A show for anyone yearning for connection to the great outdoors, seeking to nourish both body and mind.
Escape to the Lakeland fells in this fun, poetic and moving exploration of the land around us, and how we inhabit it. From the comfort of your seat, join Julie as she bounds through the awe-inspiring landscape of the hills, on a track carved through feminism, land rights, history and literature – and all sorts in between.
Suitable for ages 14+
Running time 100 minutes
Written and performed by Julie Carter, Directed by Daniel Bye.
“Authentic, unique and full of vitality, a special theatrical experience.”
Liz
Stevenson, Artistic Director, Theatre by the Lake.
Digging Up Washington is a one act comedy, set in 4040. It sees a young couple excavating a Washington site full of twenty first century relics. What do they find, how do they interpret them and what happened to their ancestors’ society and culture? Discover what our society will leave behind and what future generations will think of us.
It’s a glance into the future to see what the people of your region have left behind.
Suitable for ages 11+
Running time 70 minutes
CaroleW Productions presents How Football Stole Our Heart (and wouldn’t give them back again…)
Two raconteurs with a passion for their native North East and the Beautiful Game share their love of both in conversation with each other and their audiences.
Join Michael Chaplin (Newcastle United Stole My Heart) and Harry Pearson (The Far Corner, The Farther Corner) for an evening of heartbreak and humour as they chat about our region’s football – the highs, the lows and the even lowers.
Suitable for ages 14+
Running time 90 minutes + Interval
Dyad Productions presents That
Knave, Raleigh
Thursday 10th April, 7.30pm, £15 / £14 (conc)
Arts Centre favourites Dyad Productions (I, Elizabeth, Lady Susan, Austen’s Women, Female Gothic) return after their latest sell out show ‘A Christmas Carol’. This time they head to the Elizabethan era and the story of the famous explorer, sailor, dandy, and warrior, Sir Walter Raleigh. Elizabeth I’s favourite and James I’s knave.
This is a journey through the astonishing highs and lows of one of Britain’s most famous men from history. But there’s so much you don’t know...
In a life spanning around 65 years, Sir Walter Raleigh achieved more than others might do in a hundred lifetimes. Over a decade in the tower and still he held power. The Huguenots, America, The Armada and execution. Is that the whole story? The final chapter of Raleigh’s life is perhaps the most daring, strange and utterly heartbreaking.
See the fall from grace taken directly from historical record, marvel at the magnetism of a man who seized every opportunity to create a legacy which spans the centuries and at every wrenching, exalting and personal moment, you will be witnesses.
Written and performed by Andrew Margerison (A Christmas Carol, Frantic Assembly’s Fatherland, Macbeth), and directed by Rebecca Vaughan (A Christmas Carol).
Suitable for ages 11+
Running time 80 minutes
Created in collaboration with The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead.
After a personal tragedy, a floundering TV comic starts listening to the wrong voices in his head. His moral compass is getting derailed. He kind of knows it. But all these ideas for his new show are brilliant. Is it ok to go too far so long as you’re on the right side of history? How far would you go?
Daniel Bye’s award-winning standup storytelling is at its best in this startling new show. Book now for a wild ride through the warped mirror of twenty-first century culture.
Suitable for ages 12+
Running time 95 minutes
PRAISE FOR PREVIOUS SHOWS:
“Bye is one of the most astute and thoughtful contemporary theatremakers around.”
★★★★ (The Stage)
“Captivating and illuminating”
★★★★(The Independent)
“Unforgettable. Beautifully written.”
★★★★ (The Scotsman)
“Riveting, funny and thoughtful”
★★★★ (The Guardian)
CaroleW Productions & Gala Durham present
The Bench: A Moving Tale of Love, Loss and Football
A touching and humorous tale of two young people, struggling to survive against the odds in their very different lives. This poignant, heartwarming and sensitive love story is set against the darker side of professional football and life on the economic edge. Vicky is a single mum, overwhelmed by everyday pressures, while Adi - the local team’s new signing - is struggling to find his place, on and off the pitch. Seemingly worlds apart, the pair discover they have more in common than they might at first have imagined.
This highly-acclaimed play is written by former BBC TV Look North presenter Jeff Brown.
It’s Green Fingers’ first day at school, and so far nobody has spotted his bright green hands. But then… GOO! GUNK! GLOOP! What a mess! Why are they suddenly misbehaving? It doesn’t help that heinous headmaster Mr Marigold despises anything dirty… but is something magical going on? Maybe the answers can be found in the mysterious school garden?
