From drama to music, and comedy to contemporary theatre, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Hull Truck Theatre this June!
Kicking off a month of action-packed theatre on the main stage is Quality Street (Wed 31 May – Saturday 3 June). From the writer of Peter Pan, this regency rom-com’ was such a sensation in its day that it gave its name to the UK’s most loved chocolates. Revived by Northern Broadsides for audiences in 2023, this will be a definite hit for fans of Bridgerton! Starring Paula Lane (Coronation Street) as Phoebe Throssel, alongside a stellar lineup of cast and creative team.
“A sweet and slightly nutty confection” ★★★★ Mail on Sunday
“A lot of giddy fun” ★★★★ The Telegraph
“J.M. Barrie’s frothy confection is mined for all its comic potential” ★★★★ The Stage
For fans of the big screen, National Theatre are screening Best of Enemies (Friday 2 June). David Harewood (Homeland) and Zachary Quinto (Star Trek) play feuding political rivals in James Graham’s multiple award-winning new drama. Whilst Hull Independent Cinema presents God’s Creatures (6 June), a devastating and poignant film with an outstanding cast, starring Paul Mescal, Emily Watson and Aisling Franciosi.
Making a welcome return to Hull Truck Theatre’s stage is Sully (Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 June). Sully tells the story of rugby icon Clive Sullivan MBE, a proud Welshman who became a son of Hull on both sides of the river. Sully represented both Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers with pride, dignity and honour, scoring over 100 tries’ for both clubs whilst also winning a Challenge Cup Final Winners Medal in the red and white and black and white. He was also the first black captain to represent his country in any sport. This charming play presented by Mosaic Productions is written by Dave Windass and directed by Scott Solway. It also stars an all-Yorkshire cast including Levi Payne (Teechers’ Leavers 22, Jack, Mum & The Beanstalk – Hull Truck Theatre), Amy Thompson (Channel 5’s Milkshake!) and Peter McMillan (Living on Fresh Air – UK Tour).
Grow Season continues to showcase new talent and support emerging artists with a range of new and contemporary performances in June, including: 5 Years (Wednesday 7 June), Helen (Thursday 15 – Friday 16 June), A Splash of Milk (Thursday 29 June) and Julie: The Musical (Friday 30 June). As part of a special multi-buy ticket offer, audiences can purchase tickets for three or more Grow Season shows for just £10 per ticket. There are also still tickets available for local artists who would like to access work via the Grow and See Fund. For more details, please visit our website: www.hulltruck.co.uk/grow-2023
For family audiences and local communities, the theatre is once again opening its doors and inviting the public to see what really goes on behind the scenes! Family members of all ages can explore Hull Truck Theatre at its annual Family Open Day (Saturday 17 June) and experience how a show comes to life. Get involved with sound and lighting demonstrations and see backstage. Other free activities such as arts and crafts, face painting, soft play, story sessions, giant games and building tours will also be available. For full details, visit: www.hulltruck.co.uk/family-open-day-2023
The music programme is sure to have something to suit all tastes – with an eclectic lineup of performances that are set to take Hull Truck Theatre’s main stage by storm. From Coldplace (Thursday 15 June), the world’s leading tribute to Coldplay, to Disco Inferno (Friday 16 June), an electrifying show transporting audiences to hot summer nights at Studio 54.
For those who prefer a more classical sound, The Pasadena Roof Orchestra (Thursday 22 June) will recreate the sounds of a golden era of music from the 1920s and 1930s. The Sound of Springsteen (Friday 23 June) will bring to the stage some of the greatest hits from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band as they continue their ever-popular tour around the UK. Whilst Rave On – The Ultimate 50s and 60s Experience (Saturday 24 June), will take audiences on a trip down memory lane featuring hits from the likes of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Connie Francis plus much more!
Combining both music and spoken word, THE GODS THE GODS THE GODS (Thursday 29 June) is the third show in the internally acclaimed series of Myths from the two ‘masters of storytelling’ (Fourth Wall) Wright&Grainger. Following their multi-award-winning tellings of ORPHEUS and EURYDICE, Wright & Grainger call us to the crossroads where mythology meets real life. Performed as a 12-track album, THE GODS THE GODS THE GODS is an exhilarating weave of big beats, heavy basslines, soaring melodies and heart-stopping spoken word. Not to be missed!
Hot off the back of Eurovision 2023, Act III have been busy creating a brand-new piece of theatre to present to audiences this June. Hullovision (Friday 23 – Saturday 24 June) will explore what happens when a beige over-sixties book club in Hull takes on the fabulous, glamorous, and glitzy world of Eurovision. Prepare for lip-syncing, dance moves and glitter canons as this group prove you’re never too old for an adventure. Act III are Hull Truck Theatre’s community theatre-making group for retired adults. Tickets are now on sale for the show at £10 (£2 concession).
Josie Lena Davies, Community & Learning Associate Director at Hull Truck Theatre said:
“I’m really enjoying creating this show with our Act III group for retired adults. This production will once again link to our theatre of sanctuary work, but in a very different way. I am looking forward to presenting this fabulously fun show to audiences this summer.”
Finally, if you’re looking for a good laugh this month, then look no further than comedy legend Justin Moorhouse, with his brand-new show Stretch & Think (Friday 30 June). From yoga to the menopause, labradoodles and tapas – enjoy his unique take on life as he sees it.
“What sets him apart is the craft. Lightning-fast wit, masterful delivery.” Chortle ★★★★
For more information about Hull Truck Theatre and to buy tickets for any of the shows taking place in June, please visit: www.hulltruck.co.uk
