PROFESSOR Madawi al-Rasheed, professor of anthropology of region at King’s College London, will present a free public lecture entitled Islamic Journeys: Contested Pilgrimage in Contemporary Islam in room 201 of Durham University’s Elvet Riverside building, on New Elvet, Durham, on Wednesday (May 15) at 6.15pm. The talks is part of a series titled Calendars and Festivals: Identity, Culture and Experience.

CHARITY RUN: Marie Curie Cancer Care is looking for people to take part in this year’s Great North Run in aid of the cause. This year’s Tyneside half-marathon will take place on September 15. For more information, call the charity on 0845-052-4184.

THIS HOUSE: National Theatre Live returns to the Gala Theatre, in Durham, on Thursday (May 16) when This House, a new play by James Graham, will be shown on a big screen, live from the National Theatre. There will be an encore show on Thursday, May 23. Both shows start at 7pm. Tickets are £15 for adults, £13 for concessions and £10 for Friends of the Gala. To book, visit the Gala Theatre box office, go online to galadurham.co.uk or call 0191-332-4041.