Art & Culture

Cool cultural highlights

PATRICK THROUGHOUT AUGUST

It won’t be long before we’re back at Tyneside Cinema, losing ourselves in a raft of incredible films and chomping away on the tastiest of treats, but until then, we’re supporting this brill indie cinema by streaming another exclusive film as the venue's grand reopening date edges closer. This August, they're showcasing the exclusive debut film from veteran TV director Tim Mielants (Peaky Blinders) with his deadpan offbeat, black comedy about self-discovery. Set in a Belgian nudist camp, Patrick follows the titular handyman (Kevin Janssens) finding his life in turmoil after the loss of his father and his trusty hammer. A unique, dry dramatic comedy exploring the human condition in its most literal naked sense, you can stream this quirky flick by following the link below… tynesidecinema.co.uk

PAUL SMITH: CHANGED 20 - 21 AUGUST

THE PEOPLE'S THEATRE PRESENT… SHAKESPEARE SHENANIGANS 8 AUGUST

The People’s Theatre are whistling into Wylam Brewery this August with a brilliant new production that aims to give us Shakespeare's take on this mad world we’re all living in. Whether you’ve taken up a foreign language, enjoyed way too much alcohol or stared at the TV aimlessly for months on end, this hilarious lot will have you chuckling away with their satirical view on a hellish year. Trust us, it promises to be a mega evening of excellent entertainment that’s matched by the superb brews of Wylam - nice! wylambrewery.co.uk Paul Smith is back on the road and he’s whistling into the Toon with an exclusive date at the O2 City Hall Newcastle for a side-splitting comedy show. A beloved name across the UK’s comedy circuit, Paul’s affable nature, hilarious accent and dry wit have turned him into a crowd favourite and his shows are renowned for being raucous affairs. He’s been crowned Liverpool’s New Comedian of the Year, his punchlines are properly funny and his crowd interactions are iconic on YouTube. You’re in for a treat with this Scouse funnyman! academymusicgroup.com

© Sutapa Biswas. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2021

SUTAPA BISWAS THROUGHOUT AUGUST

Time to get your ‘art gallery shuffle’ on and tootle on over to BALTIC for Sutapa Biswas’ major solo exhibition as she addresses questions of identity and ideas of dislocation and belonging, through a series of stunning drawings, photography and dazzling moving images. In case you didn’t know, Sutapa Biswas is a vital contributor to the Black Arts Movement in Britain and has been instrumental in shifting the public’s understanding of post-war British art. Biswas’ works visually disrupt, challenge and reimagine our present time and this incredibly moving exhibition will include a new film that maps a semi-fictional narrative of migration. An epic exhibition if you’re wanting to be inspired and educate yourself on matters around us. baltic.art

The Spring Table 30 x 40.5 oil on paper

MARIA LAFFEY: A YEAR IN SOUTH WEST NORTHUMBERLAND THROUGHOUT AUGUST

There’s a beautiful exhibition showcasing over at Gallagher & Turner this summer, and it’s a bespoke show from Maria Laffey that encompasses her experience of a year spent close to home in her local Northumbrian landscape. Partly joyful and partly cathartic, this series of mesmeric paintings depict stunning visual details of the local natural environment and how they became important to her throughout the madness of 2020. Featuring scenes of clear cerulean skies, the emergence of spring flowers and the evolution of a hedgerow, one trip to this terrific exhibition will soon remind you why the North of England is so stunning! gallagherandturner.co.uk

BLACKPINK THE MOVIE 8 AUGUST

Fancy a bit of a culture shock? Perhaps you’re already clued up on the dazzling world of K-Pop? Regardless of your level of knowledge on South Korean music, our chums at Cineworld are showcasing an exclusive screening of BLACKPINK THE MOVIE and this music extravaganza is a real bobby-dazzler! BLACKPINK are an iconic name when it comes to K-Pop and Asian music in general, and not only did they become the first K-Pop group in history to earn 1 billion views on YouTube, they also hit the headlines in 2019 as it was announced that they were the first-ever Korean group to feature at Coachella Music Festival too! Their film celebrates the 5th anniversary of their debut album and features behind the scenes footage and exclusive performances from one of the biggest girl groups in the Eastern hemisphere! cineworld.co.uk

