With over 20 million online views between them, and sold out shows, the cast includes international award winners presenting incredible mind reading, stunning close-up magic and daring largescale illusions.

As seem on TV in the UK, appearing on ITV’s Next Great Magician and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, witness the impossible including disappearances, teleportation and a heart stopping finale.

FAMILY

FAMILY

Dinosaur World Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April, 11.30am and 2.30pm | £12.50 (£15 Danger Seats) Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan and Segnosaurus, to name a few! Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World in this interactive new show for all the family (ages 3+).

The Scarecrows’ Wedding © 2014 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, published by Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books

The Scarecrows’ Wedding Presented by Scamp Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo Tuesday 18, 2.00pm and 4.00pm and Wednesday 19 April, 12.00pm and 2.30pm | £12 (£10 concession, £1 babe in arms), £40 family ticket Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay are excellent scarecrows (they scare a lot of crows). Harry loves Betty, and Betty loves Harry, so they decide to get married and Harry sets off to search for their wedding day essentials. However, when the farmer notices he is missing a scarecrow, he replaces Harry with the devilishly smooth but dangerous Reginald Rake. Can Reginald persuade Betty that he is the scarecrow for her? Will Harry make it back before Reginald ruins their special day?

This truly heart-warming adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book is bursting at the seams with Scamp Theatre’s inimitable style (Stick Man, Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales) and promises wit, drama, and wedding bells! This epic love story is suitable for all aged 3+ 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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MUSICAL

The Sound of GTSS A celebration of the past 15 years of the Gala Theatre Stage School Friday 21 April 7.30pm | £12 The Sound of GTSS is a chance to reminisce about the shows that GTSS have produced since opening back in 2002. Currently 200 young people from age 3 – 23 attend GTSS and we boast some of the finest talent in the North East. The evening will hear songs from West Side Story to Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent to The Phantom of The Opera; the evening will guarantee not to disappoint as the leading Stage School in the North East brings the past fifteen years back to the Gala Theatre stage.

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MUSIC

Fascinating Aïda’s Dillie Keane Saturday 22 April, 7.30pm | £19.50 Dillie Keane takes a short break from her Fascinating Aïda gal pals to present her solo show filled with brand new songs, grand old favourites, gorgeous songs of love and songs of disgraceful filth. Dillie will break your heart, mend it again and have it sent to the cleaners for pressing. And she’ll give you her recipe for chutney while she’s at it.

“Keane, whose piano-playing remains as sprightly and inventive as ever, prompts gales of laughter with merely the raising of a quizzical eyebrow.” HHHHH The Times

COMEDY

Andy Parsons Peak Bullsh*t Sunday 23 April, 8.00pm | £15 Worried about your job? Worried about your family? Worried about yourself? Worried about the health service? Education? Climate change? World War 3? Worried about worrying? Sod it! Come and have a laugh about it. Put on your lucky pants and your party shoes – and get yourself on a night out.

Or maybe come out dressed in a binbag, top hat and clogs. We could all use a laugh.

“Brilliantly funny and insightful.” Metro

DANCE

SCREENING

MUSIC

Feet First

Julius Caesar

Keston Cobblers Club

Secondary Dance Showcase

Presented by RSC Live

Friday 28 April, 7.30pm | £15

Presented by Durham County Council’s County Durham Education Development Service

Wednesday 26 April, 7.00pm | £15 (£13 concession), £10 Gala Members

Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 April, 7.00pm | £5 (£3 concession)

Caesar returns from war, all-conquering, but mutiny is rumbling in the corridors of power. Opening the Rome season, Angus Jackson (Oppenheimer, Don Quixote) directs Shakespeare’s epic and thrilling tragedy as the politics of spin and betrayal turn bloody and brutal.

Based on folklore, but full of modern kick, Keston Cobbler’s Club’s music is catchy, contemporary pop-folk. Having played some of the UK’s biggest festivals, sold out their own headline tours and fresh from an appearance at the Gala Theatre last year, the band return to Durham bringing their infectious spirit, bedrock of anthems and new tracks.

