Playhouse Whitley Bay
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Whitley Bay
What it’s like
A proper theatre venue for live music and gigs, with step-free access and a bar upstairs looking out to sea.
This is a theatre rather than a soft play, so what you're bringing your kids for is a live show, band or gig rather than a climbing frame. It's all indoor, step-free throughout with a ramp and lift to the wheelchair bays, so a buggy or a wheelchair user shouldn't struggle getting in.
The bag rule is the one that'll catch you out. No backpacks, holdalls or cushions allowed in, medical exceptions aside, so leave the big changing bag in the car and take what you actually need in your pockets. Cameras and tablets are banned too unless the specific show says otherwise, which is worth remembering if you were planning to film the school choir moment.
There's no food or drink allowed into the auditorium itself, but there are bars selling snacks and soft drinks, plus a lounge bar upstairs with sea views if you fancy a coffee before the show starts. Tickets are booked through AXS online or at the box office, and once you've bought them that's it, no exchanges or refunds, so double check the date before you click buy.
Some shows use strobe lighting, lasers and smoke, which is fine for most kids but worth knowing if you've got one who's sensitive to flashing lights. Turn up on time too, because latecomers might be held at the door until a natural break in the performance.
Facilities
Need to know
- Food
- Multiple bars selling alcohol, soft drinks and snacks
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair bays available. Designated ramp and lift access
- Getting there by bus or train
- Monkseaton Metro Station 15 minutes' walk
- Backpacks, holdalls and cushions aren't allowed in, medical exceptions aside
- Some shows use strobe lighting, lasers and smoke effects
- There's a hearing loop system fitted in rows D to M
- The lounge bar upstairs has sea views if you fancy a pre-show drink
- Monkseaton Metro is about a 15 minute walk if you're not driving
Plan your visit
How do we book tickets?
Online through AXS or in person at the box office. The box office is open weekday mornings to early afternoon, shorter hours on Saturday, and an hour before every show.
Can we get a refund if plans change?
No exchanges or refunds once you've bought tickets. If a show gets postponed, your ticket carries over to the new date.
Is it accessible for a wheelchair or buggy?
There are four wheelchair bays reached by ramp and lift, two accessible toilets on the ground floor, and five Blue Badge spaces in the car park. Personal assistants get a companion ticket at no extra cost.
Can we bring snacks or a bag in with us?
Food and drink aren't allowed in the venue, and backpacks, holdalls and cushions are banned too unless it's for medical reasons. There are bars inside selling drinks and snacks instead.
What if we're running late?
You might be refused entry until there's a suitable break in the show, so it's better to leave a bit of extra time getting there.
Can we take photos during the show?
Cameras and recording gear including tablets are generally not allowed, though some shows make exceptions for small digital cameras. Professional cameras with removable lenses are always banned.
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