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What’s on this weekend: 16-17th September

Have a look at our pick of the best events taking place this weekend in your region.

This week’s top pick

The Bupa Great North Run - Newcastle to South Shields. Sun Sep 18

Perhaps one of the most famous half marathons in the world, the Bupa Great North Run takes place this weekend between Newcastle and South Shields. Whether you are taking part or just planning to watch, the weekend offers a host of activities. With 54,000 runners lined up, the atmosphere is sure to be electric.

This year’s celebrity runners include 2009 X Factor winner, Joe McElderry, who is running in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust; model and presenter Nell McAndrew, and BBC News presenter, Sophie Raworth. A display from the Red Arrows will take place at 1.15pm over South Shields.

Family

Terry’s Run - Segedunum Fort, Wallsend. Sat Sep 17 4pm.

Children’s author Terry Deary has spent the week running the length of Hadrian’s Wall, and on Saturday he reaches his final stop, Segedunum roman fort. The 65-year-old Horrible Histories author is running to raise money for Durham based charity, Integrating Children, which supports disabled children and their families.

Cinema

The Guard - Arc, Stockton. Sat Sep 17. 2pm and 7.30pm

Set in Galway on Ireland’s west coast, The Guard is a comedic tale of murder, blackmail, drug trafficking and rural police corruption. Sergeant Gerry Boyle is an eccentric small-town cop with a rough around the edges personality and subversive sense of humour. Written by John Michael McDonagh, the brother of In Bruges director Martin McDonagh, The Guard has garnered substantial praise. The Times called it, “sly, witty and provocative.”

Theatre and Arts

The Madness of King George III - Theatre Royal, Newcastle. Fri Sep 16 and Sat Sep 17.

What better way to sample the results of the massive renovation project at the Theatre Royal than to see this epic production. Alan Bennett tells the story of George III’s deteriorating mental health which leads him to address an oak tree as the King of Prussia. A collection of doctors are called in to scrutinise his every bodily function. With the King incapacitated, a power ensues between the opposition party, the Whigs, the Prince of Wales and Pitt the Prime Minister. The Telegraph said: “combines humour with deeply affecting compassion.” With a huge cast, this is sure to be a fantastic theatre experience.

Comedy

Daliso Chaponda, Dave Twentyman, The boy with tape on his face. The Hyena Cafe, Newcastle. Sat Sep 17. 6.30pm.

Described as having “raw Eddie Murphy confidence, cheek and super-polished style,” Daliso Chaponda brings his stand up to the Hyena Cafe. A published writer, Daliso has toured Canada and worked as a comedy writer in South Africa. Dave Twentyman is a rising star of North West comedy, using his stream of conciousness style. He’s won the St Helens Comedian of The Year and has been tipped by fellow St Helens comic Johnny Vegas. Kiwi comic Sam Wills performs his silent comedy routine.

Museums and Exhibitions

Crazy Chemicals - The Life Science Centre, Newcastle. Sat Sep 17 and Sun Sep 18. 10am - 6pm.

This new 20 minute live science show aims to show the beauty of chemistry and features a number of colourful and crazy chemical reactions. As chemicals are mixed, watch the magnificent results. Learn about luminol and how it is used to find ‘glowing’ traces of DNA at crime scenes and watch the grand finale with spectacular pinks and blues.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .