A few of our members from The Baker’s Wife company recently paid a visit to Jackson’s Bakery to get some bread-making tips ahead of the show’s run at Hull Truck Theatre.

With William Jackson Food Group being our main show sponsor for this production, we were thrilled to be invited to spend an afternoon with a long established, highly reputable local company.

Neal Edlin and Hannah Wilson, playing baker Aimable Castagnet and his wife Genevieve, went on a full tour of the bakery and even had a go at making their own bread. Our Chairman, John Drury, also accompanied them and captured some photos (displayed below) as a memento of the afternoon.

They also had a culinary history lesson from Jackson’s bakers Kevan and Katy, who taught them about the traditional bread making methods of the 1930s, the era in which is the show is set.

Neal said ‘We learnt such a lot, not only about the difference in bread making techniques over the last 100 years, but also about what an integral part of life a loaf of bread actually is! It’s really helped me to appreciate all the work a baker has to do in baking a perfect loaf!’

After spending time in the bakery Hannah commented ‘I now have so much respect for bakers – I couldn’t even roll a sausage shape out of dough! I’ve never seen so much bread in my life.’

All 3 of them had a fantastic afternoon at Jackson’s Bakery and we’re really grateful for the hospitality showed by Georgia and everyone else involved.

Victoria Kennedy, Marketing and Communications Manager at Jackson’s Bakery, added ‘We’re really pleased to have hosted Hessle Theatre Company and shared with them the bread-making knowledge and passion that we have here at Jackson’s.’

Don’t forget, tickets are now on sale !! Visit the Hull Truck website to book online!

Want to know a little bit of background on the characters in the show? Here’s a little background info from the characters themselves

Name: Hi, I’m Trekkie K Monster

What kind of person are you: Me a very private person, in fact me don’t leave me room much.  Me like to…use my computer.

So what’s your story:  Me have always had keen interest in “online films”…me like to have large bandwidth to help me downloading large Internet content.

What happens to you: Me go on a voyage of self discovery. Me discover outside world! Me also learn to be generous to others less fortunate.

Tell us about your relationships with others in the avenue: Well, Princeton is my nearest neighbour, he seems nice, me invite him for a movie night but he doesn’t seem interested, Lucy is me future wife, she doesn’t know it yet but we’re destined to make beautiful monster babies.

A personal message for anyone coming to the show: For anyone coming to the show, thank you, also me single, and wanting to get into the adult film industry, me casting coach is getting cold…

Anything else you’d like us to know: Me bored now!  Me need to check me Internet history!

Avenue Q is on at Hull Truck Theatre 12-16 July 2016. To book tickets call the Box Office on 01482 323638 or book online.

Want to know a little bit of background on the characters in the show? Here’s a little background info from the characters themselves

Name: Hey, we’re the Bad Idea Bears – Blake & Betty (brother & sister)

What kind of bears are you:
Blake: My sister and I LOVE people to have a good time. You only live once so have fun, right?
Betty: I am often  described as seemingly sweet and innocent. I am mischievous and cheeky, with an incredibly cute charm that’ll make anyone fall in love.

So what’s your story:
Blake: When we think people need some guidance on how to make themselves happy, we’ll appear in no time. Everybody is our friend! YAAAAAY!
Betty: I give good idea’s really, popping up into people’s imagination. They may feel down or lost in life so I like to lend a little helping paw.

What happens to you:
Blake: We spend the show encouraging fun and happy times from Princeton, Kate and the others, but I guess sooner or later, we’re going to have to settle down a bit.
Betty: I find scientology. Yeeeeeeeeey!!

Tell us about your relationships with others in the avenue:
Blake: My sister and I are inseparable, we’ve been through loads together. Because of how close we are, we nearly ALWAYS get our own way when telling people what they should do. Ehehehe!
Betty: My brother and I have an extremely close relationship. We don’t go anywhere without each other and are keen on being a team! We look out for each other, always working together to cheer people up by creating these good idea’s we have, although everyone else says they’re bad!

A personal message for anyone coming to the show:
Blake:  THE MORE THE MERRIER SO GET MORE PEOPLE TO COME WITH YOU. If it’s not sold out, our cuteness will fade away AND WE’LL CRY . . . . . Pleeeeeeaase?
Betty: You’re all in for a treat, especially because you’re going to see us bears! After all, we all know we’re the true stars of the show.

Avenue Q is on at Hull Truck Theatre 12-16 July 2016. To book tickets call the Box Office on 01482 323638 or book online.

Want to know a little bit of background on the characters in the show? Here’s a little background info from the characters themselves

Name: Hi, I’m Kate Monster

What kind of person are you: I’m kind of pretty and pretty damn smart. I like romance and Art. And my dream is to open and teach in my own school for monsters.

So what’s your story:  I am unlucky in love. I am very passionate about my job.

What happens to you: Well I meet this amazing guy, well who I think is amazing…although it doesn’t turn out well. I discover things about myself and others. I may or may not fulfil my life’s dream.

