Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood

Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood

“The most feel-good show in town”⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (The Daily Mail) has spread nostalgia and
laughter throughout the UK and has the seal of approval from Victoria’s very own schoolchums and colleagues.

Featuring the star of BBC1’s ‘All Together Now’, Paulus The Cabaret Geek “King of Cabaret” (The Stage) with Michael Roulston (Fascinating Aïda) on piano, it is an evening of pure joy filled with Victoria’s best-loved songs, including the iconic ‘Ballad of Barry & Freda’ (Let’s Do It) and the classic ‘It Would Never Have Worked’.

This show is for fans of Victoria and for those yet to discover her, to come together and relish her breathtaking wizardry with words.
In telling Victoria’s story, Paulus unfolds his own. A relatable story of a 1970s childhood and what it really means to find your tribe.

So, pair your stilettos with an oven glove, zip up your cocktail slacks and get booking!

Annie

Holding onto hope when times are tough can take a lot of determination, and sometimes, a lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. ‘Little Orphan Annie’, the irrepressible comic strip heroine takes centre stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals just in time for the Easter holidays!

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her world is turned upside down when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Seeing Annie on the path to happiness, the spiteful Miss Hannigan hatches a plan to ruin Annie’s future, so she can cash in for herself. Come and find out who succeeds in this magical production brought to life by NAPA, Hull’s Northern Academy of Performing Arts.

With its Tony award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs ‘It’s The Hard-Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’, and ‘Tomorrow’, Annie has reminded generations of theatregoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

A Very Eclectic Christmas 2024

Saturday 7 December and Sunday 8 December 2024

at Hull Minster, Doors 7pm for 7:30pm

“A Very Eclectic Christmas 2024”. Is an annual Christmas concert extravaganza presented by Eclectic Music, featuring both their wind orchestra and symphony orchestra along with singers from Hull Freedom Chorus.

This year Eclectic’s two biggest ensembles perform in collaboration with Hull’s Freedom Chorus and vocal soloist Chris Lafferty. Bringing you a selection of festive favourites, along with some new seasonal offerings in a diverse programme which is sure to kick off your Christmas with fabulous festive feelings and cheer all set in one of Hull’s most amazing buildings and acoustics, Hull Minster.

Unallocated seating.

The performance on Sunday 8 December will be British Sign Language (BLS) interpreted.

To find out about all things Eclectic Music, please visit their website: www.eclecticmusic.co.uk for more about Hull Freedom Chorus please visit the Council’s website: Hull Freedom Chorus | Hull

Colourful, moving lights and additional sound will be part of this event.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online via skiddle.com
£10 adult (18 and over) £5 (child), Under 5’s go free!

There will be tickets on the door, but at a higher price so buy online to secure your best, lowest price.

Assassins

9 Assassins! 1 Killer Musical!

John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, and a whole kooky gang of history’s most infamous killers gather for a quirky, murderous convention. In this darkly comic musical, Sondheim takes us on a twisted travel through time, where failed assassins, would-be revolutionaries, and downright crazy people share their stories of obsession, delusion, and the thrill of the kill.

With a score that’s both catchy and chilling, Assassins is a unique and unsettling look at the minds of those who would change the world, one bullet at a time.

Riders to the Sea

A man, full of unshed tears and haunted by the ghosts of his past, finds himself drawn back to the sea, and the memory of his mother, his sisters, and a great loss.

Newly orchestrated for oboe, clarinet and accordion, and with a new dramatic prologue, The Last Bit of the Moon, by Michael Betteridge and ArtfulScribe’s Community Sirens Collective with Antosh Wojcik, Vaughan Williams’ masterful miniature expands into a powerful tale of family, grief and love’s enduring power.

In a production that weaves together live performance, projection and recorded sound,
OperaUpClose bring their own inimitable style to a classic with musical storytelling at its most direct and visceral.

With a new dramatic prologue and chamber orchestration by Michael Betteridge.

The show is captioned throughout as part of the production design.

Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical

★★★★ “It’s a hit! Stuffed with 1990’s pop hits” – Mail on Sunday

Following sell-out seasons in London and New York, the brand-new smash hit musical Cruel Intentions is coming to Hull. Based on the iconic film and inspired by Les Liaisons Dangereuses, it’s packed with ’90s pop classics including the songs of Britney Spears, Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, TLC, R.E.M., Ace of Base, Natalie Imbruglia, The Verve, *NSYNC and many more!

Step siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil engage in a cruel bet: Kathryn goads Sebastian into attempting to seduce Annette Hargrove, the headmaster’s virtuous daughter.

