Hull Truck Theatre announce their action-packed Autumn / Winter Season 2023

18 Jul 2023 | Press Release

Hull Truck Theatre’s Autumn/ Winter season is now officially on sale, presenting a thrilling line-up of exceptional drama, family friendly performances, festivals and so much more! Audiences can look forward to several Hull Truck Theatre productions, alongside a variety of exciting visiting work.

Kicking off the season is a brand-new production of entertaining comedy-drama Pop Music (Thursday 5 – Saturday 28 October) by Anna Jordan. This high energy show will be performed ‘in the round’, creating an immersive experience, with an eclectic mix of floor fillers, providing the perfect soundtrack for audiences to enjoy a feel-good night out.

Audiences are invited to join singletons G and Kayla for an evening to remember as they dance the night away to three decades of floor fillers at a mutual friends’ wedding disco. As they relive the highs and lows of their teenage years and share stories of the challenges of adulthood, they soon find they have more in common than just their taste in banging tunes. Directed by Mark Babych, Pop Music is an uplifting play about living in the moment and finding friendship in the most unexpected of places.

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

“I’m thrilled to be directing Anna Jordan’s uplifting feel-good night out play as part of our new Autumn Season.  Featuring a Pop playlist of some of the greatest music from Brit Pop to the present-day, Pop Music is a joyful, hopeful and celebratory night out for anyone who’s ever found themselves on a dance floor and never wanted to leave!”

The character of Kayla will be played by Yorkshire actress Natalie Anderson, known on screen for her much-loved portrayal of Alicia Metcalfe in Emmerdale (ITV) and Stella Davenport in The Royal (ITV). Joining Natalie to play the character of G is actor David Ahmad, familiar to fans of theatre as playing Matthew Hopkins in The Crucible and Polonius in Hamlet (National Theatre) and Amir in The Kite Runner (Playhouse Theatre, West End).  

To celebrate this year’s festive season, join Hull Truck Theatre for not one, but two, family friendly adventures: Pinocchio (Friday 24 November – Sunday 31 December) and Princess and The Frog (Wednesday 13 – Sunday 31 December). Award-winning playwright Mike Kenny (The Railway Children) has re-imagined the much-loved classic family favourite of Pinocchio, alongside Composer and Co-lyricist John Biddle (A Christmas Carol, Peter Pan). Pinocchio will be an action-packed production, filled with original music and spectacular set and costume designs that will make a magical festive experience for audiences to remember for years to come. Recommended age: 7+.

John Biddle, Composer and Co-lyricist on Pinocchio, said:

“I’m so happy to be working on another of Hull Truck Theatre’s brilliant Christmas shows. This story's blown me away!  A little wooden person discovering what it feels like to be alive, to feel bored and have fun, cared for and hurt, loved and betrayed - it's got so much we can all recognise, and it's been incredible writing songs that (hopefully) will take us flying through all those different feelings.  I think this one's going to be really special.”

Princess and The Frog has been designed for younger audiences and their families (recommended age 3+). The story will follow tree climbing, Dr Martens wearing, football loving Princess Lily in her quest to stay out of trouble! This is a festively froggy adventure, with plenty of spirit, slime and sparkle. Celebrate the warmth, fun and joy that friendship can bring, whilst exploring what it means to be truly accepted for who you really are. Written and Directed by Tom Saunders and brought to you by the team that previously delivered Jack, Mum and The Beanstalk, Tortoise & The Hare and A Great Christmas Adventure.

Tom Saunders, Associate Director at Hull Truck Theatre, said:

“Princess and The Frog offers all the magic and fun of Hull Truck Theatre Christmas show, this familiar story will start great conversations about friendship, staying out of trouble and being true to yourself. I am thrilled to be writing and directing another Christmas production and looking forward to seeing the joy that live theatre can bring to children and adults alike this festive season”.

During the half term break, Hull Truck Theatre will present A Great Halloween Adventure (Saturday 28, Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 October). Continuing to encourage children aged 3-6 and their families to get creative, this silly and spooky adventure will feature an arts and crafts session followed by an interactive performance where the children’s craft items come to life as part of the interactive play. Adventures are invited and encouraged to come in spooktacular Halloween fancy dress.

For drama lovers, the John Godber Company will present Do I Love You? (Tuesday 31 October – Saturday 4 November). Available as part of Hull Truck Theatre’s Drama Deal, audiences are invited to join characters Sally, Nat and Kyle to find excitement, purpose and the tribe they’ve been looking for as they discover Northern Soul for a new generation!

John Godber, Playwright, said:

“I am looking forward to bringing my homage to Northern Soul to Hull Truck Theatre. I’ve been a fan of the music since 1972 when I first heard “Out on the floor.” I can’t think of a better antidote to our current cost of living crisis than slipping on the loafers and Keeping the Faith! Do I Love You? tells the story of three young Hull twenty somethings who fall in love with the Northern Soul scene. It’s unashamedly uplifting!”

Looking further ahead, and also available as part of the Drama Deal, and in co-production with Octagon Theatre Bolton and Derby Theatre, a powerful new production of George Orwell’s famous novel Animal Farm (Wednesday 27 March – Saturday 13 April) will take to the stage. Orwell’s enduring and devastating satire about the corruption of power will be brought vividly to life in this compelling drama.

Janthi Mills-Ward, Executive Director at Hull Truck Theatre said:

"Hull Truck Theatre's Autumn/ Winter 2023 season is alive with energy, laughter, magic, and lots of musical influences! From three decades of floor fillers in Pop Music to Pinocchio’s re-imaging and original soundtrack and an infusion of Northern Soul in Do I Love You? - there is something for everyone! We are looking forward to brightening up those dark winter nights and providing our audiences with lots of opportunities to enjoy a really good night out."

