September 2026 - February 2027
What’s On
Welcome
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It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Durham University’s winter programme of music and theatre. This season will bring together the creativity, dedication, and ambition of our student practitioners, and I am delighted you will be there to share in the culmination of their work.
Croatia, and the Durham Revue being declared the outstanding student sketch comedy troupe at the Edinburgh Fringe this year.
Last year was a fantastic year for performing arts at Durham University. Our ensembles have continued to grow in both quality and breadth of output. Highlights included atmospheric Cathedral concerts, such as the Orchestral and Choral Societies’ collaboration on Verdi’s Requiem; exceptional events around the city, DULOG’s sold-out run of the smash-hit musical Grease at the Gala Durham, and competition success, such as the Concert Band’s Gold Award at the National Concert Band Festival, and Northern Lights’ second place finish at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella in New York City. Our summer touring season has also been busy, with groups performing at festivals as far away as
Thank you for supporting the performing arts. I hope you enjoy all the performances you can see this season, and share in the sense of pride we feel for our remarkable student performers.
The spirit of achievement across the year has been a joy to see.
Lewis Wilkinson Manager of Performing Arts
Key Drama Comedy Classical Music
JAZZ MUSIC
Jazz and Commercial
SKETCH COMEDY
What’s On
Musical Theatre
THE DURHAM REVUE
DURHAM UNIVERSITY JAZZ SOCIETY
10 OCTOBER | 8PM
14 OCTOBER | 4.45PM
SIR THOMAS ALLEN ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE
THE HOLY GRALE, CROSSGATE
The Durham Revue return to perform their award winning Edinburgh Fringe show ‘The Durham Revue: Raiders of the Lost Laughs’. An hour of sketch comedy packed with lots of laughs, lots of sketches, and most importantly lots of laughs.
Experience an evening celebrating the music of legend Stevie Wonder with tracks such as Sir Duke, Golden Lady and For Once In My Life. This event promises to be a fantastic evening of funk and soul.
Raiders of the Lost Laughs
A Night of Stevie Wonder
DULOG Musical Theatre perform Crazy for You at the Gala Durham 2025
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THEATRE SHOWCASE
JAZZ MUSIC
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER | WINTER SEASON 2026 - 27
ROOTS THEATRE COMPANY
DURHAM UNIVERSITY JAZZ SOCIETY
Black History Month Showcase 21 OCTOBER | 7.30PM
An Evening of Standards 24 OCTOBER | 5.30PM
SIR THOMAS ALLEN ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE
MUSIC DEPARTMENT, PALACE GREEN
Roots Theatre and Durham University African Caribbean Society are proud to present an evening commemorating and honouring our cultures, featuring performances from monologues to musical numbers, celebrating Black Heritage from across the diaspora.
A chilled evening of jazz standards, from the niche to the classic, presented by some of DU Jazz Soc’s finest members. Presented as part of the Durham Jazz Festival.
PLAY
Annie Sullivan Qosja (DU Jazz Orchestra) performs on tour in 2026.
OOOOK! PRODUCTIONS
Monstrous Regiment
29 -31 OCTOBER | 7.30PM 31 OCTOBER | 2PM SIR THOMAS ALLEN ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE
The Terry Pratchett Discworld classic brought to life on stage. Borogravia's at war. To help her country, Polly disguises herself as a man and joins the army. She soon learns that not everything is as it seems.
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JAZZ MUSIC
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER | WINTER SEASON 2026 - 27
DURHAM UNIVERSITY JAZZ SOCIETY
A Night of Erykah Badu 4 NOVEMBER | 4.45PM THE HOLY GRALE, CROSSGATE
Experience an evening celebrating the music of Erykah Badu, the 'Queen of Neo-Soul'. Featuring tracks such as Didn't Cha Know, Appletree and Bag Lady, this show promises to be a fantastic evening of smooth, funky neo-soul.
MUSICAL SHOWCASE
PLAY
Dan Hume (DU Jazz Orchestra) performs on tour in London, summer 2026
TONE DEAF THEATRE COMPANY
DURHAM STUDENT THEATRE
The Freshers’ Showcase 8 NOVEMBER | 7.30PM
SIR THOMAS ALLEN ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE
The annual Fresher’s Showcase returns for another year. Join Tone Deaf Theatre Company as we showcase Durham’s newest and brightest talent in an evening of dazzling musical theatre.
