Middlesbrough Today issue 26 November 2019

middlesbrough

Issue 26 November 2019

Christmas gifts galore for all your friends and family All the ingredients to create the perfect festive feast Win an overnight stay & theatre trips How to dress to impress at the end of year parties

GIVE THE GIFT OF THEATRE THIS CHRISTMAS AND CREATE MEMORIES… FRIDAY 10 JANUARY 7.30PM

THUR 16 JANUARY 7.30PM

FRIDAY 17 JANUARY 7.30PM

SAT 18 JANUARY 7.30PM

DIRTY DUSTING

SAT 25 JANUARY 7.30PM

WED 12 FEBRUARY 7.30PM

FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 7.30PM SAT 29 FEBRUARY 3PM & 7PM Catherine Cookson’s

THE CINDER PATH

#BrilliantlyBoro

BOX OFFICE 01642 81 51 81 2 | Middlesbrough Today

or book online at

middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

middlesbrough

local, relevant and entertaining It’s that time of year again, Bublé’s been defrosted, sleigh bells are ringing and here at Middlesbrough Today HQ we are feeling very festive indeed, because Christmas is just weeks away.

This wonderful issue is stuffed, like a Christmas turkey, with features and festivities to get you in the spirit of the season.

We’ve spoilt you rotten with fabulous food and drink, mind- blowing mince pies for you to sink your teeth into, moreish mulled wine aplenty and specially selected treats to indulge in over the holiday.

And, if you are stumped for Christmas present ideas, then look no further - we have such a gorgeous gift guide, you’ll be wishing it was Christmas every day.

As well as that, you could be in with the chance to win tickets to see your favourite Strictly dancers as they waltz their way onto the stage with their brandnew show, Remembering The Oscars plus there’s a chance to win an overnight stay at The Coquetvale Hotel in Rothbury.

So, sit back, relax, grab your hot chocolate and we will see you next in 2020!

Sue

Here at

Carly Jane Jewellery

CONTENTS 4-5

LOCAL NEWS

Stay up to date with all the news from the area

9- 11 PRESENTLY SURPRISED

Get Christmas all wrapped up

with inspiration from our gift guide

we aim to supply beautiful items, whatever your budget

carlyjanejewellery.com

12-13 HILL STREET

SHOPPING CENTRE

Christmas Shopping times & events

14-15 MIDDLESBROUGH THEATRE

It’s panto season plus what’s coming up in the New Year

16-17 DECK THE HALLS

(AND THE FRIDGE)

We’ve tried and tested a whole host of tasty treats on offer this festive season

18

WIN THEATRE TICKETS

To see Strictly Dancers Aljaž & Janette

22-23 SLEIGHING IT

Look your best for the

festivities, from stylish

partywear to classic Christmas jumpers

Win a pair of tickets to see Snow White On Monday 9th December at 6pm.

This year’s Christmas Pantomime, SNOW WHITE showing from 1st December 2019 – 5th January 2020 is breaking all box office records.

Make Sure You Reserve your Favourite Seats As Soon As Possible – with Best Seats available from only £19 can you Afford to Miss Out?

Answer the following question to win a pair of tickets.

What is the price of a ticket to see Snow White on Christmas Eve? Box office tel 01642 552663 - www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk Closing date for entries is Monday 2nd December - See page 19 for entry details or email your answer with full name & address to: sue@rineypublishing.co.uk

RIVERSIDE LEISURE PROMOTIONS LTD PRESENTS

BEN-RYAN DAVIES

LIAM MELLOR

(HOLLYOAKS & WATERLOO ROAD)

AS MUDDLES

AS PRINCE BENJAMIN

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING Riney Publishing Limited, Sue Riney-Smith t: 01325 304360 e: sue@rineypublishing.co.uk

EDITORIAL THE HARPER BROTHERS ODD & JOB (THE HENCHMEN)

JAMES CHAPEL

AS DAME DOTTY DOUGHNUT

KATY ALLEN

AS QUEEN LUCERTIA

GEMMA GIBBIONS AS SNOW WHITE

T H E M AG NI FI C ENT SEV EN

FEATURING DANCERS FROM MIRAGE PRODUCTIONS & MEMBERS OF THE FORUM THEATRE SCHOOL

SUN 1st DEC - SUN 5th JAN Box office: 01642 552 663 www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk

Bronia McGregor, Margeaux Hamilton and Bernice Saltzer, Sorted PR t: 0191 265 6111 e: bernice@sortedpr.com Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate at the time of going to print, the publishers cannot accept responsibilities for errors, omissions, or changes in the details given.

