Culture Digest 06.02.26
A round up of the arts and culture stories which caught our attention over the past week or so...
Rising star Alfie Williams wins Critics Circle award
Congratulations to Newcastle actor Alfie Williams who has been named Young British/Irish Performer of the Year at the star-studded 46th London Critics Circle Film Awards in London, following his breakout role in the 28 Years Later film series.
The 15-year-old received the award for his performance as Spike last years instalment of the long-running horror franchise - shot entirely in the North East - which also offered him his big screen debut alongside the likes of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes.
Alfie reprised the role in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the fourth film in the series, which went on general release last month (January) which was shot back to back with its predecessor.
Others honoured at this week’s ceremony held at the Mayfair Hotel in the capital included Jessie Buckley for Hamnet; Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme and Sean Penn for One Battle After Another. Meanwhile Cynthia Erivo and Guillermo del Toro both received special awards for Innovation and Excellence in Film, respectively.
Reacting to winning the award, Alfie posted on his Instagram: “Wow what a night. Met some amazing people at the @criticscircle and I’m honoured to be given the award. Damn that was awesome.”
Puppetry Fest suspended due to funding shortfall
There is to be no Newcastle Puppetry Festival this year due to a lack of funding, say the organisers at arts charity Moving Parts Arts.
The announcement on Facebook, introduced as ‘The Bad News’, states: “Against all of our best efforts as a tiny team, we have been unable to secure Arts Council England funding to be able to make the 2026 Newcastle Puppetry Festival go ahead.
“We wish to say a huge thank you to the 250+ artists who took the time to apply, especially the shortlisted artists who have held the dates for close to a year.
“Also a big thank you to our venue and community partners, and other funders, for backing the 2026 festival proposal.
“The journey does not end here though – we will try again next year.”
This post added under ‘The Good News’ that funding from other supporters would enable a programme of Easter holiday activities to go ahead from April 4 to 12.
Self Esteem headlining Mouth of the Tyne
Whoever looks after bookings for the Mouth of the Tyne Festival has knocked it out of the park for 2026.
The Ministry of Sound Classical gig for the Friday night open air concert has already sold out… and by the time you read this, we’re betting that the Saturday night shindig will be well on its way to following suit.
Self Esteem - aka Rebecca Lucy Taylor - has signed on to headline at Tynemouth Priory and Castle on Saturday, July 11.
The announcement follows her recent nomination for Artist of the Year at the 2026 Brit Awards, further cementing her status as one of the most influential voices in British pop.
Taylor released her third album and debut book, both titled A Complicated Woman, in 2025. Her breakthrough second album Prioritise Pleasure received widespread critical acclaim, earning nominations for the Mercury Prize and a Brit Award, and was named Album of the Year by both The Guardian and The Sunday Times Culture. Its lead single I Do This All the Time was also named The Guardian’s number one song of 2021.
Self Esteem is no stranger to North East stages. Only last year she played back to back sell out gigs at The Glasshouse and Newcastle o2 City Hall. She’s also clocked up rafter-troubling gigs at Wylam Brewery and headlined a memorable concert alongside the Royal Northern Sinfonia for BBC Proms in 2023.
Closure confirmed for SIX restaurant at BALTIC
The rooftop restaurant at BALTIC, which boasted panoramic views of Newcastle Quayside - and caught the attention of Michelin Guide inspectors - announced its immediate closure this week.
SIX opened in 2009 as part of the gallery’s wider offer, becoming a familiar destination for visitors and a prominent part of the Quayside’s cultural landscape.
Although closely associated with the gallery, the restaurant operated independently and was acquired in 2023 by Middlesbrough-based Pneuma Group.
In a statement, the restaurant cited rising costs and sustained losses. “Like many in the hospitality sector, we’ve absorbed increasing costs for as long as we could, rather than pass the full impact on to our guests, but the cumulative effect has now become unstable,” it said. “After exploring every available option to continue trading we have made the extremely difficult decision to close.”
BALTIC confirmed the decision was taken by Pneuma Group, describing it as a commercial closure separate from the gallery’s operations. The statement went on to thank Fresh Element, which previously ran the restaurant, for its contribution over many years, and acknowledged the news would be disappointing for visitors.
The gallery added it will now review options for the future of the restaurant space, saying that any next chapter will “reflect the exciting, creative and high-quality offer that BALTIC is known for”.
SIX said customers with existing bookings would be contacted to arrange refunds, with valid gift vouchers also being reimbursed.
Digital dozen selected for next stage of BBC's content catalyst scheme
The BBC and North East Screen have shortlisted 12 production companies to take part in a pioneering Digital Accelerator programme, signalling the next stage in efforts to grow the region’s digital screen sector and support work aimed at younger audiences.
