Discover Topics: News

Hotham’s Distillery has launched a new Vodka School experience, taking guests on a journey to explore the art of vodka distilling, and to create their own uniquely flavoured vodka.

To celebrate the launch of Vodka School, Hotham’s are also introducing their latest edition of the popular Bodka spirit, Mango Bodka. Rich in delicious mango flavour, it’s a delicious addition to the existing Hotham’s line-up, and sure to delight vodka lovers with its natural sweetness and refreshing taste.

The launch of Vodka School comes after the successful launch of Rum School in 2022.

The Vodka School experience will be led by co-founders and distillers, Simon and Emma Pownall, who will guide guests through the process of selecting and distilling botanicals to create their personalised flavoured vodka. Participants will learn about the history and production of vodka and gain insights into the distilling process.

Throughout the experience, guests will have the opportunity to taste and smell a wide range of botanicals, including herbs, fruits and spices, each carefully selected for their unique flavours and aromas. They will be taught how to balance these botanicals to create a vodka with a perfect flavour profile profile. Guests will also have the opportunity to sample Hotham’s Orange Vodka, Original Bodka, and the brand new Mango Bodka.

“The Vodka School experience is the perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to get a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation
process, and to add a personalised flavoured vodka to their spirit cupboards,” said co-founder Emma.

“Our guests will learn how to flavour their vodka with a variety of botanicals, creating a flavour that is truly unique to them.”

The workshop will take place at Hotham’s Distillery, located at 55 Whitefriargate, where guests will experience the distillation process first-hand.

Hotham’s Vodka School experience promises to be an unforgettable afternoon for any vodka enthusiast.

To book the experience or to learn more about Hotham’s Distillery, visit the website: Click here

Over the Hull International Choir Competition, the streets were alive with the sound of music!

In April, Conference Hull welcomed Interkultur’s first International Choir Conference and it’s safe to say the event was a phenomenal success.

• 1000 delegates
• 27 choirs
• 10 nations
• 8 venues
• 2000 hotel room night stays
• 1 opening ceremony
• 9 competitions
• 1 Gala Concert
• 6 friendship concerts
• 69 volunteers who volunteered 373 man hours
• …and 1 spectacular closing ceremony

The team at Conference Hull worked closely with Interkultur to make all aspects of this event successful. The Conference Hull team coordinated site visits, liaised and booked multiple venues and locations, arranged accommodation for all visiting delegates, created an array of marketing materials and city dressing, coordinated volunteers and a whole host of other added extras to make sure the choir competition had that special Hull touch.

The Trophies

Conference Hull approached a collection of local artists and tasked them with creating trophies to reflect Hull and its heritage. 9 trophies were collaboratively handmade by 3 artists, each one as unique and spectacular as the choir they were awarded to. The designs were inspired by Hull’s rich maritime history and reflected the overseas journey necessary for many of the choirs. Interkultur were overwhelmed with the uniqueness and attention to detail of the trophies.

A Warm Welcome

It is noted by locals that one of the most successful things to come out of Hull being City of Culture in 2017 was the HEY Volunteer Programme. The programme allows local residents to volunteer at a variety of events to help provide extra support in a range of different capacities. HEY Volunteers acted as ‘hosts’ for the choirs across the weekend, guiding the around the city, answering their questions about the region and becoming their biggest supporters. Having these dedicated volunteers not only helped choirs to arrive to their venues on time but also encouraged them to explore further in Hull, visit local attractions and fall in love with our city. The bonds created between the choirs and the volunteers were incredible (the last day was very emotional) highlighting just how special our HEY Volunteers really are.

City Dressing

The streets of Hull were awash with green and white as the Conference Hull team worked hard to not only advertise the weekend to local residents but also to make our visitors feel truly welcomed. Banners, posters and leaflets were created plus the extra special feature of lighting up the city centre buildings in green and blue to reflect the competition’s branding colours.

