Souvenir Brochure 1939-2014 “Dedicated with gratitude to the many thousands of Theatregoers who, through their encouragement and support, have made possible the creation, and existence, of both the ‘Little’ and ‘New’ Theatres in this great city and county of Kingston Upon Hull.”
Peppino Santangelo - 21 Years of Management, Commemorative Brochure 1954. A Message from Councillor Geraghty
As Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Events and Public Wellbeing I am very proud that this October celebrates 75 glorious years of our prestigious Hull New Theatre.
From the opening performance in 1939 to the current date, the theatre continues to provide a diverse programme of high quality events which offer something for everyone.
These are exciting times for Hull as we look forward to becoming City of Culture in 2017 and there is no doubt that Hull New Theatre will play a very important part in the programme of events and the legacy that follows.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our valued patrons for your support over the years and look forward to welcoming you and a new generation to enjoy another successful 75 years of first class entertainment.
Councillor Geraghty
Portfolio Holder - Culture, Leisure, Events and Public Wellbeing Did you know…
11 Peppino Santangelo retired in 01 The theatre’s story began in 1924 1958 and William Sharpe took with the formation of the Hull over as manager. Repertory Theatre Company, who performed at a lecture hall next to In 1961 Hull City Council 12 purchased the theatre, with the current premises, known as the help from Alderman Frederick Little Theatre. Holmes and Councillor Lionel
The little Theatre 1936 Theatre The little Rosen, and saved it from being turned into a bingo hall! When Peppino Santangelo Performances continued 02 took over the Little Theatre 06 throughout the war and the In 1968 £30,000 was spent on in 1933 it had Spanish bar was used as a 13 improvements, including the no telephone, bomb shelter. re-seating of the auditorium no advance and enlargement of the Programmes contained the booking orchestra pit. The improved 07 encouraging words ‘the theatre facilities, no facilities made the theatre a is a safer place than your Box Office, leading venue in the national own home’! no bars or touring circuit and attracted cloakrooms! The theatre received a direct international artists such 08 hit during the holocaust of 7th as the Yugoslav National In 1937 and 8th May 1941 Dance Company. 03 Santangelo
purchased Peppino Santangelo - 1933 During the week of 28th July the Assembly 09 1941 rain poured in through Rooms next door to the the bomb wrecked scene Little Theatre, which is now dock, flooding the dressing the New Theatre. rooms, but the show Electrician Robert Carr went on! 04 designed the elaborate stage switchboard and scenic artist The theatre was purchased by and stage manager Bert Linton 10 Whitehall Theatres Ltd in 1951. The theatre was renamed Hull designed the lofty stage grid 14 New Theatre in 1985 following and spacious scenic studio. a massive refurbishment.
A Royal Gala attended by The New Theatre, Hull officially 05 Princess Anne took place opened on Saturday October featuring performances from 16th 1939 with a production of Opera North, and the English Noel Gay’s Me and My Girl. Philharmonic Orchestra.
There are 1159 seats in the There are usually two shows 20 auditorium: 680 in stalls, 185 28 per day six days a week during on the dress circle, 282 on pantomime, with the exception the upper circle and 6 in each of Christmas Eve and New of the two boxes which are Year’s Eve. positioned either side of the Margot Fonteyn performed stage. 29 with the Vic Wells Ballet Company shortly after the Weekly shows normally open theatre’s opening in December 21 on a Monday or a Tuesday 1939 and again in February evening and opening night is 1940, returning in February usually press night. 1976 with a one woman show.
Matinees usually take place In 1968 the Czechoslovakian 22 at 2.30pm on a Thursday and 30 State Dance Company visited a Saturday. the theatre at the time that Russia had occupied their 15 In 1989 the Theatre celebrated 23 An interval usually lasts 20 its 50th anniversary with a minutes and takes place country. The dancers spent special week long production approximately halfway through much of their time off-stage of the Secret of Sherlock a performance. listening anxiously to radio broadcasts. Holmes, starring Jeremy Brett Ballets and operas sometimes
and Edward Hardwicke from have two intervals. Prior to the introduction the ITV series. Management ‘open the house’ 31 of computerised ticketing
24 approximately half an hour systems all tickets had to be In 1994/95 the exterior of the before the performance written in longhand as they 16 building underwent further begins, this means that were sold and each night a list restoration and improved patrons are able to take their of seats sold in advance was access with the installation of seats in the auditorium. given to the usherettes who a lift from street level to foyer placed ‘reserved’ notices on and foyer to stalls bar. The auditorium is raked and them. 25 slopes from row K to row Z. The stage type is ‘flat’, When the theatre opened in 17 The theatre has two licensed 32 ‘proscenium’ with ‘apron’. 26 1939 World War II was already bars; the stalls bar, which can underway and the day of the The orchestra pit is flexible, 18 be accessed via the spiral official opening on October holding 7-10 people, in two staircase in the foyer, and the 16th was also the day of the sections. circle bar on the upper floor. first German air raid on There are 15 dressing rooms at The ‘get in’ usually takes the UK. 19 the theatre, 13 of which are at 27 place the day before the show basement level and 2 of which opens for a weekly run; this is The theatre shares its birthday 33 with playwright Oscar Wilde are located upstairs. when the set is installed on (1854 – 1900) and has staged the stage. many of his greatest works, the first of which was Lady Windermere’s Fan in 1947.
