The Vaselines were formed in Edinburgh in 1987 by singers/guitarists Eugene Kelly and Frances McKee, soon signing to Pastels frontman Stephen Pastel's newly formed 53rd 3rd label. Nirvana's Kurt Cobain regularly cited the Vaselines influence in interviews with the music press and Nirvana would go on to cover the Vaselines' Molly's Lips and Son of a Gun (both later compiled on their Incesticide collection) as well as perform Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam on their legendary MTV Unplugged appearance. Cobain's gospel-spreading no doubt accelerated their rise to cult sainthood, but the Vaselines would have gotten there sooner or later on their own accord. Lewd but nave and abrasive yet tender, the band's shambling, primitivist squall remains a perfect distillation of pop at its most guileless and euphoric.Eugene Kelly later went on to front Captain America / Eugenius, while McKee spent the better part of the decade out of sight, resurfaced in Suckle, and released a solo album in 2006. The Vaselines reunited proper in 2010 to record their second full album Sex With An X which was released on the Seattle label Sub Pop.This was followed by V for Vaselines in 2014. The Ramones inspired album featured many of the same players who helped make 'Sex.....', including Belle and Sebastian's Stevie Jackson, the 1990's Michael McGaughrin and Teenage Fanclub's Francis Macdonald.

Miki Berenyi Trio are Miki Berenyi on vocals/guitar (Lush), Kevin ‘Moose’ McKillop on guitar (Moose) and Oliver Cherer (Gilroy Mere, Aircooled). The three musicians first worked together during Piroshka’s 2021 tour. Miki and Kevin being founder members, Oliver coming in on bass to replace Mick Conroy (Modern English) who had moved to the US. When the global pandemic made touring impossible, Miki spent the lockdown months writing her memoir, Fingers Crossed, released in 2022 to widespread acclaim. To provide some musical accompaniment for the string of book events and signings, Miki Berenyi Trio was formed.

Naima Bock co-founded Goat Girl with friends at age 15, and after releasing their debut album on Rough Trade Records she left the band to explore other musical avenues. Her music now combines folk influenced songwriting with jazzy instrumentation, partially inspired by Naima's childhood growing up in Brazil.

Initially the Bluebells enjoyed a whirlwind career spanning the early 1980’s with a recording output including three U.K. hit singles. “I’m Falling”, “Cath” and “Young at Heart” made with a procession of producers including Elvis Costello who became a mentor and teacher to the band. Guitarist and ex-fanzine publisher Robert Hodgens (aka Bobby Bluebell) wrote instantly memorable classics in collaboration with the two McCluskey Brothers who completed the Bluebells' essential troika and Kenneth McCluskey sang them in a likably unaffected voice, making every track count. With the release of their debut album “Sisters” in 1984 on London Records, The Bluebells toured widely in Europe and North America developing their live sound and signing to Seymour Stein’s Sire records in the U.S.

With captivating musicianship and a sound that is unapologetically her own, Heather Ferrier is a force to be reckoned with. An “engaging talker and magnetic performer” (NARC magazine), the Stockport born accordionist, clog dancer and composer is changing the perceptions of alt-folk on her own terms. Her latest EP Engine for the Sound creates music that sets the accordion free from its stereotypes, and with an extended line-up of musicians, expresses everything Heather stands for using powerful melodies and jazz-influenced harmony. Bold, passionate and enthralling; the EP has been played on BBC Radio 6 music, and well as being favourably reviewed in local and national publications. When performing, Heather is now joined by guitarist Alasdair Paul (Pons Aelius, Jordan Aikin and Quercus) and drummer Adam Stapleford (Ponyland, Yes! Grasshopper). On stage, the trio perform music that is an explosion of groove and melody that embellishes Heather's signature alt-folk style. The combination of Ferrier, Paul and Stapleford's medley of influences and genre-bending collaborations transcends the limits of contemporary instrumental folk music, employing Heather's distinct compositional style to create a show with both emotive and upbeat moments. As well as her solo work, Heather collaborates in the North East with RŪNN, Jon Doran and the Northern Assembly and Jordan Aikin and Quercus.

