Curated Culture 22.07.25
Our weekly recommendations round up from North East stages and cultural venues
Hello there… or should we say ‘alreeeeeeet?’
I (Sam) am freshly back from the very beautiful Rhodes, soaking up the July showers which trumpeted my return - and still brushing the sand (and olive pips) out of my bag.
Spirits are high (if slightly jet-lagged), and I’m delighted to be home just in time for some tip top news that feels especially close to home – Byker Grove, one of my mum, Andrea’s longest-running and most iconic TV creations, is officially back thanks to the wonder of streaming.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the final episode aired on BBC, but now, for the first time ever, every iconic moment is available to stream – starting on STV Player, with ITVX to follow later this year. Whether you grew up watching PJ & Duncan, or you’re curious about the show that gave us 17 years of Geordie drama, it’s got to be worth a (re)watch.
But enough about youth club legends (for now… I definitely feel a nostalgic feature fest coming on). You’re here for the weekly what’s on fix – pulling it together has been the perfect antidote to post-beach malaise.
If you’re new here, welcome! Each Tuesday, you’ll find the following lovingly curated round-up landing in your inbox:
🗓️ Top Picks – standout events we think are worth your time over the next fortnight
📌 Still Showing – listings we’ve previously spotlit that are still going strong
📅 Now Booking – stuff further into the calendar you might want to get inked in
🎁 Subscriber Prize Draw – a little thank-you treat at the end
Speaking of which, this week’s prize is a pair of tickets to Looking for me Friend:
The Music of Victoria Wood at Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle, on September 18 – scroll to the bottom for entry details. But not too fast. You’re sure to miss something great if you do.
As ever, thanks for reading, sharing, and generally being excellent. Your replies and recommendations genuinely brighten the CNE inbox.
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: BBC Proms
Where: The Glasshouse, Gateshead and The Fire Station, Sunderland
When: July 24-27
Bookings and info: theglasshouseicm.org
Whether you're into symphonies, soul-searching folk, or orchestral pop, this coming weekend is serving up the lot, thanks to the return of the BBC Proms to the North East.
The ambitious four-day festival of music, comes live from The Glasshouse in Gateshead and The Fire Station in Sunderland, with the former becoming the first venue outside London to host Proms concerts broadcast on BBC TV.
The programme opens on Thursday with Round Midnight at The Fire Station, hosted by Soweto Kinch and featuring US jazz star Theo Croker, the Joe Webb Trio and rising North East vocalist Rivkala.
On Friday, former Little Mix and always South Shields-born JADE makes her North East solo debut at The Glasshouse in a one-night-only orchestral collaboration with Royal Northern Sinfonia, performing new tracks, covers and fan favourites from her upcoming debut album, all conducted by Robert Ames.
Saturday brings Angeline Morrison’s The Sorrow Songs: Folk Songs of Black British Experience, joined by Eliza Carthy and Alex Neilson, offering a poignant reimagining of folk tradition. Later, Dinis Sousa leads Royal Northern Sinfonia in Mendelssohn’s choral symphony Lobgesang (Hymn of Praise), performed with soloists Hera Hyesang Park, Adèle Charvet, Benjamin Hulett, and three choirs.
Sunday is one for the families, with two performances of the CBeebies Prom: Wildlife Jamboree, hosted by Chantelle Lindsay and Puja Panchkoty. In the afternoon, guitarist Sean Shibe and ensemble mark the centenary of Pierre Boulez with modernist works by Boulez, Cassandra Miller and Tyshawn Sorey.
Alongside ticketed concerts, the Glasshouse Concourse stage features free live music throughout the weekend via BBC Introducing, showcasing emerging talent across contemporary and classical styles.
It really is going to be absolutely smashing.
THEATRE: The Book of Mormon
Where: Newcastle Theatre Royal
When: Until August 9
Bookings and info: theatreroyal.co.uk
From the creators of South Park and the co-writer of Frozen, The Book of Mormon is the wildly acclaimed, multi-award-winning musical that’s been called “the best musical of this century” and “the funniest musical of all time.”
Winner of nine Tony Awards and four Olivier Awards including Best Musical, this outrageous comedy follows two mismatched young Mormon missionaries sent from Salt Lake City to a remote Ugandan village – and things quickly spiral into chaos. With razor-sharp lyrics, unforgettable songs, and a satirical edge that pulls no punches, it’s a show that manages to be both shocking and uplifting.
Not for the easily offended – but definitely for those who like their musicals bold, brilliant and completely bonkers.
FESTIVAL: Gosforth Beer Festival
Where: Gosforth Civic Theatre
When: August 1-3
Bookings and info: gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk
Picture it: children weaving through craft stalls with painted faces, couples sharing tacos in the sunshine, groups of friends clinking glasses to the beat of a soul band. That’s the spirit of the programme for the Gosforth Beer Festival - a vibrant, family-friendly celebration that aims to pour far more than just beer into the heart of its community.
