A ten week introduction to contemporary poetry course presented by Judi Sutherland, a poet living and working in Barnard Castle.  We will take some poems apart to see how they work, and begin to build our own poems from what we learn. Bring a notebook and a pen!

Stepping Out of the Box Exhibition. An original artistic exploration of masculinity, asking how gender stereotypes have shaped men and boys in the North East.  Gallery usually closed Sundays and Mondays.

Love and friendship triumph in Carlos Acosta’s vibrant production of this dazzling ballet.  Cervantes’s story of the bumbling knight Don Quixote has inspired countless artistic interpretations. Marius Petipa choreographed this sparkling ballet about the encounters of the man from La Mancha and his faithful squire Sancho Panza. At its heart are virtuoso roles for the lovers Basilio and Kitri.
Carlos Acosta chose this joyful classic for his first production for The Royal Ballet. His vibrant staging brings together the whole Company in such roles as exuberant villagers, passionate gypsies and even fantasy flowers. The story follows Don Quixote’s picaresque journey to do deeds in honour of his imaginary noble lady, Dulcinea. Sunny, charming, funny and touching – Don Quixote is a ballet as full of uplifting emotion as it is of astonishing ballet technique.

The Royal Ballet
Choreography: Carlos Acosta after Marius Petipa
Music: Ludwig Minkus
Arranged and orchestrated: Martin Yates

Be like Maria in the Sound of Music and Come to make clothes out of curtains with Sewing teacher Dyane Turner. All materials provided and several patterns for simple items to choose from.  Make Clothes from Curtains – family sewing workshop.  Part of the Sing-a-long Sound of Music week at The Witham.  Recommended age 7 years +.   Cost £25 per machine (each ticket can admit up to 4 with a min. of one adult per group). Each group will make a min. of 2 garments.

This classic Julie Andrews film musical in glorious, full-screen Technicolor, complete with lyric subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along. Don’t forget to dress up as one of your favourite things!

Turrets Youth Theatre and regional improvisation experts The Suggestibles invite you to join the Rat Race!  An inter-generational opportunity to develop your improvisation skills...

Turrets Youth Theatre are working with The Suggestibles to host a series of 3 inter-generational improvisation workshops from Jan - March 2019, leading up to an improvisation showcased called "Rat Race".

It'll be fun, funny, and fundamentally improvised! Two teams of improvisers in pursuit of the Golden Cheese. Falling over themselves and each other to entertain you in a relentless battle of games, sketches and songs. Inspired by your suggestions, they must work together to fulfil their ratty dreams.

Who will be worthy of your applause? Your laughter? Your votes? Who will ultimately be crowned ‘Rat Supreme’? You decide!

This is the first of three inter-generational improvisation workshops - the first two are open to all and the third is on Saturday 30th March to prepare for the the final public performance on Sunday 31st March. Funds raised will support for similar future Turrets endeavours.

It’s time to talk about the D word…The Death Show is a darkly comic journey of discovery and contemplation, exploring our universal relationships with death and dying. Why are we afraid of the inevitable? Why are we anxious about how we are remembered? Do we really need a tweet from the Dalai Lama to show the world we lived a good life?

Drawn together by their shared fear of death, Birmingham based theatre makers and “thanatophobes” Antonia Beck and Lucy Nicholls, have had to come face to face with death in the making of this show; training with celebrants, shadowing undertakers, talking extensively with hospice patients, GPs and Palliative Care nurses.

This show invites audiences to take time out to celebrate their own mortality. To laugh, cry, stick two fingers up at the grim reaper and discover why talking about death is ultimately life affirming. Through humour, conversation and reflection, The Death Show aims to encourage more people to think and talk about death, and looks to break down some of the taboos surrounding this universal subject matter. After all, everybody does it!

The Death Show Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPOp1sBTQQM

Website: www.thedeathshow.co.uk

Twitter: @The_Death_Show

Facebook: @thedeathshowbham

In our new exhibition we use a variety of media to represent our personal connection with the Dale, including people, places, plants and panoramas.

In this new exhibition, members of the Art Society explore their thoughts and feelings about the Dale where we live, work and play, using a variety of media - watercolour, acrylic, pencil, fabric and felt. With pictures, decorated bags and stones, and multi media artefacts, the group has put together an exhibition showing different facets of the Dale, with individual impressions of living in our beautiful area.The artworks depict the plants and animals, the people, places  and panoramas of the Teesdale landscape.  Gallery usually closed Sunday and Monday.