Nominated for a BBC Popcorn New Writing Award, this Dahl-esque treat from FLADAM (Flo Poskitt & Adam Sowter) and Ben Tansey, has been delighting audiences around the country. Packed full of catchy songs, puppetry and laughs-a-plenty, Green Fingers is a show for anyone that’s ever felt a bit different.
Suitable for ages 3 to 11
Running time 55 minutes
Book, music and lyrics by Flo Poskitt, Adam Sowter and Ben Tansey.
Directed by Kate Veysey. Set Design by Alan Plews (Topshow).
‘Fladam are the most amazing, hilarious musical comedy duo’
Scribble and Clipboard have a job to do: sort the recycling. But Scribble keeps finding new things to investigate. When she discovers a mysterious egg hidden in the rubbish, the pair need the audience’s help to rescue an unborn chick. Can we save a mysterious egg from a smashing? And what will we discover along the way?
Curious Investigators is a cracking adventure created in collaboration with engineering experts from Lancaster University. A delightfully surprising, highly visual show for 3–7-year-olds and their grown-ups.
Suitable for ages 3 – 7 and families
Running time 50 minutes + 20 min ‘stay and play activity’
This brand-new family show has been hatched by One Tenth Human, commissioned by Big Imaginations and supported by Arts Council England.
Three brave little Viking girls save the day in this bold and funny adventure story for little rebels, by the creator of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Little Red and I Can Catch a Monster, Bethan Woollvin.
Once upon a time in a Viking village, everything seems to be going wrong. Chickens are disappearing, trees are falling down, and there’s lots and lots of crashing and bashing. The silly Chieftain won’t listen to the three littlest Vikings, but can they work together to figure out what’s going on and save the day?
Three Little Vikings is all about cooperation, bravery, and getting your voice heard!
Azra Glow is a magical journey for all the family, following Azra, a young dragon keeper, as she navigates a world filled with light, wonder, and adventure.
Inspired by the enchanting stories of Risaria Langley, this show features puppetry, live vocals, and violin music by Tamara Kazzhia, creating an unforgettable blend of storytelling and spectacle.
With dazzling LED circus acts, UV lighting, and vibrant projections set against tiered seating, Azra Glow invites audiences to dress up in their brightest “glow” attire and join in a celebration of courage, imagination, and family-friendly fun.
Suitable for ages 3+
Running Time 55 minutes
Directed by Penella Bee
Washington Theatre Group Present Hansel & Gretel
Friday 10th January 7pm
Saturday 11th January 2pm + 7pm
Friday 17th January 7pm
Saturday 18th January 2pm + 7pm
Friday 24th January 7pm
Saturday 25th January 2pm + 7pm
Tickets £6 / £20 (family of 4)
Washington Theatre Group present this lively, modern twist on Hansel and Gretel. Siblings Hansel and his cautious sister Gretel venture into a magical forest filled with surprises, encountering a mix of hilarious and mischievous characters, from their quirky Nanny-turned-influencer to a sarcastic AI assistant, Bing Bong.
Their journey takes a darker turn when they cross paths with a bumbling witch and her dim-witted minion, who have sinister plans for the children. With the spirit of the woods, Willow Wisp, watching over them, Hansel and Gretel must rely on their wits - and help from the audience - to make it home safely.
The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company presents Dregs Opera
Friday 4th April, 2pm + 7pm, Tickets £5 (carers go free)
The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company returns with an ambitious performance, Dregs Opera, a musical based on the true story of historic local queer figure, Alonzo Johnson, who was deported to Australia and condemned to death because of his sexuality.
Presented as an adaptation of Gay’s Beggar’s Opera and Brecht’s Threepenny Opera, the musical challenges audiences to consider marginalised voices and the horrors of discrimination, past and present. Dregs Opera is a new, original work written and performed by artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists.
Live music by an all female supergroup, featuring members of “The Wild Women of Wylam”.
Running time 1hr approx Suitable for all ages
The Ballad of The Crocodile and the Underpass
Thursday 13 March, 7pm, Pay as
You Feel
The culmination and celebration of the Ballad of The Crocodile and the Underpass project celebrating Washington 60.
This event will feature performances by songwriters David Brewis and Page Temperley who have written brand new music inspired by Washington’s stories.
