THE BLAYDON RACES WHAT S ON IN NEWCASTLE. WE WILL ROCK YOU Brian May and Ben Elton s musical comes to the Arena

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1 WHAT S ON IN NEWCASTLE THE BLAYDON RACES The iconic race takes place this month WE WILL ROCK YOU Brian May and Ben Elton s musical comes to the Arena GREEN FESTIVAL Get green at the legendary weekend event YOUR FREE FORTNIGHTLY GUIDE MAY JUNE

2 YOU RE IN NEWCASTLE YOUR FORTNIGHTLY GUIDE TO WHAT S ON Hello there, salut, hola, howdy, hei, guten tag, and alreet! And welcome one and all to yet another exciting edition of NE1 Magazine, your comprehensive round up of news, views and previews for the warm beating heart of Newcastle city centre. Now, not that we re ever struggling for oddities and delights to gently shepherd you towards, but seeing as Festival of the North East has come to town, our cultural cup runneth over with one-off artistic delights to fill our pages with. Refined evening delights? Check. New gin bar opening up? Double check. Then of course there s the small matter of The Blaydon Races. Which isn t just a 5.9 mile endurance test across the city, but famously marks the exact date that optimistic Geordies realise that the gym membership they got for Christmas has sat on a dusty shelf since mid January. And, to prove that the summer is well and truly here, we are excited to welcome back NE1 s Quayside Seaside. Get out that bucket and spade! 04 NEWS All you need this fortnight to keep you entertained! 06 THE BLAYDON RACES SPORT What better to keep you in shape than the historic Blaydon Race! 08 WE WILL ROCK YOU STAGE Brian May and Ben Elton s rock spectacular comes to the Arena Star Stacking Ring 135 AVAILABLE INSTORE ONLY AT: Image at Richard Sinton: 7-8 Eldon Garden, Newcastle. T: GREEN FESTIVAL ONE-OFF The festival returns to Leazes Park for its 19th year PLUS All the highlights of the next two weeks your first stop shop for entertainment listings in Newcastle Editorial: Remember Media Ltd If you wish to submit a listing for inclusion please listings@ne1magazine.co.uk For advertising call or sales@room501.co.uk Produced by room501 publishing on behalf of NE1 room501 Ltd Spectrum 6, Spectrum Business Park, Seaham, SR7 7TT All contents copyright 2013 room501 Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print, May facebook.com/getintonewcastle NE1 Ltd supporting business and events in Newcastle. 3

3 NEWS WE RE STUFFED FULL OF WONDERFUL EVENTS AND THINGS TO DISCOVER THIS FORTNIGHT. FOR STARTERS, DELVE INTO THIS LITTLE LOT! 4 NE1 S QUAYSIDE SEASIDE RETURNS! The inner city beach NE1 s Quayside Seaside is back by popular demand! Located across from the Law Courts on the Quayside, the location affords fabulous views of the quayside and is the perfect place to relax or let the kids blow off some steam! With a bigger area and even better facilities, plus events planned throughout the year, who needs the coast?! MINING THE INSTITUTE A 20 month long project begins on Tuesday 4th June at Newcastle s Mining Institute, starting with a concert of Mining Songs performed in the headquarters of the mining engineers. Mining The Institute: The Sinking starts with historian Bill Lancaster outlining the treasures ahead for the 20 month project, and a performance of songs from the coalfields all for the tidy sum of VIRAL VIDEO We still can t get over the amazing images in astronaut Chris Hadfield s tribute to David Bowie s Space Oddity, recorded on the eve of his return to Earth after nearly five months on board the International Space Station. A NEW SPACE FOR CHESS A quiet little spot has opened up in Newcastle s Chinatown, with a pocket park equipped with four solid hardwood playing tables now ready for use by anyone who fancies a game of chess. Sets are available form the Chinese Supermarket just over the road, so pop in, ask for a set and have a peaceful afternoon surrounded by Chinese inscriptions and decorations. WHITE FOX CHARITY EVENT WHITE FOX RECRUITMENT ARE HOSTING A CHARITY NETWORKING NIGHT TO SUPPORT THE SAFE FOR LIFE CHARITY. FOR A 5 DONATION ON, YOU CAN HEAD DOWN TO REVOLUTION ON COLLINGWOOD STREET FOR NETWORKING AND AUCTIONS TO HELP A CHARITY THAT RECENTLY SUFFERED A FUNDING CUT. RECRUITMENT.CO.UK MIMO S 250 CLUB How often are you and the work colleagues trying to figure out where to go for after work drinks? Well Mimo s on Pudding Chare may just have answered your prayers with the 250 Club. Head into Mimo s, fill in a card and boom you and your colleagues are now drinking a whole bunch of drinks for 2.50 like a pint of Tiger, a vodka and mixer or any bottle. Pretty good deal for the city centre. NE1 S NEWCASTLE FASHION WEEK DECLARED A TRIUMPH! NE1 s Newcastle Fashion Week closing party with Diana Vickers and Lauren Pope gave the final farewells to the biggest NFW yet. With the third year done and dusted, it s time to start prepping for next year but there s still plenty to check out in the meantime. Have a look at some of the most stylish folks in this fair city and some of the photos from the after party online. GIN AND JOBS A new gin bar is to open in High Bridge, bringing with it 40 jobs. Pleased To Meet You, opening on Friday 31st May, has taken over the old Grade 2 listed building where The Lane pub and Old Turks Hotel used to reside. The bar will furnish the discerning drinker with more than 50 types of gin, as well as local and international craft beers, cocktails and hand pulled ales. PREMIER APARTMENTS IS ALL GREEN A Newcastle property company has been given a prestigious award for its green credentials. Premier Apartments, which rents out top property for short to mid-term stays, have achieved the Gold Green Business Tourism Scheme measured against a rigorous standard of energy and water efficiency, waste management and in this particular case, ensuring visitors are well aware of all the local splendour of Newcastle. newcastle.com DEAR ANGEL The Angel probably won t answer back, but artist Stevie Ronnie is still hoping you ll want to speak to it. A new project, funded by the Arts Council and New Writing North, asks people of the region to send a letter, postcard, video, tweet or about why you love the region. A selection will be exhibited at the Globe Gallery from Saturday 1st June. NEWS JENNY Laing Art Gallery Conservator at the North East s leading gallery, home to an impressive collection of historic, modern and contemporary art. Tell us more about your new exhibition, Divine Bodies They re curious, strange, beautiful, contorted, drunk, and beautiful. The exhibition shows how artists use these figures as inspiration in their own work What sort of work is being done on them? A wide range of treatments have been undertaken to ensure that the paintings are in the best possible condition for display and interpretation What are you hoping art lovers in the city make of them? We are hoping that the visitors will learn more about the beautiful paintings in the North East, and recognise their continued relevance to artists and society today How was it you were able to bring these to the region? The old masters are from the fine art collections in the Laing, Hatton and Shipley Galleries. Philippa Stephenson, from the National Gallery worked closely with curators to carefully choose contemporary works that match the old masters collection What sets this exhibition apart from everything else in the Laing? These works have never been seen together, and a large number of works from TWAM s collection will be displayed for the first time in many years Of all the pieces, which is your personal favourite? Difficult question, but I would have to say Christ On The Cross by Jacob De Wit. This is due to the dramatic change of appearance post conservation 5

4 SPORT SPORT THE BLAYDON RACES THE NINTH OF JUNE IS SOON UPON US MEANING ONLY ONE THING FOR THE NORTH EAST THE BLAYDON RACES ARE COMING TOWN The 5.7 mile race is one of the unavoidable titbits of knowledge you re aware of if you ve spent any length of time up here, even though the modern version only started in I think the race is so special because the community comes together, there s such a lovely community spirit that comes with it. Explains Lindsay Hedley, general manager at Start Fitness, who have sponsored the event since I have taken part in other races myself, I m not a professional or an elite runner or anything like that I just run for fun, but there s more of a community spirit to the Blaydon Race and that s what makes it feel so good when you re running. With 4,000 entrants, it ll be worth heading down to the playing fields on Blaydon Shopping Precinct car park, where the race will finish, to celebrate and have a tipple of a special bottle 6 The Blaydon Races by William Irvingy. Image courtesy of Shipley Gallery and Tyne & Wear Archives of proper beer from Wylam Brewery. There s also a performance of, believe it or not, Blaydon Races, at the start and end of the race performed by the Hazel Yason Dance Troupe adding it a bit of a can-can as well. Assembling at the Balhambras pub in Newcastle s Cloth Market, where the iconic song was first performed, the race is started with the actual hand bell mentioned in the song ( The bellman he was callin' there, they call him Jackie Broon ) which is provided specially by the Discovery Museum and kept under guard to keep it safe. The race organisers, Blaydon Harriers & Athletic Club, try to keep the event as traditional as possible sticking as true as they can to George Geordie Ridley s 1862 lyrics. It s not the longest of races, with the elite runners finishing in under half an hour, but it is still a tough run. Lindsay, remembering her first Blaydon Race last year, said: I can t even remember the course to be honest with you! I had only recently started running at the time and it absolutely chucked it down, it was such an awful day weather wise, but once you completed the race it was such a fulfilment even with the weather being the way it was. I did get asked which bits of the race do you think are tricky and I just had to say I can t even remember much of the course because it was so awful! But as you re running around there s bands playing and there s such a lovely spirit so it was such a lovely race to take part in. But, for those 4,000 entrants, irrespective of the weather, there s a few treats handed out by Start Fitness. We provide all the race day t-shirts for the entrants, we also get involved in the goodie bags and the distribution of those on the day and we set up the race day area so when people come into the finish line they ll be greeted by the Start Fitness team there to help. It s a lovely thing to be associated with such an iconic race. Runners who are coming into the store and anyone who s taking part in the race mention Start Fitness, once they start mentioning the name it s just lovely to experience that. It s a North East race and we re a North East company so we want to get involved in as many local events as we can. It s definitely a race to be involved in because it s such a very well organised event with loads The Blaydon Race takes place on Sunday 9th June from Balhambras pub of spirit on the day. Every year the Race picks a different charity to sponsor, and 2013 sees help given to the Heel & Toe Children s Charity, a North East based charity that helps children with cerebral palsy, with a very important belief that no child should be denied therapy due to a lack of money. With the song now a staple chorus for Newcastle United and the Falcons, as well as a sure fire way to identify the drunk Geordies on a night out in an unfamiliar town, it s a unique way to celebrate less than six miles of running with over 150 years of history all because of a catchy melody! Start Fitness, for all your sporting, running and cycling needs, are located at Grainger Street, with a clearance branch at 49 Pilgrim Street. 7

5 STAGE ART WE WILL ROCK YOU AT METRO RADIO ARENA THE SECRET OF THE SHOW S SUCCESS IS VERY SIMPLE - IT S WORD OF MOUTH, THE STRONGEST FORCE KNOWN TO MAN 8 We Will Rock You has already written itself into the musical theatre history books several times over. Now the show, which is already a worldwide phenomenon from the UK to Canada, Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia and across Europe, is about to have its latest and most phenomenal life yet as it embarks on its biggest incarnation yet as a world arena tour, dropping into the Metro Radio Arena between Wednesday 5th until Sunday 9th June. The musical, written by Ben Elton to the immortal back catalogue of Queen, envisages a sinister future where the process of globalisation has been completed and rock music has been officially suppressed. It s a spectacular show, made all the better for the soundtrack. "The secret of the show's success is very simple - it's word of mouth, the strongest force known to man," quips Queen s Brian May. "No matter what mood people come in with, they come out laughing and smiling and punching the air so they can face the next day with a rock 'n' roll attitude! It's also a show with cross-generational appeal -- from grandsons to grandfathers, it makes everyone happy!" Get yourself a slice of rock n roll heaven with tickets from RETURNING TO THE PHILOSOPHER S LIT & PHIL As my old arts and crafts teacher at my criminally underfunded primary school used to tell me, you've got to make do with what you've got, and with The Festival of the North East reaching out to all cultural quarters there's perhaps no better example of this than at the Lit & Phil where Returning To The Philosopher's Table opens on Thursday 6th June. Since its opening in 1793, the library has been bestowed countless gifts from all corners of the globe and, as a special treat to you folks, they've asked a clutch of artists to take these historical objects and use them to turn the building's library into one huge exhibition. Dawn Felicia Knox, Irene Brown, Sally Madge, Iris Priest, Ben Lawson, Stephen Livingstone, Isabel Lima and Katy Cole, all celebrated artists in their own right, have teamed up with scientists and other experts to help create some of the richest and intriguing pieces on display in the entire festival. 200 hundred year old moths will cascade down from iron balconies, ships will pitch and heave in laboratory flasks embedded in the bookshelves, the ribbonfish will be resurrected in graphite and charcoal beneath the building's famous table, all alongside countless other wonders. 9

6 ONE OFF ONE OFF BANK HOLIDAY WOES PAUL DIXON NEWCASTLE FOOTBALL PUNDIT YAHOO.CO.UK Pop stars, as ever, dominate our pervasive celebrity culture, and in particular the antics of Canadian brat Justin Bieber. A few weeks ago he decided that during a strop, he would rather sit and play computer games than go to work. Now, I daresay we ve all had days like that, I most certainly have. The difference being of course, that parents don t have to sell body organs to pay for their kids to watch me work. Long gone are the days when rock stars really knew how to push the boat out, and the television for that matter, through a hotel window. When it came to stropping, the supreme leader was Keith Moon from The Who, who should have a British standard kite mark for his antics of excess. There was a restaurant in rural France in the 1960 s that had the dubious pleasure of hosting an evening meal featuring, amongst others, Keith Moon and Oliver Reed. To say this combination was combustible, is probably the understatement of the age. Slighted at the tardy service, they began launching restaurant furniture through the windows until their order was taken, when most people would volubly summon a waiter, and if you are English harrumph and seethe in silence. The aforementioned Oliver Reed once arrived at Galway airport on the luggage conveyor, after over imbibing on the flight. The difference between, say, the British rat pack of yore Moon, Reed, Burton, O Toole, and Bieber and his modern ilk, is that they had a genuine talent and more importantly, didn t let it affect their work. So you really need to up your game Justin lad, sitting in a room sulking isn t very rock star, it s a truculent teenager being told he s going to Grandma s for tea, and not playing out with his mates. GREEN FESTIVAL RETURNS TO LEAZES PARK FOR 19TH YEAR Newcastle s Green Festival is returning to Leazes Park this June. Created to promote environmental awareness, the festival has evolved into a two-day event with a broader programme, but still holds on to its ethical roots and community spirit. Exciting new additions this year include a Holistic Pregnancy and Parenting Tent supporting women and their partners with comfort and confidence, as well as Newcastle University s Science Buskers providing education and entertainment for all you sciency types! This year s Healing Area offers a range of therapies and techniques for natural health and harmony. The delicious food stalls will be returning with vegetarian and vegan delights from caterers such as Brown Hare Bakery, and The Cumberland Arms will be running their bar to stop you all from going thirsty! Music on the Green Stage will be brought to you by acts such QUICK QUESTION WHAT WAS YOUR WORST FASHION MISTAKE? Back in the 90s with baggy jumpers, dummy necklaces with that all important hair scrunchie! SANDRA TANG, NEWCASTLE as Diddley Squat on Saturday, offering Northumberland s finest ska/folk rock. The soulful Georgia Turnbull will open up Sunday s stage and there s plenty more besides. QUICK JOKE DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE ANGRY PANCAKE? HE JUST FLIPPED! EMMA FRENCH, 18, NORTH SHIELDS The children s area will be open all weekend to keep kids creative with craft making and storytelling acts. For those who dreamed of running away to the circus, Lunatricks will be on hand to teach real circus skills throughout the day. Green Festival takes place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June. There s loads more activities on over the weekend, head over to their website for full details THE DELICIOUS FOOD STALLS WILL BE RETURNING WITH VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN DELIGHTS FROM CATERERS SUCH AS BROWN HARE BAKERY, AND THE CUMBERLAND ARMS WILL BE RUNNING THEIR BAR! ROLL ON SPRING WITH SCRATCHBIKES The bright green bikes are back on the streets and the sun is (occasionally) shining, so make the most of the pedal-friendly weather this Spring by ditching the car and jumping back on the saddle. If you haven't signed up to the NE1 ScratchBikes city-wide cycle scheme yet, then now is time to do it. Sign up by Sunday 30th June using the promotional code SPRING13 to claim your 25 annual Everyday membership for just Roll on Spring!

7 ART STAND UP FOR IDIOTS The trouble with grown-ups is they ve forgotten how to be stupid, but if you add a little bit of lunacy to your life it can lift your spirits and amuse those around you. Why not pretend to be somebody else for the day? An eccentric aristocrat, a grumpy old curmudgeon, a Texan cowboy who can t find his horse or if you don t have all day just throw some random silliness into the mix whenever you get the chance. See how many old ladies you can get to turn around and look at you by shouting the name Jean! on the high street, pretend you can levitate while waiting for the metro, do a bit of fake market research on the preferred shape for bananas or if you really want to push the boat out then buy a boat. When somebody calls me an idiot I m proud. I am an idiot, a freak, a weirdo and a little bit funny in the head but hey, who wants to be normal? For tips on being stupid come join Seymour s Gang on the first Sunday of the month (the next one is on Sunday 2nd June) from 1pm at The Stand, High Bridge, Newcastle and if anybody asks where you re going make a noise like a chicken. SEYMOUR MACE If there's any venue that deserves the title of NE1's Most Tucked Away, it's the Amber Collective's Side Gallery and Cinema. Snugly hidden away on Side, that meandering little path that starts at the bottom of Dean Street and winds its way down to the Quayside which contains a treasure trove of bars, restaurants, and otherwise unnoticed creative spaces. Their latest offering is True/Grit, which promises to be a celebration of Northern realism through the mediums of both film and the gallery's extensive photographic collection. Whilst the lure of Northern realism might sound like an exhibition of cold mushy peas and underachieving football teams, the imagery on show comes direct from the collective s half century-spanning catalogue and displays a breathtaking array of beauty in the occasional harshness of life in the region. With the photography exhibition running until Saturday 20th July, there's an even cheerier film season celebrating the North East's range of post-thatcherite cinema running parallel. Opening on Thursday 6th June with Penny Woolcock's When The Dog Bites, the five films on show look at both the impact the former Prime Minister had on the region, as well as the lasting mark her premiership left. Whitehill Point Coal Staithes by Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen, 1974 SIDE GALLERY YOUR COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO WHAT S ON IN NEWCASTLE CITY CENTRE THIS FORTNIGHT ART PERMANENT EXHIBITIONS Sixty Glorious Years. A new exhibition that celebrates the Queen s Diamond Jubilee and shows how the region has changed. City Library, Book Gallery, Princess Square, Newcastle. UNTIL SUNDAY 30TH JUNE Dear Angel. Dear Angel is an engaging new literary artwork to be exhibited at Globe Gallery as part of the Festival of the North East. Digital artist and writer Stevie Ronnie has invited the people of the North East and beyond to write, record, tweet or film how they feel about this region- the place they call home. Contributions will take the form of a letter to the Angel of the North. Weds-Fri 11.30am-5pm. Globe Gallery, Blandford Square, Newcastle. UNTIL SATURDAY 20TH JULY True Grit: The Projection Of The North In Photography And Film. True/Grit is a celebration of northern realism and all its complex beauties. It draws on the Amber/Side collective s unique film and photographic collection, which, growing out of a 44 year on-going engagement with the North East, holds works of extraordinary truth/beauty/grit by some of the world s finest documentary photographers. The exhibition provides an opportunity to explore the ideas and assumptions that underpin the projections and presentations of northern lives and landscapes. The Side Gallery, The Side, Newcastle. UNTIL SUNDAY 2ND JUNE David Jablonowski. David Jablonowski makes work which investigates the history and potential of communication in visual culture. His sculptures, films and installations explore cultural aesthetics, display systems and information transfer, from calligraphic manuscripts to TV advertising and the world wide web. BALTIC Centre For Contemporary Art, Gateshead. SATURDAY 8TH JUNE UNTIL SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER Divine Bodies. Old Master paintings are alive with vivacious, seductive and curious figures. Divine Bodies combines exceptional European pre-1800 paintings from the Hatton, Shipley and Laing Art Gallery collections with important loans, including many exciting contemporary artworks. The exhibition ranges from historical pictures by Zurbarán, Wtewael and Procaccini to contemporary works by Cindy Sherman, Marina Abramovic and John Currin. They reveal intriguing links across the centuries, depicting themes such as idealisation and imperfection, allure and shame, and youth and ageing in relation to both male and female bodies. Laing Gallery, New Bridge Street, Newcastle. UNTIL SATURDAY 15TH JUNE Sage Vaughn & Michael Muller. Kingdom sees painter Sage Vaughn and photographer Michael Muller return to The Outsiders for another breathtaking collaborative exhibition. Last of the true romantics, Sage s dreamlike paintings contrast primal beauty of the natural world, or childhood for example against the often soulless secularism of a 21st-century existence. Michael is the world s foremost underwater photographer, yet while the photographic side of the duo s last exhibition focused entirely on sharks, Kingdom is themed around Michael s incredible shots of dry land predators. Sage paints on top of Michael s digital images, creating entrancing images that challenge conventional notions of beauty and violence. The Outsiders, Newcastle Quayside. UNTIL SUNDAY 23RD JUNE Matt Calderwood: Paper Over The Cracks. Matt Calderwood is known for his often perilous performances, sculpture and film works. Calderwood s carefully controlled sculptures rely on counterbalance and friction to keep them steady, transforming everyday household items such as buckets, wine glasses, basketballs, shovels, into something extraordinary and seemingly close to collapse. For his solo exhibition at BALTIC 39, his first in a public gallery in the UK, Calderwood will create a series of ambitious new sculptures which explore decaying and collapsing systems and the impact of environment and process on simple everyday materials. Weds-Sun 12pm-6pm, free. BALTIC 39, High Bridge, Newcastle. UNTIL THURSDAY 27TH JUNE Inventing The 21st Century. A British Library inspired event celebrating British ingenuity, in particular the contribution of North East inventors and companies. Have the opportunity to see inventions and products made in the North East and trace the journey of an idea from the first spark of inspiration to the development of a business. Newcastle City Library, Princess Square, Newcastle. UNTIL SATURDAY 29TH JUNE Moda WK In Moda WK artists Holly Antrum, Nadia Hebson and Titania Seidl respond to the legacy of little known British artist Winifred Knights ( ). Knights was the first woman painter to hold a Rome Scholarship; noted for both her meticulous draughtsmanship and her unique sense of dress, Knights represented Britain at the 1925 Paris Exposition des Arts Décoratifs. Completing just seven major works in her lifetime, her masterpiece The Deluge is held in the Tate Collection. In the mid 1930s Knights collaborated with the Swedish interior designer Rolf Engströmer and the Italian decorator Peter Malacrida on the interior decoration of Eltham Palace, the Courtauld family s Art Deco residence in South London. Moda WK explores the possibilities of subjective biography, or responding emotionally and intuitively to a person s life and work, as well as the creative significance of female friendship. Vane, First Floor, Commercial Union House, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle

8 UNTIL SUNDAY 30TH JUNE West End Stories. What s so special about the West End? What gives it its unique character? Who built the West End and what is its story? A new exhibition created with people from the West End of Newcastle seeks to answer these questions and reveals stories about life in the West End. The exhibition presents films, objects and photographs that uncover the rich and diverse heritage of the area, including photographs by the late Jimmy Forsyth, who documented city life; and objects, which reveal the West end s Roman past. Look out for our programme of talks and events to complement this exhibition. Discovery Museum, Blandford Square, Newcastle. UNTIL FRIDAY 5TH JULY Jeremy Gardiner: Unfolding Landscape. Jeremy Gardiner s paintings are effectively an artistic excavation of the geology of landscape: how it is shaped by human activity and the forces of nature. Aware of distinct geologies, he attempts to interpret the hidden subterranean realms that contain the marks and secrets of their own distant formation. University Gallery, Northumbria University, Sandyford Road, Newcastle. universitygallery UNTIL WEDNESDAY 31ST JULY Writing North East: Coalfields And Quaysides. A new exhibition at City Library explores the representation of place in North East literature. Writing North East: Coalfields and Quaysides showcases unseen material from local authors, including David Almond and Linda France, alongside literary jewels from the British Library. There s also original artwork on display, inspired by Thomas Bewick s History of Quadrupeds. Newcastle City Library, Princess Square, Newcastle. UNTIL SUNDAY 17TH NOVEMBER Painted Faces. Painted Faces is an exhibition inspired by the recent acquisition of work by internationally renowned contemporary painter Marlene Dumas, and which depicts the talented singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. This exhibition expands upon one of the main themes of Dumas work; the relationship between art and female beauty. Dumas Back To 2011 will be shown alongside other works on paper from the collection. Laing Gallery, New Bridge Street, Newcastle. CLUBS WEDNESDAY 29TH MAY Game Over Student Night: Wiggy (Dirty Pop), James Hughes (Vice City), 10.30pm, 5. Bambu Nightclub, Units 3 & 4, Grainger Quarter, Newcastle. Hipshakers, 10pm, free. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. Rebel. Digital, Times Square, Newcastle Rhythm Section Featuring Big Ron XL & Guests. Florita s, Collingwood Street, Newcastle. Quids>In, 10.30pm, 1. Bambu Nightclub, Units 3 & 4, Grainger Quarter, Newcastle. FRIDAY 31ST MAY Coolaid, 11pm, free. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. Dirty Pop, 11pm. O2 Academy, Westgate Road, Newcastle. Fabulicious Fridays, 10pm, 4/ 5. Bambu Nightclub, Units 3 & 4, Grainger Quarter, Newcastle. Jukebox, 11pm. The Other Rooms, Times Square, Newcastle. The Club over 2 floors: Resident Steven Dunn, Paris, James Vargas, James Cummings, Wayne C McDonald. Florita s, Collingwood Street, Newcastle. World HQ Uplifting Grooves, 11pm. World Headquarters, Carliol Square, Newcastle. Blush: Chris Schrouder, 10pm, 5. Bambu Nightclub, Units 3 & 4, Grainger Quarter, Newcastle. Dreamboys Show, 6.30pm, 29. Tiger Tiger, The Gate, Newcastle. www. tigertiger-newcastle.co.uk Liam Carty, Paris, James Vargas, Steve Dunn. Florita s, Collingwood Street, Newcastle. Love. Digital, Times Square, Newcastle Propaganda, 11pm. O2 Academy, Westgate Road, Newcastle. www. o2academynewcastle.co.uk LYH feat. DJ Mel, 8pm. LYH, Northumberland Road, Newcastle. World HQ Uplifting Grooves, 11pm, World Headquarters, Carliol Square, Newcastle. SUNDAY 2ND JUNE Rhythm Factory, 10pm, 3. Bambu Nightclub, Units 3 & 4, Grainger Quarter, Newcastle. MONDAY 3RD JUNE Born This Way. Digital, Times Square, Newcastle. Monday Night Reggae, 10pm, free. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. TUESDAY 4TH JUNE NE Underground, 10pm, free. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. Skates. Northumbria University Students Union, Sandyford Road, Newcastle. WEDNESDAY 5TH JUNE Game Over Student Night: Wiggy (Dirty Pop), James Hughes (Vice City), 10.30pm, 5. Bambu Nightclub, Units 3 & 4, Grainger Quarter, Newcastle. Hipshakers, 10pm, free. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. Rebel. Digital, Times Square, Newcastle Rhythm Section Featuring Big Ron XL & Guests. Florita s, Collingwood Street, Newcastle. Quids>In, 10.30pm, 1. Bambu Nightclub, Units 3 & 4, Grainger Quarter, Newcastle. FRIDAY 7TH JUNE Coolaid, 11pm, free. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. Dirty Pop, 11pm. O2 Academy, Westgate Road, Newcastle. Fabulicious Fridays, 10pm, 4/ 5. Bambu Nightclub, Units 3 & 4, Grainger Quarter, Newcastle. Jukebox, 11pm. The Other Rooms, Times Square, Newcastle. The Club over 2 floors: Resident Steven Dunn, Paris, James Vargas, James Cummings, Wayne C McDonald. Florita s, Collingwood Street, Newcastle. World HQ Uplifting Grooves, 11pm. World Headquarters, Carliol Square, Newcastle. SATURDAY 8TH JUNE Blush: Chris Schrouder, 10pm, 5. Bambu Nightclub, Units 3 & 4, Grainger Quarter, Newcastle. Dreamboys Show, 6.30pm, 29. Tiger Tiger, The Gate, Newcastle. Liam Carty, Paris, James Vargas, Steve Dunn. Florita s, Collingwood Street, Newcastle. Love. Digital, Times Square, Newcastle Propaganda, 11pm. O2 Academy, Westgate Road, Newcastle. LYH feat. DJ Mel, 8pm. LYH, Northumberland Road, Newcastle. World HQ Uplifting Grooves, 11pm, World Headquarters, Carliol Square, Newcastle. SUNDAY 9TH JUNE Rhythm Factory, 10pm, 3. Bambu Nightclub, Units 3 & 4, Grainger Quarter, Newcastle. MONDAY 10TH JUNE Born This Way. Digital, Times Square, Newcastle. Monday Night Reggae, 10pm, free. RECOMMENDS OUR PICK OF THE BEST EVENTS TAKING PLACE THIS FORTNIGHT ART Divine Bodies. Old Master paintings are alive with vivacious, seductive and curious figures. Divine Bodies combines exceptional European pre-1800 paintings from the Hatton, Shipley and Laing Art Gallery collections with important loans, including many exciting contemporary artworks. The exhibition ranges from historical pictures by Zurbarán, Wtewael and Procaccini to contemporary works by Cindy Sherman, Marina Abramovic and John Currin. They reveal intriguing links across the centuries, depicting themes such as idealisation and imperfection, allure and shame, and youth and ageing in relation to both male and female bodies. Saturday 8th June until Sunday 29th September at Laing Gallery, New Bridge Street, Newcastle. TALKS & WORKSHOPS Creative Writing Workshops With Helen Limon. Have you ever want to be a writer? Join Helen Limon, winner of the Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Award in 2012 for Om Shanti, Babe for an exclusive Creative Writing Master class for budding authors. This is a fantastic opportunity to discover what it is like to be an award-winning author, be inspired to write your own stories with exciting characters and plots and pick up top writing tips. For older children am & 2pm, 6 in addition to admission fee. Friday 31st May at Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle. COMEDY Reginald D Hunter. After the sell-out success of his Sometimes Even the Devil Tells the Truth tour, Reginald D Hunter returns to the stage with a brand new stand-up show, visiting the Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre for two nights in Sometimes controversial, but always funny, to witness Reginald D Hunter in full comedic flow is a treat indeed. Friday 31st May and Saturday 1st June at Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre, Westgate Road, Newcastle. STAGE Blood Brothers. Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It s Not True. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers, and Bill Kenwright s production. Now celebrating it s 25th Anniversary, the show continues to enjoy standing ovations at every devastating performance. 7.30pm/4pm matinee, from 12. Monday 10th until Saturday 22nd June at Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Newcastle. ONE-OFF EVENTS Launch of Redwood Whisky Bar & Bridge Restaurant. Vermont Hotel celebrate the opening of their brand new Redwood whisky bar and Bridge Restaurant. Join Britain s Got Talent 2011 winner Jai McDowell in this glittering event in association with the Teenage Cancer Trust. 6pm, free. Saturday 1st June at Vermont Hotel, Castle Garth, Newcastle. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. TUESDAY 11TH JUNE NE Underground, 10pm, free. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. www theheadofsteam.co.uk Skates. Northumbria University Students Union, Sandyford Road, Newcastle. www. mynsu.northumbria.ac.uk WEDNESDAY 12TH JUNE Game Over Student Night: Wiggy (Dirty Pop), James Hughes (Vice City), 10.30pm, 5. Bambu Nightclub, Units 3 & 4, Grainger Quarter, Newcastle

9 COMEDY WEDNESDAY 29TH MAY RED RAW FEAT. Ola, Andy Fury, 7.30pm, 2. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. THE THURSDAY SHOW FEAT. Jason Cook, Parrot, Ola, Joe Heenan, 7pm, 10. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. FRIDAY 31ST MAY David Ward, Johnny Kats, Paul B Edwards, 7pm. Hyena Comedy Club, Leazes Lane, Newcastle. Reginald D Hunter, 8pm, 23. Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre, Westgate Road, Newcastle. THE FRIDAY SHOW FEAT. Jason Cook, Parrot, Ola, Joe Heenan, 7pm, 12. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. David Ward, Johnny Kats, Paul B Edwards, 7pm. Hyena Comedy Club, Leazes Lane, Newcastle. Reginald D Hunter, 8pm, 23. Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre, Westgate Road, Newcastle. THE SATURDAY SHOW FEAT. Jason Cook, Parrot, Ola, Joe Heenan, 7pm, 15. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. SUNDAY 2ND JUNE JOHN SCOTT S NORTHUMBRIAN ASSEMBLY FEAT. Parrot, 7pm, 6. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. SEYMOUR S GANG FEAT. Seymour Mace, Gavin Webster, Ben Crompton, Alfie Joey, 1pm, 4. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. MONDAY 3RD JUNE Bill Bailey: Qualmpeddler, 8pm, Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Newcastle. Steffen Peddie s Chat Show Thing, 7pm, 3. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. TUESDAY 4TH JUNE Bill Bailey: Qualmpeddler, 8pm, Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Newcastle. WEDNESDAY 5TH JUNE Bill Bailey: Qualmpeddler, 8pm, Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Newcastle. RED RAW FEAT. The Lost Voice Guy, George Zach, 7pm, 2. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. THE THURSDAY SHOW FEAT. Neil Delamere, Marcel Lucont, JoJo Smith, 7pm, 10. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. FRIDAY 7TH JUNE Chris Ramsey: Feeling Lucky, 8pm, 16. Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Newcastle. Dave Johns, Dominic Woodward, Paul Sneddon, 7pm. Hyena Comedy Club, Leazes Lane, Newcastle. THE FRIDAY SHOW FEAT. Neil Delamere, Marcel Lucont, JoJo Smith, 7pm, 12. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. SATURDAY 8TH JUNE Chris Ramsey: Feeling Lucky, 8pm, 16. Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Newcastle. Dave Johns, Dominic Woodward, Paul Sneddon, 7pm. Hyena Comedy Club, Leazes Lane, Newcastle. THE SATURDAY SHOW FEAT. Neil Delamere, Marcel Lucont, JoJo Smith, 7pm, 15. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. SUNDAY 9TH JUNE JOHN SCOTT S NORTHUMBRIAN ASSEMBLY FEAT. Marcel Lucont, Nick Cranston, 7pm, 6. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. NEWCASTLE KIDS COMEDY CLUB FEAT. Martin Mor, 12pm, 4. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. MONDAY 10TH JUNE The Suggestibles, 7pm, 3. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. WEDNESDAY 12TH JUNE RED RAW FEAT. Kwame Asante, Matt Reed, 7pm, 2. The Stand, High Bridge Street, Newcastle. FILM TYNESIDE CINEMA PILGRIM STREET NEWCASTLE tynesidecinema.co.uk WEDNESDAY 29TH MAY BRINGING IN BABY: My Neighbour Totoro (11am) TAKE A SECOND: Lore (5.45pm) CHILDREN S FILM CLUB: My Neighbour Totoro (10.30am) LIVE VIA SATELLITE: Made Of Stone + satellite Q&A (7.30pm) STARTS FRIDAY 31ST MAY Populaire The Reluctant Fundamentalist Grave Of The Fireflies FRIDAY 31ST MAY CHILDREN S FILM CLUB: My Neighbour Totoro (10.30am) CHILDREN S FILM CLUB: London International Animation Festival Shorts For Kids (10.30am) VOTED BACK BY YOU: The Secret In Their Eyes (1.20pm) SUNDAY 2ND JUNE UK GREEN FILM FESTIVAL: Peak (12pm) BOOK CLUB: The Reluctant Fundamentalist (1.30pm) SILENT MOVIE PLUS LIVE SCORE: Steven Severin: The Cabinet Of Dr Caligari + live soundtrack (6pm) MONDAY 3RD JUNE SILVER SCREEN: Populaire (12pm) Studio Ghibli Double Bill (7.45pm) TUESDAY 4TH JUNE UK GREEN FILM FESTIVAL: Trashed (6.20pm) LANGUAGE CAFE: Populaire (6.15pm) WEDNESDAY 5TH JUNE BRINGING IN BABY: Populaire (11am) SCISCREEN: Of Time And The City + discussion (6pm) Before Sunrise (8.35pm) STARTS FRIDAY 7TH JUNE The Iceman Everybody Has A Plan Made In Stone FRIDAY 7TH JUNE PIXEL PALACE: Datarama (7.30pm) SATURDAY 8TH JUNE UK GREEN FILM FESTIVAL: More Than Honey (12.35pm) CHILDREN S FILM CLUB: The Odd Life Of Timothy Green(10.30am) SUNDAY 9TH JUNE The King Of Marvin Gardens MONDAY 10TH JUNE CULT CLASSIC: Superman II (8.35pm) TUESDAY 11TH JUNE The King Of Marvin Gardens WEDNESDAY 12TH JUNE BRINGING IN BABY: Film TBC (11am) Before Sunset (8.35pm) THE SIDE CINEMA THE SIDE, NEWCASTLE When The Dog Bites + North (7.30pm) CULTURE LAB SPACE 4/5, KINGS WALK NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY CINEMA POLITICA EMPIRE CINEMAS NEWGATE STREET, THE GATE, NEWCASTLE LYH NORTHUMBERLAND ROAD NEWCASTLE EVERY MONDAY Movies from 7pm EVERY TUESDAY Screening of comedy DVDs KIDS PERMANENT Discovery Museum. Children can enjoy hands-on water activities with Play Tyne; discover more about military history with A Soldier s Life; find out about the story of Newcastle from the Romans to the present day in Newcastle Story; experience the Science Maze fun zone; marvel at stunning ship models in Story Of The Tyne; check out the Turbinia, the fastest ship in the world, in Discovery s foyer; and explore the region s rich history of scientific invention and industrial activity in Tyneside Challenge. Discovery Museum, Blandford Square, Newcastle. Planetarium. Featuring the latest technology using high tech LED projectors and offering a choice of films and educational programmes featuring Sea Monsters, Fragile Planet, Earth Moon & Sun, Seasonal Stargazing, Infinity Express and Dawn Of The Space Age. Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle. www. twmuseums.org.uk/greatnorthmuseum 4D Motion Ride: Hover Chase. A high octane adventure during which state of the art hover bikes and their riders are pushed to their limits as they vie for pole position in a race that sees them travelling through tricky terrains and landscapes. Life Science Centre, Times Square, Newcastle. Planetarium. New production The Sun Show joins We Are Aliens and Naughty Monsters Explore The Planets at Life Science Centre s stunning Planetarium. Take a look at our nearest star, the Sun. Here on Earth its warmth and light are vital to life as we know it, but is our star really that remarkable compared to the billions of others in our galaxy? Life Science Centre, Times Square, Newcastle. EVERY DAY Story Times. Everyone enjoys a good story, so sit back, relax and enjoy Seven Stories resident storytellers to hear your favourite stories old and new am & 2pm. Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle. EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY Mini Illustrators. Dip your toe into the world of illustration and explore highlights of Seven Stories collection that show how real illustrators make their work. Have a go yourself and try out methods including print making and watercolour painting. For budding illustrators over 5 years old and their families. 3pm. Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle. EVERY MONDAY Little Story Explorers. Join Little Story Explorers for a fun-filled session in Seven Stories exhibition, A Squash And A Squeeze, Sharing Stories with Julia Donaldson. They ll show you new ways of looking at artwork, including original illustrations from The Gruffalo, Tiddler and What The Ladybird Heard. Explore the gallery and join in with an interactive storytime surrounded by your favourite characters. Ages 5 and under, 2.30pm. Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle. Little Bears Club. A club for under 5 s and their parents/carers with lots of fun, rhymes, songs and stories. The club will be a drop-in but places may be limited on the day. 10am-10.30am. Newcastle City Library, Princess Square, Newcastle. EVERY TUESDAY City Homework Club. Grid Club homework club is based on an award winning website with more than 500 fun learning activities for children aged 5 to 12. 4pm-5pm every Tuesday in term time only. Newcastle City Library, Princess Square, Newcastle. EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY Story Party. Explore a new theme each week in Story Party. Join Seven Stories in exploring the best picture books and bring them to life. Have fun with a different book-themed craft activity and imaginative games and songs each week. You are sure to find a new book you ll love every time! 10.30am (Tues) & 1.30pm (Thurs), Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle

10 EVERY THURSDAY Museum Mice. Join the Museum Mice every Thursday in the Mouse House with gallery interpreter Kathryn for stories, songs and learning through play and meet the Great North Mouse am-11.30am. Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle. WEDNESDAY 29TH MAY Little Monks Cookery Club. For all 8 to 16 year olds with a burgeoning interest in all things food, these popular sessions give kids the confidence to go at their own pace and aim to make cooking fun. 10am-3pm, 29pp per day. Blackfriars, Friars Street, Newcastle. Secrets & Spies Code Breaking Workshop. Meet Dr Maths, the Evening Chronicle s expert in code breaking, hidden patterns and magic tricks! Find out how to predict the future using just maths and delve into the secret world of spies and code breaking. This thrilling workshop will reveal the truth about secret agents and how they uncovered enemy plans, with the chance to write your own secret code. 11am. Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle. Back To Nature StoryParty. Busy bees and butterflies are invited to go back to nature in a StoryParty dedicated to everything we love about the countryside. 1.30pm. Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle. Story Time: Tales From A Northern Farm. Enjoy hearing about Floss the sheepdog and other animals from the farm in stories by wonderful local author Kim Lewis. Suitable for children aged pm-3pm, free. Newcastle City Library, Princess Square, Newcastle. UNTIL SUNDAY 2ND JUNE BALTIC s Sensory Rainbow. Come to BALTIC this half term holiday and play with a rainbow of colours. Inspired by Fabrice Hyber s exhibition, help BALTIC s family mascot Loris to discover how taste, touch, sight, sound and smell can be used to create the colours of the rainbow. 2pm-4pm, free. BALTIC Centre For Contemporary Art, Gateshead. Mystery, Magic & Midnight Feasts. Discover the great outdoors and have an adventure of your own this May Half Term as we celebrate the launch of our brand new exhibition; Mystery, Magic and Midnight Feasts, the Many Adventures of Enid Blyton. Learn how to solve the case in code cracking workshops and take your characters on an adventure in an exclusive creative writing workshop with Diverse Voices Winner, Helen Limon. Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle. UNTIL SUNDAY 3RD NOVEMBER Age Of The Dinosaurs. Prepare to be transported back in time more than 65million years where you ll come face to face withtarbosaurus, the fearsome cousin of T.rex. This exhibition combines animatronic dinosaurs, stunning imagery real fossils and dinosaur bones a must for dinosaur fans of all ages! Plus, enjoy Life s planetarium, science shows, 4D Motion Ride and Curiosity exhibition, all for one ticket price. Life Science Centre, Times Square, Newcastle. MONDAY 10TH & TUESDAY 11TH JUNE Dora The Explorer. Everyone s favourite explorer is embarking on a LIVE musical adventure. Search for the City of Lost Toys, Dora has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him! With the help of the audience, Map, Backpack, Boots, Diego and their courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys. But watch out - you never know what that sneaky fox Swiper might be up to along the way! Mon 4pm & Tues 10am & 1pm, Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre, Westgate Road, Newcastle. MUSIC WEDNESDAY 29TH MAY Folkworks: Allan Taylor & Rab Noakes, 8pm, 16. The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead www. thesagegateshead.org From Tasmania To Tyneside: A musical journey, 7.30pm, 6. The Lit & Phil, Westgate Road, Newcastle. Future Traditions: Folk Degree Final Recitals, noon. The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead Second Year Music Student Recitals feat. James Hedges, Greta Buitkute, Marcus Adams, Anna Pulpitz, 9am, free. King s Hall, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University. The Freaky Dukes, 7.30pm. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. www. theheadofsteam.co.uk The Summer Set, 7pm. O2 Academy, Westgate Road, Newcastle. FutureTraditions: Folk Degree Final Recitals, from noon, free. The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead Northern Sinfonia: Danse Concertantes, 7.30pm, The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead Second Year Music Student Recitals feat. Catherine Dalzell, Odhran McIntaggart, Catriona Gormley, Will Symington, 10.10am, free. King s Hall, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University. WaterAid Treasure Hunt, 9pm. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. FRIDAY 31ST MAY Dick Venom & The Terrortones, Dead By Dawn, Buried In Smoke, 8pm, 6. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. DJ Spen, 8pm. Hoochie Coochie, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle. Folkworks: Future Traditions: Final Year Celebration Concert, 8pm, 8. The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead Nebula, 11pm. World Headquarters, Carliol Square, Newcastle. Stephen Meakins, 1.10pm, free. The Lit & Phil, Westgate Road, Newcastle. Steve & John, 8pm, free. Living Room, Grey Street, Newcastle. Andy G, 8pm, free. Living Room, Grey Street, Newcastle. An Evening With Clive Gregson, 8pm, 12. Live Theatre, Broad Chare, Newcastle. Pale Man Made, Just Handshakes (We re British), Thousand:Litres, 7.30pm, 4. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. Pierce The Veil, Woe, Is Me, 6.30pm. O2 Academy, Westgate Road, Newcastle. SUNDAY 2ND JUNE Bobby Pattinson & Brendan Healy s Sunday Night At The City Hall feat. John Miles, Kevin Connolly, Scarlet Street, Clann na ngael, 7.30pm, Newcastle City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle. Summer of Cider Launch feat. Holy Moly & The Crackers, cider tasting & toffee apples, 3pm, 3. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. Young Classical Artists Trust: Kathryn Rudge, 11am, 16. The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead MONDAY 3RD JUNE Itchy Feet, 11pm. World Headquarters, Carliol Square, Newcastle. Megadeath, 7pm. O2 Academy, Westgate Road, Newcastle. TUESDAY 4TH JUNE Exhale, 11pm. World Headquarters, Carliol Square, Newcastle. June Fresh, 11pm. World Headquarters, Carliol Square, Newcastle. The Gentlemen, 7.30pm, 4. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. WEDNESDAY 5TH JUNE Bethia Mitchell, Paperbacks, Chris Binding, 7.30pm, 2. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. www. theheadofsteam.co.uk Soul Jam, 11pm. World Headquarters, Carliol Square, Newcastle. Audio Asylum, 11pm. World Headquarters, Carliol Square, Newcastle. Hip-Hop Shakespeare Presents: Richard II Live Tour feat. Bashy, Akala, 6pm. O2 Academy, Westgate Road, Newcastle. Joe Longthorne, 7.30pm, Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre, Westgate Road, Newcastle. Mudhoney, Meat Puppets, METZ, 7pm. O2 Academy, Westgate Road, Newcastle. FRIDAY 7TH JUNE Andy G, 8pm, free. Living Room, Grey Street, Newcastle. Lively Up feat DJ Q, 11pm. World Headquarters, Carliol Square, Newcastle. The Boiler Shop Steamer feat. Razmataz Lorry Excitement, Lionhall, Sour Mash Trio, 5.30pm, free before 6pm. The Boiler Shop, Sussex Street, Newcastle. The Polite Room live poetry & songwriters, 9.15pm. Tyneside Cinema, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle. SATURDAY 8TH JUNE Alex Butler, John Baird, Kredo, Wrist!, 7.30pm, 5. Head of Steam, Neville Street, Newcastle. Camera Obscura, 7pm, 12. Northumbria University Students Union, Sandyford Road, Newcastle. Folkworks: Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys, 8.30pm, 12. The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead Instrument Of Jah Sound System feat. IOJ & LIDJ Shiloh Sound, 10pm. World Headquarters, Carliol Square, Newcastle. James H Duo, 8pm, free. Living Room, Grey Street, Newcastle. Lee Paul Band, Deep South, Spitfire Hostels, The Waiters, Harwood Drive, 6pm. O2 Academy, Westgate Road, Newcastle. Movin Melvin Brown, 7.30pm, Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre, Westgate Road, Newcastle. The Boiler Shop Steamer, 12pm, free before 6pm. The Boiler Shop, Sussex Street, Newcastle. The Lindisfarne Story feat. The Billy Mitchell Band & Ray Laidlaw, 7.30pm, Newcastle City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle. SUNDAY 9TH JUNE BBC Sunday Morning: Christian Ihle Hadland, 11am, 11. The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead Ed Harcourt, Catherine AD, 8pm, The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead Northern Sinfonia: The Romantic Symphony 4, 7.30pm, The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead MONDAY 10TH JUNE Folkworks: Habadekuk, 8pm, 12. The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead Joe Satriani, 7.30pm, Newcastle City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle. Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Los Lobos, 7.30pm, from 35. Metro Radio Arena, Arena Way, Newcastle. TUESDAY 11TH JUNE The Magnets: All This Time, 8pm, The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead The Moody Blues, 8pm, Newcastle City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle. Todd Rundgren s Official State Visit, 7.30pm, The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead WEDNESDAY 12TH JUNE Elvis Costello & The Imposters, 8pm, The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead www. thesagegateshead.org Gwyneth Herbert The Sea Cabinet Tour 2013, 8pm, The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead Lisa Stansfield, 7.30pm, Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre, Westgate Road, Newcastle. STAGE WEDNESDAY 29TH MAY UNTIL SATURDAY 15TH JUNE Brilliant Adventures. Nineteen-yearold science genius Luke finally has some peace to work on the extraordinary box in his living room, 18 19

11 holed up in a dingy flat on a near abandoned Middlesbrough housing estate. After his unbalanced brother Rob introduces him to a wealthy out-of-towner with designs on his invention, they re thrown into a dangerous world that threatens to tear the brothers apart and possibly the universe itself Brilliant Adventures is a fast paced tale of brotherhood, addiction and breaking the laws of physics. Live Theatre, Broad Chare, Newcastle. FRIDAY 31ST MAY & The Firework Maker s Daughter. Based on Philip Pullman s novel follow Lila as she desperately wants to be a Firework-Maker, from The Opera Group and Opera North Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle. UNTIL Birds Of A Feather. One of BBC TV s most popular and fondly-remembered sitcoms comes to the stage with all three of its original leading cast members, Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph. Birds Of A Feather ran on BBC for nearly ten years throughout the 1990s becoming a massive hit right from the word go and remains not only a classic comedy but also, as a female-centred long-running series, a truly rare gem. And now the three stars of the TV series are re-united on stage to re-create their adored characters, sisters Sharon Theodopolopoudos and Tracy Stubbs and their sex-mad neighbour, Dorien Green, in a brand-new show created especially for the theatre. 7.30pm, from 9. Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Newcastle. TUESDAY 4TH UNTIL A Wondrous Place. Theatre makers with a passion for the North have come together to create four brand new short stories. Part of Festival of the North East Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle. WEDNESDAY 6TH JUNE Under The Microscope. The tiniest detail can unearth the biggest secret Under the Microscope, we see things in a different light. Meet Dr Novak: a highly respected and gifted forensic pathologist whose work has changed the course of justice countless times. But this time, it s her world and everything she has come to understand that is about to change forever. Inspired by a love of crime drama, developed with a team of forensic scientists and puppeteers, this highly visual piece of theatre will take you to places darker than you could ever imagine... 8pm, 5. Live Theatre, Broad Chare, Newcastle. FRIDAY 7TH JUNE Any Good Thing. Take a kaleidoscopic journey through the folksongs of the Northlands, from the stark realism and gallows humour of 19th century mining communities, to the fantastical epics and bloodcurdling ballads of the mythical mediaeval North. Told with energy, humour, music and song, Any Good Thing dives below the surface to find out what makes a good folk-tale tick. 7.45pm, 8.50/ Theatre Royal Studio, Grey Street, Newcastle. FRIDAY 7TH & SATURDAY 8TH JUNE Brown Bird. One woman. One secret. And One Direction. Brown Owl Beth is the model Brown Owl. She s selfless, sensible and everyone comes second to her sixes. But when ten year old Phoebe becomes the new addition to her proud nest, Beth s commitment to a good deed every day is tested to breaking point. Because Brown Owl Beth brings about a chain of events from which her community may never recover, one which may leave this Brown Owl with more than broken wings. 8pm, 8. Live Theatre, Broad Chare, Newcastle. FRIDAY 7TH UNTIL SUNDAY 9TH JUNE Queen & Ben Elton s We Will Rock You. The awesome stage show visits Newcastle, featuring some of Queen s most famous songs. 7.30pm, from Metro Radio Arena, Arena Way, Newcastle. MONDAY 10TH UNTIL SATURDAY 22ND JUNE Blood Brothers. Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It s Not True. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers, and Bill Kenwright s production. Now celebrating it s 25th Anniversary, the show continues to enjoy standing ovations at every devastating performance. 7.30pm/4pm matinee, from 12. Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Newcastle. TUESDAY 11TH UNTIL SATURDAY 15TH JUNE For The Love Of Mrs Brown. For The Love Of Mrs Brown is part four of the hilarious series written by and starring Brendan O Carroll. The new tour follows the phenomenal success of BAFTA Award Winning Serial Comedy Mrs Brown s Boys on BBC One. Showing a small slice of life for Agnes Brown as she deals with Granddad s Viagra addiction, her flamboyant hairdresser son and his partner s bickering, her daughter willing to go under the knife to get a man s attention, not to mention the appearance of Superheroes in her own home! - All this while she tries to find herself a date for Valentine s Day. 7.30pm, from Metro Radio Arena, Arena Way, Newcastle. TUESDAY 11TH JUNE Treasure Island. Presented by Radio Revellers. 7pm, 10/ 8. The Lit & Phil, Westgate Road, Newcastle. TALKS/ WORKSHOPS EVERY MONDAY Hot Yoga Level pm-9.30pm. Newcastle Buddhist Centre, Carliol Square, EVERY TUESDAY Shared Reading Group. Meeting on a weekly basis to read aloud and talk about short stories and poems and novels. 6pm-7.45pm. Newcastle City Library, Princess Square, Newcastle. EVERY WEDNESDAY Hot Yoga Level. 12pm-1pm. Newcastle Buddhist Centre, Carliol Square, Newcastle Hot Yoga Level 1/2. 7pm-8.30pm. Newcastle Buddhist Centre, Carliol Square, WEDNESDAY 29TH MAY, 5TH, 12TH & 19TH JUNE Acrylic Painting. Narbi Price will lead an in depth introduction to painting with acrylics covering surface preparation, colour theory and composition, painting techniques and mediums. Working from a variety of sources on a range of supports. Whether you re a beginner or a professional, the tuition is tailored to the individual. All materials and refreshments are provided. 6pm-9pm, 4x3 hour sessions 95. Newcastle Arts Centre, Westgate Road, Newcastle. www. newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk Life Drawing. Narbi Price will lead this four week course. Using a range of provided media and materials, this course aims to provide an in depth introduction to a selection of Life Drawing practices. 4x3 hour sessions 95. Course fee includes all materials and refreshments. Newcastle Arts Centre, Westgate Road, Newcastle. Things I Will Put In My Mother s Pocket. Catherine Graham launches her new poetry collection. 7pm, free. The Lit & Phil, Westgate Road, Newcastle. FRIDAY 31ST MAY Creative Writing Workshops With Helen Limon. Have you ever want to be a writer? Join Helen Limon, winner of the Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Award in 2012 for Om Shanti, Babe for an exclusive Creative Writing Master class for budding authors. This is a fantastic opportunity to discover what it is like to be an award-winning author, be inspired to write your own stories with exciting characters and plots and pick up top writing tips. For older children am & 2pm, 6 in addition to admission fee. Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle. SATURDAY 1ST, 8TH, 15TH JUNE Art Classes For Adults. Introductory and developing art skills classes with artist Simon Terry. Each week he will demonstrate a different technique and provide you with step by step skills for creating your own masterpiece. 1pm-3pm, 20 each or 50 for all 3. Laing Gallery, New Bridge Street, Newcastle. Soho Theatre s Verity Bargate Award Workshop. In conjunction with the competition, Soho Theatre s Artistic team will be leading workshops around the UK. Live Theatre s workshop will be led by Nadine Rennie. Through exercises, discussion and advice, this session will help to refresh your writing process and encourage you to see work from a new perspective. Covering character, narrative, style and structure we ll aim to provide you with the tools you need to write a play fit for the VBA. They welcome writers of all levels and at any stage in their writing process. 2pm, free but booking essential. Live Theatre, Broad Chare, Newcastle. Behind The Scenes Tours. This is a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes at the Great North Museum: Hancock in the Resource Centre, where thousands of artefacts from the Museum s collections not currently on display are held. 10am-12pm, free. Discovery Museum, Blandford Square, Newcastle. Bread Making For Beginners. Let Blackfriars master baker show you just how easy it is to make proper artisan bread that is both delicious and nutritious you ll never go back to shop-bought again! 10am-4pm, 75pp incl lunch, wine, coffee and various breads to take home. Blackfriars, Friars Street, Newcastle. SUNDAY 2ND JUNE Family Hang. Hang upside down and explore the aerial kit at Dance City. Try the trapeze, silks, cacoon and hoop at this workshop for children aged 3-12 and their families. You will play together, learn new skills and practice how to support each other using specialist equipment. 10am-12pm, 15. Dance City, Temple Street, Newcastle. Waackin Workshop. Waackin was born during the 70s in LA, into underground and generally ostracised communities. As a result it is a dance of passion, soul and drama pm-3pm, 15. Dance City, Temple Street, Newcastle. Vogue Workshop. From cat walking to striking a pose all elements of the style will be brought together and detailed in this workshop. 3.30pm-5pm, 15. Dance City, Temple Street, Newcastle. TUESDAY 4TH JUNE Julia Weatherall. Lecture. After Emily Women And The Law. 6pm, free. The Lit & Phil, Westgate Road, Newcastle. Exploring Music: Who Was Edward Elgar? From humble working class beginnings, Elgar went on to establish himself as one of Britain s leading composers. In the week of his birth, join Jeremy Dibble, Professor of Music at Durham University, as he introduces you to the musical enigma that is Edward Elgar. 7pm, 7. The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead Ladies 1st Tuesday Lunch Club. Glass of fizz, demo, 3 course lunch, wine and coffee for just 25pp. 11am. Blackfriars, Friars Street, Newcastle. IT Taster. Are you over 50 and want to learn how to send s, manage files and use the internet? Join the Silver Surfers am-11.30am, free. Newcastle City Library, Princess Square, Newcastle. Enid Blyton: First Look Tour. Did you know that Seven Stories is custodian of a nationally important archive of children s literature, illustrations and manuscripts including the largest collection of Enid Blyton material in the UK? Learn about the history of Seven Stories, view rare and unseen treasures from our Collection and take part in a unique white glove experience with some of the highlights from Seven Stories archive. Meet the expert team who bring the Collection to life, ask questions and find out how we ensure that our illustrations and manuscripts are safe guarded for future generations. 1.30pm. 10pp incl admission fee. Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle

12 Creative Writing Showcase. With Newcastle University s Creative Writing Students free event, just turn up! 1pm. Room 2.98, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University. True North: Literature And The Region. An evening of discussion and celebration of the region s literature with three of the region s most celebrated writers Lee Hall, Val McDermid and Sean O Brien. 7pm, free. Hatton Gallery, Newcastle Unversity. SATURDAY 8TH, 15TH, 22ND, 29TH JUNE & 6TH JULY Reptiles Of The North East. In this five session course you will learn about the reptiles of the UK, with an emphasis on the North East. You will discover how to identify them and where they can be found and will learn about how to help conserve them. Includes three outdoor classes am, 42. Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle. SUNDAY 9TH JUNE Illustration Masterclass With John Lawrence. Join award-winning illustrator and wood engraver, John Lawrence for an exclusive illustration master class focusing on his unusual creative techniques. Plus special guest Chris Daunt, the UK s only block maker.this is an exclusive opportunity for aspiring illustrators to find out more about wood engraving and how John uses this technique to bring children s books to life. Suitable for ages 15 and over. 9.30am-4pm, 35pp including lunch. Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle. TUESDAY 11TH JUNE Exploring Music: Classical Music At The Movies. What do Beethoven and Carl Orff have in common with Die Hard and the X Factor? They composed the soundtracks or part of it. Classical music is regularly used in the soundtracks of your favourite films, adverts and TV shows, but did you know who wrote the music and where it comes from? Grab your popcorn as classical music and film enthusiast Stephen Waller introduces you to some classical film composers. 7pm, 7. The Sage Gateshead, St Marys Square, Gateshead WEDNESDAY 12TH JUNE John Singer Sargent. With Gail Nina Anderson. John Singer Sargent was American-born but artistically international, a fin de siecle portrait painter who lent a gloss and glamour 22 to sitters from the aristocracy, the stage and the fashionable social world, old money and new. His swiftly executed watercolours, however, demonstrate a lighter touch and a fresh approach deriving less from academic Old Master traditions than from Impressionist innovations, while the work he produced during World War I exhibits a compassionate response to a world in upheaval. 6pm, 5. University Gallery, Northumbria University, Sandyford Road, Newcastle. UNTIL THURSDAY 27TH JUNE Writing Britain With The British Library. Rachel Foss, British Library Curator, will talk about the star items kindly loaned by the British Library for the Writing North East exhibition, followed by a guided tour which will start in meeting room 8, level 6 at City Library. 2pm, free. Newcastle City Library, Princess Square, Newcastle. ONE-OFF EVENTS Newcastle City Centre Pub Treasure Hunt. Solve the clues, find the pubs, collect treasure and stand to win prizes! A social treasure hunt around Newcastle. In aid of WaterAid. 6pm-10pm, registration between 6pm-7pm, teams of 4-6 people, 4pp. Starting at Tilley s Bar, Westgate Road, Newcastle Gowns And Grazers. Vintage fashion show. 2pm, free. Living Room, Grey Street, Newcastle. Launch of Redwood Whisky Bar & Bridge Restaurant. Vermont Hotel celebrate the opening of their brand new Redwood whisky bar and Bridge Restaurant. Join Britain s Got Talent 2011 winner Jai McDowell in this glittering event in association with the Teenage Cancer Trust. 6pm, free. Vermont Hotel, Castle Garth, Newcastle. Malmaison Wine Dinner. Delicato Wine Dinner, Monterey, California USA. A fabulous experience for true foodies and beginners alike each event is themed around a different country and partnered with a winery. The evening includes a specially created four-course menu with matching wine pairings. Malmaison Brasserie, Newcastle Quayside. WEDNESDAY 12TH JUNE Psychic Event With Suzanne Gill. Stall holders & private readers 5pm-7pm, tickets 5pp or hot buffet, glass of bubbly and show 11pp. G Casino, St James Boulevard, Newcastle. newcastle LAST WORD... Knowing the region as we do, we re always hesitant to jump two footed into the glistening pool of summer, as experience tells us that no sooner have we blown up our arm bands than a bizarre monsoon season sneaks up on us. You re not missed, But if there s one time of the year we simply can t restrain ourselves, when we recklessly throw off the shackles of the overcoat and consign the umbrella to the darkest part of the cupboard, it s the middle of June. Why you ask? Because that s when VAMOS! Festival returns, and if the sights, smells and sounds of all the region s Spanish and Portuguese speaking cultures can t convince you it s summer, absolutely nothing can. Plus, we ll be having a family day out at Northern Stage, and giving you a gentle reminder that it s Father s Day. Not that you d forgotten. For more visit getintonewcastle.co.uk NEXT ISSUE IS OUT 11 JUNE 2013 Enjoy a lifestyle test drive. Your car is a big part of your life, so why should test driving it be such a small part of the process? We think you should go away and live with it. At Benfield, with 14 brands to choose from, we want to make sure you get the car that s right for you. That s why we let you take it away, see if it goes in your garage, and whether the dog fits in the back. It s only by taking the time to get to know each other that you ll discover if you re right for each other. Benfield. Enjoy the journey. Terms & Conditions apply.

13 BY ARRANGEMENT His presence and intelligence make him one of the most brilliantly unpredictable comics in the country. The Sunday Times WITH MANDY WARD ARTIST MANAGEMENT 31 May & 1 June Tickets also available through In the Midst of Crackers LIVE on DVD Nov 2013