Competitions: Riney Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised, late entries or prizes not received. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers.

Middlesbrough Today | 3

LOCALNEWS IT’S GOING TO BE A MAGICAL MIDDLESBROUGH CHRISTMAS GET the diaries ready as the dates are finally here, Christmas is coming to Middlesbrough and it is going to be the most magical yet!

The 2019 annual big Lights Switch On will take place on Thursday, November 28 from 5.30pm on Centre Square.

The event will be hosted by BBC Tees presenter Gary Philipson and will feature some very special Middlesbrough Football Club guests, spectacular Spark Drummers, local band The Gimmie Gimmicks plus a pop-up Orange Pip market and traditional fairground rides.

And don’t forget, new for 2019 and a first for the North East - the Walking with The Snowman trail is heading to Middlesbrough from Saturday, November 2 to Saturday, January 4.

The trail will weave around Middlesbrough town centre and will feature twelve incredible sculptures of Raymond Briggs’ famous character from The Snowman, each snowman painted by different artists in the theme of the 12 Days of Christmas.

The ever-popular Magical Middlesbrough Parade with its reindeer will take to the streets on Sunday, December 1, starting at the Campus Heart of Teesside University.

Twelve community groups along with Newham Grange Farm’s Daisy and Dan will lead the route ending on Centre Square where there will be fairground rides and Orange Pip market stalls.

The hotly anticipated Orange Pip Christmas Edition will return to Middlesbrough Town Hall on Saturday, December 21 from noon-6pm.

There will be food, fizz, movies, arty fun, gifts, a rock-tastic version of karaoke and some extra festive surprises.

Also, over Christmas there will be a variety of Festive Food Stalls in the town centre from Thursday, November 21 to Monday, December 23.

Don’t forget to book a visit with Santa himself in the charming and bespoke grotto in Captain Cook Square on the weekends of December 7/8 and 14/15 to tell him your Christmas wishes and receive a mini gift to take home.

ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH MOVEMENT TAKING ON CLIMATE CHANGE A GRASSROOTS environmental youth movement is tackling climate change and boosting young potential.

Nearly 100,000 passionate, skilled and environmentally-conscious young people are leading the way to a brighter future, through Our Bright Future, a programme funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Whilst the #YouthStrike4Climate has been effective at raising awareness of environmental challenges, the portfolio of 31 projects that form Our Bright Future, have quietly been making significant societal and environmental improvements, across the UK for the past four years.

Already young people have gained almost 4,000 environmental qualifications started more than 200 entrepreneurial projects and improved or created over 1,500 community spaces.

Our Bright Future is a once-in-a-generation level of investment (£33 million), aimed at bringing together the UK’s youth and environmental sectors to generate a youth movement to stand up for the environment.

It is made possible by The National Lottery

Community Fund, the UK’s largest funder of community activity.

Banna Faidulla, 18, has been involved as a volunteer on the One Planet Pioneers Project since spring 2018 working on a campaign within her Sixth Form Academy to successfully reduce the alarming rates of single use plastics that students were using in the canteen on a daily basis.

When asked about how One Planet Pioneers has empowered her to make a real difference she said: “This project has helped me make a difference to our local community as it’s enabled us to pinpoint the problems that we felt were significant, rather than being told what to do.

“Seeing students in school and college using our bottles is incredible as it shows how everyone is coming together, and how collectively we can lessen our own plastic waste within such a large institution.”

While the protests have stirred a sense of urgency for environmental action, it’s important to be encouraged by the action already taking by young people through Our Bright Future.

Eleven- to 24-year-olds are being given a seat at the

NEW FLEET OF BUSES FIT FOR A SPACE RACE INTREPID Middlesbrough travellers will boldly go to their destinations on a fleet of space inspired buses.

Middlesbrough Council’s Integrated Transport Unit is introducing new vehicles to its fleet which transport children and adults with additional needs around the ‘inner city’ and beyond.

More than 1,500 journeys are completed every day by the service and to mark the occasion pupils at Priory Woods School in Netherfields were asked to name the first new bus.

And after they came up with the name Saturn, it was agreed the next four buses would also be space themed and are named Earth, Venus, Mars and Moon.