Me and My Girl was first There are an average of 14 41 performed in 1939 and has 47 front of house staff, 10 bar been performed numerous staff, 10 technical staff, 2 box times over the years and was office staff working at each last performed here in 2013 by performance. local theatre company One Off Productions. 48 Hull New Theatre is rumoured to be haunted by a ghost called Charlie.
During a performance of La 49 Rondine by Opera North in 2000, there was a technical 34 The founder of the theatre was called Peppino Santangelo. hitch on stage and the performance was finished from Hull New Theatre is a one of the boxes. 35 receiving theatre and hosts There is a blue plaque on the various touring productions 50 throughout the year. side of the theatre stating ‘In this building in 1859 and 1860 36 Hull New Theatre joined twitter the novelist Charles Dickens in 2012. Follow us at (1812 - 1870) gave selected @newtheatrehull readings from many of his works.’ Customers can purchase 37 42 The most successful tickets online at www.hullcc. pantomime so far is Cinderella 51 The fastest selling show in gov.uk/hullnewtheatre and can in 2011 - 2012 starring The recent years was Michael select their seats from a virtual Chuckle Brothers. McIntyre on 17 June 2012, which seating plan. sold out within a couple of The longest serving current hours. A Gold Card Membership 43 38 member of staff is Stage scheme is available offering During the floods in 2007 the Manager Allan Green who has discounts and special offers. 52 dressing rooms at basement worked here for 34 years. level were flooded and 4 39 Touring companies often sign 44 Hull New Theatre is a Grade II performances of Starlight the back of the safety curtain listed building. Express had to be cancelled after performing (not visible to until the performers could Pantomime traditionally the public) 45 replace their specialist started on Boxing day, moving roller skates. The staircase for Sunset to start at the beginning of 40 Boulevard in 2001 would not fit December in the late 1970’s. 53 Over 70,000 ice-creams are sold on average each year. through the usual get in doors Macbeth has been performed
so a larger entrance had to be 46 a number of times over the Over the last 12 years more built backstage. years, however it is unlucky to 54 than a million people have say ‘Macbeth’ in a theatre and been to see the pantomime at is usually referred to as ‘The Hull New Theatre. Scottish Play’
More than 170,000 people visit The Blue plaque outside the There are three warning 55 the theatre in an average year. 64 theatre reads: Built as the 71 bells at 1 minute intervals Assembly Rooms in 1830 starting 3 minutes prior to It is said to be unlucky to (design by R. H. Sharp under the show to warn customers 56 whistle backstage in the the direction of Charles that the performance is theatre. Mountain, Arch.) this building about to commence. Once Chitty Bang Bang was one of became the New Theatre in all customers are in the 57 the biggest productions to 1939 and is now owned and auditorium the Front of House date, there were 30 backstage run by Hull City Council. Manager gives clearance staff during the show including to the Stage Manager that The official Facebook Page dressers, hair and make-up, the performance is able to 65 is www.facebook.com/ fly men, sound / lighting and commence. hullnewtheatre. stage movers. There is a secret entrance Tickets for pantomime are In the 80’s the musical comedy 72 from one of the dressing 66 on sale 365 days a year. We 58 version of A Christmas Carol rooms directly into the go on sale with next years was being performed when orchestra pit. pantomime on the opening the fire alarm went off and the day of the current pantomime. During the major performance was completed in 73 refurbishments in 1985 a large Kingston Square, luckily it was One of the last public part of the front wall of the a false alarm! 67 performances by Laurel and theatre was removed and Hardy was at Hull New Theatre. Hull New Theatre can be hired replaced by glass 59 for performances, events, In 1989 Russ Abbot came with One of the most performed conferences and parties 68 his show and the set was 74 productions is Joseph and designed for TV so wouldn’t The Hull New Theatre café bar his Amazing Technicolor fit into the theatre. Crew were 60 serves pre show snacks and Dreamcoat which has forced to call a welder early opens 2 hours prior to each appeared at least 20 times one Sunday performance. since 1978. The show is usually morning who here for a week with often David Whitfield performed at cut the set more than 1 performance a 61 Hull New Theatre twice during in half day which would mean it has his illustrious career and there in the been performed around 250 is a statue dedicated to his middle times! memory in Kingston Square. of Jarrett Street. 