Culture Digest 15.05.26
A weekly round up of some of the arts and culture stories from across the North East, which caught our attention
Dave Johns heads into opera with new comedy project
North East comic, actor and writer Dave Johns has announced he is writing the libretto for a new comic opera commissioned by Opera North.
Best known for starring in (and writing the stage adaptation for) Ken Loach’s award-winning feature I, Daniel Blake – Dave will work on the production with long-time writing partner Tony Gannie.
The production is pencilled in for spring 2028.
Details of the composer are being kept under wraps for now, although Johns described them as “a musical comedy legend”.
Announcing the commission, Johns said: “We are in the early stages of development and so excited and honoured to be asked to do this.”
He added: “You can now call me Opera Dave.”
Little Voice... big new partnership
A new production of Jim Cartwright’s The Rise and Fall of Little Voice will open its national tour in Newcastle next year as part of a major new partnership between the National Theatre and Newcastle Theatre Royal aimed at widening access to theatre across England.
The modern classic will run at Newcastle Theatre Royal from February 3-6, 2027 before embarking on a nationwide tour direct from the National Theatre with its original cast - including North East actor, Jill Halfpenny - intact.
The production marks the first touring show under the newly launched National Theatre Nationwide initiative, a network of 12 regional venues spanning every English region. Backed by funding from Arts Council England, the scheme has been created in response to what organisers describe as a dramatic decline in touring theatre. Read more.
Roll(er) up! Starlight Express is wheeling onto Wearside
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s roller-skating musical Starlight Express is heading to Sunderland Empire from July 14-31, 2027 as part of a newly-announced world tour.
Following the success of its acclaimed London revival, which opened in 2024 and went on to win multiple awards including an Olivier Award and seven WhatsOnStage Awards, Newcastle producer Michael Harrison said the creative team were thrilled to be launching this major new tour.
He added: “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary score, combined with the show’s unique sense of spectacle, exhilaration and heart, continues to captivate audiences across generations.
“This exciting new production builds on everything people love about the show, featuring a dynamic new set design by Tim Hatley. It’s going to be an unmissable theatrical event, pulling into a station near you.”
Tickets go on general sale at 10am on May 22, with casting still to be announced.
Quayside recording studios set for summer completion
The firm contracted to create state-of-the-art recording studios on Newcastle Quayside has released images to show what the facility could look like when finished.
Gateshead-based Arcas Building Solutions is refurbishing the Grade II-listed Coronation Building, owned by nearby Live Theatre, to create the £1.5m Quayside Studios. Read and see more
Smoggie Queens II hits the screen
Take this as a quick reminder that all six episodes of series two of Middlesbrough sitcom, Smoggie Queens became available to stream today (May 15) on BBC iPlayer. Treat yourself.
Live Theatre deadlines loom for North East creatives
Writers, performers and theatre-makers in the North East are being encouraged to apply for a series of artist development opportunities at Live Theatre - but they’ll have to be quick.
Applications close on May 22 for Unearthed Festival Scratch Night, a chance for artists to test out new work in front of a live audience. Live Theatre is seeking new writing and performance work including devised theatre, dance, comedy and experimental performance.
The same deadline applies for Introduction to Playwriting, a six-week course for aspiring theatre writers wanting to learn the fundamentals of writing for the stage. Led by Live Theatre’s creative team, participants will develop a 10-minute script to be showcased as part of the Unearthed Festival this summer.
Meanwhile, applications close imminently for Live’s Edinburgh Fringe Preview week, offering artists the opportunity to preview their shows ahead of the Fringe.
The theatre is also partnering with New Writing North on a new Writer in Residence programme. The six-month residency includes £4,000 in support funding alongside mentoring and development opportunities. Applications close on June 8.
Team sheet for return leg of Gerry and Sewell is out
The cast has been announced for the return of hit Geordie stage show Gerry & Sewell, which heads back to Newcastle Theatre Royal next month following a sell-out run on Tyneside and a successful transfer to London’s West End.
Dean Logan and Jack Robertson will reprise their roles as the title characters (Gerry and Sewell, respectively) when the production returns to the top Grey Street from June 9-13.
Dean and Jack will be joined by Becky Clayburn as Tyneside, Matty Renton returning as himself – founder and owner of The Magpie Channel – and Erin Mullen reprising her role as Bridget McCarten.
Newcomers to the cast are Newcastle-born actor and comedian Sammy T. Dobson, currently appearing in Casualty, as Clare McCarten (a role played by Chelsea Halfpenny for the West End run), while David Nellist - fresh from a recent tour of I, Daniel Blake - and Angela Lonsdale (Coronation Street, All Creatures Great and Small) will play Mr and Mrs McCarten respectively. Read more.
New phase begins for Centre for Writing and Publishing
The proposed new Centre for Writing and Publishing in Newcastle has reached a significant new stage, with a call-out launched for architects and designers to help shape the landmark cultural project.
Led by New Writing North in partnership with Northumbria University and supported by DCMS, Arts Council England and the North East Combined Authority, the ambitious scheme would transform the Grade II-listed Old Post Office building, on St Nicholas’ Street in Newcastle city centre into a major hub for writing, publishing, education and the wider creative industries.
