We’re absolutely delighted that one of our Associate Artists, Umar Butt, is bringing a preview of his brand new show, Welcome to the Jungle, to ARC this September.
Stockton-based writer, director, actor and theatre maker Umar has previously brought Alex & Eliza and How To Make a Killing in Bollywood to our stage, as well as appearing in Third Angel’s The Department of Distractions. You might know him as the host of the annual Festival of Light and Colour, or perhaps you saw him recently as the brilliant guest chef in Matt Reed’s Come in and Get Your Tea? Maybe you’ve sat down with him before for a cup of tea and a chat in our café bar, No 60. Umar really is at the heart of so many things that happen at ARC.
And he’d love you to join him for Welcome to the Jungle, an epic, intensely personal tale of how two strangers came to meet each other in the middle of the night, on an empty bridge. The show deals with serious, complex, global and intimate issues – but is fun, filled with beautiful music, dance, and like all of Umar’s work, is full of humanity.
Umar says: “I am so excited to start work on Welcome to the Jungle, and bring this story into people’s lives. We’re telling a global story about connection and family, but one that is very much grounded in Teesside. It’s about you and your neighbour as much as it is about global issues that we’re facing. But, it’s fun, and exciting, and full of warmth and heart.”
Welcome to the Jungle is at ARC on Tuesday 20 September at 7pm and Wednesday 21 September at 2pm. Both performances will be BSL interpreted. Tickets are priced on a Pay What You Decide basis, which means you can book your seats in advance as usual, and then pay what you thought the experience was worth after the show. Book tickets online or by calling ARC on 01642 525199.
A third preview performance will take place at The Dukes, Lancaster on Thursday 22 September.
Welcome to the Jungle has been created with the support of ARC Stockton, The Dukes, Lancaster, Sheffield Theatres, and Arts Council England.