Gala Theatre Autumn 2015

gala theatre & cinema Autumn 2015

WELCOME It’s Gala’s autumn season, which means for us, the focus is on the creation of our annual pantomime, which this year is Cinderella.

The big change this year, is that as well as playing lead roles in the show, Gala favourites Neil Armstrong and Paul Hartley have stepped up to write and direct this year’s production. They both bring a wealth of panto experience to the job, and they know exactly what Durham audiences love. It’s a really exciting development for us, and I know you’ll be delighted with what they’ve got in store.

Autumn is also a big time for festivals, with both Durham Book Festival and the TakeOff Festival happening in October.

There are big name authors visiting the North East along with home-grown talent and a feast of inspiration and entertainment for book lovers. While TakeOff Festival showcases the best theatre for families and young people brought to Durham from across the world. It is a week of magical, bold and innovative theatre, and we are delighted to host the events at Gala.

Add all this to our own programme of live events and cinema, and it makes for an exciting packed programme. We look forward to welcoming you to Gala.

Robin Byers Service Manager - Place & Experience

gala Online. . .

There are many ways to engage with Gala online.

Booking online is the quickest and easiest way to get tickets for your favourite event. And whether for a theatre or cinema performance, you can select your own seat when booking.

Just go to www.galadurham.co.uk Being one of our Facebook friends is the most direct way of keeping up-to-date with everything that’s happening at Gala, with regular updates of all our events and activities Go to: www.facebook.com/galadurham If you prefer your updates in small packages, be sure to follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/galadurham We’ve recently launched our own Instagram account where you can follow us @galatheatreandcinema for images and videos from shows, behind the scenes and other good stuff from the venue.

London Classic Theatre presents:

ABSENT FRIENDS

By Alan Ayckbourn. Directed by Michael Cabot Wealthy, unfulfilled housewife Diana arranges a gathering of old friends to cheer up bereaved Colin, whose fiancée drowned two months earlier. Preparations for the tea party spark tensions and open old wounds. As lingering resentments and deep-rooted jealousies surface, an unexpectedly cheerful Colin strolls into the mayhem.

First produced in 1974, Absent Friends explores friendship, marriage and what it ultimately means to be happy. In one of his finest plays, Ayckbourn’s craftsmanship and acute social observation have never been sharper or more biting. Alan Ayckbourn is an Olivier and Tony Award winning playwright, whose 78 plays have been produced worldwide.

Thursday, 3 September, 7.00pm | £15 (£13 conc), £10 Gala Friends NT Live present:

THE BEAUX’ STRATAGEM Simon Godwin (Man and Superman) directs George Farquhar’s wild comedy of love and cash. The ‘Beaux’: Mr Aimwell and Mr Archer, two charming, dissolute young men who have blown their fortunes in giddy London. Shamed and debt-ridden, they flee to provincial Lichfield. Their ‘Stratagem’: to marry for money. Lodged at the local inn, posing as master and servant, they encounter a teeming variety of human obstacles: a crooked landlord, a fearsome highwayman, a fervent French Count, a maid on the make, a drunken husband, a furious butler, a natural healer and a strange, turbulent priest. But their greatest obstacle is love. When the Beaux meet their match in Dorinda and Mrs Sullen they are most at risk, for in love they might be truly discovered.

3 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Tuesday 1 & Wednesday 2 September, 7.30pm | £15 (£13 conc), £10 Gala Friends (Tuesday only)

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Wednesday 9 September, 7.30pm | £15 (£13 conc), £12 Gala Friends

NICK BAKER’S WEIRD CREATURES An evening with naturalist Nick Baker as he tells his favourite stories about discovering, meeting and filming some of his most-loved weird creatures. As well as some candid and revealing ‘behind the scenes’ trials and tribulations, he will also explain why these animals appear weird to us and how their strange looks and habits are born of a need to tackle some unique habitats and situations.

Learn more about some of the lesser inhabitants of our planet, part bizarre, part adventure and part conservation; all served up with a generous dollop of humour.

£11 (£9 conc), (£8 Students and Gala Friends)

THE COMEDY STORE It’s the first Sunday of the month, so it must be The Comedy Store. Gala’s regular meeting place for hilarious, comical and sometimes downright eccentric comedians. Each month our friends at The Comedy Store create a line-up of the very best performers on the circuit especially for the audiences of Durham. Rib-tickling guaranteed.

So if you fancy a cracking evening of laughter, come and join the fun. Contains strong language, recommended age 16+. This season’s shows are on the following dates: Sunday 6 September Sunday 4 October Sunday 1 November With all shows starting at 7.30pm, join us for a pre-show drink between 6pm-7pm, when all beer and lager has 10% off.

And why not make a meal of it and book your show ticket and a meal with our amigos at Chiquito. You’ll get a mex-cellent main course, plus your ticket to The Comedy Store for just £15. Ask Box Office for details. It’s no laughing matter… book now.

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA WITH LONDON FESTIVAL OPERA London Festival Opera return with a brand new production featuring highlights from Bizet’s masterpiece Carmen and other popular arias from the works of Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Puccini and the ever popular Gilbert & Sullivan. London Festival Opera has a considerable reputation and feature stars from the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Glyndebourne and some exceptional young singers. “opera at its very best” Oxford Times

5 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Thursday 10 September, 7.30pm | £20 (£18 conc)

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Saturday 12 September, 7.30pm | £17.50 (£15.50 conc)

RUBY WAX SANE NEW WORLD Starting out as an actor at the RSC, Ruby went on to write and perform in her own TV shows and script edited the entire series of Absolutely Fabulous. More recently she has also become a mental health campaigner and gained a Masters degree in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy from Oxford University.

This show is based on her critically acclaimed book which helps us understand why we sabotage our sanity with our own thinking.

Sane New World shows us how to rewire our thinking to find calm in a frenetic world and how to become the master, not the slave, of our own minds. This show is your passport to saner living. She might not be sane herself, but she does a pretty good imitation.

Saturday 12 September, 7.45pm | £8.50

FUNNY BONES COMEDY CLUB Funny Bones on a Saturday instead of a Friday?!

You’re having a laugh aren’t you!

Well, we sure will be with this fantastic line-up of comedians. Danny Pensive, Adam Rowe, Lukas Kirkby and MC for the evening Freddie Quinne will bring the jokes, you bring the laughter.

The legendary, record-breaking, Box Office smash hit thriller...

The Mousetrap is famous around the world for being the longest running show of any kind in the history of British theatre - with over 25,000 performances it’s a play to be proud of. Enjoy this once in a life-time opportunity to see this masterpiece at Gala.

The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst. Who can it be? One by one the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motive are finally revealed.

In her own inimitable style, Dame Agatha Christie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.

