January to April 2019

Bishop AucklandTown Hall

January

Bishop Auckland Theatre Society presentsPantomime: Robin HoodThursday 10 January, Friday 11 January and Saturday 12 January, 7.00pm (+2.30pm Saturday)Oh no! The Sheriff is coming and he doesn’t look happy! He’s throwing innocent people in prison, raising the taxes again and worst of all, trying to get Maid Marion to marry him! We can’t have that can we boys and girls?

Our hero, Robin Hood, has come back from the crusades to save the good people of Nottingham from the Sheriff’s evil deeds, but he needs your help to win the day and win the heart of the beautiful Maid Marion - will you help him? Will you join Robin’s band of Merry Men and help save the day?

Why not bring the family along to cheer for Robin, boo at the Sheriff and join in the fun with this upbeat traditional panto that is guaranteed to have you smiling, singing and laughing all night long.

Tickets: £8 Book your tickets by contacting 01388 775508 or visiting bishopaucklandtheatresociety.co.uk

Literary: Catherine EdmundsHow to Win at Kings CrossWednesday 16 January, 7.00pmCatherine Edmunds launches How to Win at Kings Cross with an introduction and readings from her latest book. Copies will be available to purchase on the evening.

‘Here we have urgent, quick-moving, immediate poems where surrealism is strikingly juxtaposed with the everyday, humour with an underlying sense of menace, tenderness with despair. In this collection Catherine Edmunds shows her mastery of narrative with its tantalising hints of back stories and endings that startle with unexpected shocks and twists. How to Win at Kings Cross offers us a variety of voices and styles in poems that are vibrant and witty. These are poems for today.’ Mandy Pannett

Tickets: Free

Hilarity Bites presentComedy: Jason Cook, Jack Carroll and MC Andy FuryFriday 18 January, 7.30pmHilarity Bites returns in 2019 with an exceptional bill, featuring two amazing acts in Jason Cook and Jack Carroll. Jason Cook is the writer and star of TV’s Hebburn and Murder on the Blackpool Express, as well as being one of the most popular headline comedians in the UK. Meanwhile, Jack Carroll shot to fame as a 14 year-old on Britain’s Got Talent in 2013, and has since filmed Live at the Apollo and featured in many TV shows, including Sky’s Trollied. Host for the evening is returning favourite Andy Fury.

Tickets: £8 in advance/£10 on the door

Film: Mamma Mia! Here We Go AgainThursday 17 January, 7.30pmFive years after the events of Mamma Mia!, Sophie prepares for the grand reopening of the Hotel Bella Donna as she learns more about her mother’s past. Cert: PG Running time: 114 mins

Tickets: £5 Advisory: Mild sex references

Bishop Auckland Civic Society presentTalk: Auckland Castle: A Palace Fit for KingsTuesday 22 January, 7.30pmJoin Clare Baron, Senior Curator at Auckland Castle, to hear about the ongoing conservation project at the castle and plans to transform the interior of the building. Opening in 2019, the project aims to engage visitors with the forgotten story of the Prince Bishops and their role in shaping the history and faith of Britain.

Tickets: £2 (free to BACS members)

Special event: Holocaust Memorial DaySaturday 26 January, 10.00am – 3.30pmIn commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day, Durham County Council is working alongside Durham Cathedral and the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, to remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, and the millions killed in the Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Dafur.

A public exhibition will take place in the Town Hall which will include a performance by King James I Academy, as well as Holocaust survivor speaker Eva Clarke. The exhibition will include life stories from the Holocaust and accounts from the genocides in Dafur, Cambodia, Bosnia and Rwanda as well as information on the plight of the ‘Porrajmos’, The Romani Holocaust. A display explaining the Durham Light Infantry’s involvement in the liberation of Bergen–Belsen death camp will also be available to view, with testimonies from both liberators and liberated.

Tickets for the performances in the theatre are free, but bookable in advance.

