Gala Theatre and Cinema Spring 2020

Spring 2020

gala

Welcome

Gala Theatre Online

Ever since Gala opened in 2002, Comedy has had a central place in our programme.

All of our shows are available to book online at www.galadurham.co.uk

One of the very first events at the venue from way back then, was The Comedy Store; and pretty much every month since then we continue to host this comedy night featuring some of the touring circuit’s best talent. Three comics and an MC in classic comedy club style, it’s still a great, affordable night out.

Some of comedy’s biggest names have come up through that route - Michael McIntyre and Dara O’Briain are just two of the household names who appeared in those Gala gigs in the early days.

Other big names like Lee Evans, John Bishop and Kevin Bridges have also chosen to warm-up for their big arena tours by doing intimate gigs at Gala.

But Spring 2020 sees one of our strongest comedy seasons for some time. Alongside our monthly Comedy Store and Funny Bones comedy clubs, we have headline shows from Phil Wang, Rich Hall, Russell Kane, Tom Stade, Mark Thomas, Andy Parsons, Chris Ramsey, Jessica Fostekew and Jen Brister.

Confirming Gala’s place as a great comedy venue, it’s a great laughter line-up to start 2020.

We look forward to seeing you

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 or Instagram at Instagram/gala_durham

Gala Theatre Offers This logo means there is an offer for you to enjoy.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award nominated smash hit show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns on tour, celebrating over 10 years on stage! £12.50, 2 adults & 2 children £46, Groups £8.50

Cathy The next Gala Theatre Production is inspired by Ken Loach’s 1966 television drama, Cathy Come Home. This updated story examines the current society facing low pay, zero-hour contracts and rental costs way beyond their reach, in a powerful and tender look at the human cost of the housing crisis.

All tickets £10 if booked before Sunday 5 January.

Robin Byers Service Manager 2

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER

SCREENING

SCREENING

Classic Cinema Studio

Singin’ In The Rain

First Sunday of every month, 6.00pm | £5

Classic Cinema Studio Matinee

Kick off the start of every month at Gala, as we screen classic films in our revamped Studio space. It’s a relaxed environment to watch your favourite flicks, with our bar open throughout for you to buy alcoholic tipples and snacks. Each ticket includes a free tea, coffee or soft drink to reinvigorate you, ready for going back to work on Monday.

Sunday 5 January The Goonies (12A) Sunday 2 February Reservoir Dogs (18) Sunday 1 March Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (12) Sunday 5 April Gladiator (15)

Friday 17 January, 2.00pm | £5 Singin’ in the Rain offers a lighthearted image of Hollywood in the late 1920s in the transition from silent films to ‘talkies’.

This dementia friendly matinee of the film will be in our usual Classic Cinema setting, a relaxed atmosphere, around cabaret tables with drinks and snacks available throughout, however to make it more dementia friendly there will be low lighting rather than the usual dark cinema room. The sound will not be too loud while still audible for the hard of hearing, with toilets, exits etc. clearly signposted. Our Dementia friendly trained staff will also be on hand to ensure the comfort and safety of our patrons.

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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MUSIC

Queen Rhapsody

The Comedy Store

Saturday 11 January, 7.30pm | £25 (£20 under 16s) | SOLD OUT

Sunday 12 January, 2 February, 1 March, 5 April, 7.30pm | £11 (£9 concession), £8 students and Gala Members

The ultimate live concert experience paying tribute to the legend that is Queen.

A passionate and thrilling show, Queen Rhapsody recreates the majesty of rock’s greatest ever band.

With over 35 years’ experience in the business and as the premier name in comedy, The Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new talent, and remains the place to see the stars of the future. The likes of Eddie Izzard, John Bishop, Jimmy Carr, Rhod Gilbert and Sarah Millican have all cut their comedy teeth with us.

Performing hits from every decade of Queen’s musical legacy including We Will Rock You, Radio Ga Ga and Bohemian Rhapsody, this all new live spectacle faithfully recreates the energy, showmanship and emotion of a classic Queen concert.

Relive The Magic!

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COMEDY

The line-up is top secret and we only find out a couple of weeks beforehand, so be sure to like The Comedy Store Durham on Facebook to find out first.

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Funny Bones Comedy Club All shows start at 7.45pm | £9 Our monthly dose of Friday night funnies returns with a mix of seasoned stand-ups and new comic talent. Hosted by returning compere Warren Speed.

Lucian Freud: A Self-Portrait Exhibition on Screen Tuesday 14 January, 6.00pm Thursday 30 January, 2.30pm £10 (£8 concession) £7 Gala Members For the first time in history the Royal Academy of Arts in London, in collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, is bringing together Lucian Freud’s self-portraits.

Spanning nearly seven decades his selfportraits give a fascinating insight into both his psyche and his development as a painter, from his earliest portrait painted in 1939 to the final one executed 64 years later. When seen together, his portraits represent an engrossing study into the dynamic of ageing and the process of self-representation.

Friday 17 January Vince Atta is nothing less than a phenomenon, using a multi-track looper, he creates live on-the-spot Hip-Hop/Reggae/Techno/anything; hilariously fusing it with natural stand-up, storytelling and audience interaction. He’s joined by daft Yorkshireman Jim Bayes, described by the BBC as one to watch out for as his anecdotal style coupled with improvisation skills make him a hit with audiences across the country.

Friday 7 February With the confidence and swagger that you might expect of a North-West comedian at the very top of his game, Danny Deegan is a comedian, writer and actor who has become a regular at most of the major comedy clubs in the UK since he began performing in 2003. He is joined

by Dutch comedian Wouter Meijs who has successfully performed across the UK and the Netherlands and Keith Wild is the wild by name, wild by nature comedy musician.

Friday 13 March With his carefully crafted gags, to his engaging anecdotes, Phil Chapmans’ material and stage presence ensure he is a big hit wherever he’s playing. Pete Otway is known for mixing a razor sharp wit with an affable charm and creative writing and Ash Preston.

Friday 24 April David Ward, a friendly, upbeat comic is fast making his name on the comedy circuit. Jack Gleadow, award-winning, stand-up comedian is the One-Man Variety Show with the use of sounds, stories, jokes and a scooter! Anthony Young is a comedy club regular across the UK, he’s certain to leave any audience in stitches.

Line up may be subject to change.

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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MUSICAL

Miss Crispy 1988

Spontaneous Potter

Oklahoma!

A less is MORE Production

Saturday 18 January, 7.30pm | £12 (£10 concession and Gala Members)

Presented by DULOG

Friday 17 January, 7.30pm | £15 (£13 concession) £12 Gala Members Despite the glitz and glamour of working on line two, the girls are looking for something new to sink their teeth into because life can’t be all about crisps! With the announcement of a beauty pageant, the ladies are raring to go – with perms, leg warmers and shoulder pads this is 80’s Billingham at its best! Inspired by a series of interviews with Teesside women, Miss Crispy 1988 follows the journey of five very unique ladies through the depths of love, compassion and adversity.