The Hollow 5 - 7 NOVEMBER | 7.30PM 7 NOVEMBER | 2.30PM SIR THOMAS ALLEN ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE
A weekend party soon turns fatal when a body is found, covered in blood next to a smoking gun. To solve the case, a web of romantic obsession and deadly family secrets must be untangled by none other than Hercule Poirot...
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NOVEMBER | WINTER SEASON 2026 - 27
OPERA SHOWCASE
DURHAM OPERA ENSEMBLE
Twenty Years of Durham Opera Ensemble 10 NOVEMBER | 8.30PM THE GREAT HALL, DURHAM CASTLE Celebrating 20 years of DOE, join Durham Opera Ensemble and Durham University Palatinate Orchestra for an evening of operatic highlights. Drawing exclusively from operas staged by Durham Opera Ensemble over the past twenty years, the programme celebrates the music that has shaped the society’s history. Enjoy a dazzling array of arias, duets, quartets and choruses from operas by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Purcell, Gilbert and Sullivan, and many more.
DURHAM UNIVERSITY CHORAL SOCIETY
11 NOVEMBER | 7.45PM NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
Conducted by Tim Burke, Durham University Choral Society presents a programme of reflection and sacrifice this Remembrance Day. The night builds up to Elgar’s "The Music Makers", where he brings out the creativity of what makes us human. The imagery of 'a singer who sings no more' is the epitome of the delicate transience of life, vividly foregrounding the importance of the world’s past.
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CHORAL MUSIC
The Music Makers
NOVEMBER | WINTER SEASON 2026 - 27 MUSICAL THEATRE
18 - 21 NOVEMBER | 7.30PM 21 NOVEMBER | 2.30PM
SIR THOMAS ALLEN ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE
DULOG MUSICAL THEATRE
Into the Woods Once upon a time… but never quite as expected. Venture ‘Into the Woods' this November in Stephen Sondheim’s critically acclaimed musical production, where familiar fairytales collide with unexpected consequences. Sondheim’s Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical masterpiece comes to the Assembly Rooms this November! Venture ‘Into the Woods’, where familiar fairytales collide with unexpected consequences. As characters venture beyond their stories, they discover that ‘Happily ever after’ may not be as simple as they imagined… Join DULOG for a witty, enchanting and truly unforgettable journey.
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PLAY
CHORAL MUSIC
NOVEMBER | WINTER SEASON 2026 - 27
PITCH PRODUCTIONS
DURHAM UNIVERSITY CHAMBER CHOIR
12 - 14 NOVEMBER | 7.30PM
21 NOVEMBER | 7.30PM
SIR THOMAS ALLEN ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE
ST GODRIC’S CHURCH, CASTLE CHARE
The Price family. On the surface, Bob and Fran have built the perfect life for their four adult children. However, Rosie's return from a turbulent year abroad proves to reveal deep cracks throughout her family.
Join Durham University Chamber Choir as they explore the luminous heart of German sacred music, tracing a journey through faith, mortality and consolation in masterpieces by Schütz, Bach, Brahms and Mendelssohn.
THEATRE SHOWCASE
Things I Know Light of the To Be True Soul
FOOT OF THE HILL THEATRE
Nostalgia & Memory 22 NOVEMBER | 7.30PM
SIR THOMAS ALLEN ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE
In aid of Children North East, Nostalgia and Memory follows themes of nostalgia, reminiscence and memories designed to bring the audience to remembered worlds of our childhoods, from Disney classics to Roald Dahl.
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MUSICAL THEATRE
JAZZ MUSIC
NOVEMBER | WINTER SEASON 2026 - 27
AIDAN’S COLLEGE THEATRE
DURHAM UNIVERSITY JAZZ SOCIETY
25 - 28 NOVEMBER | 7.30PM 28 NOVEMBER | 2.30PM
25 NOVEMBER | 4.45PM
Tick, Tick... Boom!
