We may feel we're in the depths of winter but it won't be long before spring is beckoning us back outdoors - and, judging by what's in store for 2023, straight into our theatres.
Across the North East there already has been lots of work behind the scenes on plans for the upcoming new season and they include a whole load of treats from hard-hitting dramas to comedy, dance, musicals and chatty nights of conversation. Our theatres offer a world of escape in the grimmest of times and they are out to bring us light and laughter from the dark days of January onwards.
The year's programmes include plenty shows which are available to book now if you're keen to have something to look forward to. Here, we've drawn up a pick of just 10 suggestions that could tick that box.
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We've tried to include something to suit all tastes and with options in Newcastle and spanning the region from Northumberland to Durham. Among them are productions which are world premieres; one play which is about as old a classic as you can get; plus musical favourites and one-off treats such as 'in conversation' evenings with both a football legend and an adventurer.
Giovanni Pernice, January 23-24
Joined by an ensemble of some of the showbiz world's best dancers and singers, the 'dance heart-throb' and 2021's Strictly Come Dancing champion will be hot-footing it north to take audiences at Gala Theatre in Durham on a journey to his homeland in new production Made in Italy.
This Italian-theme show promises some hot choreography, stunning costumes and a sizzling soundtrack. Among the tickets is a limited number of VIP options available for anyone who fancies a meet-and-greet with the star of the show which will include a signed print and photo opportunity. Another North East date will see Giovanni at The Playhouse, Whitley Bay April 1: see here.
The Bodyguard, February 13-18
Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton will be taking the Whitney Houston role in this award-winning musical version of the hit movie, which will be stirring up hot romance at Sunderland Empire. The multi-platinum Grammy nominee plays superstar Rachel Marron who falls for her bodyguard Frank Farmer, hired to protect her from an unknown stalker.
He'll be played by Emmerdale and Hollyoaks actor Ayden Callaghan. For tickets see here.
James Levelle - Race for the Future, February 16
If you like adventure stories and care about the environment then book a ticket to hear from this wild-at-heart filmmaker who will be in Darlington after what's recently been an epic journey. Levelle had initially set off on a 9,000-mile race to document youth climate messages and deliver them on film to the United Nations climate conference in Chile - with the challenge of travelling there fossil fuel-free.
He was mid-way sailing across the Atlantic when he heard the event had been moved to Madrid. Cue a new challenge involving relay races, cycling and sailing from Glasgow to Sharm el-Sheik in Egypt instead.
At his tour stop-off at the 'Hipp @ The Hullabaloo' venue, the audience will find out if he made the conference in time and what he learned from the thousands of people he met en route across 16 countries and thousands of miles. For tickets book here.
The Mousetrap - February 6-11
This whodunnit is famous for being the longest-running play in the world and it now takes on a life beyond its West End home with a tour, celebrating its 70-year anniversary, that brings it north to see if audiences here can solve the case any better than the London ones.
It revolves around a murder at a country house where a group of strangers are snowed in with a killer in their midst. One by one, the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts - but which is the murderer and which the next victim?
The tour is visiting all the cities where the play initially played, including Newcastle. The Theatre Royal will be welcoming the likes of Toddy Carty, who plays the character of Major Metcalf, and other former EastEnders actors John Altman and Gwyneth Strong who appear as Mr Paravicini and Mrs Boyle.
Those over the years who see Agatha Christie's murder mystery are always urged not to reveal the identity of the killer but for many it's been so long since they've seen it that they won't remember anyway. To be part of a 70-year tradition, theatre fans can bag a ticket now for its Newcastle run in February. Remember tickets are cheaper at the Theatre Royal the earlier you book. See here.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane, February 28-March 4
Promising something pretty spectacular, this first major stage adaptation of the best-seller novel by Neil Gaiman is set to take Sunderland Empire audiences on 'an epic journey' through forgotten memories.
