Curated Culture 26.08.25
Our weekly recommendations round up from North East stages and cultural venues
Yassou! (that’s “hello” in Greek) and welcome back to Curated Culture following a mini summer hiatus.
I (Sam) am just back from Crete, suitcase barely unpacked, and already preparing to swap beaches for festival fields.
There’s hardly time to shake the sand out of my flip-flops before I’ll be pulling on Birkenstocks (with socks, obviously) before heading up the A1 to the 10th anniversary Lindisfarne Festival this weekend – Viking horns at the ready.
While a fortnight-long recharge involving buckets of sunshine and a flatbed of nectarines (as well as two new card games being added to the family favourites compendium) was pretty wonderful, it is good to be back on newsletter duty, bringing you our/your regular Tuesday round-up of:
🗓️ Top Picks – featured listings from the next fortnight of cultural doings from across the region
📌 Still Showing – highlights from previous Curated Cultures which are still available to be enjoyed
📅 Now Booking – looking ahead via signposts for dates worth saving and tickets worth nabbing
🎁 Subscriber Prize Draw – this week: one pair of tickets to Little Women at Darlington Hippodrome (Sept 30 to Oct 4)
As summer slips into autumn, the North East’s cultural calendar shows no signs of cooling down… that Cretan recharge is going to come in handy.
Thanks, as always, for reading, for sharing your suggestions and for keeping the tips, reviews and encouragement coming our way.
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
ART: Hadrian’s Wall Art Trail – FOLK
Where: The Threshing Barn, Green Croft On The Wall; Field Shelter, Bridge House, Shield Hill, Haltwhistle; and Abbey Mill, Lanercost
When: Sept 5-7; 12-14; and 19-21
Bookings and info: greencroftonthewall.com
This September, Hadrian’s Wall becomes the backdrop for a journey into folklore, myth and imagination. FOLK brings together 25 artists from the North East and Cumbria, each responding to the stories and landscapes that shape this historic borderland.
Over three weekends, visitors can follow the trail across three very different venues: a threshing barn at Green Croft on the Wall, a field shelter at Shield Hill near Haltwhistle, and Lanercost’s Abbey Mill.
Each space has its own history and atmosphere, and the artworks shown there - from textiles and prints to photography, painting and mixed media - have been chosen to echo and expand on those settings.
Expect Roman legends, Border Reiver ballads, botanical traditions and more, reimagined through a contemporary lens. Entry is free, the countryside views are spectacular, and with refreshments on hand, it’s an ideal excuse to slow down and spend a day exploring.
THEATRE: The Shawshank Redemption
Where: Darlington Hippodrome
When: September 9-13
Bookings and info: darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
Stephen King’s classic 1982 novella of hope and friendship comes to the stage in this new production.
Andy Dufresne (Joe McFadden), wrongly convicted of a double murder, must learn to survive life in the notorious Shawshank prison. Forming an unlikely bond with fixer Red (Ben Onwukwe), but enduring bullying from the ruthless Warden Stammas (Bill Ward), Andy formulates a desperate plan to salvage a future.
Adapted from King’s Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, the 1994 feature film, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman was nominated for seven Oscars.
SCREEN: The Ballad of the Crocodile and the Underpass – Stories of Washington New Town
Where: Arts Centre Washington
When: September 4, 7pm
Bookings and info: sunderlandculture.org.uk
A new documentary film is set to celebrate Washington’s 60th birthday through the voices, memories and creativity of its people. The Ballad of the Crocodile and the Underpass weaves together oral history, original songs by David Brewis and Paige Temperley, and the stories of residents who helped shape the town’s identity.
The film grew out of a larger community project that produced podcasts (see trailer above), performances and artworks exploring Washington’s heritage - from presidential visits and local ghost tales to the crocodile sculptures and underpasses that became landmarks of the New Town.
Produced by Von Fox Media, the documentary captures this rich mix of history and imagination, echoing the tradition of classic radio ballads and is part of ACW’s Heritage Reels Programme.
Tickets are pay what you feel, £3-£7 suggested.
MUSIC: Dave Stewart - Dave Does Dylan
Where: The Fire Station, Sunderland
When: September 5 and 7
Bookings and info: thefirestation.org.uk
While this is very much a Returns Only situation, we couldn’t not include what promise to be a couple of very special gigs from Sunderland’s own Dave Stewart who is bringing the live arm of his latest project to The Fire Station.
Dave will be performing songs from his acclaimed new album Dave Does Dylan - a personal tribute to his longtime friend Bob Dylan, which features acoustic reinterpretations of his most iconic tracks, stripped back and reimagined.
The project was recorded entirely on Dave’s iPhone and released with minimal studio intervention - originally as a limited-edition vinyl for Record Store Day in April 2025 and more recently reissued digitally and on a second vinyl pressing.
As you would imagine, the tickets for the first date sold out before you could say Sweet Dreams… and the extra date followed suit soon after.
COMEDY: Jason Cook’s Comedy Club
Where: The Customs House, South Shields
When: September 5 and 6
Bookings and info: customshouse.co.uk
South Shields’ stand up Jason Cook returns to his favourite venue with another hand picked bill of comedians, assembled for a couple of nights of big laughs.
