From the music of the swinging sixties to tales of a Hollywood idol, there’s lots to look forward to in Bishop Auckland Town Hall’s new season line-up.
Visitors to the Durham County Council-run venue can choose from shows to suit all tastes this autumn, in the theatre’s first live performances since the beginning of the Covid pandemic.
Music lovers will welcome the return of the theatre’s regular intimate Friday Lunchtime Jazz Series, as well as big shows such as Counterfeit Sixties, which takes to the stage on Saturday 25 September.
Four talented musicians will perform the music of more than thirty bands and singers, playing a back catalogue of some of the greatest songs of the decade in a night of fun and nostalgia. The sights and sounds of the 60s will be brought to life over the course of the two-hour live performance, accompanied by video footage of the era.
A host of hilarious stand-up comedians will tickle audiences’ funny bones during the monthly Hilarity Bites comedy club and at a special extravaganza of comedy and cuisine. Scheduled to coincide with the Bishop Auckland Food Festival, the one-off show will see audiences tuck into tasty food, whilst being entertained by Edinburgh Fringe and TV regulars, Seann Walsh and Bethany Black.
The side-splitting pair will be joined by resident MC at Edinburgh’s award-winning Monkey Barrel Comedy Club, Rick Molland, on Saturday 2 October.
Seann, who has been described as ‘the best observational comedian of his generation’, ended his last UK tour to standing ovations around the country, and is well known from his TV appearances on Live At The Apollo, Celebrity Juice, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Strictly Come Dancing and more.
He’ll be joined by Bethany, who as well as being a comedian is also an accomplished actor, having appeared as Helen in Russell T. Davies’ multi-channel shows Cucumber, Banana, Tofu and Doctor Who.
The true story of a movie idol will leave theatre audiences spellbound in The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe, on Saturday 9 October.
The fascinating drama will show the star of the screen as never seen before, alone in her bedroom, in dressing gown and underwear; no glitz, no glamour, no masks.
Recounting the last moments of the life of an icon, this captivating confessional takes us back through the memories of the actress’ losses, triumphs and closest relationships. Audiences will hear star-studded tales of Hollywood, introducing famous faces such as Joe DiMaggio, Clark Gable and Arthur Miller.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, the council’s Cabinet member for Economy and Partnerships, said “We are delighted to announce the return of live performances to the Bishop Auckland Town Hall stage, with a season of stellar acts, from comedy to music and live theatre.
“With the announcement of two brand new Christmas shows to follow soon, there’s a lot for audiences to get excited about, all forming part of the amazing arts line-up which showcases how much we have to offer here in County Durham as we bid to become UK City of Culture 2025.”
To book tickets or for information on the whole programme, including exhibitions, workshops, talks and other events, visit www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk
