Curated Culture 17.06.25
Our weekly recommendations round up from North East stages and cultural venues
Hello there – hope your week’s off to a sunny start.
(Or if it’s not, here’s hoping this gives it a gentle nudge in the right direction.)
We’re back to continue our mission to become your trusted arts and culture scout, committed to signposting gigs, theatre, exhibitions, festivals and all manner of excellent happenings we think are well worth inking into your plans.
Whether you’re looking for a spontaneous night out or something a little further down the line to get excited about, we’ve corralled a crowd of ideas right here, for your consideration.
If this is your first Tuesday mailout - lovely to have you! - here’s a fancy bulleted list of what to expect:
🗓️ Top picks – A handpicked selection of stuff we think you’ll want to get in front of over the next couple of weeks
📌 Still Showing – Highlights we’ve mentioned before that are still available to enjoy
📅 Now Booking – Early heads-up on events you might want to book before everyone else does
🎁 Newsletter Prize Draw – A lovely little giveaway, just for our subscribers
Speaking of which – this week’s prize is a good’un. We’ve got a pair of Weekender tickets for North Tyneside music festival, Coast Fest 25 at Percy Park Rugby Club, North Shields on from June 27-29.
You’ll find all the info and details on how to enter at the end of the newsletter… but there’s no need to rush past all the lovely stuff between here and there. You’ve got until Friday to get your hat in the ring!
Thanks, as ever, for reading and sharing. Keep it up!
Sam (Wonfor) & Dave (Whetstone)*
*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
MUSIC: Macy Gray - 25th Anniversary Tour
Where: Pilgrim, Newcastle
When: June 26
Bookings and info: pilgrimncl.music
Since bursting onto the scene with her 1999 triple-platinum debut On How Life Is, Macy Gray has carved out a distinctive space in R&B and soul.
With a voice instantly recognisable and a career spanning over two decades, she’s earned a Grammy, two BRIT Awards, and global acclaim.
Known for her candid songwriting and genre-blending sound, Gray is on the road celebrating a quarter of a century since her first long-player… and Tyneside is on her tour map.
🩰 Sunny Side - Northern Rascals, Dance City, Newcastle, June 18
MUSIC: ako – Algorithms of Loving Grace
Where: The Glasshouse, Gateshead
When: June 25, 8pm
Bookings and info: theglasshouseicm.org
Big and familiar names appear frequently at The Glasshouse but in its nurturing role it offers annual artist-in-residence positions to interesting musicians yet to trouble the mainstream, or perhaps with no interest in doing so.
The end of each residency is marked by a performance and this ‘pay what you decide’ gig in a cabaret-style Sage 2 setting will show the audience what ako (stage name of Simeon Soden) has to offer.
He is a North East-based electronic musician, producer and performer with a master’s in music from Newcastle University.
Algorithms of Loving Grace is a concept album created during his residency and this live performance of it offers what is described as an immersive audio-visual experience inspired by AI and its potential to enhance or disrupt human experience.
The title echoes a line from a poem by American writer Richard Brautigan (1935-84), called All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace and reflecting on the idea of technological utopias.
This year’s other artists-in-residence at The Glasshouse were electrofolk musician Frankie Archer and artist, musician and body activist Natalie Sharp.
EXHIBITION: The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists
Where: Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens, near Durham
When: June 28–August 31
Bookings and info: ushaw.org
This summer, Ushaw will host a nostalgia-soaked exhibition celebrating art featured across the Ladybird Books series, which will be so familiar to so many.
The show will showcase original artwork from titles spanning the 1940s to the 1970s, alongside the striking Wall of Books – a display of hundreds of classic Ladybird volumes.
Visitors can expect a ‘heartwarming trip down memory lane’, with plenty of activities planned to engage younger audiences too.
The exhibition will also tie in with Ushaw’s Festival of Books on August 9, offering storytelling, activities and guest appearances for book lovers of all ages.
SCREEN: 28 Years Later
Where: Cinemas all over the place
When: On general release from June 19
Bookings and info: Your nearest cinema!
A global cinema release wouldn’t normally feature in Curated Culture… but the gripping return of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s British horror saga has a distinct North East flavour.
Filmed almost entirely across the region, the production was a familiar sight last year, with around 95% its 52 locations peppering the map from Holy Island and Rothbury down to the Tees Valley.
We’re thinking of attempting to get selfies in each an every one. Or at least encouraging others to do that and send us the photos.
