The Cribs

at the Laing Gallery, Newcastle.

The current exhibition at the Laing Gallery focuses on the major music faces who were part of the Swinging London scene in the 60's.

The exhibition brings together images of the likes of The Beatles, The Stones, The Kinks, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Marianne Faithfull,and of course, David Bowie. The exhibition features some previously unseen work, and features those bands and individuals who gained affection in the nations hearts (much like us at The North Phase).

One of the things I always love seeing from the pictures like these are the clothes they wore, and the exhibition features some great images and some great styles.

The exhibition runs until 18th April 2010 and admission is free.

by Jane Evelyn Atwood, at the Side Gallery, Newcastle.

The Side Gallery has come up trumps again with their current exhibition entitled Women In Prison, by Jane Evelyn Atwood.

The exhibition features female prisoners being held in jails in America, France and Russia, and features some grim, harrowing and thought-provoking images. As Atwood says, most of the women are in prison due to men, and often as a result of sexual and physical abuse. Where are we as a society if we cannot offer these women an escape route to independence that doesn't mean crime?

Amongst the pictures is one that left an indelible image in my mind. It features four women, who have their arms stretched out in front of them, which display a plethora of cuts and scars where they have self-harmed (self-harm is a particular problem in female prisons) with knives and razors. It really does lead you to question whether there is another way.

The exhibition runs until 13th March, and entry is free.

This years NewcastleGateshead Comedy Festival is almost upon us and, as usual, it features some famous, and not so famous names.

The festival runs from Monday 1st March to Sunday 7th March, with shows taking place in some select venues across the city.

The full line-up is as follows:

Monday 1st March

The Sage, Gateshead:The opening night features performances by comedians, burlesque dancers, circus performers, bellydancers and more.

Tuesday 2nd March

As You Like It, Jesmond: Chris Cross & Rob Temple

The Sage, Gateshead: Rob Dearing & Andrew Lawrence

Wednesday 3rd March

The Cornerhouse, Heaton: Christian Steel & Steffen Peddie

As You Like It, Jesmond: Ben Crellin & Raymond Mearns

Thursday 4th March

The Sage, Gateshead: Carl Donnelly & Pete Johanssen

As You Like It, Jesmond: Seymour Mace & Chris Ramsey

Friday 5th March

The Sage, Gateshead: Stephen Carlin & Robin Ince

Reds Bar, Northumbria University: Sarah-Louise Armstrong & Desmond O'Connor

Saturday 6th March

Reds Bar, Northumbria University: Mick Sergeant & Patrick Monahan

The Retreat @ St Dominics, Newcastle: Phil Kay & Matthew Osborne

Sunday 7th March

The Sage, Gateshead: Closing show featuring Dave Johns, Patrick Monahan, Tony Jameson, Carl Hutchinson & Gavin Webster

For further info regarding venues and tickets, go to www.newcastlegatesheadcomedyfestival.com