Autumn 2021 Brochure
We're pleased to finally be able to welcome back our community and audiences back to Queen's Hall with our exciting autumn programme.
Autumn 2021
**Theatre | Comedy | Family | Music | Exhibitions | Take Part | Christmas**
Welcome Back to Queen's Hall...
from our Artistic Director, Katy Taylor
Welcome Back To Queen's Hall Arts Centre
The staff team, trustees and volunteers are pleased to finally be able to welcome back our community and audiences to Queen's Hall. 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.
We have been taking 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. You can find more information on the measures we'll have in place when you visit and what we're doing to keep you safe in the next section. We also know audiences want to book with confidence and are pleased to have introduced a no quibble returns policy for peace of mind!
Whilst our doors have been closed, the QHA team have quite possibly been busier than ever before! We’ve enjoyed keeping in touch with customers as well as presenting a wide range of work digitally - including our online festive offering for the whole family to enjoy, Christmas with the Hobs, which was watched by over 3,000 people. We’ve also been working behind the scenes on some exciting venue improvements which we can’t wait to share with you. Watch this space!
There really is something for everyone this autumn, from comedy to family theatre, from groundbreaking exhibitions to live music. And above all, our traditional warm Queen’s Hall welcome. We look forward to seeing old faces as well as welcoming new ones!
Katy Taylor
Artistic Director, Queen’s Hall Arts Centre
Let the shows begin…
What to expect when you visit us...
What we’re doing to help keep our audiences safe...
Please check back here or on our website to make sure you have the most up-to-date information before your visit.
- Our staff will still be wearing face coverings, and we strongly encourage all visitors to do the same, if they can, in line with government advice.
- Hand sanitiser stations will be located throughout the building.
- We advise booking in advance for events and are only accepting contactless or card payments in venue.
- We’re asking you to help us beat the queues and have your e-tickets ready to show a member of the team as you enter the performance space.
- We’ll be carrying out additional cleaning and regularly disinfecting all areas of the venue.
- Details on social distance measures in place around individual events will be available online.
We remain fully accessible – you can find all our access information online here.
For information on how to find us and parking, click here.
Got a question before your visit? Our FAQs page is here or you can get in touch with Box Office.
Queen’s Hall Cafe
Tuesday - Saturday 9.30am - 4pm
Run by Jevon Scudamore, the Queen's Hall Cafe is back open!
Customers can enjoy the cafe’s famous homemade cakes and scones, as well as soup & sandwiches... and according to many customers, the best coffee in Hexham!
Jevon and the team will be open to serve drinks before performances - and you'll now be able to pre-order your interval drinks too.
Tickets please!
How to book for this season's events...
Box Office opening hours are:
Mon - Sat: 10am – 12pm | 1 - 4pm (plus one hour before performances)
- Online
Tickets can be booked online through our website using credit / debit cards.
- By Telephone
Telephone bookings can be made on 01434 652477 using credit / debit cards. A handling charge of 50p per ticket applies to bookings made in person or over the phone.
- E-tickets
To limit contact and reduce queuing at Box Office, e-tickets are emailed directly to customers after making a booking.
They can either be printed at home or scanned directly from smart phones by a member of the Front of House team.
- Payments
We are asking all customers to use contactless or card payments in venue to help reduce contact and queues. Tickets should be purchased in advance.
- Refunds
So you can book in confidence and as early as possible, we are now offering a no quibble refund policy. Cancel 24 hours before a show, for any reason, and get a refund (less 50p booking fee, if charged, to cover costs).
If we have to cancel an event for any reason, you’ll be given the option to move your tickets to a rescheduled date, a full refund or account credit.
- Discounts
We offer concessionary prices on selected shows for students, registered unemployed, people with disabilities and under 18s.
We're delighted to be trialing a digital only brochure this season!
As well as allowing us to update information if things change, we're able to present you with more exciting content for the shows we have coming up this autumn.