The film receives a special gala screening at Tyneside Cinema on Thursday (June 19) attended by Danny and rising Newcastle star Alfie Williams, who makes his big-screen debut in this haunting new chapter.
ART & DANCE: Midsummer Night Event
Where: Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead
When: June 21, 4-9pm
Bookings and info: baltic.art
To Own Both Nothing and the Whole World is the name of the latest attraction (exhibition, installation… it’s spread around the site) at Baltic but its title is taken from a remark by which character from children’s literature?
Give yourself a pat on the back if you said Snufkin from the Moomin stories by Tove Jansson (1914 to 2001). The stories’ 80th anniversary is being celebrated this year.
The exhibition (installation… etc) was co-commissioned and co-produced by Baltic and Counterpoints Arts, which specialises in arts, migration and cultural change, and with the support of Moomin Characters Ltd.
It’s the brainchild of Newcastle-based artist Henna Asikainen, who, like Jansson, is Finnish, and Syrian writer and architect Roua Horanieh. It’s a reflection on displacement to mark Refugee Week (June 16-22 with this year’s theme Community as a Superpower).
The first Moomin story had a theme of displacement but another focus of the Baltic attraction is the Taihaku cherry tree, notable because a single UK specimen led to the revival of the species in its native Japan.
Saturday’s special event will begin with a talk by Henna and Roua, joined by Tom Green of Counterpoints Arts. There will also be dance by Dora Frankel, co-commissioned with Friends of the Earth, music, creative workshops, storytelling and international cuisine.
On Wednesday (June 18), in advance of it, a pair of 200-year-old roots, each weighing over a tonne and exposed during a recent storm, will be installed with some ceremony in Baltic Square.
Tickets for Saturday’s event are free but must be booked.
FESTIVAL: What A Wonderful World Festival
Where: Alnwick Playhouse and other venues in the town
When: June 26-29
Bookings and info: whataww.org
Returning for 2025, What a Wonderful World Festival once again invites Northumberland audiences to laugh, reflect, sing, and celebrate the planet we call home.
Saturday’s concert features poet Kate Fox with The Soil Speaks, inspired by Northumberland farmer Stuart Johnson, followed by folk legend Maddy Prior performing with Spud Sinclair in a specially curated set.
A highlight of this year’s festival is Earth Summit, a powerful new eco-themed play with music, created and performed by a talented group of local young people.
Elsewhere on the programme: talks on traditional woodcraft from Geoff Jackson, screenings of the acclaimed documentary Heart of Oak, and outdoor poetry-and-music events at Rothbury Golf Club and Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre.
Speakers include Professor Alastair Driver, Mike Pratt of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, and local farmers Tom Burston and James Barber, leading discussion on the future of the Simonside Estate. The weekend rounds off with uplifting music from Werca’s Folk and VoiceMale - with the chance to sing along if you join the workshop led by Sandra Kerr and Jon Doran.
🧱 Brick Flicks - classic movies in Lego bricks, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, until August 30
FAMILY THEATRE: Robyn Hood
Where: Gosforth Civic Theatre
When: June 21
Bookings and info: gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk
A den on a scrap of green land becomes the gateway to a world of imagination in Robyn Hood, a new show for children and their grown-ups.
Set in the heart of the city, it follows Robyn as she escapes into a dreamlike forest of adventure, outlaws, and unexpected bravery.
Blending live music with inventive storytelling, this playful reimagining of the Robin Hood legend explores community, courage, and the magic of making your own space in the world.
CLASSICAL: Northern Chords Festival
Where: Gateshead and Newcastle
When: Wednesday, June 27-29
Bookings and info: northernchords.com
Three concerts in different venues featuring first rate classical musicians playing for the love of it makes for a notable occasion.
One of the concerts – at the Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle, on June 28 – is already sold out.
But there are still tickets for the opening gala concert at St Mary’s Church, Whickham, on June 27 at 7.30pm.
Festival founder Jonathan Bloxham, conductor and occasional cellist, grew up in Whickham which is where the festival, of which this is the 16th edition, traditionally begins.
Join pianists Martin James Bartlett and Louis Schwizgebel, along with tenor Ben Johnson, for a programme of piano songs and duets by Schubert and British composers.
At the time of writing there was also availability for the third and final concert at St James’ and St Basil’s Church, Fenham, on the 29th (4pm) which features a concert performance of Henry Purcell’s opera, Dido & Aeneas.