The team at Conference Hull look forward to welcoming back Interkultur and Hull’s 2^nd International Choir Competition in 2025!

With the summer almost upon us, keeping the kids entertained isn’t always easy.

Add in the fact that days out can be expensive and that the nation is in the middle of a cost of living crisis, it could make life difficult for some families.

To help ease those worries, we’ve compiled a list of just some of the many FREE activities and places to visit with the family and to keep everyone entertained.

Museums & Galleries:

Learn about our city’s history and heritage in one of Hull’s museums, starting in the Museums Quarter work.

Climb aboard at the Streetlife Museum of Transport and enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells of the past, experience 200 years of transport history as you walk down a 1940’s high street, board a tram or enjoy the pleasures of our carriage ride.

At the Hull and East Riding Museum, you can journey through 235 million years of history. From a face-to-face encounter with a woolly mammoth to appreciating the beauty of the stunning mosaics within a Roman bathhouse, the museum displays show what it would have been like to live in the region throughout time.

Celebrate the legacy of Hull’s most famous son William Wilberforce (MP and champion of the abolitionist movement) at his birthplace Wilberforce House. The Grade I listed building has recently re-opened following major conservation work.

Ferens Art Gallery has a magnificent collection of paintings and sculptures, including works by European Old Masters, portraiture, marine painting, and modern and contemporary British art. This summer enjoy the Open Exhibition which has celebrated the creativity of local amateur and professional artists since 1967. Each year the Open Exhibition provides an exciting opportunity for artists to display and sell artwork. The Young Artists Open Exhibition is a brilliant opportunity to champion the young artistic spirit of the region. Every year there is a huge variety of work, from paintings and drawings, to pastels, collage, and prints. Both exhibitions can be seen between 21st July – 1st October.

Parks:

Hull has an abundance of beautiful parks and green spaces. Fun galore can be found at all the parks throughout the city, including;

East Park
There is something for everyone in East Park from a children’s water play area to enjoying a game of bowls, banging and bashing with a selection of musical instruments made from reclaimed materials to riding the Splash Boat and Swan Boats. Take a well earned break at the Central Pavillion Café before visiting the free outdoor gym then rounding off your day at the Animal Education Centre.

West Park
West Park, next to the MKM Stadium, features a wildlife aviary, a children’s playground, outdoor gym, skatepark and outdoor table tennis as well as wide open green spaces. Other facilities include three bowling greens, a model railway and a paddling pool (open during the summer holidays).

Pickering Park
Come and join the fun at Pickering Park, home to a fishing lake, playgrounds, outdoor gym and a paddling pool (open during the summer). The park also has beautiful ornamental gardens and a wildlife pond. The Aviary is now open and a must see with collections of African birds, small mammals such as meerkats, porcupines and reptiles including tortoises.

Pearson Park
As the first public park in Hull, Pearson Park is a key part of the city’s heritage and still retains many of its historic features including the original perimeter carriage drive, a serpentine lake and seven Grade 2 listed structures. Not only is Pearson Park one of our most beautiful parks in the city, but it is also a great location to get active. With an outdoor gym on the park grounds, as well as the paths and carriage road acting as simple routes for jogging and running, Pearson Park meets all your fitness needs helping you to stay active and stay healthy while enjoying the outdoors.

Trails and Walks:

Explore our rich maritime history with a guided tour of the city centre on a Maritime City Guided Walk, a group of dedicated volunteers who are accredited White Badge tours guides are offering guided tours for you to learn more about Hull and how the city has been shaped by its past, present and future. The tours will take place every Thursday and Saturday at 10.30am. Walks also take place on a Sunday at 11.30am and 1.30pm.

Why not pick up a copy of one of our many trails, in person (or download here) from the Welcome Information Centre at Paragon Interchange, including The Fish Trail, which weaves its way through Hull’s Old Town – simply find the 41 fish in the pavements, from the Warty Doris and Lumpsucker, to the wonderful Brill – don’t forget to collect your certificate when you’ve found them all!

