Richard Bean’s Hilarious New Comedy Drama Plus so much more… at Hull Truck Theatre this May!

After six years of marriage, Jack and Florence have successfully mastered the fine art of bickering. Living in the picturesque village of Wetwang in rural East Yorkshire in their three bed-semi, they’re certainly beginning to feel their age. But with the help and support of local wheeler dealer “Rhubarb Eddie” and Cousin Pamela, they’re getting along just fine… that is until their grown-up children come to visit!

Paula Wilcox, who plays “Florence” in the production, said: 

“Richard Bean’s writing is so spot on, that you feel you know the characters from the moment you start to read the play. I hope that the audience will respond as I did when I first read the script: I laughed aloud many times and wiped away a tear at others.”

Directed by multi award-winning writer and director Terry Johnson, and featuring a star-studded cast, including Stephen Tompkinson (DCI Banks, Ballykissangel, Wild at Heart), Paula Wilcox (Man about the House), Ian Bartholomew (Coronation Street) and Rebecca Johnson (The Trip), plus Hull Truck Theatre favourites Adrian Hood and Sara Beharrell. Secure your tickets now before it’s too late!

To Have and to Hold will also include a Baby Friendly Performance [BF] – (Fri 16 May), 11am (For those with babies under 18 months). Plus, a variety of Access Performance are available, more information can be found here - Access Shows & Events | HullTruckTheatre

From a northern family drama to a powerful show that interrogates northern masculinity, join four northern lads as they take on the impossible task of rebuilding northern masculinity in one night. Big Strong Man (Thursday 29 May), presented by surrealist comedy comrades, The Growth House, invite you for a night of Poundland level extravagance, side splitting comedy and electrifying performances through an unforgettable and interactive night out not to be missed. The Flood (Tuesday 13 May) is a musical love letter to the small Yorkshire town of Hebden Bridge who experienced the worst floods in a century. Performed by a cast of five Actor-Musicians and drawing on the musical and artistic traditions of the area, AKA Theatre Company LTD will take you back to the moment when the valley submerged and a community emerged, working together to rebuild their sodden town.

Hull Truck Screen will play host to Hull Independent Cinema’s new season 'Queer' (Thursday 8 - Saturday 17 May). This is a newly programmed special film season which explores the history of LGBTQ+ cinema and shines a light on the beauty and brilliance of queer lives. With a variety including German classics, powerful documentaries and nostalgic favourites, audiences can expect a selection of films that will challenge and entertain – in equal measures.

Mädchen in Uniform (PG) (Thursday 8 May) tells the story of Manuela, who falls in love with a teacher at an all-girls boarding school, to disastrous consequences. This screening will feature a Season Launch Q&A to celebrate the start of Queer: An LGBTQ+ Film Season.

Double-Bill, (Friday 9 May) Gay Black Group (18) is a documentary where members of the Gay Black Group talk about their experiences, and We Who Have Friends (18) looks at how attitudes towards gay men in the UK changed in the two years following the 1967 Reform Act.

Celebrate one of Almodóvar's greatest admired films, All About My Mother (15) (Saturday 10 May), as well as the 10-year anniversary of Tangerine (15) (Saturday 10 May). Both screenings will be accompanied by a Queer Film Maker Panel, following each film.

Other films to celebrate include: Award-winning 1995 documentary, Shinjuku Boys (18) (Thursday 15 May) and the all-time classic Beautiful Thing (15) (Friday 16 May). Don’t miss all round favourite, starring Friends' Lisa Kudrow, Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion (15) (Saturday 17 May).

Finally, I Saw the TV Glow (15) (Saturday 17 May) will close the festival. After the film why not join a FREE season finale mixer between 9pm – 10.15pm. Open to those with a valid ticket for any of the Queer season films. Limited complimentary drinks available.

Make the most of a 5+ Film Multi-Buy Offer when you book five or more films, in a single transaction, you can save £1 per ticket - effectively getting a film screening for free!

Saturday Saver - Book both films on Sat 10 May (All About My Mother + Tangerine) or both films on Sat 17 May (Romy & Michelle + I Saw the TV Glow), in a single transaction, and get both films for £8 (Standard) or £6 (HIC Members).

For audiences who can’t get enough of Hull Truck Screen, Royal Ballet Opera present two screenings this month: Die Walküre (Wednesday 14 May), set in the realm of the gods, an epic battle ensues between their ruler Wotan and his rebellious daughter, Brünnhilde. Ballet to Broadway - Wheeldon Works (Thursday 22 May) features Fool’s Paradise, The Two of Us, Us, and An American in Paris: four works showing the remarkable choreographic range of The Royal Ballet's Artistic Associate, Christopher Wheeldon. Finally, discover why Michelangelo is without a doubt one of the greatest artists of all time, through expert commentary, stunning visuals and Michelangelo’s own words, in Exhibition on Screen - Michelangelo: Love & Death (Tuesday 20 May). This is a fresh look at a master artist whose life and genius are celebrated in every mark he made.

Families with young children are invited to backpack through the wild and wonderful jungle this May Half Term, with Hull Truck Theatre’s A Great Jungle Adventure (Saturday 24, Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 May). Come for an adventure that features an arts and crafts session followed by an interactive play that uses whatever you have made. Spend some time in the jungle and connect with your wild side! Designed for children aged 3-6 years old. All shows across the run will have the same story and themes.

Adults of any age can join First Thursday Theatre Club (Thursday 1 May). The first Thursday of every month, Hull Truck Theatre host a stimulating and thought-provoking practical theatre session. This monthly daytime session is an introduction to play, its plot and its characters through a mixture of discussion and practical exploration. Discover King John by William Shakespeare, a play about power, politics and family, led by Tom Saunders - Associate Director, Hull Truck Theatre.

Ending May on a high, join Rich Hall for Chin Music (Wednesday 28 May), a comedy show described as “Idle but intimidating”. Sharp, quick, splenetic, and sublimely improvisational. If you’ve never seen him, don’t wait too long to book your seat, they are already at low availability as he never disappoints. Ever.

To book tickets for any of the shows, screenings, events or workshops at Hull Truck Theatre throughout May 2025, please visit: www.hulltruck.co.uk  or contact the Box Office: 01482 323638.