The Best Events Across the North East to Book Right Now
There's so much to look forward to!
New Year, New Fun
Discover the meanings behind the Chinese New Year animals as your family explore Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens. Children can claim a themed sticker when they hand in their completed trail sheet which is available to buy from the Museum Shop. This year is the Year of the Dragon – but there are 12 hidden animal clues to find.
Chinese Zodiac Animal Trail
27TH JANUARY–24TH FEBRUARY
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
0191 561 2323
sunderlandculture.org.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
2ND FEBRUARY
Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle
0844 249 1000
tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
Having a Laugh
Kickstarting Ripping Yarms comedy club is multi-award-winning comedian, presenter, actor, author and scriptwriter Russell Kane. Yarm’s very own comedy club always promises a fun night out, so don’t miss this.
Ripping Yarms Comedy Club: Russell Kane
9TH FEBRUARY
Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm
01642 792587
thepaaonline.org
Keep Dancing
Although Giovanni’s stint on Strictly was cut short this year, the ultimate showman is still raring to entertain with his brand new live show. The Strictly Come Dancing champion and BAFTA winner will be joined by a world class cast of professional dancers and West End performers for this unmissable show. Put on your dancing shoes and book your tickets now.
Giovanni: Let Me Entertain You
9TH FEBRUARY
Darlington Hippodrome
01325 405405
darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
The Real Deal
After a successful run in 2023, The Last Kingdom Props and Costumes Display is back by popular demand. Visitors to Bamburgh Castle are invited to step into the real Last Kingdom of Bebbanburg and see a selection of costumes and props from key characters used in the hit Netflix series. That includes Uhtred’s costume, shield and sword as well as photo opportunities on The Wessex Throne. Don’t miss this exclusive exhibition included in your admission ticket to the Castle.
The Last Kingdom Props & Costumes Display
FROM 10TH FEBRUARY
Bamburgh Castle
01668 214208
bamburghcastle.com
Class Act
Joe McElderry is taking audiences through the repertoire of his popstar to opera journey in this show. The Classic Collection will also include timeless songs from the world of music and musical theatre – it promises to be a wonderful night of good music.
Joe McElderry ‘The Classic Collection’
11TH FEBRUARY
Forum Theatre Billingham
01642 552663
forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk
In Control
Hypnotist Robert Temple is back at The Stand with a new show of improvised comedy under the influence of hypnosis. Whether you’re there to watch or take part, anything can happen – you could be the star of this show if you’re up for a laugh.
Robert Temple
11TH FEBRUARY
The Stand Comedy Club, Newcastle
0191 232 0707
thestand.co.uk
Growing Pains
Lorna wants time to reconnect with her daughter. All 16-year-old Mila wants is for the world to stop burning. As they check into their ‘premium’ room where they can almost see the sea, they realise their favourite seaside town could do with some attention – just like their relationship. This hilarious and heart-warming show is a story of growing up and finding your way in the world when you can’t help thinking you’re not good enough.
Wish You Weren’t Here
15TH & 16TH FEBRUARY
Northern Stage, Newcastle
0191 230 5151
northernstage.co.uk
A Whole New Show
Dazzling performances, breathtaking sets and timeless songs make up this sparkling production of Aladdin. This Broadway and West End musical includes One Jump Ahead and Friend Like Me, as well as new songs for the stage, and Sunderland’s own Adam Strong is playing Jafar. To find out more about the show, read our interview with Adam here.
Disney’s Aladdin
15TH FEBRUARY–10TH MARCH
Sunderland Empire
atgtickets.com
(More Than) Just Dance
Supernova is dance troupe Diversity’s new show, following their sold-out Connected tour. Award-winning and renowned for their playful and energetic routines, they always put on a great show, and have done since they won Britain’s Got Talent in 2009. They’ll be supporting anti-poverty charity the Trussell Trust and audiences on the tour are being invited to bring along food donations (there’ll be collection points across the venue).
Diversity
16TH FEBRUARY
Stockton Globe
stocktonglobe.co.uk
Hands On
Head upstairs in Elvet & Bailey and discover their craft classes and workshop space, where this February you can join the silver ring workshop with Laconic. The ring you make could be something to treasure for a lifetime, or the perfect gift.
Silver Ring Workshop
17TH FEBRUARY
Elvet & Bailey, Durham
07307 620744
elvetandbailey.com
New Sound
Alison Goldfrapp is a songwriter, vocalist, performer and producer, and she’s a popular name in synth-pop. She had seven albums with Goldfrapp and their debut album was nominated for a Mercury Prize. Listen to her own record The Love Invention before this show.
Alison Goldfrapp
22ND FEBRUARY
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead
0191 443 4661
theglasshouseicm.org
As Seen on Screen
Go on an adventure from the comfort of a theatre seat thanks to this new collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival. The Banff Mountain Film Festival will see the world’s top adventure filmmakers and thrill-seekers climb, ski, paddle and ride into the wildest corners of the planet. Perfect inspiration for those hoping for an adventurous 2024.
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2024
22ND & 23RD FEBRUARY
Playhouse Whitley Bay
playhousewhitleybay.co.uk
80s Magic
Since gaining worldwide success in the 80s with Never Gonna Give You Up and Together Forever, Rick Astley has been a household name. Now he’s heading out on a new tour to celebrate his ninth studio album, Are We There Yet? For this show in Newcastle he’ll be joined by special guest Belinda Carlisle.
Rick Astley
23RD FEBRUARY
Utilita Arena, Newcastle
utilitaarena.co.uk
Story Time
Charlie loves reading, especially books about pirates, but his sister hates it. Can Charlie convince her that reading is fun? Delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook in this show which is brought to life with puppetry and songs, and maybe your children will be inspired to pick up a book. This theatre show is based on the original book written by Julia Donaldson.
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book
23RD–25TH FEBRUARY
Gala Durham
03000 266600
galadurham.co.uk
Steeling The Show
When unemployment leaves Gaz and his mates down on their luck they are determined to fight back... perhaps by baring a little more than they ever thought they would! This fast and funny play, still very much of our time, showcases friendship, resilience and the power of self-discovery. A poignant tale with hilarious mishaps, and a soundtrack including 80s and 90s classics, it promises to be a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, laughs and heartbreak.
The Full Monty
27TH FEBRUARY–2ND MARCH
Newcastle Theatre Royal
0191 232 7010
theatreroyal.co.uk
True Friends
Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s children’s story, this show explores an unusual friendship, and how even the grumpiest giant’s heart can melt. Grinter is a giant. She lives alone and she’s happy with that, shutting out the world. But beyond her towering wall, the world has been changing and there’s very little green left. One day, children find a chink in the wall and climb through, changing the course of all their lives forever.
The Selfish Giant
23RD & 24TH FEBRUARY
Arc Stockton Arts Centre
01642 525199
arconline.co.uk
Kept At Bay
The full line up for Bay Tales Live 2024 has been announced, as it returns to Whitley Bay Playhouse and nearby venues. The Playhouse will open its doors for the 2024 show early to give guests a chance to browse Whitley Bay independent bookshop The Bound’s display of books before they hear from the likes of local legend Ann Cleeves in conversation with Emma Flint, and Val McDermid with Steph McGovern. There's also raffles and book signings to look forward to!
Bay Tales Live 2024
1ST–3RD MARCH
Whitley Bay Playhouse
baytales.com