4 | Middlesbrough Today

The inspiration came partly from 2019 being the 50th anniversary of the moon landings.

To celebrate the children at Priory Woods School were joined by Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston on Saturn’s maiden voyage.

He said: “I think it’s a brilliant idea to use the inspiration of the 50th anniversary of the moon landings to name these new buses.

“The size of the ambition 50 years ago to send people to the moon was massive and I want all of our young people here in Middlesbrough to be aiming for the stars and believing they can achieve great things.”

And last but not least Newham Grange Farm is having a Christmassy makeover from Saturday, December 7 to New Year’s Eve where twinkly illuminations switched on by Daisy and Dan at a special event on Saturday, December 7 will lead to a stunning pop-up animal village featuring some brand new farm characters.

The village will feature a Christmas scene, a snow blanket and of course, the farm’s mascots will be hiding somewhere!

Parking is free after 3pm in all Middlesbrough Council car parks from Thursday, November 28 to New Year’s Eve. There is also free car parking after 3pm on late night shopping nights at Cleveland Centre, Hillstreet Shopping Centre and Dundas Shopping Centre.

Find out more about all the Magical Middlesbrough events and offers at www.lovemiddlesbrough.com/christmas.

Young people taking part in a bush craft session

table with key decision-makers, contributing towards Government research, bringing local communities together and enhancing local green spaces for everyone.

Our Bright Future Programme Manager Cath Hare said: “We’re giving young people a voice and the tools to make a difference in their local community, which is really inspiring for all ages.

“The £33 million investment, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, has been instrumental in supporting young people to connect, be empowered, develop new skills and improve their wellbeing.

“Enthusing young people about environmental issues now will lead to a lifelong passion for environmental improvements.

Picture shows Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston with children from Priory Woods School and staff from Middlesbrough Council’s Integrated Transport Unit in front of one of the new buses.

WALKERS’ FUNDRAISING FEATS RECOGNISED WITH HERO AWARD THEY let their feet do the talking - and good causes across Teesside are walking tall thanks to their efforts.

The Boro Walkers Association picked up the October Boro Hero Award for their tireless fundraising work.

Launched by elected Mayor Andy Preston, the Boro Hero Awards are recognition of those who go the extra mile and make a real difference to the lives of those around them.

And the latest recipients embody the spirit that brings out the very best in Middlesbrough’s communities.

The Boro Walkers Association was formed in 2013, when co-founders Pete Livingstone and Paul Randall got the ball rolling by completing the full 84-mile length of Hadrian’s Wall in just two days.

In just a few weeks they’d raised more than £12,000, and as their numbers began to grow, so did the number of challenges they took on, and the number of local charities they were able to support.

With more than 200 members, and more than 5,000 members of their Facebook page, the Boro Walkers have raised a staggering £170,000 to date.

Fundraising activities range from long distance walks and football tournaments to running events, boxing and evening entertainment, and this year’s chosen charities

include Butterwick Hospice, the Teesside branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Lorne House.

Co-founder and Chairman Pete Livingstone said: “From that first phone call, the Boro Walkers has grown into something that brings the whole community together on a big scale.

“Lots of people who wouldn’t normally go out walking have thrown themselves into it, and what’s been achieved is down to them.

“Every penny that comes in goes to the chosen charities - nothing is taken out to cover overheads or expenses.

“We are only accepting this award on behalf of everybody who has participated in the various events since 2013, fundraised and supported us on Facebook -

Nearly 100 Boro Walkers gather for the 2019 Gallon Walk

BURMA CHAMPIONS VISIT CATTERICK COUNTERPARTS VETERANS of one of the most brutal campaigns of World War ll have been honoured by their modern counterparts at Catterick Garrison.

The soldiers who fought for Britain in Burma won the Armed Forces category in the Teesside Community Champions Awards.

And two of their number - now in their 90s - travelled to Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire to present the trophy to the Second Battalion of The Yorkshire Regiment where it will go on display.

Geoff Bowen, 97, from Acklam, and 96-yearold James Duffy of Berwick Hills, served with the ‘forgotten army’ in the three-year campaign that saw allied soldiers pitted against the invading forces of Japan, Thailand and India.

While those at home celebrated Victory in Europe Day on May 8, 1945, the fierce fighting in Burma - now known as Myanmar continued until the July.

Middlesbrough Councillor Joan McTigue, who organised a Town Hall reception for the Burma veterans and nominated them for the Gazette Community Champions award, said: “Official recognition for these veterans is long overdue, but their sacrifice has never been forgotten.

