Comedy Nights, Theatre Shows and Gigs to Book in the North East this February
Have a laugh with Alan Carr, see Prue Leith on stage or sing along to Circa Waves
Missed out on Peter Kay tickets? Don’t worry – these funnymen and -women promise to make you laugh too.
URZILA CARLSON: IT’S PERSONAL
11TH FEBRUARY
The Stand Comedy Club, Newcastle
0191 232 0707
thestand.co.uk
This is a show about keeping your cards close to your chest but walking around naked. How we share everything on social media, but still want people to mind their own business. Can we have it all? It’s none of your business.
ALAN CARR: REGIONAL TRINKET
11TH FEBRUARY
O2 City Hall, Newcastle
academymusicgroup.com
From his star-studded wedding day to lockdown stuck on a farm, Alan has plenty of stories to share since he was last on tour. Nowadays, he’s finding happiness and joy in the small things. Who cares about being a national treasure, when you’re a regional trinket?
ANGELOS EPITHEMIOU: CAN I JUST SHOW YOU WHAT I’VE GOT?
16TH FEBRUARY
The Witham, Barnard Castle
01833 631107
thewitham.org.uk
Come and see Angelos talk and prepare his speech for the UN. The star of Dave’s One Night Stand and Channel 4’s The Angelos Epithemiou Show always knows how to put on a show. Never seen his comedy? Think Little Britain meets Vic and Bob.
MAISIE ADAM: BUZZED
18TH FEBRUARY
Middlesbrough Town Hall
01642 729729
middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk
Fresh from Live at The Apollo, A League of Their Own, Mock The Week and The Last Leg, Maisie Adam is back with a new high-energy show. She promises this show will be better than whatever else you had planned, and rave reviews agree.
SOPHIE DUKER: HAG
18TH FEBRUARY
Gala Durham
0300 026 6600
galadurham.co.uk
A firm favourite among Taskmaster viewers, and as seen on Live At The Apollo (and literally everywhere else these days), Sophie is back on tour with a new stand-up show. Once a ‘Babybel’, she’s now describing herself as a ‘vintage cheddar’ – extra mature.
PATRICK MONAHAN: CLASSY
24TH FEBRUARY
Middlesbrough Town Hall
01642 729729
middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk
From the caravan to the middle class neighbourhood, it’s taken Patrick four decades to realise there’s nothing wrong with being a misfit. He’ll share stories from his upbringing as well as always-hilarious observations in this new show.
ROBERT TEMPLE: THE HYPNOTIST: UNFINISHED (A WORK IN PROGRESS SHOW)
26TH FEBRUARY
The Stand Comedy Club, Newcastle
0191 232 0707
thestand.co.uk
Have you ever wondered what a comedy hypnosis show looks like before it hits theatres across the country? Now’s your chance to see. Robert Temple is back at The Stand with a work in progress night, where volunteers from the audience have a chance to create a once-in-a-lifetime show of improvised comedy under the influence of hypnosis. No one knows exactly what’s going to happen, but that’s what makes it so entertaining – and hilarious.
Sensational, spectacular and sometimes silly – there’s a show everyone will want to see at our local theatres this month.
PRUE LEITH: NOTHING IN MODERATION
3RD FEBRUARY
Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle
0844 249 1000
tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
In her first ever live show, Prue will take audiences through the ups and downs of being a successful restaurateur, novelist, businesswoman and Great British Bake Off judge – from cooking for royalty, to poisoning her clients. Then she’ll be joined on stage by Clive Tulloh, who’ll ask Prue your all-important questions.
THE MOUSETRAP
6TH–11TH FEBRUARY
Theatre Royal, Newcastle
0191 232 7010
theatreroyal.co.uk
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is the world’s longest-running play, and this thrilling West End production is not to be missed. As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers are snowed in at a countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover the killer is closer than they think. One by one the suspicious characters reveal their pasts, but which one is the murderer? One thing’s for certain, you’re sure to love this show – case closed.
