Curated Culture 23.12.25
In a shift from the norm, this week our what's on round up is looking to help with last minute Christmas shopping... or booking in treats for yourself in 2026
Hello and welcome to this week’s Curated Culture - the final one of 2025, if you can believe it.
With Christmas nearly upon us, we’re changing the focus of our Tuesday what’s on rounding up service.
Instead of dishing up a double handful of things we thing you should get in front of over the next couple of weeks, we thought it might be helpful for the less well prepared among us if we offered a some solid inspiration for last minute Christmas gifts for your nearest and dearest.
All of our suggestions have the added bonus of being printable - so in a matter of minutes you could be hitting ‘PRINT’ and tucking the resulting tickets into a homemade envelope, origami masterpiece or vaguely present-shaped paper wad to create a thoughtful, excellent gift which required zero crowd-dodging.
And really - is there a finer gift than giving someone a 2026 plan they can look forward to before the year is even over?
You’ll still find Still Showing below (aka a reminder of featured listings from Curated Cultures past which are still available to enjoy) but there is a quick note on our usual Subscriber Prizedraw… we’re holding off on that in favour of a MASSIVE Culture Quiz which will be dropping into your inbox on Boxing Day, replacing the usual Culture Digest.
We’re currently in the process of rounding up all the prizes our generous contributors have donated, and the prize sack is pretty well stuffed.
One last bit of admin - Curated Culture will be taking a short seasonal breather after this maildrop and will return - refreshed, caffeinated and ready for 2026 - on January 6.
Thanks for reading, sharing, and cheering us on throughout 2025.
And if you’re hunting for a last-minute gift for us, might we gently suggest a paid subscription? It helps keep Cultured. North East doing what we do best - and lets us do even more of it.
Wishing you all an amazing Christmas and culture-filled new year
🎄 Samta Clause (Wonfor) and Dasher Dave (Whetstone)🎄
CINEMA: 28 Years Later + 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Double Bill
Where: Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
When: January 13, 6.20pm
Bookings and info: tynesidecinema.co.uk
This special film double bill - both shot across the region - returns audiences to the world of the rage virus almost three decades after its outbreak (and Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later).
In 28 Years Later, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and his son Spike (young Newcastle actor Alfie Williams) leave their quarantined community on Holy Island, travelling to the mainland where both the infected and surviving groups have evolved in unexpected ways.
The story continues in The Bone Temple (released in UK cinemas officially on January 16), directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, as Spike encounters Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) and Dr Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) makes a significant - and unsettling - discovery.
A chance to see the next chapter of the dystopian saga unfold… all set to a North East backdrop.
THEATRE: Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Where: Newcastle Theatre Royal
When: April 6-11
Bookings and info: theatreroyal.co.uk
The stage adaptation of Priscilla Queen of the Desert returns for its 30th anniversary tour, revisiting the story of three performers travelling across the Australian Outback to stage a show that changes their lives.
Adèle Anderson, Kevin Clifton, Nick Hayes and Peter Duncan lead the cast in this new production directed by Ian Talbot OBE, with choreography by Matt Cole and costumes by Vicky Gill.
Expect a production that leans into the iconic film’s themes of friendship, identity and chosen family, set to a soundtrack of well-known disco and dance hits from the 80s and 90s.
MUSIC: The Friday Night Club With The Unthanks
Where: Sage Two, The Glasshouse
When: February 13
Bookings and info: theglasshouseicm.org
Northumberland folk treasures The Unthanks host a new series that mixes musicians, poets, comedians and filmmakers in unexpected combinations, creating evenings that are aiming to feel more like gathering at a friend’s house than a traditional gig.
Each edition is programmed to offer audiences the chance to discover something new, with singalongs, surprises and even a bar playlist curated by the artists.
This instalment features rising Irish folk singer Niamh Bury, Newcastle balladeers Powtes, Geordie comedian–poet Cooper Robson and players from Royal Northern Sinfonia performing Ligeti’s Six Bagatelles.
EVENT: Uncanny - Fear of the Dark
Where: Darlington Hippodrome
When: February 8
Bookings and info: darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
Newcastle-born Danny Robins brings Uncanny back to the stage with his latest live show exploring some of the most unsettling stories from the hit BBC paranormal series.
