Curious Arts will be taking over the historic Linthorpe Road venue for A Curious Night at the Museum from 7pm tomorrow night (Thursday, October 23).

The popular museum will be transformed into a celebration of Teesside’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community, creativity and culture.

Behind the glitter and games, the event carries a powerful message that queer joy, history and belonging deserve to be seen, shared and celebrated. 

Curious Arts, the North East charity known for championing LGBTQIA+ culture across the region, is inviting guests to explore one of Teesside’s most iconic venues in a late-night playground of art, music and connection.

Visitors can expect a mix of experiences including a silent disco hosted by Urban Kaos with playlists curated by Sapphires Middlesbrough and the team behind Smoggie Queens, to drag-led tours with local legend Monarchy and Curious Bingo filled with anthems from LGBTQIA+ musical icons.

Guests are also invited to join cabaret artist Roisin Crowley Linton for a burlesque workshop giving everybody, in every body, the opportunity to take their first steps into performing. 

One of the highlights of the evening will be a first look at Smoggie Queens: Behind the Scenes, a pop-up exhibition celebrating the award-winning BBC sitcom that put Teesside’s queer community in the national spotlight.

The show, written and filmed in the region, has become a love letter to Middlesbrough’s LGBTQIA+ community, capturing the unique mix of humour, friendship and working-class identity that defines it.

Hosted by Elijah Young (Stewart Park, Smoggie Queens), the display will include costumes, props, and on-set photography, giving visitors a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the series that’s helping shift perceptions of Northern queer life.

On the night guests can also take part in creative workshops, from banner making with local artist Bettie Hope to a Making/Queering Money mini-session with Robyn Ollett and Rob Hawkes, exploring how queer stories intersect with power and value.

Curious Arts creative producer Ellie Puckering said: “We’re so pleased to have been invited back to take over the Dorman Museum for the night to shine a light on the Tees Valley’s LGBTQIA+ community and culture.

“It’s been a minute since our last night together in 2021, but we’re back with an evening packed full of unique experiences to enjoy.

“Whether you’re looking for a good night out, the chance to see this iconic venue after hours or to spend time immersed in LGBTQIA+ culture, you won’t find another night out quite like it!

“While the night promises laughter and dancing, it also has a community purpose at its heart.”

Councillor Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor and Executive member for Education & Culture, said: “Pride is a big part of Middlesbrough’s cultural scene, and where better to celebrate that than in one of our best-loved venues.

“A Curious Night at the Museum promises a riot of fun and entertainment in an amazing setting, and a celebration of the town’s starring role in Smoggie Queens, underpinned by a serious message about tolerance and inclusion.”

All ticket proceeds will go towards supporting Middlesbrough Pride, ensuring that the next generation of LGBTQIA+ Teessiders continues to have safe, visible spaces to connect and celebrate.

A Curious Night at the Museum is supported by Middlesbrough Museums, Middlesbrough Council, Tees Valley Museums, and Arts Council England.

• A Curious Night at the Museum takes place at Middlesbrough’s Dorman Museum on Linthorpe Road on Thursday, October 23, from 7pm to 11pm. Ages 18 and over.