
What’s on in the North East in November 2022
From big boyband returns to the start of Christmas panto season, November’s cultural calendar has plenty of cracking events in Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and Northumberland.

MUSIC
MUNA
7pm, 17th November
Newcastle University Students’ Union
MUNA shot to worldwide fame with their global smash-hit ‘Silk Chiffon’ – which featured vocals from none other than Phoebe Bridgers – but we’re convinced the secret of these alt-pop magicians lies in how they can make even the most ironic and, often, self-deprecating lyrics so darn catchy.
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Sea Girls
7pm, 20th November
The Middlesbrough Empire
Four-piece pop-rock outfit Sea Girls have spent their summer playing festivals like Glastonbury and Benicassim, but now they’re out on their road again in their own right. Expect wall-to-wall bangers.
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Westlife
25th – 26th November
Utilita Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne
Channelling ultimate boyband vibes, the UK’s biggest-selling album group of the 21st century are enjoying nothing short of a sensational return to music. Get ready to belt out all Westlife’s greatest hits – ‘Swear It Again’, ‘Flying Without Wings’, ‘World of our Own’ – as well as fresh pop anthems from their new album Wild Dreams.
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THEATRE
Where is Mrs Christie?
2.30pm & 7.30pm, 19th November
Alnwick Playhouse
In 1926, Agatha Christie’s crashed car was found abandoned, sparking an extensive police hunt. She was discovered 11 days later at a luxury hotel in Harrogate, claiming to remember nothing about the event… Liz Grand stars in this one-woman show, delving into this mystery and exploring the possible reasons behind the obscure occurrence.
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White Christmas
28th November – 3rd December
Sunderland Empire
This modern adaptation of Irving Berlin’s classic rom-com musical stars The Wanted’s Jay McGuinness alongside Dan Burton as all-singing, all-dancing veterans Bob and Phil, who fall for the Haynes sisters and create an epic festive show for a very special Vermont lodge owner.
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Cinderella
29th November – 15th January
Theatre Royal, Newcastle
It’s that time of year again (oh, yes it is!) – Christmas panto season is upon us and Newcastle’s Theatre Royal promises one of the best. Expect enchantment, laugh-out-loud jokes and even some street dancing from BGT finalists Flawless.
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ART & EXHIBITIONS
Christmas at Life
Until 27th December
Life Science Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne
Enjoy the ultimate Christmas experience at the Centre for Life. Think live shows, a trip to the planetarium, a glow-in-the-dark Christmas card workshop and a solve-along Santa mystery using UV light – not to mention a whirl around their magical open-air ice rink, too.
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School Prints Revisited
Until 20th January, 2023
Old School Gallery, Alnmouth
The School Prints are beautiful, hand-drawn colour lithographs that were published in the 1940s and became known for their display of post-war optimism and cheeriness. Admire the original prints on display along with a modern interpretation at the Old School Gallery.
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‘Lucie Rie: The Adventure Of Pottery’
Until 12th February, 2023
MIMA, Middlesbrough
20th century ceramicist Lucie Rie created a career for herself as an independent female potter in an industry which was then dominated by men. In this exhibition, you can see more than 100 of her pieces and gain insight into her ground-breaking practice across six decades.
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DANCE
Strictly Ballroom
14th – 19th November
Darlington Hippodrome
Based on Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning film, Strictly Ballroom: The Musical is directed by Britain’s best-loved TV judge, Craig Revel Horwood, and stars fellow Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton alongside BBC’s Eastenders’ Maisie Smith.
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The Nutcracker
7.30pm, 25th November
Middlesbrough Theatre
Crown Ballet comes to the UK to enchant you with their delightful production of The Nutcracker – a charming and kindly fairy tale is one of the jewels of Tchaikovsky’s repertoire. This ultimate fairy tale, where goodness and beauty triumph, is a seasonal favourite for a reason.
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COMEDY
Sarah Millican
8pm, 24th November
Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle upon Tyne
In this, Sarah Millican’s sixth international tour, you’ll learn what happens when your mouth seals shut, how to throw poo over a wall, trying to lose weight but only losing the tip of your finger, a surprisingly funny smear test and how truly awful a flotation tank can be.
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Justin Moorhouse
8pm 3rd December
Alnwick Playhouse
Justin’s new show may contain yoga, getting older, Madonna, shoplifters, Labradoodles, middle-aged cyclists, the menopause, hating football fans but loving football, not drinking, funerals, Captain Tom, self-improvement, ruining a sexual position and electric car charging spots used by doggers.
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EVENTS
Winter Wonderland
17th November – 24th December
Newcastle Racecourse
Newcastle’s biggest winter fair is back and promises another year of festive fun for the whole family. From adrenaline-filled rides to authentic street food and mulled wine, Santa’s Grotto and an open-air ice rink, there’s something for everyone.
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Christmas Craft Fair
10am, 26th November
National Glass Centre, Sunderland
There’s nothing that puts you in the festive spirit quicker than a Christmas fair. Visit this one at the National Glass Centre to see handmade crafts from local and regional makers.
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Festive Beauty Masterclass
3pm, 27th November
Gino D’Acampo, Newcastle
Join The Beauty Box Studio for a festive makeup masterclass to get you ready for Christmas party season. Watch a 90-minute makeup demo by the experts followed by a Q&A… all while enjoying bottomless bucks fizz, tasty seasonal canapés and a beauty goody bag to take home.
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