“This award was richly deserved, and it was very touching that two of our group of veterans were able to present the trophy to their modern counterparts at Catterick.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston added: “The Burma veterans are an example to us all, and it’s essential that they should be recognised for the part they played in securing the freedom we enjoy today.

“They’re an inspiration to their modern counterparts who I know will have been hugely honoured to meet them.”

Soldiers of 2 Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment welcome Burma veterans (foreground) 96-year-old Jimmy Duffy from Berwick Hills and Geoff Bowen, 97, from Acklam, accompanied by (L-R) Jimmy’s wife Christina and daughter Susan Bailey Saunders, and Middlesbrough Cllr Joan McTigue

NEXT STEP ON THE ROAD TO BECOMING A ‘DIGITAL HERCULES’ MIDDLESBROUGH’S booming digital sector workers are being given a sneak preview of the latest advance in the Boho developments.

The proposed Boho 8 has been unveiled by designers Seymour Architecture and Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston has declared his intention to make Middlesbrough the digital city of the UK. Boho 8 is a £2.5m development of modular units which will create flexible, adaptable accommodation for the changing needs of a dynamic digital and creative industry.

The location of the site is directly behind Boho 1 and manufacture of the units is scheduled to commence in early March 2020. The site works will follow in June and operations on site will only take ten weeks with completion at the end of August 2020.

It will precede the towering Boho 10 development which will include three skyscrapers and be the first phase of a £250m project that would lead to the creation of 2,000 new jobs.

without them we are nothing.”

Presenting the Boro Walkers Association with the October 2019 Boro Hero Award, Mayor Preston said: “What an amazing example set by a group of ordinary lads who between them have achieved something truly extraordinary.

“They undertake some pretty gruelling challenges, but that benefits their own health and wellbeing, and their efforts have changed lives for the better.

“They are thoroughly deserving winners of this month’s Boro Hero Award.”

For more information on the Boro Walkers Association, email borowalkers@gmail.com or join the group’s Facebook page.

Following on from his earlier two books looking at the skies over Redcar and Marske during the First World War (From Biggles to the Red Baron: An Illustrated History of Marske Aerodrome, and Aces High at Redcar: The History of Redcar Royal Naval Air Station 1915 to 1919, both still available, £7.99), John Watson has turned his attention to the seas and the fascinating story of a much-neglected submarine flotilla based on the River Tees throughout the same conflict.

The Silent Warriors of Teesport, like his earlier books, combines an astonishing number of photographs and images of these sinister underwater killing machines and their tough and brave crews - many of whom lost their lives and until now have remained anonymous and unacknowledged - and John’s meticulous research in a very readable and informative text.

Privately published, The Silent Warriors of Teesport has received support in its production from the Friends of Redcar Cemetery (FORCEM) and, like his first two books, a percentage from sales goes to support FORCEM’s work in the care, maintenance, restoration and interpretation of Redcar Cemetery and its locally important memorials, including many commemorating the lives of service personnel and civilians from the First World War. John Watson is available for book signings and interviews and can also supply copies of his new book for re-sale (contact: john.watson29@ hotmail.co.uk or tel: 07849 005613) In order to promote the book and the local heritage, John has allowed FORCEM to stage an illustrated talk based on the book The Silent Warriors of Teesport to be delivered by former local curator and friend of FORCEM, Phil Philo.

Organisations, institutions and groups are encouraged to contact Phil direct to arrange a talk (pphilo1958@gmail.com or tel: 07585 905623).

Copies of The Silent Warriors of Teesport are £7.99.

Middlesbrough Council is responsible for the project which is being funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.

Alongside businesses currently based in Boho office spaces Middlesbrough Mayor Mr Preston was also shown the plans and scale model for Boho 8.

He said: “I will keep saying it - my mission and my purpose on this planet is to make Middlesbrough the digital city of the UK. “We have great businesses here already, a university specialising in the area and pumping out graduates with amazing ability who can create a UK Silicon Valley here in the Boro.

“Boho 8 is going to be a really important part of that transition from what we are today and the ‘Digital Hercules’ we are going to become.

“The design looks great and I can’t wait to see the spades going into the ground.”

