Joe McElderry and Michael Lavery bring Something in the Water back to Newcastle Theatre Royal in 2027

Following two sold-out performances and £30,000 raised for charity this summer, Something in the Water will return to Newcastle Theatre Royal on Sunday 16 May 2027 for a third spectacular celebration of North East talent.

Presented by Joe McElderry with Co-Director and producer Michael Lavery and powered by funk-soul supergroup Groovetrain, Something in the Water has quickly established itself as one of the region’s most anticipated live events since its debut in 2025. Celebrating the past, present and future of North East creativity, the production will once again bring together an extraordinary line-up of performers for a unique evening of music, entertainment and storytelling that honours the artists who have shaped the region and inspires the stars of tomorrow.

After the overwhelming success of this year’s performances, £30,000 was donated to the Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust and North East Music Opportunities CIC (NEMO), supporting opportunities for the next generation of young performers in the region.

The 2026 event featured appearances from Danny Adams, Si King, Jason Cook, Michael Marouli, Adam Strong, Christina Bianco and Carly Burns, alongside a surprise performance from North East music legend Jimmy Nail, who brought the audience to its feet with a powerful rendition of Old Man’s Boots with Joe McElderry, and on his biggest chart hit Ain’t No Doubt with Groovetrain. Casting for the 2027 event is already underway and will be announced in due course.

Marianne Locatori, Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, said:

“When Michael and Joe created Something in the Water, we hoped it would become a celebration of everything that makes the North East so special. We have been delighted to partner with them, and the response has exceeded anything we could have imagined. Audiences have embraced it and artists have been incredibly generous with their time and talents, so we’re delighted to confirm that Something in the Water will return in 2027.

“The money raised this year helps the work of the Theatre’s own Trust and its work across a range of engagement programmes that we deliver across North East communities, supporting wellbeing and developing talent through the Performing Arts.”

Jason Holcomb, director of NEMO, also recognises the huge impact of the funds raised this year. He said: “The donation from the proceeds of this brilliant show is so valuable to our work at NEMO, helping us to provide accessible, high-quality music education and performance opportunities for emerging musicians across the region in the next 12 months.”

Joe McElderry said:

“There’s something really special about bringing so many North East artists together on one stage. Every performer gives their time because they believe in celebrating where we’ve come from and in creating opportunities for young people who dream of following a similar path. Michael and I are so excited that we’re doing it all again in 2027, and no doubt there’ll be plenty more surprises in store.”

Proceeds from Something in the Water in 2027 will once again support Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust and North East Music Opportunities CIC (NEMO), helping more children and young people across the region access opportunities in music and the performing arts.

Something in the Water plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal Sun 16 May 2027. Tickets are available here.