What’s On Autumn / Winter 2019-20

Featuring... Dave Spikey 42nd Street The Nutcracker Spirit of The Dance

The Empire Theatre & Cinema Front Street, Consett DH8 5AB 03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.uk @empiretheatreconsett Welcome Live 03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.uk

The Empire Theatre & Cinema has a packed programme : The in store this Autumn / Winter season! Show Visit www.empireconsett.co.uk for more information about Saturday 7 September, 7.30pm The Empire and to book live shows and cinema screenings. This energetic musical stage show celebrates the career of the world’s biggest girl band, the Spice Girls, and Empire Empire recreates the era of ! Friends From the chart stomping through to the hip shaking Who Do Café Cinema of The Empire You Think You Are?, WANNABE takes you Our café offers the Offering the latest Become a Friend of the on a Spice World journey through the perfect place to eat blockbusters and Empire and support Spice Girls group and solo careers that and drink, with a wide outstanding Event our fantastic venue. will make you Zig-A-Zig-Ahhhh. selection of tasty Cinema from around Benefits include Swing it, shake it, move it, make it down snacks, cakes, pastries the world, at great discounts on selected however you can. Costumes, groups & families all welcome for the biggest 90s and Afternoon Tea. value prices. shows and more. (pre-booking required party in town. Visit the website for for Afternoon Tea). Annual memberships £23 film listings and details start from only £6. Open 10am - 3pm of our varied cinema Call the Box Office for Monday to Saturday. programme. details. Mad About The Musicals Thursday 19 September, 7.30pm Taking you on a whistle stop tour from the heart of London’s theatre land to the glitz of Broadway, the critically acclaimed Mad About The Musicals is back – celebrating the very best from the shows we all know and love. With a host of your favourite numbers from the pen of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Boublil & Schonberg, the talented cast of Mad About The Musicals evoke the true spirit of the stage to bring you the very best show in town! £19, £17.50 concs

Cover photo: Russian National Ballet: The Nutcracker, page 9. Live Live 03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.uk The Best of WHAM! Dave Spikey: Juggling on Friday 20 September, 7.30pm a Motorbike A fantastic new show featuring the best Thursday 3 October, 7.30pm of George, Andrew, Pepsi and Shirlie Dave had been working in the NHS for with sensational vocals, choreography, 19 years as a Biomedical Scientist when costumes and an awesome live band. in 1987 someone uttered the immortal In four short years WHAM! sold more words, “You’re really funny, you should than 28 million records, topping the be a comedian” and for some reason, charts with three albums, four number he took them seriously! So here in 2019 one singles and eleven top ten hits. he celebrates the 32nd anniversary of his The Best of WHAM! show includes all comedy career. In this show he will look those hits, a few B side favourites and a back on his remarkable life and his couple of early George Michael bonus incredible journey from working class songs. lad to Chief Biomedical Scientist to much loved comedy performer and writer via This fun-loving, vibrant, mega-mix Phoenix Nights, Eight out of Ten Cats, tribute to the pop sensation of the Bullseye, Dead Man Weds, Magnolia, The 80s will be loved by ‘Young Guns’ of all Royal Variety Show, Parkinson and many ages. more. £23.50 £17.50

The Carpenters Story The Bobby Thompson Saturday 28 September, 7.30pm Story This highly acclaimed concert style Friday 4 October, 7.30pm production continues to captivate audiences across the UK with its Written and performed by Pete Peverley. spectacular celebration of the classic Bobby Thompson’s woodbine smoking songbook that made The Carpenters a ‘Little Waster’ alter ego became a folk legend in the world of popular music, hero across the North East, yet this hid a selling over 100 million albums and man troubled by drink, gambling debts singles. and the tax man. This new show for 2019 features Pete Peverley comes to the Empire the outstanding vocal talents of Claire Theatre for the first time with his Furley, with Musical Director Phil touching, heartfelt and very funny Aldridge leading The Carpenters Story celebration of the life and work of this Orchestra. comic legend. £23.50 £17, £15 concs 4 Live Live 03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.uk Classic Clapton The Pitmen Poets Saturday 5 October, 7.30pm Friday 18 October, 7.30pm With a huge following in the North East From Billy Elliot to Close The Coalhouse built up over 34 years of performing, Door, When The Boat Comes In to Classic Clapton – the No.1 Eric Clapton The Pitmen Painters – now hear the show visits Consett for the first time, songs and stories of The Pitmen Poets. with front man Mike Hall and the After Ex-Lindisfarne singer and Midnight band. Featuring songs Billy Mitchell, Warhorse Songman Bob including Wonderful Tonight, Tears in Fox, leading exponent of Tyneside Heaven, Crossroads, I Shot The Sheriff, Benny Graham, and much-covered Lay Down Sally, and Layla. Durham songwriter Jez Lowe £16 individually and collectively celebrate the triumphs, tragedy, humour and hard times of North-East England’s coal mining tradition in an evening of music, song and spoken word. £20