It's also part of our commitment to being more environmentally friendly.
If you're looking for something specific, you can use the 'Contents' menu in the top left corner of the brochure - or simply flick through page by page hitting the 'Read on' button when you want to find out more.
STICK MAN
**7 September & 8 September**
Freckle Productions
STICK MAN
Tuesday 7 & Wednesday 8 September
Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back in town!
What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree?
This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog, Tiddler and other Terrific Tales, and Tabby McTat is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. A treat for all ages!
"More fun than you can shake a stick at!" ★★★★ Daily Mail
Book online >
Tuesday 7 September: 4pm
Wednesday 8 September: 10.30am & 1.30pm
Tickets: £14.50, adult £12.50 child
Groups 10+: £12.50 | Schools price: £10 (for 10+ pupils) | Babes in arms free but must have a ticket. Please email the Box Office for school or wheelchair bookings.
CATS IN SPACE
**9 September**
CATS IN SPACE
Thursday 9 September
CATS in SPACE have caused quite a stir since landing in 2015. With their unique sounds they will transport you back to the heady days of 70s Classic Rock. Think loud guitars and huge drums, walls of soaring multi-layered vocal harmonies, grandiose pianos and unforgettable singable choruses. It’s purr-fect!
Touring with legendary rock giants Deep Purple, Status Quo and Thunder as well as Phil Collins and Blondie, the CATS have accumulated an ever-growing army of faithful fans, gaining exceptional live reviews along the way.
With four critically acclaimed albums now under their belts plus a hugely successful Christmas single, all of which have received incredible reviews worldwide, the band have cemented themselves as front runners in the UK rock scene.
Thursday 9 September: 7.30pm | Tickets: £21
Book online >
"Travel back to the heady days of the 1970s when bands like Queen, 10cc, ELO, The Who & Cheap Trick ruled the analogue airwaves and you'll be firmly in the Cats' orbit..." Classic Rock
CARRYING DAVID
**14 September**
CARRYING DAVID
Tuesday 14 September
by Ed Waugh
The remarkable true story of boxer Glenn McCrory and his heart warming relationship with his brother David is brought to life and back to the stage in this powerful and gripping production.
Adapted from McCrory’s autobiography of the same name in a funny and dramatic play by Ed Waugh, it takes us from the streets of County Durham and the industrial North East to London and beyond, through the experiences of the two brothers and an unforgiving and rollercoaster boxing career. Inspired by the courage of David, who defied expectations in his battle against a terminal illness, McCrory fights back from the brink in a bid to become the first world champion from the North East of England on an unforgettable night in his home town.
Superbly directed by Russell Floyd with an outstanding performance from Micky Cochrane as Glenn, Carrying David is an inspirational and uplifting tale of love, hardship and struggle and triumph over adversity.
Following the performance of Carrying David, we’re delighted that Glenn McCrory will join the Chronicle’s John Gibson on stage for a Q&A.
Tuesday 14 September: 7.30pm | Tickets: £12
Age guidance: 14+
Book online >
"Cochrane brought a perfect blend of humour, grit and boundless energy. Had the audience on its feet." The Belfast Telegraph
DAD'S ARMY RADIO SHOW
**18 September**
DAD'S ARMY RADIO SHOW
Saturday 18 September
Two actors, two microphones, over twenty-five characters – and lots of sound effects! The nation’s favourite sitcom returns new-minted in this highly-acclaimed production.
Perry and Croft’s classic BBC sitcom brought gloriously to life. Three episodes of the hugely popular television series hilariously and lovingly enacted by two master performers. David Benson (Goodnight Sweetheart and One Man, Two Guvnors) and Jack Lane (Wisdom of a Fool and 7 Days) transport the audience right back to Walmington, working from original radio scripts – complete with sound effects, vintage music and all of Perry and Croft’s beloved characters and catchphrases.
