Many of our readers love the theatre. With the Summer break almost over, we can all now look forward to the return of some fantastic shows on theatre stages across Hull & East Yorkshire this Autumn.
I’ve picked out just a dozen of the best ones I can find, but there are plenty more to choose from. Take a look in our events directory to see them all >
Bat Out of Hell
Tuesday 13th – Saturday 24th September @ Hull New Theatre
Long live rock and roll! The show that took the words out of the mouths of audiences in London; New York; Toronto; and Germany is set to come to Hull as part of its much-anticipated UK tour.
Bat Out of Hell brings to life the story of Jim Steinman and Meatloaf in true fashion, combining the art of the musical with the rip-roaring rhythm and blues sound that we know and love as rock and roll.
Additionally, Bat Out of Hell will be part-ode to our hero Meatloaf, featuring hits of his such as I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That); Paradise By The Dashboard Light; Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad; Dead Ringer For Love; and the eponymous Bat Out Of Hell.
Tickets available on Hull New Theatre & Hull City Hall website >
Ladies Unleashed
Thursday 29 September – Saturday 22 October @ Hull Truck Theatre
Forgive me, I have not yet encountered the Ladies Trilogy. However, having scoured their synopses, I can see that I am missing out and will endeavour to set the record straight, starting next month with Ladies Unleashed.
Excitingly, this instalment follows the adventures of Pearl, Jan, and Linda as they set off for a long-awaited break on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. However, their plans are derailed by the appearance of an unwelcome visitor and rising tensions on the island! To finish and on another side note, I heartily recommend that you take any opportunity to visit the stunning Holy Island—I went earlier this year and was left awe-struck.
Gladys: A Beverley Love Story
Thursday 29 September – Saturday 22 October @ East Riding Theatre
I came across Gladys on the East Riding Theatre website and it grabbed my attention immediately. However, upon further inspection, I was only able to find a (very) brief synopsis; despite this, Glady’s has all the makings of a heartwarming tale which means I feel obliged to give it mention here.
From what I can gather, Gladys is set in Beverley and follows the relationship of Gladys and Alfie who have been married for fourty-five years and have a son pursuing a career as an estate agent in Leeds—it is a tale of enduring love in everyday life. To put it very simply, this looks like the most moving stage play to grace local theatres this year.
The Osmonds Musical
Saturday 8 – Saturday 22 October @ Hull New Theatre
Our city welcomes this sensational new musical in October which, believe it or not, is about The Osmonds— a music family group from the Seventies if you were not aware!
The Osmonds tells the official story — which, true to form, has not yet been told — about the five brothers from Utah and how they embraced celebrity as children to produce smash hit after smash hit.
Now, I must admit that I am a huge fan of the Osmonds particularly because of their hit song Long Haired Lover From Liverpool which was often blasting around the four walls of my Mother’s home so I for one cannot wait to see it!
Tickets available on Hull New Theatre & Hull City Hall website >
Bugsy Malone
Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 October @ Hull New Theatre
Admittedly, I am not familiar with the tale of Bugsy Malone — shock horror, I know. However, having glanced at the synopsis, I can tell you that it looks like a whirlwind of fun!
From what I can gather Bugsy Malone (the musical) follows the hilarious travails of Bugsy, a down-on-his-luck former boxer, who is torn between a flirtatious Devil woman and Fat Sam, a nefarious mobster of New York’s Lower East Side.
With blistering reviews under its belt, Bugsy Malone is sure to take Hull by storm!
Tickets available on Hull New Theatre & Hull City Hall website >
The Commitments
Monday 31 October – Saturday 5 November @ Hull New Theatre
Being half-Irish, I consider watching The Commitments film as being nothing short of a rite of passage, and let me tell you, it is one Hell of a watch. For that reason, I cannot wait for The Commitments musical to come to our city.
