Event Categories: Musical

The Flying Dutchman Operaupclose

In a new orchestration by Laura Bowler and new English version by Glyn Maxwell, based on an original concept by Lucy Bradley

OperaUpClose (★★★★ “Compelling, striking music theatre of considerable integrity and force” The Guardian), in partnership with Manchester Camerata (‘Britain’s most adventurous orchestra’, The Times), present Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman. Newly re-imagined for our times, poet and novelist Glyn Maxwell’s English libretto with award winning Laura Bowler’s 8-piece chamber orchestration, depicts an island nation struggling with its identity in a world of displaced people. This production features recordings of community choirs from across the UK alongside a cast of internationally renowned opera singers and players.

OperaUpClose is an ambitious, collaborative touring opera company with an on-going mission to improve the availability, relevance and reach of the art form. We distil the essence of classic operas into new, contemporary, English language works with their own artistic integrity and excellence. We create new commissions alongside bold interpretations of established material, touring innovatively staged, affordable productions to theatres, as well as less traditional performance spaces, across the country. We are proud to be the only resident opera company in the South-West, based at the dynamic cultural hub MAST, Southampton, making opera a central part of a diverse theatrical landscape for the UK.

Manchester Camerata is a registered charity working and performing in Manchester and worldwide since 1972. Be it opening Glastonbury festival in front of 40,000 people or working intimately in care homes with people living with dementia, we believe in the transformative and connecting nature of music. To achieve our artistic excellence and forward-thinking ethos, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Led by our visionary Music Director, Gábor Takács-Nagy, we collaborate with diverse international artists, from New Order to Martha Argerich to Aziz Ibrahim to Lewis Capaldi.

Jesus Christ Superstar

AN ALBUM THAT INSPIRED A REVOLUTION. A REVELATION THAT CHANGED THE WORLD. A REINVENTION FOR THIS MILLENNIUM.

Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) directs this mesmerizing new production of the iconic global phenomenon, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR which comes to Hull New Theatre for one week only!

Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, this reimagined production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades.

Choreographed by Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), with music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

Don’t miss your chance to see this “gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical.” – The Guardian. BOOK NOW!

Pretty Woman: The Musical

Big night out. Big. HUGE. Pretty Woman: The Musical is finally embarking on a UK and Ireland tour – so make a date to see Hollywood’s ultimate rom-com, live on stage, when this smash-hit musical visits Hull New Theatre in February 2024.

Once upon a time in the late ’80s, Vivian met Edward and her life changed forever. Be swept up in their romance in this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages – and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way – in a sensational show that took London’s West End by storm, guaranteed to lift your spirits and light up your heart.

With a blazing rock score from Grammy® winners Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (‘Summer of ’69’, ‘Heaven’), direction and choreography by Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray) and a book by the original movie’s director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton, a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood and Broadway ensures you’ll have a pretty magical time at Pretty Woman: The Musical.

Blood Brothers

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” – The Daily Mail.

The superb score includes ‘Bright New Day’, ‘Marilyn Monroe’ and the emotionally charged hit ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’.

“Exhilarating …one of the best musicals ever written.” –  Sunday Times

“A triumphant evening…unmissable and unbeatable.” – The Spectator

“Brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval.” – The Daily Mail

***** “Dazzling.” – Sunday Telegraph

***** “Terrific.” – Sunday Express

“Gritty, gripping, superb.” – Mail On Sunday

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

“Sha la la, Joseph, you’re doing fine! You and your dreamcoat, ahead of your time!” One of the most enduring shows of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors.

Told entirely through song with the help of a main character Narrator, the musical follows preferred son Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvis-inspired, Pharaoh. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family.

The magical musical is full of catchy songs in a variety of styles, from a parody of French ballads (“Those Canaan Days”), to country-western (“One More Angel in Heaven”) and calypso (“Benjamin Calypso”), along with the unforgettable classics “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door.”

Appropriate for all audiences and groups, Joseph is performed hundreds of times a year by schools across North America, the U.K. and around the world and now at Middleton Hall, Hull!

Sister Act

Brace yourselves sisters – the habit is coming to Hull!

Don’t miss this eagerly anticipated brand new production of the Broadway and UK smash hit musical Sister Act direct from London.

Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent! Encouraged to help the struggling choir, she helps her fellow sisters find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

Featuring original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® award-winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted) and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this heavenly musical is joyous and uplifting in equal measures. A musical sent from above, Sister Act is the brilliant, must-see show which raises the spirits and warms the soul time after time.

The Hired Man

Cumbria, 1898. Whippet racing, hiring fairs, hunting and drunken antics collide, in this passionate story of John and Emily, a young married couple, and their moving struggle to carve a living from the land.

Our full-time performing arts students bring you an epic and heroic tale of love, betrayal and loyalty, set against a backdrop of English country traditions being swept away as a new century faces the gathering storm of war…

Based on the stirring novel by Melvyn Bragg, with a superb score of rousing foot stomping rhythms and soaring choruses by Howard Goodall, the award-winning composer of West End hits Bend It Like Beckham and Love Story.