Featuring three episodes newly adapted for stage; When You’ve Got To Go, My Brother and I and Never Too Old.
Book online >
Saturday 18 September: 7.30pm
Tickets: £16.50, £15.50 (members/benefit concession/student)
Age guidance: 12+
PROVOKED TO MADNESS BY THE BRUTALITY OF WEALTH
**21 September**
Gobscure
PROVOKED TO MADNESS BY THE BRUTALITY OF WEALTH
Tuesday 21 September
This 'support worker' once said "what dya need books for yr homeless?". Our revenge was thirteen years of reading, graduating from the Open University in 2016.
This highly visual performance is all about asking questions, giving voice, changing 'the' narrative, 'rewriting the future'...
We kick the bucket, show how red tape saves lives and ask is the money happy?
Provoked offers creative resistances and shows how to reframe narratives - housing is a human right. Ultimately estate-agent plastic gets turned into a wee home lit by a book.
"Gobscure's lived experience powerfully shows how personal and political play out. Spellbinding.’’ Museum of Homelessness
“A voice rarely heard, if ever, in theatre. it is complex and at times dazzling.'' Cardboard Citizens
Tuesday 21 September: 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Book online >
THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC
**25 September**
THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC
Saturday 25 September
Grab your platforms and flares for a journey back in time to when ABBA dominated the charts and ruled the airwaves!
Thank ABBA For The Music is a two-hour theatre spectacular that captures all of the magic and excitement of one of pop history's most successful and entertaining live bands.
Featuring all of ABBA's greatest hits including Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Take A Chance On Me, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, Knowing Me Knowing You, Fernando, Super Trouper and many more!
With stunning costumes, live band, interactive video projection, some tongue-in-cheek Swedish humour and, of course, ABBA’s spectacular trademark harmonies, this is the ultimate feel-good party show!
ABBA and 70’s fancy dress optional…but encouraged!
"The biggest party with the uk’s best ABBA tribute!" The Sands Centre, Carlisle
"You were amazing!" The Sage Gateshead
Saturday 25 September: 7.30pm
Tickets: £22.50
Book online >
MARK THOMAS: 50 THINGS ABOUT US
**29 September**
MARK THOMAS: 50 THINGS ABOUT US
Wednesday 29 September
Mark uses his trademark style of storytelling, stand-up, subversion and really, really, well researched material to try and find out how the hell we ended up in the middle of this shit show.
50 Things About Us is a show about songs, gongs, loot, tradition, wigs, nicking, statues, art and identity. A sort of funny national edition of Who Do You Think You Are?
Mark says “Look, I have been doing this for 34 years. I have gone from stand-up to theatre and half way back again.
It’s another slightly odd show, a sort of sweary, History Channel with laughs and creative mischief. If you’ve seen my shows before, this one is going to be a show in the vein of 100 Acts of Minor Dissent."
Wednesday 29 September: 8pm
Tickets: £17.50 / £12.50 (benefit concession/students)
Age guidance: 16+
Book online >
“A master of this type of entertainment…” ★★★★★ The Arts Desk
“This a show that comes from the guts.” ★★★★ The Telegraph
“Righteous, moving and funny… Mark Thomas should be on prescription.” ★★★★ The Herald
DRAGONS AND MYTHICAL BEASTS
**1 - 3 October**
DRAGONS AND MYTHICAL BEASTS
Friday 1 October - Sunday 3 October
From the creators of the West End smash hit Dinosaur World Live, who bring spectacular puppets to life, don’t miss this brand-new spell-binding adventure, live on stage!
Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical new show for all the family.
Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you’d think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin.
Take your place among legendary heroes, just don’t wake the Dragon…
Book online >
Friday 1 October: 4.30pm
Saturday 2 October: 11am & 2pm
Sunday 3 October: 11am & 2pm
Tickets: £14
Groups of 10+: £9 | Schools price: £9 (1 free teacher per 10 pupils). Please email the Box Office for school or wheelchair bookings.
