The Empire Theatre & CinemaFront Street, Consett DH8 5AB03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.uk @empiretheatreconsett

Featuring...

Cilla and the Shades of the 60sThe Circus of HorrorsCatherine Cookson’s The Cinder PathThe Magic of MotownThe Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

What’s OnSpring / Summer 2019

Welcome 03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.ukEvent Cinema

As You Like ItWednesday 17 April, 7.00pmCome into the forest; dare to change your mind.Director Kimberley Sykes (Dido, Queen of Carthage) directs a riotous, exhilarating version of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy.£14, £12 concs

The Taming of the ShrewWednesday 5 June, 7.00pmJustin Audibert (Snow in Midsummer, The Jew of Malta) turns Shakespeare’s fierce, energetic comedy of gender and materialism on its head to offer a fresh perspective on its portrayal of hierarchy and power.£14, £12 concs

Measure For MeasureWednesday 31 July, 7.00pmWhen a young novice nun is compromised by a corrupt official, who offers to save her brother from execution in return for sex, she has no idea where to turn for help. Shakespeare wrote this play in the early 1600s, yet it remains astonishingly resonant today. Artistic Director, Gregory Doran, directs this new production.£14, £12 concsCover photo: Lipstick On Your Collar - page 15

The Empire Theatre & Cinema has a packed programme in store this Spring / Summer season!

Visit www.empireconsett.co.uk for more information about The Empire and to book live shows and cinema screenings.

Empire

CaféOur café offers the perfect place to eat and drink, with a wide selection of tasty snacks, cakes, pastries and Afternoon Tea. (pre-booking required for Afternoon Tea).

Open 10am - 3pm Monday to Saturday.

Empire CinemaOffering the latest blockbusters and outstanding Event Cinema from around the world, at great value prices.

Visit the website for film listings and details of our varied cinema programme.

Friendsof The EmpireBecome a Friend of the Empire and support our fantastic venue. Benefits include discounts on selected shows and more.

Annual memberships start from only £6. Call the Box Office for details.

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03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.ukLive

Back to BacharachSaturday 9 February, 7.30pmCelebrating ‘The Hitmaker’ behind one of the greatest American songbooks of the 20th Century – Burt Bacharach. With breath-taking performances from West End vocalists and the amazing musicianship of the Magic Moments Orchestra, prepare to be dazzled by a non-stop parade of classic hits including Alfie, What The World Needs Now, Walk On By, The Look of Love, Anyone Who Had A Heart, I Say A Little Prayer For You, Close To You, and many more.£22, £20 conc

The Illegal EaglesSaturday 23 February, 7.30pmFollowing continued public demand the World’s Official No.1 tribute to the legendary rock band return in 2019 for more stunning vocals, tight harmonies and awesome guitar riffs!Described as ‘flawless’ by The Express, The Illegal Eagles are internationally renowned for their outstanding ability to recreate the Eagles’ distinctive sound with both flare and incredible authenticity. Featuring all of the Eagles’ classic hits including Hotel California, Take it to the Limit, Life in the Fast Lane, Take It Easy, Lyin’ Eyes, Desperado and many more!£24

Milkshake! LIVEMilkshake Monkey’s MusicalSaturday 2 March, 12.00pm and 3.30pmMilkshake Monkey can’t wait to put on a spectacular new musical for you all! But when stage fright hits, his favourite Milkshake friends come to help, creating the most dazzling show you have ever seen!Starring Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, Digby Dragon, Wissper, Nella the Princess Knight and Floogals, alongside two Milkshake Presenters, this brand-new show has plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun to get everyone up on their feet! £15.50 (£13.50 under 16s), £54 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children)

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03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.ukLive

The DriftersFriday 15 March, 7.30pmNow in their 65th anniversary year, The Drifters are back on tour in the UK with an exciting new show performing all their classic hits from the last six decades.Listed among the greatest artists of all time by Rolling Stone magazine and they have produced an incredible list of hits, including; Saturday Night At Movies, Come on Over to My Place, Up On The Roof, Under the Boardwalk, Kissin’ In The Back Row and many more. £24

The Circus of HorrorsFriday 22 March, 7.30pmThe infamous Circus of Horrors is back with a brand new show featuring unbelievable sword swallowers, demon dwarfs, whirlwind acrobats, flaming limbo, sensational aerialists, knife throwing, cross and long bow wielding divas, twisted contortionists and lots more bizarre and dare devil acts!Now celebrating 24 years on the road, this show is guaranteed to shock, amaze and surprise. ‘I loved it’ Simon Cowell‘Like Rocky Horror on acid’ Amanda HoldenSuitable for ages 16+ only. £21.50