Continuing Hull Truck Theatre’s long-standing collaboration with Freedom Festival, the venue will this year play host to two pieces of the citywide programme. Instant Loneliness (Wednesday 30 August – Friday 1 September), presented by Via Berlin & Cello Octet Amsterdam will lead audiences through a beautiful heart-breaking, choreographed music concert of life. In addition, a ‘work-in-progress’ sharing of Keli (Friday 1 September), presented by Martin Green and Emma Rice with Lepus Productions invites audiences to see snapshots of this special audio drama.

Whether you enjoy musical theatre or comedy-drama, Hull Truck Theatre will play host to a range of local society productions this season. Hessle Theatre Company will perform the musical Grease (Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 September), The State of The Arts Academy will thrill audiences with Les Misérables – Schools Edition (Wednesday 13 – Saturday 16 September), and Park Street Performing Arts Theatre will present Up ‘N’ Under (Wednesday 11 – Thursday 12 October) by special arrangement with The John Godber Company.

Hull Comedy Festival at Hull Truck Theatre starts on Tuesday 31 October with Cult Classic Horror Rob Kemp: The Elvis Dead. Prepare for laughter as a selection of Hull’s comedy talent return for the annual showcase of Best of ‘Ull (Wednesday 1 November). Combining all the many remakes, reboots, adaptations and sequels that is The War of the Worlds into one definitive version, Edy Hurst’s Comedy Version of the War of the Worlds (Thursday 2 November) presents a lo-fi, sci-fi, comedy rock opera. There will also be a double bill from Julia Masli & Viggo Venn (Friday 3 November). Expect a Chemistry of Chaos as Jeddy Bear and Gary (Saturday 4 November) return, headfirst into the insanity of science with pie facing madness and Married at First Sleight Hudson and Hudson (Saturday 4 November) explain what happens when two magicians get married, as Alan and Kat Hudson join forces for the first time. Bridget Christie: Who Am I? (Saturday 11 November) will close Hull Comedy Festival with a brand-new show from the Rose d’Or and South Bank Sky Arts Award winner, star of her own Netflix special, and a sweaty lady with razor sharp hilarity, who is annoyed by everything.

For fans of comedy, Hull Truck Theatre’s visiting programme will present further laugh out loud and entertaining night’s out throughout this season. Charlie Baker: 24 Hour Pasty People (Saturday 16 September) will see the Talksport host deliver an hour of genuinely funny stand-up. As seen Live at The Apollo, Jen Brister: The Optimist (Thursday 21 September) and Andy Parsons: Bafflingly Optimistic (Friday 22 September) are also due to grace the stage. There will be a brand-new show from Edinburgh Comedy Awards’ Best Newcomer nominee Josh Jones (Wednesday 4 October) and Ben Hart: Jadoo (Friday 10 November) will return with wicked humour infused with real magic!

Hull Jazz Festival return for Autumn 2023 to present The Broken Orchestra: Riparian (Saturday 11 November): A unique, intimate and immersive live music performance featuring poetry and spoken word from Vicky Foster. Emma Johnson Gravy Boat: Northern Flame will present a collection of new music commissioned by Lancaster Jazz Festival and inspired by the resilience and strength of women, people and places in the north of England.

Back by popular demand, Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company returns to Hull Truck Theatre to present Art of Believing Special Edition (Saturday 23 September). Strictly Come Dancing fans will also be delighted to once again welcome Vincent Simone: Tango Passions (Thursday 9 November) as he returns with a new show and a special meet and greet opportunity!

Don’t miss the ultimate celebration of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons in Oh What A Night! (Friday 12 – Saturday 13 January), or the chance to be transported back to the 80s with Time of Our Lives (Saturday 20 January). If you’re looking for something which is more akin to a night at the Proms, then an evening of music and song from Broadway To Hollywood: The Cole Porter Songbook (Saturday 27 January) could be just the ticket! Join Matt Ford with a trio of world-class musicians for an intimate musical journey.

Settle in for an exciting line-up of contemporary drama, spoken word and performed poetry that will feature in Stage One and the Godber Studio theatre this season. Watch thought-provoking new drama about the first atomic bomb: The Mistake (Thursday 28 September), and beautiful and bonkers clown show about totalitarianism: Project Dictator (Thursday 5 – Friday 6 October). A Good Neet AHT (Friday 29 September) is a comic, reflective, celebratory and heartfelt show about the places that make us and the places we make. Decommissioned (Saturday 7 October) is a play inspired by the true story of Fairbourne in Wales, exploring difficulties and challenges in tackling the climate catastrophe. Identities: A Play About Boobs (Friday 10 November) has been co-created with women who have experienced breast cancer in some way. This is a play that unclasps the hidden adventures that boobs go on: the good, the bad and the silly.

Virtual Horizons (Wednesday 1 – Saturday 4 November) is a tale of adventures set it Hull’s future, blending Virtual Reality technology and theatre! Created and Directed by Jack Chamberlain and Written by Maureen Lennon and Hull Communities.  

For fans of true crime, join David Swindle to investigate the UK’s most notorious serial killers with The Makings of A Murderer (Tuesday 19 September). For those who are interested in the paranormal then settle in for a mystery thriller as experts investigate the most fascinating ghost stories in: Do You Believe In Ghosts (Thursday 11 January).

Hull Truck Theatre will once again screen the best art and independent cinema 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 Live. Running in partnership with Hull Independent Cinema to present by popular demand another season of film as well as screenings presented by Royal Opera House, Unthinkable Short Film Festival and Northern Silents. See website for full details.

Hull Truck Theatre gratefully acknowledges support from Hull City Council and Arts Council England as well as our Spotlight Partners: Humberside Airport and KLM, For Entrepreneurs Only, and Unite the Union.