Join us as Northern Stage presents an exhilarating lineup of events that promise to captivate, inspire, and entertain. From intimate playreading sessions, festive adaptations, and unscripted hilarity, to breathtaking dance performances and thought-provoking narratives, these events offer a rich tapestry of stories and experiences. Immerse yourself in the artistry and passion of talented performers and creators, as they bring to life classic tales, contemporary issues, and vivid imaginations across diverse genres. Whether you're seeking laughter, introspection, or a thrilling escape, Northern Stage has something for every audience.

A Theatrical Tale: Unveiling the Magic at Northern Stage

This spring, Northern Stage in Newcastle upon Tyne is the place to be for an eclectic mix of art and performances. From the fiery passion of flamenco, through the poignant narratives of insects and self-discovery, to the magic of Shakespeare and immersive live storytelling, Northern Stage is set to deliver an unforgettable cultural experience. With internationally renowned artists like Daniel Martinez and fascinating productions such as 'The Vanishing Act' and 'Kim’s Convenience', audiences are in for an exciting blend of music, dance, theatre, and more!

Discover Northern Stage's Spectacular Line-Up: A Cultural Feast Awaits!

Northern Stage in Newcastle upon Tyne is set to host an eclectic lineup of performances in the coming months. From a cabaret exploring the importance of insects to a dance production inspired by James Baldwin's iconic novel, audiences are in for a treat. This season also promises a nostalgic nod to the Argos catalog, a political comedy featuring two of history's most powerful women, and much more. Join us as we delve into this exciting array of performances, each offering a unique and thought-provoking experience.

A Theatrical Showcase: From Insects to Iconic Novels at Northern Stage

Northern Stage in Newcastle upon Tyne becomes a cultural hub this spring with a diverse lineup of events ranging from Shakespearean drama and captivating one-woman shows to laugh-out-loud comedic mysteries and beloved children's stories. Join us as we explore the vibrant tapestry of performances and literary celebrations that promise to engage and entertain audiences of all ages.

A Cultural Feast at Northern Stage: Theatre, Comedy, and More

From nostalgic tales of self-discovery to spellbinding Shakespearian encounters, the Northern Stage in Newcastle upon Tyne sets the stage for a vibrant assembly of creativity in 2025. With events ranging from live literature and political satire to immersive children's theater and comedic improvisation, the lineup promises something for every type of theatergoer. Highlighting major contributors like the Royal Shakespeare Company, Kate Mosse, and Suzi Ruffell, this season is a celebration of art in its many forms, crafted to engage, entertain, and inspire the audiences.

Northern Stage Welcomes a Spectrum of Artistic Masterpieces in 2025

The Juggle is a brand-new tour from confessional multi-award winning comedian Suzi Ruffell.

It’s hard to be good all the time. A good mother, a good daughter, a good partner, a good friend, a good person. To be ambitious but not ruthless; a success but not a sell-out. A gentle parent but not a pushover. To be smashing life and make it look easy. The juggle. Suzi is exhausted and she hasn’t even started. This is a stand-up show and a support group! 

Suzi Ruffell: The Juggle

Northern Stage

The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show created by Jonathan Rockefeller features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 selling more than 48 million copies worldwide. Brown Bear, Brown Bear - now celebrating 50 years – has sold more than 18.2 million copies.   

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

11 years of weekly, behind-closed-doors meetings, where the destiny of a nation is shaped. 

Moira Buffini’s clever, funny and charming political comedy unlocks the palace door, imagining the untold conversations of two of history’s most powerful women, Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth II. 

Ronald Reagan, Denis Thatcher and an ensemble of familiar faces add to the biting satire and sharp humour as the gloves come off and personalities clash. 

Handbagged

Following the smash hit success of his Silver Jubilee show (“the best thing he’s done and that’s saying something.” ★★★★★ Telegraph) Luke Wright returns with a new set poems that get to grips with the idea of JOY. Is it possible, as a 42 year old to feel pure unbridled happiness, and what does it look like? 

The French novelist Henry de Montherlant said that “happiness writes white” but Wright’s not exactly starting with a blank page. With a mix of the of the comic and the wistful, JOY takes in consumerism, boozing, cancer scares, abseiling vicars, and the joy of language itself. We might have to go down to come up, but we’ll get there in the end. Come let a little joy into your life with a raconteur and wordsmith at the top of his game. 


Following hugely successful runs both in London and internationally, Kim’s Convenience is heading out on a UK tour! 

There’s humour and heart in every aisle… 

Now a global smash hit, this hilarious and heartwarming drama about a family-run Korean store that inspired the Netflix phenomenon, is written by Ins Choi, who calls the play his ‘love letter to his parents and to all first-generation immigrants who now call Canada their home.’


Kim's Convenience

Join Mouse on a draining adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories magical, musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic picture book, celebrating 25 years in 2024!

Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high-spirited Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?

Songs, laughs, and monstrous fun for children aged 3 and above and their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world

The Gruffalo

Don your deerstalker, grab your magnifying glass and get your ‘finger of suspicion’ at the ready because Edinburgh Fringe favourites, Degrees of Error, are bringing back their multiple sell-out show for your sleuthing pleasure. 