In short, The Commitments is about the story of Jimmy Rabbite, a young working-class music fan, who shaped an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians into the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced. To put it another way, The Commitments is a side-splitting coming of age extravaganza chock-full of hilariously far-fetched calamity. Perhaps it is best that you see it for yourself to decide!
Tickets available on Hull New Theatre & Hull City Hall website >
Friendscial
Tuesday 8 – Friday 11 November @ Hull Truck Theatre
Ross is distraught after his wife leaves him; however, a chance encounter with former flame Rachel gives him a final shot at true love. Sound familiar? That is because Friendsical is an original and unique new parody musical inspired by Friends, the hit TV show!
Despite not being a Friends fan, I can imagine that what I have just told you is enough to spark pandemonium but if that is not the case, Friendsical will feature original new songs such as (He’s her) Lobster!; Richard’s Moustache; and You’re Over Me, When Were You Under Me? Additionally, Hull Truck has teased an appearance from a surprise guest star…
The Full Monty
Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 November @ Hull New Theatre
I am sure that we are all familiar with the tale of The Full Monty; it has, deservedly, etched itself a place into the collective national psyche—seeing Mark Addy with his kit off made sure of that! That being said, this musical adaptation is an American take on The Fully Monty; however, do not let that put you off as I have it on good authority that the last time this show hit the New Theatre Stage it sold out!
Tickets available on Hull New Theatre & Hull City Hall website >
A Christmas Carol
Friday 25 November – Saturday 31 December @ Hull Truck Theatre
In case you have not noticed, I possess a peculiar surname. Nevertheless, I lay claim to the last laugh and a cool piece of trivia, as Scrooge is Charles Dicken’s derivation of Scroggie.
Unsurprisingly, A Christmas Carol has and always will be my favourite Christmas fable. Therefore, I will be the first in line to attend Hull Truck’s performance of Dicken’s classic Christmas ghost story which happily comes with a twist — it is set in Hull!
Fairytale of New York
Thursday 8 December @ Hull City Hall
I swear I have not got a secret Irish agenda! The Fairytale of New York comes to Hull on the strength of a West End stint and a phenomenal sell-out debut tour courtesy of Prestige Productions, the producers of Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of The Dubliners. On a side note, if you have not heard Seven Drunken Nights (the song) then give it a listen immediately—it is hysterical! Back to The Fairytale of New York, witness a riotous festive special featuring Irish classics such as The Galway Girl; The Irish Rover; Wagon Wheel; Danny Boy; Dirty Old Town; and The Black Velvet Band—I promise that you will not be disappointed.
Tickets available on Hull New Theatre & Hull City Hall website >
Jack, Mum and the Beanstalk
Wednesday 7 – Saturday 24 December @ Hull Truck Theatre
Hull Truck have created this incredible story aimed at age 3+, so it’s perfect for the little ones when it comes to the panto season.
Jack can’t wait to spend Christmas with his super-fun, lego-building, song-singing, chocolate-sharing, Superhero Mum. But then they get a call, Nan is joining them for Christmas. Suddenly everything becomes about tidying bedrooms, clearing up toys and having no fun at all.
From the writer of The Christmas Ugly Duckling and How To Fly Like A Reindeer comes a new festive adventure for young children and their families, inspired by the well-known fairy tale, Jack and the Beanstalk.
Tickets available on Hull Truck website >
Jack & The Beanstalk
Saturday 10 – Saturday 31 December @ Hull New Theatre
I hold a special place in my heart for pantomime. When I was younger, I would frequent the Liverpool Empire Theatre to watch Peter Pan; I found inexpressible enjoyment in those performances and can only hope that my love for pantomime is shared by other children.
So, in that spirit, fe-fi-fo-fum your way to Hull Truck Theatre where you will find laughs; music; special effects; magic beans; and bundles of audience participation courtesy of musical theatre star Gareth Gates and Hull’s favourite funny man Neil Hurst.
Tickets available on Hull New Theatre & Hull City Hall website >