A 1942 classic in which Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), who owns a nightclub in Casablanca, discovers his old flame Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) is in town with her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). 

Lily James plays free-spirited journalist Juliet Ashton, who forms a life-changing bond with the delightful and eccentric Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, when she decides to write about the book club they formed during the occupation of Guernsey in WWII.

Taking the audience on a musical journey around the World, English instrumental duo The Hut People (Sam Pirt and Gary Hammond) have firmly established themselves as one of THE best loved, entertaining and best-loved acts on the UK folk scene today. “The only band to have been asked back 8 times consecutively – because they’re so good!” Swaledale Festival

Mixing global rhythms with folk tunes from Quebec to Spain, Scandinavia to Sussex and everywhere in between, this is a quirky celebration of our rich musical heritage – and it works so well!

This is a show like nothing you’ve ever seen before – expect feel-good dancing tunes, audience participation, step dancing, Quebecois foot-percussion (whilst playing the accordion!) and humour aplenty.

Last year, The Hut People release their 4th studio album on the Fellside label entitled 'Routes'.

They also supported award-winning trio The Young’uns on their 21-date nationwide tour – gaining a plethora of new fans up and down the country.

Always rebooked and always talked incredibly highly of, we have no doubt The Hut People are one of the top-class, most-entertaining and musically brilliant acts on the circuit.

""Their own tunes are remarkable for their inspiration... Throughout, the music is full of life, designed to raise a smile"" RnR

"There's so much going on that you hear something new each time it is played. Sam Pirt's accordion leads all the tunes, whilst percussionist extraordinaire Gary Hammond provides an amazing array of textures and colours. Routes certainly brightens up the dull grey days of winter, but will be just as good a listen for the rest of the year…Remarkable" THE LIVING TRADITIONYouTube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMWlCU2WpRU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMhRsoCjfrM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1ZwCtq7pG4

Enjoy the fresh produce on offer!  One of the longest running Farmer's Markets in the North, come to enjoy the delicious food of our region from the producers and farmers who produce it.

Death Café provides a relaxed atmosphere (with tea/coffee and cake available from The Witham Café) in which to talk about death and dying. It aims to “increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives”.

The agenda is open: no speakers, no sales, no advice. Just bring your curiosity, questions, anxieties, experiences and let’s have interesting conversations! Facilitated by Tamara Bibby and hosted in The County Room at The Witham

Death Café was founded by Jon Underwood based on the work of Bernard Crettaz.

For more information, please visit their website: www.deathcafe.com or see our Facebook page @deathcafebarnardcastle

Death Cafe's will be held on Saturday 2nd March, Saturday 13th April and Saturday 11 May, 2pm - 4pm

Price: Free (donations towards the cost of the room hire are welcome).

Introduction to soft ground etching with Sharon Loddey.  During this one day workshop we will work on a zinc plate to create a small edition of prints. We will watch with copper sulphate and salt.

A soft ground line has the character of a pencil or crayon drawing. We will also be able to imprint textures into the soft waxy ground; things like leaves and lace.

Jewellery, prints, jams, toys, cards, scarves, hats, chocolate, soaps, knitted-gifts, puzzles, wooden-gifts, bags, vintage

A regular visitor to the North-East, prize-winning pianist Viv McLean returns to The Witham to give a recital including works by Beethoven, Chopin and Gershwin. Bach/Busoni Chorale Prelude ""Ich Ruf zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ"" BMV. 639

Beethoven Sonata in C Sharp Minor Op. 27 No. 2 ""Moonlight""

Sonata in A Flat Op. 110

Chopin Nocturne in G Minor Op. 37 No. 1

Scherzo No. 2 in B Flat Minor Op. 31

Nocturne in E Minor Op. 72 No. 1

Polonaise in A Flat Op. 53

Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue

Tim Crouch’s ‘charged, hilarious’ and ‘downright joyous celebration’ of Shakespeare’s most pent up steward!  Recommended Age 10 + years

I, Malvolio is the story of Twelfth Night told through the eyes of the play’s ‘notoriously wronged’ servant. In a story of lost dignity, prudery, practical jokes and bullying, Malvolio draws his audience into the madness of Shakespeare’s play and makes it his own.

