Fabulous Family Fun at Newcastle Theatre Royal
This festive season, why not give the gift of Theatre and create memories that will last a lifetime? Younger audiences are in for a real treat with a whole host of family favourite shows coming up at Newcastle Theatre Royal in 2024.
There’s still time to catch Danny Adams, Clive Webb, Chris Hayward and Joe McElderry as they star in this season's pantomime Pinocchio which runs until Sun 14 Jan 2024. Featuring spectacular choreography, glittering sets, breathtaking special effects and a wonderful musical score which forms the backdrop to a tale full of adventure and hilarious slapstick.
February half term sees the award-winning musical Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World visit Newcastle Theatre Royal (Wed 21- Sun 25 Feb 2024). Audiences delight as inquisitive heroine Jade breaks away from her school trip to the local museum to take a peek into the Gallery of Greatness where she meets explorers, scientists and artists. From the producers of SIX, this heartwarming musical is full of incredible characters, inspirational moments and a soundtrack that packs a popstar punch.
Based on the much-loved picture book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt runs Fri 23 – Sun 25 Feb 2024. This mischievous celebration is the perfect treat for younger children, who can expect interactive fun and plenty of adventure as the intrepid ‘explorers’ wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud!
Beloved CBeebies and Disney+ character Bluey embarks on her first UK theatre tour with her younger sister Bingo, Mum Chilli, and Dad Bandit. Visiting Newcastle (Fri 8 – Sun 10 Mar 2024), with brilliantly created puppets, live actors and iconic sets, fans of the popular TV show will get to see the cast as they’ve never seen them before.
The stage adaptation of the bestselling novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class balances heart and humour (Tue 30 Apr – Sat 4 May 2024). When Ahmet’s classmates learn that he has fled his own war-torn country they hatch a magnificent plan to reunite him with his family. What follows is an unexpected and often hilarious adventure, highlighting the power of friendship and kindness, and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home.
Audiences can expect a whirlwind of fun and excitement as The Wizard of Oz lands in Newcastle (Tue 16 – Sun 21 Apr 2024) with its loveable characters and memorable songs. This uplifting tale of heart, brains, courage and friendship features iconic tunes from the original MGM film including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We're Off To See the Wizard.
Another classic adaptation, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is set to excite the next generation of fans as it flies into the region (Tue 4 – Sat 8 Jun 2024). Featuring unforgettable songs including Toot Sweets and Truly Scrumptious, when the family discover that a broken-down racing car has magical powers, they end up on a hilarious fantastical adventure to far off lands, delighting audiences of all ages.
Direct from broadway, The Kite Runner (Tue 25 – Sat 29 Jun 2024) is an outstanding and unforgettable theatrical tour de force. Based on the best-selling novel, this haunting tale of friendship spans cultures and continents, following one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. Studied by thousands of students across secondary schools, this enormously moving production is a stunning, poignant and emotive tale.
Audiences will “Move It, Move It!” as Karim Zeroual, best known for anchoring CBBC and reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing in 2019, leads the cast of Madagascar The Musical as King Julien, when it visits Newcastle Theatre Royal (Wed 10 – Sat 13 Jul 2024). Based on the smash-hit DreamWorks animated motion picture, this show is perfect for families, filled with outlandish characters, an upbeat score and adventure galore.
In the summer holidays, younger audiences can sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea with Peppa Pig! Packed full of songs, dances and muddy puddles, a firm favourite with young theatregoers, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out (Wed 21 – Thu 22 Aug 2024) guarantees giggles and snorts for all, and is the perfect introduction to theatre.
Fashonista Cruella de Vil’s evil plan to swipe the town’s puppies for a new fur coat means there is trouble ahead for Pongo, Perdi and their tail-wagging young pups as 101 Dalmatians: The Musical bounds into Newcastle for one week only (Tue 27 Aug – Sun 1 Sep 2024). The classic canine caper will be brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, witty songs and irresistible puppies – the perfect end-of-summer-holidays treat!
With a brand-new script, sets and costumes, The Little Mermaid will again be a first for Newcastle Theatre Royal. Returning to the iconic Grey Street venue for their 19th season, panto superstars Danny Adams and Clive Webb will once again be sharing the stage with celebrated local singer-songwriter Joe McElderry as well as legendary panto dame Chris Hayward.
Tickets for all performances can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010. Can’t decide? Opt for Newcastle Theatre Royal gift vouchers and your friends and family can decide for themselves!
Image: Madagascar, Mark Dawson Photography
