Art & Culture

Cultural highlights

SH**GED, MARRIED, ANNOYED WITH CHRIS AND ROSIE RAMSEY 8 - 9 SEPTEMBER

For the first time ever, Chris and Rosie Ramsey will bring their award-winning podcast setup to the North East and play the Utilita Arena! Endlessly amusing and unpredictable, this loveable Geordie duo have amassed fans from all around the world while consistently topping the downloads charts. So, wander on over to Utilita Arena this September and settle in for side-splittingly funny and frank discussions on married life from two of the UK’s funniest figures. utilitaarena.co.uk

HEATHERS 7 - 11 SEPTEMBER

An award-winning production is touching down in Newcastle this September and tickets are flying out the door as Heathers prepare to dazzle at the Theatre Royal! A glistening production that’ll soon remind you of the magic of theatre, Heathers follow their sell-out season on the West End and recent WhatsOnStage award for Best New Musical by heading out on tour and thankfully for us, they're stopping off in NE1 to show us exactly why there's such a big fuss about their bold production! Featuring uplifting rock tunes, a stiletto-sharp script and some of the finest stage talent anywhere in the world, a trip over to the Theatre Royal is an absolute-must… theatreroyal.co.uk

NORTHERN STAGE TOURS 7 AUGUST THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY LONGSTAFF 7 - 18 SEPTEMBER

Settle in for a stellar musical celebration of Northern working class activism this September as Northern Stage’s iconic show, The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff, makes a welcome return to the stage! Based on the true story of one man’s journey from poverty and unemployment in Stockton on Tees, this touching and occasionally hilarious musical adventure follows in the footsteps of a working class hero who chose not to look the other way when the world needed his help. Tickets start from £10 - what a bargain! northernstage.co.uk

Are you curious about what goes on behind the curtain at Northern Stage? Ever wondered how Northern Stage got its name? Well, now's your chance to learn about the inner-workings of Northern Stage as they lift up the curtain for you to explore more about this beloved venue! Tootle over to Barras Bridge and have a reet good nosey around and discover the hidden histories and places of Northern Stage in an exciting and engaging guided tour of the theatre! A brilliant opportunity to learn more about one of NE1's brilliant venues, this 1-hour tour will take you on a journey behind the scenes of their theatre as you learn more about the history of Northern Stage, while discovering more about the future of the theatre with current and upcoming productions in the pipeline. After quenching your curiosity, head to the Northern Stage Café Bar and kick back with a free hot drink and door-stop slab of freshly baked cake. Ideal! northernstage.co.uk

PHIL WANG: PHILLY PHILLY WANG WANG 3 SEPTEMBER

Following a 2019 Edinburgh Fringe run that sold out in minutes, Phil Wang is back on tour with his biggest and best show to date and luckily for us, he’s announced an exclusive date at the iconic Tyne Theatre & Opera House! Phil shot to prominence in the UK when he won the 2010 Chortle Student Comedy Award and from then on, he's featured on Taskmaster, secured a Netflix comedy show and now he's embarking on an exclusive UK tour! Be sure to catch his unique blend of smart and silly live in the Toon. tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

AD MINOLITI THROUGHOUT SUMMER

There’s a sensational exhibition showcasing at BALTIC this summer, as iconic Argentinian artist, Ad Minoliti arrives in Newcastle to exhibit her awe-inspiring ‘Biosfera Peluche / Biosphere Plush’ display. Her first solo display here in the UK, Minoliti is renowned across the globe for her colorful geometric paintings and kaleidoscopic installations, in which she uses feminist and queer theory to generate alternative interpretations of painting, design, architecture and visual language. Building on Minoliti’s interest in shedding light on feminist and queer artistic practice, the exhibition will also welcome an international library of queer and feminist zines too - nice! baltic.art

ROB AUTON’S TIME SHOW 8 SEPTEMBER

Got time for some off-kilter comedy? Critically acclaimed performer Rob Auton will treat crowds to his off the wall musings on the concept of time and how it governs our lives in his new show at The Stand. Head to High Bridge to hear his wacky philosophical tangents and poetic observations that will have you doubled over in what’s sure to be a hilarious TIME for everyone… see what we did there? thestand.co.uk

NT LIVE 2017 : FOLLIES (2021 REISSUE) 2 SEPTEMBER

Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and the brilliant Imelda Staunton play the magnificent Follies in this dazzling cinematic production hitting the big screen at Cineworld. Widely heralded by critics and audiences alike, Follies is set in a crumbling theatre where a reunion of old Follies girls reflect on their lives and their performing heydays. Directed by Dominic Cooke, the production boasts breathtaking stage design from Vicki Mortimer, there’s a stellar soundtrack by Paul Groothuis, the choreography by Bill Deamer is awe-inspiring and the lighting by Paule Constable is absolutely epic. A tremendous bit of theatre awaits with this one! cineworld.co.uk

MICK FLEETWOOD & FRIENDS 7 SEPTEMBER

There’s a dreamy flick hitting the Everyman big screen this September and it’s an absolute must-see for any Fleetwood Mac fanatic out there (which is basically everyone!). In honour of legendary drummer Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood enlisted an all-star cast for a one-of-a-kind performance at The London Palladium that features the likes of Noel Gallagher, David Gilmour and Kirk Hammet. Now, for the first time ever, you and your fellow Fleetwood fanatics can settle in at this beautiful cinema house on Grey Street as legendary tracks such as Albatross, Rattlesnake Shake and the rousing Station Man get an overhaul from a star-studded line-up of musicians. everymancinema.com

GREAT NORTH NIGHTS: THE HISTORY OF BEER 27 AUGUST

Our chums at Great North Museum are sampling pints all evening long this August - all in the name of scientific discovery-ish! In what must be one of the world’s greatest combos, GNM are inviting beer buddies from across the Toon to join them for an evening with the brilliant Northern Alchemy as they teach us about ancient brewing techniques throughout the ages. The best part? You’ll also be able to get your mitts on a bespoke Ancient Egyptian brew made specially for this event, as well as sample different seasonal beers from one of the North’s finest breweries - sounds class! greatnorthmuseum.org.uk