Film: The Equalizer 2Thursday 24 January, 7.30pmStarring Denzel Washington, Robert McCall serves an unflinching justice for the exploited and oppressed, but how far will he go when that is someone he loves?Cert: 15 Running time: 121 mins

Tickets: £5 Advisory: Strong violence, threat, language and drug misuse

Music: Chris HelmeFriday 1 February, 8.00pmChris Helme first rose to prominence as the front man of John Squire’s post-Stone Roses band The Seahorses which saw him tour extensively and share the stage with The Rolling Stones, U2 and Oasis in numerous support slots. Now solo, he is still rightfully remembered for Britpop classics Love Is The Law and Blinded By The Sun – songs that evoked everything the 90’s stood for, the excitement, the culture and the bands that provided a voice in a period of political and social imbalance.

Chris’ enviable back catalogue, is bolstered further by his acclaimed works with The Yards, but it’s his last solo album, The Rookery, that portrays him at his very best. With support from Bosko Green.

Tickets: £12 (£10 concession)

February

Film: Ocean’s 8Thursday 31 January, 7.30pmDebbie Ocean gathers an all-female crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City’s yearly Met Gala.Cert: 12A Running time: 110 mins

Tickets: £5 Advisory: Infrequent strong language

Film: Leave No TraceThursday 7 February, 7.30pmA father and his thirteen year-old daughter are living an ideal existence in a vast urban park in Portland, Oregon, when a small mistake derails their lives forever.Cert: PG Running Time: 109 mins

Tickets: £5 Advisory: Mild injury detail drug references

Music: Rod StewartTribute by Bob WyperFriday 8 February, 7.30pmRod Stewart is one of the most iconic pop stars of the last 50 years and is still recording albums and touring around the world giving rise to many fabulous tributes.

Bob Wyper is highly rated as one of the most iconic of these tribute shows with several costume changes and a show consisting of all the hits. This legendary performer delights with stunning renditions of all the classics including First Cut is the Deepest, I Don’t Wanna Talk About It, Baby Jane, D’ya Think I’m Sexy and Maggie May.

For ten years, Bob has brought the life story of Rod Stewart into the venues, with every song enhanced by little snippets of extra information that the real Rod fans love to hear…and so will you as you enjoy this energetic and accurate performance.

Tickets: £16

Hilarity Bites presentComedy: Steve Shanyaski, Jack Gleadow and MC Dave TwentymanFriday 15 February, 7.30pmFebruary’s comedy night features a return to the Town Hall for the brilliant Steve Shanyaski, who is widely regarded as one of the best headline acts in the UK, and proudly includes Jason Manford amongst his many fans. Joining Steve is the multi-award winning Jack Gleadow, who’s most recent award win was the Amused Moose Best New Comic of 2017. Host for the night is the cheeky and charming Dave Twentyman.

Tickets: £8 in advance/£10 on the door

Music: Little Mix MagicSunday 17 February, 2.00pmLittle Mix Magic are four girls from Glasgow - Nicola, Megan, Lauren and Mo - who have created an all singing and dancing show with lots of audience participation which is a must for all Little Mix fans.

This show has sold out venues across the UK, so don’t miss this chance to enjoy a great concert.

Tickets: £16

Block Party WorkshopsWednesday 20 February, 10.00am, 11.45am and 1.30pmBlock Party LEGO® Workshops bring along around 30,000 pieces of Lego and a custom ramp. Although children will be able to have some free play with the Lego, our workshop host will help them with ideas on what to build and will challenge them with specific activities. Cards will be available that the children can build from and they will be able to test out their vehicle building skills and race the finished product down our ramp. For budding engineers there’s a tower building challenge too!

Age: this activity is for 6+ and is bookable however for the under 6’s we will also have free play with Duplo. Workshops are 90 minutes long.

