Just married. Buried alive. Hedda longs to be free. The Castle Players present Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, Hedda Gabler in an adaptation by Patrick Marber.

When Hedda returns from her honeymoon, she finds herself trapped in a dull and tedious marriage. As her world begins to close in around her, Hedda makes an attempt to regain control of her life. She begins a campaign of manipulation and lies, only to see her actions result in disastrous consequences.

20 stalls of handmade gifts and goods from Jewellery, prints, jams, toys and cards to scarves, hats, chocolate, soaps, knitted-gifts, puzzles, wooden-gifts and bags.

Amanda Owen is a shepherdess, farmer’s wife, mother to nine children, a passionate photographer and a Sunday Times bestselling author. Amanda’s first book The Yorkshire Shepherdess from 2014 offers an inspiring account of her transformation from Huddersfield townie to rural sheep farmer. Her second book A Year in the Life of the Yorkshire Shepherdess made it to number 2 in the bestsellers charts. Amanda has also appeared on Countrywise (ITV), The Dales (ITV) and Ben Fogle’s New Lives In The Wild (C5).

This is a joyful exhibition for the Christmas season by 3 Teesdale artists, Ann Whitfield, Jane Young and Jen Wyse.

Ann draws her inspiration from the wildness of the Northern landscape: hills and dales or the rocky foreshores of the North East coast: the wild places, ravaged by time and weather.

Jane’s art practice has evolved around colour and how it affects her emotions. She experiments with a variety of mediums and colour, as a vehicle in itself, is fundamental. Her walks by the river Tees are a never ending source of inspiration.

Working from her studio in beautiful Teesdale, Jen likes to draw on life’s experiences as she conveys her love of nature on canvas.

The gallery is usually closed Sunday and Monday.

by Simon Wood

Hansard; noun    |  The official report of all parliamentary debates.

See two-time Olivier Award winners, Lindsay Duncan (Birdman, About Time) and Alex Jennings (The Lady in the Van, The Queen), in this brand-new play by Simon Wood, broadcast live from the National Theatre in London.
It’s a summer’s morning in 1988 and Tory politician Robin Hesketh has returned home to the idyllic Cotswold house he shares with his wife of 30 years, Diana. But all is not as blissful as it seems. Diana has a stinking hangover, a fox is destroying the garden, and secrets are being dug up all over the place. As the day draws on, what starts as gentle ribbing and the familiar rhythms of marital scrapping quickly turns to blood-sport.
Don’t miss this witty and devastating portrait of the governing class, directed by Simon Godwin (NT Live: Antony & Cleopatra, Twelfth Night) and part of National Theatre Live’s 10th birthday season.

15 TBC
Running time: 180 minutes (TBC)

Blazin’ Fiddles are one of the world’s most prolific fiddle groups.
Celebrating their 21st year in 2019 – now with nine albums and many thousands of miles and behind them, yet a passion that burns brighter than ever – no other band has quite managed to capture the excitement, sensitivity and raw fire of Scottish music all at once.
With a ‘Blazers performance comes the unique opportunity to hear the regional expressions and diverse fiddle dialects from Scotland’s Highlands and islands, and the individual style from each music.
The four fiddle frontline of Inverness’ Bruce MacGregor, Shetlander Jenna Reid, Nairn’s Rua Macmillan and Orcadian Kristan Harvey are joined by guitar and piano from Anna Massie and Angus Lyon, where fiddles and bows ignite in a blend of ensemble and solo sets.
Whatever the hall – be it in a remote Highland village or London’s Royal Albert – this legendary, multi award-winning act never fails to set the hearts of their audiences alight.

We at The Witham are delighted to be welcoming the Blazin’ Fiddles back to Barnard Castle.

The Witham Hall Disco Is Back.. for the first time since 1988!

Let’s bring back the traditions of the 1980s with a soundtrack to match.  You can look forward to dancing to tracks such as Yazz – The only way up, Double Trouble and the rebel MC – Street tuff, Womack and Womack- Teardrops and Dexy’s – Come on Eileen.

Everyone welcome – even if you didn’t attend one of the original discos back in the day!

This is a fundraising event to support The Witham (long may it last and bring the disco back to new generations!)

