PREVIEWS

MUSIC

WARGASM @ NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY

Words: Laura Doyle

If anyone looked like they really needed a cup of tea and a sit down, it’s Wargasm. The electro punk duo have a lot of pent up stress that needs releasing, and they’ve found the best way to do that is via high-octane, snarling

tunes about how terrible everything is. Blending the early 00s trifecta of punk, nu-metal and rap rock, Wargasm make for a pretty mind-melting listen.

Dual frontpeople Milkie Way and Sam Matlock tackle every song with their polarised vocal styles, because throaty screams and sickly sweet singing clash in the most unusual way. Latest single Salma Hayek pays tribute to the actress’ tranced out vampire dance with their usual harsh angst and slightly blasphemous imagery. It’s a controversial formula, but it’s working: since their formation in 2018, Wargasm have already made it onto bills alongside alt. artist Yungblud and goth rockers Creeper, featured at Reading and Leeds and Download Pilot, and bagged themselves the Heavy Music Award for Best UK Breakthrough Band this year – all impressive accomplishments given the flunk of 2020.

Now that Wargasm have found their footing, it’s about time they embarked on a proper tour of their own: expect strobe lights, busted mics and colourful language at their Northumbria University show.

Wargasm play Northumbria University, Newcastle on Saturday 20th November www.wargasm.online

Gavin Webster

COMEDY

GAVIN WEBSTER @ TYNE THEATRE & OPERA HOUSE

Words: Evie Lake

Since debuting in a pub in Gateshead in 1993, Gavin Webster has been a dominant force on the North East comedy stage. His anecdotal comedy is personal to the region, situated between the grudges your uncle would moan about and eager, nuanced observations that, well, mostly return us to his grievances. After five years, Webster returns to his ‘natural home’, Tyne Theatre & Opera House, on Friday 12th November.

Set to tackle ageing, lockdown, being on hold, young people’s inability to drive and his teenage daughter’s hot takes on his lack of understanding, Gavin Plays Live To Actual People promises a homecoming of belly laughs and his ukulele, an uplifting instrument Webster has tuned to the key of his bitter and impassioned humour.

Recognisable from his roles in both I, Daniel Blake and comparing Gateshead Council to the Third Reich, Webster has cemented himself as a Northern comedy legend over his substantial career; performing live from Newcastle is where he is at his best.

Support comes from Lee Kyle, another of the region’s finest comedic talents, who, having been described as both ‘sophisticated’ and ‘ridiculous’, takes no prisoners...especially when potatoes are involved.

Gavin Webster and Lee Kyle perform at Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Friday 12th November www.gavinwebster.co.uk

STAGE

THE OFFING @ LIVE THEATRE

Words: Kate Relton

The arts have long been a refuge and source of solace in dark times, and in these postpandemic days, stories like The Offing are the perfect antidote to the uncertainty and worry. Coming to Newcastle’s Live Theatre from Wednesday 3rd-Saturday 27th November, Janice Okoh’s adaptation of Benjamin Myers’ much-loved novel is a rich and colourful depiction of friendship and discovery.

Breathing new life into this warm and evocative coming-of-age story, the show features music composed by Ana Silvera, with recordings performed by renowned folk musicians. In the wake of the Second World War, teenager Robert Appleyard sets out on a journey from his hometown of Durham in search of work and new opportunities in the South. On the clifftops of Robin Hood’s Bay he chances upon Dulcie Piper, an unconventional and eccentric force of nature who will change the course of his life.

Explored through the lens of adolescent adventure and unexpected friendship, The Offing is a timely reminder that even through the worst of days, happiness can be found in life’s small pleasures.

The Offing is at Live Theatre, Newcastle from Wednesday 3rd-Saturday 27th November www.live.org.uk

Gem Andrews

MUSIC

SERIOUS SAM BARRETT/GEM ANDREWS @ THE GLOBE

Words: Maria Winter

Don’t miss this exciting double headline show from two of The Globe’s favourite singersongwriters: North East-based Americana/folk artist Gem Andrews and folk and country star Serious Sam Barrett, who play the venue on Friday 19th November.

As an experienced tourer of folk and country music, Serious Sam Barrett magically performs both heartfelt self-written and traditional songs on his 12-string guitar and banjo. Originally from West Yorkshire, Sam has constructed an incredibly successful career, sharing stages with the likes of Katherine Tickell and Lucero.

With a similar vibe, Gem Andrews delights audiences with her brilliant Americana and folk music performances. A powerful songwriter of considerable talent, her full harmonies and glorious melodies have seen her likened to the great Patsy Cline and Lucinda Williams.

The Globe continue their in-person/at-home hybrid ticket system, so if you’d rather watch from the comfort of your own home livestream tickets are available. No matter where you watch, this pair are not to be missed.

Serious Sam Barrett and Gem Andrews play The Globe, Newcastle on Friday 19th November www.serioussambarrett.bandcamp.com www.gemandrews.co.uk

MUSIC

SONGS FROM NORTHERN BRITAIN @ THE GEORGIAN THEATRE/THE GREEN ROOM

Words: Tracy Hyman

Always a special day, the sixth instalment of Songs From Northern Britain all-dayer sees Declan Welsh And The Decadent West headlining The Georgian Theatre stage on Saturday 20th November. The Glasgow-based musician and his band are masters of catchy indie rock sounds and bursting with energy.

Once again hosted by BBC Radio Scotland and BBC 6Music’s Vic Galloway, this musical showcase from promoters The Kids Are Solid Gold brings the best up and coming talent from the North East and Scotland to The Georgian Theatre. Three stages, a sprinkling of TKASG regulars and lots of new musical delights are waiting to be discovered.

Special guests on the Georgian Theatre stage include Somebody’s Child, an indie rock/pop band hailing from Dublin, with a singer whose powerful, passionate voice will make you sit up and listen; the catchy riffs and melodic guitar of indie band Savage Mansion, and local rock outfit Nice Guy, whose sound contrasts with the hard punk of Franky’s Evil Party.

On the Green Room stage enjoy performances from the beautiful nu-folk vibes of Lizzie Reid, dance-pop outfit VanIves, Teesside indie rock songwriter Finn Forster and the dreamy guitar pop of Hartlepool’s Leopard Rays.

In the Georgian’s bar, intimate sets come from singer-songwriter Jamie Farrell, the futuristic folk of Me Lost Me and talented folky songwriter HJM Bradshaw, with more still to be announced.