Blair Dunlop, award-winning British singer-songwriter and guitarist, has now released 4 albums 2 ep’s and toured around the globe. All of this in a short 5-year career is astounding alone but what sets Blair apart from his peers is the lyrical and musical maturity with which he writes.

You supply the suggestions. They supply the laughs! Be prepared for an edge-of-your-seat improv comedy joyride from Newcastle’s hot-fast hilarians, The Suggestibles. Hold on, as their show is a speeding rollercoaster of spontaneous games, skits, sketches and songs, that’ll make you shake with laughter, topped off with their ingenious musical, ‘Aspects Of…’ that could entirely do you in.

Midnight Rodeo + Guests Nottingham formed psychedelic art-pop quintet Midnight Rodeo broke out in 2022 with 3 singles on Brighton's Fat Cat Records, accompanied by a relentless touring schedule around the UK, with trips to Europe, two sold-out hometown shows and prodigious slots at festivals such as The Great Escape, Dot to Dot & Kendal Calling. Their sound is unique in its combination of a powerful groove laden rhythm section, alongside jangly guitars, theremin-esque synths, booming organs all held together with the ethereal, honeyed vocals of frontwoman Maddy Chamberlain. Krauty & latin-esque grooves are juxtaposed with powerful psych-pop garage floor-fillers, hypnotic and chaotic in equal measure. This is an 18+ event

Being a woman! Being over 40! Sex! Kath has found the solution to these problems. Yoga! Based on three yoga self-help books from the 1960s. You don't have to be a woman, you don't have to be over 40 and you don't even have to be sexual. Watch as Kath delves into the Kama Sutra, discovers what 'the four types of women' smell of and almost does some yoga.

Award-winning character comedian Lorna Rose Treen has made a diner. She's inviting you in for an hour of characters, nonsense and a working grill. (Now with no working grill!) Afterwards, you'll say to your neighbour, 'I'll have what she's having!' Lorna's critically acclaimed debut show sold out in a week. Dave's Funniest Joke of the Fringe 2023. Creator/star of Radio 4's Time of the Week. Telegraph Top 5 Comedy Shows 2023. Directed by Jonathan Oldfield.

Susie McCabe (Best Scottish Headliner and Best Solo Show in the 2019 Scottish Comedy Awards, and fastest-selling Glasgow Comedy Festival act for three years running) returns with a hilarious work-in-progress show. Revel in McCabes raconteur style and razor-sharp punchlines in this hilarious show as she recounts the absurdities of her life; shes a shamble and never far from disaster. Playing to ever-increasing sold-out audiences, and as seen on Have I Got News For You and Frankie Boyle's New World Order, Susie is fast becoming one of the hottest tickets in the UK.

Howay the Lasses is an internationally toured, critically acclaimed music and storytelling project led by Annie Ball, Gareth Davies-Jones, Bronwen Davies-Jones and Katie Tertell, celebrating the lives and legacies of remarkable women from the North East. Their show is a fresh and dynamic take on folk traditions, weaving together original music, historical narratives and fascinating stories. Past performances include the Glasshouse (formerly Sage) Gateshead, St Jamess Park football stadium, live BBC radio and TV, and most recently a sell-out show at the Gibside Estate for International Womens Day. Annie, a multi instrumentalist, vocalist and composer with classical and folk roots, and Bronwen, a seasoned folk singer-songwriter, are joined by special guest musician Bevan Morris on bass and guitar. Whether youre new to folk music or a seasoned fan, this show offers powerful songs, stirring stories, and heartfelt performances. ...a moving paean to the lives of women from the North-East of England, from the fted to the altogether more obscure.. ear-catching three-part vocal harmonies.. an uplifting foot-tapping delight. Songlines Magazine (4 Stars) Blows struck and awareness raised, Howay The Lasses adds another keystone to the North East musical legacy. At The Barrier Howay the Lasses gives a new life to these sometimes unsung heroines, scientists, artists and social reformers who have reshaped our society by their example. An intriguing concept album to savour Bright Young Folk Please note this event will be performed upstairs at The Cumberland Arms which currently has no step free access.

