If you’re an avid listener to BBC Tees or Newcastle, you might’ve heard me popping up on there on a Thursday afternoon. Towards the end of 2023, I started featuring on Scott Makin’s afternoon show to chat about all the events coming up across the North East. And I’m very pleased to say that I’ll be keeping that up for the foreseeable! (If you want to hear, tune in on Thursdays from 2pm.)
But because it’s a quick 10 minute chat that goes out across the airwaves, I thought I’d make a list on here every week too. That way, if you missed any details, you can find them here! So without further ado, here’s my picks for what’s on across the North East from this Thursday (18th) to next Thursday (25th).
Whitney: Queen of the Night – Rainton Arena – Fri 19th Jan
I’m starting with tribute acts because they’re always a really fun evening out and we’ve always got plenty of them to choose from across the North East, but to kick off our list today, we’ve got Whitney: Queen of the Night at Rainton Arena on Friday 19th. This show has had a fantastic run on the West End, plus shows at the London Palladium and Royal Albert Hall, so we’re definitely in for a treat. As the name might suggest, this show is a celebration of one of the most iconic voices of all time, Whitney Houston. It’ll take you on an extraordinary journey through three decades of hits, including I Wanna Dance With Somebody and I’m Every Woman to name just a couple. If you fancy an unmissable evening of powerful vocals and incredible live music, there are still some last minute tickets available.
Ultimate Bowie – The Georgian Theatre – Sat 20th Jan
This is the second tribute act that I want to mention because it’s another celebration of a true musical icon, David Bowie. So Ultimate Bowie is on at The Georgian Theatre in Stockton on Saturday 20th and it sounds like it’s going to be brilliant. Fronted by Ed Blaney, this show explores the life and music of the legendary artist and his transformative career, from Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke. It promises 2 hours of Bowie’s most loved songs and some pretty fabulous outfits to match his personas, so if you fancy it, take a look at The Georgian’s website to grab your tickets.
RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch Practice – Saltholme – Sat 20th and Sun 21st Jan
So next weekend, from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th, you can take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch to help build a picture of our UK wildlife, but this weekend, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st, you can do a bit of a practice run at Saltholme. You can go along to the centre to learn more about the process, pick up some bird identification tips and tricks, and practice counting birds before the real thing the following weekend. Plus, it’s just a really lovely place for a walk out. There’s no need to book, just turn up on the Saturday or Sunday, but bear in mind that you will need to pay the entry fee.
Life Of Pi – Newcastle Theatre Royal – Tues 23rd to Sat 27th Jan
I think we’re in for a year of amazing theatre across the North East in 2024 and we’ve already seen some brilliant performances on our stages, like Rocky Horror and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, but next week is all about Life Of Pi at Newcastle Theatre Royal. This winner of five Olivier awards with unbelievable visuals and world-class puppetry will be sailing on to the stage from Tuesday 23rd to Saturday 27th, following the story of endurance and hope from the best-selling book. After an epic storm in the Pacific Ocean, Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger, and the way they bring the animals to life just looks so stunning. I definitely recommend grabbing some tickets while you can.
Fleetwood Mac By Candlelight – Sunderland Empire – Wed 24th Jan
I feel like everyone loves a bit of Fleetwood Mac and what better way to hear their music than by fusing them with a candlelight concert. We saw lots of these types of events cropping up across the backend of 2023 and I think we’re in for more of the same for this year because they’re just so amazing and popular. But this one, Fleetwood Mac By Candlelight, is on at the Sunderland Empire for one night only on Wednesday 24th, featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band to bring a landslide concert, all by the glow of candlelight. As I mentioned, these concerts tend to be really popular, so the tickets are super limited, so run don’t walk if you want some.
Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time – Sunderland Fire Station – Wed 24th Jan
We love a bit of comedy in the North East and I reckon that as a collective, we’ve got one of the best sense of humours in the UK, but sometimes we need to use that sense of humour to deal with the difficult things in life, and that’s what Ed Byrne is exploring in his new show Tragedy Plus Time. He’s on at the Sunderland Fire Station on Wednesday 24th with a set that’s open about grief, regret and holding your loved ones close, despite everything, while you still have the chance, all through the medium of comedy, of course. It had rave reviews after appearing at Edinburgh Fringe last year, so if you’re a fan of comedy, this one is definitely for you.
Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour – Newcastle Utilita Arena – Wed 24th and Thurs 25th Jan
It might be absolutely freezing outside, but things are hotting up at the Utilita Arena with the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th. If you’re a fan of the TV show, then get ready for an electrifying spectacle of glitz, glamour and dazzling dance moves as your favourite stars and Strictly professionals take to the stage to strut their stuff, including Bobby Brazier, Layton Williams and winner, Ellie Leach. Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood will also be along with all their wit and wisdom, as well as the Strictly Live Tour band and singers. It’s set to be an absolutely amazing couple of nights and there are still tickets left, so take a look at the Utilita Arena website to book.
Burns Night Ceilidh – Great North Museum: Hancock – Thurs 25th Jan
Great North Museum: Hancock are kicking off their programme of Great North Nights for 2024 with a Burns Night Ceilidh on Thursday 25th and this sounds absolutely brilliant. The ticket includes a Burns night supper of your classic haggies, neeps and tatties, and a wee dram, as well as an evening of ceilidh dancing with a live band, poetry readings and performances. They’ve crammed in as much as possible to make this a real celebration of the legendary Robert Burns and we’re all invited along to raise a glass and kick up our heels. Take a look at the Great North Museum: Hancock website for all the details and I’d recommend keeping your eyes peeled for more Great North Nights over this year because I think they’ve got some great things in store.
Kids go free at Adventure Valley – throughout Jan
Last but not least, I spotted an offer online that I had to bring to the table because I thought it would be fab for people with kids to entertain over the weekend. So throughout January and into February, you can get a free child’s ticket with every grown up ticket purchased for Adventure Valley. You’ll find this spot at Union Hall Farm in Durham and it’s basically a haven of kids activities, including go karting, a roller disco, a petting zoo, playgrounds and so much more. You could easily fill a day there, so if you’ve got a spare Saturday and energetic kids to keep busy, it could be ideal, so take a look at the Adventure Valley website to book.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