With nights drawing in, bring a little light to a dark December evening and come to a talk, A Victorian history of the candle, at The Witham.
The talk is illuminated with practical demonstrations to show the structure of candle flames and is based on a series of six Christmas lectures given by Michael Faraday at the Royal Institution in London in 1860/1. Some of the famous Victorian scientist’s demonstrations are recreated and reveal the fascination of that everyday object, the candle. There will also be opportunities for the audience to examine lit candles close up and to try some of the simpler experiments.
The Victorians are noted for their enthusiasm for ‘natural philosophy’ – chemistry and physics in today’s terminology – and organisations such as the Mechanics’ Institute arranged lectures and talks that were very popular and attracted large audiences on many subjects. The Witham was built more than 170 years ago as a home for events such as these. Continuing that long and fine tradition, this talk will be held on Tuesday, 3rd December at 7pm.

BOOTLEG BLONDIE is the official Debbie Harry & Blondie tribute band.

As the only Blondie tribute to play the legendary CBGB in New York City and have actually toured the UK with one of Blondie’s founding members, legendary and celebrated drummer Clem Burke, to celebrate 40 years since the release of Blondie’s iconic album, Parallel Lines.

Debbie Harris and Bootleg Blondie have played major venues and festivals around the UK and Europe including the Isle of  Wight Festival, the 100 Club, the Hammersmith Palais, the Electric Ballroom London, and have opened for The Undertones, Slade, Hazel O’Connor, Bananarama, David Essex and Chas and Dave!

Debbie Harris, lead vocalist of Bootleg Blondie, has the looks, the voice and the attitude of the original Blondie bombshell and, like her heroine, is typically outrageous on stage. Debbie’s pride & joy is her guitar which she plays at every show and is signed by all the Blondie band members.
She performed on two shows for BBC1 when she was picked out of 15,000 applicants to represent Debbie Harry on ‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’ hosted by Paddy McGuinness which attracted an audience of 10 million viewers!

‘Good luck with your show!’ DEBBIE HARRY

Due to demand this is now a standing only event  |  Running time: approximate 2 hours.

Stephen Raine is an artist who is inspired to bring music to an all-encompassing audience. Born in Durham, Stephen began studying music at the age of 6.

He first played the Piano Accordion and performed frequently in concerts and festivals throughout his childhood. He began studying the piano after being inspired by hearing the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and includes Bach in many of his performances. Stephen graduated from the London College of Music in 2013 with a First Class Honours degree and a Licentiate of the London College of Music (LLCM) diploma in Piano Performance.

A classic returns to The Royal Ballet repertory with Ninette de Valois’ charming and funny Coppélia – a story of love, mischief and mechanical dolls. The intricate choreography is set to Delibes’ delightful score and shows off the technical precision and comedic timing of the whole Company. Osbert Lancaster’s designs bring a colourful storybook world to life in this Christmas treat for the whole family.

by Noël Coward

Matthew Warchus directs Andrew Scott (BBC’s Sherlock, Fleabag) in Noël Coward’s provocative comedy Present Laughter.
As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.
Captured live from The Old Vic in London, Present Laughter is a giddy and surprisingly modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness.

12A TBC
Running time: 180 minutes (TBC)

For 15 years Jim Moray has been at the forefront of a new movement in English traditional music. His debut album Sweet England changed the sound of folk song and won a brace of awards for its innovative melding of orchestration and electronica. Subsequent albums embraced everything from grime to Johnny Marr-esque guitar pop, but at their heart was always Jim’s unmistakeable soulful and yearning voice; singing old songs in a new way. His sixth album Upcetera heralds a new chapter for the producer and has received the best reviews of his career, including five stars from Mojo, fRoots and R2 magazines.

Join us for a feast of Christmas Music featuring the lively community choir, noaddedsugar with vocal ensemble Carilon and the ever-popular all-female group, Concordia.

Enjoy carol old and new and join in with some traditional favourites!

There is an option to book your mulled wine and mince pie in advance. Give yourself to a lovely Christmas treat.

Come and enjoy a wonderful Christmas experience at The Witham this festive season. 30 minute session.

Our Father Christmas sessions give the family the chance to only meet Father Christmas in his reindeer-pulled caravan but also enjoy a craft session where they can make a gift to takeaway.  Each session is 30 minutes and they are from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 14 or 21 December – please book your slot on the website (or at the box office)

2 pm - 3.30 pm, third Wednesday of the month (18 Sept, 16 Oct, 20 Nov, 18 Dec)

Everyone can sing – however much we might protest – meaning it is the most accessible form of music making. It can also play a vital role in improving our health, well-being and social life.

If you are 55+ come along to our monthly singing session led by local musician and singing teacher Jane Ford.
A relaxed, fun atmosphere is guaranteed. Absolutely no experience required.