Songs From Northern Britain takes place at The Georgian Theatre and The Green Room, Stockton on Saturday 20th November www.thekidsaresolidgold.co.uk

Eyeconic & Shakk by Connor Annison

MUSIC

EYECONIC & SHAKK RELEASE NEW SINGLE, IT’S A VIBE

Words: Claire Dupree

Remember that carefree summer, when good music and great friends were the only things on your mind? It’s that energy that Teesside-based rappers Eyeconic and Shakk have ably captured with their new track It’s A Vibe, despite it being written at the height of 2020’s lockdown.

Individually, the artists have been honing their considerable talents and releasing fresh and often surprising takes on hip-hop; having performed a live collaboration of their track Bed Of Needles for NARC. TV series 1, the pair’s new tune is an energetic slice of nostalgic garage euphoria.

The video for It’s A Vibe shows the typically playful pair enjoying the festival fun at this year’s Lindisfarne, and performing the track live for the first time with scores of fans hanging onto their every word.

Shakk’s instantly recognisable quick-smart bars are expertly paired with Eyeconic’s emotive and clever style, making for an upbeat and dancefloor ready track. “During lockdown while the world was in turmoil, we wanted to create something fun and refreshing. Shining light on a side of our personalities that we haven’t necessarily expressed through music before.” Eyeconic comments, with Shakk adding: “We felt it would be the perfect foundation to make something that encapsulated everything that makes the British music scene fun, energetic and diverse.”

It’s A Vibe comes at an interesting time for both artists, as they navigate increasing attention from local and national radio, and add to their already impressive roster of support slots and high profile shows. After a frustrating couple of years dealing with the twin evils of Brexit and Covid, there’s no doubt that it’s time for Eyeconic and Shakk to rise to the next level.

Eyeconic and Shakk release It’s A Vibe via TLR on 5th November www.facebook.com/iameyeconic www.facebook.com/shakkmusic

Admiral Fallow by Beth Chalmers

MUSIC

ADMIRAL FALLOW @ THE CLUNY

Words: Ali Welford

It’s been a good while since we last heard from Admiral Fallow – six years in fact since both their last record and their previous visit to North East. This extended layoff has allowed members to pursue their own ends (not least You Tell Me, Sarah Hayes’ excellent collaboration with Field Music’s Peter Brewis), yet the quintet’s re-emergence feels timely; a welcome, warm dose of congenial indie folk, just as the winter months begin to draw in.

What’s more, the Scots’ return to The Cluny on Tuesday 23rd November will present fans with a fresh clutch of heart-rending favourites, coming hot on the heels of their long-awaited fourth full-length, The Idea of You. Produced by Paul Savage (Mogwai, Arab Strap, Deacon Blue) and issued via long-time label Chemikal Underground, the album’s nine songs traverse everything from Philly soul and sophisticated pop to guitar-driven rock, though never fall too far from the group’s much-loved hallmark; soaring yet intimate anthems, imbued with beauty, empathy and a rich streak of melodicism. Recorded pre-pandemic, the collection also offers a refreshing reminder of simpler times, its themes of growth and bloom bestowing respite following a year rammed with lockdown albums and off-the-cuff side projects.

Admiral Fallow’s previous visits to The Cluny have been joyful, celebratory occasions. With all that’s happened since, I’d be little surprise if this show sees them go one better.

Admiral Fallow play The Cluny, Newcastle on Tuesday 23rd November. The Idea of You is released on 5th November via Chemikal Underground www.admiralfallow.com

MUSIC

JARV IS… @ BOILER SHOP

Words: Michael O’Neill

It’s fair to say that Sheffield’s finest export needs little introduction. The shadow that Jarvis Cocker’s delightfully Anglicised approach to songwriting has cast over the last thirty years of left-field pop has been profound, and JARV IS… is a marvellous extension of this.

Last year’s Beyond The Pale LP was a welcome return to form for Cocker, with the morbid Must I Evolve? (which was fittingly recorded live from a cave) and the witty House Music All Night Long standing toe-to-toe with the twisted glory of This Is Hardcore, We Love Life and his marvellous solo LPs.

However, it is clear that JARV IS… isn’t simply a shameless cash-in on former glories, with Cocker’s relentless hunger to innovate and evolve constantly being apparent in the fact that this venture is a fully-fledged new band, as opposed to being a continuation of his illustrious solo career. Their engagement at Newcastle’s Boiler Shop on Wednesday 3rd November is guaranteed to be a testament to this, with support coming from the legendary Hot Chip frontman Alexis Turner, whose recent solo LP Silence is a marvellous continuation of the floor-filler extraordinaire’s side career as a cerebral troubadour.

JARV IS… and Alexis Taylor play Boiler Shop, Newcastle on Wednesday 3rd November www.jarviscocker.net

Noya Rao

MUSIC

NOYA RAO/LYRAS @ COBALT STUDIOS

Words: Michael O’Neill

If there’s one thing I missed about live music during the wave of lockdowns more than anything else, it was that rush of euphoria when you chance upon a new act who blows your mind, and your expectations, to smithereens.

So, with that in mind, I extend huge props to Cobalt Studios for their regular FRESH Thursday events, which promise to offer the enthralling experience of discovering exciting new music alongside “lots of candles, board games and a home-cooked slap-up dinner” which is included in the price of the ticket (important side note: there are also alternate options for coeliac and those with nut allergies too!)

The instalment on Thursday 18th November boasts an extraordinary double bill of neo-soul delights. Heading the bill is the Leeds-based synth-drenched future soul outfit Noya Rao, who have previously represented UK Jazz at SXSW, and whose intoxicating grooves, in the mould of Yussef Kamaal and Flying Lotus, will sit perfectly alongside local quintet LYRAS, a neo-soul/R&B group who have firmly established themselves as another welcome addition to the North East’s fledging neo-soul scene, with a new school jazz sound that firmly recalls the sophisticated sonics of Hiatus Kaiyote and Moonchild.

Noya Rao and LYRAS play Cobalt Studios, Newcastle on Thursday 18th November www.noyarao.bandcamp.com www.lyras.co.uk

MUSIC

BLEAK SOUL/TIGRESS @ COBALT

Words: Michael O’Neill

The almighty Cobalt Studios is the venue for this eclectic double-bill of euphoric guitar-driven glory on Saturday 6th November.

