The Live Theatre is another of my favourite places in Newcastle, situated on our beautiful Quayside.
The plays and shows interest people from all walks of life and often present plays that highlight Newcastle/Gateshead's history. The Live Theatre provides an area to quench your thirst and enjoy some great food - Atrium Bar and Undercroft open a few hours before a performance and drinks are not as expensive as you may think!
Caffe Vivo provides you with with yummy italian food, however, the Broad Chare is more my kind of place, housing local ales and often traditional food. You can tell how much I am proud of my roots! Also, behind the Live Theatre, there is the Live Garden which occassionally puts on workshops and performances for free - keep your eye out!
Even better - student tickets start from just £6. If you're interested in, for example, Northumbria's MA in Theatre and Performance, being so close to the Live Theatre is perfect. Check out their talent programme called Live Lab, which offers a platform for theatre practitioners to test their new material and receive insightful feedback. The Live Theatre is also a cultural partner with our very own Northumbria University - further opening up the links with professional theatre practitioners.
Recently, I saw Hannabiell & Midnight Blue at the Live Theatre and could not stop dancing the entire night. The ensemble is full of energy, comprising Afro-Caribbean & Latin percussion, funk, afro-beat and reggae. They have certainly created a buzz up here in the North East. Hannabiell is a composer as well as a brilliant musician. She is of African-American-Jamaican descent, originally from the USA and now residing here in Newcastle. Midnight Blue are from all over the world, including Cuba and the Dominican Republic as well as Newcastle, of course. Another reason that I (as well as countless others) love them so much, is that Hannabiell & Midnight Blue use their music to break down personal and cultural walls, stressing equality and social change.
In the video above you can see some of my snaps from the night I went to see Hannabiell & Midnight Blue, starting off with a short walk along the Quayside, with the sun setting and ending with the Quayside at night. You will see some of the other great spots in Newcastle/Gateshead (which I am sure you will hear about soon!), including BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts, the Sage and some of the famous bridges. 'Geet lush' as us Geordies would say!
You can check the band out here (make sure you scroll down to listen to some of their music!) and find out more about the history of the Live Theatre and local legends here.
Newcastle is not only home to fantastic musicians, but has a whole host of brilliant venues, offering student discounts and more - particularly if you are interested in any of Northumbria's research in the arts.
Hannabiell & Midnight Blue photos: www.hannabiell.com.