Next month’s line-up features Josh Pugh (Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week), whose brilliantly skewed takes on everyday life have made him a comedy star. He’s joined by Geordie favourite Louise Young, bringing sharp storytelling and laid-back wit, and Ignacio Lopez, the Welsh-Spanish musical comic with a knack for razor-sharp cultural humour.
EVENT: Stranger Than Fiction: True Crime with Jennifer Rees
Where: Sunderland Empire
When: September 7
Bookings and info: atgtickets.com
The bizarre world of true crime is coming to the stage at Sunderland Empire courtesy of ex-forensics lecturer Jennifer Rees, as she uncovers some of the strangest - yet entirely true - criminal cases ever recorded.
Following the sell-out success of The Psychology of Serial Killers, Jennifer returns with unbelievable stories: a killer who ended up hunting himself while in law enforcement, a balloon-carrying clown assassin, and even serial killers caught after TV game show appearances.
Blending dark humour, psychological insight and jaw-dropping real-life accounts, this is a good one for fans of true crime documentaries and podcasts.
MUSIC: Hue and Cry
Where: ARC, Stockton
When: September 5
Bookings and info: arconline.co.uk
Scottish brothers Patrick and Gregory Kane - better known as Hue and Cry - return to the region again with their distinctive brand of soulful pop and eighties nostalgia.
After bursting onto the scene towards the latter of the decade with Seduced and Abandoned and the hit single Labour of Love, the duo quickly followed with Remote, producing classics like Looking for Linda and Violently.
Across a career spanning four decades, Hue and Cry have sold out tours, played alongside legends including U2, James Brown, Madonna and Van Morrison, and picked up a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Scottish Music Awards.
WORDS: WRITE Festival 2025
Where: The Word, South Shields and other South Tyneside venues
When August 27 to September 27
Bookings and info: theworduk.org
The annual WRITE Festival returns this September, celebrating stories, poetry and the written word in all its forms. The programme is packed with author talks – from local talent and regional voices to bestselling favourites – plus workshops, performances and family events.
Highlights include the ever-popular History Wardrobe with a new costume talk, a spellbinding performance from Gerald Dickens, hands-on calligraphy, and The Word is Murder crime-writing day hosted by Bay Tales.
Rowan McCabe will also be performing his latest show, Hard Knocks.
Teens can join New Writing North’s Summer School, while younger children can enjoy a lively draw-along with Liz Million. Budding writers will also find workshops on poetry, publishing and feedback from industry professionals.
The festival closes on September 27 with The Hyde Fundraisers, bringing a galaxy of Doctor Who and Star Wars characters to The Word.
EVENT: Great North Run 2025
Where: From Newcastle to South Shields
When: September 7, from 9.30am
Info: greatrun.org
It wouldn’t be September in the North East without the Great North Run. Every year, our region puts on the world’s biggest half marathon - a day when streets fill with cheers, music, and thousands of runners making the iconic journey from Newcastle to the coast at South Shields.
It’s much more than a race: it’s a tradition, a landmark in the calendar, and a gorgeous showcase of North East spirit. Families line the route, strangers spur each other on, and the Tyne Bridge shudders to the sound of thousands of feet (and the roar of the Red Arrows above).
Whether you’re lacing up, cheering - or performing - from the sidelines, or watching on TV, the Great North Run is always a proud reminder of what this region does best - community, determination and a warm welcome.
THEATRE: Walk Like a Man
Where: Laurels Theatre, Whitley Bay
When: September 9-20
Bookings and info: blackstarmaniacs.com
Set against the backdrop of Newcastle United’s dramatic takeover, Walk Like A Man - which made its debut at Gosforth Civic Theatre last year - promises a heartfelt and funny tale of family, identity and finding the courage to be yourself.
At the centre is Jack (Jonny Larman) - a Geordie lad and plumber who doesn’t fit the mould. Unlike his football-mad dad Mick (Steven Lowes) and big brother Michael, Jack dreams of music, theatre and dance. With his mam Michelle (Heather Dowey) cheering him on, and a few surprising allies along the way, Jack begins to embrace his sequined alter-ego.
STILL SHOWING
Theatre: Done To Death, By Jove! Queen’s Hall, Hexham, Sept 5
Event: North East Dog Festival 2025, Kirkley Hall, Northumberland, Aug 30 and 31
Festival: Lindisfarne Festival, Beal Farm, Northumberland, Aug 28-31
Music: Songs of the North East – A Century of Coalmining, Redhills, Durham Miners’ Hall, Sept 6
Festival: Last Train Home ’25, Darlington, various venues, Sept 6
Theatre: The Lightning Thief, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Aug 27 to 31
Comedy: Peter Kay Live, Newcastle Utilita Arena, Sept 5-6
Dance: Art of Andalucia, Northern Stage, Newcastle, Sept 5
Screen: Oasis Supersonic, Northern Rock Foundation Hall, The Glasshouse, Gateshead, Aug 29
Exhibition: Where Were You Last Summer? Arts Centre Washington, until Aug 30
Screen: Transaction, ITV X, Full series available to stream.
