SPRING 2024
To book visit www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or call 0191 561 3455
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Theatre
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Enid Blyton – Noddy, Big Ears and Lashings of Controversy Thursday 14th March, 7.30pm, £10 / £8 (conc) / £6 (students) Virtually everybody of a certain age has read an Enid Blyton book. She was loved by children (except her younger daughter who hated her) but vilified by the BBC, teachers, critics and librarians. She sold more than 600 million books, despite all her work being banned by the BBC and many libraries and schools for more than thirty years. She was accused of being a racist and of using such limited vocabulary that it actually hindered children’s reading progress. Her love-life was interesting and she had numerous affairs including with her children’s nanny. She enjoyed playing golf so much that she bought a golf course near Swanage. She died of Alzheimer’s in 1968 aged 71, mourned by millions of readers all over the world. Liz Grand plays this remarkable and controversial woman and brings you her story. Running time 80 minutes + interval Suitable for ages 13+
Red Ladder presents
We’re Not Going Back Thursday 21st March, 7.30pm, £10 / £8 (conc) / £6 (students) 75 Mines. 3 Sisters. 1 Cause. (And a six-pack of Babycham) In this thought-provoking musical comedy, we follow the fortunes of three sisters determined to set up a branch of Women Against Pit Closures. We’re Not Going Back tackles the resilience of working communities, the makeand-mend fabric of family, and the power of sticking two fingers up to a government hell-bent on destruction… and all with humour, song and a six-pack of Babycham. Running time 120 minutes + interval Suitable for ages 12+
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To book visit www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or call 0191 561 3455
Dyad Productions presents
Austen’s Women: LADY SUSAN Thursday 11th April, 7.30pm, £13.50 / £11.50 (conc) From the award-winning creators of Austen’s Women, A Christmas Carol, I, Elizabeth, Female Gothic, Christmas Gothic, and A Room of One’s Own. Austen’s Women are back - in a brand-new solo show! Devil-maycare Lady Susan, the coquettish black widow, hunting down not one, but two, fortunes; oppressed, rebellious daughter Frederica; longsuffering sister-in-law Catherine; family matriarch Mrs De Courcy; and insouciant best friend, Alicia. Based on Jane Austen’s first fulllength work from 1794, and created entirely from letters, the piece is performed by Rebecca Vaughan and directed by Andrew Margerison. Running time 75 minutes (approx.) Suitable for ages 10+
Limelight Thursday 25th April, 7.30pm £10 / £8 (conc) / £6 (students) Backstage, Theatre Royal in 1854 Returning from London to tread the boards in her hometown, Julia is greeted by fellow actresses Emily and Fanny. Backstage in their dressing room we discover their dreams, aspirations and secrets and reflect on the nature of fame. Set against the backdrop of a dramatic night in the town, Limelight is based on the career of Julia St George, a real-life star of the Victorian stage born on Broad Chare, Newcastle. Running time 80 minutes + interval Suitable for ages 13+ Written by Janet Plater Produced by CaroleW Productions
NT Connections
1st – 5th May, 7pm, tickets from just £3
‘A towering performance‘ ★★★★★ (The Scotsman)
The National Theatre’s annual, nationwide youth theatre festival. Each year the National Theatre commissions ten new plays for young people to perform, bringing together some of the UK’s most exciting writers with the performers of tomorrow. This year they’re headed to Arts Centre Washington! Visit www.artscentrewashington.co.uk for more details. 3
Events for Children and Families Wrongsemble presents
The (Not So) Big Bad Wolf Thursday 4th April, 10.30am & 1.30pm, Tickets £7 / £25 (family, admits 4) Following on from the success of The Not So Grimm Twins Meet Little Red; adventurer, heroine and world-renowned “True Grimm” podcaster. She’s on a mission to debunk the myths around her so called nemesis, with the help of a few storybook favourites, her red invisibility cloak, and a basket full of music, mayhem and magic tricks! But the truth is no Fairytale... Behold as your favourite tales are respun and woven together in an epic new adventure from Wrongsemble. Running time 50 minutes Suitable for ages 4+
balletLORENT presents
The Velveteen Rabbit Thursday 18th April, 11am 0-3yrs and their families 1.30pm 4+ years, Tickets £8 Adults / £6 Children balletLORENT invites you into a magical world with their retelling of The Velveteen Rabbit. There are two versions of this performance the first is a version especially adapted for children aged between 0-3yrs and their families and the second a longer performance for children aged 4+ years. In both shows, toys come to life through the magic of storytelling, music, and dance. A toy rabbit and a boy embark on an adventure about growing up and the meaning of love. At the end of the performance children are offered an opportunity to interact with the costumed performers. For the performance created for children aged 0 - 3 years, youngsters are invited to watch and wonder from a comfy cushion of their own up close as the spectacle unfolds. Running time 30 minutes for the 0-3 years and 45 minutes for ages 4-10 years.
