A world-famous student lifestyle

Home to amazing architecture, a yearround array of festivals, attractions and events, enviable shopping opportunities and fantastic nightlife, students are hard-pressed to find another city with so much on offer.

With an eclectic mix of entertainment and a prominent position on the UK’s cultural map, it’s no surprise that NewcastleGateshead was recently named ‘hipster capital of the North East’ in the Lonely Planet Great Britain Travel Guide. And Northumbria University has joined forces with many of the North East’s culturalpowerhouses to enhance its student experience.

BALTIC Centre for

Contemporary Art, Live Theatre, Northern Stage, Great North Run Culture, and The Tyneside Cinema have all played a role in the lives of scores of Northumbria University students. From academic programmes and talent development to rehearsal space and hands-on industry experience, these partnerships offer unique opportunities for students to work side by side with renowned industry professionals while studying for their degree. They also offer a vibrant and ever-changing entertainment programme.

Take Live Theatre. A small venue with a global reputation. This acclaimed theatre company was the birthplace of Lee Hall’s Broadway hit, The Pitmen Painters. Theatre-lovers popping across to the Quayside venue this autumn for its 40th anniversary celebrations can enjoy drama, live music, quiz nights, stand-up comedy and even a Live Theatre Singles Club (don’t worry – it’s a journey through the history of the 7” record, not speed dating).

The season also showcases the talent of two Northumbria arts graduates – Paddy Campbell, who has penned a gritty new drama entitled Wet House, and performing arts graduate, Riley Jones, who will be appearing in both Wet House and Lee Hall’s Cooking with Elvis.

Heading back towards town, comedy fans do not want to miss the hilarity hub that is The Stand Comedy Club. Nestling within Newcastle’s thriving High Bridge Quarter, The Stand is the place to be for raucous Geordie wit, comedy royalty and Red Raw talent daring to take the mic for the first time. An intimate venue that regularly roars with laughter, this unique cabaret-style space is also used on occasion by Northumbria arts students. Well worth a look.

Newcastle’s cultural scene continues with Northern Stage – the largest producing theatre company in the region. Showcasing a wide variety of drama, new writing, storytelling, contemporary dance, comedy and international work, this diverse theatre company’s countdown to Christmas sees a melting pot of entertainment from Edinburgh Fringe bestsellers to comedy takes on classic Shakespeare, before hurtling head-first into silly season with The Suggestibles legendary Impro-Pantso – madness and mayhem all wrapped up in festive cheer.

For those who feel safer watching all the action from behind a screen, the Tyneside Cinema is Newcastle’s arthouse gem situated in the centre of town. With three different screens, coffee rooms, a bar and the Intermezzo Café, this cinema gives a trip to the pictures the sense of occasion it deserves. Set in stylish art deco surroundings, the Tyneside Cinema offers a varied programme showing the best films from all over the world.

To round up Newcastle and Gateshead’s vibrant arts scene we cannot forget the home of the Turner Prize 2011, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. This landmark building located on the south bank of the River Tyne attracts visitors from near and far (a whopping five million to date!) to marvel at the work of some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists. Northumbria and BALTIC also share a vibrant collaborative venue, right next to The Stand Comedy Club in the centre of Newcastle. BALTIC 39 is home to the BxNU Institute of Contemporary Arts which is used as a teaching, research and gallery space, perfectly positioned for instant access to NewcastleGateshead’s worldfamous cultural scene.

DIsCOVeR MORe

Follow @altweet_pet on Twitter for more information on upcoming events and ideas for things to see, do and visit. See live conversation and virtually explore the destination online with www.geordielandmap.com or go to www.newcastlegateshead.com

The Official NewcastleGateshead City Guide app is now available to download from both the iTunes Store and Google Play Store.

Live Theatre www.live.org.uk

The Stand Comedy Club www.thestand.co.uk

Northern Stage www.northernstage.co.uk

Tyneside Cinema www.tynesidecinema.co.uk

Great North Run Culture www.greatnorthrunculture.org.uk

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art www.balticmill.com