Curated Culture 11.03.25
Our weekly recommendations round up from North East stages and cultural venues
Hello and welcome to March’s second Curated Culture mailout (helloooooo daffodils!) offering a busy bagful of suggestions for things to get in front of all over the North East.
If you’re a new reader, settle in for a bit of helpful admin*.
*Old-school CNE scrollers can jump over the bullet points to news of this week’s prizedraw.
Every Tuesday, this newsletter provides:
At least 10 featured listings of things we think are worth your time over the next couple of weeks;
A round up of things from previous Curated Culture mailouts which are STILL SHOWING; and
The NOW BOOKING section, which looks to draw your attention to stuff happening later in the year, which you might want to get locked down. It’s a culturally-charged forward planning aid.
The Tuesday mailout is also where you can get amongst our weekly newsletter prizedraw - giving Cultured. North East subscribers an exclusive chance to win tickets to something great.
This week, one lucky winner (and whoever they choose to take as their +1) will win a pair of tickets to their choice of Ellen Kent Opera's at Sunderland Empire next week.
So, you can either see La Traviata (Monday, March 17) or Madama Butterfly (Tuesday, March 18).
All the details and information on how to enter can be found at the bottom of the newsletter… but there’s much to savour between here and there, so make sure to tarry, tarry and tarry some more!
See you soon and thanks as ever for your likes, shares and messages of support
Sam and Dave*
*Like Chas and Dave but with less hair and better accents
PS: If you haven’t liked/followed/high fived us on our socials, you can rectify that on Facebook, Instagram and Blue Sky
COMEDY: Chris Cantrill - Easily Swayed
Where: The Witham, Barnard Castle
When: March 22
Bookings and info: thewitham.org.uk
Three-times Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, Chris Cantrill is bringing the 2024 show which caught the attention of the Fringe judges to County Durham.
Middle age, high fantasy and ‘why it’s okay to wear a cape sometimes’ will all be explored via a blend of quick fire gags and storytelling.
You may have seen him on your telly in Alma’s Not Normal, Avoidance and Don’t Hug Me, I’m Scared. He’s also one half of cult comedy double act, The Delightful Sausage.
MUSIC: RNS Moves with Rapasa Nyatrapasa Otieno
Where: Sage Two, The Glasshouse and Middlesbrough Town Hall
When: March 15, 3pm and March 16, 3pm
Bookings and info: theglasshouseicm.org and middlesbrough.gov.uk
Kenyan musician Rapasa Nyatrapasa Otieno is no stranger to The Glasshouse, having performed there in 2021 when he sang songs inspired by the traditions of the Lüo community in his home country.
He has also taught in the North East and led workshops in primary schools and at Newcastle University.
For these concerts he joins RNS Moves, the ensemble that unites disabled musicians and non-disabled members of Royal Northern Sinfonia.
Rapasa is a master of the eight-stringed nyatiti, a bowl-like African instrument similar to a lyre.
“Traditionally, my instrument can be limited in where it can go,” he says. “When I collaborate with others, I respect their instruments’ sound.”
This concerts will feature a blend of African, American and European sounds.
Along with Rapasa’s own compositions and pieces arranged for him and the ensemble by Robert Ap Huw, expect to hear works by Tunde Jegede, Ayo Bankole, Jessie Montgomery and Antonín Dvořák .
Read more: Jenni Fagan’s Ootlin wins Gordon Burn Prize
THEATRE: The Shark is Broken
Where: Newcastle Theatre Royal
When: March 18-22
Bookings and info: theatreroyal.co.uk
The smash hit comedy, which has enjoyed successful runs in the West End and on Broadway dives into the infamously troubled making of Steven Spielberg’s iconic blockbuster film, Jaws and is co-written by Ian Shaw, who plays his dad, actor Robert Shaw (Quint) in the play.
As mechanical sharks brake down, boats sink and changes to the script emerge day on day, The Shark Is Broken is set during the long gaps in filming, exposing the tense and argumentative relationships between the three lead actors, Shaw, Roy Scheider (Chief Brody) and Richard Dreyfuss (Hooper).
