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STEPHEN MERCHANT and STEFFAN RHODRI in
The Mentalists

Written by Richard Bean

Directed by Abbey Wright

WEST END PREMIERE FOR COMEDY THE MENTALISTS BY RICHARD BEAN, THE AWARD WINNING WRITER OF SMASH HIT ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS

Production images have been released of BAFTA and Golden Globe Award-winning writer, comedian and actor Stephen Merchant (The Office, Extras, Hello Ladies) and critically acclaimed actor Steffan Rhodri (Gavin & Stacey, Harry Potter, Posh) in The Mentalists. This sharply written and darkly comic play by Richard Bean (writer of the smash hit comedy One Man, Two Guvnors), which is directed byAbbey Wright, is currently playing at the Wyndham’s Theatre until 26 September, with official opening night  for press on 13 July.

Ted (Stephen Merchant) has a master plan to revolutionise the world – and with help from his best friend Morrie (Steffan Rhodri) and his trusty video camera, it may just go global! But Morrie begins to suspect that Ted’s in trouble as unpaid bills and cryptic phone calls start to mount; and as the world closes in on their hotel room in this poignant and touching comedy, there is only one way out.

Well-known for his collaborations with Ricky Gervais, including popular television shows The Office,Extras, Life’s Too Short and An Idiot Abroad, Stephen Merchant recently starred in Dan Mazer’s hit British comedy film I Give It A Year alongside Rose Byrne and Rafe Spall. Merchant wrote, directed and performed Hello Ladies, an international stand-up comedy tour which he went on to re-create as a television series for HBO including HBO special Hello Ladies – The Movie. In a career that has seen Merchant accept four BAFTA awards, four British Comedy Awards, a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy Award for his television work, The Mentalists will mark both his theatrical and West End debut.

Steffan Rhodri was last seen in the West End in Laura Wade’s Posh and Alan Ayckborn’s Absent Friends, both in 2012. On television, Rhodri became a household name portraying Dave Coaches in Gavin & Stacey for three years between 2007 and 2010. Most recent television credits include Under Milk Woodfor the BBC and Channel 4’s Cucumber and the critically acclaimed Shakespeare’s Hollow Crown seriesHenry VI and Richard III for the BBC.

Since writing The Mentalists, originally part of the Transformation season in 2002 at the National Theatre, Richard Bean has gone on to score West End successes with One Man, Two Guvnors and Great Britain, both directed by Nicholas Hytner. Most recently, Bean wrote the book for Made In Dagenham, which premiered at the Adelphi Theatre in 2014, starring Gemma Arterton and directed by Rupert Goold.

Directed by Abbey Wright, The Mentalists will feature Scenic Design by Richard Kent, Lighting Design by David Plater, and Casting by Anne Vosser.

The Mentalists is produced by Old Vic Productions, Smith & Brant Theatricals, Steven Harris andSam Levy in association with Jimmy Jewell Ltd and Caitlin Albery Beavan.

THEATRE:     Wyndham’s Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DA
WEBSITE:      www.TheMentalistsThePlay.com
BOX OFFICE: 0844 482 5120
TWITTER:      @MentalistsPlay  
FACEBOOK:   www.facebook.com/TheMentalistsPlay
DATES:         3 July – 26 September 2015
Monday – Saturday 7.45pm
Wednesday and Saturday 3pm
Monday 13 July PRESS NIGHT at 7pm

TICKETS:       Preview Prices* (from 3 – 16 July)
£49.50, £29.50 £39.50 & £15
Standard Prices* from 17 July – 26 September
£59.50, £49.50 & £19.50
*All ticket prices include a £1.25 theatre restoration levy and a £2.25 online booking fee. An additional 50p will be added to telephone bookings

DREAMBOATS AND MINISKIRTS BRINGS THE 1960S TO LEEDS

Inspired by the seven smash hit multi-million selling albums

A sensational new musical is set to hit town next week showcasing the greatest hit songs of the 60s.Dreamboats and Miniskirts, the sequel to the sell-out Dreamboats and Petticoats, comes to Leeds Grand Theatre next Monday 13^th July and runs until Saturday 18^th.

