Hull Truck Theatre announces eclectic programme of events for Autumn / Winter Season 2025

The season will begin with the UK premiere of Kate Hamill’s hilarious adaptation of Jane Austen’s much loved novel Pride & Prejudice (Thursday 18 September – Saturday 11 October). Sharp, witty and funny, it’s the original romantic comedy that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. This stylish sparkling regency themed co-production has been expertly created with our regional theatre partners Octagon Theatre Bolton, Theatre By The Lake, Stephen Joseph Theatre and in association with Theatr Clwyd. Discover the absurdities and thrills of finding your perfect (or imperfect) match in life, with this vibrant retelling of Austen’s beloved novel, performed by a large cast of immensely talented actors. Think Bridgerton meets Bridget Jones - Not to be missed!

John Godber’s Black Tie Ball (Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 October) is told is Godber’s usual visceral style. The raffle is ready, the coffee is cold, the service is awful, the guest speaker is drunk, and the hard-pressed caterers just want to go home. Being short staffed has never been so funny! This hilarious comedy drama sees hotel staff working at a glitzy ball recount an entire evening at breakneck speed - from arrival at seven to carriages at midnight. Buckle in.

Macbeth (Thursday 5 – Saturday 28 February 2026) is set to be one powerful and chilling Hull Truck Theatre production that you won’t want to miss: Hell is Murky. Co-created with Octagon Theatre Bolton and Derby Theatre, and lead by Hull Truck Theatre’s Artistic Director, Mark Babych.

As Macbeth’s power-hungry wife sets him off on a murderous course to seize the crown, he is consumed by a great darkness… with violence and tyranny inflicted upon everything and everyone who stands in their way. But will their sanity remain intact, or will they pay the ultimate price for their destructive actions?

Mark Babych, Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre, said:

“I am looking forward to co-creating with our friends at derby Theatre and Octagon Theatre, Bolton to bring this tale to life. Countries torn apart by war, unchecked political ambition, the lust for power and control by all bloodier of means, these are themes that are still horribly resonant and relevant today and my starting point for our new production of Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedy”

Buy tickets for Pride & Prejudice, Black Tie Ball and Macbeth and save up to 25% as part of Hull Truck Theatre’s Drama Deal offer. Terms and conditions apply.

This Christmas audiences are invited to enjoy not one but two festively themed classic productions. Join Oliver Twist (Friday 28 November 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026) on the adventure of a lifetime in this festive adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless novel, staged in Stage 1 auditorium. The perfect alternative to pantomime over the holidays and Directed by Hull Truck Theatre’s Artistic Director, Mark Babych. Featuring traditional much-loved carols, folk tunes and original music, Deborah McAndrew’s dramatic and highly theatrical adaptation returns to Hull Truck Theatre in another enchanting and mesmerising production. Recommended for ages 7+. Proudly supported by Hull Trains. 
For younger audiences, the Godber Studio will play host to a heartwarming and modern adaptation of The Little Mermaid (Thursday 11 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026). From the team that brought Rapunzel and Princess and the Frog and Directed by Hull Truck Theatre’s Associate Director, Tom Saunders, the show promises to bring joy to children and their families on an under the sea adventure this festive season. Exploring themes of friendship, courage and confidence and recommended for ages 3-6.

Tom Saunders, Associate Director at Hull Truck Theatre, said:

“We love Christmas time at Hull Truck Theatre and this year we’re delighted to present two classic family productions, Oliver Twist and The Little Mermaid. Both shows are packed with heart, fun and festive spirit and are the perfect way to spend time with family and friends over the holidays, experiencing the joy and wonder of live theatre together.”

Bringing more quality drama to the stage this Autumn is an assortment of exceptionally talented and creative visiting companies. Salt (Tuesday 2 September) is a contemporary spellbinding new drama that tells the tale of North Sea fisherfolk, filled with sea shanties, folk songs and the supernatural. Park Street Performing Arts will present the outrageous and hilarious parody Bouncers (Tuesday 9 – Wednesday 10 September) performed by just four actors, get ready for a big night out as they portray over twenty different characters. Kailey (Friday 19 September) is inspired by true events and an honest play about society’s forgotten young people. Daddy’s First Gay Date (Friday 10 October) asks if it is selfish to leave someone you love in order to find yourself, in a new comedy by Sam Danson (BI-TOPIA). Eddie Izzard: Hamlet (Saturday 1 November) will perform Shakespeare’s words on the blank canvas of a bare stage. And finally, expect humour, heartbreak and unforgettable characters in the dramatic retelling of one of Dickens’ most enduring works, The Old Curiosity Shop (Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 November).

