Hull Truck Theatre announce their action-packed Autumn / Winter Season 2024

16 Jul 2024 | Press Release

Hull Truck Theatre’s Autumn/ Winter season is now officially on sale, presenting another exciting programme of work. Alongside a great line-up of music, drama, comedy and cinema being presented by visiting companies, Hull Truck Theatre will stage two classic productions for the festive season - perfect for families and theatre lovers of all ages.

The Autumn season will begin with two visiting drama pieces: a critically acclaimed comedy drama and an electrifying reimagining of one of the world’s favourite gothic horror stories.

John Godber’s hilarious comedy Perfect Pitch (Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 September), described as “a triumph” by The Sunday Times, will present a hilarious and unsettling story as Godber reunites class, comedy and the eroding Yorkshire coastline.

John Godber, Writer, said:

“We are looking forward to bringing Perfect Pitch to Hull Truck Theatre this Autumn. Set on the East Yorkshire coast on a small caravan site Perfect Pitch will certainly bring a smile to your face. If you’ve ever camped, caravaned or tried to put an awning up you’re in for a laugh!”

Frankenstein (Tuesday 22 Saturday 26 October) will set minds and spines tingling with this new thriller inspired by the gothic novel by Mary Shelley. Presented by Tilted Wig productions and complete with a stunning original score, this terrifying story will explore the very fabric of what makes us human and the ultimate cost of chasing “perfection”.

Seán Aydon, Director of Frankenstein, said:

“If you love gripping drama, if you love a good story well-told, if you want to be laughing and before you know it find your heart in your mouth, if you want to be left arguing about which character was in the right for the next few days – you should book to see Frankenstein.”

Hull Truck Theatre’s Drama Deal also includes an Early On-Sale for Of Mice and Men (Wed 5 – Saturday 22 March) remaining as powerful and relevant today as it did when originally written in 1937, and Maureen Lennon’s Mary and the Hyenas (Friday 7 February – Saturday 1 March) will take audiences back in time to experience the astonishing life of feminist icon Mary Wollstonecraft.

Book two or more shows from Hull Truck Theatre’s Drama Deal selection and save on tickets for Perfect Pitch, Frankenstein, Mary and the Hyenas, and Of Mice and Men.

2 shows for £35 - saving you up to £24 per person!
3 shows for £51 - saving almost £31 per person!
4 shows for £66 - just £16.50 per ticket!

This Christmas audiences are in for a treat with two festive family shows both produced here in Hull. Discover a hidden world with Hull Truck Theatre’s enchanting production of The Borrowers (Friday 29 November 2024 – Saturday 4 January 2025). Directed by Hull Truck Theatre’s Artistic Director Mark Babych.

Based on the classic novel by Mary Norton, this adaptation by Charles Way will surprise and delight both little “human-beans” and grown-ups alike. Prepare to dive beneath the floorboards and meet Arrietty Clock and her Borrower family as they embark on an exciting adventure. Recommended age 7+.

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

“I’m thrilled to be directing this year’s Christmas treat, featuring live music, spectacular costumes, and staging. I am looking forward to diving into the imaginative world of The Borrowers, bringing back memories of the famous TV series and later films about the tiny adventurers that live under the floorboards. Charles Way’s adaption with new music by composer John Biddle is a delightful heart-warming tale of courage, friendship and adventure and a perfect way for all the family to experience the magic of live theatre.”

Families with younger children are invited to lose themselves in the fairytale of Rapunzel (Thursday 12 – Sunday 29 December) – but not as you know it. From the team that brought you Princess and the Frog, Jack, Mum and the Beanstalk and Tortoise and The Hare, come and celebrate and explore themes of friendship, bravery and adventure with this heartwarming festive production, that will have young audiences and their families beaming from ear-to-ear long after the applause. Recommended age 3-6.

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

“I am delighted to be writing and directing another festive production at Hull Truck Theatre this year. I hope that just like last year, our studio theatre will be full of the sound of families laughing and singing along throughout December. This year we are creating a modern version of Rapunzel with a focus on facing your fears and how sometimes the reason something is difficult or scary is because it is worth doing. As well as heaps of fun, I hope that it’s a great starting point for lots of conversations for families to have together.”