We will also showcase excerpts from a new podcast that tells the story of Washington New Town, combining oral histories, music and found sounds to create a new contemporary ‘Radio Ballad’.
First Friday Folk
First Friday of the month, 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 afternoon is hosted by Ken Tonge a well known figure on the North East Folk scene.
Contact kennethtonge@gmail.com for more details.
Swing Band Dance Night with The Bright Street Band
Saturday 12 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
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!
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 played by the fantastic Bright Street Big Band and Swing DJ Andy Lewis.
So don’t miss out on the fun; come and join us on the dance floor! See you there!
The Story of Skiffle
Thursday 15 May, 7.30pm, Tickets £10
For 2 magical years from 1956 to 1958, skiffle became the music of young people throughout the country. From the star professionals like Lonnie Donegan and Chas McDevitt through to youth club and coffee bar bands ‘having a go’, the craze took hold.
Hop Skiffle and Jump showcase how this simple, acoustic music formed the bedrock of what was to come – the pop explosion of the 60s.
Join us for an evening of skiffle, featuring some of the most popular songs from that period. There are anecdotes and stories aplenty, with top quality musicianship and loads of energy!
Songs of the North East
Wednesday 21st May, 7.30pm
Tickets £15
International opera stars Graeme Danby and Valerie Reid celebrate the music of the North East with songs and ballads dating from the 1800s to the present day.
Songs include Blow the Wind Southerly, Waters of Tyne and The Keel Row alongside more contemporary compositions such as Eric Boswell’s Birds Fly High, Sailing to Philadelphia by Mark Knopfler and Sting’s The Last Ship.
Hear the stories behind the songs while the music itself is sung by artists who have performed on the great stages of the world.
10CCLO
Friday 23 May, 7.30pm, Tickets £15
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 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 2 incredible bands from the last 4 decades.
NE Street Band
‘Playing the songs of Bruce Springsteen’
Friday 13 June, 7.30pm, Tickets £15
Returning with rave reviews and burgeoning audiences across the North-East and now the whole of the UK, we are delighted to welcome the NE Street Band to perform their Bruce Springsteen show here at Arts Centre Washington.
Expect a fun-filled, audienceengaging two and a half hours of all the best of Bruce and The E-Street Band.
As well as a healthy helping of the ‘classics’, the band delves into Bruce’s back catalogue, selecting the very best from his solo albums and collaborations. Also, catch for the first time songs from ‘The Seeger Sessions’, Springsteen’s legendary, Grammy Award winning project bridging rock and roll with its folk music and activist roots.
“Had the crowd clapping and singing throughout!”
“Even non-Boss fans would love to see these guys!”
Comedy
Lee Kyle: Bottle It
Friday 28 March, doors 7.30pm, first act 8pm, Tickets £10
Lee Kyle has a secret.
But also, he’s been throwing messages in bottles into the sea! Lots of them. He’s been asking people to reply and people have. What has this led to? Adventure? Discovery? Surprises?
Well yes. He’s learned a lot. Join Lee, a top class ad-libber and storytelling comedian, as he recounts this tale while revealing so much more about himself than even he is strictly comfortable with.
Because Lee Kyle has a secret.
In his new tour show ‘Bottle It’ Lee talks about what it means to have bottle, to throw bottles and to be bottled.
Because Lee Kyle has a secret. And he’s mentioned it here so now he’ll HAVE to tell you.
“Glorious”
The Independent
“This is a beautiful show”
Jonny Pelham
“Lee is a phenomenal comedian and this is his best show to date”
Sammy Dobson
Events
Bright Lights: Youth Arts
Festival 2025
Tuesday 25 February –Saturday 1 March
A celebration of the talented young people who live in Washington and Sunderland and beyond.
This year’s festival will feature a week of free workshops alongside performances, screenings and displays all created by young people.
Special events include:
Film Shorts Showcase
Wednesday 26th February, 6pm-8pm
Young filmmakers from across the region screen their films.
Growing Pains
Thursday 27th February, 7pm
A collection of original short performances that examine the journey of growing up, capturing the highs, lows, and in-betweens of youth today. Created and performed by the talented students of Sunderland College!
Washington Emerging
Friday 28th February, 6pm
An evening of live music by the North East’s best up-and-coming young musicians.
Re:Style: Clothes Upcycling Event
Saturday 1 March, 11am – 2pm
Bring along old unwanted clothes and learn how to upcycle them into something new!
