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Lola tells the story of the infamous 19th century Spanish dancer who stormed her way through life on a tumultuous journey of seduction, sorrow and success. From her humble Irish beginnings she became one of the world’s most notorious women.

An actress and a courtesan, a revolutionary and an adventuress, an author and a celebrity, the breaker of hearts and toppler of a kingdom; this is Lola Montez and tonight she is going to tell her story. With live music from renowned flamenco guitarist Ricardo Garcia.

“A racey, pacey and inventive chamber-sized physical theatre production based on this extraordinary woman’s life”
The Times

London is in flames, its streets occupied by a raging mob and all government is paralysed. The Gordon Riots of 1780 was the worst and most destructive outburst of public disorder in the United Kingdom of the last 250 years, brought to life in Dickens’ epic novel. This is the dramatic backdrop to a new Musical by Scarborough-based writers, Mike Lyons and Bill Scott, having its world premiere at the Spa Theatre.

The drama begins with the sinister recounting of the murder of Reuben Haredale that took place 22 years before the Riots. We learn about the single-minded quest for vengeance of his brother, Geoffrey, (Mathew Stradling) and about the animosity between the latter and the malevolent Sir John Chester, (Ian Mills).

When the storm breaks and Lord George Gordon embarks on his ill-fated march on Westminster, the action explodes into violence and mayhem. During the riots that follow, Haredale’s house is burned down and his niece, Emma, (Jessica Sinclair), is kidnapped with her friend Dolly, (Rebecca Kelly). We learn who was the killer of Reuben Haredale and of the outcome of the mutual hatred between Haredale and Chester. In the mist of these events, the simpleton, Barnaby Rudge, (Daniel Robinson), tries to make sense of a world in which his naivety is in stark contrast to the machinations of those whose lead he follows.

“One after another, new fires blazed up in every quarter of the Town, as though it were the intention of the insurgents to wrap the city in a circle of flames…”
Charles Dickens, “Barnaby Rudge”.

Love, racism, jealousy and desire are the emotional core of Shakespeare’s monumental tragedy, a tender love story shattered by one man’s obsessive hatred of another.

Othello is a legend in his own lifetime, noble, brave, victorious. Iago, passed over for a position in the army, fuels his venom with malignance and hateful contempt. Poignant, intense, heartbreaking, Othello mercilessly explores every inch of the human condition.

Northern Broadsides’ Othello is propelled by the dramatic voltage of a company of actors renowned for their grit, vigour and believability. Artistic Director Barrie Rutter directs Lenny Henry in the title role alongside Conrad Nelson as Iago. Theatre doesn’t get more powerful or moving than this.

“Northern Broadsides have a vigorous aesthetic, a way of doing Shakespeare that is revelatory” The Independent on Sunday

“Outstanding Shakespeare: Shakespeare to get excited about and to thrill the senses” The Stage

Set 1821, 40 years before the end of slavery, and based on historical events The African Company Presents Richard III follows the fortunes of the first African American theatre troupe as they compete with another company to produce Shakespeare’s play. A mighty clash of wills ensues and the pitting of passion against social mores explodes in riots on the streets of New York.

“highly impressive, a rich evening” The Guardian

“strong, beautiful and emotionally absorbing… the sheer energy of the show, the singing, the dancing makes the production a joy” The Scotsman

“So powerful is the performance, in fact, that its punch will follow you out of the theatre and into the night” The Washington Times

At Leeds Empire ‘variety’ theatre manager, Stanley (Jack Shepherd) isn’t having a good day. The bill-topping comic Reg is the hero of the working classes but a singer has been sent from London who also expects top billing. The council want Stanley to tone down Reg’s vulgar routine. The number two comic and one half of the tap dancing twins are having an affair. And the band are stuck in traffic.

Will the show go on?

A dark comedy that celebrates post war variety entertainment. Only When I Laugh is written by and stars Jack Shepherd (TV’s detective Wycliffe amongst many other TV roles and recently seen in The Golden Compass) with keenly observed characters drawing from his own love of post war variety entertainment.

3 Nights of Classic Entertainment set in the Spa Complex

View the event website.

Including a Mammoth Parts & Fair Trade Show
(Sat 11th)Memoribilia, Records, Clothing, Spares new and 2nd Hand…from Retro Tat to a Fancy Hat. Doors 11am.

3 Nights of Classic Entertainment set in the Spa Complex

Featuring ‘Basketcase’ (Friday £6) & ‘Bad Manners’ (Saturday £6)
Plus the very best in Scooter sounds over 3 rooms (Fri, Sat 8pm-2am)Disco Daz, Red Ed, Wigan Tim, Bouffant Boy, Matty Vinyl, Moz, Pitchie & guests

The Ultimate Sunday Club Party
in the Mezz Bar 8pm – 2am

The Classic Big Band Sounds of the 1940’s.

The lights soften, the mood settles. An audience waits for that first
moment of sound. The Big Band is poised, relaxed, but with eyes
anxious for the lead. Then, as if giving body to an echo, the
murmured notes of ‘Moonlight Serenade’…and the night, it seems, is
suddenly full and timeless.
There are those who watch and listen who tap a shy finger to the
melodies, others who follow with a silent foot-beat, still others who
murmur softly through the lyrics, and those who simply permit a
fleeting smile. But common to all are memories.
Recapture the sounds of a bygone era as the Nick Ross Orchestra
presents ‘an unmissable evening of music and song’ – the Classic
Big Band Sound of the 1940s.

A hilarious lottery winning comedy from BAFTA award-winner John Godber.

He likes rugby, she likes telly.
His favourite number is 8, hers is 42.
He picked the numbers, she bought the lottery ticket.
They sat; they watched; they won.

And now Morris and Jean are millionaires; lucky sods! But is hitting the jackpot all it’s cracked up to be?

A satirical and outrageous comedy about a family who have nothing on Friday and £2 million on Saturday.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see the acclaimed Hull Truck Theatre Company.

“touchingly true… a winner for Godber” The Guardian

“funny, poignant, always entertaining” The Stage

“very funny black comedy” The Observer