Having played a sell out show at Newcastle Theatre Royal in November, he’s back in his native North East in 2026 and will be joined by experts Dr Ciarán O’Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow to investigate real-life accounts ranging from ghostly apparitions and UFO sightings to haunted nurseries and rural creature encounters.
Blending storytelling, sound, projection and audience involvement, the show promises a deeper dive into the mysteries that fuel believers and sceptics alike.. and asking why humans remain afraid of the dark.
THEATRE: The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged
Where: Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle
When: March 5
Bookings and info: gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk
Three performers - including one Austen newcomer and two ‘devoted Janeites’ - race through the entire Jane Austen canon in just 80 minutes in The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged.
Expect a fast-paced mix of sharp satire, playful irreverence and affectionate homage as the trio tackles every heroine, love interest and social scandal Austen ever penned. Quick changes, big characters and knowing nods to the novels make this a lively introduction for newcomers and a treat for die-hard fans. A big-hearted comedy for anyone in possession of high spirits - and a ticket.
COMEDY: Chris Ramsey - Here Man
Where: Stockton Globe and Newcastle 02 City Hall
When: February 26-27 and April 17-19, respectively
Bookings and info: chrisramseycomedy.com
Only a few tickets remain for the North East dates for South Shields’ stand up fella, Chris Ramsey’s new UK tour.
Over the past few years, the 39-year-old has become somewhat of a household name thanks to the weekly podcast, Shagged, Married and Annoyed he puts out with his wife, Rosie Ramsey and the couple’s substantial side hustles - a BBC chat show and a record-breaking live podcast tour. Ooh, and stints on Strictly and Taskmaster didn’t hurt.
THEATRE: Matilda The Musical
Where: Sunderland Empire
When: February 11-28
Bookings and info: atgtickets.com
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s utterly wonderful Matilda The Musical returns to the region as part of its UK tour, marking 15 years since the production first opened in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Based on Roald Dahl’s much-loved story, the show follows a brilliant, determined young girl who uses her imagination to reshape her destiny. With a book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and direction by Matthew Warchus, the multi-award-winning production has been seen by more than 12 million people worldwide… and three of them were me!
EVENT: Sunday for Sammy
Where: Utilita Arena Newcastle
When: February 15
Bookings and info: utilitaarena.co.uk
Five years since its last outing, the much-loved fundraiser, known affectionately as the Geordie Command Performance, returns to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
The event was founded in the name and memory of actor Ronnie ‘Sammy’ Johnson by his pals Tim Healy and Jimmy Nail in 2000.
What started as a one-off memorial gig at Newcastle City Hall grew into a biennial North East institution raising funds to support young people in the region’s performing arts.
The signature secrecy which normally surrounds the on-stage line up was recently sidestepped when the charity’s new patron, The 1975 frontman (and Tim’s son) Matty Healy confirmed he would be performing.
But organisers are keeping tight-lipped about who might be joining him on stage - guessing who is coming on next is half the fun!
Past concerts have featured North East performers including Mark Knopfler, Brian Johnson, Jill and Chelsea Halfpenny, Kevin Whately, Brendan Healy, Denise Welch, John Miles, Charlie Hardwick, Chris and Rosie Ramsey, Kathryn Tickell and Joe McElderry with guest appearances by the likes of Timothy Spall, Christopher Fairbank, Brenda Blethyn and Johnny Vegas.
MUSIC: Squeeze
Where: Newcastle 02 City Hall and Stockton Globe
When: November 16 and 17
Bookings and info: squeezeofficial.com
Squeeze are heading back to the North East next autumn as part of their most ambitious UK tour to date with support from Billy Bragg.
The legendary band will play Newcastle’s O2 City Hall on November 16 and Stockton Globe the day after, bringing their Tried, Tested and Trixies Tour to the region as they prepare to release their first new studio album in eight years.
Formed by Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook in 1973, Squeeze are behind some of pop’s most enduring hits, including Up The Junction, Tempted and Cool For Cats, and remain a formidable live draw.
As on previous tours, Squeeze will support the charity Trussell, inviting fans to bring food donations to venues. £1 from every ticket will also go to grassroots music venues, a cause Glenn - now a Music Venue Trust patron - says is vital to “protect these venues and nurture the artists” at the start of their careers.THEATRE
THEATRE: Hidden Biscuit
Where: Queen’s Hall Hexham and Live Theatre, Newcastle
When: March 20 and April 2, respectively
Bookings and info: live.org.uk
This is a new audio-led production created by Richie Bow-Grace and directed by former artistic director at Alphabetti, Ali Pritchard, exploring one neurodivergent individual’s journey through trauma, misunderstanding and self-acceptance.