4 comedians x 15 mins each No Worries If Not - a mixed bill of sharp, strange and silly women - ( yes - we know - a full hour of women in comedy, how daring ). Dearest Esteemed Audience, You are cordially invited to join us for an hour of most ladylike stand-up comedy, featuring four wholly unique and questionably well-behaved women; Alex Redman; Kelly Rickard; Kelly Edgar and Kerris Gibson. Each of us suffers from the chronic affliction of being too nice when wed much rather scream into a bin (or at a man, or at a man in a bin). In our show, we attempt to please through sets that are deeply individual and unfiltered. Expect unsolicited opinions, joyful chaos and the kind of honest oversharing that might make a Victorian faint. We smile sweetly, spiral gracefully and swear politely. Your presence is highly anticipated and lowly apologised for. Do be there, if thats ok with you. Kindest regards, The Ladies of No Worries if Not Alex Redman - Delivering delightfully daft observations that are clever, silly and a little bit spicy, Alex Redman is a Beat the Frog World Series Finalist and a rising star of the UK comedy scene. Kelly Rickard - Kelly Rickard is an award-winning comedian who is widely regarded as having huge stardom within her grasp. She began her Stand Up journey three years ago, winning a New Act competition on her third gig and has since supported Louise Young, Lauren Pattison, Jake Lambert and Carl Hutchinson. Kelly Edgar - Kelly Edgar is an emerging comic oddball with a talent for outlandish storytelling and a penchant for trouble. She is a regular panellist on the Newcastle Stands Nerds Just Wanna Have Fun live show. Kerris Gibson - Kerris Gibson is like a cinnamon bun that's been dropped many times (and that one weirdo would eat). She uses her standup material for therapy and her therapy session notes for standup. Twice Felt Nowt New Act of the Year Finalist, Kerris is also an improviser (Spontaneous Wrecks) and has had sketches showcased at Sunderland Film Festival and BBC Radio Newcastle.

Ever been upstaged by the Taliban? Or had to talk your dog out of shagging a pigeon? Don't be fooled by the wholesome Canadian accent. As a potty-mouth with an obscene lack of boundaries, nothing is off limits for Katie-Rose. Dirty Btch is a shamelessly honest romp through the most outrageous recesses of Katie-Roses slightly unhinged brain from unpacking her Christian upbringing to contemplating murder. With rapid-fire storytelling, darkly hilarious detours into taboo subjects, and just enough filth to make you think twice about going with your parents, this show is equal parts irreverent and relatable. Katie-Rose Petley is a delightfully vulgar Canadian stand-up who cut her comedy teeth in Amsterdam before settling on the Kent coast. She's a two-time Funny Women Awards longlistee who debuted her one-hour show Dirty Btch at last years Faversham Fringe to a sold-out audience. She is particularly fond of Englishmen well, two of them, at least her dad, for the UK passport, and her husband, for looking after their child while she unleashes her comedy on the unsuspecting people of Britain. Dark yet oddly wholesome. Lying in bed now, still thinking about your vagina and disturbingly, the Taliban.

Former singer with C86 kingpins The Wolfhounds and 90s sample-crazed post-rock innovators Moonshake, David Lance Callahan has also toured and collaborated with PJ Harvey, Stereolab and My Bloody Valentine, and played at Lollapalooza and All Tomorrow's Parties. Over the last few years, he has pursued a well-received solo career, writing and performing spooked social commentary as part of his sui generis vision, accompanied by his unique guitar style. His two solo LPs so far English Primitive I and II have seamlessly mixed folk, blues, West African, Arabic and post-punk influences to produce a distinctive blend that could only exist in the 21st Century. The lyrics, for which he is equally renowned, hold their own next to the Blake and Auden poems he has also set to music. His recently released LP Down to the Marshes adds a horn section, string quartet and musical saw to the recipe and was voted one of the best albums of the year by LouderThanWar and Juno Daily, as well as receiving rave reviews in Mojo and Record Collector. It has been played many times on BBC 6Music, mostly on the Riley and Coe show. Most songs feature his regular drummer, Daren Garratt (formerly The Fall/nightingales/Pram, as well as Terry Edwards (PJ Harvey, Gallon Drunk) and Mel Draisey (The Clientele).