Since its premiere in 2009 Dreamboats and Petticoats has become a musical phenomenon, having played to more than two million people across the UK. Inspired by Universal’s multi-million selling album series which now boasts seven double compilation albums and a myriad of one-off special releases! Now the creative team reunite for the sequel.

It’s 1963 and the world is changing. The advent of the Beatles and the Merseyside sound is inspirational but will it stir our three couples to follow their dreams into the world of pop?  This hit show has the same wit, charm and songs that audiences have loved – featuring hit after hit from Twist & Shout to Handy Manto Pretty Woman, One Fine Day and many more.

Dreamboats and Miniskirts is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 13^th to Saturday 18^th July.

Tickets are on sale now priced from £18.50 to £34.

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700.

The Tale of Mr Tumble will be a funny, engaging and visually exciting show that will give children the chance to see Mr Tumble live and up close as he and his family share some of their fondest memories.

Audiences will find out how he became the joyful entertainer familiar to so many, following his journey from bouncing baby Tumble (with his bright red nose already in place), through his singing and dancing school years, right up to the present day.

Justin Fletcher, known to millions as CBeebies Mr Tumble, will be joined by Ronni Ancona as Miss Eerie the Headmistress – a force to reckoned with who likes to take things very, very seriously. Other cast members include Samuel Buttery, Samantha Dorrance, Connor Elliott, Lizzie Franks, Tom Mackley, Nicholas McLean, Samuel Parker, Katia Sartini, Kai Savage, Ben Stock and Lauren Storer. The company will be joined on stage by a Makaton signing choir who will perform alongside their hero Mr Tumble.

Written by Will Brenton, with design by Hayley Grindle, The Tale of Mr Tumble will be a real opportunity to step inside the colourful world of one of our most cherished TV characters.

Commissioned by MIF Creative. Produced by Manchester International Festival.
Supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust and MIF Creative Circle.  In association with CBeebies.

LISTINGS

THE TALE OF MR TUMBLE
OPERA HOUSE MANCHESTER, 3 QUAY STREET, M3 3HP
14 PERFORMANCES, 11 – 19 JULY 2015
PRESS PERFORMANCE: 11 JULY 2PM

All children’s tickets £12
Adults £18.25 – £26.25
Concessions £5 off
Schools £8.50 / Teachers are free
£12 tickets for Greater Manchester residents on a lower wage, available on a first come first served honest basis
Babes In Arms up to 18 months are welcome. For children over 18 month tickets must be purchased.

Box Office:
mif.co.uk | 0844 871 7654

Due to unprecedented demand, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap will continue its record-breaking UK tour with new dates in 2016. The beloved murder mystery will begin the 2016 leg of its tour at Brighton Theatre Royal on 25 January before visiting more than 25 further venues across the UK. Casting and booking information for 2016 will be announced in due course.

The production, which originally opened in 1952 starring the late Richard Attenborough and his wife Sheila Sim, will continue its journey across the breadth of the country, visiting towns and cities such as Brighton, Reading, Darlington, Grimsby, York, Portsmouth, Cheltenham, Stoke, Woking, Leicester, Liverpool, Harrogate, Shrewsbury, Dartford, Yeovil, Hereford, Derby, Kings Lynn, Salisbury, Manchester, Aylesbury, Torquay, Llandudno, Jersey and Bristol.

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has been the world’s longest running stage production at its London home since breaking the record in 1958 and recently celebrated its 26,000th performance. The 60th Anniversary – and first ever – UK tour of this beloved murder mystery has now been seen by more than 600,000 people across more than 600 performances, and has broken box office records in many of its tour venues.

Mousetrap Productions has also licensed 60 productions of The Mousetrap worldwide to mark the 60th year, and many of these have also broken records, from Cape Town to Philadelphia, Singapore to Sydney. During this period, the world’s longest running show will have been seen in every continent with professional productions in Australia, China, Korea, Turkey, South Africa, Russia, Czech Republic, Hungary, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Poland, Spain, Scandinavia, Venezuela, and across the United States and Canada.

The Mousetrap continues at St. Martin’s Theatre, London and on tour around the UK until August 2016.