These are sparked by the central character's visit to his childhood home where he's transported back to his 12th birthday. A magical experience then mixes fantasy, myth and friendship - touched by darkness. The tour of the National Theatre production features a 17-strong cast including Charlie Brooks as Ursula and local actor Trevor Fox as Dad. To book see here.
The show is also due to return to the North East in the summer for a run at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle from July 11- 22.
Three Acts of Love, March 2-25
Another world premiere, this Live Theatre production features three 'of the most original voices in contemporary theatre' in an examination of one of the most overused words in the language. But what does love truly mean? That's just one of the quesions to be addressed in a musical odyssey described as a "truly epic evening of drama, song and love love love".
The writers, Laura Lindow, Naomi Obeng and Vici Wreford-Sinnott, have created three characters and three interlinked stories to be delivered through singing. And all the signs suggest we're going to love it. See here.
An Evening With Sir Geoff Hurst, March 7
On the back of the World Cup action, a man who knows just how it feels to take to the pitch with the eyes of the world watching your every move will be back in the spotlight with this tour, bringing him to Darlington Hippodrome.
Sir Geoff was England's hat-trick hero from the 1966 World Cup and the now 81-year-old will be here talking about his West Ham and England career. His friend and agent Terry Baker will host a question-and-answer session with the local audience in the second half of the show .
The footie legend isn't planning to go on the road again after this so fans should make the most of their chance to hear first-hand about his experiences. And those really wanting to treat themselves can book VIP tickets which incude a chance to meet the sports star and get a photograph or autograph before the show starts. See here.
An Evening with Priscilla Presley, April 6
The former wife of Elvis Presley is coming to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House in Newcastle on her first UK tour. The actress - remember Dallas and Naked Gun? - and businesswoman is co-founder of Elvis Presley Enterprises, the company which turned Elvis' famous Graceland home into one of the top tourist attractions in the US.
Here, she will be in "intimate conversation" with radio and TV presenter Edith Bowman and is set to share personal stories about her career, life and her marriage to the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll'. And audiences are promised scenes of Priscilla and Elvis in never-before-seen home footage. See here.
I, Daniel Blake, May 25-June 10
Northern Stage in Newcastle will be hosting the world premiere of the first stage adaptation of Ken Loach's award-winning 2016 film whose star Dave Johns this time features in a different central role.
Instead of playing Daniel Blake, the ordinary working man caught up in the red tape of a unrelenting benefits system, Johns is the one adapting writer Paul Laverty's original script for the theatre. Billed as "one of the most important stories of a generation", it details the struggles of both Daniel and new friend Katie, a single mother trying to make ends meet.
We're told: "With 14.5m people living in poverty in the UK, this is not fiction. It is reality." See here.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, August 2-13
Another tour first, this one will bring Roald Dahl's familiar tale to life at Sunderland Empire for a summer run. Fans can catch up with the well-loved story of Charlie Bucket and his fellow winners - a mixed bag of characters - of one of the five golden tickets which enables them to visit the Wonka Chocolate Factory.
Musical star Gareth Snook will play the weird and wonderful Willy Wonka himself. See here for ticket information.
Everybody's Talking About Jamie, September 19-23
The much talked-about musical will be back in the North East in the autumn, with a run at Sunderland Empire set to be snapped up by those who haven't yet seen it. Following a record-breaking three-year West End residency; sell-out tours and an Amazon Studios' award-winning film, the story of the 16-year-old who overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and reigns supreme is all set to win yet more hearts and minds. See here.
Grayson Perry, November 9
What makes you, you? That's the question that Perry - described as "white, male, heterosexual, able bodied, English, southerner, baby boomer and member of the establishment" - will be tackling in his new show heading to Tyne Theatre & Opera House in Newcastle. He will take a mischievous look at the nature of identity in a way set to make people both laugh and shudder - and think.
The show will also ask the likes of 'is there a part deep inside of you that no one understands'? and 'have you found your tribe or are you a unique human being'? See here.
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