Blog

We're delighted to introduce a new member of staff in a newly-created post, that of Heritage Learning and Engagement Officer. Read on to find out about Cait's background, what drew her to the role, and what she'll be doing.

Graham R. Rispin, who plays Stryver, Defarge, Gabelle, and French Aristocrat 2, tells us about his experience on A Tale of Two Cities so far...

Since the beginning of September, Millie Hall has been rehearsing as part of the Ensemble for our community production of A Tale of Two Cities, which takes place on 19 and 20 November at Central Hall. She tells us about her experience so far.

Last week Chantelle Woodley, a student at Darlington College, carried out a work experience placement at Hippodrome HQ. She tells all us about her experience.

Introducing Kane Husbands, associate director of our community production of A Tale of Two Cities, which takes place in November at Central Hall, Darlington, where Charles Dickens himself read in 1858.

Introducing Katy Weir, associate director of our community production of A Tale of Two Cities, which takes place in November at Central Hall, Darlington, where Charles Dickens himself read in 1858.

Introducing Eduard Lewis, the director of our community production of A Tale of Two Cities, which takes place in November at Central Hall, Darlington, where Charles Dickens himself read in 1858.

The extravagant set and costume designs for a community cast production of the Charles Dickens classic A Tale of Two Cities were revealed at a recent meeting held at Hummersknott Academy in Darlington.

Darlington Civic Theatre is looking for volunteers to assist with the creation of costumes for the forthcoming community production of A Tale of Two Cities, which will be performed in the Dolphin Centre’s Central Hall in November.

On Tuesday last week, the Civic Theatre team (now based at Hippodrome HQ on the Horsemarket) was lucky enough to be given a tour of the Hippodrome site by Sean McNicholas, Operations Manager for Willmott Dixon. The construction company are also running these tours for members of the public. Indeed the first tours proved so popular they were fully booked within a week – so watch this space for news of more!

Julian Cound from DarlingtonOS explains some of the practicalities behind finding a suitable venue for the company during the restoration period.

Contractors Willmott Dixon are holding hard hat tours where you can see the progress of the development, including the heritage restoration works.

It's not too late to audition for A Tale Of Two Cities

May has been a fantastic month for The Darlington Civic Theatre Foundation (the Theatre’s charitable fund). The team has been celebrating being awarded two major financial grants.

A personal account of the final performance at Darlington Civic Theatre before it closed for restoration on 31 May 2016.

Christopher Biggins made his first panto appearance here at the Civic Theatre in the 1970s, and returns to compere Live at the Hippodrome on Tuesday 31 May.

Darlington Civic Theatre has received a confirmed £4.5m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to transform and regenerate the Grade II Listed building to its former glory.

In 1990/91 we introduced a ‘sponsor a seat’ programme where patrons could name a seat to show their support for the theatre and have a personalised plaque attached to a particular seat. Now, 25 years on, we're keen to reunite these plaques with their owners.

Katherine Williamson, Local Studies & Reference Librarian at Darlington's Crown Street Library, writes about the wealth of materials relating to the history of this theatre, which are preserved at the library.

Julian Cound of DarlingtonOS tells us how the current name of the theatre came about.