New shows Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and Dear England announced for Newcastle Theatre Royal

A musical packed with 80s anthems, and an uplifting – sometimes heartbreaking – deep dive into the complex relationship between English football and national identity, are two of the new show coming to Newcastle Theatre Royal.

The new must-see performances have been announced this week, ahead of the launch of the spring brochure next month.

Get ready to turn up the glam – Priscilla Queen of the Desert is back with a dazzling UK and International tour bringing all the glitz and show-stopping magic you’ve been waiting for! From the producers of Hairspray and The Full Monty, this sparkling musical extravaganza is packed with jaw-dropping dance routines, eye-popping costumes, and a glittering soundtrack full of your favourite anthems. With hits like Hot Stuff, It’s Raining Men, I will Survive, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Finally and more, it’s an unforgettable night of pure joy and disco magic. Based on the 1994 Oscar-winning movie, Priscilla takes you on a hilarious, heart-warming ride as three fabulous friends hit the road in a shimmering bus bound for the Outback, ready to put on the show of a lifetime. On this epic adventure, they discover the true power of love, acceptance, and friendship. It’s a celebration of being unapologetically yourself and embracing others for who they are. So, grab your heels, pack the glitter, and get ready to Shake Your Groove Thing once again.

Priscilla plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal Monday, 6 April 2026-Saturday 11 April 2026.

Tickets go on sale to the public with our new brochure from Tuesday, 4 March.

Following a record-breaking run in London’s West End, the National Theatre has this week announced a highly anticipated tour of its smash-hit production, Dear England. The 2024 Olivier Award-winning ‘Best New Play’ will visit Newcastle Theatre Royal this autumn in a co-production with Josh Andrews and Stuart Galbraith of JAS Theatricals.

It’s time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England men’s team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.

Written by the multi-award-winning stage and screen writer, James Graham (Sherwood, BBC One; Quiz, ITV) and directed by the Almeida Theatre’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold (Patriots, King Charles III), Dear England, tells the inspiring story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager in this gripping examination of nation and game.

Playwright James Graham said:

“I am beyond delighted and grateful that Dear England is heading out on a nation-wide tour across England. To put the National Game on the stage of the National Theatre and then in the West End back in 2023 was an utter dream. Now, to head out on a nation-wide tour feels like winning the treble. As someone from a community that had limited access to culture growing up, I’m especially aware of how vital it is to share work of such a scale beyond the capital. And as a lifelong theatre and England fan, the chance to tell a story about the beautiful game and through the prism of Gareth Southgate’s transformative term has been a privilege.”

Kate Varah, Executive Director & Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre, said:

“Dear England by James Graham is our award winning, brilliant play that takes the much-loved topic of football and opens up a lens on so much more: English identity, masculinity and what it means to be a leader. We had a tremendous reaction to Dear England when it was with us on the Southbank, and in the West End. Director Rupert Goold has crafted such a wonderful production that will leave you wanting to sing and smile in the stalls and gasp at the penalty shoot-outs. We are delighted to be working with JAS Theatricals and our partner venues across England to deliver this important nationwide tour so that more people will have access to this incredible show. Whether you are a football fan or not, Dear England will bring you joy and hope for all we can achieve in this country.”

Dear England plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 November 2025.

Tickets go on sale to the public Fri 4 Apr, 10am.

To book these and any of our new shows, visit www.theatreroyal.co.uk or through the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.