PREVIEWS

Image: John James Perangie

JUNE’S DIVERSIONS INCLUDE TONNES OF LIVE MUSIC, COMEDY CAPERS, ARTY GOODNESS AND MUCH MORE. ENJOY!

ART & LIT

UNTIL SATURDAY 26 - ALEX WILLIAMSON

Having thrown open their doors in mid-May, Hartlepool’s gallery continue with their programming of exceptional artists both from around the world and closer to home. The work of Alex Williamson includes a selection of portraits which examine the personal use of social media and how it reflects their private and public selves. Hartlepool Art Gallery www.hartlepoolgallery.co.uk

ART & LIT

UNTIL LATE JUNE - QUEERING THE TOWN HALL

Part of Curious Arts’ two year partnership with Middlesbrough Town Hall to develop LGBTQIA+ arts in the Tees Valley, this exhibition will see four local artists’ work adorning the outside of the historic building. Expect to see work by well-known local creatives Keavey Gamwell, Melody Sproates, John James Perangie and Russell Atkinson. Middlesbrough Town Hall www.curiousarts.org.uk

MUSIC

TUESDAY 1 - TINNITUS TUESDAY

Hurrah for the return of Tinnitus Tuesday, the noisy brainchild of Little Buildings’ Allan Scorer who aims to bring some satisfyingly heavy sounds to your week. June’s gig features experimental vibes from black metal duo Penance Stare and death metallers Plague Rider. It may be seated and socially distanced, but it’ll still knock your socks off. Anarchy Brew Co., Newcastle www.anarchybrewco.com

ART & LIT

THURSDAY 3 - DON LETTS

Inspirational filmmaker, musician, DJ, broadcaster, social commentator and punk and reggae icon Don Letts looks back on his extraordinary life, documented in his autobiography There And Black Again, with reflections on the Black Lives Matter movement and personal insights into his relationships and career, at this book reading, signing and Q&A. Wylam Brewery, Newcastle www.wylambrewery.co.uk

STAGE

FRIDAY 4 - CHERRYADE SUPERNOVA

The venue’s Takeover Young Writer in Residence, Andrew Finnegan, debuts his play Cherryade Supernova on the last night of the Takeover Festival, which celebrates the talent of young theatre makers. Encompassing themes of friendship and discovering what it really means to be cool, it’s performed by a young local cast. Customs House, South Shields www.customshouse.co.uk

ART & LIT

SATURDAY 5 - NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY FINE ART DEGREE SHOW

Marking the gallery’s reopening, students from Newcastle University’s Fine Art degree course will make their debut. Comprised of 56 emerging artists, the exhibition is typically diverse and eclectic, encompassing painting, print, photography, sculpture, video, sound art, performance, installation, textiles and new media. Runs until Saturday 19th. Hatton Gallery, Newcastle www.hattongallery.org.uk

MUSIC

SUNDAY 6 - STEVE MASON

Part of Wylam Brewery’s Socially Distanced Supper Club shows, the Beta Band main-man will bring his eclectic sounds to the Palace of Arts. A plate of authentic street food is included in the price of tickets (which are limited at the time of press, be quick!) Also in the series are shows from Alice Russell (Monday 7) and JP Cooper (Tuesday 8). Wylam Brewery, Newcastle www.wylambrewery.co.uk

Wildfire Road

STAGE

TUESDAY 8 - WILDFIRE ROAD

Co-commissioned by ARC and Northern School of Art, this collaborative production from playwright Eve Leigh and third year BA (Hons) students demonstrates an innovative and dramatic piece of new writing, which investigates a possible plane hijacking on a flight from London to Tokyo, where all isn’t as it seems. Also on Wednesday 9th. ARC, Stockton www.arconline.co.uk

MUSIC

THURSDAY 10 - PIT PONY/WAVES OF DREAD

Anarchy’s welcome re-emergence on the live music scene continues this month, with a cracking pair of performances from artists who have both received critical acclaim for their latest releases. Expect an energetic and ferocious performance from fuzzy garage rockers Pit Pony, and lush, dreamy shoegaze courtesy of sextet Waves of Dread. Anarchy Brew Co., Newcastle www.anarchybrewco.com

Pit Pony

MUSIC

SATURDAY 12 - DILETTANTE

The exquisite sounds of Dilettante, aka Francesca Pidgeon, are perfect for the intimate surrounds of Bobik’s. With a loop-infused style which will appeal to fans of St. Vincent, Fiona Apple, Dirty Projectors and Kate Bush, and an art-rock aesthetic, hers is a sound which is constantly shifting and always delightful. Bobik’s, Newcastle www.dilettantesongs.bandcamp.com

Dilettante

MUSIC

SATURDAY 12 - RECORD STORE DAY WITH CLUB A’GOGO

Newcastle’s original mod club, Club A’GoGo, invite you to show off your record store day purchases and check out some vintage merch, DJ sets and live music from Bishop Auckland indie pop band The Thieves among others. Free, running from 10.30am-3pm Prohibition Cabaret Bar, Newcastle www.clubagogo.co.uk

MUSIC

MONDAY 21 - YES

Beloved Ouseburn venue Cobalt will open fully from September, but for now they’re treating music lovers to a celebratory weekend of sonic diversions including club night YES on Monday 21st featuring a collective of local DJs, Friday night dancing courtesy of Cntrl Yrself and Pink Keith and an exciting live music knees up on Saturday. Check their socials for more. Cobalt Studios, Newcastle www.cobaltstudios.co.uk

COMEDY

FRIDAY 25 - THE HANKY PANKY COMEDY CLUB

Led by local favourite and ‘weirdly wonderful’ comic Ted Hanky, Middlesbrough’s newest beer emporium finally gets going with a rip-roaring line-up. Taking the top spot is Newcastle-based comic and writer Mike Milligan, with supporting laughs courtesy of Dawn Rigby, Anthony Grogan, Eddie Fortune and MC Mr Hanky himself. Bier & Beer Bar, Middlesbrough www.bierandbeer.com

Ted Hanky

MUSIC

FRIDAY 25 - MAXÏMO PARK

Having released their new album, Nature Always Wins, back in February, the North East’s indie rock favourites finally get to play a show to officially launch it, having had to reschedule three times. The band play two socially distanced shows (6.30pm/9.30pm) which will be full of their trademark vim and vigour. Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

COMEDY

FRIDAY 25 - CATCH 22 COMEDY CLUB

Teesside’s celebrated comedy club makes a welcome return to Stockton’s ARC, with a line-up which will please (socially distanced) audiences of cracking North East comics. MC Matt Reed presides over a line-up which includes comedic storyteller Rob Rouse, social media phenomenon Sarah Speare and subversive comic Glenn Wool. ARC, Stockton www.arconline.co.uk

STAGE

SATURDAY 26 - SUITCASES

Inspired by the work of Massachusetts-based photographer Jon Crispin, which documented the 427 suitcases belonging to patients at The Willard Asylum in New York discovered in an attic after the asylum closed in 1995, North East-based dance company Hit The Ground Running present a moving exploration of innocent lives lost to mental illness. Dance City Online www.dancecity.co.uk