DARLINGTON’S Hippodrome is throwing open its doors throughout August for activities including live music, theatre tours, craft, dance and drama workshops plus the chance to view archive material and enjoy a family trail.
A new family trail will be launched today, August 2, at 11am. The free trail is an interactive tour through the theatre with fun facts and questions to answer. It will be available all day every day – simply pick up details from the box office.
On Saturday, August 4, from 10.30am, Steff Corbett will be on hand to produce a play in a day. Devise a script based on children’s literature, design a piece of costume then weave it all together in a performance at the end of the day. Tickets are £10.
Also on Saturday, from noon to 2pm, there is live music from Les DeVilles.
On Monday, August 6, from 10am to 3pm, Debbie Harbin will lead a dance workshop based on the story of Rumpelstiltskin, creating a piece to be performed for family and friends. Tickets £8.
Artist Sarah Oatley will hold a vintage brooch workshop on Wednesday, August 8, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. All material provided. Tickets £5.
A free archive day takes place on Thursday, August 9, from 10.30am to 4pm offering the chance to look at the wide variety of interesting theatre archive materials. Visitors can also talk to theatre staff and volunteers about the history of the theatre. Just drop in any time.
More lunchtime music can be enjoyed on Saturday, August 11, from noon to 2pm with the sax, guitar, vocals and harmonica of Somethin’ Blue.
On Tuesday, August 14, from 11am to 11.30pm there will be a free introductory talk led by Laurence Sach about the history of Darlington Hippodrome.
Mr Sach, who directed this summer’s Castle Players production of Macbeth, is also a performing arts lecturer and freelance writer.
He will be leading a 16 week course at the Hippodrome starting in October. This talk is free but a ticket is required.
What’s in the box? On Thursday, August 16, from 10.30am to 12.30pm pop along and meet Signor Pepi who will be opening up his suitcase to explore the contents which tell his fascinating story. Tickets £3.50.
Somethin’ Blue will be back on August 18 from noon to 2pm.
Sarah Oatley will return on Thursday, August 23, from 10.30am to 12.30pm with a weaving workshop,creating pieces using fabric, wool and other recyclable materials. Children £3.50.
Music on Saturday, August 25, noon to 2pm, comes from Jack Hedges and Cameron Wallace.
Events conclude on Thursday, August 30, from 11.30am to 12.30pm with an exhibition tour with the theatre’s director.
Join Lynda Winstanley for a tour of the current exhibitions in the theatre and discover more about the history of the Hippodrome. Tickets £3 includes a tea/coffee or soft drink.
For more information or to book call 01325 405405 or visit www.darlington hippodrome.co.uk.
