10 Shows and Concerts to See in the North East this Month
The tickets you need to book now for the best of what’s on this September
ANN CLEEVES: THE RISING TIDE
3RD SEPTEMBER
Alnwick Playhouse
01665 660550
alnwickplayhouse.co.uk
Vera fans, this one’s for you. Head to Alnwick for an unmissable afternoon with bestselling author Ann Cleeves and crime scene investigator Helen Pepper as they walk you through the murder scene in Ann’s new (and 10th) Vera novel: The Rising Tide. Helen is Senior Lecturer in Policing at Teesside University and the forensic expert and consultant for ITV’s Vera so she’ll have all the know-how on the storylines you love. Tickets include a signed copy of The Rising Tide.
THE WASP
5TH–10TH SEPTEMBER
Little Theatre, Gateshead
littletheatregateshead.co.uk
Carla and Heather live very different lives. Heather has a high-flying career, a husband and a family home, while Carla struggles to get by. That could all change when Heather presents Carla with an unexpected proposition. This psychological thriller from Morgan Lloyd Malcolm will have you on the edge of your seat.
SOUTH PACIFIC
20TH–24TH SEPTEMBER
Theatre Royal, Newcastle
0191 232 7010
theatreroyal.co.uk
This powerful love story, set on a South Pacific island during World War II, has been brought to life in a new production directed by Chichester Festival Theatre’s artistic director Daniel Evans. Julian Ovenden and Gina Beck are reprising their roles and a full orchestra will complete the impressive show.
UNFORTUNATE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF URSULA THE SEA WITCH
20TH–24TH SEPTEMBER
Northern Stage, Newcastle
0191 230 5151
northernstage.co.uk
Deep dive into the life of one of our favourite Disney villains with this musical parody that’s getting five-star reviews from theatre experts. Ursula reveals what really happened under the sea in this tell-all tale that’s not to be taken too seriously. It’s sure to be plenty of fun.
SIMON PARKER: RIDING OUT
22ND SEPTEMBER
Middlesbrough Theatre
01642 815181
middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
Be inspired by this inspirational true story of how one man battled grief and anxiety on a 3,500-mile adventure around Britain. In lockdown Simon Parker’s life fell apart; his travel journalism career vanished and then he received the news that his close friend had died. So Simon turned to travel and exercise to keep him going. This show will take you on Simon’s journey from Shetland to Scilly, as he shares what he learned along the way. Simon’s book, Riding Out, will be available to buy on the night.
THE OSMONDS: A NEW MUSICAL
13TH–17TH SEPTEMBER
Sunderland Empire
atgtickets.com
The Osmonds lived a remarkable life of chart-topping success, until one bad decision cost them everything. Directed by Shaun Kerrison and choreographed by Olivier Award winning Bill Deamer, this new musical features all your favourite songs and will take you back in time to relive the 60s, 70s and 80s.
VOICES OF VIRTUEGOSPEL CHOIR
17TH SEPTEMBER
Gosforth Civic Theatre
0191 284 3700
gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk
One of the North East’s leading gospel choirs, The Voices of Virtue have performed and collaborated with local and internationally-acclaimed artists including Sting and Smoove & Turrell, and their voices are outstanding – and sure to get you off your feet.
ALEXANDRA BURKE
18TH SEPTEMBER
Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm
01642 792587
thepaaonline.org
Former The X Factor winner Alexandra Burke (who has been touring as one of the leads in The Bodyguard musical) will be coming to Yarm for a solo performance with dancers and support acts. Her voice is just as sensational as it was in 2008, and she always puts on a great show.
GEORGE EZRA
20TH SEPTEMBER
Utilita Arena, Newcastle
utilitaarena.co.uk
George Ezra will take to the stage in Newcastle to bring your spectacular summer to an end. If you saw him perform live at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations you’ll know why you need to act fast to get tickets to see him.
RNS: LINDISFARNE: SPIRITUAL SOUNDS
23RD SEPTEMBER
Sage Gateshead
0191 443 4661
sagegateshead.com
To celebrate the Lindisfarne Gospels returning to the North East, conductor James Weeks, Royal Northern Sinfonia and Dame Sarah Connolly will explore centuries of spirituality in sounds, words and images. Artwork from the Gospels will accompany music from over the years.