“The cleverest murder mystery of British Theatre” The Telegraph “A truly entertaining classic thriller” The Sunday Times “Deservedly a classic among murder thrillers” The Observer Running time approx. 2 hours 20 mins.

Monday all tickets £22.50 Tuesday - Thursday Evenings & Saturday Matinee £24.50 (£22.50 conc) Wednesday Matinee £21.50 (£19.50 conc) Friday & Saturday Evenings £26.50 (£24.50 conc)

7 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Monday 14 - Saturday 19 September, 7.30pm (+ Wed & Sat 2.30pm)

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Friday 18 September, 8.00pm | £15 (£13 conc), £10 Gala Friends

SEAN MCLOUGHLIN WHATEVER IT TAKES After finally clawing his career out of the toilet and towards the stars, Sean should be at his happiest, right? Unfortunately this long-awaited improvement in career has coincided with an astonishing collapse in his personal life (floods, divorce, cats etc). He’s beaten the system and yet finds himself at the mercy of it. From these two conflicting circumstances a question has emerged: Can a man rise AND fall at the same time? Fresh from supporting Katherine Ryan, this is his sharpest and most hilarious stand-up yet. “the best comedian you haven’t heard of yet” Mark Watson

Sunday 20 September, 8.00pm | £21

THINK FLOYD This extraordinary show is the definitive Pink Floyd experience. A stunning celebration of one of the world’s greatest musical phenomena, the incredibly talented musicians faithfully recreate all the atmosphere, visual magnitude and musical excellence of Pink Floyd live on stage. This brand new show celebrates one of the most influential albums of all time, Dark Side of the Moon, with a performance of the entire masterpiece, complete with an impressive laser light show; plus music from the whole range of classic Pink Floyd including The Wall, Animals, Wish You Were Here, Meddle, The Division Bell and more.

Tuesday 22 September, 7.30pm | £15 (£13 conc), Free for Gala Friends

MARTIN TAYLOR Award-winning guitarist Martin Taylor has established a unique musical career spanning across five decades. His inimitable style has seen him recognised as the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing, receiving the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Heart of Jazz Award in recognition of his talent. After dazzling audiences in Europe, North America and Asia, Martin stops by Gala with a solo show combining brilliance, emotion and humour.

“Taylor is the finest British guitarist of his generation.” The Times of London

FRED MACAULAY TWENTY FIFTEEN It sounds like a wrong tennis score, but Twenty Fifteen is a hugely significant year for one of Scotland’s best (and best loved) stand-up comedians. Back on the road again after 18 years at BBC Radio Scotland, Fred looks back on family life at home... and forward to how his country will shape up after the referendum of 2014. As well as looking backwards and forwards he’ll probably look sideways at politics, sport, the environment and without this sounding too like a brief for a newspaper, there will undoubtedly be a colour supplement with a look at ‘celebrity’.

Thursday 24 September, 7.00pm | £15 (£13 conc), £10 Gala Friends NT Live present:

CORIOLANUS

BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE National Theatre Live’s 2013 broadcast of the Donmar Warehouse’s production of Coriolanus returns to Gala by popular demand.

Shakespeare’s searing tragedy of political manipulation and revenge, Coriolanus features an Evening Standard Award-winning performance from Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers, War Horse (film), BBC’s The Hollow Crown) in the title role, directed by the Donmar’s Artistic Director Josie Rourke.

When an old adversary threatens Rome, the city calls once more on her hero and defender: Coriolanus. But he has enemies at home too. Famine threatens the city, the citizens’ hunger swells to an appetite for change, and on returning from the field Coriolanus must confront the march of realpolitik and the voice of an angry people. The best of British theatre broadcast live to the big screen at Gala.

9 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Wednesday 23 September, 7.30pm | £15 (£13 conc)

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Thursday 24 September, 7.30pm | £18.50

DAVE SPIKEY PUNCHLINES Can a joke or humourous story still be funny when you have been given the punchline beforehand? Dave is on a mission to find out.

He looks at all the classics, from nuns in baths to Prince Charles’s fur hat to that lion walking in a pub, delivering them all with the quick one-two of a heavyweight comedy champion. Add to this an irresistible mix of acute observational humour and the odd memory-jerking gag and your ribs will not just be tickled, but thoroughly pummelled.

Friday 25 September, 7.30pm | £13.50

TERRY CHRISTIAN NAKED CONFESSIONS OF A RECOVERING CATHOLIC From the streets of Manchester to the boulevards of Beverly Hills, Terry’s debut stand-up show takes a snapshot of life, overlooked by an all-seeing and often unforgiving God. This hilarious romp through the guilt-ridden realms of life contains all the maverick qualities that made him a media bête noire in the 90s on C4’s The Word. Sex, violence, religion and class are all contained in this show, which is followed by a no-holds-barred Q&A session; which has seen Terry divulging stories about Hollywood stars such as Tom Hanks and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

This show has been rescheduled from Saturday 6 June Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 September, 7.00pm (+ Sunday 2.30pm) | £16 The Ian Pyle Dancers & The Sandra Welsh School of Dance present:

DANCE OUT LOUD! A showcase of some of the best talent in the North East, featuring a wide range of music from musicals to present day. It promises to be a dazzling spectacle of original up-beat choreography, from these talented students.

Sunday 27 September, 8.00pm | £14 (£12 conc)

JO CAULFIELD UNIFORMED OPINIONS Everyone has an opinion… unfortunately. This is the show for anyone who has ever wanted to scream ‘shut up – you don’t know what you’re talking about’. Expect razor-sharp observations and scandalous one-liners as Jo shares her opinions on everything from women who always pick the wrong partner to men who continually quote gangster films. She confesses to a romantic break that almost ended in divorce, re-enacts the world’s worst birthday party and explains why her husband could never be a serial killer.

Jo shares her opinions on everything.

This show has been re-scheduled from Wednesday 22 April

GALA LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES Friday 25 September NOEL DENNIS TRIO Trumpeter Noel has worked alongside the likes of Andy Sheppard, John Warren, Tommy Smith, John Surman, Mark Nightingale, Tim Garland, Bob Mintzer and many other top musicians and composers. For this gig he is joined by pianist Paul Edis and bassist Andy Champion.

Friday 9 October BRADLEY JOHNSTON QUARTET One of the rising stars of the North East jazz circuit, Bradley Johnston leads his quartet in a performance that promises his own original material and a contemporary take on the classic jazz repertoire. The bands influences include musicians such as Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, Charlie Haden, Michel Petrucciani, Sonny Rollins.

Friday 6 November JO HARROP QUARTET Originally from the North East, London based singer Jo Harrop is a young jazz singer with a captivating, rich, chocolate voice.

Inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett and Betty Carter, Jo’s favourite place is on stage, singing classic Jazz standards with ease.

