A NEW format and new shows have been announced by Darlington’s awarding-winning theatre events, Jabberwocky Markets, which is back for a sixth season after being awarded more Arts Council funding.

Instead of a concentrated festival, there will be individual shows starting from Saturday, March 12, before the main event runs from September 29 to October 4.

“Market theatre events will take place at various times throughout the spring, at some surprising places across Darlington. Theatre events are themed around the headline show, featuring immersive activities for everyone to get involved; things like the Jabberbar, gift shop, discussions about the show, touch tours and workshops to try out,” said a spokesperson.

New shows will provide creepy crawlies for tiny tots, surreal rats, a tale of family in a boxing ring and a TV phenomenon sharing stories about life for the Touretteshero.

Organised by Darlington’s theatre producers, Luxi, in partnership with the internationally renowned Battersea Arts Centre, Jabberwocky Markets is supported by Arts Council England, the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation plus Unlimited Impact assisting the event to become increasingly accessible and welcoming.Creative Darlington, Darlington Council and Darlington for Culture, as well as Be Premiere Hair and Kimberley Caravans are among local supporters.

Jabberwocky Market started out as a festival with a plan to run twice a year for three years

Headline shows are:

Grass – Saturday, March 12: Two dance shows for children aged 2+ and their families.

The show features worms, slugs, snails, spontaneous outbreaks of ant dancing and plenty of insect-related facts. Children will learn to look closely at the world around them – at the same time they can get mucky and play. Shortlisted for the Arts Foundation, Children’s Theatre Award, 2016. Interactive online activities at grasstheshow.com

Backstage in Biscuit Land – Saturday, March 19 & Sunday, March 20:

Jess Thom has tourettes, a condition that makes her say ‘biscuit’ 16,000 times a day. Over the past few months she has appeared on Russell Howard’s show, performed an extract of Biscuit Land at BBC Television Centre live on BBC4 and spoken about her story to a packed Royal Albert Hall. No two shows can ever be the same.

Empire of the Rats – Friday, April 1

Specially created for Jabberwocky Market, Empire of the Rats has been written by internationally renowned playwright, Van Badham. This work-in-progress performance will premiere a new play for Darlington audiences. Do you want to be a rat?

Until You Hear That Bell – Saturday, April 23 & Sunday, April 24

The festival celebrates Shakespeare’s birthday in his 400th year with a personal story about amateur boxing and family

Tickets for all of these events are available now from jabberwockymarket.org.uk. A limited number of tickets will be available on the door at each show, though pre-booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

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