MT Brochure spring 17

TEES VALLEY’S PLAYHOUSE

SPRING 2O17 O1642 81 51 81

book online at www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

Welcome to our Diamond Anniversary!

2017 marks 60 years since the Middlesbrough Theatre was opened - by Sir John Gielgud on the 21st October 1957 - the result of nearly thirty years’ untiring efforts by the local amateur dramatic society, Middlesbrough Little Theatre Ltd (MLT). It occupies the grounds of a former farmhouse, Toft House – one of the oldest buildings in Linthorpe – which still serves as MLT’s base, Theatre Club and increasingly active Studio theatre. Originally called the Little Theatre, it changed its name twenty years ago, not least because, with nearly 500 seats and a stage 70’ wide by 40’ deep, it ain’t that little!

Nor is our ambition, which continues to be to provide the best in professional and amateur entertainment to audiences in Middlesbrough and the wider Tees Valley.

Drama continues to be at the core of our programme and the professional programme this Spring places a special emphasis on comedy – from classic plays

by Noel Coward and Anton Chekhov, through the latest offering from John Godber, 2 to the anarchic comedy of Gonzo Moose and The Pantaloons. MLT also provide an enticing programme, beginning with Alan Bennett’s award-winning The History Boys. In a unique collaboration between the amateur and professional arms of the theatre, this is being directed by David Tuffnell, Co-Director of the theatre’s resident professional company less is MORE. We are also delighted to be collaborating once more with our colleagues at the Town Hall in mounting another season of classical concerts whilst they are closed for refurbishment. Several members of the audiences at last Spring’s season enthused about how exhilarating it was to be so close to the orchestras in the theatre’s intimate auditorium, so we have branded this season Classics Up Close.

More details can be found on page 3.

Whatever your taste, I hope you will find something to enjoy in our programme and will come and celebrate our very special year with us. I look forward to welcoming you!

Theatre Manager

CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

FRIDAY 13 JANUARY 7.30PM

SATURDAY 14 JANUARY 7.45PM Upbeat Classical Management presents

VAMPIRES ROCK GHOST TRAIN

THE MAGIC OF VIENNA

with Adam Summerhayes and his Orchestra

Classic Rock Spectacular

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All aboard the Ghost Train!

After more than a decade on tour with 3000 live performances, 5-star reviews and over a million sales nationwide, it’s no surprise that the UK’s favourite Vampire Baron is back!

Steve Steinman has ramped up the vamp in this spectacular sequel to the phenomenally successful Vampires Rock Musical Concert.

Amidst mischief and mayhem, this hilariously funny show lives up to its rocking reputation. Packed with Fangtastic Fire Routines, Guitar Gods and Sexy Vampettes performing some of the best rock anthems of all time including tracks from Guns & Roses, AC/DC, Meat Loaf and many more.

Get on the Ghost Train - it’s about to leave! vampiresrock.com £25 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

This year’s Strauss concert features the spectacular playing of violinist Adam Summerhayes.

Adam Summerhayes, some of the UK’s finest players and enduringly popular waltzes such as The Blue Danube, Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers, and gems by Franz Lehár and the legendary Viennese violinist Fritz Kreisler come together to make up this delightful programme .

'Great musicianship, great fun and a wonderful sound...’

- KEITH HOYLAND, BRADFIELD FESTIVAL

upbeatclassical.com

CLASSICS UP CLOSE Thu 19 Jan - ROYAL NORTHERN SINFONIA (page 4) Sun 5 Feb - TUBBY THE TUBA – A Family concert (page 5) Wed 8 Mar - ROYAL NORTHERN SINFONIA (page 12) £18 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

THURSDAY 19 JANUARY 7.45PM

FRIDAY 20 JANUARY 7.30PM

ROYAL NORTHERN SINFONIA

Ballet Theatre UK presents

ROMEO AND JULIET

Music by Sergei Prokofiev 4

Escape from the mid-January gloom and join us to hear the First Cuckoo in Spring with Royal Northern Sinfonia and their superb director/violinist Kyra Humphreys.

This mixed programme of English and French music opens with Elgar’s delightful early miniature, the Serenade for Strings, before Delius’ joyful cuckoo calls lead us to France and the music of Massenet, Rameau and Ravel.

