Curated Culture 07.04.26
Our regular round-up of recommendations from North East stages and cultural venues
Hello and welcome to this week’s Curated Culture – our regular serving of handpicked arts and culture happenings from across the North East.
If you’re a regular, you’ll know what’s coming. If you’re new here, here’s how things line up:
🗓️ Top Picks – a generous selection of featured listings happening over the next couple of weeks
📌 Still Showing – previous highlights that are still available to catch
📅 Now Booking – a forward-look at what to get in the diary
🎁 Subscriber Prize Draw – this week, win three tickets to see The Fit Prince at Live Theatre, Newcastle on April 10
You’ll find everything you need to enter at the end of the newsletter – enjoy the scroll.
Thanks as always for supporting what we’re doing
Sam (Wonfor) and Dave (Whetstone)
Professionally occupied with North East Culture
CLASSICAL: Andrea Bocelli Candlelight Opera
Where: Hexham Abbey
When: Saturday, April 11, 7pm and 9pm
Booking & Info: hexhamabbey.org.uk
Just before anyone gets too excited, the one thing you are not going to see is Andrea Bocelli.
The celebrated operatic tenor has a fairly busy 2026 itinerary, taking in a performance in Mexico on April 25 and others next month in Italy, Egypt and Turkey.
Hexham, sadly, does not figure.
But there is this “brand new concert experience” from Lumos which stages music and candlelight events in historic buildings, often churches.
In genre terms, it’s billed as Classical Andrea Bocelli Tribute (Opera).
The music – to include renditions of The Prayer, Time To Say Goodbye, If Only and O Sole Mio – will be provided by a pianist, a string duet and a ‘vocalist duet’ on whose shoulders must rest a mighty burden (not for no reason is Signor Bocelli feted the world over).
There are to be two performances – or ‘sittings’ – on Saturday, one at 7pm (doors open 6.15pm) and one at 9pm (8.30pm).
As is the Lumos way, a portion of takings will go to charity.
One audience member who saw the show in Bromley offered the unsolicited comment: “The singers were wonderful. Beautiful setting. A great evening, would highly recommend.”
So there you go.
MUSIC: Seven Drunken Nights - The Story of the Dubliners
Where: Sunderland Empire
When: April 21
Bookings and info: atgtickets.com
Seven Drunken Nights revisits the music of legendary Irish band, The Dubliners through a live stage production performed by a cast of musicians.
Drawing on songs including Whiskey in the Jar, The Irish Rover and Rocky Road to Dublin, the show traces more than 50 years of the band’s influence on folk music.
Developed in association with O’Donoghue’s Pub, it blends storytelling with live performance to reflect the spirit of the originals, offering a snapshot of a repertoire that continues to resonate across generations.
MUSIC: Paul Carrack in Concert
Where: The Glasshouse, Gateshead
When: Wednesday, April 15, 7.30pm
Booking & Info: theglasshouseicm.org
There are very few tickets left if you want to join the party as “the man with the golden voice” (courtesy of a 2012 BBC TV documentary) kicks off his latest tour in Gateshead.
That’s only to be expected, given his musical pedigree and longevity, starting in the 1970s as frontman of rock band Ace.
Securing the opening gig looks quite a coup for Gateshead, coming a day before Carrack performs in his native Sheffield and ahead of other big UK cities.
In his 50-year career Carrack has also performed with Squeeze and Mike + The Mechanics, and contributed to some of the best-known creations of Roxy Music, The Smiths, Elton John, Simply Red and others.
He is, as his own website declares: “Britain’s best blue-eyed soul singer, writer and purveyor of songs that are deep in the DNA of pop history.”
Joining him and the band at The Glasshouse as he strives to live up to that will be guitarist (one-time member of The Pretenders) Robbie McIntosh who has worked with him previously and with many other rock and pop luminaries.
THEATRE: Sunny Afternoon
Where: Stockton Globe
When: April 14-18
Bookings and info: stocktonglobe.co.uk
The multi-Olivier Award-winning musical inspired by the life and music of The Kinks, is back in the region following a run at Sunderland Empire towards the end of last year.
Set against the backdrop of Britain on the brink of the swinging sixties, it tells the story of the Davies brothers and their bandmates as they stumble from North London beginnings to global fame, soundtracked by hits such as You Really Got Me, Lola and All Day and All of the Night.
The current touring production has Danny Horn returning as Ray Davies, joined by Oliver Hoare as Dave, Harry Curley as Peter Quaife and Zakarie Stokes as Mick Avory.
