Curated Culture 26.11.25
Our weekly recommendations round up from North East stages and cultural venues... this week with added Christmas sprinkles
Welcome to this week’s Curated Culture – your weekly shortcut to some of the best stuff you can see, hear and do around the North East.
We’re landing in your inbox a few hours later than usual because I wildly underestimated how long it would take to pull together a trio of BIG festive guides.
They are quick-look lists for Pantomimes, Family Shows and Christmas Concerts across the region – and they’re all ever-growing, so if you spot any sparkling omissions, do let us know.
If you’ve just joined us, here’s the lay of the land - usually on a Tuesday night.
🗓️ Top Picks – standout listings for the next fortnight
📌 Still Showing – highlights from previous editions still going strong
📅 Now Booking – future dates worth locking in early (or grabbing as Christmas presents)
🎁 Subscriber Prize Draw – this week, win 2 x family tickets to A Town Called Christmas at Gosforth Civic Theatre (Dec 19–21)
Thanks for reading, spreading the word and keeping culture in your calendar.
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: Music Against Child Poverty 2
Where: The Fire Station, Sunderland
When: December 7
Bookings and info: thefirestation.org.uk
Extra production seats have just been released for this special charity gig at The Fire Station. Returning next month as part of Sunderland’s Year of Music 2025–26 it follows last year’s record-breaking fundraiser.
The 2025 edition sees Mickey Callisto, The Lake Poets, Tom A Smith, Kathryn Williams, Ani Sandwith, The Cornshed Sisters and Small Town Brass take to the stage, with Frankie Francis hosting.
The concert also forms part of the North East Roots Homecoming initiative, with several artists returning to Sunderland to perform. All ticket income supports Love, Amelia, with additional match funding from Community Foundation North East benefiting local organisations working with young people and families.
THEATRE: Fiddler on the Roof
Where: Sunderland Empire
When: November 25 to 29
Bookings and info: atgtickets.com
Theatre-goers with long memories can’t have forgotten the great Israeli actor Topol coming to the Empire back in 1994, reprising the role of Tevye that he had performed in the West End through the 1960s and in the film of 1971.
This time it’s Welshman Matthew Woodyatt playing the charismatic milkman in Anatevka, a tiny Jewish settlement in the Russian Empire where, in the early years of the 20th Century, time-honoured traditions are under threat.
Tevye, with five daughters and a lame horse, struggles to make ends meet while keeping the modern world at bay.
The show, which set records on Broadway when it opened there in 1964, is famous for numbers such as Tradition, If I Were a Rich Man and Sunrise, Sunset.
This production, directed by Jordan Fein, follows a successful London run where it won three Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival. It’s the first UK tour of ‘Fiddler’ for 12 years.
Say the producers: “It’s a privilege to share this powerful and timeless story with a wider audience.”
EXHIBITION: Desire Lines
Where: MIMA, Middlesbrough
When: November 28 to April 12, 2026
Bookings and info: mima.art
A big year looms for Middlesbrough’s landmark art gallery, as befits its move from lower case mima to upper case MIMA since opening its doors to the public in 2007.
In the spring it will host New Contemporaries, giving a platform to the young tyros of the art world, while in the autumn it’ll be the venue for the Turner Prize, generally contested by those with a track record.
But this year’s not quite done and this new exhibition – Desire Lines: Art, Place & Possibilities, to give the full title – looks at creativity in the Tees Valley and how artists might help to shape its future.
It incorporates various different elements, including a visual map tracing histories of creativity in the Tees Valley, a mixed media installation called Relics and Reliquaries by 2024 Tees Valley Artist of the Year Claire A. Baker, honouring those who have repopulated the Chernobyl exclusion zone, and minimalist sculptures by Will Hughes, her Artist of the Year successor.
The work of groups that use MIMA will be on display along with items from the Middlesbrough Collection showing how artists in residence have responded to the area over the years.
MUSIC: SLADY
Where: Cluny 2, Ouseburn
When: November 28
Bookings and info: thecluny.com
The world’s only all-female Slade tribute band, and the only one endorsed by the original members, bring their faithful take on 70s glam rock to the North East.
Gobby Holder, Davina Hill, Donna Powell and Jem Lea dig into the big hitters (Mama Weer All Crazee Now, Gudbye T’Jane, Merry Xmas Everybody) alongside B-sides and album tracks.
Known for their tight musicianship and energetic shows, they’ve built a reputation as one of the most authentic Slade tributes around. Expect a lively, nostalgia-soaked set celebrating the band’s unmistakable sound.
THEATRE: Kinky Boots
Where: Sunderland Empire
When: Dec 2-6
Bookings and info:
Kinky Boots is strutting into Sunderland Empire next week with a new, high-energy production of the Broadway and West End hit.
This joyous musical - based on a true story and the much-loved film - features Tony and Grammy-winning songs by Cyndi Lauper and a witty, uplifting book by Harvey Fierstein.
When factory heir Charlie Price crosses paths with a dazzling drag queen in need of sturdy stilettos, an unlikely partnership sparks a life-changing journey of courage, reinvention and kickass heels.
