There is a sizzling line up for Summer 2025 at Live Theatre, Newcastle with a host of sensational shows from exciting national companies on tour. The season features a bumper offering of LGBTQ+ productions, comedy, drama, music and political satire.
The programme kicks oƯ on Thursday 5 June with off by Ben Fensome and starring
Jamal Franklin. Emmerson and Ward’s funny yet poignant body positive solo show
tackles body image pressure, social media envy and one gay man’s journey to acceptance.
Rum written and performed by Joe Mallalieu on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 June is a darkly
humorous and powerful new play from Max Emmerson Productions that wrestles with
masculinity, mental health and addiction in the building trade.
A moving tale of love, loss and football, The Bench by former BBC TV presenter JeƯ Brown
plays from Wednesday 11 to Saturday 14 June. A CaroleW Productions and Gala
Durham co-production, this is a poignant, humorous and sensitive love story set against
the darker side of professional football.
New Writing North and Live Theatre present Book of Crow by acclaimed North East writer
Anna Barker on Tuesday 17 June. A dramatic poetry reading read by Emmerdale’s Natalie
Ann Jamieson with live music by The Shining Levels and dance from Alicia Meehan the
work is presented as a dialogue between a woman and a belligerent crow, swinging
between heartache and humour.
Live Theatre is delighted to welcome special guest, comedian and actress Josie Lawrence
to the venue on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 June for What Next? a one woman play created
especially for the Newcastle Quayside theatre. There is no script, no map and no
preparation, just Josie, a live musician and the audience who will help her decide what
next…
Bet’ n Lev Theatre bring Remythed on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 June, a show full of
insight, dreams and wisdom that reimagines myths and legends and is a joyful
reimagination of what queer history could look like.
Trans Performance Now is a celebration of trans-led UK theatre and performance hosted
in collaboration with Northumbria University and Curious Arts from Friday 27 to Sunday
29 June.
Jump aboard the queerest TARDIS in time and space for a fun night of cosmic drag and
cabaret, inspired by Doctor Who on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 July. The Gallifrey Cabaret is
a supermassive night of extraterrestrial entertainment full of surprises.
Returning to Live Theatre from Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 July are Awkward
Productions and their award-winning show Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story.
Combining drag, multimedia, puppetry, audience interaction and a lot of queer joy, it is as
hilarious as it is tasteless.
When We Were Young from Geez A Break Productions on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday
16 July goes beyond the tabloid stereotypes of NEDS/CHAV to tell a powerful and hilarious
story about the realities of gang culture in 90’s Glasgow. The 90’s is also the setting for a
family caught up in the recession in Worklight Theatre’s It’s The Economy, Stupid! on
Thursday 17 July. Based on a true story this sharp new play reveals the humanity behind
economics.
Newcastle-based artist Jayne Dent aka Me Lost Me performs a special gig to celebrate the
launch of new album This Material Moment on Friday 18 July. The performance will include
live visuals and full band and support comes from Burd Allen.
The season closes with Ordinary Decent Criminal presented by Paines Plough, Live
Theatre and Ellie Keel Productions in association with Synergy Theatre Project. Running
from Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 July renowned political comedian Mark Thomas stars
as recovering addict Frankie in this brand new play from Ed Edwards.
Find out more and book for the hottest shows in town at www.live.org.uk or call box oƯice
on (0191) 232 1232.