Culture Digest 11.04.25
Our regular round up of some of the arts and culture stories from across the North East, which caught our attention over the past seven days
Michael Harrison celebrated at Olivier Awards
Newcastle theatre producer Michael Harrison had plenty to celebrate at this year’s Olivier Awards, with several of his productions taking centre stage.
Having secured a double handful of nominations across four productions, the Michael Harrison Entertainment team must have arrived ready to party… and it turned out they had every reason to.
Their acclaimed revival of Hello, Dolly! at the London Palladium saw Imelda Staunton, who starred as Dolly Levi in the 2024 run, picking up Best Actress in a Musical - her fifth Olivier Award. The production, which Harrison produced, ran to rave reviews and sold-out crowds last summer.
Elsewhere, Harrison's name featured prominently among other winners. The musical comedy Titanique, which he co-produced, took home Best New Entertainment or Comedy while Gabriella Slade topped the Best Costume Design category for Starlight Express.
The Olivier green carpet also served as a teaser for his upcoming project - a West End revival of Evita, directed by Jamie Lloyd and starring Snow White star, Rachel Zegler, due to open this summer. Bravo all round.
Kate Adie archive opens in Sunderland
A newly catalogued archive celebrating the life and work of legendary journalist Kate Adie has been unveiled at the University of Sunderland.
Sleep back in time at Beamish Museum
Visitors to Beamish Museum can now do more than just explore history - they can sleep in it.
The County Durham open-air museum has launched its first overnight accommodation, allowing guests to stay in Georgian-style cottages set in the museum’s 1820s landscape.
The new self-catering holiday lets - Potter’s Cottage and Drover’s Rest - are housed in renovated original farm buildings and styled with period furniture from Beamish’s collection. While steeped in Georgian charm, the cottages also include modern comforts such as hidden appliances, a TV, and a freestanding bath.
“This is a unique opportunity to extend the Beamish experience,” said Samantha Shotton, chief operating officer at the museum. “As a charity, income from the cottages will help support our work, from preserving the region’s heritage to running education and wellbeing programmes.”
The launch is part of Beamish’s £11.8 million Remaking Beamish project, backed by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project has already added a 1950s Town, farm, and new Georgian attractions.
The cottages sleep two guests each, with one dog-friendly option, and include free museum admission during opening hours.
Bookings are managed by North East agency Host & Stay. To reserve a stay, visit beamish.org.uk/accommodation.
Region bucks the national trend for starling sightings
The North East could be on its way to becoming a refuge for a familiar garden bird which is now in headlong retreat.
Screenwriting, sweary satire and Tyneside charm - Podcasts welcome North East stars
My dog walks have been much brighter this week.
Firstly, hello sunshine! Secondly, our massive dog seems to finally be understanding that trips out are SO much more enjoyable when everyone keeps their arms in their sockets. And most significantly, a duo of cracking podcasts dropped into my ears, featuring some North East smashers.
First up, Oscar-winning screenwriter Peter Straughan joined Brett Goldstein on Films To Be Buried With.
Fresh from his awards-season triumph (Golden Globe, BAFTA and Oscar in the bag for his adaptation of Robert Harris’ Vatican thriller, Conclave), the Gateshead-bred writer who began his career at Live Theatre, chats about the films that shaped him, the highs and lows of screenwriting, and what it’s like being a lad from the North East suddenly rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty. It’s funny, thoughtful and totally charming.
Then on RHLSTP (Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, to give it its Sunday name), comedian (and massive fan) Richard sat down with Chris and Simon Donald – the Geordie brothers behind the legendary Viz magazine.
Required listening for anyone who grew up/stayed young reading the wonderfully outrageous and influential comic, this one’s a real treat.
They talk about how Viz started in their bedroom, accidentally became a publishing phenomenon, and how they ended up working with Peter Cook. Lovely stuff.
Review: Manhunt, Royal Court Theatre
Stockton-born Robert Icke, best known for his hugely successful adaptations of classic plays, tackles his first original drama in this production based on the true story of the life and death of Raoul Moat, the infamous fugitive who sparked Britain’s largest manhunt.
Red Arrows set to return for this year’s Great North Run
Organisers of the Great North Run have confirmed that the iconic Red Arrows will return to the skies over the North East for this year’s event on Sunday, September 7.
A firm favourite with runners and spectators alike, the aerobatic team will perform a dramatic flypast over the Tyne Bridge before making a second appearance later in the morning with an extended display over the finish line in South Shields.
The Red Arrows have been a highlight of the Great North Run since 2002, although they missed last year’s event while touring North America and Canada.
Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run, described their return as a special part of race day.
“The roar of the Red Arrows overhead is a truly special moment,” he said. “Watching them soar over the Tyne Bridge with trails of red, white and blue is a sight to behold, and their South Shields display at the finish never fails to impress.”
Ten million and counting: Baltic marks major milestone
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead has reached a major milestone, welcoming its 10 millionth visitor since opening in 2002.
Step Into Alnwick’s Hidden Corners with November Club
November Club’s Walk in Your Shoes: Alnwick is the first of the theatre company’s 2025 walks - and a great excuse to stretch your legs and explore.
Setting off from their new home on Bondgate Without on May 10, the route takes participants through some of Alnwick’s quieter streets and out into the nearby countryside. Expect fields, five-bar gates, and a few rolling hills (nothing too steep).
Whether you’re local or just curious, it’s a relaxed few hours with good company - and it all ends with tea and cake back at base.
It’s free, but book ahead so they know how much cake to make!
