With Easter holidays imminent and more bank holidays on the horizon, April is a great month to get your social calendar in good order, and Newcastle’s cultural scene is exploding with ideas! Whether you fancy chuckling your socks off at a comedy gig, rocking out with some live music, or taking in a theatre show, there’s something for you in the city this month. Dig in!
Ricky Gervais @ O2 City Hall
Often political, always opinionated, and regularly quite daft indeed, Ricky Gervais has become a household name since his emergence on The Office back in 2001. Emerging from the dad-dancing, cringe-worthy persona of David Brent to become a fully-fledged comic genius, he’s been noted as one of the most influential comedians since Charlie Chaplin. In his new show, Armageddon, expect Gervais’ unfiltered opinion alongside a wry and rebellious streak which makes this show not for the faint hearted!
Tuesday 4th & Wednesday 5th April
Jazz Rock N Raise with Jazz FM @ Wylam Brewery
This star-studded live show adds a jazzy twist to performances from funk masters Groovetrain, featuring Johnny ‘Blue Hat’ Davis, Hairy Biker Si King and Liam Fender who will pull out all the stops for a fantastic celebration of live music in aid of the Graham Wylie Foundation, which raises money for local charities supporting children and young people in challenging circumstances in the region. Also on the bill is Incognito’s Bluey, who will perform his hits Always There and Don’t You Worry About A Thing, and AjoiA, featuring Shovell of M People, alongside many more.
Wednesday 12th April, tickets £27.50
Bend & Shake Queer Party Rave Edition @ World Headquarters
Bend & Shake is a celebration of women and non-binary people of colour, run by Sister Shack CIC. Everyone is welcome and their events are designed to provide safe spaces for women, non-binary people, trans women and men, asylum seekers and QIPOC. Their rave edition will celebrate all things electronic across two floors, with techno, house, drum and bass, garage, bassline, hardcore, trance, soul, funk, disco, pop and everything in between from DJs including Devolicious, Azula Bandit, Samara, Jacklyn, DJ Hollie, Kitty, ffog and DJ Awkward Black Girl.
Saturday 15th April, from £9.07
Sleeping Beauty image by Johan Persson
Matthew Bourne Sleeping Beauty @ Theatre Royal
Celebrated choreographer Matthew Bourne’s delightful production has been a firm favourite since its debut a decade ago at Sadlers Wells. The wonderful New Adventures company transform the stage into a magical wonderland of fairies and vampires, complete with sumptuous sets and costumes, in a modern gothic romance which follows Princess Aurora’s search for true love, soundtracked by Tchaikovsky’s wondrous score. Be swept away in the story of that perfect kiss!
Tuesday 18th-Saturday 29th April, tickets from £20
Gaz Coombes @ Boiler Shop
To give Gaz Coombes credit merely for being the frontman of iconic 90s indie band Supergrass would do the multi-talented musician a disservice. A gifted songwriter and musician, whose solo material has been rightly lauded for its glorious sonic palettes, Gaz Coombes’ music spans genres and styles, but always has a tenacious musicality at its heart. Latest album Turn The Car Around, released in January, has been lauded for its heartfelt pieces and melodic, sumptuous feel.
Tuesday 18th April, tickets £27.50
World’s Apart @ Northern Stage
In a relatable story of growing up and an honest look at unpaid care, World’s Apart sees 13 year old Egg, who lives with their mam and gran in Seaburn, escaping to the virtual world when all around them seems incomprehensible. A heartwarming tale of ageing and intergenerational relationships, World’s Apart promises a positive story which was made in collaboration with unpaid carers and people living in residential care homes.
Thursday 20th-Saturday 22nd April, tickets from £11
Kids Comedy Club @ The Stand Comedy Club
Get the giggles with a host of silly sausages at The Stand, where the laughs come thick and fast for little people aged 6+ (and their parents). The Kids Comedy Club is a rip-roaring hour of some of the region’s finest comedians performing routines (without swears!), occasional magic performances, a bit of improv and lots of daftness. A great way to get kids socialising and enjoying themselves, and no doubt a chortle or two for parents into the bargain!
Saturday 23rd April, tickets from £4
Slice Wars @ Wylam Brewery
A delicious fusion of Star Wars geekery and pizza heaven, Slice Wars is so much more than just a great foodie day out! Watch (and taste!) as some of the best pizza vendors in the region come together to be crowned the best in the galaxy; the concept is simple – buy tokens for pizzas by the slice, created by amazingly talented chefs and icons of the pizza world, and vote for your favourite. In amongst it all, there’s delectable side dishes, sweet stuff, drinks aplenty, music, loads of seating and even fancy dress. It’s family (and dog) friendly, and vegans and veggies are well catered for too. Let battle commence!
Friday 28th & Saturday 29th April
Big North Tattoo Show @ Utilita Arena
This massive event is a real highlight for lovers of the art of tattooing. The fifth edition of the popular convention will see over 300 of the best local, national and international tattoo artists display their work. Attendees can get a new tattoo from some of the best in the business, and marvel at one of the oldest art forms in the world. Plus, there’s unique acts, live music, comedy, magic and much more besides, including deals and surprises from Newcastle’s Hard Rock Cafe. All are welcome, with kids under 14 getting in free. Whether you’re inked or not, the Big North Tattoo Show will offer an eye-opening display of talent.
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th April, tickets £24.50
The Great British Fake Off @ Leazes Park
Fancy spending a day in the company of some of the biggest names in indie and rock music around, but without the massive pricetag? Look no further than The Great British Fake Off, a rip-roaring day of live music in Leazes Park which features tributes to the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Sam Fender, Queen, The Beatles, Bob Marley, Kings of Leon, The Killers, Dire Straits, The Beautiful South, Oasis, Abba and Amy Winehouse, alongside many more. Get the proper festival vibe with funfair rides, stalls, local street food traders and bars, and watch talented musicians dedicated to putting on great shows by iconic bands!
Sunday 30th April, tickets from £20
So no matter how you choose to spend your April, make sure you head to Newcastle and enjoy some of our famous cultural delights!
Main image: Sleeping Beauty by Johan Persson