Friday 18 December NORTHERN MONKEY BRASS BAND Formed at the beginning of 2009, the band formerly known as Horn Dogs are a deeply funky collective of some of the finest drum and brass players in the North East of England.

Led by trumpeter Graham Hardy, the Northern Monkey Brass Band were initally inspired by Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Youngblood Brass Band to name a few (as well as that bit at the beginning of Live And Let Die). They have rapidly earned a reputation for lively, energetic shows featuring well known covers in a way you’ve never heard them, classics of the genre and original music written specifically for the band. Whether they’re busking on the street, playing at festivals or an intimate bar gig, Northern Monkey Brass Band show you a good time.

11 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

All concerts 1.00pm - 2.00pm | £4

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Monday 28 September, 7.30pm | £19.50

THE SEARCHERS With total record sales well in excess of 50 million and classic hits including Sweets For My Sweet, Sugar and Spice and When You Walk In The Room, The Searchers remarkable career continues as their latest tour stops in Durham.

This special and highly-entertaining ‘solo’ concert has been enthusiastically received throughout the world, combining anecdotes and reminiscences with performances of their famous hits, B-sides and and well known favourites.

Tuesday 29 September, 7.30pm | £25 (£55 VIP package - contact Box Office for details)

LEO SAYER RESTLESS YEARS TOUR The Grammy award winning, international charttopping, British music legend comes to Gala this autumn in support of his latest album Restless Years.

Known the world over for his army of hits including Thunder In My Heart, Moonlighting, One Man Band, I Can’t Stop Loving You and the transatlantic number ones, When I Need You and You Make Me Feel Like Dancing; Leo’s latest release has received rave reviews. With 16 classic albums and 26 hit singles, Leo will perform new material alongside old favourites.

Tuesday 29 September, 8.00pm | £12.50

ROGER WATERS THE WALL From the creator of the classic Pink Floyd album, this is a truly breathtaking cinematic experience.

Seen live by over 7 million fans worldwide, The Wall tour was an event like no other. Featuring Roger Waters in conversation and the whole momentous show, Sean Evans and Roger himself bring us a road movie of his reckoning with the past.

Running time: 3 hours.

“Sets the bar for stadium rock shows” The Telegraph

KEITH BARRY BRAIN HACKER Keith has established himself as Ireland’s biggest touring entertainment star with a series of sell-out shows and smash-hit record-breaking theatre runs. Due to become a household name as part of ITV’s brand-new Saturday night show You’re Back in the Room, his show Brain Hacker uses a combination of mind control, deception, mentalism and hypnotism, as Keith hacks the brains of his audience to unlock a safe, move inanimate objects and more. Volunteers, who must be aged 18 or over, may leave the stage at any time.

“Keith Barry is dangerous. I’ve seen him see inside people’s souls and hypnotise even the hardest of skeptics… he’s mindblowing” Woody Harrelson Thursday 1 October, 8.00pm | £16.50

JOSH WIDDECOMBE WHAT DO I DO NOW? Josh… that guy from the TV comedy shows with the curly hair is back on the road. Since he’s been away, the star of Channel 4’s The Last Leg has been working hard on other things. But don’t worry, in his spare time he’s found a lot of minor things to get annoyed about, and now he has a chance to talk about them on stage (in the form of jokes). If you have seen him before and enjoyed yourself then this is the show for you. If you didn’t like him then it probably isn’t.

Recommended age: 14+ “This Devonian observationalist has embedded himself among the comedy elite” The Guardian Tuesday 6 October, 8.00pm | SOLD OUT

TIM VINE TIM TIMINEE TIM TIMINEE TIM TIM TO YOU With his first stand-up tour in four years, the punslinger returns with lots of new jokes, silly songs and twitchy dancing. Joke, joke, joke.

Prop, prop, prop. Song, song, song. (Sorry the laptop’s jammed). It’s time to put the satire on hold and watch a grown man act the goat. Come along and enjoy the nonsense. Warning: This show will contain wobbly props, one reference to a panda and a song about getting water in your ear after you’ve been swimming. Support from John Archer.

“Vine is a supreme punmeister” Time Out

13 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Wednesday 30 September, 8.00pm | £17.50

14 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Friday 2 - Sunday 4 October, 5.00pm (Fri) 11.00am & 2.00pm (Sat), 10.30am (Sun) | £12.50 (£15 Danger Seats) Direct from the West End, Dinosaur Zoo brings these awesome prehistoric creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen them before. From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, observe and interact with extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this imaginative and hilarious live show. But watch out, not all of these ravenous reptiles are as tame as they seem. Would you dare to get up close and personal with the Tyrannosaurus Rex? Join the dino-keepers after the show for a meet and greet with the dinosaurs. A tyrannosauric treat for everyone aged 3+.

Running Time: 50 minutes. “fabulous… any dino lover over 3 should not miss it” BBC Radio 4

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR Celebrated British blues rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Joanne Shaw Taylor comes to Gala as part of her nationwide tour. Alongside her four-piece band featuring Oliver Perry (drums), Tom Godlington (bass) and Joe Leadbetter (keyboards), Joanne will perform songs from her recently critically acclaimed album The Dirty Truth as well as songs from her previous three albums White Sugar, Diamonds in the Dirt and Almost Always Never.

“Who said white gals can’t play guitar?”

The Sunday Times Thursday 8 October, 7.30pm | £18

BRUCE COCKBURN Over the course of four decades, the celebrated Canadian singer/songwriter has become widely recognised for his compelling songwriting, social message and innovative guitar playing. With a career that spans over three decades, Bruce continues to musically redefine himself, often travelling to the corners of the earth out of humanitarian concerns which have led to some of his most memorable songs. His latest album is a collection of songs of romance, protest and spiritual discovery, and we are delighted he will be bringing his talents to Gala.

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Wednesday 7 October, 7.30pm | £20

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Friday 9 October, 7.45pm | £8.50

FUNNY BONES COMEDY CLUB We’re back to our usual Friday night routine with October’s Funny Bones.

Kick start your weekend in side-splitting style with hilarious comedy from self-proclaimed silly Brummie Andy White, the energetic Brennan Reece and local lad Sean Turner. Hosted by whirlwind MC Warren Speed.

Friday 9 October, 7.30pm | £21.50

PORT ISAAC’S FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS This bunch of shanty singers from Port Isaac have delighted visitors and locals there for more than 15 years. Down on the harbour front of their North Cornwall tiny fishing village, the authentic sound of the shanty can be heard loud and clear via the mighty, brawny chorale of The Fisherman’s Friends. Unusually for a singing group, each member will take the lead giving them a huge variety of sound and song. Drawing from a repertoire reaching back 200 years, they embrace songs and shanties not only from Cornwall, but Liverpool, Ireland, Africa, the West Indies and America too. The Shanty Man is back in business. Be prepared to have your ears blown clean off…

AN AUDIENCE WITH PAM AYRES FORTY YEARS ON Forty years after she first appeared on TV’s Opportunity Knocks, Pam brings her latest show to Gala following the recent paperback release of her latest book of poetry, You Made Me Late Again. As heard on BBC Radio 4’s Ayres On The Air and Just A Minute, Pam’s work is funny and approachable. Her hair-trigger timing, her eye for the detail of everyday life, and for the absurdity therein, should make for a hilarious evening.