AUTHOR READY TO MAKE A SPLASH AT DARLINGTON CIVIC THEATRE

Author Julia Jarman is to visit Darlington Civic Theatre to watch the stage adaptation of her popular children’s picture book, Big Red Bath, on Sunday 12 July.

Children’s author Julia Jarman is to visit Darlington Civic Theatre on Sunday 12 July for the 2.30pm performance of Big Red Bath – the stage adaptation of her popular book. Julia will be meeting the audience after the performance for photos and will also be signing and selling copies of her Big Red Bath book (£6 per copy – cash only).

It’s the end of a busy day and it is almost time for bed, and Ben and Bella are in the bath.

Splish! Splosh! Splash! Bubbles burst and bubbles rise and a frothy feast of animals jump right in to join in the fun. Come join the fun on a bubbly, barmy bath time adventure around the world and home again celebrating all things bath time.

This quirky, vibrant and humorous tale for 2 to 5 year olds features music by We Were Evergreen, an alternative indie-electro-pop trio who bring a blend of folk melodies, electro beats and vocal harmonies.

Big Red Bath is an exciting collaboration between Full House Theatre and Half Moon that will appeal to families as it blends music, song and humorous character-based performances in a unique new take on this well-loved book.

Big Red Bath is at Darlington Civic Theatre on Sunday 12 July. Tickets are £7.50 for adults, £5.50 for children. Performances are at 11am and 2.30pm.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

“This is the funniest night you’ll ever have at the ballet”

Sunday Times

The reigning ‘queens’ of classical ballet, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo are returning to the UK for the first time since 2013 and bringing their delightfully comedic classic ballet back to the Theatre Royal this Autumn, 6-7 October.

For two nights only, the Theatre Royal will become the home of fantastical dance and divine comedy – a must-not-miss occasion. New York’s all-male, professional comedy ballet company, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, or ‘The Trocks’, as they are affectionately known present a loving knowledge of dance with a brilliant comedic approach.  This unique blend is combined with the astonishing fact that men can, indeed, dance en pointe without falling flat on their faces!

Dancers ‘Ida Nevasyneva’, ‘Olga Supphozova’, ‘Larisko Dumbchenko’ and fellow broad-shouldered, hairy-chested ballerinasgrace the stage in up to size 12 pointe shoes, with their playful and entertaining take on traditional ballet; a true en travesti parody of favourites from the classical and modern repertoire.

The Trocks’ much welcomed return marks the company’s fourteenth visit to the UK and follows extensive tours to Europe and Japan in spring and summer 2015. The Newcastle Theatre Royal performances include the show-stopping Swan Lake Act II; the abstract humour of the Merce Cunningham-inspired Patterns in Space; Go For Barocco, a satire on Balanchine’s choreography complete with killer hips and plenty of attitude, and the fan-flicking, castanet-clicking, UK premiere of Don Quixote.

Founded in 1974 by a group of ballet enthusiasts, The Trocks first performed in the late-late shows in Off-Off Broadway lofts and are now treasured all around the world by audiences and critics alike. In 41 dynamic and non-stop years the award-winning company has clocked up hundreds of thousands of touring miles to over 610 cities in 40 countries. Company dancers currently hail from Australia, Cuba, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Spain and USA.

Under the artistic directorship of Tory Dobrin, who first joined the company as a dancer in 1980, the company continues to appeal to a wide range of theatregoers, from those new to the art form to balletomanes accustomed to the hilarity and precision of these men en pointe.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo’s UK tour is organised by Dance Consortium.  For further information please visitwww.danceconsortium.com.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo is at Newcastle Theatre Royal for two nights only, Tues 6 and Weds 7 October 2015, playing evenings at 7.30pm. Tickets from £15.50 (save 50p per ticket online). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online atwww.theatreroyal.co.uk

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

A new recording of songs from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is to be released by JAY Records to coincide with Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s production, which runs from 16 July – 29 August. The recording features cast members Laura Pitt-Pulford, Alex Gaumond and Sam O’Rourke performing iconic songs from this classic musical, alongside the National Symphony Orchestra. The CD, which is now available for pre order via www.openairtheatre.com, can be purchased at the theatre from 16 July with all tracks on the recording ℗ 2015 JAY Productions Ltd.

