What's On Across the North East and Yorkshire This November
Plan your November with us
Puppet Lab
Since the success of Warhorse, puppets are being seen more and more on stage but puppetry remains a distinct skill set which is not widely taught in our region. That’s why Life and Limb are offering this course, an introduction to puppetry.
2ND–30TH NOVEMBER
Live Theatre, Newcastle
live.org.uk
Billy Elliot the Musical
Based on the highly successful multi BAFTA award-winning and Academy Award-nominated film, Billy Elliot is coming home. It’s one of the most successful and beloved British musicals of all time and audiences can’t wait to see this landmark production return to the North East. Read all about it at livingnorth.com.
4TH–28TH NOVEMBER
Sunderland Empire
atgtickets.com
Magic At The Mansion
This year, Harewood House will be transformed for Christmas with talking furniture, cheeky presents and portraits with secrets to share, before a grand finale in the Servants’ Room. That really is Magic At The Mansion.
FROM 6TH NOVEMBER
Harewood House, Leeds
harewood.org
Skate at Life!
Glide around and enjoy the fresh air and twinkling lights at Newcastle’s outdoor ice rink in Times Square. Made of real ice, the rink is the perfect setting to kick off your festive celebrations – there’s even marshmallow toasting and hot chocolate to warm up with afterwards! If you’re after something a bit different, themed skating nights include ABBA, Olivia Dean and a two magical pyjama skates.
FROM 7TH NOVEMBER
Life Science Centre, Newcastle
life.org.uk/skating
Eliot Smith’s PITMAN
Eliot Smith Dance returns to Alnwick Playhouse to celebrate the 10th anniversary of one of the company’s most popular and acclaimed productions, Eliot Smith’s PITMAN – inspired by the story of the Pitmen Painters. It’s a double celebration as it coincides with the company’s 15th anniversary.
11TH NOVEMBER
Alnwick Playhouse
alnwickplayhouse.co.uk
Disney On Ice presents: Discover the Magic
A magical show for all the family, Disney On Ice presents Discover The Magic. Follow the search for Tinker Bell as you brave the ocean with Moana, sing along with Elsa and enjoy daring aerial stunts and memorable moments from all your favourite Disney characters.
11TH–13TH DECEMBER
Utilita Arena Sheffield
utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk
11TH–15TH NOVEMBER
Utilita Arena, Newcastle
utilitaarena.co.uk
Hexham Lantern Parade
Following a break last year, Hexham Lantern Parade is back! As well as the dazzling parade through Hexham, don’t miss the free lantern-making workshops and the exciting announcement of this year’s parade band.
13TH NOVEMBER
Hexham
queenshall.co.uk
A Christmas Carousel
This Christmas, step inside Bamburgh Castle and experience the magic of A Christmas Carousel as the castle’s rooms are transformed with stunning festive displays, with inspiration for each room taken from a different Christmas tale. Head to livingnorth.com to see previous displays and get an idea of what to expect.
FROM 14TH NOVEMBER
Bamburgh Castle
bamburghcastle.com
The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail
Get into the spirit of Christmas at The Plotters’ Forest where twinkling lights, merry music and magical moments await throughout the woodland. Families will follow this special trail during the day or in the evening and each child will receive a gift from Father Christmas.
14TH NOVEMBER–3RD JANUARY
The Plotters’ Forest, Raby
raby.co.uk
My Cousin Rachel
When Philip Ashley’s guardian dies in Italy, rumours surround his mysterious widow, Rachel. But as suspicion gives way to fascination, Philip becomes unsure of the truth. This play is adapted from Daphne du Maurier’s classic novel, where nothing is quite as it seems.
16TH–21ST NOVEMBER
Tynemouth Priory Theatre
tynemouthpriorytheatre.co.uk
A Lilidorei Christmas
It’s Christmas every day at Lilidorei, so where better to get into the spirit? Visitors will learn how each clan has decorated their Clan House for the holiday season whilst wandering through the forest of 1,500 Christmas trees, taking part in The Nutcrackers of Sillyshriek Trail and finding the giant nutcrackers. Plus, children won’t want to miss their chance to climb on the biggest play structure in the world – Elfwin Drin.
16TH NOVEMBER–3RD JANUARY
Lilidorei, The Alnwick Garden
alnwickgarden.com
Whitby Lit Fest
John Boyne, Ann Cleeves, Joanne Harris, Si King, Corinne Bailey Rae and Hugh Bonneville – how’s that for a star-studded lineup? Whitby’s literature festival returns with a celebration of writing bookworms won’t want to miss.
19TH–22ND NOVEMBER
Across Whitby
whitbylitfest.org.uk
Living North’s Christmas Fair
We’re back, and bringing you all your Christmas shopping under one roof at York Racecourse! Join us for a jam-packed day at the biggest and best festive shopping event in the North, with more than 250 carefully-selected stands, from artisan designer-makers, local food producers and fashion retailers to homewares, gifts and accessories, and of course special Christmas decorations. Plus, there’ll be live music, a chance to relax with a tipple, and the return of our Chef’s Demo Kitchen. Early-bird discounted tickets are on sale now!
