The Common Room

Sanctum Sanctorium: The Darkside of the 80's
2024-05-10 19:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Formed through a mutual love of 80’s goth and alternative rock music. Sanctum Santorium are a live 6-piece band that faithfully recreate classic hits by artists such as The Cult, Killing Joke, Sisters of Mercy, Siouxsie & The Banshees, The Cure, Bauhaus and more. Smoke machines at the ready with the clothes and the attitude. Visually and musically, they are startlingly accurate. SS deliver a blistering live set from She Sells Sanctuary and Love like Blood through to Bela Lugosi’s Dead & This Corrosion. Dust down your leather jacket and paint your nails and get ready to be transported to The Dark Side of the 80’s.
Event details:
JS Promotions present Sanctum Sanctorium-Darkside of The 80’s
Venue: Wood Hall, The Common Room
Date: Friday 10th May 2024
Time: Doors 7pm
Tickets: £15.00
Please note this show has been moved from Newcastle University, all tickets remain valid, current sales are around 120

Discovering New Worlds: An evening with Kielder Observatory at The Common Room
2024-05-15 18:00 - 20:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
In collaboration with Kielder Observatory, The Common Room invites you to discuss a question which has perplexed humans for eons: Is there life outside of earth?
We now creep ever closer to uncovering the answer to that very question. Every year more and more planets surrounding other star systems are being discovered, but could they sustain life? How would we know? And how may worlds are there?
Join us in Discovering New Worlds as we explore Exoplanets and the latest scientific discoveries in our universe, presented by Adam Shore from Kielder Observatory at The Common Room.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, 15th May 2024
Time: Doors open at 6:00 pm, begins at 6:30 pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room
Tickets:
General Admission: £10
Accessibility
Please note the screening is in our Lecture Theatre, which includes fixed tiered seating. Level access seating spans across our back row, with one space available for a wheelchair. Seating is allocated on a first come first serve basis, however, if you have any access needs, please email: events@thecommonroom.org.uk when you make your booking to reserve a level-access seat or contact us with any queries regarding your visit.
About The Common Room
The Common Room is a charity, archive and heritage venue based in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Home to the Mining Institute since 1872, The Common Room aims to use its unique building as a space for the common good.
Thanks to National Lottery players, an £8.9m grant has enabled us to spend over £7 million restoring the building, and around £2m to support our running costs, preserve our collections, and to drive our mission.
Complete with its own café bar, 5|Quarter, The Common Room is also available for hire for private events including conferences, lectures, weddings, screenings and gigs.

Wandering Oak presents Dana Gavanski plus Bingo Fury and Ladakee
2024-06-01 19:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Born in Vancouver to a Serbian family, but relocating to Montreal to attend university, Dana Gavanski originally planned to pursue a career in film. However, she shifted her attention back to music when her then ex-partner left her his guitar before moving to NYC. Having known only how to play ‘Diamonds and Rust’ by Joan Baez, Dana picked up a Travis Picking technique book and started re-learning how to play. When in the Summer of 2016, she took a job with her father as a producer’s assistant on a horror film in the Laurentians, she made enough to focus solely on developing her music for a year. With that came her first EP, Spring Demos.
In 2019, Dana signed with Full Time Hobby and released two 7″ singles (“One By One”, “Catch”) and announced her debut album “Yesterday Is Gone”, a co-production between Sam Gleason, Tunng’s Mike Lindsay and Dana herself. The critically acclaimed album was released in March 2020, followed by an EP of covers titled “Wind Songs”, released in August of the same year. Dana’s second album “When It Comes” was released in April 2022, followed by headline tours around UK, Europe and north America, and is followed by third album LATE SLAP, due for release in April 2024.
Artist Site: https://www.danagavanski.co.uk/
Bingo Fury conjures a glitzy – altogether seedy – Broadway sheen. Although very much a solo songwriter, Bingo’s compositional process relies on contributions from his entire band – bassist Megan Jenkins, and drummer Henry Terrett have been playing together since their teens. In one of their various incarnations, they recruited local avant-jazz legend, cornet player Harry ‘Iceman’ Furniss, with guitarist and percussionist Rafi Cohen later completing the line-up.
Influenced by classic songwriters as much as pioneers of alternative experimentation, the songs can often land like a jazz standard that got lost multiple times on its journey to the present day. Some pit stops are obvious: the haunting balladry of Nina Simone and Leonard Cohen, and the arresting no-wave of James Chance and The Lounge Lizards.

