The Best Events to Book This January
Beat the January blues
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Head to Seven Stories to enjoy a great selection of Julia Donaldson stories. During these special themed storytimes the Seven Stories team will share some of their favourite tales and visitors will meet crazy characters along the way, whether that’s a witch or a stickman or a rat or a dragon.
Julia Donaldson Storytimes
2ND–7TH JANUARY
Seven Stories, Newcastle
0300 330 1095
sevenstories.org.uk
YOU SHALL GO TO THE BALL
Northern Stage’s Christmas production of Sally Cookson’s Olivier award-nominated Cinderella: A Fairytale is all about girl power, and promises to be a fun-filled, festive show for all the family. This is a retelling of this classic tale for anyone who has ever dreamed that good will always win. Without a glass slipper in sight, audiences should prepare to lace up their boots to join Ella on her adventure this Christmas.
Cinderella: A Fairytale
UNTIL 6TH JANUARY
Northern Stage, Newcastle
0191 230 5151
northernstage.co.uk
HANDS ON
Make your own automaton inspired by the Silver Swan with recycled bits and bobs before adding your finished machine to The Bowes Museum’s collection. Guests will enjoy an eclectic performance of spinning cams, colours and shapes when pressing the red button to operate the motor.
Automata Workshop
UNTIL 7TH JANUARY
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle
01833 690606
thebowesmuseum.org.uk
DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN
Brad and his fiancée Janet break down outside a creepy mansion and meet Dr Frank’n’Furter, in this quirky story everyone knows, and so begins an adventure they’ll never forget. Featuring the unforgettable tracks Sweet Transvestite and Time Warp, this theatre show will drive you insane (in a good way, of course).
The Rocky Horror Show
8TH–13TH JANUARY
Sunderland Empire
atgtickets.com
FALLING FOR YOU
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But then what? Will the prophecy come true? Will the Kingdom of Old Tynely collapse as a result? Will Hemlock take over the town? Or will Princess Jenny be able to save the day? This show is packed full of songs, laughter and dance.
Humpty Dumpty
12TH–21ST JANUARY
Tynemouth Priory Theatre
0191 292 9292
tynemouthpriorytheatre.co.uk
Read More: Joe McFadden Shares What To Expect From The Rocky Horror Show at Sunderland Empire
TAKE TWO
In The Wasps’ Nest, Poirot gets caught up in a love triangle in the hopes of preventing a murder and in Yellow Iris he’s at a hotel when a distressed phone call from a mystery woman sparks questions about a suspicious death years earlier. These early Poirot cases are full of all the twists you expect from Christie.
A Poirot Double Bill
16TH–20TH JANUARY
The People’s Theatre, Newcastle
0191 265 5020
peoplestheatre.co.uk
THE KING OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
‘By Candlelight’ concerts are the must-see shows right now, and where better to witness them in all their glory than at the majestic Newcastle Cathedral? Elvis by Candlelight returns to the Cathedral with one of the UK’s leading Elvis tribute acts, JD King & The Creoles, and an incredible live band in January. Pop on your blue suede shoes and book tickets now – you won’t want to miss this.
Elvis by Candlelight
20TH JANUARY
Newcastle Cathedral
newcastlecathedral.org.uk
FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD
Ballet Theatre UK are bringing Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion (and Toto too) to Middlesbrough Theatre as they seek to find the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This ballet adaptation of the iconic tale by L. Frank Baum is set to a classical score and it’s the perfect way to introduce children to classical ballet. Expect beautiful backdrops, stunning sets and costumes inspired by the iconic sketches by W.W. Denslow, from the original publication.
The Wizard of Oz
20TH JANUARY
Middlesbrough Theatre
01642 815181
middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk
ARTFUL
Following a year-long project of awareness raising and relationship building with Baltic, neurodiverse communities, artists and caregivers in the North East, Residential has become an installation of artworks and film now on display. The Project Art Works archive of more than 5,000 physical works is inspirational and this exhibition also presents more than 50 of them. Meanwhile a new film by Project Art Works reveals the subtle and expansive nature of speaking and non-speaking communication.
Project Art Works: Residential
UNTIL 25TH FEBRUARY
Baltic, Gateshead
0191 478 1810
baltic.art
BEAUTIFUL BALLET
A classic story of love and innocence with a hint of mystery and magic, this ballet is set to Tchaikovsky’s score, and complemented by amazing choreography, costumes and sets. It begins a three-day run of ballets with Swan Lake and The Nutcracker to follow.