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Community Theatre Washington Theatre Group present
Robin Hood Friday 12th January, 7pm Saturday 13th January, 2pm + 7pm Friday 19th January, 7pm Saturday 20th January, 2pm + 7pm Friday 26th January, 7pm Saturday 27th January, 2pm + 7pm Tickets just £4!!! This year’s Washington Theatre Group Pantomime is the legendary story of Robin Hood. Come and join Robin, Marion, Little Joan and all the merry men in their battle against the evil Sheriff of Washington and Sir Stinky. There will be suspense, drama, romance and hopefully a few funny jokes for all the family.
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The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company presents:
Our Sunderland Friday 26th April, 2pm, Tickets £5 Join our group of learning-disabled performers on a sensory exploration of Sunderland! Blending music, movement, film and storytelling, this show will fill your heart with pride for the fantastic places and people of this special part of the North East... The people and places That fill the spaces Of my Sunderland Your Sunderland Our Sunderland!
We Need You! Volunteers Wanted! Are you enthusiastic? Want to meet new people? Get to know the local community? Get to see some of the most exciting live theatre / music/ exhibitions? Then join us as a volunteer! Contact 0191 561 3455 or acw@sunderland.gov.uk or visit artscentrewashington.co.uk for more information. 5
Music
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Wilson & Wakeman Saturday 20th January Doors 7.30pm, Tickets £17 Damian Wilson is an English songwriter and vocalist who’s known for his exploration into different genres and is considered one of the most versatile singers in rock. He has toured all over the world fronting bands such as Rick Wakeman’s ERE and Threshold. Best known as the keyboard and guitar player with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, Adam Wakeman has also released 9 albums with his father Rick Wakeman as well as releasing 5 solo albums. As a classically trained pianist, his albums cross many genres and styles from classical, to rock.
Friday Folk Gathering First Friday of the month. Starts on Friday 5th January, 1 – 4pm Folk music lovers are invited join us and contribute their talent to an afternoon of good quality folk music, both songs and tunes. There is no admission charge but a voluntary contribution to the running of the Arts Centre will be welcome. The project is being hosted by Ken Tonge and Bill Elliott, well known figures on the North East Folk scene. Contact clothcaptemperance@gmail. com for more details.
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He co-wrote the 2010 platinum selling album Scream with Ozzy Osbourne and has also toured extensively with Ozzy, Black Sabbath, Rick Wakeman, Travis, Annie Lennox, Will Young, Slash, 10CC and many more. The duo shows take the audience on an intimate musical journey with stories & songs from their back catalogues, their albums together and artists they have been associated with throughout their 30 years in the music industry.
To book visit www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or call 0191 561 3455
Tony Moore presents Awake Saturday 3rd February, 7.30pm Tickets £12 An original member of Iron Maiden, Tony Moore is a multi instrumentalist & singer/songwriter, who played piano with Meatloaf, joined Cutting Crew as keyboard player in the late 80s and toured the world with the iconic hit song “I Just Died (In Your Arms)”. His powerful one man show “AWAKE” combines incredible graphics, immersive video and unforgettable songs, in an experience that leaves audiences stunned and moved. Tony’s show channels the inventive and imaginative stagecraft of many of the greatest bands of the last 4 decades whilst bringing something fresh and deeply personal to every performance.
10CCLO Friday 15th March, Doors 7.30pm Tickets £15 Remember these? Dreadlock Holiday, Mr Blue Sky, I’m Mandy Fly Me, Evil Woman, The Things We Do for Love, Wild West Hero, Life is a Minestrone, Art for Art’s Sake, Turn To Stone, I’m Not In Love... A few amongst many of the massive hits that make up the timeless repertoire of 10CC and The Electric Light Orchestra. Their songs are worldwide rock classics and FM radio staples, that over the passing decades have remained in the hearts of millions of fans... and in the hearts of the musicians that make up the only European tribute to these two incredible bands from the last four decades.
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Music
To book visit www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or call 0191 561 3455
The NE Street Band Saturday 30th March, 7.30pm Tickets £14 Getting rave reviews from their live shows and playing to increasingly growing audiences across the North East and now the whole of the UK, we are delighted to have the NE Street Band performing their Bruce Springsteen show here at Arts Centre Washington Expect a fun filled, audience engaging 2.5 hour show of all things Bruce & The E-Street Band. As well as playing all the ‘classics’ the band also covers songs from Bruce’s solo albums & collaborations, including songs from ‘The Seeger Sessions’ shows which are now becoming an integral part of the bands set.
