Highlights of new season at Arts Centre Washington announced
From tales of rebellion, haunting classics and the anti-wedding event of the year, to captivating children’s shows, must-see comedy, and magical Christmas experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Arts Centre Washington’s exciting new autumn programme.
Theatre highlights include a loud and rambunctious new show by critically acclaimed rap storyteller Jack Dean, featuring an original score by a live band. Jeramiah tells the incredible true story of the much-misunderstood Luddite rebellion – a movement that spanned the whole North of England and made the destruction of machinery a capital offence. (6 September).
This is Not a Wedding invites audiences to join the wildly entertaining Gracefool Collective as they don their bridal dresses for an evening of laughter, tears, sing along and unique dance theatre. Re-imagining recognisable ceremonies, the show explores a generation’s experiences of tradition, conformity and expectation, in a last ditch attempt to figure out what it all means (3 October).
October also sees a new adaptation of Henry James’ disturbing classic, The Turn of the Screw, in an Edinburgh sell-out show featuring puppetry and a haunting original soundtrack.
For families, Bamboozle Theatre present Pulse – a captivating story of a young girl called Patience and her bird as they wait for the rain in the heat of the American desert. The show brings a relaxed version suitable for all and a special performance suitable for young people with profound and multiple learning abilities. (14 November).
The programme includes comedy performances from TV’s David Harper telling his Unexpected Tales of the funny world of TV, art and antiques (12 September). The District Zone Comedy Club also makes a welcome return, with North East stand up Gavin Webster joined by Jarrow’s own Lee Kyle as they straddle the line between the clever and the silly for a night of laughter (20 September).
Also returning is the popular Davy Lamp Folk Club, held at ACW on the first Saturday of every month and hosting a line-up of renowned folk artists: Anthony John Clarke, Huw Williams, Jens Kommnick with Tom McConville, and Dana and Susan Robinson.
Made for young people, by young people, the Sundown Takeover on 1 November promises a night to remember, full of cultural surprises and fun fuelled activities.
In the gallery, artists Rachel Cochrane and Maggie Hickman Smith present Women: Cartography – an exhibition bringing arts and science together in a creative response to the cellular pathology from their hysterectomy and mastectomy operations (27 September – 26 October). Inspired by Leonardo Di-Vinci, their work features a variety of creative techniques, from drawing with gall wood ink to digital photography and film.
This will be followed by the Washington Open Exhibition 2019, open to all artists of all abilities and disciplines. (15 November – 20 December).
Christmas sees a host of festive activities and events, from wreath making classes and a special film screening to a Christmas Cabaret.
On the 7 December, the Christmas Craft Fair will take over the Arts Centre – filling it with stalls that offer a variety of products made by local artists and craftspeople. With independent traders selling everything from jewellery, cards, bags, home baking and more, the fair is the perfect place to pick up some unique, hand-made Christmas gifts and treats.
For all the family, Jack Frost tells the tale of a little girl called Holly, who befriends a magical winter sprite and their adventure into his magical ice-covered world. A frost-filled, festive tale about friendship and the joy of joining in. (3 – 8 December)
An alternative to the standard festive cheer, Christmas Gothic offers a more chilling experience to scintillate the gooseflesh for dark Christmas nights. Resurrecting the Victorian tradition, Dyad Productions invites you in from the cold to present three haunting tales of the festive season. (13 December)
For more information on the programme, or to book tickets, visit artscentrewashington.co.uk or call 0191 561 3455