Sleeping Beauty
26TH JANUARY
Darlington Hippodrome
01325 405405
darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
FUNNY MAN
Humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time, according to Mark Twain, but Ed’s testing that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs. Don’t miss this live experiment.
Ed Byrne
26TH JANUARY
Gala Durham
03000 266600
galadurham.co.uk
Read More: How a New Documentary is Paying Tribute to Trailblazing Photographer Tish Murtha
BEST OF THE 80S
Two of the most iconic bands of the 80s will unite for the first time ever for a co-headline UK tour and they’re stopping by The Glasshouse. The Best of Both Worlds tour will see Wet Wet Wet and Go West perform their own songs from a long list of hits – so if you love 80s music, this one’s for you.
Wet Wet Wet & Go West
27TH JANUARY
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead
0191 443 4661
theglasshouseicm.org
SHUT THE GATE
Kaleb Cooper, Chipping Norton’s celebrity farmer and bestselling author who shot to fame in Prime Video series Clarkson’s Farm, is setting off on his first ever theatre tour. Expect Kaleb’s strong views on many things – including sheep, goats, New York, famous people, personal style and, of course, Jeremy Clarkson. He’ll also give audiences the chance to participate in some interesting rural pastimes during the show, as well as highlighting some of the many challenges that British farmers face today. To be in with a chance of winning tickets to this show in Newcastle, enter our competition at livingnorth.com.
The World According to Kaleb
31ST JANUARY
O2 City Hall, Newcastle
academymusicgroup.com
TWIN THING
Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Following more than 10,000 performances in London’s West End, Blood Brothers is set to visit Newcastle Theatre Royal in 2024.
Blood Brothers
30TH JANUARY–3RD FEBRUARY
Newcastle Theatre Royal
0191 232 7010
theatreroyal.co.uk
MAKE IT SNAPPY
The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle and the creatures that live there are going to have to find some serious courage to stop him in his tracks. This new musical version of Roald Dahl’s picture book features a menagerie of puppets by co-director and puppetry designer Toby Olié (find out more about him here).
The Enormous Crocodile
2ND DECEMBER–6TH JANUARY
Courtyard, Leeds Playhouse
0113 213 7700
leedsplayhouse.org.uk
LIVING WITH ART
Since Wakefield’s art collection was established in 1923 the gallery has developed its collection, showing how art can help us understand and explore current lived experiences. The new works on display address contemporary issues and include creations from artists including Jake Grewal, Dana Schutz and Hannah Starkey alongside works of British Surrealism from The Sherwin Family Collection and sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.
A Living Collection
THROUGHOUT JANUARY
The Hepworth, Wakefield
hepworthwakefield.org
ALL CONNECTED
This free exhibition at The Green Howards Museum entrance showcases the links between the regiment and the town. Featuring the stories of local people and their military connections over time, the museum hopes Connected will encourage even more personal objects, memories and information to be shared throughout the
year.
Connected
FROM 8TH JANUARY
The Green Howards Museum, Richmond
01748 826561
greenhowards.org.uk
FUNNY BONES
Guz Khan has added more dates to his tour and he’s coming to Bradford. Guz is the creator and star of BBC’s Man Like Mobeen and you may have spotted him on Taskmaster, The Last Leg, Live at the Apollo and Would I Lie To You. BAFTA-nominated, he’s a comedian in demand so don’t miss out on his must-see stand-up show.
Guz Khan Live!
11TH JANUARY
St George’s Hall, Bradford
01274 432000
bradford-theatres.co.uk
YOU BET
Don’t miss Catterick’s most prestigious race; The North Yorkshire Grand National. There are seven races on the card and all guests will receive free entry to an evening fixture in April. A great day out, a special restaurant package is also available for this meeting.
North Yorkshire Grand National
11TH JANUARY
The Catterick Racecourse
01748 811478
catterickbridge.co.uk
Read More: We Go Behind the Scenes at the World's Biggest Play Structure with the Duchess of Northumberland
STAR QUALITY
It’s your last chance to catch this exhibition at Leeds City Museum, celebrating 50 years since David Bowie played at Leeds. Combining objects and stories from Leeds-based Bowie fans, this show marks half a century of Bowie’s cultural influence.
There’s a Starman Waiting in the Sky
UNTIL 14TH JANUARY
Leeds City Museum
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
GOING WRONG?
