September is creeping ever-nearer, but don’t let that fill you with dread and fear; a new season of shows comes your way, with something for everyone, (almost) every day.
While we don’t consider ourselves as good a wordsmith as Shakespeare, we hope you’ll forgive our attempt at a rhyme to tempt you to a show at Middlesbrough Theatre and Town Hall.
September features a packed-out calendar across both venues and we’re not exaggerating when we say we’ve got it all!
Take your seats (and a big deep breath) for comedy, drama, classical, music, dance, drag queens, ladyboys, legends, monsters, serial killers, podcast smash-hitters, (A Vision of) Elvis and Bez!
The season kicks off at Middlesbrough Theatre with a dazzling spectacular from The Ladyboys of Bangkok. After a summer of the Fringe in Edinburgh, the legendary and long-running cabaret show makes a welcome return to Middlesbrough.
It’s cheeky, it’s glamorous, it’s loads of fun and it’s already filling up, so you best move fast if you’re thinking about tickets!
The busy calendar continues with A Vision of Elvis starring Rob Kingsley, the return of Rebecca Vaughan and Dyad Productions with A Room of One’s Own and a fantastic tennis-inspired farce from theatre regulars, New Old Friends with their latest show, Crimes on Centre Court – it’s ACE!
The latter part of the month celebrates ‘the hitmaker’ behind one of the greatest American songbooks of the 20th Century, Burt Bacharach. Back to Bacharach features West-End vocalists and The Magic Moments Orchestra.
The classic tale of Frankenstein will be spooking audiences this autumn at Middlesbrough Town Hall.
We take a hop, skip and a jump down Linthorpe Road and into town for Frankenstein in the Town Hall Crypt. The monster to strike terror into the heart of audiences everywhere, this fast-paced and lively production from Northumberland Theatre Company is a cautionary tale of creation, revenge and murder!
And we round off September with the beauty of Swan Lake presented by Crown Ballet. A wonderful evening out with memorable music, breath-taking dance and memories which you will cherish long after the curtain has come down.
Meanwhile at the Town Hall…
The month begins with comedy gold from Big Mouth Comedy Club who are back after their summer hiatus with another cracking line-up of top-notch comedians.
Speaking of comedy if you’re up for a giggle there’s plenty of laughs coming your way. Fans of the smash-hit Have a Word podcast won’t want to miss Dan Nightingale, one half podcaster, one half stand-up star and back with a brand-new show to let everyone know exactly how ‘Special’ he really is.
Carl Hutchinson, the UK comedy scene’s best-kept secret, also returns with a new show for 2023 and make sure you ‘Watch Til the End’ to see the funny-man in action.
If music is more your pace, we’ve got a real variety for you to choose from. You could join us for the very first concert in our 23/24 classical music season in the Main Hall for some seriously beautiful acoustics and the sounds of Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony from Royal Northern Sinfonia.
If you’re not ready for one of the ‘big’ concerts yet and prefer to keep things a bit more informal, check out Classical Café for a taster. We’re celebrating Young Musicians in the season opener with a mixed programme featuring cello, double bass, violin and piano.
New music is also on offer with the second concert in the BBC Music Introducing series, shining a light on Teesside’s best and brightest. ‘One to watch’ for 2023, Middlesbrough’s Finn Forster will be the hometown headliner, with supporting acts to be announced soon.
Happy Monday’s legend, Bez will take to the stage to share his extraordinary life story.
We can’t talk about music and not mention indie icon and legend, Bez. The Happy Mondays’ happy-go-lucky star will be talking about his extraordinary life and career. From twenty-something indie casualty to modern day eco-warrior and bee-afficionado – he’s done it all and then some!
With music comes dance and Strictly Come Dancing fans will not want to miss The Magic of Dance with Ian Waite and Vincent Simone, and special guest vocalist Jai McDowall from Britain’s Got Talent. From the samba to the tango, the duo ooze style, charm, fun and the warmth of a long friendship.
Last but by no means least, true-crime fans are in for the ultimate treat as Emma Kenny, leading Psychological Therapist and Crime Commentator, discusses what really makes a serial killer and why they choose their murderous path in The Serial Killer Next Door.
Tickets for all shows are available online or via the box office.
For Middlesbrough Theatre visit www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk or call 01642 81 51 81.
For Middlesbrough Town Hall visit www.middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk or call 01642 729 729.
We are words: Claire Jennings