Culture Digest 03.10.25
A round up of the arts and culture stories which caught our attention over the past week or so...
Newcastle comedian Nicola Mantalios wins Funny Women award
Congratulations to Tyneside stand up Nicola Mantalios who has won this year’s prestigious Funny Women Stage Award, performing in the guise of her much-loved alter-ego, Zoe.
The win was announced at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre, where Nicola joined fellow finalists from across the UK.
A favourite on the North East circuit (anyone who has been to one of her quiz nights at The Cumberland Arms in Byker will testify) it’s excellent to see Zoe - and her iconic husky fleece - getting a big slice of national recognition.
On Instagram, Nicola wrote: “A big thank you to Funny Women for having me (well Zoe) last night at the Bloomsbury Theatre.
“Thank you to Felt Nowt and The Stand Newcastle for always believing in me and propping me up and for The Cumberland Arms for giving Zoe a home and a playground to grow ideas - and to all my lovely audiences who’ve helped me figure out what works. I’m entirely overwhelmed by all of the love.”
Sir Terry Farrell: 1938-2025
When Sir Terry Farrell came back to home territory to donate £1m to the university where he laid the foundations for a spectacular six-decade career, it spoke volumes for the depth of his ties to Tyneside.
That bond went back to the days when international architect, planner and urban designer Sir Terry grew up in one of the first council houses on the Grange estate in Gosforth, Newcastle, earning his first income as a newspaper delivery boy.
He studied architecture at Newcastle University between 1956 and 1961 after attending St Cuthbert’s High School in the city.
His many projects abroad include Incheon Airport in Seoul, the Peak Tower in Hong Kong, and in China Beijing South Station and Guangzhou South Station – for a time the biggest station in the world.
Live acts confirmed for Mercury Prize 2025
The 2025 Mercury Prize has announced the artists set to perform at its Awards Show, which will take place at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on October 16.
Nine out of the 12 nominees for the prestigious album accolade will take to the stage to perform a track from the long player which caught the ears of the judges.
They are North East flag-flyer Sam Fender, Emma-Jean Thackray, FKA twigs, Jacob Alon, Joe Webb, Martin Carthy, Pa Salieu, Pulp and Wolf Alice.
The 12 shortlisted albums span genres from folk and electronica to indie rock and hip hop. The trio of artists who aren’t available to perform in person - Fontaines D.C., PinkPantheress and CMAT - will be celebrated via a live performance film, introduced by the evening’s overall host, Sunderland broadcasting treasure, Lauren Laverne.
Big time musical on the launchpad at Theatre Royal
Imagine feverish excitement, maybe some first-night nerves, behind the scenes at the Theatre Royal.
The major new production of Miss Saigon is ready for launch – or maybe for take-off, this being a show with a famous helicopter scene.
It’s not often a big commercial musical production begins its life in Newcastle but local lad Michael Harrison, producing “in association with” Sir Cameron Mackintosh (the man who also brought us ‘Les Mis’ and much more), insisted that should be the case.
So it’s in the city for an extended run, until October 25, before flying off to Edinburgh and then a further 22 UK city venues thereafter (so far).
With the rehearsing done and the sets and costumes – one would hope – perfect and pristine, all that remains is for Saturday’s first-night audience to take its seats.
Jane Ruffer appointed CEO of The Auckland Project
County Durham regeneration charity, The Auckland Project has appointed Jane Ruffer as chief executive.
Jane co-founded the Bishop Auckland-based organisation in 2012 with her husband Jonathan Ruffer. She takes over from David Land, who has served as Interim CEO since October 2024.
Bringing experience as a doctor, school governor and trustee across several charities, Jane said she intends to build on recent progress to secure the long-term sustainability of the charity’s mission.
“The Auckland Project needs to achieve commercial success to sustain its mission of regeneration,” she said. “Fourteen years ago, a dream began; now it’s time to continue that dream and turn it fully into reality.”
Founded after the saving of Francisco de Zurbarán’s Jacob and his Twelve Sons paintings, The Auckland Project aims to boost culture, tourism and community pride in Bishop Auckland and has developed visitor attractions including Auckland Castle and gardens, the Spanish Gallery, the Faith Museum and Binchester Roman Fort.