Bright Lights: Youth Arts
Exhibition 2025
8 February – 15 March
Our annual Youth Arts Exhibition, showcasing some of the most exciting artwork created by young people
Plus 10+ free workshops for young people ages 11 – 19 from Tuesday 25 February – Saturday 1 March including music, photography, film and more!
This years festival will also feature events and workshops in Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and the National Glass Centre as well as city wide.
Check www.sunderlandculture.org.uk for more details.
Spring Fair
Saturday 22 March 10am – 3pm
Summer Fair
Saturday 12 July 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 popup performances and events by our creative community!
Exhibitions
Women, Colour and Music: Terry
Culkin
Granary Exhibition
14 January – 8 February
Paintings of women that the artist knows and admires, strong women with colourful personalities who boldly face life and all its problems with joy.
Terry loves colour, the bolder the better and this has been a thread throughout this series of paintings. Alongside this series Terry also includes paintings of musicians in action also in vibrant colour. Terry’s work is a celebration of colour, firmly influenced by 60’s Pop Art and all in Acrylic on canvas.
Houghton Art Club Exhibition
Granary Exhibition
4 March - 12 April
A collection of paintings produced by members of Houghton Art Club. The Houghton-le-Spring based club have regular meetings and participate in local art events and exhibitions.
The Art Club meets every week at Houghton Miners
Welfare Halland is known for being welcoming and friendly to new members, whether they are new to painting or experienced artists.
The Ballad of the Crocodile and the Underpass Exhibition
Theatre Foyer Exhibition
11 March – 5 April
Artist Tommy Anderson has created a series of photomontage artworks to celebrate the urban landscapes, culture and social heritage of Washington. Using images from the library archive, the artworks explore themes such as industry, construction, housing and community. The larger artwork combines archive images and new photography portraying a snapshot of life in Washington over the past 60 years.
Traces – An Interface Arts Exhibition
28 March – 3 May
“Traces... a mark, object or other indication of the existence or passing of something” (Oxford Languages).
Local artists from the North East based group, Interface Arts, have been inspired to creatively interpret the theme of Traces, choosing many surprising subjects as their source of inspiration.
Members have produced an eclectic mix of artwork in a range of mediums such as fused glass, painting, print and book making, various textile techniques, sculpture and more. An imaginative and thought-provoking exhibition. New members are warmly welcome!
People, Places & Paddling: An Exhibition by
Anita Jasmin
16 May – 05 July
Winner of the 2023 Spotlight Washington Open Exhibition.
Anita’s creations are all inspired by the incredible beauty found in nature. This exhibition explores a variety of subjects; from portraits that capture the essence of character through expressive lines, to her playful approach with mixed media.
Anita builds Layers of history with driftwood,
Where Were You Last Summer?
18 July – 30 August
‘Where Were You Last Summer’ examines women’s hidden voices of dissent from a South Asian perspective.
Sehr Jalil and Padma Rao, two visual artists collaborate and explore the underlying currents of a post-colonial identity through personal stories and archival enquiry.
Sehr Jalil is a multidisciplinary visual artist and researcher from Pakistan, currently pursuing her PhD in Visual Cultures from Goldsmiths, University
ashes from burnt diaries, tea leaves or various other recycled items. Delicious colours of paint also dance and sparkle across the canvas to express her emotions and experience of the world around her.
of London. Padma Rao, a visual artist practicing contemporary drawing and painting, currently lives and works in Sunderland. Curated by Manmeet Kaur Walia, this exhibition is part of an artists’ residency project by Sangini.
SUNDERLAND FILM CLUB
Monthly screenings, talks and workshops from Wearside’s documentary-focused community cinema.
Summer of Soul
Thursday 23rd January, 7pm, Pay What You Feel
Over six weeks during the summer of 1969, New York’s Mount Morris Park was host to The Harlem Cultural Festival - an epic celebration of Black history, culture and fashion. Overshadowed by Woodstock, footage from the festival was never screened and largely forgotten – until now. Featuring never-before-seen performances by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone and Sly & the Family Stone, Summer of Soul immortalises a defining moment in 20th century culture.
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed
Thursday 20th February, 7pm, Pay What You Feel
Weaving together moments the life of artist Nan Goldin - from rebellious adolescence, immersion in New York City’s underground arts scene and personal experiences of addiction – we chart her fight against the pharmaceutical-billionaire Sackler family. Told through intimate interviews, ground-breaking photography and rare footage, All the Beauty and the Bloodshed is an epic story of art, activism and survival.
