Hull Truck Theatre and Hull Trains celebrate five years of successful partnership as they come together to present The Borrowers

12 Sep 2024 | Press Release

Hull Truck Theatre and Hull Trains will once again partner to deliver a magical festive theatre experience for families in Hull and East Yorkshire with The Borrowers (Friday 29 November 2024 – Saturday 4 January 2025).

Hull Trains have previously successfully supported Hull Truck Theatre with their last four consecutive live Christmas shows, including Peter Pan (2019), The Railway Children (2021) the Box-Office smash hit, A Christmas Carol (2022), and Pinocchio (2023).

Both organisations are proud ambassadors for the city, employing and engaging with residents and visitors alike. Sharing a passion for community outreach and a commitment to a forward-thinking and innovative green agenda, the shared values and synergy between the two organisations is clear.

Exploring themes of adventure, friendship and the joy of love and togetherness, this delightful version of The Borrowers is set against a backdrop of Christmas in East Yorkshire during the 1940’s Blitz. Audiences are invited to discover a magical hidden world under the floorboards as Arrietty Clock, a spritely “Borrower”, secretly living in a country house in rural East Yorkshire with her family, becomes curious when an evacuee human boy from neighbouring Hull, arrives.

Based on the original novel by Mary Norton, Charles Way has adapted the story of The Borrowers for audiences in 2024, with a lively and thought-provoking production, which is set in the heart of the region. Hull Truck Theatre’s Artistic Director, Mark Babych will direct the production, working alongside composer John Biddle, who has composed a captivating original score which perfectly encapsulates the magic of the season.

Mark Babych, Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre, said: 

“We’re thrilled to once again be working with Hull Trains to premiere our new adaptation of Charles Way’s version of this classic family adventure. With live music and songs, a spectacular set and costume design and magical puppetry, it’s the perfect alternative to pantomime for all audiences this Christmas.

“The partnership with Hull Trains is extremely important to Hull Truck Theatre as an organisation, and we are proud to share their values of equality and diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. With the help and support of our partners, Hull Trains, we can once again connect friends, families and communities together to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.”

In the spirit of actively reducing environmental impact and emissions and encouraging audiences to do the same, the partnership will once again be offering audiences a green travel incentive associated with the production. The incentive will be open to audiences who can show a valid rail ticket at the point of an ice cream purchase at Hull Truck Theatre, available to be redeemed against any performance between 29 November – 4 January. The scheme was successfully piloted in 2023 with Pinocchio and is something both organisations are keen to build on for 2024.

Louise Mendham, Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, said:

“We are thrilled to be back on board for a fifth year in our partnership of the production of The Borrowers at Hull Truck Theatre this Christmas. It's sure to be an enchanting show for all the family, as audiences are introduced to a magical, hidden world.

“At Hull Trains we’re passionate about supporting arts and culture in the communities on our route from Beverley to London. In addition to our support for The Borrowers, we’re proud partners with the hugely successful Hull Pride and Hull Comedy Festival. We've also offered free travel to customers for the very popular music festival - Humber Street Sesh."

The Borrowers is guaranteed to captivate audiences of all ages, especially fans of the much-loved 1990’s BBC Drama and film adaptations, most notable Hollywood blockbuster starring John Goodman.

Tickets for The Borrowers are available to buy now – either online or by calling the Box Office on 01482 323638.  Recommended for ages 7+.

Book 4 tickets before 29 November and pay £100 or less. Groups 8+ receive 10% discount per ticket. Access and Preview performances are also available. See www.hulltruck.co.uk for more information.