This year marks the centenary of the 1926 General Strike, and to that end there’s plenty going on in the north-east.

It’s said that the 1926 General Strike was the biggest rupture to society since the Civil War, and, largely thanks to Wisecrack Productions, there’s plenty of stuff happening in the north-east to mark its 100th anniversary. The appropriately named Centenary is taking place at The Glasshouse in Gateshead (4 May, 4pm & 8pm, £25.10) and will feature songs, comedy, sketches and recitations. Wisecrack Productions – who have been responsible for hits such as ‘Wor Bella’ and ‘Hadaway Harry’ – will also be bringing another hit of theirs The Cramlington Train Wreckers to the Theatre Royal (12 July, 3pm & 7.30pm). This tells the true story of how, in 1926, miners in Cramlington inadvertently derailed the Flying Scotsman leading to the imprisonment of eight strikers for 48 years. Both shows feature North-East Culture Award winner Micky Cochrane, who was their 2025 Performer of the Year. A Blue Plaque is due to be unveiled for the eight miners in Cramlington on 1 May; and there will be a Cramlington Train Wreckers’ Walk on 10 May. And no-one should miss The Northumberland Miners’ Picnic at Woodhorn on 13 June. On display here will be The Cramlington Labour Party Women’s Section banner from 1926 (pictured). These women played a tremendous role in raising money to get the Cramlington Eight released. RM

More info: cramlingtontrainwreckers.co.uk; wisecrackproductions.co.uk