The Lindisfarne Story, celebrates one of the UK's most original and successful groups. Front-man Billy Mitchell and founder member Ray Laidlaw travel through the Geordie group's history from the 
1960's to the present day via their classic songs, rare video, audio and photographs - tall tales and scurrilous gossip.

THE LINDISFARNE STORY UK TOUR 2019
'A Twist in the Tale'

From Whitley Bay to 'Frisco Bay: The Lindisfarne Story. Don't miss it.
“A fantastic night with The Lindisfarne Story. There are so many words to describe the show and you will feel many emotions with it. It is a real insight into the history of the band and the talented individuals that have forged many fantastic songs over five decades. It really is very special, catch it before it's gone.”

An Investing in the Witham event

Enjoy a fantastic day packed with Irish music, dancing and singing. There will be Irish music from brilliant folk bands High Force and Teesdale Folk. Irish dancers from the Tierney School of Irish Dance. There will be opportunities for jumping up and getting involved with a Ceilidh and rousing singalong to end the afternoon on a high.

Doors will open 1.30pm and the event will run 2.15pm till 5pm, doors closing 6pm.

The Café Bar will be serving traditional Irish food on the day and, naturally, Guinness will be the drink of the day!

‘Sam Carter is a brilliant guitarist and songwriter who combines the observational with social comment and personal reflection’ Since being named Best Newcomer at the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Sam Carter has been stirring audiences from Camden to Canada, via an attention grabbing appearance on Later...with Jools Holland

and a dreams-really-do-come-true performance in a specially assembled band to back Richard Thompson at Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Described as 'the finest English-style finger-picking guitarist of his generation' by Jon Boden (Remnant Kings, ex-Bellowhead),

Dad’s  Army  Radio  Show Based  on  the  classic  BBC  sitcom  by  Jimmy  Perry  and  David  Croft  Performed  by  David  Benson  and  Jack  Lane.  Two  actors  play  25  characters  in  this  brilliant  staging  of  three  classic  radio  episodes  based  on  favourite  scripts  from  the  original  TV  series.  Celebrating  50  years  of  Perry  and  Croft's  quintessential  sitcom,  which  won  the  Best  One-Liner  accolade  in  a  poll  of  comedians  conducted  by  Gold,  with  the  immortal  words  ""Don't  tell  him,  Pike"". Double  Fringe  First  Award  winner  David  Benson  (star  of  Think  No  Evil  Of  Us:  My  Life  With  Kenneth  Williams and  Boris:  World  King)  and  Jack  Lane  (Wisdom  Of  A  Fool)  present  a  selection  of  classic  radio  episodes  featuring  favourite  lines,  cherished  characters  and  great  feats  of  vocal  impersonation!

Winner of 10 Academy Awards, West Side Story is a 1961 musical with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and conception and choreography by Jerome Robbins. It was inspired by William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. 

American musical romantic drama tells the tale of a hard-drinking musician who discovers and falls in love with a young singer. Starring Bradly Cooper and Lady Gaga.

Jean Genie performs an incredible tribute to David Bowie, complete with dazzling, flamboyant costumes and stunning effects. Critically acclaimed as the UK’s top Bowie tribute, you’d be forgiven for thinking you are seeing the man himself.

Turrets Youth Theatre and regional improvisation experts The Suggestibles invite you to join the Rat Race!  An inter-generational opportunity to develop your improvisation skills...

Turrets Youth Theatre have been working with The Suggestibles and this is the performance!

It'll be fun, funny, and fundamentally improvised! Two teams of improvisers in pursuit of the Golden Cheese. Falling over themselves and each other to entertain you in a relentless battle of games, sketches and songs. Inspired by your suggestions, they must work together to fulfil their ratty dreams.

Who will be worthy of your applause? Your laughter? Your votes? Who will ultimately be crowned ‘Rat Supreme’? You decide!

Funds raised will support for similar future Turrets endeavours.

Christof Loy directs a star-studded cast of singers, including Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann and Ludovic Tézier, in Verdi’s epic opera, conducted by Antonio Pappano

Leonora falls in love with Don Alvaro, but when her father forbids their marriage, a fatal accident triggers a drama of obsession, vengeance and tragedy. Jonas Kaufmann and Anna Netrebko star in Verdi’s epic La forza del destino (The Force of Destiny) an opera which demands the very best of singers for its powerful music and the fullest theatrical treatment for its story of bitter revenge pursued across miles and years. The production comes to The Royal Opera in a sensational staging from Amsterdam packed with colour and action. It is directed by Christof Loy and conducted by Antonio Pappano, Music Director of The Royal Opera.