Strictly’s Dan Partridge leads a star cast including Courtney Bowman, Scott Paige and Tosh Wanogho-Maud as the fabulous Lola.
DANCE: Regency Dancing, Austen-style
Where: Lit & Phil, Newcastle
When: Wednesday, December 3, 2-4pm
Bookings and info: litandphil.org.uk
The Lit & Phil has been celebrating its 200th anniversary all year – and next month Jane Austen fans will be celebrating too. The novelist will have been born exactly 250 years ago on December 16, 1775.
Both anniversaries come together in this afternoon of Regency dancing, social dances being a critical and colourful Austen plot device.
Live music and demos are promised from the splendidly named havemaypolewilltravel, Morpeth-based historical dance specialists.
They will be in period costume and you can either watch or join in (partner or no partner).
Tea and biscuits come with the ticket price and you’ll find the venue well stocked with Austen novels (well-thumbed).
Austen fanatics might like to treat this as a warm-up for A Celebration of Jane Austen at Jesmond Library, St George’s Terrace, Newcastle, on December 12 (3-9pm).
This veritable Austen wallow offers talks, a dance workshop, an Austen quiz, supper and the evening Jesmond Ball led by the Bedlington Historic Dance Group.
For tickets, call 0191 2812385 or email events@jesmondlibrary.org
EVENT: The Cumberland Christmas Window
Where: Cumberland Arms, Byker/Ouseburn
When: December 1, from 4pm
Bookings and info: thecumberlandarms.co.uk
On the day when the first advent calendars will be opening, the much-loved Cumberland Arms will be marking the season starter whistle with its first-ever Christmas Window, finally bringing long-mooted plans to life.
From 4pm there’ll be a secular Christingle craft session, along with food and warm drinks. The window will be revealed at 5.30pm, followed by Ouseburn Folk Choir at 6pm. Lovely stuff.
CLASSICAL: Sinfonia Winter Tour
Where: Various
When: November 27 to December 4
Bookings and info: theglasshouseicm.org
Can’t get to the orchestra? Then the orchestra will get to you, or at least the string players will for this extensive tour of winter warmers.
Actually, it’s two string ensembles embarking on simultaneous twin tours.
One is to be directed by Maria Włoszczowska, effervescent Artistic Partner of The Glasshouse, and the other by Icelandic violinist Eva Thorarinsdottir, associate leader with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
Their programmes differ slightly although they do overlap and the mood will most likely be the same.
Maria’s ensemble, beginning at St Michael’s Church, Alnwick, on Thursday (Nov 27, 7.30pm) will include the Christmas Concertos of Torelli and Locatelli, Purcell’s Chaconne and also the Entry Dance from The Fairy Queen and the second movement of the sixth of Handel’s ‘grand concertos’ of 1739, Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No 2.
Eva’s meanwhile, starting at Kendal Parish Church (Nov 27, 7.30pm), adds John Dowland, Charles Avison and Vivaldi to the mix, and performs the fifth movement of the Handel concerto.
And there’s much more besides.
Ensemble Maria also visits Musselburgh, Sunderland (The Fire Station), Darlington, Berwick, Newcastle (the cathedral) and Carlisle.
Ensemble Eva proceeds to Cullercoats, Redcar, Richmond, Bishop Auckland (Auckland Palace), Hartlepool and Hexham (Hexham Abbey).
For the full list of dates and venues, visit the website. All concerts are at 7.30pm except Auckland Palace (1.30pm) and The Fire Station (3pm) on Sunday, November 30.
MUSIC: Stereophonics with support from Finn Forster
Where: Utilita Arena Newcastle
When: Dec 6
Bookings and info: utilitaarena.co.uk
Welsh rockers, Stereophonics return to the North East next week as part of their current UK Arena Tour, bringing their new Number 1 album, Make ’em Laugh, Make ’em Cry, Make ’em Wait, to Newcastle.
Burgeoning Middlesbrough singer-songwriter Finn Forster in on tour with the band as support - offering him a near homecoming gig in front of an arena crowd*.
*Finn is also on the performance running order for the North East Culture Awards, which are happening at Stockton Globe tomorrow night (Nov 27) - the full list of winners will be included in this week’s Culture Digest, out on Friday.
EVENT: Nightfall
Where:: Stewart Park, Middlesbrough
When: November 28-300
Bookings and info: stellarcreates.co.uk
Middlesbrough’s Stewart Park will once again be transformed into a glowing after-dark playground next week as light event Nightfall returns for a three-night run.
November 28-30 are the dates to note down if you want to be among the thousands to enjoy the illuminated arts trail - now a staple of the Tees Valley winter calendar - which is close to selling out.
This year’s trail, Larger in Light, has been created by Tees Valley-based arts organisation Stellar Creates and promises interactive light installations, giant illuminated creatures, a glittering outdoor silent disco and a string of imaginative after-dark moments.
Organisers reckon the remaining late-evening entries make for a perfect date night or a festive night out with friends, complete with street food under the stars and live DJs to round off the evening. It’s hard to argue.