Putting Sunderland on the Record
A bold new theatrical event will see Sunderland sing its heart out.
Public Record, a major new production from the National Theatre’s Public Acts programme, delivered in collaboration with Sunderland Culture and Sunderland Empire, will transform city centre venue The Fire Station into a live recording studio from April 25-27.
Comic Con books summer return to Hopetown Darlington
Comic Con will be back at Hopetown Darlington this summer after a hugely popular debut at the attraction earlier this year.
The two-day Hopetown Summer Con will take place outdoors on July 5 and 6, featuring celebrity guests, cosplay competitions, walkabout characters, photo ops, and the iconic Back to the Future DeLorean.
Guests already confirmed include CBBC’s Hacker T Dog, 90s Gladiators Saracen and Scorpio, and horror favourite Art the Clown. Tickets are £5 for adults, £3 for kids (under 5s go free). More info and booking from hopetowndarlington.co.uk
Hit play heads for Newcastle on first UK tour
Playwright and actor Ins Choi can’t have had much inkling of what he had started when his debut play, Kim’s Convenience, opened at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2011 – even though it was judged best new play.
Making music in the face of MND
Eighteen months ago, Gary Wight - a North East musician known for his soulful voice and genre-spanning songwriting - was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a degenerative and ultimately terminal condition.
For many, such news might signal a quiet withdrawal. For Gary, it became a catalyst for one last creative burst: Journeys Will Start… Journeys Will End, his second solo album and undoubtedly the most personal project of his decades-long musical career.
Known previously as the frontman for ‘80s band Ill at Ease and ‘90s group Mojo Pep, Gary later explored jazz-funk with Zubi before releasing his first solo record in 2018, Welcome to the Dance of Chilli Chickenlegs.
His latest album, set for release on April 21, is a deeply collaborative effort that showcases his musical evolution and enduring spirit.
Big Flavours Head to Bishop Auckland This Weekend
Food lovers are in for a treat as Bishop Auckland Food Festival returns to the town centre this weekend (April 12-13). With over 140 traders, expect everything from parmos and pulled pork to bubble waffles and cookie pies.
There’ll be live cookery demos from big names like Simon Rimmer, Jane Dunn (Jane’s Patisserie), and MasterChef champ Brin Pirathapan, plus street performers and plenty to keep the family entertained.
Whether you're grazing your way through global street food or stocking up on local goodies, it's shaping up to be a tasty weekend.
More information from the website.
The Maltings calls for memories ahead of major revamp
As The Maltings' Eastern Lane building in Berwick prepares to close for an extensive redevelopment, the team is inviting the public to share their memories.
From old show programmes and behind-the-scenes snaps to unforgettable performances, contributions will help celebrate the venue’s legacy.
Selected submissions will be featured during two farewell Gala nights on May 30 and May 31, when hundreds of local performers will take to the stage one last time.
Photos, videos and stories can be sent to maltings@maltingsberwick.co.uk by May 2.
More info and Gala tickets from the website
Tyneside team unearths evidence of a green Arabian desert
Investigations led by Tyneside scientists have revealed that one of the most notable desert areas on Earth enjoyed periods of green, humid weather.
Don't forget – kids go free on public transport this Easter
If you’re planning a day out with the family over the holidays, remember that kids aged 11 and under can travel for free across loads of public transport in the North East from April 12 to 27.
Up to three children can travel free with any fare-paying adult or pass holder on buses, and the offer also applies to the Metro and Shields Ferry.
With £2.50 adult fare caps and £1 tickets for older kids, it’s a great way to explore. More info here.
Twin painters share Baltic spotlight
It was 2001, must have been early summer. An excited call from Northumbria University press office. Twins, they said, graduating together in fine art.
Nadine Shah can’t wait to line up with The Pogues on UK tour
North East singer songwriter Nadine Shah has been sharing her increasing excitement about joining The Pogues on their first UK headline tour in 13 years.
Shah is one of several guest vocalists set to perform alongside the legendary band as they celebrate 40 years of their landmark album Rum Sodomy & the Lash.
The tour includes a date at Newcastle 02 City Hall on May 8. Tickets here.
Peter Rabbit revealed as star of 2026 charity art trail
A couple of weeks ago, we mentioned that St Oswald’s Hospice would be bringing back its hugely popular art trail - but the character at the heart of the project was still under wraps. We guessed Bagpuss. We were wrong.
It’s now official: Beatrix Potter’s much-loved Peter Rabbit will be hopping across Newcastle and North Tyneside in summer 2026 as part of Tales on the Tyne, the hospice’s fourth large-scale fundraising trail.
Running from July 15 to September 14, 2026, 40 individually decorated Peter Rabbit sculptures will be dotted around the region just waiting to be found.
Organised in partnership with Wild in Art and The World of Peter Rabbit, the trail aims to raise vital funds for St Oswald’s Hospice, which provides specialist care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
As with previous trails—Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne (2023), Elmer’s Great North Parade (2019), and The Great North Snowdogs (2016) - a second trail of smaller sculptures painted by schools and community groups will also feature.
A printed map and app will guide visitors, and once the trail ends, the sculptures will be auctioned off to support the hospice’s vital work.
Professor of Punk honoured
A professor whose latest book chronicles a northern city’s punk scene has been awarded an academic honour.
Northumbria University Professor of Fine Art, Gavin Butt has been announced by the Association for Art History as one of their 2025 Fellows - awarded on the basis of his innovative research and its engagement with audiences beyond the academic art and art history worlds.