Sketch for Sammy finalists revealed
The search for the funniest new comedy writers in the North East reaches its climax this month when the A Sketch for Sammy grand final takes place in North Shields.
Backed by the team behind the legendary Sunday for Sammy biennial fundraising concerts - which make a return early next year to mark the events’ 25th anniversary - the competition gives emerging writers the chance to see their work performed by professional actors in front of a live audience.
Booked for the evening of Sunday, October 12 at The Exchange 1856 on Howard Street. £10, audiences are being promised “an affordable night of top-class North East comedy and entertainment”.
Children uncover past in Redesdale heritage project
Youngsters from challenged urban areas on Tyneside have worked with archaeologists to learn about and explore a historic site in Northumberland.
Participants as young as seven from Walker and Cowgate in Newcastle, and also Otterburn in Northumberland, took part in the project focussing on the history and heritage of the Redesdale valley.
The Making History venture has been led by Northumbria University researcher Henry Collingham, who has worked alongside the Redesdale Archaeology Group (RAG) and youth groups: Kids Kabin in Newcastle and North Tyne Youth in Northumberland.
Remembering Tony Harrison, ace poet and journo’s dream
The focus in all the obits and appreciations has been on Tony Harrison the Yorkshire poet. And so he was, born in Leeds in 1937, but although you would never have taken him for a Geordie, he lived for many years in Gosforth, Newcastle.
£5.2m lottery boost to reinvent Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens
Plans to transform Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens have been boosted by a £5.2m lottery award.
This cash from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will support an estimated £13.1m four-year redevelopment of the museum, plans for which have been shaped by the views of residents and visitors.
Changes will include the relocation of the main entrance into the award-winning Mowbray Park, new exhibition galleries and displays, new touch-down and social spaces, improvements to the Winter Gardens, and external landscape and public realm.
There will also be the creation of a new community learning facility, ‘The Growing Space’, that will complement the community garden adjacent to the Winter Gardens.
How the man behind Myriad became an 'architect of air'
Sitting in a Nottingham churchyard, enjoying a bit of city centre peace, is a man who has brought joy to millions of people across the world – and aims to add to their number in the North East this month.
Alan Parkinson is the founder of Architects of Air, makers of luminaria, inflated architectural structures full of colour and light.
The latest of them, called Myriad, billed as “part art installation, part sensory playground”, is to be erected in Blyth Market Place, temporarily transforming the landscape.
It’s to be the latest attraction in the Blyth Celebrates cultural programme and comes with an invitation to “feel the colours, follow the paths and lose yourself in the wonder of this unique experience”.
Historian who investigated mysteries of ancient carvings dies at 93
Historian and prolific author Dr Stan Beckensall, who devoted decades to the mystery of prehistoric rock carvings in Northumberland, has died at the age of 93.
The panel of cup and ring carvings which Stan Beckensall came across in 1966 at Old Bewick in Northumberland inspired him to find out more about what has now become known as prehistoric rock art, created by Neolithic and Early Bronze Age hands between 6,000 and 3,500 years ago.
Today, the great question about rock art is still unanswered – what does it signify?
Stan’s tenacity in ploughing a lone furrow for decades to find rock art examples, and the books he wrote on the subject, resulted in it becoming a part of mainstream archaeological study.
Beamish offers backdrop to All Creatures Great and Small
Beamish Museum played host to the cast and crew of All Creatures Great and Small as scenes for the sixth series of the acclaimed drama were filmed in the 1900s Town.
The award-winning adaptation of James Herriot’s stories - which has now found a home on Channel 5 - transformed the museum into Sunderland in 1945, shifting its usual Edwardian setting into the final months of World War Two. Filming took place along the 1900s Town street and inside the dentist’s house on Ravensworth Terrace.
Series six of the enduring drama can be streamed here.
Kate, er, handed exhibition opportunity five years on
Artist Kate Stobbart, who lives in Newcastle, doesn’t confine herself to a single creative niche.