THE NATIONAL TRUST FAN CLUB
**6 October**
THE NATIONAL TRUST FAN CLUB
Wednesday 6 October
Join Helen Wood’s one-woman quest to visit every National Trust property and become the NT’s biggest super-fan.
Don’t miss this chance to see Helen’s new show direct from its world premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, following hot on the heels of sell-out hit The OS Map Fan Club. Packed to the brim with Goretex, cream teas, and a loyal canine assistant (when NT rules allow).
Written and performed by Helen Wood, directed by Chris Head and presented by James Seabright.
Wednesday 6 October: 7.30pm
Tickets: £14, £12 (members/benefit concession/student)
Book online >
"Has a lot in common with the similarly named Victoria Wood."
★★★★ The Scotsman
"Endearing, sincere, wholesome and zany. Comic genius!"
★★★★ Everything Theatre
KITTY MACFARLANE
**8 October**
KITTY MACFARLANE
Friday 8 October
This October, Kitty Macfarlane returns to selected venues bringing her trademark tonic for the times we’re in. Sustained by the warm glow of her new band, her songs act as both balm and booster for a world on fire.
Expect music old and new that speaks of eco angst and human connection, Sardinian sea silk seamstresses and migratory marine creatures, mutable skies and plate tectonics, and the fragile threads that bind us all together.
The show will balance Kitty’s lightness of spirit with weighty stories - held together by the exhilarating clarity of her voice, empathic songwriting, and heady musicianship.
"It’s the richly descriptive context she lends in-between numbers which assures her position as folk-ambassador for the wild." Line Of Best Fit Magazine
"Startlingly poetic." The Observe
Friday 8 October: 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
Book online >
MIDNIGHT SKYRACER
**11 October**
MIDNIGHT SKYRACER
Monday 11 October
Midnight Skyracer have come a long way in a very short time. Since forming in 2017, the Anglo-Irish all female quintet have become festival sensations across the UK, Europe and Australasia, toured regularly at home and released a critically-lauded debut album. They also carry the distinction of being the first British act nominated for an award by the International Bluegrass Music Association.
Their all star lineup boasts Leanne Thorose, with her powerhouse vocals and driving mandolin; the virtuoso banjo playing and delicate vocals of Tabitha Benedict; Eleanor Wilkie and her rock solid bass grooves; the versatile Laura Carrivick, equally adept on both fiddle and dobro; and the lightning guitar playing of Charlotte Carrivick. Not only are they all masters of their respective instruments, but the vocal harmonies shared between the five women are second to none.
Following the release of Fire in 2018, the band are set to release a follow up album this year on Island Records. Shadows On the Moon, recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios in Wiltshire, is a scintillating mix of hard-driven bluegrass and mountain balladry, both edgy and infectious, tender and tough.
“This is a band and this is an album that can go toe to toe with anything on offer from bluegrass’s spiritual home on the other side of the Atlantic.” ★★★★ RnR Magazine
Monday 11 October: 8pm
Tickets: £15
Book online >
SAM CARTER WITH STRING QUARTET
**16 October**
SAM CARTER WITH STRING QUARTET
Saturday 16 October
Sam Carter has earned a reputation for vivid, narrative-driven songwriting and captivating live performances. He is a highly-regarded instrumentalist, renowned by many as 'the finest English-style fingerpicking guitarist of his generation' (Jon Boden). Over the past fifteen years, Sam has toured the world, won a BBC Folk Award and made appearances on national TV, including a spellbinding performance on Later… with Jools Holland.
When Sam envisioned his fourth album Home Waters as 'a search for a sense of belonging and stability in unfamiliar territory', he couldn't have known how prescient that would turn out to be. Recorded pre-pandemic in rural Northumberland, Sam’s live acoustic guitar and vocals sit at the heart of the album. Many of his performances were left unadorned, while Stephenson’s cinematic string arrangements created the rich emotional landscapes on other tracks. Released during lockdown in May 2020, Home Waters brought solace to many and was heralded as 'an album full of quiet pleasures by a musician at the top of his game' (R2 Magazine).