Sponge Bob The Musical

NAPA presents Sponge Bob The Musical. Adapted from the iconic Nickelodeon series!

SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and all of Bikini Bottom face total annihilation—until a most unexpected hero rises to take centre stage.

STEVE STEINMAN’S ANYTHING FOR LOVE – 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

With over 7 million tickets sold, the highly acclaimed and No.1 recording artist, Steve Steinman, brings you his brand-new production featuring over 25 of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman’s greatest hits. For over 30 years Steve has toured the world with his musical production featuring the music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf.

With an impressive stage set, a ten-piece live rock band, and featuring the Bad For Good Rock Orchestra, combined with Steve’s incredible voice and well-known sense of humour and stage presence, the show has been described as world-class.

The show will have you up on your feet dancing and singing out loud to some of Meat Loaf’s greatest hits including – Anything For Love – Bat Out Of Hell – Paradise By The Dashboard Light – Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth – Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad – Dead Ringer For Love – Total Eclipse Of The Heart and many, many more.

 

To The Moon & Back

‘Just think of it you and me, eating all of the cheese we can eat on the moon…’

Astronauts – Planet Earth needs you! Alex and dad, Gareth haven’t been getting on too well lately. After the death of his mother, Alex has thrown himself into writing his stories; his newest one is about space, but his Dad thinks all of his stories are childish. With the help of Lena, their new babysitter, Alex and his dad go on an adventure to the moon and back and together they save the world along with your help too! Travel through a meteor shower, make a wish upon a star and visit Mars and the moon, all within a magical, inflatable planetarium dome!

Concrete Youth present To the Moon and Back – an intergalactic sensory theatre show exploring space, adventure and the importance of family, for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

In addition to a trip to the moon and back, ticket holders of the production will also gain access to free pre and post, online sensory stories with a member of Concrete Youth staff – before you enter the theatre, experience an accessible, online sensory story version of the production to prepare you for what to expect at the show, get to know the characters, what will happen and meet some other audiences that you will meet when you get there!

To the Moon and Back is supported by Arts Council England, Hull City Council, Interplay Theatre, Back to Ours & Middle Child.

Six The Musical

Nominated for 5 Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, the sell-out international smash hit ‘SIX’ is the phenomenon everyone is losing their head over and it’s back for a second reign in Hull!

From Tudor queens to pop princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII finally take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red.

It’s time they told their story.

Think you know the rhyme, think again….

Divorced. Beheaded. LIVE!

Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing returns to Hull New Theatre following a season at London’s Dominion Theatre. Exploding with heart-pounding music, breath-taking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing.

‘THE BIGGEST LIVE THEATRE SENSATION OF ALL TIME’ – The Observer (UK)

Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.

See the hit film come to life before your eyes with this fantastic, emotional and triumphant live stage show.

THE STAGE VERSION IS A PHENOMENON’ – Sunday Mirror (UK)

The iconic story features the hit songs ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the heart stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’, and an incredible cast of dancers.

Heathers

Greetings and salutations!

Hot on the heels of its record-breaking run at The Other Palace and winning a WhatsOnStage award for BEST NEW MUSICAL, Heathers The Musical embarks on a new national tour.

Westerberg High’s Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she joins the Heathers and her dreams of popularity may finally come true, mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it is murder being a somebody.

The Bodyguard

The award-winning, smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is back! Starring Pussycat Doll, and multi-platinum Grammy nominated Melody Thornton* as Rachel Marron.

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love.

A ‘BRILLIANT!’ (The Times), breathtakingly romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a whole host of irresistible classics including ‘One Moment In Time’, ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ and, of course, the legendary ‘I Will Always Love You’.

* Melody Thornton will perform the role of ‘Rachel Marron’ at all evening performances only. Cast and performance schedule subject to change without notice.

Footloose

Based on the 1984 movie which took the world by storm, Footloose tells the story of teenager Ren McCormack whose life is turned upside down when he and his mother move from Chicago to small-town Bomont. Things are made even more difficult when Ren learns that the town, led by Reverend Shaw, has banned dancing and rock music in a misguided bid for the safety of their teenagers. Taking matters into his own hands, Ren soon has all hell breaking loose when he sets out on a mission to get the people of Bomont back on the dancefloor!

This iconic musical will have you rockin’ out to its contagious Oscar and Tony-nominated score, including classic 80s hits, “Holding Out for a Hero”, “Almost Paradise”, “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” and of course the unforgettable title track “Footloose”.

THIS AMATEUR PRODUCTION IS PRESENTED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CONCORD THEATRICALS LTD.

Hull Truck Theatre, 5-8 April, 2023

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Spontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest – direct from the West End and now heading to Hull.

With twelve years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see phenomenon, a BBC Radio 4 series, a
critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, The Showstoppers have delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity.

A brand-new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance of this award-winning show as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all dancing productions with hilarious results. These incredible performers are guaranteed to impress as they create shows packed with drama, dazzling dance routines and catchy melodies – it’s just all made up on the spot!

So whether you fancy Hamilton in a hospital or Sondheim in the Sahara, you suggest it and The Showstoppers will sing it!

Hull Truck Theatre, 21 April 2023