Why did you become you? When does this all start making sense? Where did I leave my phone charger? Rajiv Karia is back with a stand-up show about love, change, fear, and fate. And man alive, he's sure about that. Writer of BBC Threes Zoners and for Have I Got News For You. Seen on Comedy Central Live, heard on One Person Found This Helpful and Olga Koch: OK Computer. Pinch yourself. Its real. You're alive, man.

A neurosparkly real tea party. A jewel thief is to be found in parlour of fun and performance, a cabaret of creativity, belonging and beautiful difference from Headway Arts Inclusive Theatre Ensemble. All you cool cats are invited to afternoon tea at Caf Bohme, a relaxed neurosparkly immersive space inspired by Lautrecs iconic images from La Moulin Rouge via Warhol & 60s hippie chic, where Count and Countess Tortellini rub shoulders with dancer Angelini Hoochie-coo , Mesmerist Lady Lola Lasagne, Magician Sticky Cardz and Simone Sparkly Snakes. When the famous necklace Tortellini pearls go missing, Private Detective Poker Face steps in amongst sandwiches, table magic, mesmerism and clowning to investigate. What can they do but ask Caf Bohme friends for clues and inspiration in a place where the curtains are shiney and it feels like family. Dress to impress (shades, vintage, pearls & sequins encouraged) and come for tea - because you can can can! A real multi sensory tea party, Headway Arts bring to the Cumberland A rms a parlour of fun and performance, music and moments of memories, a cabaret of creativity, belonging and beautiful difference devised by Headway Arts Inclusive Theatre Ensemble. Audiences become immersed in the performance as they partake of real tea & cakes and meet the comic-tragic characters of Caf Bohme. - Devised & Performed by Headway Arts Inclusive Theatre Co. - Directed & designed by Allie Walton-Robson. - Music by Pete Shaw - Character Development with Tom Burton and Chris Bowman - Produced by Fran Castle, Paul Denton and Allie Walton Robson. The set is embellished by an exhibition of handmade prints (available to buy) created by Stargaze Free Press working with artist Pete Shaw inspired by Warhols icecream prints. Stargaze is an art collective meeting weekly at Headway Arts who make handmade art print and support wellbeing. The show motif of pearls celebrates the 30th Birthday/Pearl Anniversary of Headway Arts.

Following her critically acclaimed debut hour The Hottest Girl at Burn Camp, Krystal is back with a brand new hour of stand up about the horrors of working in restaurants, being married to a chef, having kids, and finding comedy. Expect breakdowns, celeb gossip, even murder attempts. An American comedian based in the UK, Krystals sharp cynicism and confidence on stage is Just perfect Broadway Baby. This is dark humour wielded at its best. Krystal has previously appeared on BBCs Comedy Underground, Scot Squad, Breaking the News, BBC New Comedy Award, Bad Influencer with Mark Nelson and Socially Distant with Susan Calman. Tour support for Stewart Francis and Zoe Lyons.

How can a girl grow up when her parents havent figured it out themselves? A powerful new theatre show about growing up, breaking free, and finding your voice. "I feel it on my cheeks when I walk down the corridors. Burning, bright red, like Heather was in English. And it makes me think people can tell. How do we both burn red when I've not had sex and she's had loads of it?" 15-year-old Holly is getting ready to sneak out of her house to go to her first house party. But is that really her goal? Its not just the fact that GCSEs are looming and the teenage drama brewing is putting her on edge, theres something else on her mind Directed by Shauna Coleman, Sweet Escape explores how abusive relationships affect young people, including themes of sex and relationships, maturity, pressure, and abuse. With bold storytelling and unforgettable characters, this piece invites audiences into the private world of a girl on the brink. Raw, relatable, and unflinchingly real. Please note this event will be performed upstairs at The Cumberland Arms which currently has no step free access.

