Tag: whats on

SunnyCon 2016 Comes To St. James’ Park

By on 20th February 2016in Entertainment

Characters from the silver screen, the small screen, and the worlds of gaming and animé will be heading to Tyneside this summer for a major national convention…

Star Wars’ Han Solo, Indiana Jones, battalions of storm troopers and Star Trek Klingons will be among the 4000 visitors descending on Newcastle’s St James’ Park from 17th to 19th June for SunnyCon 2016.

The three-day event not only gives film, sci-fi, animé and gaming fans the chance to dress up as their favourite screen characters, but will also include demonstrations, talks and stalls relating to the popular Japanese animé genre.

Over the course of the weekend, convention-goers will be able to meet VIP guests, such as US voice actor Johnny Yong Bosch – who also played Black Ranger for the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers – and Japanese voice actor Fumiko Orikasa.

Along with autograph signings and Q&A sessions, there will be a taiko drumming workshop and performances, a fashion show, and a variety of craft demonstrations.

Visitors will also be able to play board and video games on modern and retro consoles, and take part in tournaments including Magic! The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon! There will also be the chance to take part in competitions with cash prizes.

The event began in Sunderland six years ago, before moving to St James’ Park for the first time last year.

SunnyCon Ambassador Michael Tuckwell said: “The event has just grown bigger and bigger, and we needed the flexibility and capacity St James’ Park offers us.

“We’ve completely outgrown all our previous venues, which is testament to the popularity of Japanese animation, and we’re expecting record numbers of people from across the UK to this summer’s convention.”

SunnyCon 2016 will be managed by the stadium’s in-house team from Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, which won the Operations Team of the Year category at The Stadium Events and Hospitality Awards 2015.

General manager Frankie Angus said: “The SunnyCon team staged a smaller convention here last autumn, and it proved immensely popular, so we are very much looking forward to helping them host their major annual event here in June.”

SunnyCon 2016 will take place between 12pm and 6pm on 17th June, and from 10am to 6pm on 18th and 19th June.

Weekend tickets cost £25, with day tickets priced at £17. Under 12s are free with a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased via www.sunnycon.co.uk. For further information about Sodexo Prestige and its conference and banqueting facilities at Newcastle United, call 0191 201 8525 or e-mail candb@nufc.co.uk.

Story Of Indian Stowaway Comes To Bishop Auckland

By on 19th February 2016in Entertainment

A stowaway is set to slip into Bishop Auckland Town Hall this month, as ‘the bright young things of British theatre’ bring their latest show to County Durham…

 

On Wednesday 24th February, as the venue continues to take part in Febfest, a three week programme of arts events across the town, the award-winning company Analogue bring their tale of an extraordinary journey in search of an impossible future to the south Durham stage.

Stowaway, which was inspired by real-life stories, tells of a man from India who, desperate to change his life, hides in the wheel arch of a commercial airliner bound for the UK – only to hours later be found frozen in the car park of a DIY superstore in a leafy outer London suburb.

With the skeleton of a plane cutting across the stage, the play flies back and forth through time and place to explore a journey that leaves the man far from home and adrift from everything he knows.

Next week also sees Jackass Youth Theatre take to the stage to perform a new play, What Are They Like, which examines the changing nature of the relationship between parents and their children, as adolescence takes its grip and adulthood beckons.

The play, by Lucinda Coxon, was especially written for young performers and, through the course of the show (on Monday 22nd February) the troop will take on existential angst, mood swings, fashion fiascos, terrifying physical changes and never having enough money… and that’s just the parents!

Tickets for Stowaway – which is suitable for theatregoers aged 14 and over – cost £10 or £8 for concessions. Tickets for What Are They Like – which is suitable for all ages – cost £6 and £4 for concessions.

To book for the shows, which both take place at 7.30pm, call Bishop Auckland Town Hall’s Box Office on 03000 269 524 or visit the venue in person.

Find out more about the plays by visiting www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk.

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty Returns To Theatre Royal

By on 18th February 2016in Entertainment

The UK’s most popular dance company, New Adventures, returns to Newcastle Theatre Royal this Spring with Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty, a gothic tale for all ages…

This ground-breaking production heads to Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 5th to Saturday 16th April.

Directed and choreographed by the ‘hottest’ choreographer in the world right now, Sir Matthew Bourne OBE, and from the UK’s most popular dance company, Sleeping Beauty is a revival of the new classic, giving audiences one more chance to see the final piece in the trio of Tchaikovsky masterpieces.  With sumptuous sets, costumes and evocative lighting, the audience will be transported in time.

