One of Mercury Fur’s defining features is its shock factor. It is potent, unsettling and loud in all aspects – plot, characters, setting, the works. Following a gang of youths who work to fulfil their clients’ wildest and most disturbing fantasies, playwright Philip Ridley deliberately seeks to vivify a violent, lawless dystopia that leaves his …
Here at the Assembly Rooms, we are incredibly proud of our female-led team. On International Women’s Day, we want to celebrate the wonderful women that keep this theatre surviving and thriving. Read on for a little info about our HBICs. Kate Barton is the driving force behind the theatre. Before taking charge of the theatre, …
This week, our theatre is host to DULOG’s production of Dogfight by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Peter Duchan, adapted from Bob Comfort’s 1991 film of the same title. The initial premise of the film and show is not, perhaps, the most obvious foundation for an all-singing, all-dancing musical. In a world of casual cruelty …
One of the most crucial changes our recent refurbishments have brought is the development of our venue accessibility. Finding the balance between preserving the theatre’s history and prioritising our audiences and their needs was a key focus of the project, and one that has undoubtedly improved our theatre as a whole. With a high percentage …
Terry Pratchett was a deeply funny and switched on man. He is most famous for his huge collection of Discworld novels, which comprise the best and most complete fictional world ever made, bar the Star Wars universe (and maybe Middle Earth). However, Pratchett’s achievement lies not in his ability to provide incredible escapism to a …
Read more “A Discovery of Terry Pratchett by the Director of Going Postal”
After a hugely successful run in Durham last June with Hild Bede Theatre, Finola Southgate’s song-cycle turned original musical “We’ll Have Nun of It” returns to Durham this week under the leadership of newly founded theatre company, Sister Sister Productions. The year is 1967, the place St Lidwina’s School for Girls. We follow the lives …
Next week the Assembly Rooms will be welcoming the first comedy show of our 2020 Spring Season with Bróccán Tyzack-Carlin’s ‘Don’t Bother’. However, this is comedy with a twist, as Bróccán blends poetry, story-telling and surreal humour to create a truly unique hour in our theatre. Bróccán’s return to Durham is somewhat full circle; he …
Last Friday, we had the pleasure of hosting a re-launch evening to properly celebrate our recent refurbishment and welcome patrons old and new for the Spring Season. After some welcome drinks and warm chatter, the crowd was beckoned into the auditorium, in all its red seat and purple ceiling glory, for an evening of both …
With the Durham Drama Festival on the horizon, which showcases a series of student new-writing pieces, there seems like no greater time to reflect on this crucial part of theatre-making. Indeed, there is, quite simply, no play without its playwright. Consistent new-writing is key to ensuring that the future of theatre reflects the diversity and …
“New Year, new me”; it’s the phrase on everyone’s lips, whether sincere or ironic, inspiring or infuriating. It’s a phrase that instils both wonderful hope but also intimidating pressure – how must I change? What new projects must I start? How shall I make this the best year yet? The concept of a fresh start …