Darlington Civic Theatre prepares for a new name and a multi-million-pound facelift

AS a final farewell to Darlington Civic Theatre in name and appearance, a spectacular fundraising gala evening is in store on Tuesday, May 31. Live At The Hippodrome will be a very special evening to celebrate and anticipate the theatre’s restoration. The night will be hosted by national treasure Christopher Biggins and promises to be an unforgettable evening of live music, comedy, dancing and entertainment.

The 1980s pop sensation Mari Wilson tops the bill with her unique interpretations of the songs of Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark, Sandie Shaw and Cilla Black. Other names are to be confirmed, but local groups such as Darlington Operatic Society and The Vocal Soul Community Choir are already booked. As part of the night, the Northern Echo's Chris Lloyd will be presenting a brief history of former Civic boss Signor Rino Pepi.

In May, there are two opportunities to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre. You'll be able to come and learn how the theatre works from the other side of the curtain, visit the dressing rooms – some are said to be haunted – and learn more about the planned restoration project. These Heritage Tours will take place on Tuesday, May 3 and Monday, May 23, at 6pm. Tickets are priced at £5 and can be booked through the box office.

During the restoration process there will still be plenty of shows and theatre experiences in the town. Two Royal Geographical Society lectures are to take place at Central Hall, in the Dolphin Centre. Tristan Gooley is a best-selling author and navigator who will be talking about the mysteries of water from wild swimming in England to Polynesian canoe navigation via the icy expanses of the Arctic (Monday, July 18). Nick Middleton is an award-winning photographer, writer, TV presenter, environmental scientist and lecturer at Oxford University. Middleton takes you on an eye-opening tour of countries that don’t exist, countries that lack diplomatic recognition or UN membership that inhabit a realm of shifting borders (Monday, October 3).

The Touring Consortium Theatre Company, in association with Darlington Civic Theatre, will present a community production of the Charles Dickens classic A Tale Of Two Cities on Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20.

Dickens considered this novel to be the best story he had ever written. It interweaves one family’s intensely personal drama with the terror and chaos of the French Revolution. An epic story of love, sacrifice and redemption amid horrific violence and world changing events.

The production will be staged in the atmospheric setting of the Central Hall, where Dickens read in 1858 and 1861, and will feature a full community cast working with a professional director from the Touring Consortium Theatre Company. Auditions for the community cast will take place in July. For further information contact lyndsey.middleton@darlington.gov.uk

With the historic venue standing on the threshold of a new era, there is a final £1.6m to fundraise offering is a unique opportunity for supporters old and new to take the theatre forward into the next chapter of its incredible story.

A seat-naming campaign has begun, supported by renowned North-East actor Stephen Tompkinson. This is a fantastic opportunity to personalise your very own seat in the beautifully-restored Edwardian auditorium. In recognition of your donation an engraved brass plaque will be placed on a chosen seat and you will receive a commemorative certificate. Seats will be £200 or you can name a pair of seats for £375. Your sponsorship will last for 15 years. To sponsor a seat visit the website or call the box office on 01325 486555.

Tickets for the remainder of the spring season are on sale now.

For further information about the full programme, pick up a brochure located in venues across Darlington, including Darlington Civic Theatre Box Office and the Cornmill Centre Box Office, or contact the Box Office on 01325-486 555 or go to darlingtoncivic.co.uk