MUSIC: Father John Misty
Where: Sage One, The Glasshouse
When: June 25
Bookings and info: theglasshouseicm.org
Known for his lush, cinematic sound and lyrical depth, Father John Misty brings his sixth studio album Mahashmashana to The Glasshouse as part of his latest tour.
Promising a rich, immersive experience, trailed highlights include the sweeping single Screamland, featuring Alan Sparhawk of Low and orchestral arrangements by Drew Erickson.
CHORAL: Summer Songs and Sonnets
Where: Jesmond United Reformed Church
When: Saturday, June 28, 7.30pm
Bookings and info: newcastlechoralsociety.org.uk
Newcastle Choral Society (NCS) celebrated its 70th anniversary last year and now presents its first concert under the leadership of Tim Cranfield, its new musical director.
It was in March that Tim took over from Mark Anyan who had held the position since 2007, following in the footsteps of John Healy, who founded the society in 1954, and then Len Young from 1976.
Tim is also director of music at St Andrew’s Church, Newgate Street, where he regularly conducts and works with a select choir of university students.
This will be the first NCS concert at Jesmond United Reformed Church on Burdon Terrace.
The programme includes settings of Shakespeare verses by George Shearing, Bob Chilcott’s setting of Aesop’s fables, arrangements of folk songs by John Rutter, a homage to Rudyard Kipling by American Eric Whitacre and Five Mystical Songs by Vaughan Williams, inspired by 17th Century poet George Herbert.
Looking ahead, the 2025-26 season will begin with an invitation to ‘Come and Sing Haydn’s Creation’ in St Andrew’s Church (Saturday, September 27, 10am to 4pm). Newcomers welcome.
HISTORY: North Shields Community Day
Where: Linskill Centre, North Shields
When: June 28, 10am to 4pm
Bookings and info: northshields800.com
North Shields 800 invites people to join experts in exploring the town’s history, heritage and culture as part of its year-long anniversary celebrations.
A free programme of talks, live music and displays, augmented by a community marketplace, has been lined up for the event led by the Northumbria World War One Commemoration Project with support from the North Shields Heritology Project and the Old Low Light Heritage Centre.
Author Mike Coates will begin proceedings with an overview of the town’s history.
Then Nina Brown will talk about the women who kept the fishing industry going, Phil Collinson of Port of Tyne will relate the history of the river, Susan Lynn will share the story of the Wooden Dolly, Dave Bell will offer an introduction to the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade and Dave Young will offer insights into the life of Victorian photographer Lyd Sawyer.
Music in the Burnett Hall and Trevelyan Garden will be performed by Northumbrian pipers, local schoolchildren and community choirs. The Linskill Community Choir will premiere an original composition, Riversong, as a tribute to their home town.
There will be films and exhibitions by North Shields Heritology Project, Northumbrian pipers’ groups, North Tyneside Steam Railway Association, Northumbria World War One Commemoration Project and Old Low Light Heritage Centre.
MUSIC: Kid Creole and the Coconuts - The Creolian Bye Bye Birdy Tour
Where: The Fire Station
When: June 27
Bookings and info: thefirestation.org.uk
The details of this one are probably best left to Kid Creole, who has sent a message out to fans ahead of his Wearside gig:
“15 years ago, I said it was time for me to retire. I lied. It was not. 10 years ago, I said, ‘Now it is truly time for me to retire!’ I lied. It was not. Now, it is 2025. I'm not going to say it again. I'm just going to do it….
“I can guarantee two things: We're gonna have a funky good time. And you're gonna find out who Annie's Daddy really is. At last.”
🎻 Vivaldi’s Four Seasons - Royal Northern Sinfonia and Maria Włoszczowska, Newcastle Cathedral, June 20
SCREEN: Outdoor films - JAWS
Where: The Grove, Newcastle
When: June 26, 7pm
Bookings and info: thegrovenewcastle.co.uk
The Grove’s Outdoor Film Nights are back from the deep and next on the big screen under the stars is Steven Spielberg’s iconic Jaws.
Suspense, Byker slices, sweet and salty popcorn and serious underwater tension are all available as well as blankets and heaters to keep things cosy. Tickets are free but should be reserved.
