Preview: Alphabetti Theatre Launches New Family Puppet Adventure ‘At Sea’ This Summer

Newcastle's Alphabetti Theatre Launches New Family Puppet Adventure ‘At Sea’ This Summer

Newcastle's Alphabetti Theatre is set to make waves this summer with a brand-new family production, At Sea, created by the acclaimed Life and Limb Puppets. Running from 16–23 August 2025, the show promises a magical and uplifting adventure for audiences aged six and above.

Illustration: Chloe Flockart

This non-verbal production blends imaginative puppetry, stunning projected animations, and an original score to transport audiences into an underwater world. The story follows a Sailor on a quest to recover their lost Heart Compass, leading them through dazzling coral reefs, a siren’s lair, and even the belly of a beast.

Life and Limb Puppets, one of the North East’s leading puppetry companies, are no strangers to captivating audiences. Their 2022 production Dragon was hailed as “visually stunning” and “a truly special show.” The company’s Artistic Director, Will Steele – also co-founder of Newcastle Puppetry Festival – describes At Sea as “an inspiring and hopeful production designed to be accessible for everyone.”

All performances of At Sea will be ‘chilled performances’, meaning a relaxed environment where audiences are welcome to move around and make noise. The non-verbal format ensures inclusivity, making the show ideal for D/deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, or those with English as a second language.

Each 60-minute performance is followed by a 20-minute ‘show and tell’ session, giving children the rare chance to see the puppets up close. With tickets starting at just £3, At Sea is set to be one of the highlights of Newcastle’s summer holiday calendar.

Tickets:

At Sea
📍 Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle
📅 Saturday 16 – Saturday 23 August 2025
⏰ Show times: 11am, 2pm & 6pm

🎟 Box office: alphabettitheatre.co.uk/atsea or 0191 261 9125

Preview: Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright Hits Sunderland Empire

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Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright Hits Sunderland Empire This September

Following its sold-out West End triumph, Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright—the wildly inventive, genre-blending stage adaptation by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith—is set to thrill audiences at Sunderland Empire from Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 September 2025.

Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton. 
Photo: Marc Brenner

Why North-East Audiences Should Be Excited

• Genre-bending brilliance: Critics rave about the duo's seamless fusion of macabre comedy, theatrical mischief, and genuine frights. Financial Times praises the show as “another wildly clever, madly innovative and suddenly moving show” filled with theatrical Easter eggs and haunted meta-theatrical layers.

• A spooky love affair with theatre: Time Out describes it as “a twisted joy… a genuine love letter to the theatre,” where stage-within-a-stage antics meet classic variety, vaudeville, and Grand-Guignol thrills.

• Pure Inside No. 9 nostalgia: Fans will delight in live recreations—like the iconic Bernie Clifton’s Dressing Room—alongside fresh, unpredictable storytelling.

• Theatrical thrills: From electrifying prologues (never has a theatre etiquette public service announcement been so violent!) to cleverly embedded jump scares, the show keeps you gripping your seat.

Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton. 
Photo: Marc Brenner

What’s Touring and Who’s Behind the Curtain

• UK Tour: After dazzling London, the production embarks on a major UK tour. Sunderland Empire welcomes the show 16–20 September 2025, followed by stops in Canterbury, Birmingham, Manchester, Oxford, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and more.

• The Creators & Cast: Pemberton and Shearsmith, both acclaimed for Inside No. 9 and earlier work like The League of Gentlemen, wrote and continue to star in this stage version—directed by Simon Evans, with a talented ensemble including Anna Francolini, Miranda Hennessy, Rebecca Bainbridge, among others.

• Celebrity “hostages”: A beloved tradition continues—every performance features a surprise celebrity guest taken “hostage” on stage. The West End run included names like Stephen Fry, Matt Lucas, Lenny Henry, Rob Brydon, Bob Mortimer, Meera Syal, David Walliams, Emilia Fox, and many more.

• Olivier nomination: The production earned a nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play at this year’s Olivier Awards.