“Pam Ayres is the voice of a generation. The generation that loves poems spearing the truth about losing your specs, the first grandchild, and coping when the dog dies. She could give any stand-up a run for their money.” Edinburgh Fringe

Tuesday 13 October, 7.30pm | £15 (£13 conc), £12 Gala Friends

DICKENS ABRIDGED From Adam Long, founding member of The Reduced Shakespeare Company and co-creator of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) comes Dickens Abridged – a fast-paced musical comedy. An absurdly talented cast of four bring hundreds of the great author’s best-loved characters to life in 70 minutes of madcap Dickensian mayhem.

This wonderful show is a high-speed comic journey through Dickens’ Greatest Hits, including Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, David Copperfield, Bleak House, A Tale of Two Cities, Nicholas Nickleby, The Old Curiosity Shop, and, of course... A Christmas Carol.

17 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Saturday 10 October, 7.30pm | £21

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Thursday 15 October & Monday 19 October, 7.00pm | £15 (£13 conc), £10 Gala Friends NT Live present a Sonia Friedman production of:

HAMLET Academy Award nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC’s Sherlock, The Imitation Game, Frankenstein at the National Theatre) takes on the title role of Shakespeare’s great tragedy.

Directed by Lyndsey Turner (Posh, Chimerica), National Theatre Live will broadcast this eagerly awaited production live to Gala. As a country arms itself for war, a family tears itself apart. Forced to avenge his father’s death, but paralysed by the task ahead, Hamlet rages against the impossibility of his predicament, threatening both his sanity and the security of the state.

HENRY V Henry IV is dead and Hal is King. With England in a state of unrest, he must leave his rebellious youth behind, striving to gain the respect of his nobility and people.

Laying claim to parts of France and following an insult from the French Dauphin, Henry gathers his troops and prepares for a war that he hopes will unite his country.

RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran continues his exploration of Shakespeare’s history plays with Henry V, and following his performance as Hal in Henry IV Parts I and II, Alex Hassell returns as Henry V. Broadcast live from Stratford-upon-Avon by the Royal Shakespeare Company on Wednesday 21 October, the same week as the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt.

19 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Wednesday 21 October, 7.00pm | £15 (£13 conc), £10 Gala Friends The Royal Shakespeare Company, Live from Stratford Upon Avon present:

20 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Durham Book Festival returns with an exciting programme of authors and speakers. The 2015 festival will host a variety of events for audiences of all ages in venues and historic locations throughout County Durham.

Thursday 15 October, 7.00pm | £10 (£8 conc) Sean O’Brien, Agustín Fernández and Royal Northern Sinfonia present:

NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND PERFORMED BY VOICES OF HOPE AND ROYAL NORTHERN SINFONIA Notes from Underground is a collaboration between award-winning poet Sean O’Brien and composer Agustín Fernández. This cycle of songs is inspired by poet WH Auden’s interest in the North Pennines and in particular in the lead mining industry there. The place held a near-religious and deeply ambiguous importance for Auden all his life. The evening’s programme explores dialogues between words and music and will also include performances of Britten’s Hymn to St Cecilia and three extracts from Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde. Notes from Underground is commissioned by Durham Book Festival in association with Royal Northern Sinfonia.

MARY PORTAS SHOP GIRL One of the UK’s foremost authorities on retail and brand communication and known for her television programmes including Mary, Queen of Shops, Mary talks about her memoir, Shop Girl, and her journey from childhood to the glamour of window dressing in Harvey Nichols and Harrods. Shop Girl paints a vivid picture of her childhood in the 1970s - a world where R White’s lemonade is drunk in secret, curry comes in a box marked Vesta, and beanz meanz Heinz. In Mary’s family, money is scarce, clothes are hand-me-downs, holidays are a church day out to Hastings and meals are variations on a potato theme. Then tragedy strikes Mary’s happy family and blows her world apart.

Saturday 17 October, 2.30pm | £10 (£8 conc)

PHILIP PULLMAN One of the most highly respected children’s authors writing today, Philip Pullman is the winner of many illustrious prizes including the Carnegie of Carnegies and the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. His epic fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials is widely regarded as a modern classic and has sold 17.5 million copies worldwide. Northern Lights, the first book in the series, was also made into the major motion picture The Golden Compass.

This year Durham Book Festival has selected Northern Lights, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2015, as the Festival’s Big Read title. We’ll be distributing several thousand copies of the book to festival-goers and in schools, libraries and community centres all over County Durham, as well as to the staff and students of Durham University. We will be asking readers to join us on an astonishing adventure as we share and enjoy this gripping book.

Saturday 17 October, 5.00pm | £12 (£10 conc)

BILL BRYSON THE ROAD TO LITTLE DRIBBLING: MORE NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND Over 20 years ago, Bill Bryson went on a trip around Britain to celebrate the green and kindly island that had become his home. The hilarious book he wrote about that journey, Notes from a Small Island, memorably described Durham as being ‘a perfect little city’ and became one of the most loved books of recent decades. We’re delighted to welcome Bill back to Durham to talk about his first travel book in 15 years, The Road to Little Dribbling in which he sets out again on a long-awaited, brandnew journey around the UK.

21 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Friday 16 October, 6.30pm | £10 (£8 conc)

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TakeOff Festival 2015 TakeOff Festival is a week-long celebration of theatre for children and young people, performed by some of the best theatre-makers from the UK and abroad for young audiences from 0 – 16 years. TakeOff Festival takes over the North East with many fantastic events happening across venues and schools, with lots to join in with right here in Durham. balletLORENT present:

SNOW WHITE Wednesday 21 October, 12.30pm & 7.00pm | £20 (£18 conc) Award-winning dance theatre company balletLORENT’s mystical adaptation of Snow White was created for family audiences from an original retelling by Carol Ann Duffy. Reimagining the well-loved story of a mother’s poisonous jealousy, Snow White explores thwarted desire, deception, compassion and redemption, with magical mirrors, mysterious miners and a young woman with beauty as pure as feathered snow. Snow White follows up from balletLORENT’s highly acclaimed Rapunzel which won Performance of the Year at The Journal Culture Awards 2013, and premiered at Gala Theatre in Durham in 2012. Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes.

