News: A New Chapter Begins: AlphaBetti Theatre's Spring 2026 Season

 A New Chapter Begins:

Alphabetti Theatre's Spring 2026 Season

 

Newcastle's award-winning fringe home announces an ambitious Spring season of theatre, comedy and new writing – and reveals plans for a landmark 2027 relaunch as it deepens its commitment to the artists of the North East.

There is a particular kind of energy that fills a venue on the cusp of transformation. At Alphabetti Theatre on St James Boulevard – Newcastle's intimate, fiercely independent home for fringe performance – that energy is palpable right now. The theatre has just announced its Spring 2026 season: a richly varied programme of new writing, touring productions, comedy, music, work-in-progress showings and community events that runs through to early June. But alongside the listings, Artistic Director Edward Cole has published a Director's Note that signals something bigger: a considered, determined reimagining of what Alphabetti can be – and a full relaunch planned for early 2027.

In 2023, Alphabetti became the first venue outside London to win Fringe Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards, and was simultaneously named Best Cultural Venue at the North East Culture Awards. That dual recognition underlined what audiences and artists in the region already knew: Betti punches well above its weight. Cole, who joined as Artistic Director 18 months ago following founder Ali Pritchard's departure, has spent that time in what he calls 'thoughtful transition' – and is now ready to show what comes next.

Photo: Stephen Oliver

A WORD FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Ed Cole's statement is unusually candid – a mixture of artistic manifesto, honest reckoning with the difficulties facing the sector, and genuine invitation to the region's creative community. It is worth quoting at length.

"Since arriving at Alphabetti 18 months ago, I've been guiding the organisation through a period of thoughtful transition, working alongside our staff and trustees to consider the best path forward for Betti, and more importantly, for the artists who rely on us. That transitional period is now approaching its most exciting phase as we move from imagining the next chapter for Alphabetti to making it real."

The centrepiece of that next chapter is a full relaunch in early 2027. Cole is explicit about what will drive it:

"It has always been my ambition to reimagine and revitalise what fringe theatre can be, and for Alphabetti that will mean a renewed and direct focus on opportunities for artists, genuine creative nurturing, and dedicated idea development."

From June 2026 onwards, the programming model will shift – fewer incoming tours and a greater emphasis on development for artists and ideas rooted in the North East. This will include a regular platform for work-in-progress showings and a brand-new associate artist programme. Cole is frank about the context that makes this necessary:

"As we are all very tired of hearing, we sit in an incredibly challenging moment for theatre. Across the country, productions, budgets and tours are being scaled back. A persistent lack of opportunity is leading to widespread disillusionment and the tragedy of unrealised ideas, unfulfilled potential and artists choosing to leave the industry entirely. Nowhere is this tragedy more acute than right here in the North East. Underfunding, broken promises and a lack of opportunity form the foundation of the region's shared narrative. It never ceases to inspire me when I see the resilience, commitment and endeavour of the brilliant freelancers in the region who consistently overcome hurdles to fulfil their creative ambitions."

Cole also acknowledges a painful organisational decision: in order to refocus for the relaunch, a number of fixed-term contracts will not be renewed from June. 'This is an incredibly difficult decision and one I do not take lightly,' he writes. 'I will never be able to thank each of those staff members enough for the immeasurable contribution they have made to Alphabetti and to the creative life of this region.'

The process of reimagining will be a collaborative one. A series of open-house events, conversations and planning gatherings will invite audiences and artists to contribute directly. The first of these – called Story Board – takes place on 15 April. Details are available via Alphabetti's website, mailing list and social channels. Cole's invitation to the region is straightforward:

"We need you to be part of what comes next, and to lend your voice to the future of this organisation."

THE SPRING 2026 SEASON

Before all of that begins in earnest, there is a rich and varied season to enjoy. Here is everything on at Alphabetti from now through to early June – something for every taste, most of it made or performed by the region's own.

