The Customs House in South Shields has announced its programme from March to May 2018. Featuring the usual mix of music, dance and comedy (as well as a two-day magic festival), the theatre highlights are:
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6 – 10 March
The Day Muhammad Ali Came to South Shields
A Customs House community productionIn 1977, Muhammad Ali came to South Shields to have his marriage blessed at the local mosque and Joe Kelly has a great idea. It will get everyone talking and make his dad proud. He’ll impress his friends and, more importantly, Maya, the girl next door.
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11 March (12:00)
Wee Red and Her Wolf
By Laura Lindow
A Cultural Spring event for age 7+ in Daltons SuiteA badly behaved tale for brave souls aged seven and over, told by Laura, who’s going to need your help. And there’s music by Katie Doherty and soup from Red’s Granny Gonk.
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13 March
Best in the World
An Unfolding Theatre production presented by The Cultural Spring
Dalton’s SuitePerformer Alex Elliott takes audiences on a journey to discover what it really means to be ‘best in the world’. Through the power of live darts, motivational bananas and true stories of world champions, Best in the World creates "a joyful, welcoming and uplifting space" that celebrates all of our ‘gold medal moments’.
Suitable for age 13+
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22 March
Becoming Scheherazade
By Kamaal Hussain
The Thief of Baghdad, presented by The Cultural Spring
The StudioMagic and reality collide as one British Arab navigates the voyages of Sindbad the Sailor and tries to make sense of his own family’s relationship to their migration from Iraq to the UK.
Suitable for age 16+
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28 March
Launch Day
Kelly-Abbott Dance TheatreInspired by the paintings of North East-based artist Alexander Millar, with a soundtrack featuring music by Mark Knopfler and composer Breifne Holohan, Launch Day brings to life Millar’s iconic characters—the ‘Gadgies’—and British shipyard workers socially and at work.
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6 & 7 April (11:00 and 2:00)
Arbuthnot's Super Happy Silly Fun Game Show!Arbuthnot (David John Hopper) from the Customs House’s panto presents a singing, dancing and audience participation in the riotous, interactive and maybe just a little bit messy—game show. For children and their grown-ups.
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16 April (12:30)
The Annual (Inaugural) Walter Plinge Memorial Lecture (given) by Eric MacLennan
Presented by The Cultural Spring
Daltons SuiteThe inaugural lecture is presented with accompanying slides and finger buffet that both reveal the un-official history of South Tyneside… it’s people; it’s cuisine; it’s cutlery – amazing stories—many of which have actually happened!
Suitable for age 12+
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22 April
Steptoe and Son
Adapted from the TV scripts by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson
Hambledon ProductionsFeatures the classic episodes Divided We Stand, Men of Letters and Come Dancing and excerpts from The Bath and Steptoe and Son—and Son!.
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22 May
Seriously Dead
By Leah Bell and Chrissy RockThe tale of Thelma Henderson deceased who cannot gain entry through The Pearly Gates as the system has gone digitalised and she has the incorrect paperwork.
Starring Crissy Rock (Benidorm and I’m a Celebrity), Tommy Cannon (Cannon and Ball), Billy Pearce, Leah Bell and Paul Dunn.
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27 May
One Woman Sex and the City
A Parody on Love, Friendship and Shoes
Performed by Kerry IpemaFor anyone who remembers the naked dress, the tantric sex demonstration, the Post-it note, and “he’s just not that into you”, this show will provide a great reminder of why this series and its characters have stayed so firmly in women’s hearts and minds.
Strictly over 18s only.