Back for 2025 and promising to build on the successful outings which have paved the way, the popular event at Gosforth Civic Theatre (GCT) is set to run from August 1 to 3.
ART: The Summer Social
Where: The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle
When: Friday, July 25, 6-9pm
Bookings and info: thebiscuitfactory.com
Food, drink and a DJ are promised for the gallery’s Summer Social but mostly it’s about the art and the launch of the summer exhibition, Shorelines.
It’s a celebration of coastal landscapes featuring the work of artists including Stephen Heward, from North Yorkshire, a regular exhibitor here over the years, Angela Edwards, John Brenton, Graham Rider and others.
A showcase of work by ceramicist Alan Ball, celebrating his 90th birthday and 60 years of making, will also be unveiled.
Alan worked originally as a design engineer but then changed career, became an art teacher in a Gateshead comprehensive school for a while before leaving teaching to focus on ceramics.
His distinctive pots are now coveted and highly sought after.
New craft and jewellery will also be on sale at the Summer Social for which tickets are free.
The Shorelines exhibition runs until September 7.
MUSIC: The Kane Gang - Aided and abetted by Field Music
Where: The Fire Station, Sunderland
When: August 1
Bookings and info: thefirestation.org.uk
Following their sold-out show last November, beloved North East pop legends The Kane Gang return to The Fire Station to launch this year’s Summer Parties season.
With original members Martin Brammer and Paul Woods joined by multi-instrumentalist David Brewis (Field Music) - and special guests Martin McAloon of Prefab Sprout and Nadedja - the band will perform hits from their chart-topping 1980s catalogue, including Closest Thing to Heaven, Respect Yourself, Motortown, and Smalltown Creed.
Expect slick soul-pop, sharp harmonies, and a joyful celebration of one of the region’s much-loved music outfits.
EXHIBITION: Betty Barnet Brown’s REVEAL
Where: Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens
When: August 1, 2 or 3 (weather-permitting)
Bookings and info: ushaw.org
County Durham artist Betty Barnet Brown is known for outsize textile creations. You may remember her transforming Durham Gala in 2018 with The Floating City of Haberdash, or her mighty contribution to the Love Big Books exhibition at Newcastle City Library the year before.
Her latest plan is to adorn the façade of historic Ushaw with 11 giant tapestries bearing images including TV First Dates star Fred Siriex surrounded by blancmanges.
It’s described as a “once in a lifetime” chance to see the pieces displayed all at once – and since they’re fragile, we must hope for sunshine.
Betty, who trained in London at the Chelsea and Camberwell schools of art, says each tapestry can take her a year to complete.
“This is a really audacious event, almost like an art flash mob,” she says. “These tapestries are going to occupy the building, and the whole event feels larger than life.”
While the installation is scheduled to a day, that day is yet to be confirmed because of the weather. “Exposing them to heavy rain or wind could jeopardise them,” says Betty.
But she says: “Work like this shouldn’t be stored away somewhere, it should be seen, and this is a chance to do just that in a really unique and special environment.
“This is about storytelling, and I love creating work that fires the imagination. Hopefully, for those who experience it, this event will do just that.”
THEATRE: Ordinary Decent Criminal
Where: Live Theatre, Newcastle
When: July 23 to 26
Bookings and info: live.org.uk
Mark Thomas takes to the stage in Ed Edwards’ new play about prison life, before, during and after.
Inspired in large part by Edwards’ own short spell in prison during the early 1990s, it introduces us to Frankie – played by Thomas, political comedian and sometime actor – who’s a recovering addict with a writer’s way with language.
The play is set against the background of the Strangeways prison riot in Manchester when the prisoners took control and demanded better conditions – which they got, although naturally the authorities disapproved of the method.
Directed by Charlotte Bennett, joint artistic director of new writing theatre Paines Plough, which is co-producing with Live Theatre, the play reunites Thomas and Edwards who won a Fringe First award with their previous venture, England & Son.
They’re Edinburgh-bound with this new play so presumably hoping for more of the same. Newcastle audiences, though, get to see it first.
EXHIBITION: Pippa Hale: Pet Project
Where: Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle
When: July 26 to March 1, 2026
Bookings and info: thebowesmuseum.org.uk
There are all sorts of funny animals on display at the Bowes Museum and from Saturday their number is to be swollen by others created by Leeds-based artist Pippa Hale.
She drew inspiration from the historic creature figurines to create larger-than-life squishy versions of her own.
“See the museum’s renowned ceramic collection re-imagined into a vibrant and interactive experience for all ages,” say those at the Bowes.