From the Golden Age of the movie musical, the much-loved score of Seven Brides for Seven Brothersincludes Bless Your Beautiful Hide, Goin’ Courtin’, Wonderful Wonderful Day, and the dance spectacular, Barn Dance.

Rehearsal images have also been released today of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers which is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, reuniting the creative team behind Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s award-winning production of The Sound of Music.

Led by Alex Gaumond as Adam and Laura Pitt-Pulford as Milly, the full cast of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers includes Rosanna Bates, David Burrows, Angela M. Caesar, Leon Cooke, Eamonn Cox, Jacob Fisher, Charlene Ford, Steve Fortune, Trevor Michael Georges, Bob Harms, Bethany Huckle, Frankie Jenna, James Leece, Philip Marriott, Dylan Mason, Natasha Mould, Peter Nash, Sam O’Rourke, Ryan Pidgen, Adam Rhys-Charles, Karli Vale, Annie Wensak, Matthew Whennell-Clark, Ed White and Emma Woods.

Based on the 1954 MGM film of the same name, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was adapted for stage in 1978 with a book by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay, and new songs by Academy Award-winning Joel Hirschhorn and Al Kasha.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers has set and costume design by Peter McKintosh, choreography byAlistair David, musical supervision and dance arrangements by Gareth Valentine, musical direction by Stephen Ridley, lighting design by Tim Mitchell, orchestrations by Larry Blank, sound design byNick Lidster for Autograph, casting by James Orange CDG, associate direction by Tom Attenboroughand fight direction by Kate Waters.

Part of the 2015 season at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, follows the critically acclaimed productions of J.M Barrie’s Peter Pan and Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull. Lord of the Flies will then bring this year’s season to a close from 3 – 12 September before embarking on a nationwide tour.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was originally produced on Broadway by Kaslan Productions Inc and directed by Lawrence Kasha with dance and music arrangements by Sam Davis. The production at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.

His music defined an era; his disappearance stunned the world…

A spectacular new show telling the extraordinary tale of the world’s most famous big band leader is heading to Newcastle Theatre Royal this September. The Glenn Miller Story, starring none other than music legend Tommy Steele, will be swinging into town for a must-not-miss run from 21 – 26 Sep 2015.

Accompanied by a live 16-piece authentic Glenn Miller orchestra, as well as full supporting company of singers, dancers and actors, the story of one of the most iconic musical figures of the 20^th century will be told as never before.

The show is the brainchild of world famous producer Bill Kenwright and rock and roll legend Tommy Steele (who are professional colleagues and great friends), and the plan was hatched over one of their regular supper meetings together.

The “let’s find another show” conversations were long and varied and possibly included adaptations of every screen musical ever written. It was when discussing a particular favourite of theirs; the James Stewart box office smash The Glenn Miller Story, that Bill discovered that his all-encompassing love for Elvis was equal only to Tommy’s adoration for Glenn Miller and his Orchestra. Bill learned that Tommy was a true devotee; travelling all over the world to hear what remains of the original Orchestral Sounds, and was steeped in the knowledge and the glory of what Glenn Miller did for popular music. Tommy enthused that Glenn changed the face of it from 1939 – 1943 when he was the most popular recording artist in the world. Some might say similar to what Elvis did from the mid 50’s when he too was the most popular recording artist in the world.

The thought of Tommy Steele and The Glenn Miller Story was a wonderful opportunity to create something special in the mind of a producer like Bill. However, as Tommy told him, there was an obvious problem, although he’s still one of this country’s greatest song and dance men, Tommy was too old to play Glenn! It was three years later – at a dinner party celebrating Tommy’s award as the Most Popular Entertainer of All Time at the London Palladium – that they came up with what they believed to be the answer!! What was it?? Come and see for yourself when The Glenn Miller Story is at a theatre near you. But here’s a clue – Tommy Steele will not be the Narrator.

