Culture Digest 21.06.25
A round up of some arts and culture stories from across the North East which caught our attention this week
Before we dive into this week’s shenanigans there’s a distinct whiff of déjà Vu in the Cultured. North East newsroom.
The eagle-eyes among you will realise you’re taking delivery of this Culture Digest newsletter on Saturday lunchtime instead of Friday night… just as you did last week.
Last week, I blamed Friday the 13th and the fact I was running out of the door to host a Q&A with the Alan Hull documentary makers.
This week, I’m squarely blaming the North East cultural community for having too much stuff going on! Here’s a snippet of what I’ve been up to this week:
Saturday - Sam Fender bat St James’; Monday - Larry Lamb having a chat (with me!) at Tyneside Cinema about his new book; Thursday - fancy North East screening of 28 Years Later with Danny Boyle and Alfie Williams; Friday - Hamilton at Sunderland Empire. Add to this a 600-mile trip to London and it’s fair to say there’s been a canny bit of tail chasing (and glass clinking) going on.
Anyway, sorry for the prolonged disruption - next week, we’re back on Friday for sure!
Danny Boyle hails the North East as 'magic' setting at 28 Years Later gala screening
Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle has praised the North East as a “magic” place to make films as he returned to the region for a special gala screening of 28 Years Later – the latest chapter in his cult zombie saga.
Speaking on the appropriately black carpet outside Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema on Thursday night - just 24 hours after the movie had its world premiere in Leicester Square - Danny celebrated the region where over 80% of the new film was shot, as well as the film's shining star, 14-year-old Alfie Williams from Gateshead who is making his feature debut alongside A-list talent Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes.
Hamilton hits the stage at Sunderland Empire
The long-awaited arrival of Hamilton on the Sunderland Empire stage was celebrated this week as the UK and Ireland tour settled in for a six-week stay on Wearside*.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash-hit production sees award-winner Marley Fenton taking centre stage as Alexander Hamilton. He’s joined by Billy Nevers as Aaron Burr and Casey Al-Shaqsy as Eliza Hamilton.
The company also features Chasity Crisp as Angelica Schuyler, Ashley J. Daniels, and Louis Maskell among a stellar ensemble.
With its mix of hip-hop, R&B, jazz and pure Broadway, Hamilton tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton through a revolutionary lens that has captivated audiences everywhere.
Packed with high-energy choreography and razor-sharp lyrics, the show features some of the most celebrated songs in modern musical theatre, including My Shot, The Room Where It Happens, Wait For It, Burn and the King George show-stopper You’ll Be Back.
*Press night was last night (see apology for the lateness of the newsletter) so look out for our full review over the weekend.
The 1975 prepare for Glastonbury headline debut
As The 1975 gear up for their Pyramid Stage headline debut at Glastonbury later this month, frontman Matty Healy has been spending time closer to his North East roots.
While back in the UK rehearsing for the band’s Friday night top bill slot in Somerset, the 36-year-old singer, who spends most of his non-touring time at his Los Angeles home, was spotted showing support for rising North East band Ernie and soaking up one of Sam Fender’s sold-out shows at St James’ Park at the weekend.
It was a proud moment for the Sunday for Sammy Trust, where Ernie is a former grantee - and Matty, newly announced as a patron, continues a family legacy begun by his father, the charity’s founder, Tim Healy.
The 1975’s Glastonbury appearance on June 27 will be the band’s only show this year, ahead of a much-anticipated new project.
What comedy legend did for me and my career
Without Bob Monkhouse, what might Simon Cartwright be up to these days?
It’s a fair question says the man who will be making his first appearance on the Theatre Royal stage playing the late comedian and host of game shows such as The Golden Shot and Celebrity Squares.
Literary world mourns Professor Simon J James
Tributes have been paid to Professor Simon J James following his death from a rare and aggressive form of cancer, diagnosed just weeks before he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife Kate and close family.
A much-loved academic, Simon served in Durham University’s Department of English Studies for 25 years, including time as head of department. He was known as “a brilliant critic, an inspirational lecturer and teacher, and an illuminating supervisor, mentor, and friend,” and a world-leading authority on H.G. Wells, Victorian literature, and the modern novel.
Simon was deeply engaged in life beyond academia, especially through his long-standing work with New Writing North and the Durham Book Festival. He chaired countless events, helped shape key projects like the Big Read, and regularly supported young writers, many of them former students.
He also ran a reading group at HMP Frankland, work which earned him Durham University’s Best Educational Effort award in 2023. One participant said they “couldn’t believe the world expert on H.G. Wells” came to talk with them each week.
New Writing North said simply: “His loss is immeasurable.” A book of condolence is being organised by the University for those who wish to share memories and messages.
Cast announced for Miss Saigon, opening in Newcastle
Back in November Michael Harrison announced a forthcoming “major, major musical for the North East” that would open at the Theatre Royal before heading off on a mammoth tour.
Show number two announced by Horden's Ensemble '84
Ensemble ’84, which signalled its intent with a triumphant opening production of Mother Courage back in May, has announced its – very different – follow-up.
