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Our pick of some of the best events taking place across the region this week…
Image: Ali Cherri: How I Am Monument (installation view), Secession, Vienna, 2024.Photo: © Ali Cherri Studio, courtesy the artist and Imane Farès, Pari
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.
COMEDY
How does a panel of comedians all doing a deep-dive into a niche, potentially academic topic sound to you? If your answer was a resounding, “Good heavens, that sounds like an absolute rave!” then I’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is that you’re probably a bit of a nerd… The good news is that you’re the perfect audience for The Stand’s expedition into all things a little geeky – because Nerds Just Wanna Have Fun! Newcastle comedian Neil Harris conjured up the concept of a monthly comedy panel show featuring a careful mix of comedians and experts all weighing in on a hot topic, mixing stand-up, games and playful debates to try and get to the bottom of the issue. April’s theme is engineering, and everything that comes with design, invention and problem solving. Taking to the stage on Monday 7th April will be offbeat comedian Elaine Robertson, actual PhD holder/stand-up guy Matthew Wheelwring, Felt Nowt Act of the Year winner Kelly Edgar, and actual engineer-turned-funny-man Anthony Morrison. Their useful knowledge may be variable, but their can-do attitude to solve the problems at hand is equalled only by their ability to make a joke about it when they (almost) inevitably fail to do so.
Monday 7th April @ The Stand
STAGE
Hamzeh Al Hussien and Amy Golding present Penguin, an extraordinary piece of autobiographical theatre recounting Hamzeh’s journey as a refugee. This captivating and powerful theatrical experience explores resilience, identity, disability and self-acceptance in the face of conflict and discovering joy in the most difficult times – using humour, beauty and physical theatre.
Wednesday 9th April – Saturday 12th April @ Live Theatre
MUSIC
It’s always inspiring to see people make excellent things happen in unlikely places, and this is certainly the case with Industrial Coast, the North Yorkshire distribution / tape label run by Steve Kirby. It has expanded almost by accident to become the promoter for any number of acclaimed but underground noise / power electronics / hardcore / etc artists looking for gigs in the North East. Industrial Coast is also, as Kirby wryly points out on his insta, probably better known for its Nirvana-referencing t-shirt (‘noise lovin’, refugee huggin’, community buildin’, racism hatin’, leftist scum’), which serves as a manifesto of sorts (and which I’d be wearing right now if it wasn’t thoroughly sold out). Anyhow, as part of a stacked programme of gigs this year – including JK Flesh, Cut Hands and Demdike Stare – Industrial Coast is bringing back Detroit noise pioneers Wolf Eyes for another Middlesbrough show, this time at The Chapel on Wednesday 9th April after last year’s ripper appearance at the Town Hall Courtrooms. Wolf Eyes have been active for about 30 years, with literally hundreds of releases under their name if you count all the cassettes, CD-Rs and oddities, yet remain exciting and essential in their current duo form (John Olson and Nate Young). Supports are yet to be announced but are bound to be interesting, and Industrial Coast gigs always offer affordable ticket options for the skint, as per their leftist scum agenda.
Wednesday 9th April @ The Chapel, Middlesbrough
MUSIC
Polite Bureaux are everything you can want from a northern band, gritty, powerful, but still music that comes from the soul. They pride themselves on providing true honesty in their music, something which has captivated listeners across the UK. Originally formed in Bradford the trio have gone on to release an album and are now making waves as they tour the country, bringing their show to Zerox in Newcastle on Thursday 10th April. From electro bangers to indie dance beats, the group bring an energy to the stage which makes you get lost in the music. Their recent debut album was filled with songs which transport you to their world; a world where they want to shake the system and create music which resonates with people. Now, as they take their set on the road, Newcastle’s Zerox is set to become the next stop on their journey. Known for its intimate yet high-energy atmosphere, the venue provides the perfect backdrop for the band’s exhilarating sound. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, this is a show not to be missed – a night of pulsating beats, moody rhythms, and the unfiltered northern passion that makes Polite Bureaux one to watch.
Thursday 10th April @ Zerox
Image: Kačkala
MUSIC
What’s better than music? Music fronted by four incredible vocalists and backed by a girl power idealism, that’s what. Kačkala (pronounced kotch-kolla) are bringing this energy to The Cluny 2 on Thursday 10th April with support from the North East’s very own vocal harmony supergroup Kissed. Overall this forms a refreshing all-female line-up perfect for lovers of strong voices and empowering music. Kačkala create self-described “mad girl, bad girl, and sad girl original compositions” which bring a cappella to a whole new level of dynamism and excitement. The group consists of Hilary Binder, Lexa Walsh, Eva Plocek Kubešová and Kateřina Kubešová, a power quintet of four unstoppable vocalists from Czechia and the US. Their compositions are designed to inspire, bringing complex arrangements and dynamic harmonies together to form something that lifts up audiences to a whole new experience entirely. Kačkala’s debut UK tour will bring more than just a cappella to the table – expect a daring, impressive production with homemade choreography and joyful, theatrical flair. When paired with Kissed – another all-woman supergroup whose love for singing is infectious and plain to see – this Kačkala show is bound to be truly unique and unmissable.
Thursday 10th April @ Cluny 2
THEATRE
James Rowland: Learning To Fly
Do you like theatre? Do you like comedy? Do you like music? If you’re reading this, there’s a high chance you like at least one – so you’re bound to like James Rowland and his new show Learning To Fly, which comes to Stockton’s iconic ARC venue on Thursday 10th April for an hour of inimitable, critically acclaimed storytelling. Learning to Fly follows the story of an unexpected friendship. The friendship in question is one between a lonely and unhappy teenage James and the “scary old lady” who lived over the road from him, in the street’s unspoken “spooky house”. The power of friendship – despite its conventions, or its obstacles – is something that defines this show, alongside the idea of love versus time, and the healing power of music. It’s also about wishes – and this scary old lady’s last wish was in fact to get high – just once – before she died. Expect to feel uplifted – Learning to Fly doesn’t just represent James Rowland’s wit and on stage talent – it also represents his big-hearted ideas. And if these big-hearted ideas also have you in stitches, what’s the harm in that? I see none.
Thursday 10th April @ ARC Stockton
Image: Lindsay Santoro
COMEDY
Susie McCabe & Lindsay Santoro
Fancy some big belly laughs? Catch this devilish double bill of two fantastic works in progress. Top of her game Susie McCabe will recite some of her most chaotic life catastrophes through her charismatic storytelling, while trailblazer Lindsay Sontaro provides a hilarious hour of mischievous wit.
Thursday 10th April @ The Stand, Newcastle
MUSIC
The high energy indie rock trio head to Newcastle’s iconic Newgate Social for a night of catchy melodies, driving guitars and dynamic levels of talent your ears won’t be ready for. Camel Island headline, with support from fellow rising indie stars Ryder and Slate Label.
Friday 11th April @ Newgate Social, Newcastle
EVENTS
Nowt Special Four Quarters Takeover
NES Nerd or Sega All-Star? Whether you love battling Eggman, Bowser, Blanka or Metaknight… You’ll definitely be a winner at Nowt Special’s Takeover at Four Quarters! Bursting with exhibitions, merch, music and more – unleash your inner gamer with some of your favourite retro arcade machines. Lets’a go!
Friday 11th – Saturday 12th April @ Four Quarters, Newcastle
STAGE
Shows don’t often sell out for no reason, and John Godber’s stage show Do I Love You? is no exception. Following a completely sold out 2024 tour, the much anticipated show heads to Gala Durham for two days on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th April. The show follows a trio of vivacious twenty-somethings who are developing a passion for the music and dance movement of Northern Soul, and the people involved with that movement. Characters Sally, Nat and Kyle develop their college project into something they really truly care about, finding their path into new places, experiences and successes. It follows the group dancing their way through life, even though the world is all over the place: what with strikes, closures, and a lack of hospitality. Do I Love You? represents the dancefloor as a place of solace, and joy, and hopefully for attendees of the show on the 11th and 12th of April, the Gala will represent that too. All this soul combined with the substance of topics like rising costs, unemployment and the general difficulty of modern life – particularly small town life – makes for a joyous affair that’ll have you laughing and dancing your way home afterwards.
Friday 11th April @ Gala, Durham
Image: Damn Tall Buildings
MUSIC
Folk bluegrass band Damn Tall Buildings will be making their way over to the UK from New York for an intimate show at Gateshead’s The Central Bar on Friday 11th April bringing their eclectic and soulful melodies and intricate instrumental compositions mixing swing and old-time foot stomping music. The Brooklyn-based trio have eleven years of dedicated touring and recording experience under their belts and bring that to their audience in the form of heartfelt lyrics and a tapestry of masterful fiddle play, guitar, banjo, and bass playing. Embodying a blend of Americana, roots and contemporary musical finesse from over the pond, Damn Tall Building’s musical journey figuratively and literally transcends borders. From intimate local venues, such as The Central Bar, and large venues and global festival stages, their magnetic sound captivates audiences and leaves an indelible mark on their fans old and new. The enigmatic touring outfit have already hooked us with their recorded work and will undoubtedly do the same when they hit the Central Bar stage. Damn Tall Buildings will be supported by What Humans Do, duo Philippa and Max, who play a haphazard mix of bluegrass and sad Americana who make a great addition to the bill.
Friday 11th April @ Central Bar, Gateshead
STAGE
Lightning sharp wordsmith Luke Wright serves a selection of poems examining what pure joy looks like in your 40s. Hear tender and poignant observations on longing for the happiness of youth, alongside stories of health scares to abseiling vicars, told through charming mixtures of comedy, wisdom and wit.
Saturday 12th April @ ARC, Stockton
MUSIC
Critically acclaimed folk duo, Megson, are set to take the stage at ARC Stockton on Saturday 12th April. They bring with them their unique blend of soft vocals, climactic harmonies, and rhythmic guitars. The husband and wife duo have built a strong following with their modern take on folk music. With multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominations, Megson’s music captures a new sound within British folk music while still infusing it with the sounds that have captivated audiences across history. Their songs, often inspired by the everyday, love, and working class history, are both deeply personal and still a feast for the ears. Whether they are performing songs from their soul, or energetic tracks filled with modern twists, the duo’s harmonies and infectious stage presence make for an unforgettable live experience. Audiences at ARC Stockton can expect a night of intriguing sounds of the old and new, a gripping stage presence, and heartwarming storytelling. With an ever-growing career and energy, Megson’s live shows are a testament to their skill of blending the old and new. So, whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, this is a gig which you’ll want to see.
Saturday 12th April @ ARC, Stockton
MUSIC
Punchy rock duo The Molotovs are gearing up for their highly anticipated UK headline tour in 2025, following the release of their debut single ‘More More More’, the band are headed to Stockton for an unmissable gig at KU on Saturday 12th April. Known for their high-energy performances and sharp songwriting, The Molotovs have built a fierce reputation on the live circuit, and this tour promises to be no exception. The Molotovs’ gritty, anthemic sound draws from punk, indie, and garage rock influences, with blistering guitar riffs, driving basslines, and dynamic vocals forming the backbone of their distinctive style. Their debut single ‘More More More’ channels this raw energy, blending catchy hooks with an urgent, rebellious spirit. Fronted by two magnetic performers, The Molotovs have already garnered attention from major music publications and festival slots, setting them apart as one of the UK’s most exciting new acts. Fans can expect a visceral, high-octane live show that captures the intensity and raw emotion of their studio recordings. This is bound to be one of 2025’s most electrifying upcoming tours, so don’t miss the chance to catch The Molotovs live at KU, Stockton on Saturday 12th April as they make their mark on the UK music scene.
Saturday 12th April @ KU, Stockton
COMEDY
From the makers of the local legendary cult comedy shows Sketch Slap, comes a brand new hoot-filled night: The Geet Northern Show! Presented by theatre maker Rhian Jade, this cabaret promises to delight folks with wonderful Northern quirkiness on Saturday 12th April at Alphabetti Theatre. The night champions marginalised voices including folks who are queer, neurodiverse, disabled and ethnically and racially diverse – all of whom have vital and exciting new work to share and experiment in a safe, non-judgemental space. The show will summon a band of gifted up and coming comedy performers, knitted together as a terrific troupe guaranteed to bring audiences riotous joy across many different art forms; plus there’s a guest spot for some of your favourite local comedy stars. From sketch comedy, poetry, dancing, music and so much more, this cabaret is set to create a marvellous, side-splitting night that celebrates the North East’s plentiful bank of diverse voices, in a space that is warm and friendly; uniting performers and audiences in pure Northern joy that will have you grinning ear to ear.
Saturday 12th April @ Alphabetti Theatre
ART & LIT
Baltic presents the first major UK exhibition for Lebanese artist Ali Cherri; How I Am Monument comes to the Gateshead gallery from Saturday 12th April-Sunday 12th October. The artist presents newly commissioned work which is inspired by archaeological artefacts and the natural world, including Toppled Monuments 1-6 (2024), a piece that reflects on imagining a better future through the depiction of empty plinths of monuments of deposed leaders or controversial historical figures; Sphinx (2024) is a hybrid sculpture created from mud and bronze which evokes Assyrian and Egyptian statues; while the films Of Men and Gods and Mud (2022) follows the workers constructing Africa’s largest hydropower plant in Sudan, and The Watchmen (2023) looks at the military divisions between the Greek and Turkish communities on Cyprus. Related sculptural work, The Seven Soldiers, features a series of sleeping heads with haunted expressions on their faces. Cherri’s work reflects on colonial histories, nationhood and cultural loss, drawing parallels between the damage political violence can inflict on the natural and cultural worlds, as well as on people’s bodies. Ali Cherri comments: “With How I Am Monument I reflect on the processes through which historical and cultural narratives are constructed and transformed, the fragility of power, and the shifting nature of collective memory…re-evaluating our shared history is crucial for understanding the complexities of the present.”
Ali Cherri will take part in a special talk with Baltic Curator, Emma Dean, and Vienna Secession Curator, Jeanette Pacher on the opening day of his exhibition.
Saturday 12th April @ Baltic, Gateshead
FILM
Star & Shadow Cinema are known for their eclectic double bills of films you’ve always wanted to see on a lovely silver screen, and this one is for fans of classic Hollywood icon Marlene Dietrich. First will be Alfred Hitchcock’s 1950s film Stage Fright, and to wrap up the evening will be Billy Wilder’s ‘57 classic, Witness for the Prosecution.
Sunday 13th April @ Star & Shadow Cinema, Newcastle
STAGE
Award winning theatre company Mortal Fools are back with their Ensemble Young Company’s galvanic new performance, Brainstorm, which creatively explores the inner workings of the teenage brain, touring at various venues: Gosforth Civic Theatre on Sunday 13th and Monday 14th April and Arts Centre Washington on Wednesday 16th April. The concept is unique; opposed to a traditional script, Brainstorm is a blueprint (co-created with neuroscientists and Company Three) where young people can input their own experiences and ideas. This offers young people the chance to share what matters to them at this stage of their lives, in this moment of time. Mortal Fools have a superb track record of creating empowering, bold and cutting-edge theatre, and Brainstorm is no exception. It’s a fresh, exciting, imaginative production that challenges the stereotypes placed onto teenagers and their brains, including all of the joys, and all of the tricky stuff – as well as lived experiences of neurodiversity and growing up in the North East. I love Mortal Fools’ ability to actively listen to young people and offer a unique platform to explore ideas, and this show offers crucial insights which might otherwise go unheard. Devised for other teenagers and the adults who support them, Brainstorm will certainly be a special one to see live.
Sunday 13th – Wednesday 16th April @ Various Venues