Returning to the central role of Aurora in this first revival is rising star Ashley Shaw. Ashley recently played Lana in the triumphant revival of The Car Man, and also played Kim in Edward Scissorhands, Sugar in Nutcracker, and the title role in Cinderella. Cordelia Braithwaite made her debut with New Adventures in Swan Lake in 2013, and has since featured in this year’s revival of The Car Man, covering the role of Lana. Cordelia makes her debut as Aurora this season; her first Principal role with New Adventures.

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty premiered in 2012, and was the fastest selling production in the company’s history. Sleeping Beauty was created for New Adventures 25th birthday celebrations and completed Sir Matthew Bourne’s OBE trio of re-imagined Tchaikovsky ballet masterworks that started in 1992 with Nutcracker and, most famously, in 1995, with the international hit Swan Lake. This dazzling production has won the hearts of thousands, and smashed box office records across the UK and at Sadler’s Wells.

The leading role of Leo will once again be played by Dominic North and Chris Trenfield, who co-created the role in 2012.

Perrault’s timeless fairy tale, about a young girl cursed to sleep for one hundred years, was turned into a legendary ballet by Tchaikovsky and choreographer Marius Petipa in 1890. Bourne takes this date as his starting point, setting the Christening of Aurora, the story’s heroine, in the year of the ballet’s first performance; the height of the Fin-de-Siecle period, when fairies, vampires and decadent opulence fed the gothic imagination. As Aurora grows into a young woman, we move forward in time to the more rigid, uptight Edwardian era; a mythical golden age of long Summer afternoons, croquet on the lawn and new dance crazes. Years later, awakening from her century long slumber, Aurora finds herself in the modern day; a world more mysterious than any fairy story!

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 5th to Saturday 16th April (Evenings: 7.30pm, Matinee: Thursday 2pm, Saturday Matinee 2.30pm). Tickets are from £17.00, and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge).

Britain Does Vintage Festival Comes To Newcastle

By on 16th February 2016in Entertainment

On 23rd April, the Clayshed at Hoults Yard (just outside of Newcastle’s City Centre) will be hosting a remarkable vintage occasion…

 

From 10.30am to 5pm, vintage lovers can enjoy purveying an eclectic mix of authentic vintage and vintage-inspired stalls.

There’ll be the opportunity to tap your feet to vintage DJs and live music, get crafty at the demonstration zone, join the beauty bar to get glammed up as your favourite vintage icon, and even get snap happy at the vintage photo booth.

Plus, there’ll be plenty of old-school street foods available, along with the chance to drool over a selection of classic cars.

Once all the shopping has been done, relax at one of the quaint tearooms, supplied by Melonberry Vintage.

Wondering what to wear for such an occasion? Out with the new and in with the old is Britain Does Vintage’s creedo, so take the opportunity to dress like it’s yesteryear! 40s uniforms, 50s dresses, 60s headpieces, 70s leggings and 80s jackets are all encouraged.

Early bird tickets start at £3.50 for adults. For more information, visit www.britaindoesvintage.co.uk.

QE College Hold Rugby Academy Open Evening

By on 15th February 2016in In & Around

Rugby fever has swept through Darlington…

Following the launch of the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College Rugby Academy, in association with Darlington Mowden Park RFC, in January 2016, an open evening is taking place for all interested students and parents at the Northern Echo Arena on Tuesday 23rd February at 6pm.

The open evening will provide more information about Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College and the Rugby Academy, along with the opportunity to see the world class facilities at Mowden Park where the Rugby Academy will be located.

Staff involved in the Academy from both QE and Mowden Park will be on hand to answer any questions.

For further information regarding the open evening or the Rugby Academy, call into Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Vane Terrace, Darlington, or ring 01325 461315. You can also email enquiry@qeliz.ac.uk.

Alternatively, email Academy Manager, Michael Garmston at michael.garmston@mowdenpark.com.

Bestselling Writer To Headline Crime Story 2016 Festival

By on 12th February 2016in Entertainment

Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on the Train, will headline this year’s Crime Story festival, delivered in partnership by Northumbria University and New Writing North…

Crime Story is an innovative festival for readers and writers of crime fiction, providing rare access to experts from the fields of forensics, criminology, pathology and law, who reveal and interrogate the facts behind crime fiction.