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“The play is sparkling comedy on the surface, but with darker subtexts waiting to be revealed” Northern Echo

Grab your wands, don your house robes, and apparate yourselves to the box office!

A very magical improv show awaits…

The smash hit Spontaneous Potter is an entirely improvised Harry Potter comedy play, based on an audience suggestion of a fanfiction title. Hilarity ensues as an entirely new Potter adventure is magically improvised on the spot – with live musical accompaniment!

Recommended 16+. Mild language and scenes of an adult nature.

Tuesday 21- Saturday 25 January, 7.30pm (+2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday) | £8.50 - £14.50 Durham University Light Opera Group (DULOG) are proud to present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s, smash-hit Oklahoma! which tells the whirlwind story of two young couples fighting for their lovers in the crossfire of cowboys and farmers. The Western-Indian territory of Oklahoma makes for a muchspirited rivalry between local cowboys and ranch-hands. The perfect backdrop for a love story between Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a beautiful farm girl.

MUSIC

MUSIC

The Chicago Blues Brothers

Northern Lights

A Night at the Movies

Presented as part of Durham Vocal Festival

Sunday 26 January, 7.30pm | £24 (£15 concession for under 14s)

Monday 27 January, 7.30pm | £11 (£9 concession) £5 Under 18s

Direct from London’s west end, join the Chicago Blues Brothers and their 11 piece band, for a brand new 2-hour all singing, all dancing hit parade bringing you the greatest movie anthems of all time, performed live concert.

Featuring songs from Footloose, A Star is Born, Dirty Dancing, The Greatest Showman, The Full Monty and many more, not forgetting all the much-loved Blues Brothers classics, with a ton of surprises and lots of lunacy.

Northern Lights are proud to return to the Gala Theatre following last year’s sell-out performance. Last year, the Northern Lights placed third in the national finals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCAs), recorded their own EP, and put on sold-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. They will be bringing a brand new, wide-ranging selection of fully-choreographed songs to the Gala Theatre.

Don’t miss out on this spell-binding evening of a cappella music!

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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MUSIC

Gala Lunchtime Concert Series All concerts are 1.00pm - 2.00pm | £6

Dean Masser and the Dean Stockdale Trio

Friday 24 January

Saxophonist Dean Masser is a regular performer alongside many of the leading names in British jazz. Pianist Dean Stockdale is joined by Ed Harrison (bass) and Gaz Hughes (drums) to perform a program of straight-ahead jazz.

John Garner and Paul Edis – Evans and Beyond Friday 28 February

A duo set from Garner and Edis exploring the original compositions of Bill Evans alongside new music inspired by Evans’ work. Violinist John Garner performs all over Europe and pianist and composer Paul Edis is well known in the region and a devotee of Evans’ playing and compositions.

Andrea Vicary Trio Friday 20 March

Pianist and composer Andrea Vicari studied at The Guildhall School of Music in London. She went on to work with bass guitar legend, Dill Katz and the then unknown guitarist Phil Robson, and formed her first important group with Julian Argüelles on saxophone & Stuart Hall on bass. For this performance Andrea is joined by bassist Andy Champion and drummer Russ Morgan.

Alice Grace Quartet Friday 24 April

Alice is the lead singer with the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band who perform around the north of the UK, with jazz A-listers including Joe Stilgoe, Polly Gibbons, Bruce Adams, Alan Barnes, Paul Booth, Hailey Tuck, Anthony Strong and Mark Nightingale. For this concert she brings her own quartet to Gala with Mark Williams (guitar) Paul Grainger (double bass) and Russ Morgan (drums).

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MUSICAL

SCREENING

The Wind in the Willows

Kinky Boots - The Musical

Presented by Durham High School for Girls

Tuesday 4 February, 7.00pm, Sunday 9 February, 3.00pm | £15 (£13 concession) £10 Gala Members

Thursday 30 January - Saturday 1 February, 7.30pm (+2.30pm on Saturday) | £15 (£12 concession) £48 Family Ticket Durham High School is delighted to bring the dazzling musical adventure of The Wind in the Willows to Gala. This creative adaptation by Julian Fellowes is based on Kenneth Grahame’s classic story. The adventures of Toad, Ratty and Mole are brought to life through uplifting and joyous music and lyrics of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe to delight both young and old alike.

Kinky Boots The Musical, filmed live at London’s Adelphi Theatre, is strutting onto the big screen!

Charlie is a factory owner struggling to save his family business, and Lola is a fabulous entertainer with a wildly exciting idea. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learn to embrace their differences and create a line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen!

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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The Rolling Stones Story

Clare Teal and her Trio

Friday 7 February, 7.30pm | £25

Friday 14 February, 7.30pm | £22 (£20 concession)

The Rolling Stones Story is a high energy concert celebrating the music of the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band. Let’s Spend The Night Together in the company of Mick and the boys and experience a truly authentic Rolling Stones spectacle; complete with an awesome production, the finest musicians and the world’s No. 1 Mick Jagger lookalike in Paul Ashworth.

This brand-new show promises a rich jazz infused repertoire in its many forms bringing you more exhilarating swing as Clare and her Trio celebrate 100 years of pop music, featuring some of the greatest songs ever written from the Great American and British Songbooks and contemporary writers creating the standards of today.

As one of the UK’s greatest interpreters of song and much-loved performers, Clare and her Trio guarantee an evening of inspired music and unbridled entertainment performed by the very best.

THEATRE

THEATRE

THEATRE

Beautiful Burnout

Sharings

The Cabaret Café

Written by Bryony Lavery Presented by Gala Theatre Stage School

Presented by Gala Theatre Stage School

Presented by Gala Theatre Stage School

Saturday 8 February, Tots & Foundation, 11am | £4 Juniors, 2pm | £4 Seniors, 5pm | £4

Sunday 9 February, 7pm | £6

Wednesday 5 February, 7.30pm | £8 Gala Theatre, Durham Thursday 13 February, 7.30pm | £8 Peterlee Boxing Academy Keep your guard up. Protect yourself at all times.

Protect your boy. Keep him safe. Keep him close.

That is all that matters.

Beautiful Burnout is a thrilling new piece of highly physical theatre that will immerse the audience in the explosively visceral world of boxing.

Join us as our wonderful Gala Theatre Stage School students share the culmination of their semester’s work. All schools have been using the Gala Theatre production of Lord of the Flies as their starting point so expect to see stories of friendship and power.

The sharings have all been created and devised by the brilliant young people themselves, with direction and support from our professional team of facilitators.

