Artists Brian Lavery, David Foster and Michael Horner invite you to enjoy their interpretations using a variety of media depicting doors, wildlife, international scenery, people and story telling.   Gallery usually closed Sunday and Monday.

Queen Anne occupies the throne, England is at war with the French, nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving.  Stars Olivia Coleman in this Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe award winning role alongside Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone.

Dance the night away in 40s style - bring your friends to enjoy swinging music from Damaris Jean and Ragtime Rewind Vintage Swing Band.  £15 | includes a ration style lunchbox

Get ready for an exciting musical adventure with Opera North based on Lewis Carroll’s much-loved classic, Alice in Wonderland.

Join us on a multi-sensory journey in The Witham room, packed full of live instrumental music, singing and a whole heap of fun!
This is sure to be a fantastic opportunity for children aged 0-4 and their families to experience live music, explore weird and wonderful characters, learn new songs, and maybe sing some that you already know!
£6 per person (adults and first child)
£3 per extra sibling
Babes-in-arms free of charge

Join us for an inspirational evening of music making as pupils from Barnard Castle & Bishop Auckland join forces to perform a new commission piece Wonderland Restored written by composer Will Todd and based upon his opera Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. School children will be performing as part of a choir, accompanied by members of the Chorus of Opera North and an Alice soloist/narrator.

Andy Yeadons Rock and pop
Andy Yeadon teaches piano, drums and guitar at Barnard Castle School.  This evening you will have the opportunity to hear his talented students display their musical abilities as singers, pianists, drummers and  singer songwriters.

Andrea Levy’s Orange Prize-winning novel Small Island comes to life in an epic new theatre adaptation. Small Island embarks on a journey from Jamaica to Britain, through the Second World War to 1948 – the year the HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury.

Hope and humanity meet stubborn reality as the play traces the tangled history of Jamaica and the UK. A company of 40 actors take to the stage of the National Theatre in this timely and moving story.

The Acoustic Café gives local musicians the chance to play on the balcony in the Café and our visitors the opportunity to enjoy some great live music.

Big Band Theory offer an exciting new blend of big band tradition and pop hits.  Based in Leeds, directed by Edd Maughan, this 15-strong line up of twenty- and thirty-somethings are high-quality musicians from across the North of England united by their enthusiasm for making music together.  Making their debut performance at The Witham, they are excited to bring their music to a new audience and to support The Witham’s ongoing fundraising campaign.  Maughan’s bespoke arrangements for the band are new and innovative; expect hits by Arctic Monkeys, Fall Out Boy, Oasis and Calvin Harris – as you’ve never heard them before!  Dancing shoes optional.

“The guys really play and move together. Immediately I’m smiling – this is what it’s all about”  (Paul Jones, Adjudicator, The Great North Big Band Festival)

Sixth formers from Barnard Castle School share their A Level art in the Witham Gallery.  Enjoy a variety of two and three dimensional work produced by the Upper Sixth students for their Pre-U Art & Design course.  Gallery usually closed Sunday and Monday.

Sixth formers from Barnard Castle School share their A Level art in the Witham Gallery.  Enjoy a variety of two and three dimensional work produced by the Upper Sixth students for their Pre-U Art & Design course.  Gallery usually closed Sunday and Monday.

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

Grace Notes musicians are delighted to present an afternoon of music on Saturday July 6th in the Witham Room, 2-4pm.  With all local musicians (old and young) there will be a variety of styles and instruments, ensuring an element of interest to all.  This is an acoustic event with the focus on music and people, rather than electronics.  Feel free to sing along where appropriate or just sit back and enjoy.  Our aim is to leave the audience feeling relaxed and happy.  All performers are giving their time free of charge, so all proceeds will go directly to The Witham.

Also matinee on Saturday.