Steve Pemberton. 
Photo: Marc Brenner

Insider Insight from the Creators

In a Times interview, Pemberton and Shearsmith emphasized how deeply personal and collaborative the play felt—blending spontaneity and structure, comedy and farewell to their decade-long TV series. Pemberton humorously dismissed the idea of their tour as a “swan-song,” calling it “a load of bollocks” and inviting audiences to experience their theatrical send-off first hand.

Reece Shearsmith. 
Photo: Marc Brenner

North East Preview Summary

Why You Should Go	What to Expect
A rare UK tour stop in Sunderland	Inside No. 9 Stage/Fright runs from 16–20 Sept 2025
A perfect blend of horror, wit, theatre lore, nostalgia	Expect thrills, frights, surprises, and live celebrity cameos
Critical and fan acclaim	Sold-out West End run, Olivier-nominated, praised by FT, Time Out, Guardian
Live stage magic reimagining a cult TV favourite	Meta storytelling, theatrical illusions, Easter eggs, emotional resonance

Whether you're a die-hard Inside No. 9 fan or a lover of dark, unpredictable theatre — this tour stop is not to be missed. Sunderland, prepare for a night of deadpan levity, genuine chills, and theatrical delight with Pemberton, Shearsmith, and co.

Tickets: 

Available from official supplier ATG Tickets LINK

Preview: War Horse: A Theatrical Masterpiece Gallops into Newcastle

War Horse: A Theatrical Masterpiece Gallops into Newcastle

This September, one of the most celebrated theatrical events of the 21st century will arrive at Newcastle Theatre Royal for the very first time. The National Theatre’s multi-award-winning production of War Horse runs from Wednesday 10 – Saturday 20 September 2025, giving North East audiences the chance to experience the epic story of Joey, the horse who captured the world’s heart.

From Page to Stage: The Origins of War Horse

War Horse began life as a children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo, published in 1982. Set against the devastating backdrop of the First World War, it tells the story of Albert, a young boy from Devon, and his beloved horse Joey. When Joey is sold to the Cavalry and shipped off to France, Albert sets out on a perilous journey to reunite with him. The novel—exploring themes of war, courage, family, and reconciliation—has sold over two million copies worldwide and been translated into 44 languages.

It wasn’t until 2007, however, that the story took on a new life on stage. Adapted by Nick Stafford and co-directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, War Horse premiered at the National Theatre in London. What made it truly revolutionary was the groundbreaking puppetry by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company. Their life-sized horses, crafted from cane and leather, didn’t just mimic animals—they became them, breathing, galloping, and charging across the stage in a way that stunned audiences and critics alike.

A Global Phenomenon

From its premiere in 2007, War Horse quickly became a phenomenon. It transferred to the New London Theatre in 2009 and went on to tour the world, with productions in Broadway, Berlin, Toronto, and across North America and Europe. To date, the play has been seen by over 8.3 million people in 97 cities across 14 countries, earning more than 25 major awards.

The scale of its impact cannot be overstated—it is the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre and has inspired a generation of theatre-makers. Even when its second world tour was cut short in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, audiences and artists alike held onto the hope that Joey would one day return to the stage.

The 2025 Tour: A Reimagined Vision

This all-new tour, co-produced with Michael Harrison (the Newcastle-born producer behind the Theatre Royal’s record-breaking pantomimes), brings War Horse back to UK stages with fresh energy. Directed once again by Tom Morris with revival director Katie Henry, the production will feature reimagined designs by Rae Smith and additional music by Adrian Sutton.

Alongside the iconic puppetry of Handspring, the show is enriched by stirring folk-inspired songs from John Tams, evocative sound design, and breathtaking visual projections by 59 Productions. The creative team includes leading lights in theatre, from puppet director Matthew Forbes to choreographer Toby Sedgwick, ensuring the 2025 tour retains the magic that made War Horse unforgettable while refreshing it for a new generation.

A Story That Resonates Today

As we mark 110 years since the outbreak of the First World War, and more than 40 years since Morpurgo first published his novel, War Horse feels more resonant than ever. Its themes of courage, loss, and reconciliation echo through history, reminding us of the human and animal cost of war.

