Theatre News

Key North-East Openings this December

Amongst the major openings in the North-East (Yorkshire region) this month are:

OPENING 5 December 2009, Pinocchio opens at Hull Truck Theatre with a cast of actor-musicians including Tom Giles and Rachel Winters. Dreaming of being a real boy, puppet Pinocchio is Carlo Collodi’s endearing character, who takes on a new life in Truck’s magical, music-laced production, suitable for children aged four and upwards. Nick Lane adapts and directs. The season continues until January.

OPENING 10 December 2009, Humpty Dumpty opens at York Theatre Royal with a cast including Martin Barrass and Suzy Cooper. The four-line nursery rhyme morphs into an epic adventure, with heroic Humpty on a search to find a mother, and defend the Kingdom of Pantaloon from the evil Eggula. Writer Berwick Kaler joins Damian Cruden to direct. The season continues until 30 January.

OPENING 11 December 2009, Cinderella opens at West Yorkshire Playhouse with a cast including Sophie McShera and Adam Baxter. The fairytale classic is given a neat new spin by dab hand Mike Kenny, the twist stemming from Cinderella’s best friends – a ratty collection of clever animal puppets called Ears, Teeth, Tails, Claws and Whiskers. With fun, witty songs performed by the cast, it is set to be a joyous festive treat for anyone from four years of age and over. Gail McIntyre directs. The season continues until 23 January.

OPENING 11 December 2009, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves opens at Sheffield Theatres Lyceum with a cast including Toyah Willcox, Toby Foster and Bobby Knut (in a virtual role). A traditional “panto” for all the family, it follows Snow White’s lively journey through the magic forest and her fateful meeting with the famed dwarves, as she escapes the clutches of her nasty stepmother. Look out for pantomime dame Nurse Nellie’s antics along the way. Writer Paul Hendy also directs. The season continues until 10 January.