Hull Truck Theatre are inviting audiences to enjoy a variety of good entertainment on-stage and on-screen this February. Whether you are looking for family fun over the half-term break, a laugh-out-loud night out with friends at a stand-up gig, or a thought-provoking evening of reflection – Hull Truck Theatre have got you covered.
Luke Dankoff, Producer / Programmer at Hull Truck Theatre, said:
‘February sees a remarkable spread of companies from different scales and backgrounds performing on our stages. It is amazing to see audiences connect and enjoy the huge variety of talent that we work incredibly hard to secure for Hull Truck. The variety of the programme reflects the importance of responding to what our audiences would like to see on stage, from music and drama to comedy I hope that you enjoy what these amazing companies have to showcase.’
To kick off the month, Hull Truck Theatre will pay tribute to National Storytelling Week, a celebration of the art of storytelling and the power of stories to connect, entertain, and inspire. One remarkable story is shared through Mama Afrika (Friday 2 February), celebrating an iconic South African Singer, songwriter and civil rights activist, told by Zimbabwean-born singer, musician, and storyteller Anna Mudeka. Featuring many best-loved songs including Mbube, Pata Pata and Soweto Blues.
From one story to many stories, As SHE Likes It will be on stage for one night only on Saturday 3 February. Sharing the collective stories of the many women whose voices have been silenced, this is a darkly comedic explosion of multimedia, verbatim, cabaret and drag, inspired by the story of the #MeToo pioneer Patricia Douglas. It’s been nearly 100 years since Patricia Douglas was lured to a studio party under the guise of a casting call, in what was perhaps the biggest, best-suppressed scandal in Hollywood history.
Hull Truck Theatre favourite and founder of Northern Broadsides, Barrie Rutter returns with Barrie Rutter’s Shakespeare’s Royals (Thursday 8 February). This never afraid to be outspoken, and irrepressible Yorkshireman will share memories from a career of playing and directing Bard’s Kings & Queens – sharing their achievements, conquests and foibles.
This February Half Term, Hull Truck Theatre invites families to enjoy a jam-packed programme of theatre experiences for children from ages 0+. A Great Pirate Adventure (Saturday 10 & Monday 12 February) is specially designed for adventurers aged 3 -6 and will feature an arts and crafts session followed by an interactive play that uses whatever you have made. Shark in the Park (Tuesday 13 – Thursday 15 February) is the fin-tastic family musical featuring all three of Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark in the Park’ book series – recommended for younger families. Peppa Pig also celebrates her 20th anniversary and to mark such a huge occasion she is throwing the most epic party ever – and all her friends are invited. Join the fun at Peppa’s Cinema Party (Saturday 10 – Thursday 15 February) – for ages 0+.
For children aged 5+, Ministry of Science Live (Friday 16 February) will present a dive deep into the world of science with 20ft liquid nitrogen clouds and oxygen and helium balloons. Morgan & West’s Massive Magic Show for Kids! (Tuesday 20 February) is back and just as relentlessly funny and fantastically magic-filled as ever. Guaranteed to delight those aged 5 and 105, and everyone in between!
For Cinema lovers Hull Truck Screen hosts in collaboration once again in February with Hull Independent Cinema and National Theatre Live.
Hull Independent Cinema will present Fallen Leaves (12A) (Saturday 3 February) where two lonely souls meet by chance in a local karaoke bar. A quietly witty script played with perfectly deadpan performances. Monica (15)(Wednesday 7 February) follows a transgender woman trying to repair a broken relationship with her mother in a moving, moody and stylish drama. On The Adamant (PG) (Friday 9 February) is a compassionate, warm and sympathetic documentary that gives privileged access into the lives of adults suffering from mental illness.
NT Live explores the complexities of human emotions where hopes, dreams, and regrets are thrust into sharp focus in the one-man adaptation of Vanya (Encore Screening) (15) (Friday 23 February).
Game for a laugh? Apocalypse Now Then (Friday 16 – Saturday 17 February) will present a new comedy sharing – performed script-in-hand – asking the question: How is a bloke from Hull allowed his own army division? And what would you do if you were uprooted from your home and moved to a new housing estate? The hysterically funny Aaron Simmonds: Baby Steps (Thursday 22 February) invites audiences to discover the positive side of being disabled, from having a blue badge to sex in disabled toilets, meeting “Jesus” and everything in between. From one stand-up comedian to another, Daniel Foxx: Villain (Saturday 24 February) brings his sensational show about childhood, Tilda Swinton and bullying (but in a chic way) to Hull, and Miles Jupp: On I Bang (Wednesday 28 February) has a story to tell and a few things that he’d like to share about his discovery of a tumour the size of a cherry tomato – a tale about surprise, fear, luck, and love.
If it’s a night of music you are after, Snake Davis Band Classic Sax Solos (Saturday 17 February) can break hearts, lift spirits and even change lives. Rave On (Wednesday 21 February) returns by popular demand with leading performers from West End productions The Buddy Holly Story, Million Dollar Quartet and Dreamboats & Petticoats. Whole Lotta Shakin’: The Shakin’ Stevens Story (Thursday 22 February) is the Award-Winning tribute to the UK’s biggest-selling singles artists of the 1980s. Not forgetting the unforgettable King for a Day: The Nat King Cole Story (Thursday 29 February) presenting a unique concert that celebrates one of the greatest vocalists and entertainers of the Twentieth Century.
Finally, calling all sports fans! A Tale of Two Cities (Friday 23 February) will tell the story of Hull’s two Rugby League clubs: Hull Kingston Rovers and Hull FC. Touching down on issues far beyond an oval ball, this performance will mix stories, images and songs to offer a wider context beyond the game. A Derby of words and songs and an exploration of how sport can be the community glue that binds.
To book tickets for any of the shows on stage at Hull Truck Theatre in February 2024, please visit www.hulltruck.co.uk.
