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Africa
Reflections On A Sensational African Safari
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
The Chobe River is a lifeline for elephants Images by Steve Hare
With over 225 national parks across 20 African countries, the continent’s wealth of ecological diversity ranks it among the world’s best for thrilling safari experiences.
P.ublished 18th September 2026
Theatre
The Anastasia File: Imperialism, Evil, Fact And Fiction
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
A woman’s search for truth: The Anastasia File Image by Newcastle Theatre Royal
The Anastasia File is a disturbing drama and sober reminder of an horrific evil act which shook the world and ended the Russian monarchy - and three centuries of the Romanov Dynasty. ...or did it?
P.ublished 17th September 2026
Europe
Motorhoming Switzerland: Mingling With The Rich In St Moritz
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
St Moritz: playground for the elite Images by Steve Hare
Cowbells tingling amid sensational Alpine scenery make Switzerland’s unique backdrops a source of inspiration for those seeking new experiences. However, as Europe’s most expensive country, it’s not just the luscious landscapes which are jaw-dropping. A cappuccino in Zurich, for example, can set you back twelve euros compared to four euros in Madrid or Barcelona.
P.ublished 12th September 2026
Dance
The Car Man: Roaring With Sexuality, Lust, And Vengeance
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Cast of The Car Man Photo by Johan Persson
Pre warnings of adult scenes of a sexual nature, depictions of violence and brief frontal male nudity left me in doubt that Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man is designed to provoke. Sparks fly from the outset - and not just from the welding in the mid-west greasy garage-diner, where mechanics with rippling muscles delight in bullying their sensitive co-worker, Angelo.
P.ublished 9th September 2026
Motorhoming
Lush Islands, Medieval Walls, Cascading falls: Croatia's Sensory Feast
Rich in culture and diversity, Croatia’s abundant beauty spans coastlines, historic towns, over 1,000 islands - and eight national s parks. Boasting ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, Croatia overtook Spain as the ‘Best Country to visit in Europe’ by European Best Destinations in 2025.
P.ublished 29th August 2026
Theatre
Gruesome, Grisly, Gory : The Silence Of The Lambs
I always like to digest theatre performances on a full stomach, my favourite pre-show meal being thinly sliced steak and frites at a local French bistro. However, due to the cannibalistic nature of The Silence of the Lambs I swapped red meat for fish pie and mashed potato to avoid bouts of nausea - or worse.
P.ublished 20th August 2026
Americas
Beautiful, Vibrant, Bold - So Why Does Barbados Leave Me Cold?
Barbados conjures up images of palm trees swaying in the breeze, sun kissed, dazzling white sand - and the strains of reggae reverberating around beach bars.
P.ublished 8th August 2026
Theatre
Annie: Pinning Today’s Hopes And Dreams On A Brighter Tomorrow
Like the 1982 film, the current version of Annie is based on a feisty, eleven year old orphan with an unwavering belief that her parents will return for her – and her life will be transformed forever.
P.ublished 5th August 2026
Theatre
The Bodyguard: A High Energy, Musical Powerhouse
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Sidonie Smith and Adam Garcia in The Bodyguard Image by Newcastle Theatre Royal
I spilt my drink and screamed in horror when a deafening shotgun blast reverberated from a screen with silhouettes immersed in smoke and engaged in conflict. An explosive opening set the pace for a high-octane musical - a fusion of genres creatively integrating gripping cinematic effects with a pop concert bursting with pizazz.
P.ublished 28th July 2026
Visual arts
Dream Performance: Primary Schools Smash Shakespearean Comedy
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Creative collaboration: Moorside Primary School pupils in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Images by Newcastle Theatre Royal.
Hundreds of primary school pupils from nine North East schools have come together to re-enact Shakespeare’s illustrious comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Led by Theatre Royal associate artists, the feast of creativity from almost four hundred nine and ten year olds comprised a series of classroom workshops across Newcastle’s West End.
P.ublished 27th July 2026
Africa
The Smoke That Thunders: The Magic Of Victoria Falls
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Images by Steve Hare.
A global phenomenon, the Victoria Falls - the world’s largest sheet of falling water - span the South African countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe, (formerly Rhodesia). Up to 500 million litres of water thunder down the falls into the mighty Zambezi river every minute in the rainy season.
P.ublished 25th July 2026
Americas
Abspawlutely Delighted To Meet You: Paddington In Peru
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Deeply loved and cherished: Paddington Bear Images by Steve Hare
Paddington Bear, a true British icon with an endearing personality has captured the hearts and minds of millions the world over since author Michael Bond created him in 1958.
P.ublished 4th July 2026
Theatre
A Brilliantly Bonkers Wartime Romp - Operation Mincemeat
Bursting with English eccentricity, the plot of Operation Mincemeat comprises all the ingredients of a theatrical farce peppered with a dash of Bond.