Recommended age: 7+ Propeller Theatre Company present:

POCKET MERCHANT Thursday 22 October, 1.00pm & 7.00pm | £6 (£20 Family Ticket) Propeller brings one of Shakespeare’s darkest plays to the stage using the company’s unique revelatory style.

Under the direction of Edward Hall, Propeller’s all-male cast brings Shakespeare’s text to life with its invigorating, engaging and often funny approach to the play. Pocket Merchant is an inspiring introduction not only to Shakespeare, but also to the very best of English theatre.

The Merchant of Venice is an uncompromising tale of greed and revenge. When Bassanio falls in love with the wealthy Portia, he becomes imprisoned in a bargain with a ruthless moneylender. A pound of flesh is sought in payment, and time is fast running to untangle the trap of his own making.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes, including post show discussion. Recommended age: 11+

For the full Takeoff Festival program

THE FALCON’S MALTESER Saturday 24 October, 11.00am & 2.00pm | £6 (£20 Family Ticket) A hilarious family film noir pastiche following the adventures of the hopelessly inept private detective Tim Diamond and his sharp witted brother Nick. The plot sees the Diamond Brothers Detective agency on a thrilling case to discover just what is so important about those titular Maltesers. It features slapstick, comedy songs and a cast of four playing 20 brilliant characters like: The Fat Man (who has lost a lot of weight), Gott & Himmell, Lauren Barcardi, Beatrice von Falkenberg and Betty Cleaner.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes. Recommended age: 8+ Magnet Theatre South Africa present:

TREE Saturday 24 October, 10.30am | £6 (£20 Family Ticket) Tree is a physical theatre performance using very simple poetic language. It tells the story of a man who is hungry and wants to eat a peach. To satisfy his hunger he plants a tree, which grows through spring into summer and the man must learn to wait with patience for the peach to ripen. Watch the tree’s journey through the seasons, the story of its relationship to the animals and to humans through performance, sounds, song and beautiful imagery using carefully chosen objects.

Duration: 45 minutes. Recommended age: 3 - 7

Families are invited to join in a day of festival fun on Saturday 24 October in Durham City Centre as part of TakeOff Festival.

This year’s Family Day will include lots of shows and activities in and around the Gala Theatre for the whole family to enjoy. Enter a topsy turvy town with magical puppets in Octoville; step on board a pillar-box red van and meet well-travelled Verity; enjoy some wonderful storytelling to delight young imaginations and become an artist in our colourful craft cave.

me visit www.takeofffestival.org.uk

23 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

New Old Friends present:

24 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Monday 26 & Tuesday 27 October | £26 (£24.50 conc), £23 Gala Friends, £45 Double Ticket

OLIVIER AWARD WINNER 2014 - OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN OPERA

English Touring Opera presents two of the very best French operas told on an intimate scale, focusing on the extraordinary dramas they contain.

Monday 26 October, 7.30pm

WERTHER (MASSENET) Based on Goethe’s 1774 blockbuster novel, Werther is a tragic story of forbidden love – and rarely in opera is its destructive power felt so close to the bone. As the poet Werther becomes infatuated with Charlotte, the daughter of a local magistrate engaged to another man, all is threatened in the wake of his uncontrollable passion. Iain Farrington’s new arrangement for salon ensemble brings the musicians on stage with the singers, creating an intimacy that emphasizes the drama in this most powerful of love stories.

Werther includes a children’s chorus, sung in Durham by members of Gala Theatre Stage School.

New production, sung in English.

Age guidance: 10+ Tuesday 27 October, 7.30pm

THE TALES OF HOFFMANN (OFFENBACH) From the master of French operetta, who virtually reinvented comic opera in France, comes this work of genius, studded with famous melodies like the Barcarolle, featured in the film La Vita è bella. Late at night in a tavern, while waiting for his latest mistress, the poet Hoffmann tells an audience the story of his former loves, always shadowed by a dark adversary. Offenbach’s masterpiece has had many lives: English Touring Opera’s new production promises to be inventive and highly theatrical, featuring Ilona Domnich (Mimì in La bohème, May 2015) as the opera’s three heroines.

New production, sung in English. Age guidance: 12+ Pre-show talk at 6.30pm in Gala Theatre Studio – tickets free, but please book in advance via Gala Box Office.

‘I went home on a real high, super-charged with energy and excitement’ Music in Durham website, on ETO’s Autumn 2014 season

DAVID O’DOHERTY WE ARE ALL IN THE GUTTER, BUT SOME OF US ARE LOOKING AT DAVID O’DOHERTY David O’Doherty, the Lidl Enya, the broken Bublé, is delighted to present an evening of talking and songs played on a stupid keyboard from 1986.

Life is like a box of chocolates, but one where somebody else has eaten all the chocolates and replaced them with mouse heads and dishwasher tablets. As seen and heard on Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and The Unbelievable Truth for BBC Radio 4. Recommended age: 14+ Thursday 29 October, 8.00pm | £17.50

JENNY ECLAIR HOW TO BE A MIDDLE AGED WOMAN (WITHOUT GOING INSANE) Professional grumpy old woman, Splash survivor, amateur soup maker and novice knitter, Jenny Eclair is younger than Madonna but eats crisps and likes wine. Semi-bearded and suffering from outbreaks of gout and hysteria, Eclair puts middle age under the microscope and decides whether to laugh, cry or buy a dachshund. You are most welcome to join her, just button your cardi up properly and wipe that lipstick off your teeth.

Thursday 29 October, 8.00pm | £10

DENNIS ELLSWORTH After supporting John Smith at Gala last year, the Canadian songwriter is returning to the UK with his new album Hazy Sunshine. Dennis sings lush and languorous country blues with a blend of modern folk and shades of classic Americana. With support from BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris, he has grown into one of Canada’s most potent songwriters, with beautifully poetic lyrics and a veteran’s sense of melody, tune and arrangement. His influences include Harry Nilsson, Paul Simon and Neil Young - but his sound is entirely his own. “his vocals are as good as anyone’s and better than most” American Roots UK

25 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Wednesday 28 October, 8.00pm | £16 (£14 conc)

26 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Friday 30 October, 7.30pm | £23

LET’S HANG ON THE MUSIC OF FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS This award-winning production is a musical journey through the prolific career of the legendary Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Featuring an anthology of classic hits including Grease, December 1963 (Oh What a Night!), Sherry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Beggin’, Walk Like A Man, Big Girls Don’t Cry, and many more, climaxing with a spectacular finale of, of course, Let’s Hang On! Prepare for an electric atmosphere and don’t be surprised to find yourself on your feet and dancing before the night is over.