Artist Site: https://bingofury.bandcamp.com/album/bats-feet-for-a-widow

Ladakee is the solo project of Sarah Suri of Nano Kino. Inspired by the likes of Melodys Echo Chamber, Panda Bear and Antelope, she blends psychedelic shoe gaze with rhythmic guitar hooks and dreamy harmonies. Joined by Andrew Jones of Pit Pony and Cheap lunch, Ladakee performs atmospheric and immersive live shows for the senses.
Artist Site: https://ladakee.bandcamp.com/
Tickets:
£12.50 advance
Ages 18+ only
Doors open 7:00pm
For ages 18+ only
Ticket Links:
See Tickets (MAIN OUTLET, USE THIS) – Wandering Oak account – https://www.seetickets.com/event/dana-gavanski/the-common-room-of-the-great-north/2929865
DICE – Wandering Oak account – https://dice.fm/event/qqyw9-dana-gavanski-1st-jun-the-common-room-of-the-great-north-newcastle-tickets
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmT5SrNNEZM

The Old Oak (2023): Screening and Q&A with cast members at The Common Room
2024-06-10 18:00 - 20:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
The Old Oak (2023): Screening and Q&A with cast members Claire Rodgerson and Dave Turner at The Common Room
Directed by Ken Loach
15+ | English | 113 mins
The Old Oak is a special place. Not only is it the last pub standing, but it’s also the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once thriving mining community in the North East, that has now fallen on hard times after 30 years of decline.
TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner) the landlord, hangs on to The Old Oak by his fingertips. His predicament is endangered even more when the pub becomes contested territory after the arrival of Syrian refugees who are placed in the village without any notice.
Can they find a way for the two communities to understand each other? So unfolds a deeply moving drama about their fragilities and hopes.
The Common Room are incredibly proud to present The Old Oak, and to have Claire and Dave join us for a discussion after the screening. Join us in a celebration of our region’s resilience and Ken Loach’s invaluable dedication to documenting working-class communities in the North East and beyond.
Event Details:
Date: 10th June 2024
Time: Doors open at 6:00 pm, film starts at 6:30 pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room
Q&A Session:
Following the screening, the audience will have the opportunity to ask Claire and Dave questions, as they share insight into the making of the film.
Tickets:
General Admission: £8 (Includes screening and Q&A)
Accessibility
Please note the screening is in our Lecture Theatre, which includes fixed tiered seating. Level access seating spans across our back row, with one space available for a wheelchair. Seating is allocated on a first come first serve basis, however, if you have any access needs, please email: events@thecommonroom.org.uk when you make your booking to reserve a level-access seat or contact us with any queries regarding your visit.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around?
Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be available to serve hot & cold drinks during and after the screening.

