Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Our pick of some of the best events taking place across the region this week…
Image: Saelia Aparicio – Three Dead Astronauts, Survey 2, Jerwood Space, London, 2021. Image by Polly Thomas
Every week we pull together some of the best events taking place across the region, from music and theatre, to comedy, art and film. Read more on these, and other events, in the latest issue of NARC. magazine in print and online.
STAGE
Lasses: Kicking Ass and Touching Grass
Local theatre maker and fan favourite Rosie Bowden is set to host the next instalment of the glorious, joyous, feel-good cabaret; Lasses: Kicking Ass and Touching Grass on Wednesday 2nd July at Live Theatre. Bold, brash and packing a punch, this joy-fuelled night features a cracking line-up of local female and non-binary talents including Helen Chong, Lucy Harries, Hope Brown King, Zoe Allan, plus an appearance from the sunshine-filled grooviest choir, The Girls, Theys and Slays, made up of passionate lasses and non-binary folk led by Maya Torres. From gorgeous singing, stunning live performances and wonderful cabaret delights, there’s no doubt you’ll leave this show beaming and feeling reinvigorated to face the world. Not to mention an extra special pre-show treat… Girl Dinner! A tasty community meal with lovely homemade dishes to tuck into before the show. I am always in awe of events that hold joy and inclusivity at their core; changing narratives, feeding our minds with different perspectives and championing marginalised voices, and this is exactly what Lasses sets out to do. This will be a night of defiant, community power radiating with good vibes energy.
Wednesday 2nd July @ Live Theatre
ART & LIT
The Tyneside Cinema does a combo deal unlike any other cinema in Newcastle. We’re not talking an unreasonably overpriced hot dog and drink combo here – we’re talking about cultural enrichment funnelled through the lens of the silver screen. They’ve teamed up with New Writing North this time to deliver a series of discussions coupled with an on-theme screening to spice up your summer. First up on Wednesday 2nd July, they set out to show that girls just wanna have a touch of bloody violence with their movie in The Rise of Femgore, in which femgore fanatics and authors Lucy Rose (The Lamb) and Jessie Elland (Emmerdale, The Ladie Upstairs) discuss how women have gone from sexist representations and final girls to main characters leading the charge in bloody horror. Their chat is followed by a showing of The Substance to finish off. Music fans can join writer and radio presenter Stuart Maconie as he discusses his new novel With A Little Help From Their Friends on Tuesday 15th July, which dives into the beginnings of one of the most infamous musical outfits in the world, The Beatles. It’ll be concluded with a showing of Nowhere Boy to complete the immersive experience. For anyone with even the most passing interest in either subject, expect education and entertainment to be perfectly entwined for an enlightening experience overall.
Wednesday 2nd July @ Tyneside Cinema
MUSIC
Brace yourself, Newcastle – it’s about to get chaotic. On Wednesday 2nd July The Grove hosts a full-throttle collision of hardcore punk mayhem as Byker Grave and Conviction Records team up for one of the summer’s loudest, grittiest shows. At the top of the bill are Colorado’s Destiny Bond – purveyors of righteous, razor-edged punk with a defiant political core. They’re joined by Big Laugh, bringing breakneck hardcore energy straight from the US underground. Also on the bill are Fentanyl, whose blistering urgency continues to turn heads across the UK’s heaviest scenes, plus Newcastle’s own Diall & Spit will be kicking things off with their signature mix of weirdo punk chaos, twisted riffs and raw-as-hell vocals. If you like your gigs sweaty, cathartic and full of fury, this one’s essential. No frills, no nonsense – just pure melodic demolition from some of the most exciting names in punk right now. Bring earplugs… Or don’t.
Wednesday 2nd July @ The Grove
MUSIC
Double Grammy-nominated modern rock band Rival Sons will be touching down at Stockton Globe as part of their UK and European headline tour on Thursday 3rd July following the release of their Pair Of Aces, Pt 1 and Pt 2 last year. The Californian four-piece are renowned for their take-no-prisoners style; marching to the beat of their own drum, the band have reignited and recharged their signature rock and roll sound over the years driven by stunning vocals, uncompromising riffs, and thunderous grooves. Rival Sons tap back into their timeless sound, reaching beyond eras and genres on a quest to uncover universal truths and connection. The band never fit into just one box and have never stopped raising expectations without ever failing to meet them. Their unapologetic commitment to their craft is emphasised by their musical catalogue. They’ve held their own on stage supporting The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses and Lenny Kravitz, and have courted international praise thanks to slots on high-profile TV shows with the likes of David Letterman, James Corden, George Lopez and many others. That infinite enthusiasm will undoubtedly have Stockton shake at its core when they hit the stage in July.