Hailing from Chelmsford, Tigress are a five-piece rock band who are fresh from the release of Pura Vida, their debut album and blistering statement of intent. Their angular, riff-soaked sound is readily apparent in single Disconnect, which has bagged them plaudits from Kerrang! and BBC Radio 1, whilst they’ve also supported bands as illustrious as Green Day and Bring Me The Horizon. Given the widescreen-shot dynamics that are apparent in every guitar lick and drum fill, it’s no surprise they’ve been making a buzz in such hallowed quarters.

The bill is shared with Bleak Soul, the solo project of Benjamin Langford-Biss, who previously cut his teeth as the guitarist in emo outfit As It Is. Recent double A-side Living/ Nihilism brilliantly encapsulates his introspective, melodic heady synth-emo, replete with pounding Pretty Hate Machineindebted drums and Depeche Mode-esque melancholy. It’s a marvellous contrast to Tigress’ buoyant anthemic glory, and it’s a hell of an enthralling line-up for those with a penchant for music that seeks to push the boundaries of rock into fresh, enthralling new frontiers.

Bleak Soul and Tigress play Cobalt Studios, Newcastle on Saturday 6th November www.bleaksoul.bandcamp.com www.tigressofficial.com

LUMIERE - Imminence, Novak, Bloomberg Arcade, 2019, commissioned by produced by Artichoke. Photo by Matt Crossick

EVENTS

LUMIERE 2021

Words: Claire Dupree

The UK’s largest festival of light, Lumiere, returns to Durham with an ambitious programme of installations from Thursday 18th-Sunday 21st November.

Transforming the city into an interactive sensory experience, work will be on display from a diverse, international roster of artists, with many of the installations addressing overarching issues including the pandemic, climate change and environmental impact, in often quiet and poignant ways.

Of particular note, Finnish artists Pekka Niittyvirta and Timo Aho’s vivid Lines stretches across the riverbank to highlight the catastrophic impact of rising seas; in North East-based Novak collective’s sound and light installation Imminence, animated scenes of the consequences of climate change unfold, depicting deforestation, bee extinction, coral bleaching and global warming, providing a sobering reminder of the dire predicament we find ourselves in. Among numerous returning favourites, other highlights include a collaboration with New Writing North and Durham University in which commissions from 10 UK poets including Kae Tempest, Kayombo Chingonyi, Selina Nwulu and Michael Rosen will be projected onto the walls of Durham Castle; Halo, a musical sculpture activated by touch courtesy of France’s Illumaphonium; In Our Hearts Blind Hope, projected onto Durham Cathedral, will be an immersive reflection of the darkness and loss we have endured, by Hungary/UK-based Palma Studio; video-mapped projection Chronos takes the viewer on an audio-visual voyage; France’s Groupe LAPS bring an LED rock ‘n’ roll band, The Froggs, to the Market Place for an all-night performance; and Tony Heaton’s neon pink A Larger Ripple is humorous, political and subversive.

Community-led works include Article 12, referencing the UN Convention on the Human Rights of the Child, neon-lit text artworks celebrate the voices of local young people. For the first time, works will also light up landscapes across County Durham in celebration of the county’s place on the UK City of Culture 2025 longlist, with installations appearing at Raby Castle, Finchale Priory, Penshaw Monument, Seaham Marina, Ushaw and Apollo Pavilion.

Lumiere 2021 will also feature the first ever artwork hosted online. Tree of Hope is designed as a moment of reflection; visitors contribute their hope for the future and then see the moving image of a sapling blossom in real time with each new idea.

Lumiere 2021 takes place in Durham City and locations across the county from Thursday 18th-Sunday 21st November www.lumiere-festival.com

FILM

DOC‘N ROLL FESTIVAL @ TYNESIDE CINEMA

Words: Claire Dupree

With the aim of championing marginalised voices in the music industry, and giving a platform to independent filmmakers and musical subcultures, female-led film agency Doc’N Roll present a series of screenings at Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema as part of their eighth annual festival.

As the title may suggest, Doc’N Roll is all about music documentaries, and screenings spotlight era-defining music and those who made it. Included in the festival is a career-spanning documentary on no wave icon Lydia Lunch, The War Is Never Over, a no-holds barred profile of an artist unafraid to indulge, seek pleasure and say “fuck you!” as loud as any man; exploring themes of grief and addiction, Irish songwriter Damian Dempsey and his fans come under the spotlight in the part documentary, part concert film Love Yourself Today; Belgian director Gwenaël Breës attempts to make a film about a band that doesn’t want to be filmed, in his unique tale In A Silent Way (A Portrayal of Talk Talk); A Symphony Of Noise captures the creativity of revolutionary British musician and composer Matthew Herbert; North East scrap metal merchant and Big Bopper fanatic John Cumberland undertakes the challenge to get J.P. Richardson, aka The Big Bopper, inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Bopper & Me; while mischievous metafictional documentary The Nowhere Inn: St Vincent, features Annie Clark (aka St Vincent herself) and Sleater-Kinney/Portlandia’s Carrie Brownstein’s attempts to make a documentary about St Vincent, despite wrestling with complex and unpredictable forces.

With Q&As also taking place for In A Silent Way, Love Yourself Today and Bopper & Me providing an opportunity to dig deeper, Doc’N Roll promises to be a must see for music and film fans alike.

Doc’N Roll Festival takes place at Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle from Tuesday 2nd-Sunday 7th November www.tynesidecinema.co.uk

GIRLI by Haris Nukem

MUSIC

GIRLI @ THE CLUNY

Words: Kate Relton

Following her sell-out return to the stage this summer, alt. pop sensation GIRLI visits Newcastle as part of her UK tour. Performing at The Cluny on Thursday 25th November, GIRLI brings her signature unapologetic and raw style to the North East.

New single Ruthless, taken from her new EP Damsel In Distress, showcases her powerful vocals, and has racked up over three million audio and video streams, with radio play reaching as far as BBC Radio 1.

GIRLI says Ruthless is a tribute to women and their struggle for equality and liberation in a competitive world. Accompanied by a vibrant and anarchic music video directed by Kassandra Powell, GIRLI styled the video herself: ‘’I chose to style myself and the cast in 18th Century princess attire, to hint at Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette and Vivienne Westwood’s punk take on this era while also nodding to Marie Antoinette herself, who was a woman who was scapegoated and hated by society – this video is pink, punk, antiestablishment, pure ruthless rebellion.’’