Fake Moustache! Real Mindreading! Created in collaboration with Scott Penrose (President of the Magic Circle 2015-2019, Derren Brown's Enigma & Svengali, Britain's Got Talent). After his world famous psychic act was debunked by Harry Houdini, The Great Divinator is back on the road to prove once and for all that spirits are real and he can indeed talk to them. YES HE CAN. Featuring comedy, mindreading and a shameless amount of flirting, his debut show Touched By Spirits, will guide you through a unique evening of mystery and manifestations. Using his special gift passed down from generation to generation ,The Great Divinator is a blast from our Victorian past and has the facial hair to match. Its the ultimate mid life crisis come back tour.

Being a woman! Being over 40! Sex! Kath has found the solution to all three of these problems. YOGA! Based on three real Australian self-help books from the 1960s, Yoga for Women, Sex and Yoga and Yoga Over Forty by Nancy Phelan and Michael Volin.Are they out-of-date? Of course not! Kath (Kathryn Haywood) has found loads of helpful advice and practical exercises that are still relevant today to help you stay slim for your husband, destroy your wrinkles and save your unhappy marriage. You dont have to be a woman, you dont need to be over forty and you dont even have to be sexual. Join Kath as she delves into the Kama Sutra, finds out what the four different types of women smell of and almost does some yoga. " You laugh and laugh and it's all over too quickly. Brilliant." The Reviews Hub "A class you dont want to miss! Latest TV "A masterclass in character based comedy" LondonTheatre1 Pure, wholesome comedy with heart Stagey Reviews Please note this event will be performed upstairs at The Cumberland Arms which currently has no step free access.

She's loud, she swears, she is inappropriate and she is asking...is there a thing such a 'Too Much?' In Too Much, Belbin explores the chaos of life, asking the simple yet profound question: Is there such a thing as too much? Expect unfiltered humour, sharp wit, and a raw dive into everything from dating in your 40's to the realities of adulthood, all through Belbin's unique lens of brutal honesty and vulnerability. Known for her no holds barred approach to comedy, you can expect a gig that celebrates imperfection, unfiltered truth, and the kind of raw humour that only 'Knee Deep In Life' can deliver. Please note this event will be performed upstairs at The Cumberland Arms which currently has no step free access.

Maybe if people had been willing to talk, I wouldnt have so many questions "Letters to Grief" follows two strangers who become pen pals, and begin a process of exploring their thoughts and feelings surrounding the topic of grief, and its seemingly taboo place in society. This piece of theatre is one that asks questions without providing all the answers. It serves as a starting point of conversation to break down the taboo label grief has in our society. This piece of theatre aims to create a calm and reflective space that invites the audience to join the journey of asking the questions surrounding grief that aren't always thought off. Its an intimate performance that sees the actors sitting among the audience, having interactions with them as if at the dinner table by having cabaret seating. It creates a truly unique experience for audiences that gives them the space to consider their own views and feelings while being guided by the words of the performers. It was written during the covid-19 pandemic by both Gemma Webster-B and Victoria Zakis-Smith as a 3rd year final performance in 2021 while the both studied Theatre and Performance at UCLAN. At the time the two of them were no more than strangers who both had their own pasts intertwined with grief and with the climate they were faced with at the time had many questions rising that they wanted to explore it through their art. The piece follows quite closely the journey of friendship the the two actually went on when making this project together. Since that time Gemma has gone on to study an MA in Directing & Theater Making at the Northern School of Art and is looking to begin a career in using theatre as a way to explore grief and all its forms using theatre in both traditional and non-traditional performance styles. With Letters to Grief being what inspired my career choices, Im very excited to have the opportunity to revisit it for a brand new audience - Gemma Victoria has since gone on to complete a PGCE in Drama, fostering a deep interest In how theatre can inspire change and engage communities. Having spent the last few years working in the education sector, Victoria is now returning to theatre-making, eager to bring fresh perspectives and aiming to create a meaningful dialogue and connection through the power of storytelling. Please note this event will be performed upstairs at The Cumberland Arms which currently has no step free access.

