DIARY
Guide to THE BEST events in February
MUSICAL
Pretty Woman
Would the Julia Roberts and Richard Gere romcom get made today? Just a reminder of the plot: a handsome businessman has a fairytale romance with the glamorous prostitute he’s hired. (So the short answer is probably not.) But here’s the stage musical version, with songs co-written by — yes, really! — Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Ore Oduba co-stars. This show took London’s West End by storm, so it will be a Big night out. Big. HUGE.
February 5–10, Hull New Theatre, 01482 300306, hulltheatres.co.uk Also February 20-24, Grand Opera House, York, 02890241919, goh.co.uk
SPECIAL APPEAR ANCE
David Suchet: Poirot and More
The role that stands out on David Suchet’s sparkling thespian CV is (all together now!) Agatha Christie’s dapper Belgian ‘tec, Hercule Poirot — although his distinguished career also includes turns as Salieri (in Amadeus) and even Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest. In this show, which debuted in 2021, Suchet spends the evening in the company of journalist Geoffrey Wansell, to reminisce about a life backstage, on stage and in front of and behind the camera.
February 2, Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, 0114 249 6000, sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
OPERA
Così Fan Tutte
The return of Tim Albery’s production — first seen in 2004 — is set in the era of the Enlightenment and features a new cast including A lexandra Lowe as Fiordiligi and Heather Lowe as Dorabella. Performances are conducted by Clemens Schuldt and Chloe Rooke, who are making their Opera North debuts. It comes to Hull in April.
February 2, 10, 14, 16, 21, 23, Leeds Grand Theatre, 0113 243 0808, leedsheritagetheatres.com, operanorth.co.uk
THEATRE
Do I Love You?
John Godber’s latest comedy follows three Hull-based twentysomethings as they try to navigate their way through a post-pandemic world, soul-sapping jobs and a cost of living crisis, and find solace in Northern Soul (the title comes from a fabulous Frank Wilson soul number). Nice performances from the young cast and a great soundtrack.
February 7-10, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, 01723 370541, sjt.uk.com
SPECIAL APPEAR ANCE
Barrie Rutter’s Shakespeare’s Royals
Actor and director Barrie Rutter — once the driving force behind Halifax-based Northern Broadsides —has dabbled in film and television; but, really, he’s a stage animal. ‘On TV, you have to know the camera is up your nose,’ he told us once. ‘Whereas in the theatre the furthest person can be 70 feet away. You have to perform to them. I like that.’ Here he is demonstrating his craft with a one-man show celebrating Shakespeare’s royals.
February 8, Also at Theatre Royal Wakefield (February 28) and Stephen Joseph Theatre,