Pippa Hale says of her artistic practice: “My artworks are often site-specific and include large-scale installations in heritage venues, the public realm and galleries in a range of media that includes foam, inflatables, food, film, sound, iron, digital technology, neon and loaned objects.”
And she adds: “Much of my work seeks to close the gap between past and present, drawing on history and playfully interpreting it through the lens of contemporary art to connect with audiences in new and exciting ways.”
ARTWORK: The Words That Bind Us
Where: Durham Cathedral
When: Until November 2
Bookings and info: durhamcathedral.co.uk
The nave of the cathedral has become a river of light and language thanks to an artwork by sculptor Nicola Anthony.
The Words That Bind Us was commissioned to complement Magna Carta and the North, the cathedral’s exhibition marking the 800th anniversary of the 1225 edition of the Magna Carta.
Three copies of the famous document (dating from 1216, 1225 and 1300) feature in that ticketed exhibition along with three equally significant Forest Charters.
Nicola Anthony’s colourful installation, made in collaboration with creative studio NOVAK, is free to view (although donations are welcomed).
She describes it as “a conversation across centuries, rooted in the ideals of the Magna Carta and shaped by the voices of today”.
And she adds: “It’s a river of light and language, inviting visitors to reflect on justice, compassion and community.
“I hope people leave with a deepened connection to this sacred space and a sense of belonging to something larger…”
Visitors can also see large voiles (or drapes) by artist and photographer Ash Mills, inspired by medieval stained glass but telling the story of the Magna Carta through a contemporary lens.
COMEDY: Benefit for Blake
Where: The Stand Newcastle
When: July 27
Bookings and info: thestand.co.uk
A crowd of comic’s out of the North East’s top funny drawer are coming together for a one-off benefit gig at The Stand Newcastle, raising funds to support former comedian Luke Milford and Jemma Jackson whose daughter, Blake, is receiving long-term treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
The line-up features Carl Hutchinson, Ben Crompton (Game of Thrones), and Sammy Dobson (Casualty), alongside host Lee Kyle, Alex Redman, and a rare return to the stage from Si Hetherington – aka Cullercoats rap legend Biscuitz.
All proceeds go towards helping Jemma and Luke, stay by their daughter’s side in London.
WORKSHOPS: Painting with Plasticine
Where: Globe Gallery, North Shields
When: July 23 and 24, 6pm to 8pm
Bookings and info: globegallery.org
They’re going big on Plasticine at the Globe Gallery this year as part of the North Shields 800 celebrations and to mark that fact that William Harbutt, who invented the stuff, was born in the town.
Kitty McKay, who ‘paints’ in Plasticine, is artist-in-residence at the gallery and is overseeing a major project inspired by local stories relating to the former lido on Hawkey’s Lane.
That is to come to fruition later in the year but these “informal intro sessions” are designed to let anyone interested get a feel for the material, possibly picking up where they left off as kids.
Participants may then fancy taking the plunge into Kitty’s lido project which will rely heavily on the creativity of volunteers.
The Plasticine project has been made possible with funding from the UK Government, Historic England, North Shields 800 and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
EXHIBITION: The Art of Conservation
Where: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, Ocean Road
When: Until December 6
Bookings and info: northeastmuseums.org.uk
A centuries old painting can look as good as the day the artist’s signature was applied – but it takes specialist work to make it appear so.
Usually that’s behind-the-scenes work but this new exhibition explores the conservator’s art with paintings that have just undergone the treatment and some of which haven’t been on display for many years.
Museum manager Geoff Woodward says: “Art conservation is about much more than repair; it’s a careful balance of preserving the artist’s original intent whilst ensuring the piece can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Exemplifying what can be done is Henry Thomas Schafer’s Feeding the Pigeons, dating from 1887, from which layers of discoloured varnish and surface grime have been removed.
Ana Flynn-Young, head of painting conservation for North East Museums, said: “There’s nothing more satisfying than walking through a gallery and seeing all the paintings that I have worked on and knowing I have made a difference - that a painting that was consigned to the stores as un-displayable now has its day to shine in the gallery.”
Visitors will see the results of the museum team’s conservation work but can also gain an insight into the painstaking process.
COMEDY: Edinburgh Fringe Previews
Where: The Witham, Barnard Castle and Queen’s Hall, Hexham
When: July 26 and 27, respectively
With the Edinburgh Fringe coming over the horizon fast, there are a couple of final Fringe preview days at North East venues over the next week or so, which we thought you might like to catch…
Funny Way To Be Comedy - Edinburgh Preview Day at The Witham features Eric Rushton (5pm), Sooz Kempner (6.30pm), Marjolein Robertson (8pm) and Gavin Webster (9.30pm), July 26, from 5pm. Day and individual show tickets available.
