What's On in May Across the North East and Yorkshire
With Bank Holidays and brand-new events to book, there's plenty to do this month
A Guided Bluebell Walk
Take a hike uphill through Raby Castle’s woodlands this spring as carpets of bluebells put on a natural display. Don’t forget your camera! Twitchers will want to download the Merlin ID app before the walk to identify birds by their calls.
UNTIL 10TH MAY
Raby Castle
raby.co.uk
Waitress
Durham’s own Emma Lucia will star alongside Les Dennis in Waitress, the popular musical with a score by Grammy award-winning Sara Bareilles. Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker, dreams of some happiness in her life but when a new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. Read our interview with Emma at livingnorth.com.
4TH–9TH MAY
Sunderland Empire
atgtickets.com
Little Shop of Horrors
Flower shop assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles upon a strange and exotic plant with a sinister secret: it thrives on human blood. As the plant’s appetite grows, so does Seymour’s fame and fortune. Northern Stage and Derby Theatre present this outrageous musical, with killer tunes and larger-than-life characters.
8TH–23RD MAY
Northern Stage, Newcastle
northernstage.co.uk
The Late Shows
One of the biggest events in Newcastle and Gateshead’s cultural calendar, The Late Shows returns this May, bringing a lively programme of arts, heritage and culture to more than 60 venues after hours. Highlights include an urban beach party at Atlas North East, and art, music and storytelling with Kathryn Williams at The Biscuit Factory.
8TH & 9TH MAY
Ouseburn Valley, Gateshead, and Newcastle
thelateshows.org.uk
The Lady in the Van
The Lady in the Van tells the story of Mary Shepherd, drawing on playwright Alan Bennett’s own memoirs. First performed at the National Theatre in 1999 and later adapted into a successful film starring Maggie Smith, it’s a poignant story demonstrating the conflict between the inner and outer persona as the relationship between Bennett and Miss Shepherd develops over 15 years.
11TH–16TH MAY
Tynemouth Priory Theatre
tynemouthpriorytheatre.co.uk
Legally Blonde The Musical
Starring Amber Davies as Elle Woods, this vibrant musical follows her transformation from It Girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School – all in the name of love.
12TH–17TH MAY
Newcastle Theatre Royal
theatreroyal.co.uk
An Orchestral Tribute to Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy by Moonlight
From Tim Burton’s gothic fantasy films to cult classics, this live performance sees their soundtracks performed by 18-piece chamber orchestra, Illuminated Orchestra, beneath the glow of a giant moon.
13TH MAY
Grand Opera House York
atgtickets.com
James Morrison
In celebration of 20 years of his album Undiscovered, James Morrison is back on tour performing his greatest hits including You Give Me Something and Wonderful World as well as rarely performed songs such as One Last Chance and How Come.
13TH MAY
York Barbican
yorkbarbican.co.uk
Dante Festival
Set your social summer off in style at the races over these three thrilling days at York. The Dante Festival begins with The Tattersalls Musidora, followed by the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante; and racegoers will be looking forward to the Boodles Yorkshire Cup.
13TH–15TH MAY
York Racecourse
yorkracecourse.co.uk
Peter Kay Live
One of Britain’s best loved comedians, Peter Kay announced extra dates for his record-breaking comedy tour, including this one as he returns to Newcastle. Don’t miss it.
15TH MAY
Utilita Arena, Newcastle
utilitaarena.co.uk
The Puppini Sisters
Two decades since they released Betcha Bottom Dollar, The Puppini Sisters remain the poster women of swing with a modern twist. Don’t miss this special performance at The Glasshouse.
15TH MAY
The Glasshouse, Gateshead
theglasshouseicm.org
1940s Weekend
Travel back in time to the 1940s as Keighley & Worth Valley Railway is transformed into a living history experience with the sights, sounds, and spirit of wartime Britain, plus music, entertainment, and re-enactments.