Broadoak Asset Management is now seeking expressions of interest from North East-based architects and designers to act as lead designer and project manager for the development as plans for the nationally significant project continue to progress.
New memoir to chart the lives behind Pat Barker’s stories
A new memoir exploring the life and family history of Booker Prize-winning author Dame Pat Barker is set to be published next year.
Dipped In Ink, written by Pat’s daughter, Anna Barker, will be published by Penguin Random House imprint Hamish Hamilton on February 4, 2027.
Described as an inter-generational family memoir, the book draws on conversations between mother and daughter following a serious health scare experienced by Pat in 2021.
According to publishing industry title The Bookseller, the memoir explores “a world shaped by illegitimacy, poverty, shame and silence” and examines themes including “abandonment and grief, of labour and ambition, of mothers and daughters, of womanhood in working-class Britain”.
The publisher describes the book as “a literary family portrait, centring on Pat Barker and opening out, concertina-like, to reveal several generations of women who came before her”.
Pat, who was born in Thornaby-on-Tees, is best known for novels including the Regeneration Trilogy, published in the 1990s, and has more recently pubnlished a series of books set during the Trojan War.
Lanterns set to glow again in Hexham
The Hexham Lantern Parade will return this November after taking a break in 2025.
Organised by Queen’s Hall Arts, the free community event will take place in the town on Friday, November 13, with organisers promising an evening of music, light and creativity.
Preparations are already underway for the parade, which will once again see artists and schoolchildren collaborate on handmade lanterns in the months leading up to the event.
Audiences can also expect live music from Northern Monkey Brass Band, whose New Orleans-inspired sound will accompany the procession through the town.
The parade’s return has been made possible with support from EGGER, which has sponsored the 2026 event.
Aspiring filmmakers invited to join Tyneside Talent Unit
Applications are open for the latest intake of the Tyneside Cinema Talent Unit, a free training and development programme for aspiring film and TV creatives aged 17-25.
Based inside the Newcastle cinema, the hands-on scheme offers participants the chance to make short films while gaining practical experience across departments including camera, sound, art, editing, producing and directing.
Organisers say the programme is designed to reflect the realities of working in the screen industries, with participants learning directly from industry professionals while developing skills including teamwork, confidence and problem-solving.
The initiative, which has been supported by the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation, is aimed at young people looking for a practical route into film and television careers. Visit the website for more information.
Zoe Birkett lands Take That tour slot
North East performer Zoe Birkett will join Take That as a guest vocalist on the band’s upcoming Circus Live Tour.
The West End star who has enjoyed leading roles in musicals such as TINA! and The Bodyguard will perform as part of the stadium tour, which comes to the Stadium of Light, Sunderland on June 9, and includes support from The Script and Belinda Carlisle.
The production revives Take That’s hugely successful 2009 Circus tour, which became the fastest-selling UK tour ever and was seen by more than a million fans.
Hartlepool shows resilience in twin exhibitions
An exhibition inspired by the 100th anniversary of the General Strike has opened at Hartlepool Art Gallery under the title Resilience.
It features work by 50 artists selected through an open call for people with links to Hartlepool.
It looks at resilience whether manifested through personal survival and psychological recovery or through strong community bonds.
Five of the exhibiting artists have been shortlisted by an independent panel of judges and visitors are asked to vote for their favourite artwork.
The artist gathering the most votes will get the opportunity to stage a solo exhibition at the gallery. Read more
New chair announced for Tyne Theatre trust
Former Newcastle Theatre Royal chief executive Philip Bernays OBE has been appointed chair of the Tyne Theatre and Opera House Preservation Trust.
Bernays succeeds outgoing chair Mike Wilmot at what the trust describes as “an exciting period of development” for the Grade I-listed venue.
Best known for leading Newcastle Theatre Royal for more than 20 years, Bernays was awarded an OBE in 2024 for services to theatre and the arts.
Speaking following his appointment, he said: “The theatre is not only one of the country’s most extraordinary surviving Victorian theatres, but also a hugely important cultural asset for Newcastle and the wider region.”
Stronger season hopes for Kielder ospreys
Ospreys at Northumberland’s breeding colony are hopefully set to bounce back after two setback seasons.
This year there are eight occupied nests at Kielder with eggs, which is a record.
On nests with cameras, 14 eggs have been counted but it is hoped that the total is likely to be over 20.
“There is about a week to go until the first eggs in Kielder Forest should start to hatch. In some ways I would like the season to stop now, as it has gone well to date,” said osprey observer Joanna Dailey.
“After several poor seasons for a variety of reasons we very much hope for an upturn in fortunes.” Read more
Food and drink businesses come together for a Taste of Northumberland
A new county-wide food and drink initiative designed to showcase Northumberland’s producers, hospitality businesses and culinary experiences has been launched by Visit Northumberland and Northumberland County Council.
Taste of Northumberland brings together close to 100 businesses under a new quality mark aimed at promoting locally sourced ingredients, artisan skills and immersive foodie experiences across the county.
Andrew Fox, chair of Visit Northumberland, said: “Taste of Northumberland is a celebration of authenticity and heritage that reassures customers of genuine local ingredients.”
Businesses signed up to the scheme include Pine, Ad Gefrin Anglo Saxon and Whisky Distillery, First and Last Brewery, Buston Potatoes and Triple A Food Tours. More information here.