Hull Truck Theatre and Hull Trains will once again come together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
Building on the success of past years, Hull Truck Theatre has partnered with Hull Trains to present the festive family production of Pinocchio for audiences to celebrate Christmas 2023. The world premiere production adapted by award-winning playwright Mike Kenny, will reimagine the tale of the much-loved classic story by Carlo Collodi. The production will be on the main stage at Hull Truck Theatre between Friday 24 November – Sunday 31 December.
Hull Trains have supported Hull Truck Theatre with their last three consecutive live Christmas shows, including Peter Pan (2019), The Railway Children (2021) and the Box Office smash hit, A Christmas Carol (2022).
There is a natural synergy between the two iconic Hull brands which makes this continued partnership such a success. Both organisations have a strong inclusive ethos, are committed to the city and its diverse communities and have a shared green agenda – both working towards an eco-friendly future. They are also proud ambassadors for the city and all the wonderful things that Hull has to offer – including a jam-packed cultural programme.
Pinocchio will be directed by Hull Truck Theatre’s Artistic Director, Mark Babych and feature a new score by composer and co-lyricist John Biddle. The 2023 production will see the team behind the theatre’s much-loved production of The Railway Children (2021) reunited to create another magical festive masterpiece.
Mark Babych, Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre, said:
“We’re thrilled to once again be working with Hull Trains to premiere our new adaptation of the classic story, Pinocchio. The partnership allows us to re-imagine this family favourite, including original songs, spectacular sets, and costume design. Hull Truck Theatre’s Christmas shows have become a much-loved part of the magical festive experience and with the help and support of our sponsors, Hull Trains, we are able to find new ways to connect friends, families and communities together to share the magic of Christmas.”
Performed by a company of eight actors, the production will feature all the elements audiences have come to love about Hull Truck Theatre’s family Christmas shows – stories with great heart, original songs, beautiful designs and imaginative staging.
John Biddle, Composer for Pinocchio at Hull Truck Theatre, said:
“I’m so happy to be working on another of Hull Truck Theatre’s brilliant Christmas shows. This story’s blown me away! A little wooden person discovering what it feels like to be alive, to feel bored and have fun, cared for and hurt, loved and betrayed – it’s got so much we can all recognise, and it’s been incredible writing songs that (hopefully) will take us flying through all those different feelings. I think this one’s going to be really special.”
Building on the success of last year’s A Christmas Carol, the production will again embed British Sign Language (BSL) into the narrative and production. Deaf actors will be playing leading roles in the company and a language of sign (BSL / Visual Vernacular) will be filtered through the whole ensemble to enhance the story and enrich the experience for audiences.
Hull Truck Theatre are delighted to be sponsored by Hull Trains to bring this heart-warming and fantastical tale about coming-of-age, loyalty, redemption, unconditional love, and identity to the stage and to audiences in Hull and East Yorkshire this Christmas. Recommended for ages 7+.
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Hull Trains, said:
“Hull Trains are delighted to be back on board to sponsor this year’s production of Pinocchio at Hull Truck Theatre, showing our ongoing support for the local community. The show this year promises to bring to life the classic fairy tale complete with a spectacular set, costume designs and original music for the whole family to enjoy this upcoming festive season.”
Tickets for Pinocchio are available to buy now – either online or by calling the Box Office on 01482 323638. Groups 8+ receive a 10% discount per ticket.
Access and Preview performances are also available. See www.hulltruck.co.uk for more information.