15TH–17TH MAY
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Haworth
kwvr.co.uk
Bluey’s Big Play
Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli are returning to Shef eld in the Olivier award-nominated live stage show, Bluey’s Big Play. The perfect introduction to the theatre for kids, expect puppets, music and laughter in this original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm.
15TH–17TH MAY
Lyceum, Sheffield
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Get Together
Taking place at various venues across Kelham Island and Neepsend, Get Together gives gig goers the chance to see their favourite artists or discover new music throughout this day-long festival. This year’s lineup features The Horrors and Lime Garden.
16TH MAY
Kelham Island & Neepsend, Sheffield
gettogetherfestival.com
Whitby Fish & Ships Festival
A huge celebration of Whitby’s rich fishing heritage, Whitby Fish & Ships Festival features cookery demonstrations, fish craft tips, live music from local bands, family activities and entertainment across the weekend. Don’t miss it.
16TH & 17TH MAY
Whitby
visitnorthyorkshire.com
Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift
Midsomer Murders fans won’t want to miss this stage adaptation of the critically-acclaimed TV series. When Emily is found dead in the picturesque village of Badger’s Drift, her friend Lucy refuses to accept it was an accident. Look forward to eccentric villagers, shocking twists and an unforgettable reveal.
19TH–23RD MAY
Darlington Hippodrome
darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
SIX
International smash hit musical SIX returns to Hull following three sold out runs. In this popular musical the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing 500 years of history into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. Book your tickets fast.
19TH–23RD MAY
Hull City Hall
hulltheatres.co.uk
Spitfire Girls
Inspired by the stories of the women who dared to fly during WWII, this heart-warming production shares their strength, courage, loss and hope.
21ST–23RD MAY
The Round, SJT, Scarborough
sjt.uk.com
BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend
The final few tickets remain for BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend as it returns to Sunderland, so act fast to bag yours. As well as big names including Olivia Dean, Niall Horan and Dermot Kennedy on stages across the weekend, local stars Imogen and the Knife and Finn Forster will also perform.
22ND–24TH MAY
Herrington Country Park, Sunderland
bbc.co.uk
Spring Garden Fair
Following a successful debut, Raby Castle, Park and Garden’s Spring Garden Fair returns with garden experts offering talks and advice to support with any questions you might have about your own garden and more about the transformation of Raby Castle’s Walled Gardens.
23RD–25TH MAY
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
raby.co.uk
Warrior School
Join fierce Viking warrior Ormhildhr as she trains King Oswald’s youngest recruits at Bamburgh Castle. This activity is included in general admission to the castle.
FROM 25TH MAY
Bamburgh Castle
bamburghcastle.com
ZooLab
Get up close and hands-on with animals in ZooLab, then follow a new trail and discover the Wizard Earl and his critter companions. It’s the perfect activity for kids on your next visit to Alnwick Castle.
26TH–29TH MAY
Alnwick Castle
alnwickcastle.com
Craig Revel Horwood: Revelations – Songs Boys Don’t Sing
To celebrate the release of his debut solo album, and new book, Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood is putting on a a show of fab-u-lous songs and stories.
27TH MAY
Queen’s Hall Arts, Hexham
queenshall.co.uk
Long Day’s Journey Into Night
It’s summer 1912 and the Tyrones reunite in the family home. All’s well until the ghosts of the past come to haunt them. Long Day’s Journey Into Night is one of the greatest American plays of the 20th century – don’t miss this 70th anniversary production by award-winning Elysium Theatre Company, touring to venues across the North – including this show in York.
28TH MAY
Theatre@41, York
elysiumtc.co.uk
Haddaway & Write
Six hilarious and heart-warming short plays from local talent will be performed back-to-back in one evening as Haddaway & Write returns.
30TH MAY
Gala Durham
galadurham.co.uk
Catterick Beer Festival Raceday
At this special raceday, racegoers will enjoy live music and pints alongside the action and there’ll also be free children’s entertainment in the course enclosure so it’s a great day out for the whole family.
30TH MAY
Catterick Racecourse
catterickbridge.co.uk
