News: Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell to Make Newcastle Debut in 2025

 Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell to Make Newcastle Debut in 2025

🎭 Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures return to Newcastle Theatre Royal in summer 2025 with the acclaimed production of The Midnight Bell, playing from Tuesday 8 to Saturday 12 July 2025 — marking its first visit to the city.

Set amidst the smoky pubs and shadowy streets of 1930s Soho and Fitzrovia, The Midnight Bell tells a series of interwoven tales of desire, loneliness and fleeting connection. The story unfolds around the titular pub, where a collection of emotionally tangled characters gather each night in search of meaning, belonging, or perhaps just one more drink.

Inspired by the writings of celebrated English novelist Patrick Hamilton (Hangover Square, Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky), the show captures the bleak poetry and bitter humour of lives on the margins. Hamilton’s evocative world of working-class London, drawn from his own boozy Soho experiences, finds new life through Bourne’s distinctive choreographic lens.

First premiered in 2021 to glowing reviews, The Midnight Bell earned five nominations at the 2022 National Dance Awards. Matthew Bourne won for Best Modern Choreography, while Michela Meazza was recognised for Outstanding Female Modern Performance. However, this upcoming tour marks the first time North East audiences will have the chance to experience it live.

Matthew Bourne said:

“The Midnight Bell, with its entangled tales of lonely souls looking for love, was the piece that brought us back to national touring after the pandemic. I'm thrilled to be bringing this heart-felt piece to new audiences — please join us… mine’s a gin and tonic!”

As always, Bourne collaborates with an award-winning creative team, including Terry Davies (music), Lez Brotherston (set and costume), Paule Constable (lighting) and Paul Groothuis (sound), promising a visually and emotionally rich evening of dance theatre.

Renowned for reinventing classic stories — from Swan Lake to Edward Scissorhands — New Adventures brings its signature mix of drama, elegance and emotional power to this original and intimate tale.

Photos by Johan Persson

🎟️ Tickets for The Midnight Bell are on sale now via www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.