If you’ve already dismissed Dry January with a mature and sensible aplomb, and managed to keep all your fingers and toes warm in front of the fire throughout February, then March might just be the month for you to get back out there! Here, we take a look at just ten unmissable events from Newcastle's action-packed calendar.
Peter Kay @ Utilita Arena
The much-loved Bolton comedian is back for his first tour in twelve years - his 2010 tour still ranks as the biggest-selling comedy tour of all time. Kay’s trademark warm and fuzzy nostalgia sees everything through rose-tinted spectacles and the comedian can expertly turn the everyday mundanities of days gone by into something personal, sentimental and memorable but also very, very funny. Peter is not just a comedian but a showman, all-round entertainer and storyteller that we can all relate to.
Thursday 9th-Friday 10th March, sold-out
Joel Corry @ NX Newcastle
London-based DJ/producer and Kiss FM resident Joel Corry’s early musical influences included iconic figures like Todd Edwards, MJ Cole and DJ EZ. As a producer, his platinum-selling breakthrough single 'Sorry' spent 10 weeks in the UK Top 10 and was followed by further hits 'Lonely' and his big anthem, ‘Head & Heart’. Originally from Newcastle, Joel also had a recurring cameo in MTV’s Geordie Shore but is now one of the UK’s best loved DJs so expect a night of house beats and techno anthems plus a whole lot of Geordie fun.
Saturday 4th March, tickets from £17.50
Sam Ryder @ O2 City Hall
Eurovision sensation Sam Ryder comes to Newcastle City Hall as part of a huge UK tour. His quietly catchy track 'Space Man' may have already been responsible for giving the United Kingdom its best result at Eurovision since 1998 but he’s now set to cement himself as a household name so expect something for everyone with a mix of musical genres from his debut album, There’s Nothing But Space, Man! Support on the night will come from harmonious Devon trio Tors and Hull-based singer-songwriter Charlotte Jane.
Thursday 23rd March, sold-out
Bongo's Bingo Newcastle @ Boiler Shop
If bingo mixed with rave intervals, cheesy singalongs, dance offs and cash prizes set in a unique 19th Century Grade II listed locomotive works is your thing – and judging by how popular these nights are, it probably is! - then join Johnny Bongo and his crew of hosts and dancers for a night celebrating one the UK’s national pastimes. Given a thoroughly fun and modern makeover, for a wild shared social extravaganza and night of pure nostalgic escapism, Bongo’s Bingo is immersive, inclusive and incredible.
Saturday 25 March, tickets from £17.00
School of Rock @ Tyne Theatre and Opera House
Based on the film of the same name, School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Out of his depth, Dewey ignores the usual curriculum and focuses on the musically talented youngsters, turning them into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. The show features all of the original songs from the movie as well as introducing some new rock anthems. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Tuesday 21st – Saturday 25th March, tickets from £16.00
Tusk North Festival @ Lit and Phil
Tusk Festival returns with Tusk North, two days of adventurous underground and experimental musical performance somewhere far out in the left field where music and sonic art collide. Featuring internationally recognised artists alongside musicians plucked from the vibrant and diverse North East scene. Artist talks include Wire magazine’s Derek Walmsley in conversation with Edward George, Laura Cannell with Kirsten Gibson and Bennett Hogg, and People Like Us with Richard Elliott.
Friday 3rd March – Saturday 4th March, tickets from £25.00
Titanic:The Musical @ Theatre Royal
Based on real people aboard the infamous White Star liner, Titanic: The Musical is a stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of some of the passengers, who each boarded with stories and personal ambitions of their own, unaware of the fate awaiting them. With music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and a book by Peter Stone, this stunning production celebrates the 10th anniversary of its London premiere where it won critical acclaim across the board.
Monday 27th March – Saturday 1st April, tickets from £15.00
St Patrick's Day @ Northumbria University Students Union
Open from 11am right through to the early hours, this free entry, all day party isn’t just about drinking as much of the black stuff as possible, it has loads of freebies on offer too with literally hundreds of giveaways all day and night. Start the day with breakfast in Habita followed by crazy golf in Escape and fun and games in Red. There will also be live DJs, bands, karaoke and dancing throughout the day.
Friday 17th March, free entry
Myth Quest @ Great North Museum: Hancock
This brand-new interactive exhibition is an original fantasy adventure in which the visitor becomes the hero in a part immersive story, part live-action game. Players will take on the role of an adventurer, exploring myths and monsters throughout the museum to complete their quests. The museum-wide experience begins with Mary Hancock, sister of the museum’s original founders who discovered a way to travel through space and time, and encountered many monsters and magical artefacts through her journeys.
Saturday 25th March - Sunday 3rd September, free entry
Love It If We Beat Them @ Live Theatre
It’s Spring 1996, Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United are riding high in the Premier League and Tony Blair’s New Labour are beginning to position themselves for government. Len, a long term hard-left activist, has decided to run as a candidate for local Labour MP, but the arrival of Victoria from Manchester as New Labour’s front runner throws a spanner in the works. With loyalties tested and tensions reaching fever pitch, the winning team will be decided in an explosive head-to-head challenge. Love It If We Beat Them is a new political drama that explores a time of significant change in the identity of the North East communities and perfectly captures a moment in recent history that defines who we are today.
Thursday 2nd – Saturday 25th March, tickets from £10.00
March looks like a busy month in the city, and our selection of suggested things to do - from comedy, theatre and experimental music to DJs and bingo - should have something for everyone!