FREE children’s activities with Healthy Holidays Hull

Welcome to Healthy Holidays Summer 2023 programme! Here you can find details of the many activities taking place in Hull during the children’s summer holidays. You can search by area; North, East and West or by SEND (special educational need and/or disability) or by the people delivering the sessions.

The programme is open to every child living in Hull, including children who are refugees or asylum seekers. You do not need to be eligible for free school meals to attend. Any food provided at a Healthy Holidays activity is in addition to holiday food vouchers provided to those who do receive free school meals.

Special Events This Summer

*Back to Life Festival at Hull Minster and Trinity Square (: Travel back in time as actors portray the people of our monuments, telling their amazing and quirky stories throughout the day. With stories for all ages, there will be something to learn for all the family!

*Medieval Mayhem at The Museum Quarter: Enjoy a weekend of medieval merriment and mayhem for all the family, as the Museums Quarter is transformed into a medieval encampment. Come face-to-face with knights in armour, a unit of archers, medieval residents, craftspeople and musicians.

*Pride In Hull in Hull City Centre: This year Pride in Hull we stretch across the city centre with music performers, street food and family area in Queen Victoria Square and Zebedees Yard.

*Telling Tales Of Tudor Hull at South Blockhouse: Nearly 500 years ago Hull was so important that King Henry VIII visited the place twice and commanded that new defences be built on the east bank of the River Hull. Meet at the site of South Blockhouse to get creative and help tell the amazing story of Tudor Learn about the stories behind the South Blockhouse, handle real artefacts from the site, ind out more about Hull’s maritime past, make your own model sailing boat and test its seaworthiness in the drainpipe channel challenge and even have a taste of Tudor food!

*Dino Day in Queen Victoria Square: Dino Day will take place on Friday 4th August at Queen Victoria Square. The event will be packed full of activities and exhibits. Visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal with a giant T-Rex, velociraptor, spinosaurus, baby dinosaurs and comedy cavemen in their cave kart. Activities also include free face painting, a colouring competition with dinosaur prizes, exhibits from Dinostar, and a putting game from Lost City Adventure Golf!

*Freedom Festival in Hull City Centre: Freedom Festival is Hull’s award-winning international arts festival. From epic spectaculars unfolding in the city centre to intimate moments where audiences and artists meet, we present thought-provoking, playful, and powerful performances in public spaces that address the world we live in.

There is something for everyone, have a wonderful time!

 

 

Hull is ready for Eurovision 2023 as it arrives in the UK for the first time in 25 years.

Fans not lucky enough to get tickets for the coveted live event in Liverpool now have the chance to get involved in the celebrations, as Hull New Theatre hosts a whole FREE night of fun, thanks to Hull City Council and funding from DCMS.

Everyone that bags a free ticket for the evening will be greeted with a red carpet and fire-eater, opportunities for selfies and photos posing as some of Eurovision’s biggest past stars – ABBA.

The stage will be filled with a screening of the show which will broadcast the full Eurovision evening’s coverage live from 8pm. Hull entertainer Andy Train will compere the event complete with audience participation and games.

Andy Train said: “To have the Eurovision Song Contest held, on behalf of Ukraine, here in the UK, is such an honour and very exciting.

“It’s a wonderful event that brings people together like nothing else can.

“Music unites and we invite everyone to our city’s official Eurovision Party, to share in its sheer joy, fun and glittery campness.”

Doors open at 6.30pm with the theatre’s bars and restaurants open until 10.30pm. Fancy dress is encouraged – the brighter and bolder the better!

There will also be a collection for those people in Ukraine who are affected by the current conflict.

FREE tickets are available here on a first come, first service basis and are available online www.hulltheatres.co.uk. Please note tickets can be collected from the City Hall box office, from New Theatre box office as it opens for the event or can be printed at home. As this is a free event, tickets can unfortunately not be posted out.

