- 11th February, "A play is a world in itself. A tiny colony we could say. And you are in charge of it. That is a great responsibility" Australia, 1788. A boatload of disease and disdain spews onto a foreign shore. As the soldiers struggle to impose order on the outcasts of the old society, a benevolent governor seizes on the notion of a play. In the shadow of the gallows and the gum tree, the convicts gather and rehearsals begin for The Recruiting Officer. Based on real events, Timberlake Wertenbaker's award winning modern classic is an inspiring tale of the transforming power of theatre. This is a major touring revival produced by the acclaimed Original Theatre Company, who recently brought Twelfth Night and See How They Run to Berwick-upon-Tweed, and following on from the success of their recent productions of Brian Friel's Dancing at Lughnasa, Alan Bennett's Madness of George III and R.C. Sherriff's Journey's End.
- 19th February Get hands on and investigate the wonder of water for yourself. Just like Lord Armstrong you can experiment with the power of water. Take a walk around Tumbleton Lake and join our volunteers at each water station for interactive fun. Some small charges may be made for activities.
Tom McConville, primarily known as The Newcastle Fiddle Player, is one of the leading fiddle players of our time. A virtuoso musician and fantastic singer, his rich and warm voice makes his interpretation of traditional and contemporary songs greatly admired by singers throughout the world. In great demand as a performer, session musician and teacher, playing the fiddle is his lifelong passion and he has achieved every player’s dream of creating his own unique, instantly recognizable sound. His live performances combine a rollercoaster of musical delights from fast, rhythmic dance tunes - through beautiful slow airs and of course, great singing - all presented with his inimitable sense of humour and style. Tom will be joined by his band for this celebratory performance at the Playhouse, miss it - miss out!
et back to nature at half-term with our children's activities Create a cosy habitat for essential garden insects, such as lady birds and solitary bees
The Laughing Bear returns to the Henry Travers Studio with a new start time (8.30pm) and price (£5) for 2012! Come and enjoy a monthly extravaganza of rip-roaring, thigh-slapping, jaw-dropping, hilarious stand-up comedy. Five of Britain’s finest stand-up comedians each month for only £5.
This lovely guided walk starts off and finishes at the 100-acre beauty spot of Bolam Lake. It is one of the great medium length walks that we have in Northumberland. After skirting the lake for a short while you pass through some traditional pastoral fields for about half the distance. You climb slightly to reach East Shaftoe Grange, with its walled garden. You climb very gradually until you reach the moorland section of the walk, with some breathtaking views of the surrounding area, which has involved very little effort. You descend back down to the fields and amble your way down to a track that returns you to Bolam Lake.
A family adventure day at Hadrian's Wall that will include snowshoeing (weather permitting), fire making, problem solving, scrambling and abseiling. Adult £10, Child £5
With a guide, come and celebrate the rich and varied working lives of our men, women and children from the 1700s to the present day on this 5 mile walk. £5.00 Starting at Seaton Delaval Hall, learn about the Hartley Pit Disaster, Carriage Restorations, Aluminium - a global business in Northumberland, Gloucester Lodge Farm and 7000 troops, stories from WW2, the Salt Pans
Children's creative activity Give your sweetheart a sweet treat on Valentine's Day with their very own hand-decorated biscuit
Get back to nature at half-term with our children's activities Choose your own seeds and grow an edible salad box to take home 1-3pm