STAGE/FILM

Alnwick Playhouse,
Bondgate Without,
Alnwick
01665 510785

Tonight: The Rocky Monster Show – The intermediate group of the Playhouse Youth Theatre presents an anarchic and very funny rock and roll musical, a riotous mix of the Addams Family, Young Frankenstein, Phantom of the Opera and The Rocky Horror Show. 7.30pm, tickets £8, £7 conc.

Tomorrow: Two Lovers (15; 70min) Romance starring Joaquin Phoenix and Gwyneth Paltrow. A Brooklyn-set romantic drama about a bachelor torn between the family friend his parents wish he would marry and his beautiful but volatile new neighbour. 7.30pm, tickets £6, £5.50 conc.

Saturday, June 13: A Celebration of Charles Dickens – The extraordinary world of Charles Dickens, one of the best-loved authors of all time. Robert Powell and Elizabeth Garvie bring to life Dickens' characters, from Mr Pickwick, Mr Micawber and Mrs Nickleby, to Mrs. Gamp, Uriah Heep and Scrooge. 7.30pm, tickets £14, £13 conc.

Sunday, June 14: Knowing (15;121min) – A teacher opens a time capsule that has been dug up at his son's school. In it are some chilling predictions, some that have already occurred and others that are about to. Starring Nicolas Cage. 7.30pm, tickets £6, £5.50 conc.

Monday, June 15: Dragonball Evolution (PG;84min) – Goofy teen Goku is seen as a joke by his peers. Little does he realise that he is destined to set out on a quest to collect a set of magical orbs, racing against time and the vengeful King Piccolo. 4.30pm, tickets £6, £5.50 conc.

Tuesday, June 16: The Animals and Friends – see Page 13 for details. 7.30pm, ticket £14, £13 conc.

Wednesday, June 17: April in Paris – Ratatat Theatre Company returns with another hilarious John Godber comedy about Bet and Al who lead a quiet, humdrum life in their small Yorkshire home until Bet wins a romantic breaks competition in a magazine. 7.30pm, tickets £11, £10.

The Maltings,
Berwick
01289 330999

Tonight: 17 Again (12a;102min) – A guy wishes he could go back to high school and change his life. He wakes up one day and is 17 again and gets the chance to rewrite his life. 7.30pm, tickets £5.

Tomorrow: Jaleo Flamenco – A spell-binding fusion of acoustic guitar, rhythm, songs, hand clapping and ignitable dance. 7.30pm, tickets £17.50 box, £15 and £12.50.

Saturday, June 13: Eddie Sanderson – An illustrated talk by the internationally-renowned Berwick photographer. 7.30pm.

Tuesday, June 16: Camille O'Sullivan: The Dark Angel – The talented cabaret artist performs as part of her first tour. 8pm tickets £20 box, £17.50 circle, £15 stalls.

Wednesday, June 17: Four Weddings and a Funeral (15; 107min). 7.30pm, tickets £4

LIVE MUSIC

Saturday, June 13: Fitzsimons Choir brings Brinkburn Priory to life with an incredible repertoire, directed by Kieran Fitzsimons. Starts at 2.30pm.

Saturday, June 13: The Northumbrian Ranters perform in the grounds of Bamburgh Castle at 7pm. Bring a picnic and chair. Tickets from 01668 214515, adults £10, concs £8, child £3

Saturday, June 13: Music in Etal Village Hall. Rosie Doonan & The Snap Dragons. Tickets £10, book in advance if possible. Doors open 7.30pm, music starts 8pm. Contact Helen or Steve on 01890 820566, or e-mail hmoffitsvq@aol.com

Monday, June 15: Warkworth Village Choir Spring Concert. Music for all tastes. Refreshments available. At Memorial Hall, Warkworth. 7.30pm. Tickets £3, children free. Available on the door or call 01665 713437.

Wednesday, June 17: Folk music session at the Fleece Inn, Alnwick. Contact 07799886367.

EVENTS

Today: Garden Talk. Summer in Gertrude Jekyll's Garden at Lindisfarne Castle. From 1pm, free entry, donations welcome, normal admission charges apply. Contact 01289 398244.

Tomorrow: Talk. A North Northumberland Bird Club talk about Newton Links and its birds. At Bamburgh Pavilion at 7.30pm. £2 donation. Contact Richard Narraway 01668 214759.

Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13: Bioblitz. Join staff from Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Natural England, AONB and the Eye Project at Holy Island to discover and record as many species of wildlife as possible during the weekend. Friday from 12.30pm to mid-afternoon, Saturday from 10.30am to 3.30pm. For more information, contact 01670 533039.

Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13: Castles & Islands Challenge. A 24-hour challenge for a team of sailors and runners visiting five castles (Alnwick, Warkworth, Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh, Lindisfarne) and the islands of North East Northumberland (Coquet, Farne and Holy Islands). Visit www.coquetyachtclub.org.uk

Saturday, June 13: Scottish Country Dancing on the lawn at Wallington House (weather permitting). From 2pm, normal admission charges apply. Contact 01670 773600.

Saturday, June 13: Coastal Art Workshop. Join wildlife artist John Steele for a day drawing and painting around the spectacular shore of Howick with its varied plant and bird life. At Howick Village Hall from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Free to book contact 01670 533039.

Sunday, June 14: In Focus. Try out a range of binoculars, telescopes and other optical equipment at Hauxley Nature Reserve. Contact Jim Martin on 01665 711578.

Monday, June 15: Guided Tour. Go behind the scenes at Lindisfarne Castle with an experienced guide. £5 members, £8.50 non-members. Contact 01289 389244.

Monday, June 15: WI Sandcastle Sculpture competition. WIs battle it out to be crowned the sandcastle sculpture of the year in the annual competition at Bamburgh beach. Sculpting from 11am, judging at 2pm. Contact Judy Cowan on 01668 214584.

Wednesday, June 17: Jim Railton's Antique Roadshow. A talk and lunch at Doxford Hall Hotel from Jim Railton. Lunch at 1pm, guests are invited to bring an antique to be valued. Talk follows a two-course meal with coffee. All in aid of HospiceCare north Northumberland. Tickets £20 from the Hospice on 01665 606515.

Thursday, June 18: North Sunderland & Seahouses Local History Society. Alnwick and the Freemen by Cliff Pettit. 7pm for 7.30pm at St Paul's Church Hall, North Sunderland. Visitors £2. All welcome.

Thursday, June 18: Charity golf day at Bamburgh Castle Golf Club, raising funds for HospiceCare North Northumberland. Teams of four are invited.

EXHIBITIONS

Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, 01665 510785. Northumbrian Open Art Exhibition. As Alnwick town commemorates 700 years of the Percy family in Alnwick, the Bondgate Gallery presents an exhibition by local artists celebrating Northumberland and Harry Hotspur. Free. Open during box office hours. Until Saturday, July 25.

Bailiffgate Museum, 14 Bailiffgate, Alnwick, 01665 605847. Something About Shilbottle, finishes tomorrow. A step back in time through Shilbottle and district between 1860 and 1925. 10am–5pm.

Belford Craft Gallery, 2 Market Place, Belford, 01668 213 888. Paintings by Ana Maria Dodds & Lida Hatrick, starts June 20. Main Gallery, Tuesday to Friday, 10am–12.30pm and 2pm–5pm. Saturday all day. Sunday afternoons from 1pm.

Breeze Gallery, 29 High Street, Wooler, 01668 283333. Open 9.30am-5pm, Monday to Saturday. Visit www.breezewooler.com

Coquetdale Arts Centre, Court Buildings, Front Street, Rothbury, 01669 621557. Paintings, crafts and prints by members in the main gallery and a stairwell show by Tony Montague, Ken Spencer, Joe Hush and Barbara Segal. In a separate exhibition room, Syl Scott's one-month show. Beginners and advanced classes on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am–4pm and Sunday, 1pm–4pm. www.coquetdale.org.uk

Crown Studio Gallery, Rothbury. 01669 622890. Potted History: Replicating the Past. Replica prehistoric, Roman and Saxon pottery, jewellery, leather-work and drinking horns, by Graham Taylor and Danielle Ray. 9am–5pm every day except Wednesday. More information, info@crownstudio.co.uk or www.pottedhistory.co.uk

The Design Room Gallery, 79 High Street, Wooler. Show of work by guest artist James Blinkhorn. Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–5pm.

The Frame-House & Schoolroom Gallery, Alnmouth, 01665 830600. Currently showing a mixed exhibition of original work in various media and by many of the area's leading artists and some from further afield. Next solo exhibition features Morpeth-based Karen Willis from June 13 to July 12. Open Wed to Sun (closed Mon & Tues, open bank holidays).

The Gate Gallery, 12 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, 01665 602165. A5RT. All proceeds to HospiceCare North Northumberland. Until June 17. Monday-Saturday, 9am–5pm. Sunday 11am–3pm.

WALKS

Saturday, June 13: Rothbury Walking Festival. The first day of the first Rothbury and Coquetdale midsummer Walking Festival. Enjoy a 6-mile walk up to Rothbury's Carriageway Drive. Starts at 6pm, meet at Rothbury TIC. Cost £7. To book contact www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or call 01830 540453.

Saturday, June 13: Walk. A 4-6 mile walk around Upper Coquetdale for those who wish to learn basic navigation. From 10am maximum of six people, £20. For information and booking contact Peter McEwen 01668 216 439 or www.walknorthumbria.co.uk

Sunday, June 14: Rothbury Walking Festival. The first section of walking from source to sea of the River Coquet. Take a 12-mile trek through the Coquet Valley from Chew Green. Starts at Alwinton, for transport to Chew Green, at 10am. Cost £7 to book www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or call 01830 540453.

Monday, June 15: Rothbury Walking Festival. The first of two sections of St Oswald's Way. An 8-mile course following the Coquet as it makes its way from Weldon Bridge to Rothbury, passing Brinkburn Priory. Starts at Rothbury for transport to Weldon Bridge, at 10am. Cost £7 to book www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or call 01830 540453.

Tuesday, June 16: Rothbury Walking Festival. A 4-6mile informative walk through the wildflowers of Rothbury. Starts at 10am from Rothbury TIC, cost £5. To book www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or call 01830 540453.

Tuesday, June 16: Rothbury Walking Festival – day 4. A three-mile walk in search of the Mountain Bumblebee in the Simonside Hills. Starts at Simonside picnic area at 2pm. Costs £5 to book www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or call 01830 540453.

Tuesday, June 16: Rothbury Walking Festival – day 4. A three-mile night time walk to find out about Northumberland's Barn Owl Project. Starts at Biddlestone at 6pm. Cost £5 to book www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or call 01830 540453.

Wednesday, June 17: Rothbury Walking Festival. A nine-mile walk above Alwinton along the Goat Track and Copper Snout. Starts at Alwinton at 10.30am. Cost £7 to book www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or call 01830 540453.

Wednesday, June 17: Rothbury Walking Festival. A five-mile evening walk in the Simonside Hills. Starts at Simonside picnic area at 6pm. Cost £5 to book www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or call 01830 540453.

Thursday, June 18: Rothbury Walking Festival. A six-and-a-half mile course exploring the foothills of the Cheviots. Starts at Alwinton at 10.30am. Cost £5 to book contact www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or call 01830 540453.

Thursday, June 18: Rothbury Walking Festival. A three-mile walk on the lower slopes of the Cheviots through the hay meadows. Starts at Barrowburn at 2pm. Cost £5 to book contact www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or call 01830 540453.

Thursday, June 18: Rothbury Walking Festival. A four-mile evening bird-watching stroll around Rothbury. Starts at Rothbury TIC at 6pm. Cost £5 to book contact www.shepherdswalks.co.uk or call 01830 540453.

Alnwick Health Walks (Long). Every Wednesday at 10am from Alnwick Tourist Information Centre, Market Place. Contact Jon Monks on 01665 605030.

Alnwick Health Walks (Intermediate). First and third Wednesday at 10am from Alnwick TIC. One-hour walk. Contact Jon Monks on 01665 605030.

Alnwick Health Walks (Starter). Every Wednesday at 10am from Alnwick TIC. Maximum 30 minutes. Contact Jon Monks on 01665 605030.

Amble Health Walks. Every Tuesday at 1.30pm from Amble Tourist Information Centre. Starter and intermediate. Contact Jon Monks on 01665 605030.

Belford Health Walks. Long walk Monday, 3pm. Meet at Market Cross. Shorter walk Monday, 1.30pm. Meet at Bell View Resource Centre. Contact Stephanie Glas-Thompson on 07515 288070.

Berwick Health Walks (Beginner and Intermediate). Both Wednesday. Meet at the Old Bridge, at the Berwick end. 1pm. Contact Stephanie Glas-Thompson on 07515 288070.

Hadston Health Walks (Starter). Every Wednesday at 1pm from Hadston House. Contact Jon Monks on 01665 605030.

Rothbury Health Walks (Starter). Every Friday at 10.30am from Rothbury TIC. Intermediate/long walks every Friday at 10.30am. Contact Jon Monks on 01665 605030.

Seahouses Health Walks. Every Monday at 2pm. Meet at the Resource Centre. Contact Stephanie Glas-Thompson on 07515 288070.

Wooler Health Walks (Intermediate). Every Thursday at 1.30pm. Meet at the Cheviot Centre. Contact Stephanie Glas-Thompson on 07515 288070.

ATTRACTIONS

Alnwick Castle. 01665 510777. Open daily, 11am-5pm (last admission 4.30pm). Grounds open 10am-6pm. Adult, £11.95, conc £9.95, child £4.95 (5-15 years), child under 4 years, free, family, £29.95 (two adults and up to four children).

