Entertainment in Gateshead

When it comes to seeing a show, the Sage Gateshead is mainly a concert venue, which we’ll tell you more about later, but it also books comedy acts and informative talks on a wide range of topics. So take a look and see what’s on at Gateshead’s No. 1 entertainment during your stay at one of our Newcastle hotels.

You’ll also want to check the Little Theatre Gateshead, the town’s only dedicated theatre. It dates back to WWII. In fact, it’s believed to be the only theatre built in Britain during the war. You’ll find it on the corner of Saltwell Park, which also happens to be one of our favourite activities in Gateshead. It’s home to the Progressive Players, a company which produces up to 10 plays a year and also welcomes touring companies from across the UK.

In terms of productions, it’s pot luck in terms of what might be on during your stay; past shows range from noir classics like ‘Dial M for Murder’, thrillers such as Stephen King’s ‘Misery’, and the classic classics like ‘Frankenstein’. 

The Toon takes the headlines when it comes to football. If you want to see Newcastle United FC, take a look at our Newcastle entertainment page where you can find out more about the club and St James’ Park. However, Gateshead has its own football club as well. Gateshead FC was formed in the ’70s and pay their home games at the International Stadium in Gateshead. Check to see if there are any matches on during your stay. Tickets are reasonably priced, and there’s always a decent attendance. If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a pint nearby, The Schooner, one of our favourite pubs, is just down the road too.

If you want to see some live music in town, the Sage Gateshead will always be your best option. It’s a stunning bespoke concert venue on the banks of the River Tyne, which overlooks the Newcastle and Gateshead Quaysides. It books an incredible diversity of genres, from classical to jazz, rock and pop to rap and hip-hop. It’s even attracted world-renowned talents such as Bonobo, James Brown, Nick Cave and Grace Jones to perform in Gateshead.

The Sage Gateshead is also the permanent home of the Royal Northern Sinfonia, one of the finest orchestras in Britain. The 1,700-seat Sage One main hall and 450-seat Sage Two space have been designed to the tiniest of details to afford the best acoustics possible to the performance spaces. It makes its live music concerts just that little bit more special.

However, some of our favourite pubs, such as The Black Bull and The Central, which we mention in our Gateshead nightlife page, are well worth checking out too.