Flare Path, Darlington Civic Theatre, on Saturday
Epic wartime romance based on Terence Rattigan’s experiences as a tail gunner during World War II, Flare Path paints an evocative portrait of life in wartime Britain for the RAF bomber crews and their wives and sweethearts, who were left awaiting their return. Set in 1942 against a backdrop of heartache and quiet bravery, Flare Path tells the story of former actress Patricia, the wife of RAF pilot Teddy, as their marriage is tested to the limits by the surprise arrival of Patricia’s ex-lover and Hollywood idol Peter Kyle. An unexpected and dangerous mission over Germany puts Patricia at the centre of an emotional conflict as unpredictable as the war in the skies. Combining highly charged drama with a truly authentic taste of the fear, camaraderie and passion experienced by the men and women who fought to save their country, their families and each other. With heart-tugging, human emotion, Flare Path opens an unforgettable window into a pivotal moment in our history. This major revival comes from the producers behind the hit touring production of Birdsong and stars Graham Seed as Swanson (The Archers and Yes, Prime Minister) and Charlie G Hawkins as Percy (EastEnders and Birdsong). 01325-486555. 

The Northern Echo:
Funny Way To Be Comedy - Mark Thomas: Trespass, The Witham, Barnard Castle on Saturday, 8pm
Stand-up, activism, a dash of journalism and dollop of mayhem In Trespass, Mark Thomas brings us his usual odd mix of theatre, stand-up, activism, a dash of journalism and dollop of mayhem. Mark asks the question: If the ramblers of the 1930's were here now what would they do to open up the cities? How do we turn the skyscrapers and corporate squares into our playgrounds? He sets out to try and carve a small space in the urban world where mischief and random chance can lurk. No one knows where this show is going to end up. 01833-650930. 

St Cecilia Orchestra Spring Concert, Ripon Cathedral, 7.30pm
Following the great success of all six Brandenburg Concertos in February, the second concert of the Orchestra's Jubilee Year. A real treat of an evening is in store: Beethoven Overture Leonora No 3 and Piano Concerto No 4, soloist Hayley Parkes, followed by Brahms Symphony No 4. Hayley is one of the country's most promising up and coming young players. A finalist the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition in 2014, she is in great demand as a soloist, accompanist and chamber music player. Tickets at the door or in advance from Little Ripon Bookshop, the Cathedral Bookshop or 01765 677413.

The Northern Echo:

York Open Studios 2016, around York on Friday-Sunday and April 23-24
A big welcome awaits you at the 2016 York Open Studios, when nearly 100 artists and craftspeople are opening up their studios across two weekends in April. Take a peek behind the scenes at the workshops of painters, potters, sculptors, jewellers and a host of other artists whilst following the trail of studios in and around York. Discover beautiful handmade items for you and your home, perhaps trigger a new interest or simply enjoy a day out with a difference at this popular free event! There are more than 70 venues to choose from this year, offering a chance to discover art in a range of spaces which are rarely open to the public, from town houses to cottage workshops and adapted garden sheds, historic buildings including the Cemetery Chapel and Nether Poppleton’s Tithe Barn as well as community spaces. In all of them you will find the makers themselves ready to show you their work in person. Venues include Bootham School Arts Centre.
Studios are open Friday 6 – 9pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm. For full details and maps of all the studios visit www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk and for a free copy of the event programme please register online or email info@yorkopenstudios.co.uk, or call 01904-706123. 

The Northern Echo:

North and South exhibition, The Station, Richmond, opens on Saturday, runs until April 27
Carol Pairaudeau and Suzie MacKenzie first met during their undergraduate studies in Fine Art at Loughborough University. Since then their lives have taken different directions both geographically and metaphorically: while both have continued as practising artists, Carol now lives and works in the East Midlands, Suzie in the Scottish Highlands. North and South is their first exhibition together. The name reflects the artists’ geographical relationship to Richmond, but with family connections and fantastic local cycling routes The Station at Richmond was considered the perfect venue to ‘meet in the middle’. The work shown reflects the artists’ intimate engagement with locations and moments, from Carol’s lyrical large-scale oil paintings and organic screenprints to Suzie’s atmospheric collagraphs.