This autumn, Sam will give the songs of Home Waters their first live outing and the specially-assembled Home Waters String Quartet will join Sam in Hexham.
Saturday 16 October: 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
Book online >
The Gramaphones Theatre Company
TARZANA
Sunday 17 October
An aeriel theatre show perfect for 3-8 year olds.
Anna doesn't like the bugs in her garden, she likes things to keep things clean and tidy. But her world is turned upside down when she is magically transported to a rainforest world.
A mischievous bunch of wild animals take her on a journey through the jungle of her dreams, where they teach her the lessons of the wild. But when her new home is put in danger can she let go and become the wild Tarzanna she needs to be in order to save her new found friends?
Tarzanna is a playful aerial theatre show for all the family to enjoy. Join the performers as they climb, jump and swing through the air.
“Tarzanna was wonderful. Just loved how everyone from 9 months to 90 got it - a beautiful production.” David Lane, venue programmer
Sunday 17 October: 2pm & 4pm
Tickets: £8, £28 family ticket (2 adults, 2 under 18's)
Book online >
FITTING
**22 - 23 October**
Matt Miller and Peader Kirk
FITTING
Friday 22 & Saturday 23 October
Magic is everywhere. Wear a dress and people treat you one way. Try a pinstripe suit and, abracadabra, it’s like you are a different person.
Fitting is about Matt’s adventures in dresses and suits and also has some magic tricks up its sleeve. From interactions with strangers at bus stops to transgressive explorations in charity shops, follow Matt as they navigate and explode the ground between gender binaries.
A theatrical genderqueer glamour fest, sprinkled with magic and ready to mess with your binaries.
Friday 22 & Saturday 23 October: 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Book online >
Versions Of You | Thursday 21 October | FREE
In this fun pop-up activity, chat to artists Matt Miller and Peader Kirk to devise a playful 3-word self-definition. Then pose in front of the gold curtain and take your photo home with you, or leave it with us to display on our board of personalities.
Quick, lively and accessible to all, come and give some attention to alternative Versions of You.
PEATBOG FAERIES
**24 October**
PEATBOG FAERIES
Sunday 24 October
“Nothing prepares you for the high octane music of the Peatbog Faeries. Powerful melodies are dextrously pumped out with a smart degree of techno attitude, while cross-rhythms ricochet over a heavy bass that hits you forcefully like a massive heart beat.” The Scotsman
Hailing from the Isle of Skye, the legendary Scottish trailblazers have created a glorious mixture of traditional sounds and dance-floor grooves that have been embraced worldwide.
Drawing upon a dazzling myriad of influences from jigs and reels through Dance Music, Jazz, African, and more, they bring the sound of Scotland fresh-faced and breathless to the new audiences around the world Their mainly instrumental music allows the band to develop exciting themes and soundscapes, as well as locking into their trademark hypnotic ‘Celtic Dance’ sound that no-one can resist moving to!
Peatbog Faeries are Peter Morrison on pipes and whistles, Ross Couper on fiddle, Tom Salter on guitar, Graeme Stafford on keyboards, Innes Hutton on bass and Stuart Haikney on drums.
"Nothing prepares you for the high octane music of the Peatbog Faeries." The Scotsman
Sunday 24 October: 7.30pm
Tickets: £22
Book online >
HADDOCK & CHIPS
**28 October**
CaroleW Productions
HADDOCK & CHIPS
Thursday 28 October
by Janet Plater
“Says here, there’s a lass gone missing. It’s on the Twitter.”
It’s a busy night at Frankie’s Chippy, as always. From lasses heading out on the town, to those just passing through and the regulars who have been coming here for years. But when reports start coming in of a little girl gone missing, the community must pull together to find her before it’s too late. Will they see what was under their noses all along?