Andrew Bowkett, Director of Seymour Architecture, said: “I think from our point of view we wanted to try and develop a site that paid as much attention to external public realm as the building itself and we

wanted to create a sense of space and journey through the site Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “”It’s great to see Andy’s plans for Boho 8 moving forward at pace and the world-class digital businesses in the area can now get an up-close preview of the architect’s vision.

“Andy and Middlesbrough Council already have the money in the bank, planning is going in and I’m delighted to be supporting the ambitions for this transformational project, which will bring more well-paid, high-quality jobs to the town and wider Tees Valley.”

Picture shows a CGI image of the proposed Boho 8 produced by Seymour Architecture.

Middlesbrough Today | 5

JUST A SMALL SELECTION OF HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR NEW SEASON. TO VIEW MORE FANTASTIC SHOWS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE NOW

WWW.FORUMTHEATREBILLINGHAM.CO.UK

BOX OFFICE: 01642 552 663 1st December – 5th January

RIVERSIDE LEISURE PROMOTIONS LTD PRESENTS

The Best of Wham 13th & 14th December

BEN-RYAN DAVIES

LIAM MELLOR

(HOLLYOAKS & WATERLOO ROAD)

AS MUDDLES

AS PRINCE BENJAMIN

The Best of Wham, a fantastic new show featuring the best of George, Andrew, Pepsi and Shirlie.

The Best of Wham includes all the hits, a few B side favourites and a couple of early George Michael bonus songs.

Come & Enjoy our Christmas party nights including free after show disco.

THE HARPER BROTHERS ODD & JOB (THE HENCHMEN)

JAMES CHAPEL

AS DAME DOTTY DOUGHNUT

KATY ALLEN

AS QUEEN LUCERTIA

GEMMA GIBBIONS AS SNOW WHITE

The Wizard of Oz Ballet

TH E MAG N IFI CEN T SEV E N

12th January 2020 Join Ballet Theatre UK as we follow the yellow brick road and discover all the wonders of Oz. The Wizard of Oz is a two act, full-length, ballet adaptation of the iconic tale, told through the magic of classical dance. The production is presented with beautiful backdrops, stunning theatrical sets and costumes evoking the iconic sketches from the original publication.

FEATURING DANCERS FROM MIRAGE PRODUCTIONS & MEMBERS OF THE FORUM THEATRE SCHOOL

This year’s Christmas SUN 1stPantomime, DEC - SUNSNOW 5th JAN WHITE showing from December 2019 – 5th Box 1st office: 01642 552 663 www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk January 2020 is breaking all box office records.

Make Sure You Reserve your Favourite Seats As Soon As Possible – with Best Seats available from only £19 can you Afford to Miss Out?

The Mousetrap 3rd February – 8th February 2020 Discover why Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has kept people guessing for so long, becoming the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre.

Experience shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.

‘A MASTERPIECE’

The Woman In Black

THE GUARDIAN

‘A GHOST PLAY GUARANTEED

23rd March 2020 – 28th March 2020

TO SEND SHIVERS DOWN YOUR SPINE’ DAILY EXPRESS 2018

Remembering The Oscars

SUSAN HILL’S

ADAPTED BY

STEPHEN MALLATRATT

DESIGN : openagency.com

29th April 2020 Fresh from their sell out tour with their highly entertaining and innovative Remembering The Movies, Strictly’s favourite couple Aljaz and Janette, will be returning with their brand new show Remembering The Oscars. With a cast of amazing dancers and musicians and stunning stage designs, costumes and huge LED screens, this dazzling spectacular will be a night to remember.

A lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black, engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story comes dramatically alive in Stephen Mallatratt’s ingenious stage adaptation.

THIS IS JUST A TASTE OF WHAT IS TO COME - PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE

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10 | Middlesbrough Today

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OPENING TIMES

AT HILLSTREET CHRISTMAS THURSDAYS THURSDAY 28TH NOVEMBER THURSDAY 5TH DECEMBER THURSDAY 12TH DECEMBER THURSDAY 19TH DECEMBER

9AM – 7PM 9AM – 7PM 9AM – 7PM 9AM – 8PM

EXTRA LATE NIGHTS MONDAY 16TH DECEMBER TUESDAY 17TH DECEMBER WEDNESDAY 18TH DECEMBER THURSDAY 19TH DECEMBER FRIDAY 20TH DECEMBER

