Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Hartlepool’s fabulous summer pantos!

‘The Yellow Brick Road that leads to the Wizard of Oz’ can be spotted outside the Town Hall Theatre ahead of its summer pantomimes which open next month.

Dorothy and Toto take the Yellow Brick Road to the Town Hall Theatre

Family panto The Wizard of Oz is on Thursday 18th, Friday 19th, Saturday 20th, Sunday 21st and Monday 29th August, with performances at 2pm and 6pm. Tickets cost £21 for adults and £18 for children.

Featuring Hartlepool favourites Davey Hopper as the Scarecrow, Gary Martin Davis as Glinda the good witch, dance routines by hip hop sensations Ruff Diamond and toe-tapping musical numbers, this laugh-along, audience participation show is not to be missed.

If you fancy something saucy, there’s also an adults only version – The WizHARD of Oz – from Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th August at 6pm and 8.30pm. Tickets cost £22.50.

Featuring comic Davey Hopper at his smutty best and the notoriously naughty Stephanie Aird, this side-splitting show will have you dancing in the aisles to your favourite hits. Great for a party night, it’s strictly for the over 18s and definitely not for the easily offended!   

Both shows are once again produced by AJ Theatrical Productions, who delighted audiences last year.

The eye-catching Yellow Brick Road leading into the theatre was created by Sunderland University Fine Art graduate Jason Lund and is his first public outdoor installation in his home town of Hartlepool. It will remain in place until the end of August.

Artist Jason Lund at work on the Yellow Brick Road

He said: “I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to share my work in my home town.

“AJ Theatrical Productions is a fantastic company to work with, ensuring local talent in Hartlepool has the chance to shine. The Wizard Of Oz was my favourite film growing up so I’m over the moon to have the chance to create something that brings as much joy to the people of Hartlepool as the film does to me.”

Jacqueline Turnbull, Producer at AJ Theatrical Productions said, “After the triumphant success of last summer's productions of Snow White and Dick Whittington, our adult pantomime, and our Christmas production of Cinderella I’m thrilled to bring back the sparkle of pantomime this summer with The Wizard of Oz.”

Councillor Bob Buchan, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “The summer pantos went down a storm last year, so we’re delighted to welcome AJ Theatrical Productions back with two new, sparkling shows.

“So whether you’re joining Dorothy and Toto for the enchanting family panto or you fancy the saucy, adults-only version, you’re in for a real treat this summer at the Town Hall Theatre.”

For more information about both shows and to book, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/ajtheatricalproductions or call 0333 666 3366.