RNS oboist Steven Hudson joins us for Vaughan Williams’ lyrical yet virtuosic Oboe Concerto before we head back across the Channel for Gounod’s First Symphony. sagegateshead.com/about-us/ northern-sinfonia/ £18 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

Join Ballet Theatre UK in their passionate and innovative recreation of the world’s greatest love story.

Ballet Theatre UK’s new production – to Prokofiev’s classic score - tells the tragic tale of star-crossed lovers with astonishing grace and heart-breaking intimacy. Follow the young couple as they experience the greatest of romances to their tragic final embrace.

Stunning costumes and innovative stage sets will transport you to Renaissance Verona where our tragic tale unfolds. From the balcony scene's elated pas de deux to the lovers' heart-breaking ends, Romeo and Juliet promises to be an audience favourite and the highlight of the calendar. ballettheatreUK.com £18.50/Concs £17.50. Under 16 £12 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

SATURDAY 21 JANUARY 7.30PM

SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 3.00PM

Morningside Management presents

Chaconne Brass presents

ULTIMATE BOWIE

TUBBY THE TUBA & OTHER MUSICAL MARVELS A Family Concert

FOLLOWING 2016’S SELL-OUT CONCERT 5

Not called “Ultimate Bowie” for nothing, this show captures the essence and authenticity of David Bowie in concert!

David Bowie frequently reinvented his music and image, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential innovators over the last five decades!

Ultimate Bowie pays tribute to the work of this global super-star, in a show that is visually stunning and vocally impressive. Ed Blaney takes the spotlight and leads an eight-piece band that takes you from David Bowie’s early years with hits such as Starman, through his remarkable career to songs like Let’s Dance, China Girl, and many more.

Narrator - Emily Stride (“The Night Manager”) Made famous by Danny Kaye in a recording released in 1954, Tubby The Tuba became a household favourite and has delighted children with its touching story ever since.

Tubby’s role in the band is mostly limited to oom-pah, oom-pah but he wishes he could sometimes play the beautiful melodies given to other instruments. Then he meets a new and unusual friend who inspires him to realise his dream. This inspiring story shows that even those of us who are often ignored or taken for granted have much to offer and can all shine.

Chaconne Brass Quintet plus percussion have presented shows for children for more than 25 years.

www.ultimatebowie.com

chaconnebrass.com

£17.50/Concessions £16 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

£12.50/£10 Concessions/£40 Family www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 8 – SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY 7.30PM. MATINEE THURSDAY 2.30PM The John Godber Company and Theatre Royal Wakefield present

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THE EMPTY NESTERS’ CLUB Written and Directed by John Godber

Join Vicky Barret for the inaugural meeting of The Empty Nesters’ Club.

If your children have left home and the nest is empty, this is the group for you!

Vicky will share her story of empty bedrooms, fresher's flu, boyfriends, long goodbyes, motorway service stations and trips to Ikea; and how she fought back to be the woman she is today, exhausted!

In true John Godber style, three multitalented actors portray a host of characters you will love, and some you will hate!

John Godber is one of the UK’s most famous playwrights, well-known for

comedy drama based on real life situations. His plays are performed across the world, and he has the distinction of being one of the mostperformed writers in the English language.

Based at the Theatre Royal Wakefield, the John Godber Company was formed in March 2011 by John and his wife Jane, following Godber’s departure from Hull Truck Theatre after 26 years as Artistic Director.

‘Godber is the unsung hero of British Theatre’ – THE GUARDIAN thejohngodbercompany.co.uk

Tickets £14/Concessions £12. Matinee £8 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

WED 15 - SAT 18 FEBRUARY 7.30PM. MATINEE THUR 2.30PM less is MORE and Middlesbrough Theatre present

BLITHE SPIRIT

by Noel Coward

The smash hit comedy makes its way to Middlesbrough Theatre’s stage with local theatre company less is MORE channelling the spirits and guiding them on their way.

Socialite and novelist Charles - along with his second wife, Ruth - have one very large problem – the ghost of his first wife, Elvira.

However it’s his own entire fault, having invited the wonderful Madame Arcati to conduct a séance, in the hope of gathering material for his next book - when his plan backfires. As in life, Elvira is temperamental and now she’s a ghost she’s going to enjoy nothing more than attempting to ruin Charles's new marriage from beyond the grave.

