Art & Culture

Spring into culture

COMEDY SUPERSTARS, AWE-INSPIRING EXHIBITIONS AND SHOW-STOPPING THEATRE SHOWS, THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN NEWCASTLE THIS SEASON...

RENT 23 - 26 MARCH

Hurrah! The award-winning production Rent has been wowing audiences since 1996 and now it's coming to Tyne Theatre and Opera House! It’s a classic tale of young love, shadowed by the threat of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the early 90s. Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for the moment. Prepare to feel inspired and uplifted by this defiantly joyous play, with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages. tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

PAUL HENERY - WILD NORTH: WILD PLACES, WILD WEATHER, WILDLIFE THROUGHOUT MARCH

Dive into the world of all things wild with Paul Henery, as he takes you on a journey into nature through his stunning works of art at Gallagher and Turner gallery. For thirteen years, Paul has worked as a full-time Wildlife Crime Officer for Northumbria Police and in 2013 was named WWF UK Wildlife Law Enforcer of the Year. On the job, he sketches what he sees, from vast landscapes to defiant animals, before going back to his studio and developing them into the masterpieces that you can see for yourself this month. gallagherandturner.co.uk

STEVE HALL & STEVE WILLIAMS 12 MARCH

Comedy fans, the incredible folk over at The Stand are spoiling you this month, bringing two of the UK’s funniest men to their stage for one sidesplitting show! This double-dose of stand up from Steve Hall and Steve Williams, is heading to Newcastle hot off the heels of opening for Russell Howard on his sold-out arena tour. You’ll have seen the pair on Tonight at the Palladium, Russell Howard’s Good News, Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow and many more, so take the opportunity to see this dynamic duo fire out some hilarious gags live! thestand.co.uk

PICK ‘N’ MIX 10 MARCH

Racers, start your engines and may the best drag queen WIN! That’s right, the chart-topping drag supergroup, Pick ‘N’ Mix, are fresh off the set of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Series 3 and ready to rock Boiler Shop! You can see the sensational Ella Vaday, River Medway, Vanity Milan and hometown hero Choriza May tear up the stage in style this March. Expect one fierce, action-packed show, including the debut live performance of their mega single B.D.E (Big Drag Energy)! boilershop.net

FELT TIPS 10 MARCH

Get ready for a night of wall to wall hilarity when the best new comedians bring their searingly hot new material to The Globe! Starring some of the most talented comics from NE1 and beyond, Felt Nowt is hosting this epic night and bringing along the likes of Dean Moore, Jack Fox and six other freshfaced acts. Talk about bang for your buck, this one is going to be a laugh a minute that you won’t want to miss out on! theglobenewcastle.bar

MATT FORDE: CLOWNS TO THE LEFT OF ME, JOKERS TO THE RIGHT 15 MARCH

Order, Order! Matt Forde is taking aim at the left, right and centre of the political spectrum in his brand new show, Clowns To The Left Of Me, Jokers To The Right. The Have I Got News For You star is lashing out at the UK Government, taking no prisoners in his quest to make you double over with laughter. Oh, and he’s also going to be chucking in some funny voices too. Known for his spot-on impressions on Spitting Image, you’re in for a treat when Matt takes to The Stand this month. thestand.co.uk

THE BOULET BROTHERS DRAGULA 18 MARCH

Fresh from their smash hit reality TV show, drag icons, The Boulet Brothers, are bringing their twisted troupe to Newcastle for an incredible celebration! Expect wild dance routines, jaw-dropping drag sets, tongue-in-cheek humour, horror and glamour in an almighty extravagant performance! riversidencl.co.uk

LIQUID LIGHT FROM 19 MARCH

Lose yourself in the beauty of masterful watercolour paintings at the Laing Art Gallery’s Liquid Light exhibition this month. This hand-picked installation will celebrate the rich quality and variety of the gallery’s watercolour collection, highlighting artists from the golden age of watercolours such as Joseph Mallord William Turner, John Sell Cotman and Thomas Girtin, alongside 20th and 21st century artists. Many of the paintings selected for the exhibition are rarely seen, or shown on this scale, due to the light-sensitive nature of the medium. Take this opportunity to witness these amazing pieces as the artists intended, in all of their colourful glory! laingartgallery.org.uk

NISH KUMAR 19 MARCH

Hilarious star of The Mash Report, Taskmaster and QI, Nish Kumar is one of the fastest rising, and funniest, comedians in the country right now! Tipped as one of the Guardian’s Top Fifty Comedians of the 21st Century, Kumar’s quick wit and sharp observations will have you in absolute stitches when he comes to the Tyne Theatre and Opera House this month. Get your tickets now and secure your spot to see this comedy legend in the making take the house down in Newcastle! tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk Tell us your favourite thing about playing in Newcastle? I love everything about the Toon. I'm delighted to be back on-stage, having a good time and enjoying a bit of craic with the Geordies - you're all super friendly. Any fond memories from your visits to NE1? I loved the Tuxedo Princess! I spent many a night there, chucking some dodgy moves out and living it up on a floating ferry-comenightclub. A fantastic experience! Any plans while you're in the city? My big love is football so I'll try and get to a game. I remember watching King Kev, Alan Shearer and Gazza back in the day. Those names made me fall in love with the Toon! I'll probably take a walk along the beautiful Quayside and pop to the Grainger Market too - I've heard there are some incredible restaurants just opened! tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

THE NORTHERN WEDDING SHOW 19 - 20 MARCH

Whether you’re looking for a jaw-dropping gown for the big day or just love seeing stunning dresses from huge fashion designers, The Northern Wedding show is a magnificent event. Head to the Utilita Arena this month and immerse yourself in inspiring workshops, VIP catwalk experiences and some of the most luxurious gowns on the planet. The show will champion the incredible creative centrepieces from some of the best suppliers in the region, while a full production catwalk provides a snapshot of 2022 fashion trends from major bridal brands. This is going to be one spectacularly magical event! utilitaarena.co.uk

JOHANNES RADEBE - FREEDOM 20 MARCH

Strictly Come Dancing sensation and international dance champion Johannes Radebe is hitting the road for his debut tour and stopping off for an epic performance at the Theatre Royal! The show, aptly titled Freedom, is a celebration of the dances that you love, with Johannes’ signature flair and energy. From elegant Ballroom to fiery Latin, a company of exciting dancers will perform to classic dance arrangements, scorching South African rhythms and huge party anthems. Johannes will take you on his journey from growing up in South Africa, to travelling the world, winning competitions and starring in Strictly’s most memorable numbers. Leave your inhibitions at the door and lose yourself in Johannes’ world of wonder! theatreroyal.co.uk

5 things I love >>

THE TYNE THEATRE AND OPERA HOUSE'S BELOVED EASTER PANTO IS BACK IN ACTION THIS SPRING! WE CAUGHT UP WITH COMEDY LEGEND, BOBBY DAVRO, TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS LOVE FOR THE TOON!