One of the leading non-professional theatre groups in the North East, The Castle Players have been providing theatrical entertainment since 1986. Based in the glorious market town of Barnard Castle, they have a yearly Summer production which is always outdoors (whatever the weather!) in the grounds of the Bowes Museum. This year presents the wonderful world of Alice In Wonderland from Wednesday 10th July to Saturday 13th July 2019. Evening performances start at 7.30pm and this year a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

There is a 30-minute approx. interval at each performance, with expected finishing time for the evening performances being 10pm and 5pm for the matinee.

On site catering will be available from the Mad Hatters Tea Room. Bar available from Caps Off from Bishop Auckland, Ice Cream from Chocolate Fayre and sweet treats from Sugarmouse.

Any tickets still available can be purchased from the on-site box office from 6pm on each performance night.

America, 1947. Despite hard choices and even harder knocks, Joe and Kate Keller are a success story. They have built a home, raised two sons and established a thriving business. But nothing lasts forever and their contented lives, already shadowed by the loss of their eldest boy to war, are about to shatter. With the return of a figure from the past, long buried truths are forced to the surface and the price of their American dream is laid bare.

Broadcast live from The Old Vic in London, Academy Award-winner Sally Field (Steel Magnolias, Brothers & Sisters) and Bill Pullman (The Sinner, Independence Day) star in Arthur Miller’s blistering drama All My Sons. Jeremy Herrin (NT Live: This House, People, Places & Things) directs a cast including Jenna Coleman (Victoria), and Colin Morgan (Merlin).

Join dance teacher Joyce Jeffrey for a ballet class inspired by Swan Lake. Come and learn some ballet moves inspired by Swan Lake. This class won't be focused closely on technique but will give you a taster of ballet. Open to everyone from beginners to more experienced dancers.

Joyce teaches the popular weekly class, Silver Swans, at The Witham.

Come to enjoy the screening of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake at The Witham on Wednesday 17 July at 7pm.

America, 1947. Despite hard choices and even harder knocks, Joe and Kate Keller are a success story. They have built a home, raised two sons and established a thriving business. But nothing lasts forever and their contented lives, already shadowed by the loss of their eldest boy to war, are about to shatter. With the return of a figure from the past, long buried truths are forced to the surface and the price of their American dream is laid bare.

Broadcast live from The Old Vic in London, Academy Award-winner Sally Field (Steel Magnolias, Brothers & Sisters) and Bill Pullman (The Sinner, Independence Day) star in Arthur Miller’s blistering drama All My Sons. Jeremy Herrin (NT Live: This House, People, Places & Things) directs a cast including Jenna Coleman (Victoria), and Colin Morgan (Merlin).

Town crier Ian Kirkbride reads stories at The Witham, either in the cafe or outside in the meadow depending on the weather

In song and poetry, gardens have been celebrated through the ages as places for love, romance and reflection.  From Renaissance madrigals, to German Romantics, to the great flowering of English song in the twentieth century, young singers from Samling Academy with Samling Artist pianist Ian Tindale present a programme of song and poetry inspired by the language of flowers.

Samling Academy nurtures the next generation of classical musicians in the North East giving them high-level coaching and performance opportunities. Their year of work comes to fruition in this summer concert celebrating the growth and blossoming of young talent.

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).

Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly inhabit the suits of two of the funniest icons ever to grace the silver screen. This heart-warming tale tells the story of the double acts triumphant farewell tour. 
Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly inhabit the suits of two of the funniest icons ever to grace the silver screen. This heart-warming tale tells the story of the double acts triumphant farewell tour.

Town crier Ian Kirkbride reads stories at The Witham, either in the cafe or outside in the meadow depending on the weather

Fee Fi Fo Fum! It’s a giant of a show, we’d love you to come!  Lyngo Theatre  presents JACK AND THE BEANSTALK By Marcello Chiarenza Adapted and performed by Patrick Lynch Music by Carlo 'Cialdo' Capelli Design assistant Elena Marini Ages 3+.  This classic fairytale now gets the Lyngo treatment so expect lots of surprises and beautiful images as Patrick Lynch (from Cbeebies) tells the gripping story of Jack who sells his cow for 5 magic beans and finds himself in the land above the clouds. It’s a show for the over 3’s (and their giants) with something for everyone – enormous shoes, tiny houses, showers of silver and gold and a big, leafy explosion!

