As we move into the festive period, theatres across fair auld Hull and the East Riding are putting on a suite of pantomimes and festive shows to get us all into the Christmas spirit!
I, for one, am very excited; as I see it, pantomime has always been synonymous with Christmas and is often my prelude to the most wonderful time of the year. With this in mind, it is well worth taking the family down to one of our charming Hull and East Yorkshire theatres this Christmas to share in the joy of a wonderful Christmastime!
A Christmas Carol at Bridlington Spa
Sunday 20th November at 14:00
Bridlington Spa is putting on an epic adaptation of Dicken’s classic Christmas ghost story with a little help from North East Composer Dennis Westgate (check him out on Google!), Northern Ballet Ability Dance, and Diverse Leeds!
A Christmas Carol at Hull Truck Theatre
Friday 25th November to Saturday 31st December
A Christmas Carol holds a special place in my heart because the anti-hero Ebenezer Scrooge shares a derivation of my oft-misused and teased surname!
To my delight, Hull Truck Theatre amends Dicken’s classic Christmas ghost story by adding a colloquial spin that will see Scrooge visit the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future in, of all places, our fair city of Hull!
Northern Ballet: The Nutcracker at Hull New Theatre
Wednesday 30th November to Saturday 3rd December
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky is a composer who fascinates me not least because my Father, a classical musician, has often waxed lyrical about his talents. In particular, The Nutcracker is a favourite of mine.
Happily, this production of the eponymous Nutcracker is brought to life by Northern Ballet Sinfonia whose musical talents are sure to do justice to the Master. Share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince into an enchanting winter wonderland!
Jack, Mum & The Beanstalk at Hull Truck Theatre
Wednesday 7th December to Saturday 24th December
From the writer of The Christmas Ugly Duckling and How to Fly Like A Reindeer comes a new festive adaptation of the well-known fairy tale, Jack and the Beanstalk.
In this magic-filled adaptation, Jack is joined by his super-fun, Lego-building, song-singing, chocolate-sharing (WOW!), Superhero Mum and, wait for it, his Nan who, God bless her, turns everything into tidying bedrooms, clearing up toys, and having no fun at all!
Needless, to say, when Jack discovers that a beanstalk has sprouted in his living room, he’s ready to escape…
Jack and the Beanstalk at Hull New Theatre
Saturday 10th December to Saturday 31st December 2022
Expect laughs, music, special effects, magic beans, and bundles of audience participation in this giant of a pantomime which is headed by pop and musical theatre star Gareth Gates and Hull’s favourite funny man Neil Hurst.
Excitedly, I had the pleasure of interviewing the cast earlier this month, all of whom, I am happy to say, were charming and welcoming in their own right! Obviously, Gareth Gates and Neil Hurst need no introduction so I feel obliged to mention that newcomers Allana Taylor and Chelsea Hall looked and seemed well-capable of setting Hull New Theatre audiences alight with their performances next month!
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Bridlington Spa
Tuesday 13th December to Monday 2nd January
It is going to be a festive period to remember at Bridlington Spa as they are also treating us to an adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!
Featuring Brian Capron who heads a star-studded cast, Bridlington Spa is laying it on thick with breathtaking scenery, awe-inspiring special effects, sparkly costumes, spectacular song and dance, and plenty of fun, laughter, and audience participation.
Robin Hood Prince of Thorngumbald at Middle Child Theatre
Thursday 22nd to Friday 30th December
Before I start, I must admit that as an out-of-towner, Thorngumbald threw me entirely! What a crazy name! Albeit, it does make sense given our region’s Viking history.
Now, before I digress, I am delighted to announce that my childhood favourite, Robin Hood, is coming to Hull next month to hustle the villainous posse led by King John and the Sheriff of Cottingham!
Hosted by the beautiful Social on Humber Street, this run of shows sold out fast last year so be sure to get in there early to cheer on Robin as he steals from the rich and gives to the poor (if only he really existed!).
The Pirates of Christmas Island at Hull and East Riding Libraries
Thursday 1st December to Saturday 24th December
Following a sold-out tour last Christmas, She Productions are back with brand-new family musical, The Pirates of Christmas Island.
Pirates celebrate the lesser-known stories of history’s Pirate Queens as they unite through courage, teamwork, and swashbuckling songs! Interestingly, this production will tour libraries in Hull and the East Riding, culminating in a unique, one-off performance at The Deep!