SIX
FROM 7TH FEBRUARY
Stockton Globe
0333 009 6690 stocktonglobe.co.uk
The six wives of Henry VIII are taking to the mic to tell their tales in the modern masterpiece, Six. Impressively, 500 years of history is compacted into this 80-minute show filled to the brim with girl power (and it has a truly unforgettable soundtrack). This show is already an international smash-hit, so get your hands on the last few remaining tickets now.
EVERYMAN (ADAPTED BY CAROL ANN DUFFY)
14TH–18TH FEBRUARY
Studio Theatre, The People’s Theatre, Newcastle
0191 265 5020
peoplestheatre.co.uk
This Carol Ann Duffy reimagining updates a 15th century morality play. Bringing this medieval classic bang up to date, it’s both poignant and funny in equal measure. Its premiere at the National Theatre in 2015 received great reviews, so you won’t want to miss this intimate performance in the Studio Theatre.
THE CITY & THE TOWN
15TH–17TH FEBRUARY
Northern Stage, Newcastle
0191 230 5151
northernstage.co.uk
When Ben returns home for his father’s funeral after 13 years away, he’s confronted with uncomfortable truths about the past, present and future of the community and the family he grew up in and left behind. Anders Lustgarten’s new play brings a fresh perspective to some of today’s political divides and problems.
THE WICKED LADY
17TH FEBRUARY
Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle
0844 249 1000
tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
This ghost story is spine-chilling. A single lamp burns in one upstairs window of an otherwise abandoned house. The disappearance of a young child is what leads Alice Beaumont there. Although she’s far away from anyone, she has a feeling she’s not alone. The Wicked Lady now embarks on its first national tour, and, even if you’re brave enough to see the show, it might leave you sleeping with the light on.
IN CONVERSATION WITH STACEY DOOLEY
17TH FEBRUARY
Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm
01642 792587 thepaaonline.org
Although you probably recognise her from her hugely popular BBC investigative series, Stacey is also the presenter of BBC1’s This Is My House; BBC2’s DNA; BBC3’s Glow Up – and she’s 2018’s Strictly champion. Her book, Are You Really OK?, explores the mental health crisis in Britain and its impact on young people, inspired by Stacey’s two most recent documentaries on mental health. On stage, she’ll open up the conversation to challenge stigma and stereotype.
PETE FIRMAN: BAG OF TRICKS
17TH FEBRUARY
Hipp @ The Hullabaloo
darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
One of the UK’s most popular magicians is back on the road, bringing his laugh-out-loud comedy and mesmerising magic to Hipp @ The Hullabaloo. Middlesbrough’s Pete Firman is always a delight to watch, so don’t miss your chance to get tickets.
THE DEVIL DANCED IN OUR EYES
17TH–18TH FEBRUARY
Live Theatre, Newcastle
0191 232 1232
live.org.uk
Jamie was 15 when his Grandad died and his mum stopped coming out of her room. He’s been spending more and more time online, but when he meets Windsor_56, everything changes. Combining theatre, original live music and animation, The Devil Danced in Our Eyes is a moving show exploring sexuality and mental illness.
THE NATURE OF FORGETTING
17TH–18TH FEBRUARY
Northern Stage, Newcastle
northernstage.co.uk
Tom is living with young onset dementia. You’ll meet him as he prepares for his 55th birthday party and past memories come flooding back. Expect original live music combined with striking visual theatre as this play explores universal human challenges and the fragility of life. Dementia UK is supporting the tour of The Nature of Forgetting and Theatre RE by providing specialist dementia nurses at each of the post-show discussions.
SNOW WHITE
21ST–25TH FEBRUARY
Forum Theatre, Billingham
01642 552663
forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk
Thought panto season was over? Oh no it isn’t! Tom
Rolfe Productions are thrilled to be back in Billingham
with a brand new production. Will the wicked Queen Horibella manage to win
the hand of Prince Charming, or will everyone live happily ever after? The whole family will love this take on Snow White.