This evening of dance pieces celebrate the achievements of talented and creative dancers within County Durham Secondary Schools. Dedicated to the development of teaching and learning in curriculum dance and performing arts, the service provides young people with access to a range of high quality dance activities, both in and out of school, and open opportunities to create and perform.

Tickets on sale Friday 2 December.

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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MUSIC

COMEDY

Lee Nelson Serious Joker

Piano Men

Sunday 30 April, 7.30pm | £20

Generations

After getting into trouble for sneaking into places he shouldn’t be, Lee Nelson is back where he most definitely should be: live on stage with his brand-new, laugh-out-loud, best ever stand-up show.

Saturday 29 April, 7.30pm | £23 (£21 concession) The music of Billy Joel and Sir Elton John come to life in this multimedia tribute starring the alluring voice of the Piano Man himself Terry Davies from the USA plus his son Nick.

“Comedy Legend.” The Sun Featuring a sensational World renowned 7 piece multi-talented band and amazing backing vocalists pulsing with energy, its currently one of the favourite shows on Disney Cruise Line, and has been performed at the Venetian Hotel in Vegas and now on its World Tour, including a first for the UK. Everyone’s favourite classics power out such as Piano Man, Your Song, Rocket Man, Candle In the Wind, Up Town Girl, Movin Out and Only The Good Die Young Join Terry and Nick on this journey through the careers of two music icons seated behind the ebony and ivory of an instrument that will forever define the spirit of their music: the Piano!

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“Comedy Genius”. The Mirror “You should be ashamed of yourself.”

Sepp Blatter

Forthcoming Attractions THEATRE

Also coming soon...

COMEDY

Mr Corvan’s Music Hall

Reginald D Hunter

Presented by Wisecrack Productions in association with the Gala Theatre and Sunday for Sammy

Wednesday 14 June, 8.00pm | £23

Written by Ed Waugh Directed by Russell Floyd Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 May, 7.30pm (+2.30pm Saturday) | £15 (£13 concession), £12 Gala Members. 2-4-1 tickets for Gala Members on opening night From the same creative team that produced the critically acclaimed Hadaway Harry and starring Chris Connel (The Fighting Bradfords, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way To Durham), Mr Corvan’s Music Hall will have its world premiere at the Gala Theatre before embarking on a North East tour.

Loved throughout the North East, Ned Corvan was a prolific singer-songwriter, comedian, virtuoso violin player and satirist. Just one of his many claims to fame is being responsible for starting the myth of the Hartlepool Monkey legend. Based on Dave Harker’s forthcoming book The First Professional Geordies: Billy Purvis & Ned Corvan.

During the 15 years in which he has lived in the UK, Reginald’s searingly honest material has garnered him a popular fanbase that spans the generations. In the past twelve months he has appeared in a critically acclaimed tour of Ireland as well as performing across Europe, and now he will be returning to Durham.

“Reginald D Hunter joins the top rank of standup comedians working today…a comedian going for broke, flying in the face of received opinion in a way that is simply exhilarating…… this is comedy of a rare scope.” The Times

Tuesday 9 to Wednesday 10 May Birmingham Royal Ballet Thursday 11 May T. Rextasy Friday 12 May Bang Said The Gun Monday 15 May English Touring Opera (Patience) Tuesday 16 May English Touring Opera (Tosca) Sunday 21 May The Searchers Sunday 4 June RSC Live: Antony and Cleopatra Sunday 18 June The Simon & Garfunkel Story Tuesday 4 July Sir Ranulph Fiennes

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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MUSICAL

FAMILY

From the team who brought you Gala Theatre’s Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk…

Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson Musical arrangements by Steve Skinner Original concept and additional lyrics by Billy Aronson Music supervision and additional arrangements by Tim Weil Dramaturg Lynn Thomson This production is performed by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED On behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of New York

A Gala Theatre Stage School (GTSS) Production Saturday 29 July to Saturday 5 August, 7.30pm £14.50 (£12 concession and all tickets on opening night)

.... to be revealed on Thursday 24 November 2016, find out and book tickets at www.galadurham.gov.uk

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New opportunities to Engage

Gala Theatre Stage School (GTSS) GTSS aims to enrich the lives of young people in the region, through developing their social and theatrical skills. This will be achieved through professional standard performing arts activities which foster teamwork, build confidence and encourage exploration.