Performed by Paula Penman, Wilf Stone and Zoe Lambert, the play mixes humour, heart and moments of chaos as it examines what it means to feel “too much” and “not enough” at the same time.
Launching for World Autism Awareness Day, the show uses immersive sound to reimagine theatrical storytelling and has been developed by a majority neurodivergent creative team. Bold and reflective, Hidden Biscuit invites audiences to rethink assumptions and listen differently.
COMEDY: Sara Pascoe - I Am A Strange Gloop
Where: Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle; Gala Theatre Durham
When: February 5 and March 27, respectively
Bookings and info: tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk and galadurham.co.uk
Stand up comic and TV regular Sara Pascoe brings her latest stand-up show to the region - a dive into the strange, brilliant thoughts that surface in the small hours and seem less sensible in daylight.
Blending surreal logic with everyday chaos, Sara will be reflecting on sleepless children, stubborn kitchens and a husband who “doesn’t want to be in it.”
You’ll recognise her from Taskmaster, Mock The Week, Live at the Apollo, QI, The Great British Sewing Bee and the Weirdos Book Club podcast.
THEATRE: I, Daniel Blake
Where: Northern Stage, Newcastle
When: March 20 to April 4
Bookings and info: northernstage.co.uk
The stage adaptation of Ken Loach’s Palme d’Or winning film I, Daniel Blake, is going back on tour in 2026.
North East actor, David Nellist confirmed he would return to the title role he debuted in 2023 for the gut-punching play, which was adapted for the stage by the film’s leading man, Davey Johns.
For the uninitiated, the story follows Daniel, a middle-aged carpenter recovering from a heart attack, who is declared unfit for work by his doctor but denied Employment and Support Allowance by the welfare system. Caught in a web of red tape, he battles to survive while clinging to his dignity and sense of justice.
During his fight, he befriends Katie, a young single mother experiencing her own hardship. Both struggling against poverty and bureaucracy, they form a tender, makeshift family - a bond that highlights the power of kindness and solidarity in a system that has forgotten compassion.
The production will once again be produced by Northern Stage - this time in association with Leeds Playhouse.
STILL SHOWING
Event: Great Dinosaur Christmas Show, Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle, Dec 20 to 31 (Saturday to Wednesday)
Screen: Torvill and Dean - The Last Dance, ITV and ITVX, Dec 28 and then streaming
Exhibition: Going Back Brockens, Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, until Jan 31 (10am to 5pm)
Family/Comedy: The Big Family Christmas Show, The Stand Newcastle, Dec 27 and 28
Theatre: Beauty and the Beast, Northern Stage, Newcastle, until Jan 3. Read our review
Music: Crocodile Shoes by Jimmy Nail, Live Theatre, Newcastle, Jan 13-18, (Returns only)
Exhibition: Desire Lines, MIMA, Middlesbrough, until Apr 12, 2026
Screen: Jools Holland’s New Orleans Jukebox, BBC iPlayer
Radio: Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds
Exhibition: Tom Hume - Retrospective, Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Garden, until January 18, 2026
Exhibition: Miniature Worlds - Little Landscapes from Thomas Bewick to Beatrix Potter, Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle, until Feb 28, 2026. Read our report.
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: The Light of Days Past, Granary Gallery, Berwick, until Feb 22, 2026
Exhibition: Three Artists: Zac Weinberg, Joanna Manousis, and Anthony Amoako-Attah, National Glass Centre, Sunderland, until Jan 10, 2026
Exhibition: Joséphine: A Woman of Taste and Fashion, Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, until March 2026
Big screen: Expo Sunderland Pavilion, Keel Square, Sunderland, throughout 2025
Exhibition: Three artists, National Glass Centre, Sunderland, until January 10, 2026
Comedy: Cally Beaton - Namaste Mother F*ckers, Northern Stage (Feb 7); Alnwick Playhouse (Feb 17); Queen’s Hall, Hexham (Feb 19)
Exhibition: Works by Nathan Coley, Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, until Mar 1, 2026
Exhibition: Pippa Hale: Pet Project, Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, until March 1, 2026
Theatre: Sunny Afternoon, Stockton Globe, April 14-18, 2026