Join the students of GTSS for a journey through musical theatre history.

Starting with the work of Cole Porter and working our way to present day smashes like Waitress and Hamilton, you’ll be part of a show which will include singing, dancing and acting.

Audience members will be sat in cabaret-style, hosted at tables by performing students with a bar service to keep their vocal chords welloiled in the event of an audience sing-along.

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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FAMILY

Morgan & West

The Jive Aces Big Beat Revue

Unbelievable Science!

Sunday 16 February, 7.30pm | £22 (£20 concession)

Saturday 15 February, 7.30pm | £12 (£10 concession) Morgan & West present captivating chemistry, phenomenal physics, and bonkers biology in this fun for all the family science extravaganza!

Expect explosive thrills, chemical spills and a risk assessment that gives their stage manager chills. Leave your lab coats at the door it’s time for Unbelievable Science!

“Put quite simply…great science with hilarious hosts!.”

HHHHH Primary Times “Hugely talented.”

HHHH Daily Mirror “Superbly crafted.”

HHHH The Stage

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MUSIC

Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists, The Jive Aces, explode onto the stage in their trademark yellow suits and vintage style for their Big Beat Revue show.

With classic tunes from artists such as Louis Prima, Bobby Darin, Keely Smith, Big Joe Turner and Ruth Brown with the flair of a rock ’n’ roll extravaganza show, this show will have you out of your seat with its larger than life big-beat sound!

FAMILY

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COMEDY

Rose and Robin

Cyrano de Bergerac

Rich Hall’s Hoedown Deluxe

Presented by Mad Alice Theatre Company

Presented by NT Live

Friday 21 February, 8.00pm | £17

Thursday 20 February, 2.00pm | £12 (£10 concession)

Thursday 20 February, 7.00pm | £15 (£13 concession) £10 Gala Members

This lovely new play for children tells the story of two people, Rose and Robin who share a life together from childhood to old age. It’s about their relationship, their joys and losses.

James McAvoy (X-Men, Atonement) returns to the stage in a new adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac, broadcast live from the West End in London.

A celebration of growing old and inviting the young to join the party. A perfect play for children to enjoy with their grandparents.

Fierce with a pen and notorious in combat, Cyrano almost has it all - if only he could win the heart of his true love Roxane. There’s just one big problem: he has a nose as huge as his heart. Will a society engulfed by narcissism get the better of Cyrano - or can his mastery of language set Roxane’s world alight?

An uplifting piece of physical theatre, clownesque in style, largely non-verbal, with dance and strong, poetic moments and a beautiful musical sound score.

Recommended age: 7-11

Ever-evolving, ever-changing, Rich’s combination of keen acerbic stand-up combined with spit and sawdust alt-country lyricism is a “win-win” (Guardian). Fans keep returning because this show goes where other comedians wouldn’t dare: Barrow-in-Furness for example.

Rich’s acclaimed BBC4 documentaries and his Radio 4 series Election Breakdown have established a whole new legion of followers.

But seeing the Hoedown is a whole different experience. Gut-busting, rib-tickling, toetapping, and shit-kicking, Rich Hall’s Hoedown Deluxe covers the full anatomical spectrum.

Strictly 14+ 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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COMEDY

COMEDY

Phil Wang

ComedyFest

Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps

Philly Philly Wang Wang

The Durham Revue

Travel and Comedy in the Danger Zone

Saturday 22 February, 8.00pm | £15

Sunday 23 February, 8.00pm | £10 (£8 concession)

Tuesday 25 February, 7.30pm | £18

Following a sell-out 2018 tour, and fresh from a 2019 Edinburgh Fringe run that sold out in advance, Phil Philly Philly Wang Wang, Wang is back on tour with his newest show.

Phil has made a name for himself (that name being Phil Wang) exploring sex, romance, politics, and his mixed British-Malaysian heritage with shows that delight in his unique Wang brand of smart and silly. This one is about morality and the modern sense of self.

Swell!

As seen on Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo and Netflix.

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COMEDY

Three universities. Three troupes. One night.

The Durham Revue return with the worldfamous Cambridge Footlights and esteemed Oxford Revue for a night of rib-tickling absurdity with the three biggest names in student wit. From the groups that bought you Stephen Fry, Rowan Atkinson, Emma Thompson, David Mitchell, Nish Kumar, Phil Wang and many more, this is a night of cutting-edge student comedy not to be missed.

“Comedyfest has always been a highlight of the annual DST calendar.” HHHHH Palatinate

Dom Joly, best known as the creator of Trigger Happy TV, is undertaking his first UK tour since 2011. The writer and broadcaster will be sharing his exploits of globe-trotting and seeking out dangerous travel spots. From North Korea through the Congo and Syria to Chernobyl, he’s visited some of the most unusual places on the planet. Joly famously attended school with Osama Bin Laden and armed with a trusty Powerpoint, fans can expect his holiday snaps to provide comedy and a sense of danger. The best-selling author will meet fans after the show to sign copies of his latest book, The Hezbollah Hiking Club.

COMEDY

COMEDY

Tom Stade You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet Thursday 27 February, 8.00pm | £18

Dad’s Army Radio Show

Following his last smash-hit UK tour and direct from this year’s Edinburgh Festival, Tom is back on the road with a brand-new show. The kids have moved out and it’s the dawn of a new era! Tom’s embracing change with his usual spirit and irrepressible sense of mischief; what’s coming is way better than what has gone!

Presented by Engine Shed and Something for the Weekend

30 years on the comedy frontline and this Canadian legend remains as engaging, innovative and hilarious as ever. As seen on C4’s Comedy Gala, BBC One’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, The John Bishop Show and Live at the Apollo.

Friday 28 February, 7.30pm | £20 (£18 concession) £15 Gala Members Perry and Croft’s classic BBC sitcom brought gloriously to life.

Three episodes of the hugely popular radio series hilariously and lovingly enacted by two master performers. David Benson (Goodnight Sweetheart and One Man, Two Guvnors) and Jack Lane (Wisdom of a Fool and 7 Days) transport the audience right back to Walmington-On-Sea, working from original radio scripts - complete with sound effects, vintage music and all of Perry and Croft’s beloved characters and catchphrases.

Highly acclaimed by critics and by audiences of all ages.

“Benson and Lane’s two-man Army are a comedy force to be reckoned with." HHHHH Radio Times 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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FAMILY

THE PURRFECT FAMILY TREAT!

A musical play adapted & directed

by DAVID WOOD based on the book by JUDITH KERR

HHHH The Times

HHHH Daily Telegraph

ON LIVE GE! STA

ILLUSTRATIONS COPYRIGHT © KERR-KNEALE PRODUCTIONS LTD 1968

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Saturday 29 February 1.30pm and 3.30pm, Sunday 1 March 10.30am and 1.30pm | £12.50 (2 adults & 2 children £46) Groups £8.50 Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award nominated smash hit show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns on tour, celebrating over 10 years on stage.