FEBRUARY

Common Thread with Ilisha Thiru Purcell  |  Wednesday 18 February, 5.30pm | FREE

The season opens with Common Thread, a regular free evening of shared stories and creative writing, led by guest artist Ilisha Thiru Purcell. Now in its second year, Common Thread is part of Alphabetti's expanding commitment to nurturing writers at every stage. An invitation to 'scratch creative itches in pursuit of our own common thread'. Recommended age 16+.

InterAct Festival 2026: Black Teeth and a Brilliant Smile  |  Wednesday 18 February, 7.30pm | Pay What You Feel

The Northern School of Art's InterAct Festival kicks off with the first of three evenings showcasing students from BA Acting for Stage & Screen performing a range of exciting, dynamic theatre. Black Teeth and a Brilliant Smile opens the festival – come and see the stars of the future doing what they do. Recommended age 14+.

Work in Progress: The Whetherman  |  Saturday 21 February, 8.00pm | Pay What You Feel

Rhian Jade brings a work-in-progress showing of The Whetherman – 'a show about feeling joy, managing fear and keeping ourselves warm in a cold, stormy world.' The Whetherman is on a mission to figure out all things queer culture, or culturally queer depending on your point of view. The WIP strand is a cornerstone of Alphabetti's offer: stage time, rehearsal space and genuine artistic support for ideas in development. Recommended age 18+.

We're Not Getting a Dog  |  Wednesday 25 February, 7.30pm | Pay What You Feel

Sam Freeman brings a heartwarming comic story about making a house a home. Cole singles out this production as one of the season's warmly anticipated pieces. Recommended age 14+.

Alphabetti Writing Group  |  Thursday 26 February, 5.30pm | FREE

A relaxed, peer-led writing group for any skill level. 'A call to action for writers seeking cosiness and community.' The group runs monthly throughout the season and beyond – check the website for all dates. Recommended age 16+.

InterAct Festival 2026: My Mother's Funeral: The Show  |  Thursday 26 February, 7.30pm | Pay What You Feel

The second InterAct Festival evening sees Northern School of Art students tackle My Mother's Funeral: The Show. Recommended age 14+.

Fixing  |  Friday 27 & Saturday 28 February, 7.30pm | £3–£15

Matt Miller's Fixing returns to the Alphabetti stage as part of a nationwide tour, having debuted here in 2024. A show about family breakups, learning car maintenance and choosing the right shade of lipstick to do it in. The British Theatre Guide called it 'a warm-hearted expression of love… underpinned by a subtle and sophisticated theatrical and psychological intelligence.' Recommended age 14+.

Sam Nicoresti: Baby Doomer  |  Friday 27 February, 9.00pm | £3–£16.50

Award-winning comedian Sam Nicoresti opens the season's comedy strand with Baby Doomer – described as 'a glistening diamond hour of stand-up from “delusional trans comedian” Sam Nicoresti about love, insanity, and the hunt for the perfect skirt suit.’ A late-night treat. Recommended age 16+.

MARCH

Spoken Word Workshop with Papi Jeovani  |  Wednesday 4 March, 5.30pm | Pay What You Feel / FREE

Local poet and spoken word artist Papi Jeovani leads a workshop diving into spoken word poetry techniques and building skills around poetry rooted in our own unique voices. Recommended age 16+.

Our Little Hour  |  Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 March, 2.30pm & 7.30pm | Pay What You Feel – £15

One of the season's major headline productions. Live Wire Theatre, in association with Show Racism the Red Card, present an exciting new musical telling the true-life story of Walter Tull – the first Black footballer to play at the highest level and the first non-white British officer to fight in WW1. Described as 'powerfully compelling and hauntingly beautiful', this is socially essential and artistically ambitious work. Multiple performances including a Saturday matinee. Recommended age 11+.

Common Thread with Ilisha Thiru Purcell  |  Wednesday 11 March, 5.30pm | FREE

The monthly evening of shared stories and creative writing continues. Recommended age 16+.