Funny and heart-warming, Haddock & Chips is a timely play about community and how, in the hardest of times, we can find hope in humanity.
"Very funny, excellent performances… and just what we need at the moment.” Helen Green, Sunderland Culture
Thursday 28 October: 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Age guidance: 12+
Book online >
HELLO AND GOODBYE
**2 & 3 November**
Elysium Theatre Company
HELLO AND GOODBYE
Tuesday 2 & Wednesday 3 November
Port Elizabeth, 1960s: brother and sister Johnnie and Hester Smit have not seen each other in years. Hester left home for good when she was a teenager; Johnnie stayed home to look after their invalid father. When Hester returns to claim the birthright she believes is hers, the stage is set for a moving, poetic, punchy drama of sibling rivalry, family, and the debts we owe each other, financial and otherwise.
Hello And Goodbye was live streamed from the Northern School Of Art in Hartlepool in June this year. Catch this sensational drama live for two nights only in the Queen's Hall Studio before it goes on tour with Highlights Rural Touring.
Presented by Elysium Theatre Company, Queen's Hall Hexham, Highlights Rural Touring and the Northern School of Art.
"Essential viewing." The British Theatre Guide
Nominated for an OnComm Award 2021
Tuesday 2 & Wednesday 3 November: 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Age guidance: 12+
Book online >
PAUL SINHA: HAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE
**20 November**
PAUL SINHA: HAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE
Saturday 20 November
Now Paul is allowed back on the road he returns with the show that Covid temporarily put on hold.
Thus far, Paul has lived his life content in the understanding that stability and emotional happiness were lovely ideas but not really for him. Nonetheless, several decades of bearing boozy witness to the narratives of others can slowly change a man. And so can a prosecco-fuelled Christmas.
Paul is a Rose d’Or Award winner for the radio comedy, Paul Sinha's History Revision, a Chortle Award winner and an Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee. He’s appeared on Just A Minute, The News Quiz and Fighting Talk on radio and on Would I Lie to You?, QI and Taskmaster on television. Thanks to his passion for quizzing he also appears as a general knowledge expert on the much-loved ITV quiz show, The Chase.
Saturday 20 November: 7.30pm
Tickets: £15
Age guidance: 17+
Book online >
"Fiercely sharp, poignant and on top form." ★★★★ The Skinny
"Whip-smart comedy." ★★★★ Time Out
"This is a faultless hour of comedy." ★★★★★ Broadway Baby
"Beautifully crafted." ★★★★ Fest
"Every twist and turn is punctuated with wry delivery and candid perspective; an utter treat." ★★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine
"A classy, self-effacing hour... densely funny comedy." ★★★★ The Scotsman
BILLY MITCHELL & BOB FOX
**21 November**
BILLY MITCHELL & BOB FOX
Sunday 21 November
This unique combination continues to entertain people of all shapes and sizes with their wonderful selection of northern songs delivered with consummate musicianship by two of the UK’s best known and loved singers - Billy Mitchell (Lindisfarne, Jack the Lad, Pitmen Poets) and Bob Fox (Warhorse Songman, Fox and Luckley, Pitmen Poets) are taking to the road together in 2020 to tour their show 5 Star B&B throughout the UK.
Their last tour as a duo was back in 2010 where their sold out performances earned glowing reviews. Their individual busy schedules have prevented them from reuniting...until now!
And what a treat it is! The duo’s ability to connect with the audience is immediately evident as they lead you through some of their favourite songs including original Lindisfarne classics and trad folk arrangements: Sally Wheatley, Meet me on the Corner, Dance to your Daddy, Collier Laddie’s Wife, Big River, Galway Shawl and many more...
