Curated Culture 11.02.25
Our weekly recommendations round up from North East stages and cultural venues
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Curated Culture - a Tuesday treat for your inbox loaded up with top drawer suggestions from the region’s cultural stages and venues.
Regular readers can skip the bullet points… but for any newcomers, this is the newsletter which offers:
At least a double handful of featured listings of things we think are well worth your time over the next fortnight;
A list of things from previous Curated Culture mailouts which are STILL SHOWING; and
The NOW BOOKING section, which looks through time-travelling binoculars to put a spotlight on stuff further into the future which you might want to get inked in sooner rather than later.
This is also the place to get amongst the weekly newsletter prizedraw - which gives Cultured. North East subscribers an exclusive chance to win tickets to something great.
This week, we’ve got a pair of tickets to see Danusia Samal’s acclaimed gig theatre show Bangers, which is at Live Theatre Newcastle from March 11-13.
All the details and information on how to get your name in the hat can be found at the end of this mailout. There’s no rush to get there though… take some time to take a slow scroll through everything else first.
See you soon and thanks as ever for all your support.
Sam and Dave*
*Like Chas and Dave but with less hair and better accents
PS: If you haven’t liked/followed/high fived us on our socials, you can rectify that on Facebook, Instagram and Blue Sky
GIG: Jazz Sabbath
Where: The Glasshouse (Sage Two), Gateshead
When: Friday, February 14, 8pm
Bookings and info: theglasshouseicm.org
Can you imagine the songs of Black Sabbath, revered British rockers, delivered in a jazz format?
That’s the offer here from a trio that has built up a following with a solid jazz sound and a tongue-in-cheek back story that insists they were at the forefront of the new UK jazz movement of the 1960s.
In a YouTube ‘mockumentary’ in 2020, Adam Wakeman, interviewed as one Milton Keanes, explains how their early songs were stolen by the band that became Black Sabbath.
More plausible is the story that one night in 2013 Wakeman (son of Rick and Black Sabbath keyboard player since 2004) played the Black Sabbath set at the piano in a Berlin bar at the request of the security guard and rather enjoyed the experience.
A Jazz Sabbath album was duly released in 2020 with numbers including Fairies Wear Boots, Evil Woman and Rat Salad – performed by Keanes (Wakeman) on piano, Jacque T’fono (Jerry Meehan) on upright bass and Juan Také (Ash Soan) on drums.
A second album followed in 2022… and now here they are performing live.
THEATRE: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Where: Newcastle Theatre Royal
When: February 25-March 1
Bookings and info: theatreroyal.co.uk
The literary world’s most famous wardrobe will be opening its doors on Tyneside later this month as the hit West End production of C S Lewis’ classic story comes to the Theatre Royal.
Celebrating the 75th anniversary the first book which introduced readers to the wonders of Narnia, audiences can join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they find their way through all manner of challenges and adventures. And Turkish delight.
DANCE/MUSIC: Tap Factory
Where: The Fire Station, Sunderland
When: February
Bookings and info: thefirestation.org.uk
A tour celebrating 10 years of the Tap Factory is coming to Sunderland later this month.
Eight performers delivering an exhilarating blend of dance, acrobatics, music, and comedy is what should be expected from this show which promises to appeal to all ages.
Your feet should prepare to tap and your hands should get ready to clap. A lot.
CINEMA: Berwick test screenings
Where: Berwick Barracks (TD15 1DF)
When: From February 14
Bookings and info: maltingsberwick.co.uk
Evidence of seismic cultural stirrings in Berwick comes with the first test screenings at Maltings Cinema at Berwick Barracks which is subject to ambitious plans.
Starting on Valentine’s Day, February 14, and running until February 27 (excluding Feb 17) is Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (cert. 15) while for younger cinema goers during half-term (Feb 22-27) will be Dog Man (cert. U), DreamWorks Animation’s canine crime phenomenon.
Ros Lamont, chief executive of The Maltings (Berwick) Trust, said: “This is a big step forward for us and our development plans.
“Maltings Cinema at Berwick Barracks is an all-important new venue for Berwick providing a comfortable and intimate 96-seater cinema space situated in the transformed Mob Store at Berwick Barracks.
“These February screenings will provide our team with a valuable opportunity to test the venue and develop customer services and facilities while gathering valuable feedback that will ensure the cinema is ready for its official opening in the summer of 2025.”
The Mob Store, incidentally, dates from the early 20th Century and was originally used to store military equipment.
Read more: Sunday For Sammy celebrates silver anniversary with big show announcement
COMEDY: Chloe Petts - How You See Me, How You Don’t
Where: The Stand, Newcastle
When: February 16
Bookings and info: thestand.co.uk
Chloe Petts is back with a new hour following a double helping of critically acclaimed outings.
Equipped with a Head Girl badge, the comic who you’ll recognise from Have I Got News For You, Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda; Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club; and Richard Osman’s House of Games is promising to get personal with tails of trolls, school bullies and a special bond with her food tech teacher.