Hapless Museum Worker Presents Robyn Hitchcock
2024-09-03 19:00 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
With a career now spanning six decades, Robyn Hitchcock remains a truly one-of-a-kind artist: surrealist rock ’n’ roller, acoustic troubadour, poet, painter, and writer . From The Soft Boys’ art-rock and The Egyptians’ Dadaist pop to solo masterpieces like 1984’s milestone I Often Dream of Trains and 1990’s Eye, Hitchcock has crafted a striking oeuvre rife with recurring marine life, obsolete electric transport, ghosts, cheese and what one writer has described as ‘morbid eroticism’.
Born in London in 1953, Hitchcock attended Winchester College and the City & Guilds Art School before moving to Cambridge in 1974. There he worked his way up from the folk clubs to found Dennis & The Experts who metamorphosed into The Soft Boys in 1976. Though light years away from first wave punk’s revolutionary clatter, the band still manifested the era’s spirit of DIY independence with their breakneck reimagining of British psychedelia. During their original lifetime, The Soft Boys released but two albums, among them 1980’s landmark LP, Underwater Moonlight. “The term ‘classic’ is almost as overused as ‘genius’ and ‘influential,’” declared Rolling Stone upon the album’s 2001 reissue. “But Underwater Moonlight remains all three of those descriptions.”
Hitchcock launched his solo career with 1981’s Black Snake Diamond Röle, affirming his knack for idiosyncratic insight and surrealist hijinks. 1984’s I Often Dream Of Trains fused that approach with autumnal acoustic arrangements which served to deepen the emotional range of his songcraft. Robyn Hitchcock and The Egyptians were launched that same year and immediately lit up US college rock playlists with albums like 1986’s Element of Light. Cited as an influence by REM and The Replacements, he signed to A&M Records in 1987 and scored early ‘alternative’ hits with “Balloon Man” and “Madonna of the Wasps.” Hitchcock returned to his dark acoustic palette with 1990’s equally masterful Eye before joining the Warner Bros. label for a succession of acclaimed albums including 1996’s Moss Elixir and 1999’s Jewels For Sophia.
The Soft Boys came together for a second go-around in 2001, releasing Nextdoorland on Matador Records to critical applause. Hitchcock joined the Yep Roc label in 2004, releasing collaborations with like-minded friends Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings (2004’s Spooked) and legendary producer Joe Boyd (2014’s The Man Upstairs). Beginning in 2006, Hitchcock released a trio of albums backed by The Venus 3, featuring Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey, and the late Bill Rieflin.
Robyn moved to Nashville in 2015 and gravitated to the Music City community, recording 2017’s Robyn Hitchcock with an array of local talent including co-producer Brendan Benson. In 2019, he joined forces with XTC’s Andy Partridge for the four-song EP, Planet England.
Music aside, Hitchcock has appeared in a number of films, three of them by the late Jonathan Demme: 1998’s concert documentary Storefront Hitchcock as well as roles in 2004’s The Manchurian Candidate 2008’s Rachel’s Getting Married.

YOGA and Sound Therapy Day Retreat- Healing Hatha Yoga
2024-09-28 10:00 - 16:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Embark on a rejuvenating journey at our Yoga and Sound Therapy Day Retreat on September 28th, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Learn about and practice Yoga Nidra (one morning session) and Yoga Nidra for sleep (afternoon session).
Ticket includes:
A revitalising morning Hatha Yoga session
Deep relaxation with a Sound Therapy session.
Lunch and refreshments
Total £77 per person
For full schedule and booking-
Website https://www.healinghathayoga.co.uk/book-a-yoga-retreat/
Bookwhen: https://bookwhen.com/healinghathayoga/e/ev-s3ab-20240928100000Healing Hatha Yoga – Booking by Bookwhen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healinghathayoga/
Or email HealingHathaYoga1@gmail.com or Facebook Healing Hatha Yoga

Emma Smith Music with Strictly Smokin' Big Band
2024-09-29 17:00 - 22:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Emma Smith is not only a rising jazz star in her own right, but is also one third of the vocal group Puppini Sisters who shot to fame after recordings with Michael Bublé – we can’t wait to have her guest with the Strictly Smokin Big Band in September.
“Reinventing the big band…” – Jazzwise (Strictly Smokin’)
“…the most stylish and original interpreters of Songbook classics on the scene.” – All About Jazz (Emma Smith)
“…effortlessly fluent…” – Jazz Alert (Strictly Smokin’)
With diverse and extensive experience performing everywhere from the 02 Arena to the leading jazz clubs of New York City, collaborating and recording with the likes of Robbie Williams, Georgie Fame and Seal along the way, Emma has created a formidable reputation as a powerful and expressive vocalist.
This show will feature music from Emma’s new solo album: Meshuga Baby, as well as a rage of other arrangements performed by Emma on her engagements with the stand-out big bands of Europe.
We’re also excited to bring you this show in a brand new venue: The Common Rooom in Newcastle – a beautiful room, fully accessible, great acoustics, an excellent cafe/ bar and great transport links.
🗓️ Sunday 29th September 2024
📍 The Common Room, Newcastle
——
Emma’s many accolades to date includes the widespread success of the long established vocal harmony group The Puppini Sisters, as well as a stint as a broadcaster on BBC Radio 3, not to mention a range of awards and compliments from organisations and critics alike, including winning the prestigious ‘Worshipful Company Of Musicians Medal’. Now with the release of the new album and a series of live dates throughout the UK, Emma Smith will continue her rise to prominence as a multifaceted singer-songwriter with outstanding vocal ability.

