Key North-East Openings This February

One of three plays in The David Hare Season, a major retrospective of one of the most influential and prolific playwrights of post-war Britain. Plenty is a powerful and momentous comment on post-war England, where ideals collapse and values collide. Starring Hattie Morahan as destructive Susan Traherne, a former secret agent. The limited season continues until 26 Feb 2011.

OPENING 10 February 2011, Racing Demon, by David Hare, directed by Daniel Evans at Sheffield Crucible.

This Olivier award-winning comic satire is the second play of the David Hare season follows the story of a team of eccentric vicars who are struggling to fill their empty churches. The limited season continues until 5 March 2011. 

OPENING 11 February 2011, To Kill a Mockingbird, dramatised by Christopher Sergelat York Theatre Royal. A gripping staging of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, set in America’s scorching Deep South at a time when racial tensions are at an all time high. Starring Duncan Preston who played the role in 2007 to critical acclaim. Directed by Damian Cruden. The limited season continues until 26 February 2011.

OPENING 18 February 2011, The Deep Blue Sea, by Terence Rattigan, directed by Sarah Esdaile.

West Yorkshire Playhouse launches Rattigan’s centenary celebrations with one of his best known plays. Maxine Peak will play the lead role as Hester Collyer who has left the security of her husband for a wild and exciting fighter pilot. The novelty of the relationship has worn thin and Hester is forced to face the reality she has created for herself. The limited season continues until 12 March 2011. 

– Joanne Hartley