Tommy Steele was Britain’s first rock ‘n’ roll star. Dubbed the UK’s answer to Elvis Presley, he landed his first UK No.1 withSinging the Blues in January 1957, reaching the top spot before Elvis, who didn’t land his until the June that year. The big screen soon beckoned for Tommy, and that same year he filmed The Tommy Steele Story, one of Britain’s great rock ‘n’ roll movies. A soundtrack was released to coincide with the film’s opening and became the first album to reach No.1.

His legendary career includes over twenty hit singles, twelve hit movies and countless award winning stage musicals such as Half a Sixpence, Hans Andersen and Singin’ in the Rain. In recent years, Steele has starred as Christmas miser Scrooge in Bill Kenwright’s spectacular production of the festive musical, which enjoyed two successful runs at the world-famous London Palladium. It was a role that also made Steele the theatre’s all-time record breaking performer, having headlined more performances than any other star in the history of the Palladium.

Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright team up again to direct the show, having been at the helm of several award-winning musicals including Blood Brothers, Evita, and this year’s new production of Jesus Christ Superstar (at Newcastle Theatre Royal 14 – 19 September). Choreography is by Olivier Award winner Bill Deamer (Top Hat, Evita, Save The Last Dance For Me).

The Glenn Miller Story promises to transport audiences young and old back to the days of the big band, and have them up on their feet jiving.

It’s been seventy years since Glenn Miller vanished over the English Channel as he flew to Paris to entertain the troops during the Second World War. Did he crash? Was he shot down? Will the mystery ever be solved?

The Glen Miller Story  plays Newcastle Theatre Royal from Mon 21 until Sat 26 September 2015, evenings at 7.30pm, matinees Thu 2pm and Sat 2.30pm. Tickets from £13.00 (save 50p per ticket online). Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online atwww.theatreroyal.co.uk

IT’S ELEMENTARY

Sherlock Holmes and The Ripper Murders by Brian Clemens is at Darlington Civic Theatre from Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 July.

Talking Scarlet theatre company brings a star-studded cast to Darlington Civic Theatre as part of a spine-tingling summer thriller season with Sherlock Holmes and The Ripper Murders.

The grisly serial killings in of prostitutes and vulnerable women in Victorian Whitechapel, dubbed by the popular press at the time as the work of ‘Jack the Ripper’, are the talk of London, and from deep within the smog-ridden slums, yet another piercing shriek is heard.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson are drawn into one of the darkest plots ever to shake the foundations of England. There are freemasons, conspiracies and plots at the highest level of the establishment. But for Holmes, there is a uniquely personal element to this new and terrifying case.

The production stars Andrew Paul (Coronation Street, The Bill), Neil Roberts (Holby City, Coronation Street) and Kim Taylforth (London’s Burning, Brookside).

Sherlock Holmes and The Ripper Murders runs from Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 July.

Tickets* are priced from £12.60

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy.

Darlington Civic Theatre announces Autumn 2015 Season

As we head towards the autumn evenings, we have some exciting shows on their way which will be the perfect antidote to those chilly winter evenings. See what’s on offer in our autumn season packed full of delights to please everyone!

The season begins with a variety of music and dance events opening with the uber-talented Joan Armatrading on her last major world tour (Thu 23 July). Recognised as one of the world’s leading singer/songwriter/guitarists, don’t miss this opportunity to see her perform songs spanning her entire career. We then welcome the National Dance Company of Ireland as they bring the Rhythm Of The Dance to the stage (Fri 24 July). Internationally rated as one of the most popular and successful Irish step dance shows on tour this is the live show not to be missed. Fans of ABBA should look out for ABBA Mania (Sat 25 July). Accepted as the world’s number one touring ABBA tribute production, this is your chance to dig out those platforms, dust off those flares and enjoy all your favourite ABBA tracks.

The ever popular Last Night at The Proms returns to the Civic Theatre this year in a special concert to celebrate the best of British achievement (Mon 27 July). Join the British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, soloists Anna Clark Monk and Andrew Forbes Lane and presenter Mark Langley for an evening of rousing tunes, flag waving and of course the usual pomp and circumstance!