Edinburgh Preview Day at the Queen’s Hall features Laura Lexx (5pm); Jonny Pelham (6.30pm); Sooz Kempner (8pm); and Rosco McClelland (9.30pm). Day and individual show tickets available.
STILL SHOWING
Festival: Durham Fringe, venues around Durham, July 23-27
Event: Kynren - An Epic Tale of England, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, Saturdays from until September 13
Festival: Newcastle Fringe, Alphabetti Theatre and various venues across the city, until Aug 2
Exhibition: Three artists, National Glass Centre, Sunderland, until January 10, 2026
Exhibition: Pursued By Bulldozers, Gateshead Central Library, until Sept 27
Classical/Folk: Music at Paxton Festival, Paxton House, Berwick, until Jul 27
Music: Katie Doherty and the Navigators, Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle, Jul 26
Exhibition: Magna Carta and the North, Durham Cathedral, until Nov 2
Exhibition: Where Were You Last Summer? Arts Centre Washington, until Aug 30
Screen: Transaction, ITV2 and ITV X, Full series now available
Exhibition: Works by Nathan Coley, Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, until Mar 1, 2026
Exhibition: Light Takes The Tree, RePUBlic Gallery, Blyth, until Aug 7
Screen: 28 Years Later, Cinemas all over the place, on general release now at most cinemas. 🎥 Read our report from Newcastle gala screening
Exhibition: The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists, Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens, near Durham, until Aug 31
Musical: Hamilton, Sunderland Empire, until Jul 26. 🎭 Read our review.
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
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: Ali Cherri/Laura and Lancaster, BALTIC, until Oct 12
Exhibition: Joséphine: A Woman of Taste and Fashion, Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, until March 2026
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
Theatre: Big Ange, Live Theatre, Newcastle, Nov 6-22. On general sale July 23
Music: Voices of Hope - Northern Lights, The Witham, Barnard Castle, Sept 19
Comedy: Mark Watson - Before it Overtakes Us, The Stand Newcastle, Oct 4
Poetry and Music: Dr John Cooper Clarke with special guests, The Fire Station, Sunderland, Oct 14
Music: Rumer - Seasons of My Soul, Sage One, The Glasshouse, Oct 16
Theatre: Dear England, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Nov 11-15
Music: Ashley Campbell and her band, Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle, Nov 23
Theatre: Fiddler on the Roof, Sunderland Empire, Nov 25-29
Talk: The Wittering Whitehalls, Stockton Globe, Nov 28
Classical: Royal Northern Sinfonia Winter Tour, Berwick Parish Church, Berwick, Dec 2
Theatre: Jimmy Nail - Crocodile Shoes, Live Theatre, Newcastle, Dec 2-13
Theatre/Comedy: The Suggestibles - Impro Pantso, Live Theatre, Newcastle, Dec 18-19
2026
Comedy: The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins, Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle; and Darlington Hippodrome, Feb 4 and 5, respectively
Music: Chanter with Sean Shibe, Sage Two, The Glasshouse, Gateshead, Feb 15
Comedy: Chloe Petts - Big Naturals, The Stand Newcastle, Mar 3
Comedy: Gary Delaney, Work in Progress, The Witham, Barnard Castle, Apr 2
Music: Traveller’s Tales - An Evening with Steve Cradock, Gala Durham, Apr 30
Dance: Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Apr 28-May 9
Dance: Lord of the Dance - 30th Anniversary, Sunderland Empire, Sept 9-12
Theatre: Mrs Doubtfire, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Sept 23 to Oct 11
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 pair of tickets to Looking for me Friend:
The Music of Victoria Wood at Gosforth Civic Theatre on September 18.
This heartfelt and humorous tribute to the late Victoria Wood has been winning over audiences across the UK, thanks to its mix of sharp wit, classic songs and genuine affection for one of Britain’s best-loved comedy icons.
Fronted by All Together Now’s Paulus The Cabaret Geek, with pianist Michael Roulston, the show blends Victoria’s most iconic musical numbers – including The Ballad of Barry & Freda (Let’s Do It) – with personal stories and reflections on growing up in 1970s Britain.
Described as “the most feel-good show in town”, it’s been praised for its “pitch-perfect” delivery and “breathtaking wizardry with words.” Nostalgic without being saccharine, it’s as much about celebrating connection and self-discovery as it is about comedy and cabaret.
Whether you’re already a fan of Victoria’s work or new to her world, this is a warm, funny and moving night out with plenty to sing about.
HOW TO ENTER:
To be in with a chance of winning, simply email MePlease@culturednortheast.co.uk using the subject line: Beat Me On The Bottom With a Woman’s Weekly by noon, (12pm) on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
The winner, 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.