COCO’s Spanish Night
2024-10-04 18:00 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Date: Friday 4th October 2024
Time: 6pm welcome drink, 6:30pm event start
Location: The Common Room, Neville Hall, Westgate Road, NE1 1SE
What’s included: Join us for an unforgettable evening of Spanish wine, food, and entertainment in aid of brighter futures across the globe! Savour the rich flavours of Spain with a selection of exquisite wines, paired perfectly with delicious food, followed by live performances of dance and music, all in the stunning surroundings of one of Newcastle’s most unique heritage venues, The Common Room.
Ticket price: £45
More info and book tickets online at: https://www.coco.org.uk/spanish-night

Electric Dreams at The Common Room
2024-11-16 11:00 - 15:00
An electrifying day for all the family!
Join us for a family day at the Common Room as part of the Electric Dreams festival and try your hand at building a model wind-turbine or hydrogen-powered racing car or our interactive energy grid balancing simulation. Discover what’s going on in the North East in response to climate change … Lego, games, model-making, book readings, hands-on activities and more – all related to electricity and energy generation.
Presented in association with Northern Powergrid, Newcastle University, Northern Gas Networks, NESO, the Women’s Engineering Society, the IET, and the Ministry for Eco Education.
11:00am – 3:00pm
Drop in, no booking or tickets required
(please ignore “Get tickets” button)
Free of charge, most suitable for ages 5+ but all welcome. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Full details of Exhibits (PDF)
Part of the national Electric Dreams festival celebrating the centenary of the formation of the Electrical Association for Women

MARGINAL GAINS headline The Common Room in Newcastle
2024-11-16 19:00 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join Marginal Gains at The Common Room on Saturday, 16th November.
Supporting them is the talented Tight Collar.
Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 16th November
Venue: The Common Room, Newcastle
Doors open: 19:00
Tickets: £7 in advance (+booking fee) / £10 on the door

Secure your tickets now and prepare for an unforgettable evening of music, drinks and so much more!

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Christmas at The Common Room: Charm making workshop
2024-12-06 18:00 - 20:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for a relaxed Friday evening of charm making, cocktails, and festive fun! Gather with friends or come solo to make unique charms, perfect as gifts or a personal holiday keepsake.

What’s Included:

All materials to create your own custom charm
A complimentary mince pie with each ticket
Access to our full menu of cocktails, seasonal drinks, and hot beverages available for purchase

Christmas at The Common Room: Afternoon Tea and Festive Film screening
2024-12-07 13:00 - 16:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Enjoy afternoon tea whilst soaking in the beautiful atmosphere of the Wood Hall, dressed for Christmas! Followed by a screening of Love Actually in our Lecture theatre.
Join us for a memorable experience that promises laughter, delicious treats and festive cheer.

£30 per person with a glass of Prosecco
£26 per person without Prosecco

Christmas at The Common Room: Glass Bottle painting
2024-12-12 18:00 - 20:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
An evening of relaxed bottle painting and drinks in our 5|Quarter café bar, inspired by the beautiful stained glass windows in the Wood Hall.
Create a Christmas decoration or gift, lit up with fairy lights, to take home.

Christmas at The Common Room: Family screening of Stick Man
2024-12-21 11:00 - 12:45
Join us for a family screening of Stick Man in the Lecture Theatre. With children’s activities and a festive reading corner to enjoy in the Wood Hall beforehand.
£10 – admits one child and accompanying adult
£5 – additional tickets

Enjoy festive goodies served in the cafe, including a tuck shop (and mulled wine for the grown ups!)

Vice Killer return to the Common Room in Newcastle with support from Risco!
2025-01-25 19:00 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for Vice Killer live with support from Risco at The Common Room on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 7 PM to 11 PM.
Enjoy the music and grab a drink at the 5IQuarter Cafe & Bar, open throughout the event. Don’t miss this unforgettable night in the heart of Newcastle!