There Was An Old Lady Barry Steele & Friends: Who Swallowed A Fly The Roy Orbison Story Saturday 12 October, 2.30pm Thursday 24 October, 7.30pm The Peoples Theatre Company bring one Following his West End debut at of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes The Adelphi Theatre, the one and to life just in time to celebrate the 45th only Barry Steele is set to put the rock anniversary of Pam Adams’ best-selling back into ‘The Big O’ as he takes to the book! stage to commemorate this legend in ‘The Roy Orbison Story’. This magical show has been written especially for grown-ups to enjoy with Barry is joined on stage by a five-piece their children, so come and relive the band and sensational guest pianist delights of this most charming of tales Boogie Williams as the production also complete with a feast of sing along presents original material written but songs, colourful animal characters and never sung by Roy Orbison, and heart-warming family fun. showcases elements of the symphonic orchestration first heard on the recently £12, £10 concs, £40 family (4 tickets, min released albums. 1 adult) £23

6 Live 03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.uk Sing-a-long-a The Greatest Showman Saturday 26 October, 6.00pm Look out ‘cause here it comes…. Singalonga Productions bring you their newest show, the smash hit film musical that everyone can’t stop ! Experience The Greatest Showman in the greatest way possible – with on the screen so you can join in as loud as you want. As they show you how to use your interactive prop bags, the live host will full audience participation essential. teach you a unique set of dance moves Great for groups and families. that will truly make you come alive. Please note this is a screening of the movie YOU the audience will rewrite the stars. not a live stage show. PG certificate. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and £16, £12 under 16s

Live

Les McKeown’s Saturday 1 November, 7.30pm Always a sell-out at the Empire, the legendary Bay City Roller Les McKeown Russian National Ballet: The Nutcracker returns with his award-winning ‘rollertastic’ show! Saturday 2 November, 2.30pm & 7.30pm Don’t miss this unique voyage back to After the sell-out performances of Swan Lake last year, Russian National Ballet the 1970s, when Les and his legendary returns to enchant you with the delightful production of The Nutcracker. band ruled the world’s pop charts and The original Christmas story is based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King The Bay City Rollers’ music became the written by E.T.A. Hoffmann. It tells the story of Marie, a sad little girl, whose soundtrack for a generation of godfather, Drosselmeyer, gives her a Nutcracker doll as a present on Christmas teenagers. Packed full of original hits Eve. In her lively imagination it turns into a prince and the magic starts… including Bye Bye Baby, Shang-a-Lang, , Summerlove Sensation, A wonderful treat full of glitter for the whole family! Give A Little Love and many more. £22, £20.50 concs, £17.50 under 16s £23.50 8 Live 03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.uk

Performance times Sat 30 Nov 3.00pm Sun 1 Dec 3.00pm Tues 3 Dec 10.00am Wed 4 Dec 10.00am Thurs 5 Dec 10.00am Fri 6 Dec 10.00am 1.30pm Sat 7 Dec 3.00pm 6.30pm Sun 8 Dec 3.00pm Tues 10 Dec 10.00am Wed 11 Dec 10.00am Thurs 12 Dec 10.00am Fri 13 Dec 10.00am Sat 14 Dec 3.00pm 6.30pm Sun 15 Dec 3.00pm Mon 16 Dec 10.00am Wed 18 Dec 10.00am Thurs 19 Dec 10.00am 1.30pm Fri 20 Dec 6.30pm Sat 21 Dec 11.00am 3.00pm Sun 22 Dec 11.00am 3.00pm

Mon 23 Dec 1.00pm 4.30pm Tues 24 Dec 1.00pm 4.30pm Thurs 26 Dec 3.00pm Fri 27 Dec 3.00pm 6.30pm Sat 28 Dec 3.00pm Sun 29 Dec 3.00pm Mon 30 Dec 3.00pm Tues 31 Dec 1.30pm

£17 (£15 concession), £56 family ticket (four tickets, min. one adult) School & group discounts available . Early bird group booking before 30 September 2019 10 Live Live 03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.uk