9AM – 7PM 9AM – 7PM 9AM – 7PM 9AM – 8PM 9AM – 7PM

CHRISTMAS WEEK MONDAY 23RD DECEMBER CHRISTMAS EVE CHRISTMAS DAY BOXING DAY FRIDAY 27TH DECEMBER SATURDAY 28TH DECEMBER SUNDAY 29TH DECEMBER

9AM – 8PM 9AM – 5PM CLOSED 10AM – 5PM 9AM – 5.30PM 9AM – 6PM 10.30AM – 4.30PM

NEW YEAR HILLSTREET SHOPPING CENTRE

www.hillstreetshopping.com

NEW YEARS EVE NEW YEARS DAY THURSDAY 2ND JANUARY

9AM – 5.30PM CLOSED 9AM – 5.30PM

CIRCUS

SKILLS

SANTA & HIS

Reindeer SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER 11AM - 2PM HILLSTREET SHOPPING CENTRE

SATURDAY

7TH DECEMBER

11AM - 2PM

IT’S PANTOMIME SEASON AT MIDDLESBROUGH THEATRE…

OH YES IT IS!

The countdown to the Middlesbrough Theatre traditional family pantomime has begun!

or will evil triumph over good in what promises to be another magical family adventure that everyone can enjoy.

Don’t get caught snoozing this Christmas and book your tickets now for everyone’s favourite fairy story SLEEPING BEAUTY starring Anne Hegerty (The Governess from ITV’s The Chase) as Carabosse the Wicked Fairy and Philip Green (Britain’s Got Talent) as Jangles the Jester.

There will be dazzling costumes, spellbinding special effects and lots of audience participation that will make this one festive family treat that you will most definitely not want to miss.

How about an unmissable evening of Pure Rock ‘N’ Roll to take away the January Blues? With visits from We Three Kings of Rock ‘N’ Roll featuring Marc Robinson (Stars in Their Eyes) as Buddy Holly, Darren Page as Roy Orbison and Paul Molloy as Elvis on Friday 10th January and The Best of Queen on Saturday 25th January.

Sleeping Beauty opens on Friday 6th December 2019 and runs until Sunday 5th January 2020. Tickets are selling fast with some performances already sold out!

Stuck for Christmas present ideas? Why not give the gift of Theatre this Christmas and create memories!

A Princess sleeps for a lifetime in her forgotten palace following an evil curse that has put her under a spell but will true love’s kiss awaken Sleeping Beauty 14 | Middlesbrough Today

The Best of Queen features a selection of the most loved and iconic classics from across Queen’s entire back catalogue creating a live stage show which really catches the essence of this most incredible British band.

for Christmas when he was a small precocious baby. In fact, it’s said the first word he spoke was ‘Uranus’.

In his brand-new show, he seamlessly combines the very best showbiz entertainment in the world, possibly? as he wrestles with some of the big questions that other all-round entertainers shy away from. Such as: Are we alone in the universe? Is there life on Mars bars? 2lbs of potatoes. Packet of ginger nuts. Don’t lose this shopping list.

For full listings visit www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01642 81 51 81 and ask to join the mailing list and they will pop a brochure in the post for you!

For the Ballet and Dance fans in your life why not join Ballet Theatre UK as they follow the yellow brick road and discover all the wonders of Oz on Friday 17th January.

Enjoy Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion, (and yes Toto too) as they seek the Wonderful Wizard to find that there’s no place like home!

This full-length ballet adaptation of the iconic tale The Wizard of Oz is presented with beautiful backdrops, stunning theatrical sets and costumes evoking the iconic sketches from the original publication, is the perfect way to introduce children to classical ballet.

Fancy a heart-warming feel good comedy? Dirty Dusting starring Crissy Rock and Leah Bell takes to the Middlesbrough Theatre stage on Thursday 16th January will have you rolling in the aisles and smiling every time you answer the phone! Treat yourself to an evening of pure theatrical Viagra!!

Looking for some laugh out loud comedy? Count Arthur Strong is bringing his ‘Is There Anybody Out There?’ tour to Middlesbrough Theatre on Wednesday 12th February. As well as being an all-round entertainer, Count Arthur Strong is a lifelong fan of astronomy, since having been given a microscope, or whatever it is they use, Middlesbrough Today | 15

16 | Middlesbrough Today

Middlesbrough Today | 17

REMEMBERING THE OSCARS Following the success of Remembering the Movies, Strictly Come Dancing stars Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec will be returning to theatres across the UK next year, with their brand new show Remembering The Oscars.