Thursday 3rd July @ Globe Stockton
MUSIC
Nashville-based songster Todd Day Wait will be stopping off at Central Bar on his endless tour with his own unique brand of timeless country music. Local favourite Gem Andrews is supporting, bringing the best alt. country jams in what will be the finest night of honky tonk!
Friday 4th July @ Central Bar
COMEDY
Justin Moorhouse returns after his 2022 show Stretch and Think with a brand new tour: The Greatest Performance of My Life. His comedy spans a myriad of topics – pantomimes, dreams, growing up smart-mouthed, how to act in hospitals, small talk and more. Hilarious. Unmissable. And only in Darlington for one night!
Friday 4th July @ The Hullabaloo (Hippodrome)
MUSIC
BCUC (Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness)
Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness (BCUC) are an Afro-psychedelic future pop outfit from Soweto in South Africa. They blend traditional Zulu music with elements of jazz, hip-hop, and punk; a typically fascinating mix for Cobalt Studios’ eclectic range of bookings. They touch down in the Ouseburn, Newcastle on Friday 4th July for what should be a highly entertaining night mixing traditional and contemporary political psychedelic music. Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness are more than just musicians, using their voice as a hedonistic trance, but also as a weapon of political and spiritual liberation. They’ve blown minds and captured imaginations on every stage they’ve played, while giving a voice to the voiceless and shining a light on the issues which continue to blight modern day South Africa. They’ve spoken in interviews about how their music is made by South Africans, but that their style would have been the same irrespective of where they grew up. They’re a band with an unbelievable sound and unique perspective. As they have said themselves “maybe let us just delete both these long preposterous paragraphs and just listen to our music with your soul.”
Friday 4th July @ Cobalt Studios
Imagery by: Matthew Henderson-Newbury
MUSIC
Teesside-born and based neo soul artist and BBC Introducing One to Watch pick Marina Josephina is headed to The Georgian Theatre on Friday 4th July for her next headline show with support from Robyn Errico. Marina Josephina blends influences taken from soul, jazz, and R&B, with a modern and distinctive edge and delivers her sound passionately and with soul. Stunning vocals supported by mesmerising key-driven compositions make for beautiful tracks that are best delivered in a live setting. Her music and songs resonate across generations and combine heartfelt storytelling with aforementioned captivating compositions. Through her lyrics she explores subjects such as female empowerment, mental health, love, and loss. Recognised by BBC Introducing and celebrated for her electrifying live performances, she is a fast rising voice within the regional music scene. Marina Josephina will be supported by darlington based songster Robyn Errico, who’s music transcends labels, delivered through glistening piano and heartfelt vocals with a cinematic edge. Exploring themes of escapism within the imagination, Errico’s fascinating, alternative sound will captivate any audience. Twinned with Marina, this will be a gorgeous evening where the two will deliver a versatile night filled with soaring and passionate music.
Friday 4th July @ The Georgian Theatre
MUSIC
The Flow State w/ Claudia
The Flow State are an eclectic new blues rock quartet bursting out of Sunderland’s independent music scene, and they’re excellent (hence why they’re previous awardees of our demo of the month). Their summer show at The Ship Isis promises soaring sonics and meandering melodies, with support from Sunderland riot grrrl up-and-comers Claudia.
Saturday 5th July @ The Ship Isis
COMEDY
The hilarious comedian and accidental TikTok star heads to Whitley Bay as part of his Did You Watch That Reel I Sent You? tour. He’ll be ready and waiting with his live commentary on marriage, parenting and growing up in the 90s – and you won’t be wanting to miss it.