John Bramwell live at The Common Room
2025-02-01 13:30 - 16:00
Join us for an unforgettable matinee performance with the captivating voice of John Bramwell, the renowned singer of I Am Kloot. Set against the intimate backdrop of The Common Room, this special live event on promises an afternoon filled with soulful melodies, evocative lyrics, and the raw, acoustic charm that has made Bramwell a celebrated name in British indie music. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his work, this is a unique opportunity to experience one of the most distinctive voices in modern music up close.
Enjoy the show with a pint or one of our amazing cocktails from the in-house 5Quarter Café Bar, perfect for unwinding before or after the performance.
Doors open: 13:00
Starts: 13:30
Don’t miss out on this exclusive performance – buy your tickets now and secure your spot for an extraordinary afternoon of live music!

An evening with Cameron Mcgeachy
2025-02-21 19:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us on Friday 21st Feb for an evening of exquisite whiskies and chat with Cameron Mcgeachy. The man at the helm of Cadenheads, Scotlands oldest independent bottler. A chance to taste six of their most recent releases and quiz Cameron on exactly how he approaches the task of upholding standards in one of the most revered positions in Scotch Whisky.
Whiskies to be confirmed.

Passengers and Pioneers - Album Launch (2 sessions - 12:00 and 19:30)
2025-03-14 12:00 - 13:00
“Passengers & Pioneers” created by Sam Slatcher of Citizen Songwriters along with award winning Northeast poets, celebrates the birth of the Stockton & Darlington Railway and what it means to us today as it approaches its 200th anniversary. The album incorporates stories of passengers travelling today and archive history from the first journey in 1825.
The show will run twice on Friday 14th March – once at 12 noon and again at 7:30pm. Both performances are free of charge but tickets must be booked via EventBrite. Both showings will be in the Lecture Theatre on the ground floor. Bookings to guarantee a place via the link will close on Wednesday 12th but drop in attendees are very welcome on the day!

Book Launch: Between the Salt and the Ash
2025-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for an evening at The Common Room, Newcastle, as we celebrate the rich landscapes and histories of the North East with writer Jake Morris-Campbell in conversation with historian and author Dan Jackson.
Jake’s latest work, Between the Salt and The Ash (Manchester University Press), is both a personal and historical exploration of identity, belonging, and the deep heritage of the North East. Paired with Dan’s expert insights, this event promises a thought-provoking discussion about the region’s past, present, and future.
Jake Morris-Campbell is a writer, editor, and lecturer from North East England, inspired by its landscapes, communities, and history. His work appears in numerous publications, and he actively champions the region’s arts, collaborating on projects that celebrate local culture and heritage.
Book & Ticket bundle available via ticket link.

Aelius Alternative Festival (Multi Venue)
2025-04-05 14:30 - 23:00
Aelius Alternative Festival returns for its second edition on Saturday the 5th of April in Newcastle city centre!
Fast rising locals CROWLEY, WOLFRED, and TV DEATH will be headlining across 4 venues and 5 stages; The Globe Up, The Globe Down, Head of Steam, The Common Room and The Telegraph are all playing their part in highlighting a selection of incredible musical talents. Artists on the line-up include Nadedja, spoken word artists Sam Way and Tahmina Ali, Rushbonds, and White Collar Rebel.
We will once again be collaborating with international live music promoters Sofar Sounds on a secret stage, as well as local comic Adrian Hanlon who’ll be curating and hosting the comedy stage. Sunderland’s NAME Academy will be sending two acts to Newcastle, and French music platform Groover will be taking their pick of international acts to perform at Aelius Alternative.
EVENT STAGE TIMETABLE:

This year, we are working with national organisation Tonic Music for Mental Health on highlighting the importance of mental health services within the music industry. Aelius Alternative partners include Groover, Love Music Hate Racism North East, Microbus Gateshead, NAME Sunderland, Night Owl Music Promotions, Off Axis Scotland, The Pentatonic and W Artists.