Known for speaking openly about feminism, sexuality and mental health, GIRLI recently launched a podcast – GIRLI IRL - featuring candid discussions with LGBTQ+ artists.

GIRLI plays The Cluny, Newcastle on Thursday 25th November www.girlimusic.com

COMEDY

BIG MOUTH COMEDY CLUB @ MIDDLESBROUGH TOWN HALL

Words: Jake Anderson

Stand-up comedy isn’t something anyone can do. I tried it once – ‘once’ being the keyword. My opening joke was “two men walk into a bar, ouch ouch”. My career never quite recovered after that.

That’s why we have professionals for it, with Middlesbrough Town Hall selecting four of the wittiest acts for their Big Mouth Comedy Club on Saturday 13th November.

MC for the night is quick witted Josh Jones. The Mancunian is known for diving into the deep end with topics on LGBTQ+ rights and playground politics. Along with MC Josh Jones’ and their high energy opening will be multi award-winning TV presenter and broadcaster, Matt Richardson. Richardson kicked off his career at just 18, making it to the final on So You Think You’re Funny.

The night will also see a performance from Markus Birdman, an Edinburgh Fringe veteran who puts an emphasis on physical comedy within his shows and has been described as “a master of timing”. Comedian, actor and author Njambi McGrath will close the evening, known for her approach on tackling racism in her performances, her debut special Breaking Black, in which McGrath delves into life as a black woman in post-Brexit Britain, is a particular highlight of her oeuvre.

Big Mouth Comedy Club takes place at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Saturday 13th November www.bigmouthcomedy.co.uk

Haiku Salut

MUSIC

HAIKU SALUT @ WESTGARTH SOCIAL CLUB

Words: Evie Lake

Haiku Salut are set to reimagine their iconic lamp show at Middlesbrough’s Westgarth Social Club on Saturday 6th November to the sound of their fifth album, The Hill, The Light, The Ghost, which came out in August to rave reviews. Using an array of different lamps, flickering in sequence, they become visual cues to the beat of the music, evoking and awakening personal memory within us, culminating in a shared vision of environment and place.

The Hill, The Light, The Ghost is an experimental and instrumental, dream-like album that was born from numerous field recordings: the crunch of footsteps, the call of birds and the creaking of floorboards. The result is visceral, tangible landscapes intertwined with emotive and enchanting melodies, creating an independent world in each song. Their mission statement of ‘exploring sound in relation to memory’ and their lamp show is set to display this perfectly. Combining electronic with classic instrumental, the Derbyshire trio seeks to immerse their audience in a journey of memory and imagination. The lighting creates a singular, spellbinding atmosphere as it flickers, fades and dims. Haiku Salut transcends the notion of genre, with Gemma and Sophie Barkerwood and Louise Croft creating a multi-instrumental, multi-dimensional film-like score.

Haiku Salut play Westgarth Social Club, Middlesbrough on Saturday 6th November www.haikusalut.com

STAGE

RETAKE, REMAKE! @ ARC

Words: Lizzie Lovejoy

Led by and made for people with learning difficulties and disabilities, independent theatre company The Lawnmowers will take to the ARC Stockton stage on Tuesday 9th November. This time they’ll be performing their new show Retake, Remake!, an honest and inspirational performance where they reclaim films that had been made about disabled people but without disabled actors or advice. 4

The Lawnmowers have used this production to research and explore the outdated and overrated practises of Hollywood and the main stream media. As part of this investigation, they will be taking the audience on a journey through a range of challenging topics, from dating to eugenics.

With moments of intensity, and an analysis of the disabled experience, there are also fun and heart-warming parts to the show. Making use of lip-syncing, they are able to rewrite, retell and investigate a range of popular culture including films, music and more.

The Lawnmowers hope that this patchwork style show, which knits together so many different areas to investigate, will be an ‘eye opener’ to all those watching. The goal is to use performance to educate and one day create a fair and equal society. A cry for acknowledgement and respect, Retake, Remake! is designed to challenge, entertain and enlighten.

Retake, Remake! is at ARC, Stockton on Tuesday 9th November www.lawnmowerstheatre.com

STAGE

EVERYBODY WITH ME, ALWAYS @ BALTIC

Words: Kate Relton

The conversation around diversity and inclusion in the arts has proven fertile ground for creative organisations to produce innovative and inspiring work, and Freestylers are no exception. Bringing their live performance of Everybody With Me, Always to BALTIC on Friday 12th-Saturday 13th November, Freestylers want to use their first tour to “get to know new people through creativity, performance and movement”.

Commissioned as part of CONTINUOUS, an ongoing collaboration between BALTIC and Siobhan Davies Dance, Everybody With Me, Always aims to provide a relaxed environment for audiences. Passionate about the power of teamwork and shared ownership of work, Freestylers hope to create an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Through a mix of film, interactive activities and live performance, they want audiences to feel free to move, make noise and participate in any way they like.

Champions of diversity, Freestylers say their goal is to make the arts more inclusive: ‘’We believe that everyone in our group is powerful, so we are passionate about finding ways to break down conventional power structures…celebrate individuals but challenge individualism in the arts. Freestylers provide a space where people can be seen if they choose to be.’’

Freestylers present Everybody With Me, Always at BALTIC, Gateshead on Friday 12th-Saturday 13th November www.baltic.art

Shame by Sam Gregg

MUSIC

SHAME @ BOILER SHOP

Words: Cameron Wright

Gaining praise for their debut album Songs Of Praise, and reaffirming their success with their atmospheric 2021 follow up Drunk Tank Pink, Shame are one of the front runners of the British post-punk scene. Their noisy and energised performances have pinned their live content as a staple piece of the band, as they riotously cannon through their catalogue.

Having garnered recognition from articles like NME and Clash, it is clear that Shame have intention of making an impact on the genre. With the Guardian referring to them as ‘Britain’s most exciting new band’, Shame make no false promises about their desire to provide a feverish and exhilarating performance to the stage.

As they arrive at Newcastle’s beloved Boiler Shop on Sunday 21st November, the band are poised to deliver a dynamic and enthused rendition of their hits. With no signs of slowing down, Shame’s legacy can only blossom from this point onwards and fans of the punk quintet should jump at the opportunity to catch that passion at such an established North East venue.