Blithe Spirit was first produced at the Manchester Opera House in 1941, before transferring to the West End, where it ran for nearly 2000 performances, a record for a non-musical play unbroken until The Mousetrap sixteen years later. It remains one of Coward’s most popular plays and, with Private Lives and Hay Fever, one of his three great masterpieces. lessismoreproductions.co.uk £14/Concessions £12. Matinee £8 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

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FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY 7.30PM

THURSDAY 2 MARCH 7.30PM

Ballet Theatre UK presents

GISELLE

SIMON YATES My Mountain Life

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Featuring a full Corps de Ballet of 24 international dancers along with the critically-acclaimed Principal Dancers, Ballet Theatre UK presents this haunting classic in its full glory set to the stunning music by Adolphe Adam.

This tragically romantic tale tells of a young girl who falls deeply in love.

However she is soon deceived for he is betrothed to another. Through despair and desperation the young girl kills herself as she can not live without him.

On the remote Siula Grande in Peru in June 1985, mountaineer Simon Yates found himself in a desperately unenviable position.

He was slowly being pulled off the mountain face by his injured partner, Joe Simpson, dangling on the rope 50 metres below. His decision to cut the rope saved both their lives, and the book and later film “Touching The Void” made both climbers household names.

The Queen of the Wilis, along with the ghosts of young girls who die before their wedding nights, condemns the lover to dance to his death. He can only be saved by the intervention of the spirit of Giselle and the break of dawn which forces the Wilis to flee.

Come along and witness Simon’s tireless journey from that mountain in Peru to some of the remotest on the planet and share with him the drama, excitement and beauty of modern, lightweight alpinism. Told with wit and dry humour and lavishly illustrated with images and video collected on his great climbs.

ballettheatreuk.com

mountaindream.co.uk

£18.50/Concs £17.50. Under 16 £12 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

£14 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY 7.30PM Entertainment Unlimited in assoc with Artistes International Management presents

From the people that brought you Dirty Dusting

SERIOUSLY DEAD

Written by Leah Bell & Crissy Rock · Original Music by Mike Redway STARRING CRISSY ROCK (Benidorm and I’m A Celebrity) FRAZER HINES (Emmerdale and Doctor Who) BILLY PEARCE · LEAH BELL · PAUL DUNN A brand new musical comedy play that will have you dying with laughter!!

One ordinary day in the quiet little town of Olwinskirk a chain of extraordinary events begins to take place bringing the lives of Betty, Albert, Billy and the local undertaker, Tristan de Winter, to an uncomfortable crossroads.

Albert Blunderstone has been hiding abroad after having committed a bank robbery with a small time crook called Nodger Wilson. On the day he flies home to attend a funeral, Albert runs into Betty who used to be married to Nodger and in an attempt to find out what happened to his share of the dosh, he befriends Betty and her current husband Billy Blenkinsopp.

The lives of Betty, Albert, Billy and Tristan de Winter become inextricably linked towards a path that is leading to The Pearly Gates and a disgruntled Angel-in-waiting named Thelma. artistesint.com £20 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

9

WEDNESDAY 1 MARCH 7.30PM Gonzo Moose in association with The Pound Arts Centre and Pegasus Theatre presents

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THE THING THAT CAME FROM OVER THERE! Directed by Abigail Anderson Inspired by the Horror movies of the 1950s, The Thing That Came From Over There is a fast-paced rollicking ride, mixing paranoia, suspense and hilariously gruesome deaths.

It’s 1912, and as Scott and Amundsen begin their race across Antarctica, the hapless explorer, Captain Reginald Cranston, has accidentally landed on the wrong side of the continent just as a meteor lands. What ancient evil lurks inside the crater? What is the dark secret of the slimy fungus? And what is the horrifying fate of those who encounter the parasitic space worms?

Join three daring actors as they play over 15 roles in 85 minutes of shocks, spinetingling silliness, and blood-curdling terror. gonzomoose.co.uk £14/Concessions £12 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

FRIDAY 3 MARCH 7.30PM

KEEP IT CASH

SATURDAY 4 MARCH 7.30PM All-Electric Productions presents

MOZART

– THE MAN REVEALED

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Keep it CASH are the longest-running Johnny Cash tribute band around.

