AS theatres re-open their doors to audiences, The Witham in Barnard Castle has released an exciting autumn programme offering something for everyone.

The venue is operating at full seating capacity, while ensuring that personal safety is paramount.

Kicking off the season, ex-England international footballer, Dave Thomas, shares stories from his autobiography, Guiding Me Home and Away, on Friday, September 17 at 7.30pm.

This is the inspiring and emotional story of how he regained control over his life again when paired with his faithful guide dog, Hannah. Join Dave – and Hannah! – for a truly, unforgettable evening and help raise funds for Guide Dogs and The Witham.

Tickets only £10 or £8 for under 16s. Copies of the book will be available to buy on the night.

This next show is sure to pack quite a punch! Based on the inspirational autobiography of boxer Glenn McCrory, the one-man theatre show, Carrying David, takes us from the streets of County Durham and the industrial North-East to London and beyond. Inspired by the courage of his brother, David, who defied expectations in his battle against a terminal illness, McCrory fights back from the brink in a bid to become the first world champion from the North-East of England. Be prepared for an unforgettable night.

Tickets cost £12. Sunday, September 19 at 6pm.

The Witham offers a variety of music to suit every taste. For a truly spectacular evening – Hometown Glory – the Adele tribute act by Natalie Black, accompanied by a live four-piece band on Friday, September 24 is not to be missed.

This is swiftly followed by Jazz in the Afternoon on Sunday, October 3.

Sunday Classics makes a welcome return on Sunday, October 17, with a recital performed by international duo Ingrid Sawers on piano and Alexandra MacKenzie playing cello, providing the perfect soundtrack to your Sunday afternoon, with a repertoire ranging from Vivaldi, Schumann and Saint Saens to Debussy and Gershwin.

North of England Brass Band Champions – The Reg Vardy Band – will entertain on Sunday, October 24, followed by folk duo Billy Mitchell and Bob Fox on Friday, October 29.

Films are also back at The Witham. For only £5 a ticket, Thursday Film Nights include comedy musical, Hairspray, triple Oscar-winner, The Father and 1917, which was partly filmed in Teesdale.

Comedy continues to go from strength to strength, thanks to the efforts of Funny Way To Be Comedy. Highlights include The Thinking Drinkers: Pub Quiz (Sat 18 Sept), The Steve Royle Variety Performance, (Wed 22 Sept), followed by Jon Courtenay: Live (Wed 29 Sept) and Bridget Christie: Who Am I? (Fri 22 Oct), Simon Brodkin: Troublemaker (Sat 23 Oct), Scott Bennett: Relax (Wed 17 Nov), and Mark Thomas – 50 Things About Us (Thurs 18 Nov).

Spoken word events are a key feature of The Witham’s programme this season, offering a variety of entertaining and informative speakers. An Evening with Dave Thomas, ex-international footballer, raises funds for Guide Dogs and The Witham (Fri 17 Sept), Nick Butter regales us with tales of his global expedition (Thurs 28 Oct), whilst Steve Richards takes us on a journey through Rock and Roll Politics (Sat 6 Nov).

Teesdale Operatic Society, established just before the Covid 19 pandemic, is excited to bring their first musical to The Witham this December – the family favourite Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat from Thursday, December 9 to Saturday, December 11.

Finally, The Witham’s inaugural Pantomime Sleeping Beauty launches with schools’ shows on Thursday, December 16 followed by thirteen performances from Friday, December 17 to Christmas Eve.

Shelagh Avery, co-chair of The Witham Hall Ltd said: “The Witham is at the heart of Barnard Castle. It is much loved by its trustees, staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to create a community and cultural programme underpinned by the theme – something for everyone.

"As ever, we encourage new folk to consider volunteering with us, who will always be given a warm welcome.”

Tickets from www.thewitham.org.uk, from The Witham Box Office Wednesday to Saturday or 01833-631107.

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