Sleeping Beauty, Roy Orbison, Jekyll and Hyde and Orville the Owl are just some of the stars gracing a popular arts venue this autumn.
Bishop Auckland Town Hall’s new season brochure is out now and features music, theatre, comedy, film and exhibitions to suit all tastes and ages.
Through the Decades with Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly is a must for music fans, with leading tribute artists Darren Paige and Marc Robinson joining forces to celebrate the legendary performers on Friday, 12 October, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £17.50.
American Rock ‘n’ Roll will make way for traditional and contemporary Irish music when Share the Darkness takes to the stage on Friday, 23 November, at 8pm. Once described as “more Irish than a Dublin pub,” this upbeat show is suitable for all ages. Tickets cost £10 or £8 for concessions.
Theatre lovers, meanwhile, are sure to enjoy Northumberland Theatre Company’s production of Heartspur on Wednesday, 10 October, at 7.30pm. Set in gangland Newcastle in 1963, the play brings together the best of Shakespeare’s words with modern dialogue and memorable songs from the 1960s. Tickets cost £10 or £8 for concessions.
On Wednesday, 17 October, at 7.30pm, the National Production Company will perform Jekyll and Hyde. This fast-paced production stays true to the classic tale, following Dr Jekyll as he fashions a controversial concoction that transforms him into an evil monster. Tickets cost £10 or £8 for concessions.
Anyone who attends one show can buy tickets for the other production half price.
Little theatre goes are also catered for with Orville the Owl, an interactive play featuring poetry, music and puppets. Orville will take to the stage on Monday, 22 October, at 10.30am. The play is suitable for children under six and tickets cost £2.
As Christmas approaches, what better than a pantomime to help foster the festive spirit?
Sleeping Beauty, brought to you by Talegate, a brand new theatre company for 2018, runs from Saturday, 1 December to Monday, 3 December and is jam-packed full of songs and silliness. Tickets cost £9, £7 for concessions or £30 for a family of two adults and two children. Performances take place at 2pm and 6pm on Saturday, 2pm on Sunday and 10.30am and 1.30pm on Monday.
Further magic is in store on Thursday, 20 December, at 6.30pm, when Northumberland Theatre Company will perform The Little Girl Who Danced to Every Mood. This contemporary Scandinavian adventure follows a princess as she seeks to find her true place in the world, with plenty of singing, dancing and drama along the way. Tickets cost £10 or £8 for concessions.
The Hilarity Bites Comedy Club also returns with a string of Friday night gigs featuring much-loved comedians. Upcoming acts include: Steve Harris, Caroline Mabey and MC Andy Fury on 21 September; Eddie Brimson, Harry Garrison and MC Tony Jameson on 19 October; Tom Houghton, Jenny Collier and MC Sam Avery on 16 November; Gavin Webster on 30 November; and Tanyalee Davis, Kelsy de Almeida and Matt Reed on 21 December. All gigs start at 7.30pm and tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door.
Film highlights include The Mountain Between Us on Thursday, 18 October and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society on Thursday, 8 November. Screenings start at 7.30pm and tickets cost £5.
Bishop Auckland Town Hall is also hosting special events paying tribute to late and great creative heroes from the region. On Wednesday, 3 October, at 7.30pm, a free illustrated talk will delve into the sketchbooks of pitman painter Norman Cornish.
And on Monday, 8 October, at 7.30pm, friends of the beloved poet, playwright and novelist Julia Darling will come together to celebrate the publication of Pearl, a new short story collection. This intimate performance will feature readings and memories, with tickets priced at £5 including a glass of wine.
Janet Strong, operations officer at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, said: “This season looks set to be one of the busiest and best to date. We are delighted to bring so many talented performers to Bishop Auckland and are looking forward to sharing all of the drama, music and laughter with our audiences.”
To book tickets, call 03000 269 524 or visit www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk
