What's on in north Northumberland - June 9 - June 16

Stage/Theatre

Saturday and Sunday

Berwick Festival Opera: Iolanthe. The Maltings, Berwick, 7.30pm Saturday, 2pm Sunday. Berwick Festival Opera’s 2016 season launches with a magical follow up to the sell-out success of last year’s Mikado. A tangled web of a comic opera satirising the upper echelons of the British establishment, Iolanthe revels in all the hallmark wit and musical dexterity you’d expect from Gilbert and Sullivan at the height of their combined powers. Tickets: Stalls £16 to £20, circle £23, under 16s free.

Thursday

Royal Shakespeare Company: Hamlet (Broadcast). The Maltings, Berwick, 7pm. Hamlet has the world at his feet. Young, wealthy and living a hedonistic life studying abroad. Then word reaches him that his father is dead. Tickets: £16.75, concs £15.75, child £8.75, schools: student £5 and teacher free (min. 10 students).

FILMS

Tomorrow

Florence Foster Jenkins. Alnwick Playhouse, 7.30pm. Comedy Drama. A New York heiress and patron of the arts dreams of becoming an opera singer, despite having a poor singing voice. Tickets: premier £7.80, standard £7.50, concs £7, child/student £5.50, friends £6.75. Certificate (PG).

Wednesday

The Divide. Alnwick Playhouse, 7.30pm. The Divide tells the story of seven people striving for a better life in the modern day US and UK, where the top 0.1 per cent owns as much wealth as the bottom 90 per cent. Inspired by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett’s bestselling book The Spirit Level, Katharine Round’s incisive and timely documentary reveals how every aspect of our lives is controlled by one factor: the size of the gap between rich and poor. Tickets: premier £7.80, standard £7.50, concs £7, child/student £5.50, friends £6.75. Certificate (TBA).

Thursday

The Jungle Book. Alnwick Playhouse, 7.30pm. The classic adventure (remake) about a young boy raised by animals in the jungle. Tickets: premier £7.80, standard £7.50, concs £7, child/student £5.50, friends £6.75. Certificate (PG).

Live Music/Dance

Tonight

All Folk’d Up. Alnwick Playhouse, 7.30pm. Introducing one of the most exciting young Irish bands to appear in a generation. With their sound rooted deep in Irish Folk and Celtic rock. Tickets: premier £17.50, standard £16.50.

Tomorrow

Sleight of Hands. The Maltings, Berwick, 7pm. Enter the world of conmen and tricksters and follow four characters on a journey of betrayal and revenge. When there is no one to trust and everyone is out for themselves, who has the final laugh? Tickets: £12.50, concs £10 for disability, student, unemployed, concs £11 for over 60s.

Saturday

Alwinton Concerts - Fretwork. St Michael and All Angels Church, Alwinton, 7.30pm. The text will be narrated by the actor and writer Simon Callow (subject to his availability). Drake’s ship’s company included four viola players who accompanied his prayers with hymns. Tickets £12.

Saturday

Land of Singing Waters. Tyne Theatre and Opera House, 7.30pm. Words and music from Northumbria and beyond. With Kevin and Kitty Whatley, folk musician Will Lang and Newcastle Choral Society. Tickets £18, concs £7. Call 0191 285 4868 or 01207 560555.

Saturday

Jack Harris. St Cuthbert’s House, 7.30pm. Jack writes literate and compassionate songs, which have won him considerable acclaim. His live show is a riveting mix of song craft and theatrical story-telling, delivered with warm voice, dry humour and nimble, string-picking fingers. Entry £10.

Saturday

Newcastle Male Voice Chorus. Whalton Village Hall, 7pm. Admission £8. Light refreshments available. Tickets in advance from S Lough on 01670 775540.

Saturday

Marty Wilde & The Wildcats. Alnwick Playhouse, 7.30pm. One of the greatest names of the ‘50s and ‘60s music scene looks back at a career spanning over 50 years of rock ‘n’ roll and pop music. Tickets: premier £20.50, standard £19.50.

Sunday

Music at Paxton...Plus with Sirocco Winds. Paxton House, 2.30pm. Sirocco Winds are a dynamic and professional wind ensemble comprising of current masters students or graduates of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Sirocco Winds are represented by Classical Musicians Scotland, the first agency of its kind in Scotland, representing some of the finest vocal and instrumental talent in the country. Free admission.

Monday

Northumberland Traditional Music Session. Fisher Arms, Horncliffe. For more details contact Jack or Pam Daws on 01665 722835.

Tuesday

Andrew and Margaret Watchorn – summer concerts. St Mary’s Church, Holy Island, 6.30pm. Admission £7.50, pay on the door. Accompanied children under 12 free. Andrew and Margaret Watchorn are holding another series of their popular concerts this summer to raise awareness of the traditional music of North Northumberland.

Tuesday and Wednesday

Nancy’s Dancers Summer Showcase. The Maltings, Berwick, 7pm. Local dance teacher Nancy Steele and her talented students return for a fun-filled, high-energy showcase. The show will feature talented dancers from Berwick and the Borders, aged four to 18, performing several styles of dancing that delight audiences year after year. Tickets: £10, concs £8.

EVENTS

Today

Cragend Farm Open Day. Rothbury, 10am to 5pm. Cragend Farm is a 16th century farm remodelled by Lord Armstrong of Cragside. Help us celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday. Enjoy a guided tour of the farm buildings, and Michelin trained chefs from ESSE range suppliers are hosting free cookery demonstrations throughout the day – fit for a Queen. Free admission.

Tonight

Joy of Jive. Felton Village Hall, 7.30pm. Joy of Jive classes of modern jive are continuing in full swing, and they will continue to teach in the hall every other Thursday evening. Beginners are welcome and partners are not necessary.

Every Thursday

Gateway drop-in. Shilbottle Community Hall, from 10am to 4pm. A free drop-in to meet friends over refreshments, play cards, read newspapers, watch television or use the internet, and in the afternoon join the craft group.

Every Thursday

Learn to dance ballroom and Latin. A class for absolute beginners. Every Thursday at Marshall Meadows Country House Hotel, at 7pm. £2.50 per person. For further details call 01289 307953.

Every Thursday

Tea Dance Group. Hadston Community Centre, 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Admission of £1.50 includes a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. Dance tuition is free.

Every Saturday

Modern and sequence dancing. St Aidan’s Hall, Church Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed, 8pm to 11pm. Entry for non-members is £3, which includes tea/coffee and biscuits.

Saturday

Georgian-themed Antiques Valuation Day. Kirkharle Courtyard, Kirkharle, 11am to 3pm. Boldon Auction Gallery’s Giles Hodgson will be on hand to value your antiques. Bring along any items that you would like to learn more about. Charge: £2 per item. Time Bandits’ Mr Brown and family will be here to guide you round the site.

Saturday

Garden Party. Pilot Inn, Low Greens, Berwick, noon. The Northstar Centre, in conjunction with The Greenses Residents’ Committee, is holding a Garden Party to honour Her Majesty The Queen’s official 90th birthday. There will be afternoon teas, a barbecue, games, live music, face painting, stalls and a tombola.

Saturday and Sunday

Celebration of Queen Elizabeth‘s 90th birthday. St Maurice Church, Ellingham, 11am to 4pm. There will be a small flower festival, photographs taken over the last 90 years and taped local voices talking about life in the area over the past years. There will also be a display of children’s art. All this will be accompanied by recorded organ music and refreshments of tea, coffee, squash and cakes.

Saturday and Sunday

Celebration weekend for The Queen’s official birthday. St. Ebba’s Church, Beadnell, 11am to 4pm. There will be an exhibition of royal memorabilia, postage stamps of the Queen’s life and flower displays. Refreshments will be available. To end the weekend there will be a Service of Celebration in church on Sunday at 6pm.

Sunday

Car Boot Sale. Castlegate Car Park, Berwick, Sunday morning. The event is run by the Greenses Residents’ Committee in aid of local charities.

Monday

Museum Tots. Bailiffgate Museum, 11am. A fun and creative session for pre-school aged children, their parents and carers. £2 per child 12 months old and over. Booking is essential for this popular activity.

Wednesday

Aln & Breamish Local History Society. Whittingham Memorial Institute, 7.30pm. Andrew Walker will speak about A Guide’s Tour of Alnwick Castle. Refreshments will be served. Non-members are most welcome £3.

WALKS

Saturday

Kirkharle Coffee House. Guided walks 1.5miles, 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Trained guides will help visitors to interpret the landscape and Brown’s plans for the park. Free event. Advance booking not required. Meet in east car park.

Tuesday

Alnwick Ramblers. Rothbury/Thropton circular. Meet in main Rothbury car park to south of river. All walks start at 10am unless otherwise stated, often finishing with optional lunch in a café/pub. If weather is inclement, check with leader John Wardle on 01665 479007.

Attractions

All attraction opening times may vary from season to season.

Aln Valley Railway, Alnwick: 0300 030 3311. For opening times and details, visit www.alnvalleyrailway.co.uk

Alnwick Castle: 01665 511100. Go to www.alnwickcastle.com for opening hours and further details.

Alnwick Garden: 01665 511350. Go to www.alnwickgarden.com for opening hours. Prices are £12.10 adults, £10.45 concs, £4.40 children, £29.70 family.