Swing Band Dance Night with The Bright Street Band
“Had the crowd clapping & singing throughout & even non-Boss fans would love to see these guys!”
The evening kicks off with a short Swing Dance Taster workshop led by Joo-Lee & Andy from Lindy Jazz (as seen on the “Swing Dancers County Durham’ BBC Ident”). Whether you’re a seasoned swing dancer or a beginner eager to learn a few moves for the night, or simply looking forward to enjoying the music, everyone is welcome!
Saturday 20th April, 6.30pm – 10pm, Tickets £12 Join us for an unforgettable Swing Band Dance Night, transporting you back to the golden era of jazz and swing.
Our expert instructors will make sure the Swing Dance Taster is both entertaining and easy to follow, ensuring you’ll have a few moves up your sleeve to tap your feet to the music. So don’t miss out on the fun; come and join us on the dance floor! See you there!
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Acoustic McCartney & Sting Friday 28th June, 7.30pm, Tickets £12 ‘Two Shows In One Concert’ One guitar, one voice… Featuring solo interpretations of Paul McCartney throughout his career with the Beatles, Wings, solo albums etc. …
Comedy Babes in Arms Comedy Club Thursday 28th March, 1.30pm, Tickets £8 (Babies are free!) Oh look you’ve got a baby, that’s good! Now what? It’s pretty full on having a bairn, even more so if you feel isolated and bored in the house.
‘Yesterday’, ’Here There and Everywhere’, ’Fool on the Hill’, ’The Long and Winding Road’, ’Drive my Car’, ’Let it Be,’, Hey Jude’, ’I Saw Her Standing There’
The regular baby groups can be fun but sometimes you don’t feel like singing nursery rhymes over and over again or trying to squeeze your pram into a café to attempt to drink a coffee (while it’s hot) what else is there?
Sting’s solo album songs will feature in this show of two halves. Well crafted interpretations of all the iconic classic tunes with a fresh percussive twist. With a similar vocal timbre and range, Gus delivers with passion and power; songs such as ‘Roxanne’,’Fields of Gold’, ‘Message in a Bottle’, ‘Every Breath You Take’, ‘Walking on the Moon’, ‘Englishman in New York’, ‘Do do do Da da da’ etc.
If you are looking for some entertainment but a baby sitter isn’t an option for you right now then maybe come along to our Babes in Arms gig! It’s an afternoon of standup comedy (for grownups) that you can bring your baby to. Join us in an accessible venue, meet other like-minded parents/guardians, have a laugh, have a drink, have a lovely time with your baby too.
You can expect to hear:
We have toys and a squashy mat for tummy time so they don’t have to literally be in your arms the whole time!
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Special Events Bright Lights: Youth Arts Festival 2023
Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 February A celebration of the talented young people who live in Washington and Sunderland and beyond. This year’s festival will feature performances, screenings, displays and workshops all created by young people. Members of Washington Youth Theatre and Right Track Music Project will be taking to the stage to perform, there will also be a series of workshops for and led by young people. This year’s Festival has been programmed with our Leading Lights steering group. The full programme will be on www. artscentrewashington. co.uk leading up to the event.
A Talk on Dragons
Saturday 17 February 1pm, Free Rearranged date from the cancelled September talk. The Lambton Worm is only one of many North Eastern dragons. Come along to this talk organised to celebrate Heritage Open Days by local historian Stewart Miller and learn more about these delightful creatures. 10
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A touch of dragon identification followed by examining the origin and spread of dragon stories. We will end with a few tips on self defence. Bring a sword and sense of humour. Armour is optional…
Craft & Makers Fair
Spring Craft Fair – Saturday 23rd March 10am – 3pm Free admission A variety of stalls selling products created by local and regional artists and crafts people, including crafty workshops for all ages and pop-up performances and events by our creative community!
Drink and Draw – Life Drawing Social
Friday 19th January Thursday 8th February Thursday 7th March 7 – 9pm, Tickets £13 Our ever-popular life drawing class is back each month, with a variety of brilliant life models and sessions led by resident tutor Shaney. Sketching poses range from between 3 – 30 minutes and helpful tuition is offered 1 to 1 as needed. This is a fast-paced, fun session, with music, drinks available from the bar and a friendly, informal atmosphere. Open to improvers, experienced
artists and beginners ready for a new challenge. Bring your own kit or use our equipment. Take your seats by 6.55pm to begin at 7pm prompt.
Relaxed Life Drawing in the Granary
6.30 – 8.45pm, £14 Thursday 29th February Thursday 28th March A monthly group life drawing session for graduates of our Figure Drawing courses. Continue to hone your skills and test out materials and approaches to life drawing in a supportive community of creative enthusiasts.
