If you’re looking for something to do, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in the North East this weekend and beyond.
5. The Foundations, Customs House, South Shields, January 17
The Foundations play Customs House, South Shields, on January 17. The Foundations announced their arrival on the swinging sixties music scene with international chart toppers Build Me Up Buttercup and Baby, Now That I’ve Found You, plus a string of other hits including Back On My Feet Again, Any Old Time (You’re Lonely And Sad), In The Bad Bad Old Days (Before You Loved Me) and Born To Live, Born To Die. Now original lead guitarist/vocalist Alan Warner is keeping the sound of The Foundations alive with a group of musicians. Photo: Library image
6. Beauty and the Beast, Theatre Royal, Newcastle, until January 19
Beauty and the Beast is running at Theatre Royal, Newcastle, until January 19. For the first time ever pantomime Beauty and the Beast is at Newcastle Theatre Royal in an enchanting production for all the family, starring legendary Theatre Royal panto stars Danny Adams, Clive Webb and Chris Hayward. Join them on a magical adventure to help the beautiful Belle on her quest to unleash the Beauty within the Beast. As with all Theatre Royal pantomimes, you can expect special effects and a few surprises along the way. Photo: Submitted
7. Robson Carew and the Pirates of Crimdon Dene, Arts Centre Washington, until January 25
Robson Carew and the Pirates of Crimdon Dene pantomime will be staged at Arts Centre Washington on Fridays and Saturdays until January 25. It's this year's offering from Washington Theatre Group. Hero Robson has just a few days to find his family’s long lost treasure or he’ll lose his ancestral home Downsize Abbey! Who better to help with this quest than his manservant Bob and his cook Barely Merry? Together they charter a ship full of jolly sailors – but are they really sailors? Tickets from the Arts Centre Washington website. Photo: JPI Media
8. BeBopALula, Billingham Forum, January 18
BeBopALula is coming to Billingham Forum on January 18. The West End smash hit comes to town and pays tribute to the giants of rock’n’roll – Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Billy Fury and Buddy Holly. In 1960, American rockers Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent flew in from the States and were joined by British heartthrob Billy Fury for the UK’s very first multi-artist rock’n’roll tour. Reviewers were appalled by the on stage antics. Audiences screamed their approval. British youth culture was born. Photo: Promo shot