Directed by Edward Hall with music and lyrics by Ray Davies and a book by Joe Penhall, the show mixes joy, chaos and heartache in a portrait of a band that defined an era.
Ahead of the UK tour kicking off, Ray Davies said: “I’m pleased that Danny and Oliver are rejoining Sunny Afternoon after their brilliant run in Chicago and look forward to Harry and Zakarie joining the band.
“Well done to everyone involved in making this wonderful Sunny Afternoon musical.”
RADIO: Si King on Desert Island Discs
Where: BBC Sounds/iPlayer
When: Available now
Info: bbc.co.uk
Geordie broadcaster, musician and cook Si King took his place across the Desert Island recording desk recently to share his cultural rucksack choices with fellow North Easterner, Lauren Laverne on the legendary radio show.
Best known as one half of The Hairy Bikers alongside his late friend Dave Myers, Si, whose journey into television started with a running job on the pilot of Byker Grove, reflects on food, friendship and the open road during this warm and delightful episode - which also includes some excellent music.
DANCE: Triptych – Lewis Major
Where: Dance City, Newcastle and Queen’s Hall Arts, Hexham
When: April 15 and April 18, respectively
Booking & Info: dancecity.co.uk and queenshall.co.uk
The biography of Lewis Major on his own website describes him as “an award-winning choreographer, director and creative entrepreneur with a background in sheep shearing and a foreground in contemporary dance theatre”.
That sounds a startling contrast, although strength and a certain nimbleness sound plausible requisites for anyone considering a career in parting sheep from their wool.
The Aussie’s latest dance creation premiered ‘down under’ in 2024 and was lauded when performed in Edinburgh that same year. It comes to the North East on its current tour garlanded with awards and plaudits.
Promising “a stunning fusion of movement, light and design”, Dance City inform us that Triptych, performed by world class dancers, comprises Two x Three, by Lewis’s British choreographic mentor Russell Maliphant, and two pieces, Unfolding and Epilogue, by Major himself.
In Unfolding, the lighting and visual design by Fausto Brusamolino promises to be worth the ticket price all on its own.
EXHIBITION: The Graduates
Where: National Glass Centre, Sunderland
When: Until July 31
Booking & Info: sunderlandculture.org.uk
It seems unlikely there will be a more poignant exhibition than this mounted anywhere in the region during 2026.
For it’s a National Glass Centre swansong, a celebration of the achievements of the University of Sunderland’s resident glass and ceramics department over the best part of three decades.
The landmark building, fabulous in many respects despite being troubled and perhaps ill-starred from the outset, is to close on July 31.
This exhibition features the work of 52 artists, mostly graduates and staff members of the department but also including that of seven other invited artists.
The support of Reino Liefkes, senior curator ceramics and glass at the V&A, and Helen Ritchie, senior curator of modern & contemporary applied arts at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, is acknowledged, along with that of several sponsors.
Some exhibits have been made specially to mark the influence of the National Glass Centre and reflect on the future of regional glassmaking.
They include A Moment of Contemplation by James Maskrey, Save the Last Breath by Zoie Garner, 21 Gram by Bente Brekke and Human Resources I & II by Dr Jo Mitchell.
Other contributors include recent graduates Sean Barnes, Hannah Masi, Suzie Smith and Helen Gordon.
MUSIC: Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering
Where: Venues and sites across Morpeth town centre
When: April 10-12
Bookings and info: northumbriana.org.uk
The Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering returns for its 58th year celebrating traditional music, dance, dialect and craft across a packed programme of over 50 events during three full days.
This year’s ‘Vanbrugh Revisited’ theme marks 300 years since architect Sir John Vanbrugh, with performances, period dance and a special concert, Sir John’s Delight on the evening of April 10 featuring Ray Alexander as John Vanbrugh in A Life of Irony and fiddler Stewart Hardy with Woolsington Strings.
Expect lots of concerts, competitions, workshops, loads of opportunities for dancing and family-friendly activities across the town – a vibrant showcase of Northumbrian heritage with an 18th-century twist.
MUSIC: Idlewild
Where: The Fire Station, Sunderland
When: April 17
Bookings and info: thefirestation.org.uk
Scottish indie stalwarts Idlewild visit The Fire Station for the first time, following the autumn 2025 release of their eponymous 10th studio album.
The tour follows the 30th anniversary of their debut live show at Edinburgh’s Subway in 1996, marking three decades of evolution from raw post-punk to expansive, melodic rock.