Whitney: Queen of the The Johnny Cash Roadshow Night Friday 15 November, 7.30pm Saturday 9 November, 7.30pm The only show to be endorsed by the A stunning celebration of the music and Cash family is back on top form with a life of one of the greatest singers of our brand new production for 2019. time. This award- winning production Award-winning front man Clive John features a sensational line-up of dedicates this year to a 50th anniversary musicians, taking us through three tour of the legendary San Quentin State decades of classic hits including Prison recordings which was televised I Wanna Dance With Somebody, on Granada Television on February 24 One Moment In Time, I’m Every Woman, 1969, and later released on June 4 of My Love is Your Love, So Emotional Baby, that same year. Alongside Clive is his Run to You, Saving All My Love, I Will iconic wife June Carter played by Emily Always Love You and more. Heighway, a world class band (Spirit) and £24, £22.50 concs the JCR horns. All supported with full video projection. £22.50 Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners Carole – The Music of Thursday 14 November, 7.30pm Carole King Following its sold-out smash hit debut Saturday 23 November, 7.30pm tour, Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners returns to theatres in 2019 The story of the career of one of the most with an even bigger production. successful and admired in the history of popular music. Direct from the West End, the show brings to life the music of Ireland’s With a cast of the UK’s finest musicians, favourite sons The Dubliners. Telling the singers and dancers, the show features story of a career spanning 50 years and not only songs from the Carole King evoking the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke songbook but also those written and Kelly, Barney McKenna, Jim McCann, recorded by some of the greatest Ciaran Bourke and John Sheahan. This artists and song writing partnerships talented cast of musicians and singers such as Aretha Franklin, The Drifters, bring the music of this iconic group to The Shirelles, The Monkees, The Beatles, life. The Everly Brothers, Dusty Springfield, Little Eva and James Taylor. £22.50 £23.50, £22.50 concs

12 Live Live 03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.uk The Story of Guitar Heroes The Bear From the book by Raymond Briggs Wednesday 22 January, 7.30pm Adapted by Pins and Needles The Story of Guitar Heroes is an Sunday 16 February, 2.30pm awe-inspiring, dynamic show which transports you through time: from the Ever wondered what it would be like to sit 1950’s with artistes such as Chuck Berry on a polar bear’s lap? Or ride on its back? and Hank Marvin from The Shadows, Have you ever tried to give a polar bear a including gifted legends such as Jimi bath, or clear up its poo? One night when With dazzling puppetry, delicious music Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, she’s fast asleep, Tilly is visited by an and dozens of laughs, The Bear is an through to modern day players such as enormous bear. It has a big black tongue unforgettable experience for the whole Brian May and Steve Vai, to name but a and a yawn as big as your head. But Tilly’s family. So bring a bear, and join Tilly and few! not scared. her great big white friend on a wild and magical adventure. Presented by guitar virtuoso Phil Walker The story of a little girl who befriends a – this show’s extraordinarily talented mischievous polar bear, this playful, “Move over War Horse this polar puppet is band uses over 30 guitars to recreate funny and heart-warming tale is one of magic.” and accurately reproduce the sound and imagination and growing up. £12.50, £46 family (4 tickets, min 1 adult) ambiance of each guitar hero. £24, £22 concs Spirit of the Dance Big Girls Don’t Cry Tuesday 25 February, 7.30pm Friday 7 February, 7.30pm This International smash hit celebrates 21 fabulous years as one of the most Celebrating a decade of Big Girls Don’t successful dance shows ever. Cry featuring The East Coast Boys. Seen by more than 30 million people in Step back in time, to the era of romance. 20 countries around the world, Spirit of Where gents were gents, and gals were the Dance is winner of nine Global gals! Come and experience the iconic Awards, including ‘Best Choreography’ sounds of Frankie Valli & The Four and ‘Best International Production’. Seasons authentically recreated by a phenomenal cast and live band. After Irish in origin and bursting with raw selling an incredible 100 million records energy, this explosive and powerful worldwide, there’s a Four Seasons song show combines heart-pounding Irish that shares a special place in everyone’s Dance with the sensual Latino rhythms heart. This internationally acclaimed of Flamenco and Red Hot Salsa in a show authentically revives the sublime thrilling production of strength and harmonies of New Jersey’s finest. passion. £23 £27