The city of Hull has had a wealth of inspirational and brilliant women! Some were born here and others came and made their mark.

Dr Mary Murdoch was Hull’s first female GP, and more recently the new bridge on Castle Street, Murdoch’s Connection, was named after her.

Madam Emily Clapham. When you think of haute couture, Savile Row, Paris or Milan might spring to mind, but for 80 years Hull was home to the salon of Madame Clapham, a redoubtable woman who’s work gained such renown that she was appointed as a royal dressmaker, and her garments became objects of desire among those in high society. Madame Clapham’s reputation soared between 1890 and the outbreak of World War One in 1914.

Ethelk Legiska one of the most talented musicians of the 20th century, was born  ‘Ethel Liggins’ but took the name ‘Leginska’ in an era when the best top-class musicians had Polish- or Russian-sounding names. She became a pianist and became an accomplished conductor and conducted many of the world’s leading orchestras from the mid-1920s. This culminated in the founding of her own women’s orchestras. She also composed three operas and in 1935 was the first woman to conduct her own opera in a major opera house.

Margaret Moxon (nee Kissling) a pioneering teacher from Hull. Margaret travelled as a missionary to Sierra Leone and New Zealand, where she paved the way for girls’ education during the 1800s.

Sister Agnes Walsh A nun and humanitarian who protected Jews during the Holocaust. Born Ada Vallinda Walsh, Sister Agnes joined the Daughters of Charity, serving in Ireland, Jerusalem and then France, where she ended during the war. She hid the family for nearly a year under the noses of the Nazis, risking death on a daily basis.” Sister Agnes was honoured as a Righteous among the Gentiles in 1990. She is one of only 21 Britons to be recognized as such and to have her name inscribed on the memorial at Yad Vashem, and in 2010 she received British “hero of the Holocaust,” an award created by Gordon Brown, the then prime minister.

Eleanor Rollit Born into a wealthy shipbuilding family who later married Albert Kaye Rollit, a successful solicitor who eventually became President of the Law Society, and was later knighted. Eleanor was very involved with local charities, and was a great supporter and benefactor of the Sailor’s Orphanage as well as a patron of the training ship T.S. Southampton, that trained wayward boys and orphans in the basics of seamanship. Eleanor personally opened bank accounts with the Hull Savings Bank for the boys. When Eleanor became Lady Mayoress she extended her support for local charities and good causes. She was also very active in the early women’s suffrage movement.

Lillian Bilocca, Yvonne Blenkinsop, Mary Denness and Christine Jensen MBE. A group of four women dubbed the Headscarf Revolutionaries, who campaigned for trawler safety measures in the 1960s. Their campaign started when 58 fishermen lost their lives in the triple trawler tragedy of 1968, which saw three separate trawler sinking’s in the space of less than a month. The four women collected a 10,000-signature petition calling for reform, led protest meetings and lobbied politicians. Among the measures the campaign won were safety checks before vessels left port, radio operators for all ships, improved safety equipment and a “mother ship” with medical facilities for all fleets.

Amy Johnson Pioneering Aviator born in Hull in 1903. Amy was the first woman to fly solo from Britain to Australia in her Gypsy Moth ‘Jason’. Travelling 11,000 mile in 19 days.

Karen Briggs Four times world Judo Champion and Gold Medal winner in the Olympic Games of 1990.

Patricia Bredin – Actress and singer. Born in Hull in 1934. Best known as the very first United Kingdom representative in the Eurovision Song Contest finishing 7^th in 1957. This performance at 1min 52sec is the shortest performance in the contests history.

Maureen Lipman OBE – Hull Born actress and member of the Laurence Oliver’s Royal National Thetare Company. Appearing in many TV shows and films throughout her career including Coronation Street, Dr Who and Skins to name but a few.

Margot Bryant – Born in Hull in 1897. Margot appeared in many films in her early career. Her most notable role came later in her life, playing the timid Minnie Caldwell in Coronation Street a role she occupied for 16 years over the course of 560 episodes.

