TICKETS have gone on sale for a packed programme of new theatre in the Darlington Hippodrome for 2020.

With a mix of new writing and all-time classics, Darlington Hippodrome will be the place to visit for passionate, powerful and thought-provoking drama, laugh-out-loud comedy, spectacular dance and amazing music in the new season.

Drama lovers are in for a real treat.

Kay Mellor’s classic ITV drama Band of Gold (Jan 27 to February 1) has been adapted for the stage. The ground-breaking crime drama that captivated over 15 million viewers each week revolves around a group of women drawn into the notorious red-light district.

A bold and haunting new play, The Croft (February 11 – 15) interweaves the present with the past as ancient tales surface and the terrifying truth lurking in the Scottish Highlands is revealed.

The Classic Thriller Theatre Company returns with a new adaptation of The Cat and The Canary (March 17 to 21) starring Hollywood superstar Britt Ekland, Marti Webb and Mark Jordan. Following their recent visit to Darlington with the visually stunning The Picture of Dorian Gray, Tilted Wig Productions present a new adaptation of the D H Lawrence classic Lady Chatterley’s Lover (March 25 to 28).

Helen Forester’s million-selling book By The Waters of Liverpool (April 9 to 11) is brought to life on the stage in an exciting new adaptation starring Mark Moraghan, Sian Reeves and Eric Potts.

Rounding off the spring drama season is The Kite Runner (May 12 to 16).

This outstanding and unforgettable theatrical tour de force is based on Khaled Hosseini’s international bestselling novel.

Local performers will raise the roof as DarlingtonOS presents Strictly Musicals 3 (April 22 to May 2). Over two hours of non-stop hit song after hit song from some of the best loved musicals of all time.

Thriller Live (June 29 to July 4) explodes onto the stage whilst celebrating its record breaking 11th year in London’s West End and seen by over five million people in more than 30 countries. For one night only, Darlington Hippodrome will play host to a number of tribute acts celebrating the lives and music of some of the greatest acts such as Elvis, The Electric Light Orchestra, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, George Michael, The Everley Brothers and Fleetwood Mac.

If you prefer the “real thing” the Hippodrome will be welcoming some big names including Sir Michael Parkinson, Joe Brown, Alistair McGowan, Jools Holland, and Alan Titchmarsh – not forgetting Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas who is starring in Jack and the Beanstalk which is on until January 5, 2020.

For younger visitors and families there is a whole host of goodies.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea is the purrrrfect family treat (May).

A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood. In The Night Garden Live (July) returns to Darlington with a delightful show that is sure to be a hit with the little ones.

Opera and dance fans have a selection of productions which will appeal to all tastes and ages.

The Russian State Ballet & Orchestra of Siberia present four spectacular ballets with Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker (January 23 to 26). BalletLorent presents Lost Happy Endings (February 22), a fantasy, family show that will delight both young and old.

The spellbinding BalletBoyz return to Darlington with their new show Deluxe (March 5). The Russian State Opera present two classics with Carmen and Aida (April 1 and 2) and the Vortice Dance Company, one of the most prestigious companies in Portugal, presents Dracula, giving a whole new perspective on the most famous character in gothic horror.

Another Strictly star – Giovanni Pernice – comes to the Hippodrome with his new show, This Is Me (June 22) and filling the stage with electrifying traditional Irish dance is Rhythm of the Dance ( July 26).

For further information and to book contact the box office on 01325 405405, or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.

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