Garry Burnett and Rupert Creed's hit show about Mick Ronson returns to Hull

Thu 11th April 2019
Garry Burnett Courtesy Tracey

Turn and Face the Strange returns to Hull Truck Theatre! The hit show will run in the main auditorium, the Heron, between Thursday 25 April and Saturday 4 May.

Turn and Face the Strange tells the story of Hull born Mick Ronson, who played alongside David Bowie as one of the Spiders from Mars, and became a world-famous musician, arranger and album producer.

The powerful multi-media show was originally commissioned as part of Hull’s City of Culture year playing to sell-out audiences at the Freedom Centre in August 2017, followed by a further sell-out run at Hull Truck Theatre in February 2018.In August a specially adapted version of the cult show opened the new Spiders from Mars stage at the annual Humber Street Sesh Festival wowing an audience of thousands.

Written by Garry Burnett and ‘Made in Hull’ writer Rupert Creed, Turn and Face the Strange will showcase a vivid stage design by Ed Ullyart, powerful film content by Anna Bean, and stunning lighting by Jason Addison. The production will feature a string quartet of classically trained young musicians and a stellar line-up of rock musicians who played with Mick Ronson and David Bowie, including Keith ‘Ched’ Cheesman (The Rats), John Cambridge (The Rats & The Hype), John Bentley (Squeeze), Kristian Eastwood, Bobby Joyce, Rachael Jarvis & Phil Keech.

Rupert Creed says: “Turn and Face the Strange features a powerful rock band alongside a classical ensemble offering a stunning sound and visual experience mixed with personal stories of Mick’s life and music career.”

Garry Burnett says: “The remarkable story of one of Hull’s most brilliant and influential artists, supported by an extraordinary team of musicians never fails to affect those who experience it.”

The show has built a strong partnership with Hull College giving students a great opportunity to get involved in the production and learn valuable skills. Students of Fine Art, Fashion & Design, Dance, Music & Digital Media are providing new film content and dance routines for the show and are helping curate the accompanying exhibition in the theatre foyer.

Lucy Francis, Director of Faculty in Arts and Creative Industries at Hull College, says: “The collaboration with Turn and Face the Strange is a fantastic opportunity for all students involved to apply their knowledge and skills and gain experience that will prepare them for work. The support provided by the production team to the students has been first-class and we’re honoured to be involved with telling the story of one of Hull’s most inspiring and influential individuals.”

The show has also attracted sponsorship from local businesses including the Kexgill Group and Hilton Doubletree Hotel.

To book tickets for Turn and Face the Strange click here or call the Box Office on 01482 323638. 

Just Beverley