Key North-East Openings this July

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

>OPENING 1 July 2010, That Face is at Sheffield Theatre Studio with a cast including Frances Barber and Amy Dawson. Martha’s family is in crisis, and unless she can fight her inner demons, it threatens to fall apart. Polly Stenham’s dark portrayal of bitter family relations makes its regional debut after a critically acclaimed opening at Royal Court in 2007. One Foot in the Grave’s Richard Wilson directs. The season continues until 24 July.

>OPENING 2 July 2010, a number is at Stephen Joseph Theatre with a cast including Richard Galazka and Christopher Wilkinson. Caryl Churchill’s groundbreaking play about human cloning sees a father meet his three sons, all identical. But are they really? Adam Sunderland directs. The season continues until 28 August.

>OPENING 8 July 2010, The Mikado is at Stephen Joseph Theatre with a cast including Florence Andrews and Keiran Buckeridge. The Japanese-set Gilbert and Sullivan musical opera is transformed into a sporting spectacle in Titipu Cricket Club. Ko-Ko, the lackadaisical, unlikely Lord High Executioner, comically attempts to snare local beauty Yum Yum, but problems abound when the Emperor drops in for a visit. Chris Monks directs. The season continues until 4 September.

>OPENING 22 July 2010, The Wind in the Willows is at York Theatre Royal with a cast including Martin Barrass and Rob Pickavance. York Theatre Royal’s stage has been specially extended and the entire building given over to lush greenery for their summer show, in a brand new adaptation by Mike Kenny. Mole and his friends Ratty, Badger and notorious Mr. Toad are set to caper their way through river adventures, battles with weasel bandits at Toad Hall, and high jinks in motor cars. Damian Cruden and Katie Posner direct. The season continues until 21 August.

>OPENING 22 July 2010, Lucky Sods is at Hull Truck with a cast including Jackie Naylor and Robert Hudson. When oddly-matched couple Morris and Jean, win £2 million, their lives have the potential to change overnight. John Godber’s comic satire questions whether winning the lottery is as good as it gets. Nick Lane directs. The season continues until 7 August.

– Vicky Ellis