THE FRINGE ACADEMY, PRINCE BISHOPS
Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical about chasing a dream when time feels like it’s running out. As his 30th birthday approaches, Jonathan Larson faces the ticking clock of time, ambition and uncertainty, questioning whether to pursue his passion or choose security.
A Night of Jamiroquai THE HOLY GRALE, CROSSGATE
Experience an evening celebrating the music of Jamiroquai, pioneers of acid jazz. Featuring tracks such as Cosmic Girl, Space Cowboy and Virtual Insanity, this gig promises to be a fantastic evening of super groovy and funky acid jazz.
DU BIG BAND & JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Jazzy Christmas 27 NOVEMBER | 7.30PM REDHILLS DURHAM MINERS HALL
Join Durham University’s Big Band and Jazz Orchestra for an evening of festive jazz! Each band’s set will include well-known Christmas tunes as well as a range of contemporary and classic big band jazz tunes, showcasing highlights from their respective national tours, student arranging and fiery solo playing. Sold out two years in a row and winner of the University’s Palatinate award for ‘Best Concert’, Jazzy Christmas is not an event to be missed this season!
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Progra The Durham Revue: Returners’ Show 10 October | 8PM
A N i g h t o f S t e v i e Wo n d e r 14 October | 4.45PM
Black History Month Showcase 21 October | 5.30PM
A n E ve n i n g o f S t a n d a r d s 2 4 O c t o b e r | 7. 3 0 P M
Monstrous Regiment 2 9 - 3 1 O c t o b e r | 7. 3 0 P M 31 Ocotber | 2PM
A Night of Erykah Badu 4 November | 4.45PM
The Hollow 5 - 7 N o v e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M 7 November | 2.30PM
Freshers’ Showcase 2026 8 N o v e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M
Tw e n t y Ye a r s o f D u r h a m O p e r a E n s e m b l e 10 November | 8.30PM
T h i n g s I K n o w t o B e Tr u e 1 2 - 1 4 N o v e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M
I n t o t h e Wo o d s 1 8 - 2 1 N o v e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M 21 November | 2.30PM
Light of the Soul 2 1 N o v e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M
Nostalgia & Memory 2 2 N o v e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M
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amme Tick, Tick... Boom! 2 5 - 2 8 N o v e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M 28 November | 2.30PM
A Night of Jamiroquai 25 November | 4.45PM
The Suffragette’s Murder 2 6 - 2 8 N o v e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M
Oklahoma! 2 6 - 2 8 N o v e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M 28 November | 2.30PM
Jazzy Christmas 2 7 N o v e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M
D vo ř á k ’ s E i g h t h S y m p h o n y 2 8 N o v e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M
COCK 3 - 4 D e c e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M
N ex t t o N o r m a l 3 - 5 D e c e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M 5 December | 2.30PM
Stravinsky to Prokofiev 4 D e c e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M
Merry Melodies 6 December | 8PM
Dancing Across Europe 8 D e c e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M
A Doll’s House 1 0 - 1 2 D e c e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M
A l i c e i n Wo n d e r l a n d 1 0 - 1 2 D e c e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M
F r o m t h e N e w Wo r l d
1 1 D e c e m b e r | 7. 3 0 P M
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PLAY
MUSICAL THEATRE
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER | WINTER SEASON 2026 - 27
ROOTS THEATRE COMPANY
COLLINGWOOD WOODPLAYERS
The Suffragette’s Murder
Oklahoma!
26 - 28 NOVEMBER | 7.30PM
26 - 28 NOVEMBER | 7.30PM 28 NOVEMBER | 2.30PM
SIR THOMAS ALLEN ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE
COLLINGWOOD ARTS CENTRE
Secret feminist plots, an eccentric crew, and a dead body collide in ‘The Suffragette’s Murder.’ This hilarious 1857 farce brilliantly mixes screwball comedy with the fight for human rights.
