All The Events You Need to Book Now
What are your plans this month?
Starry Eyed
Don’t miss this introduction to stargazing under the stars of Northumberland’s International Dark Sky Park – astronomers of all abilities will enjoy the event. An expert team will explain how to prepare for a night of astronomy and you’ll learn how to spot planets, star clusters and the Andromeda Galaxy, easily seen from the Battlesteads Observatory with the naked eye. If the sky’s clear, you’ll see more with the 14 inch diameter large aperture telescope. All their events include the chance to see the extensive meteorite collection, which includes pieces of asteroids, the moon and Mars.
Astronomy for Absolute Beginners
2ND MARCH
Battlesteads Observatory, near Hexham
battlesteads.com
Comedic Chameleon
Comedy icon Rob Brydon will be joined by a nine-piece orchestra for this special evening at The Glasshouse where he’ll share his musical journey from South Wales to Hollywood and back. Expect to hear toe-tapping tunes from Tom Jones to Elvis and impressions of the likes of Mick Jagger, Michael Caine and Steve Coogan. Hurry, tickets are sure to sell fast!
Rob Brydon: A Night of Songs & Laughter
7TH MARCH
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead
0191 443 4661
theglasshouseicm.org
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Following his sell-out tour in 2022, Romesh is back with a brand-new show examining the human condition but providing no real answers. He’s always a good laugh so we’re expecting great things.
Romesh Ranganathan: Hustle
7TH & 9TH MARCH
Stockton Globe
stocktonglobe.co.uk
Homebound
James Arthur is bringing the Bitter Sweet Love tour to Utilita Arena Newcastle. The North East-born singer is one of the world’s biggest streaming artists. His track Say You Won’t Let Go recently became his first RIAA Diamond Single with 10 million certified units – making James one of just 100 recipients of an RIAA Diamond Single certification in the programme’s history. Locals will be keen to see him play that track and more when he heads home this spring.
James Arthur
9TH MARCH
Utilita Arena, Newcastle
utilitaarena.co.uk
True Friend
Acclaimed comic actor Brendan Murphy has reimagined one of our all time favourite TV shows through the eyes of its barista. Audiences will hear the inside story of what happened to Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, Chandler, Monica and Joey across 10 seasons from one man in 70 minutes.
Friend (The One With Gunther)
12TH MARCH
Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool
culturehartlepool.com
You Choose
Audiences at The Stand can look forward to an entirely improvised Harry Potter comedy play, based on an audience suggestion of a fanfiction title. Attend with an open mind and a good suggestion! Previous suggestions include: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Commerce, Harry Potter and the Neville Wears Prada, Harry Potter and the Rise of the Planet of the Snapes and Harry Potter and the Struggle for a Decent Mortgage in This Economy.
Spontaneous Potter
12TH MARCH
The Stand Comedy Club, Newcastle
0191 232 0707
thestand.co.uk
Creature Comfort
The timeless children’s book Dear Zoo is returning to the stage with engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction. Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift the flap book has been a favourite of young readers since it was first published in 1982 and this production will delight all those who have read it.
Dear Zoo
12TH & 13TH MARCH
Darlington Hippodrome
01325 405405
darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
Rosie-cheeked
If you’ve seen Rosie perform before, you’ll know this show is guaranteed to be full of unapologetic cheekiness. You might’ve spotted her on The Last Leg, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and most recently on Channel 4’s Big Fat Quiz of the Year.
Rosie Jones: Triple Threat
14TH MARCH
Northern Stage, Newcastle
0191 230 5151
northernstage.co.uk
Good Sports
Join Newcastle Legends Rob Lee and Peter Beardsley, hosted by Jed Stone, for an insight into their careers. Plus, there are limited opportunities for a pre-show meet and greet with Rob and Peter for photos and autographs.
An Audience with Newcastle Legends
14TH MARCH
Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham
01434 652477
queenshall.co.uk
A Beautiful Ballet
Birmingham Royal Ballet returns to Sunderland Empire with The Sleeping Beauty (Thursday 14th–Saturday 16th March). Journey into the dark, glittering, world of fairytale where good finally triumphs over evil. Enjoy this deliciously satisfying treat with your loved ones - book your fairytale adventure now. Have your senses captivated with sparkling virtuoso ballet from BRB’s brilliant dancers, fairytale characters, dazzling spectacle, sensational sets, spectacular costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s glorious music played live by the acclaimed Royal Ballet Sinfonia.
The Sleeping Beauty
14TH–16TH MARCH
Sunderland Empire
atgtickets.com
Captured Memories
My Echo, My Shadow is Hartlepool-born artist Laura Lancaster’s largest solo show to date, showcasing new paintings and drawings. Laura translates lost and discarded memories into her work which create dream-like paintings.