Shame play Boiler Shop, Newcastle on Sunday 21st November www.shame.world

STAGE

10 THINGS TO DO IN A SMALL CUMBRIAN TOWN @ ALPHABETTI

Words: Laura Doyle

Cumbria is an excellent holiday destination, but gorgeous vistas and bountiful options for a pub lunch do not necessarily make an ideal permanent home. Hannah Sowerby has condensed her woes based on personal experience into a one woman comedy play, 10 Things To Do In A Small Cumbrian Town, which heads to Newcastle’s Alphabetti from Tuesday 23rd November to Saturday 11th December, to show the realities of living in the countryside.

Not everyone can afford to live in a luxury mansion overlooking Derwentwater, and working a 9-5 doesn’t leave a lot of time and energy to run up mountain sides on the reg. So what exactly is there to do for a young lass? Penrith native Jodie has scrambled together an educational list for anyone who has dreamt of getting a place in the country – and it isn’t all Wainwright walks and overpriced row boats. Join Jodie as she recounts the realities of living above a kebab shop, stacking shelves and a complete lack of anonymity everywhere she goes, to scrape together her list of top things to do for entertainment in a place where fibre optic broadband might as well be the USS Enterprise.

It’s a far cry from the idyllic experience than the telly would have you believe, and it might just make you appreciate city life a smidge more than you currently do.

10 Things To Do In A Small Cumbrian Town is at Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle from Tuesday 23rd November-Saturday 11th December www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk

Withered Hand by Jannica Honey

MUSIC

BILLY LIAR/WITHERED HAND @ WESTGARTH SOCIAL CLUB/THE SHIP ISIS

Words: Michael O’Neill

If your idea of a heaven lies at the mercy of a fist-pumping, heart-on-sleeve singer-songwriter armed with an acoustic guitar, a stack of anthems and a heart full of raw emotion, then I can confidently guarantee that all your Christmases will come at once on Sunday 21st November, as Scottish solo artists Billy Liar and Withered Hand are co-headlining two shows within the region on that very day!

The proceedings will kick off with an afternoon show at Middlesbrough’s Westgarth Social Club before proceeding north for an evening engagement at Sunderland’s The Ship Isis. These two shows will find the prolific Billy Liar finally able to air songs from his debut album Some Legacy, which followed a lengthy string of EPs and a solid decade of touring the globe with his punk-indebted brand of troubadour glory. Joining Liar is lo-fi stalwart Withered Hand, the alias of Dan Willson (whose songwriting has bagged him plaudits from publications such as NME and MOJO and artists as esteemed as King Creosote) who will be previewing material from the long-awaited follow up to 2014’s critically acclaimed LP New Gods.

Billy Liar and Withered Hand play Westgarth Social Club, Middlesbrough and The Ship Isis, Sunderland on Sunday 21st November www.witheredhand.com www.billyliarmusic.com

JP Riggall by Ian Allcock

MUSIC

J.P. RIGGALL RELEASES NEW ALBUM, ISOLATION BLUES

Words: Laura Doyle

It’s a bit depressing to hear that some artists have managed to release multiple albums since the age of lockdowns began, but it’s also nice that some have had bursts of productivity and enlightenment in an otherwise creatively desperate time.

J.P. Riggall hasn’t just set out his second Covid-era record though; he’s decided to do some proper reflection on his entire back catalogue up to this point to draw inspiration for an all new spin on some of his personal favourite tracks. Isolation Blues is the ultimate walk down memory lane, with a selection of stripped back folkish melodies that span Riggall’s career.

Whether it’s the mournful a capella of shanty Captain Of My Soul slowly thrumming into your eardrums, or the whimsical strumming of hauntingly romantic Deer, Isolation Blues promises not to retread old paths. To ensure a refreshing experience, J.P. Riggall took it upon himself to build this album from the ground up: every track is recorded in one take, then mixed and mastered of his own volition. It’s a simple process, but one that results in an organic earthiness that is as if the artist were in the very same room, giving a performance that is from the heart.

J.P. Riggall releases Isolation Blues via Bear Love Records on 19th November www.jpriggall.bandcamp.com

MUSIC

SAM LEE @ GOSFORTH CIVIC THEATRE

Words: Kate Relton

While many of us saw out the darker days of lockdown in the company of banana bread and Netflix, award-winning folk artist Sam Lee was far from idle. Following the release of Old Wow in 2020, the musician and conservationist is hitting the road again with the Old Wow+ tour, offering fans an updated and reimagined version of the album, featuring six bonus tracks.

Performing at Gosforth Civic Theatre on Thursday 25th November, the show will give audiences the opportunity to experience the best of Lee’s evocative and engaging style. Known for his conservation work and involvement with Extinction Rebellion, it’s not surprising that the environment is central to his work. With previous career credits including music direction for Let Nature Sing, which saw birdsong enter the UK Top 20 chart, Lee’s drive to raise awareness of the climate crisis is at the heart of Old Wow+, acting as a compelling call to action.

Building a reputation as a game-changer in the British folk and acoustic scene, Lee artfully combines his trademark intimate sound with a powerful passion for activism and the natural world.

Sam Lee plays Gosforth Civic Theatre on Thursday 25th November www.samleesong.co.uk

SJ Fuerst, Smile. Courtesy of the artist and Hancock Gallery

ART & LIT

SJ FUERST @ HANCOCK GALLERY

Words: Helen Redfern

Considered one the 15 best artists working today, as voted by GQ Magazine, SJ Fuerst draws from fashion, pop art and contemporary culture to create uncannily hyper-real paintings. Her quirky surrealism invites us into a strange world of inflatable animals alongside chic fashion models. Each of the women brings her own personality and elegance to a weirdly bizarre, almost ridiculous scene that Fuerst admits reflects her own personality. It’s this blend of playfulness and sophistication that makes Fuerst’s work so appealing.

Fuerst combines classical and pop sensitivities in her paintings, having studied at both The Florence Academy of Art and London’s Atelier of Representational Art. Whilst the technique may be traditional, the subjects are fresh and contemporary. Having grown up in the suburbs of Connecticut, she now lives in Gozo in an old Maltese farmhouse with 115 inflatable animals to keep her company.