COMEDY: Rhinestone Comedian
Where: Laurels Theatre, Whitley Bay
When: November 26
Bookings and info: Laurels website
Andrew White brings his sharp, offbeat stand-up to Whitley Bay for Laurels’ last ticketed show before leaving the Whitley Road venue.
Known for his easy charm and deft writing, he blends thoughtful observations with playful dives into life’s more ridiculous corners. One minute he’s dissecting the politics of all-you-can-eat buffets, the next he’s skewering the questionable tech skills of racists.
Expect an evening that’s wry, warm and a bit wonderfully odd – a chance to spend time with a comic who’s quickly carving out his own distinctive space.
MUSIC: Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra
Where: Newcastle 02 City Hall and Stockton Globe
When: December 3 and 4, respectively
Bookings and info: academymusicgroup.com and stocktonglobe.co.uk
Jools Holland is back for his annual dates with the North East alongside his famed Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.
A duo of roof-raising night of virtuosity and charm are on the menu from the veteran musician and presenter who has a particular affection for the region, having spent five years presenting eighties music show, The Tube from Tyne Tees Television on City Road in Newcastle.
Expect his trademark mix of boogie-woogie brilliance and big-band swagger, joined by powerhouse vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka, with Imelda May adding extra star wattage to an already cracking line-up.
STILL SHOWING
Books: Books on Tyne, Newcastle City Library and Lit & Phil, until Nov 29
Event: Ouseburn Open Studios, Various venues across the Ouseburn, Newcastle, Nov 29 and 30
Theatre: On Sycamore Gap, Washington Arts Centre, Lit and Phil, Nov 27 and 28
Event: Yule Gaderung, Ad Gefrin, Wooler Northumberland, Nov 28-30
Theatre: Freedom Moving - Then & Now, Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle, Nov 28, 2pm and 7.30pm
Screen: Jools Holland’s New Orleans Jukebox, BBC iPlayer
Radio: Tom and Lauren Are Going OOT!, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds
Exhibition: Lintukoto, NewBridge Gallery, Shieldfield Centre, Stoddart Street, Newcastle, until November 29
Exhibition: Shipyard Faces and Intriguing Spaces, Old Low Light Heritage Centre, North Shields, until Dec 1
Theatre: Shore Lines from the Border Readers, various venues all over the North East until Dec 4
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
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
Dance: Se Gaest/The Guest, Dance City, Newcastle (Dec 11) Read our review
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
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
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
NOW BOOKING
Music: Madness, Newcastle Utilita Arena, Dec 9
Music: BBC Introducing at The Glasshouse - Imogen and the Knife, Robyn Errico and Loittie Willis, Sage Two, The Glasshouse, Dec 10
2026
Theatre: The Mirror Crack’d by Agatha Christie, People’s Theatre, Newcastle, Jan 20-24
Event: Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, Newcastle Utilita Arena, Jan 27-28
Music: James Arthur, Newcastle Utilita Arena, Jan 27-28
Comedy: An Evening with The Fast Show, Sunderland Empire, Jan 28
Music: John Bramwell (I am Kloot), Gosforth Civic Theatre, Jan 31
Music: Florence and the Machine, Newcastle Utilita Arena, Feb 11
Dance: Poppy - Eliot Smith Dance, various North East dates, Feb 12-28
Theatre: The Spongebob Musical, Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Feb 18-21
Music: 10cc in Concert, Sage One, The Glasshouse, Gateshead, Mar 5
Comedy: Mark Watson - Before it Overtakes Us, ARC Stockton, Mar 5
Comedy: Stevie Martin, Gala Theatre Durham, Mar 20
Music: Nigel Kennedy - A Virtuoso Concert Performance, Darlington Hippodrome, May 8
Music: The Manfreds, Alnwick Playhouse, Jun 4
Theatre: Gerry and Sewell, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Jun 9-13
Music: Amy Macdonald, Stockton Globe, Jun 19
COMPETITION TIME
Welcome to our latest newsletter prize draw, offering our subscribers an exclusive opportunity to win tickets to see or do something great.
This week, we’ve got two family tickets (1 x adult and 3 children or 2 x adults and 2 x children) to see A Town Called Christmas at Gosforth Civic Theatre between December 19 and 21.
Far beyond the snowdrifts, tucked into a perfect little nook, lies a once-brilliant place called Christmas. Clementine has always imagined it as a town of glowing gingerbread houses, twinkling lights and streets alive with snowball fights – a place where chocolate coins count as cash and joy hangs in the air.
But when she finally arrives, she discovers a very different scene. Christmas has crumbled, its sparkle long faded. Only a few remnants remain: half-remembered fables, a grumpy caretaker and a malfunctioning robot with more personality than sense.
What follows is a fast-paced mix of magic, music and festive mayhem as Clementine attempts to revive the happiest town on Earth and uncover what went wrong in the first place.
Created by Gala Durham in collaboration with family theatre innovators Wrongsemble, A Town Called Christmas promises an imaginative, spirited seasonal adventure for all ages.
HOW TO ENTER:
To be in with a chance of winning, simply email MePlease@culturednortheast.co.uk using the subject line: Come back Christmas! by noon, (12pm) on Sunday, November 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.