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger.

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised.

Suitable for children aged 3+ Running time 55 mins approx “Delightful” HHHHH Whatsonstage.com “This Tiger is the cat’s meow” HHHH The Times

HHHH Daily Express

HHHH Sunday Telegraph

HHHH Daily Mail

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SPECIAL TICKET OFFER

MUSIC

THEATRE

MUSIC

The BBC Big Band

My Night With Reg

Elkie Brooks

Wednesday 4 March, 7.30pm | £30 (£28 concession) £27 Gala Members

Presented by Green Carnation Theatre

Friday 6 March, 7.30pm | £32.50

Join the internationally renowned BBC Big Band for evening of world-class big band music – inspired by the finest swing bands and composers of the Twentieth Century – including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman.

Through a diverse repertoire arranged and curated by the BBC Big Band’s musical director and conductor, Barry Forgie, the concert celebrates the music of the twentieth century’s most iconic swing bands and composers, and whose legacy and influence defined a golden age of jazz and big band music.

Thursday 5 March, 7.30pm | £16 (£14 concession) £12 Gala Members In 1985, in a London flat, old friends and lovers gather to celebrate new beginnings, yet their whole world is about to change…

Funny, sad and sweet, this visually-stunning production of Kevin Elyot’s award-winning comedy is a moving exploration of friendship, desire and love in the shadow of the 1980’s AIDS crisis.

Long before the end of a live show and the frequent standing ovations that accompany it, there comes a point where Elkie does something so amazing that it leaves her audience almost spellbound. It could be a particularly emotional rendition of one of her ballads, a powerhouse blues vocal or one of her trademark impossibly long notes that leaves the audience mesmerised.

Elkie will be performing her biggest hits including Pearl’s A Singer, Lilac Wine, Fool (If You Think It’s Over), Don’t Cry Out Loud and No More The Fool as well as many more.

“Still one of the great British voices.”

The Guardian 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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COMEDY

SPECIAL EVENT

Russell Kane

SLIDE

Giovanni Pernice

The Fast and the Curious Tour

Presented by TIN Arts and supported by Arts Council England

This Is Me

Saturday 7 March, 8.00pm | £20

Sunday 8 March, 6.30pm | £8 (£6 concession) He’s back. Packing more energy than a Duracell factory, Russell’s RS Turbo laugh engine will motor through love, family and life - once again proving that the fast and the curious amongst us, see more stuff, and get more done. Multi-award winning comedian, presenter, actor, author and scriptwriter Russell Kane is best known for BBC Three’s Stupid Man, Smart Phone and the host of BBC Three‘s Live At The Electric. Winner of Best Show in 2010 at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, Russell went on to make history as the first comedian to win both the Edinburgh Award and Melbourne Comedy Festival’s Barry Award in one year.

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DANCE

TIN Arts’ annual performance of dance work created by children and young people from across County Durham.

Thursday 12 - Friday 13 March, 7.30pm | £32 (£30 concession) £65 Meet and Greet Strictly Come Dancing favourite, Giovanni Pernice, is back with a brand-new show for 2020. The showman is set to light up the stage, along with his cast of professional dancers, for his fourth year of touring. With the Italian’s natural charm, combined with beautiful choreography perfectly complemented by a fabulous soundtrack, This Is Me pays homage to the music and dances that have inspired Giovanni’s career, from a competition dancer to one of the biggest names on the hit BBC show.

Pre-show meet and greet VIP tickets are available.

MUSIC

DANCE

MUSIC

The North of England Brass Band Championships

County Durham Secondary Dance Showcase

Buddy Holly & The Cricketers

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March | £7

Monday 16 - Tuesday 17 March, 7.00pm | £5 (£3 concession)

Wednesday 18 March, 7.30pm | £21 (£19 concession)

Durham County Council’s Education Durham Development Service present an evening of dance pieces to 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.

Starring some of the finest actor-musicians in the UK, and endorsed as Britain’s most popular Buddy Holly act when the boys guested on BBC One’s The One and Only hosted by Graham Norton. The hits keep coming - That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Heartbeat, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, Raining In My Heart, Oh Boy! - and many more. Whatever the excuse to party, make your heart beat a little faster with the show that has thousands of fans the world over saying: “I can’t believe it’s not Buddy!”

On Saturday 14 March bands from all over the North of England will compete for the honour of qualifying for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in Cheltenham. We start with sections two and four, concluding with section one.

The weekend concludes with bands from the third and Championship sections competing for the remaining section titles. Bands from across the North of England, including last year’s championship section winners EYMS Band from Hull.

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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FAMILY

Mark Thomas 50 Things About Us Thursday 19 March, 8.00pm | £12.50 - £17.50 Mark Thomas combines his trademark mix of storytelling, stand-up, mischief and really, really well researched material to examine how we have come to inhabit this divided wasteland that some of us call the United Kingdom.

Zog

Mark picks through the myths, facts and figures of our national identities to ask who do we think we are?

Large in size, and keen in nature, Zog is so eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, he bumps, burns and roars his way through. Luckily, the plucky Princess Pearl patches him up ready to face his biggest challenge yet…

(In the vein of the Manifesto meets a sweary history channel)

The smash-hit stage adaptation from Freckle Productions (the team behind Stick Man and Tabby McTat) is back in 2020! With brand new songs from Joe Stilgoe and directed by Emma Kilbey, much-loved Zog is a magical production for all ages.

Recommended 16+ 20

By Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Presented by Freckle Productions and Rose Theatre Kingston Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 March, 11am & 2pm | £14.50 adults, £12.50 children, £12.50 groups

COMEDY

COMEDY

MUSIC

Jessica Fostekew

Andy Parsons

Cara Dillon

Hench

Healing the Nation

Thursday 26 March, 7.30pm | £22

Friday 20 March, 7.30pm | £12.50 (£10.50 concession)

Saturday 21 March, 8.00pm | £15

Absolute powershed and regular host of The Guilty Feminist, Jessica Fostekew explores her big strong strength. Have you ever watched a feminist try and take ‘hench’ as a compliment?

It’s like watching a snake eat, but funny.

In preview, Hench was nominated for Best Show at the Leicester Comedy Festival.

You’ve seen Jess in BBC sitcoms Motherland and Cuckoo and BAFTA Award-winning drama Three Girls. Best Show Dave Comedy Award Nominee 2019 “Wears her smarts on her sleeve, great.”

