Some live music might be just the way to unwind now that the school Easter holidays are over. Here's what's on in Durham after the Bank Holiday, Tuesday to Sunday April 23-28 2019.
As always, there's plenty of live music, theatre and comedy taking place across both the city and County Durham, from cosy acoustic gigs to big productions and up and coming comedians.
You can also check out the free events in Durham taking place this week.
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#1: Harry Pearson: the Beast, the Emperor and the Milkman, Durham Old Laundrette
In The Beast, the Emperor and the Milkman, award-winning sportswriter Harry Pearson takes us on a journey across the Flemish countryside to uncover just why a region of six million people produces almost twice as many pro cyclists as France or Italy.
The performance is on Thursday April 25, doors 7pm. Harry Pearson will be bringing books for sale and signing, and the ticket price includes half a pint of alcoholic refreshment/soft drink or hot drink.
Tickets cost £7 plus 70p booking fee. You can purchase tickets from the official booking page.
#2: Grace Petrie, Durham Old Laundrette
Grace Petrie is a folk singer, songwriter, and activist from Leicester, first coming on to the national protest scene in 2010 with the emotive anthem Farewell to Welfare, which captured perfectly the spirit of the new wave of dissent in austerity Britain. She has quietly become one of the most respected and prolific songwriters working in the UK today.
Grace Petrie performs at Durham Old Laundrette on Friday April 26, doors 7pm.
Tickets cost £14 plus £1.40 booking fee from the official booking page.
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#3: Paul McCaffrey: I Thought I’d Have Grown Out Of This By Now, Hilarity Bites Comedy Club
Paul McCaffrey has appeared on major UK tours with two of Britain's foremost stand ups: Sean Lock on his Keep It Light tour 2016-2018 and Kevin Bridges on his Brand New Tour 2018.
Paul McCaffrey has also appeared on Impractical Jokers (BBC3), Russell Howards Good News (BBC3), Stand up Central (Comedy Central) as well as various radio shows. He has also won the Latitude New Act of the Year and London Paper New Act of the Year, and has headlined at the biggest comedy clubs in the country. He has also performed four critically acclaimed Edinburgh shows, as well as appearing at major music festivals including Reading, Leeds, V Festival, Bestival, and Latitude.
Paul McCaffrey is at Durham on Sunday April 28, doors 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £7 plus 70p booking fee from the official booking page.
#4: Puss in Boots, Gala Theatre Durham
One for the children, Durham Gala Theatre and Northern Ballet are bringing the much-loved children's story of Puss in Boots to life. It's a good opportunity for children to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre.
The performance lasts about 40 minutes and is on Thursday April 25, at 2pm, 4pm (relaxed performance) and 6pm.
Tickets cost £7, £6 concessions from the official booking page.
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#5: Alistair McGowan - Introductions to Classical Piano, Witham Arts Centre
The Witham Arts Centre in Barnard Castle is hosting Alistair McGowan on Wednesday April 24 at 7.30pm.
After the success of his recent piano album, Alistair McGowan premieres a brand new show which brings together all his talents. He will play tracks from the album and some other short classics piano pieces of music. Expect a lot of beautiful music (with the odd mistake!), some interesting stories and a sprinkling of his trademark impressions.
Tickets cost £18, £16 for under 17s, from the official booking page.
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#6: Durham Adventure Festival, Durham Gala Theatre
Don't forget Durham Adventure Festival this week, which features lots of talks and events at the Gala Theatre from top names in the world of adventure and sport. You can read what's happening on our Durham Adventure Festival page.
#7: Funny Way To Be Comedy - Jayde Adams & Rich Wilson, Witham Arts Centre
For ages 14 and over, this show features two work in progress shows ahead of the Edinburgh Festival, with award winning TV star Jayde Adams and international comic Rich Wilson.
Jayde Adams has appeared on 8 Out Of 10 Cats does Countdown, Comedy Central's Roast Battle and the BBC's upcoming TV show Good Omens. Here, she performs The Ballad Of Kylie Jenner's Old Face.
Rich Wilson performs Death Becomes Him. He has previously won Best International Act 2017 at the New Zealand Comedy Festival.
It's on Friday April 26 at 8pm.
Tickets cost £12 from the official booking page.
#8: Ian Hare organ recital, Ushaw
Head to Ushaw for an organ recital in St Cutbert's Chapel, performed by Ian Hare. It takes place on Saturday April 27 at 2pm, and there will be a collection at the end.
#9: I Weigh, Witham Arts Centre
Mortal Fools & Tyne Valley Youth Theatre present...'I Weigh', a brand new theatre show created by young people in response to the online @i_weigh movement.
It's on Saturday April 27 at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £5, or £3 for under 17s and can be bought on the booking page.
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