Winter 2025-26: 20 Must-See Theatre Shows in Newcastle
Pantomimes, plays, musicals and more… the winter theatre season in the Toon is shaping up to be epic
Get those diaries at the ready, theatre lovers, because we’re back with another seasonal round-up of the best shows happening in Newcastle throughout the winter.
Of course, there are plenty of pantomimes and festive family shows but you can also expect dance, drag, musicals, talks and more in December, January and February.
Theatre Royal
Theatre Royal’s legendary pantomimes are a Christmas must-do and this year’s production Aladdin is extra-special as it marks regulars Clive Webb and Danny Adams’ 20th panto. They’ll be joined by fellow regulars Joe McElderry, Chris Hayward and Mick Potts with a fun, family-friendly show that promises to be genie-us! (25th November 2025 – 18th January 2026)
“Double, double toil and trouble” is set to descend on Theatre Royal as it welcomes the world premiere of Weird in late January. A pop-powered musical that reimagines Macbeth through the lens of the fierce, fabulous and fun three witches – aka The Weird Sisters – it’s a must-see whether you’re a Shakespeare fan or not. (30th – 31st January 2026)
Next up, it’s time to don those sleuthing caps when Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal in February. The first-ever stage adaptation of the iconic ITV detective series, the show investigates the suspicious death of a young actress and is one that fans of British crime dramas won’t want to miss. (3rd – 7th February 2026)
The ultimate feel-good musical MAMMA MIA! makes a welcome return to the Theatre Royal stage from mid to late February. Join its talented cast and take a trip to an idyllic Greek island as you chronicle Sophie’s quest to find her father on the eve of her wedding with this heartwarming story told through classic ABBA songs. (11th – 28th February 2026)
Alphabetti Theatre
Catch Sally Pomme Clayton’s book The Mighty Goddess being brought to life on the Alphabetti Theatre stage this December. Featuring X-rated songs, spells and stories about goddesses – from the fiery virgin Vesta to the legendary Cybele, an ancient Anatolian goddess of fertility. (4th December)
Move over queens, because the North East’s best drag kings are taking to the Alphabetti Stage this winter with NE LADZ! The weather might be chilly but the ladz are ready to heat things up and get you embracing the spirit of Christmas too! (5th December)
A festive family-friendly treat awaits at Alphabetti this winter too with Who Stole the Christmas Pud? Follow heroine Ivy as she tries to solve the mystery of who pinched Mr Cracker’s Christmas pudding after being falsely accused of the festive crime in this delightful December production. (6th December)
Forever helping to push the boundaries of theatre, Alphabetti is joining forces with Fuse Theatre this winter with a brand-new edition of Lighting the Fuse, which sees a deaf artist create a performance in just five days. Created by Sarah Adedeji, this powerful work explores notions of faith, identity and belonging through the eyes of a black deaf woman. (13th December)
Live Theatre
Ever wondered where Newcastle’s famous kittiwakes go when the weather turns cold? You’re about to find out with Live Theatre’s new family-friendly play Where Do All the Kittiwakes Go at Christmas? Hosted by two kittiwakes, you’ll join them on a journey around the world, meeting plenty more feathery friends along the way, and exploring just what happens when there's no fish and chips left for the pesky birds to steal. (9th – 21st December 2025)
Si King of Hairy Bikers fame is also stopping by Live Theatre this December for an evening of proper craic and pies. Settle in as Si recounts his Propa pie restaurant journey so far with live cookery demos, hilarious anecdotes and the chance to ask him all those burning questions. Better yet, a Propa pie is included in your ticket, so come hungry! (16th – 17th December 2025)
Newcastle’s legendary improv group The Suggestibles are celebrating their 21st anniversary with Impro Pantso at Live Theatre this festive season. Expect unpredictable mischief and hilarity as you provide the suggestions and they provide the laughs! (18th – 19th December)
Legendary local actor and musician Jimmy Nail is kicking off 2026 with a string of dates at Live Theatre in January. Joined by fellow North East musicians including Trevor Brewis and Michael McCrystal, he’ll be performing songs from his hit BBC series Crocodile Shoes in support of a new stage musical currently in development at the theatre. (13th – 18th January 2026)
Northern Stage
Northern Stage is certainly embracing the family-friendly vibes this winter with a quartet of shows that both kids and adults will love. First up, it’s The Night Before Chrismouse – a festive tale told through original music and puppetry follows a mouse on a mission to deliver a present on Christmas Eve. (22nd November 2025 – 3rd January 2026)
Next, enjoy Northern Stage’s new take on an old classic with Beauty and the Beast. Told by two mischievous fairies, you’ll journey to rural France and meet the Prince as he tries to undo a displeased fairy’s spell in this magical and funny twist on a much-loved tale. (4th December 2025 – 3rd January 2026)
Northern Ballet is also putting a fresh spin on a classic tale with their production of Little Red Riding Hood. Join our heroine Little Red as she ventures into the woods and meets a hungry wolf who might not be as big and bad as people say in this enchanting mix of ballet, music and theatre. (7th February 2026)
And rounding out Northern Stage’s family-friendly winter shows is Zog, a charming musical based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffer’s much-loved tale of clumsy young dragon who wants to be top of his class at Dragon School. Featuring catchy songs and gorgeous puppets, it’s a show your little ones will love. (19th – 22nd February 2026)
Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Tyne Theatre & Opera House’s annual pantomime is another must-see and this year, they’re putting on a production of Cinderella starring panto regulars Charlie Richmond and Lewis Denny alongside Twist & Pulse, Maureen Nolan and radio legend Robbie Dee. Like last year, they’ll also be doing a hilariously naughty adults-only version in January too – but leave the kids at home for that! (5th December 2025 – 4th January 2026)
In late January, Tyne Theatre are hosting the ultimate girls’ night out with The Big Pants Party. An epic live concert featuring amazing vocalists and music celebrating sisterhood, expect to dance and sing the night away to classics by the likes of Sister Sledge, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. (31st January 2026)
Football fans are in for a treat this February when a trio of legends stop by Tyne Theatre with An Evening with Beardsley, Waddle & Gascoigne. Hosted by local football columnist John Gibson, the Newcastle United and England greats are set to discuss their colourful careers and VIP meet-and-greet packages are available. (13th February 2026)
If you’re looking for some family-friendly fun during the February half-term holiday, Tyne Theatre has you sorted with The SpongeBob Musical. Based on the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon, this “all-singing, all-dancing” show promises a magical time for audiences both young and old. (18th – 21st February 2026)
Whether you’re in the mood for a lively musical, some family-friendly fun or a talk with a local legend, there’s tonnes for theatregoers to enjoy in Newcastle this winter – so brave the winter chill and get those tickets booked!
Main image: Aladdin / Courtesy of Newcastle Theatre Royal
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