The Guardian

“I found myself contemplating a supermarket meal deal. I only needed a sandwich but as I could get a snack and a drink for only 5p more it seemed financially irresponsible not to. I spent so long pondering the EU Referendum from the day before that I was now in a massive rush. The lad on the till scanned the first two items no problem but the third item he couldn’t get to scan at all.

I thought this is going to be a nightmare - then to his credit, he went ‘bip’ himself and chucked it through. At that moment I thought “oh we’ll be alright as a country we will”. And we will be alright. Trust me. I’m not a politician.’

Cara Dillon is an extraordinary Irish singer who has been captivating audiences and achieving exceptional acclaim for over 20 years. She has (according to Mojo magazine) “Quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice”.

Alongside a selection of favourites, Cara will be performing material from her new album Wanderer, a collection of beautiful and moving songs recorded with her husband and musical partner Sam Lakeman. Legions of fans will attest to their impassioned performances with Cara’s warm and natural stage presence something to savour.

Recommended 14+. Strong language and adult content.

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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MUSICAL

COMEDY

Friends: The Musical Parody

Jen Brister

Friday 27 March, 7.30pm | £28

Under Privilege

Friends! The Musical Parody the first UK and Irish tour of the hilarious new off-Broadway and Las Vegas hit musical that lovingly lampoons the popular TV sitcom Friends, celebrates and pokes fun at the wacky misadventures of the group of 20-something pals we love from the hit TV show as they navigate the pitfalls of work, life, and love in 1990’s Manhattan.

Friends! The Musical Parody is an hilarious good-hearted romp through our favourite moments from the hit TV show in an uncensored, hilarious, fast-paced, music-filled production.

You’ll laugh! You’ll cry! You’ll Unagi! With friends like these, who needs television? PIVOT!

Friday 27 March, 7.30pm | £12.50 (£10 concession) Brister has it all: a wife, kids, a house and a job she loves (sometimes) so what the hell is she moaning about? Join Jen as she takes an irreverent look at the often controversial subject of ‘privilege’. Who has it? Who doesn’t?

And why does no one like to admit they have any?

“A powerhouse performance.”

HHHH½ Chortle.co.uk “Brister uses anger to quite stunning comedic effect’ .” HHHHH The Skinny

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MUSIC

MUSIC

SPECIAL EVENT

Crooners

Orchestra North East

Best Foot Forward

Saturday 28 March, 7.30pm | £22.50 (£20 concession)

Sunday 29 March, 3.00pm | £16 (£14 concession) £8 students, £3 under 16s, £1 accompanied children

Scratch Beneath The Surface

Crooners is the new, rip roaring comedy music show which has been wowing audiences with its hilarious one liners, laugh out loud silliness and superb musical numbers with the outstanding 9-piece The Mini Big Band live on stage.

The show plays homage to some of the greatest Crooners of all time with a splendiferous injection of Britishness.

Featuring humour, tap dance and some of the most quintessential songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Matt Monro, Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin. Expect Some Lady is a Tramp, L.O.V.E, When You’re Smiling, Mack The Knife and many more…Pip Pip!

With conductor Michael Bawtree, the Orchestra presents a concert featuring great composers from the twentieth century. The programme will include a range of symphonic music alongside the powerful First Cello Concerto of Shostakovich, with Christopher Murray as soloist.

Tuesday 31 March, 7.30pm | £10 (£8 concession) 2020 is a year of discovery and curiosity.

Following on from 20 years of TIN celebrations, this year Best Foot Forward features exploratory excerpts through to ‘scratch’ pieces. Unpolished, unrefined with authenticity at the heart of the evening.

Further details of the concert can be found at www.orchestranortheast.org.uk

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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FAMILY

MUSIC

Little Red Riding Hood

Mark Steel

Lesley Garrett

Presented by Northern Ballet

Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright

Presented by Clive Conway Productions

Wednesday 1 April, 2.00pm, 4.00pm, 6.00pm | £8 (£6 concession)

Thursday 2 April, 8.00pm | £15

A Diva and a Piano

This child friendly performance lasts approximately 40 minutes.

A few years ago, it seemed unlikely that the UK would vote to leave the EU; we had a reasonable opposition to the Tory Government; Donald Trump was a buffoon who surely wasn’t going to beat Hillary Clinton and Mark was living the married suburban ideal. Since then it’s all gone to absolute shit! But don’t worry as Mark thinks Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright. Star of Radio 4’s Mark Steel’s in Town, and newspaper columnist of the year is touring a show which is guaranteed to make the world seem even more mental than it is.

The 4.00pm performance is a relaxed performance.

“Interesting, engaging, funny.”

HHHHH The Mirror

Retelling the classic fairytale with a Northern Ballet twist, Little Red Riding Hood is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre.

With sell-out performances and a string of hugely successful CBeebies TV adaptations, Northern Ballet’s productions for children are not to be missed.

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COMEDY

Saturday 4 April. 7.30pm | £28 Join Britain’s most popular soprano for a delightful evening of song, reminiscences and chat. Accompanied by Anna Tilbrook, Lesley’s behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes will give audiences a unique insight into her life on the stage ““She cares about the people who come to hear her sing .... Through her records and her unstuffy attitude to singing, she has clearly reached out to music lovers far beyond the rarified confines of the opera house.” Sunday Times

SCREENING

COMEDY

FAMILY

Easter In Art

Chris Ramsey

Wolf!

Exhibition on Screen

20/20

Presented by Kitchen Zoo

Tuesday 7 April 6pm, Thursday 23 April, 2.30pm | £10 (£8 concession) £7 Gala Members

Tuesday 7 – Wednesday 8 April, 7.30pm | £22 SOLD OUT

Thursday 9 April, 11:30am and 1:30pm

The story of Christ’s death and resurrection has dominated western culture for the past 2000 years. From the triumphant to the savage, the ethereal to the tactile, some of western civilization’s greatest artworks focus on this pivotal moment. This beautifully crafted film explores the Easter story as depicted in art, from the time of the early Christians to the present day. Shot on location in Jerusalem, United States and throughout Europe, the film explores the different ways artists have depicted the Easter story through the ages and thus depicts the history of us all.

Critically acclaimed comedian Chris Ramsey is hitting the road for his biggest ever stand-up tour in 2020.

Support Act: Carl Hutchinson “Frighteningly talented… tearing up every stage he lands on.” James Mullinger, GQ “A brilliantly engaging natural storyteller.”

Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard

£8 (£6 concession) Beneath the Moon, under the snowy mountains, amongst a flock of woolly sheep, Jack is bored.

Bored of watching sheep.

Bored of counting sheep. but most importantly...bored of SHEEP. Down in the village just a whisper of a wolf will cause a panic!