Fronted by Roddy Woomble, the band have built a global following, sharing stages with R.E.M., U2 and Pearl Jam.
COMEDY: Rob Newman Live
Where: Gala Durham
When: Saturday, April 11, 7.30pm
Booking & Info: galadurham.co.uk
It’s actually quite hard to keep track of Mr Newman. His own website only lists appearances up until the end of February and the usual online ticketing folk seem to be somewhat in the dark.
But since the Gala’s ultra-reliable staff assure us he’s to be in Durham on Saturday – and, as a bonus, ‘live’ - then there he’ll surely be.
He’s famous for occupying the more cerebral realms of comedy, as you’d expect of one whose book about ‘brain science’ once drew a recommendation from Newcastle philosopher Mary Midgley.
He also – although this might call his astuteness into question - once congratulated one half of your Cultured North East team on his trousers, which he called ‘kecks’. And with no discernible trace of irony.
He’ll certainly have forgotten it (perhaps he says it to everyone) even if the pleasantly surprised wearer hasn’t.
In anticipation of his turning up, Gala Durham promise “a barnstorming new stand-up show about where we are and where we’re going”.
This to include future cities, philistine film directors, Pythagorean gangsters, intellectual bingo callers and much more.
THEATRE: Wired
Where: Gosforth Civic Theatre
When: April 12 and 13, 7pm
Booking & Info: gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk
This is the latest from Mortal Fools, the Ashington-based theatre and creative learning company which puts positive mental health and wellbeing at the heart of its agenda.
Specifically, it is the latest from the Ensemble Young Company, Mortal Fools’ youth theatre group for teenagers aged 14-19.
Wired, devised by 10 young company members, looks at what it means to grow up in a digital world with all its attendant tensions and pressures.
Social media, Artificial Intelligence and an ever-changing online landscape inevitably help to shape people’s lives… for better or worse.
Among questions posed by the young performers are “What happens when our digital lives and the real world collide?” and (one to which oldies might be able to supply the answer) “What would it be like to grow up in a world without the internet?”
The show, we are promised, is “bold, emotional, funny and unfiltered”. It’s aimed, say the company, at youngsters, parents/carers and people who support and work with teens.
The April 12 performance at Gosforth Civic is BSL interpreted. And there’s another chance to catch the show at Arts Centre Washington on April 16 at 7.30pm.
Look out for our full preview feature later this week.
THEATRE: The Thrill of Love
Where: People’s Theatre, Newcastle
When: April 13 to 18
Booking & Info: peoplestheatre.co.uk
Ruth Ellis did a shocking thing – shooting dead her lover (or one-time lover) in a London street – but what happened to her subsequently seems equally shocking from a modern perspective.
She was the last woman to be executed in this country, hanged at Holloway Prison in July 1955, provoking outrage and widespread disquiet (although it would be another decade before the death penalty was abolished in the UK).
Amanda Whittington’s play, premiered at the New Vic Theatre in 2013, is based on the story of Ellis, single mum, nightclub hostess and aged just 28 when she died.
Say the People’s: Weaving known facts with imagined scenarios, Whittington takes a new look at the real woman behind the headlines and at the events which drove her to murder.
“Part noir thriller, part poignant character study, what unfolds is a tragic story of love and betrayal, shattered dreams, and broken bodies.”
The play is the latest to be staged in the more intimate space of the People’s Studio.
STILL SHOWING
Music: Suzi Quatro, Sage One, The Glasshouse, Gateshead, Apr 8
Theatre: The Tale of the Loneliest Whale, Arts Centre Washington, Apr 9
Theatre: Murder, She Didn’t Write, Northern Stage, Newcastle and Darlington Hippodrome, Apr 9-10 and Apr 12 respectively
Sound: Healing Hz, The Glasshouse, Gateshead, Apr 10
Theatre: 2: 22 A Ghost Story, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Apr 13-18
Event: Felicity Cloake’s Adventures in Food, Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle, Apr 14
Concert: The Music of Prince by Candlelight, Durham Cathedral, Apr 15
Exhibition: Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary, The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, until Sept 6
Exhibition: Following the Eagle, Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend, until Oct 3
Theatre: Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Newcastle Theatre Royal, until Apr 11. Read our review
Art and Nature: Spring Into Action, Baltic, Gateshead, until Apr 19
Theatre/Comedy: The Fit Prince, Live Theatre, Newcastle, until Apr 10
Exhibition: Picture This: Someone Like Me, Great North Museum: Hancock, until Jan 2027
Theatre: Mean Girls the Musical, Sunderland Empire, until Apr 11
Theatre: Bus Stop Goths, Northern Stage, Newcastle, Apr 24
Exhibition: Portrait Award 2025, Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle, until Sept 5
Exhibition: Enigmas, RePUBlic Gallery, Blyth, ongoing
Exhibition: Rebel Women of Sunderland, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, until Aug 1
Exhibition: Women Behind Bars: Life in Newcastle Prison, 1828-1925, until Apr 27. Read our preview
Exhibition: Lady Kitt – Lines of Legitimacy, Hartlepool Art Gallery, Apr 18
Exhibition: Northumberland Open Exhibition, Woodhorn Museum, until May 10. Read more.