TO GET TO THE OTHER SIDE
22ND–24TH FEBRUARY
Henry Travers Studio, The Maltings, Berwick
01289 330999
maltingsberwick.co.uk
In December 1849, Will, a labourer, secures a job constructing Berwick’s Royal Border Bridge under the supervision of site engineer George, and the clock is ticking in the race to get the railway bridge completed in time for young Queen Victoria’s scheduled opening in August. To Get to the Other Side blends family drama and workplace conflict, charting the the fortunes of two families in Berwick.
Our thoughts are with those who didn’t get their hands on Sam Fender tickets, but there’s still plenty to get you going this month.
CIRCA WAVES
2ND FEBRUARY
NX Newcastle
nxnewcastle.com
One of Britain’s most influential and adored guitar bands, Circa Waves are back on tour with Never Going Under, in support of their highly-anticipated fifth album of the same name (releasing in January). Don’t miss this chance to see them in an intimate venue as we’re sure they’ll head to bigger stages in the future.
MARK MORRISS
3RD FEBRUARY
Old Cinema Laundrette, Durham
0191 384 1412
oldcinemalaunderette.uk
Having toured as a solo artist since 2008, Mark has spent the best part of three decades honing his craft as a live performer (releasing six albums with The Bluetones). Don’t miss this intimate performance at the Old Cinema Laundrette (voted one of The Guardian’s favourite intimate gig venues).
YOU ME AT SIX
7TH FEBRUARY
O2 City Hall, Newcastle
academymusicgroup.com
You Me At Six are back with new music and their eighth studio album, Truth Decay. One of the most successful bands to emerge from the UK in recent years, don’t miss this chance to see them perform in Newcastle.
WEST SIDE STORY
8TH–11TH FEBRUARY
The Forum, Northallerton
01609 776230
forumnorthallerton.org.uk
The Jets and the Sharks are fighting it out. CBW Youth Theatre have become renowned for their exciting performances, and this promises to be no exception. The action takes place in 50s New York, at a time when gang warfare was becoming a serious social problem. Tony and Maria come from different ethnic backgrounds so when they meet, and fall in love, they have to deal with prejudice and hatred. West Side Story is a classic and we’re sure you’ll love this version.
YUNGBLUD
21ST FEBRUARY
Utilita Arena, Newcastle
utilitaarena.co.uk
We’re still loving listening to The Funeral, Don’t Feel Like Feeling Sad Today, and Memories and we think you’ll need to act fast to bag the remaining tickets to see this internationally-acclaimed, multiple award-winning musician. Throughout this tour, YUNGBLUD is teaming up with Show Support to offer specialist mental health support for fans attending the concerts.
TAP FACTORY
23RD FEBRUARY
Darlington Hippodrome
01325 405405 darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
After more than 500 shows, Tap Factory is back in UK with its 10th anniversary tour. If you haven’t seen their show before, think breathtaking tap dancing, acrobatics, music and comedy – it’s a show for all the family. This dance company gives new life to the most ordinary of objects, and we’re sure your toes will be tapping along.
JO HARROP AND JAMIE MCCREDIE
24TH FEBRUARY
Gala Durham
0300 026 6600
galadurham.co.uk
See North East singers Jo and Jamie play songs from their popular duets album, Weathering The Storm. Despite being local, they met on the jazz scene in London and hit it off instantly, both enjoying a similar style of sound. If you’re into jazz and you haven’t heard their music yet, give it a listen.
ELLEN KENT’S MADAMA BUTTERFLY
25TH FEBRUARY
Sunderland Empire
atgtickets.com
One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of a young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant. Don’t miss this award-winning Ellen Kent and the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv production, with international soloists and a full orchestra. Expect exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and antique wedding kimonos from Japan.
BARNARD CASTLE BAND: LIVE IN CONCERT
26TH FEBRUARY
The Witham, Barnard Castle
01833 631107 thewitham.org.uk
In this joint fundraiser for Barnard Castle Band and The Witham, don’t miss the band as they perform a programme filled with a variety of pieces everyone will recognise. Feeling inspired? New members are always welcome.