Join us for an adventure and find out what happens when Jack cries WOLF! With original music, puppetry and a tale you thought you knew…

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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COMEDY

Pete Firman & The Amazing TBC Friday 10 April, 7.30pm | £16 Come and witness the first and possibly final performance of The World’s Greatest Magical Double Act! Award-winning magician/ comedian Pete Firman returns with a magic show like you’ve never seen before. Every night he will be joined by a different special guest who has no previous conjuring experience. Together they will perform jaw-dropping magic without any rehearsal.

Unplanned! Unpredictable! Unwise!

“Spellbinding.” The List “The new poster-boy for British comedy magic” The Telegraph Recommeded Age 14+ 26

FAMILY

MUSIC

Comedy Club 4 Kids

The Gala Big Band

Saturday 11 April, 2.00pm £12 (£10 concession)

Tuesday 14 April, 7.30pm £7 (£6 concession)

Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children and their families… but without the rude bits! It’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance of heckles like “why is that your face!?”

The Gala Big Band was formed in September 2014. The band is made up of a diverse range of Durham based amateur and semiprofessional musicians.

Led by Paul Edis, the band’s repertoire includes classic big band arrangements from Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Buddy Rich and includes newer material specially commissioned for the band.

For details of how to get involved, please see page 37.

MUSIC

Michael Roach Saturday 11 April, 8.00pm | £15 Michael Roach is the Founder/Director of Blues Week (now in its 20th year) held at Hartpury University. Dating back to the early 1980’s, he spent several years learning directly from such well-known figures as John Jackson, John Cephas and Jerry Ricks. With seven albums to his credit and an instructional DVD (An introduction to Country Blues Guitar), Michael is firmly established in traditional blues music circles around the world.

THEATRE

Fingerpicking Country Blues Guitar Workshop Saturday 11 April, 1.00pm | £25 Suitable for guitarists with some experience who want to develop their finger-picking skills to play country blues and ragtime guitar, look at chords used in a blues song form and techniques for developing rhythm. Learn from Michael how to pick out the melody lines with your finger while your thumb is alternating the bass line. Participants should know the chords in the key of C (C, F and G) and key of E (E, A, and B7) and be able to change confidently between the chord shapes. Music reading is not required as all learning will be by ear, some written notes in the form of tab will be given to help.

Participants will need to bring a 6-string acoustic guitar.

Harpy

By Philip Meeks Presented by Something for the Weekend Wednesday 15 April, 7.30pm £20 (£18 concession) £15 Gala Members Birdie’s a hoarder. The neighbours call her a harridan and a harpy, although most have never even met her. But it isn’t rubbish. It’s her life’s work and it exists because years ago something deeply cherished was stolen from her; Birdie’s not been able to give up anything since. She’ll do anything to get this priceless thing back. Anything at all. National treasure Su Pollard gives a one-woman tourde-force performance in this razor-sharp and bittersweet dark drama from Fringe First award winner Philip Meeks.

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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MUSIC

Cloudbusting

The Music of Northern Soul Live

The Music of Kate Bush

Saturday 18 April, 7.30pm | £22.50

Thursday 16 April, 7.30pm | £22 Championed by the BBC as one of the most authentic tributes in the world.

The Music of Northern Soul Live features the UK’s premier live Northern Soul band The Signatures with lead vocalist Stefan Taylor plus original Northern Soul legend Lorraine Silver with her classic Northern Soul track Lost Summer Love which was massive at the Wigan Casino.

Cloudbusting can’t wait to whip up a storm of love for Kate Bush’s music once again with their new show featuring all the hits you’d expect as well as many songs you wouldn’t!

The band put their own expression to many classic Northern Soul numbers creating a true balance between authentic and modern in sound. Step back to the sounds of the Twisted Wheel, Blackpool Mecca, Golden Torch and Wigan Casino. The Signatures give a full set of passion and energy, guaranteeing to get the audience Out On The Floor.

Accompanied by eyepopping visuals that highlight the drama of Kate’s music, Cloudbusting is an event no Kate Bush fan will want to miss.

“If you missed seeing Kate herself, Cloudbusting are the next best thing!.”

Simon Mayo, BBC Radio 2 28

MUSIC

THEATRE

SCREENING

Crimes, Camera, Action

King John

Presented by New Old Friends

Presented by RSC Live

Wednesday 22 – Thursday 23 April, 7.30pm (+2.30pm on Thursday) | £16 (£14 concession)

Wednesday 29 April, 7.00pm | £15 (£13 concession) £10 Gala Members

The multi-award-winning New Old Friends are at it again with another instalment in their hugely popular Crimes… series of comedy thrillers. Following their appearances at Gala Theatre with Crimes On The Nile and Crimes Under The Sun, Crimes, Camera, Action whisks the audience to golden-era Hollywood and introduces a new lead detective, a world-weary, hard-boiled private eye in the mould of Humphrey Bogart: meet Stan Shakespeare. The case? A screen starlet is stabbed as a result of a prop mix-up on set. It sets in motion a typically fast-paced and hilarious chain of events that sees a cast of four exceptional comic actors take on multiple roles, sometimes within the same scene. Expect the usual New Old Friends mix of great theatrical set pieces, the quickest of quick changes, lightning fast word play and a thrilling plot driving the action at breakneck pace. “celebrations of theatricality…low budget aplomb worth of The 39 Steps.” The Times “for sheer madcap fun you would find it criminally hard to beat.” British Theatre Guide

A mad world of mad Kings, teetering on the brink of disaster.

Richard the Lionheart is dead. His brother John is King of England. Threatened from all sides

by Europe, the English noblemen and even his own family, King John will stop at nothing to keep hold of his crown.

Shakespeare’s rarely performed tale of a nation in turmoil vibrates with modern resonance in this vivid new production by Director Eleanor Rhode in her debut at the RSC.

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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SPECIAL EVENT

24 - 26 APRIL Keep visiting durhamadventurefestival.co.uk for programme announcements.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

KENDAL MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL

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THEATRE

A Gala Theatre Production

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER

By Ali Taylor Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 May, 7.30pm (+1.00pm on Wednesday and Saturday) | £16 (£14 concessions), £12 Gala Members, First Night, Matinees, £5 Under 25s

When Cathy and her teenage daughter are forced out of their flat by spiralling living costs, they struggle to find a suitable home. Reluctant to move away, Cathy seeks help from the local housing office, only to find herself falling through cracks in the system, with no one willing or able to stop her descent.

Candid, poignant and intimate, this affecting play offers a timely reflection on the lives of those at the sharp end of economic austerity, faced with impossible choices and an uncertain future.

Inspired by Ken Loach’s 1966 television drama, Cathy Come Home. When first broadcast, it sent shockwaves through British society. Telling the story of a young couple descending into poverty and homelessness after being evicted, the gritty BBC film was watched by a quarter of the UK population. Now, in a society facing low pay, zero-hour contracts and rental costs way beyond their reach, this updated story is a powerful and tender look at the human cost of the housing crisis. “essential... gripping, soul-wrenching stuff.” Scottish Mail on Sunday 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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Coming Soon and Booking Now...