The initiative, backed by £600,000 of investment from the BBC and the North East Screen Industries Partnership, is designed to help North East companies develop digital-first content for 16–24-year-olds on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Twitch.
The shortlisted companies represent a cross-section of the North East’s production landscape, spanning established linear producers and newer businesses already working in digital formats.
They are Adventure Alliance Films (County Durham), Candle & Bell (Gateshead), Film Nova (Gateshead), MOTIF (Gateshead), MediaBorne (Gateshead), North Wrestling (Newcastle), Northern Child (Newcastle), Nrthrn Baby (Newcastle), Second Draft (Sunderland), Sea & Sky Pictures (Hartlepool), Twenty Six 03 (Gateshead) and Wander Films (Middlesbrough).
Help shape the sound of Sunderland’s new radio station
A new online radio station dedicated to championing local talent is calling on Sunderland creatives to help define its on-air sound, with submissions now open ahead of its launch.
Sunderland Music City Radio is inviting producers, musicians and residents to create custom station idents and submit original music for potential airplay. The station will stream via the Music City website and aims to reflect the breadth of Sunderland’s music scene.
As part of the call-out, contributors are encouraged to produce short jingles of up to 10 seconds, which will be used between tracks throughout the day. The station is also building its music library and is seeking submissions from Sunderland-based artists, or those with strong links to the city.
Clock ticking for ClassicsFest writing entries
With the deadline fast approaching, writers are being urged to submit entries for the third edition of ClassicsFest, which returns this spring.
This year’s theme, Food and Feasting in Antiquity, draws on the ancient recipe collection attributed to Apicius, challenging writers to make the material resonate with modern audiences. The winning idea will be developed into a short script and performed at Alphabetti Theatre in May 2026.
Entries must be submitted by 6pm on Friday, February 13. Maybe it’ll be lucky for you! Full details are available via the Lit & Phil website.
Return for old favourites in Northern Stage spring season
A clutch of creatives joined artistic director Natalie Ibu in a chat show-style spring launch at Northern Stage.
But in keeping with the weather (spring still seems a long way off) she looked ahead to next winter by announcing she’ll be directing The Snow Queen as this year’s Christmas show.
It’s a revival of the 2019 production written by Laura Lindow who appeared on screen to promise “more adventures and heart, and extra laughs”. It opens on December 3 and tickets are on sale now.
But more imminent attractions were to the fore and their representatives present in person.
Vera costume to be displayed at late night museum event
The costume worn by TV detective Vera will go on public display for the first time as part of an after-hours event at Newcastle’s Discovery Museum next month.
And Ann Cleeves, the creator of the famous character played by Brenda Blethyn for 14 years will also be in attendance.
Discovery Nights: Wonder Women is taking place on the evening of March 6 (6-9pm) and has taken its inspiration from International Women’s Day.
The event will celebrate women connected to the North East, past and present, through a programme of talks, performances and hands-on activities.
The now iconic costume, worn by Brenda in the long-running ITV drama, which was entirely filmed in the North East, will be shown alongside clothing linked to South Tyneside author Catherine Cookson and an early design by Sunderland-born fashion designer Louise Trotter.
Call out for artists ahead of Newcastle craft fair
Applications are now open for GNCCF Newcastle, part of the Great North Contemporary Craft Fairs programme, ahead of its return to the region later this year.
Taking place from June 19–21, the fair is inviting submissions across painting, drawing, sculpture and photography, alongside contemporary craft.
Following a strong debut year, organisers say they are building on early momentum, with applications closing soon. Full details and the application link are available here.
Historic painting finds new home as County Hall closes
Artist Thomas William Pattison captured key historical events in the founding of two North East cities.
His prolific output included two large paintings of the building of Durham Cathedral and the castle at Newcastle.
His work The Building of Durham Cathedral has hung in Durham County Council’s County Hall headquarters for decades.
The hall is due to be demolished and now the seven-metre-wide painting depicting the construction of the cathedral has found a new home at the Main House of Ushaw Historic House, Chapel & Gardens.
Live Theatre launches summer school for young creatives
A new holiday programme aimed at children and young people with an interest in drama, storytelling and creative writing is on offer at Live Theatre this summer.
The Newcastle venue will run its Summer School across two weeks in July, offering structured daytime sessions for children aged 7–10 and 11–15. The programme will take place from July 20-24 and July 27-31, with sessions running daily from 10am to 3pm.
Week one focuses on performance-making, with participants working towards creating an original piece of theatre from scratch.
In week two, the emphasis shifts to stories and writing. Younger participants will take part in Story Makers, combining drama activities with hands-on crafts to create their own illustrated story to take home. Older groups will join Story Writers, developing original narratives through creative writing, drama exercises and group activities that explore character, plot and structure.