Figure Drawing for Beginners
£35 each or 2 for £60 Part 1: Saturday 2nd March, 10.30am – 3.30pm Part 2: Saturday 9th March, 10.30am – 3.30pm Have you always wanted to be able to draw the human form but don’t know where to begin? Do you want to improve your confidence with life drawing by getting the basic technical components in place? Then come along to our Figure Drawing introductory course, taking you back to basics with tried and tested tips and techniques. Suitable for
To book visit www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or call 0191 561 3455
all levels and abilities to develop their skills.
Portraiture for Beginners
Saturday 13th April, 10.30am – 3.30pm, £35 Learn the technical basics of portraiture drawing in this fast-paced one-day session. Get to grips with facial proportions and simplifying the face whilst having a go at drawing from life. This class follows on from the Figure Drawing for Beginners course or can be taken as a stand-alone session. Suitable for ages 14+
Figure Drawing Improvers
£45 each or 2 for £80 Part 1: Saturday 11th May, 10.30am – 3.30pm Part 2: Saturday 18th May, 10.30am – 3.30pm Following on from our popular Figure Drawing for Beginners course, this Improvers course will continue to develop your skills in drawing the human form. Each session will focus on a different body feature, medium or technique, including tackling common challenges such as drawing hands and feet. Work from a life model each class to put your skills into practice.
Expressive Pastels Workshop Thursday 18th January 18th, 1-4pm , £35 Create an expressive Landscape Painting in Soft Pastels with Pastel Artist Christine Cave.
We will use images as a starting point for your creativity enabling you to paint with freedom using soft Pastels. Materials are not included however a share box will be available for those who are new to pastels. Pastel Paper can be purchased at the workshop. For further information and to book a space contact Christine.cave@ hotmail.co.uk
Washington Heritage Research Group
Fridays 26 January, 16 February, 22 March, 12 – 2pm, Free The WEA’s ‘Routes of Social Change’ project has established this group of voluntary participants to research local history and heritage that is meaningful to them. The WEA will offers support to the volunteerled group through tutoring (e.g. on research techniques) and organised visits (e.g. to archives and museums). Ultimately,
the group will design from their research their own local Heritage Walk to be shared publicly with supporting digital references and information. For more information come along to a session or contact Matthew Burge MBurge@wea.ac.uk
Mind on the Music
Thursdays 1 – 3pm, Free Creating Music and Promoting Wellbeing Mind on the Music is a community music project aimed at adults aged 30+. The aim of is to promote wellbeing through the creation of music. This projects gives participants the chance to learn the basics of Songwriting, Music Recording & Production and Mixing in a professional studio setting. We will work as a group to take a song from initial ideas to the finished recording by collaborating and learning new skills along the way. Starts late January 2024. To register your interest e-mail daniel.appleby@ sunderlandculture.org.uk
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Visual Arts
To book visit www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or call 0191 561 3455
One Day You’ll be Older Too - Andrew Tift
11 April – 11 May
Bright Lights: Youth Arts Exhibition 2024 2 February – 11 March Arts Centre Washington’s annual Youth Arts Exhibition, Bright Lights showcases some of the most exciting artwork by young people in Washington and the Greater Sunderland Area.
Artist Andrew Tift has created a series of intricately drawn pencil portraits of residents living in Washington care homes. These sensitive images capture a moment in time and celebrate the lives of some of Sunderland’s older residents. Image Credit: Andrew Tift, Portrait of Pearl Varah, 2018 ©Andrew Tift
This is an exciting opportunity for 11-19 year olds to submit artwork for display in Arts Centre Washington’s main gallery. The exhibition is curated by Celebrate Different Collective, a group of young people aged 13-25 from across Sunderland who, with support from Sunderland Culture, co-produce and run their own cultural events, work with artists and learn new practical skills. The group have decided that after the challenging last few years they want the theme of Bright Lights 2024 to be Bodies, Brains, Big Issues and Bits. Applications are open until Tuesday 16th January, 5pm.
Felting Connections An exhibition by Lena Archbold 23 May – 29 June
An exhibition by Ukrainian-born textile artist Lena Archbold based in the North East of England. It is inspired by her artistic journey to address her personal traumas and process of recovery and well-being through her creative practice. Lena uses felt as a canvas to intertwine textures and colours and tell stories of her passion and resilience. Exhibition organised with Sangini.