We welcome the master of mischief and mayhem as The Cat In The Hat comes to the theatre (Wed 29 & Thu 30 July). Based on the much loved book by Dr Seuss, The Cat In The Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for young children.

Darlington Dance Festival (Mon 7 September) bursts onto stage for an energetic evening presented by dance schools and community groups in a vibrant celebration of dance in Darlington. This is followed by the compelling history of the greatest musical duo of all time in The Simon and Garfunkel Story 50th Anniversary Tour (Tues 8 September). Featuring West End star Dean Elliott and using huge projection photos, original film footage and a full cast of performers this promises to be an evening not to be missed.

We then welcome Channel 5’s hugely popular children’s TV favourites as Milkshake! Live ‘Party Party’ hits the stage (Sat 12 September). This all-new musical extravaganza is bound to have audiences up on their feet singing and jumping with delight along-side the stellar line up including

Little Princess, Bananas in Pyjamas, Noddy and Tessie Bear and a whole host of other special guests.

We are delighted to welcome back the acclaimed National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company with three exciting productions of Gilbert and Sullivan classics (Tues 15 – Sat 19 September). The Mikado tells the story of Nanki-Poo, son of The Mikado, who has fled to avoid an arranged marriage and has fallen in love with Yum-Yum. HMS Pinafore follows the story of a lowly sailor, Ralph Rackstraw, who is deeply in love with Josephine, the daughter of the ship’s Captain. Unfortunately for Ralph he has a rival for Josephine’s affections – Sir Joseph Porter, KCB. The Gondoliers tells the story of two Venetian gondoliers who are informed that one of them is the heir to the throne of Barataria… but which one?

With beautiful settings, costumes and lighting the European Baroque Ensemble bring you Baroque by Candlelight (Mon 21 September). A packed programme of classical music and song including excerpts from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Handel’s Water Music and Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

If you want to be entertained then look no further than The Robbie Williams Experience with Let Me Entertain You (Tue 22 September). This fantastic tribute act spans the 25 year career of the legend that is Robbie Williams. Featuring a live band and dancers, Hollyoaks heart-throb Tom Vaughan performs as Robbie with hits including Rock DJ, Angels, She’s The One and many, many more.

For lovers of the Motown sound, Motown’s Greatest Hits – How Sweet It Is will be a delight (Wed 23 September). This stunning live show combines first class music together with the slickest choreography and an amazing band to deliver a truly outstanding performance.

One of the nation’s best loved comedians is celebrated in The Tommy Cooper Show (Thu 24 September). West End leading man Daniel Taylor stars as Tommy Cooper in the knockout performance of the year. With the story, the gags and the magic this promises to be a very special show. Then, roaring on to the stage will be Dinosaur Zoo (Fri 25 & Sat 26 September). From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, marvel and interact with extraordinary, life-like dinosaurs in this imaginative and hilarious show, live from the West End.

Hear the best songs from the world’s opera houses, Broadway theatres and concert halls as we welcome Tenors Un Limited to the Civic Theatre (Mon 28 September). Their soaring vocals, lush harmonies and fun personalities are the perfect recipe for a great night out. Soaring to different heights is Doug Scott’s Everest The Hard Way (Tue 29 September). Marking the 40th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest ‘the hard way’ by the late Dougal Haston and Doug Scott, this special lecture, lavishly illustrated with Doug’s celebrated photography, will provide a very personal account of this legendary first climb.

Blasting onto the Civic Theatre stage is the Syd Lawrence Orchestra The Swinging Big Band (Wed 30 September). Hear the music of the swing era brought back to life with the youthful verve that made it the smash hit music of its day.

We are proud to welcome back the Russian State Ballet and Opera House with Verdi’s compelling opera La Traviata (Tue 6 October). This production will star the Bolshoi Theatre soloist Irina Bozhenko, an impressive cast and a 30 piece live orchestra. La Traviata combines compelling characters with hugely powerful, moving and instantly recognisable melodies, making it still, 162 years after its 1853 debut, one of the most emotionally engaging and popular operas of all time.