They’ll create a classic murder mystery on-the-spot in this ingenious improvised comedy. You, the audience, become the author as the cast act out your very own Agatha Christie-inspired masterpiece live on stage. At each show this extraordinarily talented company use audience suggestions to create a unique, original and extremely comical murder mystery just for you. All you have to do… is solve it! 

Murder She Didn't Write

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of her global No 1 bestseller, Kate Mosse is set to thrill audiences anew with her unforgettable one-woman show, Labyrinth Live: Unlocking the Secrets of the Labyrinth. 

With theatre at its most dazzling, immersive and dramatic, with music, imagery, and film, she will take us through history and mystery, on an epic journey across the breathtaking landscape of the Languedoc – of Carcassonne, Toulouse, Chartres and the Pyrenees.  

As she revisits the brutal 13th-century wars between Catholic and Cathar, 20th-century Nazi-conspiracy theories, and the modern-day Grail legends that still surround the legendary mountainside where the so-called heretics met their fate, she will also share the secrets behind her writing. Her characters will spring to life once more, in the light of her captivating inspirations, and the highs and the lows that helped her conjure up this timeless and beloved modern classic.   

Kate Mosse: Unlocking the Secrets of the Labyrinth

A perfect storm brings a feuding family and a king together on a magical island. 

 When Prospero escaped Milan with his daughter years ago, the chance to return didn’t ever seem possible. Now ruler of a magical island, Prospero has his chance; as the King of Naples and Prospero’s estranged sibling Antonio sail close to the island. Will Prospero take revenge, or will all be forgiven and forgotten? 

Following the success of last year’s Romeo and Juliet, the latest in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s series of First Encounters with Shakespeare productions makes this play about families, magic and forgiveness relevant for a new generation of theatregoers.

RSC First Encounters: The Tempest

Her one goal? Land a job at Argos!

She loves Argos. Life is full of deceptive, nonsensical rules, but there’s structure in the annual catalogue. Working there is her dream. She’s the perfect candidate. They have to hire her…right?

A nostalgic celebration of autistic self-discovery reminisces a life archived from the 1996 stripy-sofa edition until the catalogue’s extinction. This 70-minute tale follows our protagonist, accompanied by Archive, organisation personified, and Argos, the mythical 100-eyed-all-seeing Grecian Giant embodied in the high street shop.

Argos Archives

Phoenix Dance Theatre presents Inside Giovanni’s Room, a captivating full-length dance production inspired by one of the most important novels of the 20th century, James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room.

Choreographed by Phoenix Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director, Marcus Jarrell Willis, this new production set in 1950s Paris brings James Baldwin’s profound narrative to life through the powerful medium of dance.

In celebration of what would have been Baldwin’s centennial year, Marcus Jarrell Willis masterfully re-imagines the iconic novel, delving into themes of love, sexuality, guilt, and self-acceptance—subjects that continue to resonate deeply today.

Inside Giovanni's Room

Roll up, roll up for a cabaret show exploring the insect world as never seen before!  

A new performance about Earth’s disappearing insects. Made by Cap-a-Pie in collaboration with young people and insect scientist Dr Vivek Nityananda. 

Insects are vanishing, and this will cause big problems for us and the planet. Find out what makes insects special and the incredible things they can do before it’s too late.  

Featuring songs and performances inspired by the latest discoveries about insects from researchers at Newcastle University and beyond, and the brilliantly imaginative ideas from students at Hotspur and Christ Church CE Primary Schools in Newcastle. 

Come along to see our work in progress performance. The show will be followed by a Q&A with a panel of experts on insects. Dr Vivek Nityananda from Newcastle University will be sharing his latest findings and what we can all do to help insects thrive.   

The Vanishing Act

Following the success of his first two productions, which have captivated over 80,000 audience members across the UK, Ireland, and Germany in the last two years, Daniel Martinez returns with a new show focused entirely on flamenco dance. ART OF ANDALUCIA offers an immersive experience where the dancers take centre stage, bringing the passion and energy of Andalucia to life. Daniel will also perform new pieces from his highly anticipated third album.

The production features world-renowned dancer Angel Reyes, known for his work with Manuel Linan and Jesus Carmona. Angel’s fiery passion and flawless technique promise to captivate and electrify the audience.
Gabriela Pouso, the principal dancer of the Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company, also takes the stage. Her performances are a powerful mix of elegance, skill, and intensity, drawing audiences in with every movement.

Art of Andalucia | Flamenco Dance

Newcastle’s infamous hilarians return for their 17th year to create chaos on our A Christmas Carol set with their ever-popular mischievous misadventure into the unknown.  

Prepare for a festive treat of spontaneous songs and wild characters, and see your brilliant ideas transformed into a fantastically funny showdown of goodies v baddies. Dive into a raucous world of unscripted, uncensored hilarity where anything can happen. Banish your inner Scrooge, unleash your Christmas spirit, and turn your ‘Bah Humbugs’ into belly laughs as The Suggestibles conjure up a unique, musical spectacle from thin air, proving once again why this annual event is a must-see. 