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Granary Exhibitions
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Behind The Mask 9 January – 24 February Behind the Mask features works by autistic artists who explore the concept of masking. The artists use a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and found objects, to express their experiences of masking and more importantly, what is behind their mask – their true self. The show aims to raise awareness of the challenges of masking and to celebrate the creativity and resilience of autistic artists. It is also hoped that the show will help to challenge stereotypes about autism and to promote acceptance of autistic people.
Wish You Were Here 12 March – 20 April An exhibition of work created by members of our weekly Watercolour classes. Including a retrospective of work created by David Hannington a longstanding member of the group who sadly left us last year.
Bill Simpson - Long Exposures Along the North East Coast 7 May – 7 June As an amateur photographer Bill embarked on a project to photograph various locations along the north east using the particular photographic technique of long exposure. He used this technique because of the interesting visual effects it can produce on moving water. These can range from showing the power and beauty of water flowing back to the sea; to making a moving sea look quite still. 13
Film
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FILM AND FUN Family Friendly Movies with a related arty activity.
Matilda (U) Saturday 10th February, from 1pm tickets £5 A girl gifted with a keen intellect and psychic powers uses both to deal with her crude, distant family and free her kind teacher from their sadistic headmistress. Starring Danny Devito & Mara Wilson
Labyrinth (U) Saturday 9th March, from 1pm tickets £5 Sixteen-year-old Sarah must solve a labyrinth to rescue her baby brother when he is taken by the Goblin King. Starring David Bowie + Jennifer Connelly
The Witches (PG) Saturday 13th April, from 1pm tickets £5 A little boy and his kindly grandmother thwart the efforts of a coven of witches to rid Britain of children by turning them into mice. Starring Angelica Huston
SUNDERLAND FILM CLUB Wearside’s documentary-focused community cinema hosts monthly screenings, talks and workshops at Arts Centre Washington.
Dreams of a Life
Thursday 25th January, 7pm, tickets £5 Would anyone miss you? Nobody noticed when Joyce Vincent died in her bedsit above a shopping mall in North London in 2003. Her body wasn’t discovered for three years, surrounded by Christmas presents she had been wrapping, and with the TV still on. Interweaving interviews with imagined scenes from Joyce’s life, Dreams of a Life is an imaginative, powerful, multilayered quest - a portrait of Joyce and of London in the eighties. 14
To book visit www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or call 0191 561 3455
Stories We Tell
Thursday 29th February, 7pm, tickets £5 When Sarah’s mother - free-spirited actress Diana Polley - passed away in 1990, she left a series of unanswered questions in her wake. Torn between desire and expectation, an affair sends shockwaves through a complex network of family, friends and strangers for years to come. Through interviews with family members and friends, archive footage and staged Super-8 reconstructions, Polley’s riveting investigation into her parents lives becomes an exploration of the role of memory, questioning its ownership and also the veracity of recollection.
Flee
Thursday 28th March, 7pm, tickets £5 For the first time in his life, Amin shares the painful story of his youth - fleeing war-torn ‘80s Kabul for Europe. In turn, he is forced to reckon with a twenty year old secret that threatens to derail the life he has built for himself and his soon to be husband. Recounted through recorded testimony, animation and archive footage, Flee explores what it is to have to give yourself up to the mercies of fate, to bury layers of loss and trauma and then be forced to deal with their effects later on.
Minding the Gap
Wednesday 24th April 7pm, tickets £5 In his quest to understand why so many of his peers in the skateboarding community ran away from home when they were younger, Bing follows 23-yearold Zack as he becomes a father and 17-year-old Keire as he gets his first job. As the story unfolds, we watch Zack’s tumultuous relationship with his girlfriend, Keire’s inner struggles with racial identity and the joy, sacrifice, and hope of growing up. 15
Film
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WEDNESDAY MATINEES Monthly film screenings on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30pm
Typist Artist Pirate King (12a)
Wednesday 17th January, 1.30pm, tickets £4 Typist Artist Pirate King puts forgotten Sunderland-born artist Audrey Amiss on the map. Inspired by her extensive archive of diaries, letters and art, the film weaves real events into an imagined journey as Audrey goes on a road trip with her psychiatric nurse. Starring Monica Dolan, Kelly Macdonald & Gina McKee
The Miracle Club (12a)
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (12a)
Wednesday 14th February, tickets £4 When Harold learns his friend Queenie is dying, he is moved to act. He leaves home, walking to the post box to send her a letter, until he realises a letter is not enough. In that moment Harold decides to keep walking, all the way to her hospice. Starring Jim Broadbent, Earl Cave & Penelope Wilton
Wednesday 10 April, tickets £4 Set in 1967, ‘The Miracle Club’ is a heartwarming film that follows the story of three generations of close friends, Lily, Eileen, and Dolly of Ballygar, a hardknocks community in Dublin. Starring Kathy Bates, Laura Linney & Maggie Smith
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Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (PG) Wednesday 13th March, tickets £4 When her family moves from the city to the suburbs, 11-year-old Margaret navigates new friends, feelings, and the beginning of adolescence. Starring Kathy Bates & Abby Fortson
To book visit www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or call 0191 561 3455
PICTURE HOUSE DEMENTIA FRIENDLY FILM SCREENINGS Spark memories in comfort with these classic movies
HERITAGE REELS Curated programme of talks alongside archive films and heritage documentaries.