Weaving a web of secrets and temptation, their crusade wreaks havoc on the students at their exclusive Manhattan high school. It’s not long before the duo become entangled in their own web of deception and unexpected romance, with explosive results…

The iconic movie set to the decade’s best songs is an irresistible combination and with over forty 4 and 5 star reviews, it’s the ultimate ’90s night out.

★★★★ “Very funny, very sexy and very entertaining” – Daily Star Sunday

Trigger warnings: Contains haze, flashing lights, strong language, and mature themes including but not limited to: explicit sexual language and behaviour, racial discrimination, drug usage, abuse, accidental death, question of consent. Audience discretion advised. As Cruel Intentions is set in 1999, some of the language reflects that time.

Age guidance 15+

Menopause the Musical 2

Starring Carli Norris (Doctors, Hollyoaks, Eastenders), Maureen Nolan (The Nolans), Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) and Daniele Coombe (West End Star), we present the final UK tour of the smash-hit Menopause the Musical 2 – Cruising Through Menopause.

In this hilarious sequel to our sell-out hit Menopause the Musical®, we fast forward five years to catch up with the same four characters for tales of their lives, loves and losses as they set off on the high seas.

Hot flushes, mood swings, memory lapses and weight gain Cruising Through Menopause is truly funny, heartfelt and reassuring look at the “joys” of menopause. When your life is a bumpy ride full of twists and turns, it’s hard to find and keep true friends. But step on board and we’ll take you on a trip of self-discovery, love and friendship all backed by a soundtrack of hysterical parodied hits!

For these four ladies the menopause was not the beginning of the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers, and friendships never fail.

So, all aboard and we’ll have you laughing and maybe even crying, as you join us for Menopause the Musical 2 – Cruising Through Menopause.

Age guidance 16+

An Evening of Burlesque

Roll up, roll up, this scintillating night out of sparkling entertainment is back. And it’s bigger than ever.

Join us for the good old-fashioned night out as we bring you the ultimate variety show, blending stylish cabaret, comedy, music, circus, and burlesque to light up all your senses.
With world-class entertainers and stars of the stage and screen – prepare for an extravaganza of glitz and glamour. Expect fun, feathers and fabulous costumes as we pick from the finest selection of specialty artistes, cabaret and circus stars, comedians and champagne showgirls.

An Evening of Burlesque is filled with artistic spectacle that has enraptured audiences for centuries. This sensational variety show brings together a bounty of beautiful stars for an unrivalled variety show for the 21st Century. Expect the unexpected with plenty of glitter and glamour.

It’s cocktails and cabaret o’clock.

Content is subject to change. Over-18s advised

★★★★★ “A must-see for any fans of a classic cabaret, an amazing troupe of performers, this wonderful show is full of glitz, glam and wonder.” – Curtain Call Reviews

★★★★★ “The UK’s longest running burlesque show made its West End debut and proved that it is the ultimate variety show.” – FabUK Magazine

★★★★★ “What a treat! Billed as ‘a night of laughter, cabaret, mystery and glamour’, it does entirely what it says on the tin.” – FairyPowered Productions

“The whole evening was fun, warm, sexy, sassy. . . “ – Grapevine Magazine

Queenz: Drag Me To The Disco

Queenz are back with a brand new show! Join the gals for an electrifying, live vocal, drag-stravaganza, where Dancing Queenz and Disco Dreams collide for the party of a lifetime. After two trailblazing years of touring the country, a run in London’s West End, and accumulating countless 5-star reviews, Queenz has rapidly ascended as one of the world’s most successful drag shows.

Featuring more sequins and surprises than ever before, the gals are ready to drag you to the dancefloor and serve up the ultimate celebration of powerhouse popstars & dazzling disco divas.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as the West End smash-hit production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe comes to Hull on 30 September – 4 October.

Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits.

Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes and learn the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and the power of love.

Watch the nation’s favourite novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, come to life on stage in this spectacular production which is guaranteed to delight all ages.

PRESS QUOTES

★★★★★
“Spectacular”
Metro

★★★★
“A fantastical family treat”
The Telegraph

★★★★
“Exhilarating production, spellbinding spectacle and perfect puppetry”
The Guardian

★★★★
“Superb. There’s no denying its charm. It’s hard to beat.”
The Stage

★★★★
“The most riveting spectacle.”
The Guardian

Madama Butterfly

Senbla presents Opera International’s award-winning Ellen Kent production featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.

Puccini: Madama Butterfly

WINNER ‘BEST OPERA AWARD’ – Liverpool Daily Post Theatre Awards

Back by overwhelming public demand, this award-winning opera returns in a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.

