Ahead of its 130th anniversary in 2027, the theatre has undergone a £750,000 refurb for its increased and expansive programme this year.
The theatre has hosted many famous names over the decades, including rock n roller Gene Vincent in the 60s, legendary gospel singer Paul Robeson in the 30s and even Irish explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton’s first ever date of his triumphant, post South Pole expedition lecture tour in 1910 was held here in this very hall.
That history is palpable in the surroundings of the theatre as the packed audience welcomed this equally historic play.
A major work of 20th‑century American theatre, Eugene O’Neill’s celebrated masterpiece and Pulitzer Prizewinning play is seldom seen beyond London’s West End and New York’s Broadway, so this new production from the award-winning Elysium Theatre Company was something of a coup for the theatre.
The fantastic cast included Elysium’s co-founder Danny Solomon as Jamie, Edmund Dehn as patriarch James Tyrone, Sarah Dorsett as Mary, and Daniel Bradford as rebel poet Edmund, based on O’Neill himself.
Co Durham’s Macy Stasiak played the housemaid Cathleen, marking her adult professional debut after first appearing in the West End as a child in “Billy Elliot”.
The actors relished delivering O’Neill’s acidic prose and the audience left delighted and looking forward to visiting the theatre again,
Next week, the Town Hall Theatre presents high energy new play Sisters 360, inspired by the real-life “Hijabi Sisters” from Hull – three skateboard-loving siblings inspired by their hero, Olympic medallist Sky Brown.
Perfect for ages eight-12, the play is staged during school half term holiday on Wednesday 27th May, with two shows at 11am and 2pm.
For more information visit culturehartlepool.com.
– Ian Monaghan