Laura Lancaster: My Echo, My Shadow
FROM 16TH MARCH
Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, Sunderland
0191 515 5555
sunderlandculture.org.uk
Community Spirit
Housed in Woodhorn Museum’s stunning Workshop Galleries, the annual Northumberland Open is the largest exhibition of its type in Northumberland. The theme for the 2024 Open Exhibition is ‘Northumberland Now’ and is inspired by the artwork made by the Ashington Group which recorded their lives, work, community and environment. See a stunning range of artworks made by talented artists working across Northumberland today, many of which are available to purchase.
Northumberland Open Exhibition 2024: Northumberland Now
FROM 17TH FEBRUARY
Woodhorn Museum, Ashington
01670 624455
museumsnorthumberland.org.uk
You Bet!
It’s all happening at Newcastle Racecourse this spring. A day of jumps racing not to be missed, The Eider Chase takes place over 26 fences over four miles and half a furlong and is considered a trial for the Grand National. But don’t miss another great fixture in March when the St Patrick’s Raceday returns.
The Eider Chase & St Patrick’s Raceday
24TH FEBRUARY & 16TH MARCH
Newcastle Racecourse
newcastle-racecourse.co.uk
A Cut Above
Directed and choreographed by Sir Matthew Bourne OBE, Edward Scissorhands returns to UK theatres for the first time in nine years, promising a witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world. Can others see past his curious appearance to the innocence and gentleness within?
Edward Scissorhands
27TH MARCH–6TH APRIL
Newcastle Theatre Royal
0191 232 7010
theatreroyal.co.uk
Sound of Stockton
Stockton’s day-long multi-venue music festival is back this spring with Ed Cosens, Corella and Cat Ryan, and many others, set to perform across the town’s best cultural venues including The Green Room, Arts Stockton Arts Centre and the NE Volume Music Bar.
Stockton Calling
30TH MARCH
Stockton
stocktoncalling.co.uk
Going Global
The International Textile Exhibition is back with new work from around the world. Tribes is the inspiration for the work entered into the competition from internationally renowned textiles artists. There is a stunning array of figurative and abstract work reflecting elements such as culture, values, goals, and family. This exhibition features the 30 finalists from all over the world working in many different styles and creative techniques. Farfield Mill is just part of this exciting international 10-month touring exhibition featuring galleries, museums and quilting events in countries including Brazil, Japan, and Australia.
Tribes: International Textile Exhibition
UNTIL 31ST MARCH
Farfield Mill, Sedbergh
015396 21958
farfieldmill.org
A Dog’s Life
Take the kids to see this brand-new theatrical adaptation of the award-winning children’s television series, Bluey. Expect fabulous puppets and plenty of fun as the show is brought to life on stage, celebrating everything you love about the show.
Bluey’s Big Play
5TH & 6TH MARCH
The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
01274 432000
bradford-theatres.co.uk
Wood You Rather?
Akama’s largest exhibition to date will showcase a new collection of intricately carved wooden houses of various sizes alongside a series of architectural technical drawings and mini prints – all of which will be for sale. Working from a furniture-maker’s workshop in Huddersfield, Akama is surrounded by the natural world and he draws on his experience as a joiner to create his unique pieces.
Yukihiro Akama: Basho no Kankaku – A Sense of Place
FROM 9TH MARCH
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton
01924 832631
ysp.org.uk
Hands On
Head to Seagulls for this special Mother’s Day workshop to create your own pair of terrazzo coasters/trinket trays with your mum or important woman in your life. You’ll choose your own palette and colour schemes, sand and seal your creations, and refreshments will be available. All materials and light snacks will be provided and no experience is required.
Mother’s Day Tea & Terrazzo Workshop
10TH MARCH
Seagulls, Leeds
seagullsreuse.org.uk
Back on Tour
Singer-songwriter Jake Bugg has announced 15 headline dates across the UK and he’s stopping by York where he’ll perform some of his biggest hits including Lightning Bolt and All I Need. Fans won’t want to miss out on this intimate show.
Jake Bugg
12TH MARCH
York Barbican
yorkbarbican.co.uk
Britain’s Got Talent
Norwegian clown Viggo Venn caused a bit (okay, a lot) of an uproar when he was crowned winner of Britain’s Got Talent in June 2023. He moved to this country with one dream: to be a British comedian, and while he proved to be Marmite, the votes spoke for themselves. His shows are packed with hi-vis jackets, balloons and hilarious antics. If you want to see one of the most talked-about new entertainers in the country you’ll want to book tickets for this, his first national tour.
Viggo Venn: British Comedian
13TH FEBRUARY
City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds
leedsheritagetheatres.com
A Load of Rubbish
This performance of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy will be unlike any you’ve seen before – actors will bring the play to life using only a box of tatty wigs, a worn floral dress, and a burst airbed they found by the bins. If you’ve never seen the Rubbish Shakespeare Company perform before and you’re up for a laugh, you’re in for a treat.
Rubbish Shakespeare: Romeo & Juliet
13TH–16TH MARCH
Bramall Rock Void, Leeds Playhouse
leedsplayhouse.org.uk
Behind The Masks
BAFTA-award winning comedian and Leeds lad Leigh Francis has announced his first ever live tour – as himself. Best known for his character Keith Lemon and Channel 4’s sketch comedy show Bo’ Selecta!, fans of his comedy can expect to see all their favourite characters, as well as hearing from the man behind them. From Keith Lemon and Bear to Ant and Dec and Myrtle, this tour will be packed full of hilarious sketches and lots of audience interaction.
Leigh Francis
15TH MARCH
Oval Hall, Sheffield City Hall
sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
Prints Charming
The Hepworth Wakefield’s Print Fair – the go-to place to buy and explore all things print – returns to Tileyard North, the refurbished mill opposite the gallery, and is the perfect opportunity to support independent printmakers at all stages of their careers. Visitors will be able to buy work directly from over 60 emerging and established artists and collectives – working in linocut printing, mono-printing, screen-printing, collagraph, woodcut, risograph, cyanotype, textile design and more – alongside a selection of galleries which specialise in selling prints. Across the weekend, families can get creative with printmaking workshops and activities in the exhibition spaces and garden.
The Hepworth Wakefield Print Fair
16TH & 17TH MARCH
The Hepworth Wakefield
01924 247360
hepworthwakefield.org
Spring Has Sprung
We’re so excited that Living North LIVE is back for 2024! Yorkshire’s leading homes, gardens, shopping, food and lifestyle event promises stylish shopping, live demonstrations, talks and tastings, as we bring you inspiring ideas for your home and garden, great gifts, delicious food and unique accessories that you won’t find anywhere else. Find all the important details at livingnorth.com.
Living North LIVE
22ND–24TH MARCH
York Racecourse
0191 261 8944
livingnorth.com
Brush Up
In this three-hour workshop for beginners, you’ll learn watercolour techniques to create botanical paintings that celebrate the arrival of spring. After experimenting with a variety of brushes and strokes you’ll take home a series of botanical paintings so you can continue practising your new-found skills at home.
Spring Botanical Watercolour Workshop
23RD MARCH
Harewood House
harewood.org
Behind The Scenes
Northern Ballet’s hit production of Romeo & Juliet has survived fire, flood and more than three decades of changing fashions, and ahead of its revival this March, a new exhibition is combining drawings, props, costumes and photographs from the company’s archive to tell these dramatic stories. Performances of Romeo & Juliet will take place at Leeds Grand Theatre from 8th–16th March.
Preserving the Passion: Northern Ballet’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’
UNTIL 23RD MARCH
Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, Leeds
library.leeds.ac.uk
Doctor’s Orders
This is Going to Hurt was a literary sensation and became a multi-BAFTA-winning BBC series. Now Undoctored is making audiences laugh and cry in equal measure as Adam tells his unique tales of life on and off the wards.
Adam Kay: Undoctored
23RD MARCH
Grand Opera House York
atgtickets.co m
Creature Comfort
The timeless children’s book Dear Zoo is returning to the stage with engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction. Rod Campbell’s bestselling lift-the-flap book has been a favourite of young readers since it was first published in 1982 and this production will delight all those who have read it.
Dear Zoo
25TH & 26TH MARCH
Bridlington Spa
01262 678258
bridspa.com
Happy Birthday!
Celebrating 75 years in show business, Sooty, Sweep and Soo are planning a very special birthday party – and you’re all invited. But will everything go to plan? Sooty’s busy baking the birthday cake, Soo’s trying to find the perfect party dress, and Sweep’s practising his dance moves. Watch out for Sooty’s new water pistol! This theatre show offers fun for all the family and you can join the team after the show to meet Richard and Sooty.
Sooty: The 75th Birthday Spectacular
30TH MARCH
Harrogate Theatre
01423 502116
harrogatetheatre.co.uk
Keep Dancing
Join Strictly dance favourite Johannes Radebe and a host of eclectic characters in his brand-new theatrical celebration featuring roof-raising music, sensational costumes and world-class dance.
Johannes Radebe: House of JoJo
31ST MARCH
Leeds Grand Theatre
leedsheritagetheatres.com
The Joy in Art
This new exhibition is inviting visitors to enjoy uplifting contemporary artistic responses to objects from the collections of Scarborough Museums and Galleries, combining new work from five regional artists – Luke Beech, Kate Fox, Wendy Galloway, Liberty Hodes and Angela Knipe – alongside historical artefacts. Expect to see rabbits, a stoat and an impressive potato.
Displayful
UNTIL 7TH MAY
Scarborough Art Gallery
scarboroughmuseumsandgalleries.org.uk
