Culture Digest 02.05.25
A round up of some arts and culture stories from across the North East which caught our attention this week
Outpouring of love for North East poet and artist, Sky Hawkins
The region’s creative community have been sharing their shock and deep sadness at the loss of poet, spoken word artist and activist, Sky Hawkins - aka Word Bird - who died suddenly this week.
We will be publishing a full tribute to Sky in the coming days, but wanted to share a link to a crowdfunder, which has been set up to help with funeral costs and a spoken word/open mic night to celebrate her life.
Set up by Sky’s son, Ben, the GoFundMe post reads:
We've all be shocked and saddened by the loss of our friend, the beautiful Sky Hawkins. As a performer, a writer, a friend and a mother, Sky touched so many people throughout her life. If you're reading this then you'll know she was a powerhouse, a visionary, a fighter and a sweetheart.
Sky loved art and nature. Perhaps at some point you were touched by one of her poems or paintings. Perhaps you swam in the sea with her. Perhaps you took part in one of her workshops. Perhaps you marched for freedom with her. We'll all remember her as the unique and vibrant woman that she was.
At the time of writing, the crowdfunder is over half ways to its £6,000 goal. Here’s the link if you’d like to contribute.
Funding green lights gallery restoration at Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre & Opera House has been granted £247,500 to undertake important restoration work to the gallery tier of the heritage venue.
Beamish shortlisted for top museum prize
County Durham’s Beamish Museum has been named one of five finalists for the world’s largest museum prize.
Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025 recognises inspiring projects and activity, with judges looking for impactful projects that spotlight the wide range of remarkable people - including museum staff and volunteers - who bring museums to life by engaging with communities, families and younger visitors, artists and creatives.
As well as the prestige which goes with the title, the winning museum will also be awarded £120,000 in prize money:
Arthur McKenzie’s Blackbird in the Snow finally lands on stage
At the age of 85, former Northumbria Police detective Arthur McKenzie has clocked up more than four decades of writing for stage and screen.
Ghosts in Jesmond? Paranormal podcaster Danny Robins wants to hear from you
Newcastle-born paranormal investigator and award-winning writer Danny Robins is calling on anyone with ghostly tales from Jesmond to get in touch – as he delves into a potential new story for his hit podcast, Uncanny.
Danny, who grew up in Jesmond, is currently investigating a possible paranormal case in the suburb and is appealing to local residents – past and present – to share any unexplained experiences they’ve had in the area.
“We’re investigating a potential #Uncanny story in the student area of Jesmond in Newcastle (incidentally where I grew up!) and would love to hear from anyone who’s had a potential paranormal experience in Jesmond, either in the modern day or as far back as the 80s/90s,” he posted.
Review: Public Record at The Fire Station, Sunderland
If ever there was proof that community theatre can be just as thrilling, moving, and unforgettable as any big budget bells and whistles production, Public Record is it.
Dave Stewart pays birthday tribute to Faye Fantarrow
Sunderland music star, Dave Stewart marked what would have been Faye Fantarrow’s 23rd birthday with a moving Instagram post, showcasing her talent and their first musical collaboration.
“This clip was filmed the first time we met,” he wrote. “… never a day goes by when I don’t think about how brilliant and radiant she was. I will never forget her.”
Faye, who passed away aged just 21 in 2023, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer on her return from recording an EP in Dave’s Bahamas recording studios.
Dave had signed the talented singer songwriter from his home city to his record label and - like everyone who knew and loved Faye - was devastated at her passing.
The Eurythmics star’s tribute came just days after an emotional salute to Faye offered an unforgettable moment during three packed out performances of National Theatre community production, Public Record at The Fire Station in Sunderland (see above for full review).
Our latest what’s on recommendations
Calling Tees Valley creatives
Are you a digital content creator, podcaster, or online storyteller based in Tees Valley?
North East Screen wants to meet you.
As film and TV expand into digital and audio platforms, there’s growing demand for multi-skilled creatives - sounds like a great time to join the organisation’s talent and business development team for a drop-in at No 60 Café Bar in ARC, Stockton.
The session - which is suitable for those simply curious or already crossing platforms - will take place on May 8 from 10am to 12pm - and it’s a drop in, so no need to book.