Each week costs £150 per child. Further details and booking information are available via the Live Theatre website.
Exhibition to shine a light into the shadows
Award-winning artist Narbi Price is to mount his first solo exhibition since 2020 at the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham.
With the title Shadow on the Things You Know, it will feature new paintings of anonymous sites loaded with cultural significance.
“Unpeopled locations offer the opportunity to wonder and wander through shifting landscapes, of pilgrimage to some and indifference to others,” we are told by the venue.
“History and time is encoded into the making of the paintings and the deeper time and resonances they evoke.”
This is familiar territory for the Hartlepool-born artist who for years has expressed his fascination for places whose cultural significance is not explained by a plaque.
Helping hands wanted for Sunderland’s big moments
Sunderland Culture has launched a new city-wide volunteering initiative aimed at giving residents a direct way to get involved in Sunderland’s major cultural events and public moments.
City Volunteers is a new programme bringing together opportunities from a range of partner organisations, including Sunderland Business Improvement District, Foundation of Light and Culture House, with support from the North East Combined Authority.
The scheme will offer volunteers access to events such as music festivals, city markets and large-scale occasions including BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, which takes place in Sunderland this May.
Architect who reshaped Newcastle celebrated with new plaque
He was an architect with monumental plans for Newcastle and who designed a sweep of prominent buildings and structures on Tyneside.
Robert Burns Dick, who has just been honoured with a plaque, certainly left his mark with creations ranging from the Spanish City at Whitley Bay and Berwick police station to the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle.
But his legacy could have been even greater if two of his most ambitious schemes had come to fruition.
He envisaged a grand entrance into Newcastle for people and traffic arriving via the then new Tyne Bridge.
Having designed the towers of the bridge, he cast his eyes towards the foot of Pilgrim Street, with a vision for a gigantic triumphal entrance arch complex which doubled as a civic centre.
This was no pie in the sky dreaming from an architect whose work includes the Pilgrim Street Fire Station, Market Street police station and courts, and the neo-Jacobean students’ union building gateway to Newcastle University.
Student theatre festival reaches new stage in Newcastle
The Northern School of Art will bring its final-year acting students to Alphabetti Theatre in Newcastle for the first time in 2026, as the InterAct Festival expands beyond its long-standing home in Stockton.
The festival showcases contemporary theatre created by students on the School’s BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen degree, with technical support from its Film, TV & Theatre Production course.
Performances will take place across multiple venues between February and April, giving students exposure to new audiences and professional theatre settings across the North East.
A 2,000-year-old reminder that everyone starts somewhere...
If you want to get ahead, practice makes perfect may have been the motto for the individual trying their hand at pottery at a Roman fort in Northumberland almost 2,000 years ago.
They produced a terracotta head of a woman which fell rather short in the quality stakes.
The head is one of the finds from excavations by the Vindolanda Trust at its Magna fort on the Roman northern frontier.
It may have been an attempt to copy a similar head which is part of the collections at the Great North Museum in Newcastle, and where the portrayed female figure is a cut above in appearance.
The Magna head was found by volunteer diggers Rinske de Kok and Hilda Gribbin and depicts a female figure with a centrally parted, four-strand plaited hairstyle. The piece is broken below the nose and appears crudely made, with notably asymmetrical eyes.
Folklore, not frights, at heart of new Amble museum plan
A new museum proposal in Amble is aiming to explore Northumberland’s darker folklore - without resorting to jump scares or haunted house theatrics.
Amble-based creative Michele Marie Liddle has launched a crowdfunding campaign to create the Northumberland Haunted Museum, a community-led project rooted in local history, legend and storytelling.
The proposed museum would focus on the region’s rich tradition of folklore and paranormal belief, drawing on historic accounts, cultural references and stories shared by residents.
Planned as a Community Interest Company, the museum is intended to be as much a gathering place as an exhibition space. The proposed layout includes a communal ground-floor area for conversation, talks and workshops, encouraging visitors to share stories and connect.
An upstairs gallery would explore the more unsettling side of the paranormal, including curious or allegedly haunted objects, presented in an educational and respectful way.
Free tickets for Gaia and Museum of the Moon in Blyth now available
Tickets are now available to pre-book for Luke Jerram’s Gaia and Museum of the Moon, which will be presented together for the first time as part of Blyth’s Festival of Energy this March
The large-scale installations will be on display from March 5-8 inside the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult’s offshore wind testing facility in Blyth.
Audiences will be able to experience the seven-metre-diameter artworks - inspired by detailed NASA imagery - within a working industrial environment more commonly associated with testing some of the world’s largest wind turbine blades
Presented by Blyth Celebrates and produced by Walk the Plank, the Festival of Energy will animate Blyth town centre and quayside with a programme of outdoor performances, installations, films, talks and workshops.