The Acoustic Café gives local musicians the chance to play on the balcony in the Café and our visitors the opportunity to enjoy some great live music.

For 2019 André is asking Shall We Dance? as he invites you to join him in the comfort of your local cinema, welcoming you into the beautiful and historic town that holds such special memories for both André and his fans throughout the world. Performing live from the stunning medieval town square, André is accompanied by his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, who he has travelled the world with for over 30 years, as well as a cast of over 100 dancers.  Andre commented, “Once again I am delighted to welcome fans from across the UK into my hometown of Maastricht, through their cinema screens in 2019! It is a magical way of seeing what for me every year is a wonderful occasion! This year will be extra special – performing the music of my heart: the Waltz. Come and join us for “The Beautiful Blue Danube” and many more surprises, some of which we will reveal during the next weeks to come! I want to see everyone waltzing in the cinema aisles!”

"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."

Town crier Ian Kirkbride reads stories at The Witham, either in the cafe or outside in the meadow depending on the weather

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

Town crier Ian Kirkbride reads stories at The Witham, either in the cafe or outside in the meadow depending on the weather

Mary Poppins
The practically perfect nanny returns, using her magical skills to help bring joy and wonder back to the Banks family.

Emily Blunt stars in this delightful musical with a star-studded cast.

We are delighted to present the Barnard Castle Holiday Club – a fortnight of exciting activities from Monday 12 August to Friday 23 August. The Bowes Museum, TCR Hub and The Witham have teamed up to not only offer a childcare solution for working families but also exciting days of activities for those who are  8+ years to enjoy.  Price: £25.00 per day, £28.50 with lunch, siblings and multiple bookings £20.00 per day, £23.50 with lunch.

You can book into as many or few days as you like – just read on to explore what’s available and book into the days that take your fancy. There is a £5.00 discount for siblings and children attending multiple sessions, please select the appropriate option when booking. If you are booking multiple sessions, you may find it easier to book by phone by calling 01833 690606. Please carefully note the venue(s) at which you are booking a place as this is where the day's activity will take place.

These activities are all lead by professionals with all the necessary security checks and adults are not required!

Places are limited so early booking is recommended by clicking on the dates you would like to attend.

12, 13, & 14 August, 9.30–4.00, Turrets Takeover! @ The Witham

A fun-packed day of drama games, singing and movement. Enjoy playing and creating theatre with a short session for parents at the end of each day.

15, 20 & 22 August, 8.30 - 5.00, The Bowes Museum

3 days of arts and crafts, have a go at printing, painting and sculpture and get a Discover Arts Award. Get creative with LEGO® and find out about the Museum.

16, 19, 21 & 23 August, 10.00–3.00, The Hub

Help design and paint a bright, inspiring permanent piece of art at TCR Hub. Join local artist Holly M Scott and help create a striking mural to adorn the walls of the workshop area. Over the course of 3 sessions we will work collaboratively studying colour theory and geometric design, developing our ideas and painting the final design.

Town crier Ian Kirkbride reads stories at The Witham, either in the cafe or outside in the meadow depending on the weather

It's been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing a huge new threat: Lego Duplo invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than they can rebuild.  In celebration of the Lego Exhibition at Bowes Museum, come to enjoy the film on the Big Screen in Barney.

Town crier Ian Kirkbride reads stories at The Witham, either in the cafe or outside in the meadow depending on the weather

Join us for one of the greatest musicals of all time...... Grease IS the word!  Experience the friendships, romances and adventures of a group of high school kids in the 1950s. Welcome to the singing and dancing world of "Grease," the most successful movie musical of all time. A wholesome exchange student (Olivia Newton-John) and a leather-clad Danny (John Travolta) have a summer romance, but will it cross clique lines?