“Life is fascinating because it’s full of fun things, serious things, beautiful things and some dark things. I want my work to reflect this.” Explains Fuerst. In her opinion, it’s the balance of the right mix of these elements that transform a painting from being empty and one-dimensional into something really captivating. And so she begins by finding a toy or costume that speaks to her, then designs the most interesting way to use that element in a painting. The model then brings the air of chicness and confidently pulls the whole image together.

Discover the dark undercurrent in Fuerst’s playful collection for yourself at Hancock Gallery.

SJ Fuerst’s exhibition is at Hancock Gallery, Newcastle from Thursday 18th November until Saturday 26th February www.sjfuerst.com

MUSIC

RED SNAPPER @ THE CLUNY

Words: Lizzie Lovejoy

Playing a blend of dark funk, hip-hop and jazz, instrumental band Red Snapper will be performing at Newcastle’s Cluny on Tuesday 30th November.

Since their formation in 1993, Red Snapper have played shows globally and in collaboration with a variety of vocal artists such as Gavin Clarke and Eliza Carthy and have supported the likes of Björk and The Fugees on an international level. They gained even more interest in recent years after their music was featured on El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, and they’ve become well known for their creative remixes, reworking music by Trouble Funk, Edwyn Collins and more.

After a pause on making music, the band released their first single after six years during September 2020. B-Planet is a toe tapper, pairing a clapping beat with a repetitive bass guitar acting almost as a melodic voice on the track. At points, the song pulls away from the expected rhythm and throws the listener into discordant sounds before dragging the audience back into a more comfortable beat, echoing something akin to a hallucinogenic experience. With a psychedelic twist, listening to their unique genre warping material takes the listener by surprise.

Known for their ability to create immersive soundscapes and give strong performances, Red Snapper are sure to take their Newcastle audience on a trippy, auditory adventure.

Red Snapper play The Cluny, Newcastle on Tuesday 30th November www.redsnapperofficial.com

Little Simz

MUSIC

LITTLE SIMZ @ O2 ACADEMY

Words: Cameron Wright

After her latest album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert exploded into a tsunami of accolades, acclaim and global success, Little Simz is firmly on her way to becoming one of the new generation’s most revered rap artists.

Merging a cornucopia of sounds, the album is one of the year’s most musically diverse, sonically consistent and lyrically intuitive releases. Little Simz blurs genres from Afrobeat to neo-soul, introducing industrial backing and huge orchestral pieces to create a masterpiece whose sound shines with a triumphant grandeur throughout. From the boastful to the consciously introspective, Simz’s lyrics narrate themes of womanhood, Black identity and our political climate beautifully.

The album’s success leaves no doubt among critics and fans that Little Simz is only destined for phenomenal things. Garnering success in the United States, it seems like only a matter of time before she establishes herself as a household name across the globe. To catch such a meteoric talent on her ascent to the top is a rare experience and not one any fan should ignore, so as Simz embarks on a UK tour, set to drop in to Newcastle’s O2 Academy on Saturday 27th November, nobody should shy away from her dynamic and majestic live performances.

Little Simz plays O2 Academy, Newcastle on Saturday 27th November www.littlesimz.com

Anna Meredith

MUSIC

ANNA MEREDITH @ SAGE GATESHEAD

Words: Lee Fisher

Anna Meredith feels very much part of a recent wave of musicians and artists who straddle classical and contemporary music, jazz and improvisation, soundtracks and collaborations, orchestras and electronics, and do so with grace and ease. I first heard her via her lovely soundtrack to Eighth Grade (2018), by which point she’d already released a couple of albums (Varmints and Anno), with another – Fibs – the following year.

Somewhere along the line she’s also become an MBE, a Mercury Prize nominee, a multiple Proms-commissioned composer and gathered all manner of other plaudits. There’s also Bumps Per Minute, a Dodgems-themed project with its own video game and a Somerset House residency with an actual dodgems installation. It’s unlikely that she’ll be bringing anything quite so elaborate to Sage Gateshead for her full-band performance on Friday 12th November but everything Meredith does turns out to be sprinkled in magic, and she’s promised “an evening of high frolics, fast notes, slow notes, roots, toots and questionable covers.” Which sounds pretty damn delicious.

Anna Meredith plays Sage Gateshead on Friday 12th November www.annameredith.com

MUSIC

VANDEBILT @ INDEPENDENT

Words: Jake Anderson

Are you ready to enter the house that Vandebilt? The band invites you to their hometown with a performance at Independent, Sunderland on Friday 26th November.

The group are promising an unforgettable night of electronic bangers, as well as support from Newcastle-based experimental house DJ Ponder and electro-noir act Motel Carnation. This will be the band’s first show in the region since their performance at Newcastle’s The Cluny in September, and it promises to be an evening filled with electronic bangers.

Vandebilt have been prolific this past year, with their ability to construct catchy and groovy music building them an increasing fanbase. Their latest single, Real Good, demonstrates their anthemic pop electronica and slick instrumentation. It’s a tune that will hook you in with its lush production and then have you belting out the earworm of a hook.

Fans will want to grab their tickets ASAP as alongside a special after-party, there is also excitement about an additional set from another group that the band are keeping secret for the time being, only revealing them once the event is sold out.

Vandebilt, Motel Carnation and DJ Ponder play Independent, Sunderland on Friday 26th November www.vandebilt.bandcamp.com

The Burning Hell

MUSIC

EAGLESFEST @ THE WAITING ROOM

Words: Tracy Hyman

For over twenty years, award-winning vegetarian restaurant The Waiting Room has held regular Sunday night gig and art events, alongside the occasional all-dayer. After a slight mishap in the rebooking of postponed gigs following 18 months of lockdown, organiser Luke Harding decided the only solution was to make a proper event of it, and Eaglesfest – taking place on Sunday 7th November – was born.

The Eagledukes, a 24-piece ukulele band, will kick off the event in The Other Room (adjoined to The Waiting Room), followed by locals Dressed Like Wolves, Tom Joshua and Gone Tomorrow. There is even a reunion of the hilarious Carmen and Dick, with more acts to be confirmed.

The event is headlined by Canadian art folk rockers The Burning Hell (who also play The Cumberland Arms on Wednesday 3rd November) and Swedish queens of punk banjo, Baskery (who happen to be playing Newcastle’s Globe on Saturday 6th). Both acts will be making a welcome return to The Waiting Room and the North East.

It wouldn’t be a Waiting Room event without some of their delicious vegetarian cuisine, and artisan pizza, festival food and a mini beer festival selection from the Three Brothers micro-brewery at Preston Farm will be up for grabs, with the live music itself running between the venue itself and the Preston & Eaglescliffe Social Club.