Valerie Wood – Moved to Hull when she was 13 years Old. As the first winner of the Catherine Cookson prize writes historical romance novels set in Hull and East Yorkshire.

Jean Rook – Dubbed “ The First Lady of Fleet Street” for her regular column in the Daily Express. She became the first woman to edit the Sunday newspaper, “Sennet”. Rook interviewed scores of public figures including Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi, Elizabeth Taylor, and Barry Humphries.

Jean Bishop universally-loved as Hull’s Bee Lady. She sadly passed away at the age of 91 after raising thousands of pounds for charity over the years.

Winifred Holtby was an accomplished British author, journalist, and activist. Best known for her novel, South Riding (1936), she had published six novels in her lifetime. She also had a successful career in journalism and wrote the first critical study of Virginia Woolf in English. Winifred worked for prominent newspapers and magazines, including the feminist publication Time and Tide. She wrote about democracy and social welfare, feminism and pacifism, education and responsibility, racism and injustice.

Barbara Buttrick known as “The Mighty Atom of the Ring” Only 4′ 11″ tall she became the World’s unbeaten flyweight and bantamweight champion from 1950 to 1960. In the mid-1990s, she founded and became the president of the Women’s International Boxing Federation which is a major sanctioning body of women’s boxing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hull is stepping up its profile as a filming location hotspot just as Apple TV arrive with the city’s biggest production to date.

Find out more about the productions that have used Hull as a location

After an incredibly successful launch year in 2022, The Awakening is returning to Hull City Centre Friday 17th & Saturday 18th March 2023, with an additional gig on Sunday 19th March, illuminating the streets of the city centre once again.

Celebrating the change of seasons from winter to spring and our great city’s maritime identity, heritage, folklore and mythology, you are invited to explore the history-rich streets of the city centre from Queens Gardens, down Whitefriargate, across Trinity Square and up to Zebedee’s Yard. Experience magical and entertaining installation experiences as the sun sets into the evening.

With support from the Shared Prosperity Fund, HM Government Levelling Up Fund, Hull Maritime and the Heritage Action Zone, Freedom Festival Arts Trust are delighted to be working in partnership with Hull City Council to bring this event back to Hull city centre again in 2023.

This free to attend event across two evenings brings opportunity to explore world-class installations and performances, with Hull’s historic areas lit up with giant figures and forms like you’ve never seen before. Venturing indoors, we also have musical offerings from local favourites including a special edition of Trinity Live in partnership with Trinity Market and Sesh Events. Returning to Ferens Art Gallery, there will be another chance to catch the RE:SCORE films and a special live performance by Broken Orchestra in Ferens Art Gallery. Just like last year, whilst you’re exploring you can also expect city centre businesses to have their doors open later than usual offering food, drinks and entertainment.

To close such a fantastic weekend, we have a ticketed gig at Social, Humber Street, from Hack-Poets Guild performing their album Blackletter Garland. This will be a folklore-rich, captivating evening from three of the UK’s most innovative and prestigious folk artists. Tickets are available for this gig on Freedom Festival Arts Trust’s website .

Due to a limited capacity audiences are encouraged to book their tickets soon to avoid disappointment.

We are expecting a lively and eventful weekend with plenty to see, so join us back in the city centre for a weekend to remember to welcome in Spring. For updates on this event and more, visit www.theawakeninghull.co.uk & follow @FreedomFestHull and #AwakeningHull.

HEY! Volunteering, a big, friendly enthusiastic family of volunteers, are hosting a recruitment drive.

Applications opens on Monday 16th January and provides an opportunity for the people of Hull and East Yorkshire to join the programme and support arts, culture and heritage across the region.

The iconic, blue-coated volunteer programme began back in 2016 to support Hull’s incredible year as UK City of Culture the following year.

Now hosted by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire and called HEY! Volunteering, , the story continues as it strives to improve lives and experiences through volunteering.

