Play Hard

Introducing HLN’s new events calendar! Here’s our picks of what’s on in October

A hit West End musical, a gig bringing together some of the hottest talent on the North East’s music scene, and a haunted Halloween market to get you into the seasonal spirit… get your calendars at the ready!

Written by High Life North

Published 07.10.2021

Psst… we’ve got something to tell you. Our brand new What’s On calendar is finally here!

We’ve been working on this baby for a while now, but the time has finally come to welcome you all to the wonderful world of what’s on right here in the North East.

We’re hoping HLN’s new What’s On calendar will soon become your go-to for everything you need to know about what’s happening at any given month, week, day and time anywhere in the North East. From plays to parties, gigs to gatherings, art exhibitions, festivals, comedy shows, markets, seasonal soirées and the hottest new openings, we’ll have it all – and more – right here on High Life North.

We’re super proud of everyone who has helped us get this up and running so far, but please bear with us as we’re still working hard behind-the-scenes to continue bringing all the very best events on our doorstep to your very fingertips.

In the meantime though, here are our top picks of what’s coming up this month across the region – and be sure to check out the full What’s On calendar for plenty more listings where these came from!

School of Rock

5^th – 9^th October

Get ready to stick it to the man, because Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End and Broadway hit musical is coming to rock out at Sunderland Empire.

We’re sure you’ve all seen the iconic movie School of Rock, starring Jack Black. Well, now it’s been made into this must-see global hit musical. For those who haven’t seen it, wannabe rock star Dewey Finn poses as a substitute music teacher at an elite prep school, exposes his students to the rock gods he idolises and transforms them into a mind‐blowing rock band. But will they all find redemption at the battle of the bands?

Haunted Halloween Market

24^th October

We all love a market, but this one has a very terrific twist. Who doesn’t love a freak show? This evening event is aimed at adults and older children who are not easily scared.

With performers on stage and a couple of creepy characters hiding in dark corners ready to frighten you, you’ll have a shopping experience like no other. So, grab a drink at the bar (you’ll need it), browse the stalls and pick up some Halloween delights at The Biscuit Room (inside The Biscuit Factory).

Newism: North East Women in Soul

28^th October

This Black History Month, Hoochie Coochie are proud to present the very best of the current, upcoming female soul artists based here in the North East, with this special gig featuring performances by: Georgia May, Kate Bond, Phibi, Fallu and Frankie Jobling.

We can’t wait to see the lovely Georgia May perform. A soulful vocalist born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne with Nigerian roots, her breath-taking voice is defined by soothing timbres exposing contrasting emotions of lust and heartache with a poetic lyrical narrative. She also happens to be our next HLN Meets The Musician, so keep your eyes peeled for her HLN-exclusive video performance, coming soon…

Chris Ramsey

30^th October

Our very own local lad, Chris Ramsey, is back on stage in his home town, as part of the critically acclaimed stand-up comedian and TV host’s biggest stand-up tour to date.

We can expect even more of Chris’ high energy, life-affirming, trademark stand-up. After all, a good belly-laugh is just what we need after this last year.

WOW: Women Only Works On Paper

Until December 4^th

This art exhibition is more than just an ordinary gallery showing; it’s a chance to champion upcoming female artists. With a display of over 50 watercolours and pastels, complemented by etching and screenprints, artists Vanessa Bell, Winifred Knights, Ithell Colquhoun, Annie French, Lucy Kemp-Welch, Thérèse Lessore, Hilda Carline and Paule Vézelay bring us eye-catching pieces that are sure to leave us feeling inspired.

Showcased in the Laing Art Gallery, the exhibition has been brought together by renowned art dealers Liss Llewellyn and includes some works from private collections as well as pictures from the Laing collection.