Eaglesfest takes place on Sunday 7th November at The Waiting Room and Preston & Eaglescliffe Social Club, Eaglescliffe www.thewaitingroom.uk

EVENTS

WINTERTIDE FESTIVAL

Words: Claire Dupree

The annual celebration of creativity and community in Hartlepool returns to the historic Hartlepool Headland from Friday 26th-Sunday 28th November.

Aimed as a springboard to launch the festive season in the town, the streets will be awash with music, art, performance and a carnival atmosphere. With a theme of Turning Tides, organisers aim for the event to encourage hope, connection and inspire creativity. Illuminations and installations will include work direct from the Lumiere art trail, which is expanding this year to celebrate the County Durham City of Culture bid. An interactive self-led trail, sound walk and immersive displays will be a day and night spectacle.

Windows and building facades will be brought to life with artwork created by the community, and buskers, choirs, brass bands and fire acts will see the streets brimming with

entertainment. There will also be live music in partner venues throughout the weekend, with sets from garage rockers Onlooker, balladeer Lost State of Dan and indie rock duo Giraffes among others.

For festival goers wishing to try their hand at a new skill, workshops will include wreath making, photography, ceramics, pottery, graffiti, music and drumming, body adornment and much more.

Wintertide is an independent event run by volunteers from the Headland Festival Group, Rachel from community arts organisation BloomInArt explains why supporting artists is so needed in the area. “It’s really important as a community festival to create a platform to showcase, strengthen and support talent on our doorstep. Linking across groups, colleges and then connecting them in a programme with established artists from the area and the big show stoppers creates that opportunity to push boundaries, build ambition and strive for excellence.”

Wintertide Festival takes place art Hartlepool Headland from Friday 26th-Sunday 28th November www.wintertidefestival.co.uk

David Callaghan

COMEDY

DAVID CALLAGHAN @ BOBIK’S

Words: Maria Winter

Bobik’s plays host to the new show from comedian David Callaghan, entitled Everything That’s Me Is Falling Apart. This isn’t just any comedy show, it’s the world’s first augmented reality comedy theatre show – something you will not want to miss out on!

On Thursday 25th November comedy lovers can witness this interesting concept, as David Callaghan takes the audience on a journey of hilariously heartfelt yet beautifully bittersweet stories of love and loss, all through the art of visualisation technology, animation and a toy train (if that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will!)

David’s incredible performance will make you believe anything is possible, whilst simultaneously putting a smile on your face. Widely lauded as an inventive and talented comedian, if you want to escape the challenges of everyday life for one night and join David’s world of comedy, then this show is a must-see for you.

David Callaghan presents Everything That’s Me Is Falling Apart at Bobik’s, Newcastle on Thursday 25th November www.davidcallaghan.com

MUSIC

TEN EIGHTY TREES @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS

Words: Hope Lynes

Local rockers Ten Eighty Trees return for their first Newcastle show in two years at The Cumberland Arms on Saturday 13th November.

Eager to get back to the stage, the band have a reputation for their passionate performances. Since their beginning three years ago, nothing but euphorically energetic songs have emerged, which has earned Ten Eighty Trees acclaim with BBC 6Music’s Tom Robinson among others.

The Geordie rock trio release their new single The Kick on 29th October, a track that will knock you sideways with its catchy punk style, complete with confident vocals evoking true emotion which bleeds into the personal theme of getting out of a toxic relationship to pursue what you want to do in life. The Kick turns a negative situation into three minutes of liveliness that never slows down, resulting in one of the rowdiest songs the band have produced so far.

Support for The Cumberland Arms gig comes from Mancunian band Dalmas, who create music for everyone by entwining pop punk vocals with modern rock instrumentals and glimpses of 80’s synth. Local talent St. Buryan are also supporting, bringing their experimental indie sounds to the mix.

Ten Eighty Trees, Dalmas and St. Buryan play The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle on Saturday 13th November. The Kick is released on 29th October www.teneightytrees.bandcamp.com

Untitled from the series, Blood Speaks, 2013-18 © Poulomi Basu

ART & LIT

ERUPTIONS: A DECADE OF CREATION BY POULOMI BASU @ SIDE GALLERY

Words: Hope Lynes

Join Poulomi Basu, an award winning Indian activist, artist and photographer on a gripping visual journey investigating war, suffering and the fight of women and indigenous communities in South Asia. Her exhibition, Eruptions: A Decade of Creation, spans three projects from Basu dating back to 2009, truly documenting an era of exploration.

The solo exhibition at Side Gallery, which runs from Saturday 30th October to Sunday 6th February, immerses audiences in the projects Centralia, Blood Speaks: A Ritual of Exile and To Conquer Her Land, through exhibiting the captivating forms of virtual reality, film, photography, crime evidence and documentary. Basu places the light on female pain, whilst also inspiring the audience through stories of remarkable women and her own activism. Centralia reports testimonies, portraits and investigations of fallen (mainly) female revolutionary fighters in brutal conflicts between the People’s Liberation Guerilla Army;

Blood Speaks, winner of the Royal Photogenic Society’s Hood Media 2020, exposes the harrowing origins and results of the Chaupadi exile ritual, a violent practice towards menstruating women in Nepal; in To Conquer Her Land audiences can witness the extraordinary experiences of India’s first female soldiers on the borders of India and Pakistan. B

asu’s inspirational work has resulted in a policy change criminalising the Chaupadi exile practice, whilst working alongside Action Aid for the #MyBodyIsMine Menstruation campaign. Eruptions: A Decade of Creation further provides an insight into a feminine world of hardship, perseverance and strength.

Eruptions: A Decade of Creation by Poulomi Basu is at Side Gallery, Newcastle from Saturday 30th October to Sunday 6th February www.poulomibasu.com

MUSIC

FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES @ O2 ACADEMY

Words: Cameron Wright

Hot on the heels of their latest release, Sticky, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes return to Newcastle’s O2 Academy on Saturday 20th November.

Since the early 00s, Carter has dominated, terrified and enthused audiences with his powerful and dynamic performances, gaining a reputation as one of punk’s most explosive live presences. Famed for encouraging a chaotic yet inclusive and respectful live environment, Frank Carter’s performances are quickly etching their way into Britain’s punk mythology.