19TH–22ND NOVEMBER
York Racecourse
livingnorth.com
The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market
The Hepworth Wakefield’s regular markets bring together some of the finest makers in the country under one roof to make discovering your new favourite craftspeople easy, while you browse and shop for the new season. Their Festive Market is a particularly special one, and a great place for gift buying or to treat yourself.
20TH–22ND & 28TH–29TH NOVEMBER
The Hepworth Wakefield
hepworthwakefield.org
AGLOW
Marvel at the longest outdoor pulsating light tunnel in the UK, step into a winter wonderland and meet Santa Claus himself when AGLOW returns to Auckland Palace. The 1.5-mile trail is a great way to get into the spirit of Christmas, with incredible illuminations and one of the tallest Christmas trees in the UK – standing at more than 30 metres high! Read our review at livingnorth.com for what to expect from this family-friendly trail.
20TH NOVEMBER–3RD JANUARY
Auckland Palace & Gardens, Bishop Auckland
aucklandproject.org
The Magical Music of Harry Potter: In Concert
Potterheads won’t want to miss this chance to experience the best Oscar-nominated music from the Harry Potter films in a unique concert – plus magical illusions, a Harry Potter quiz and audience interaction. There’ll also be a star guest appearance from a member of the cast.
21ST NOVEMBER
Hull City Hall
hulltheatres.co.uk
Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)
Five women play overlooked servants who retell Pride and Prejudice through their eyes by each playing multiple characters in the story, including Darcy, Bingley and Mrs Bennet. Featuring a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain, the servants perform the story in the most unique and audacious way, playing instruments, singing and dancing throughout, and whether they’re amongst the audience or on stage, they play the various characters via subtle, quick and constant costume changes.
23RD–28TH NOVEMBER
Darlington Hippodrome
darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
Jack and the Beanstalk
It’s time! Danny Adams leads the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk, with panto legends Clive Webb as Farmer Trot and Chris Hayward as Dame Trot, South Shields’ singing star Joe McElderry as the Spirit of the Beans, Mick Potts as Pat the Cow and Wayne Smith as villainous Fleshcreep. Ahead of rehearsals, getting a first look at their spectacular costumes, we meet the cast at livingnorth.com.
24TH NOVEMBER–17TH JANUARY
Newcastle Theatre Royal
theatreroyal.co.uk
RHS Glow
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of RHS Glow at RHS Garden Harlow Carr as constellations of colour lead you through this must-not-miss light trail. There’ll be snowy effects, columns of light, giant dandelions and a patchwork of colours throughout.
SELECTED DATES FROM 26TH NOVEMBER
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
rhs.org.uk
Singin’ in the Rain
Hollywood’s golden couple, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont have the world at their feet. But when ‘talkies’ start to replace silent movies, that’s all turned upside down. This hugely popular musical with a much-loved score (including Good Morning, Make ‘em Laugh and, of course, Singin’ in the Rain) is a must-see in Sheffield.
26TH NOVEMBER–16TH JANUARY
Crucible, Sheffield
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Bill Bailey
Comedian, musician and writer Bill Bailey is back on the road promising his usual stand-up with musical inventiveness. Don’t miss it.
28TH NOVEMBER
First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds
firstdirectbankarena.com
Santa Express
Families are heading on the Santa Express to meet Father Christmas and collect a gingerbread man-themed gift. The hour-long round trip between Pickering and Levisham will see Santa and his elves bring a gift for every child. You’ll meet Elton Elf, Chef Custard and Joey Marshmallow, and look out for Gingersnap the gingerbread puppet.
SELECTED DATES FROM 28TH NOVEMBER
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
nymr.co.uk/christmas
The Biscuit Factory Winter Festival
Browse original gifts from more than 200 collections of paintings, prints, sculpture, homewares and jewellery this winter in a weekend packed with art, music, food and drink and festive creativity.
28TH & 29TH NOVEMBER
The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle
thebiscuitfactory.com
Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman
Marking 200 years since the death of York-born artist John Flaxman, this major exhibition celebrates his life, legacy and influence on art and design, including on the works of J.M.W Turner, William Blake and potter Josiah Wedgwood. Visitors will see objects from York Art Gallery’s collection, key loans from the Royal Academy, National Portrait Gallery, V&A and the Barber Institute of Fine Art and many other institutions on display.
UNTIL 17TH JANUARY
York Art Gallery
yorkartgallery.org.uk
Pre-Raphaelites: Art and Poetry
Don’t miss your chance to see the first large-scale exhibition to explore the connections between Pre-Raphaelite art and poetry. This new exhibition features more than 100 masterpiece paintings, drawings and objects, some of which have never been displayed in Newcastle before. You’ll see works by Hunt, Millais and Rossetti, as well as Edward Burne-Jones, William Morris, Elizabeth Siddall, Kate Bunce and Julia Margaret Cameron. The exhibition reveals how the artists were inspired by poets including Dante Aligheri, Geoffrey Chaucer, John Keats and Alfred Tennyson, and writers from the Pre-Raphaelites’ own circle such as Christina Rossetti.
Pre-Raphaelites: Art and Poetry
UNTIL13TH FEBRUARY
Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle
northeastmuseums.org.uk/laing