Read more: Review - Top Girls, People’s Theatre, Newcastle
CLASSICAL: Fauré Requiem & Rutter Magnificat
Where: Newcastle Civic Centre
When: February 22, 7.30pm
Bookings and info: newcastlechoralsociety.org.uk
The music alone is guaranteed to stir emotions but there will be an extra frisson to this concert in the banqueting suite as Mark Anyan picks up the baton for the last time after 18 years as musical director of Newcastle Choral Society.
He is to be succeeded in March by Tim Cranfield who will be only the fourth musical director of the Society, following in the footsteps of John Healy (its founder in 1954), Len Young (from 1976) and then Mark from 2007.
Joining the choir will be Orchestra North East and soloists Elizabeth Woods (soprano) and Ben Noble (baritone).
The Society presents these two pieces with almost a century between them, Fauré’s Requiem from the late 19th Century and Rutter’s Magnificat from 1990, as contrasting sacred works but with things in common.
For all that the early work is characterised by calm serenity, the composer viewing death as a pleasant release, while the latter is often stirring and lively, both were inspired by a sacred Latin text and each has a transcendent quality.
And as if to emphasise the popularity of Fauré’s Requiem, it sometimes comes along like buses.
As readers of last week’s newsletter will remember, Royal Northern Sinfonia make it the highlight of their Fauré programme at The Glasshouse on Sunday (Feb 16) with conductor Sofi Jeannin and the RNS Chorus and an introduction by Alexander Armstrong.
CONCERT: Nerina Pallot
Where: Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle
When: March 21, 22, 7.30pm
Bookings and info: thebowesmuseum.org.uk
The Jersey-born singer is first up in a new series of intimate concerts in the Jubilee Room at the Bowes Museum.
Nominated in the past for BRIT and Ivor Novello awards, and also for the Mercury Prize, Pallot comes to Barnard Castle fresh from performances in Edinburgh and Manchester. In April last year she was on stage at the London Palladium.
With audiences of just 80, the two concerts in the museum should be memorable affairs with the singer likely to draw on recent album A Psalm for Emily Salvi and her successful second, Fires, from 2005.
“As an artist, there’s something really special about performing in a setting that enhances the experience for both me and my audiences, and I just know the Bowes Museum is going to provide one of those really memorable occasions,” said Pallot.
“A concert in the historic heart of this place, surrounded by such creativity and intimacy, is a treat for me and not something I get to do regularly.”
Income from the concerts will go towards the upkeep of the museum.
Read more: Why playing Del Boy is lovely jubbly
DANCE: Pitman
Where: Newbiggin Maritime Centre; Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle; The Maltings, Berwick
When: February 19, 20 and 21 respectively
Bookings and info: eliotsmithdance.com
Eliot Smith Dance has reignited the sell-out success of its 2016 production, to mark the 90th anniversary of the Ashington Group - also known as the Pitmen Painters.
PERFORMANCE: PerHaps Now
Where: Newcastle Contemporary Art, 4th Floor, 31-39 High Bridge
When: Friday, February 14, 7pm
Bookings and info: visitnca.com
If you’re looking for something quirky and different for Valentine’s Day, this could be it - a site-specific presentation called CLEAN UP, enhanced suction developed by performance art troupe PerHaps Now during their current residency at Newcastle Contemporary Art (NCA).
The PerHaps Now troupe, who first performed in public in 2023, have become known for their innovative use of unconventional props, intense physicality, absurd humour and clever wordplay.
This second performance follows their January offering which went by the name flick, flick, flick, sliiide, pick-up pick-up.
Expect an unforgettable evening of experimental solo and group performance art, say the people at High Bridge CIC which runs NCA (formerly known as Baltic 39 and before that as Waygood).
Read more: Tyneside’s ‘unstoppable’ motivator now in print
MUSIC: B12 Awareness All-Dayer
Where: NE Volume Music Bar, Stockton
When: February 15, 2pm ‘til late
Bookings and info: nevolumebar.co.uk
An all-day banging fundraising effort takes place in Stockton this weekend for a cause particularly close to the heart of NE Volume Bar owner, Lee Allcock.
A line-up including Marrick, Chieftain, Shde, Memoria and Brass Eyed Dragons will take to the stage to in aid of The B12 Society - a charity dedicated to raising awareness and offering crucial guidance to medical professionals about B12 deficiency.
Lee has been battling nerve damage related to a B12 deficiency for over a year.
“I want to share my story because B12 deficiency is something that’s not well-known, but it can have devastating consequences if not treated properly,” he says.
“Along the way, The B12 Society has been an incredible support, helping me navigate the complexities of this condition, offering guidance, and raising awareness about the flaws in the NHS’ approach to treatment.”
STILL SHOWING
Theatre: Only Fools and Horses the Musical, Newcastle Theatre Royal, until Feb 22
Theatre: Hadaway Harry, various North East venues, until Feb 22
Theatre: Here You Come Again, Sunderland Empire, Feb 11-15
Theatre: Champion, Live Theatre, Newcastle, Feb 13-Mar 8
Event: Day Fever, The Boiler Shop Newcastle, 3pm-8pm, Feb 15
Music: Lindisfarne, The Maltings, Berwick, Feb 15
Theatre: Top Girls, People’s Theatre Studio, Newcastle, until Feb 15
Classical: Faure’s Requiem, The Glasshouse, Gateshead, Feb 16
Event: MOBO Awards 2025, Utilita Arena, Newcastle, Feb 18
Music: Fairport Convention, Queen’s Hall, Hexham (Feb 14) and The Fire Station (Feb 19)Exhibition: Between Land and Sea, Hartlepool Art Gallery, until March 29
Exhibition: The Urbanites, VANE Gallery, Gateshead, until Mar 1
Theatre: Tiny Fragments of Beautiful Light, Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham (Feb 19); Hipp @ The Hullabaloo, Darlington (Feb 20) and Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle (Feb 21-22)
Theatre: Only Fools and Horses the Musical, Newcastle Theatre Royal, until Feb 22
Exhibition: The Skin We Live In, NGCA at the National Glass Centre, Sunderland, until March 2
Exhibition: Spellbound, The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, Northumberland, until April 6
Exhibition: Sustainable Clay, Hatton Gallery, Newcastle, until May 3. Read our review.
Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk, Beamish Museum, weekend performances until Feb 16
Exhibition: Sheila Fell - Cumberland on Canvas, Tullie House, Carlisle, until Mar 16, 2025 (coming to Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens after it closes
Exhibition: Framing Fashion, Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, until Mar 2, 2025
Exhibition: Romance to Realities: The Northern Landscapes and Shifting Identities, Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle, until April 26, 2025
Exhibition: Ted Holloway - A Bevin Boy Remembered, Mining Art Gallery, Bishop Auckland, until June 8, 2025
Exhibition: Magna Carta and the North, Durham Cathedral Museum, Jul 11 until Nov 2
NOW BOOKING
Comedy: Jason Cook’s Comedy Club, The Customs House, South Shields, Feb 28-Mar 1
Theatre: So Unfair, Gosforth Civic Theatre, Mar 1
Theatre: Rupture, various North East venues Mar 5-15
Comedy: Carl Hutchinson - Today Years Old, The Fire Station, Sunderland
Theatre: …blackbird hour, Live Theatre, Newcastle, Mar 18-20
Music: The Darkness, Newcastle 02 City Hall, Mar 21
Music: Peter Doherty - Anywhere in Albion, ARC Stockton
Classical: Royal Northern Sinfonia: Dvorak’s New World Symphony, Middlesbrough Town Hall, Apr 3
Event: Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds, Newcastle Utilita Arena, Apr 5
Music: Ocean Colour Scene with Kula Shaker, Newcastle 02 City Hall, May 4
Theatre: Blackbird in the Snow, Laurels Theatre, Whitley Bay, May 6-17
Music: David Ramirez, Gosforth Civic Theatre, May 8
Music: Martha Wainwright, The Fire Station, Sunderland, Jun 3
Comedy: Tim Minchin - Songs the World Will Never Hear, Newcastle 02 City Hall, June 24-25
Music: Graham Nash - More Evenings of Songs and Stories, Sage One, The Glasshouse, Oct 4
Comedy: Stewart Lee Vs the Man Wulf, Darlington Hippodrome (Sept 24), Gala
Music: Marti Pellow, Utilita Arena Newcastle, Oct 30
Theatre Durham (Sept 25), Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle (Nov 3 and 4)
Music: 007 in Concert, Sage One, The Glasshouse, Dec 30
2026
Comedy: Jason Cook Live 2026, Newcastle City Hall, Feb 13
Event: Sunday for Sammy 2026, Utilita Arena, Newcastle, Feb 15 (Tickets on sale, 10am, Friday)
COMPETITION
Welcome to our latest newsletter prizedraw, offering our subscribers an exclusive opportunity to win tickets to see or do something great.
This week, we’ve got a pair of tickets to see Danusia Samal’s acclaimed gig theatre show Bangers, which is at Live Theatre Newcastle from March 11-13.
Billed as ‘an exhilarating night of original music, lyrical storytelling, and pure UK garage vibes’ Bangers - which has enjoyed much-applauded runs in London and at the Edinburgh Fringe - takes a tuuuuuuneful look at how the bangers we grew up listening to shaped the people we have become.
Featuring original tracks inspired by early noughties and present day R&B and garage sounds, the show introduces us to two strangers who are struggling with their respective pasts while steaming towards the future.
HOW TO ENTER:
To be in with a chance of winning, simply email MePlease@culturednortheast.co.uk using the subject line: Banging by (12pm) on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
The winner, who will be selected at random, will be notified within 48 hours of the entry deadline.
Terms and conditions: Only subscribers to the Cultured. North East newsletter are eligible to enter the Newsletter Prize Draw competition. Prizes are as stated - subject to availability - and non-transferable. No cash alternatives will be offered. You must be over 18 years of age to enter. The Editor’s decision is final.