Curated Culture 19.11.24

Our weekly cultural pick ‘n’ mix featuring our what's on selection from venues and attractions across North East England

Nov 19, 2024

Hello and welcome to this week’s snow-dusted serving of recommendations from the North East’s stages and cultural venues.

This is the mailout which rounds up at least two handfuls of things which we think you might want to get in front of over the next couple of weeks.

It also doubles as a reminder of everything we’ve highlighted in previous Curated Culture newsletters, which is STILL SHOWING, as well as an excellent little helper for the forward planners among you, thanks to our NOW BOOKING spotlights.

Thanks for chipping in with your own recommendations - it’s always great to hear what you’re looking forward to!

Now we’ve crossed the November halfway mark, we’ve also broken the seal on our CHRISTMAS SHOWS party popper.

Over the next couple of weeks, we’re going to do our best to bring together a big and brimming stockingful of on-stage festive performance signposts… so this would be a good time to send us details of the ones you’d like to see included.

For this week’s newsletter prizedraw, which offers Cultured. North East subscribers an exclusive chance to win tickets to something great, we’ve got 4 x tickets for Skating at Life in Newcastle - the annual real ice arena in Newcastle city centre.

More information and details of how to enter can be found at the end… but make sure you take note of lots of stuff between here and there.

Thanks as always for your support… we appreciate it very much.

See you soon

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 X/Twitter

BOOKS: Newcastle Noir
Where: Newcastle City Library
When: December 4 to 7
Bookings and info: newcastlenoir.co.uk

This will be the 10th anniversary edition of Newcastle Noir, the festival of international crime writing.
Yep, they’ve been on the run for a decade and the bodies (of work) have been
piling up!
More than 40 authors, established and new on the scene, have been lined up
this year, including Ann Cleeves, Mari Hannah, Trevor Wood, Louise Candlish
and Suk Pannu. And not all of them write in solitary confinement.

On December 5 hear from Johana Gustawsson, the ‘Queen of French crime writing’, and Thomas Enger, Norwegian producer of bestsellers, about writing collaboratively when you don’t share a first language.
This year Orenda Books acquired the English language rights to three books by the pair. SON, the first in their Kari Voss series (Voss being a psychologist and consultant to the Oslo police), is due out in March with the second to follow in 2027.
Presiding over affairs, as usual, will be Dr Jacky Collins, Newcastle Noir’s literary criminal mastermind. The shadowy figure they call ‘Dr Noir’ is looking forward to a four-day crime writing wallow with workshops, talks and panel discussions.

MUSIC: Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra
Where: Newcastle 02 City Hall and Stockton Globe
When: December 5 and 8, respectively
Bookings and info: joolsholland.com

TV and music treasure, Jools Holland is making his annual trip to the North East and - as ever - he’s bringing his excellent Rhythm and Blues Orchestra along with him.
Since presenting The Tube from Tyne Tees TV in his early 20s, Jools - who has since clocked up more than 30 years presenting music telly institution Later… - has retained a great affection for the region and never fails to perform a couple of end-of-year North East tour dates here.

This year, audiences can look forward to guests Marc Almond and Toby as well as Jools’ regular superstars, Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall, Sumudu Jayyatilaka and drummer, Gilson Lavis. We’re predicting dancing in the aisles.

CLASSICAL: Royal Northern Sinfonia Winter Tour
Where: Various
When: November 29 to December 5
Bookings and info: theglasshouseicm.org

A candlelit concert in a beautiful building by members of our own professional
chamber orchestra must be one of the nicest ways to summon the Christmas
spirit.
Atmospheric pieces by the likes of Bach, Corelli (his Christmas concerto, of
course), Vivaldi and Sibelius will be on the programme as the musicians, led by
artistic partner Maria Włoszczowska and co-leader Kyra Humphreys, tour the
region and a little beyond.
It’s the biggest such tour yet, with performances due in Carlisle, Cullercoats, Durham, Bishop Auckland, Musselburgh, Hexham, Alnwick, Newcastle, Ripon, Kendal, Sunderland, Berwick, Hartlepool and Darlington.
Venues include Durham, Newcastle and Ripon cathedrals, the Auckland Castle
chapel (the only 2pm concert; the rest are at 7.30pm), Hexham Abbey and The Fire Station, Sunderland.

