Autumn 2024: 20 Must-See Theatre Shows in Newcastle

Theatre Royal

In its first co-production in over a decade, Theatre Royal brings award-winning writer Isobel McArthur’s Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) back to the city this September. A raucous re-telling of the Jane Austen classic replete with modern pop classics, this West End hit is a must-see. Read our interview with Isobel McArthur and producer David Pugh to find out more. (19th-28th September) 

Hot on the tail of sell-out runs at Laurels and Live Theatre, Gerry & Sewell settles into Theatre Royal for a four-day run in October. One that footies fans are bound to love, the play follows two likely lads on a mission to nab season tickets for their beloved NUFC. Original cast members Dean Logan and Jack Robertson return in their titular roles and are joined by Bill Ward of Coronation Street fame and Liberty X’s Michelle Heaton. (2nd-5th October) 

What happens when the worlds of musical theatre and improv comedy collide? Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, that’s what! In this interactive, off-the-cuff extravaganza, audience help a writer meet a deadline by shouting out suggestions which are hilariously weaved into a brand-new musical before their eyes.  No two shows are the same and a laughter-filled night is guaranteed! (17th October) 

Opera North makes a welcome return to Theatre Royal this autumn with a trio of shows bound to delight audiences – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Ruddigore and The Magic Flute. Expect magic, mystery and magnificent music galore from their latest season in the city. (6th-9th November) 

Live Theatre

Football and politics collide in Rob Ward’s Love It If We Beat Them, which returns to Live Theatre this September following its debut at the venue last year. Set against the backdrop of Newcastle’s near-win during the 1996 Premier League, it follows Len – a longtime left-wing activist – as he decides to run as MP for the Labour Party and faces competition in the form of a New Labour frontrunner. Capturing an important turning point in North Eastern identity, it’s a play that’s bound to resonate with Geordies of a certain vintage. (10th-28th  September) 

Psychological horror takes centre stage at Live Theatre just in time for spooky season with Saint Maud. Based on the film of the same name, this adaptation by Sunderland-based writer Jessica Andrew follows a devout young nurse who moves to a remote seaside town to care for a terminally ill former dancer and becomes obsessed with saving her soul. Atmospheric and intense, this is a Halloween must-do. (10th October-2nd November) 

It’s enjoyed sell-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe, in London and the U.S. and now hit camp comedy Gwyneth Goes Skiing is coming to Live Theatre. Inspired by the infamous trial that saw jade egg-shilling Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow sued by an optometrist following a skiing accident, this hilarious production invites the audience to be the jury. (13th-16th November) 

Northumbrian pipe legend Kathryn Tickell takes to the stage for two nights in November to mark the 40th anniversary of her debut album On Kielder Side. Join Kathryn and her talented friends for an evening of music celebrating local traditions, cultures and stories. (29th-30th November) 

Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Once again proving its reputation as one of the city’s top comedy venues, Tyne Theatre & Opera House brings Fern Brady and her new show I Gave You Milk To Drink to Newcastle this September. Expect the Scottish comedian’s delightfully deadpan delivery as she ponders the question ‘What happens when you get everything you want but it’s not enough?’. (15th September) 

Continuing the comedy theme, Tyne Theatre is set to welcome Youtuber, comedian and viral sensation Max Fosh on the Newcastle leg of his first international tour in early October with his new show Loophole. Plenty of laughs are promised as the Newcastle University graduate chronicles all the loopholes he’s found and exploited so far. (3rd October) 

For something a little bit different, join journalist, filmmaker and author Jon Ronson as he revisits his best-selling book The Psychopath Test in October with Psychopath Night 2024. With fresh anecdotes and reflections, Jon and a cohort of mystery special guests will take the audience on a journey into the inner workings of the psychopathic mind. (24th October) 

Tyne Theatre regulars Sh!t-faced Shakespeare are set to return to the venue this autumn, but for those not familiar with the formula here’s the lowdown: each night a cast member gets outrageously drunk and attempts to perform one of The Bard’s plays. This time it’s the turn of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and we can only imagine the kind of hilarious, booze-fuelled mayhem that’s about to go down. (25th October) 

Alphabetti Theatre

Penned by local musician Ruth Lyon and Alphabetti Theatre founder Ali Pritchard, The Nurse’s Station blends theatre and folk gig to tell the stories of hard-working nurses in our NHS. Produced in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing and Northumbria University Nursing Department, the shows features real-life anecdotes from both seasoned and newly trained nurses and promises a celebration of their enduring spirit. (10th-28th September) 

For some family-friendly theatre fun, look no further than Picture Palace Live. The brainchild of local performing arts charity Boho Arts, it’s an interactive show that’s bound to delight little ones as it invites them to step into a world of make-believe and see whatever their imaginations can come up with come to life before their very eyes. (5th October) 

A timely and important play, My Name is Rachel Corrie is based on the diaries and emails of the titular peace activist who was crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer while protecting the home of a Palestinian family in the Gaza Strip in 2003. Performed by local actor Rebecca Glendinning-Laycock, audiences can expect a deeply moving account of Corrie’s journey from American suburbia to activism. (8th-26th October) 

Described as ‘The Shining meets My Super Sweet 16’, Creepy Boys is the brainchild of Canadian theatre artists Sam Kruger and S.E. Grummett and sees the duo take on the persona of a pair of creepy twin orphans about to throw their 13th birthday party. With a mix of sexy 2000s songs, satanic rituals and party games – plus plenty of audience participation – this is improv comedy at its most bizarre and hilarious. (25th October) 

Northern Stage

Mike Leigh’s cult classic play Abigail’s Party comes to Northern Stage this September and you’re all invited! Expect cringe comedy and more cheesy-pineapple sticks than you can... well... shake a stick at as the wonderful Laura Rogers stars as queen of suburbia Beverly whose cocktail party is disrupted by their 15-year-old neighbour Abigail's bash next door. (13th-28th September) 

The perfect creep-fest in the run-up to Halloween, Shock Horror promises to spook you silly this October. Inspired by classic theatre ghost stories, the play journeys into the haunted past of Herbert – man who grew up in an eerie old cinema, forbidden from leaving by his disturbed parents, where endless late-night horror movies were his only escape. Expect shivers, shrieks and shocking revelations in this spooky season must-see. (15th-16th October) 

The classic fairy tale gets a dark twist with local dance company BalletLORENT’s production Snow White: The Sacrifice. Told from the perspective of the Queen (played by dancer Caroline Reece), audiences will be plunged into her tortured inner world in a story brimming with cruelty, envy, and acts of heroism. (31st October-2nd November) 

Die Hard enthusiasts won’t want to miss Yippee Ki Yay, a hilarious and poetic retelling of the Bruce Willis flick from Fringe First winner Richard Marsh interspersed with anecdotes from his own personal story as a life-long superfan. Perfect viewing in the run-up to the festive season (yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie). (5th November) 

From comedy and dance to musicals and spooky season must-sees, there’s tonnes for theatre-lovers to enjoy this autumn in Newcastle – so get those tickets booked!  

Main Image: The Queen of the Night from Mozart's The Magic Flute, © Opera North