Direct from sell-out performances in Shanghai, New York and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Apphia Campbell embarks on her debut UK tour.   

Supported by Highlight Rural Touring Scheme. Written and performed by Apphia Campbell. Directed by Arran Hawkins and Nate Jacobs

Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, ‘Black Is The Color Of My Voice’ follows a successful jazz singer and civil rights activist seeking redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.

‘Campbell may wear Simone's trademark head wrap but her performance goes beyond impersonation.’  ★★★★ The Times

‘Apphia Campbell is nothing short of sensational… she will make you cheer for her, smile with her and then sting your eyes with tears’ ★★★★★ Broadway Baby

Emily and Hazel Askew have become known as two of the foremost performers and interpreters of English folk music.   Their live performances brim with the depth and connection not only of two sisters, but also of two musicians who have been immersed in folk music all their lives. Together, they rework and reinterpret songs and balladry, creating breath-taking arrangements, which allow words that are hundreds of years old resonate profoundly with contemporary audiences.

Alongside  this,  both  women  are  also  skilled  multi-instrumentalists  and  expert  players  of  dance music,  using  fiddles,  melodeons,  concertina  and  cello  in  their  innate  drive  to  bring  old  dance music to life.

Jewellery, prints, jams, toys, cards, scarves, hats, chocolate, soaps, knitted-gifts, puzzles, wooden-gifts, bags, vintage

Introduction to hard ground etching with Sharon Loddey. 

During this one day workshop we will work in a zinc plate to produce a small edition of prints.

Etching is an intaglio printmaking process.

Traditionally the hard ground yields a pen-like line associated with etchings. The longer the hard ground plate is exposed to the acid, the deeper and wider the etching.

This exhibition will be a display of young people’s photography featuring their views of Teesdale.

The young people have been involved in a project to learn about their Teesdale; the heritage and landscape of their community. They have used photography as a tool in order to do this. Come and see their hard work in full glory at The Witham.  Gallery usually closed Sunday and  Monday.

The Aquarius String Quartet present a delightful mix of music from Purcell to present day via Haydn and Elgar with spoken introductions by the players.

The Manchester based Aquarius Quartet  bring you a fascinating journey through the string quartet repertoire from the Baroque style of Henry Purcell to  an evocation of Bodnant Gardens composed by viola player, Adrienne Spilsbury. En route they will play you Haydn’s Quartet “The Bird”, and pieces by Elgar, John Ireland and Frank Bridge. The players will guide you along the way with spoken introductions to all the music.

Every Rembrandt exhibition is eagerly anticipated but this major show hosted by London’s National Gallery and Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum was an event like no other. Given privileged access to both galleries the film documents this landmark exhibition, whilst interweaving Rembrandt’s life story, with behind-the-scenes preparations at these world famous institutions. Exploring many of the exhibition’s key works, through contributions from specially invited guests including curators and leading art historians, this EXHIBITION ON SCREEN favourite makes a welcome return to the big screen marking the 350th anniversary of Rembrandt's death. For many, Rembrandt is the greatest artist that ever lived and this deeply moving film seeks to explore the truth about the man behind the legend.As You Like It

Rosalind is banished, wrestling with her heart and her head. With her cousin by her side, she journeys to a world of exile where barriers are broken down and all can discover their deeper selves. Director Kimberley Sykes (Dido, Queen of Carthage) directs a riotous, exhilarating version of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy."This visceral new production about the limits of power will be directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins, whose previous plays include Little Revolution at the Almeida and Absolute Hell at the National Theatre.

Richard II, King of England, is irresponsible, foolish and vain. His weak leadership sends his kingdom into disarray and his court into uproar. Seeing no other option but to seize power, the ambitious Bolingbroke challenges the throne and the king’s divine right to rule.

Simon Russell Beale returns to National Theatre Live screens following broadcasts of Timon of Athens and King Lear, and his recent role in the National Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of The Lehman Trilogy.

On Easter Sunday 1722 a Dutch explorer arrived on the island with gigantic, unusual, carved sculptures. That island became known as Easter Island.