P.ublished 23rd June 2026
Americas
Amazon Jungle Fever: What Lurks In The World's Largest River?
An eye-watering seven million square kilometres, the Amazon River Basin covers around 40 per cent of South America and crosses eight countries. Home to the world’s largest rainforest, it teems with up to three thousand fish species including piranhas.
P.ublished 20th June 2026
Dance
This Is Rambert: The Master Of Reinvention’s Centenary
Far from marking a milestone in a low key manner expected of centenarians, an exhilarating, energetic and explosion of supreme talent is turbocharging Britain’s oldest contemporary dance company’s into the next century.
P.ublished 17th June 2026
Americas
Buenos Aires: Bursting With Latin American Passion And Sensuality
Buenos Aires - a multi-cultural melting pot pulsating with a kaleidoscope of colour - is the birthplace of tango and among the world’s most dynamic capital cities. Famed for icons including Eva Peron and Maradona, it is lovingly called the ‘Paris of South America’ with a rich cultural tapestry and vibrant arts scene to match London and the finest European capitals.
P.ublished 6th June 2026
Motorhoming
Raw, Remote, Remarkable: The Allure Of Scotland’s Islands
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Beauty abounds in the Scottish Islands Images by Steve Hare
Scotland’s wild and rugged islands include the Orkney Islands off the Scottish mainland - and the Shetland Islands situated between Orkney, the Faroe Islands, and Norway.
P.ublished 16th May 2026
Theatre
Legally Blonde: Guilty As Charged For High-Energy, Feelgood Factor
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Amber Davies as Elle Image by Matt Crockett
I must have had my own blonde moment when the highly acclaimed Legally Blonde film with Reese Witherspoon hit our screens in 2021, grossing 142 million dollars worldwide and shaping fashion trends. Determined not to let the 2026 stage production pass me by, I was at the front of the queue for the upbeat romantic comedy and its timeless appeal.
P.ublished 13th May 2026
Cruising
Unsurpassed Beauty: Through Fairytale Fjords To The Arctic Circle
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Sensational scenery: The Havila Capella in Geirangerfjord Images by Steve Hare
Visitors the world over are awestruck over by the majesty and enchantment of the Norwegian Fjords. Widely acknowledged as the world’s most beautiful voyage which abounds with myths and folklore, epic scenery lies in store around every corner.
P.ublished 2nd May 2026
Dance
The Red Shoes: When Love And Obsession Step Out Of Kilter
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
The Red Shoes Cordelia Braithwaite (Victoria Page) and Andy Monaghan (Boris Lermontov) Image by Johan Persson
The catastrophic cost of a wrong decision sends a beautiful dancer - with everything to live - for spiralling to her nemesis. While we know the plot is heartbreaking, it is the compelling manner in which it agonisingly plays out step-by-step that renders Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes a masterpiece of storytelling.
P.ublished 29th April 2026
Americas
All Aboard For The Sacred Sanctuary Of Machu Picchu
An enduring symbol of the expansive Inca Empire, visitors are spellbound by Machu Picchu’s mysticism, beauty and cultural significance. Often referred to as the lost city of the Incas - and designated one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’ in 2007 - the 15th century citadel in the Andes towers almost 8,000 feet above sea level.
P.ublished 18th April 2026
Motorhoming
Motorhome Magic France: The Scenery, Charm, Romance
Very few travellers are immune to the charms of France – with its diverse landscapes, UNESCO marvels and fairlytale villages. The most geared-up country in Europe for campervans and motorhomes with over 4,000 motorhome service stations, known as Aires, eliminates the often stressful quandry of where to find an overnight park up.
P.ublished 11th April 2026
Theatre
Priscilla : Big, Bold And Brave - With Showstopper Stand In
Glitterballs abound as the much-vaunted Priscilla Queen of the Desert musical comedy had the audience totally under their spell. They would have forgiven anything - including the late start.
P.ublished 7th April 2026
Short breaks
A Journey Through Northumberland’s Wonderland This Spring
Northumberland, England’s northernmost county, is emerging from her winter hibernation and bursting into a blaze of colour. With the long-awaited arrival of longer, lighter days and sunset’s ‘golden hour’ nudging past 8pm, the county is enticing visitors with open arms to experience its symbolic reawakening with a packed calendar of events.
P.ublished 4th April 2026
Europe
South Costa Blanca's Golden Gems Under The Lens
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
World class: South Costa Blanca’s Blue Flag beaches Images by Steve Hare
The Mediterranean coastline of the Costa Blanca, or ‘White Coast,’ stretches 120 glorious miles from Denia in the North to Pilar de la Horadada in the south. Located in the region of Alicante, the temperate climate boasts 300 days of sunshine annually.
