Tourism and travel

After a successful sold-out tour last year, with the added double whammy of a hugely popular three-day festival, Fake Festivals is returning to Tynemouth on Saturday 2nd May at Percy Park  Rugby Club with another rocking line-up.

Once again, the UK’s only touring tribute festival will be kicking the season off as Tynemouth Fake Festival plays host to an amazing line-up of local support bands and headlining tribute bands. Tributes to Green Day, Bon Jovi and the Arctic Monkeys will be smashing up the main stage, bringing the festival spirit with their uncanny likeness and voices.

“We were completely overwhelmed last year as the festival sold out a full four weeks before the day itself,” says Bec Evans, License holder for Tynemouth Fake Festival.

“Tynemouth is our longest running event here in the North East and is increasing in popularity year on year as word is spreading about the fun to be had at a Fake Festivals. Early sales are ahead of last year’s and we’re incredibly excited about our show in 2015. We’ve been working tirelessly all year to scout and confirm five super talented local bands to support our debuting tributes & we’re pretty sure you’ll all be blown away with the quality of music we’ll be showcasing.”

Early bird tickets are on sale already until 2nd April and are priced as: 

      ·      Adult £17.00

      ·      Young Person (10-17years) £8.50

      ·      Family (2 x adult 2 x Young Person) £43.00

      ·      Children 0-9 years FREE

“We always look at trying to offer more to our loyal followers, and again this year when you buy your Tynemouth Fake Festival ticket, it will give you free entry and camping to our three-day Big Fake Festival, so you get four days of live music for the price of one,” continues Bec.

The North East will play host to its own mini Fake Festivals tour with two other dates confirmed. Thanks to Bec and the success of Fake Festivals in the North East, there will be festivals in Chester-Le-Street and Whickham again, as well as Tynemouth.

“We had a fantastic summer in 2014, we’re genuinely overwhelmed at how popular the events have become here in the North East & we’re thrilled to announce we’ll be continuing our Fake Festivals adventure this year by returning to Tynemouth, Whickham and Chester Le Street,” says Bec.

“The whole essence of a Fake Festival is to bring an incredible festival vibe to the heart of thriving communities while at the same time supporting other local businesses and traders. Our plan is to make the experience accessible to everyone in the North East by having annual festivals in safe and easy to get to areas.”

Tickets can be purchased directly through the Fake Festivals website at www.fakefestivals.co.uk. Don’t forget to register for your free ticket to The Big Fake Festival in September after your purchase.

“This festival is always sold out every year, so I would urge people to buy tickets early,” continues Bec. “Not only will this guarantee you entry, but it will also save you some pennies if you buy at the early bird price.”

For more information and ticket sales, please visit www.fakefestivals.co.uk

A Live Theatre production in association with Newcastle Theatre Royal.

Following a sell-out run at Live Theatre, this highly acclaimed production comes to the Theatre Royal for one week only!

Journeying in time and space along the banks of the river,Tyne maps the epic history, atmosphere and soul of this mighty river in story, music and images.

Originally commissioned as part of Live Theatre’s 40th birthday celebrations, the play dramatizes extracts from Michael Chaplin’s book Tyne View, woven together with stories from Tom Hadaway, Julia Darling, Alan Plater and Sid Chaplin, some of the greatest writers from the North East.

Tyne features live music inspired by the river compiled by the show’s musical director, Kathryn Tickell, including from Sting’s most recent album,The Last Ship, songs written by Jimmy Nail, Alex Glasgow and traditional tunes. Tyne draws on stories from the people Michael met on his journey walking the tidal length of river Tyne in 2011 as Port of Tyne’s writer-in-residence, recorded in his book Tyne View.

The show includes original cast members Phil Corbitt, Paul Dodds, Jane Holman, Zoe Lambert and Assad Zaman who are joined by Nicholas Lumley (The Pitmen Painters and Close the Coalhouse Door) and Zita Frith (A Northern Odyssey).

