Main image: Rocky Horror Picture Show
November is a great month for enjoying all the city has to offer; before the Christmas rush, and while the weather is crisp enough for that ‘must-have’ shopping trip or lingering in a cosy cafe! The city’s cultural venues have plenty to offer those seeking entertainment too, from insightful documentary screenings to indie pop sounds and literary delights – let’s dive in to the best the city has to offer in November…
Image: Energy, A Documentary about Damo Suzuki, Brighton, image by Michelle Heighway
Doc‘n Roll Film Festival @ Tyneside Cinema
Aiming to amplify the voices of marginalised groups in the music industry, female-led film agency Doc‘n Roll present a film season which celebrates musical subcultures and shines a light on some of the most interesting and unusual stories in the music world. Highlights of the season include Energy, a documentary about krautrock musician Damo Suzuki; TRAMPS!, a feature-length doc about the New Romantics’ position in the pop culture scene; and Rewind And Play, an intriguing story of jazz giant Thelonius Monk. Many screenings are accompanied by Q&As too, enabling audiences to get behind the stories.
Tuesday 1st-Wednesday 9th November, ticket prices vary
Sir Ranulph Fiennes @ Tyne Theatre & Opera House
If you’re looking for a spirit of adventure without actually having to go anywhere, let adventurer and all-round rugged explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes take you on a thrilling journey from the comfort of your theatre seat. The raconteur will regale audiences with tales from his many record-breaking achievements, including venturing to both Poles and crossing the Antarctic and Arctic oceans. He’s lived his life at the extremes, and undertaken some of the most awe-inspiring journeys and amazing adventures the world has seen.
Thursday 3rd November, tickets from £28.50
Argie Bhaji @ Wylam Brewery
What could be better than warming curry on a winter’s day? Ten curry connoisseurs all in one place, that’s what! The world (OK, Newcastle) famous street food battle is back at Wylam Brewery, where ten vendors will present their very best curry dishes for your approval – grab a token and make your choice (we dare you to only try one though…) and at the end of the weekend, the curry King or Queen will be crowned! Expect music, great beer, cocktails and all kinds of sides, fries, sweet things and hot drinks, plus it’s doggy friendly too (with no fireworks set off on Bonfire Night) so bring your canine friend to join in the action.
Friday 4th & Saturday 5th November, free entry
Boulevard Christmas Spectacular @ Boulevard
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and you’re guaranteed a good time at cabaret bar Boulevard, where Danni Dee and the Broadway Dancers offer up a night like no other. Expect sequins and sparkles, drag and dancing, and a whole host of hilarity. An array of festive party packages are available, making their Christmas Spectacular a fab night out with friends or co-workers.
Saturday 5th November-Sunday 1st January, ticket prices vary
Joe Black: Club Cataclysm @ The Stand
Fans of Mama Ru’s irrepressible Drag Race will be familiar with dark cabaret darling and musical comedy misfit Joe Black, who brings his vintage vaudeville act to Newcastle’s Stand. His Club Cataclysm show finds mirth and celebration in the most dastardly of situations, in a show replete with ukulele, accordion and piano, and not a little tongue-in-cheek hilarity!
Thursday 10th November, tickets £22.50
One Off @ Live Theatre
Having been in and out of prison for much of his young adulthood, reformed convict Ric Renton’s hard-hitting and emotional drama is an incredibly insightful look at the prison system and mental health hardships, shot through with black humour. Ric wrote this story having learned to read and write while in HMP Durham, and One Off tells a harrowing tale of prisoner suicide, the emotional weight being incarcerated can carry, and how the kindness of one person can be a light in the darkness.
Thursday 10th-Saturday 26th November, tickets from £6
Rocky Horror Picture Show @ Theatre Royal
Damn it Janet! Rocky returns, with his Transylvanian transvestite Dr Frank’n’Furter, for a raunchy and ridiculous production filled with fun, frolics and frivolity. All American teens Brad and Janet find themselves at the mercy of the decidedly unusual inhabitants of a creepy mansion, where things get pretty weird, pretty quick! Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical is full of sing (and dance!) along moments, from the Time Warp to Sweet Transvestite, and dressing up is practically mandatory. Leave your inhibitions at home, darling!
Tuesday 15th-Saturday 19th November, tickets from £15
Hey Diddle Diddle @ Northern Stage
Northern Stage’s wonderful festive production for those aged under 6 and their families is created by local theatre company Kitchen Zoo, who present your favourite nursery rhyme characters in a special Christmas cabaret. Fiddle playing cat Nero and laughing dog Lazzo introduce their nursery rhyme friends in a fun-loving and music-filled adventure featuring puppetry, laughter and plenty of opportunities to join in!
Saturday 19th November-Sunday 8th January, tickets from £9
Image: Bob Stanley
Books on Tyne @ Newcastle City Library & The Lit & Phil
A packed programme of literary delights is on the cards as the wonderful Books on Tyne festival returns to the city’s libraries. There’s something for everyone, with a varied mix of local history, poetry, musical superstars and poetic performances. Highlights of the programme include a reading from Saint Etienne musician Bob Stanley’s new book on the birth of modern pop; the author of Geordie Newcastle Fiona Kay talks about how she discovered forgotten memories of the city; local poetry imprint Red Squirrel Press present their new publication; local author Barry Hindson reveals his new novel, The Grainger Market Murders; there’s an illustrated talk about the city’s fascinating history from Newcastle author Ken Smith; freelance writer Paul Brown chats about his new book, The Tyne Bridge; and former Newcastle United footballer Paul Ferris reads from his novel, The Magic In The Tin.
Saturday 19th-Saturday 26th November, ticket prices vary
Westlife @ Utilita Arena
One of the biggest selling groups in musical history, Westlife will regale a packed Arena audience with their greatest hits, in what promises to be a real sing-along treat. The Irish pop band’s tour promises a spectacular stage set and all the group’s most famous hits, from "Flying Without Wings" and "Swear It Again" to "World Of Our Own". Their latest album, Wild Dreams, is their twelfth release, and proves the lads are still going strong in the songwriting stakes, with contributions from the likes of Ed Sheeran and Amy Wadge bolstering a catchy, electro-infused pop vibe. Don’t forget to wait for that key change before getting to your feet!
Friday 25th November, tickets from £53.50
No matter what tickles your entertainment fancy, Newcastle’s got all bases covered. Enjoy!
