OFFICIALS at The Witham hope an autumn programme featuring more than 70 events will attract more people through the doors during the coming weeks.
The music programme features a range of genres, from influential 70s rockers Eddie and The Hot Rods, on September 15, to the return to The Witham of acclaimed songwriter Bella Hardy + Support on October 4.
Fans can also enjoy a live screening of a Cliff Richard concert on October 12 as the rock and roll legend celebrates 60 years in the industry.
Classical music concerts include a show by the winner of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s young artist award, pianist Clare Hammond, on September 5.
A Remembrance Requiem, conducted by Simon Dearsley, will mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, while Opera North brings the Whistle Stop Opera to the stage on October 20.
Celebrate the start of the festive season with Barnard Castle’s Choral Society presenting Handel’s Messiah on December 2.
Live classical screenings include Mayerling (October 15), The Nutcracker (December 9) and English National Ballet’s Giselle (December 15).
Retired dales vet Neville Turner returns for a fundraising talk on September 26, and The Science of the Moon and the Stars is the subject of Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock’s presentation as part of the North Pennines AONB Dark Skies Festival.
Writer Judi Sutherland will launch her new book, The Ship Owner’s House on September 27.
Live theatre sees the return of The World of the Wars, set in the North East and presented by Northern Stage.
Award-winning Hull-based theatre company, Middle Child are One Life Stand (16+), and the Castle Players present Flare Path, Terence Rattigan’s classical of love and duty set in the 1940s.
Family theatre includes the comedy Me and My Bee, presented by ThisEgg who invite you to save the world – one bee at a time.
Festive fun come from The Christmassy Christmas Show, crammed with puppets, songs, quizzes and slapstick comedy and Christmas with Steptoe and Son.
Highlights in the gallery include the Highlights Contemporary Craft Tour, Craft and Conflict and Teesdale Art Network’s showcase exhibition featuring more than 30 local artists.
The Funny Way To Be Comedy Club presents a full programme starting with Gary Delaney’s sell-out show on September 8.
Other highlights include Jeremy Hardy on October 23 and Roughead and Cook on December 7.
Thursday film nights continue, while the Designer Makers Market brings the best regional designers and craftspeople to The Witham in November.
Look out also for the monthly Northern Craft Market as well as the Handcrafted Fair.
Sarah Gent, marketing manager said: “The autumn programme includes something for everyone and shows that we are listening and responding to feedback to ensure there are events on that people will be interested in coming along to enjoy.
“The Witham now has a wider range of music events from Cliff Richard on the big screen to Eddie and the Hot Rods.
“We also now have a community notice board to help find out what else is going on in our community.
“So come into The Witham, grab a programme and have a cuppa in the café while you plan your autumn nights out.”
The box office is open from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturdays and some Sundays. Call 01833 631107 or go to www.thewitham.org.uk
