Exciting line-up of events unveiled for spectacular summer at Stage @TheDock
SUMMER OF FUN: Stage @TheDock is hosting an exciting line-up of family-friendly events
By Rick Lyon
Hull’s open-air amphitheatre, Stage @TheDock, will be the setting for an exciting line-up of family-friendly events throughout the summer.
Stage @TheDock, in the Fruit Market, has become a leading destination for touring theatre and performance companies, cementing its position as a premier waterfront venue through its compelling line-up of shows and events.
Commercial property developer Wykeland Group created Stage @TheDock ready for Hull’s year as the UK City of Culture in 2017, investing £750,000 to transform the former Central Dry Dock into an outdoor performance venue.
This summer’s line-up ranges from family-friendly theatre, exhilarating fire shows, classic fairytale retellings, comedy and choral performances.
Among the enchanting performances, Story Craft Theatre’s Once Upon a Fairytale promises to captivate audiences with its high-energy exploration of beloved fairytale characters. Aimed at 2-8-year-olds, this interactive show calls upon audience members to help find the missing Goldilocks. It takes place on Sunday, July 9, with two showings at 12pm and 3pm.
POPULAR: Stage @TheDock has become a regular venue for high-quality performances and events
Be Amazing Arts’ adaptation of children’s classic Peter Pan, set in Yorkshire during World War Two, will feature favourite characters including Captain Hook, Mr Smee, Tinker Bell and the lost boys. The shows will be held on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16, from 2.30pm and 7pm.
Embark on a “delightfully daft” family adventure with the legendary Hercules, filled with heroes, monsters and myths. It takes place on Friday, August 4, at 2pm.
Music lovers can look forward to an al fresco fundraising event on Saturday, August 5, featuring two choirs, All for One Choir and G-Choir, in aid of the charity For the Love of Gospel. This organisation aims to inspire people of all ages to experience the joy of singing gospel and encourage choir participation to improve health and wellbeing.
National touring theatre company SISATA also presents The Tempest – a tale of magic, betrayal and revenge. Witness the destructive consequences of human greed for power and control, endangering lives and the future of the land itself. Shows will be held on Sunday, August 13, starting at 1.30pm and 6.30pm.
Award-winning writer/choreographer duo Josh Overton and Ed Grimoldby return with their new show Dante – a fiery circus spectacular exploring love, friendship and monstrous demons wielding flaming swords. Suitable for ages 7+, shows run from August 17 to August 20, 8pm-10pm.
SPECTACULAR: Stage @TheDock will play a key role in the Freedom Festival
Stage @TheDock will once again play its part in the popular Humber Street Sesh on Saturday, August 12, hosting the popular Hip Hop stage with workshops, breakdancing scratch DJs and graffiti artists. This event welcomes all visitors, including those without a Sesh wristband, and admission is completely free.
The venue will also play a key role in the region's biggest international outdoor arts festival, Freedom Festival, in September, welcoming international artists and world-class performances to the stage.
Natalia Blogg, Wykeland Culture and Events Manager, said: “It’s wonderful that Stage @TheDock is now a prominent cultural destination in Hull. This year local and national touring companies are back with exciting new shows and we’re also welcoming companies who will be making their debut in our city for the first time.
“We’ve created an eclectic line-up which we hope will be enjoyed by everyone who visits. Our accessible programme offers free or pay-what-you-can performances, alongside ticketed shows that support touring companies.
“We can’t wait to welcome audiences to enjoy these performances while experiencing the unique surroundings and atmosphere at Stage @TheDock.”
For the full schedule of events and to book tickets, click here.
FIERY CIRCUS: Award-winning writer/choreographer duo Josh Overton and Ed Grimoldby return with their new show Dante
The full Stage @TheDock summer line-up:
July
Sunday, July 9, 12pm and 3pm – Once Upon a Fairytale
Saturday, July 15, 2pm and 7pm – Peter Pan
Sunday, July 16, 2pm and 7pm – Peter Pan
Friday July 28 and Saturday, July 29 – Pop Up Playground with Herd Theatre Company
August
Friday, August 4, 2pm – Hercules
Saturday, August 5, 7.30pm – All for One Choir / G-Choir (Gospel)
Saturday, August 12 – Humber Street Sesh
Sunday, August 13, 1.30pm and 6.30pm – The Tempest
Thursday 17th - Sunday, August 20, 8pm-10pm – Dante’s Inferno
September
Saturday, September 2 - Sunday, September 3 – Freedom Festival