Formed in 2002, the band has toured across France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia, Germany, America, Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales. The band are fronted by Dave Burnham, who has been booked by 20th Century Fox, Sony and the BBC as the voice of Johnny Cash.

Presented by John Suchet The voice of Classic FM’s weekday mornings delves into the life of the most naturally-gifted composer who ever lived, including an insight into the Mozart works to be performed at the Royal Northern Sinfonia concert on the 8th of March.

Dave Burnham has received the highest accolade for his vocals. He has personally met Johnny Cash and his band, watching them perform live over 12 times.

Mozart’s story is well-known: Austrianborn with an unhappy marriage to a spendthrift wife, a child-like character ill-at-ease amid the pomp of the Viennese court, and an early death that robbed the world of genius. Yet only the last is true.

This is the one - the Johnny Cash tribute show that really sounds like the Voice of Johnny Cash.

John’s passion for, and knowledge of, classical music makes for an inspiring talk, as he uncovers the man behind the many myths.

keepitcash.net

Includes audience Q&A.

£16/Concessions £14 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

£15/Concessions £13 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

SUNDAY 5 MARCH 7.30PM

WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH 7.45PM

Sweeney Entertainments presents

ROYAL NORTHERN SINFONIA

WATERLOO The Best of Abba Tribute Show

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In 1974 the little-known Swedish pop group Abba swept to superstardom with their Eurovision-winning ‘Waterloo’, and four decades later the song and the band remain as popular as ever.

Now the phenomenal new tribute show Waterloo looks back at the sensational rise to stardom of Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid and gives fans the opportunity to experience the thrill of a live Abba show!

The unique Abba sound is replicated with an incredible attention to detail by a full live cast and band - with stunning costumes and breath-taking choreography. The wonderful lyrics penned by Benny and Bjorn are sung in captivating harmony from the opening refrain to the final sing-along chorus of this two-hour spectacular. waterloobestofabba.co.uk £21.50 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

RNS’ charismatic leader Bradley Creswick returns to Middlesbrough with a typically varied programme from our favourite chamber orchestra.

The programme includes two of Mozart’s most popular works in the concert hall – his sublime Sinfonia Concertante and the Great G minor Symphony.

Warlock’s rhythmic dance suite, familiar to many as a piano duet, opens the show, complemented by Tippett’s work based on the popular Renaissance dance tune Sellinger’s Round. sagegateshead.com/ about-us/northern-sinfonia SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER 7.30PM Russian National Ballet presents

THE NUTCRACKER £19.50/Concessions £18/Under 16 £15

£18 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

FRIDAY 10 MARCH 7.30PM The Pantaloons presents

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE The literary classic gets the full Pantaloons treatment in this beautifully hilarious and delightfully innovative new adaptation.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen's witty and romantic masterpiece is one of the best-loved stories of all time, dealing with the most important questions in life... Will Mrs Bennet manage to offload her numerous daughters in record time? Will Lizzy and Darcy actually get together? Will creepy Mr Collins just go away please?

The Pantaloons draw from a wide variety of popular theatre traditions, from commedia dell’arte and pantomime to stand-up comedy and silent movies, to bring a vital sense of “play” back to classical performance. They aim to recapture the riotous energy of the clown which the modern naturalistic theatre has lost.

Tapping into this rich vein of anarchic humour can have a strangely moving and uplifting effect and reminds us that we are all simply participants in a game of make-believe.

‘There is genuine delight at the comic inventiveness of this show… this is a hilarious take on a much-loved novel.’ – BATH CHRONICLE thepantaloons.co.uk £14/Concessions £12 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

13

SATURDAY 11 MARCH 7.30PM Audienceware presents

THE CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS Back in Black Tour

FRIDAY 17 MARCH 7.30PM

THE SYD LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA

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This award-winning spectacular is Europe’s biggest and best-loved production of the Blues Brothers.

Come and join this wonderful Orchestra to celebrate 50 glorious years of swing!

The show is a high-octane, adrenalinepumping musical mash-up that presents the best material from the original Blues Brothers movies and is jam-packed full of songs by legends such as Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles – plus many other blues, soul, and funk classics and a few surprises thrown in along the way.