Wandering Oak presents Little Barrie and Malcolm Catto plus support
2025-04-11 19:30 - 23:30
Over a 20-plus year career, Little Barrie, led by guitar ace Barrie Cadogan and bassist Lewis Wharton have proven themselves to be one of the UK’s most respected and resilient bands, cooking up a genre blending sound that touches on the ’60s British blues explosion, deep funk, hip hop and the best rock n’ roll of the last six decades, all leading them to their new long player ‘Electric War’, the second collaboration with drummer and producer Malcolm Catto.
Barrie is one of the world’s most respected musicians, having worked on music for film and television, composing and performing the main title theme for the award winning Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul and acting as the go-to guitar man for some of the music world’s most successful artists, serving as an integral member of Primal Scream from 2006-2015 and more recently as a member of The The, co-penning two songs with leader Matt Johnson on the band’s critically acclaimed 2024 comeback album ‘Ensoulment’, not to mention his stint as guitarist for Liam Gallagher at his historic sold out Knebworth shows and as bass player for Liam and John Squire’s 2024 world tour.
He’d already started gigging as Little Barrie in the early 2000s when he met Lewis Wharton at mod clothes store Merc on Carnaby Street, where the band’s future bassist was running the record department. With Lewis on board they debuted with 2005’s blue-eyed soul/funk blueprint, ‘We Are Little Barrie’ and returned with 2007’s rockabilly-tinged ‘Stand Your Ground’, with The Guardian championed Barrie as “a compelling frontman, pitting street-corner punk vocals against volleys of reverb and twang”.
Little Barrie would shore up their ranks with the arrival of Virgil Howe, son of Yes guitar hero, Steve Howe, on drums in 2007 and two further albums diversified the Barrie blueprint, moving into ’60s surf-pop (2011’s ‘King Of The Waves’) and the darker soundtrack-style Krautrock of 2014’s ‘Shadow’, “an effortlessly exciting album, taking rock back to its thrilling basics” as lauded by the NME. Album number five, 2017’s ‘Death Express’, packed a heavy punch, a raw, DIY outburst covering themes of greed and CCTV generationalism that lead to Louder Than War praising it’s “classic sixties r’nb garage rock with 21st century thrust”.
Following the untimely passing of Virgil Howe in 2017, Little Barrie underwent a healing process where returning to the studio and reconnecting through music, without seeking an end product, became therapy, an opportunity to work on bits and pieces Barrie had written for fun with zero pressure. Aligning with drummer Malcolm Catto, The Heliocentrics co-founder and a leading figure in the UK’s underground jazz and Psych scene, the band slowly but surely emerged from this emotional exile.
The first album from Little Barrie & Malcolm Catto, ‘Quatermass Seven’, described as “a mesmerising collaboration” by Shindig! Magazine, won plaudits from the music press and the bands fanbase, pulling together the wealth of influences and phenomenal talent of each player to create a deep, funky & expansive psych-rock experience. Following live shows to promote the album the band headed back into the studio to capitalise on becoming a tight-knit musical unit.
New album ‘Electric War’, their first for Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound label sees Barrie, Malcolm & Lewis push the boundaries even further, expanding their rich sonic palette and proving that the chemistry imbedded in the grooves of their debut was no fluke. From
the lysergic, laid back funk of ‘Creaky’ to the shape shifting arrangements of ‘Spektator’ and the heavy funk bounce of ‘My Now’, it’s an album that draws on years of collective musical knowledge and sets the trio apart from their contemporaries.

HMRC plus support
2025-04-25 19:30 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
HMRC return for their first headline show of 2025.
They will be playing their new EP in full, with support from Beano, Perfect Chicken and Alice Street.
Restrictions:
18+ only event
Doors: 7:30pm
Last entry 10pm.

Werca's Folk: Coal and Choruses
2025-05-01 19:00 - 21:00
Werca’s Folk, with their director, Sandra Kerr, are absolutely delighted to be presenting an evening of song celebrating the history of the coal industry in this region and beyond, with the emphasis on the experiences of the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters of miners.
There will be readings from the people who supported the miners, including during the strike of ’84/5.
Take the opportunity to join in on the choruses of some of our other repertoire, which expresses the loves, lives, hopes and hardship of women through our region’s traditional folk songs, and newly-penned pieces – many by the choir’s director.
Werca’s Folk is a choir of women devoted to singing, and to each other , while their director, Sandra Kerr will be familiar to many of you as the composer of and musician for the much-loved music of the Bagpuss films.
We do hope you can join us for an evening full of harmony, history and humour.

