Things to do in Newcastle
Knowledge Train Newcastle,
Rotterdam House,
116 Quayside,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DY,
England,
United Kingdom.
Theatre
Theatre has a long history in the city. For fifteen years (1791–1806), Stephen Kemble of the well-known Kemble family oversaw Newcastle’s first Theatre Royal. He relocated members of his famous performing family to Newcastle, including Sarah Siddons and John Kemble. Stephen Kemble oversaw several memorable seasons at the theatre.
The old Newcastle Theatre Royal opened on 21 January 1788 on Mosley Street and was destroyed to make room for Grey Street, where its successor was constructed.
There are still several theatres in the city. The Theatre Royal on Grey Street, the largest theatre, constructed by John and Benjamin Green, opened in 1837 and has held a season of Royal Shakespeare Company performances as well as touring productions of West End musicals for over 25 years.
Other theatres in Newcastle
Tyne Theatre & Opera House109-113 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4AG, United Kingdom. Phone: 0191 243 1171 |
Little Theatre1 Saltwell View, Gateshead NE8 4JS, United Kingdom. Phone: 0191 478 1499 |
The People’s TheatreStephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5QF, United Kingdom. Phone: 0191 265 5020 |
Tyneside Cinema10 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6QG, United Kingdom. Phone: 0191 227 5500 |
Map showing Theatres in Newcastle
Literature and Libraries
Newcastle is well-known for its poetry scene. The Morden Tower, operated by poet Tom Picka Road, is a notable venue for poetry readings in the NortheaStreet, having hosted the inaugural reading of Briggflatts by Basil Bunting in 1965.
The Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne (often referred to as the ‘Lit & Phil’) is the biggest independent library outside of London, with over 150,000 books. Its music library has 8,000 CDs and 10,000 LPs. The current Lit and Phil location was created by John and Benjamin Green in 1825.
Other libraries in Newcastle
Newcastle City Library33 New Bridge Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8AX, United Kingdom. Phone: 0191 277 4100 |
Jesmond LibrarySt George’s Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2DL, United Kingdom. Phone: 0191 281 2385 |
Gateshead Central LibraryPrince Consort Road, Gateshead NE8 4LN, United Kingdom. Phone: 0191 433 8410 |
Philip Robinson LibraryPhilip Robinson Library, Jesmond Road West, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HQ, United Kingdom. Phone: 0191 208 7662 |
Map showing Libraries in Newcastle
Concert venues
The main venue for music performances is St. James Park, home of Newcastle United, which has also hosted Rugby League events and the Olympic Games in the past. The 11,000-seat Utilita Arena Newcastle, which opened in 1995 and showcases big pop and rock performances, is Newcastle’s second largest music arena.
Other concert venues in Newcastle
Little Buildings3-5 Stepney Bank, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PW, United Kingdom. Phone: 07539 235027 |
The Black Swan67 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SG, United Kingdom. Phone: 0191 261 5618 |
The Cluny36 Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PQ, United Kingdom. Phone: 0191 230 4474 |
Jumpin’ JacksNewcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EX, United Kingdom. Phone: 07754 036233 |