Work
Tuesday 23rd January, 1.30pm, tickets £4 A look back on some of our rich industrial history including mining, shipbuilding and glass making.
Play Singin in the Rain (U) Tuesday 9th January, 1.30pm, tickets £4 A silent film star falls for a chorus girl just as he and his delusionally jealous screen partner are trying to make the difficult transition to talking pictures in 1920s Hollywood. Starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor & Debbie Reynolds Summer Holiday (U) Tuesday 6th February, 1.30pm, tickets £4 A trip by London doubledecker bus across France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Yugoslavia and into Greece, becomes a tuneful, unforgettable holiday. Starring Ron Moody, Lauri Peters & Cliff Richard
Grease Sing A Long (PG)
Tuesday 5th March, 1.30pm, tickets £4 Things are really hoppin’ at Rydell High when Danny discovers the object of his “Summer Lovin’” fling Sandy has moved to town and enrolled in his school. Rama-Lama Ding-Dong! Starring Olivia NewtonJohn & John Travolta
Mamma Mia! (PG) Tuesday 2nd April, 1.30pm, tickets £4 The story of a bride-tobe trying to find her real father told using hit songs by the popular ‘70s group ABBA. Starring Meryl Streep + Pierce Brosnan
Tuesday 20th February, 1.30pm, tickets £4 Just exactly what did people used to do to pass the time before Xboxes and TikTok Pigeon racing and pubs!
Haway
Tuesday 19th March, 1.30pm, tickets £4 Haway the Lads!!! Let’s look back on some glory years of football.
Arts Centre Washington’s Film Programme is supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network.
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Taking Part
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Washington Young Writers Collective
Creative You
Based at Washington Millennium Centre - Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30pm, Free A series of exciting creative writing workshops exploring storytelling and different forms of writing. Creative You is supported by Sunderland City Council’s Washington Area Committee.
Free weekly arts workshops for young people aged 11–19 in the Washington area.
Teenage Craft Club
Tuesdays (Fortnightly), 5-6:30pm, Free A space for young people to meet, learn and create. Learn craft skills with a variety of guest artists and makers and get the chance to sell your work at craft fairs.
Bright Lights Young Artists Collective
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30pm, Free A group for young people who want to develop their artistic skills and knowledge. • Develop your style / practice • Work with and meet local professional artists • Take part in workshops in different art forms • Share ideas with like-minded young artists
Washington Young Film Makers Collective
Based at Washington Millennium Centre – Mondays, 4:30-6:30pm, Free Write, shoot and edit your own movies learning about the equipment and techniques along the way in this fun series of free workshops! 18
Creative You Junior
Free creative workshops for children aged 8 – 10 during school holidays February Half Term: ART - Make your own mini masterpieces. Easter Holidays: MUSIC - Write, perform and record your own song. May Half Term: CIRCUS AND MOVEMENT – Circus skills, dance classes and a silent disco! To sign up visit artscentrewashington. co.uk, priority is given to children from the Washington East ward. Creative You is supported by Sunderland City Council’s Washington Area Committee.
To book visit www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or call 0191 561 3455
Washington Youth Theatre
Saturdays 10am – 12pm 8 – 12 years 12.30 – 2.30pm 13 years +, £6.00 per session Join the Washington Youth Theatre Company and learn about stagecraft and script writing, take part in productions and films as well as making great new friends along the way.
Small and Mighty – Family Art and Craft Sessions
Saturdays 10 – 11.30am, £5 per child (sibling rate £3), all materials included Suitable for children ages 5+. Fun crafty workshops suitable for families to enjoy together.
Saturday Art Club
Saturdays, 1pm – 3pm, £6.00 per session, Suitable for children ages 8+ Join the Saturday Art Club and find out just how much fun art can really be.
