Spark News
Fawlty Towers is bringing laughter to the Sunderland Empire stage as part of its 2026 UK and Ireland tour, following its critically acclaimed West End run. Adapted from the award-winning British television comedy created by John Cleese and Connie Booth, Fawlty Towers: The Play has been adapted for the stage by Cleese himself and is […]
Matilda The Musical is set to hit the Empire stage for the second time from 11 – 28 February as it celebrates 15 years on the stage. The Royal Shakespeare Company’s beloved stage version of Roald Dahl’s children’s book, Matilda The Musical, with music and lyrics written by the brilliant Tim Minchin, will be returning […]
Newcastle-based band, The Pale White, have just announced a UK-wide tour for 2026. The venues span from Edinburgh to London, ending with a final wrap-up in Newcastle. The alt-rock band, currently consisting of brothers Adam and Jack Hope, originated in Wallsend and has been actively gigging since 2016. They have been from success to success […]
Ponteland United Reformed Church, in Darras Hall, Northumberland, has been taken over by the Malhotra Family Foundation. The closed historic building is planned to be restored as a community centre for local residents, families and schools. Schemes include a new state-of-the-art nursery providing care before and after school, along with tearooms, where afternoon teas can […]
Rugby culture has become so well-known across the world as loyalty and sportsmanship takes over the core values of the sport, on the pitch and off. We talk to Sunderland University Rugby team’s Jonathan Derby who talks about his experience playing for the team and how it has been important to him during his first […]
Roker Records, located on Fulwell Rd in Sunderland, has been open for little over a month and has already become a hotspot for vinyl collectors in the North East. I spoke to shop owner Iain Wakefield about opening his own shop, and turning his longstanding love for vinyl records into business. Roker Records is open […]
From walks along the coast to woodland trails, the North East offers a wide-ranging selection of routes that nature lovers or those in search of knowledge of regional history can pursue. This list displays the best of these walks, stretching from Northumberland down to Durham. CRAGSIDE Surrounding an incredible Victorian country house, Cragside’s extensive gardens […]
Cleveland Hedgehog Preservation Society is asking the public to help hedgehogs in need. Tonya Booth, who works for the charity, had 33 hedgehogs under her care a couple of weeks ago. She said: “The weather plays an important part for the hedgehogs” and that “this is why we ask people to put water out.” In […]
Meet Joe McCarron, a student from Newcastle University who is on a mission to get more young people talking about politics. On his TikTok page (@jmccarron), Joe breaks down current political issues with a mix of honesty and humour, hoping to make them feel more relatable. When we sat down to chat, he explained how […]
With the festive season upon us, Panto returns to Sunderland! With Sleeping Beauty calling the Empire Theatre home from the 12th of December 2025 to the 4th January 2026. A wacky and whimsical Panto retelling of the classic fairytale, following the story of Princess Rose, who is cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse, to perish […]