14 Live Screening 03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.uk The Illegal Eagles Westlife The Twenty Tour: Sing-Along Friday 28 February, 7.30pm Saturday 14 September, 7.30pm With on-screen lyrics, you can join in with Irish heartthrobs The world’s official number one Eagles Shane, Nicky, Mark and Kian and their 80,000-strong crowd tribute returns for another outstanding at Dublin’s Croke Park Stadium, as they perform all of their show promising more of their trademark greatest hits. musical prowess, acute attention to detail, and incredible showmanship. £15, £13 concs Featuring the very best from the Eagles’ repertoire including Hotel California, Take it to the Limit, Life in the Fast Lane, Take It Easy, 42nd Street – The Musical Lyin’ Eyes, Desperado and plenty more! Sunday 10 November, 3.00pm £26.50 and Tuesday 12 November, 7.00pm Starring national treasure Bonnie Langford as Dorothy Brock and featuring iconic songs 42nd Street, We’re In The Money and Lullaby Of Broadway, this is pure musical magic on the big screen. £15, £13 concs ALSO SHOWING RSC: Timon of Athens Wednesday 20 November, 7.00pm Little Shop of Horrors Black Dyke Band in Concert In a world driven by greed, what do we truly value? Timon has Presented by Spotlight Community Presented by Consett Salvation Army Band it all money, influence, friends. But when the money runs out, Theatre Productions Saturday 19 October, 7.00pm Timon soon finds her influence and friends have also gone. Tuesday 8 – Thursday 10 October, Consett Salvation Army band celebrates Left alone, she flees Athens to take refuge in the woods. 7.15pm its 140th anniversary with a visit from £14, £12 concs For the misfits of Skid Row, life is full the world-renowned Black Dyke Band. of broken dreams, but there’s hope £12 on the horizon for flower shop assistant, Seymour, when he discovers André Rieu - 70 Years Young a mysterious new plant with killer Jack & The Beanstalk Saturday 4 January, 7.00pm potential. Presented by CBS Theatre Group André Rieu - 70 Years Young celebrates André’s 70th birthday, £9, £7 concs Monday 13 – Saturday 18 January, looking back at the most spectacular performances 7.15pm (2.15pm Sat Matinee) throughout his career from all over the word - remastered exclusively for cinema audiences. The much loved family pantomime is presented by a talented community cast. £15 £10 (2 for £15 Monday)

16 Coming soon, book now Booking and visiting 03000 262 400 | www.empireconsett.co.uk Steve Steinman’s Circle Anything For Love: H 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 H G 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 G The Meat Loaf Story F 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 F Saturday 14 March, 7.30pm 1 2 3 4 E 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 E 26 27 28 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 D 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 D 22 23 24 25 26 27 2,000 performances and over a million 1 2 3 4 5 6 C 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 C 22 23 24 25 26 27 tickets sold worldwide! The highly Wheelchair Restricted View acclaimed Steve Steinman, now in his 1 2 3 4 5 B B 25 26 27 28 29 1 2 3 4 5 A A 25 26 27 28 29 28th year of performing Meat Loaf’s Stalls incredible back catalogue, brings you 4 5 6 8 9 P P 26 27 28 his brand-new production featuring all 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 N 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 N 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 of Meat Loaf’s greatest hits. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 M 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 M 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 L 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 L £28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 K 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 K 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 J 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 J 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 H 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 H 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 G 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 G 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Soul Town USA featuring 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 F 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 F 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 The Platters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 E 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 E 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 D 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 D 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Friday 20 March, 7.30pm 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 C 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 C 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Performing their number one hits 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 B 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 B 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 The Great Pretender, Only You and Smoke 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 A 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Gets in Your Eyes, true musical trailblazers Website Tickets can be booked online for most of our shows and films. Visit www.empireconsett.co.uk The Platters bring you the authoritative Box Office opening times Monday - Saturday 10am to 3pm, Tuesday -Saturday 6.30pm - 9.00pm. story of soul and Motown in this You can book in person at Empire Theatre, Front Street, Consett, DH8 5AB or telephone 03000 262 400. brand-new stage show. Reservations Reserved seats are held for 5 days from booking and will be released if payment is not £22.50 made. No reservations taken from 5 days before the performance. Refunds Tickets cannot be refunded. Seat exchanges can be made for the same performance, at the management’s discretion, for a charge of £1 per ticket up to 24 hours before the performance. Discounts Concession prices for selected shows for Senior Citizens (65+) and under 16s. Proof of eligibility Bringing on Back The 60s may be required. Carers are admitted free. Selected shows offer a group booking discount of 1 free ticket in every 10 booked. Saturday 28 March, 7.30pm Access and facilities The ground floor is ramped in the relevant places. There are 6 dedicated wheelchair Back by popular demand! This fast- spaces in the auditorium. A disabled toilet is situated at ground level. A hearing loop is available. Disabled parking is situated at the front of the building – spaces limited. moving show starring the New Amen Children and families Children under 2 years are admitted free for suitable performances (if sitting on Corner and with a special guest paying adult’s knee). Booster seats (limited amount) and children’s 3D glasses are available for use. With appearance from multi award-winning regret we are unable to provide storage for pushchairs and they are not permitted to enter the auditorium. performer Nancy Ann Lee ‘Little Miss Additional information Tickets booked via telephone, post or internet will incur an administration Sixties’ is a must for lovers of 60s music. charge. Durham County Council reserves the right at all times, and without notice, to cancel any performances. This brochure was correct at the time of going to print, however some slight changes to the £20.50 programme could occur.

18 Saturday 30 November - Tuesday 31 December 2019 £17 (£15 concession), £56 family ticket (four tickets, min. one adult) Early bird group booking before 30 September 2019.

The Empire Theatre and Cinema, Front Street, Consett DH8 5AB 03000 262 400 www.empireconsett.co.uk