The programme provides volunteering opportunities for people to support the places they love and believes that working together makes it greater than the sum of its parts.

The recruitment drive will give more people the chance to become involved and is planned to continue until late February.

Cllr Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for art and culture at Hull City Council and long-serving volunteer with the programme, said: “The HEY! Volunteers are a flag bearing face for the city.

“The time and effort the volunteers put into making our city great is very much appreciated. Long may it continue.”

HEY! Volunteering programme is open to anyone aged 16 and above and members can volunteer as much or as little time as they wish to or can provide.

Abi Bell, Volunteer Programme Manager, said: “We’re excited to expand our volunteering family even further with our latest recruitment drive.

“HEY! Volunteering is an amazing opportunity for people to give something back to the place that they love, meet new people and learn new skills.

“One of the greatest strengths of the programme is its flexibility. You can volunteer as much or as little as you like, as well as try something new every week if you choose to.

“Your volunteering journey is entirely shaped by your own interests and availability.”

Primary funding for HEY! Volunteering comes from Spirit of 2012.

Ruth Hollis, CEO of Spirit of 2012 said: “We have learned so much from Hull – it’s a flagship volunteering programme which is gaining a reputation for best practice in the sector.

“Those insights, both from HEY Volunteering and previously Hull volunteers are helping to shape other volunteer programmes nationally, which is extremely exciting.”

A pop-up space will be held in Princes Quay during the recruitment drive where people can speak to current volunteers for an informal chat about the programme or to sign up. You can also apply online here.

You can find out more information on what HEY! Volunteering does here or by emailing hello@heyvolunteering.co.uk.

You can also find them on social media at @HEYVolunteering.

To hear about some of the great work that HEY! Volunteering has already done, click here.

It’s that time of year when many people are persevering with, and possibly struggling with new year resolutions.

In recent years reducing, or even cutting-out meat consumption, has been an increasingly popular choice, encouraged in part by Veganuary – an annual challenge that promotes and educates about veganism by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle for the month of January.

The rise in veganism has created a boom in vegan restaurants and food outlets, and also encouraged restaurants and chains to add more vegan options to their menus.

Here’s five places in Hull where you can grab some fantastic vegan bites this Veganuary –

Flour and Feast

Humber Street

This popular Hull bakery always offers a range of vegan snacks, including vegan donuts – yum.

Trinity Market

Trinity Square

There are plenty of vegan options in Trinity Market. Only is a vegan pizza parlour (their vegan cheese is incredibly authentic) and Falafia will let you create your own falafel wrap or box from their extensive options.

Atom

Princes Avenue

One of the latest arrivals to Princes Avenue, Atom is home to Pattie Shack which, not surprisingly, makes Hull’s famous (and often vegan) patties the focal part of their menu. Much of the Pattie Shack menu also offers vegan alternatives to their dishes.

Hitchcock’s Vegetarian Restaurant

Bishop Lane

Although a vegetarian restaurant, this Hull institution serves up plenty of delicious vegan options. Situated in Hull’s Old Town, it’s a lovely place to visit for any occasion and a great excuse to extend your night exploring other spots in this historic area of the city.

Church Street Coffee & Kitchen

Church Street

This new addition in Sutton is a great place to grab a coffee or a small bite to eat. They also have a wide-range of guest chefs/kitchens which often offer delicious vegan options.

This is just a small example of where you can enjoy great vegan food in Hull so, wherever you go this Veganuary, enjoy!

Hull Truck Theatre are excited to turn their focus to the future as their 50th Anniversary year comes to a close in March 2023 with the world premiere of Hull Playwright Lydia Marchant’s brand-new comedy Mumsy from Thursday 2 – Saturday 25 March 2023. Developed as part of Hull Truck Theatre’s Artist Development Programme, fans of Motherland will love this enjoyable new comedy that lifts the lid on the highs and lows of being and becoming a Mum – not to be missed.

