All the Fun Things to do This April
With longer, brighter days ahead there's more time to do the things you love
Laugh out loud
Kick the month off as you mean to go on with an April Fool's Day comedy show. Tom Davis is at The Wardrobe, Leeds for one night only, while Ivo Graham is back on tour discussing three years of pranking, parenting and procrastinating at The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond. In the North East, following on from his critically-acclaimed Netflix special, Phil Wang will be at the Gala Durham talking race, family and nipples amongst other things.
Watch this
Disney’s internationally-acclaimed musical The Lion King is back at Sunderland Empire and it’s a must-see show. Transfixing the audience with the sights and sounds of the Savannah, expect impressive sets and spectacular costumes, as well as all of the songs you know and love, with a few brand new numbers thrown in. Not that you need any more convincing, but you can read our review of The Lion King here to see just what makes it a must-see.
Clean up
The 22nd April is International Mother Earth Day, and what better way to pay tribute to our planet than by helping to clean it up? From tiny micro-plastics to tangles of deadly rubbish, marine pollution is threatening the amazing wildlife both in the sea and along the coastline. As part of their Waves of Waste programme, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust organise beach clean events up and down the coast to combat this. Taking place in Scarborough, Spurn and Bridlington on the 1st, April, Scarborough again on the 10th, and Filey on the 22nd, head down to your nearest beach clean to help out.
Read More: Review: Newcastle's New Argentinian Steakhouse, Gaucho
Head here
Ad Gefrin, a brand new Anglo-Saxon museum and whisky distillery in the heart of Northumberland, has just officially opened its doors so be one of the first to visit this month. Learn more about our ancestors with a visit to the Great Hall, enjoy a multi-sensory guided distillery tour and tasting session, and head for a bite to eat at the bar and bistro – there is just so much to see and do here. The grounds around Ad Gefrin have also been carefully cultivated to reflect the Northumbrian hills. Read all about the new attraction in the May issue of Living North.
Sing along
A mother, daughter, and three possible dads – that’s what you can expect when Mamma Mia comes to Leeds Grand Theatre this April. Featuring the timeless, toe-tapping ABBA songs we know and love, follow Sophie’s quest to find her father on a Greek island paradise. Perfect for all ages, this story of love, friendship and identity has wowed audiences around the world but the smash-hit musical is only in Leeds for two weeks so get your tickets before they sell out.
Join in
The fourth edition of Newcastle Puppetry Festival takes place from 8th–16th April and it’s set to be their largest festival yet. Produced by Moving Parts Arts CIO, it is a celebration of this special art form, aiming to get the community interacting with puppetry. Spanning indoor and outdoor venues across the city, the festival will include shows, films, talks and workshops and it's a great day out for adults and children alike. With both free and ticketed shows there’s something for everyone.
Read More: Behind the Scenes of the Stage Adaptation of I, Daniel Blake with Byker Actor and Writer, Dave Johns
To the races
Spring brings some glorious jump racing while the flat season also moves into gear. If you’ve been enjoying the all-weather racing season, the 7th April meeting at Gosforth Park is one not to miss, while for those in Yorkshire you’ve got the season opener at Beverley Racecourse on the 19th. April also sees special Easter events such as Easter Monday Races at Redcar on the 10th and Easter Family Days at both Thirsk and Caterrick on the 4th and 12th respectively.
Keep dancing
Strictly Ballroom the Musical comes to the Grand Opera House York from 24th–29th April. More than 20 world-class performers are in the show, following young ballroom dancer Scott who must dance with beginner Fran and defy tradition, proving that dancing doesn’t have to be strictly ballroom. This spectacular musical will feature classics such as Love is in the Air and Time After Time, as well as new songs by artists including Sia to get your toes tapping.
Don’t forget
Easter comes early this year, with Easter Sunday falling on 9th April, so don’t get caught out. From the best butchers, bakers and easter egg makers, to an impressive Mini Egg pavlova recipe you can make for dessert, as well as our ultimate guide to where to find lots of Easter family fun, head to livingnorth.com for lots of tips and great inspiration for a cracking Easter.
Pawsome ideas
April is National Pet Month and what better excuse do you need to celebrate your furry (or fishy) friend? We have to admit that at LN HQ we’re slightly dog-biased – after all what would our office dog Winston think otherwise? But whether you’re looking for a paw-some present for your pooch or want to treat your four-legged friend with a trip to one of these dog-friendly destinations, we have lots of pet-friendly inspiration at livingnorth.com.