Janette and Aljaž will be giving the red carpet treatment to Oscarwinning songs, dances, movies and stars in this exhilarating new dance spectacular, which comes to Billingham Forum Theatre on Wednesday 29 April.

Whether fans are Wishing On A Star, Swinging On A Star or merely dancing in the City of Stars, the show will take them from the Golden Age of Hollywood through to Disney family favourites and beyond.

Audiences will enjoy intricatelychoreographed routines, stunning stage design, colourful costumes and a huge LED screen, with specially filmed content.

Janette Manrara said, “I can tell you right now that Remembering The Oscars will be our biggest and most ambitious production to-date; we have hand-picked an incredible cast, we have some great material to work with and quite a few surprises.

“The Oscar-winning movies, songs, and actors that have inspired us will take this tour to another level, one that we know our audiences are going to love.

“To say Aljaž and I are excited about this tour is a huge understatement.”

18 | Middlesbrough Today

Aljaž Škorjanec added, “While we were touring the UK with our last show Remembering The Movies, Janette and I were constantly talking about how it could evolve, taking it to the next level and into the West End. “Inspired by Hollywood excellence, our amazing cast will combine with outstanding production values to give our incredible audiences exactly what they deserve: the very best!”

Tickets are on sale now, available from all venues, www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.rememberingtheoscars.com

We have a pair of tickets to give away to both the matinee and evening performances of Remembering the Oscars when the show comes to Billingham Forum Theatre on Wednesday 29 April.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply tell us which show you would like to attend and answer the following question:

What awards ceremony is the show inspired by?

Closing date for entries is 31st December 2019. Please see entry details on the opposite page.

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The stunning Cragside House and grounds are a 5 minute drive away as are the breath-taking Simonside Hills.

A little further afield Alnwick Castle and Gardens as well as the stunning coastline with Bamburgh Castle and Holy Island being landmarks.

The Coquetvale Hotel offers the finest Northumberland welcome, offering 14 well-appointed ensuite bedrooms.

Boasting a combination of double, twin, family and 2 stunning very recently refurbished superior suites.

The hotel recognises that many of the visitors to this spectacular area are those of the 4-legged variety and therefore is very dog friendly.

The grand restaurant offers a mix of traditional and modern, with its high ceilings, featuring ornate rose and cornice, decorated in subtle grey and silver – with stunning double

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The Coquetvale, Station Road, Rothbury, NE65 7QH, Northumberland

Newly refurbish Superior king-size suite

READER OFFER Why not take advantage of our special reader offer of a 2 course dinner for 2 people with a glass of wine each, overnight stay and a full Northumbrian breakfast the next morning for only £99.00 per couple.

Upgrade to the Ingram or Cheviot suites for a supplement of £20.00 Call for more details on 01669 622900 or email stay@coquetvale.co.uk Visit our website www.coquetvale.co.uk

READER COMPETITION

Win an overnight stay for 2 persons, in double or twin room fully inclusive of Northumbrian breakfast and 3 course evening meal. Subject to availability.

How many well appointed bedrooms does the Coquetvale Hotel have?

Closing date for entries is 31st December 2019. For details of how to enter see the entry banner at the bottom of this page.

Why not buy a voucher as a Christmas gift- valid for January to March Terms and conditions apply

ENTER TO WIN

To enter any of the Middlesbrough Today competitions please ensure you clearly mark on your entry the name of the competition that you are entering together with the answer to the question if there is one with your name, address and contact telephone number to: Middlesbrough Today Magazine competition, 45 Atkinson Gardens, Aycliffe Village, Co. Durham, DL5 6LH (Please note any competition entries without full contact details and contact telephone numbers will be voided and not entered into the competition)

WINNERS OF THE LAST MIDDLESBROUGH TODAY ISSUE 25 A festive Meal for 4 people at Thorpe Farm – B Wilds Overnight stay at the Coquetvale Hotel, Rothbury with dinner – J Thomas of Nunthorpe

A pair of tickets to one of Bon Coeur Fine Wines tasting events to include Welcome drink, supper and up to six wines to try – Lisa Hood A pair of tickets to see The Nutcracker at The Forum Theatre – A Rickaby

Weekdays 16:00 – 18:30 Weekends 10:00 – 16:00 FROM SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER

£7 EACH (2 FOR £12) Times are subject to change

INCLUDES

Free Skate & Selection Box for all of the festivities please visit 20 | Middlesbrough Today

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