This February we’re exploring how our talented students weave global themes into productions and concerts here at Durham.
In 2023, we celebrated our first ever Durham Global Week to recognise the contribution of our international students and staff to the culture and life of the University and the wider region. The week brought together a dynamic fusion of events and cultures, including panel discussions, workshops, language taster sessions, world music and dance, international movie screenings, a multilingual pub quiz and student takeovers of campus cafés.
This year’s celebrations are set to be no less impressive and as we get into the swing of all things global, we’re highlighting the range of globally inspired performances put on by our students taking place in February. So if you’re not planning to travel around the world next month but still have a yearning to taste international cultures, come along to one of our student music or theatre shows here in Durham.
Join our largest theatre company, Durham University Light Opera Group (DULOG), as they launch into a showstopping performance of the musical ‘Anything Goes’ at the Gala Theatre from Tuesday 30 January – Saturday 3 February. DULOG’s exceptionally high standards are sure to wow audiences, and ‘Anything Goes’ offers a light-hearted, and sometimes downright farcical, show with music by renowned American composer Cole Porter. A glamorous cruise ship provides the setting for tales of forbidden love, dazzling dance routines, famous songs (including ‘It’s De-Lovely’ and ‘I Get a Kick Out of You’)…and a crew of tap-dancing sailors.
For an inside perspective of ‘Anything Goes’ rehearsals, check out this two-part blog (part 1 | part 2) written by some of our first year students taking part in their first large-scale theatrical production at Durham.
From an American Golden Age classic to a more modern musical, ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ invites audiences into the uproarious world of a US regional spelling competition. The narrative follows six teenage contestants, each with their quirks and dreams, exploring the challenges of adolescence, the pursuit of happiness and the universal desire to belong. A catchy musical score is combined with inviting audience members to take to the stage as spellers! This musical is brought to you by student-led Tone Deaf Theatre Company at the Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre from Thursday 22 – Saturday 24 February.
Returning to the bright lights of the Gala Theatre, don’t miss your chance to see reigning national a cappella champions, Northern Lights, supported by further a cappella groups Footnotes, Durham Dynamics and Full Score. On Tuesday 6 February, ‘Durham Vocal Festival: A Cappella at Gala Durham’ promises pitch perfect performances from these accomplished student ensembles. An eclectic mix of barbershop, classical, and pop music rub shoulders in this evening of vocal brilliance.
Finally, join us in wishing ‘good luck’ to Northern Lights, as they start their International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) journey, to defend their UK title. Last year saw the award-winning group travel to New York to participate in the international finals. The UK ICCA quarter-finals take place in Church Hill Theatre, Edinburgh on 17 February.
Nicola Candlish, Senior Manager of Performing Arts commented: “We are so proud of all of the students within our performing arts societies. Not only do they juggle significant academic study schedules with the demands of theatrical or musical productions, but they also strive to attain high standards. Their passion and enthusiasm for their craft is infectious, whether behind-the-scenes or on stage. We are very excited to welcome you to their performances!”
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