We offer classes for the following groups; Tots (ages 3-5 years) | Foundation (school years 1-3) | Juniors (school years 4-7) | Seniors (school years 8-11) | Ensemble (school year 12-23 years)

Classes running from January 2017 Dance classes Technical Jazz Thursday 4.45pm – 5.45pm | 8 - 12 years (school year 4 – 7) Thursday 6.00pm – 7.30pm | 12+ (school year 8 – age 21 years) Commercial/Street Thursday 7.45pm – 8.45pm | 12+ (school year 8 – age 21 years) Drama classes Introduction to scriptwriting for theatre Monday 6.00pm – 7.30pm | 12 – 16 years Adult acting class Monday 7.30pm – 9.00pm For more information and prices, please visit www.galadurham.co.uk 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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gala

Working in partnership with

Cinema

Gala houses a two-screen cinema screening a mix of blockbusters and independent films.

We have state-of-the-art digital projection equipment, and also screen in 3D. For screening times, please see our website or contact the Box Office. We also accept the Meerkat Movies 2 for 1 offer.

Plans to develop our two screens are still ongoing with our friends at Picturehouse.

But our cinema will still be open across the Spring where we will be screening Sing from the makers of Despicable Me, the monstrous blockbuster Kong: Skull Island and biographical drama The Founder.

Join our e-mailing list Sign up to our weekly e-listings flyer and get film times (or information on any of Gala’s activities) delivered straight to your inbox.

Just email info@galadurham.co.uk

Student Day If it’s a Monday, and you can show a valid student card at the Box Office, tickets for all our films are just £5 each. Simple as that.

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Sing

Box Office 03000 266 600 OPENING HOURS Monday-Saturday 10.00am-8.30pm, Sunday 2.30pm-8.30pm. Times may vary on public holidays.

BOOKING METHODS Online available 24 hours a day at: www.galadurham.co.uk In person at Gala during the above times By phone 03000 266 600 Reservations are held for 3 days. Group bookings of 10+ must be paid two months before the show.

Ticket Exchanges/Refunds Tickets may be exchanged for other performances (for a fee of £1 per ticket) up to 24 hours before a performance, at the management’s discretion. Unless an event is cancelled, all tickets are non-refundable. By purchasing our tickets you agree that these can’t be re-sold for profit through any means. This will result in tickets being declared void.

National Theatre Tokens are sold and redeemed at Gala. See www.theatretokens.com Concessions are available for selected events - please check at time of booking, and proof may be required upon ticket collection. Only one concession applies.

INFORMATION Latecomers will be seated at a suitable point in the performance, to minimise inconvenience to others.

Access Gala has lifts to all levels and accessible toilets located throughout. Our Main Auditorium and both cinemas have wheelchair spaces available. If using a wheelchair, please advise the Box Office when booking to ensure your seats/spaces are allocated accordingly. We request that our wheelchair-using patrons attend with an able-bodied companion whose ticket is free of charge. Guide Dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre.

To make an accessible seat booking or for any access enquiries, please contact 03000 266 600 We operate the Sennheiser infrared amplification system in our Main Auditorium.

Headsets for the hard of hearing are available at Box Office.