One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results.

Highlights include the melodic ‘Humming Chorus’, the moving aria ‘One Fine Day’ and the unforgettable ‘Love Duet’.

Directed by Ellen Kent.

Sung in Italian with English subtitles

*Cast subject to change.

“Above all it was a production which captured the raw emotion at the centre of the opera. Don’t take a handkerchief with you, take a box of them.” – The Independent

La Traviata

Senbla presents Opera International’s award-winning Ellen Kent production featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.

Verdi- La Traviata. The love story that gripped Paris

A tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music, La Traviata is Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century, La Dame aux Camelias.

Based on a true story, it tells of the passionate loves and life of the consumptive courtesan, Violetta.

There are many echoes of Verdi’s own life in Traviata and he threw himself into the music. The highlights include the Brindisi, the best known drinking song in opera, the duet ‘Un Di Felice’ and Violetta’s haunting aria ‘Addio Del Passato’.

This magnificent production boasts sumptuous sets and costumes.

Directed by Ellen Kent.

Sung in Italian with English subtitles.
* Cast subject to change

“First-rate singing.” – The Stage

“Alyona Kistenyova has a lovely soprano voice and sang with precision and excellent tone.” – Manchester Theatre Awards

“Uplifting, charming, heroic and finally tear-jerking.” – Liverpool Echo

La Boheme

Senbla presents Opera International’s award-winning Ellen Kent Production of La Bohème featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv, with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.

Directed by Ellen Kent, this brand-new production is traditionally staged and features beautiful sets and costumes.

La Bohème is one of the most romantic operas ever written. It tells the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer.

The set reflects the Bohemian art of the period and will include snow effects and Muzetta’s dog will also make an entrance.

This classic tale of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including ‘Your Tiny Hand is Frozen’, ‘They Call Me Mimi’ and ‘Muzetta’s Waltz’.

“Authentic, tender and passionate” – Daily Telegraph

Sung in Italian with English subtitles.

*Cast subject to change.

Wizard of Oz Youth Edition

Join us for an enchanting journey down the Yellow Brick Road with “The Wizard of Oz” musical! Follow Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Emerald City. Featuring beloved songs, dazzling costumes, and magical moments, this timeless classic promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Don’t miss the chance to experience the wonder of Oz live on stage!

Cabaret with Balls

“Shockingly Funny”

Charlie Bicknell and Louise Innes embark on a new show with their own inimitable mash of the irreverent and surreal.

From Flashdance to Simon and Garfunkel interspersed with stimulating radio broadcasts from BBCs ‘Back Row’. Expect AC/DC and even a throw-back to Not the Nine O Clock news. Cabaret with Balls is a refreshing departure from real life and an arrival at the conclusion that it’s all bollocks anyway.

Welcome back Benedict Cumberbatch and of course, Charlie will still be Holding out for that Hero.

Charlie Bicknell has been performing extensively as an actress for many years both on screen and on stage, making a name for herself in TV series playing the troubled in ‘This Life’, psychopathic serial killers in the West End, and Tim Currys’ lesbian lover in a totally terrible film. She subsequently moved onto cabaret and circus, traveling the world with David Harrod on piano, literally spinning from the rooftops, big tops, church tops and without a top whilst gamely singing increasingly more diverse material. Louise Innes, was a highly respectable internationally acclaimed opera singer, having played in sensational venues such as ENO, ROC, and all other impressive sounding acronyms. She has since revealed herself to be delightfully outrageous and excels in combining comic skill with outstanding vocals. Charlie and Louise have been working together with David Harrod, a mesmeric pianist, for the past 8 years, ever reinventing themselves, as let’s face it, not all of us can afford Botox.

“A heady, edgy high octane mix of English rose, vamp and Cruella, shamelessly sexy, murderously funny, you have been warned…roses have thorns… Combining a gloriously dark sense of humour with amazing voices, it’s a great fun night out. Not to be missed!’

Sue Arnold The Observer.

‘A hilarious rendition of bitter-sweet songs …darkly brilliant tunes… resplendent in a dress that would put Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge to shame”

The Independent on Sunday

“She’s the kind of girl who makes men loosen their ties and women shorten their skirts. You have been warned!”

The Sunday Times

Rocky Horror Show

Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show returns to Hull as part of a new world tour.

Having been seen by over 35 million theatregoers, The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids–Brad and his fiancée Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter.

It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is the biggest party and features timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting show-stopping Time Warp.

★★★★★ – The Telegraph

“Fierce and fabulous fun!” – Daily Express

“Still the sexiest and funniest show in town” – Evening Standard