P.ublished 21st March 2026
Motorhoming
Spanish Roadtrip 2026: Love The View? We Do Too!
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Incomparable: Lake Viñuela park up
Getting off the beaten track when travelling is no mean achievement in today’s world of mass tourism - especially in countries like Spain whose growing population hit 49 million last year.
P.ublished 14th March 2026
Motorhoming
Spanish Roadtrip 2026: Coast And City - The Ultimate Mix
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Moorish magnificence: The Alcazaba of Malaga Images by Steve Hare
Among the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Spain receives a record high 96.8 million visitors last year - and is predicted to be the world’s most visited country by 2040.
P.ublished 28th February 2026
Short breaks
Golden Treasure: Bamburgh Beach Ranked World’s Third Best
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
World Class: Bamburgh Beach ranked third globally Images by Steve Hare
Bamburgh’s golden beach - framed against the town’s majestic castle - has seen off fierce competition to be ranked third best in the world’s ‘one of a kind’ beaches.
P.ublished 26th February 2026
Motorhoming
Taking Your Motorhome To The EU? Top Tips On What To Do
In previous Magic of Motorhoming articles we’ve shared insights into key areas including selecting makes and models, check…
P.ublished 14th February 2026
Africa
The Smiling Coast: Exotic Escape For Sunshine Break
As the prospect of snow, howling winds and sheeting rain continuing to batter the UK, the lure of sunshine, stunning beaches and stimulating new cultures beckons. With a myriad of destinations from Mauritius to Mexico offering long haul packages and, closer to home, the Canaries, the Algarve and Cyprus vying for business, choices are driven by time and budget constraints.
P.ublished 7th February 2026
Theatre
Murder Most Foul: Inspector Morse: House Of Ghosts
Newcastle Theatre Royal promises a diverse and dynamic line up to engage, thrill, and delight audiences over the next three months. Musicals taking centre stage are the feel-good Mama Mia (Wednesday 11- Saturday 28 February) and West End mega-hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, (Tuesday 3- Saturday 14 March).
P.ublished 3rd February 2026
Americas
Would You Travel To The End Of The World?
The appeal of travelling into the unknown can also be tinged with trepidation as to what may be waiting on arrival - particularly if the destination is off the beaten track. Not ones to do things by halves, Our Lifestyle and Leisure Editor, Sharon Cain and Sharon’s husband and Yorkshire Times photographer, Steve Hare, traversed the globe to Ushuaia in Argentina.
P.ublished 31st January 2026
Motorhoming
Checks And Tips For Your First Motorhome Trip
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Motorhome magic: Ben Nevis campsite Images by Steve Hare
Our series of Motorhoming articles aims to share insights into the pleasures and adventures of this mode of travelling at home and abroad - along with the realities and practicalities involved.
P.ublished 24th January 2026
time for life
How To Reignite Your Mojo And Banish The Winter Blues
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Ascending new well-being heights Images by Steve Hare
January and February can be gloomy months - and not just weather-wise - with many of us counting the financial cost of Christmas and feeling demotivated and lethargic.
P.ublished 20th January 2026
Short breaks
Dazzling Sahara, Vibrant Souks: Why Morocco Has Me Hooked
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Sahara adventures await outside Marrakesh Images by Steve Hare
When the festive decorations start to look as jaded as many of us feel and the weather forecast is beyond depressing; it’s time to seek new adventures in exotic climes. While this may sound challenging, both geographically and financially, especially if you only have a few days off work, it is more do-able than you may think.
P.ublished 3rd January 2026
Cruising
Pure Magic : The Spirit Of Scandinavia At Christmas
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Symphony of Love and Joy: The Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra Images by Steve Hare
Festive cruising continues to gain momentum with many cruise lovers seeking a tonic before, during or in between Christmas and the New Year to immerse themselves in the season’s vibrancy and bonhomie.
P.ublished 20th December 2025
Motorhoming
Bute Of A Park Up: Sensational Scotland
The allure of Scotland, with its shimmering lochs, vast tracts of golden beaches, majestic castles and celebrated cities, makes it a dynamic destination for long and short breaks. With 94 of the country’s 900 diverse islands inhabited, Scotland is brimming with a tapestry of civilizations and discoveries dating back to the First Century AD with the arrival of the Romans.
P.ublished 6th December 2025
Pantomime
Aladdin : Raucous And Ridiculously Good - Oh Yes It Is!
Bonkers and dazzlingly brilliant does not shine a light on describing the impact of Aladdin at Newcastle Theatre Royal. I can’t remember when I laughed so much for so long that my ribs ached. Turning convention on its head, there is just a cursory nod to the rags-to-riches traditional theme in this extravaganza brimming with creative, comedic genius.