Using a variety of waste materials you will be given the opportunity to re-purpose them in to create your own Easter Island inspired sculpture. How big is your head?

Chicken Licken: a TaleJam.  Meet the birds and join the band.  We’ll tell the tale with your helping hands. A musical storytelling experience for all the family telling an epic tale about the end of the world. But how the tale ends, we will let you unfurl. 3-8 years but everyone is welcome.

Tony Walsh is an ordinary bloke with an extraordinary talent and a remarkable story.  Overcoming childhood poverty and illness, then working everyday jobs in the communities of his beloved home city of Manchester, he has risen in recent years to become one of the UK’s most widely recognised and most in-demand professional poets. A regular on tv and radio since 2011, Tony performs and teaches internationally and his work has been commissioned by a growing list of major institutions, attracting a legion of fans and celebrity admirers. His work came to worldwide attention in May 2017 when broadcast globally from the vigil for victims of the arena bomb outrage in his beloved Manchester. His performance trended worldwide on social media and his poem, This Is The Place, entered the folklore and fabric of the city he’s still proud to call home – painted onto walls, recited in schools, re-mixed by DJs, even tattooed onto skin.

This iconic performance, together with Tony’s spontaneous closing comment of “choose love, Manchester” was widely credited with helping to define the city’s notably defiant, compassionate and creative response to these terrible events. The poem has since been used and licensed to raise approaching £200,000 for the survivors of the bombing, the families of those who were killed and other grass-roots community causes.

Death Café provides a relaxed atmosphere (with tea/coffee and cake available from The Witham Café) in which to talk about death and dying. It aims to “increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives”.

The agenda is open: no speakers, no sales, no advice. Just bring your curiosity, questions, anxieties, experiences and let’s have interesting conversations! Facilitated by Tamara Bibby and hosted in The County Room at The Witham

Death Café was founded by Jon Underwood based on the work of Bernard Crettaz.

For more information, please visit their website: www.deathcafe.com or see our Facebook page @deathcafebarnardcastle

Death Cafe's will be held on Saturday 2nd March, Saturday 13th April and Saturday 11 May, 2pm - 4pm

Price: Free (donations towards the cost of the room hire are welcome).

A sensational show celebrating the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons!

Celebrating it’s 5th season here in Blackpool – this show is our most popular midweek production and appeals to a wide range of audiences and ages. Featuring the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons! This is music with a broad appeal including 'Sherry' 'Beggin', 'Grease' and 'My Eyes Adored you' PLUS more music from the era – so no worries about individual taste or pleasing a big group."

An evening of fun, laughter, music and verse for all ages hosted by Britain’s Got Talent’s Cal Halbert.  The line up includes Pellingmans' Saraband  - Jacob Heringman & Susanna Pell (world leaders in the music of the Renaissance and Early Baroque period), Jeshika Bassett (Popular music from Teesdale’s rising star), Dixon J Scott (original Country Music), D'ukes Of Scarth (Uptempo ukulele orchestra), Corner Boys (Blues classics and vintage rock and roll), Poetry for Pleasure (Original spoken word from a new Teesdale poetry and writing group) and Euphoria Choir - Upbeat choral versions of classic songs

Since his departure from folk-rock pioneers Steeleye Span at the end of 2013, legendary fiddle player Peter Knight has turned his full attention to his trio Gigspanner, and in the process has firmly established their burgeoning reputation as one of the most innovative acts on the folk/roots scene. "Magnificent...a feast of imaginative music" The Telegraph

"Gigspanner has taken traditional tunes as a starting point and rearranged, orchestrated and improvised around them to create fascinating new works, leaving no doubt that Gigspanner’s increasingly impressive sound is like no other"  Folk Radio UK

Join Suitcase Studio to create a silk painted Koinobori carp streamer to bring a good future for each maker

These windsocks are traditionally flown in Japan for children’s day, with a carp to represent each member of the family. For this workshop we will be offering accompanying adults the opportunity to buy a ticket and join in the fun.

Rosalind is banished, wrestling with her heart and her head. With her cousin by her side, she journeys to a world of exile where barriers are broken down and all can discover their deeper selves. Director Kimberley Sykes (Dido, Queen of Carthage) directs a riotous, exhilarating version of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy."This visceral new production about the limits of power will be directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins, whose previous plays include Little Revolution at the Almeida and Absolute Hell at the National Theatre.