Kiri Pritchard-McLean 5 May English Touring Opera: Cosi Fan Tutte

11 May

English Touring Opera: St John Passion

12 May

Joel Dommett 13 May DMTC: Chess - The Musical

19 - 23 May

The Drifters 24 May

A Way Home

By Christina Castling Tuesday 2 June, 7.30pm | £16 (£14 concession) £12 Gala Members ‘This house isn’t unfit for habitation. We’re inhabiting it. It’s been habitated for 100 years!’

1951 saw a third of County Durham’s villages classified as ‘D’. They were no longer deemed worthy of investment and were expected to die quietly. But they wouldn’t.

This new play is rooted in the stories and memories of the people who called those D villages home. With humour, tenderness and not a small amount of grit, A Way Home speaks of fighting to be heard when no one’s listening, telling a story just as significant today as it was 70 years ago.

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Ballroom Boys

28 May

Francis Rossi 31 May Half Man Half Biscuit

5 June

Horrible Histories: The Worst of Barmy Britain

6 & 7 June

Hadaway Harry 12 & 13 June Ed Byrne 19 June The South 20 June Gyles Brandreth 29 June Sister Act 2 - 4 July Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo

6 July

The Story of Guitar Heroes 24 October John Lydon 28 October

Gala Gallery Open 2020 Friday 31 January to Saturday 28 March 2020

gala Gallery

In 2019 Gala put a call out for local artists to apply to the opportunity to exhibit in the gallery.

The commission will be announced in December 2019 so please keep an eye on our web page to find out more.

Diane Watson: Oh I do like to be…

Wednesday 1 April - Saturday 20 June 2020 An exhibition by the environmental artist Diane Watson focuses on the myriad plastic items washed up along our beaches. The exhibition will explore the types of plastic pollution around the British coast line, working with plastic free communities Diane will be joining beach cleans over the autumn and winter months, collecting plastic debris, drawing comparisons from the plastics found. This will result in the production of new art works reflecting the nature of pollution across the UK. Diane will be running free workshops in the gallery as part of Durham Adventure Festival 2020 on Saturday 25 April. Schools workshops are available for this exhibition please check the website for more info.

Judith Kerr: The Tiger Who Came to Tea Celebrating more than 50 years of Britain’s best loved picture book Wednesday 1 July - Saturday 29 August 2020 Judith Kerr’s first picture book, The Tiger Who Came to Tea began as a bedtime story for her own children and was published in 1968. It soon became a classic and by the time it celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2008, it had been translated into 11 languages and sold over five million copies. Alongside facsimile artwork, notes and sketches enjoy stepping into Sophie’s kitchen to have tea with a life-size tiger. A Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books’ Touring Exhibition.

Please note that all our exhibitions are free and accessible during normal opening hours. www.galadurham.co.uk/gala-gallery 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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LOVE♥CULTURE A season of events celebrating the history, art and culture of County Durham, organised in partnership by Durham County Council,

Photographing Tutankhamun

Durham’s Louis Allen and the History of a Battle

The Origins of London Transport’s Visual Identity

Christina Riggs

Tarak Barkawi

Richard Taylor

Tuesday 21 January, 5.45pm

Tuesday 25 February, 5.45pm

Tuesday 10 March, 5.45pm

The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in November 1922 made headlines, but it was photography that brought this minor pharaoh worldwide fame. This talk considers how the excavators took photographs under the pressure of both media interest and politics.

What could a fresh look at these photos tell us about Tutankhamun, Howard Carter, and the history of Egyptian archaeology?

Often written and consumed by veterans, military history is too close to its own subject matter. In his seminal history of the Burma campaign in which he served, Louis Allen sought clarity through exacting reflexivity and the archives of his former enemies. Between the first and second editions of his Burma: The Longest War 1941-45, he became embroiled in a dispute with veterans of the Battle of Sangshak. The story of this dispute guides us through some of the ways in which history is a continuation of war by other means.

These events are free but booking is recommended.

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Since emerging in 1916 the London Underground bullseye logo and unique sansserif typeface have become symbols not just for transport but for the capital itself. How did Edward Johnston, an Uruguayan-born student of mediaeval calligraphy, collaborate with a manager from the north-east’s own railway company to bring about this revolution in graphic design?

LOVE♥CULTURE and the Centre for Visual Arts and Culture and History Departments of Durham University.

Nazi Elite-School Exchange Programmes Mapping Overseas Migrants in European with British Public Schools during the 1930s Cities at the Turn of the Twentieth Century Helen Roche

Markian Prokopovych

Tuesday 17 March, 5.45pm

Tuesday 23 March, 5.45pm

Between 1934 and 1939, pupils from the National Political Education Institutes (aka Napolas), the most prominent type of Nazi elite school, engaged in exchanges with boys from British public schools, including Harrow, Rugby, Westminster, and Winchester. The Napola pupils were supposed to act as ‘cultural ambassadors’ for the Third Reich.

The so-called ‘Great Atlantic Migration’ was a long process that included many stages within the European continent before the migrants could board the ships that would eventually transport some of them overseas. In particular, migrants from East Central Europe had to cross the entire continent first. This involved longer stays in cities en route that functioned as hubs in the railway and information networks. Their stay was short and transitory; however, they would become part of the complex system of institutions and individuals that both facilitated and controlled the migrant flow.

Using contemporary documentary evidence and eyewitness testimonies from former pupils on both sides of the Anglo-German divide, this lecture will explore the changing attitudes of participating English and German boys during this period.

What was these migrants’ experience of the cities? Did the ‘locals’ assist them or, conversely, act on the authorities’ behalf? By using case studies from the emerging research project, this talk aims to provide preliminary answers to these questions.

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk 35

Education and Engagement The Gala Education Team offer bespoke workshops and outreach programmes that can be tailored to your educational settings and needs.

Here are a few workshops we already offer but please get in touch if there is something specific that you require for your group.

Acting from script

Using a blend of traditional and contemporary practices, the workshop will guide the students through a process that enables them to breathe life into a script as well as finding an interpretation that satisfies a modern audience.

Perfect for: Acting technique, exploring a text, confidence building, exploring the relationship between playwright and text.

Devising new work

As an increasing number of contemporary theatre groups create original work, the world of devising for stage is becoming richer. Looking at key methods to help create, develop and refine devised work, the workshop will culminate in the beginnings of some exciting new work.

Perfect for: Group/chorus work, team building, confidence building, exploring new practices.

Improvisation for beginners

Improvisation is a skill that can be learnt. Using tried and tested techniques, the students will discover that anyone can be a proficient improviser.