Whisky tasting: An evening with...Billy Abbott.
2025-05-09 19:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us on Friday 9th May for an evening in the company of The Whisky Exchange’s ambassador, Billy Abbott. Showcasing six of the Whisky Exchanges most sought after own releases.
A writer and educator who spends his days wandering the world telling people about great drinks, with a focus on whisky from around the world and Asian spirits. Since joining The Whisky Exchange in 2011, he has been nominated for IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year three times, won the Icons of Whisky Rest of World Communicator award and been the runner-up for the Fortnum & Mason Awards Debut Drinks Book for his book, The Philosophy of Whisky.
Drams:
– Caol Ila 2014 9 Oear Old “The Seasons: Spring” – £74.95
– Signatory Bourbon Cask for TWE: Clynelish 2008 16 Year Old- £120 Not Yet Available
– Signatory Fortified: Whitlaw 11 Year Old PX For TWE – £91.95
– Powers 2005 Small Batch 17 Year Old TWE Exclusive – £195
– Whisky Show Ben Nevis 2013 10 Year Old
AND A VERY SPECIAL SURPRISE!
Time:7:00pm
Location:
5 Quarter Bar, Neville Hall
The Common Room of the Great North Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne , NE1 1SE

Wandering Oak presents Acid Mothers Temple plus support
2025-05-09 19:00 - 23:30
Over the last 25 years no group has been more prolific or dedicated to pushing psychedelic rock to its limits than Japan’s Acid Mothers Temple – a psychedelic band (also considered a soul collective and freak-out band), the core of which formed in 1995 as Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso U.F.O..
The band was created by guitarist Kawabata Makoto after the hiatus of Mainliner and early in their career featured many musicians, but by 2004 the line-up had drastically changed. The Melting Paraiso U.F.O. broke up briefly while Acid Mothers Temple & The Cosmic Inferno formed with a harder, heavier psych-rock sound until the former group re-formed with different vocalists and various guests in 2006. Many more side bands and projects under the Acid Mothers Temple name have formed throughout the years with other iterations and variations on psychedelic but all bands are considered a part of Acid Mothers Temple according to Kawabata Makoto.
The Melting Paraiso U.F.O. alone has over forty studio albums while the other incarnations all have at least one other studio effort under their belt. Acid Mothers Temple have been releasing studio and live releases along with touring relentlessly since 1995 whether through labels like PSF and Important or through their own Acid Mothers Temple imprint. The band is also notable for their Acid Mothers Temple Festival, held every year since 2002 and showcasing special performances.
The band consider themselves as a collective as many musicians have come to collaborate with the outfit over their lengthy existence such as Kinski, Guru Guru, Gong and Yoshida Tatsuya of Ruins to scratch the surface. Their music is typically themed around open psychedelia, song parodies, comedy, sex and professional wrestling.

Sold Out - Corruption in the Spotlight Cicero versus Verres
2025-05-16 15:00 - 17:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
FREE TICKETS SOLD OUT
Corruption in the Spotlight: Cicero versus Verres is a dynamic performance and panel discussion taking place on Friday 16th May at The Common Room, Newcastle. This ClassicsFest event reimagines the historic trial of Roman magistrate Gaius Verres, prosecuted by Cicero in 70 BC for crimes including bribery, extortion, and spreading misinformation. Writer Kirsten Luckins has adapted the case for the stage, with sixth form students contributing to the creative process. The performance features Wambui Hardcastle and Eilís Konstantina, and is chaired by Professor Deveral Capps of Leeds Law School, highlighting striking parallels between ancient Roman corruption and today’s political climate.
ClassicsFest is supported by several cultural and educational bodies including Arts Council England, Newcastle University, and Classics for All. The event blends classical themes with contemporary commentary, showcasing talent from the North East and beyond. Kirsten Luckins brings her poetic and theatrical flair as a celebrated director and performer, while actors Eilís Konstantina and Wambui Hardcastle lend powerful presence to the courtroom drama. This collaboration between academic institutions and regional creatives promises a compelling exploration of justice, rhetoric, and political accountability—both ancient and modern.
Event held in the Lecture Theatre
Age recommendation is 12 years+

