October at ARC

A collage of four images showing Pirate Bonnie; Behind The Curtain Cabaret; Mark Thomas in England & Son; Tees Valley International Film Festival 25 - 28 Oct

Wondering what’s on this month? It’s going to be a busy one! Here’s a quick look at what you can enjoy at ARC this October.

There will be comedy capers aplenty with individual headline shows from Tom Stade, Pete Firman, and Geoff Norcott, plus the latest edition of Beat the Gong with Danny McLoughlin at the helm. And MC Mick Ferry hosts our monthly Catch 22 Comedy Club with guests Stephen Bailey, Peter Bell and Matt Richardson (please note, Catch 22 line-ups are subject to change so please keep an eye on our website and social media pages for the latest news!).

Music lovers can look forward to an intimate piano and vocal show with Hue & Cry, before ReGenesis present The Last Supper, a show featuring the very best of early Genesis. Local band The Jam Buddies invite you to their Behind The Curtain Cabaret, featuring performances by some great Tees Valley acts, and the always popular Counterfest brings an eclectic mix of the best tribute bands from across the land to Stockton. The fantastic Pocket Jazz Orchestra led by Jeremy McMurray are also back with another evening of relaxing jazz music.

Fresh from an award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Mark Thomas comes to ARC in England & Son a one-man play written specifically for him by playwright Ed Edwards. Prepare for Mark to take you on a kaleidoscopic odyssey where disaster capitalism, empire, stolen youth and stolen wealth merge into the simple tale of a working-class boy who just wants his dad to smile at him.

For younger theatre-goers, Fidget Theatre presents Pirate Bonnie, a warm and witty, music-filled new play for 4-8 year old pirates and their families, and there’ll be loads of groovy Halloween antics for you and your funky little monsters to enjoy at Club Groovy’s Not So Spooky Monster Bash!

Film fans can enjoy a wide range of screenings from Bobi Wine: The People’s President; A Haunting in Venice; and Golda; to Trafalgar Releasing’s presentation of The Prince of Egypt: The Musical – filmed live at the Dominion Theatre in London, this spectacular stage show comes to cinemas for the first time. We’re also delighted to be hosting the Tees Valley International Film Festival again, with an exciting range of events from short film showcases to gala screenings with some industry professional guests. And our family Film Club screenings in October include Puffin Rock and the New Friends and Katak the Brave Beluga – don’t forget you can stay after these films and join us for craft-related play activities designed by the amazing Kitchen Zoo!

Elsewhere, our regular classes and activities for adults continue as usual – join us for everything from Tai Chi and Ballet Pilates to SingersARCulele, and our twice-monthly Queer Yoga and Sober Social session. This month, you can also have a go at making some Needle Felt Bats and Pumpkins!

Also, you can drop in to Wellington Square and help the Tees Women Poets write a Love Letter to Stockton, and you can vote for your favourite creative project idea to become a reality at the latest instalment of Pizza and Pitches. The Beth Fisher Academy will be presenting their annual dance variety show, Gravity; our friends at DRAKE The Bookshop will be hosting A “Blunder”-ful morning of fun with David Walliams, and the Teesside Musical Theatre Youth Company will be bringing Matilda Jr The Musical to ARC. And from Mon 9 Oct you can drop in to see Good Vibes in our Gallery – presented by members of Arts and Minds, this collaborative arts exhibition represents the power of creativity and connection.

Find out more about everything that’s on this month at ARC, and we look forward to welcoming you soon!