10 Unmissable Events in Newcastle this February

Thank goodness we’ve got the freezing, dull month of January out of the way! Things begin to hot up in February (in the events world, if not temperature-wise!) and there’s a wealth of interesting diversions to enjoy throughout the city. Here, we take a look at just 10 of the unmissable events in the city’s calendar...

Image: Sally Madge - Stuff of Dreams, 2013 (video still)
 

Sally Madge: Nowhere Better Than This Place @ Newcastle Contemporary Art 

A thought-provoking exhibition of work by renowned North East contemporary artist Sally Madge (1946-2020) will uncover her rich multimedia output which spans ceramics, painting, sculpture, collage, film, installation and performance. Nowhere Better Than This Place will encompass the artist’s recurring themes of power and identity, with a characteristic wit and the ability to delight and intrigue.

Saturday 28th January-Saturday 25th February, free entry

Strictly Come Dancing @ Utilita Arena 

If you spent the final few weeks of last year glued to your TV while celebs and experts battled it out on the dancefloor, you’ll not want to miss the live spectacle of Strictly Come Dancing’s arena tour! TV judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke will join host Janette Manrara as the celebrities and their partners perform just for you (and a few thousand others) in a live spectacle of exquisite costumes, fabulous dancing and live music.

Wednesday 1st-Thursday 2nd February, tickets from £42.50

Principals Constance Devernay-Laurence and Jerome Anthony Barnes in The Snow Queen, image by Andy Ross
 

Scottish Ballet: The Snow Queen @ Theatre Royal 

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale (which was also the basis for Frozen, fact fans), Scottish Ballet’s mesmerising performance will take you from the bustle of a winter’s market to the shivers of a fairytale forest on a journey to the Snow Queen’s palace, in this magical story of love and friendship perfect for the whole family.

Wednesday 1st-Saturday 4th February, tickets from £20

Spring Show @ Boulevard

Nothing welcomes the arrival of spring quite like a glittering display of riotous colour and raucous theatrics, and that’s exactly what cabaret specialists Boulevard are offering with their stunning Spring Show which kicks off this month. Drag artist Danni Dee alongside affable host Miss Rory and the full cast of the Broadway Dancers will offer up a night like no other, complete with stunning costumes, hilarious comedy and fabulous dance routines!

Friday 3rd February-Sunday 7th May, tickets from £10

The Northern Wedding Show @ Utilita Arena

If you’re in the throes of planning your big day, the Northern Wedding Show is definitely the place to be. Crammed full of ideas, the biggest independent wedding show in the North will feature an all singing all dancing showcase of the most amazing suppliers, entertainment, venues and all the inspiration you need to create your perfect day. Expect a bridal creative village, interactive VIP zones, artisanal food vendors, show-stopping cakes, creative stationery, incredible stylists and much more!

Saturday 4th-Sunday 5th February, tickets from £14.50

Norman Jay DJ Set @ Hoochie Coochie 

The city’s bastion of soul, funk and R&B, Hoochie Coochie have a knack for luring big name musicians to their intimate and welcoming venue. This month they welcome legendary DJ Norman Jay MBE, who will regale audiences with his impeccable taste in rare grooves.

Friday 10th February, tickets £20

Zoe Lyons image by Mark Vessey
 

Zoe Lyons: Bald Ambition @ The Stand

Another top telly comic heads to the iconic Stand Comedy Club; Zoe Lyons has been a star of Live at the Apollo, a regular on Have I Got News For You, QI and Mock The Week, and her career has taken off thanks to a dry wit and intelligent observations. Her new show, Bald Ambition, details the rocky road her life has recently taken, from dealing with a self-described ‘midlife crisis’ to her hair falling out. Expect a funny take on all the twists and turns!

Sunday 12th February, tickets £16

An Audience with Kevin Keegan @ Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Inspirational speaker and former England, Liverpool and Newcastle footballer and manager Kevin Keegan is joined by Sky Sports host Pete Graves for an evening of stories, an audience Q&A and live auction. Capped 63 times for England, scoring 21 international goals, Keegan will be no doubt be best remembered by Toon fans for his time as manager of the Magpies, so this is a must-attend event for any Newcastle United fan!

Sunday 12th February, tickets from £35

Image: The Singing Mermaid, Little Angel Theatre image by Tristram Kenton
 

The Singing Mermaid @ Northern Stage

Based on the original book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, families will fall in love with the singing mermaid as she joins a travelling circus and all the excitement of the fair, until the dastardly circus master tricks her and she plots her escape! Expect puppets, talented performers and lovely music and songs by Barb Jungr.

Tuesday 21st-Thursday 23rd February, tickets from £10

Just Jam International 2023: Battle Finals @ Dance City 

Renowned for creating world-class hip-hop dance platforms and bringing some of the brightest international talent to Newcastle, Just Jam’s International Breaking Event sees breakdancing crews from across the UK and Europe come together to compete in cypher qualifiers, resulting in the Battle Finals – an epic performance of athleticism, skill and dedication to breakdancing. Enjoy a warm welcome and a great induction into the world of hip-hop and breaking culture.

Saturday 25th February, from £12
 

That's February in Newcastle in a nutshell. Whether you’re looking for family fun, astonishing feats of dance, fabulous performance or rip-roaring comedy, you’ll find something to keep you occupied in the Toon this month!  

Main image: The Singing Mermaid, Little Angel Theatre, image by Tristram Kenton