Comedy: Rob Newman - Where The Wild Things Are
Where: Queen’s Hall, Hexham
When: December 1
Bookings and info: queenshall.co.uk

This is an epic stand up show from comedian Rob Newman who will journey from cave paintings to car-free cities - via Imperial Rome's chariot ban, Rapper’s Remorse, and the dance steps of Homo Ergaster.
It really sounds like it’s going to be something… and this is the only North East date on the tour.

THEATRE: Dear Evan Hansen
Where: Sunderland Empire
When: Until November 23
Bookings and info: atgtickets.com

The first UK tour of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy award-winning best musical Dear Evan Hansen has arrived at Sunderland Empire this week.
Packed with some of the biggest musical theatre songs of the past decade, the production has a score from Oscar-winning composers (The Greatest Showman) Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and a book by Steven Levenson.

It tells the story of an anxious high school kid who just wants to fit in, and starts spiralling when he finds himself at the centre of catalogue of misunderstandings - and untruths - following a tragic event.
The show explores some themes which give it an age recommendation of 12+.

Dance: Departing at 18:25
Where: The Georgian Theatre, Stockton and Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington
When: November 29 and 30, respectively
Bookings and info: georgiantheatre.co.uk and darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

A new stage production, which is being delivered by the Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance, Departing at 18:25 brings together the dance and musical styles of Tango, Afrobeat, Traditional Irish Dance and Roller-skating(!) to explore a variety of themes including the creation of the Locomotion and the first passenger train that travelled along the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825… and a future journey in 2025 to mark the 200th anniversary of that historic event.
Nine professional dancers, five musicians, seven roller-skaters, one actor and one visual artist (who will be painting live throughout the performance) will bring the ‘whirlwind’ adventure to the stage.

ART: Newcastle University Art Auction
Where: Newcastle University and online
When: Online bidding open now; live auction, November 22
Info: Uni website

Fancy owning a mini-masterpiece?
Celebrated Newcastle fine art graduates Sean Scully and Mali Morris (whose exhibition, Returning, is at the Hatton Gallery until January 11) are among those who have donated work for the annual auction.
Antony Gormley’s another, along with staff members and students, the aspiring fine art stars of the future.

Domain, 2013 (Etching on 280 gsm BFK Rives Natural paper. 38 x 30.3 cm) by Antony Gormley

The auction is to raise funds for a London exhibition next year by those graduating from Newcastle’s fine art course. One of them, Max Bryg, says it has been “a real privilege” to organise this highlight of the art department’s calendar.
“The event celebrates the relationship between established and emerging artists, which we feel is more crucial than ever considering ongoing budget cuts to the arts and culture sector,” he says.
You can view the 40 lots and place online bids now.
A silent auction will take place in the King Edward VII Building (incorporating the Hatton Gallery) from 5pm to 7.30pm on Friday, November 22. Then a live auction, with auctioneer Ronnie Pygall wielding the gavel, will start at 7.30pm in the nearby Hadrian Building (Lindisfarne Room).

SPOKEN WORD: Kate Fox - Bigger on the Inside
Where: Alnwick Playhouse
When: November 21
Bookings and info: alnwickplayhouse.co.uk

Stand up poet, spoken work artist and broadcaster Kate Fox is inviting audiences on a ‘thought provoking and poetic’ trip through time with his show which explores neurodiversity through the time-bending lens of Doctor Who.

FILM: Pauline Black: A 2-Tone Story
Where: Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
When: November 23
Bookings and info: tynesidecinema.co.uk

Pauline Black, lead singer of 2-Tone hit band The Selecter, is hitting the big screen to tell her life story.

From difficult beginnings to her groundbreaking experience in the 1980s UK music industry, the film features archive, interviews and - as you might imagine - a tremendous soundtrack.
Contributors include Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson, Don Letts, Skin, Damon Albarn, Rhoda Dakar, Lynval Golding, Mykaell Riley, Sonia Boyce and Jools Holland.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Pauline Black.

MUSIC: Bellowhead
Where: Sage One, The Glasshouse
When: November 23
Bookings and info: theglasshouseicm.org

If you’re a band and you’re celebrating 20 years since you first introduced yourself to the listening public, there can’t be many better ways to mark the occasion than going on tour.
Two decades since their debut EP, Onymous and 10 years since their Top 20 album, Revival, acclaimed folk outfit, Bellowhead are known for their wonderful live gigs. There can’t be many tickets left.