For Drama Lovers, looking for even more, this season promises breathtaking theatrical experiences, northern stories, and thrilling night’s out. Sanctuary (Tuesday 8 October) will tell the story of a community taking justice into their own hands when a young Iranian man shows up in a northern town looking for protection. The John Godber Company will present the compelling new play One Punch (Tuesday 8 – Thursday 10 October) focusing on the devastating consequences of single-punch violence. How To Be Brave (Friday 1 – Saturday 2 November) is based on the debut novel by writer Louise Beech. Telling the story of Colin Armitage’s rescue from a raft that he survived on for 50 days after his ship was torpedoed in the South Atlantic, and how this story inspired Katy, his granddaughter to be brave in the face of her own journey after being diagnosed with diabetes. Love It If We Beat Them (Tuesday 1 - Wednesday 2 October)

is a new political drama that explores a time of significant change in the identity of the North East communities and perfectly captures a moment in recent history that defines who we are today.

From Drama to blisteringly funny new plays, the following shows will make audiences laugh and feel inspired at the same time. Kin (Wednesday 25 September) is a new dark comedy by Christine Mackie, and Why I Stuck A Flare Up My Arse For England (Thursday 7 – Friday 8 November) will ask what it means to be part of a club that you live for.

For fans of the popular BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, co-writer Paul Mayhew-Archer has enjoyed making people laugh for 45 years. Now with his new show, The Incurable Optimist (Wednesday 6 November) Paul shares funny stories from his career and his condition of Parkinson’s. Fans of the TV show can also enjoy the Amateur production The Vicar of Dibley (Friday 8 – Saturday 9 November), as local group One Off Productions return to Hull Truck Theatre where the show will feature many of the scene’s fans will know and love.

Continuing Hull Truck Theatre’s long-standing collaboration, Freedom Festival will once again present cultural experiences that will create an evocative and immersive journey – for families and small children. Univers (Wednesday 28 – Friday 30 August) is a poetic sensory experience for ages 0-2, based on visual imagery and live music, while Bob Marley for Babies (Saturday 31 August – Sunday 1 September) also for ages 0-2 is the second part of the trilogy that La Petita Malumaluga kicked off with the international hit Beatles For Babies (a tribute concert to The Beatles).

During the half term break, Hull Truck Theatre will once again present A Great Halloween Adventure (Saturday 26, Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 October), with a new story for audiences in 2024. 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 Halloween fancy dress!

Offering stories of self-discovery and of happiness, Hull Truck Theatre presents a variety of family and children’s entertainment this season. Told through music, dance puppetry and traditional African storytelling, Anna Hibiscus’ Song (Tuesday 3 September) is a theatrical adaptation of Atinuke’s much loved children’s book. Amazing Animals (Saturday 5 October) is a show dedicated to and celebrating all creatures great and small, the only show where you get to see life-sized crocodiles, sloths, reindeer and dinosaurs right before your very eyes. Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book (Thursday 10 – Saturday 12 October) is based on the original bestselling children’s book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler – featuring exquisite and playful puppets and enchanting songs. Jeddy Bear & Gary Save The World (Wednesday 30 October), Hull’s Comedy duo will make a welcome return as part of Hull’s Comedy Festival, presenting a brand-new show that will combine fun facts, amazing new powers and a whole load of cool stuff about our awesome planet. Milkshake! Live On Holiday (Friday 1 November) presents an all-new singing and dancing family show not to be missed. For fans of the Channel 5 breakfast show and with special guests that will certainly delight audiences of all ages!

Hull Comedy Festival is back! Firstly, join Maisie Adam: Appraisal (Tuesday 29 October), where you’ll either see just why she was awarded Best New Act and nominated Best Newcomer. Hudson & Hudson return by popular demand with the new comedy and magic show, 2 Become Wand (Tuesday 29 October). The Burlesque Imposter (Thursday 31 October) is a mix of burlesque and comedy as Fanny Dent reveals all about the real-life fantasies, fears and failures that inspired her to create them. Gail Porter: Hung Drawn and Portered (Wednesday 30 October), framed for her vibrancy as well as mental health struggles, is taking control as she turns to comedy, and Best of ‘Ull (Wednesday 6 November) returns for an annual “Hullarious” showcase for one-night-only!