“I’d spent my life trying not to be associated with my dad,” Shaw says. “You want to carve your own path, so I was wary of that. But I’m obsessed with films, and I’m obsessed with the story of filmmaking.
“I just imagined three men stuck on this boat, marooned out in the water. Something about that idea appealed to me. I’ve reached a point now where I guess the comparison with my dad doesn’t matter so much. I’m also at the same age as my dad when he was doing Jaws.”
Look out for David Whetstone’s full interview with Ian Shaw later this week.
MUSIC: Danny and the Champions of the World
Where: Gosforth Civic Theatre
When: March 22
Bookings and info: gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk
Following a six-year hiatus, the rock and soul band put out a seventh album, You Are Not A Stranger Here at the back end of 2024… and you know what comes along with a new long player? Some lovely chances to hear it played live.
Thankfully one of those has been booked for Gosforth Civic Theatre - presented by Jumpin Hot Club.
Read more: Newcastle launch for spellbinding new musical
BALTIC: Spring Welcome
Where: Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
When: Saturday, March 15 to April 13
Bookings and info: baltic.art
It’s ‘last chance to see’ time for some of its current exhibitions (Franki Raffles and Hannah Perry close on March 16) but Baltic is welcoming spring as its kittiwakes and honeybees start to make their presence felt.
A programme of nature-themed events includes talks, tours, workshops and community events – all part of Birds. Bees, Bikes & Trees, a three-year partnership between Baltic, North East Young Dads & Lads (NEYDL) and Newcastle University.
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, it is all free but includes both drop-in events and some which must be booked.
Check out the programme for guided bikes rides, honeybee and kittiwake talks, workshops such as Make & Meet and Bike Maintenance or community events such as Saturday’s Holi Festival of Colours, Sunday’s Never Bin Better litter pick or Nowruz (the Persian New Year) on March 20.
MUSIC: Red Sky July
Where: Alfie and Fin’s, Tynemouth
When: Thursday, March 20
Bookings and info: redskyjuly.co.uk
Located inside The Land of Green Ginger, the former church on Front Street, this intimate bar and music venue plays host to Red Sky July - in March. Let’s hope there’s a pink sky waiting to greet them.
With a sound described as a blend of alt-folk, country and Americana, the group comprises Scottish guitarist Ally McErlaine, best known for his work with Texas, his wife Shelly Poole, formerly one half of Alisha’s Attic with sister Karen, and fellow vocalist Haley Glennie-Smith, replacing American Charity Hair.
Past glories include a Tartan Clef Award at the Scottish Music Awards, guest appearances for the likes of Sheryl Crow, Steve Earle, 10cc, Tom Jones and Jools Holland and festival slots at the likes of Glastonbury, the Isle of Wight, T in the Park and C2C: Country to Country.
Read more: Review - Rupture, Live Theatre Studio, Newcastle
CLASSICAL: Mahler’s Fifth Symphony
Where: The Glasshouse ICM, Gateshead
When: Sunday, March 16, 3pm
Bookings and info: theglasshouseicm.org
Where to go if you’re not watching the match – or indeed are not interested in Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup Final clash with Liverpool? (Or, another viable alternative, simply couldn’t stand the stress of watching?)
Here’s one decent suggestion. As the ref whistles kick-off at Wembley, conductor Robin Ticciati will be guiding the London Philharmonic Orchestra through Gustav Mahler’s epic masterpiece.
This is the second attraction in a concert of double highlights which opens with Swiss pianist Francesco Piemontesi tackling Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto.
Mahler, coming after the interval, is Marmite, so they say. A bit like Newcastle United or any football team. But the fans are passionate and they’ll be in Sage One in numbers for the Sunday gig – and there are some tickets left.
It’s good to see a big visiting orchestra at the venue. There used to be many more. Do savour this one – a guaranteed win for the fans. And with the Cup Final kick off due at 4.30pm you might make it home for the second half. A win win?