The cost of these sessions is only £2 and we will supply a hot drink for participants. It is not necessary to pre-book this event. However, if you are planning on joining us, click through to confirm as this will help give us an idea of numbers.
3rd Wednesday of the month, 2 – 3.30pm, the Witham Room

The Real Story of A Christmas Carol
Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that.

Oh no he wasn’t! Bah! Dead? Humbug, Mr.Dickens! Dead? As sure as the clothes moths in my wardrobe have be-shredded my best nightcap, Marley was not dead but rather sitting on some sun-soaked, off-shore beach squandering all the hard-earned money that he had so fraudulently embezzled from my firm over the years! Dead? Bah!

You know nothing Mr.Dickens! YOU are a fraud sir – an embezzler of the truth! A fake news-smith! A charlatan… Charlatan Dickens! Bah!”

In this revelatory exclusive, Ebeneezer Scrooge opens his Diary to expose the awful truth about Tiny Tim, the Fezziwigs, Jacob Marley… and that disgustingly jolly, gluttonous, consumer-driven Ghost of Christmas Present… as he reveals the truth behind a Christmas Carol and the vengeful, slanderous, upstart author of that novel.

Why not ruin someone’s Christmas and buy them a ticket as an early Present!
Running time: 90 minutes plus interval

George Bailey has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all – and it’s Christmas! As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback. As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence – who then shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadn’t been for all his good deeds over the years.
“The kind of experience movies were invented for… James Stewart’s journey to despair and back warms the cockles like nothing else.“

Come and enjoy a wonderful Christmas experience at The Witham this festive season. 30 minute session.

Our Father Christmas sessions give the family the chance to only meet Father Christmas in his reindeer-pulled caravan but also enjoy a craft session where they can make a gift to takeaway.  Each session is 30 minutes and they are from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 14 or 21 December – please book your slot on the website (or at the box office)

42nd Street, the legendary Broadway musical theatre classic, is a ‘glorious’ (★★★★★ Express) and ‘utterly moreish extravaganza of glitz’ (★★★★★ Times). Telling the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her big break on Broadway, this is the largest ever staging of the Tony® Award-winning musical and it was filmed live at the magnificent Theatre Royal in the heart of London’s West End. Starring national treasure Bonnie Langford as Dorothy Brock and featuring iconic songs 42nd Street, We’re In The Money and Lullaby Of Broadway, this is pure musical magic on the big screen.
★★★★★ ‘Achingly beautiful revival of an American classic’   THE TELEGRAPH
★★★★   ‘Quality Street’   DAILY MAIL
(Cert TBC)   |   Running time: 142 minutes  (one interval)

André Rieu invites cinema audiences around the world to join in his birthday celebrations!
The Maestro is turning 70 and throwing a lavish birthday party at his castle in Maastricht – during the celebrations André will talk to cinema host Charlotte Hawkins about his life and music.

André Rieu 70 Years Young is his ultimate concert featuring musical highlights chosen by the maestro himself. This unique anniversary event will take you on an unbelievable journey around the world to André’s most amazing concerts such as Schönbrunn in Vienna, Radio City Music Hall in New York and the Royal Coronation Concert in Amsterdam.

Join the party screened to The Witham and bring your friends to kick off the New Year in style with the most wonderful music from the King of the Waltz.
Don’t miss out!

This production of The Sleeping Beauty has been delighting audiences in Covent Garden since 1946.

A classic of Russian ballet, it established The Royal Ballet both in its new home after World War II and as a world-class company. Sixty years later, in 2006, the original staging was revived, returning Oliver Messel’s wonderful designs and glittering costumes to the stage. Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score and Marius Petipa’s original choreography beautifully combine with sections created for The Royal Ballet by Frederick Ashton, Anthony Dowell and Christopher Wheeldon.

This ballet is sure to cast its spell over anyone who sees it.

The Royal Ballet
Music: Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky
Choreography: Marius Petipa
Conductor: Simon Hewett
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

Approx. running time: about 3 hours

In the quiet gloom of the old curiosity shop, Little Nell Trent waits for her ailing grandfather’s return. Each night he leaves her all alone, disappearing into a secret shadowy world of seedy gaming houses and sleazy gambling dens. Already deep in debt to the stunted, lecherous and demonic money-lender Daniel Quilp, Nell’s grandfather clings on to the hope that his luck must surely change? But it never does, and when his shop is seized, grandfather and Little Nell are forced to flee. On their journey they meet some of Dickens’s greatest comic and grotesque creations. But will they evade the lustful clutches of the loathsome Quilp?
Join us to find out…the chase is on!