Please note: Recommended age 12+, some swearing.

Image: courtesy of Side Gallery.

Post Show Talk – Tue 4 Mar

Friends’ Coffee morning – Sat 8 Mar

Tickets from £12. A booking fee of £1.45 per ticket will apply to online transactions, click here for details.

Book early and we guarantee you will pay the lowest price for your tickets! We reserve the right to change prices. Become a Friend of the Theatre Royal and your prices will never change.

Why not treat yourself to High Tea with a pianist in the Upper Circle after the Thursday Matinee? Only £10.95, please book via the Box Office.

A top North East hotel is making Mothering Sunday magnificent by offering fine food and pampering in sumptuous surroundings.

Seaham Hall, at Seaham, County Durham, is inviting children of all ages to treat their mothers to celebratory Champagne afternoon tea on Saturday 29 March or a special Sunday lunch on Sunday 30 March.

Those booking the afternoon tea can enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches and an assortment of cakes, pastries and scones, served with a choice of speciality teas along with a chilled glass of Taittinger Champagne, between 1pm and 4pm.

The following day, Mothering Sunday lunch – created by the hotel’s culinary director Martin Blunos - will be served between noon and 3.30pm, with diners able to choose from a range of starters, main courses and desserts, along with traditional Sunday roasts.

The five-star hotel, voted Small Hotel of the Year at the North East England Tourism Awards 2013, is also home to the award-winning Serenity Spa, which offers a wide range of Darphin and Elemis treatments.

Gift vouchers for the Serenity Spa and hotel are available in a variety of denominations and can be purchased from the Spa Reception and redeemed against any of the treatments and packages for the perfect, pampering, Mothers’ Day present.

A mesmeric thriller, Lucy Bailey’s acclaimed production of Dial M For Murder returns to the stage following its hugely successful premiere in 2009. Frederick Knott’s suspenseful murder mystery is showing at Newcastle Theatre Royal, 18 – 22 March.

Made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film version, Dial M For Murder tells the story of the cold and calculating Tony Wendice who is convinced his wife is having an affair. He sets out to plan and execute the perfect murder ... until it falters in the most unexpected way. Claustrophobic and frightening, Lucy Bailey's exciting production reclaims this brilliant and erotic tale of betrayal, passion and ultimately, murder.

Christopher Timothy plays the role of Inspector Hubbard. Actor, television director and writer, Christopher is best known for his TV roles as James Herriott in All Creatures Great and Small and as Mac McGuire in BBC’s long-running daytime show Doctors. Stepping into the shoes of Grace Kelly in Hitchcock’s film, Kelly Hotten plays the role of Sheila Wendice. Other roles are played by Daniel Betts (Tony Wendice), Philip Cairns (Max Halliday), and Robert Perkins (Captain Lesgate).

Frederick Knott wrote a number of stage plays, of which Dial M For Murder was the first and probably his most successful. He also wrote the screenplay for the 1954 Hitchcock film which starred Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and John Williams.

Director Lucy Bailey’s directing credits include The Postman Always Rings Twice in the West End & a number of productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company including The Taming of the Shrew, The Winter’s Tale & Julius Caesar which also transferred to New York. Bailey has worked for many of the country’s leading theatre and opera companies including the Royal National Theatre, Glyndebourne Opera and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

For those looking for an alternative gift this Mother’s Day, why not head to Six restaurant for Afternoon Tea at one of the regions leading restaurants. Six at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art offers an exquisite Afternoon Tea overlooking one of the best views in town.

Afternoon Tea is served in Six’s Viewing Box, located at the front of the international art gallery and the views are simply breathtaking. With its floor to ceiling windows, the viewing box frames the sights of The Sage Gateshead, the River Tyne and its famous bridges.

The enticing cake stand of treats includes a selection of seasonal Finger Sandwiches and sweet miniatures including Banoffee Trifle and Treacle Tart as well as Fruit Scones with delicious local jam and clotted cream.