January and February 2023 are action packed with shows for all different audiences to enjoy – from comedy with Lloyd Griffith: One Tonne of Fun, to funny, eclectic, and political theatre: The City and The Town (Friday 10 – Saturday 11 February), to an adaptation of the well-loved children’s story: The Tortoise and The Hare (Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 February).

The theatre also welcomes audiences to come together to enjoy visiting artists and companies who will present some great music and comedy and a diverse programme of contemporary work in the Godber Studio.

Mark Babych Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre, said: “We are looking forward to presenting and welcoming a range of unique and varied productions to our venue in 2023. We’re phenomenally proud of Hull Truck Theatre’s achievements over the past 50 year and as we move forward, we will continue our commitment to producing and presenting work of the highest quality, as we move from the dark winter months into the joy and hope of Summer.”

Oh! What A Night (Saturday 14 January), kicks off our season, combining amazing vocals, slick harmonies, and even slicker dance moves – it’s the ultimate celebration of one of the world’s greatest Rock and Roll bands! Audiences can be taken back in time on a musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Featuring songs such as Sherry, Let’s Hang On, Big Girl’s Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and many, many more!

We will be screening the best art and independent cinema from around the world as the Godber Studio hosts a state-of-the-art screen and sound system streaming live broadcasts in partnership with The Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre. Running in partnership with Hull Independent Cinema we will present Hull Independent Cinema: The Gravediggers Wife (Saturday 14 January); Nasra urgently needs an expensive operation to treat chronic kidney disease. Guled is already working hard as a gravedigger to make ends meet: how will they find the money to save Nasra and keep the family together? NT Live: The Crucible (Thursday 26 January); Raised to be seen but not heard, a group of young women in Salem suddenly find their words have an almighty power. Hull Independent Cinema: Corsage (Friday 10 February); A funny, refreshingly irreverent spin on the period biopic formula. Royal Opera House: The Barber of Seville (Wednesday 15 February); Expect heart-melting serenades, ridiculous disguises and a fairy-tale ending waiting just out of reach. NT Live: Othello (Thursday 23 February); She’s a bright, headstrong daughter of a senator; elevated by her status but stifled by its expectations. He’s refugee of slavery; having risen to the top of a white world, he finds that love across racial lines has a cost.

Enjoy authentic music and dance with Art of Believing (Friday 27 January). Promising to be a truly memorable performance, bringing a taste of pure Flamenco and outstanding musicianship to Hull Truck Theatre. The show hosts an exceptional group of musicians; flamenco singers, guitarists, a violinist, and a dancer, bursting with passion and authenticity. Vibrant and exciting, this is an unmissable Flamenco experience.

Lloyd Griffith: One Tonne Of fun (Wednesday 1 February). Starting 2023 with his biggest tour to date, with a fresh new stand-up show. Since school Lloyd has always been a show-off, doing anything he can to make people laugh, and 20+ years later, nothing’s changed. Expect his unique bag of stand up, dubious impressions, and obviously a sprinkling of his (incredible) singing.

The Time of our Lives (Wednesday 1 February) invites you to come dressed up as your favourite 80’s character to sing along to an 80’s whirlwind of classic movies and timeless soundtracks! From Dirty Dancing to Top Gun, all the hits are here from your favourite 80s blockbuster movies. We’re gonna party like its 1985! Let’s see your Flash dance and Let’s have The Time of Our Lives!

The Noise Next Door: Hometown Heroes (Wednesday 8 February), the quickest wits in comedy are coming to Hull with a side-splitting evening of hilarious off-the-cuff songs, scenes and characters. The stars of ‘Tonight at the Palladium’ (ITV1) will spin comedy gold out of all the things that YOU, the live audience, think is the best, worst and downright weirdest things about your hometown.

An intimate spectacle of identity, where being British, Iranian, and a Hip-Hop head collide in I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik! (Thursday 9 February). From Bristol to the Tehran marathon and back again, Bobak Champion invites us to join him on a journey to accept his own heritage, against a media culture which holds fast to the idea that the Middle East is a frightening and dangerous place. A joyful evening of dance theatre, unearthing hidden truths and challenging stereotypes about this conservative yet thriving part of the world.