Michael Morpurgo himself reflects on the show’s revival:

“War Horse is about the tragedy of war and about a horse and his boy, but it’s also so many other things—it’s about family and community, courage and loss, hope, and most importantly reconciliation.”

Photos: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg 

Tickets:-

War Horse plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Wednesday 10 – Saturday 20 September 2025. Tickets are available online at theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

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✨ Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or returning to Joey’s story once more, War Horse promises a theatrical experience like no other—deeply moving, visually breathtaking, and unforgettably human.

Casting: Sleeping Beauty at Sunderland Empire

 

🎭 Jordan Lee Davies to Bring Villainy and Vocals to Sleeping Beauty at Sunderland Empire

This Christmas, Sunderland Empire will once again dazzle audiences with its spectacular pantomime offering, Sleeping Beauty — and this year’s cast promises to pack a powerful punch of talent, laughs, and sheer theatrical magic.

Taking on the role of the fiendish villain Carabosse is West End favourite Jordan Lee Davies, best known for his standout performances in The Book of Mormon, Bat Out of Hell, and Chicago. Having recently toured the UK as Mary Sunshine in the latter, Davies is no stranger to commanding a stage — and this time, he’s ready to embrace the boos and bring a wicked flair to Wearside.

“I am so excited to return to the Sunderland Empire after my visits with The Book Of Mormon and Chicago,” said Davies. “The audiences are INCREDIBLE and I cannot wait to be booed once again. Pass me the horns and the red lippy, I’m ready!”

Jordan Lee Davies

Joining Davies is a stellar supporting cast. Laura Main, beloved for her long-running role as Shelagh Turner in Call the Midwife, returns to pantomime as the benevolent Fairy Snowfall. Meanwhile, Channel 5 Milkshake! star David Ribi takes up the mantle of Prince Vincent, bringing charm and energy to the classic fairy tale hero.

Of course, no Sunderland pantomime would be complete without the region’s comedy favourites, and back by popular demand for a sixth year are the fabulous Miss Rory (Boulevard) as Rorina the Cleaner and the ever-quick Tom Whalley as Vesta the Jester. Expect sharp wit, cheeky banter, and plenty of hilarious North East flavour.

Producer Martin Dodd couldn’t be more excited:

“Hold onto your tiaras, Sunderland! The wickedly wonderful Jordan Lee Davies is flying into the Empire as the deliciously dreadful Carabosse – and he’s bringing more drama than a Tyne-Wear derby! With killer vocals, a wardrobe to die for, and enough sass to stop time itself, Jordan’s set to give Sleeping Beauty a wake-up call she won’t forget.”

A Classic Tale with a Glamorous Twist

The production tells the timeless tale of Princess Aurora, cursed by the evil Carabosse on her 18th birthday and doomed to sleep for a hundred years—unless true love’s kiss can break the spell. With the help of Fairy Snowfall and a few familiar faces, the race is on to rescue the sleeping princess before it’s too late.

Expect dazzling costumes, spectacular sets, top musical numbers, magical special effects, and enough laughs to keep the whole family thoroughly entertained.

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🎟️ Sleeping Beauty
📍 Sunderland Empire
📅 12 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
🎫 Tickets from £15 at ATGTickets.com/Sunderland
(*A £3.95 transaction fee applies to online bookings.)

Preview: Snoligoster at Newcastle Alphabetti

🌴 “Snoligoster” Swamps Newcastle: A Fantastical Fever Dream 

Snoligoster

Newcastle Alphabetti Theatre

Thursday 7 – Friday 8 August 2025

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From the dark heart of Florida folklore to the wild stage of Alphabetti Theatre, prepare yourself for the surreal, subversive, and side-splitting tale of the last-ever Snoligoster. This “camp swampland fantasia” is crashing into Newcastle for two riotous nights this August, following a buzz-worthy premiere at London’s CPT and stops in Manchester and London.

Written and performed by Florida native Amanda Grace, Snoligoster is no ordinary night at the theatre. Think:
🌀 Southern Gothic meets queer myth
🧃 Jimmy Buffet meets Brecht
🕊 Bible camp meets Bayou horror

🐊 What is a Snoligoster?