STILL SHOWING
Musical: Hamilton, Sunderland Empire, Jun 17-Jul 26
Festival: Blythfest, various Blyth venues, Jun 21 to July 5
Bookings and info: headwayarts.co.uk
Theatre: Carrying David, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Jun-21-22
Theatre: HARD, Laurels Theatre, Whitley Bay, Jun 17 to 27
Comedy: Jack Dee – Small World, Gala Durham, Jun 21
Theatre: What Next?, Live Theatre, Newcastle, Jun 21-22
Exhibition: Going Back Brockens, The Warehouse, Newgate Centre, Bishop Auckland, until July 5
Exhibition: Guiding Entities, MIMA, Middlesbrough, until Nov 23
Exhibition: Cedric Morris, Artist, Plantsman & Traveller, Granary Gallery, Berwick-upon-Tweed, until Oct 12
Exhibition: The Coal Town Collection – Mik Critchlow Gallery, Woodhorn Museum, Ashington, permanent display
Theatre: The Bench, various North East venues until Jun 21
Exhibition: North East Emerging Artist Award, Seaton Delaval Hall, until June 22
Exhibition: With These Hands, Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle, until September 27
Exhibition: Shakespeare Recovered, Palace Green Library, Durham, until Nov 2
Audio-Visual: The Mother Goose Series, The Glasshouse, Gateshead, until July
Exhibition: Richard Hobson retrospective, South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, until Nov 2
Exhibition: Sheila Fell – Cumberland on Canvas, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, until Jun 28
Exhibition: Ali Cherri/Laura and Lancaster, BALTIC, until Oct 12
Exhibition: Joséphine: A Woman of Taste and Fashion, Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, until March 2026
Exhibition: Magna Carta and the North, Durham Cathedral Museum, Jul 11 until Nov 2
Music: Nick Cope – I’ve Lost My Bobble Hat, The Glasshouse, Gateshead at 11am on Oct 29
Theatre: Mary Poppins, Sunderland Empire, Oct 1-25
Music: The Young’uns Big Boro Bash, Middlesbrough Town Hall, Nov 15
Big screen: Expo Sunderland Pavilion, Keel Square, Sunderland, throughout 2025
NOW BOOKING
Dance: Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Jul 8-12
Comedy: Ordinary Decent Criminal, Live Theatre, Jul 23-26
Theatre: Chicago, Sunderland Empire, Aug 4-9
Festival: Lindisfarne Festival, Beal Farm, Aug 29-31
Festival: Last Train Home, Sept 6
Comedy: Scummy Mummies - Hot Mess, The Fire Station, Sunderland, Sept 9
Theatre: Inside No.9 Stage/Fright, Sunderland Empire, Sept 16-20
Theatre/Spoken word: Edgecity - Monologues from the Street, Live Theatre, Newcastle, Sept 25-27
Music: Seth Lakeman, Sage Two, The Glasshouse, Oct 12
Event: Mercury Music Prize 2025, Utilita Arena Newcastle, Oct 16
Dance: Riverdance 30, Utilita Arena, Newcastle, Oct 18-19
Comedy: Rosie Jones, Gala Theatre Durham, Oct 24
Music: The Boomtown Rats - Happy Birthday Boomtown: Celebrating 50 Rat years, Sage One, The Glasshouse, Gateshead, Nov 8
Theatre: Dear England, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Nov 11-15
Comedy: Laffs for Kids, Utilita Arena, Newcastle, Dec 14
2026
Music: Martyn Joseph, Gosforth Civic Theatre, Jan 22
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
Comedy: Paul and Suki Improv Show, Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Mar 11
Theatre: Sunny Afternoon - The Kinks musical, Stockton Globe, Apr 14-18
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, we’ve got a pair of Weekender tickets for Coast Fest, which is back for its third and biggest year yet.
As has become expected, what’s in store is a packed weekend of live music, family fun and community spirit.
Glasvegas, Liam Fender, Dodgy’s Nigel Clark, The Lindisfarne Story band and Inspiral Carpets frontman Tom Hingley gather at the top of a bill which brings together 150 performers across multiple stages, including one which is just for young talent.
Sam Fender’s superstar successor might just be rehearsing for their slot as we type!
The other big plus with this event is that everything takes place under cover, so the weather can please itself. What’s not to love?
HOW TO ENTER:
To be in with a chance of winning, simply email MePlease@culturednortheast.co.uk using the subject line: Coastess with the Mostess by noon, (12pm) on Friday, June 20, 2025.
The winners, who will be selected at random, will be notified within 48 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.