Arts, Exhibitions and Theatre You Won't Want to Miss in May
Celebrate the arts this month
ETAL ARTS FAIRS
10TH MAY & SELECTED DATES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Etal Village Hall
ford-and-etal.co.uk
thetinshed.co.uk
The Tin Shed has organised a series of art fairs at Etal Village Hall where you can browse the work of local artists. Expect to see a variety of jewellery, textiles, prints and photography on display.
ANOTHER PLACE: ANOTHER SPACE
FROM 11TH MAY
Arts Centre Washington
0191 561 3455 sunderlandculture.org.uk
Artist Ken Ellison Lockwood has been focusing on people’s creative talents. His new exhibition celebrates the endurance and diversity of a group of artists, ranging from new and emerging talent to those who are more established in the industry, including those who are self-taught. They come from all over the North East and use a variety of media to create their work. Don’t miss this exhibition showcasing what they can create, which has been over a year in the making.
LATE SHOWS
19TH MAY
The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle
0191 261 1103
thebiscuitfactory.com
The Biscuit Factory are hosting an evening of entertainment filled with Northern talent to celebrate all things art, music, literature, theatre and food. Visitors can get involved in large mural painting with Dan Cimmermann, enjoy live folk music courtesy of Miggins Fiddle, poetry from Harry Gallagher and pop up scenes from local plays from Peoples Theatre. Plus, you’ll meet Northern authors in The Book Room to have your books signed. Craft beers are available at the bar as well as doughnuts from Deep North. But if you want to make a night of it, book a four-course special Supper Club in The Factory Kitchen.
DARLINGTON CREATES
19TH–20TH MAY
Darlington
darlingtonforculture.org
Formerly known as Darlington Arts Festival, Darlington Creates is an annual event co-ordinated by Darlington Borough Council and Darlington for Culture to showcase arts organisations, individuals, groups, activities and venues. You’re invited to browse a range of stalls and experience a programme of arts events and workshops.
LORD OF THE FLIES
3RD–6TH MAY
Northern Stage, Newcastle
0191 230 5151
northernstage.co.uk
A group of British school children are left stranded after a plane crash and as tensions rise, the hunger for power grows and things get wildly out of control. Directed by Amy Leach, this must-see production is a modern staging of William Golding’s classic, with integrated audio description available at every performance.
AN EVENING WITH NOBBY SOLANO
11TH MAY
Laurels, Whitley Bay
0191 252 0923
laurelswhitley.co.uk
Don’t miss this evening with a Toon legend! The Peruvian right wing is visiting the Laurels to share stories from the days of the Champions league with Bobby Robson and two FA Cup finals. We’re sure he’ll inspire you.
NELL GWYNN
16TH–20TH MAY
The People’s Theatre, Newcastle
0191 265 5020
peoplestheatre.co.uk
It’s 1660 and King Charles II has ascended to the throne while theatregoers are in a tizzy about orange-seller turned actress Nell Gwynn. This Olivier-Award winning comedy follows an unlikely heroine who’s causing havoc in a traditionally male world – can her charm protect her from the Court?
Read More: Don't Miss the RSC as they Return to Newcastle with Julius Caesar
REFUGE
17TH & 18TH MAY
Arts Centre Washington
0191 561 3455
sunderlandculture.org.uk
This new heart-warming play by Tom Casling is set around the War Memorial of Tommy in Seaham during the earlier days of the pandemic. It brings together Tommy an old war veteran, Sky a survivor of domestic violence, and Steve a homeless man, who have much more in common than they ever thought.
I, DANIEL BLAKE
25TH MAY–10TH JUNE
Northern Stage, Newcastle
0191 230 5151
northernstage.co.uk
Adapted for stage by Daniel Blake himself (Dave Johns, who played him in the film directed by Ken Loach), this is a hugely important local story, which is still just as relevant today, but told in a new light. Dan is a carpenter, a Geordie, on the mend after a heart attack. Katie has just arrived from London and finally got a council house, and a fresh start. With 14.5 million people living in poverty in the UK I, Daniel Blake is not fiction, and the story is an important one. Read our interview with Dave here, where he discusses how this well-known story was adapted for the stage.