Hailed as the UK’s most influential comedian of all time, legendary Scot Billy Connolly is coming to cinemas with this brilliant show from his final stand-up tour.

Recorded in 2015, during the Australian leg, this whip smart routine is a riotous journey filled with outrageous tales and blistering observations of everyday absurdities. Screening as a special one-night-only event, Connolly will also muse upon his career, life and legacy in a deeply personal interview filmed exclusively for cinema audiences.

Prior to retiring in 2016 following his diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease, Connolly toured worldwide continuously for 50 years, performing to an audience of over 10 million. The Sex Life of Bandages is a big screen tribute to an iconic funny-man whose sharp wit and anarchic storytelling is still as hilarious as ever.

★★★★ ‘Can he still hold an audience in his thrall – warm us, cheer us, tickle us? Abso – Billy – lutely!‘ The Telegraph

★★★★ ‘Beautifully funny‘ The Guardian
★★★★ ‘Connolly has still got his funny bones‘ The Evening Standard

(18 TBC) | Running time: 130 minutes

Blast away those January blues and celebrate Burns Night in style at The Witham with music, dancing, whisky and haggis! We’re marking the birthday of Robert Burns, the National Poet of Scotland, in style in 2020.  Live music and ceilidh is provided by the fabulous Angels of the North, and a haggis neeps & tatties supper washed down with a wee dram of whisky will keep you on your feet all night.
Kilt’s optional!

Puccini’s opera of young love in 19th-century Paris is packed with beautiful music, including lyrical arias, celebratory choruses for Act II’s evocation of Christmas Eve in the Latin Quarter and a poignant final scene over which the composer himself wept. Richard Jones’s character-led production perfectly captures La bohème’s mixture of comedy, romance and tragedy, with striking designs by Stewart Laing. The cast features some of the greatest interpreters of Puccini’s bohemian lovers performing today, as well as former members of The Royal Opera’s Jette Parker Young Artists Programme.

The Royal Opera
Music: Giacomo Puccini
Director: Richard Jones
Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
Starring: Sonya Yoncheva, Charles Castronovo, Andrzej Filończyk

(12A as live) | Approx. 2hrs 30mins

What if you were the only man on Earth able to remember the iconic music of The Beatles?
A collaboration up there with Lennon-McCartney, Yesterday is the brain child of director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting) and screenwriter Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually).

As full of soul and heart as any of the Liverpool lads best tracks, this is an hilarious story of finding your own voice. Jack’s (Himesh Patel) career as a singer-songwriter is not going well. His friend Ellie (Lily James) thinks he’s got talent, but no one else agrees. But after a mysterious blackout, it turns out he’s the only one who can recall the Fab Four’s back catalogue. With the iconic songs in his arsenal, he becomes world famous, but at what cost?

Running time: 113 mins

“What’s it like being the best guitar player in the world…?” Martin’s modesty and grace prevented him from answering this BBC Radio 4 interviewer’s question recently, but the facts speak for themselves.

The remarkable intimate solo performances Martin gives go from strength to strength – every gig is a masterclass. He travels the length and breadth of the UK and beyond, giving rapt audiences passion, sorrow, love, beauty, tragedy and majesty through his playing.

40 years after he recorded his first album, Golden Vanity, in 1976, Martin is known as a guitarist of formidable talent. Equally at home playing English traditional folk, American folk and blues and his own compositions, he is consistently named as one of the very finest fingerstyle guitar players in the world.

He is listed in Gibson Guitars’ Top 30 Acoustic Guitarists of all time, and Acoustic Guitar readers voted him number 12 guitarist in the world in 2005.

Universally acclaimed as one of the finest ever acoustic and slide guitar players, and a fine banjo-picker to boot, his solo shows bear witness to an artist at the very top of his game. Whether interpreting material from tradition or singing his own potent self-penned songs, Simpson is a remarkable storyteller: captivating and profoundly moving. His own songwriting produced the poignant ‘Never Any Good’, from Prodigal Son, 2007’s Folk Album of the Year.

Martin continues to collaborate with a dazzling array of people from across the musical spectrum: Jackson Browne, Martin Taylor, June Tabor, Richard Hawley, Bonnie Raitt, Danny Thompson, David Hidalgo, Danú, Richard Thompson and Dom Flemons are among the great musicians he has worked with.

He was also nominated ‘Musician of the Year’ – BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2018

“Martin Simpson has transcended borders and oceans to quietly become a superb storyteller and musician of great depth and unquestionable taste.” Stephen Fearing