Cuban heels to kick off new season
Published on 16th August 2007 in Ents
A sexy session of Cuban dance will be one of the highlights of Hull New Theatre's autumn and winter season.
Lady Salsa (September 18-22) will turn up the heat with its seductive glamour, kaleidoscope of colour, gorgeous dancers and funky band. The show charts Cuba's history through music and rhythm and features the red hot rumba, mambo, cha-cha-cha and salsa.
Jaleo Flamenco (October 10) also brings some sensuous rhythms to the theatre, with some of Spain's award-winning flamenco artistes showcasing their talents.
Meanwhile, 42nd Street (October 16-20) brings a little bit of Broadway to Hull. Telling the timeless story of how small town Peggy Sawyer rises from the chorus line to become a Broadway star, the show includes the classic songs such as 'Lullaby of Broadway', 'We're in the Money' and 'Keep Young and Beautiful.'
Irish dance also features in this season's programme, with The Magical Dance of Ireland (October 26) bringing some of the finest award winning Irish dancers to Hull's stage.
As well as gasping in awe at dancing, audiences will also be laughing hard at some of the theatre's comedy shows this season.
There's No Place Like A Home (October 1-5) stars Gordon Kaye, Ken Morley, Don McLean, Christopher Beeny, Peter Byrne, Brian Cant, Sue Hodge and Jan Hunt. They live in the 'Stollberg Hall Retirement Home for Theatrical Performers', which is under threat of closure. These crazy residents devise a plan to kidnap Jeffrey Archer and demand a ransom – which has hilarious consequences!
Hot Flush (November 5-10) is an outrageous new musical which features Sheila Ferguson (The Three Degrees), Rula Lenska, international musical diva Marti Webb, West End star Rachel Izen and television heart throb Sam Kane. This show is ideal for a girls' night out, and tells the story of four ordinary women leading extraordinary lives.
Dad's Army (November 12-17) takes us back to the misadventures of our Home Guard platoon in the fictional south coast town of Walmington-on-Sea.
This show has been lovingly recreated for the stage and features a start studded cast including Leslie Grantham (Dirty Den, Eastenders) and Peter Martin (Emmerdale Farm and The Royal Family).
Hot on the heels of a hugely successful UK tour and American premiere of musical comedy Girls Behind (November 19-24), writer Louise Roche promises another week of laughter and tears in Hull – with some knock out anthems which are sure to get audiences on their feet!
The Witches of Eastwick (November 27 – December 1) is a funny and sexy musical comedy presented by a new local group. The story focuses on three women in the town of Eastwick – bored with local men and on the look out for something better. When Daryl Van Horne arrives in the town, they think their wishes have come true - but have they?
For Christmas, the theatre will stage a 'giant' pantomime, which stars Cannon and Ball and Dan O'Connor (Ned Parker in Neighbours). Jack and the Beanstalk (December 13 – January 12) will be brought to life from page to stage in a production complete with impressive sets, costumes and the biggest giant audiences will ever see.
The New Year brings some West End glamour in the form of Cats (January 16 and 26 2008). Andrew Lloyd Webber's record breaking adaptation of T S Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' features an amazing musical score, spectacular set design, costumes and choreography.
Theatre manager Michael Lister said of the theatre's success to date: "Our audiences are very astute and expect high quality shows.
"We have achieved an excellent level of quality shows in recent years and this has been reflected in the phenomenal numbers of people who have attended the theatre.
"We aim to continue this trend by attracting more and more first class shows and audiences to 'live' theatre."
Tickets for all shows can be purchased from the Hull City Council Booking Office under the Hull City Hall, Carr Lane, Hull.
Alternatively, call the booking and information line on 01482 226655 or visit www.hullcc.gov.uk/hullnewtheatre and follow the links on the right-hand side of the page.