The Void (Saturday 6 September) is a chilling sci-fi horror with a creeping sense of dread, that will take you eight million miles from Earth to an ageing craft, missing crew and a deadly force not to reckoned with. Creepy Boys (Tuesday 7 October) invites you to celebrate a 13th Birthday party. It will have everything. Games. Gifts. Possibly Satan, satanic rituals, in a show that mashes vibes of The Shining and My Super Sweet 16. Countess Dracula (Tuesday 11 November) will be no ordinary adaptation as actor Joanna Holden, known to Hull audiences for playing the comic role of Mrs Snowball in the production 71 Coltman Street, returns to Hull Truck Theatre to claim what is hers, a performance of the famous monster as you’ve never seen it before. If you are wanting more thrills and good old-fashioned kills…The improvised Whodunnit, welcomes you onboard the Locomotive For Murder (Friday 14 November), a totally hilarious murder mystery experience where killing the cast and cracking the case is in your hands.

A Great Halloween Adventure (Saturday 25, Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 October), will offer a silly and spooky adventure for children aged 3-6 and their families. With a new story for audiences in 2025 this themed adventure will once again encourage families to get creative together in an Arts and Crafts session, followed by an interactive performance where the children’s craft items come to life as part of the interactive play. Adventurers are invited and encouraged to come in Halloween fancy dress!

Less spooky and more spectacular is the awe-inspiring story of the origins of Bubbleland. The Bubble Show 2 – More Bubbles! (Wednesday 29 October). Children aged 2+ and their families can journey on an immersive adventure with the master of bubbles, breathing life into light, water, plants, animals, stars and more. The fun doesn’t have to stop there! From Bubbleland to a galaxy across the universe, Jeddy Bear & Gar’s Pie Wars (Saturday 1 November) as part of the Hull Comedy Festival, will take ages 2+ and their families on an epic mission to restore laughter…May the pie be with you.

Hull Comedy Festival will showcase Hull’s multi-award-winning comedians once again, with the attention to prove that yes, Hull is funny. Best of ‘Ull (Saturday 1 November) will once again be “Hullarious” but will only be on for one-night only, so don’t hang about, Join Hull Truck Theatre to see what everyone is laughing about! Phil Nichol: Trying My Best (Wednesday 5 November) is an Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner who has been getting better since 1987. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try your best. Joe Ken-Walters Is Frankie Monrow: Dead! (Good Fun Time) (Thursday 6 November) will dazzle you from beyond the grave as the nation’s favourite demonic Working Mens Club owner.

If you thought that was all the laughter you were going to get in this season, you most certainly would be wrong. Stephen Bailey: Tart (Saturday 20 September) is Brassy, sassy and always classy as he gossips about everything from his funeral plans to his unrequited love for Ben Shephard. Jody Kamali stars as Jeremy Irons in Ironing Board Man (Tuesday 14 October) in a high-energy physical comedy that will surprise audiences with unexpected emotional twists, captivating audiences from 12-80. While Outlawed (Wednesday 22 October) is a fierce night of burlesque, drag and comedy with Robin and their talented gang of Merry Fools. After all of that, following the success of The Vicar of Dible, One Off Productions also returns with another TV favourite.  ‘Allo ‘Allo! (Tuesday 4 – Thursday 6 November). Come and enjoy the stage version of David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd’s hit comedy.

Stand up for the Stand-Up Comedians: Josh Jones is back with a brand-new show – I haven’t Won The Lottery So here’s Another Tour (Thursday 30 October), Nick Helm: No One Gets Out Alive (Friday 17 – Saturday 18 October) is also back and promises the best damn night of your effing life. Su Pollard: Still Fully Charged (Saturday 8 November) celebrates 50 years in show business, Suzi Ruffell: The Juggle (Thursday 13 November) offers not just a comedy show but a support group for those parents who are smashing life and Bridget Christie: Jacket Potato Pizza (Thursday 15 January 2026) returns with razor sharp comedy consisting of a kidney stone, a stray cat, and an eye-themed fetish. John Robertson Plays With His Audience (Wednesday 12 November) will present 90 minutes of improv, mayhem, gaming comedy and manic song performances. And with two unforgettable nights of stand-up, don’t miss the return of Chuckl. (Wednesday 12 November 2025 and Friday 23 January 2026), featuring stars from Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, BBC R4 and more.

