Winter 2024-25: 18 Must-See Theatre Shows in Newcastle

Theatre Royal

Theatre Royal’s pantomimes are always a festive must-do and this year it’s Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale The Little Mermaid that’s getting the panto treatment. Regulars Joe McElderry, Chris Hayward, Clive Webb and Danny Adams return for another year in what promises to be one of the festive season’s best shows. (26^th November 2024 – 12^th January 2025)

Love a theatrical murder mystery? Then don’t miss out on Murder on the Orient Express when it comes to Theatre Royal in January 2025. Starring theatre great Michael Maloney as Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, expect an evening of intrigue, mystery and plot twists aplenty. (14^th – 18^th January 2025)

It’s time to dig out those corsets and fishnet tights because The Rocky Horror Show returns to Theatre Royal, with Aussie legend Jason Donovan starring as the wonderfully camp Dr Frank-n-Furter. Better start practicing those Time Warp moves! (27^th January 2025 – 1^st February 2025)

Prepare to be dazzled by dance when the Scottish Ballet bring their latest production of The Nutcracker to Theatre Royal in February. Join Clara as she meets the Nutcracker Prince, Rat King and Sugar Plum Fairy and is whisked away to the Land of Ice and Snow and the Land of Sweets, with music by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. (6^th– 8^th February 2025)

Tyne Theatre & Opera House

If there’s another must-see pantomime during Christmas in Newcastle, it’s undoubtedly Tyne Theatre & Opera House’s annual show. This year, they’re putting on a production of Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs starring panto regulars Charlie Richmond and Lewis Denny alongside Dancing on Ice winner Regan Gascoigne and Twist & Pulse of Britain’s Got Talent fame. There’s even two adult-only version shows in January which we bet are going to be a cheeky blast! (6^th December 2024 – 5^th January 2025)

Football fans won’t want to miss out on Newcastle Legends presents An Evening With the Entertainers. Hosted by local football columnist John Gibson, the night will focus on the early years of Kevin Keegan’s time managing Newcastle United and feature appearances from football legends including Peter Beardsley, Lee Clark and Rob Lee. (24^th January 2025)

Get set for night of giggles when Scouse comedian Chris McCausland brings his latest show Yonks! to Tyne Theatre’s stage in January. Expect plenty of Chris’ self-deprecating humour as he reflects on his stand-up career and life so far. (29^th January 2025)

More laughter is on the cards when comedian and ventriloquist Nina Conti comes to Newcastle in February with her brand-new show Whose Face Is it Anyway? Unscripted, absurdist and featuring plenty of audience participation, it’s going to be a laugh-out-loud kind of gig. (20^th February 2025)

Alphabetti Theatre

Alphabetti Theatre is putting on two fantastically festive shows this December and first up is Little Miss Christmas. Starring the wonderful Patti Boo Rae, it’s a festive homage to queer pageantry featuring a different special guest artist every show. That means no two nights are the same, but hilarious lip syncs, live vocals and singalongs are guaranteed every time. (10^th – 21^st December 2024)

For family-friendly festive fun, look no further than Who Stole the Christmas Pud? The show follows young Ivy as she’s accused of stealing her next-door neighbour’s Christmas pudding and sets out to find the real culprit. (19^th – 21^st December 2024)

Live Theatre

Alphabetti Theatre is also joining forces with Live Theatre this December to stage Present – an energetic festive show with a difference. Penned by Alphabetti founder Ali Pritchard, the play follows homeless alcoholic Dave as he searches for a gift to give the grandson he’s about to meet for the first time. Powerful, funny and full of heart, Present is a must-see this festive season. (3^rd – 21^st December 2024)

It's Christmas central at Live Theatre throughout December and there’s plenty of fun for little ones with Blitzen on the Tyne which follows the misadventures of its titular reindeer as a violent storm en route from the North Pole to the South Pole forces him to make a stop right here in Newcastle. Written by Danielle Slade with the help of local schoolchildren, it’s sure to appeal to little ones. (7^th – 22^nd December 2024)

Blitzen isn’t the only Christmas character that’s heading to Live Theatre this festive season. In fact, the Big Man in Red is making a stop off with Santa at Live Theatre – a delightful mini-play for kids where they’ll hear an interactive story from Father Christmas himself and get to pop a wish list in Live Theatre’s Santa post box. (14^th – 22^nd December 2024)

Heading into 2025, it’s time for something a little different with Ishy Din’s play Champion. Set in South Shields in the summer of 1977, the hard-hitting play focuses on a mixed race family and the questions of identity and community that rear their head when legendary boxer Muhammad Ali pays a visit to the seaside town. (13^th February 2025 – 8^th March 2025)

Northern Stage

Northern Stage is fully embracing the festive season too with a trio of Christmassy delights for theatre lovers both young and old(er). The fun kicks off with Wolf! which runs until early January 2025. Inspired by Aesop’s The Boy Who Cried Wolf, the play features original music, puppetry and a new spin on a classic tale – perfect for keeping little ones entertained this Christmas! (27^th November 2024 – 4^th January 2025)

Next up it’s A Christmas Carol, also running until early January. Dickens’ classic festive tale gets the Northern Stage treatment in a production that offers fun for all the family as it follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he gets a visit from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future and discovers the true meaning of the festive season. (30^th November 2024 – 4^th January 2025)

For a little less family-friendly spin on A Christmas Carol, book up for The Suggestibles’ Impro Pantso who are producing their own hilarious and improvised spin on the Charles Dickens tale this December. Unscripted, spontaneous and based on audience ideas, it promises plenty of laughter for the older crowd. (19^th – 20^th December 2024)

By the time February rolls around, you’ll probably be sick of the winter freeze so why not catch Art of Andalucia: Flamenco Dance and be transported to the warmer climes of Spain? A captivating mix of dance and music featuring world-class flamenco dancers, it’s sure to be a highlight of early 2025. (8^th February 2025)

There’s lots for theatregoers to enjoy in Newcastle this winter – be it comedy, musicals, ballet or pantomimes – so take some inspiration from our round-up above and get booked up for some theatre fun!

Want to be in the know about everything that’s happening in Newcastle city centre? Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.