Tickets: £2 per childBooking is essential as places are limited (accompanying adults are free)

Half Term HolidaysDrama and Music WorkshopMonday 18 February, 1.00pm – 3.00pmFun, laughter, music and games in the theatre with north-east based creative duo and theatre makers Jake Jarratt and Philip Richardson who will teach you all about how to tell stories from your imagination through freeze frame, movement and music. Book early to avoid disappointment

Age: 6+

Tickets: £1 per child

Film: Christopher RobinThursday 14 March, 7.30pmA working-class family man, Christopher Robin, encounters his childhood friend Winnie-the-Pooh, who helps him to rediscover the joys of life.Cert: PG Running time: 103 mins

Tickets: £5 Advisory: Mild war violence

Film: Incredibles 2Thursday 21 February, 7.30pmBob Parr, otherwise known as Mr. Incredible, is left to care for the kids whilst Helen, aka Elastigirl, is out saving the world.Cert: PG Running Time: 125 mins

Tickets: £5 Advisory: Mild bad language

Film: Murder on the Orient ExpressThursday 28 February, 7.30pmWhen a murder occurs on the train he’s travelling on, celebrated detective Hercule Poirot is recruited to solve the case. Kenneth Branagh and Johnny Depp lead this all-star cast.Cert: 12A Running time: 109 mins

Tickets: £5 Advisory: Moderate violence

Film: Jurassic WorldThursday 7 March, 7.30pmWhen the island’s dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen and Claire mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event.Cert: 12 Running time: 128 mins

Tickets: £5 Advisory: Moderate threat

March

Music: Swede Dreamz ABBAFriday 22 March, 7.30pmFormed in 2004, and with such attention to detail both vocally and visually, Swede Dreamz ABBA took local venues by storm. Following numerous local sell-out gigs, the ABBA tribute show now plays to packed audiences across the UK and beyond.

With the music of ABBA now firmly back in the spotlight following the release of the ABBA Gold Greatest Hits album, the global phenomenon that is the musical Mamma Mia!, and the movies Mamma Mia! The Movie and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, there really isn’t a better time for you to experience this tribute show. You’re sure to be having the time of your life.

Tickets: £19

Film: HurricaneThursday 21 March, 7.30pmHurricane (Squadron 303) is the story of a group of brave Poles who fought in the skies over England in WW2, not just to keep Great Britain free from the Nazis, but also to keep alive the very idea of their own country.Cert: 15 Running time: 123 mins

Tickets: £5 Advisory: Strong language and violence

Hilarity Bites presentComedy: Tez Ilyas, Pat Cahill (TBC) and MC Barry DoddsFriday 15 March, 7.30pmIn March we welcome the brilliant Tez Ilyas, Pat Cahill, and Barry Dodds to the Town Hall. Tez was named in the BBC New Talent Hot List in 2017, following his 2015 Radio 4 series and sold-out national tours. Since then he’s appeared on The Last Leg, Mock the Week, Man Like Mobeen, and many more. Meanwhile, Pat Cahill has become a perennially daft presence on the international circuit since winning Chortle Best Newcomer and Hackney Empire New Act Awards in 2012, leading to appearances on Dave’s One Night Stand and tour support slots for Ardal O’Hanlon and Nina Conti. Rounding out the bill is award winning host Barry Dodds.

Tickets: £8 in advance/£10 on the door

Bishop Auckland Civic Society presentTalk: Search and Mountain Rescue in County DurhamTuesday 26 March, 7.30pmFormer Chief Fire Officer, Steve Owers, visits to discuss his role in the Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team whose 50 volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

From the high fells of in the West to the coastal communities of the North Sea, the team responds to requests by the police for a range of incidents ranging from injured or lost people in the hills to vulnerable missing people in urban settings and respond to 40-50 requests annually.

Tickets: £2 (Free to BACS members)

The People’s Theatre Company presentChildren’s Theatre: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a FlyThe 45th Anniversary Production Written by Steven LeeDirected by Nick LaneSaturday 23 March, 2.30pmThere Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly. I don’t know why she swallowed a fly...but The People’s Theatre Company do!