GOOD GRIEF 7 AUGUST

One of the highlights from Alphabetti Theatre’s Fringe Festival, Good Grief is an unmissable show of music and physical comedy that explores death in the most energetic and optimistic way possible. Expect thumping techno, mesmerising dancing and a captivatingly thoughtful performance. newcastlefringe.co.uk

MADE.UPNORTH MARKET 15 AUGUST

Who said it was grim up here? We’re buzzing to learn that Made.UpNorth is hosting its first ever market in Boiler Shop this summer. This incredible creative community will be arriving into the city to bring together 60 of the best Northern makers, artists, creative businesses and food vendors about. Here, you'll be able to peruse through a special collection of handmade works from local potters, textile artists, indie jewellers, soap makers, and so many other cool creations from Northern creatives. That’s not all either folks! Included in your ticket is a chance to learn first hand the tips and tricks from these creators with a series of workshops. Whether you want to learn more about paper cutting with kppapercuts, need to brush up on your pottery skills with The Pottery Experience or want to know the ins and outs of felt brooches, Made.UpNorth's series of wonderful workshops with smiling Northerners is just the ticket. Speaking of tickets - they’re just £2! That means you can lose yourself in the fab world of inspiring indies for less than the price a coffee - bargain! boilershop.net

On this day…

TYNE & WEAR METRO SYSTEM OPENS TO THE PUBLIC 11 AUGUST 1980

An extraordinary feat of Geordie engineering opened up to the public 41 years ago! Check out these snaps from Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums as we bring you some stunning images of the early days of this icon of Newcastle and the North East.

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2/Talk about tunnel vision… A milestone achievement for Tyne & Wear Metro as Forth Banks edges closer to connecting with the Queen Elizabeth II Metro Bridge - full-steam ahead from here!

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All images credit: TWAM

1/Going down! Brave Geordies descend into the depths of Newcastle as Civil Engineers from the Tyneside Metro Light Rail System continue work on excavating the tunnel system underneath Forth Banks and Sandyford Road. 3/An engineering marvel The sheer scale of this project is incredible to comprehend! If you were to follow the direction of this photograph, you’d come out at Haymarket Metro Station! 4/Heads up! A tunnel shield is lowered into position at the Forth Banks site as engineers look to reinforce the system from the outside elements. We wouldn’t like something that heavy landing on our big toe, that’s for sure...

IT'S THE WEEKEND! #Whataweekend Let us guide you through the ultimate weekend in the Toon! TIME FOR SPINE-TINGLING MOVIE M O M E N T S… DIVE INTO SPECIAL TREATS! KICK BACK WITH NE1’ S EPIC FAMIL Y FL IC K … IN NEED OF A PICK-ME-UP? CA LLI NG

Fantasy flick! NE1’s stellar Screen on the Green just keeps on delivering the goods this summer, and we’ve got another free flick in store for you and your loved ones come Saturday! With the sun beating down and snacks aplenty on the deck chairs, be sure to kick back, relax and enjoy the 2020 remake of Roald Dahl's classic, The Witches. Join Hollywood A-listers Anne Hathaway and Chris Rock on an entrancing journey that sees a troublesome coven of witches get up to some pretty sinister tricks. It’s certain to enthral and entertain all members of the family! getintonewcastle.co.uk ANYONE FOR EXQUISITE THAI DELIGHTS ? Thai treats! Having enjoyed Anne Hathaway in The Witches at NE1’s stunning Screen on the Green, why not pop over to Chaophraya in Eldon Square for an incredible lunchtime treat? Located in the heart of Newcastle and boasting a stunning roof-top terrace overlooking Grey’s Monument, Chaophraya is the place to visit if you’re keen on sampling signature Thai dishes such as royal lamb NEWCASTLE’ S ICONIC NIGHTLIFE RETURNS! massaman, king prawn pineapple fried rice (a taste sensation may we add!) or delicious chicken in a rich, black pepper sauce. There’s a range of stunning cocktails to match and it’s one of the Toon’s best spots to enjoy terrific Thai treats this summer! chaophraya.co.uk A L L C O C K T A I L C O N N O I SSEURS !