In 1967 Syd Lawrence formed what was to become the UK's most successful and longest-running Big Band, performing in theatres all over Europe and regularly featuring on many TV shows and weekly Radio 2 broadcasts.

The Chicago Blues Brothers is a juicedup jamboree of hits performed with style, class and showmanship by some of the finest entertainers in modern musical theatre. Infectious, dazzling, riotous, exuberant and spirited, the legacy of Jake and Elwood has been jump-started for a new generation with an energy that’s impossible to resist.

And this wonderful Orchestra hasn't slowed down! For the last 20 years the Orchestra has been led by virtuoso trombonist Chris Dean and has continued to fill theatres around the country, making 14 albums under his baton and recording TV shows in England and Germany. Tours of Brazil and Holland, Belgium and Monaco have kept the band at the top of the Big Band world.

thebluesbrothers.co.uk

syd-lawrence-orchestra.com

£22/Concessions £20 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

£18 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

SATURDAY 18 MARCH 7.30PM

THE GRUMBLEWEEDS LAUGHTER SHOW with Supporting Company

Join legendary comedy act The Grumbleweeds for an evening of laughter, music, magic and more!

It's a show that's full to the brim with of laugh-out-loud comedy routines, great singers, theatrical magic and fun for all the family!

See exactly what's kept The Grumbleweeds at the very top of their game for over 50 years as they perform some of their hilarious comedy routines in this non-stop variety spectacular. thegrumbleweeds.co.uk £20/Concessions £18.50 WEDNESDAY 5 APRIL 7.30PM Clive Conway Productions presents

OH GOODY!

with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Chris Serle An unforgettable evening in the company of one of the funniest and best-loved comedy performers of our time as he discusses his long career with the writer and broadcaster Chris Serle.

Tim Brooke-Taylor delights with hilarious stories from a lifetime in comedy in an evening of warmth and good-humour spiced with a few revealing anecdotes about many of the names he has appeared with - generously illustrated with clips of the funniest moments from his TV and film career. cliveconawayproductions.com £17/Concessions £15 FRIDAY 7 APRIL 7.30PM

MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS How Sweet It Is The ultimate celebration of the sweet sound of MOTOWN is back!

This stunning 100% live show combines first class music together with slick choreography, and an amazing band. Truly outstanding, the best MOTOWN experience you will ever have!

You'll be 'Dancing On The Ceiling', with songs from legendary artistes such as Lionel Richie, The Temptations,The Four Tops and many more.

The UK's No.1 MOTOWN show will have you dancing 'All Night Long'. howsweet.co.uk £22/Concessions £20

CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

15

SATURDAY 8 APRIL 7.30PM European Arts Company presents

CHEKHOV’S SHORTS European Arts Company presents a hugely entertaining collection of classic one-act farces by Anton Chekhov, including The Evils of Tobacco, The Dimwit, The Bear, Swan Song and The Proposal.

This is Chekhov as you’ve never seen him before – funny! Originally performed in Russian vaudeville theatres, these bittersweet plays are Chekhov at his comic best - before The Seagull got stuffed, Uncle Vanya fired 16 blanks, The Three Sisters started moaning and The Cherry Orchard was ‘car-parked’.

EAC is a national and international touring theatre company based in Kent. For the past 15 years, they have been touring classic plays all over the UK, Ireland, Germany, Greece and Italy. Most recently, their productions of The Trials of Oscar Wilde and The Picture of Dorian Gray (written with Wilde’s grandson Merlin Holland) enjoyed sell-out runs at Trafalgar Studios in the West End.

'Chekhov wasn't all doom and gloom!

European Arts Company’s production of Chekhov Shorts is fast-paced, witty and engaging' - THE STAGE

europeanarts.com £14/Concessions £12 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

WED 3 MAY 2.30PM AND 7.30PM

FRIDAY 5 MAY 7.30PM

Timeless Theatre Productions presents

Avalon presents

LEE NELSON

- SERIOUS JOKER

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The ultimate feel-good show and a stunning musical journey through some of the greatest songs from 50s, 60s and 70s.