According to American folklore, the Snoligoster is a mysterious swamp beast, a creature as odd and contradictory as Florida itself. In this show, that myth is made terrifyingly (and hilariously) real. Captured and raised by Florida’s finest propagandists, the Snoligoster becomes a canvas on which the Sunshine State paints its wildest dreams and darkest truths.

Through dance breaks, cult callbacks, and unapologetic satire, this 55-minute show interrogates the soul of a state that’s come to embody the strangest corners of America’s psyche.

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🧠 Content Meets Critique

This is not just a monster story — Snoligoster is a deep dive into how myth, media, and manipulation shape public memory and private identity. It is:

• A queer reckoning with evangelical trauma

• A historical roast of Florida’s violent legacies

• A multimedia spectacle that marries cabaret with cultural criticism

Audiences are encouraged to come as they are, and to leave and return during the show if needed. Accessibility and care are baked into the production’s design.

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🎭 About the Creators

The show is the brainchild of Amanda Grace (writer/performer) and Jess Corner (director/performer), aka Squid & Sausage, a creative duo that met on Tumblr and now craft boundary-pushing theatre rooted in neurodivergent leadership, lived experience, and radical joy. They’re joined onstage by Jonathan Wadey, with staff at each venue invited to join the show in walk-on roles — adding local flair and surprise.

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💖 Stickers, Solidarity & Swamp Justice

After each show, audience members can buy glitter stickers, with 100% of proceeds going to support two vital grassroots organisations in Florida:

• SWAN – Stand With Abortion Now (Orlando)

• The Queer Trans Project (Jacksonville)

Both are doing life-saving work in a political climate increasingly hostile to bodily autonomy and LGBTQ+ life.

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🐙 Don’t Miss This:

Snoligoster is more than a performance — it’s a ritual, a rave, a reclamation. Whether you're a folklore nerd, queer culture enthusiast, or just in it for a weird and wild ride, this show will leave you laughing, thinking, and maybe questioning everything you ever knew about Florida.

🎟 Book your ticket now, and take the plunge into the swamp:
https://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/snoligoster

Photos: Monica Ann Walker Vadillo 

Preview: Murder Trial Tonight IV: Death of a Landlord Returns in 2026

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Murder Trial Tonight IV: Death of a Landlord Returns

🗓 Key North East Dates:

• Middlesbrough Town Hall – Thursday, 26 February 2026 at 19:30

• O2 City Hall Newcastle – Sunday, 10 May 2026 at 14:30

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🔍 A Landmark in Immersive Theatre Returns to the North East

Following three electrifying seasons and more than 125,000 audience members acting as jurors, the groundbreaking courtroom theatre experience Murder Trial Tonight is back with Season 4: Death of a Landlord. And in 2026, two of the North East’s most iconic venues—Middlesbrough Town Hall and O2 City Hall Newcastle—will transform into high-stakes courtrooms, putting YOU in the jury box.

Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, a theatre lover, or simply fascinated by the justice system, this is a must-see theatrical event that promises to stay with you long after the final verdict is read.

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⚖️ The Story: Death of a Landlord

Victor Sloane, a feared and wealthy landlord, is found dead in his office. His only witness? His young child.
Tre Bennet, a troubled tenant facing eviction and grappling with severe mental health struggles, is the sole suspect.

The case is as emotionally charged as it is murky. Was this an act of cold-blooded revenge? A tragic accident? Or something even darker?

In Murder Trial Tonight IV, the audience becomes the jury. You’ll watch compelling live performances from prosecution and defence teams, witness the tension of cross-examinations, and examine real evidence. Then, it’s up to you and your fellow jurors to debate the facts and vote: Guilty or Not Guilty.

The twist? It’s based on a real case. And at the show’s end, the true verdict is revealed. Will you have seen through the smokescreen, or been led astray?

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🧠 “It’s a test of your empathy, judgement, and unconscious bias.”

Director Graham Watts returns to the helm of this gripping production, once again using theatre to explore deeper questions around justice and humanity.
“This isn’t just a show. It’s a social experiment,” says Watts. “We’re asking the audience to confront their own values and how they see others—especially those society often sidelines.”

