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OUR PICK OF SOME OF THE BEST EVENTS TAKING PLACE ACROSS THE REGION THIS WEEK…
Image: Luke James Williams
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.
ART & LIT
King Ink cite themselves as ‘a home for Sunderland’s hidden poets’, and they’re certainly proving that point with their monthly Thursday open mic-style evenings at Pop Recs. Whether you go to listen, to perform some writing, or to watch the published mystery poet at the end of the night, you’re bound to have a blast.
Thursday 11th September @ Pop Recs, Sunderland
EVENTS
Our Friends In The North + Q&A
Serving as a landmark in working-class North East representation on television, this not to be missed screening of Our Friends In The North documents entangled and complex friendships shaped by an ever-changing political background in 1960s-1990s Britain, followed by a special Q&A with writer, Peter Flannery.
Thursday 11th September @ Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
ART & LIT
Going Back Brockens returns for another outing at Sunderland Museum. This powerful exhibition sees painter Narbi Price and writer Mark Hudson joining creative forces to capture rhetoric around the miner’s strikes in County Durham via spectacular location paintings and a powerful sound installation. Runs until 3rd January 2026.
Friday 12th September @ Sunderland Museum
Image: If You Want To Change Things, You Cannit Change Them From The Floor by Narbi Price
MUSIC
Luke James Williams & George Boomsma
Esteemed local promoter Down By The River brings us this mesmerising co-headline of two delightful singer-songwriters: the delicate guitar folk of George Boomsma and the indie folk ‘party pooper’ tunes of Luke James Williams. Folk fans far and wide – get yourselves to Durham for what promises to be a magical, cosy evening.
Saturday 13th September @ Claypath Deli, Durham
STAGE
Small Boat is a deeply profound, impactful moral tale about the 2021 tragedy where a dingy capsized in the channel and the lives of 27 migrants were lost. A fictional lifeguard recounts the event through a series of unflinching monologues, using the stage to illuminate social consciousness.
Saturday 13th September @ Live Theatre, Newcastle
STAGE
In this queer-led night of alternative comedy and clowning chaos, you can always expect the unexpected… From circus, burlesque, sketch to drag, who knows which quirky characters will be crawling out of Mr Funbles’ Sunday Portal this time? Regardless, big laughs, much silliness and snails are (possibly) guaranteed.
Saturday 13th September @ Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle
Image: Mr Funbles
ART & LIT
Northern Festival of Illustration
The Northern Festival of Illustration returns to Hartlepool for its fourth year, and this time it is celebrating stories of home. Over the course of an eight-week programme of activity filled to the brim with storytelling, animation and design, visitors can expect to experience film screenings, talks and exhibitions. Running from Friday 12th September to Saturday 1st November, the festival invites visitors of all ages to explore the ways that we share, and sketch, the stories which matter most to us.At the heart (pun intended) of the festival is the Stories of Home exhibition at Hartlepool Art Gallery. It showcases a range of work from up to 70 renowned illustrators including Supermundane, local favourite Jonny Hannah, Bee Illustrates and Mikey Please. Alongside the exhibition, families and schools can enjoy workshops, literacy-focused sessions and other free creative resources.The Northern Festival of Illustration is a must for creatives and anyone who believes in the power of visual storytelling. Further highlights of the programme include a marvellous Maker’s Market at Hartlepool Theatre on Saturday 27th September showcasing local artists, and a professional symposium and networking event on Friday 17th October. There is something for both curious beginners to seasoned illustrators; this is a festival which proudly celebrates the many ways artists bring our most personal stories to life.
Saturday 13th September @ Various Venues