Afternoon Tea is available every day from 12noon until 4.00pm. Classic Afternoon Tea, served with organic tea or coffee is £14.95. Champagne Afternoon Tea is £19.95 or guests can choose a cocktail from Six’s extensive menu for £22.95.

To book, contact the restaurant on 0191 440 4948, email eat@sixbaltic.com or book online at www.sixbaltic.com.

For those looking for a special gift for a loved one, Six also has Afternoon Tea Gift Vouchers. They are available from the Six during restaurant hours or from BALTIC SHOP online at www.balticmill.com/shop

FRESH, an artist led initiative is a platform for sharing and discussing work in the early stages of development.

An artist led initiative based at Dance City, FRESH is an open forum for sharing and discussing new work. Artists may present work at an early stage of development in an informal studio setting.

FRESH is designed to bridge the gap between what happens in the studio and on the stage, to provide opportunity for experimentation, and to foster discussion of new work.

The event is organised by Hannah Marshall and Rachel Jean Birch, two dance artists based in the North East region. FRESH is a platform created for artists to build the foundations of new dance work, and to champion the work of artists in the region and further afield. FRESH takes place 3 times per year.

www.freshnortheast.com

Whether you’re looking for an introduction to Burlesque or to expand on what you already know, our Classical Burlesque Workshops are fun for women of all ages, shapes and sizes, and will not only see you immersed in the beauty of the burlesque art-form, but they are also a perfect way to build self confidence and make new friends in the process.

Burlesque is all about women feeling fabulous about themselves, regardless of age, shape or dancing ability.

Seduction is not dead and buried, in fact it's very much alive and kicking those boundaries down with a very big stiletto heel!

Burlesque dancing encourages women to push their own boundaries, which in turn increases their self-esteem and leaves them feeling fabulous.

Etrois, have taken their inspiration from the likes of Dita von Tease, Sally Rand and Immodesty Blaize, to create this Classical Burlesque Workshop as an introduction to the glamour and sex appeal of Burlesque.

The Classical Burlesque Workshop will teach basic moves and poses, and techniques for revealing, before putting the techniques you've learned into practice in a burlesque routine which you’ll learn as a class.

We would like to request that you bring some props with you so that you can get the most out of your Classical Burlesque Workshop.
Please bring:
• An extra bra
• An extra pair of large knickers/shorts/slip/or skirt
• A robe (something boudoir, not flannelette)
• Stockings (these can be hold-ups or stockings, but if you are wearing stockings please bring your garter belt as well. Please do not bring your favourite pair of stockings as they are likely to get laddered)
• High heeled shoes (not skyscrapers please. You need to be comfortable, so a court heel would be perfect)
• Gloves (preferably long gloves with fingers please)
• Nipple Tassels (these are optional, but if you would like to have a go with nipple tassels you are welcome to bring these to the workshop and we will incorporate tassel twirling into the training section)

NB. If you do not have one or several of the items listed above, please do not panic as you can always use your imagination. Your workshop experience will be better however if you are able to get completely involved in the teachings and having the correct props facilitates this.

You are encouraged to get as dressed up as you would like to. Burlesque is all about embracing the beauty of the female form, and we’d like you to feel that you can attend your Classical Burlesque Workshop as pin-up/vintage as you would like to. Please don’t forget however that you will need to be able to move around, bend and obviously breathe, so if you find flexibility difficult in certain garments (like corsets for example) please feel free to bring them, but have an alternative garment with you in case you need to change.

A unique and challenging workshop in which you will use trapeze, aerial hoop, cocoon and rope building strength and technique.

You will work in a small group with people of similar experience. After a warm up with special attention to backs, necks, hands and forearms your group will rotate around the 4 pieces of aerial kit. You will learn good technique, new skills and has time to practice. These Hang Aerial workshops are suitable for all levels and abilities.