Smoke Sauna Sisterhood
Wednesday 19 March, 7pm, Pay What You Feel
Deep in the forests of South-Eastern Estonia, women of the Võro community gather at a cabin in the woods to take part in a centuries-old tradition. In the darkness of the smoke sauna, they bare all – sharing their innermost secrets, experiences and desires. Captured through intimate images and an atmospheric score, Smoke Sauna Sisterhood is a celebration of female solidarity and the transformative powers of community.
FILM AND FUN
Family friendly movies with a related arty activity, Saturdays from 1pm
Animation Special
Saturday 1 February, 1pm, Pay What You Feel
Saturday 29 March, 1pm, Pay What You Feel
Learn how to create your open stop motion and Claymation films in our fun workshop then take a seat in the Theatre for a screening of some of the best animated short films from Teeside’s Animex film festival!
100 People: A Portrait of Co-Existence
Wednesday 26 March, 7pm, Pay What
You Feel
A poetic, funny and often moving reflection on our industrial past, precarious present, and the potential of an everyday collective-resistance. Combining conversations between residents and workers, diverse in age, ethnicity, and economic background to present a collective
spirit of everyday solidarity emerging in the residential neighbourhood of Shieldfield, a small neighbourhood on the edge of Newcastle.
100 People celebrates the resiliance and co-ordinated action between ordinary people, often overlooked within our media representations, to reveal a collective model of what could be and how we might get there.
Arts Centre Washington’s Film Programme is supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network.
WEDNESDAY MATINEES
Monthly film screenings on Wednesday afternoons from 1pm
The Holdovers
Wednesday 8th January, 1pm, Tickets £4
Paul, a curmudgeonly teacher at a New England prep school remains on campus during Christmas break to babysit a handful of students with nowhere to go. He soon forms an unlikely bond with student Angus, a brainy but damaged troublemaker, and head cook Mary, a woman who just lost a son in the Vietnam War.
Empire of Light
Wednesday 5th February, 1pm, Tickets £4
Hilary, a woman with a difficult past and an uneasy present, is part of a makeshift family at a faded cinema in an English seaside town. When Stephen is hired to work in the cinema, the two find an unlikely attraction and discover the healing powers of movies, music and community.
Thelma
Wednesday 5th March, 1pm, Tickets £4
Thelma Post isn’t your average 93-year-old grandmother – she’s tenacious, determined and on a mission. After getting conned by a scammer pretending to be her grandson, she teams up with a friend (and his motorised scooter) on a wild adventure to take back what’s hers.
Arts Centre Washington’s Film Programme is supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network.
MR DRAYTON’S ROCK DOCS
Attempting to capture lightning and put it in a bottle is a fools errand, that’s why many music documentaries and concert films are akin to watching paint dry. There are exceptions though. Arts Centre Washington is proud to present two giants of music cinema, both game changers in their own right. Join Mr Drayton as he hosts two evenings of celluloid marvels with his customary nonsense and barely credible facts about what you’re about to experience. To gild the lily there will be an easy access quiz following the screening with many lamentable prizes.
HERITAGE REELS
A curated programme of talks alongside archive films and heritage themed documentaries.
North East Comedy
Wednesday 15 January, 1pm, Pay What You Feel
Archive film about comedians from our region including The Little Waster Makes Good, a 1973 Tyne Tees feature about Fatfield’s own Bobby Thompson!
Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii
Thursday 16 January, 7pm, Pay What You Feel
Pink Floyd, Live at Pompeii from 1972 sees Dave, Roger and lads rocking out with songs from the Syd Barrett era and introducing the more spaced out vibes of Echoes from 1971’s Meddle, a taster of what they were to become. Performed in Pompeii to an invisible audience.
Talking Heads: Stop Making Sense
Thursday 30
January, 7pm, Pay What You Feel
Jonathan Demme’s 1984 Stop Making Sense gave former New York art punks Talking Heads an incredible platform to demonstrate their groovy leanings. Not only are the songs 100% dynamite, the choreography and cinematography electrifying, they introduced a new way of producing a film about music. It’s a toe-tapping singalong wonder.
We will also be joined stand up comedian Lee Kyle as he takes you on a journey through some of the odder characters and stories of North East comedy history. The comedian who didn’t want to be funny, the Human Anvil and the Sunderland links to the Kennedy assassination... and that’s just the obvious stuff!