Bailiffgate Museum, Alnwick: 01665 605847. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10am to 4pm, but closed on Mondays. Admission is £4, £3 concs, £1 children, under-fives free.

Bamburgh Castle: 01668 214515. Open daily, from 10am to 5pm, last admission 4pm. Admission £10.50, £5 children, £10 senior, £25 family.

Barter Books, Alnwick Station: 01665 604888. Open daily, from 9am to 5pm.

Belford Hidden History Museum. Open daily, from 10am to 4pm. Free admission.

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens: 01661 881636. Open daily, from 10am to 6pm. Admission £9.20, £8.30 concs, £5.50 children, £23.90 family.

Berwick Barracks: 01289 304493. Open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 6pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Admission £4.80, £4.30 concs, £2.90 children, £12.50 family.

Chillingham Castle: 01668 215359. Open every afternoon, except Saturday, until the end of October. Adults £9.50, £8.50 concs, £5.50 children (under five’s free), £23 family. www.chillingham-castle.com

Chillingham Wild Cattle Park: 01668 215250. Open Monday to Friday: Tours at 10am, 11am, noon, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm. Sundays: Tours at 10am, 11am, noon. Closed Saturday. Admission £8, £6 concs, £3 children, £16 family.

Cragside House, Gardens and Estate: 01669 620333. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday to Sunday, house 11am to 5pm, gardens and woodland 10am to 6pm. Admission £10.20, £5.10 child, £25.50 family.

Dunstanburgh Castle: 01665 576231. Open daily, from 10am to 6pm. Gift aid admission: £4.90, £4.40 concs, £2.90 children, £12.70 family.

Edlingham Castle: 0870 333 1181. Open any reasonable time during daylight hours. Admission is free.

Etal Castle: 01890 820332. Open daily, from 10am to 6pm. Gift aid admission: £4.80, £4.30 concs, £2.90 children, £12.50 family.

Eyemouth Museum: 01890 751701. Open daily from March to the end of October 2016. Admission: £3.50 adult, £3 concs. Under 16s free. See www.eyemouthmuseum.org for more information

Heatherslaw Cornmill: 01890 820488. Open daily, from 10am to 5pm. Admission £3.80, £3.20 concs, £10 family, under-five’s free.

Heatherslaw Light Railway: 01890 820244. Open daily, from 10am to 4pm, first train at 11am. Return journey prices: £6.50 adult, £6 seniors, £4.50 children, £2.50 under-five’s, babies free.

Heatherslaw Visitor Centre: 01890 820338. Open daily, from 10am to 5pm.

Howick Hall Gardens: 01665 577285. Open daily, from 10.30am to 6pm, last entry 5pm. Gift aid entry £7.70, £6.60 over 60s, children free.

Lady Waterford Hall, Ford: 01890 820338. Open daily, from 11am to 5pm. Admission £3, £2.70 concs, £8 family, under-five’s free.

Lindisfarne Castle: 01289 389244. Call for opening times. Gift aid admission: £7.80, £3.90 child, £19.40 family.

Lindisfarne Centre: 01289 389004. Call for opening times. Admission £4, £3.50 concs, £2 children, £10 family, under-five’s free.

Lindisfarne Priory: 01289 389200. Open daily, from 10am to 6pm. Gift aid admission: £6.20, £5.60 concs, £3.70 children, £16.10 family.

Longframlington Gardens: 01665 570382. See website for information, including 2016 open times and diary of events, at www.longframlingtongardens.co.uk

North Charlton Armstrong Household and Farming Museum. 01665 579443. Open every Friday on the Chillingham Road, off the A1. All proceeds go to charity.

Preston Tower, Chathill: 01665 589227. Open daily, from 10am to 6pm, or dusk, whichever is earlier. Admission: £2.50 children, £1.50 concs or groups.

RNLI Grace Darling Museum, Bamburgh: 01668 214910. Open daily, from 10am to 5pm, last entry 4.15pm. Free admission.

Wallington: 01670 773600. Stately home near Cambo: Open Thursday to Monday, and Wednesday, from noon to 5pm. Closed Tuesday. Walled garden: Open daily, from 10am to 7pm. Garden and estate: Open daily, from 10am to dusk. Gift aid entry: £12.60, £6.30 child, £31.50 family.

Warkworth Castle and Hermitage: 01665 711423. Castle: Open daily, from 10am to 6pm. Gift aid entry: £6, £5.40 concs, £3.60 children, £15.60 family. Hermitage: Open on Sunday and Monday only, from 11am to 4pm. Admission £4, £3.60 concs, £2.40 children, £10.40 family.

Woodhorn Museum and Archives, Ashington: 01670 624455, Queen Elizabeth II Country Park, Woodhorn, Ashington: Open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. Northumberland Archives: Open Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.