Their debut album Blossom is still solidifying a reputation as one of the country’s most venomous and uncompromising punk rock records of its time, winning them an immediate fanbase among critics and punk lovers alike.

With every subsequent release, the band’s sound changes and develops, from broad and progressive arrangements to more traditional and simplistic songwriting; the band always seems eager to take a myriad of influences and toss them into the melting pot. Sticky is no exception, and yet even by their standards, the sound is unpredictable and unpolished. Pitched as a celebration of freedom and liberation, Sticky plays as an advertisement to turn feral and unleashed, which should entice any fan to experience the unchained atmosphere first hand.

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes play O2 Academy, Newcastle on Saturday 20th November www.andtherattlesnakes.com

MUSIC

DURHAM INTRODUCING @ CLAYPATH DELI

Words: Claire Dupree

As is often the case with grassroots scenes, it usually takes the effort and forward-thinking attitudes of just a handful of people for things to get off the ground. Despite its world-class cultural standing, Durham has suffered with being somewhat of a musical wasteland since Empty Shop HQ left the city centre. While places like Old Cinema Launderette and Claypath Deli keep the flag for independent musicians flying, there is a distinct lack of opportunities for local performers.

Enter Down By The River, one of those previously mentioned forward-thinking promoters, who this month launch Durham Introducing, a supportive space for artists to find their creative footing, hosted at Claypath Deli. DBTR’s Graham Grundy explains: “[Durham Introducing will be] a safe space where people can come and express themselves artistically in a supportive environment, where they can build confidence and take an important step in finding their creative way.”

Each monthly event will be curated and co-promoted by different individuals or groups, with the goal of making the events ethical, diverse and enjoyable environments for performers as well as attendees. Performers at the first event on Thursday 11th November include unique grunge jazzers Labyrinthine Oceans, Newcastle-based ethereal songwriter India Arkin and avant-garde spoken wordsmiths The Durham Beats.

Down By The River present Durham Introducing at Claypath Deli on Thursday 11th November www.downbytheriver9.com

One Cell At A Time - Sensory Cellumonials by Baum and Leahy

ART & LIT

ONE CELL AT A TIME ONLINE EXHIBITION

Words: Claire Dupree

In this groundbreaking work, artists have collaborated with researchers and scientists to create art which explores the make-up of the human body. Engineered by the international scientific research project, The Human Cell Atlas, who are creating a map of every cell type in the human body in order to better understand biology and disease, a digital exhibition of work by 13 artists seeks to further explore our understanding of our own biology in a uniquely accessible way.

Primarily an online exhibition, with some regional in-person events also taking place, highlights of the project include artist duo Baum & Leahy’s Sensory Cellumonials, a series of guided visual and aural meditations informed by our senses; experimental film Call Of The Silent Cell by Paul Smith and Vicky Isley delves into research of the immune system; dance and moving image artist Anna Macdonald’s series of films, images and text, Ways Of Doing Things, was created in collaboration with transplant recipients and demonstrates the remarkable ways we connect with each other; and montage film Constellations by artists Esther Teichmann and Christopher Stewart explores the intertwining narratives of the Human Cell Atlas research.

A live event of Stacey Pitsillides’ Donate Yourself takes place in Newcastle on Sunday 31st October, and discusses stories of care, trust, immortality and consent in an augmented reality journey, questioning how we may see our bodies after death. The live event will include a guided tour of augmented reality artworks through the Ouseburn Valley.

A host of learning projects and further collaborations also make up this fascinating project, which will be hosted online from Friday 29th October-Tuesday 30th November. www.onecellatatime.org

COMEDY

STAND-UP IN A DAY @ BOBIK’S

Words: Laura Doyle

Comedians can spend literally months crafting their stand-up sets. The nerve wracking process involves creating jokes out of seemingly thin air that hopefully will make a room – maybe even a stadium for those really big names – laugh. So what happens if you condense that creative process into, say, a single day?

Felt Nowt are going to attempt this social experiment to see what can be achieved in the twelve hours in the run up to an actual live show in front of real people. Unless you happen to be a seasoned improv comic, it is surely a daunting task.

The process is simple: throw a bunch of local comedians into a room together for a single day. They must dream up a series of sketches that they hope will be comedy gold. You buy a ticket for a mere fiver, rock up at Bobik’s on Sunday 14th November, and see the fruits of their labour. Will you witness cutting edge hilarity, available for one night only? Or will you watch in horror as a bunch of people try desperately to do underprepared funnies? The latter is unlikely, as noted local comic Lee Kyle will be the guiding six new comedians, Kelly Edgar, Mike Wardley, Charlie Ellis, Luke Connell, Phil Erswell and Michael Perren, through the unique concept. Strap in for a night filled with unpredictable results!

Stand-Up In A Day takes place at Bobik’s, Newcastle on Sunday 14th November www.feltnowt.co.uk

Bonbons Cabaret by TJmov

STAGE

THE BONBONS CABARET 2021 @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Leigh Venus

As the curtains continue to tentatively part on the cultural world after the devastation of the past couple of years, the festive season is – astonishingly – looming into view, and with it the long-awaited return of the riotous seasonal extravaganza that is The BonBons Cabaret.

A local fixture since its 2017 inception as a collaboration with Alphabetti Theatre, The BonBons Cabaret is a confection by the House of Love collective, namely the Bonnie and the Bonnettes trio fresh from their Drag Me To Love national tour, queer pop art punk rocker MXYM riding the waves of new single Starfire self-professed fool and Newcastle queen Vol-Au-Vent Love, and lip-syncing burlesque babe Mama Rhi.

Finding itself pandemically postponed in 2020, The BonBons Cabaret is back at a slew of North East venues, from a Halloween homecoming at Alphabetti Theatre right through to New Year’s Eve; a date that sees the return of the fan-favourite kid-friendly version of the cabaret followed by an inevitably outrageous NYE show and party.

Firmly rooted in the North East and dedicated to championing the very best alternative and queer talent out there, The BonBons Cabaret is the glitter-infused winter warmer we all need. Step through their curtain, and who knows who you’ll meet?

The BonBons Cabaret 2021 takes place at Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle on Saturday 30th October, Middlesbrough Town Hall on Sunday 7th November, Laurel’s Whitley Bay on Saturday 13th November and Alphabetti Theatre on Friday 31st December www.bonnieandthebonnettes.co.uk