Arts & Culture

The purpose built theatre complex cost £15 million to build and features an auditorium and studio space seating a total of 574 people, nearly double the capacity of the former Spring Street venue.

Designed by architect firm Wright & Wright and theatre consultants Anne Minors, the new venue boasts state of the art lighting and sound, larger seat size, a rehearsal room for actors and education space.

Opening on Bard’s birthday, the Truck launches with a new production by John Godber called Funny Turns on Thursday 23rd April.

Since 1983, the company was based in a cramped converted church hall on Spring Street. The size of the former venue gave audiences the unique intimate atmosphere that was lacked by many established theatre spaces in the UK.

It is hoped the complex will bring in new audiences as well as delighting old fans.

John Godber

“You won’t know whether you’ve captured the old spirit until you’ve got a play on in this space, playing to 440 people.” said John Godber, artistic director of Hull Truck.

“Somebody said to me years and years ago, in 1984, that Hull Truck were the Mill Wall of theatre. I’m not sure that’s quite the case now but we have a very robust space here. You can bring people through and through and it will stand up. And for me it’s an exciting space to be in.

“The football’s done a phenomenal amount for Hull. I think what this building will do for the arts in the region will be the same kind of uplift. I think the future for the company is very, very exciting.”

This year the playwright, John Godber, is celebrating his 25th anniversary with the theatre company: