Autumn's Must-Book Events in the North East and Yorkshire
These are the autumn events you won't want to miss
Truly Scrumptious
This brand-new production of the family favourite story of a flying car stars Coyote Ugly’s Adam Garcia, Emmerdale’s Liam Fox, and Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne as the Childcatcher. Choreographed by Strictly’s Karen Bruce, this magical, award-winning musical features all your favourite songs from the hit film including Toot Sweets and, of course, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
29TH OCTOBER–2ND NOVEMBER
Hull New Theatre
hulltheatres.co.uk
All That Glitters
A glittering experience awaits at Raby Castle this autumn with a celebration of light, music and storytelling. The Glittering North will highlight the region’s Norse and Viking heritage, with tales of folklore and myth, live music, dance and puppetry after dark. Visitors will follow a light-filled trail of stories and performances suitable for all ages.
The Glittering North
1ST, 2ND & 3RD NOVEMBER
Raby Castle, Staindrop
raby.co.uk
Pop(era) Star
Joe McElderry is bringing a totally unique show to Alnwick where he’ll take you through the classic crossover repertoire of his Popstar to Opera journey. The Classic Collection will also include timeless songs from the world of music and musical theatre that you’ll want to sing along to.
Joe McElderry Classic Collection Show
2ND NOVEMBER
Alnwick Playhouse
alnwickplayhouse.co.uk
Truth Hurts
Evan is an anxious school kid who just wants to fit in, but he’s got himself stuck in a lie. That lie gets bigger and bigger until the truth finally comes out… but to avoid any spoilers, we’ll leave it at that. Packed with some of the biggest musical theatre songs of the last decade including You Will Be Found, Dear Evan Hansen is a powerful, thought-provoking stage show you won’t want to miss.
Dear Evan Hansen
5TH–9TH NOVEMBER
Leeds Grand Theatre
leedsheritagetheatres.com
Puppetry Perfection
Based on the much-loved novel by Michael Morpurgo, the astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company are just one of many reasons you won’t want to miss the return of War Horse to the region. This must-not-miss theatrical experience comes complete with a moving soundtrack that we know you’ll love.
War Horse
5TH–16TH NOVEMBER
Sunderland Empire
atgtickets.com
Musical Madness
If you’re not easily offended, and really need a good laugh, book tickets to see The Book of Mormon this month. An outrageous musical comedy from the creators of South Park, it follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of mormons sent on a mission far away from what they’re used to. Read our review at livingnorth.com.
The Book of Mormon
5TH–23RD NOVEMBER
The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
bradford-theatres.co.uk
Playing Around
One of the funniest bands you’ll ever see live, you might’ve spotted The Horne Section on The Last Leg, Peter Crouch’s Year-Late Euros and in 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown’s Dictionary Corner. They’re the only band to ever host Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Expect comedy, songs, dancing and lots of silliness in this new show from Taskmaster’s little Alex Horne and his band.
The Horne Section’s Hit Show
6TH NOVEMBER
Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle
tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
Festive Fun
We’re excited for the return of Bamburgh Castle’s Christmas Kingdom – which this year has the theme of A Christmas Through Time. Charlotte Lloyd Webber is once again working her magic to create a winter wonderland adventure through Christmases past, present and future in the castle’s 14 State Rooms. Visitors will meet characters, discover Christmas traditions and marvel at the installation. We can’t wait to see it!
A Christmas Through Time
9TH NOVEMBER–5TH JANUARY
Bamburgh Castle
bamburghcastle.com
Life Story
Bill Bryson’s smash-hit book about living and working in the UK during the 1970s spent three years on The Sunday Times bestseller list and Tim Whitnall’s hilarious stage adaptation weaves around Bill’s character as he takes the audience on a charmingly affectionate tour of Britain, from its picturesque villages to its quirky landmarks. Along the way, he encounters colourful characters, unravels the mysteries of British culture and delivers a witty, unforgettable exploration of this small island. Between 1973 and 1994/5 moving backwards and forwards between those times. Bill’s road trip encompasses myriad locales and locations.
Notes from a Small Island
11TH–16TH NOVEMBER
Tynemouth Priory Theatre
tynemouthpriorytheatre.co.uk
Christmas Starts Here!
With more than 250 hand-picked stands selling everything from unique art and homeware to handmade jewellery, and our Food Halls crammed with local artisan produce, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this year’s Living North Christmas Fair. Our exhibitors have been working hard to bring you the best unique gifts you just can’t find on the high street – why not make a day of it and, after all that shopping, unwind in the bar or head to one of the on-site cafés to refuel? Choirs will keep you entertained with live music and sing-alongs – the perfect soundtrack to start the festivities. Early-bird discounted tickets are on sale now – see you there!
Living North’s Christmas Fair
14TH–17TH NOVEMBER
York Racecourse
0191 261 8944
livingnorth.com/tickets
Laugh Out Loud
Hull’s own comedian and BAFTA nominee Lucy Beaumont is heading to York with off-beat stories and anecdotes, and a look at life through her lens, to bring you plenty of laughs when you need it most.
Lucy Beaumont
16TH NOVEMBER
Grand Opera House York
atgtickets.com
Have a Laugh
Local lass Sarah Millican’s new stand-up show has been a hit with audiences so far, but that’s no surprise! Don’t miss this chance to see her whilst she’s close to home.
Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer
16TH & 17TH NOVEMBER
Stockton Globe
stocktonglobe.co.uk
Festive Fun
Alnwick Castle is delighted to announce a festive two-day Christmas Fair held in the castle’s historic Guest Hall. The event will bring together independent businesses and artisans for an exclusive luxury shopping experience, while raising funds for Maggie’s Newcastle, a charity supporting cancer patients and their families. Shoppers can browse a variety of products including art, home décor, fragrances, and fashion from independent businesses including Susi Bellamy, OSSKI Homeware, Cath Collins Fragrance, Cotton & Gems, Fenella Interior Design and Bricks & Stitches. Other exciting exhibitors include Tinker Tinker, Handley Green, Hoboko, among many more.
Drinks, Canapés & Shopping Evening
21ST NOVEMBER
Christmas Shopping Experience
22ND NOVEMBER
Alnwick Castle
alnwickcastle.com
Yorkshire’s Finest
Singing sensation of stage and screen, Yorkshire’s own Jane McDonald is on a tour of more than 20 theatres and arenas across the UK performing popular songs and new material that she’s penned herself. This date is the grand finale of her tour.
Jane McDonald
22ND NOVEMBER
First Direct Arena, Leeds
firstdirectarena.com
Light Up
Auckland Palace’s dazzling light trail AGLOW will illuminate the skies of Bishop Auckland once again this Christmas. Begin your journey at Auckland Palace and embark on a glittering 1.5-mile trail through Auckland Palace’s gardens and grounds, with surprises around every corner plus new illuminations for 2024. AGLOW is a must-see experience for all the family, with 22 incredible light installations including the longest light tunnel in the country and the tallest Christmas Tree in the North East, Santa’s Village, festive food and warming drinks.
AGLOW
22ND NOVEMBER–31ST DECEMBER
Auckland Palace, Bishop Auckland
aucklandaglow.org
Let’s Celebrate
The return of St Clement’s Festival sees a celebration of Malton’s craftspeople and the patron saint of blacksmiths, with activities planned throughout the day including sculpture and art trails, light shows, musical performances with singing and dancing, and treats from Yorkshire’s foodie hotspot.
Malton St Clement’s Festival
23RD NOVEMBER
Malton
visitmalton.com
The Most Wonderful Time of The Year
Historic Ford Castle will form part of the Ford & Etal Christmas Market this year. Not normally open to the public, it will house a number of stalls (along with Etal Village Hall, Heatherslaw Corn Mill and Lady Waterford Hall in Ford) whilst visitors can also look forward to entertainment, activities and decorations across all four. Simply follow the festive Christmas Trail that leads you from one venue to another – the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. More than 70 stalls will sell delicious local food and drink, cakes and sweet treats, crafts, gifts, pottery, presents for your pets, confectionery and much more.
Ford & Etal Christmas Market
23RD & 24TH NOVEMBER
Ford, Etal & Heatherslaw
ford-and-etal.co.uk
Makers Market
At The Hepworth Wakefield’s Festive Market, guests will find more than 75 independent makers each weekend selling candles, ceramics, food and drink, gifts for children, homeware, jewellery, prints, stationery, textiles and more. There’ll also be family activities, half-price exhibition entry, live music and street food to enjoy.
Festive Market
23RD, 24TH & 30TH NOVEMBER & 1ST DECEMBER
The Hepworth Wakefield
hepworthwakefield.org
Do The Time Warp Again
With Jason Donovan as the narrator when the show comes to Sheffield, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical brings everything you love about The Rocky Horror Picture Show to stage – fun, frolics, frocks, frivolity, and pelvic thrusting.
The Rocky Horror Show
25TH–30TH NOVEMBER
Lyceum, Sheffield
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Bah Humbug!
Ding, dong, ding, dong, the bells are ringing because Scrooge is coming to Newcastle – and he’s meaner and greedier than ever. Bah Humbug! Northern Stage’s A Christmas Carol is the classic Charles Dickens story you know and love (complete with all the trimmings) and will warm the hearts of the whole family. Can a magical midnight visit to Christmases past, present and future help Scrooge discover the true meaning of Christmas? This show is suitable for ages five and above – but all are welcome!
A Christmas Carol
30TH NOVEMBER–4TH JANUARY
Northern Stage, Newcastle
0191 230 5151
northernstage.co.uk
