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Our pick of some of the best events taking place across the region this week…
Image: The Pedro Pascal says Trans Rights Cabaret by TJ Mov
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.
Image by: Sofia Barton, Kismet, 2025, print on aluminium
ART & LIT
If a picture says a thousand words, then Sofia Barton’s collection could rival the British Library. The Newcastle born-and-raised artist creates artwork that sits at the intersection of neurodivergency, identity and ancestry. The metaphorical tapestry which makes up her very being – neurodivergent, Indian-Punjabi dual heritage, queer, human – is woven into her latest exhibit, Death Magic. Her multi-medium approach offers a rich array of visual experiences, from drawings to cyanotypes to paintings, all created to represent the multifaceted nature of any individual’s lived experiences. The highlight of this show is Barton’s collection of symbolically decorated rehals. These book rests, originating from South Asian and Arabic countries, are used to hold and elevate (physically and spiritually) revered holy books, be it the Qur’an, the Ramayana, the Japji Sahib or the Bible. With them, she explores the themes of roots, legacy and how the essence of loved ones’ remains are woven the fabric of our lives. Death Magic is presented as part of GemArts’ Masala Festival, a week-long festival celebrating South Asian arts and culture with venues across the North East. Sofia Barton’s work will be hosted in Gateshead’s Vane Gallery from Monday 14th July-Saturday 2nd August, inviting contemplation on the delicate connections between life and remembrance.
Monday 14th July @ Vane Monday
Image: MASALA FESTIVAL – Songs of Bulbul
MUSIC
There will be a vibrant explosion of culture as GemArts’ Masala Festival returns to venues across Newcastle and Gateshead from Monday 14th-Sunday 20th July, offering a feast for the senses. From music and dance, to film, visual art, literature and food, this award-winning festival is serving up a blend of traditional and modern South Asian creativity. Expect some of the UK’s most dynamic artists alongside brilliant cultural experiences from international collaborators and immersive performances. Highlights include Songs of the Bulbul, a new dance work by Aakash Odedra, which is rooted in the music, dance and poetry of Sufism (Theatre Royal, Monday 14th); a performance of Baadal Dvaar se Nazar (A Glimpse Through the Cloud Door), an original experimental work from multi-instrumentalist William Rees Hofmann which explores tradition and solitude through the dhrupad idiom on the sarod (The Cluny 2, Wednesday 16th); while virtuoso sasntoor player Eeshar Singh joins forces with Royal Northern Sinfonia to present Blossoming, an immersive journey of music and storytelling (The Glasshouse, Friday 18th). Plus, there’s a reading from award-winning short story writer Gurnaik Johal (Northern Stage, Tuesday 15th); a film screening of I, The Song, which examines music, love, culture and identity (Tyneside Cinema, Tuesday 15th); Starting Over, Rebuilding From The Ruins is a screening of South Asian film shorts which looks at the diasporic experience (Baltic, Thursday 17th); Freespill offers up an electrifying evening of spoken word poetry (DiverCity Hub, Saturday 19th); and the Bollywood Brass Band perform their joyful music at Monument and Haymarket Metro (Saturday 19th).
Monday 14th July @ Various venues
FILM
The Customs House presents a special film screening of the thought provoking documentary Am I Proud?, in association with South Tyneside Pride. Exploring the history of the gay rights movement in Britain, the film combines rare archival footage with interviews from leading voices campaigning for equal rights.
Tuesday 15th July @ Customs House, South Shields
Image: Cheekface by Mallory Turner
MUSIC
Cheekface (& Martha, Fresh)
I first heard of Cheekface after their 2022 release, Too Much To Ask and fully immersed as a fan after 2024’s It’s Sorted, which somehow was both one of the most accessible, straight forward punk albums I’d heard in years, yet also one of the most exciting and Idiosyncratic releases of the decade so far. If you phase out the social discourse and rage that drives a lot of punk, and instead replace it with a lust for life, giddiness and abundant sense of silliness, you get Cheekface. Imbedded with music references, social commentary and the mundanity of day to day life, the songs of Cheekface are as cheeky as the name would suggest. Their sense of jubilation puts me in mind of They Might Be Giants/ as a band who drown in a deft daftness while being truly interesting musically too. Cheekface’s latest venture is Middle Spoons which cranks the metaphorical volume up further. From ArtHouse to the ska swagger of Rude World, the Los Angeles trio deserve their devout, growing and cult following. Coming to The Grove on Thursday 17th July – their live shows are as sporadic and random as their songs – often peppering their sets with covers or returning to old favourites. This is a gig for anyone looking for a fun night of community and rock and roll. They’re supported by local faves Martha and Fresh.