Mr Funbles Sunday Portal returns - at last! - to a stage near you (hopefully, depending on where you currently reside on this earthly plane when you're reading this. Bringing the whimsy, charm and clown of the classic variety show which has ooooh-ed audiences and arghhh-ed production executives for generations, Mr Funbles Sunday Portal will be, positively, an experience. Expect a variety of acts: maybe-comedy-sketch-theatre-music-clown-drag-circus-comedy-alternative Mr Funbles Sunday Portal is a cosy home for weirdos, seeking to provide pleasant laughter and escapism from the horrors of the outside world. Through transient transportation, via the highly accredited, by Many Proffessionals, Portal, audience members will be treated to a three-course-meal-for-two veritable array of entertainments and delights. Please reserve your spots now to ensure you will have spots. anything that may be defined as performance may be present at Mr Funbles Sunday Portal , as anything is possible at Mr Funbles Sunday Portal. The show may not even be on a Sunday!

Big Gay Cabaret is back on after a sell out Our Pride show last year - A Queer Performance Cabaret Extravaganza! Big Gay Cabaret offers a platform for theatre lovers and makers to come together and celebrate local performance art thats big, queer and full of lovely craic. Sister Shack's Our Pride presents Rhian Jade and Big Gay Cabaret cast for a sketch night celebrating comedy, queerness, neurodiversity, disability, ethnic and racial diversity - we are all about providing space for queer expression and affirmation! With some of the best local Queer performers, theatre makers and comedians - this big gay cabaret will be bursting with big Queer talent! With burlesque, belly laughs and boisterous energy, Rhian Jade theatre is honored to bring a show that celebrates intersectionality and equity, with Pay What You Can tickets and high quality performances from an all Queer cast - and a community focus - you can expect everything from drag to theatre sketches to stand up comedy to have you whooping, cheering and chuckling the night away. Rhian Jade Theatre is very proud to present Big Gay Cabaret as a celebration of all things LGBTQIA+ Creative Expression. As an experienced Theatre Maker and Director, delivering 9 successful and diverse Sketch Slap shows, Directing for National Theatres Connections and producing then performing in the FLINTA Geet Northern Show, Rhian is so excited to bring back their biggest queer celebration EVER. With an all queer cast, and all queer joy comedy material at the wonderful local venue, The Cumberland Arms for the wonderful Our Pride, Big Gay Cabaret will be an absolute HOOT. The rest of the cast will be announced in the run up to the performance - KEEP YOUR EYES OUT

Laura Jurd is a musician and composer from Hampshire, United Kingdom. She plays trumpet and synthesizer.

Frankie Archer aims to shake up genres and traditions, challenge perspectives and call for a fairer future.

16+ (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult)

When the sun goes down the weirdos come out to play... Surreally Good is an absurd foray into the wonderful world of award-winning surrealist and comedy nincompoop Scott Turnbull. Expect live, lo-fi animations on an old overhead projector, catchy songs played badly on a miniature Casio Keyboard and a series of unexpectedly tender moments of storytelling linked together with love, dark humour and felt tip pens. Bring booze and friends. 'Teesside surreal is a thing, Scott Turnbull is its King' (North East Reviews). In 2025 scott won the prestigious Tees VAlley Artist of the year award for his work in theatre. He is an Associate Artist at ARC, Stockton.After graduating from LIPA in 2009 he won The Connexions Young Adult Achiever Award and The Journal's North East Actor of the year. He regularly write and voices continuity for SKy Television - including SKy One and Sky ARts he has written and performed a number of ACE funded solo pieces across the Uk and internationally including 'Where Do all the Dead Pigeons go?', 'Tales from The Smog' and 'Unexpected item in the bagging area'.

Scottish singer-songwriter and Chemikal Underground co-founder Emma Pollock made her name in indie pop outfit The Delgados, who released 5 studio albums before disbanding. In the time since, Pollock has picked up plaudits and acclaim for her unique brand of lavishly lyrical songwriting, all elevated by the honeyed liquid clarity of her voice.