62 Lost property found over the years includes false teeth, 69 Up to 12 The performance hearing aids, underwear, tonnes of 75 on our 75th numerous pairs of glasses and scenery can be birthday will be the most popular items to be hung from the fly bars Horrible Histories: left are umbrellas. For some of the larger shows Barmy Britain Actress Sheridan Smith trained 70 it can take up to 3 days for a from the 63 locally at Northern Academy of show to be set up on stage, Birmingham Performing Acts and appeared and up to 50 staff to empty Stage Company. at Hull New Theatre in ‘Annie’ 10 x 40ft artics of scenery as a child. and lighting. History of Hull New Theatre
The story of Hull New Theatre began in 1924 with the formation of the Hull Repertory Theatre Company, which performed in a converted lecture theatre on the site of the Central Fire Station, known as the Little Theatre. In 1933 Peppino Santangelo, himself an experienced repertory pioneer, stepped in to turn around the company’s fortunes, purchasing the Assembly Rooms next door.
Building work commenced and began to tour West End productions proceeded as planned until the to ‘slightly less hazardous’ declaration of war in September provincial theatres. 1939. At that time the new building was still without a roof and was Hull was badly bombed during minus equipment and decorations, the war but the theatre itself only but thanks to the determination received one direct hit: during the and vision of Santangelo the New holocaust of 7th and 8th May 1941 Theatre, Hull officially opened the scenic studio was hit, killing on Saturday 16th October that several firemen. The bomb also year when the curtain rose on a caused significant damage to the production of Noel Gay’s Me theatre, demolishing the stage and My Girl. lantern, two auditorium doors, the front row of the stalls and all the props and costumes of the Sadler’s Performances continued Wells Opera Company. throughout the war, although air attacks increased in intensity, Following the war the theatre leading to the theatre bar being continued to prosper as a repertory reinforced as an air raid shelter. theatre and in 1951 was purchased Producing managements, suffering by Whitehall Theatre Ltd. Audiences terrible effects during the Blitz, declined due to the increasing popularity of television, leading Throughout its 75 years, to the introduction of a new Hull New Theatre has policy in which touring shows would take place for half of the faced challenges and year, interspersed with repertory uncertainty, yet it has productions. In 1958, almost 20 years after his dream was remained true to the realised, Peppino Santangelo purpose for which it retired, handing over the reins was intended. Peppino to William Sharpe. Audiences continued to decline and Santangelo’s dream was in 1961 Sharpe introduced to create a tradition of experimental bingo sessions. The sessions proved so popular (over 1000 people ‘playing for queued around the building, keen to try their luck) that the people’, for a time it looked as if the which continues to theatre would be turned into a this day, with 170,000 bingo hall permanently. Hull City Council called an patrons visiting the emergency meeting and decided theatre each year. to buy the New Theatre to prevent this from happening, and audiences remained steady throughout the 1960s. In 1968 the auditorium was re-seated, the orchestra pit enlarged, the stage deepened, new dressing room toilets and showers In 1985 the theatre added and a new improved lighting underwent a massive board installed. refurbishment and re-opened as Hull New Theatre at a glittering Royal Gala attended by Princess Anne. In 1995, further improvements and alterations were made, namely the improvement of access for patrons via a lift from Jarrett Street to the Foyer and a lift from the foyer to the lounge bar. Famous names who have performed at Film Stars
Hull New Theatre Dame Eileen Atkins, Sir Richard Attenborough, Jim Broadbent, Sean Connery, Tom Courtenay, Diana Dors, Colin Farrell, Bob Hoskins, Kate Beckinsale, Chico Marx, Laurel and Hardy, Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Maggie Smith, Catherine Zeta - Jones, Michael Sheen, Sheila Hancock, Tara Fitzgerald.
Soap Stars
Eastenders June Brown, Hilda Braid, Gretchen Franklin, Bill Treacher, Barbara Windsor, Letitia Dean, Shaun Williamson.
