Turn and Face the Strange returns to Hull Truck Theatre with a 2021 Special Edition featuring new songs and stories along with all the stunning multi-media elements that have wowed audiences over the past few years. The cult hit show is presented by the Centre for Contemporary Storytelling and runs 14 – 18 September.
Turn and Face the Strange tells the story of Hull-born Mick Ronson, who played alongside David Bowie as one of the Spiders from Mars, and became a world-famous musician, arranger and album producer.
The production features a string quartet of classically trained musicians and a stellar line-up of rock musicians who played with Mick Ronson and David Bowie, including Keith ‘Ched’ Cheesman (The Rats) and John Cambridge (The Rats & The Hype). They offer unique stories and memories of knowing Mick personally and sharing the stage with him. Alongside Kristian Eastwood, Bobby Joyce, Tony Beasty, Annabel Etheridge & Phil Keech, they recreate the iconic soundtrack of a generation that still reverberates today.
The stunning multi-media show was originally commissioned as part of Hull’s 2017 City of Culture year playing to sell-out audiences at the Freedom Centre in August 2017, followed by further sell-out runs at Hull Truck Theatre in February 2018 and April 2019. In August 2018 a specially adapted version of the cult show opened the new Spiders from Mars stage at the annual Humber Street Sesh Festival wowing an audience of thousands.
Written by Garry Burnett and ‘Made in Hull’ writer Rupert Creed, Turn and Face the Strange showcases a vivid stage design by Ed Ullyart, powerful film content by Anna Bean, and stunning lighting by Jason Addison.
Rupert Creed says: “We’ve given the show a 2021 Special Edition makeover. It keeps all the fantastic live music tracks that audiences love, along with some new songs, plus some new story content. We’ve got a great team of creatives on this project and as it’s the fourth outing for the show, we like to bring something new and exciting to each production.”
Garry Burnett says: “ The remarkable story of one of Hull’s most brilliant and influential artists, supported by an extraordinary team of musicians never fails to affect those who experience it. Turn and Face the Strange features a powerful rock band alongside a classical ensemble offering a stunning sound and visual experience mixed with personal stories of Mick’s life and music career.”
During lockdown John Cambridge has written an autobiography about his life as a drummer with Mick Ronson and David Bowie. Titled ‘Bowie, Cambo and all the Hype’ the book is published by McNidder and Grace and advance copies will be on sale in the foyer of the theatre during the show’s run.