Family Friendly Gala aspire to make all of our customers welcome, no matter how small and we really hope that our younger visitors become regulars at our theatre and cinema. In consideration of our audience and performers, we just ask that those under the age of 3 are only admitted to shows aimed at the very young. If in doubt, you can check with Box Office. For those under one year old, babes-in-arms tickets are available for selected shows. Find more information on our website about visiting Gala with your younger family members.

Mothers & Babies Our café staff are trained to be aware of the needs of breast-feeding mothers, and we also have baby changing facilities on all levels.

Smoking is not permitted anywhere within Gala.

Travel There is parking on-site at Walkergate (DH1 1SQ), which is easily reached via the slip road under Milburngate Bridge or via Freeman Place. An evening tariff is available. Prince Bishops car park (DH1 3UJ) is also nearby. A list of all bus routes can be found on our website.

Gala Theatre & Cinema, Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA

Please ask us if you would like this doucument summarised in another language or format.

info@galadurham.co.uk

03000 266 600

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Event Diary January Fri 13 Gala Lunchtime Concert Series Fri 13 Funny Bones Comedy Club Mon 23 The Tin Ring Tues 24 The Defiant Requiem Tues 24 to Sat 28 DULOG: Spamalot Sun 29 Orchestra North East Sun 29 The Comedy Store Tues 31 Durham Vocal Festival: The Northern Lights February Thur 2 NT Live: Amadeus Fri 3 RSC Live: The Tempest Fri 3 Mitch Benn Sat 4 The Blues Band Sun 5 The Pitmen Poets Mon 6 & Tues 7 The Empty Nester’s Club Thur 9 to Sat 11 Durham High School For

Girls: The Wizard of Oz Fri 10 Gala Lunchtime Concert Series Fri 10 Funny Bones Comedy Club Sun 12 Susan Calman Tues 14 New College Durham: Hits of the West End & Broadway Thur 16 NT Live: Saint Joan Fri 17 & Sat 18 Durham Opera Ensemble: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Sun 19 Durham Revue

Box Office 03000 266 600 Mon 20 Tues 21 Wed 22 Fri 24 Fri 24 & Sat 25 Sat 25 Sun 26 Mon 27 Mon 27

Ruby Wax: Frazzled Biff Bang Pow Count Arthur Strong The Horne Section Sponge The Rat Pack of Vegas The Comedy Store Matt Forde Iain Sterling

March Wed 1 Mark Thomas Thur 2 to Sat 4 London Classic Theatre: Hysteria Sun 5 Elkie Brooks Tues 7 Phoenix Dance Wed 8 Danny Baker Thur 9 NT Live: Hedda Gabler Fri 10 Gala Lunchtime Concert Series Fri 10 Funny Bones Comedy Club Fri 10 Swings, Strings and Sir Tom Sat 11 & Sun 12 NOEBBC

Brass Band Championship Mon 13, Thur 16 Primary Dance Festival & Fri 17 Tues 14 Next Up… Wed 15 Northern Ballet:

Goldilocks & the Three Bears Sat 18 Al Murray

Tues 21 to Sat 25 Sat 25 Sun 26 Tues 28

DMTC: Carousel The Owl and the Pussycat Rhythm of the Night TIN Arts: Best Foot Forward

April Tues 4 to Sat 8 Educating Rita Sun 9 Macca: The Concert Tues 11 Yamato Drummers Wed 12 An Audience with

Ian Waite & Natalie Lowe Thur 13 Chantel McGregor Fri 14 Gala Lunchtime Concert Series Fri 14 Funny Bones Comedy Club Fri 14 Champions of Magic Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dinosaur World Sun 16 The Comedy Store Tues 18 & Wed 19 The Scarecrow’s Wedding Fri 21 The Sound of GTSS Sat 22 Fascinating Aida’s Dillie Keane Sun 23 Andy Parsons Mon 24 & Tues 25 Secondary Dance Showcase Wed 26 RSC Live: Julius Caesar Fri 28 Keston Cobblers Club Sat 29 Piano Men Sun 30 Lee Nelson: Serious Joker