What’s On at Hull Truck Theatre this February

This electrifying new drama with music delves deep into the life of writer, philosopher and feminist icon, Mary Wollstonecraft. Be taken back in time and experience the astonishing life of a trail blazer and literary pioneer. A woman centuries ahead of her time: Raised in Beverley and known across the world! From her passionate advocacy for women’s rights to her tumultuous personal journey, Mary and the Hyenas captures the spirit and resilience of a woman who dared to defy the conventions of her time.  

A show jam packed with music and words of defiance and empowerment, this exciting new production is co-produced with Pilot Theatre and written by critically acclaimed Hull playwright, Maureen Lennon (Guts! The Musical, Baby, He Loves You). Directed by Esther Richardson and with original music by Billy Nomates (Tor Maries) now available to listen to on all streaming platforms. Audiences are invited to join a fantastic female ensemble cast on a whirlwind journey through history in this witty, laugh out loud and searing tribute to the courage and determination of a woman who dared to take a stand.

Maureen Lennon, Playwright, said:

“I think the show is bold and ambitious and playful, and it really takes you on an epic story. The songs are also bangers! I think be excited for them to sweep you away. And be excited to be infected with some of Mary’s fire and fight.”

From trailblazing anthems to operatic storytelling... With a new dramatic prologue and chamber orchestration by Michael Betteridge, Riders to the Sea (Friday 21 – Saturday 22 February), is a production that weaves together live performance, projection and recorded sound, as OperaUpClose bring their own inimitable style to a classic with musical storytelling at its most direct and visceral. The perfect introduction to opera, recommended for ages 14+.  

This February Half Term holiday, Hull Truck Theatre invites families to get whisked away to a land with wizards and magic with A Great Magic Adventure (Saturday 15 and Monday 17 February). Specially designed for adventurers aged 3-6, this adventure will feature an arts and crafts session followed by an interactive play that uses whatever you have made. Each show last approximately 30 minutes and is a chance for children and adults alike to make new friends, enjoy some arts and crafts, as well as being inspired by the magic of theatre.

For cinema lovers Hull Truck Screen is set to premiere a range of films and screenings in collaboration with Hull Independent Cinema and The Royal Opera House.

Hull Independent Cinema will present The Contestant (12A) (Tuesday 18 February), the incredible true story of a man who lived for 15 months trapped inside a small room, naked, starving and alone... and completely unaware that his life was being broadcast on national TV in Japan, to over 15 million viewers a week. Before Big Brother, before The Truman Show, there was the shocking story of Nasubi.

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (12) (Wednesday 26 February), new film from acclaimed, BAFTA-winning director Rungano Nyoni (I Am Not a Witch), is a compelling drama about community and sisterhood. A fierce and darkly funny portrait of one woman’s strength in the face of crisis, Nyoni’s award-winning second feature proves her to be a distinctive filmmaker blazing a unique trail.

Samuel Sims, Programmer at Hull Independent Cinema, said:

“The Contestant is a thrilling documentary about the power of human resilience and On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a perfect blend of pitch-black comedy and heartbreaking drama. Both are films you won't see anywhere else in Hull, and I can't wait for audiences to see them on the big screen. Coming up later in the season are two Oscar nominees, Memoir of a Snail and the epic The Brutalist, as well as Daniel Craig as you've never seen him before in Queer. Lots to look forward to!”

Ballet and Opera fans can enjoy a special screening of Swan Lake (Thursday 27 February), directly from The Royal Opera House. For anyone who doesn’t know the famous story behind the dance and music, Prince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans while out hunting. When one of the swans turns into a beautiful woman, Odette, he is enraptured. But she is under a spell that holds her captive, allowing her to regain her human form only at night. Von Rothbart, arbiter of Odette's curse, tricks the Prince into declaring his love for the identical Odile and thus breaking his vow to Odette. Doomed to remain a swan forever, Odette has but one way to break the sorcerer's spell. A magical evening to enjoy with Hull Truck Screen.

Hull Truck Theatre’s First Thursday Theatre Club (Thursday 6 February) once again invites you to come together with others in your community. This February, Drama Worker Joe Beckett will run a session that starts with a brief introduction to life and work of Terence Rattigan followed by an exploration of his play The Deep Blue Sea. Despite being one of the most popular dramatists of the mid-20th Century, Terrence Rattigan’s plays are not performed as often as they once were. Come and get involved in the conversation. 

To book tickets please visit: www.hulltruck.co.uk.