- Play Hard
- 15th May 2026
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Darlington Hippodrome’s show-stopping summer line-up with pre-theatre dining spots
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Looking for a summer night out with a little more standing ovation and a little less scrolling?
Darlington Hippodrome has a packed summer programme, spotlighting everything from West End musicals and dazzling dance to family favourites, laugh-out-loud comedy and tribute acts guaranteed to have you singing all the way home.
A true cultural gem in the heart of town, Darlington Hippodrome has been entertaining audiences for more than a century – and this summer’s line-up proves it’s still got star power in spades. Whether you’re planning date night, a family day out, a catch-up with friends or fancy swapping Netflix for a night at the theatre, something is waiting in the wings.
And because every great show deserves an equally good dinner beforehand, we’ve also rounded up some of the best restaurants in Darlington for pre-theatre dining, whether you fancy quick tapas, indulgent steak, or a Thai feast just steps from the stage.
TRIBUTE ACTS
Man in the Mirror
Wednesday 22nd July
With the new Michael Jackson film bringing MJ fans out of the woodwork, now’s your chance to relive the magic live. Expect iconic moves, glittering costumes and enough moonwalking to leave you speechless.
Radio Ga Ga
Sunday 12th July
Calling all Queen fans, this electrifying tribute promises stadium-worthy anthems, powerhouse vocals and the kind of energy Freddie himself would approve of.
Queen of the Night: A Tribute to Whitney Houston
Wednesday 9th September
Prepare to dance with somebody. A powerhouse celebration of Whitney’s greatest hits, soaring vocals and all the nostalgia.
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
Tuesday 7th July
Dreams of a brilliant night out? This acclaimed tribute brings Fleetwood Mac’s timeless classics back to life in spellbinding style.
The Drifters
Thursday 18th June
Soulful harmonies, iconic hits and pure feel-good nostalgia from one of music’s most legendary vocal groups.
Celine: My Heart Will Go On
Wednesday 2nd September
Near, far, wherever you are… if your ideal night out involves power ballads and dramatic key changes, this one’s your ticket.
MUSICALS & WEST END MAGIC
Sing The Musicals
Friday 12th June
Warm up those vocal cords, this high-energy spectacular packs in beloved hits from the biggest musicals around.
9 to 5: The Musical
Tuesday 4th – Saturday 8th August
Workin’ 9 to 5 never looked this fun. Dolly Parton’s smash-hit musical serves sass, big laughs and seriously catchy songs.
Heathers: The Musical
Tuesday 22nd – Saturday 26th September
Darkly funny, brilliantly bold and packed with cult-favourite songs, this one’s for musical lovers who like their theatre with bite.
DANCE PERFORMANCES
Ballet Central
Saturday 13th June
A stunning showcase of fresh dance talent, combining breathtaking technique with contemporary creativity.
Burn The Floor presents Nikita Kuzmin: Supernova
Wednesday 17th June
Strictly fans, consider this your cue. Expect sequins, sizzling routines and enough Latin heat to raise the theatre temperature.
Rhythm of the Dance
Thursday 30th July
Fast feet, traditional Irish music and infectious energy make this an uplifting crowd-pleaser.
DRAMA & GRIPPING PERFORMANCES
Boiler Room Six: A Titanic Story
Saturday 13th June
A gripping and emotional retelling of Titanic through the eyes of the engineers who stayed behind.
The Importance of Being Oscar
Tuesday 14th – Thursday 16th July
A witty and charming celebration of Oscar Wilde’s extraordinary life and words.
COMEDY, CHAOS & QUIRKY NIGHTS OUT
Primary School Bangers with James B Partridge
Saturday 19th September
If assembly classics still live rent-free in your brain, this hilariously nostalgic singalong is pure chaotic joy.
Chuckl. Darlington with headliner Russell Kane
Saturday 25th July
Big laughs guaranteed with a top comedy line-up and the brilliantly energetic Russell Kane leading the charge.
Psychic Sally
Monday 7th September
Messages from beyond? Psychic Sally returns with her trademark blend of humour, warmth and unexpected moments.
The Last Laugh
Tuesday 18th – Saturday 22nd August
Sharp, witty and packed with theatrical flair, exactly what the title promises.
The Wizard of Oz Adult Panto
Saturday 20th June
Not strictly summer, but absolutely worth the mention. Expect outrageous costumes, cheeky humour and gloriously over-the-top fun.
FOR THE LITTLE ONES
In The Night Garden Live
Saturday 27th – Sunday 28th June
A magical first theatre trip with Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and friends bringing the beloved TV favourite to life.
The Cat in the Hat
3rd – 5th July
Mischief, mayhem and plenty of laughs in this playful adaptation of the Dr Seuss favourite.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
17th – 18th July
A teatime treat packed with songs, storytelling and family-friendly fun.
DARLINGTON RESTAURANTS FOR PRE-SHOW DINING
Banrai Thai
Walking distance: 1 minute (directly opposite the theatre)
Classic Thai cuisine packed with bold flavours, from Pad Thai and rich curries to chilli and lime seabass, served in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere right opposite the Hippodrome.
Meze
Walking distance: 1 minute
Vibrant Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Think mixed meze platters, chicken shish and Iskender, served in a cosy, welcoming setting just steps from the theatre.
Taipan Asia
Walking distance: 5 minutes
An Asian fusion favourite bringing together sushi, fragrant curries, sizzling stir-fries and craft cocktails in a stylish lounge setting, perfect for a relaxed pre-show feast.
The Loft Steakhouse & Grill
Walking distance: 5 minutes
Darlington’s premium steakhouse serving prime cuts, surf & turf, fresh fish and crafted cocktails in an elegant, modern setting, ideal for a special pre-show dinner.
Saltfish
Walking distance: 8 minutes
A stylish seafood restaurant and wine bar within Houndgate Townhouse Hotel, pairing fresh seafood dishes with organic and natural wines from artisan winemakers.
Pre-theatre set menu available Mon–Sat 5–7pm: two courses £25 / three courses £30.
The Pennyweight
Walking distance: 6 minutes
Hearty British pub classics, pies, parmos and battered fish and chips, served in a casual, friendly atmosphere that’s great for a relaxed pre-show meal with friends.
Cherry Tree Kitchen & Bar
Walking distance: 10 minutes
Stylish European-style tapas and small plates, chorizo mac and cheese, calamari, herb meatballs, paired with craft cocktails in a lively spot that buzzes into the evening.
Babul’s
Walking distance: 10 minutes
Bold South Asian and Bangladeshi cuisine with a modern twist, rich curries, tandoori grills, street-food bites and hand-crafted cocktails in a fun, flavour-packed atmosphere.
Tapas Bar
Walking distance: 10 minutes
Spanish tapas and Mediterranean small plates, patatas bravas, gambas pil pil, padron peppers, perfect for grazing over cocktails and good conversation before the show.
Picco Pizzeria
Walking distance: 11 minutes
A charming Italian spot specialising in stonebaked pizzas, from classic Margherita to the Picco Special piled with prosciutto and rocket, great for a casual pre-show bite.
Feel inspired to plan a day out in Darlington? Enjoy Darlington has got you covered.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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