The region has an amazing comedy story to tell and what happened onstage is only part of it.
Shipbuilding
Wednesday 19 March, 1pm, Pay What You Feel
Including ‘We Make Ships’ - A Siren Film & Video documentary for Channel Four in which Tom Pickard, poet and documentary filmmaker, returns to the shipyards in Sunderland for 6 months. During this period the Austin and Pickersgill yard experiences a financial crisis and two ships are launched onto the River Wear. The film was originally broadcast on 23 February 1987.
Heritage Reels is programmed in partnership with the Yorkshire and North East Film Archive
Taking Part
Creative You
Free weekly arts workshops for young people aged 11–19 in the Washington area.
Creative You is supported by Sunderland City Council’s Washington Area Committee.
Teenage Craft Club
Tuesdays (Fortnightly), 6 – 8pm, Free
A space to 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 (Fortnightly), 6 – 8pm, 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 likeminded young artists
Washington Young Film Makers
Thursdays (Fortnightly), 6 – 8pm, Free Write, shoot and edit films with a professional filmmaker, plan your own screenings and meet like-minded young people in a friendly and supportive space.
Animate Club
Thursdays (Fortnightly), 6 – 8pm, Free Learn about animation and create your own films in this new SEN friendly club for ages 11 – 19.
For Children and Young People
Washington Youth Theatre
Saturdays 10am – 12pm 8 – 12 years 12.30 – 2.30pm 13 years+, £6 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.
Right Track
Saturdays 10.30am – 12.30pm, Pay What You Feel
A project to develop young, creative and inspiring musicians between the ages of 12-21.
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.
Look out for our Easter Holiday programme check www.artscentrewashington.co.uk for listings.
To book visit www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or call 0191 561 3455
Saturday Art Club
Saturdays, 1pm – 3pm, £6 per session
Join the Saturday Art Club and find out just how much fun art can really be. Suitable for ages 8+.
Also available for Children and Young People
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.
Family Ukulele Lessons
The perfect introductory instrument for children, come along to a family workshop and learn the instrument together.
Contact info@ukeschool.co.uk
Trish and Trina’s Performance Academy
Year round programme of dance classes for children and adults of all ages.
Contact 07761633157
trishdanceacademy@gmail.com
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.
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.
Adult One Off Courses
Mind, Body, Soul Wellness Mini-Course
3 week course from 16 January
Thursdays 7 – 8.30pm £40 for the course
Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul with this Breath, Qigong Flow & Meditation Wellness Course. Join Shaney for a transformative course focused on relaxation, replenishment, and restoration. Bring a mat, cushion + blanket
Calligraphy: An Introduction to Foundational Hand
Thursdays 6 + 13 March, 6.30 – 8.30pm £30 for both sessions
Foundational Hand is a traditional calligraphy script written with a broadedged pen and a great introduction for beginners to ‘the art of beautiful writing’. In this two-part workshop, calligrapher Angela Reed will help you get to grips with a calligraphy pen, before moving on to basic strokes and the creation of letters and words. The ticket price includes a starter kit for use during the sessions and to keep afterwards.
Chainmaille Bracelet Making
Thursdays 3 + 10 April, 6.30 – 8.30pm, £30 for both sessions
Through the ancient craft of chainmaille, artist Michael Davidson will teach you to interlock metal rings in the style of a traditional European weave to create an intricately designed bracelet. You will be able to personalise your bracelet with yours or a loved ones initial as you unlock the fundamental skills of this timeless craft.
Drink and Draw Portraiture Special
Sat 25 January, 6.30-9pm, £16.50
Get to grips with portraiture from scratch
Join tutor Shaney for a portraiture special Drink and Draw to help you build the confidence to tackle faces with a less is more approach. A fast-paced drawing session with music, refreshments and a friendly atmosphere – open to improvers, experienced artists and beginners ready for a new challenge.
Martials and equipment are provided, but you may bring your own equipment along too.
Drinks are available from The Courtyard Café Bar.
Suitable for ages 18+
Life Drawing Techniques –Drawing Hands and Feet,
Thursday 13th March, 6.45 - 9pm, £15
Join tutor Shaney for a special life drawing session with a focus on hands and feet. Breaking the techniques down into simple step by step processes, learn how to competently draw hands and feet to complement your figure drawings. Our session will include tutoring, materials and a life model.
Suitable for ages 18+
Life Drawing Techniques –Portraiture
Thursday 10th April, 6.45 - 9pm, £15
Develop your portraiture drawing technical skills in a special life drawing session with our tutor Shaney. In this portraiture-themed session will look at tonal contrast, proportion and simple use of colour to help you draw faces simply, yet competently. Our session will include tutoring, materials and a life model.
Suitable for ages 18+
Drink and Draw
Thursday 6 February, Friday 28 March, Thursday 24 April
£14.50, 7 - 9pm
Our ever-popular life drawing class is back each month, with a variety of brilliant life models and sessions led by resident tutor Shaney. This is a fast-paced drawing session with music, refreshments and a friendly atmosphere – open to improvers, experienced artists and beginners ready for a new challenge. Basic art equipment is provided, but feel free to bring your own kit.
Fun, free dance classes designed to improve fitness for adults aged 50 – 65. Suitable for beginners each session will feature different styles of music with the emphasis on fun, enjoyment, and building confidence!
Regular Courses for Adults
Community Choirs
Come and sing with us! Join our community choirs The B#’s and One Voice! No audition necessary, all welcome.
£4.50 per session
One Voice
Tuesdays 5.30 – 7pm
The B#s
Wednesdays 10 – 11.30am
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 romeroschoolofdance@gmail.com
Washington Theatre Group
Amateur Dramatics Group
Tuesdays 7pm - 9pm
£5 monthly subscription www.washingtontheatregroup.co.uk for more information.
Ukulele Lessons
One to one and group Ukulele lessons are available throughout the week via Uke School.
Contact ukeschooluk@gmail.com for more info
Watercolour Painting
Wednesdays 9.30am – 12.30pm,
£9.00 per session
1.30pm – 3.30pm, £7.00 per session
Unleash your creative potential at the Arts Centre Washington’s Watercolour class.
Hatha Yoga
Wednesdays 10am - 11.30am
£5 per session
Contact Maureen at holisticyogammc@gmail.com
Community Podcasting Sessions
Wednesdays, 12pm-2pm, Free Learn how to record and edit podcasts for a project exploring life in Washington New Town from 1964 to the present.
Special Interest Club
Wednesdays from 5.30pm, Free A friendly weekly session for autistic young people (aged 16-25) and their parents/carers. Explore and celebrate special interests: Gaming, music, fandom, animation, dungeons & dragons, photography, DJing, trains and transport, manga and much more!
New monthly group for those living with dementia and their carers.
Suggestion donation of £2.50 per person
Contact rachel.hamer@ sunderlandculture.org.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 people aged 30+. The aim of is to promote wellbeing through the creation of music.
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.
For more information contact Ron 07785914241 / ron@forbister.co.uk
Washington Model Club
Thursdays 7pm - 9pm
£3 per session
A modelling club for scale modellers who like to meet and model, share ideas and skills and learn from each other!
Search ‘Washington Model Club’ on Facebook to find out more
Oil Painting
Fridays, 9.30am - 11.30am
£7.00 per session
Ideal for total beginners as well as those more experienced with oil painting.
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.
Contact rachel.hamer@ sunderlandculture.org.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 my 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 07925 167775 or email info@twistingducks.co.uk
Washington Writers Group
Fridays 12 – 2pm (fortnightly), £5 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.
Nifties
Events, talks and activities alongside our Wednesday Film Matinees. Wednesdays 1pm - 2.30pm
£3.50 members / £4 Non Members.
Upcoming events take place on Wednesdays 22 January, 19 February, 19 March, 16 April, 14 May
For Hire
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.
Band Rehearsal Room
Fully equipped rehearsal spaces are just £12.30 per hour. Call 0191 561 3455 to make a booking.
The Courtyard
The Courtyard, offers high quality, great value meals suitable for all the family. Plus award winning cask ales and a range of events including quiz nights.
Food service times
Lunch service
Monday to Saturday, 12noon to 2.30pm
Sunday, 12noon to 5pm
Evening service
Monday 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
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!
www.artscentrewashington.co.uk
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 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....
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
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
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, 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. A version of this brochure is available in large text format. Please call the box office to request your copy.
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.
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.
This has been printed using soya-based inks on FSCcertified, fully recyclable paper, with support for the World Land Trust to ensure sustainable, ecofriendly practices.