Dress up and sing out loud to your hearts content!

With fantastic live music and an awesome atmosphere in The Witham which is located in the centre of Barnard Castle., our debut event at this venue will raise the bar for gin festivals.

Your ticket price includes:

Entry to the Festival

Limited edition, unique Mr Foxx’s Gin Fest gin glass

3 Gin Tokens ( with selected package)

Gin notepad and pen

Exclusive live entertainment with resident guest DJ

Photo wall….and more.

What can you expect?

In the spacious surroundings of The Witham our festival will showcase lesser known, small batch gin producers alongside bigger, more familiar names, with samples for you to taste. Our special Festival Guide will provide information on each of our producers.

After your three inclusive Gins, a single 25ml gin served with its paired garnish and Fever-tree mixer will be £5 from our bespoke Gin Bar. Operating on a token basis, these can be purchased from our dedicated stand (cash and cards accepted).

Choose from our hand-picked selection of gins, perfectly served in your own Mr Foxx glass to enjoy at the festival. Before you leave, purchase your favourites from our try-and-buy bar to take home.

Designated driver or non-gin drinker? Don’t worry, we offer a non-gin ticket option which includes entry, entertainment and full access to the regular bar. (Tickets are limited so don’t delay.)

Food will be available throughout the evening.

Supported by Fever-tree Mixers.

Over 18s only: ID will be required.

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

It is said that a change is as good as a rest, and for Katie Doherty it is both a rest, and a change, that provide the backdrop to her latest album 'And Then'  Back in 2007, Doherty became an award-winning songwriter, and released her debut solo album Bridges to much acclaim - including airplay from BBC Radio 2 - leading her to share stages with the likes of Karine Polwart, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, and Ray Davies. Life however - as it has a habit of doing - got in the way, putting the brakes for the moment on a soaring trajectory.

It was after the success of November Club’s rural touring musical Beyond The End of the Road, for which Katie composed the score, that a spark was ignited and The Navigators emerged. Shona Mooney on fiddle and vocals (The Shee, former BBC Radio Scotlands Young Traditional Musician of the year)and Dave Gray on melodeon and vocals (Världens Band) elevate Katie’s songs, and the trio often sound much bigger than a three.

It perhaps should not be a huge surprise then that much of Doherty’s new album is rooted in her keen observation of the concept of change. Whether the focus be on the changing seasons, life circumstances, the passage of time, or the shifting of social attitudes and behaviour, on And Then we see Doherty shine a light on how it feels to be part of a world that can be hard

“Hers is an ascent worth following… and then some.” - Folk Radio

“And Then is a timely interval, a brief moment if respite, an oasis of tranquility…thankfully there are those in the world who have the foresight to take stock and recognise whats important” FATEA Magazine

“Real life has rarely sounded as good.” - NARK Magazine

“This is lovely!” - Mark Radcliffe

“And Then is poetic, original and brings a traditional folk style into the 21st Century” - Maverick Magazine

“And Then, well, play it again. It’s an album of great musicianship to bring you joy and was well worth waiting for” - ArtsDesk.com"

This is a practical introduction to how radio drama is made with plenty of chances to have a go and practice the techniques used in the production of professional radio drama.

The morning session introduces the participants to the weird and wonderful world of radio - featuring playful exercises to include all participants.  In the afternoon we will make a short radio play and all participants will receive their own copy of the finished version following the course.  For all fans of radio drama, Archers Addicts and amateur performers or professional actors with little or no experience of radio drama.  Stefan Escreet is a freelance radio producer and director who was a BBC Radio Drama Producer working on programmes across the Radio 4 schedule.  He is also visiting tutor in Radio Acting for Manchester Metropolitan University School of Theatre.

£65 including copy of recorded play.  Makes a great gift as an Experience Day!

Only 10 places available.

Facebook page @RadioActingDays