New show celebrates rich industrial heritage

A new stage show celebrating the region’s rich industrial heritage is being brought to life by a wealth of local talent
By Ross Robertson
Published 7th Jun 2021, 00:01 BST
Twenty Seven Productions’ ‘Steel and Iron’ will be hitting Middlesbrough Town Hall from August 13 to 15Twenty Seven Productions’ ‘Steel and Iron’ will be hitting Middlesbrough Town Hall from August 13 to 15
Twenty Seven Productions’ ‘Steel and Iron’ will be hitting Middlesbrough Town Hall from August 13 to 15

Twenty Seven Productions’ ‘Steel and Iron’ will be hitting Middlesbrough Town Hall from August 13 to 15, coronavirus restrictions permitting, with tickets set to go on sale on Monday, June 14, via the Town Hall’s box office website.

To mark the announcement, a new music video has been released for one of the show’s songs, titled ‘Industry’. It was written by the show’s composer, top-ten charting Middlesbrough singer-songwriter Alistair Griffin, and Cattle and Cane, AKA brother and sister duo Joe and Helen Hammill. Paul Smith from Maximo Park has also contributed to the show.

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Based on a concept by Middlesbrough-born producer Katie Gibson and written by John Hoggarth, ‘Steel and Iron’ follows a motley crew of people all from different backgrounds but united by Middlesbrough, and asks: “What happens to a place that is defined by its heritage and industry, when those are taken away from it?”.

Teesside International Airport is the headline sponsor for the show, with Alistair also recording a song specially for the airport. Coronavirus restrictions permitting, a preview will take place at the airport on August 5 for an invited, intimate audience.

This week, in the run-up to the tickets going on general sale, the cast of the show will be announced and some exciting competitions will be launched via the production company’s Twitter handle @twentysevenprod - so watch this space for more news.

Director Jake Smith said: “This is a wonderful story, full of heart and forged in Teesside steel, with some of the most beautiful and anthemic songs I’ve heard for the stage. It’s definitely not to be missed.”

Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside Airport, said: “Teesside International is celebrating its 80th birthday this year. Like our airport, steel and ironmaking in the region has a long and proud history, and that’s why our partnership with this fantastic show is such a good fit.

“I can’t wait to welcome people through our doors for the preview so they can celebrate our heritage thanks to Katie and Twenty Seven Productions, and also welcome a part of our future with our multimillion-pound terminal redevelopment and new summer routes taking off now.”

To buy tickets when they go on sale, visit www.middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk