Hello,
It might be sunny outside right now (in amongst the hailstones!), but we’re already looking ahead to the cosy nights and exciting events of our brand-new Autumn and Winter Season at ARC!
We’ve got plenty in store to keep you entertained as the seasons change. Check out our highlights below, we can’t wait to welcome you in!
Theatre & Dance
From powerful real stories to fiercely moving dance solos, we’re thrilled to welcome an incredible mix of bold and brilliant theatre this season.
ARC associate artist Umar Butt takes to the stage with JOLT! – a powerful semi-autobiographical exploration of systemic unrest, boarders and the enduring strength of the human spirit spanning nearly 80 years.
Our friends at Little Cog are focusing on climate change with World’s on Fire, co-created, co-owned and performed by Stockton residents, this ambitious new production will demonstrate what happens when a town comes together to face global challenges through local strength.
We are also thrilled to welcome back some firm favourites with Akeim Toussaint Buck returning in September with Windows of Displacement. Bringing together dance, spoken word and song, Akeim addresses issues surrounding identity in this highly physical and fiercely moving dance solo piece.
Domnic Nelson-Ashley returns in October with Poetic Symphony where he will perform his poetry with a group of highly acclaimed musicians about love, fatherhood and recovering from cancer.
While the critically-acclaimed James Rowland comes back to ARC with Team Viking, which tells the remarkable, hilarious and heart-lifting story of how he actually managed to give his best mate the send-off he wanted.
Set in Manchester on New Year’s Eve 1997, How Soon Is Now? is an indie musical about mates, music and magic – finding your place and finding yourself. There’s a club. Would you like to go?
Through dance, live music, and storytelling Se Gæst | The Guest examines who we are, where we come from, and where we are going as a group of people who currently call England home today.
Shining a light on the hidden story of HMP Woodhill, Woodhill pushes the form of documentary theatre and dance with gut punching choreography and unflinching beats.
All our theatre and dance shows are Pay What You Decide, meaning you don’t pay upfront. You can still book your tickets in advance as normal, but you only decide what to pay after you’ve seen the show, based on your experience..
Click here for all our upcoming theatre.
Music
We’ve got an incredible line-up of live music to keep your toes tapping this season!
After wowing the crowds with The Sweet last year, John Otway returns with Wild Willy Barrett with their Alive and Gigging tour. Be prepared for everything from bare-chested theremin playing to wah-wah wheelie bin as the duo jump from one hit and 40 near misses to another.
The Style Councillors will be recreating the seminal debut LP by The Style Council, ‘Café Bleu’, along with all of the hits and classics in the finest celebration of Paul Weller’s 1980’s group where some of his finest songs were recorded.
Immerse yourself in original live music from the region’s most exciting up-and-coming artists. Soundcheck showcases the best emerging talent, giving you the chance to discover your new favourite artist. In this edition we have the best up-and-coming Alt Rock artists including Dossers, Northern Hospitality and Risco.
ARC favourite Jeremy McMurrary and the Pocket Jazz Orchestra returns in October for an evening of smooth jazz music. Together with special guests, they present various jazz standards, Latin and foot-tapping swing music.
Click here for all our upcoming music.
Comedy
Get ready to laugh your way through the season with a cracking comedy line-up at ARC!
Crease sees comedy queens Your Aunty Fanny invite you to a True Crime themed hen party (colour scheme: voyeurism violet), a man’s club for those finally ready to be allies, a disillusioned but enthusiastic scout leader, and your filthy step-neighbour who is starring in a porno bank heist.
Our regular favourites are back too. Now in it’s 20th year, our Catch 22 Comedy Club welcomes back ARC favourites Danny McLoughlin and Matt Reed as our master of ceremonies while Fumbi Omotayo, Rob Deering and Mick Ferry fill the headline spots.
Beat the Gong returns in October and December as brave comedians take to the stage and have just a few minutes to win over the crowd. If the audience isn’t feeling it, GONG! They’re off. Fast, furious, and absolutely unpredictable, it’s the most exciting format in live comedy.
Click here for all our upcoming comedy.
Family
We’re excited to launch Film Cubs our brand-new family friendly cinema and film themed activity sessions!
Starting Saturday 13 June, join us every Saturday morning in ARC’s cinema for the very best family films on the big screen. All screenings are relaxed, welcoming, and perfect for audiences of all ages.
And the fun doesn’t end when the credits roll! Stick around afterwards for free film inspired craft activities. Each week is themed around the film you’ve just watched from sculpting dinosaurs to making Paddington hats and lunchboxes there’s always something new to create and take home.
Click here for all our upcoming family fun.
Cinema
We’re thrilled to welcome back the Tees Valley International Film Festival this November. A three-day building takeover, it celebrates all aspects of the craft of filmmaking. From independent filmmakers showcasing short films to gala screenings of major feature films and live audience Q&As, there’s something for everyone.
National Theatre Live also makes a welcome return with The Misanthrope, with award-winning Sandra Oh playing the title role in this razor-sharp reimagining of Molière’s classic dark comedy.
We’re so excited about everything coming up and can’t wait to share this brand-new season with you. Whether it’s stunning dance, original music, family fun, or something completely unexpected – we hope you’ll find something that brings you through our doors.
See you soon,
Alex and all the team at ARC