“You guys are dynamite!” Frankie Valli

Saturday 31 October, 7.30pm | £23.50

THE ILLEGAL EAGLES The World’s Official No.1 Eagles tribute continue to amaze crowds everywhere with their extremely tight harmonies and acute attention to detail. With over 15 years international touring experience, The Illegal Eagles’ uncanny ability to capture the band’s definitive sound has won mass audience acclaim both in the UK and abroad. Featuring the classics - Hotel California, Take It Easy, Lyin’ Eyes, Life in the Fast Lane, Take it to the Limit, and many more. “the band were flawless in their delivery both musically and vocally” The Express

27 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Monday 2 November, 7.30pm | £23.50 Prepare for a nostalgia party extravaganza as the legendary That’ll Be The Day appears with its brand new 30th Anniversary Special. The nation’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll variety show has been touring for 30 years and the birthday party is coming to Gala. Featuring a fantastic new line up of knock-out hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s plus terrific comedy, early booking is advised as this ever-popular show will attract a big audience of music lovers ready to party. “this show just gets better and better” The Telegraph

28 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Tuesday 3 November, 7.00pm | £10.50 (£8.50 conc), £7.50 Groups (20+)

SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL We welcome the UK’s largest Youth Drama Festival to the Gala stage. The Shakespeare Schools Festival works with over 1000 secondary, primary and special schools all over the UK, making it possible for them to stage abridged Shakespeare productions in their local professional theatre. Each night, four schools will perform four different Shakespeare plays. Come and celebrate the achievements of our local schools in a wonderful evening of entertainment.

Details of participating schools and the plays they will perform can be obtained from the box office.

Wednesday 4 November, 7.30pm | £17.50 (£15.50 conc)

DOUG ALLAN LIFE BEHIND THE LENS Join us for adventures, encounters and insights from awardwinning cameraman Doug Allan whose TV credits include the epic wildlife series Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Life and Frozen World. This unforgettable evening will see Doug take you up close and personal with the animals that live in the wildest places on earth, with amazing film footage, and his experiences of working with Sir David Attenborough, Gordon Ramsay and Ewan McGregor. You can chat to him about his wildlife experiences and extreme adventures, and he’ll also be selling and signing copies of his book Freeze Frame.

“For me, wildlife cameramen don’t come much more special than Doug. There’s just no one else who knows these frozen worlds as he does” Sir David Attenborough

DAVE GORMAN GETS STRAIGHT TO THE POINT* (*THE POWERPOINT) The innovative comedy mind behind Modern Life Is Goodish, Are You Dave Gorman? and Googlewhack Adventure is back with a brand new live show that promises more of his unique blend of stand-up comedy and visual story-telling as Dave Gorman Gets Straight To The Point*... (*The PowerPoint). Yes. That’s right. It’s a PowerPoint presentation. We know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry…you won’t need to take notes and you almost certainly won’t be tested on it later. “has transformed the seemingly mundane into hours of unabashed hysteria” Metro

Sunday 8 November, 8.00pm | £19

ED BYRNE OUTSIDE, LOOKING IN That bloke. You know. The Irish guy. No, not the bald one. The other one.

You know him. The one Carol from work really likes. Wait, that might be Jason Byrne. Anyway, as seen on panel shows Mock The Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Have I Got News For You, funny chap Ed Byrne brings his brand new show to Gala. “a masterful display of the comic’s art… a seamless and perfectly timed show that could stand proudly next to any Izzard, Bailey, Carr or Skinner stadium-filler” The Sunday Times

29 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Friday 6 November, 8.00pm | £24

30 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Monday 9 November, 7.30pm | £15 (£13 conc)

ANDY KIRKPATRICK COLD MOUNTAIN Described as being the ‘the Ranulph Fiennes of British Climbing’ by the Today programme unique story teller and comedian Andy has climbed in some of the most inhospitable places on earth, from Greenland to Alaska and Patagonia to Antarctica. In this new tour, he takes up where his last finished, arriving in Antarctica with the dream of climbing the ‘hardest mountain in the world’, then onto further cold adventures in Alaska, Norway and Patagonia.

As with all of Andy’s shows, Cold Mountain is a mash up of thoughts and experiences, good times and bad, laughter and maybe some tears, but guarantees to be out of this world.

Saturday 14 November, 8.00pm | £17.50

JASON BYRNE 20 YEARS A CLOWN Jason’s very own brand of verbose, organised chaos and near legendary stock-in-trade audience participation has seen him coined ‘the outright king of live comedy’

by The Times. So it is no surprise that he is the biggest selling comedian at the Edinburgh Fringe, and in 2015 he’ll be celebrating his 20th year of solo shows. Also seen on Live at the Apollo, The Royal Variety Show, and Father Figure, of which he is creator and star. “watching a new Jason Byrne show is a bit like witnessing lightning in a bottle” Edinburgh Evening News

Sunday 15 & Monday 16 November, 8.00pm | SOLD OUT

SARAH MILLICAN OUTSIDER In the past when you put Sarah Millican outside, she asked things like: ‘Why? Where is the taxi? Do I need a cardie?’ and said things like: ‘There’ll be wasps. I’ve nothing to sit on. Is that poo? Can we go home?’ But things have changed. Now she has outside slippers. She can tell a chaffinch from a tit (hey). But she still can’t tell if it’s an owl or her husband’s asthma. Sarah Millican is venturing outside. Bring a cardie. “to watch Sarah Millican is to watch a box of comedy fireworks going off” The Independent

FUNNY BONES COMEDY CLUB Prepare to be in creases with November’s Funny Bones line-up which includes award-winning Jim Smallman, the delightfully dark Penella Mellor and keyboard-wielding Tom Taylor. Be sure to join them and host MC Keith Platt for an evening of top-drawer comedy.

Thursday 19 November, 7.00pm | £15 (£13 conc), £10 Gala Friends NT Live present:

OF MICE AND MEN The hit Broadway production, filmed on stage in New York comes to the Gala screen. Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee James Franco (127 Hours, Milk) and Tony Award nominee Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids, Girls) star in the highly-anticipated screenings of this ‘riveting, powerful production’ (The Independent). This landmark revival of Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck’s play is a powerful portrait of the American spirit and a heart breaking testament to the bonds of friendship. The play is directed by Tony Award, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circles award winner Anna D. Shapiro (Broadway’s August: Osage County). The best of British theatre broadcast live to the big screen at Gala. Running time: 140 minutes.

Thursday 26 November, 7.00pm | £15 (£13 conc), £10 Gala Friends Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company present:

THE WINTER’S TALE

BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Shakespeare’s timeless tragicomedy of obsession and redemption is reimagined in a new production co-directed by Rob Ashford and Kenneth Branagh, following their triumphant staging of Macbeth in Manchester and Manhattan. In a stellar cast, Judi Dench will play Paulina and Kenneth Branagh will play Leontes. Screened live from The Garrick Theatre to the big screen at Gala, this is the first of an unmissable first season of broadcasts brought to you by an incredible creative team. Running time 3h 30mins.