Christmas on North East stages: PART ONE

Nov 20-22: The Flint Street Nativity, Alnwick Playhouse
Nov 21: Step Into Christmas, Tyne Theatre and Opera House
Nov 21-Dec 31: Beauty and the Beast, Gala Theatre Durham
Nov 21-Jan 5: Mother Goose, The Customs House, South Shields
Nov 23-Jan 4: WOLF!, Northern Stage, Newcastle
Nov 26-Dec 24: Dickens By Candlelight - A Christmas Carol, Alderman Fenwicks House, Newcastle
Nov 26-Jan 12, The Little Mermaid, Newcastle Theatre Royal
Nov 29-Dec 31, Cinderella, Empire Theatre, Consett
Nov 30-Jan 4: A Christmas Carol, Northern Stage, Newcastle
Nov 30-Dec 31: The Sorcerer’s Suitcase, The Customs House, South Shields
Dec 1: Dear Santa Live, The Fire Station, Sunderland
Dec 3-21: Present, Live Theatre, Newcastle
Dec 3-24: Cloud Man, Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington
Dec 3: The Unthanks in Winter, The Glasshouse, Gateshead
Dec 4-Jan 5: Cinderella - The Rags to Riches Pantomime, The Forum, Billingham
Dec 6: A Viennese Strauss Christmas Gala, Forum Theatre Billingham
Dec 6-Jan 4: Peter Pan, Playhouse Whitley Bay
Dec 6-31: Sleeping Beauty, Darlington Hippodrome
Dec 6-Jan 4: Snow White, Middlesbrough Town Hall
Dec 6-Jan 5: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Tyne Theatre and Opera House
Dec 7-22, Cinderella, Phoenix Theatre, Blyth
Dec 7-22: Blitzen on Tyne, Live Theatre, Newcastle
Dec 7-31: The Night Before ChrisMouse, Queen’s Hall, Hexham
Dec 7-Jan 4, Jack and the Beanstalk, Queen’s Hall, Hexham
Dec 9 and 10: Fairytale of New York, The Glasshouse, Gateshead
Dec 10: Messiah, Hexham Abbey
Dec 12-30: Little Red Riding Hood, Alnwick Playhouse
Dec 12: Christmas at the Cathedral, Newcastle
Dec 13-24: Cinderella, The Exchange 1856, North Shields
Dec 13-Jan 5: Jack and the Beanstalk, Sunderland Empire
Dec 13: The Suggestibles - Impro Pantso, Queen’s Hall, Hexham (also Northern Stage on Dec 19 and 20)
Dec 14, 15 and 21: The Big Family Christmas Show, The Stand Newcastle
Dec 14 and 22: The Snowman by the Ever Ready Band, Alnwick Playhouse and The Fire Station Sunderland, respectively. (Two performances at each venue)
Dec 15: Handel’s Messiah, The Glasshouse, Gateshead
Dec 16-17: Aladdin, The Witham, Barnard Castle
Dec 19 to 21: Who Stole the Christmas Pud?, Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle
Dec 20 to 22: The Velveteen Rabbit, Gosforth Civic Theatre
Dec 22: Martin Stephenson’s Jumpin Hot Club Xmas Party, The Cluny, Newcastle
Dec 23: Christmas Ceilidh with The Monster Ceilidh Band, The Fire Station, Sunderland
Dec 27-29: Christmas Rocks, Newcastle City Hall
Dec 30: Elf the Musical, Utilita Arena, Newcastle

STILL SHOWING

Theatre: Many Happy Returns!, various Northumberland venues, Nov 15-22
Theatre: Fixing, Alphabetti Theatre, until Nov 23 (Read our review here)
Theatre: It’s A Wonderful Life, People’s Theatre, Newcastle, Nov 19-23
Family: Disney on Ice - Road Trip Adventures, Utilita Arena, Newcastle, Nov 20-24
Theatre: A Play and A Pasty, Laurels Theatre, Nov 21 and 28
Event: AGLOW at Auckland Palace, Bishop Auckland, Nov 22-Dec 31
Music: Glen Matlock, Gosforth Civic Theatre, Nov 23
Event: Ouseburn Open Studios, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle, Nov 23-24
Theatre: WOLF!, Northern Stage, Newcastle, Nov 23-Jan 4
Festival: Books on Tyne, various venues in Newcastle, Nov 23-30
Exhibition: Sheila Fell - Cumberland on Canvas, Tullie House, Carlisle, Nov 23-Mar 16, 2025 (coming to Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens after it closes)
Classical: A Child of Our Time, The Glasshouse, Nov 24
Theatre: Only Fools and Horses: The Musical, Sunderland Empire, Nov 25-30
Screen: Mycelial, online screenings, Nov 25-Dec 17
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: Brian Hutchinson: A Retrospective, ARC, Stockton until Nov 16
Dance: Play, Pause, Repeat, Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle, Nov 21
Festival: Williams Shield Festival, Lit and Phil and other venues, until Nov 28
Exhibition: Hannah Perry - Manual Labour, BALTIC, until Jan 19, 2025
Screen: Prima Facie: National Theatre Live, various North East cinemas, until Dec 5
Exhibition: Ted Holloway - A Bevin Boy Remembered, Mining Art Gallery, Bishop Auckland, until June 8, 2025
Exhibition: Mali Morris - Returning, Hatton Gallery, Newcastle, until Jan 11, 2025

NOW BOOKING

Dec 6-Feb 21: Eliot Smith Dance’s Pitman, various North East venues
Dec 9 and 17: The Dark Side of the Moon Planetarium Show, Life Science Centre
Dec 15: Laffs for Kids, Utilita Arena, Newcastle
Dec 18: Kate Rusby - Winter Light Tour, The Glasshouse, Gateshead
Dec 20: Smoove and Turrell, The Glasshouse, Sage Two

2025

Jan 14-18: Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sunderland Empire (also at Newcastle Theatre Royal, Jun 10-15)
Jan 21: Ben Elton - Authentic Stupidity, Gala Theatre Durham
Jan 26: The Magic Numbers, The Glasshouse, Gateshead
Feb 5: Craig David, Utilita Arena, Newcastle
Feb 8 and Mar 30: Zoe Lyons - Werewolf, The Witham, Barnard Castle and The Stand, Newcastle
Feb 22: Maisie Adam - Appraisal, ARC, Stockton
Feb 23 and Mar 7: Ahir Shah - Ends, The Stand Newcastle and Gala Theatre Durham, respectively
Feb 25-Mar 1: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Newcastle Theatre Royal
Mar 7: Tribute to Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites Illuminated, Durham Cathedral
Mar 18: Jason Donovan, Doin’ Fine, Darlington Hippodrome
Mar 25-Apr 5: Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Newcastle Theatre Royal
Apr 9-11: RSC First Encounters, Northern Stage
Apr 10: Kate Mosse - Unlocking the Secrets of the Labyrinth, Northern Stage (also at Darlington Hippodrome on Mar 4)
Apr 16: Sugababes, Utilita Arena, Newcastle
May 1 and 26: Sir Tim Rice - My Life In Musicals, Sunderland Empire and Darlington Hippodrome, respectively
Sept 20: Dara O’Briain - Re: Creation, Stockton Globe
Oct 2-25: Miss Saigon, Newcastle Theatre Royal (read the announcement story here)
Nov 6-9: Opera North (A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Ruddigore and The Magic Flute) at Newcastle Theatre Royal

COMPETITION TIME

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 4 x tickets for Skating at Life in Newcastle - the annual ice rink which has slipped comfortably into Newcastle city centre’s festive calendar since its debut more years ago than any of us care to remember!

As ever, the real ice rink arena has set up camp in Times Square, just outside the Life Science Centre, until January 5, and offers skaters of all abilities the chance to enjoy a thoroughly festive experience.

As well as the standard hour-long skating sessions, Life are also offering a Relaxed session on the morning of November 24. More details here.

There are also a couple of Silent Ice Discos booked for November 24 and 25 (various times). Find out more here.*

*Please note, the 4 x tickets we are offering to the newsletter prizedraw winner are STANDARD TICKETS. The winner will be able to book a date of their choice, subject to availability.

HOW TO ENTER:

To be in with a chance of winning, simply email MePlease@culturednortheast.co.uk using the subject line: ICE ICE BABY before midday (12pm) on Monday, November 25, 2024.

The winner, who will be selected at random, will be notified within 24 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. All four tickets must be used at the same session. You must be over 18 years of age to enter. The Editor’s decision is final.