Appealing to crime readers, as well as fans of TV series such as Serial and Making a Murderer, the day-long festival invites audience and experts to pick apart a fictional crime, which will be written by Paula Hawkins. For crime writers, the festival also offers an extraordinary opportunity to challenge and improve the authenticity of their writing, by giving unique access to a wide range of experts in police science, as well as crime writers and publishing industry leaders.

Paula Hawkins said: “I attended Crime Story in June 2014 on a whim. I thought the concept sounded interesting – a group of crime writers and readers get together to try to solve a fictional murder aided by a handful of experts – detectives, forensic specialists and legal experts. I expected to have an entertaining weekend. I didn’t expect to walk away with ten A4 pages crammed with detailed notes covering all aspects of police procedure, and a head brimming with new ideas.

“Crime Story gives writers the kind of access to senior detectives, blood-spatter experts and forensic psychiatrists that most of us could only dream about. I found it fascinating and invaluable, and have been looking forward to the next one ever since, so am absolutely thrilled to have been asked to come up with a murder scenario for this year’s event.”

Northumbria’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business and Engagement), Lucy Winskell OBE, said: “I was delighted to hear that international bestselling author Paula Hawkins will be headlining Crime Story 2016 at Northumbria University. Her involvement in this year’s event is hugely exciting news and a real endorsement of this innovative festival’s appeal to writers, readers, academics and professionals in the field.

“Delivered in partnership by Northumbria and New Writing North, Crime Story draws on the University’s teaching and research expertise across criminology, criminal law, forensic science and creative writing, to explore the facts behind the fiction.

“I’m sure Paula will write a fascinating and compelling whodunit for our experts and audience members to investigate during the course of this unique day-long festival.”

Crime Story takes place in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on Saturday 11th June. The full programme will be announced and tickets released on Thursday 10th March at Crime Story: Portrait of a Criminal, a special event in which two award-winning writers explore the minds of two of the most notorious criminals of recent times. Writers Dan Davies and Andrew Hankinson will discuss the subjects of their work, their own methods and the place of true crime in literary writing. Ticket holders for Portrait of a Criminal: Crime Story will receive £10/£8 off their Crime Story festival ticket price.

Tickets are now available for Crime Story: Portrait of a Criminal on Thursday 10th March by clicking here. Find out more about Crime Story 2016, taking place on Saturday 11th June at Northumbria University at www.crimestory.co.uk. Northumbria offers courses in a wide range of disciplines related to this special event, including criminology, criminal law, forensic science and creative writing. For more information about studying at Northumbria, go to www.northumbria.ac.uk/courses.

St. James’ Park Invite Mums Over For Tea

By on 11th February 2016in Lifestyle

Mums can be wined, dined and serenaded on their special day, all within sight of Newcastle’s hallowed St James’ Park turf…

Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, which runs the conference and banqueting facilities at the Newcastle United ground, has organised a special Mother’s Day lunch on Sunday 6th March.

Families can choose either a two or three course table d’hôte meal, prepared by Sodexo’s award-winning team of chefs, followed by a taster tour of the stadium.

Live entertainment will be provided by North East singer Tom Wyllie, and all mums will be given a gift as a memento of their special day.

The Mother’s Day Lunch at St James’ Park is priced at £18.95 per person for three courses, or £15.95 for two, with children aged under 12 dining at half price. Or, for an additional £10 per person, diners can opt for a private executive box overlooking the pitch.

For more information, or to make a reservation, contact St James’s Park on 0191 201 8525 or e-mail candb@nufc.co.uk.

Benidorm Star Brings Valentine’s Comedy To Billingham

By on 10th February 2016in Entertainment

A Durham-based TV star is set to spread some love and laughter this Valentine’s Day, as she takes to the stage in Billingham for her live comedy show…

Crissy Rock, who plays Janey York in the hit ITV series Benidorm, is promising to lift the spirits of those attending her show by offering a rose for those who wake up without a Valentine’s card or love message.

The comedienne said: “It’s always a sad day to wake up and realise the postman has forgotten your address, and to know your mantle piece is going to look bare for another twelve months. I should know – I’ve been there before!

“I‘m looking forward to sharing some laughter on Sunday afternoon at the Swan in Billingham, and will bring with me some red roses for anyone in the audience needing a lift with a bit of romance in their life. They can dream!”  joked the former I’m A Celebrity contestant.

