Autumn 2025: 20 Must-See Theatre Shows in Newcastle

Theatre Royal

Musical fans are in for a treat at Theatre Royal this autumn with not one but two fantastic productions. First up, catch a classic with Miss Saigon – the enduring tale of love and loss following an ill-fated romance between a young Vietnamese woman and an American GI at the end of the Vietnam War. (4^th – 25^th October)

Next up, it’s Here & Now, a brand-new jukebox musical co-produced by and based on the songs of the legendary pop band Steps. Expect Steps bangers galore - 5, 6, 7, 8, Better Best Forgotten and Last Thing On My Mind included – as the employees of seaside superstore Better Best Bargains “take a chance on a happy ending”. (28^th October – 2^nd November)

In November, Theatre Royal is joining forces with Opera North to introduce young ‘uns to the art of opera with The Big Opera Mystery. Aimed at kids aged 5-12, this family-friendly show invites you to don your thinking caps and help unveil the identity of an expert thief from a cast of some of the greatest opera characters of all time! (8^th November) 

If football is more your thing, then you’ll not want to miss Dear England when the Olivier Award-winning hit stops by Theatre Royal this November on its national tour. Described as a “gripping examination of nation and game”, the play delves into Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England manager in an epic football tale that’s as heart-breaking as it is uplifting. (11^th – 15^th November)

Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Tyne Theatre & Opera House is totally slaying it this autumn and set to welcome comedian Brendan Murphy and his hilarious show Buffy Revamped. Bringing audiences the whole 144 episodes of hit 90s show Buffy the Vampire Slayer compressed into 75 minutes through the eyes of anti-hero Spike, it’s a must-do whether you’re a Buffy fanatic or not! (24^th September)

There’s fun for all the family a few days later when Cirque: The Greatest Show – Reimagined takes over the Tyne Theatre stage. An awe-inspiring fusion of musical theatre and circus acts starring Britain’s Got Talent golden buzzer winner Max Fox, it’s bound to dazzle audience both young and old(er)! (28^th September)

Autumn, of course, means that spooky season is upon us and there’s no better way to celebrate Halloween than going to see Garth Marenghi (aka comedian Matthew Holness) on his This Bursted Earth Book Tour! The self-proclaimed “master of the macabre” will reveal three new cursed and camp horror tales and there’s the chance to buy signed hardback copies of the book on the day for Garth Marenghi mega fans too! (31^st October)

The comedy continues at Tyne Theatre & Opera House continues in November when local comedian Gavin Webster stops by with his new show Glory Be, It’s Gavin Webster. Featuring brand-new routines, surreal set pieces and Gavin’s signature sardonic style, it’ll having you laughing though ‘til Christmas! (21^st November)

Live Theatre

Believe it or not, but it’s been a quarter of a century since the BAFTA-winning, North East set film Billy Elliot was released and Live Theatre are marking the occasion with a very special event – Celebrating 25 Years of Billy Elliot. Dr. James Leggott, film/TV expert and Northumbria University professor, will be joined by Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall for a discussion about the film and audiences can expect appearances from some very special guests from the Billy Elliott cast. (19^th September)

The following month, Live Theatre is set to be filled with laughter when North East comedy collective Metroland stop by with their brand-new show Metroland Live. Since forming, they built up a cult following (including a fan in Sam Fender!) for their hilarious online skits and now you get to see them in the flesh – lucky you! (15^th – 18^th October)

You could say that autumn at Live Theatre is “Lee Hall season” because Durham-based theatre company Ensemble ’84 is joining forces with South Africa’s Isango Ensemble to bring his adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children to the stage in October. Expect to be gripped as its heroine Anna Fierling – aka Mother Courage – fights to keep her family together and her business intact against the backdrop of the Thirty Years War.

Big Ange, the latest play from Gerry & Sewell writer Jamie Eastlake, rounds out a fantastic autumn season at Live Theatre in late November. Set in a rundown town, it explores growing up in a politically fractured world through the lens of a teenage football squad and its titular heroine – a no-nonsense school dinner lady – who takes on the rise of the far right. (6^th – 22^nd November)

Alphabetti Theatre

Get set for a variety show with a difference when Mr Funbles’s Sunday Portal makes a return to Alphabetti Theatre this September. Blending a heady mix of alternative comedy, circus, drag, burlesque, theatre and music, this is one for those who like their comedy offbeat and ever so slightly ridiculous. (13^th September)

Next, get ready to welcome Houmi Miura and her debut one-woman show In The Beginning Woman Was The Sun to Alphabetti. Exploring her identity as a Japan-British woman and challenging Western preconceptions, join Houmi on her quest to find a hero that looks like she does in this celebration of iconic Japanese women. (25^th – 26^th September)

Irish drag priest Father JC has wowed audiences at venues like London’s Soho Theatre and Roundhouse and now he’s bringing his Holy Show to the Toon! Expect music, mayhem and holy hilarity in droves when this unique drag king show takes to the Alphabetti boards. (16^th - 17^th October)

Brought to you by Queer Diary CIC and theatre maker Beth Watson, Hasbian is a hilariously relatable look into growing up queer in the 1990s. Featuring tales from Beth’s own teenage diaries, the play delves into the rollercoaster of teenage queer life – y2k pop anthems, indie angst anthems and prejudice included. (23^rd October)

Northern Stage

If you’ve got fond memories of watching Jurassic Park back in the nineties, then you’ll not want to miss Hold On To Your Butts at Northern Stage – the ultimate parody of the 1993 blockbuster. Made by fans for fans, it’s hilarious and chaotic and a t-rexcellent is guaranteed! (26^th September)

Newcastle-born actor and writer Lois Amber Toole’s debut one-woman show Post Traumatic Slay Disorder took London by storm and now she’s bringing it back home to Northern Stage! The dark comedy follows a twenty-something named Kit as she moves to London hot on the tails of a PTSD diagnosis – funny and moving, it’s an autumn must-see. (17^th October)

Next up, Northern Stage is embracing the Halloween vibes with Birdwatching – a folk horror about the female experience from Sheffield’s Black Bright Theatre. Set deep in the woods of Northumberland, the play follows a trio of female friends gathering for one last knees-up before one of them emigrates overseas. Tensions soon rise and old wounds soon resurface as someone (or something!) watches them from the woods – prepare to be spooked! (25^th October)

For something a little less frightening at Northern Stage this autumn, look no further than Spot’s Birthday Party! Ideal for kids aged two and over, this engaging and interactive production is based on the Eric Hill classic Happy Birthday Spot and invites you to join Spot’s celebrations with his friends and family. Expect songs, dancing and interactive games with what promises to be the best birthday party ever! (29^th October – 2^nd November) 

So, whether you want to get lost in a musical, laugh your sock off with some comedy or treat your little ones to their first theatre show, Newcastle’s theatres have you sorted this autumn!

Main image: The cast of Dear England in the West End 2023, Photo by Marc Brenner

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