Exhibition: Feeling Into The Unknown, Hartlepool Art Gallery, until Apr 18
Screen: Torvill and Dean - The Last Dance, streaming on ITVX,
Exhibition: Desire Lines, MIMA, Middlesbrough, until Apr 12
Theatre: Sunny Afternoon, Stockton Globe, April 14-18
Comedy: Chris Ramsey - Here Man, Newcastle 02 City April 17-19
Screen: Jools Holland’s New Orleans Jukebox, BBC iPlayer
Radio: Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!, BBC Sounds
Exhibition: For All At Last Return and first major UK exhibition by filmmaker and artist Saodat Ismailova, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead, until Jun 7, 2026
Exhibition: Out of the Darkness, Mining Art Gallery, Bishop Auckland, until December
NOW BOOKING
Theatre: Hold the Line, Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle, April 29-May 2
Music: Quite Quiet featuring David Brewis, This Little Bird and Georgia Ruyi, Port Independent, Sunderland, May 7
Theatre: The Choir of Man, Sunderland Empire, May 12-16
Theatre: Long Day’s Journey Into Night, various North East venues, May 12-27
Comedy: Washy Comedy Fest, Arts Centre Washington, May 21-23
Theatre: Gerry and Sewell, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Jun 9-13
Theatre: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, People’s Theatre, Newcastle, June 9-13
Poetry: Pam Ayres, Alnwick Playhouse, Jun 14
Theatre: Unearthed Festival, Live Theatre, Jul 2-11
Festival: Durham Brass, various venues, Jul 12-19
Music: Kula Shaker, The Fire Station (Parade Ground), Aug 2
Music: Saint Etienne, Sage One, The Glasshouse, Sept 24
Music: Elephant Kind, Gosforth Civic Theatre, Sept 25
Spoken word: Lemm Sissay, Gala Durham, Sept 29
Music: Alison Moyet, Stockton Globe, Oct 4
Event: Professor Brian Cox, Utilita Arena Newcastle, Oct 17
Comedy: Rosie Holt - The Illegal Aliens Have Landed, Northern Stage, Oct 17
Music: An Evening With Lambchop, Sage Two, The Glasshouse, Nov 26
2027
Comedy: Emma Doran - Emmaculate, Northern Stage, Feb 6
Theatre: The Most Famous Tree in the World, Live Theatre, May 6-29
Theatre: The Silence of the Lambs, Sunderland Empire, Jun 21-26 (also at Newcastle Theatre Royal August 18-22, 2026)
COMPETITION TIME
Welcome to our latest newsletter prize draw - offering our subscribers an exclusive opportunity to win tickets to see or do something great.
This week, we’ve got three tickets to see The Fit Prince at Live Theatre, Newcastle on Friday, April 10. (Note the deadline for entries is TOMORROW - Wednesday).
After acclaimed runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and in London, Awkward Prods (creators of Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story and Gwyneth Goes Skiing) bring their romcom spoof The Fit Prince… to Tyneside this week.
Set in the fictional kingdom of Swedonia, a prince must find love or lose his crown. Meanwhile, in New York, a struggling baker lands the royal wedding cake gig, thanks to his mischievous puppet sidekick.
Cue festive tropes, chaotic romance and plenty of twists in this queer, interactive comedy, complete with original songs and surprise digital cameos.
HOW TO ENTER:
To be in with a chance of winning, simply email MePlease@culturednortheast.co.uk using the subject line: Wedding cake? Yes Please by 7pm tomorrow (Wednesday, April 8, 2026).
The winner, who will be selected at random, will be notified within 24 hours of the entry deadline.
Terms and conditions: Only subscribers to the Cultured. North East newsletter are eligible to enter the Newsletter Prize Draw competition. Prizes are as stated - subject to availability - and non-transferable. No cash alternatives will be offered. You must be over 18 years of age to enter. The Editor’s decision is final.