Richard II, King of England, is irresponsible, foolish and vain. His weak leadership sends his kingdom into disarray and his court into uproar. Seeing no other option but to seize power, the ambitious Bolingbroke challenges the throne and the king’s divine right to rule.

Simon Russell Beale returns to National Theatre Live screens following broadcasts of Timon of Athens and King Lear, and his recent role in the National Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of The Lehman Trilogy. "

Ground breaking classic 1945 British film directed by David Lean, screenplay by Noel Coward, which centres around the morals of a brief "real love" affair between a married woman Laura Jesson (Celia Johnson) and her lover Dr Alec Harvey (Trevor Howard) on a train journey.

MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN | Sing-Along.  Get ready to sing and dance, laugh and love all over again.  You’re invited to return to the magical Greek island of Kalokairi in an all-new original musical based on the songs of ABBA. With the film’s original cast returning and new additions including Lily James, Andy Garcia and Oscar winner Cher.

Two halls showcasing approximately thirty 'handpicked' designers, artists & craftspeople from around the region and beyond. Meet the makers and buy or commission handcrafted goods of gallery quality, with original work and a strong 'up-cycled' theme. Watch demonstrations and ‘have-a-go’.
Admission is free but a donation to St Teresa's Hospice would be gratefully received.

Experience the decadence and elegance of 1870s Paris in David McVicar’s spectacular production of Gounod’s best-loved opera.

There are many versions of the story of Faust, who trades his soul with the Devil for youth and power, but Gounod’s opera remains one of the most constantly enthralling. Michael Fabiano stars as Faust, with Diana Damrau as his beloved Marguerite and Erwin Schrott as the diabolical Méphistophélès. Virtuoso leading roles, a large chorus, sensational sets, ballet and an ecstatic finale make this the epitome of theatrical spectacle – the lavish scale of French grand opera is wonderfully in evidence in this production by David McVicar, set in 1870s Paris. Above all, the music includes several of popular opera’s most recognizable numbers, performed by a cast of great international singers and the Royal Opera Chorus.

Julian Norton is the star of the popular Channel 5 Television series The Yorkshire Vet, the hit fly-on-the-wall documentary series that follows his work in and around the Yorkshire Moors and Dales.  Julian is also a best-selling Author of three titles ‘A Yorkshire Vet Through the Seasons’ and ‘Horses, Heifers and Hairy Pigs: The Life of a Yorkshire Vet’, and his latest book ‘The Diary of Yorkshire Vet’ was published on 17 September 2018.

In ‘An Evening With’ he will share amusing anecdotes from his veterinary work in North Yorkshire.  These true stories bring to life the drama and humour in the daily routine of a rural vet.

Join Julian for a fun and fascinating evening, sometimes sad, often funny, yet always warm and compassionate. This show is an inspiration for anyone who loves animals, with Julian’s passion and commitment always at the fore.

The hilarious Yorkshire Poet, Writer & Performer - Kate Fox will be compering the show.

Death Café provides a relaxed atmosphere (with tea/coffee and cake available from The Witham Café) in which to talk about death and dying. It aims to “increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives”.

The agenda is open: no speakers, no sales, no advice. Just bring your curiosity, questions, anxieties, experiences and let’s have interesting conversations! Facilitated by Tamara Bibby and hosted in The County Room at The Witham

Death Café was founded by Jon Underwood based on the work of Bernard Crettaz.

For more information, please visit their website: www.deathcafe.com or see our Facebook page @deathcafebarnardcastle

Death Cafe's will be held on Saturday 2nd March, Saturday 13th April and Saturday 11 May, 2pm - 4pm

Price: Free (donations towards the cost of the room hire are welcome).