“I basically do anything,” she says. “This stuff happens to be mainly videos but quite often I’ll make sculptures or do something live.”
That can be verified with a Google search of her artistic practice which proves to have been wide-ranging and quite adventurous...
Memories sought as Washington Old Hall turns 70
Seventy years ago, a historic building rescued from demolition was opened to visitors.
One of the hundreds of thousands who have visited Washington Old Hall was United States president Jimmy Carter in 1977, underlining the importance of the location to American history.
The hall is known for its connection to the family of George Washington, the first American president. His direct medieval ancestors were residents of the hall, and it is from Washington that the family took their surname.
The hall was opened to the public for the first time on September 28, 1955, by the American Ambassador, Winthrop W. Aldrich. A year later, it came under the care of the National Trust.
Now the Trust is staging an exhibition at the hall to mark the anniversary, running to November 2.
Piano that went round the world returns to Cragside
Another chapter has played out in the astonishing story of a piano owned by inventor and industrialist Lord Armstrong.
The story begins with Victorian touring star pianist Arabella Goddard, who was hailed as a child prodigy and who performed in front of Queen Victoria at nine years old...
North East Screen partners with Northern School of Art to nurture talent
A pilot programme aimed at equipping students with the skills, experience and insight needed to thrive in film and television has been developed by North East Screen and The Northern School of Art.
Running throughout the academic year, the Connected Campus initiative will give students across disciplines - from animation and illustration to costume, photography and production design - access to masterclasses, workshops and career development opportunities.
Gayle Woodruffe, operations director at North East Screen, said: “We’re committed to building a strong and sustainable screen sector in the North East, and that starts with investing in the next generation. This collaboration with The Northern School of Art is a fantastic opportunity to connect students with industry professionals.”
John Waddington, Vice Principal (Higher Education), added: “This collaboration provides our students with invaluable, hands-on access to industry expertise and real-world experiences.”
The programme will culminate in a student showcase for industry professionals.
Autumn family ticket at High Force Waterfall
High Force Waterfall in Upper Teesdale has extended its family saver ticket after strong demand over the summer. The discounted £10 ticket, available online, admits two adults and two children to the site, which features the 21-metre cascade and surrounding woodland walks.
General manager Andrew Lindsay said the waterfall is particularly striking in autumn, when “the colours throughout the beautiful landscape are really something to behold.”
Visitors can follow trails to the base of the falls or take a circular woodland route, with seasonal activities running until November before festive trails are introduced in the run-up to Christmas.
Auction shines new light on Sheila Fell’s artistic legacy
Prices paid at a Tyneside auction for the paintings of a miner’s daughter who died at a tragically young age put her at the forefront of 20th-century British art, it is claimed.
Three works by Cumbrian artist Sheila Fell sold for a total of £50,000 including fees at the Anderson & Garland sale in Newcastle.
The paintings, sold by direction of the executors of a Hexham estate, had been purchased by the deceased from the artist and, after decades in private hands, attracted interest from bidders across the UK.
Artists dig deep for inspiration at Nenthead Mines
Creations by more than 20 artists will celebrate a historic mining landscape.
The artists were inspired by a day’s outing above and below ground at the Nenthead Mines complex, which extends for 1,730 acres on the borders of Northumberland, County Durham and Cumbria.
The visit included a descent into the site’s Carrs Mine and an overground nature walk to examine the geology, flora and fauna.
Most of the site near Alston is designated as a scheduled Ancient Monument.
The work of the artists will feature in an exhibition, titled Inspired, in the former barracks building at the Nenthead site, which provided accommodation for miners.
The free exhibition this weekend (October 4–5) will be open from 10am–4pm.
Debut open day announced for Arts North Studios
Sunderland’s new performing arts college, Arts North Studios, will host its first open day later this month.
The college, based at The Fire Station, invites aspiring performers and their families on Saturday October 25, to explore its courses and facilities.
Visitors will hear from Principal (and West End performer) Annie Guy and have the opportunity to take part in taster classes in acting, musical theatre and singing. The event will run from 10am to 3pm and conclude with a student showcase.
Bookings for the open day are available at artsnorthstudios.com