Read more: Culture Digest 07.03.25 - our latest arts and culture news round up
Exhibition: Being, Ali Cook & Kate Sweeney
Where: Vane, Orbis Community, 65 High Street, Gateshead
When: March 13 to April 5
Bookings and info: vane.org.uk
Two North East artists whose work “employs the figure as a carrier and transgressor of narratives” come together in the latest exhibition at Vane.
Ali Cook, born in Newcastle in 2001 and based in the city, is a recent fine art graduate of Newcastle University.
As the recipient of the 2024 New Graduate Award from Middlesbrough Art Week, he was provided with a studio at Orbis Community, mentoring and a Middlesbrough Art Week exhibition. Last year he was also a winner in the Freelands Painting Prize.
Leeds-born Kate Sweeney moved to the North East in 1996 and lives in Gateshead. She graduated in fine art from Northumbria University in 2009 and completed a PhD at Newcastle University in 2020.
Through absurdist paintings, Ali Cook invites observers to reflect on their own mortality and morality. Kate Sweeney, as a lesbian mother, explores how familiar bonds are formed.
The pair will give a gallery talk at 6pm on Wednesday, April 2.
THEATRE: ARC Stockton presents… Unruly
Where: Live Theatre, Newcastle and Darlington Hippodrome
When: March 22 and 28
Bookings and info: live.org.uk and darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
A duo of North East audiences will be treated to ‘a love letter to the punk spirit of activism and finding your tribe’ later this month.
A one-woman show written and performed by Vici Wreford-Sinnott, this is a piece of disabled women-led theatre - featuring music from award-winning composer and musician Beccy Owen - with an impassioned call to action.
Vici plays Marina - one half of a formidable campaigning duo who finds herself reflecting on their journey and its impact after losing her partner in protest.
MUSIC: Matt Goss - The Hits and More
Where: Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle and Middlesbrough Town Hall
When: March 19 and 22
Bookings and info: Tyne Theatre and Town Hall
For people of a certain age *waves* and pop persuasion who peppered and papered their walls in Smash Hits posters and song lyrics, the arrival of Matt Goss in the region for a couple of gigs will be pretty exciting.
The former lead singer of 80s chart-toppers, Bros who has gone on to become a Las Vegas lounge legend and cult TV icon along brother Luke thanks to their unforgettable documentary When The Screaming Stops (if you haven’t seen it, you really should treat yourself) is bringing ‘the hits and more’ to two venues.*
*Do not forget your Grolsch tops/red neckershiefs and ripped 501s.
And one for later in the year…
MUSIC: The Young’uns Big Boro Bash
Where: Middlesbrough Town Hall
When: Saturday, November 15
Bookings and info: middlesbrough.gov.uk
The folk threesome is celebrating 20th years with a national tour, conscious that with every passing year its name sounds more ironic. All three singers turn 40 this year.
This news we shared in December, surprised to see no North East date on the itinerary but led to expect something special might yet emerge.
The Big Boro Bash is that special thing, and although it isn’t until November, tickets are going like mist on a sunny morning.
It’s an epic undertaking, starting with a family concert at 11am when the lads - Sean Cooney, Michael Hughes and David Eagle – will be joined by proper young’uns to perform songs they’ve written with schoolchildren over the years.
At 1pm they’ll broadcast a Young’uns Live TV podcast direct from the Town Hall; then at 3pm they’ll perform their acclaimed theatre show, The Ballad Of Johnny Longstaff.
The evening climax will be a full 20th anniversary celebration concert when The Young’uns will be joined by special guests (still to be announced).
Says Cooney: “We’ve been working hard on putting together a special party to celebrate our 20 years together (and also our joint 40th birthdays!). It had to be in Teesside, of course, and we’re delighted to be coming back to Middlesbrough Town Hall.”