Celebrating Hull Truck Theatre’s long-standing collaboration with Freedom Festival, the theatre will host two cultural events which form part of the Festival’s wider programme. The Torch: Tribute To Afrobeat Legend Ebo Taylor (Thursday 28 – Friday 29 August) will be produced by actor Kobby Taylor, bringing his own brand of gig-theatre to life with live synth, harp and remixes of classics from afrobeat legend, his grandad Ebo Taylor. The Genesis (Thursday 28 – Saturday 30 August), by Copenhagen Collective will bring together an original soundscape, and rich and atmospheric lighting design to present a beautiful artistic expression using the bodies of world-class acrobats in a Circus extravaganza. 

Experience a variety of music and dance with another exciting line-up of live entertainment. Daniel Martinez returns with a brand-new show, capturing the passion and spirit of the Art of Andalucia Flamenco Dance (Thursday 4 September). Sound of Springsteen (Wednesday 10 September) celebrates 40 years since the iconic Born in The USA album was first released, Something About George (Tuesday 28 October) is a tribute to the so-called “quiet” Beatle, the truly remarkable tale of one of music’s most understated icons, and Rave On (Saturday 15 November) will blow you away with an authentic show packed full of iconic classics, vibrant vintage costumes and step back to the 50s and 60s. Audiences can also experience The Signatures: Northern Soul Live (Friday 31 October), and Vincent Simone: Tango Passions (Friday 7 November).

If you are looking for a fast paced, laugh out loud night of pure entertainment, with hits from stars like Tina Turner and Lady Gaga, you can expect sensational live vocals and jaw-dropping dance from The Dazzling Diamonds – Comedy Drag Show (Friday 9 – Saturday 10 January 2026). For the younger generations, The Olivia Rodrigo Experience (Saturday 17 January 2026) will be the perfect tribute to the Pop Rock Sensation celebrating all her biggest hits including, “Drivers License”, “Good 4 U”, “Get Him Back!” “Vampire”, “Bad Idea Right?” And many more!

Hull Jazz Festival returns for Autumn 2025 to present four fantastic performances, including: Meridian: Claire Holdich and Stehanie Halsey Awakening (Friday 7 November), Deirdre Cartwright Organik Trio (Friday 7 November), Hull Youth Jazz Orchestra With Humber Music Hub Ensembles (Saturday 8 November) and Mambo Jambo and Joe Martin (Saturday 8 November). Book all four shows for the price of three. See website for details.

David Porter, Director at Hull Jazz Festival, said:

“We are excited to present Hull Jazz Festival at Hull Truck Theatre once again and showcase a full weekend of world-class musicians, which shows just how healthy the modern jazz scene is. The festival weekend will have something for everyone, ranging from big band to modern contemporary sounds and everything in between. We can't wait!”

For jazz lovers, later in the season you’re also invited to enjoy Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club: ‘The Ronnie Scott’s Story’ (Saturday 24 January 2026) direct from London’s world-famous jazz club. This production will mix classic music from the jazz greats, alongside tales of old Soho, miscreant musicians and police raids.

Bringing us full circle, combining music with drama, fans of Musical Theatre can enjoy the Mod Musical All Or Nothing (Friday 5 September), a concert show that encapsulates the sharp, hip, cool, talented and streetwise bands of the 1960’s. Hessle Theatre Company will present Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 October) taking audiences to a Sheffield council estate where haters are proved wrong and strength really can be found in sequins.

Running alongside our season in partnership with Hull Independent Cinema (HIC), our Godber Studio will once again host Hull Truck Screen, streaming live broadcasts also from the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre Live, and the Royal Ballet & Opera. Visit website for updates as new events are added.  

Don’t miss out on the opportunities to participate and learn with our Introduction To… Short Courses (Tuesday 16 September – Tuesday 21 October, 6.30pm – 8.30pm) in Playwriting, Acting and Directing. Run by Lydia Merchant, Peter McMillian and Tom Saunders, each course will give adults (18+) the chance to work with professional theatre makers to deepen their understanding of theatre, express their creativity and meet like-minded individuals. With three exciting subjects to choose from during this term, participants are invited to try their hand at something new, develop confidence and make new friends.

Last but not least… First Thursday Theatre Club returns! Join Hull Truck Theatre’s Creative Learning team as they explore stage composition, content development and Stanislavski’s system – amongst other topics in their monthly sessions. Tickets from £7.50.

For more information about Hull Truck Theatre and to buy tickets for any of the shows taking place during the Autumn/Winter 2025 season, please visit: www.hulltruck.co.uk. 

Special access performances are available for some performances.