Writer and founder Steve Cummings adds, “Audiences leave talking—and don’t stop. These cases haunt people in the best way. Long after the final bow, the debate continues in living rooms, pubs, and social media threads.”

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🌍 A Theatrical Phenomenon Grows

After three UK tours, sell-out West End performances, and five-star reviews across the board, Tigerslane Studios’ Murder Trial Tonight has proven that courtroom drama can be not only immersive but life-altering. With international expansions in the works, this 2026 tour may be your final chance to catch it before it becomes a global sensation.

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🧾 Show Details

• Title: Murder Trial Tonight IV: Death of a Landlord

• Running Time: Approx. 2h 50m (including interval and jury deliberation)

• Age Recommendation: 16+

• Written & Produced by: Tigerslane Studios

• Directed by: Graham Watts

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🎟️ Tour Dates Near You

📍 Middlesbrough Town Hall

• Date: Thursday, 26th February 2026

• Time: 19:30

• Atmosphere: Experience this tense, late-evening trial in one of the North East’s most atmospheric civic venues. The perfect setting for an intense evening of justice and drama.

• TICKETS: See Tickets LINK

📍 O2 City Hall, Newcastle

• Date: Sunday, 10th May 2026

• Time: 14:30

• Atmosphere: The grandeur of City Hall meets the immediacy of immersive theatre. A rare chance to serve as a juror in the heart of Newcastle on a spring Sunday afternoon. Ideal for first-time theatre-goers and true crime fans alike.

• TICKETS: See Tickets LINK

News: Tyne Theatre Voices Launches with Acclaimed Director at the Helm

 

🎶 Tyne Theatre Voices Launches with Acclaimed Director at the Helm

A brand-new community choir is hitting the high notes at Tyne Theatre & Opera House—and it’s already singing in harmony with one of the North East’s most respected musical leaders.

The historic Newcastle venue has officially announced the appointment of Stephen Waller as Choir Director for Tyne Theatre Voices, a freshly launched community choir set to make its debut this autumn.

Stephen is no stranger to the region’s choral scene. With over a decade as Director of Music at Newcastle Preparatory School, plus an impressive CV that includes conducting The Newcastle Singers, the People’s Theatre Choir, and currently leading Northern Proud Voices (Newcastle’s LGBT+ community choir), he brings both credibility and charisma to this exciting new venture.

“We are thrilled to welcome Stephen to the team,” said Rachel Snape, Head of Community Engagement and Participation at the theatre. “His reputation for musical excellence, inclusive teaching, and inspiring leadership speaks for itself. Tyne Theatre Voices will be a welcoming, joyful, and ambitious group, and Stephen is the perfect person to shape its sound and spirit.”

The choir is part of a growing commitment by the Tyne Theatre to deepen community connections. Alongside a revitalised youth theatre and the development of an in-house production company, Tyne Theatre Voices signals a new era of participatory arts programming.

Jonathan Higgins, CEO of Tyne Theatre & Opera House, called the appointment “a major step forward” in the theatre’s community engagement vision. “As we launch Tyne Theatre Voices alongside our expanded youth theatre and amateur production company, Stephen’s leadership will ensure we nurture an inclusive and vibrant musical community here at the theatre. This role is crucial—and we’re delighted to have found someone of his calibre and passion.”

With a master’s degree in music, a diploma in Piano Performance, and years of hands-on experience, Stephen Waller is known for balancing high artistic standards with a love of participation. His philosophy? Choirs should be accessible, creative, and welcoming to everyone—whether you’re a confident performer or singing for the first time.

“I am absolutely delighted to be leading Tyne Theatre Voices as their Choir Director,” said Stephen. “Newcastle has such a vibrant musical heritage, and I can’t wait to be part of an exciting new chapter with this brand-new community choir.”

Tyne Theatre Voices will launch its inaugural season in autumn 2025, with open rehearsals, community performances, and collaborations with the wider theatre programme already in the works.

🎭 Want to get involved or learn more?
Visit www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk