Cultural events in Hull this May

 As we make our way into summer, Hull is still the best place to be when it comes to unbeatable entertainment. We've rounded up our top five things to do in the city this month.

Rumpelstiltskin

After the success of Snow White in 2016, balletLORENT‘s award-winning team is returning to Hull with an original adaptation of the beloved tale Rumpelstiltskin, directed by Liv Lorent and retold by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

This is the classic tale of an outsider shunned for being different. A story of love, obsession, grief and reconciliation, in a show made as much for adults as it is for children.

Rumpelstiltskin runs at Hull New Theatre from Thursday 10 to Friday 11 May.

Grow Festival

Grow is Hull Truck Theatre's annual artist development programme for artists of any age and at any stage of their career. This year's Grow Festival builds on the confidence we've gained since 2017, and challenges artists to keep on keeping on.

With a variety of events, from a masterclass by live artist Bryony Kimmings, to performances of pieces still in their early stages of development from Hull's hotbed of creative talent, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Grow runs from Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 May. Tickets for events range from free to £10, with a Festival Pass available for £40.

Clangers, Bagpuss & Co.

Since the 1950s, Oliver Postgate’s voice and Peter Firmin’s puppets have shaped the childhood memories of millions. As well as telling the story of Bagpuss and The Clangers, this new exhibition goes behind the scenes of their other creations, such as Pogles Wood, Noggin the Nog and Ivor the Engine.

Discover original puppets, sets and filming equipment, see how characters developed and learn how Oliver and Peter created their stop-frame animation techniques, all alongside a selection of toys and puppets from Hull Museum’s permanent collection.

The Clangers, Bagpuss & Co. exhibition opens at Ferens Art Gallery on Saturday 12 May and will remain until the end of July.

Moscow State Circus

Hull will play host to one of the most incredible displays in existence when the Moscow State Circus comes to town.

The world’s most famous circus will bring its latest production, GOSTINITSA, a show that promises to be a spectacle and include plenty of edge-of-your-seat thrills for the whole family.

GOSTINITSA takes place in West Park from Thursday 17 to Saturday 20 May. Details on how to book tickets can be found on their website.  

Back to Ours

Following February’s festival – the most popular yet – Back To Ours is marching into spring 2018 with a new look and an action-packed line-up, dedicated to keeping the whole family entertained over the summer half-term.

The fifth festival is packed full of shows that you’ll love, as it brings the best local and national talent right to your doorstep. From aerial extravaganzas to incredible stories transporting you to Kenya, you can expect even more magical moments and laughs for the whole family.

Back To Ours screenings take place at a variety of venues across the city from 29 May to 3 June. A full list of all venues and e