Durham’s Gala Theatre has announced its spring programme of comedy, music, special events and theatre. Theatre highlights are:
Miss Crispy 1988
(17 January) Written by David Tufnell and produced by Middlesbrough company less Is MORE Productions, this revival of Miss Crispy 1988 celebrates the company’s tenth anniversary. Last seen at the Gala in 2013, it tells the story of five women from the crisp factory who are looking for something new, something racy and something to sink their teeth into because life can’t be all about cheese and onion crisps. And along comes a beauty pageant In Billingham.
Beautiful Burnout
(5 February) Written by Bryony Lavery, this physical theatre piece focuses on five teenage boxers (one a girl) and the effects of their powerful drive to succeed.
Rose and Robin
(20 February at 2:00) Presented by Mad Alice Theatre Company, this family show celebrates life in all its richness; a story of love and loss, for old and young… especially if you are over seven and have ever lost a sock… or someone you love. For ages 7 to 70+.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
(29 February and 1 March at various times) The ever-popular adaptation by David Wood of the book by Judith Kerr on its tenth anniversary tour. Suitable for children aged 3+.
My Night with Reg
(5 March) Manchester's Green Carnation Theatre Company presents Kevin Elyot’s award-winning dark comedy about the relationships of a group of gay men and their connections to the unseen yet magnetic Reg.
Friends! The Musical Parody
(27 March) The misadventures of the group of 20-something pals from the hit TV show as they navigate the pitfalls of work, life, and love in 1990s Manhattan. (Age 16+)
Little Red Riding Hood
(1 April at 2:00, 4:00 and 6:00) A 40-minute child-friendly performance of a slightly different tale to the one we all know from Northern Ballet.
Wolf!
(9 April at 11:30 and 1:30) Inspired by Aesop’s Fable The Boy who Cried Wolf and presented by Kitchen Zoo, this show for the youngest children had a hugely successful, sold-out run at Northern Stage over Christmas and New Year.
Harpy
(15 April) Su Pollard stars in this one-woman play by South Shields-born Philip Meeks about Birdie, a hoarder. The neighbours call her a harridan and a harpy, although most have never even met her. They see her hoard as a hazard for house prices. But it isn’t rubbish. It’s her life’s work and it exists because years ago something deeply cherished was stolen from her; Birdie’s not been able to give up anything since.
Crimes, Camera, Action
22 April (7:30) and 23 April (2:30 and 7:30) A new comedy thriller from New Old Friends set in Hollywood. A screen starlet is stabbed as a result of a prop mix-up on set—a case for the world-weary, hard-boiled private-eye in the mould of Humphrey Bogart, Stan Shakespeare.