EVENTS
Guide to THE BEST events in October
CONCERT
Beverley Knight: 50
Talk about controlled power. Beverley Knight belts out a tune in the same way that Novak Djokovic knocks out a serve: at 100mph and it’s a smash hit every time. Incredibly, the Brummie-born singer and actress celebrated her half-century in March of this year, hence the tour’s name. Also at York Barbican next month.
Monday, October 23, She昀케eld City Hall, she昀케eldcityhall.co.uk
MUSICAL
Jesus Christ Superstar
Statement of the obvious alert: the passion and death of Christ was a controversial subject for a musical - but it’s one that gave Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice their second global hit, after rocking the world with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. This reimagined production, originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. October 2-7, Hull New 吀栀eatre, hulltheatres.co.uk
THEATRE
The Hypochondriac
It’s ironic that Molière’s 昀椀nal play was called The Hypochondriac, because he collapsed on stage while performing it and died a few hours later. Even more ironically, he had been playing the title role: the self-obsessed Argan who spends all his time and money on frequent visits to the family physician. The play is 350 years old this year (happy birthday!) and this adaptation is by poet, playwright and, if you’re of a certain vintage, member of The Sca昀昀old, Roger McGough.
September 30-October 21, Crucible, She昀케eld, she昀케eldtheatres.co.uk
COMEDY
Harrogate Comedy Festival
This year’s festival is a veritable who’s who of the British comedy scene: there’s the usual roster of stand up stars including Arthur Smith, Jason Byrne, Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Ross Noble and Jimeon. But there are some surprises too, most notably Miriam Margolyes, An Evening with Adrian Edmondson and yes! -Fascinating Aïda.
October 2-29, Harrogate Theatre, harrogatetheatre.co.uk
THEATRE
I, Daniel Blake
An adaption of the acclaimed Ken Loach 昀椀lm from 2016 about what happens when you 昀椀nd the political system is stacked against you. The Daniel Blake of the title is denied bene昀椀t support – even though his doctor has declared him un昀椀t to work after a heart-attack. Touching, hardhitting and thought-provoking.
October 3-7, Leeds Playhouse, leedsplayhouse.org.uk
COMEDY
Phil Wang
Away from his stand-up career, Phil’s been making a splash on US TV, appearing in two episodes of Life and Beth with Amy Schumer. He’s back on familiar territory here, ‘chatting race, family, nipples, and everything else that’s been going on in his Philly little life.’ Time Ou
