April at ARC

A collage of 4 promo images for Stockton Calling, Gary Meikle 2.5, National Theatre Live's GOOD, and The Northern School of Art's Macbeth.

We can’t quite believe it’s April already, but spring is in the air and we have plenty for you to enjoy this month at ARC!

It’s a busy month for music, beginning with annual multi-venue festival Stockton Calling on Sat 8 Apr. Following that, York-based troubadour Gary Stewart, backed by his incredible 6-piece band, come together to recreate Paul Simon’s landmark Graceland album in all its glory (you’ll want your dancing shoes on for this one!), before award-winning folk duo Megson, in a unique collaboration with playwright & actor Kieran Knowles, bring us The Herald.

We also welcome 2-Tone music legend Neville Staple back to ARC this month as the ‘Original Rude Boy’ celebrates the 40+ years since Ghost Town, one of the most iconic hit songs of the 1980s. Expect a fun, stomping, nostalgic trip through 2-Tone-Ska hits like A Message to You Rudy, Rat Race, Gangsters and more, plus top career classics.

The fantastic Pocket Jazz Orchestra led by Jeremy McMurray are back with an evening of relaxing jazz music, and Katie Doherty and the Navigators round off the month – listen for echoes of Regina Spektor, Nancy Kerr, Guy Garvey and Anais Mitchell, all of whose influence can be found in Katie’s music.

If comedy is your thing, Scottish Comedy Award winner and viral sensation Gary Meikle is back with his brand new show 2.5! A sold out audience will be joining Matt Reed at Come in and Get Your Tea, and MC Nina Gilligan will be hosting our monthly Catch 22 Comedy Club with guests including Ryan Cullen and Jimmy Shirley.

Theatre fans can book tickets to watch The Northern School of Art students present a contemporary production of Macbeth (in person or via livestream), while cinema-goers can enjoy a wide range of screenings from Allelujah and Rye Lane, to National Theatre Live’s presentation of C.P. Taylor’s GOOD (starring David Tennant) and Dance Craze, which brilliantly captures the cultural phenomenon that was the 2Tone movement and returns to cinemas more than 40 years on from its first theatrical release. And don’t forget our regular programme of family films, which this month includes Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Dreambuilders, and Little Bear’s Big Trip.

Elsewhere, our regular classes and activities for adults continue throughout the month – join us for everything from Tai Chi and Ballet Pilates to Singers, ARCulele, and more! This month you can also give our latest Glass Class a try and create your own unique keepsake in our Coronation Special. Or maybe you fancy our Queer Yoga class led by Mookaite Jasper (beginners welcome)? A sold out class will be making their own Needle Felt Woodland Gnome but don’t worry if you missed out on this particular workshop, there will be plenty more to come!

Find out more about everything that’s on this month at ARC, and we look forward to welcoming you soon!