Venue previews its strongest season yet, including comedy, classical music and children’s theatre

TEESSIDE’S own Patrick Monahan is back on stage at Middlesbrough Town Hall in the first season of 2013 which organisers believe is one of the strongest ever at the venue.

It’s part of a 40-date national spring tour, Shooting From the Lip, which is jam-packed full of inspired anecdotes about being brought up on Teesside by his Iranian mother and Irish dad – all topped with brand new topical observations by the bucketload.

Monahan, who appears on March 8, is among the comic line-up presented in partnership with local promoters Ten Feet Tall. The others are Micky Flanagan (May 2), Rich Hall (May 13) and Sean Lock (May 26).

There’s also a special double headline show by Josh Widdicombe and Seann Walsh in the Crypt (March 22) and the return of Town Hall favourite The Boy With Tape On His Face (June 3).

Completing the laughter line-up is the monthly Big Mouth Comedy Club (Feb 2, March 2, April 6, May 4) that plays host to performances by Andrew Vincent, Lloyd Langford and Ian Moore.

The strong classical music programme features the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra (Feb 14), Northern Sinfonia (March 6 and April 3), the Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra (March 27) and Moscow State Symphony Orchestra (May 23).

Jools Holland brings his 18-piece Rhythm and Blues Orchestra (May 18) with Gilson Lavis (drums) and the vocal talents of Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall.

WWE legend Mick Foley takes to the stage (April 26) to talk candidly about his life in and out of the ring in Tales From The Wrestling Past. Conversation will range from wrestling to politics and his quest for world peace.

Younger audiences aren’t forgotten.

Children’s theatre company La Baracca (June 6) brings their show Spot.

Aimed at children aged one to four, the show is all about a special stage light that draws shapes and colours on the floor.

Also for children there are performances of Watch The Birdy (April 8) and Tom Thumb (May 11), both taking place in the Crypt.

Some comedy shows later in the year have been put on sale to cope with high demand Jason Manford (July 19 and 20), Ed Byrne (Oct 4) and Sarah Millican (Oct 13 and 14).

Town Hall business development manager Rob Guest is delighted to have some of the biggest names in entertainment coming to the Town Hall.

“The line-up is one of our strongest yet and there really is something for people of all ages,” he says. “It promises to be a fantastic season.”

  • For more information visit middlesbroughtownhallonline.co.uk or call the box office on 01642-729729