Included are some of the greatest all-time hits, beautifully costumed and choreographed and performed by 'West End' and International vocalists, along with the stunning Memory Lane dancers.

From the producers of Memories are Made of This, All Our Yesterdays, and Rolling Back the Years, and based on the original show from 2009, now touring with a host of new songs, costumes and routines.

Come along and enjoy some of the greatest songs ever written. timelesstheatre.co.uk £14.50/Concs £13.50. Matinee £10 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

Following sell-out performances at Middlesbrough Town Hall, Lee Nelson pays his first visit to Middlesbrough Theatre.

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

‘Comedy legend’ – THE SUN ‘Comedy genius’ – THE MIRROR ‘You should be ashamed of yourself’ – SEPP BLATTER

leenelson.com THURSDAY 20 JULY 7.30PM

GIOVANNI PERNICE – Dance Is Life £26/Concessions £25

£20 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

SATURDAY 6 MAY 7.30PM Swansea City Opera presents Following the success of La Boheme last year, Swansea City Opera return with this jewel of an opera.

Lakme is best known for the famous ‘Flower Duet’, which has become one of the most familiar numbers any composer, in any genre, has ever written, even used by our national airline on TV ads! As so often with operas that become famous for a particular tune however, Lakmé contains many other hidden musical gems including the stratospheric and challenging ‘Bell Song’.

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Director & Set Design Brendan Wheatley Musical Director John Beswick Costume Design Gabriella Ingram With the particpation of Tees Valley Gilbert and Sullivan Society Sung in English

Like other French operas of the period, it captures the ambience of the Orient seen through Western eyes and, topically for today, tells of religious tensions and conflict leading to personal sacrifice, heartbreak and death.

Swansea City Opera are setting their production in India during the Raj of the 1880s, sung in English and accompanied by chamber orchestra. Like Delibes’ music for his famous ballet Coppelia, the orchestral scoring is delicious and as the opera remains a relative rarity, don’t miss this golden opportunity to hear and see this ravishing piece.

There will be a pre-performance talk about the opera and production given by the Artistic Director of Swansea City Opera, Brendan Wheatley at 6.15pm swanseacityopera.com

£18/Concessions £16.50 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

THURSDAY 11 MAY 7.30PM

THURSDAY 25 MAY 7.30PM Company Gavin Robertson presents

TITTER YE NOT

Written by and starring Paul Harris

THE SIX-SIDED MAN

Inspired by the cult novel “The Dice Man”

by Luke Rhinehart 19

Celebrating the centenary of the birth of one of Britain’s greatest comedians.

Titter Ye Not delves into the personal and professional life of this comedy icon and is at times both hilarious and heartbreaking as we explore the life and loves of a comedy legend who wowed audiences for almost fifty years.

It takes us from his army days, through the highs and lows of his career, with glimpses into his sometimes traumatic personal life. As he said himself, he had ‘more ups and downs than a whore’s drawers’.

This lovingly-crafted piece will have audiences rolling in the aisles one minute and tearing at their heartstrings the next, as Paul Harris recreates the great man with eerie accuracy. £11 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

Performed by Gavin Robertson and Nicholas Collett.

‘There are two rules: Never give the die an option you're not prepared to follow, and never disobey the die!

A disillusioned Psychiatrist lives his life by giving options to a dice, and before long perceptions become twisted, ambiguity rules, and no-one is quite who you think they are! In its 30th anniversary year, this internationally toured production offers new audiences an opportunity to be seduced! By chance…

Darkly hilarious, quirky and seductive, this acclaimed show has toured to the USA, Israel, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia among others. Don’t miss it!

‘Compelling to watch’ - THE GUARDIAN gavinrobertson.com £14/Concessions £12 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

THUR 23 FEBRUARY 2.00PM & 7.00PM Oddsocks presents

TUESDAY 14 MARCH 11.30AM, 1.30PM AND 5.00PM Northern Ballet presents

THE JUNGLE BOOK

GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS

Photo: Brian Slater

20

Calling Wolf-cubs everywhere: Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book is getting the Oddsocks treatment!

Enjoy the comical adventures of Mowgli the man cub as he battles to survive and become the leader of the pack. Mowgli's mates - Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther and Kaa the python - all help him outwit his enemies and learn the law of the jungle, mixing it with madcap monkeys, escaping the crazy Cobra and seeing off the terrifying Tiger Shere Kahn!