Thursday 17th July @ The Grove
ART & LIT
Collective Pulse: Art In Action – LGBTQIA+
Cementing Pink-collar Gallery’s commitment to social change by championing marginalised voices and activists, this exciting and essential exhibition platforms artists who are using their work to explore both personal and collective stories of the environment, community, neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+ experiences. This month, enjoy work by Hannah Kate Absalom, Heather MacDonald, Sullivan Alenezi and Ellen Dixon. Runs until 18th August.
Friday 18th July @ Hill Street Gallery, Sunderland
ART & LIT
Exploring the hidden voices of South Asian women through incredible multidisciplinary visual artworks from Sehr Jalil and Padma Rao. Their joint exhibition explores personal stories and archival enquiries, investigating the space between colonialism and women’s activism in context of the recent unrest in summer 2024. Runs until 30th August.
Friday 18th July @ Arts Centre Washington
Image: King Witch by Alan Swan
MUSIC
Forged on the streets of Edinburgh, it didn’t take long for Scottish trio King Witch to establish themselves as a potent and explosive rock act who hark back to the glamour and venom of the 70s metal scene. Listening to latest single Sea of Lies you are instantly put in mind of Ronnie James Dio, with the theatrical majesty that courses through the vocals. Their Soundgarden influence is welcome, as sludgy beats give way to frantic guitar solos, thundering riffs and wailing vocals; it’s old school in the best way – rock music at its most dramatic and intense. With such control over the genre, it is no surprise that in such a small span of time they have found themselves playing Bloodstock and Desertfest, as well as touring extensively across Europe. With their third album, simply titled III, on the horizon, the songs are tighter and more dynamic than ever before. If you told me that King Witch were one of the most respected and revered metal bands of the 1970s, I would believe you. They bring their epic sound to Newcastle’s Lubber Fiend on Friday 18th July, alongside local legends Crowley, promising a night of fantastic rock ‘n’ roll.
Friday 18th July @ Lubber Fiend
MUSIC
In 2007, The Enemy released We’ll Live And Die In These Towns. This album may well be one of the biggest call to arms that Britain has had this century. It was mercilessly frank, rousing and agitated. Brought to force by three working class boys raised on The Jam, the songs throughout the album aren’t shiny or polished, but they are authentic and they are full of drive. The Weller influence is translated perfectly; seen more as carrying forward his bounce, swagger and balance of anger and dance. The gallows humour of The Jam is replicated here, as The Enemy leap forward with a tongue firmly embedded in its cheek, while never letting it subdue its gnashing teeth. The tracks are filled with an Oasis tier euphoria that could easily have filled arenas, but yet, the band disbanded in 2017. After a sold out reunion tour in 2023, the band have announced they are releasing a new album in 2025 – their first in over a decade. With Matt Terry, who produced the tracks of their seminal debut back at the helm, this is going to be massive. Returning to Newcastle to celebrate, The Enemy bring The Rifles and Rebel DJs to Times Square on Friday 18th July.
Friday 18th July @ Times Square
EVENTS
Fancy a night at the museum? Newcastle’s Discovery Museum are inviting people to ditch their phones and unwind for three hours of mindful activities on Friday 18th July. Their new after-hours events, Discovery Nights, are aimed at adults with a focus on sustainability and slow-living: perfect if you’re looking for a fulfilling and interactive way to relax on a night. Kylea Little, the Discovery Museum’s Keeper of History says: “We’re keen to open the museum at night to create a new community of adults who are seeking new experiences”. Behind-the-scenes tours, mindful crafting, cosmetic making, and retro board games are among the range of activities on offer to bring together a community of like-minded history-lovers. There’ll also be stalls from local, sustainable traders and opportunities to learn how to repair and repurpose old clothing. Each event will run from 6pm-9pm and will have a DJ, a bar provided by Newcastle University’s Stu-Brew, and food from the museum’s café. Themes will be based on the museum’s programme, with the first being inspired by their incredible Steam to Green exhibition and much-loved 1970s comedy The Good Life. History lovers and those interested in new, fascinating experiences make sure to get yourself down to the Discovery Museum on Friday 18th July.