P.ublished 28th November 2025
Asia
Laos and Cambodia: Sacred Mekong Treasures
Laos and Cambodia are neighbouring countries in South East Asia who share rich cultural heritages, war torn histories, and the mighty Mekong river whose delta is known as the ‘Rice Bowl’ of Asia.
P.ublished 22nd November 2025
Cruising
A Luxury River Cruise Through The Danube's Seasonal Splendours
The Danube, a majestic waterway which Napoleon called the ‘Queen of European Rivers’, is the only river in the world to border ten countries. Flowing 1,770 miles from Germany’s Black Forest to the mouth of the Black Sea, its rich, cultural diversity spanning Imperial cities, fairytale castles, vineyards, and wildlife make it an increasingly popular destination.
P.ublished 15th November 2025
Motorhoming
Motorhome Makes And Models: What's Best For You, Part 2
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Which route will you take when choosing makes and models?
In our last Magic of Motorhoming article, we looked at key areas including classifications - and whether to buy new or used - to help you decide the best fit for your travel adventures.
P.ublished 1st November 2025
time for life
Autumn Glory: Making Time To Embrace New Seasons
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Top up your vitamin D by the sea. Images by Steve Hare
With hazy summer days a distant memory, autumn brings a season of transformation with crisp, vibrant leaves, harvests of colourful fruit and vegetables and crackling log fires.
P.ublished 28th October 2025
Motorhoming
Motorhome Dilemma : In A Muddle Over Makes And Models?
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Small, large, windows for views? – choosing the right one for you Images by Steve Hare
With hundreds of motorhomes and camper vans to choose from, selecting what’s right for you can be beyond bewildering. Will you be living and travelling full time in your mobile home - or will it be your holiday ‘go to’ mode of transport to explore your locally or further afield?
P.ublished 22nd October 2025
Sinner Or Winner? - The Lure Of Las Vegas
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Sensational Splash: Bellagio’s Musical Fountain. Images by Steve Hare
Las Vegas, often referred to as ‘The world’s biggest adult playground,’ is a perfect example of marmite. Visitors either love with a passion - or deeply detest - the extravagance and excesses of ‘Sin City.’ After an adventurous road trip on the iconic Route 66, our Features Editor, Sharon Cain, and Photographer, Steve Hare, submerged themselves in the city’s madness and mayhem.
P.ublished 11th October 2025
Motorhoming
European Travel: How To Avoid Being Fined, Banned Or Deported
For intrepid travellers, the anticipation of delving into Europe’s diverse cultures for limitless periods is hard to surpass. However, since January 1, 2021, when Britain momentously ‘Brexited’ from the EU, reveries of halcyon border-hopping days are tempered with stringent restrictions to avoid Brits outstaying their welcome.
P.ublished 1st September 2025
Americas
How To Lose Your Blues In The Windy City
Located on the banks on Lake Michigan, Chicago’s jaw dropping skyline merits its reputation among the world’s most iconic backdrops. Nicknamed The Windy City due to the icy gusts from Lake Michigan and colourful 19th Century tales of boastful politicians, the pulsating Midwest metropolis continues to play second fiddle to New York.
P.ublished 30th August 2025
Motorhoming
The Magic Of Motorhoming – Find Out If It's Right For You
With over a million leisure vehicles in Britain alone, there is no doubting the excitement and adventure this form of travel promises.
P.ublished 16th August 2025
Motorhoming
The Magic Of Motorhoming: Advice, Adventure - And The Unexpected!
Welcome to our newly launched column ‘The Magic of Motorhoming’ where we share fascinating insights and tips on a world which opens new and exciting explorations. Valued at a jaw-dropping £1.15 billion, the UK motorhome industry has witnessed an incredible boom as those with a sense of adventure embrace the independence of travel at home and abroad.
P.ublished 2nd August 2025
Festivals
Feast Of Blues, Jazz And Razzmatazz For Festival Milestone Birthday
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
Festival founder Simon Cunliffe-Lister (centre) Images by Steve Hare
In 2007, Simon Cuncliffe-Lister, the owner of Burton Agnes Hall and passionate saxophonist opened the doors of his stately family manor home and hosted a jazz and blues festival. Fast forward eighteen years, and Burton Agnes Jazz & Blue’s Festival is hailed as a premier, talent packed Northeast event which pulsates with energy and fun.
P.ublished 14th July 2025
Europe
Granada : An Exquisite Andalucian Jewel
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Travel Editor
The grandiose of Granada. Images by Steve Hare
An historic, opulent gem in Andalucia’s crown, Granada embodies the energy and passion of Spain, elevating the buzz of a city break to new levels. While exploring the city’s architectural and cultural treasures without visiting the Alhambra would be like visiting Rome and giving the Colosseum a wide berth, Granada’s magic extends far beyond the palace walls.
P.ublished 11th July 2025
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