Mischief return with their spin on a timeless classic, with flying mishaps and cast disputes, as they attempt to present Peter Pan. But will they actually make it to Neverland? Either way, it’ll be a good laugh.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
16TH–20TH JANUARY
Leeds Grand Theatre
leedsheritagetheatres.com
WHERE THE RIVER FLOWS
This display of oil paintings is inspired by the rivers and reservoirs in Nidderdale. Sarah Garforth’s work reflects her rural surroundings in all seasons – think Gouthwaite Reservoir, Scar House reservoir and the section of the Nidd which runs between. Described as ‘gentle, reflective, and serene’, we’re sure you’ll love her paintings.
Northern Elements: Elemental
19TH–30TH JANUARY
The Station, Richmond
01748 828259
thestation.co.uk
CLOWNING AROUND
West End and Broadway hits combine with amazing aerialists and circus performers in this brand-new, award-winning variety show. It’s an enchanting production the whole family will love.
Cirque
20TH JANUARY
Hull New Theatre
01482 300306
hulltheatres.co.uk
PIPE DREAM
This new interactive light and sound artwork in YSP’s Chapel has been brightening visitors’ days this winter, as part of Wakefield’s Light Up 2023 programme. Sing, talk and clap into microphones to activate Light Organ, and the pipes transform the sounds into a mesmerising display of glowing lights.
Light Organ
UNTIL 21ST JANUARY
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton
01924 832631
ysp.org.uk
UNBELIEVABLE, JEFF
Former host of Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, and Sunday Times bestselling author, Jeff Stelling, is sharing anecdotes and all-round football fun in his new show. He’ll be joined on stage by Bianca Westwood and there’ll be a chance to ask Jeff questions and purchase sporting memorabilia.
An Evening with Jeff Stelling
21ST JANUARY
Scarborough Spa
01723 376774
scarboroughspa.co.uk
SLEEPING BEAUTIFULLY
A classic story of love and innocence with a hint of mystery and magic, this ballet is set to Tchaikovsky’s score, and complemented by amazing choreography, costumes and sets. It begins a three-day run of ballets with Swan Lake and The Nutcracker to follow.
Sleeping Beauty
26TH JANUARY
Darlington Hippodrome
01325 405405
darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS TODAY
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of this much-loved picture book. She’s been warned about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. That’s okay. The Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist... does he?
The Gruffalo’s Child
30TH & 31ST JANUARY
Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield
01484 430528
thelbt.org
FRIGHT NIGHT
Audiences will be on the edge of their seats at this critically acclaimed international theatre event when it comes to York. It’s frightened more than seven million people worldwide, but are you brave enough to be one of them?
The Woman in Black
30TH JANUARY–3RD FEBRUARY
Grand Opera House York
atgtickets.com
FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD
Direct from The London Palladium, this is a show on many theatre goers’ lists – a wickedly good new production of one of the world’s most beloved musicals. Join Dorothy, Toto, and their new-found friends on an unforgettable adventure down the Yellow Brick Road, featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar winning MGM film as well as songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK will recognise The Wicked Witch Of The West as The Vivienne.
The Wizard of Oz
30TH JANUARY–3RD FEBRUARY
Lyceum, Sheffield
0114 249 6000
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
BEST OF THE 80S
One of the most iconic bands of the 80s are stopping by Victoria Theatre. The Best of Both Worlds tour will see Wet Wet Wet perform plenty of hits – so if you love 80s music, this one’s for you.
Wet Wet Wet
1ST FEBRUARY
Victoria Theatre, Halifax
01422 351158
victoriatheatre.co.uk
SHUT THE GATE
Kaleb Cooper, Chipping Norton’s celebrity farmer and bestselling author who shot to fame in Prime Video series Clarkson’s Farm, is setting off on his first ever theatre tour. Expect Kaleb’s strong views on many things – including sheep, goats, New York, famous people, personal style and, of course, Jeremy Clarkson. He’ll also give audiences the chance to participate in some interesting rural pastimes during the show, as well as highlighting some of the many challenges that British farmers face today.
The World According to Kaleb
1ST FEBRUARY
York Barbican
yorkbarbican.co.uk
ICE, ICE, BABY
York Ice Trail is one of the city’s ‘coolest’ events, where guests are invited to see spectacular ice sculptures across the city centre. As York transforms into ‘The City of Dreams’, they can also enjoy live carving, interactive experiences and the chance to win great prizes. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos!
York Ice Trail
3RD & 4TH FEBRUARY
York
visityork.org
