There are always plenty of gigs happening if you're looking for some entertainment. Here's the best live entertainment this week along with stand-up comedy and theatre productions.

From large scale national productions through to local drama groups, and from rock to country and classical, there's some music and theatre in Durham to suit most tastes. Here's what's on August 12-18 2019.

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#1: Michael Gallagher Live at the Studio

Following the release of his latest single 'Gone', Michael Gallagher takes to The Studio in his home town of Hartlepool for a night of live music.

Michael Gallagher is at The Studio on Tower Street Hartlepool on Saturday August 17, doors 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £5 plus 50p booking fee. You can purchase tickets* from the official booking page.

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#2: Hardwick Live, Hardwick Hall

Hardwick Live is a massive music festival in County Durham. Held at Hardwick Hall, Hardwick Live features multiple stages with a variety of music from dance to rock and pop. It takes place on Saturday and Sunday August 17-18.

You can read about all the details in our Hardwick Live tickets, times and camping story and you can find a rundown of everyone who's playing in our Hardwick Live lineup story.

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#3: The Tempest, Crook Hall

Crook Hall's outdoor theatre is The Tempest by The Handlebards. This Shakespeare classic is on Tuesday August 13 at 6pm. Take along deck chairs, cushions, and picnic blankets.

The HandleBards pedal from venue to venue with all the set, props and costume necessary to perform environmentally sustainable Shakespeare across the globe.

Tickets cost £16 adults advance or £18 on the door, £12 earlybird, £10 under 18s and free for under 10s. Call 0191 384 8028 to book.

#4: The Lehman Trilogy, Witham Arts Centre

The Witham in Barnard Castle is showing The Lehman Trilogy, about the rise and fall of financial firm Lehman Brothers, shown live from the West End by National Theatre Live.

The Lehman Trilogy is on at the Witham on Wednesday August 14 at 7pm. Tickets cost £12 adults and £10 under 17s. Call 01833 631107.

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#5: Wharton Brass Concert, Wharton Park

The series of Wharton Park brass concerts continues on Sunday August 18 at 1-3pm. Simply head down to the amphitheatre in Wharton Park (behind Durham railway station) for this free concert.

Read next: What's on at Durham Cathedral this month

#6: Gin & Jazz Summer Evenings, Rockliffe Hall

Rockliffe Hall is holding gin and jazz evenings every Wednesday evening in the Brasserie restaurant. Playing for visitors is guitar and saxophone duo Somethin' Blue. The evening includes a three course meal and a gin and tonic on arrival. To book call Rockliffe Hall on 01325 729999 or email enquiries@rockliffehall.com.

#7: Live InDurham, Durham city centre

The free Live InDurham event is back on Thursday August 15, with an evening of free live music across the city. Keep an eye out on the Live inDurham Facebook page for details.

#8: Rock Choir concert, Durham Cathedral

The Rock Choir concert takes place on Friday August 16 at 7.30pm in Durham Cathedral and features pop, rock and contemporary chart songs performed by the Durham, Chester-Le-Street and Sunderland Rock Choir.

Tickets cost £8 or £12, on 0191 338 7178 or from the booking page.

Feature image credit: Crook Hall