Newcastle Writing Conference
2025-05-17 10:00 - 17:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
New Writing North’s Newcastle Writing Conference is back!
The writing conference is an event for writers at all stages of their careers. It aims to demystify the world of publishing and supports you to connect with peers and industry experts. Across one day, the conference offers a programme of panels, breakout sessions and practical workshops. Writers choose their own bespoke journey throughout the day, whether you’re interested in avoiding memoir mistakes, creating compelling characters in your children’s novel or getting a guide to independent publishing.
Making connections is just as important as a fantastic programme of events. We encourage attendees to mingle over complimentary tea and coffee, visit our pop-up book stall from Forum Books, and meet other writers during the networking time at the end of the day. You can also apply for an industry one-to-one with a range of agents, editors and professional writers.
If you can’t join us in person, you can still be part of Newcastle Writing Conference. We’ll be live-streaming our three main events and three breakout sessions throughout the day.

The Late Shows 2025: Art, Lego and Live Tunes
2025-05-17 18:30 - 22:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
The Late Shows, an award-winning late-night free culture crawl will return on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th May 2025.
Art, Lego and Live Tunes
Saturday Only
FREE
Open: 6-10.30pm
Explore our Grade II* Listed building. Visit the new Coal Queens exhibition in the fabulous Wood Hall, browse artist Neil Turner’s local sketches in the Stephenson Room, build an engineering themed Lego model in the Map Room, then have a drink and enjoy the live band karaoke in 5|Quarter Cafe Bar!
Last entry 10pm.
The full event programme is now available here.

Pint Of Science Festival (19th-21st May)
2025-05-19 19:00 - 2025-05-21 21:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Pint of Science is a grassroots non-profit organisation that has grown astronomically over the few years since two people decided to share their research in the pub. Although our mission has expanded, our core values remain the same: to provide a space for researchers and members of the public alike to come together, be curious, and chat about research in a relaxed environment outside of mysterious laboratories or daunting dark lecture theatres.
Monday 19th May
Decarbonise and Conquer
From our city streets to Hadrian’s Wall, science is shaping the future of our local area. Join the conversation with the experts about how they are decarbonising energy, lowering heating costs, and preserving historical landscapes. See how the environmental tech used by scientists benefits you – improving energy efficiency, saving you money and helping local businesses thrive in a sustainable way.
Doors 7:00pm
Event 7:30pm to 9:30pm
TICKETS
Tuesday 20th May
From Pills to Policies: The power of patient data
We explore the hidden challenges behind the frontline of healthcare. Discover why accurate tracking of medication use is more complex than it seems and how patient data fuels life-saving research. Join the debate on improving health while protecting privacy – because what we know (and what we don’t) can change lives!
Doors 7:00pm
Event 7:30pm to 9:30pm
TICKETS
Wednesday 21st May
The Sounds of Science
This Pint of Science will take a sonic journey through science with talks and performances that represent a broad range of fleeting physical and biological phenomena through sound — from distant galaxies, to brain signals and Earth cycles. Join us as we explore the wonderfully complex, intangible world around us through the sense of sound.
Doors 7:00pm
Event 7:30pm to 9:30pm
TICKETS
For information on all other Newcastle events, look here.

456 Live Present…Brigitte Calls Me Baby
2025-06-02 19:30 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Brigitte Calls Me Baby crafts a sound that’s equal parts elegant time warp and modern-day reckoning—fusing mid-century pop’s lavish romanticism with the raw energy of post-punk and early-millennium indie-rock. Fronted by Wes Leavins, whose hypnotic croon channels Roy Orbison, The Cars, and Radiohead, the Chicago band delivers a rare mix of sophistication and sincerity. After a breakout SXSW set and a deal with ATO Records, they are currently touring with Morrissey and their highly anticipated debut album, The Future Is Our Way Out, is out now – produced by Grammy-winning Dave Cobb.
Tickets on sale from Friday 28th March 2025.
Age Restrictions: 16+ (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult)