Taking us back to the swinging 60s we bring you the All Star 60s (Wed 7 October). Imagine five iconic 60s bands who have enjoyed phenomenal success throughout their musical careers, getting together to perform all their hits…. And you have the fantastic All Star 60s. Brian Poole and the original Tremeloes, Chip Hawkes, Dave Munden, The Troggs and Badfinger featuring Bob Jackson. The Ivy League and The Pacemakers will round off this fabulous array of talent.

Autumn wouldn’t be the same without a visit from the comedy icon that is Ken Dodd. A comedian of unrivalled legendary status, a national treasure who has been entertaining audiences for a lifetime of happiness and laughter, don’t miss The Ken Dodd Happiness Show (Thu 8 & Fri 9 October). From one comedy icon to another as The Basil Brush Show bounces onto the Civic Theatre stage (Sat 10 October). Basil Brush is a star with an outstanding ability to entertain and make people of all ages laugh and smile – a fantastic show for the whole family.

Bringing a touch of glamour to the Civic Theatre will be Strictly Come Dancing favourites Anya Garnis and Robin Windsor as they present Puttin’ On The Ritz (Sun 11 – Tues 13 October). This song and dance extravaganza takes you on a wonderful musical journey and features music from George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. With a cast of award-winning singers and dancers, the most famous songs of the golden age of Hollywood will be recreated live on stage.

As the nights draw in, there is nothing better than a classic ghost story. We bring you two in one night as Middle Ground Theatre Company present The Signalman and The Waiting Room (Wed 14 – Sat 17 October) – a spine chilling double bill featuring Jack Shepherd. Set in 1880 The Signalman tells of a tormented railwayman haunted by visions of impending disaster on his isolated stretch of line. The Waiting Room follows George Pendlebury as he is forced to spend a night alone in an old station waiting room having missed his connection.

Warming up those cold October nights, DarlingtonOS presents South Pacific (Wed 21 – Sat 31October). Set against the dramatic background of an idyllic South Pacific island during World War Two, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific intertwines the themes of love, duty and prejudice to create a story that is funny, heart-breaking and thought-provoking. For younger audiences, Under Foot (Wed 21 October, Quaker Meeting House) is an interactive sound and movement performance where the audience is invited to explore different floor surfaces, responding to the textures and sensations through movement, dance and play (recommended age 1 – 5).

In the run up to the end the calendar year there is, quite simply, something for everyone. Nigel Havers, Martin Jarvis, Sian Phillips and Christine Kavanagh star in Oscar Wilde’s classic The Importance of Being Earnest (Tue 3 – Sat 7 November). This much loved and brilliantly witty masterpiece elegantly lampoons the hypocrisies of a Victorian society and features some of the finest dialogue to be found in theatre.

The Touring Consortium Theatre Company and Royal & Derngate present Dawn King’s new adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World (Tue 10 – Sat 14 November). Welcome to the future, where a genetically engineered class system has finally brought order and stability to the world. This ‘Brave New World’ has no family, religion or war. People are safe, healthy and not afraid of death. When this stability is threatened, one young woman learns the pain of love and one young man gives in to the love of pain.

They’re here, they’re live on stage and they are going The Full Monty (Mon 16 – Sat 21 November). In 1997, a British film about six out of work Sheffield steelworkers with nothing to lose, took the world by storm! Featuring songs from the film by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones, this award-winning production is one huge package of laughs and emotion.

Stand back, ladies… the Hoff is here. Darlington Civic Theatre welcomes the legendary David Hasselhoff in the all-new musical Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (Mon 23 – Sat 28 November). Packed with hits from the 80s and 90s it’s the story of two generations colliding, as a badly behaved parent tries to control a wild child teenager – all based around the club scene of Ibiza.

We see out 2015 in traditional style with our family pantomime, and this year we present the greatest pantomime of them all – Cinderella (Sat 5 December 2015 – Sun 10 January 2016). A star studded cast headed by Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey with Brendan Sheerin from Channel 4’s Coach Trip and The X-Factor finalist Niki Evans, this promises to be another magical pantomime.

Tickets for the autumn season are on sale NOW!

For further information about the full Autumn Season programme, pick up one of our brochures located in venues across Darlington including Darlington Civic Theatre Box Offices, or contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk