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What's on in Newcastle/Gateshead

Jan/Feb/Mar

We could all do with a laugh at the start of January and happily this is now easier thanks to the opening of The Stand Comedy Club in the former derelict basement of 31 Highbridge, which offers Newcastle folk and visitors the chance to have a chuckle six nights a week. Upcoming acts at the club, which originated in Edinburgh, include Sarah Millican, Mark Thomas, Alun Cochrane and Fred MacAulay. As an added bonus, the on-site bistro offers locally sourced, seasonal, home-cooked food at very reasonable prices.

Also guaranteed to put a smile on your face in January is NE1 Restaurant Week, when you can sample fare from some of the city’s finest eateries for only £10 per person (23-29 January).

Running throughout the season, the city’s Active 500 is an initiative inspired by the London Olympics to get people involved in sports as varied as trampolining, wheelchair rugby and Tae Kwon Do.

In the Limelight: Newcastle’s Theatrical History

4 February - 16 September

This exhibition at the Discovery Museum to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Newcastle’s Theatre Royal explores the fascinating histories behind five of the city’s theatres: Journal Tyne Theatre, Live Theatre, Northern Stage, People’s Theatre and Theatre Royal.

www.twmuseums.org.uk/discovery

Sting

5 February

The Geordie musician kicks off his Back to Bass European tour in his hometown, performing hit songs from his impressive 25-year solo career, as well as a selection of The Police’s greatest hits.

thesagegateshead.org

The King's Speech

12 - 17 March

One of the most successful films of 2011, telling the story of King George VI’s debilitating stammer and reluctant rise to the throne, was inspired by David Seidler’s stage play, which now enjoys a revival, directed by Adrian Noble and starring Charles Edwards, Jonathan Hyde, Joss Ackland and Emma Fielding.

theatreroyal.co.uk

5 things to see and do in Newcastle

North East Art Collective

Ten galleries showcasing over 1,000 works by over 80 artists should satisfy the most ardent art lover. See watercolours from Alan Reed and Ray Campbell, oils from Walter Holmes and Kevin Day and photography from Alexander Perry. And, as the gallery is situated in Eldon Garden Shopping Centre, any non-art lovers can pop out and admire the shops instead.
Newcastle City Library

As well as a great collection of fiction, music and movies, computers and local studies, the airy, state-of-the-art, six-storey building—which is named after Charles Avison, the 18th-century Newcastle composer—features a spacious marble-floored atrium, viewing platform, 185-seat performance space, café and exhibition area.
The Chapter House Glass Gallery

Opened in 2011 by glass artist Jane Charles, this is the only independent hot glass studio in the North-East. Using traditional methods, Jane produces stunning perfume bottles, paperweights, vases, bowls and sculptural work, which are displayed in this gallery within the beautiful surroundings of the 13th-century former friary, Blackfriars.
Saltwell Park

The enchanting Gateshead park, stretching across 55 acres, dates from 1876. Attractions to enjoy include ornamental and woodland gardens, a boating lake, sports facilities, bowling greens, play areas, an animal house, a maze and the beautiful Victorian Saltwell Towers. A free spring show takes place in April.
Bede’s World

Learn about the Anglo-Saxon way of life in Northumbria at this fascinating attraction near Jarrow, which has replica buildings made of wattle and daub, a demonstration farm with animals such as Hilda the wild boar and Bluey the goat, a herb garden full of culinary and medicinal varieties, and a permanent exhibition about the monk Bede.

Near the station

Pretty Green, 124 Grainger Street, NE1 5AF

Liam Gallagher’s men’s clothing range consists of Green Label - a casual selection of polo shirts, parkas, knitware; Black Label - a more classically tailored line, and a capsule collection designed by Paul Weller.

Grainger Market, Grainger Street, NE1 5QQ

The city’s largest traditional market, housed in a classically styled building, sells mainly meat and vegetables, with a good selection of game. It’s also home to the Marks and Spencer Original Penny Bazaar, the world’s smallest M&S.

Attica Vintage, 2 Old George Yard, NE1 1EZ

Fabulous vintage finds from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s - not just clothing but original furniture and décor - are squirreled away in a treasure trove of a store housed in a converted stable. A real treat for lovers of retro.

David Kennedy’s Food Social, The Biscuit Factory, Shieldfield, NE2 1AN

The stylish restaurant set within Britain’s biggest commercial art gallery is presided over by Andrew Wilkinson, a former North-East Chef of the Year, who serves good, honest food such as Asian-spiced duck confit, seared black bream and Northumberland cheese soufflé.

Big Mussel, 15 The Side, Newcastle Quayside, NE1 3JE

A great place to indulge in Belgian mussels, fries and beer, as well as more intricate dishes such as pan-seared swordfish, Northumbrian lobster and scallops with black pudding. Most nights you can also enjoy live jazz, blues and Latin music.

The Silk Room Champagne Bar & Restaurant, Trinity Gardens, Newcastle Quayside, NE1 2HF

Treat yourself to a romantic, candlelit dinner at this sophisticated restaurant serving classic modern cuisine. Specialities include the Kobe Wagyu burger, kangaroo steak with port and caramelised pears, and local whole lobster with garlic butter sauce.

Crown Posada, 31 The Side, NE1 3JE

Possibly Newcastle’s most famous watering hole, which was allegedly bought by a Spanish sea captain for his mistress, the pub regularly receives CAMRA accolades. Take a pew, listen to the house gramophone and savour a variety of cask ales.

Sam Jacks, The Gate Complex, Newgate Street, NE1 5TG

Not for shrinking violets, this bar is big on fun, with a mechanical rodeo bull, three stages with podium dancers and the notorious dentist’s chair where party games are staged. Ideal for hen and stag parties, it is open all day and night on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Head of Steam, 2 Neville Street, NE1 5EN

Across the road from Newcastle’s Central Station, this much-loved pub, with its unusual layout (a vaulted bar in the basement, a cosy upstairs bar, and precious little on the ground floor) hosts regular live music nights showcasing up-and-coming local bands.

The Lit & Phil, 23 Westgate Road, NE1 1SE

The Literary and Philosophical Society, housed in a Grade II-listed building, is the largest independent library outside London, housing over 150,000 books. Visit the magnificent reading rooms or attend events such as book launches, readings, concerts and workshops.

Life Science Centre, Times Square, NE1 4EP

An adventure playground for curious minds, the centre has the region’s biggest planetarium, a motion ride, live science shows and lots of fascinating interactive exhibits, plus an annual ice skating rink.

Newcastle Quayside, NE1

Walk down to the river and Quayside to enjoy impressive views towards the Tyne Bridge, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, The Sage and BALTIC. You can see the Millennium Bridge “tilt” - to allow boats to pass—at around noon most days from May to September.