Saturday 5th July @ Laurels
MUSIC
Championing women in music from the ground up, Viva La Femme is making waves with its latest night of live performance and urgent discussion at Sunderland’s Independent on Saturday 5th July. With a vital panel featuring sound engineer Elle McCartney, promoter Milly Nicholson, We Make Culture’s Laura Brewis, music lecturer Jodie Brown and Warner intern Kaitlin Robson, the evening dives into the real issues facing women and marginalised genders in the music industry in the region. From representation to discrimination, expect open conversations and bold calls for change. But it’s not just talk – this is a night for talent too. Catch live sets from local rising stars Isabel Maria, Ruby Kelly, Beccy Young (aka This Little Bird) and Frankie Archer, who’ll also be sharing their lived experiences in music. A percentage of ticket sales will go directly to Wearside Women In Need, and the choice of venue is intentional; Independent is fully accessible and central, ensuring a safe, welcoming space for all. Viva La Femme isn’t just about one night – it’s about building community, creating opportunity, and shaking up the scene from the inside out. Come for the music, stay for the movement.
Saturday 5th July @ Independent
EVENTS
International Zine Month returns to the Baltic, Gateshead with an exciting ‘climate hope’ themed programme of events running throughout the month, starting on Saturday 5th July. Truly a treasure trove like no other, Baltic’s huge zine collection will be on display ready for you to check out; featuring a spotlight on zines connected to nature and urban environments. There is also a wonderful line up of zinesters running free workshops including Sofia Barton, who explores how the climate affects our local pollinators, as well as mapping how climate anxiety affects our bodies and how to foster resilience; Theresa Easton will host a collaborative workshop to create an info-zine filled with practical tips on environmental care; Jade Blood will help create and imagine future worlds in a riso zine; and I will be hosting a Climate Joy focused workshop, featuring good vibes, collaging and comics. Exploring how zines can be used as a powerful source of activism around climate crisis awareness, this programme can help inspire any young people interested in the environment, or can be a helpful outlet for anyone who feels frustrated or overwhelmed by climate anxiety, and is looking for an arty escape. Especially at a time when the climate crisis is rarely covered in mainstream media, zines can hold essential community learning, insights, advice and most importantly, hope.
Saturday 5th July @ Baltic
MUSIC
Are You Affiliated, the brainchild of local hero Man Power and his burgeoning partnership with resident DJ Rosie, has transformed a traditional working men’s club into something remarkable. The enterprising new project has kept the spirit of the region’s beloved workies, while booking an astonishing array of performers to keep the dance floor moving. The next iteration takes place on Saturday 5th July, with dance music royalty Luke Una touching down in North Shields. He’s an artist with a glittering career spanning well over four decades, and a musical sound encompassing wild eclecticism from Balearic to Brazilian to E Soul, House, Disco and Techno and beyond. It’s a typically innovative booking for one of the most exciting parties in the region, having already hosted the likes of Caribou, Daniel Avery and Roman Flugel. Rosie will be your host all night long in the venue’s second room, bringing deeper sounds to the darker, edgier corners of the venue. With dancers being encouraged to become club members, Are You Affiliated is one of the last vestiges of truly community-based clubbing, and their summer spectacular with Luke Una will be an excellent time to get involved.
Saturday 5th July @ King Street Social Club
EVENTS
The popular Ouseburn Festival returns this month for a weekend of art, music and culture on Saturday 5th-Sunday 6th July, with the entire Ouseburn Valley filled with free events and activities for all ages. Live music will take place across the Ouseburn: The Cumberland Arms welcome Spraydog and Pumice on Saturday and a ceilidh on Sunday; The Cluny plays host to the Surf Bonanza featuring The Milk Lizards, The Tridents, The Screaming Seagulls and more on Saturday; and there’s more musical fun at Little Buildings and The Old Coal Yard, plus Tyne & Queer take over the Ouseburn Woodland Bandstand. Marketplaces will take over several areas, including behind Northern Print and under the arches, and families can take part in pony rides at Stepney Bank Stables, check out alpacas at The Cycle Hub, go on a boat trip, catch some magical story readings at Seven Stories or enjoy fairground games at shopping haven Flea Circus across the weekend. The Ouseburn’s arty side is well-represented; exhibitions and workshops include an insight into pottery at Kiln; Tyneside Art Collective showcase the work of five well-respected local artists at Brinkburn Brewery; Northern Print present their summer print space; there’s a pop-up gallery at 36 Lime Street, while up the road at 51 Lime Street festival-goers can explore a series of interactive experiences inspired by the river.