A fantastic, empowering story for all ages that will warm your heart and lift your spirits. Music, muppetry, laughter and excitement all mixed-up to make a memorable experience for the whole tribe. oddsocks.co.uk

With sell-out performances and hugely successful CBeebies TV adaptations, including Ugly Duckling and Tortoise & the Hare, Northern Ballet’s productions especially for children are not to be missed.

Now the magic continues with a brandnew retelling of Goldilocks & the Three Bears.

Goldilocks is a mischievous little girl with hair as bright as gold. One day her curiosity leads her to a house full of many surprises. With a family of friendly bears, a beautiful blue bird and bowls of delicious porridge, this 40-minute ballet is just right!

Bringing this classic children’s story to life, this is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre for the first time. northernballet.com

£12.50 Adult/£10.50 Child/Family £42 £5 Adult/£4 Child CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2.00PM

SUNDAY 18 JUNE 2.00PM

Les Petits Theatre Company presents

MEI Theatrical presents

David Walliams’

THE FIRST HIPPO ON THE MOON

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

21

From Number One bestselling children’s author David Walliams comes an explosively funny space adventure for children of 3 and up.

Two big hippos. One ENORMOUS dream. Who can make it to the moon first?

3 ...2 ...1 ...BLAST OFF! Adapted for the stage by award-winning Theatre company Les Petits following their hugely successful Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs and immersive London hit Adventures in Wonderland, comes a fantastical adventure featuring puppetry, music, mayhem and a giant space race to the moon!

This timeless classic makes its way off the page and onto the stage.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by author / illustrator Eric Carle has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969, selling more than 43 million copies worldwide.

Eric captivated readers with his iconic colourful hand-painted tissue paper collage illustrations and distinctively simple stories, introducing generations of children to a bigger, brighter world – and to their first experience of reading itself.

The creative team have worked on such hit shows such as Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, The National’s Elephantom, Warhorse and Raymond Briggs’ The Bear.

This critically-acclaimed production features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories: The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

lespetitstheatre.com

mei-worldwide.com

£11 CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

£11 www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

COMING SOON...

FRIDAY 26 MAY 7.30PM

FRIDAY 2 JUNE 7.30PM

BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY

PRINCE REVELATION

Featuring the Eastcoast Boys celebrating the music of FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS Boro’s favourite tribute show returns for another outstanding night. Don’t miss it this time round! easytheatres.com £21.50/Concessions £20

The incredible Mark Anthony performs many of the greatest hits by the artiste known as Prince - including Purple Rain - and looks and sounds more like Prince…than Prince! £19.50/Concessions £18

SATURDAY 27 MAY 7.30PM

ALICE IN WONDERLAND Come with Alice on a magical dance adventure as she tumbles into Wonderland!

Ballet Theatre UK have created a captivating piece, brimming with wit, humour and charm – a delightful entertainment for all ages. ballettheatreUK.com 22 £18.50/Concessions £17.50. Under 16 £12

SATURDAY 17 JUNE 7.30PM Bang Bang Productions presents

PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS The Vegas Show The Ancient Australian Art of Genital Origami 2 near-naked men (they wear shoes) manipulate their nether regions, providing the audience with a hilarious array of shapes and impersonations. The perfect show for all occasions. puppetryofthepenis.com £22/Concessions £20

COMMUNITY PRODUCTIONS THURSDAY 26 - SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 7.00PM Spotlight Performing Arts presents

WEDNESDAY 26 – SATURDAY 29 APRIL 7.30PM Middlesbrough Little Theatre Ltd presents

21 YEARS

THE WOMAN IN WHITE

A musical celebration as Spotlight turns 21. £10.50/Under 18 £9.50

Directed by Bill Colombi A brilliant stage adaptation of Wilkie Collins' Victorian novel: a tale of deception and mistaken identity with an intriguing plot full of twists and turns. £11/Concessions £10

WED 1 – SAT 4 FEBRUARY 7.30PM Middlesbrough Little Theatre Ltd presents

THE HISTORY BOYS

By Alan Bennett.

Directed by David Tuffnell A hilarious take on the university admissions process as a group of bright, funny history students pursue Oxbridge places.