Tell us about your relationships with others in the avenue: Princeton is my love interest…God, he is handsome. We go on a journey together. We are both young and both have our own hopes and dreams. They just don’t always go hand in hand. Christmas Eve is a close friend of mine, although she isn’t always articulate, what she says is right. She always offers me advice and help when I need it…especially when it comes to guys.

A personal message for anyone coming to the show: I hope you enjoy Avenue Q. It has a mix of emotions that will have you falling in love with the characters.

Avenue Q is on at Hull Truck Theatre 12-16 July 2016. To book tickets call the Box Office on 01482 323638 or book online.

Want to know a little bit of background on the characters in the show? Here’s a little background info from the characters themselves

Name: Hi, I’m Lucy

What kind of person are you: I am a confident, sexy woman with a very high sex drive. I like to cause trouble and I don’t believe in monogamy.

So what’s your story: I have craved fame from an early age due to the neglect of my family and I have managed to star in a range of low budget adult films. I now work as a cabaret singer but often give the guests more than they’ve bargained for.

What happens to you: I seduce the naive, young Princeton causing problems between him and hopeless romantic Kate.

Tell us about your relationships with others in the avenue: I have a brief fling with Princeton but I dump him when he starts to get too clingy. I have a number of heated exchanges with Kate as we are fighting for the attention of the same guy (Princeton).

A personal message for anyone coming to the show: To all the gentlemen in the audience – I hope you enjoy my ‘set’

Avenue Q is on at Hull Truck Theatre 12-16 July 2016. To book tickets call the Box Office on 01482 323638 or book online.

Want to know a little bit of background on the characters in the show? Here’s a little background info from the characters themselves

Name: Hi, I’m Nicky

What kind of person are you: I’m a laid back guy, some might call me lazy and messy, but I like to think of it as a relaxed lifestyle.

So what’s your story: I’ve been best buddies with my roommate Rod for as long as I can remember. I’ve always struggled with holding down a job but luckily I have a tonne of friends that always have my back.

What happens to you: During the show I learn that sometimes you have to go through a tough situation before you really appreciate what you have.  I also learn that you should respect other peoples’ feelings a bit more.

Tell us about your relationships with others in the avenue: Rod’s been my best buddy ever since the day we met. Sometimes our friendship can get a little strained as he’s always so uptight, but we usually work our differences out. Me and Brian are buddies too! Like me, he struggles to hold down a job, which means we have more time to hang out. During the show we get to hang out a lot when I go and stay with him for a while!

A personal message for anyone coming to the show: You’re gonna love it

Avenue Q is on at Hull Truck Theatre 12-16 July 2016. To book tickets call the Box Office on 01482 323638 or book online.

Want to know a little bit of background on the characters in the show? Here’s a little background info from the characters themselves

Name: Hi, I’m Rod

What kind of person are you: I pride myself on being very punctual, neat, and organised. I enjoy reading classics novels. I try to be calm but if people get on my case, sometimes my ugly side can make an appearance.

So what’s your story: I’ve lived on Avenue Q for several years now, my neighbours and roommates have become a second family to me. I’m an investment banker who comes from a republican background.

What happens to you: I go through a journey of acceptance of who I am.

WTell us about your relationships with others in the avenue: Nicky has been my roommate from many years, we have our good days and bad days, recently he has really learnt to strike a nerve with me on a touchy subject.Christmas Eve, is a friend I can really open up to. Due to her being a therapist she always gives helpful advice.

A personal message for anyone coming to the show: I apologise in advance but I hope you can learn something about life from our show.

Anything you would like us to know: I apologise for Donald Trump.

Avenue Q is on at Hull Truck Theatre 12-16 July 2016. To book tickets call the Box Office on 01482 323638 or book online.

Want to know a little bit of background on the characters in the show? Here’s a little background info from the characters themselves

Name: Hi, I’m Mrs T

What kind of person are you: Years of teaching has made me a bit crabby, but resilient, I can recover from major surgery in about 3 hours.  I am fair and I like to give people opportunities.

So what’s your story: I’ve dedicated my life to being an educator, you don’t need to know anything about my personal life – the children may read this and then they won’t respect me.

What happens to you: I get heart replacement surgery and have my fears about employing monsters (they are notoriously lazy you know) realised when Kate Monster badly lets me down

A personal message for anyone coming to the show: I hope you learn something from the show – every day can be a school day

Avenue Q is on at Hull Truck Theatre 12-16 July 2016. To book tickets call the Box Office on 01482 323638 or book online.

Want to know a little bit of background on the characters in the show? Here’s a little background info from the characters themselves

Name: Hi, I’m Princeton.

What kind of person are you: I have a positive outlook on life, I try to keep my smile on from morning ’til night.

So what’s your story: I’ve just left college, university to the Brits, and I’m moving to New York to follow my dreams.

What happens to you: I basically f*** up, I don’t want to spoil it for you. Just stick with me until the end and try not to hate me!

A personal message for anyone coming to the show: I’m sorry, Mum!

Avenue Q is on at Hull Truck Theatre 12-16 July 2016. To book tickets call the Box Office on 01482 323638 or book online.