Your top ten North East cultural experiences
May 22 2009 The Journal
THE story of the North East's cultural renaissance is well known. A decade or so ago, we would have struggled to get ten ideas with which to fill this page, but now the headache is trying to decide which ones to leave out.
There's much more to culture in the North East than theatres... though our theatres are fabulous!
Theatre Royal
The Grade I-listed Theatre Royal, which opened in 1837, is a gem on Newcastle’s Grey Street. Offering some 380 performances annually, including a stunning panto, it is the regional home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, Opera North and Rambert Dance Company. www.theatreroyal.co.uk
Seven Stories
Seven Stories, a beautifully converted warehouse in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley, is the national home of children’s literature with a colourful programme of exhibitions and events and a well-stocked children’s bookshop. www.sevenstories.org.uk
Biscuit Factory
The Biscuit Factory, on Newcastle’s Stoddart Street, is the biggest commercial art gallery in the country with artists’ studios and a popular cafe and restaurant. www.thebiscuitfactory.com
BALTIC
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, one of the catalysts of regeneration on Gateshead Quays, is one of Europe’s biggest such venues - a spectacular conversion housing challenging work by renowned artists. www.balticmill.com
Tyneside Cinema
Going to the cinema should be more about simply watching a film, something that anyone who has visited the recently reopened Tyneside Cinema would surely vouch for. Originally opened in 1937, the Tyneside’s beautiful mosaics and Oriental decoration has been carefully restored to its former glory. A really special place. www.tynecine.org
The Sage Gateshead
In just five years The Sage Gateshead, a landmark building featuring acoustically perfect concert halls and unrivalled education facilities, has established itself as a major force in music. www.thesagegateshead.org
The Literary & Philosophical Society
The Literary & Philosophical Society of Newcastle Upon Tyne (Lit & Phil) is the largest independent library outside London. With the adjoining Mining Institute, it is a glorious time capsule of learning.
www.litandphil.org.uk
Sunderland Empire
The beautifully restored Sunderland Empire is the region’s biggest theatre and host to some of the most spectacular musicals from London’s West End. www.sunderlandempire.org.uk
City Library
The new City Library, Newcastle, is a building worthy of its vital role. Here you will find information on everything, and in many formats, and get a sense of the region’s history through its Newcastle Collection of artefacts. www.newcastle.gov.uk/newcastlecollection
Woodhorn
Woodhorn, developed on the site of a former colliery near Ashington, houses the Northumberland archives. Here you can learn about mining history and see various exhibitions on aspects of art and culture. www.experiencewoodhorn.com