Coming in August is Pits, People and Players, marking the 125th anniversary of Horden, the former pit village in County Durham where the new theatre company has taken over the old Methodist Church.
The opening play by Bertolt Brecht, a classic which is probably being produced somewhere in the world at any time, is a visceral comment on war by one of theatre’s big names.
Lindisfarne Festival looking for ‘walkabout’ acts
The newly-secured Lindisfarne Festival is on the lookout for acts to get amongst its ticketholders throughout the camping weekender at the end of August.
Founding festival director, Conleth Maenpaa, who was dramatically brought back to take charge of the 10th anniversary event after the company which had taken it over for 2024 got into financial difficulty, is looking for suggestions via his new Instagram account.
In other news, tickets are back on sale for the event, which was very much in doubt until the investors behind Hardwick Festival stepped in to ensure its survival.
Discovery Museum announces after-hours digital detox event
Newcastle’s Discovery Museum will host its latest after-hours Discovery Nights event on July 18.
Titled Discovery Nights: Unplugged, the evening invites over-18s to enjoy a digital detox through mindful, screen-free activities including meditation, board games, quizzes, and creative workshops. The event is part of the award-winning Steam to Green programme. Tickets cost £10 and can be booked via the website.
Sleaford Mods frontman joins radical new show at Live Theatre
A powerful new production exploring homelessness will take centre stage at Newcastle’s Live Theatre this September, featuring Sleaford Mods frontman Jason Williamson in a rare live performance.
Masala Festival promises a cultural heatwave
The Masala Festival, that annual treasure trove of memorable experiences, is shortly to return with another busy programme assembled by Gateshead-based GemArts, champions of South Asian culture.
It runs from July 14 to 20 and will be launched in style at the Theatre Royal where the Aakash Odedra Company, in association with Manchester Camerata, will present Songs of the Bulbul.
The Leicester-based company, founded by artistic director Odedra and our own Anand Bhatt, now running Dance City in Newcastle, presents this new work inspired by the ancient Sufi myth of a captive bulbul (nightingale).
With choreography by Rani Khanam and music by Rushil Ranjan, it holds the promise of an unforgettable night.
Vikas Kumar, the inspiring and dedicated director of Gem Arts, suggests the bar for this year’s festival has been set high to reflect “the richness of South Asian creativity and cultural goodness”.
Beatles auction finds are fab
For Beatles fan Susan Hutchinson, making her way to the concert at Newcastle City Hall where the group were appearing was excitement enough.
Durham honours cultural treasures at summer graduations
Acclaimed actors Mark Gatiss and Gina McKee are among a group of leading cultural and public figures receiving honorary degrees from Durham University this July.
Gatiss, who grew up in Sedgefield, is widely known as a founding member of The League of Gentlemen and co-creator of the hit BBC series Sherlock, in which he also starred.
Fellow County Durham native Gina McKee, from Peterlee, has enjoyed a celebrated screen and stage career, with roles in Notting Hill, Atonement, Friends in the North and numerous award-winning productions.
They are joined by trailblazing broadcasters and Durham alumni David Shukman, the BBC’s first science editor, and Lorraine Heggessey, who became the first woman to lead BBC One in 2000.
The summer Congregation ceremonies, held at Durham Cathedral from July 2-9, will also honour international legal experts (Dato’) Faiz Azmi and Dapo Akande, and North East-based domestic abuse campaigner Becky Rogerson.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O’Brien praised the honorary graduates as “exceptional individuals” whose careers embody the values of excellence, creativity, and impact. They will join thousands of graduating students in celebrating achievement - and in inspiring the next generation of leaders, artists, and change-makers.
Baltic exhibition gets to the root of the matter
Birds’ nests, 200-year-old tree roots, Moomins (nominally, at least) and that’s not all. The word ‘exhibition’ is rarely adequate for describing the art of Henna Asikainen.
Wincey Willis: North East icon whose charm lit up breakfast telly
Wincey Willis, who has died aged 76*, rose from her North East roots to become a beloved face of 1980s British television. Born in Gateshead and raised in Hartlepool, Wincey began her broadcasting journey at Radio Tees in the mid-1970s.
Her vivacious personality soon caught the attention of Tyne Tees Television, after she brought a giant terrapin to star in the station’s regional kids show, Saturday Shake Up. She was offered the role of weather presenter, which ultimately paved the way for a national breakthrough.
In 1983, Wincey joined TV-am’s Good Morning Britain as its weather presenter during a pivotal shake-up of the struggling breakfast programme. Spotted by TV executives for her spark on Tyne Tees, she quickly became a viewer favourite, helping turn around the show's fortunes.
Known for her cheerful style, distinctive mullet, and colourful jumpers – many sent in by fans – she helped redefine the role of the ‘weather girl’’.
Beyond the forecast, Wincey’s love of animals – many of them rescued at her home near Barnard Castle – became a key part of her on-screen identity. Her ‘Wincey and Friends’ segment and later appearances on Channel 4's Treasure Hunt showcased her versatility and warmth.
*Wincey passed away in December 2024, but her death was only recently announced.