Riksteatern and Matthew Linley Creative Projects will present in association with Hull Truck Theatre the funny new play by Anders Lustgarten, The City and The Town (Friday 10 – Saturday 11 February). This unique piece of theatre will bring a fresh perspective to some of the political divides and problems facing our country today, highlighting that memories are tricky and not always the way you remember then.

Comedian Richard Stott returns home to Hull, bringing his new comedy show Afterparty (Saturday 11 February). After finally starting to grow up and liking the adult he’s become, Richard will entertain audiences with embarrassing anecdotes and acerbic one liners. Learn how to be an adult when things haven’t gone to plan, stripping off for a documentary, dating with a disability and an axe fight… all in one blistering hour.

Our visiting programme continues throughout February as Ladies That Dig (Wednesday 15 February) will lead us to discover what it means to grow. Collected from real local interviews this moving comedy-drama is a fertile blend of live music, comedy and true tales. From the team that brought you Ladies That Bus, prepare to be entertained by women who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

Join the Lindy Hop Dance Company and The Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra as they present Swinging at The Cotton Club (Thursday 16 February). With spectacular music and dance, they promise a hot night out with this action-packed show celebrating the music and dance of the Cotton Club – New York’s most celebrated nightclub of the 1920s and ‘30s.

Tortoise and the Hare (Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 February), will bring fun and games to young children (recommended age 4+). Created by Luke Pearson and Tom Saunders, Hull Truck Theatre presents the story of these two best friends as they play board games, sports games, guessing games and new games they’ve invented themselves. It all sounds fun, right? However, Hare is a terrible loser and after losing yet another game to Tortoise, Hare hatches a plan to play a game that Tortoise has no chance of winning. Each show will start with an arts and crafts session followed by the performance.

Expect exhilarating Swing from award winning jazz vocalist and band members, The Clare Teal Four (Saturday 18 February) with a fabulous new show that celebrates hits from the Great American and British Songbooks. Teal’s live shows are constantly evolving, always richly infused with jazz and critically renowned across the country for their fabulous arrangements, interspersed with Clare’s warm and witty storytelling.

Blow Down (Friday 24 February) is a funny and poignant play based on stories collected from the local community. Marking the recent demolition of the iconic cooling towers at Ferrybridge Power Station, this hilarious, gritty and thought-provoking piece comes from the words of those who lived and worked beneath them. From the raucous seventies to recession and decline in the 2000s, it tells the tale of the area offering surprising insights, authenticity and humour.

Mumsy (Thursday 2 – Saturday 25 March) will kick off Hull Truck Theatre’s year of in-house productions with a funny, authentic new play shining a light on three generations of women as they battle through the friendship, drama and love that encompasses mother-daughter relationships. Written by Hull Truck Theatre alumni, Lydia Marchant and directed by Zoe Waterman, tickets for Mumsy are available to book as part of the theatre’s wider drama deal. There are also a number of access performances available including: BSL, Relaxed, Captioned, Touch Tours, Audio Described and Baby Friendly. The Baby friendly performance is intended for caregivers with young children under 18 months old (Fri 17 March). Tickets start from £10, with concessions available. Recommended age guidance: 14+.

Other shows to look forward to in March include James Hudson (Friday 3 March), born and bred in East Yorkshire – a rising star on the UK jazz scene. The Island (Saturday 4 March) is a rich, boisterous, funny, moving piece of theatre. Witness a star of the future with the Comedy Graduates Performance (Wednesday 8 March). As seen on Taskmaster (Channel 4), Mike Wozniak (Friday 10th March). Coming Out of my Cage (Thursday 23 March) will be present an interactive investigation with karaoke.

To book tickets for any of the shows on stage from January – March 2023, please visit: www.hulltruck.co.uk