A version of the Nativity story set in Newcastle and Hull will play in both cities in December.
Hull’s Angel, by Hull-born, Newcastle-based Janet Plater and first performed in Hull in 2013, will be shown in Newcastle’s Alphabetti Theatre (13 to 16 December) and Hull’s Kardomah, the home of its première (19 to 24 December).
While scientists are predicting an unusual star is going to shine over the city, Mary, a young woman living in Newcastle, receives an intriguing message from a stranger. She is told that she has been chosen to give birth to the new saviour of the world. She tells him to nick off.
Still, it's quite a shock when she finds she is expecting a baby.
Meanwhile, there's talk of a special event due to take place in Hull, the hometown of Mary's boyfriend Joe. So, they pack their bags and set off down the M62. But guess what? There's no room at the inn!
After searching the city high and low, Mary and Joe manage to find refuge in the shed behind the Star Inn. But it's pretty packed. And what with the shepherds and Prince Harry turning up...
“'It's a different take on a Christmas show,” says Plater. “I'm delighted we've been asked to return to Hull and also to bring the play to Tyneside for the first time.”
Hull's Angel features a cast of six including Newcastle's Christina Berriman-Dawson, who has recently enjoyed international success touring with the award-winning play, Key Change from Open Clasp Theatre.
The cast also features Hull actors Bruce Khan and Jacqueline Rodgers, actor and Coronation Street writer Phil Woods, as well as Samantha Phyllis Morriss (TVs The Dumping Ground, New Writing North's Hey Presto and Plater's Gaslight on Grey Street) and Matt Jamie (TV's Scott and Bailey and Harriet Martineau Dreams of Dancing, Live Theatre).