News: Hexham Queen’s Hall Arts Centre announces reopening programme

 

Hexham Queen’s Hall Arts Centre announces reopening programme

Queen’s Hall Arts Centre in Hexham has announced it will reopen this month with an exciting programme featuring live music, some of the biggest names on the UK comedy circuit, theatre and family shows.

Artistic Director Katy Taylor said, “The staff team, trustees and volunteers are pleased to be able to welcome back our community and audiences to the Queens Hall. It has been a very long time since the building has been filled with music and laughter and we are excited to be able to breathe life back into the building at last.

“We have taken our time to carefully make plans that ensure everyone can enjoy events and exhibitions safely whilst bringing a fantastic range of shows to our stage. There really is something for everyone, from comedy to family theatre, from groundbreaking exhibitions to live music. And above all, our traditional warm Queen’s Hall welcome.”

Season highlights include an award-winning adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best selling children’s book Stick Man (7-8 Sept), a new show from the creators of Dinosaur World Live, Dragons and Mythical Beasts (1-3 Oct); some of the biggest names in stand-up including Bridget Christie (12 Nov), Mark Thomas (29 Sept) and Jenny Eclair (5 Dec); work in progress from Jason Manford (3 Sept – sold out) and Chris Ramsay (23-25 Aug - sold out); live music including Thank ABBA for the Music (25 Sept) and Lindisfarne’s Billy Mitchell & Bob Fox (21 Nov); and local performers including Micky Cochrane in Carrying David (14 Sept).

On returning to the theatre with the remarkable true story of County Durham-born boxer Glenn McCrory and his heartwarming relationship with his brother David, Micky said, "It’s an amazing feeling to be back on stage and with such an incredible and inspirational piece of theatre. This play is one that everyone in the North East should have a chance to see and I’m pleased to be back at the Queen’s Hall performing again.”

The Queen’s Hall has remained closed since the start of the pandemic to protect the local community and safeguard jobs, but has continued to deliver creative and cultural work outside of the building and online including commissioning artists for Animating Hexham, Unsung Heroes and online exhibition space, Queen’s Hall Digital; Creative Age at home activities for over 50s; producing online shows including Kitchen Zoo’s Bumbling About, and QHA’s first digital production, Christmas with the Hobs; and continuing to work with young people including online workshops with the Hexham Young Writers Group and youth theatre groups Creatives and Projectors.

When it reopens, the Queen’s Hall will have extra safety measures in place to keep audiences, artists and staff safe including hand sanitiser stations, extra cleaning, wearing face coverings, and e-tickets to avoid congestion at the box office. The autumn season will include a mix of socially distanced and full capacity performances; details for each event will be on the website and ticket holders will be kept up to date with the latest information about their booking.

Photos: Jason Thompson

Tickets:

For more information or to book tickets visit www.queenshall.co.uk or call the box office on 01434 652 477