To mark February 29, which only happens every four years, we’ve rounded up 10 of the top things you can do in the North East on the day itself.
1. Madama Butterfly, Sunderland Empire
Producer Ellen Kent brings Madama Butterfly to Sunderland Empire on Saturday, February 29. It stars Korean soprano Elena Dee and the celebrated international soprano Alyona Kistenyova. Back by public demand, this award-winning opera returns in a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan. | Other 3rd Party Photo: MARICK
2. The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Gala Theatre, Durham
A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood, based on the book by Judith Kerr, is at Durham's Gala Theatre on Saturday. Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award nominated smash hit show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns on tour, celebrating over 10 years on stage. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger. The show is suitable for youngsters aged three and over. There are two performances on Saturday, at 1.30pm and 3.30pm. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Submitted
3. Holes, Theatre Royal, Newcastle
Louis Sachar’s multi award-winning novel Holes is brought to life in an inventive and creative new stage show playing at Newcastle Theatre Royal until February 29. Based on the novel and blockbuster film of the same name, Holes is a thrilling off- beat comedy adventure which tells the story of Stanley Yelnats. Born into a family cursed with bad luck, he finds himself accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Sent to a labour camp as punishment, he is tasked with digging one hole, five-foot wide by five-foot deep, every day. He is told it is to build ‘character’. But the tyrannical Warden is definitely hiding something. How will Stanley and his fellow inmates deal with her demands, her two cronies, plus the fearsome rattlesnakes and yellow-spotted lizards? And will Stanley and his new friends unearth what’s really going on? | Other 3rd Party Photo: submitted
4. Streisand, Billingham Forum
The Music, The Lady, The Legend – A Celebration of Barbra Streisand is at Billingham Forum on Saturday. The iconic sound of a legend in music and film is brought to life in this brand new production touring theatres across the country ‘Streisand’. Join Winter as she delivers some of the most beautifully crafted songs ever written or performed such as Send In The Clowns, Don’t Rain on my Parade, Woman In Love, Evergreen, Tell Him, The Way We Were & many more. She's backed by a live band. | Other 3rd Party Photo: submitted