PREVIEWS

JUNE’S DIVERSIONS INCLUDE SHOWS FEATURING EVOCATIVE LYRICISTS, ABSTRACT ARTISTIC COMPOSITIONS, LGBTQ+ CELEBRATIONS, OBSERVATIONAL COMEDY AND AN EXCITING AND ELECTRIFYING STAGE PRODUCTION

Events

ART & LIT UNTIL 1 JULY

WALK THE LINE –DOCUMENTING THE HSHAZ

Since 2020 Middlesbrough-based artist and photographer Rachel Deakin has been documenting Middlesbrough’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) through cultural engagement work and photography focused on public spaces. She presents her work which captures historic buildings, alternative views, abstract compositions, colours and textures, inviting the viewer to ‘walk the line’ and notice something new.

The Masham, Middlesbrough www.navigatornorth.co.uk

Music Thur 1

Rock On The Hill

Running from Thursday 1st-Sunday 4th June, self-described “anarchist DIY collective” festival Rock On The Hill takes over venues in Durham to present some of the region’s most exciting artists, spanning heavy rock, acoustic, indie and poetry. Performing across the weekend will be the likes of Labyrinthine Oceans, Elvet, Bethany Blackwell, Orchard Thieves, Void State, Mirror Image and more. Various venues, Durham www.instagram.com/rockonthehill23

Music Thur 1

Nice Biscuit

Distinct Australian quintet Nice Biscuit’s sound blends psychedelic and garage rock sounds with harmonised vocal melodies and driving instrumental grooves. Their live show promises to be quite the spectacle, with elaborate matching costumes and synchronised movements which combine to create a swirl of psych-driven sonic exploration.

The Cluny, Newcastle www.nicebiscuitband.com

Music Fri 2

Last Night A Dj Saved My Life

A night of chat and dance with the authors of Last Night A DJ Saved My Life by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton. Originating in 90s NYC, their infamous Low Life parties saw them take dancers on a musical journey through Balearic oddities, house music, leftfield disco and beyond. The evening kicks off with a Q&A before Bill and Frank take over the turntables. The Lubber Fiend, Newcastle www.thelubberfiend.com

ART & LIT

Sat 3

Hexham Pride

The Northumberland town gets its first ever Pride celebrations, with community, family and connection being at the heart of the month-long series of events. Expect a diverse programme of film, live music, author events, talks, theatre and much more, including a Folk Is Queer musical showcase, Curious Arts hosted Young People’s Takeover and Mini Pride and much more. Runs until Saturday 24th June.

Various venues, Hexham www.queenshall.co.uk/events/ hexham-pride

Comedy

Sat 3 Newcastle University Fine Art Degree Show

A vibrant exhibition which celebrates four years of work by Newcastle University Fine Art Degree students, spanning mediums as diverse as sculpture, painting, film, photography, sound, text, performance and textiles, and including themes of ideas of care, the natural world, motion, subversion and the otherworldly. Runs until Saturday 17th June.

Hatton Gallery, Newcastle www.hattongallery.org.uk

Sat 3

Elaine Robertson

Join North East Comedian Elaine Robertson (as seen on BBC3) as she presents her debut hour. With a surreal eye for observational comedy and keen knack for audience interaction, Elaine was a Regional Finalist for BBC New Comedian of the Year 2022 and promises a live show which will titillate and scintillate. Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle www.instagram.com/ elainerobertson