Theatres

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    Newcastle is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with excellent theatre venues, attracting many popular artists and touring productions. Many of the venues we have listed here offer concessions for older people, so it is worth contacting them before you book. Newcastle and it’s surrounding areas are home to many theatres, staging the best in drama, music, comedy and dance. The Theatre Royal is a very popular venue in the heart of the city and Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre is the world’s oldest working Victorian theatre.

     To go straight to a particular Theatre click on the name. For details of current and forthcoming performances and events please visit the theatre’s websites.

    Tyne Theatre & Opera House

    The world’s oldest working Victorian theatre hosts an assortment of events including opera, theatre, comedy and pantomimes. Concessions for older people are available for some performances.

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    Live Theatre

    Live Theatre is a writing theatre based in Newcastle upon Tyne, which works with writers to transform ideas into performance. Live Theatre has a strong regional identity and the company aims to attract new audiences for its accessible work and to its friendly and informal theatre space.

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    Northern Stage

    Northern Stage is the largest theatre company producing their own work in the North East of England. As well as their own work, they present the best in local, national and international theatre. Concessions for older people are available for some performances.

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    People’s Theatre

    The People’s Theatre is the premier amateur theatre company in the North of England and one of the largest in the country. Every show is produced by their own members.

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    Theatre Royal

    The Theatre Royal is one of the most famous theatres in the country and has played host to the biggest names in dance, music, drama and comedy. It is also the regional home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, Opera North and the Rambert Dance Company. Concessions for older people are available for some performances.

    Limelight is a theatre club for anyone aged 55 years old and over, and provides the opportunity to learn more about companies and productions at the Theatre Royal. There are regular talks by the cast and crew of touring productions; members get priority booking for a programme of drama and dance skills workshops, which are being run specifically for the over 55s; and there are visits to other theatres and social events. For more information, visit the Theatre Royal website.

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    Little Theatre Gateshead

    The Little Theatre Gateshead is home to the Progressive Players, an amateur dramatic group who perform ten plays every year. The plays vary greatly from serious drama to light-hearted musicals.

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    Sunderland Empire

    The Sunderland Empire is the North East’s largest theatre. It plays host to large West End productions, as well as many other touring productions. Concessions for older people may be available for some performances.

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    Whitley Bay Playhouse

    Whitley Bay Playhouse has recently been refurbished. It hosts a range of shows and concerts. Visit the Playhouse website for details of current and forthcoming productions.

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    The Customs House

    As well as a theatre, the Customs House also has a cinema and art gallery. Concessions for older people are available for some performances. Free tickets are available for wheelchair companions.

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    Last updated: February 10, 2021