Stars of Les Misérables Live In Concert Saturday 23 March, 7.30pmDirect from London’s West End and Broadway, The Barricade Boys are back on the road with their FIVE STAR international tour! Fabulous harmonies, incredible vocals, dashing good looks and fantastic personalities - The Barricade Boys showcase the UK’s finest male voices from the world’s longest running musical - Les Misérables. After sell out performances in London’s West End, an appearance on Broadway and many international dates this exceptional group bring their show to Consett for one night only. £22

The Elvis YearsSaturday 30 March, 7.30pmThe UK’s number one Elvis musical. An authentic concert production, featuring Mario Kombou from the highly acclaimed West End musical ‘Jailhouse Rock’ and led by legendary producer, musical director and Ivor Novello award-winner David Mackay.Packed with over 50 golden greats and spanning three decades of hits, this breath-taking journey through the life and times of The King is simply unmissable.£21, £20 conc

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03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.ukLive

Memory LaneFriday 5 April, 7.30pmThis fast-moving, roller coaster of a journey through some of the greatest songs of the 50s, 60s and 70s, will be a show you are sure to remember. Over 160 amazing costumes, a touch of humour from one of the UK’s top comedians and performances rarely seen outside the West End from this superb cast of singers and dancers. Including songs by Barry Manilow, Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Abba and many more.£15, £14 conc

The Simon & Garfunkel StoryThursday 25 April, 7.30pmDirect from a week-long run in London’s West End at the Vaudeville Theatre, a sold out worldwide tour and standing ovations at every performance, The Simon & Garfunkel Story is back! Using huge projection photos and original film footage, this 50th Anniversary Celebration also features a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.‘Fantastic’ Elaine Paige, BBC Radio 2£22, £21 conc

Cilla & the Shades of the 60sTuesday 7 May, 7.30pmThis stunning and elegant review of the life of Cilla Black soars its way through the 60s.Starring Victoria Jones in the role of Cilla performing songs including You’re My World and Anyone Who Had a Heart while the Shades trio swing through a decade of hits by Cilla’s friends and co-stars.An unforgettable show that journeys its way through Cilla’s life and brings audiences to their feet in celebration.£21, £19 conc

The History of Queen starring MAGICFriday 10 May, 7.30pmFreddie Mercury and Queen produced many hit records throughout their career and MAGIC give you a show covering many of these wonderful pieces of music, in a rock ‘n’ roll concert played as only they can. They will recreate the fantastic vocals and musicianship of Queen and tell a story of one of the greatest bands ever.MAGIC are no strangers to the big stage. Over the years they have played Gorky Park in Moscow, Hong Kong, the Middle East and Central America. Closer to home they have played twice at the London Palladium and many theatres and concert halls throughout the UK. Now with a new line up including a dynamic new lead vocalist, Taylor Payne, join MAGIC for their brand new History Tour.£22, £20 conc

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03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.ukLive

Tenors Un Limited: The Rat Pack of OperaSaturday 18 May, 7.30pm Tenors Un Limited have performed alongside such notables as Sting, Lionel Richie, Beyoncé, Hayley Westenra, Simply Red and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to name a few. They bring their own blend of wit, humour, charm and vocal arrangements to their performances, with a mix of songs ranging from opera, pop and crooner classics, old favourites and self-penned songs. Songs include the ever popular La Donna E Mobile and Nessun Dorma, as well as pop favourites such as Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud and Freddie Mercury’s Barcelona. £22

The Rocket ManThursday 23 May, 7.30pmThe Rocket Man is a celebration of multi-Grammy award-winning legend and superstar, Sir Elton John. Join us on a musical journey, charting the rise to fame of one of the biggest selling artists of all time.Combining breath-taking vocal and piano performances, flamboyant costumes, a dazzling light show - all accompanied by an outstanding live band and backing vocals performing hits such as Your Song, Crocodile Rock, Philadelphia Freedom, Are You Ready for Love, I’m Still Standing, Tiny Dancer, and of course Rocket Man.£22.50, £21 conc

Wednesday 15 May, 2.30pm and 7.30pm Three school leavers, Salty, Hobby and Gail, decide to perform an end of term tribute about their time in secondary school. Telling the hilarious story of an idealistic new teacher in his perilous first days inside a local comprehensive school, their play is based on their own drama teacher who ignites their passion for the stage with his idealism and belief.Teechers brings to life the school bully, feared by teachers and pupils alike; Barry, the kid who never brings his PE kit; and the Headmistress, whose main priority is the annual Gilbert and Sullivan production. The teachers are as ambivalent and mixed-up as the kids, and everyone’s counting down the days until they can get out.Gala are delighted to be bringing this fast-moving and entertaining comedy from John Godber to the Empire stage.£16, £14 conc, £10 school and student

TEECHERSDirected by

Tom WrightDesigned by

Hannah Sibai

A Gala Theatre Production

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A Country Night In NashvilleFriday 31 May, 7.30pmA Country Night In Nashville recreates the scene of a buzzing Honky Tonk in downtown Nashville, perfectly capturing the energy and atmosphere of an evening in the home of country music. Prepare to be transported on a musical journey through the history of Country, featuring songs from its biggest stars both past and present. Hits from Johnny Cash to Alan Jackson, Dolly to the Dixie Chicks, Willie Nelson to Little Big Town, are showcased by the amazing Dominic Halpin and the Hurricanes. With songs including Ring Of Fire, Crazy, Follow Your Arrow, Need You Now, 9-5, and The Gambler to name just a few. £22.50, £21 conc

The Magic of MotownFriday 21 June, 7.30pmSeen by over a million people, it’s no surprise that The Magic of Motown is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history, even performing for Her Majesty the Queen, as special guests at the Royal Variety Performance. Celebrate the sound of a generation as the timeless music of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson and more, are sensationally recreated by an exceptionally talented cast and band.£23.50, £22.50 conc

03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.ukLive

Produced and directed by Leah Bell. Adapted for the stage by Paul Dunn. Original music by Mike Redway.

Leah Bell presents Catherine Cookson’s The Cinder Path - a new musical adaptation starring Nick Cochrane (Coronation Street) as Ginger Slater. This powerful tale is set in rural Northumberland in the lead up to the First World War. We follow the story of Charlie MacFell and his relationship with a cruel and domineering father, his stormy marriage and a struggle to keep a dark secret. Catherine Cookson’s writing brings to life raw emotion, love, betrayal and resolution as Charlie finally settles old scores and finds true love.£22, £20 conc

Thurs 6th June 7.30pm & Fri 7th June 2.30pm

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03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.ukLive

Joe Longthorne: 50th Anniversary TourSaturday 6 July, 7.30pmTV and recording star Joe Longthorne returns in 2019 as part of his 50th Anniversary tour. He will be joined on stage with his sensational live band and special guest artist, taking you on a rollercoaster of songs and impressions including Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and his incredible impression of Sammy Davis Jr, all delivered with 100% accuracy.With Gold and Platinum albums to his name and with records sales in the region of 10 million, Joe is up there with the best of them! A fantastic night of song, chat and laughter. £22, £20 conc

ShowaddywaddyFriday 12 July, 7.30pm‘The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World’ is a bold statement, but Showaddywaddy has lived up to that title for the last four decades. Formed in the 1970s in Leicester from several local bands, they have sold more than 20 million records and have toured all corners of the World extensively. Their live show is dynamic and uplifting featuring all of their biggest hits including Under The Moon of Love, Three Steps to Heaven, Hey Rock & Roll, When, Blue Moon, Pretty Little Angel Eyes.£23

Lipstick On Your CollarSaturday 13 July, 7.30pmDirect from London’s West End. Step back in time to the golden era of music where the jukebox roared and feet didn’t touch the floor. Get your dancing shoes at the ready for an evening of back to back hits from the 1950s and 60s! From the birth of rock ‘n’ roll through to the Beat Group sounds of the British Invasion and beyond, the show is packed with hits from the likes of Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard, and more. All performed by a full live band featuring some of the country’s top musicians. £21, £20 conc

The Very Hungry Caterpillar ShowSaturday 20 July, 1.30pm The timeless classic has made its way off the page and onto the stage.Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show celebrating its 50th Birthday in 2019 The Very Hungry Caterpillar.£13.50, £11.50 under 16s, £46 family ticket (four tickets, min. one adult).

