A night at the Opera , well not this time . (Hull New Theatre (Hull))

Member Name: eiley123

Product:	Hull New Theatre (Hull)
Date:	11/03/07 (567 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Classy , good varied programme , variety of prices , popular , good surroundings

Disadvantages: Can be pricey

The hull new theatre was built as assembly room in the 1800’s and became the New Theatre in 1939 .There were experimental bingo sessions in the sixties when the numbers of people attending the theatre dropped . Thankfully these were scrapped and in 1985 after a major refurbishment new theatre reopened as the Hull New Theatre . There is much more information regarding the theatre's history at http://www.hullcc.gov.uk . Here I also read , that amongst further improvements in 1985 access for the less able bodied was addressed . This was in the form of a lift from Jarrett Street to the foyer, and a lift from the foyer to the lounge bar .

My first experience of the Hull New Theatre was in the late fifties on a school outing . We were booked to see the pantomime that year . I can’t for the life of me remember whether it was Cinderella , Snow White or something similar but I do know it starred a famous female singer of the day Ruby Murray . As a small child the theatre seemed enormous , exciting but slightly daunting . However for me it began a love affair with theatre in general which has survived the test of time . The only thing which prevents my visiting more frequently is finances .

So with the background over on to my most recent visit .

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Saturday , my birthday , saw us having a lovely meal at Kingston Theatre Hotel and visiting the New Theatre to see a West End production of Footloose .My earlier review details this hotel and Kingston Square in Hull more fully . Suffice to saw the meal was lovely and walking across the square to the New Theatre it all looked very nice .Lots of people were milling around ; the centre of the square has trees and benches and the bulbs were starting to flower . Very pretty .

The New Theatre light’s made it seem the centre of attraction and activity , which it was . As there had been a 5.30pm show there was traffic waiting to pick up previous theatre goers and bring in the new ones .I’m not sure of parking but the bus services are just around the corner at the moment and taxis are handy .

All this bustle always adds to the excitement for me . Sad I know .

This Theatre has a fine frontage in cream stone with pillars and three lots of stone stairways leading up to the entrance . You will see on the outside and in some places inside a symbol of three crowns . This is the Hull City Council logo which administers ,owns and maintains this theatre .

For me as soon as I enter I always feel a touch disappointed as it is really quite a small theatre and foyer in particular . I think that’s because of my first experience and as I have now been to quite large theatres .However that soon passes as it is a well kept theatre and has a good programme throughout the year .

The theatre foyer was full of youngsters queuing for standby tickets which are sold at cheaper rates I think . These soon went . There were the programme sellers , ladies dressed as cowgirls and the for sale item was cowboy hats , mainly pink and fluffy ones . You can buy sweeties or pick up information leaflets in reception also .

Saturday was the last night of Footloose and I don’t know if that was why but they did an exceptionally long finale .The early show didn’t leave till just after eight and ours was due to start at 8.30pm . As it’s such a physical show the actors must have been knackered .I’m not sure if there hadn’t been a matinee performance also . Phew .

We had seats in the circle so popped into the upstairs bar for a drink . This has a couple of sofas , comfy chairs and bar stools . As usual it was packed , so no chance of a seat or any peace and quiet , it was a cacophony of voices . There are some tables and chairs through a couple of arches where you can sit looking out onto the square through the full windows .

There a ladies and gents toilets on this floor . There is also a bar down a spiral staircase from the ground floor but this gets full also .Again toilet facilities are there . My moan about the loos is that as usual the ladies are small and each only have two cubicles so you have to queue for ages . The queue always is right outside the toilets . Also I did not see any disabled toilets although I think there will be some . Despite the introduction of lifts for less able bodied visitors the building , with all the staircases ,probably needs further improvement .

From the foyer to the inner stairs and the bar the theatre has a plush , traditional sort of homely but luxurious feel to it . Finally we thought we’d make our way to our seats . It was a bit chaotic on the stairs as the people leaving were going to the bar and the loos . There just wasn’t enough room for everyone but it did add to the buzz of the place . After getting seated I looked round and listened . It seemed as if you could hear a million people all talking at once , and all full of excitement .

The main theatre is mainly done out in red and cream these days and is very classy looking . There are two boxes which you can book and I noticed one had a large family group . It’s great seeing youngsters enjoying the Theatre .