31 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Friday 20 November, 7.45pm | £8.50

32 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Tuesday 8 December, 7.00pm | £15 (£13 conc), £10 Gala Friends NT Live present:

JANE EYRE Almost 170 years on, Charlotte Brontë’s story of the trailblazing Jane is as inspiring as ever. This bold and dynamic production uncovers one woman’s fight for freedom and fulfilment on her own terms. From her beginnings as a destitute orphan, Jane Eyre’s spirited heroine faces life’s obstacles head-on, surviving poverty, injustice and the discovery of bitter betrayal before taking the ultimate decision to follow her heart. This acclaimed re-imagining of Brontë’s masterpiece was first staged

by Bristol Old Vic last year, when the story was performed over two evenings. Director Sally Cookson now brings her celebrated production to the National, presented as a single, exhilarating performance.

Running time: 210 minutes

Friday 18 December, 7.45pm | £8.50

FUNNY BONES COMEDY CLUB What do you call an elf that sings? A wrapper!

Ok, probably best that we leave the jokes to the professionals. Our festive Funny Bones features Steve Day, Adam Rushton and Hal Branson as well as your host for the evening MC Harriet Dyer.

Friday 18 December, 7.30pm | £10

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Complete with built-in Christmassy warmth, set yourself up for the festive season with the big screen experience of this Jimmy Stewart classic.

A Gala Theatre and Durham Scenic Workshop Production

The Elves are back in Durham this Christmas. This year Elf has moved to the toy making department, but Uh Oh! something has happened… the toy machine is in a muddle.

Elf’s Christmas Toys is a charming and interactive introduction to theatre which engages the senses and inspires the imagination. With original music, movement and puppets, the simple storytelling is perfect for the under 5s to enjoy with their families at Christmas time. From the people who brought you last year’s success, Elf’s Christmas Adventure.

Can you help the Elves fix the toy machine in time to make all the presents for Christmas? *Contact Gala Theatre Box Office for full performance schedule and ticket prices.

33 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Friday 4 - Thursday 24 December, 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm | from £6 *

34 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

Gala Theatre’s Spectacular Family Pantomime

Written and Directed by Neil Armstrong and Paul Hartley Created in the heart of Durham, Gala’s fabulous family pantomime tells the enchanting rags-to-riches story of Cinderella.

Cinders (Hazel Pude) is confined to the kitchen, and being picked on by her Ugly Sisters, Betty (John Carter) and Sweaty (Paul Dunn). With a little help from her Fairy Godmother (Sally Collett) she hopes to win the heart of a handsome prince. With ball gowns, glass slippers and a few surprises thrown in, will it be a fairytale ending..?

Paul Hartley as the hapless Buttons causes all manner of mayhem in their attempts to help beautiful Cinderella to win the hand of dashing Prince Charming (James Hedley). Neil Armstrong as the wicked baddie does his best to thwart their plans. Filled with mayhem, magic and live music, it’s a hilarious ride through the traditional fairytale story. So polish your pumpkins, and let Durham’s family panto make your festive season complete.

“Tickets won’t break the bank, unlike some of the bigger-name productions around the region. A great way to start the festive season!” Evening Chronicle

* BSL Performance

Neil Armstrong Paul Hartley Paul Dunn John Carter Hazel Pude James Hedley Sally Collett

Dan Meany Buttons Sweaty Betty Cinderella Prince Charming Fairy Godmother

Musical Director - Mark Thompson Choreographer - Georgina Mannifield with full supporting company and the Gala Theatre Stage School dancers

Booking Now!

35 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

PRICES

Bargain Shows £10.00 Children £12.50 £14.50 Adult £14.50 £16.50 Concessions £12.50 £14.50 Friends £12.50 £14.50 Groups (10+) £12.50 £14.50 Schools £8.00 £9.00 Family Ticket £48.00 £56.00 Baby £1.00 £1.00

Thursday

26 Nov 15

7.00pm

Friday

27 Nov 15

1.30pm & 7.00pm

Saturday

28 Nov 15

2.00pm & 7.00pm

Sunday

29 Nov 15

2.00pm & 7.00pm

Tuesday

01 Dec 15

10.00am & 1.30pm

Wednesday

02 Dec 15

10.00am & 1.30pm

Thursday

03 Dec 15

10.00am & 1.30pm

Friday

04 Dec 15

10.00am & 1.30pm

Saturday

05 Dec 15

1.00pm & 6.00pm

Sunday

06 Dec 15

1.00pm & 6.00pm

Tuesday

08 Dec 15

10.00am & 1.30pm

Wednesday

09 Dec 15

10.00am & 1.30pm

Thursday

10 Dec 15

10.00am & 1.30pm

Saturday

12 Dec 15

1.00pm & 6.00pm

Sunday

13 Dec 15

1.00pm & 6.00pm

Monday

14 Dec 15

10.00am & 1.30pm

Tuesday

15 Dec 15

10.00am & 1.30pm

Wednesday

16 Dec 15

10.00am & 1.30pm

Thursday

17 Dec 15

1.30pm & 7.00pm*

Saturday

19 Dec 15

2.00pm & 7.00pm

Sunday

20 Dec 15

2.00pm & 7.00pm

Monday

21 Dec 15

2.00pm & 7.00pm

Tuesday

22 Dec 15

2.00pm & 7.00pm

Wednesday

23 Dec 15

2.00pm & 7.00pm

Thursday

24 Dec 15

11.00am & 3.00pm

Saturday

26 Dec 15

5.00pm

Sunday

27 Dec 15

2.00pm & 7.00pm

Monday

28 Dec 15

2.00pm & 7.00pm

Tuesday

29 Dec 15

2.00pm & 7.00pm

Wednesday

30 Dec 15

2.00pm & 7.00pm

Thursday

31 Dec 15

2.00pm

Saturday

02 Jan 16

2.00pm & 7.00pm

Sunday

03 Jan 16

2.00pm & 7.00pm

Treat the family book your tickets today!

36 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

FORTHCOMING ATTRACTIONS Saturday 7 May, 7.30pm | £27 (£25 conc)

TELL ME ON A SUNDAY Following her acclaimed performance in the Watermill’s 2014 production of Calamity Jane, Jodie Prenger now steps into Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s classic musical, Tell Me On A Sunday. Charting the romantic misadventures of an English girl in New York during the heady days of the 1980’s, this iconic musical features a wonderful original score including Unexpected Song and the chart-topping Take That Look Off Your Face. Performed by many legendary musical theatre stars including Marti Webb and Sarah Brightman, this new 2016 production directed by Paul Foster includes an intimate post-show chat with Jodie about life, love and playing the role of Emma.

Also coming soon to Gala Saturday 9 January

Saturday 30 January Sunday 31 January Thursday 4 February Saturday 20 February Thursday 25 February Sunday 20 March Saturday 2 April

Thursday 14 April Thursday 21 April Saturday 23 April

Wednesday 27 April Saturday 30 April

The Rat Pack Spectacular Carl Hutchinson The Pitmen Poets Gretchen Peters Megson NT Live: As You Like It T.Rextasy Tap Factory Craig Campbell Show of Hands Mad About The Musicals Three Comics & A Trickster The Young ‘Uns

37 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

gala cinema

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.

Email us at info@galadurham.co.uk to register.

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.

For all enquiries, comments or suggestions regarding Gala’s film programme, please contact us on info@galadurham.co.uk

Working in partnership with

Star Wars: Episode VII – the Force Awakens

Join our e-mailing list

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 new Meerkat Movies 2 for 1 offer.

38 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk

HERE FOR A SHOW?

Fancy a drink in the interval but don’t want to queue? Beat the rush and pre-order before the show starts, and your drinks will be ready and waiting for you.

INTERVALS CAFÉ BAR

Take a break from your busy day and relax at Gala. Drop in for a cuppa and a cake, to meet friends, or bring the little ‘uns because we’re the most buggy-friendly café in Durham. Our café bar is open from 10am - 3pm on Monday to Friday (5pm on Saturday) offering tea, coffee and snacks, plus light lunches daily from 12.00pm - 2.30pm.

HIRE OUR STUDIO If you’re looking for a wonderful city centre venue perfect for your private celebrations, then give our Studio a try. Whether it’s a graduation celebration, a special birthday, or a wedding ‘do’, we have a full bar, a dance floor and a huge range of catering options.

So why not let us take the stress out of your big day?

Please contact us on info@galadurham.co.uk or 03000 266 614

39 03000 266 600 www.galadurham.co.uk 5

BOX OFFFICE 03000 266 600 OPENING HOURS

Monday-Saturday 10.00am8.30pm, 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 nonrefundable. 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

Access Gala has lifts to all levels and Latecomers will be seated at a accessible toilets located throughout. suitable point in the performance, to Our Main Auditorium and both minimise inconvenience to others. cinemas have wheelchair spaces available. If using a wheelchair, please advise the Box Office when booking to Family Friendly Gala aspire to ensure your seats/spaces are allocated make all of our customers accordingly. We request that our welcome, no matter how small and wheelchair-using patrons attend with we really hope that our younger an able-bodied companion whose visitors become regulars at our ticket is free of charge. Guide Dogs are theatre and cinema. In welcome in all parts of the theatre. consideration of our audience and performers, we just ask that To make an accessible seat booking those under the age of 3 are only or for any access enquiries, please admitted to shows aimed at the contact 03000 266 600. very young. If in doubt, you can check with Box Office. For those We operate the Sennheiser infrared under one year old, babes-in-arms amplification system in our Main tickets are available for selected Auditorium. Headsets for the hard of shows. Find more information on hearing are available at Box Office. 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

EVENT DIARY SEPTEMBER Tues 1 & Wed 2 Absent Friends 7.30pm

Sat 17 Bill Bryson 5.00pm

Thur 3 NT Live: The Beaux’ Strategem 7.00pm

Wed 21 RSC: Henry V 7.00pm

Sun 6 The Comedy Store 7.30pm Wed 9 Weird Creatures 7.30pm

Wed 21 balletLORENT: Snow White 12.30pm & 7.00pm Thurs 22 Pocket Merchant

1.00pm & 7.30pm

Thur 10 A Night At The Opera 7.30pm

Sat 24 Tree 10.30am

Sat 12 Ruby Wax 7.30pm

Sat 24 The Falcon’s Malteser

Sat 12 Funny Bones Comedy Club 7.45pm

Mon 26 ETO: Werther (Massenet) 7.30pm

Mon 14-Sat 19 The Mousetrap

11.00am & 2.00pm

7.30pm (+2.30pm Wed/Sat)

Tues 27 ETO: The Tales of Hoffmann (Offenbach) 7.30pm

Fri 18 Sean McLoughlin 8.00pm

Wed 28 David O’Doherty 8.00pm

Sun 20 Think Floyd 8.00pm

Thur 29 Jenny Éclair 8.00pm

Tues 22 Martin Taylor 7.30pm

Thur 29 Dennis Ellsworth 8.00pm

Wed 23 Fred McAulay 7.30pm

Fri 30 Let’s Hang On 7.30pm

Thur 24 NT Live: Coriolanus 7.00pm

Sat 31 The Illegal Eagles 7.30pm

Thur 24 Dave Spikey 7.30pm Fri 25 Terry Christian 7.30pm

NOVEMBER

Sat 26 & Sun 27 Dance Out Loud 7.00pm (+2.30pm Sun)

Sun 1 The Comedy Store

Sun 27 Jo Caulfield 8.00pm

Mon 2 That’ll Be The Day 7.30pm

Mon 28 The Searchers 7.30pm

Tues 3 Shakespeare Schools Festival 7.00pm

Tues 29 Leo Sayer 7.30pm

Wed 4 Doug Allan 7.30pm

Tues 29 Roger Waters: The Wall 8.00pm

Fri 6 Dave Gorman 8.00pm

Wed 30 Keith Barry: Brain Hacker 8.00pm

Sun 8 Ed Byrne 8.00pm

7.30pm

Mon 9 Andy Kirkpatrick 7.30pm

OCTOBER

Sat 14 Jason Byrne 8.00pm

Thur 1 Josh Widdicombe 8.00pm

Sun 15 & Mon 16 Sarah Millican

Fri 2-Sun 4 Dinosaur Zoo

Thu 19 NT Live: Of Mice and Men

Tues 6 Tim Vine

Various SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT 7.00pm

Fri 20 Funny Bones Comedy Club 7.45pm

Wed 7 Joanne Shaw Taylor 7.30pm

Thu 26 KBT: The Winter’s Tale

7.00pm

Thur 8 Bruce Cockburn 7.30pm

Thur 26-Sun 3 Jan Cinderella Various

Fri 9 Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends 7.30pm Fri 9 Funny Bones Comedy Club 7.45pm

DECEMBER

Sat 10 An Audience with Pam Ayres 7.30pm

Fri 4-Thur 24 Elf’s Christmas Toys Various

Tues 13 Dickens Abridged 7.30pm

Tues 8 NT Live: Jane Eyre 7.00pm

Thur 15 & Mon 19 NT Live: Hamlet 7.00pm

Fri 18 Funny Bones Comedy Club 7.45pm

Thur 15 Notes From Underground 7.00pm

Fri 18 It’s A Wonderful Life 7.30pm

Fri 16 Mary Portas: Shop Girl 6.30pm

BOX OFFICE 03000 266 600

Sat 17 Philip Pullman 2.30pm

Information correct at the time of printing