Coronation Street Amanda Barrie, Photograph: Katherine Wood Johnny Briggs, Brian Capron, Craig Charles, Mark Eden, Les Dennis, Kevin Kennedy, Sue Nicholls, Pat Phoenix, Julie Goodyear, William Roach.
Emmerdale Lorraine Chase, Shirley Stelfox, Gaynor Faye, Patrick Mower, Verity Rushworth. Pop Stars
Jason Donovan, Marti Pellow, Will Young, Joe Longthorne, The Nolans, The Osmonds, David Essex.
Comedy Stars Children’s
Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Characters Frances de la Tour, Rodney Bewes, Dick Emery, George Formby, Sooty, Orville and Cuddles, Larry Grayson, Hughie Green, The Chuckle Brothers, Noddy, Tony Hancock, Frankie Howerd, Postman Pat. John Le Mesurier, Spike Milligan, Morecambe and Wise, Victoria Wood, Norman Wisdom, Rik Mayall, French and Saunders, David Jason, Ken Dodd, June Whitfield, Michael McIntyre, Lee Evans, Billy Connolly. What’s on
Barnum King and I Jersey Boys Aladdin Tuesday 21 - Tuesday 4 - Tuesday 11 November - Thursday 4 December Saturday 25 October Saturday 8 November Saturday 22 November - Sunday 4 January Tickets £19.00 - £ 40.50 £12.00 - £18.00 £19.00 - £48.50 £17.50 - £24.50
Curious Russian Ballet Opera History Boys Incident of Coppélia Tuesday 3 Verdi RIGOLETTO Monday 16 - the Dog in the February Thursday 26 February Saturday 21 February La Fille mal gardée Verdi LA TRAVIATA Tickets £22.50 - £27.50 Night-time Wednesday, 4 February Friday 27 February Tuesday 13 - Swan Lake Thursday 5 - Puccini MADAMA Friday 6 February Saturday 17 January BUTTERFLY £19.00 - £29.50 The Nutcracker Saturday, 7 February Saturday 28 February Tickets £18.50 - £35.00 Tickets £15.00 - £32.00
For full listings please visit www.hullcc.gov.uk/hullnewtheatre Dreamboats Anything Goes Sister Act The Sound of and Miniskirts Monday 9 March - Tuesday 17 - Music Saturday 14 March Saturday 21 March Monday 2 - Monday 13 - Tickets £20.00 - £39.00 Tickets £10.00 - £18.00 Saturday 7 March Saturday 25 April Tickets £12.00 - £31.00 Tickets £20.00 - £39.50
Dance til Calamity Jane Derren Brown Horrible Dawn Tuesday 7 - Monday 20 - Histories Saturday 11 July Saturday 25 July Monday 27 April - - Groovy Greeks and Tickets £17.00 - £37.00 Tickets £37.50 - £45.00 Saturday 2 May Incredible Invaders Tickets £12.50 - £36.00 Tuesday 10 - Saturday 14 November Tickets Adults £12.50, Children £8.50
Box Office:01482 300 300 HULL ARENA, HULL CITY HALL, HULL NEW THEATRE
Featuring a dedicated and Three prestigious & versatile venues hosting professional staff team some of the top international names in live including technical, catering, marketing, front of house and music, comedy, sport and theatre. box office support
VENUE CAPACITIES Hull Arena - 3750 standing / seated, 3150 seated only Hull City Hall - 1800 standing / seated, 1200 seated only Hull New Theatre - 1159 seated.
For more information contact 01482 613819 Enjoy the benefits of Gold Card membership
• Superb money saving discounts.
• 15% off main meals in the theatre Café Bar on production of your valid members card.
• Exclusive post show events with the cast, (you will require a ticket in advance).
• Bi-monthly newsletter about the forthcoming shows.
• Membership now includes selected Hull City Hall events.
All this for as little as £38.00 a year for 2 discounts or £48.00 for 6 discounts!
Corporate Gold Card With just one annual payment of £100, your company can take advantage of up to 24 discounted tickets per week, as well as Box Office: receiving all the usual Gold Card benefits. 01482 300 300
Terms and conditions
*Please note discounts are available on selected performances only. Post show event tickets are limited and must be booked at the time of buying your show tickets at the box office. Check with the Box Office for available discounts before booking and always show your valid membership card to obtain tickets and meal discounts.
• Your Gold Card membership will be valid for one year beginning from the 1st of the month in which you pay. With thanks to all staff and patrons of Hull New Theatre past and present
Hull New Theatre, Hull City Council, Kingston Square, Hull HU1 3HF Tel: 01482 300 300