'The Hired Man' is touching souls at Hull Truck
Thu 30th May 2019
Based on the stirring novel by Melvyn Bragg first published in 1969, The Hired Man is as relevant today as it was when it premiered in 1984: its universal appeal draws the audiences in again and again.
The musical revolves around the passionate story of John and Emily Tallentire, exploring relatable themes such as love, loss, and grief. Set in Cumbria during the First World War, the play paints a moving portrait of rural and industrial working life in the first quarter of the twentieth century and shows the devastating effect that the war had on working-class communities.
The Hired Man is a rollercoaster of emotions that pays a touching tribute to the British choral tradition with a superb score of rousing foot stomping rhythms and soaring choruses by the award-winning composer Howard Goodall (Bend It Like Beckham, Love Story).
The Hired Man opened at Hull Truck Theatre to a full house last week, on Thursday 23 May. The performance ended in a standing ovation and several audience members were moved to tears. Some of the audience feedback was:
“I think it should go to the West End, it’s wonderful”
“I thought the show was fantastic”
“The music, the characters…amazing, it’s really great”
“It was really good; I’d recommend it to anybody”
The Hired Man has received three nominations in the Off West End Theatre Awards. Assessors from The Offies have nominated Lauryn Redding for Best Female Performance in a Musical, Samuel Martin for Best Male Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical and jointly nominated Ben Goddard and Tom Self for Best Musical Director.
Co-produced by Hull Truck Theatre and Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, in association with Oldham Coliseum Theatre, The Hired Man is playing at Hull Truck Theatre until Saturday 15 June. The production will afterwards transfer to Oldham Coliseum Theatre, where it will run between 20 June and 6 July.
To book tickets for The Hired Man click here or call the Box Office on 01482 323638.
