Darlington Hippodrome has announced its spring 2020 season. Theatre, opera and dance highlights are:
Theatre
Band of Gold
(27 January–1 February)
Kate Mellor’s ITV classic adapted for the stage.
The Croft
(11–15 February)
A haunting new play in which the present interweaves with the past as ancient tales surface and the terrifying truth lurking in the croft is revealed. Starring Gwen Taylor.
The Cat and The Canary
(17–21 March)
Produced by the Classic Thriller Theatre Company starring Britt Ekland, Marti Webb and Mark Jordan. Twenty years after the death of Mr. West, his descendants gather at a remote mansion to learn who will inherit his vast wealth and the hidden family jewels. When the heir is revealed, the heritage hunters turn into prey.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover
(25–28 March)
Tilted Wig Productions presents a brand new adaptation of the D H Lawrence classic.
By The Waters of Liverpool
(9–11 April)
Helen Forester’s million-selling book in a new adaptation starring Mark Moraghan, Sian Reeves and Eric Potts. In 1935, Helen Forrester is sixteen years old and fighting a bitter battle with her parents for the right to educate herself and go out to work.
The Kite Runner
(12–16 May)
Adapted by Matthew Spangler from the novel by Khaled Hosseini. Afghanistan is a country on the verge of war and best friends are about to be torn apart. It's a beautiful afternoon in Kabul, the skies are full of colour and the streets are full of the excitement of a kite flying tournament, but no one can foresee the terrible incident that will shatter their lives forever.
For Children
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
(29–21 May)
A musical play for age 3+, adapted and directed by David Wood, based on the book by Judith Kerr. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don't expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!
Opera and Dance
Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker
(23–26 January)
Presented by The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia
The Lost Happy Endings
(22 February)
The latest work from Newcastle-based balletLORENT, a fantasy, family show: what happens when all the fairy tales' happy endings are stolen?
Deluxe
(5 March)
BalletBoyz returns to Darlington with a new show.
Carmen and Aida
(1 & 2 April)
Presented by Russian State Opera.
Dracula
(26 May)
Presented by The Vortice Dance Company in Portugal. No matter how well you think you know the character dubbed "the Lord of the undead", this contemporary ballet will give you a whole new perspective on the most famous character in gothic horror.
All shows are now on sale.