Theatre Royal

What it’s like

Panto and touring theatre for little ones through to teens, with babes in arms let in for £2.50 on a shared seat.

This is one for actual theatre, not soft play. Jack and the Beanstalk is the big one on the books, with tickets from £14 and a £12 concession for under 16s, so a family trip isn't pocket change but it's not west end money either. Babies under two go in on a Babes in Arms ticket for £2.50, though they have to share your seat rather than get their own.

Worth knowing before you pick seats: the venue actively discourages babies, young children or anyone with stimming tendencies from the front rows of the Grand Circle, Upper Circle, Amphitheatre and certain side boxes. That's a sensible call for sightlines and noise, but it does mean you can't just grab the cheapest seats up top if you've got a toddler in tow. Anyone aged 13 or under has to be with an adult the whole time, so this isn't one where an older sibling can mind the younger ones alone.

There's a café on site and the building's fully wheelchair accessible, with a hearing loop for anyone who needs it. Assistance dogs are welcome in the auditorium, or there's a dog sitting service if you'd rather they didn't sit through the second act. One genuine downside: there are no standby or discounted tickets on the day, so if you're hoping to wing it and grab a bargain seat at 6pm, that's not how it works here. Book early instead, the site says prices only go up the closer you get to the date.

Group bookings of 10 or more get a discount, handy if it's a birthday outing with a few extra kids in the mix. If you're going regularly, the Friends membership knocks 20% off tickets and gives you priority booking, which might be worth it if panto season becomes a yearly fixture.

Facilities

Need to know

Best for

Babies through young teens, with adults required throughout

Wheelchairs

Wheelchair accessible. Book via phone or email for accessible spaces

Dogs

Assistance dogs welcome. Dog sitting service available

Getting there by bus or train

Located in heart of Newcastle, easily accessible by public transport

Parties

Group bookings for 10+ people available with discounted tickets

Worth knowing

Friends membership offers 20% discount on tickets and priority booking

• Babes in arms share your seat rather than get their own, so factor that in when picking where to sit.
• Avoid front rows of the Grand Circle, Upper Circle, Amphitheatre and side boxes if you've got a young child or one who stims.
• No day-of discounts, book ahead for the best price.
• Friends membership gives 20% off tickets and priority booking if you go often.
• The Green Room kiosk has shorter hours than the phone box office, so check which one suits your timing.

Plan your visit

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