Geet Northern Show  |  Wednesday 11 March, 7.30pm | £3–£10

The Geet Northern Show welcomes the biggest stars from the North onto its busted sofa for the comedy sketch show. Recommended age 18+.

The Reading Room  |  Thursday 12 March, 5.00pm | FREE

Brand new and entirely free: a monthly play reading group co-hosted by Alphabetti and Live Theatre. Cole explains the motivation: 'All too often new plays arrive in London or in other great locations around the world, disappearing before anyone from further afield has had a chance to engage with this new work.' The inaugural session will discuss Anne Washburn's Mr Burns: A Post-Electric Play. Recommended age 16+.

Amy Mason: Behold!  |  Thursday 12 March, 7.30pm | £3–£16

Described as 'thrillingly funny' by The Scotsman (★★★★), Amy Mason brings her acclaimed show to Betti. Recommended age 16+.

Damien McFly  |  Thursday 12 March, 9.00pm | £3–£15

Italian songwriter Damien McFly brings a unique, raw voice and an indie-folk sound to round off the evening.

Work in Progress: JOHNNY (the thinking man's poet)  |  Friday 13 & Saturday 14 March, 7.30pm | Pay What You Feel

Another WIP showing: JOHNNY examines male social conformity, exploring how pressure to follow traditional gender performance norms shapes male psychology and how profoundly shame enforces that conformity. Challenging, necessary work.

InterAct Festival 2026: Joseph K  |  Wednesday 18 March, 7.30pm | Pay What You Feel

The final evening of the Northern School of Art's InterAct Festival sees students perform Joseph K – closing out a festival that, across three nights, showcases some genuinely exciting emerging talent. Recommended age 14+.

Jorvik  |  Thursday 19 & Friday 20 March, 7.30pm | £3–£10

Charlie Blanshard's bold new immersive Viking theatre experience uses the Viking sagas to explore the modern day – and you'll be able to enjoy it with a glass of mead. Swords, stories and saga: Alphabetti doesn't do things by halves. Recommended age 18+.

APRIL

Abby Govindan: Pushing 30  |  Thursday 2 April, 7.30pm | £3–£16

Fresh off a sold-out international tour, Forbes 30 Under 30 international comedy sensation Abby Govindan returns to the UK with her new hour of jokes about dating, getting older and breaking generational curses. Recommended age 14+.

That's Not My Name  |  Wednesday 8 & Thursday 9 April, 7.30pm | £3–£15

Asylum Arts and Covered in Jam bring their five-star 'masterpiece of mess' (Broadway Baby) back to Alphabetti. That's Not My Name is 75 minutes of 'anti-psychiatric carnage using stand up, sketch and musical comedy to challenge diagnoses and our mental health system.' The borderline sell-out show is back, and it's not one to miss. Recommended age 16+.

Story Board – Open House Event  |  Wednesday 15 April

Not a performance, but arguably the most important event of the spring. Story Board is the first in a series of open-house gatherings at which Alphabetti invites audiences and artists to share their thoughts on the theatre's future: 'where we've been, where we are and where we should go.' Full details on the Alphabetti website and mailing list. An essential date for anyone who cares about the future of fringe theatre in the North East.

Colosseum of Chaos  |  Thursday 16 & Friday 17 April, 2.00pm (family) & 7.30pm (18+) | Pay What You Feel – £10

Andy Ross and Jack Fielding's hilariously chaotic combat comedy gets two performances a day: a family-friendly afternoon matinee (age 5+) and an adults-only evening show. Between contests, expect highly choreographed slapstick fight sequences, with the audience controlling the soundtrack via Alexa. 'It's ridiculous, competitive, and entirely in your hands.'

Post Traumatic Slay Disorder  |  Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 April, 7.30pm | £3–£15

Offie-nominated local performer and writer Lois-Amber Tool brings her acclaimed show to Alphabetti. Kit has a fresh diagnosis of PTSD and, living in a generation that navigates mental illness through TikTok, she is THE main character. Gobby Girl Productions called it 'a brilliant, must-see piece of writing.' Recommended age 14+.