It's a good season for comedy lovers with even more on offer, from Drag artists to some of Britain’s most beloved stand-ups. Lloyd Griffith: Baroque and Roll (Friday 6 September), is back with his brand-new show as he turns 40 and with it, the impending midlife crisis – or ‘renaissance’ as he’s insisting it’s called! Only limited tickets remaining – so book now to avoid missing out. Danny Beard: Straight Expectations (Friday 13 September) joins Drag Race UK winner and their full live band for a 5-star night of killer vocals, snappy comedy, put downs and pick me ups. British Comedian of the Year Winner and social sensation Jeff Innocent: Smart Casual (Thursday 19 September) will deliver a masterclass in stand-up comedy, and Amy Gledhill: Make Me Look Fit on the Poster (Friday 20 September) returns to her hometown with a show about self-confidence, romance, and bin bags. Having reassessed her life through the prism of an ADHD diagnosis, Shaparak Khornsandi: Scatterbrain (Thursday 3 October) will let you back into her mind with another stand-up show and a whirlwind tour of a chaotic, hilarious mind. Kiri Pritchard-Mclean: Peacock (Thursday 10 October), known as a star of Live at The Apollo, will present her stand-up show talking of what it’s been like becoming a foster parent. Mark Simmons: Quip off the Mark (Saturday 12 October), as seen on Mock The Week, looks back on his own childhood with this critically acclaimed one-liner show structured in a way you’ve never seen before. With the country in turmoil, there’s only one comedian who can kill the mood further…Nish Kumar: Nish Don’t Kill My Vibe (Friday 18 October) is back with his new politically charged stand-up show. And finally, with two actors, two microphones, over twenty-five characters and lots of sound effects, Dad’s Army Radio Show (Thursday 31 October) will be a comedy force to be reckoned with.

Don’t miss the chance for a good night out this season with shows like Buffy Revamped (Tuesday 3 September), promising to be funny, satirical and bursting with 90’s pop culture references. For those who enjoyed Makings of a Murderer last year, the real manhunter returns with Makings of a Murder 2 (Wednesday 9 October), promising to be another chilling night at the theatre. An Evening Without Kate Bush (Thursday 17 October) will ask you to release your inner Bush to celebrate this joyful, unique and mind-blowing show. The hilarious and powerful Big Strong Men (Friday 18 October) interrogates Northern masculinity and society through raucous interactive cabaret, while The Dazzling Diamonds (Thursday 16 January) are ready to make your night one to remember as they invite audiences to put on your most fabulous outfit, to join them for a night of glitz, glamour, and pure entertainment.

Experience the magic of music with the exciting line-up of live entertainment - new musical Facing The Waves (Friday 27 – Saturday 28 September) will tell a tale about our relationship with the sea and the reality in coastal towns, how it’s not all chips and ice cream. Enjoy tributes such as Tubeway Days: The Gary Numan Experience (Friday 6 September) the show that will thrill fans with their stunning replication of Gary Numan’s early era classic songs. Bye Bye Baby (Friday 27 – Saturday 28 September is a jaw dropping tribute to the musical phenomenon Jersey Boys and the timeless, iconic music of Frankie Vali & The Four Seasons. Celebrate greatest hits like Man I feel Like a Woman, and That Don’t Impress Me’ with the tribute show The Shania Twain Story (Friday 4 October), all Holly’s hits and other rock ‘n’ roll classics with Buddy Holly & The Cricketers (Wednesday 30 October) and go back in time through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons with Oh What A Night! (Friday 10 – Saturday 11 January).

Hull Jazz Festival returns for Autumn 2024 to present Gypsy Jazz in From The London Django Collective (Saturday 9 November), Contemporary Jazz with Zoe Rahman and Arun Ghosh (Saturday 9 November), Modern Jazz with Meet Me In the Middle (Saturday 16 November), as well as live music from his re-mix album The Torch: Kobby Taylor’s Tribute To Afrobeat Legend Ebo Taylor (Saturday 16 November). Make the most of Jazz this season with Hull Truck Theatre’s Jazz Festival Deal where you can book all 4 shows for the price of 3.

Running alongside our season in partnership with Hull Independent Cinema (HIC), our Godber Studio will once again host Hull Truck Screen, streaming live broadcasts from the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre Live amongst others. Films and sreenings already announced include HIC: Crossing (15) (Wednesday 4 September), HIC: Orlando, My Political Biography (12A) (Saturday 7 September), Unthinkable Short Film Festival (Friday 4 October), Northern Silents: Saturday Slapstick with Laurel & Hardy (Saturday 5 October), and Northern Silents: The Thief of Baghdad (Saturday 5 October). Further dates and titles to be announced soon.

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

For more information or to book your tickets, please visit: www.hulltruck.co.uk