Exhibition: The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists, Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens, near Durham, until Aug 31
Exhibition: The Coal Town Collection – Mik Critchlow Gallery, Woodhorn Museum, Ashington, permanent display
Exhibition: Unpicking Memories, RePUBlic Gallery, Blyth, until Sept 6
Exhibition: Shorelines, The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle, until Sept 7
Event: Kynren - An Epic Tale of England, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, Saturdays from until September 13
Exhibition: With These Hands, Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle, until September 27
Exhibition: Pursued By Bulldozers, Gateshead Central Library, until Sept 27
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
Exhibition: Cedric Morris, Artist, Plantsman & Traveller, Granary Gallery, Berwick-upon-Tweed, until Oct 12
Exhibition: Shakespeare Recovered, Palace Green Library, Durham, until Nov 2
Exhibition: Magna Carta and the North, Durham Cathedral, until Nov 2
Exhibition: The Words That Bind Us, Durham Cathedral, until Nov 2
Music: The Young’uns Big Boro Bash, Middlesbrough Town Hall, Nov 15
Exhibition: Guiding Entities, MIMA, Middlesbrough, until Nov 23
Exhibition: The Art of Conservation, South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, Ocean Road, until Dec 6
Big screen: Expo Sunderland Pavilion, Keel Square, Sunderland, throughout 2025
Exhibition: Three artists, National Glass Centre, Sunderland, until January 10, 2026
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
NOW BOOKING
Music: Self Esteem, The Glasshouse Gateshead, Sept 17
Comedy: IDEAL - Starring Johnny Vegas, The Fire Station, Sunderland, Sept 18
Event: Gary Stevenson - The Trading Game, Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle, Sept 18
Music: Newcastle Jazz Festival, Live Theatre, Newcastle, Sept 20
Theatre: SUPERFAN presents Stuntman, The Maltings Berwick, Sept 20
Theatre: Bad Lads, Live Theatre, Newcastle, Oct 2-11
Comedy: Rob Newman - Where the Wild Things Were, The Stand Newcastle, Oct 4
Theatre: Round the Horn - 60th Anniversary Tour, Phoenix Theatre Blyth, Oct 5; Middlesbrough Theatre, Oct 4; and Darlington Hippodrome, Oct 6
Theatre: Mary Poppins, Sunderland Empire, Oct 1-25
Music: Busted Vs McFly, Utilita Arena Newcastle, Oct 10-12
Festival: Beyond the Moor, Gosforth Civic Theatre, Oct 11
Comedy: Suzi Rufell - The Juggle, Gala Durham, Oct 15; also at Northern Stage, Newcastle, Oct 16
Music: Billy Mitchell and Bob Fox, various North East dates, Oct 16 to Nov 5
Theatre: Opera North - The Big Opera Mystery, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Nov 8
Music: Peter Hook and the Light, Boiler Shop, Newcastle, Nov 15
Comedy: Glory Be, It’s Gavin Webster, Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle, Nov 21
Music: Stereophonics, Utilita Arena Newcastle, Dec 6
Music: Bootleg Beatles, Stockton Globe, Dec 11
Music: Trevor Horn and his Band, Newcastle 02 City Hall, Dec 18
2026
Music: The Best of Tubular Bells, 1, II and III, Sage One, The Glasshouse, Gateshead, Feb 13
Music: Suede, Newcastle 02 City Hall, Feb 14 (on sale soon - keep your eyes peeled!)
Event: Sunday for Sammy, Utilita Arena, Feb 15
Theatre: Noughts and Crosses, Northern Stage, Newcastle, Feb 27-Mar 7
Comedy: Jessica Fostekew - Iconic Breath, The Stand Newcastle, Mar 10
Music: The Cribs, Boiler Shop, Newcastle, Mar 18
Theatre: Hamlet (RSC), Newcastle Theatre Royal, Mar 31-Apr 4
Music: Royal Northern Sinfonia plays the Music of Star Wars, Sands Centre Carlisle, May 3
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 tickets to the touring production of Little Women which is coming to Darlington Hippodrome from September 30 to October 4.
Louisa May Alcott’s novel has been cherished for more than 150 years – but Anne-Marie Casey’s new adaptation doesn’t just retell the March sisters’ story; it digs into why it still matters.
Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy face the upheaval of the American Civil War while also wrestling with timeless themes of ambition, love, loss and growing up. Their different paths - Jo’s refusal to fit into society’s mould, Beth’s quiet resilience, Amy’s determination, Meg’s search for stability - continue to feel instantly recognisable.
This production promises to lean into both the humour and heartbreak of the novel, moving from squabbles and plays in the family attic to moments of real courage and sacrifice.
Following the huge success of Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film, this is a chance to experience the story in a more intimate setting.
The cast brings together familiar stage and screen faces, with Belinda Lang as formidable Aunt March and Juliet Aubrey as Marmee.
HOW TO ENTER:
To be in with a chance of winning, simply email MePlease@culturednortheast.co.uk using the subject line: Never get tired of trying! by noon, (12pm) on Sunday, August 30, 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.