Fun, friendly and engaging classes for 7-11 year olds taught through ageappropriate movement, games, crafting, meditations, relaxation, breathing techniques, conversation and more. Classes cover a range of topics including understanding emotions, positive selftalk, gratitude, supporting self-esteem and self-worth, navigating social interactions, their relationship to their thoughts and feelings, and relaxation. Find out all info and book via mindfulmeets.co.uk/upcoming-events
The Voice Studio
Professional singing tuition from Maggie Ballantyne, internationally renowned singer, vocal and performance coach. One to one teaching, call 0191 417 4999 to book
Trish and Trina’s Performance Academy
Right Track
Year round programme of dance classes for children and adults of all ages Contact 07761 633157 e-mail: trishdanceacademy@gmail.com
You don’t have to play an instrument or have any performance experience. All we require are creative and enthusiastic young musicians looking to develop their music skills.
Family Ukulele Lessons
Saturdays 10.30am – 12.30pm, Free A project to develop young, creative and inspiring musicians between the ages of 12-21.
Delivered with Loud and Clear in partnership with Sunderland Music Hub To register your interest and for more info email Liam.Huitson@ togetherforchildren.org.uk
Also available for Children and Young People Mini Meets Mindfulness Classes
Saturdays (monthly starts on the 27th Jan) 10-11am, £8 per child
The perfect introductory instrument for children. Come along to a family workshop and learn the instrument together. Contact info@ukeschool.co.uk
Little Movers
Have fun with your little one dancing, singing and playing games. Tuesdays during term time Baby Movers 0 – crawling: 1pm – 1.45pm Little Movers walking – 4 years: 1.45pm – 2.30pm To book e-mail littlemoverswashington@gmail.com or search Little Movers Washington on Facebook 19
For Adults
To book visit www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or call 0191 561 3455
Shake It Up
Tuesdays 3 – 4.30pm, £5 per session A relaxed dance class for anyone aged 55+ wanting to improve fitness, strength, balance as well as learn new choreography in a welcoming and sociable environment.
Iyengar Yoga
Tuesdays 5.45pm - 7.15pm £7 per session Contact debontheweb2@gmail.com
Strictly Salsa, Latin and Ballroom
Tuesdays 6pm - 7pm £5 per session Contact Lindsay on 07952 155919 or Lindsay@romeroschoolofdance.co.uk
Washington Theatre Group
Amateur Dramatics Group Tuesdays 7pm - 9pm £5 monthly subscription www.washingtontheatregroup.co.uk
Ukulele Lessons
One to one and group lessons available throughout the week via Uke School Contact ukeschooluk@gmail.com
Watercolour Painting
Wednesdays 9.30am – 12.30pm £9.00 per session 1.30pm – 3.30pm, £7.00 per session Unleash your creative potential at Arts Centre Washington’s Watercolour class.
Hatha Yoga
Wednesdays 10am - 11.30am + 12 - 1.30pm £5 per session Contact holisticyogammc@gmail.com
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Adult Tap
Thursday 6.00pm - 7.30pm Bring two left feet and a sense of humour £5 per session Contact 07761633157 / e-mail: trishdanceacademy@gmail.com
The Guitar Studio
One to one and group sessions for complete beginners to advanced players. The sessions will explore the fundamentals of guitar playing including chords, theory, and soloing. Also available guitar repair, set-ups and custom builds. Contact Ron 07785914241 / ron@forbister.co.uk
Washington Model Club
A modelling club for scale modellers who like to meet and model, share ideas and skills and learn from each other! Thursdays 7pm - 9pm £3 per session Search ‘Washington Model Club’ on Facebook to find out more
Oil Painting
Fridays, 9.30am - 11.30am Ideal for total beginners as well as those more experienced with oil painting. £7.00 per session
Tai Chi
An independently ran Tai Chi class Fridays 9.00am - 10.00am - Beginners £5.50 per session 10.00am - 11.30am - intermediate £6 per session Contact Dominic on dominictaichi@ gmail.com
Creative Age
Fridays 1.00pm - 3.00pm Art and craft sessions that are designed for people living with the early stages of dementia, long term health conditions or social isolation. To find out more e-mail rachel.hamer@sunderlandculture.org.uk
artscentrewashington.co.uk
Gong Bathing
Various dates, check website for details. Open gateways within your body, mind and soul, while breathing in the layers of sound created by Mars and Platonic Year gongs. Bring your yoga mat, blanket and pillows. To book call 07469 180 185 / email traceysacredgongs@gmail.com / Sacred Gongs on Facebook
Twisting Ducks Theatre Company Fridays 10am – 3.30pm Theatre Company for people with learning disabilities and autism from Washington and Sunderland. Contact info@twistingducks.co.uk
Writers Group
Fridays 12 – 2pm, £4 per session Are you an adult interested in Creative Writing? Would you like to meet other writers to read, discuss, and critique one another’s work? Join our Washington Writers Group facilitated by writer and poet Steve Urwin.
The “Nifties” Events, activities and films every other Wednesday 1.30pm - 3pm £3.50 includes refreshments. Upcoming Events include 31st January Talk and book signing by Secret Sunderland author Marie Gardiner 28th February Talk – about artist and miner Noman Cornish 27th March Craft - Jewellery Making 24th April Craft - Create your own Bookmarks Workshop
Creative Age Social
Thursdays (monthly) 1pm New monthly group for those living with dementia and their carers. No prior experience needed. Suggested donation of £2.50 per person get in touch with Rachel Hamer rachel.hamer@ sunderlandculture.org.uk for more information.
Mind on the Music
Thursdays 1 – 3pm, Free Creating Music and Promoting Wellbeing - Mind on the Music is a community music project aimed at adults aged 30+. The aim of is to promote wellbeing through the creation of music.
Community Choirs Come and sing with us! Join our community choirs The B#’s and One Voice! No audition necessary, all welcome. One Voice Tuesdays 5.30 – 7pm £4.50 per session The B#s Wednesdays 10 – 11.30am £4.50 per session
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For Hire
artscentrewashington.co.uk
Available for Hire We have a range of large and small function rooms that are suitable for: • Conferences • Meetings • Workshops • Weddings • Parties Arts Centre Washington is minutes from both the A1 and the A19 and is perfectly located in a central position between Newcastle, Gateshead, Durham and Sunderland. All major stations and Newcastle Airport are within 30 minutes’ drive. Free parking, catering provided by the Courtyard Café / Bar, competitive prices and a quality service makes the arts centre an ideal location for any function.
The Courtyard The Courtyard, offers high quality, great value meals suitable for all the family. Plus award winning cask ales. Food service times Lunch service Monday to Saturday, 12noon to 3.00pm Sunday, 12noon to 5pm Evening service Tuesday to Saturday, 4pm to 8pm Call 0191 4170445 or e-mail thecourtyardbar@aol.com The Courtyard Bar also caters for all types of function within the arts centre.
Gift Vouchers Band Rehearsal Room Fully equipped rehearsal spaces are just £11 per hour. Call 0191 561 3455 to make a booking.
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Buy a gift with a difference with an Arts Centre Washington Gift Voucher. Gift Vouchers can be used to pay for Classes and Courses such as Watercolour Painting, Life Drawing or Ukulele lessons or to buy tickets to see the very best touring theatre, music and comedy or both!
To book visit www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or call 0191 561 3455
Arts Centre Washington is part of the Sunderland Culture family, which delivers an exciting programme across the city’s key cultural venues including National Glass Centre, Northern Gallery Sunderland Culture is a registered charity no 1184073 for Contemporary Art and Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, as well as with communities across the city. To see our full programme across all our venues visit sunderlandculture.org.uk Highlights across our venues include....
People’s Art
23 March – 8 September 2024 nationalglasscentre.com
Laura Lancaster: My Echo, My Shadow 16 March – 30 June 2024
northerngalleryforcontemporaryart.org.uk
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 5 February – 1 June 2024 Image: © Mike Korostelev
sunderlandmuseum.org.uk
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General Information Booking information Book online at: www.artscentrewashington.co.uk Telephone Bookings: 0191 561 3455 Postal/In person Bookings: Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, NE38 8AB. Concessions are students, under 16’s, those on disability and unemployment benefits, over 60’s and retired. We accept all major debit/ credit cards. Cheques should be made payable to Sunderland City Council.
How to Find Us
artscentrewashington.co.uk
Arts Centre Washington is on the corner of Biddick Lane and Fallowfield Way Car Park The centre has free parking facilities including blue badge bays. By bus Bus No 2A, 4, 8, X1A, 83A all drop you either outside or next to the Arts Centre
Access Facilities All public areas in Arts Centre Washington have disabled and wheelchair access with adapted toilets. Guide dogs and hearing dogs are always welcome and induction loop facilities are available in most areas for people with impaired hearing.
Join our mailing List Be the first to receive information about arts centre events either by post or by email: Telephone 0191 561 3455 or email acw@sunderland.gov.uk Follow Arts Centre Washington on X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram
Photography Photography of any kind is not permitted during performances. By car: Jct 64 on A1 northbound Jct 64 on A1 southbound Follow signs for Fatfield and then Arts Centre on A195 Take the exit for A1231 on A19 northbound Take the exit for A1231 on A19 southbound Then follow signs for Fatfield and then Arts Centre on A195
Refunds Tickets are non refundable except when an event is cancelled.
Changes to Programme Arts Centre Washington reserves the right to change the advertised programme. Whenever it is reasonably possible advance notice of any changes will be given.
Sunderland Culture is a Registered Charity, no 1184073. Company Reg Number 10098742.