UNTIL 26 FEBRUARY
Acclaimed Italian artist Monica Bonvicini presents a host of art wonders to BALTIC, Gateshead. With a collaboration of sculpture, installation, video, photography, text and performance, you can expect to be taken back in awe. The exhibition will be showcased across BALTIC’s Level 3 and Level 4 galleries and will display work from throughout the artists career. Her work centres around gender, control, power and surveillance – teasing our brains with ambiguity and the stark contrast between beauty and darkness. Catch it now, until 26 February!
THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY
Shower your Valentine with sweet treats and spa-bound celebrations this year in the stunning surrounds of Rockliffe Hall. Loved up guests can choose from a wide range of romantic breaks, meals and spa packages. Overnight stays include the ‘Valentine’s Escape’ – perfect for those who want to share their love of food. For couples who are seeking out serenity, the ‘It Just Takes Two Spa Break’ is the top pick for an extra bit of TLC. We’re certain you’ll fall in love with any of the Rockliffe Hall Valentine’s Day packages this Feb.
9-11 FEBRUARY
The most successful rock and roll show of all time arrives in Sunderland this month. The fabulously, feel-good, Buddy Holly Story is told with serious passion, drama and excitement in mind. And what’s more? The music is brilliant too. The musical journey of Buddy Holly follows his meteoric rise to fame, his sensational music and his legendary final performance at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Book your tickets now for two unforgettable hours of hit music including the likes of That’ll Be The Day, Raining In My Heart and Shout, to name but a few.
14-18 FEBRUARY
As we approach the bicentennial of Jane Austen, what better way to celebrate than a trip to Newcastle’s Theatre Royal to see the much-loved tale of Pride and Prejudice. In an adaptation by Simon Reade, the story that is still dazzling the world after 200 years, sees the Bennet sisters who search for love in this ultimate romantic comedy. But it’s Mr Darcy who unwittingly finds his match. Matthew Kelly will play Mr. Bennet and the production will see Tafline Steen as Elizabeth Bennet, while Benjamin Dilloway will feature as Mr. Darcy, Doña Croll as Lady Catherine De Bourgh and Felicity Montagu as Mrs. Bennet. Take your loved one along to see this theatre favourite for Valentine’s Day.
15-19 FEBRUARY
The superb and utterly spellbinding Cirque du Soleil arrives in the North East this month, in its first-ever UK arena tour. The show that has wowed audiences worldwide was born in 1984, starting out as 20 street performers, now reaching new heights as a major Québec-based organisation, displaying high-quality artistic entertainment like no other. It promises to be one of the most fascinating shows you see this year – so book tickets now to be part of the magic at the Metro Radio Arena this February.
18 FEBRUARY
Sophie Ellis-Bextor arrives in the North East this month in a celebration of her sensational new album, Familia. It’s her sixth studio album following her silver certified album, Wanderlust. She describes her new album as “the bolshier, more extrovert little sister to Wanderlust”. The dazzling new singles that make up the Familia soundtrack are set to wow audiences across the UK. People of the North East – don’t miss out at the Sage on 18 February.
22-25 FEBRUARY
A musical production capturing the haunting tale of Charlotte Bronte’s classic, Jane Eyre. The Billingham Forum Theatre is set to stage the sweeping melodies and sparkling dialogue that makes up this much-loved Gothic romance. What is it that draws Jane to Mr Rochester? Will class differences tear them apart? ABD Productions tell the passionate tale of a woman who journeys from childhood to adult life, in a search for family, belonging and love. Beautiful costumes, a spellbinding score and a story that has a place in everyone’s heart. Make sure you catch this musical adaptation of the classic novel in Billingham, for four nights only.
24 FEBRUARY
From adrenaline-fuelled adventures to exhilarating expeditions and thought-provoking experiences, explore a bit of everything from the far flung corners of the globe in this exciting event at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium. You’ll travel through a journey of fascinating footage, igniting your passion for action and travel through a montage of the latest films from the most talented adventure film makers of today. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is the world’s most prestigious film festival, bringing together the most magnificent short movies for viewers to relax and enjoy. Travel thousands of miles from the comfort of your theatre seat this February.
28 FEBRUARY
The Royal Ballet’s much-loved classic, The Sleeping Beauty, combines beautiful ballet with its enchanting charm, virtuosity and sensational score. First choreographed by Tchaikovsky’s great musical score by Marius Petipa in 1890, The Sleeping Beauty has a combination of electrifying ensembles, stunning solos and the concluding celebratory dances for the happy union of the prince and princess. The colourful journey of these charming fairytale characters, together with the dazzling dance display, make this production of Sleeping Beauty a spectacle like no other. Book a trip to the Arc, Stockton this month to find out for yourself…