Sunday 21 November: 7.30pm
Tickets: £16
Book online >
SACCONI STRING QUARTET WITH EMMA ABATE (PIANO)
**29 November**
Hexham & District Music Society
SACCONI STRING QUARTET
WITH EMMA ABATE (PIANO)
Monday 29 November
The Sacconi Quartet return to Queen's Hall this November after last playing here in March 2020 for their final performance before the pandemic hit.
They have enjoyed a highly successful international career, performing regularly throughout Europe, at London’s major venues, in recordings and on radio broadcasts, and are Quartet in Association at the Royal College of Music.
Programme:
Rachmaninov: Romance
Elgar: String Quartet
Shostakovich: Piano Quintet
Emma Abate is a professor of piano at the Guildhall School of Music as well as a staff coach at the Royal Opera House. She has performed at innumerable prestigious venues throughout the UK and Europe.
Monday 29 November: 7.30pm
Tickets: £17.50, £8 (student), FREE (school children)
Book online >
ROBIN INCE: ONE BILLION THOUGHTS
**1 December**
ROBIN INCE: ONE BILLION THOUHGTS
Wednesday 1 December
Robin Ince was meant to be interrupting Brian Cox in arenas as usual this autumn, but with that tour postponed, he didn't want to sit idle so is instead doing 100 gigs across the UK before the end of the year where he will be discussing everything that he doesn't understand about the universe - and that is A LOT.
The show is about some of the billion thoughts he is collecting in his head over the 80 years (hopefully) of his life. Expect extreme tangents. Robin will be signing copies of his new book The Importance of Being Interested: Adventures in Scientific Curiosity after the show.
Wednesday 1 December: 7.30pm
Tickets: £12, £10 (benefits/students) | Age guidance: 14+
Book online >
To find out about Robin Ince's 100 Book Shop Tour at Cogito Books on Wednesday 1 December, click here.
JENNY ECLAIR: SIXTY! (FFS!)
**5 December**
JENNY ECLAIR: SIXTY! (FFS!)
Sunday 5 December
Having hit 60 (but still a year younger than Madonna), Jenny Eclair AKA ‘The Face of Vagisan’ confronts a new decade of decrepitude. Now that it takes 20 minutes of scrolling down to find her DOB when she’s filling in forms online, should she celebrate or crawl into a hole?
What will her 60s hold for this 1960s babe and is it a legal requirement to buy Nordic walking poles
Sunday 5 December: 7.30pm
Tickets: £20
Age guidance: 14+
Book online >
PS. I’m carrying quite a lot of excess lock down weight, which you can feel free to discuss behind my back during the interval. Love Jenny x
SNOW PLAY
**7 & 8 December **
Lyngo Theatre
SNOW PLAY
Tuesday 7 & Wednesday 8 December
What would you do if one year Winter decided to stay and moved into your house? Well that’s what happens in this snowy spectacular show where you are guaranteed a white Christmas, no matter what the weather!
Showing in the Queen's Hall Studio this December to small audiences, Snow Play is a showdown between Winter and Spring over who gets to stay and who has to go away.
Help Mr Green against Mr White in this highly interactive smash-hit London production. You get to make a giant snowman, cover a whole house in snow and have a super snowball fight!
“Wonderful.” ★★★★★ Metro
"A fantastic, utterly enchanting show. Children and adults will be captivated." Evening Standard
7 & 8 December: 10am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm
Tickets: £8.50 (adults & children), £7.50 (Group price for 4 or more), £1 (Baby under 1)
Perfect for under 5s | Running time: 50mins, no interval
Book online >
THE REMARKABLE ROBIN ARMSTRONG'S EXTRAORDINARY CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE
ON SALE NOW
**Christmas Family Show 2021**
**10 - 28 December **
THE REMARKABLE ROBIN ARMSTRONG'S EXTRAORDINARY CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE
A Queen's Hall Arts and Alnwick Playhouse Production
Written by Elijah Young | Directed by Mark Calvert
Friday 10 - Tuesday 28 December
"Magic is for those who wish to see it. That's what Grandma says."
Meet Robin Armstrong. An adventurous young girl who is obsessed with all things magic.
Robin lives in a northern village famous for its fairy tale and folklore. Since the day she was born,
Robin’s best friend, Grandma, has told her legendary tales of the fairies, hobs, wizards and trolls that hide in the forest and beneath the surface.
When Grandma’s health takes a turn for the worse on Christmas Eve, an extraordinary adventure begins. Robin heads to Elderwood Forest in search of magical creatures that could help her Grandma and if the fairy tales are true, she’ll have to journey into the abandoned mines to find them. What waits in these mines is an undiscovered world beyond Robin’s wildest dreams.
Join Robin as she discovers magic, good and bad but more importantly, the power of friendship and kindness. Can she save her Grandma just in time for Christmas?
A modern fairy tale with a message fit for the festive period. It’s a magical show for all the family to enjoy!
#RemarkableRobin
10 - 28 December (times vary, click below for more info)
Tickets: £15 (Adult), £12 (under 16's), £1 (Baby under 2, must have a ticket)
10% off for 10 tickets or more (not available on school peformances)
Book online >
EXHIBITIONS
This season's mind provoking exhibitions from contemporary artists and filmmakers...
9 - 12 September | Hexham Town Centre
Animating Hexham aims to discover stories and evoke memories of our town’s high streets and buildings, using these to inspire animations and conversations about Hexham’s heritage. Animations will be projected onto shopfronts and landmarks throughout the main shopping streets, helping to define why Hexham’s heritage is important to the community and what value the town centre will have in the future.
Find out more >
Swallows and Armenians
Saturday 23 October - Saturday 20 November
Gallery One & Two
Swallows and Armenians is a touring exhibition of contemporary works by artist, writer and curator Karen Babayan, and a historic collection of paintings that celebrate the real family that inspired Arthur Ransome.
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Queen’s Hall Digital
An online exhibition portal for new work and innovative projects. Queen's Hall Digital focuses on creating opportunities for artists working with digital and moving image technologies and aims to build and connect an international community of artists to local and national audiences.
NOW LIVE: THE MATERIAL WILL BE QUIET YET ALIVE - by Laura Porter and Lydia Porter
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TAKING PART
Our ever-popular Youth Theatre groups are back...
Queen’s Hall Youth Theatre:
OPEN DAY!
Watch this space for a date TBC.
Want to learn more about our ever-popular Youth Theatre at Queen’s Hall? As we get ready to expand and offer more opportunities for young people, we’re opening our doors to family, friends and those interested in joining our groups for a free taster day.
It’s a chance to visit the building; meet youth theatre members; see examples of what we do; try out some drama games and exercises.
More information coming soon...
QUEEN’S HALL YOUTH THEATRE GROUPS
Develop your creativity through this popular skills-based theatre programme and explore the issues that are important to you!
Down Stage: Skills-based group, 8-11 years
Stage Note: Performance group, 11-14 years
Creatives: Ensemble group, 15-19 years
PROJECTORS DRAMA GROUP
Mondays, 6 - 8pm
Projectors is a drama based creative group for young people aged 18 to 30 with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or communication difficulties who, due to their specific needs, feel unable to access our other Youth Theatre sessions.
Sessions are led by specialist creative producers.
For further information please contact Susan Priestley.
Support Queen's Hall Arts
We are proud to bring you high quality shows and exhibitions, and are passionate about developing the next generation of artists. As a charity, our work is funded by donations, ticket sales and by grants from Arts Council England and Northumberland County Council.
We aim to keep ticket prices as low as possible to make the highest quality arts and culture accessible to our community. We recognise that this time of uncertainty has affected everyone differently, but if you can help with a donation then it will play a huge part in helping us remain a vital part of the community.
<a href="https://www.queenshall.co.uk/donate-queens-hall" style="display:inline;">**Make a donation >**</a>