In the year 1906, right before the Oklahoma territory becomes its own state, a cowboy falls in love with a farm girl against all odds.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
DURHAM UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY
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Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony 28 NOVEMBER | 7.30PM ELVET METHODIST CHURCH, OLD ELVET Durham University Orchestral Society presents a dramatic programme exploring folklore and mythology. The evening opens with Imogen Holst’s ‘Persephone,’ drawing on the ancient Greek myth of her transition from life on earth as goddess of spring to her sinister descent into the underworld. Following this are the choreographic melodies of Maurice Ravel’s ‘La Valse,’ originally written as a tribute to Johann Strauss II and the grand tradition of the Viennese waltz. The concert concludes with Antonín Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony, a joyful celebration of the Bohemian countryside, combining Czech folk music with symphonic forces.
MUSICAL THEATRE
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER | WINTER SEASON 2026 - 27
TONE DEAF THEATRE COMPANY
Next to Normal
3 - 5 DECEMBER| 7.30PM 5 DECEMBER | 2.30PM SIR THOMAS ALLEN ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE
A raw, explosive and unforgettable musical that combines a powerful score with a gutwrenching narrative to tell the story of a family facing the truths of love, loss and mental illness. As they fight to hold themselves together, how far will they go to find hope?
PLAY
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Michael Nevin performs as Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd (November 2025)
FOURTH WALL THEATRE
DU ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY
COCK
3 - 4 DECEMBER | 7.30PM THE CITY THEATRE, FOWLER’S YARD
Despite the bickering, John loves his boyfriend. John also loves his new girlfriend. Mike Bartlett’s ‘COCK’ is an exploration of sexuality and identity. What happens when labels trap you?
Stravinsky to Prokofiev 4 DECEMBER | 7.30PM ST OSWALD’S CHURCH, CHURCH ST.
Durham University Orchestral Society’s Chamber Ensemble presents ‘Stravinsky to Prokofiev,’ an intricate and playful programme exploring different landscapes and cultures through musical traditions.
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ORCHESTRALL MUSIC
CLASSICAL MUSIC
DECEMBER | WINTER SEASON 2026 - 27
THE HILL ORCHESTRA
THE PALATINATE ENSEMBLE
Merry Melodies
Dancing Across Europe
6 DECEMBER | 8PM ELVET METHODIST CHURCH
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8 DECEMBER | 7.30PM ST OSWALD’S CHURCH, CHURCH ST.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
The Palatinate Ensemble presents an intimate programme of chamber music, followed by Dvořák’s String Serenade, Vaughan Williams’ Suite for Viola and Orchestra, and Haydn’s Symphony No. 104.
IMMERSIVE THEATRE
Join Hill Orchestra at Elvet Methodist Church for an evening of winter tunes. With a mix of classical Christmas pieces, film scores, and even some Mario Kart, our concert of Merry Melodies promises an evening of fun and seasonal cheer.
WALKABOUT PRODUCTIONS
DU PALATINATE ORCHESTRA
Alice in Wonderland
From the New World
10 - 12 DECEMBER | 7.30PM
11 DECEMBER | 7.30PM
COLLINGWOOD ARTS CENTRE
ELVET METHODIST CHURCH
'“How do you know I’m mad?” said Alice. “You must be,” said the Cat, “or you wouldn’t have come here.” Fall into a haze of sinister insensibility in Walkabout’s immersive, dark-fantasy adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale.
Durham University Palatinate Orchestra's symphony orchestra returns to perform Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony, "From the New World", alongside works by Walton, Elgar and Chaminade.
DECEMBER | WINTER SEASON 2026 - 27 CLASSIC THEATRE
10 - 12 DECEMBER | 7.30PM
SIR THOMAS ALLEN ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE
DURHAM UNIVERSITY CLASSICAL THEATRE
A Doll’s House In late-nineteenth-century Norway, Nora and Torvald Helmer prepare for Christmas when they receive an unexpected visit from an old colleague who threatens to unveil Nora's deepest, darkest secret. Nora and Torvald Helmer’s marriage appears nothing but typical, threatened only by the arrival of Krogstad, a former employee of Torvald's, who blackmails Nora with her greatest secret: unbeknownst to her husband, she has illegally taken out a loan to save his life. Henrik Ibsen’s ‘A Doll’s House’ is a landmark work in proto-feminist theatre, exhibiting how Nora attempts to navigate the ties between reputation, sacrifice, and the laws of marriage.
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JANUARY | WINTER SEASON 2026 - 27
Coming next year...