03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.ukComing soon, book now

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The Best of Wham!Friday 20 September, 7.30pmWith sensational vocals, choreography, costumes and an awesome live band, The Best of Wham! is an authentic musical journey that truly recaptures the full Wham! experience.£23.50

Classic ClaptonFriday 27 September, 7.30pmWith a huge following in the North East built up over 34 years of performing, the World’s No1 Eric Clapton tribute band visits Consett for the first time. £16

Dave Spikey: Juggling on a MotorbikeThursday 3 October, 7.30pmComedian Dave Spikey looks back on his remarkable life and his incredible journey from working class lad to much loved comedy performer. £17.50

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a FlySaturday 12 October, 2.30pmThe People’s Theatre Company bring one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes to life in a show packed full of family fun.

£12, £10 under 16s, £40 family ticket (four tickets, min. one adult)

The Pitmen PoetsFriday 18 October, 7.30pmEx-Lindisfarne singer and songwriter Billy Mitchell, Bob Fox, Benny Graham, and Jez Lowe celebrate the triumphs, tragedy, humour and hard times of North-East England’s coal mining tradition in an evening of music, song and spoken word.£20

Russian National Ballet: The NutcrackerSaturday 2 November, 2.30pm and 7.30pmRussian National Ballet returns to enchant you with the delightful production of The Nutcracker following last year’s sell-out performance of Swan Lake. £22, £20.50 conc, £17.50 under 16s

ALSO SHOWING

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03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.ukBooking and visiting

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour DreamcoatPresented by REACT! Youth TheatreTuesday 26 - Thursday 28 March, 7.00pmA joyous retelling of the biblical story of Joseph, with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. £8, £7 concession

Land of Oak & Iron Friday 28 June, 7.00pmJoin us on a rollercoaster through time: folklore of the forest, dreams of the Derwent, courage of our communities. ‘Searching for the Heart of the Land of Oak & Iron’ is a new community play, which explores the past, present and possibly the future of our vibrant heritage. Land of Oak & Iron will be brought to life through music, song and drama by the local people who share their passion for this special place.£6 adult, £4 conc, £16 family (2 adults and 2 children).

Dancing Through The DecadesPresented by Inspirer La Danse Saturday 29 June, 6.00pm The young stars of Inspirer La Danse present an evening of dance through the decades. £9

White River Brass & Friends: 20 Years In The Making Friday 5 July, 7.30pm Celebrating a 20 year association with brass players in Consett, this special evening features three newly composed pieces of music along with some well-known works united by the theme of “music from the North East”. £6 (£4 senior citizen, FREE children)

Website Tickets can be booked online for most of our shows and films. Visit www.empireconsett.co.uk

Box Office opening times Monday - Saturday 10am to 3pm, Tuesday -Saturday 6.30pm - 9.00pm.

You can book in person at Empire Theatre, Front Street, Consett, DH8 5AB or telephone 03000 262 400.

Reservations Reserved seats are held for 5 days from booking and will be released if payment is not made. No reservations taken from 5 days before the performance.

Refunds Tickets cannot refunded. Seat exchanges can be made for the same performance, at the management’s discretion, for a charge of £1 per ticket up to 24 hours before the performance.

Discounts Concession prices for selected shows for Senior Citizens (65+) and under 16s. Proof of eligibility may be required. Carers are admitted free on production of a CEA Carer’s Card. Selected shows offer a group booking discount of 1 free ticket in every 10 booked.

Access and facilities The ground floor is ramped in the relevant places. There are 6 dedicated wheelchair spaces in the auditorium. A disabled toilet is situated at ground level. A hearing loop is available. Disabled parking is situated at the front of the building – spaces limited.

Children and families Children under 2 years are admitted free for suitable performances (if sitting on paying adult’s knee). Booster seats (limited amount) and children’s 3D glasses are available for use. With regret we are unable to provide storage for pushchairs and they are not permitted to enter the auditorium.

Additional information Tickets booked via telephone, post or internet will incur an administration charge. Durham County Council reserves the right at all times, and without notice, to cancel any performances. This brochure was correct at the time of going to print, however some slight changes to the programme could occur.

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Stalls

Saturday 30 November - Tuesday 31 December 2019 £17 (£15 concession), £56 family ticket (four tickets, min. one adult)

Early bird group booking before 30 September 2019.

The Empire Theatre and Cinema,Front Street, Consett DH8 5AB03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.uk