Shows and Musicals to Book in the North East and Yorkshire this April
Enjoy some amazing shows and musicals at your favourite theatres this spring
DISNEY'S THE LION KING
28TH MARCH–1ST APRIL FROM 16TH MARCH-6TH MAY
Sunderland Empire
atgtickets.com
Disney's multi award-winning musical is a unique theatrical experience the whole family will love. Follow Simba on his epic adventure to become King of the Pridelands, with all the songs you know and love.
TWELFTH NIGHT
28TH MARCH–1ST APRIL
The People’s Theatre, Newcastle
peoplestheatre.co.uk
When twins Viola and Sebastian are separated in a shipwreck, Viola disguises herself as a boy and becomes a servant to Duke Orsino. It all becomes a bit complicated when she falls in love with him because he likes Olivia, who falls for Viola but has the attention of Malvolio – are you keeping up? When Sebastian turns up, there’s a real problem. This whirlwind staging of Shakespeare’s comedy is sure to keep you on your toes.
TREASURE ISLAND
5TH & 6TH APRIL
Newcastle Theatre Royal
theatreroyal.co.uk
Join cheeky pirates and a mermaid on tropical islands as you set sail on the Jolly Todger (yes really!) with Jim Lad and Long John Silver for a comical voyage. Will they reach their destination in one piece? This is Robert Louis Stevenson’s legendary tale as you’ve never seen it before.
AN EVENING WITH PRISCILLA PRESLEY
6TH APRIL
Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle
tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
Actress and businesswoman Priscilla Presley is embarking on her first UK tour and she’s stopping by Newcastle. The former wife of Elvis Presley, as well as co-founder and former chairwoman of Elvis Presley Enterprises, she’s starred in classic film and TV series including Naked Gun and Dallas. In conversation with presenter Edith Bowman, she’ll share personal stories from her career, life and marriage to the King of Rock n Roll.
JAMES HASKELL: SEX, TRIES & VIDEOTAPE
6TH APRIL
City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds
leedsheritagetheatres.com
Former rugby hero James Haskell has had an extraordinary career (having played 77 times for England), and has plenty of stories to tell. In his show, he’s reflecting on his journey to professional rugby playing. Plus, he’s shedding light on everything from the day-to-day experiences of the game to life in the jungle when he took part in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE
4TH–8TH APRIL
The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
01274 432000 bradford-theatres.co.uk
From the producers of War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time comes this thrilling adventure of fantasy and friendship, based on the best-selling book of the same name. When a man returns to his childhood home, he’s transported to his 12th birthday when his friend claimed the pond at an old farmhouse wasn’t a pond at all – but an ocean where anything is possible. When they find themselves in a magical world, they must face ancient forces that threaten to destroy everything. Starring Eastenders’ Charlie Brooks, it’s already proving a hit with audiences across the UK.
MAMMA MIA!
4TH–15TH APRIL
Leeds Grand Theatre
leedsheritagetheatres.com
Featuring the timeless, toe-tapping ABBA songs we know and love, you’ll follow Sophie’s quest to find her father as Mamma Mia! hits the stage. This show has wowed audiences around the world but the smash-hit musical is only in Leeds for two weeks – so get your tickets before they sell out.
THE WIZARD OF OZ
16TH–18TH APRIL
Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm
thepaaonline.org
A terrible twister takes Dorothy far away from Kansas to the magical land of Oz where Glinda the Good Witch sends her off down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City. She must beware of the Wicked Witch of the West – that’s okay because she’s got the help of a scarecrow, a tin man and a lion. But can she find her way home? This wicked production features colourful costumes, a live band and dazzling dance routines.
DAILY BREAD
15TH APRIL
Matcham Auditorium, Theatre Royal, Wakefield
01924 211311
theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk
A timely tale, set in the cost of living crisis, Daily Bread follows the Dalton family’s descent into poverty after a workplace accident. Skilled labourer Paul’s injury prevents him from being able to work, and as their landlord is proving no help and the youngest daughter is getting into trouble at school, the eldest daughter unexpectedly returns from university with more problems. Life hangs in the balance as the family fight for what they have.
GREASE
19TH–29TH APRIL
Darlington Hippodrome
01325 405405
darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
After a whirlwind summer romance, Danny and Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High. Bursting with the hits Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’ and Hopelessly Devoted to You, this show, presented by Darlington Operatic Society, is sure to be the one that you want, and a fantastic tribute to Olivia Newton-John.
THE OFFICIAL RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK TOUR
23RD APRIL
Oval Hall, Sheffield City Hall
sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
If you love Drag Race, this one’s for you. All 12 queens from series four of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK are coming to Sheffield – that’s Baby, Black Peppa, Cheddar Gorgeous, Copper Top, Dakota Schiffer, Jonbers Blonde, Just May, Le Fil, Pixier Polite, Smithy Drop, Starlet and winner Danny Beard. Following two hudely seccessful live tours for this ever-popular show, you don’t miss out!
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF)
24TH–29TH APRIL
Leeds Grand Theatre
0113 213 7700
leedsplayhouse.org.uk
Direct from its triumph in the West End (where this show won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy) Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is a unique retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story. The show features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain. It’s set in the 1800s, it’s all about ruthless matchmaking, and it promises to be utterly hilarious.
STRICTLY BALLROOM
24TH–29TH APRIL
Grand Opera House York
atgtickets.com
Based on the award-winning worldwide film, Strictly Ballroom the Musical is touring the UK and Ireland, and it’s stopping by York. Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton, this spectacular show will feature Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time to get your toes tapping, as well as new songs by artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect. More than 20 world-class performers are in this musical, following young ballroom dancer Scott who must dance with beginner Fran and defy tradition, proving that dancing doesn’t have to be strictly ballroom to win.
PROTEST
FROM 27TH APRIL
Northern Stage, Newcastle
0191 230 5151
northernstage.co.uk
Three girls are standing up for what they believe in despite the injustices stacked against them in this new play directed by Natalie Ibu exploring what it takes to make a difference, and the importance of believing in your own voice. Those involved hope it will inspire the younger generation to make a change.