Alan Bennett shows his disdain for results-based education while making us laugh. £10/Concessions £9

CALL 01642 81 51 81 TO BOOK

MON 15 - FRI 19 MAY 7.15pm; SAT 20 MAY 6.15pm Teesside Musical Theatre Company presents

SPAMALOT The Monty Python musical “lovingly ripped off” from the acclaimed 1975 film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

King Arthur along with his squire, Patsy, and a selection of knights go on an epic quest to find the Holy Grail.

But do they find it?? £15/Under 14 £10

www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

GENERAL INFORMATION MIDDLESBROUGH THEATRE The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley TS5 6SA

EMAIL

Babes In Arms Due to fire regulations, a ticket must be purchased for ALL children. We strongly recommend that children under 3 are not brought, except to specific productions as advised by the Box Office.

boxoffice@middlesbrough.gov.uk Not for ticket booking.

WEBSITE middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk For more information on all our shows and online booking

BOX OFFICE OPENING HOURS Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm Saturday 10am - 3pm On performance days, we re-open for telephone bookings at 6pm (11/2 hours before curtain-up on Sundays) and 3 /4 hour before curtain-up for personal callers and stay open until 9pm.

Telephone 01642 81 51 81

HOW TO BOOK

By Phone on 01642 81 51 81.

A £1 handling and postage charge applies.

In Person at the Theatre Box Office.

Online at www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk.

A £1 handling charge per sale applies.

By Post to the theatre address above. Cheques should be made payable to MBC; write guarantee and events details on the reverse.

Please enclose SAE and include a daytime telephone number.

CARD PAYMENTS From February 1st, there will be a small charge of 50p per ticket towards the cost of processing payments made by credit and debit cards. Payment by cash and cheque will remain free of charge.

Refunds Tickets cannot be exchanged nor money refunded, except in the event of a cancelled performance.

Special Needs We can accommodate up to six wheelchairs; one free ticket will be issued for each companion. We regret that access to the bar is via stairs: drinks may be ordered and collected from the ground floor kiosk. An infra-red system is available for the hard of hearing using discreet headsets (available from the box office). Let us know your requirements at the time of booking.

Change of Programme All details correct at time of going to print. Advance booking always recommended.

23 Data Protection When you book with us, we will ask you for your name, address and telephone number. In return, we will be able to inform you of any last-minute changes to your performance. You will be asked separately if you wish to join our free mailing list.

Use of Electronic Equipment The use of cameras, recording equipment, mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices including e-cigarettes - is not permitted at any time.

Parking Facilities Free security-patrolled parking on site.

Accessibility of Information We will try to make a summary of this document available in other languages, Braille or large print on request. Telephone 01642 824490.

Seating Plan available at www.ents24.com/middlesbroughtheatre

2O17 DIARY SPRING O1642 81 51 81 JANUARY

MAY

13 14 19 20 21 26- 28

3 5 6 11 15-20 25 26 27

Vampires Rock The Magic of Vienna Royal Northern Sinfonia Romeo and Juliet (ballet) Ultimate Bowie Spotlight Performing Arts

FEBRUARY 1-4 5 8-11 15-18 23 24 25

The History Boys Tubby The Tuba The Empty Nesters’ Club Blithe Spirit The Jungle Book Giselle Seriously Dead

MARCH 1 2 3 4 5 8 10 11 14 17 18

The Thing That Came From Over There Simon Yates Keep It Cash John Suchet – Mozart Waterloo Royal Northern Sinfonia The Pantaloons – Pride and Prejudice The Chicago Blues Brothers Goldilocks (Northern Ballet) The Syd Lawrence Orchestra The Grumbleweeds Laughter Show

APRIL 1 5 7 8 26-29

The First Hippo on the Moon Oh Goody! – Tim Brooke-Taylor Motown’s Greatest Hits Chekhov’s Shorts The Woman in White

Professional Productions Amateur Productions

Memory Lane Lee Nelson Lakme Titter Ye Not Spamalot The Six-Sided Man Big Girls Don’t Cry Alice in Wonderland (ballet)

JUNE 2 17 18

Prince Revelation Puppetry of the Penis The Very Hungry Caterpillar