Perfect for: Confidence building, devising practice, team building, exploring comedy, writing skills.

Acting technique

Exploring the diverse acting methods, this is a highly adaptable workshop that can focus on key acting styles of interest or provide a wide overview of the most commonly used.

Perfect for: Budding actors, developing a specific acting technique, finding a blend of technique.

Team building through performance

A highly functioning theatre group bolster important and powerful techniques of teamwork that can be used through all of life. Working on creating a strong performance group, the workshop will expose key elements to democratising healthy and vibrant working practices.

Perfect for: New groups, building stronger connections, performance groups, discovering the links.

Cathy Production Workshop Join us for a chance to explore the themes and topics within the play. An experienced practitioner will lead your group through a two-hour workshop, allowing a development of understanding and appreciation of the text by means of a practical workshop.

For further details and to book contact: Kate Sorahan, Theatre Education Officer ksorahan@galadurham.co.uk

Further information on all of the classes and artist development opportunities visit www.galadurham.co.uk/about-engage 36 32

Gala Big Band Tuesdays 7.00pm - 9.00pm | FREE Gala Big Band boasts an unrivalled swing repertoire, so if you’re a musician with a passion for the untraditional why not get involved?

Our welcoming community band meets fortnightly, supporting a diverse range of amateur and semi-pro musicians from 11 to 85!

Gala Singers Thursdays 6.30pm - 8.30pm | £3 per session Love music? Love singing? Want to learn new skills? Then join us to sing for wellbeing, health and fun! Gala Singers is a choir for adults who love to sing!

Everyone is welcome, all musical abilities.

Focus is on fun and relaxation.

Gala Theatre Stage School The school runs five age groups, from ages 3 to 23. These weekly classes enrich the lives of young people by developing their social and theatrical skills through professional standard performing arts activities. The sessions foster teamwork, build confidence and encourage exploration.

For further details and to apply contact: Kate Sorahan, Theatre Education Officer ksorahan@galadurham.co.uk

Intervals Café Whether or not you’re coming to see a show, why not pop into our café?

Intervals Café offers the perfect place to eat and drink in style, with a wide selection of fresh salads, sandwiches and pasta as well as tasty snacks, cakes and pastries.

Look out for our new menu which includes featherblade steak with onion and cheddar, crispy chilli chicken wraps, veggie Mexican chilli wraps, homemade burgers, salmon and dill fishcakes and much more.

Our opening times are 10.00am - 3.00pm Monday to Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm Saturday

03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

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gala 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.

Join our e-mailing list Sign up to our mailing list via our website to get the latest information and offers delivered straight to your inbox.

Don’t forget…

Gala cinema tickets are now just £5 each for any film* or £20 for a family of five, to include a minimum of two children. *excludes live screenings and special events.

Doctor Dolittle

Gala Theatre Membership Scheme We love being able to give our loyal customers that little bit extra. Support the Gala Theatre by becoming one of our Gala Members, and enjoy fantastic benefits. Visit our website for more details. Annual membership costs just £15 for individuals or £25 for a couple’s membership.

You can join or renew by contacting our Box Office on 03000 266 600.

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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. A £2 per transaction fee applies for online and phone bookings.

Reservations are held for 3 days. Group bookings of 10+ must be paid two months before the show.

Single Seat Policy We operate a single seat policy, please ask at Box Office for details or check the website.

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 document summarised in another language or format.

boxoffice@durham.gov.uk

03000 266 600

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Event Diary January Sun 5 Sat 11 Sun 12 Tues 14 Fri 17 Fri 17 Fri 17 Sat 18 Tues 21 - Sat 25 Fri 24 Sun 26 Mon 27 Thurs 30 Thurs 30 - Sat 1 Feb February Sun 2 Sun 2 Tues 4 Wed 5 Fri 7 Fri 7 Sat 8 Sun 9 Sun 9 Fri 14 Sat 15 Sun 16

Classic Cinema Studio Queen Rhapsody The Comedy Store EOS: Lucian Freud Singin’ in the Rain Miss Crispy 1988 Funny Bones Comedy Club Spontaneous Potter DULOG: Oklahoma!

Gala Lunchtime Concert Series The Chicago Blues Brothers Northern Lights EOS: Lucian Freud The Wind in the Willows

The Comedy Store Classic Cinema Studio Kinky Boots: The Musical Beautiful Burnout The Rolling Stones Story Funny Bones Comedy Club GTSS Sharings Kinky Boots: The Musical The Cabaret Café Clare Teal Morgan & West The Jive Aces Big Beat Revue

Box Office 03000 266 600 Thurs 20 Thurs 20 Fri 21 Sat 22 Sun 23 Tues 25 Thurs 27 Fri 28 Fri 28 Sat 29 - Sun 1 March

Rose and Robin NT Live: Cyrano de Bergerac Rich Hall Phil Wang ComedyFest Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps Tom Stade Gala Lunchtime Concert Series Dad’s Army Radio Show The Tiger Who Came To Tea

March Sun 1 Classic Cinema Studio Wed 4 BBC Big Band Thurs 5 My Night With Reg Fri 6 Elkie Brooks Sat 7 Russell Kane Sun 8 TIN Arts: SLIDE! Thurs 12 - Fri 13 Giovanni Pernice Fri 13 Funny Bones Comedy Club Sat 14 - Sun 15 The North of England Brass

Band Championships Mon 16 - Tues 17 County Durham Secondary

Dance Showcase Wed 18 Buddy Holly & the Cricketers Thurs 19 Mark Thomas Fri 20 Gala Lunchtime Concert Series Fri 20 Jessica Fostekew Sat 21 - Sun 22 Zog

Sat 21 Thurs 26 Fri 27 Fri 27 Sat 28 Sun 29 Tues 31

Andy Parsons Cara Dillon Friends: The Musical Parody Jen Brister Crooners Orchestra North East Best Foot Forward

April Wed 1 Little Red Riding Hood Thurs 2 Mark Steel Sat 4 Lesley Garrett Sun 5 Classic Cinema Studio Sun 5 The Comedy Store Tues 7 EOS: Easter in Art Tues 7 - Wed 8 Chris Ramsey Thurs 9 Wolf!

Fri 10 Pete Firman Sat 11 Comedy Club 4 Kids Sat 11 Michael Roach Tues 14 The Gala Big Band Wed 15 Harpy Thurs 16 Cloudbusting Sat 18 The Music of Northern Soul Wed 22 - Thurs 23 Crimes, Camera, Action Thurs 23 EOS: Easter in Art Fri 24 Gala Lunchtime Concert Series Fri 24 Funny Bones Comedy Club Fri 24 - Sun 26 Durham Adventure Festival Wed 29 RSC Live: King John