After remaining closed since the start of the pandemic to protect the local community and safeguard jobs, Hexham’s Queen’s Hall reopens in September with a varied programme of theatre, music and comedy.
“The staff team, trustees and volunteers are pleased to be able to welcome back our community and audiences to the Queen’s Hall,” said Artistic Director Katy Taylor. “It has been a very long time since the building has been filled with music and laughter and we are excited to be able to breathe life back into the building at last.”
As well as comedy from the likes of Bridget Christie (12 Nov), Mark Thomas (29 Sept) and Jenny Eclair (5 Dec), and many others, and music from Thank ABBA for the Music (25 Sept), folk music from Scottish band Peatbog Faeries (24 Oct) and Lindisfarne’s Billy Mitchell & Bob Fox (21 Nov), there is a very varied theatre programme for children and adults.
For children there is an adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-selling children’s book Stick Man (7-8 Sept), Dragons and Mythical Beasts (1-3 Oct) from the creators of Dinosaur World Live, and an aerial theatre show for 3-8 year olds, Tarzanna.
The theatre programme includes classic comedy and new writing:
- Carrying David, the story of County Durham-born boxer Glenn McCrory and his relationship with his brother David (14 Sept)
- The Dad’s Army Radio Show (18 Sept)
- Provoked to Madness by the Brutality of Wealth by gobscure (21 September)
- The National Trust Fan Club (6 Oct)
- Fitting (Matt Miller and Peader Kirk) (22-23 Oct)
- Haddock and Chips, a new play by Janet Plater (28 Oct)
- Hello and Goodbye by Athol Fugard, presented by Elysium Theatre Company (2-3 Nov) (Our review is of the streamed version)
“We have taken our time to carefully make plans that ensure everyone can enjoy events and exhibitions safely whilst bringing a fantastic range of shows to our stage,” Katy Taylor added. “There really is something for everyone, from comedy to family theatre, from ground-breaking exhibitions to live music. And above all, our traditional warm Queen’s Hall welcome.”
There will be extra safety measures in place to keep audiences, artists and staff safe, including hand sanitiser stations, extra cleaning, wearing face coverings, and e-tickets to avoid congestion at the box office. The autumn season will include a mix of socially distanced and full capacity performances; details for each event will be on the website and ticket holders will be kept up to date with the latest information about their booking.