STILL SHOWING
Exhibition: Unravelling, Samantha Cary, Granary Gallery, Berwick, until May 18
Theatre: Bangers, Live Theatre, Mar 11-13
Dance: Dragons, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Mar 14-15
Theatre: The Moth, various North East venues until April 8
Music: Landermason, Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham, Mar 13
Comedy: Louise Young: Feral, Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle, Mar 14
Theatre: Night Classes, Gosforth Civic Theatre, (Mar 14) and Seventeen Nineteen, Sunderland (Mar 15)
Event: Holi Festival of Colours, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead, Mar 15
Exhibition: Pieces of Woman, RePUBlic Gallery, Blyth, until Mar 15
Exhibition: Northumberland Open Exhibition, Woodhorn Museum, until June 1. Read David Whetstone’s full preview of the exhibition.
Exhibition: Between Land and Sea, Hartlepool Art Gallery, until March 29
Exhibition: Spellbound, The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, Northumberland, until April 6
Exhibition: Sustainable Clay, Hatton Gallery, Newcastle, until May 3. Read our review.
Exhibition: Sheila Fell - Cumberland on Canvas, Tullie House, Carlisle, until Mar 16, 2025 (coming to Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens after it closes
Music: Nerina Pallot, Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, March 21 and 22
Exhibition: Romance to Realities: The Northern Landscapes and Shifting Identities, Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle, until April 26, 2025
Exhibition: Ted Holloway - A Bevin Boy Remembered, Mining Art Gallery, Bishop Auckland, until June 8, 2025
Exhibition: Magna Carta and the North, Durham Cathedral Museum, Jul 11 until Nov 2
Big screen: Expo Sunderland Pavilion, Keel Square, Sunderland, throughout 2025
NOW BOOKING
Theatre: T*ts Up, Laurels Theatre, Apr 1-12
Music: Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, Utilita Arena, Newcastle, Apr 2
Theatre: Pig Heart Boy, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Apr 29-May 3
Comedy: Jenny Eclair, Gala Theatre Durham, May 10
Theatre: The Sunderland Story, Sunderland Empire, May 15-31
Music: Richard Dawson, Sage Two, The Glasshouse, May 17
Music: The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others, Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle, May 22
Music: The Waterboys, Stockton Globe, May 24
Theatre: The Gallifrey Cabaret, Live Theatre, Newcastle, July 4-5
Dance: Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Jul 8-12
Spoken word: I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right, (John Lydon), Queen’s Hall, Hexham, Oct 3
Music: The ELO Show, Sage One, The Glasshouse, Nov 30
Comedy: Nicola Mantalios, The Stand Newcastle, Nov 30
Music: Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Newcastle 02 City Hall (Dec 3) and Stockton Globe (Dec 4)
Comedy: Laffs 4 Kids, Utilita Arena, Newcastle, Dec 14
2026
Theatre: Weird, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Jan 31
Theatre: Matilda The Musical, Sunderland Empire, Feb 11-28
Event: Sunday for Sammy, Utilita Arena, Newcastle, Feb 15
COMPETITION TIME
Welcome to our latest newsletter prizedraw, offering our subscribers an exclusive opportunity to win tickets to see or do something great.
This week, our lucky winner can choose between a pair of tickets to one of two operas at Sunderland Empire next week: Verdi’s La Traviata (Monday, March 17) or Puccini’s Madama Butterfly (Tuesday, March 18).
A spectacular Japanese garden and ‘fabulous costumes’ including antique wedding kimonos will feature in Madama Butterfly, which tells the heart breaking story of the young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant.
The production includes favourites like Humming Chorus, moving aria One Fine Day and Love Duet.
Based on a tragic true story, La Traviata tells of the passionate loves and life of the consumptive courtesan, Violetta.
Highlights include the Brindisi - the best-known drinking song in opera - the duet Un Di Felice and Violetta’s haunting aria Addio Del Passato.
Both productions will be directed by Ellen Kent and sung in Italian with English surtitles. Talk about being spoiled for choice.
HOW TO ENTER:
To be in with a chance of winning, simply email MePlease@culturednortheast.co.uk using the subject line: I’d love a night at the opera! by (12pm) on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Make sure to include your choice of opera!
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.
