January 2025: 10 Unmissable Events in Newcastle
Kickstart 2025 with our round-up of unmissable events in Newcastle this January
Ah, January. A time for new beginnings, resolutions… and recovering from all the Christmas nights out!
Whether you’re headed into the new year with a lengthy list of everything you want to achieve, or you’re just happy to take things slow, make sure you get 2025 off to a cracking start with our choice of January’s unmissable events.
The Big Flea Market @ Boiler Shop
If Christmas shopping hasn’t quite scratched that bargain-hunter itch, then head to The Big Flea at the Boiler Shop this January. It’s a treasure trove of hidden gems just waiting to be found, including mid-century/retro homeware and antiques. And that’s not forgetting the plant stalls, vintage fashion and local designer makers. We can’t wait to see everyone’s hauls!
Sunday 19th January 2025, From £2 / Under 16s go free
Annual Adult Panto: Rapunzel @ Boulevard
Panto season might technically be over, but Boulevard are keeping the good vibes going with their hilarious annual adult panto. This year, Rapunzel ‘Things Are Getting Hairy’ will be taking to the stage, with none other than Miss Rory, Dame Patsy and Tom Whalley starring. Prepare for some “fairy tale filth”!
Friday 17th January – Sunday 9th February 2025, From £15
Murder on the Orient Express @ Theatre Royal
If you’ve not had your Cluedo fill over Christmas, then catch Murder on the Orient Express at the Theatre Royal this month. Michael Maloney (Belfast; Young Victoria; The Crown) will be playing the moustache-twirling sleuth, bringing one of the greatest literary murder mysteries to life. All aboard!
Tuesday 14th – Saturday 18th January 2025, From £21
Les Misérables @ Utilita Arena
Nevermind One Day More, there’ll be six chances to see Les Misérables at the Utilita Arena this January! Celebrating the beloved musical’s fortieth year in London, the production has received an extraordinary new design – specifically created for larger venues – while legends Alfie Boe and Michael Ball will be returning to the stage too.
Thursday 2nd – Sunday 5th January 2025, Prices vary
Skate it Off @ Life Science Centre
Not long after New Year's Day, there'll be a chance to Skate it Off at the Life Science Centre! Grab your friendship bracelets and head for a spin around the rink to all your favourite Taylor tunes. Just remember your cardigan to help stay warm!
Friday 3rd January, £15 (adult) / £13.50 (child age 10 and under) / £11.50 (child age 9 and under) / £46 (family of 4, max 2 adults) / Free (carer)
Quiz Night @ Blackfriars Restaurant
Put your wits to the test with Blackfriars Restaurant’s Quiz Night! Led by quiz master Paul Innes Magic Man, you’ll be competing inside their King’s Suite – where there’s also a licensed bar stocked with Blackfriars’ own home-brewed ale from their microbrewery. Oh, and that’s not forgetting that your ticket includes a welcome fizz, beer or soft drink, as well as a shared ploughman’s board for your team. Just don’t forget your thinking cap!
Friday 17th January 2025, £15 per person (maximum 6 in a team)
Nerys Johnson: Disability and Practice @ Laing Art Gallery
Celebrating the life and work of local artist and curator Nerys Johnson, you’ll be able to visit the new exhibit Disability and Practice at the Laing Art Gallery this year. Exploring her lived experience of rheumatoid arthritis and its impact on her work, it’ll be an incredible body of Johnson’s work to explore.
Sunday 21st December 2024 – Saturday 6th December 2025, Free entry (donations welcome)
The Sunday Night Laugh-In @ The Stand
While The Stand might not necessarily be the first place you think of for something more chill, their Sunday Night Laugh-In promises just that. There’ll be at least five acts on the bill, bringing a more laidback vibe to the venue while keeping you smiling throughout the night.
Sunday 5th January 2025, £12 (standard) / £10 (concession) / £6 (members)
Grand Theft Hamlet + Q&A @ Tyneside Cinema
What do you get when you cross Shakespeare with videogames? Grand Theft Hamlet, of course! This innovative documentary follows theatre actors Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls as they take on their biggest challenge yet: staging a full production of Hamlet within Grand Theft Auto during the COVID-19 lockdown. Sam Crane will also be on hand for a very special Q&A on the night too!
Wednesday 8th January, From £12.75
Newcastle Legends Presents an Evening with The Entertainers @ Tyne Theatre & Opera House
One for the sports fans now, as The Entertainers (a.k.a. Peter Beardsley, Lee Clark, Rob Lee, Ruel Fox, Liam O’Brien, Steve Howey, John Beresford, Paul Bracewell, Kevin Scott, Brian Kilcline, Steve Watson, Darren Peacock, Keith Gillespie) arrive at Tyne Theatre & Opera House. Hosted by John Gibson, they’ll be discussing seasons 1992-95, including Kevin Keegan’s arrival and their early Premier League days.
Friday 24th January 2025, From £28
To some, January’s a quiet month - a time to recover from the festive season. But as we’ve proved so many times before, Newcastle’s never slowing down. So whether you want to fill one weekend in the calendar – or all of them! – there’s plenty to be enjoying this January.
Main image: Hedge Rose Hips & Maysii on Blue & Black by Nerys Johnson (2000). Laing Art Gallery
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