Tweet

Key Yorkshire Openings this October

Don’t let the late heat-wave fool you, it really is October and the Yorkshire theatres are already well in to their autumn/winter programmes. Here are the key openings across the region this month.

Running 5 October – 26 November, Crucible (Sheffield)

ROUNDABOUT SEASON: ONE DAY WHEN WE WERE YOUNG

When Leonard and Violet embark on their first night together, they know it might also be their last. It’s 1942 and, as the bombs begin to fall, they know their world will never be the same again.

A new play about the impact of World War II on an ordinary couple and a love that spans more than 60 years.

Running 17 – 22 October, Crucible (Sheffield)

SEASON’S GREETINGS

Further to the play’s recent sell out season at the National Theatre, Bill Kenwright presents a brand new production of Alan Ayckbourn’s hilarious hit comedy Season’s Greetings.

It’s Christmas at Belinda and Neville’s house, a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the festivities! Take one frustrated wife, add a seductive stranger, two eccentric uncles and a mechanical monkey, and watch the hilarity unfold in Ayckbourn’s explosive festive treat. Christmas will never be the same again!

Starring Glynis Barber, most recently know as EastEnders’ notorious vixen Glenda Mitchell. Also starring Denis Lill (The Royal); Ricky Groves (Eastenders); Mathew Bose (Emmerdale); Jenny Funnell (As Time Goes By) and Christopher Timothy (All Creatures Great and Small, Doctors).

Running 19 October – 26 November, Crucible (Sheffield)

ROUNDABOUT SEASON: LUNGS

In a time of global anxiety, terrorism, erratic weather and political unrest, a young couple want a child. But they’re running out of time. If they over think it, they’ll never do it. But if they rush, it could be a disaster.

What will be the first to destruct – the planet or the relationship?

Lungs is produced in a simultaneous world première with the Studio Theatre, Washington DC.

Running 19 – 29 October, Hull Truck

YERMA

How far would you go for what you want?

Yerma. Adjective: uncultivated, unsown, untilled.

Desperate to begin a family, Yerma undertakes a journey of discovery only to find a secret held deep within her husband's heart. Her physical yearnings are unfulfilled and slowly eating her up inside, until desperation drives her to a reckless and dangerous act.

Re-discover Lorca's classic tale in a thrillingly original new version by leading playwright Anthony Weigh (2000 Feet Away, starring Joseph Fiennes). A passionate play which strips bare the raw emotions of men and women, this is a powerful drama from the director of last season's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Running 19 – 22 October, West Yorkshire Playhouse(Leeds)

SPEECHLESS

An extraordinary story of two girls’ struggle to be heard...

Identical twins June and Jennifer communicate in their own private language. Refusing to speak to adults, their only relationship is an intense and turbulent bond with each other.

Based on a true story, Speechless explores the twins’ secret world and their struggle to find a voice against all odds.

Running 20 – 28 October, Opera North (Leeds)

THE QUEEN OF SPADES

Tchaikovsky’s darkly glittering supernatural tragedy is a masterpiece of love, secrecy and greed. It’s brought to the stage by Neil Bartlett, one of the UK’s most inspirational theatre directors, in a spectacular new period production which will have you glued to your seat.

Running 20 October – 12 November, York Theatre Royal

BLACKBIRD

Why now? Why here? What does she want from him?

He was 40. She was 12. It wasn’t right, but despite what they said he was never ‘one of those’. Ray has done his time. Now, 15 years later he just wants to get on with his life. But today she has come and found him again.

Winner of the 2007 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play, David Harrower’s unflinching portrait of two people trying to make sense of a painful past is uncomfortable, tragic and full of tension.

Running 21 October – 5 November, York Theatre Royal

LAUREL AND HARDY

An un-missable comedy contemplating the life, loves and losses of the prolific comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy are stuck in a waiting room somewhere between death and eternity. Before they can pass into the next world they take a look back at their lives and loves and offer a fascinating insight into their off-screen relationships and personal heartaches.

With some of their finest comedy routines, musical numbers, dance and slapstick, the charm and wit of Stan and Ollie are reborn in a warm and affectionate homage to one of the most successful and prolific comedy teams in history.

Running 25 – 29 October, West Yorkshire Playhouse (Leeds)

BRITAIN’S GOT BHANGRA

Twinkle arrives fresh from the fields of the Punjab with a song in his heart and no money in his pocket. Can his talent shine through or will the remixed bling of the 90’s DJ’s ruin his dreams?

Charting the rise of British bhangra in the UK from the sequin clad 80’s through to the RnB fusion of the present day, Rifco Arts’ award winning musical is a twinkling night of glitz, live music and song! Guaranteed to lift you from the dhol drums!

Bring the family and move to the rhythm and bhangra. Shake your shoulders, twist that lightbulb; this is the story of how Britain Got Bhangra.

- by Daniel Meyers

Related Content