Friday 18th July @ Discovery Museum
EVENTS
This month Newcastle Pride is heading to multiple venues across the city as a joyous celebration of unapologetic queer visibility, jam packed with interactive events, live performances, theatre shows and more, starting from Thursday 3rd July. The Curious Arts Stage will host incredible queer artists, celebrating and informing their audiences; The Family and Youth Zone is bursting with joyous performances and wonderful activities for young people and families while The Pride Arena is showcasing immense LGBTIQA+ talent. Alphabetti is set to spotlight some fantastic queer-led events including Queer Planet and drag king Bi Curious George, the gender-bending David Attenborough you never knew you needed, shatters heteronormative binaries and views of the natural world through stand-up and parody songs. On Saturday 19th July, The Pedro Pascal Says Trans Rights Cabaret is hosted by two queer chaotic goofs, featuring an all-star local trans line-up for a defiant night of trans hope, joy and ultimate silliness. Alphabetti is also home to the new Trans+ Zone, an event holding much needed space for trans people and supportive allies with stalls, workshops and an exciting visual art exhibition. Community, resilience and active allyship is more important now than ever, so make sure you have fun, hold each other, stay strong and celebrate, because trans and queer people are not going anywhere.
Saturday 19th July @ Various venues
COMEDY
Funny Way To Be Edinburgh Fringe Previews (incl. Craig Hill/Connor Burns)
Make your way down to The Witham on Saturday 19th July to catch a full day of hilarious comedy, as Funny Way To Be brings an unmissable series of Edinburgh Fringe previews to Barnard Castle. Comedy fans are in for a treat with a packed schedule featuring some of the most exciting names on the British comedy circuit. Headlining the event on the night are Craig Hill, who performs with his camp and laugh out loud act which always leaves the audience in anticipation of another joke, and Connor Burns, an upcoming star of the circuit. Burns is also from Scottish roots and has quickly gone on to become one of the most exciting comedians on offer. On Saturday 26th July, the laughs continue with a stellar line-up of preview performances from acclaimed comedians Eric Rushton, Sooz Kempner, Marjolein Robertson and Gavin Webster. Each act offers a sneak peek at their new material ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe, with fresh jokes, sharp humour, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a long time Fringe fan or just looking for a great day filled with entertainment; this is a brilliant chance to catch some of the best talent in an intimate preview before they take on one of the biggest arts festivals in Britain.
Saturday 19th July @ The Witham (26/7)
Image: Ponyland by Amelia Read
MUSIC
Wandering Oak graces the town with yet another incredible line-up, this time bringing together Ponyland and Paddy Steer to raise the roof off The Cluny. Ponyland are bringing the psychedelia, punk and reggae sounds, while Paddy Steer presents electronica, jazz and funk – the only question is, are you bringing yourself?
Saturday 19th July @ Cluny
MUSIC
When you hear ‘DC punk band’, most fans of the genre likely have a certain sound in mind; harking back to the seminal (banned in) DC band Bad Brains. And while Des Demonas certainly have that in their heritage, they are also much more, and can be explained by their line-up which is composed of key members of indie, garage and DC punk scenes and fronted by post-punk-politique poet Jacky ‘Cougar’ Abok. Rather than take the sound of their predecessors, Des Demonas have taken their spirit of musical adventurousness and challenging – in the intellectual sense – lyrics. It’s no wonder they are a favourite of Henry Rollins and Iggy Pop. If their recommendation isn’t enough – and it really should be – then there’s this: Des Demonas, simply put, make melodically interesting music with bite, with intellectually and politically incisive lyrics rich with metaphor and allusion. Listen to their most recent album, Apocalyptic Boom! Boom!, and hear their rich influences, ranging from punk to indie to jazz, and knack for catchy choruses without compromising lyrical content, and you’ll understand why the Des Demonas’ show at The Cluny 2 on Sunday 20th July isn’t an experience to miss. And if Fascist Discotheque and its groove and jagged guitar refrain doesn’t get you moving and your mind engaged, I’m not sure what will.
Sunday 20th July @ Cluny 2
MUSIC
On Sunday 20th July, North Shields’ atmospheric little venue The Engine Room welcomes songwriters Boo Hewerdine and Yvonne Lyon for a night filled with songs from their 2023 album, Things Found In Books. Glasgow‑based singer‑songwriter Boo Hewerdine is well known for his captivating folk pop sound, while Scottish artist Yvonne Lyon’s melodic craft and lyrical sensitivity have earned her praise for her tenth solo album, Growing Wild. The songwriters’ collaborative album was inspired by a noticeboard in Culzean Castle’s second-hand bookshop; where forgotten fragments, old notes and postcards became the spark for new songs. Hewerdine and Lyon transformed these forgotten treasures into something permanent, blending imagined lives with their own experiences in a folk-rooted collection, which will be brought to life in an intimate performance featuring two masterful voices, acoustic arrangements and a shared love for detail that unearths the extraordinary in everyday moments.
Sunday 20th July @ The Engine Room
