What’s On at Hull Truck Theatre this February
Hull Truck Theatre are inviting audiences to enjoy a variety of good entertainment onstage and screen this February. Whether you are looking for family fun over the half
term break, a laugh out loud night out with friends at a stand-up gig, or a thoughtprovoking evening of reflection – Hull Truck Theatre have got you covered.
Luke Dankoff, Producer / Programmer at Hull Truck Theatre, said:
‘February sees a remarkable spread of companies from different scales and
backgrounds performing on our stages. It is amazing to see audiences connect and
enjoy the huge variety of talent that we work incredibly hard to secure for Hull Truck.
The variety of the programme reflects the importance of responding to what our
audiences would like to see on stage, from music and drama to comedy I hope that
you enjoy what these amazing companies have to showcase.’
To kick off the month, Hull Truck Theatre will pay tribute to National Storytelling Week,
a celebration of the art of storytelling and the power of stories to connect, entertain,
and inspire. One remarkable story is shared through Mama Afrika (Friday 2 February),
celebrating an iconic South African Singer, song writer and civil rights activist, told by
Zimbabwean born singer, musician, and storyteller Anna Mudeka. Featuring many best
loved songs including Mbube, Pata Pata and Soweto Blues.
From one story to many stories, As SHE Likes It will be on stage for one night only on
Saturday 3 February. Sharing the collective stories of the many women whose voices
have been silenced, this is a darkly comedic explosion of multimedia, verbatim,
cabaret and drag, inspired by the story of the #MeToo pioneer Patricia Douglas. It’s
been nearly 100 years since Patricia Douglas was lured to a studio party under the
guise of a casting call, in what was perhaps the biggest, best-suppressed scandal in
Hollywood history.
Hull Truck Theatre favourite and founder of Northern Broadsides, Barrie Rutter returns
with Barrie Rutter’s Shakespeare’s Royals (Thursday 8 February). This never afraid to
be outspoken, and irrepressible Yorkshireman will share memories from a career of
playing and directing Bard’s Kings & Queens – sharing their achievements, conquests
and foibles.
This February Half Term, Hull Truck Theatre invites families to enjoy a jam-packed
programme of theatre experiences for children from ages 0+. A Great Pirate
Adventure (Saturday 10 & Monday 12 February) is specially designed for adventurers
aged 3 -6 and will feature an arts and crafts session followed by an interactive play
that uses whatever you have made. Shark in the Park (Tuesday 13 – Thursday 15
February) is the fin-tastic family musical featuring all three of Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark in
the Park’ book series – recommended for younger families. Peppa Pig also celebrates
her 20th anniversary and to mark such a huge occasion she is throwing the most epic
party ever – and all her friends are invited. Join the fun at Peppa’s Cinema Party
(Saturday 10 – Thursday 15 February) – for ages 0+.
For children aged 5+, Ministry of Science Live (Friday 16 February) will present a dive
deep into the world of science with 20ft liquid nitrogen clouds and oxygen and helium
balloons. Morgan & West’s Massive Magic Show for Kids! (Tuesday 20 February) is
back and just as relentlessly funny and fantastically magic filled as ever. Guaranteed
to delight those aged 5 and 105, and everyone in between!
For Cinema lovers Hull Truck Screen hosts in collaboration once again in February
with Hull Independent Cinema and National Theatre Live.
Hull Independent Cinema will present Fallen Leaves (12A) (Saturday 3 February)
where two lonely souls meet by chance in a local karaoke bar. A quietly witty script
played with perfectly deadpan performances. Monica (15) (Wednesday 7 February)
follows a transgender woman trying to repair a broken relationship with her mother in
a moving, moody and stylish drama. On The Adamant (PG) (Friday 9 February) is a
compassionate, warm and sympathetic documentary that gives privileged access into
the lives of adults suffering from mental illness.
NT Live explores the complexities of human emotions where hopes, dreams, and
regrets are thrust into sharp focus in the one-man adaptation of Vanya (Encore
Screening) (15) (Friday 23 February).
Game for a laugh? Apocalypse Now Then (Friday 16 – Saturday 17 February) will
present a new comedy sharing – performed script-in-hand – asking the question: How
is a bloke from Hull allowed his own army division? And what would you do if you were
uprooted from your home and moved to a new housing estate. The hysterically funny
Aaron Simmonds: Baby Steps (Thursday 22 February) invites audiences to discover
the positive side of being disabled, from having a blue badge to sex in disabled toilets,
meeting “Jesus” and everything in between. From one stand-up comedian to another,
Daniel Foxx: Villain (Saturday 24 February) brings his sensational show about
childhood, Tilda Swinton and bullying (but in a chic way) to Hull, and Miles Jupp: On I
Bang (Wednesday 28 February) has a story to tell and a few things that he’d like to
share about his discovery of a tumour the size of a cherry tomato – a tale about
surprise, fear, luck, and love.
If it’s a night of music you are after, Snake Davis Band Classic Sax Solos (Saturday 17
February) can break hearts, lift spirits and even change lives. Rave On (Wednesday 21
February) returns by popular demand with leading performers from West End
productions The Buddy Holly Story, Million Dollar Quartet and Dreamboats &
Petticoats. Whole Lotta Shakin’: The Shakin’ Stevens Story (Thursday 22 February) is
the Award-Winning tribute to the UK’s biggest selling singles artists of the 1980’s. Not
forgetting the unforgettable King for a Day: The Nat King Cole Story (Thursday 29
February) presenting a unique concert that celebrates one of the greatest vocalists
and entertainers of the Twentieth Century.
Finally, calling all sports fans! A Tale of Two Cities (Friday 23 February) will tell the
story of Hull’s two Rugby League clubs: Hull Kingston Rovers and Hull FC. Touching
down on issues far beyond an oval ball, this performance will mix stories, images and
songs to offer a wider context beyond the game. A Derby of words and songs and an
exploration of how sport can be the community glue that binds.
To book tickets for any of the shows on stage at Hull Truck Theatre in February 2024,
please visit: www.hulltruck.co.uk
.