West End writers in celebration spotlight
Sandra had been on her way to shop at Lidl, creative writing far from her mind until her curiosity was aroused by someone putting a poster up outside the church.
Tony Henderson on the riveting tale of a hall’s new toad.
Crucial lessons we should learn from Ancient Rome
If you thought there weren’t lessons to be learned from ancient times, Prof Vittorio Bufacchi would almost certainly rise cheerfully to the challenge of persuading you otherwise.
New bar to open at Theatre Royal
Newcastle Theatre Royal is set to open a new public bar at 11 Market Street this summer, transforming the former DatBar site into a contemporary social space for both theatre audiences and the wider public.
The yet-to-be-named venue follows the successful launch of 100 Grey Street, the theatre’s café and wine bar, and is part of a wider strategy to open up the iconic building to more people, more often.
A new album and a new ensemble
A new album featuring Voices of Hope, the one-time National Choir of the Year, features previously unrecorded choral works by Durham-born composer Will Todd.
All Will Be Well, on which you’ll also hear Todd on piano and the Alina Orchestra, takes its title from the first of the 14 tracks. It was launched on April 26 at a concert in St Mary’s Church, Ponteland, and can be bought via the Signum Records website.
The musical director of Voices of Hope is Mark Edwards, an incredibly busy figure on the North East music scene.
He’s about to get busier, having launched a new ensemble which is making its public debut with a concert at the Lit & Phil, Newcastle, on May 8 at 8pm.
Celebrating the legacy of a folk legend
When Josienne Clarke takes the stage at Gosforth Civic Theatre in Newcastle this May, she won’t just be performing a concert - she’ll be channelling a folk legend.
Lord Nelson relic prompts fierce international bidding battle
A lock of hair taken from Lord Nelson after his death at the Battle of Trafalgar has sold on Tyneside for £16,900 including fees.
Newcastle auctioneers Anderson & Garland said that the lock, mounted in a presentation case alongside a miniature portrait of Nelson, sold to an online British buyer following a fierce bidding war involving multiple international collectors.
Fred Wyrley-Birch, director at Anderson & Garland, said: “A fantastic result for something so rare. When will another historical artefact of this scale come along? Anderson & Garland feel privileged to have been entrusted with the sale of such an important piece of British naval history.”
A Second World War-nurse’s cape belonging to Edith M.A. Brewis of Wylam in Northumberland, sold for £1,000.
Lumiere and New Writing North cited in new report
Lumiere, Durham’s biennial festival of light-based art, and Newcastle-based New Writing North are cited in a report showing how funding from Arts Council England (ACE) can unlock further investment.
The two key cultural initiatives were used as case studies in the Spillover Impacts report commissioned by ACE from the .
The report indicated that sustained public investment in creativity and culture can significantly boost local economies although it stated that the value of the cultural sector in driving growth had “historically been under-recognised”.
Alan Hull documentary gets special screening in North Tyneside
**Sam declaring an interest alert**
An award-winning BBC documentary about the late Lindisfarne frontman, Alan Hull is to get a special charity screening at The Klurb in North Shields.
Lindisfarne’s Geordie Genius: The Alan Hull Story, which won a North East Royal Television Society Award in 2023, saw North Shields superstar Sam Fender delving into the backstory and back catalogue of the legendary folk rock band’s chief songwriter.
Featuring contributions from Alan’s long list of admirers including Sting, Mark Knopfler, Elvis Costello, Dave Stewart, the film was broadcast on BBC Four.
The charity screening at the Cecil Street venue, which will benefit the Sunday for Sammy Trust, will see the documentary’s director Ged Clarke and producer (and Lindisfarne drummer) Ray Laidlaw in conversation with…. me! (Sam Wonfor - and anyone else who wants to ask a question) afterwards.
I’m reliably informed there will also be unseen footage and anecdotes aplenty… and given that I’ll also be representing my late dad, film maker Geoff Wonfor who was executive producer on this project, there may also be a smattering of well-worn jokes and some tears.
Tickets £12 and available from organiser, Julie Clay Events via juliecevents@gmail.com or mobile: 07944 338 026