Hull Truck Theatre announces season for remainder of 2026

Hull Truck Theatre has revealed its autumn/winter 2026 programme.

The season opens with a new co-production of The 39 Steps (21 October to 14 November), presented with Derby Theatre and directed by Cal McCrystal. Based on John Buchan’s novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, the comedy thriller sees four performers take on more than 130 characters.

For Christmas, Hull Truck’s main stage will host Mark Powell’s adaptation of The Wind in the Willows (27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027), directed by artistic director Mark Babych. Based on Kenneth Grahame’s beloved novel, the production follows Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad on a festive adventure and is recommended for audiences aged seven and over. The production is supported by Hull Trains.

Speaking about the production, Babych said: “I’m delighted to be directing another exciting and heart-warming Christmas production this winter with Mark Powell’s hugely entertaining adaptation of the much-loved family classic The Wind in the Willows. With original music and an inventive design, this festive adventure will take audiences on a joyful journey through friendship, loyalty and belonging.”

The Godber Studio will present Hansel and Gretel (10 December 2026 to 3 January 2027), a new adaptation written and directed by Associate Director Tom Saunders for children aged three to six. Following previous festive productions including The Little Mermaid, Rapunzel and Princess and the Frog, the show combines songs, colourful design and interactive storytelling.

Saunders said: “I am delighted to be creating another playful modern twist on a classic tale for younger audiences and their grown-ups this Christmas. Full of songs that will tempt you to sing along, wonderful costumes and set designs, and a whole lot of mischief, Hansel and Gretel will be sugar-coated in fun and festive spirit.”

Families can also enjoy A Great Halloween Adventure (24, 26 and 27 October), an interactive experience combining arts and crafts with a new Halloween-themed story.

Drama highlights include Private Peaceful (1 to 3 October), Michael Morpurgo’s acclaimed First World War story, Tim Foley’s psychological thriller It Walks Around the House at Night (6 to 8 October), and a revival of Romeo & Juliet scheduled for spring 2027. Audiences booking two or more productions within the theatre’s “Drama Deal” receive a 25 per cent discount.

The visiting drama programme also includes Iron, starring real-life mother and daughter Christine Mackie and Lois Mackie, Rum, Batty, Haunted Shadows: The Gothic Tales of Edith Nesbit and Close Enough To Touch.

Comedy offerings include Gary Meikle, Ivo Graham, Paul Foot, Stewart Lee, Nish Kumar, Daniel Foxx and Janet Street-Porter, while Hull Comedy Festival returns with performances from Frankie Monroe, Best of ‘Ull, International Idiots Live, Aidan Jones and more.

Hull Freedom Festival continues its long-running partnership with the theatre by presenting Gravity & Other Myths’ acclaimed acrobatic production 10,000 Hours from 3 to 5 September.

The autumn programme also includes Hull Jazz Festival, featuring performances from the Zoe Rahman Trio, Christ-Stéphane Boizi Septet and Out of The Box, alongside music and musical theatre events including Candlelit Queen, Oh What A Night!, How Could I Forget and Bright Places.