End of Loneliness is choreographer Tim Rushden's interpretation of an Asian wedding ritual. It’s a fast paced and beautiful piece of work which will delight audiences.

Riverside is an intimate and reflective encounter of our relationship to life, with inspiration and poetry of Danish singer and songwriter Agnes Obel.

Great dancing and beautiful choreography from one of Scandinavia's best performers.

Post-performance Talk
Feel free to stay after this show for a post show talk and hear the dancers and choreographer talk about their work.

Tweet Seats
Book a seat where you can keep your mobile on (in silent) and tweet about the show you are watching while it is happening. To book your tweet seat contact the Ticket Office.

New for 2014 Ouseburn Open Studio venues are opening their doors for Spring to offer very special prices for end of line collections and one off works. This one day only event is a fantastic opportunity to purchase affordable art, craft and design with outstanding pieces of original work not available on the high street.

Just ahead of Mothers Day or just in time for those summer weddings, find or commission that special piece. Or why not learn a new craft and create work yourself or buy a course as a gift for someone?  Many venues offer exciting workshops and courses for individuals of all levels of expertise and knowledge, from beginners to professionals and from jewellery making to print making and will be offering the chance for you to try your hand during the Salon Sale event. So get involved, bring your family and come along for a day of collecting, crafting and fun times.

After all that, please join us again later in the year Saturday 29th & Sunday 30 November for our annual pre-Christmas Open Studios weekend.

36 Lime Street
A whole host of artists, designers, painters, potters, jewellery makers, printmakers, glass artists, furniture makers and writers will be flinging open their studio doors and inviting you in to see their latest work. With many of the artists offering special discounts for the Spring Salon there has never been a better chance to pick up that rare and beautiful gift for Easter or Mother’s day. There will also be have-a-go activities on offer and the launch of the Ouseburn Community Project, which invites local people to take part in designing a printed brick trail for the Ouseburn Farm.

Toffee Factory
Come and join us to celebrate spring at Toffee Factory’s spring fayre, part of Ouseburn Open Studios. Make a bespoke gift for your mother, gran or mother in law, or even yourself, at our free textile flower brooch making workshop run by HooBooBunny. Or purchase affordable work by local artists/designers, buy some special North chocolate, eat cake and drink tea, and perhaps select or commission a gift! Everyone welcome to our lovely pre-Mother’s day Sunday out.

Northern Print
Come on down to Northern Print, take a look at the print presses & meet the artists. Find out how an original print is made. With printmaking demonstrations and have-a-go printmaking activities there will be plenty to see and do. Enjoy a coffee in the gallery and browse through the huge selection of original prints in the latest exhibition ’20:20’ and pick one up for just £20. If you like what you see, why not sign up for one of our many printmaking courses.

The Biscuit Factory
The Biscuit Factory presents ONE DAY SALE, turning the traditional notion of art buying on its head, with every piece priced in this special one day exhibition at much reduced prices. Expect collectable artists work, special one-off pieces, end of line jewellery ranges and end of season collections as well as a silent auction, tombola, seconds sale and free prize draw.  Get there early to take full advantage!

Also, Join our Biscuit Tin studio artists as they present ‘pop up’ studios here in the gallery and head downstairs to our Biscuit Factory studios to see artists at work and their special pieces chosen for the salon sale.

MUSHROOM WORKS
Mushroom Works’ Spring Salon is a one-day showcase exhibition presenting the very best of the best in groundbreaking art and design from the region. This one-day Spring Salon is a unique opportunity to come and meet these artists and designers in their studios and find out what fresh ideas, designs and products they are currently working on and developing.

The artists and designers will be encouraging you to explore your own creative-ideas in our ‘creative garden’, where with the help of your little ‘bag of ingredients’ you’ll be able to plant your own seeds of creativity and watch them grow.  The Spring Salon is also a great opportunity to pick up affordable paintings, furniture, jewellery, pottery, textiles, illustrations and design or commission work direct from the artists and designers just in time for Mothers Day.