What’s on at Darlington Hippodrome this April

Theatregoers in Darlington are being promised everything from comic crime capers to family favourites and a technicolour musical classic as the Hippodrome unveils its April programme.

Running from Wednesday, April 1 to Saturday, April 4, Murder at Midnight opens the month with an old-school whodunnit set to keep audiences guessing right up to the final twist.

The thriller, which leans into classic drawing-room suspense, is expected to appeal to fans of Agatha Christie-style storytelling.

Mythos: Ragnarok (Image: Supplied)

There is a change of pace on Tuesday, April 7, when Mythos: Ragnarok brings Norse legends crashing onto the Darlington stage.

Blending physical theatre with larger-than-life characters, the one-night-only show reimagines the gods and monsters of old for a modern crowd.

Comedy fans will be able to see stand-up star Omid Djalili when his latest tour, Namaste, calls in at the Hippodrome on Wednesday, April 8.

Known for his energetic delivery and sharp observations, the comic’s new show is already attracting strong interest from audiences across the region.

West End Magic (Image: Supplied)

Music and magic take over the following nights.

On Thursday, April 9, The Shoop Shoop Show – The Cher Collection celebrates one of pop’s most recognisable voices with a run-through of hits and trademark costumes, while West End Magic arrives on Friday, April 10, promising an evening of illusions and family-friendly tricks.

Improvised comedy Murder, She Didn’t Write lands on Saturday, April 11, inviting the audience to help shape the clues as a cast of sleuths and suspects makes up a new mystery on the spot.

Murder She Didn’t Write (Image: Supplied)

The format has built a following on the touring circuit for its mix of quick-fire humour and unpredictable storytelling.

Families with younger children are being catered for on Sunday, April 12, when Fun For Little Ones – Live Tribute to “Ms Rachel” brings songs and interactive fun inspired by the online pre-school favourite.

The show is aimed at introducing some of the smallest theatregoers to the Hippodrome stage.

Later in the month, from Thursday, April 16 to Saturday, April 18, The Enormous Crocodile snaps its way into Darlington.

Based on the Roald Dahl tale, the production uses colourful staging and plenty of audience participation to retell the story of the hungry reptile with its “secret plans and clever tricks”.

The month closes with one of musical theatre’s best-known titles.

From Wednesday, April 22, the Hippodrome hosts Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which begins its Darlington run in April and continues into early May.

The show, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, follows Joseph and his coat of many colours in a production packed with familiar songs and large ensemble numbers.

Tickets for all April performances are available from the Darlington Hippodrome box office and via the theatre’s website, with some shows offering concessions and family tickets.

Audiences are being advised to book early for one-night dates and the Joseph run, where demand is expected to be high.