And now you can too as they bring one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes to life just in time to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Pam Adams’ best selling book!

From the creators of Don’t Dribble On The Dragon, this magical show has been written especially for grown-ups to enjoy with their children, so come and relive the delights of this most charming of tales complete with a feast of sing along songs, colourful animal characters and heart-warming family fun.

It’s the perfect treat for anyone aged 2 to 102!

The songs in the show including If You’re Happy and You Know It, Incy Wincy Spider and many more are available to sing along to on The People’s Theatre Company’s website at ptc.org.uk, so why not have a listen and join in when you visit the theatre!

‘A great introduction to the theatre with just the right balance of sitting listening and taking part’ Bristol Guide

‘Thoroughly entertaining and brilliant fun.’ What’s on Stage

Tickets: £12 (£10 concession), £40 family ticket

Film: The Little StrangerThursday 18 April, 7.30pmThe story of Dr. Faraday, the son of a housemaid, who has built a life of quiet respectability as a country doctor. During the long hot summer of 1948, he is called to a patient at Hundreds Hall, where his mother once worked. The Hall has been home to the Ayres family for more than two centuries. But it is now in decline and its inhabitants - mother, son and daughter - are haunted by something more ominous than a dying way of life. When he takes on his new patient, Faraday has no idea how closely, and how disturbingly, the family’s story is about to become entwined with his own. Cert: 12A Running time: 111 mins

Tickets: £5 Advisory: Moderate threat

TaleGate Theatre presentPantomime: The Little MermaidWednesday 10 April, 2.00pmSwimming to the Town Hall in the Easter holidays, join TaleGate Theatre Productions under the sea for this bubbly pantomime. Follow Lenor, our mermaid princess, as she finds her sea legs in search of her happily ever after. A fast paced, highly entertaining Easter Pantomime featuring pop songs, magic and puppets. It’s guaranteed to make a splash!

Tickets: £9 (£7 concession), £30 family ticket (two adults and two children only) Group discounts available on request. ontact our Box Office for more info.

Film: King of ThievesThursday 4 April, 7.30pmBritish crime caper, starring Michael Caine and based on the Hatton Garden robbery, in which a group of aging criminals plan a multi-million pound jewellery heist. Cert: 15 Running time: 108 mins

Tickets: £5 Advisory: Very strong language

April

Lunchtime Jazz1.00pm - 2.00pm Tickets: £5

Friday 18 January Hand to Mouth

Friday 15 February Svarc Hanley Longhawn

Friday 15 MarchMick Shoulder Quintet

Friday 26 AprilNoel Dennis Trio

Hilarity Bites presentComedy: Paul Pirie, Stephen Bailey and MC Lee KyleFriday 26 April, 7.30pmA brilliant natural comedian, Paul Pirie comes packed full of energy and he uses every ounce to maximum effect as he provides an onslaught of great puns, silliness, and well-crafted punchlines that have made him a favourite on the UK circuit. Joining Paul is Stephen Bailey, who has recently supported Katherine Ryan on her UK tour, in between a presenting role on Celebs on the Farm and regular spots on Zoe Ball’s weekend ITV show. Geordie Lee Kyle will be in charge of proceedings, which should lend a madcap energy to the evening.

Tickets: £8 in advance/£10 on the door

Film: A Star is BornThursday 25 April, 7.30pmStarring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, a musician helps a young singer find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral. Cert: 15 Running time: 136 mins

Tickets: £5 Advisory: Strong language and drug misuse.

Writing from Life with Wendy RobertsonSaturday 26 January, 23 February, 23 March and 27 April, 2.00pm – 4.00pm ‘We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospection.’ Anais Nin

A series of master classes focusing on the way which as writers we use - either consciously or unconsciously – we use incidents and events of our own lives to inspire creative writing – fact or fiction, prose or poetry.