The Suggestibles' Impro Pantso

Ding, dong, ding, dong, the bells are ringing because Scrooge is coming to Newcastle – and he’s meaner and greedier than ever. Bah Humbug!

Is it too late for Scrooge to change his miserly ways? Can a magical midnight visit to Christmases past, present and future help him to discover the true meaning of Christmas?

Charles Dickens’ classic story of ghosts, greed and goodwill will fill our stage with festive magic, music and merriment.

Northern Stage’s A Christmas Carol is the story you know and love (complete with all the trimmings) and will warm the hearts of the whole family.

A Christmas Carol

Beneath the Christmassy moon, under the snowy mountains, amongst a flock of woolly sheep, Jack is bored. Bored of watching sheep, bored of counting sheep but, most importantly, bored of sheep! 

Down in the village, just a whisper of a wolf will cause a panic… 

Join us for a wintery adventure and find out what happens when Jack cries WOLF! 

With original music, puppetry and a tale you thought you knew, from the makers of The Three Bears. 

WOLF!

Make friends and conversation when you join our informal script-reading group.

At each session you’ll read and discuss a different play in relaxed company with a hot drink included.

The group will meet in our Mezzanine overlooking the cafe/bar and we’ll provide everything you need, including the play texts – just book a place in advance and we’ll see you there.

Playreading Group

I was 23 when it came crashing into my life; without warning, when everything was going so well, just when I was really, really happy… 

 A three-woman, one-woman show about Multiple Sclerosis, MS for short, not to be confused with M&S or S&M. 

With 90s pop, a costume box and a whole heap of glitter, Bright Places is a darkly funny and deeply honest autobiographical story about growing up in the shadow of chronic illness. 

Bright Places

Acclaimed retelling of classic film Die Hard from Richard Marsh-Fringe First-winner, London poetry slam champion, BBC Audio Drama Best Scripted Comedy Drama award-winner and New York cop (one of these is untrue).  

When gunmen seize an LA skyscraper, off-duty policeman John McClane is the hostages’ only hope. This uplifting action romp (and unauthorised parody) celebrates the iconic 80s festive favourite while also telling the personal story of a life-long Die Hard fan. Essential viewing for Hans Gruber connoisseurs and newcomers alike.  

Yippee Ki Yay

In our family friendly version of Snow White, seven courageous miners graft for a world of opulence enjoyed by the Queen and her beautiful daughter, Snow White. The Queen’s quest for eternal beauty leads her into darkness, driven by her need to be the most desired at any cost. 

This dance theatre production directed by Liv Lorent features twelve extraordinary performers  adorned in stunning costumes by Libby El-Alfa and Nasir Mazhar. Retold by Carol Ann Duffy and narrated by Lindsay Duncan with music by Murray Gold. Set within Phil Eddolls’ stage design and lit by Malcolm Rippeth. 

Snow White

The classic fairy tale of Snow White is re-imagined into a savage and captivating adaptation. Delving into the psyche of a desperate Queen enslaved to her own harsh reflection, a tragic story unfolds brimming with cruelty, envy, and acts of heroism. This is a tale of a woman’s dread of aging, and her battle against obscurity through enacting monstrous fantasies. 

Directed by Liv Lorent, the production features twelve extraordinary performers adorned in stunning costumes by Nasir Mazhar and Libby El-Alfy. Retold by Carol Ann Duffy with music composed by Murray Gold, set within Phil Eddolls’ stage design and lit by Malcolm Rippeth. 

Snow White: The Sacrifice

 As partition draws closer, the girls remain oblivious to the spreading social unrest and violence. They’re too busy stealing books, swimming in the lake and spying on Rahul (the local hottie). When Naz is betrothed to a tailor from the soon-to-be capital of Pakistan the threat of separation for the young women looms on the horizon. Bound by their love for each other we learn how far they will go to avoid the inevitable.  

Santi & Naz

Meet Raven Varmint. She is always on the move, roaring, exploring and getting twigs stuck in her hair.

Her mother tries to keep her still, safe and hidden – but Raven has never known why.

On the eve of her 10th birthday, Raven discovers a powerful secret about herself – she was born with a wild heart. She decides to leave safety she has always known, but will her wild heart be accepted in the ‘neat and perfect’ town of Honeyville…?

Join Raven on a journey of bravery and discovery as she begins to understand her feelings and breaks out of the shadows into the beauty and freedom of her wild-hearted self.

Raven

An empowering and chuckle-out-loud story about embracing change – whether we like it or not. “In a wonderful place, at the breaking of dawn, where the breezes were soft and the sunshine was warm, a place where the creatures ran wild and played free…A Koala called Kevin clung to a tree”.

Join Kevin, King of the staying-still-kings, and his friends the wombats and kangaroos as they learn that “life can be great when you try something new!”

Based on the multi-million copy selling book by Rachel Bright & Jim Field published by Hachette Children’s Group, this brand-new adaptation for stage is directed by Emma Earle (Oi Frog & Friends), with music and lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer.

Northern Stage

Oct 16, 2025

Suzi Ruffell: The Juggle

May 28 - Jun 1, 2025

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

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