Saturday 5th July @ Various Venues
MUSIC
Under the guidance of festival director Ross Millard (The Futureheads) Summer Streets has become a staple of the Sunderland music calendar. The not-for-profit, free to attend festival returns to Cliffe Park on Roker seafront on Saturday 5th-Sunday 6th July and features an eclectic line-up of local and regional artists. Hosted by former BBC Look North presenter Jeff Brown on the Saturday and by Frankie Francis of Frankie & The Heartstrings on the Sunday, the festival will be headlined by established local acts on both days – funk-soul giants Smoove & Turrell on Saturday and returning favourite Martin Stephenson & The Daintees on Sunday. Also on Saturday there’s sets from alt. indie artist Lizzie Esau and songwriter Patrick Gosling, a BBC Introducing stage which features Vice Killer, Irked, The Early Purple, Cherry Blur, Labyrinthine Oceans and The Redroom, and The Northern Academy of Music Education stage showcasing Ruby Kelly, Daniel Maple, Hannah Smith, Dan Taylor, Camel Island and Cydni & Maple. On Sunday, Northern Royal Sinfonia play Mozart and Bartok amongst others, there’s a rare solo performance by Paul Smith of Maxïmo Park as well as folk pop favourites The Cornshed Sisters, plus there’s hip-hop artist Kema Kay, witch-pop singer Shannon Pearl and electro folk melancholy from Me Lost Me. The line-up is completed by folk legend Nev Clay as well as Johnny Seven, The Turner Brothers, Isabel Maria, Aukestra, The Young Musicians Project and Houghton Area Youth Band.
Saturday 5th July – Monday 7th July @ Cliffe Park
ART & LIT
From Saturday 5th July, London-based Spanish artist Saelia Aparicio offers a bold new vision through her installation, A Joyful Parasite, at Baltic. Known for creating work in unusual spaces, she brings to life a bizarre and captivating group of characters who the viewer gets a chance to know. The multidisciplinary artist draws on her signature blend of dark humour, mystical art and surreal storytelling. Inspired by mythology, Aparicio’s largest commission to date explores the boundaries between the human world and fantasy lands, as well as the beautiful and even the feared. Through art forms such as sculptures, drawings and immersive installations, she examines fluidity of the human and not so human world and bodies, and how they link together. With a sharp eye for detail and a playful, irreverent tone, Aparicio invites audiences to reconsider what is natural in a time when both identity and belief are seen as increasingly flexible. Expect mutated figures, wonderful materials and unexpected narratives growing out of the art. This promises to be a bold and timely experience unlike anything else on offer, which will also be accompanied by a programme of events throughout the exhibition’s lifespan, which runs until 1st February 2026.
Saturday 5th July @ Baltic
Image by: HAROLD OFFEH – Mothership Collective, South London Gallery, Nicola Dracoulis, 2006
ART & LIT
This summer Baltic will become home to renowned artist Harold Offeh, bringing an exciting new project which is aimed at young people, children and their families. Starting from Saturday 5th July, Offeh will develop vibrant, playful and thought-provoking works in collaboration with the Gateshead gallery and the local community, as part of their Neighbourly programme. Offeh is known for his dynamic practice and methods which span performance, video, photography, learning and the social arts. He draws on two decades of experience to create engaging works that are both entertaining and challenging; and now he gets the chance to bring it to the vibrant artistic communities of the North East. Using the familiarity of pop culture from music, film and media, Offeh blends emotions and bright, bold visuals to explore narratives and issues; bringing a hint of the local culture into these pieces. He offers a fresh take on local topics by making them accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages. With a brilliant ability to combine serious subjects with a youthful approach, Harold Offeh’s new work at Baltic is set to spark curiosity and conversation, offering families and children an inspiring and interactive art experience, which will hopefully inspire audiences to get creative themselves. The exhibition runs until 1st February 2026.
Saturday 5th July @ Baltic