The Armstrong Household and Farming Museum, North Charlton Farm, 01665 579443. Open Fridays, 10am-5pm. Adults £2.50. All proceeds to charity. Private parties by appointment.

Bamburgh Castle. 01668 214 515. Open 10am-5pm daily. Last entry 4pm. Adult £7.50, child £3.50, senior £6.50.

Bailiffgate Museum. 01665 605847. Open every day 10am-5pm. Adults £2.50, conc £2, children U16 free.

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. 01661 881636. Open daily, 10am-5pm. Adult £6.50, conc £5.20, child £3.30, family ticket £16.30, English Heritage members free.

Berwick Barracks. 01289 304493. Open Wednesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. Closed Monday and Tuesday. 10am-5pm. Adults £3.50, children £1.80, concessions £3, English Heritage members free.

Brinkburn Priory. 01665 570628. Open daily except Tuesday. 11am-4pm. Adults £3, children £1.50, concessions £2.60, English Heritage members free.

Cragside House, Gardens and Estate. 01669 620333. Gardens and estate open every day except Monday. 10.30am-7pm (last admission 5pm and close at dusk if earlier than 7pm). House open 11am-5pm Saturday and Sunday, 1pm-5pm Tuesday-Friday. Closed Mondays. House, gardens and estate: Adult £13.20, child (age 5-17), £6.60, family £33. Gardens and estate: Adult: £8.50, child (age 5-17) £3.50, family £20.50.

Chillingham Castle. 01668 215359. Open daily except Saturday. Noon-5pm. Adults £6.75, children £3, concessions £5.50, under 5s £1.

Dunstanburgh Castle. 01665 576231. Open daily 10am-5pm. Adult £3.40, conc £2.70, child £1.80.

Edlingham Castle. Open during daylight hours. Free.

Etal Castle. 01890 820332. Open daily. 11am-4.30pm. Adults £3.50, children £1.80, concessions £3, English Heritage members free.

The Fenton Centre. 01668 216216. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm. Free.

Heatherslaw Light Railway. 01890 820244. Hourly trains from 11am. Adult £6, senior £5, over 5s £4, under 5s £1.

Heatherslaw Mill, Gift Shop and Visitor Centre, Ford. 01890 820338. Open daily 10am-5pm. Adult £3.50, conc £2.25, U5s free, family £9.

House of Hardy Museum, Alnwick. 01665 510027. Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm. Free entry.

Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum. Open daily. Noon-6pm (last entry 5pm). Earl Grey Tea House is also open. Adult £5, over 60s £4, children free.

Hulne Park. Ratten Row, Alnwick. Open 11am-dusk.

Lady Waterford Hall, Ford. 01890 820503. Open daily, 11am-5pm. Adult £2, conc £1.50, family £6, under 5s free.

Lindisfarne Castle. 01289 389244. 01289 389244. Open every day 10am-3pm. Closed Monday. Adults £5.70 (gift-aided entry £6.30), children £2.80 (gift-aided entry £3.10), family £14.20 (gift-aided entry £15.70).

Lindisfarne Heritage Centre. 01289 389004. Open daily 10am-5pm. Adult £3, child five to 15 £1, group of 10-20 gets 10 per cent discount, over 20 gets 15 per cent discount.

Lindisfarne Priory. 01289 389200. Open daily from 9.30am-5pm. Adult £4.20, child £2.10, conc £3.60.

Longframlington Gardens, Swarland Road, Longframlington. 01665 570382. 12-acre garden and arboretum with walks, plant collection, nature trail and autumn colour. Gardens, nursery and coffee shop. Open daily 9am-5pm until October 31. Garden and arboretum £4.25.

Preston Tower. 01665 589227. Border Pele Tower. Open daily 10am-5pm (or dusk if earlier). Adults £2, children 50p, concessions and groups £1.50.

RNLI Grace Darling Museum, Radcliffe Road, Bamburgh, 01668 214910. Open daily, 10am-5pm, last entry 5.15pm. 10am-5pm, last entry 4.15pm. Adult £2.50, child/conc £1.50.

Wallington Hall. 01670 773600. House open. Walled garden open daily 10am-4pm. For shop opening times contact the Estate. Garden and grounds: Adult £6.40, child £3.20, family (2+3) £16.

Warkworth Castle. 01665 711423. Open daily, 10am-5pm. Adult £3.90, child £2, conc £3.10, family £9.80, English Heritage members free.

Warkworth Hermitage. Accessible only by boat across the River Coquet. Open Wednesday and Sunday, 11am-5pm. Adult £3, child £1.50, conc £2.60, English Heritage members free.