‘I have never started a poem yet whose end I knew. Writing a poem is discovering.’ Robert Frost

These workshops will encourage both new and more experienced writers to transform authentic glimpsed memories and perceptions into prose and poetic writing which will resonate at a deeper level with those who read it and also engender new insights for the writer.

‘Words are a lens to focus one’s mind.’ Ayn Rand

These master classes will be led by Wendy Robertson who will share examples from her own novels and short stories which may illustrate this transformation process and encourage members to make a start on this fascinating journey.

£5 per workshop

Save the DateBishop Auckland Food Festival returns on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 April 2019.

A celebration of the very best food and drink the North East has to offer.

www.bishopaucklandfoodfestival.co.uk

Coffee Shop Open Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 2.00pm and performance evenings

In the Coffee Shop at the Town Hall, you will find a selection of food and drink to refresh you during the day. A delicious selection of sandwiches and cakes are available as well as a fully licensed bar providing a range of alcoholic beverages alongside tea, coffee and soft drinks. Our bar is also open on the evening of all performances.

Exhibition

Saturday 26 January to Saturday 6 April No Man’s Land offers rarely-seen female perspectives on the First World War, featuring images taken by women who worked as nurses, ambulance drivers, and official photographers, as well as contemporary artists directly inspired by the conflict. Commemorating the Centenary of the Armistice of the First World War, No Man’s Land features photographs by three women of the epoch, alongside three women making work a century later.

There will be talks, events and workshops as part of this exhibition. Please check the website for updates.

No Man’s Land is curated by Dr. Pippa Oldfield and is a co-production by Impressions Gallery, The Turnpike, Bristol Cathedral and Bishop Auckland Town Hall. Supported using public money from National Lottery Arts Council England Strategic Touring. Historical images are kindly provided by Imperial War Museums; National Library of Scotland; Special Collections, University of Leeds; and Cromer Museum (Norfolk Museums Service).

JanuaryThurs 10 – Sat 12 Pantomime: Robin Hood

Wed 16 Literary: Catherine Edmunds

Thurs 17 Film: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Fri 18 Music: Hand to Mouth

Fri 18 Comedy: Hilarity Bites

Tues 22 Talk: Auckland Castle: A Palace Fit for Kings

Thurs 24 Film: The Equalizer 2

Sat 26 Workshop: Writing from Life

Sat 26 Special event: Holocaust Memorial Day

Sat 26 to 6 April Exhibition: No Man’s Land

Thurs 31 Film: Ocean’s 8

FebruaryFri 1 Music: Chris Helme

Thurs 7 Film: Leave No Trace

Fri 8 Music: Rod Stewart: Tribute by Bob Wyper

Fri 15 Music: Dean Stockdale Trio

Fri 15 Comedy: Hilarity Bites

Sun 17 Music: Little Mix Magic

Mon 18 Workshop: Drama and Music

Wed 20 Workshop: Block Party

Thurs 21 Film: The Incredibles 2

Sat 23 Workshop: Writing from Life

Thurs 28 Film: Murder on the Orient Express

MarchThurs 7 Film: Jurassic World

Thurs 14 Film: Christopher Robin

Fri 15 Music: Mick Shoulder Quintet

Fri 15 Comedy: Hilarity Bites

Thurs 21 Film: Hurricane

Fri 22 Music: Swede Dreamz ABBA

Sat 23 Workshop: Writing from Life

Sat 23 Children’s Theatre: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

Tues 26 Talk: Search and Mountain Rescue in County Durham

AprilThurs 4 Film: King of Thieves

Wed 10 Pantomime: The Little Mermaid

Thurs 18 Film: The Little Stranger

Thurs 25 Film: A Star Is Born

Fri 26 Music: Noel Dennis Trio

Fri 26 Comedy: Hilarity Bites

Sat 27 Workshop: Writing from Life

Calendar of Events