Two recent works and one world premiere showcase the contemporary face of The Royal Ballet.  The contemporary face of The Royal Ballet is shown in works from three of today’s leading choreographers. Christopher Wheeldon’s Within the Golden Hour is based around seven couples separating and intermingling, to music by Vivaldi and Bosso and lit with rich colours suggested by sunset. Crystal Pite’s Flight Pattern, revived for the first time, uses a large dance ensemble and Górecki’s familiar music from his Symphony of Sorrowful Songs for a poignant and passionate reflection on migration. Between them, a new work by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, created on The Royal Ballet has its premiere to bring the contemporary truly up-to-date.
Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon | Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui | Crystal Pite
Music: Ezio Bosso and Antonio Vivaldi | TBC | Henryk Mikołaj Górecki
Three ballets - approx. 195 minutes (including two intervals)

After the recent box office smash Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen of Rock takes you on a journey through the headline hits of Freddie Mercury and Queen

This is a unique, original show, performed by an extremely talented cast of 10. In the ever-competitive ‘Queen’ market there is usually a frontman with a band – this show takes a different take on the music and explores the intricate harmonies and sounds Queen were known for.

"I envy the Japanese" Van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo.  In the exhibition on which this film is based - VAN GOGH & JAPAN at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam - one can see why. Though Vincent van Gogh never visited Japan it is the country that had the most profound influence on him and his art. One cannot understand Van Gogh without understanding how Japanese art arrived in Paris in the middle of the 19th century and the profound impact it had on artists like Monet, Degas and, above all, Van Gogh.

Visiting the new galleries of Japanese art in Paris and then creating his own image of Japan – through in-depth research, print collecting and detailed discussions with other artists – Van Gogh’s encounter with Japanese artworks gave his work a new and exciting direction. After leaving Paris for the south of France – to what he thought of as near to a kind of Japan as he could find - the productive and yet troubled years that followed must all be seen in the context of Van Gogh bending Japanese influences to his will and defining himself as a modern artist with clear Asian precursors. In this little known story of Van Gogh’s art we see just how important his study of Japan was. The film travels not only to France and the Netherlands but also to Japan to further explore the remarkable heritage that so affected Van Gogh and made him the artist we know of today.

Directed by David Bickerstaff

Running time: Approx. 85 mins

In a reimagined 1590, England is a matriarchy. Baptista Minola is seeking to sell off her son Katherine to the highest bidder. Cue an explosive battle of the sexes in this electrically charged love story. Justin Audibert (Snow in Midsummer, The Jew of Malta) turns Shakespeare’s fierce, energetic comedy of gender and materialism on its head to offer a fresh perspective on its portrayal of hierarchy and power.

Cara Dillon occupies an enviable position at the very top of her genre. This extraordinary Irish singer has been captivating audiences and achieving exceptional acclaim for over 20 years. She has (according to Mojo magazine) "Quite possibly the world's most beautiful female voice"

.Alongside a selection of favourites from her previous releases, Cara will be performing material from her new album ""Wanderer"" which is a collection of beautiful and moving songs recorded in an intimate setting with her husband and musical partner Sam Lakeman. Every note and word sung with a passion and confidence earned through a life of experience singing traditional songs. Legions of fans will attest to theirimpassioned performances with Cara's warm and natural stage presence something to savour.

Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers encounter passion and tragedy in Kenneth MacMillan’s 20th-century ballet masterpiece. Shakespeare’s enduring love story is known the world over. Since its 1965 premiere with The Royal Ballet, Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet has become a modern ballet classic. The choreography captures the emotions of the young couple as they fall in love, despite the barriers that finally bring about the story’s tragic end. Each revival gives opportunities for new dancers to interpret the doomed lovers. The whole Company brings the colour and action of Renaissance Verona, where a busy market all too quickly bursts into sword fighting, and a family feud leads to tragedy for both the Montagues and Capulets.

Choreography: Kenneth MacMillan

Music: Sergei Prokofiev

Approx. 195 minutes (including two intervals)

Amanda Owen is a shepherdess, farmer’s wife, mother to nine children, a passionate photographer and a Sunday Times bestselling author.  Amanda’s first book The Yorkshire Shepherdess from 2014 offers an inspiring account of her transformation from Huddersfield townie to rural sheep farmer. Her second book A Year in the Life of the Yorkshire Shepherdess made it to number 2 in the bestsellers charts. Amanda has also appeared on Countrywise (ITV), The Dales (ITV) and Ben Fogle’s New Lives In The Wild (C5).

"To whom should I complain?"  When a young novice nun is compromised by a corrupt official, who offers to save her brother from execution in return for sex, she has no idea where to turn for help. When she threatens to expose him, he tells her that no one would believe her. Shakespeare wrote this play in the early 1600s, yet it remains astonishingly resonant today. Artistic Director, Gregory Doran, directs this new production."