CASTLE THEATRE COMPANY
14 - 16 JANUARY | 7PM
SIR THOMAS ALLEN ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE
PLAY
PLAY
Murderer. Traitor. Villain. History has not been kind to Richard III, yet is such a reputation justified? Castle Theatre Company’s retelling invites the audience to answer that for themselves.
ROCKET THEATRE COMPANY
WRONG TREE THEATRE
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Frankenstein
21 - 23 JANUARY | 7.30PM
SIR THOMAS ALLEN ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE
SIR THOMAS ALLEN ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE
Nick Dear’s Frankenstein adapts the beloved work of Shelley to the stage, bringing the Creature centrestage. Through experimentation with new scientific methods, troubled scientist Frankenstein succeeds in creating life.
On a Mississippi plantation, a family gathers for Big Daddy’s birthday, but beneath the celebrations, unresolved tensions, secrets, desires and expectations threaten to tear them apart.
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CLASSIC THEATRE
Richard III
28 - 30 JANUARY | 7.30PM 30 JANUARY | 2.30PM
JANUARY | WINTER SEASON 2026 - 27 MUSICAL THEATRE
26 - 30 JANUARY | 7.30PM 27 & 30 JANUARY | 2.30PM
GALA DURHAM
DULOG MUSICAL THEATRE
Shrek the Musical Shrek the Musical comes to Gala Durham in this hilarious and heartwarming stage spectacular, presented by Durham University’s biggest musical theatre company, DULOG. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, everyone’s favourite ogre is back in this larger-than-life theatrical adventure. Featuring an infectious score and a host of beloved characters including Shrek, Princess Fiona, Donkey, Lord Farquaad and a host of familiar fairytale favourites, Shrek The Musical is a riotous celebration of friendship, acceptance and embracing who you truly are. With plenty of laughs and a whole lot of ogre-sized fun, this is one fairytale you won’t want to miss!
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FEBRUARY | WINTER SEASON 2026 - 7
CLASSICAL MUSIC
17 FEBRUARY | 7.30PM
DURHAM CATHEDRAL
DU CHORAL SOCIETY & ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY
Berlioz ‘Requiem’ Tim Burke conducts the combined forces of Durham University Choral and Orchestral Societies in one of the repertoire’s most monumental musical statements. Premiered in 1837 with 450 performers, Berlioz’s Requiem is a colossal, cinematic statement of faith, fear and hope, a sonic portrait of ‘mankind gathered together on the last day’. Demanding 10 timpanists and with four separate brass groups, it conveys the dramatic power of the Day of Judgement right through listeners, insisting on the majesty, the fragility and the terrifying spectacle of death and resurrection.
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Come to a show How to book Scan here to book your tickets
Group discounts If you are looking to book as a group, school or community organisation, please contact our team at theatre.manager@durham.ac.uk. We will do our best to accommodate groups of any size.
Open to all At Durham University Student Performing Arts, we are proud to be open to all audience members from the wider community around the North East. durhamstudenttheatre.org/whats-on/ durhamstudentmusic.org/whats-on/ Box Office The Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre is open to all from 10 AM - 4 PM weekdays during University term time, as well as 30 minutes before performances. *Booking fees apply
Tickets for everyone Where we are able to offer concessions at performances, this applies to children under 18, those over 65, full-time students, those with a registered disability and those who are unemployed. Where family tickets are available, these constitute 1 adult and 3 children, or 2 adults and 2 children.
Using our spaces If you are a local community group, school or touring production, looking to utilise the Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre outside of University term time, please get in touch by emailing theatre.manager@durham.ac.uk. There are sliding scales on offer to meet the needs of your organisation.
Membership If you are a Durham University student looking to get involved with the making of the incredible range of student productions, please visit the organisations’ websites for more information: durhamstudentmusic.org/join durhamstudenttheatre.org
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DURHAM UNIVERSITY STUDENT PERFORMING ARTS Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre, 40 North Bailey, Durham, DH1 3ET 0191 334 1419
durhamstudenttheatre.org/whats-on durhamstudentmusic.org/whats-on /DUPerformingArts /du_performingarts
Durham University Concert Band performing in Durham Cathedral, conducted by Timothy Tsang, June 2026