Dispensary date! Head over to Heber Street with your squad and tuck into the Dispensary’s array of incredible brekkie options this Saturday! Whether your sweet tooth is craving fluffy Daim pancakes topped with almond caramel sauce, crushed praline chocolate and vanilla ice cream for a Saturday sugar rush, or if the sound of a fried chicken benedict topped with gooey bechamel sauce is calling your name, a Dispensary date always serves up the goods. facebook.com/thedispensaryncl Let’s go clubbing! We've got 18 months of dancing to make up for! Thankfully for us, our chums at Cosmic Ballroom have a mega night of pulsating basslines in-store and they’re welcoming the return of NE1’s renowned nightlife with an epic live-set from Time Bandits! Don your finest threads, sink a few cold ones with your clan and make your way over to Stowell Street this August, as Time Bandits take to the decks to showcase why they’re widely regarded as one of one of the biggest names in house and techno! Tickets are available from just £5 - what a way to welcome after-hours shindigs back to the Toon! facebook.com/cosmicballroom

Mega Marvel movie moments! Time to pack up your pick ‘n’ mix favourites and whistle on over to Old Eldon Square, as an exclusive, free screening of Doctor Strange is showcasing at NE1’s Screen on the Green! A huge film when it first appeared in cinemas across the UK, why not round up your gang, stock up on delicious snacks from one of our city’s many sweet treat spots and settle in as Scott Derrickson’s superhero extravaganza featuring Benedict Cumberbatch takes to the big screen in a two hour action-packed epic! getintonewcastle.co.uk Tuck into a Sunday feast! One of the best places for a Sunday best has resumed roasting - hurrah! The Broad Chare are back with the likes of spit-roast chicken, crispy potatoes, handfuls of roast lamb, delicate beef slices plus all your favourite trimmings. Pair it with a cold pint, a lemon and vanilla syrup sponge and you’re onto an absolute winner. Ideal! thebroadchare.co.uk Gin emporium! Time to break out your jeans and a nice top this Sunday, because a cool evening sipping lush tipples with a chilled soundtrack at Pleased To Meet You is on the cards! The team at this terrific Toon tavern are specialists when it comes to knocking up delicious gin concoctions, and if you know your Sipsmith lemon drizzle from your Hoxton coconut and grapefruit tipple, then PTMY’s vast variety of mega drinks are certain to light up your Sunday evening out with pals. facebook.com/ptmyncl Double trouble! There’s a side-splitting comedy show going down at The Stand, and if racy one-liners and stiletto-sharp gags are your kind of humour, then an evening with award-winning comedy duo Flo & Joan is the show for you! A renowned double act, Flo & Joan arrive into NE1 following a series of sell-out shows at London's Soho Theatre and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. A razor-sharp team loved for their dark and waggish routines, be sure to catch these hilarious comediennes in action this August - you won’t regret it! thestand.co.uk

SATURDAY

AM SUNDAY AM PM PM

After hours at The Forth Fancy a refreshing pint as cool tunes trickle out and an urban roof-top terrace sparks into life? Go on then! Take a trip over to The Forth and get ready to dive into a world of stunning craft beers, epic soundtracks and twinkling fairy lights as one of the Toon’s most-loved bars welcomes in Saturday night in the Toon. theforthnewcastle.co.uk TUCK INTO A SENSATIONAL SUNDAY ROAST! L A U GH THE NIGHT AWAY…

A FEW S U N D O W NERS IN THE TOON… Delectable treats at Camber Coffee Start your day with a stunning, sunshine breakfast at Camber Coffee. Best known across the city for its variety of delicious wake-up-and-feel-good vegan dishes that cater to those with both a savoury and sweet tooth, this brekkie bunch certainly know a thing or two about getting a chilled Sunday in the city off to a delicious start. Just the ticket after a late-night reacquainting yourselves with NE1’s nightlife icons! facebook.com/camber-coffee