Nadav Tabak  |  Friday 24 April, 7.30pm | £3–£10

Nadav Tabak creates a powerful solo show blending live guitar, percussion, looping and electronic textures into what has been described as 'a tribal-cinematic trance experience that feels part concert, part ritual, part dancefloor celebration.'

APRIL–MAY

Hold the Line  |  Wednesday 29 April – Saturday 2 May, 7.30pm (+ 2.00pm Saturday matinee) | Pay What You Feel – £15

The season's second major headline production. Heaton's own Sam Macgregor follows up his debut hit Truly, Madly, Baldy with an original new play set in an NHS 111 call centre. A comedy-drama about a health adviser facing the shift from hell when a patient unexpectedly dies during a routine assessment over the phone – untangling the story on both sides of the line. Cole is 'over the moon' to be hosting it, and with good reason: Macgregor is one of the region's most exciting emerging theatrical voices. Recommended age 12+. Four performances including a Saturday matinee.

MAY

Gavin Fairhall Lever  |  Wednesday 6 May, 8.15pm | £3–£10

A stunning explosion of colourful contemporary folk, combining 'the joyful tumble of Celtic trad, melodic warmth, vibrant rhythmic invention and the subtle expressivity of jazz harmony.'

Ayoade Bamgboye: Swings and Roundabouts  |  Friday 22 May, 7.30pm | £3–£16

The season's comedy bookend. Winner of Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2025, Ayoade Bamgboye brings his critically acclaimed debut show about suffering (and smiling) to Betti. An essential date for comedy fans. Recommended age 16+.

YEAR-ROUND: COMMUNITY AND CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Alongside the productions, Alphabetti's community and creative development programme runs throughout the season and beyond – and is being significantly expanded as part of the relaunch plans.

The Alphabetti Writing Group meets every two to three weeks (roughly fortnightly) on Thursday evenings at 5.30pm and is entirely free. It is described as 'a relaxed peer-led group for any skill level' – a cosiness-and-community offer for anyone who writes or wants to. Sessions run through February, March, April, May and June, with dates continuing into the summer.

Common Thread, led by guest artist Ilisha Thiru Purcell, meets monthly on Wednesday evenings at 5.30pm (18 February, 11 March, 22 April) for an evening of sharing stories and creative writing. Also free.

The Reading Room, in partnership with Live Theatre, is a brand-new monthly play reading group launching on Thursday 12 March at 5.00pm with Anne Washburn's Mr Burns: A Post-Electric Play. It will meet monthly thereafter. Free and open to all play lovers.

Regular playwriting masterclasses with industry leaders are also being introduced as part of the expanded writer development offer.

LOOKING AHEAD: JUNE 2026 AND THE ROAD TO 2027

From June onwards, as Cole explains, the shape of the programme will change. The theatre will be stepping back from incoming tours to create space for a deeper focus on artists and ideas from the region. The associate artist programme will launch, WIP opportunities will increase, and the open-house events – beginning with Story Board on 15 April – will gather voices and perspectives to inform the 2027 relaunch.

Cole's closing words in his Director's Note are worth holding onto:

"Every second we work at Alphabetti is spent with the region's artists in mind. That is what inspires all of us here as we turn the page on an exciting new chapter in the story of this theatre and of creativity in the North East. I hope that you can join us down at Betti and contribute to that story."

There is also one event already in the diary for December 2026: Eliot Smith: Return, an evening celebrating 15 years of Eliot Smith Dance, on Thursday 3 December at 7.30pm (£26–£30). A reminder that even in its transitional year, Alphabetti is still thinking about the work.

 

Tickets:

Address: St James Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4HP

Phone: 0191 261 9125

Box Office & Full Listings: www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/whats-on

Opening Hours: Wed–Fri 11am–10pm; Sat 6pm–10pm

Many events offer Pay What You Feel pricing. Alphabetti is committed to making theatre accessible to audiences and creatives regardless of financial background.