The comedienne was recently featured in TV documentary Celebrity Botched Up Bodies. Surgeons repaired damage that she had previously endured from two unsuccessful procedures. One left her with a scarred chin and lopsided face, while the other involved years of expensive dental work after cancer treatment left her with no teeth.

“Everything is really good for me now, and I‘m really looking forward to having some fun on Teesside this weekend. The people always enjoy a giggle around here!

“It’ll be fun doing my show in the afternoon on such a special day. Sunday afternoons were once the highlight of the week around this region, but in recent years with so many cutbacks in live entertainment, they are virtually non existent these days.

Tickets for Crissy Rock: Live at the Swan on Sunday February 14th (4-7pm) are priced at £6, and are available by calling 01642 553 157.

CBeebies Star Brings Fun-Filled Children’s Show To Durham

By on 10th February 2016in Entertainment

CBeebies star Sid Sloane is bringing a fun-filled adventure to Durham’s Gala Theatre this half term, and it’s sure to knock your socks off…

 

The children’s TV presenter and host of dressing up show Let’s Play will take families on a heroic quest from the bottom of the sea to the depths of the jungle and outer space, as he looks to find out just what’s happened to his favourite footwear.

Along the way, mums, dads and children aged three and over will meet funny characters, play games, sing songs, and even help to create a little magic – all of which is sure to leave you with a smile on your face, and a spring in your step.

Tickets for Sid’s Show, at 2pm on Sunday 14th February, are priced £12 for adults, £10 for concessions, and £40 for a family.

To book, call the Gala box office on 03000 266 600, visit the venue in person, or go to www.galadurham.co.uk.

Northumbria Graduate Invited To Exhibit At Prestigious Exhibition

By on 9th February 2016in Entertainment

Artist Joanna Hutton has been invited to exhibit at a prestigious European exhibition less than a year after graduating from Northumbria University, Newcastle…

A graduate of the BxNU Master of Fine Art (MFA) course, delivered in partnership with BALTIC Centre of Contemporary Art, Joanna will exhibit at EVA International – Ireland’s Biennial of Contemporary Art.

Entitled Still (the) Barbarians, the exhibition opens on Saturday 16th April 2016, and has been curated by Koyo Kouoh, the founding artistic director of RAW Material Company, Dakar, and the curator of 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London and New York. Artists’ projects were selected through an open and invited call for proposals, and exhibitions will take place at Limerick City Gallery of Art, Cleeve’s Condensed Milk Factory and various locations across Limerick. Since its foundation in 1977, EVA International has worked with some of the world’s leading artists and curators, bringing outstanding exhibitions to audiences on the west coast of Ireland.

Joanna said: “I am thrilled to have been invited to participate in the 2016 edition of EVA International – Ireland’s Biennial titled Still (the) Barbarians. I applied for the opportunity in June straight after completing my MFA at BxNU proposing the work I made for my final show. It is a great opportunity for me to be involved in such a prestigious event, and feel privileged to have been selected.”

Developed in partnership with BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Northumbria’s two-year MFA course offers ambitious artists the opportunity to participate in a unique postgraduate degree programme, centred on the vibrant and dynamic studio culture of the BxNU Institute of Contemporary Art at BALTIC 39 in Newcastle’s city centre. The institute, directed by the BALTIC Professor and Turner Prize-nominated artist Christine Borland, houses a network of internationally active artists, academics and curators who provide world-class teaching and mentorship in fine art practice and research.

Professor Christine Borland, Turner Prize-nominated artist and Northumbria’s BALTIC professor, teaches on the BxNU MFA. She said: “We are delighted to see alumni from the our first graduating BxNU MFA cohort, Joanna Hutton’s name amongst the stellar list of artists participating in this year’s EVA International.

“Joanna will exhibit her piece from the graduating exhibition ‘Milkilling’ held in the project space at BALTIC 39 last summer. We look forward to following Joanna’s career and we’re sure she will be the first of many of our graduates to go on to international art world acclaim.”

Joanna is currently Associate Fellow at Paper Studio Northumbria, (PSN) a unique facility for the research, teaching and scholarship of paper in relation to fine art, conservation and archiving, as well as for the practice of papermaking.

Northumbria offers a range of courses in the Arts, and was rated in the UK Top 10 for research power in the Research Excellence Framework 2014. For more information about studying Arts courses at Northumbria go to: www.northumbria.ac.uk/arts.

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