The ordinary seats have a rich red velour covering and are quite comfy . They are the old type of lift up seats which can be a pain if you get settled and someone wants to get passed you .We had chosen two end seats as with my hubby being 6ft 2 tall leg room can be an issue . As I’m a shortie no such problems for me .The end of aisle seat for him was perfect .There are some seats in the upper circle with very poor leg room . We once booked these and hubby moaned all night and ended up with cramp .When you book you can ask for seats with leg room etc and make sure you have a good view of the stage . I noticed the ushers were dishing out lovely velvet cushions for the children at the performance . Thoughtful touch .

As this review is for the theatre I will only touch on Footloose .It was an excellent production with a strong cast .The plot was weak but the music and dance made up for that .My only gripe was some parts were too loud and there were some flashing lights .I thought the volume was probably down to my age although some voices were more cutting .I then realised it was probably as New Theatre is smaller than previous theatres they have visited . The orchestra were very professional and I only realised they were there when they took their bows . As for the flashing lights - these were only briefly at the start and more so at the end . They did add to the dance and disco feel but for anyone with epilepsy there should have ben a warning .

Half way through there was an interval . You can pre-order drinks in the bar if you wish but we opted for ice - creams from the usher . It was especially warm in the theatre and these went down a treat .Maybe that’s why the heating was so high .They were £1.30 for a small tub .All joking aside though if the theatre’s full it usually is quite warm .

My gripes are small though as it was a lovely night out and I love the New Theatre setting , it‘s ambience and the experience . For me it’s like an old friend who you see now and then and think ‘I must do this more often ‘.

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For those of you near enough to fancy a visit I have put some information below:-

Danny the Champion of the World - March 13th - 17th , from the Roald Dahl book .

Peter Pan on Ice - March 20th - 24th , featuring Russian Ice Stars . Hard to believe on quite a small stage but we saw the Moscow State Circus last year and they were fabulous despite the slight lack of space .
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Titanic - Hessle ( near Hull ) theatre company present the Broadway musical . These type of productions are a bit hit and miss . Usually they are a bit cheaper but some can be amateurish so take care when booking .

An Adult Evening with Billy Pearce - Monday April 2nd . One night of adult comedy .

The Goodies Still Rule ok - Wednesday April 4th . Tim Brooke Taylor and Graeme Garden live on stage with some Bill Oddie Footage .

The Russian Cossack State Dance Company - Thursday April 5th

Spirit of Broadway - Tuesday April 10th , highlights from Broadways best shows

Peter Grant - Wednesday April 11th , singer

Sooty’s Magic Castle - One for the kiddies April 12th - April 13th

Halfway to Paradise The Billy Fury Story - Saturday April 14th , with Billy’s own band the Tornados .

Simply Ballroom - April 16th - 21st April . Hosted by Lionel Blair ( not my cup of tea )

The above programme only covers a short period but should give you and idea of the diversity . Following on from these there is Rik Mayall in the New statesman , and a Fame production .Later in the year there is usually a fair amount of opera and ballet both modern and classical . New Theatre do put on plays but not as regularly as they used to . I wonder if this is because Hull Truck and Hull’s Northern Theatre show more . Hull’s John Godber usually has his quirky but excellent plays shown at Hull Truck . In fact you may find him sat next to you in the audience .

For 2007 there are a variety of events happening around Hull , the Museums and Theatre to mark the two hundred years Wilberforce anniversary .(re:- William Wilberforce the anti - slavery campaigner from Hull )

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To sum up all I can do is recommend the Hull New Theatre . For a City with lots of problems and a smallish provincial Theatre it really is excellent .

Hull’s New Theatre is in Kingston Square , Kingston-Upon-Hull , Hu1 3HF
Contact the Box Office for more details.
(01482) 226655
You can also book online .
Prices vary , we paid £26 each for Saturdays performance .They are usually from £10 with family concessions , student and child reductions .
If you pay over the phone by switch they post your tickets and charge you £1.50 for the privilege .
Coffees, soft drinks and snacks are sold in the bars .
More info at City.information@hullcc.gov.uk

Thanks for reading
Copyright Eiley

Summary: From opera to rock to ballet to pantomime , what more can you want .