PLAYHOUSE
4.5
10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
About
The beautifully refurbished PLAYHOUSE is the flagship of a major regeneration project in Whitley Bay, breathing new life into this famous coastal resort.The venue boasts 630 luxury auditorium seats, a 10 seater corporate viewing suite and a contemporary look and feel to it's bars and first floor lounge area which features a superb sea view.The PLAYHOUSE has hosted stage shows such as professional touring 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' and from the West End 'The Rat Pack - Live from Las Vegas', Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black's 'Tell Me on a Sunday' as well as live music from Kate Rusby, Seth Lakeman and Tom Paxton, comedy from Rich Hall, as well as entertainment from Moscow Ballet la Classique and Bob the Builder.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
188 reviews
Excellent
116
Very good
49
Average
11
Poor
5
Terrible
7
Optomisti
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Been to several pantos here with my kids & we enjoy each one more than the last. The main cast are established so they have great chemistry and you never feel as though you’re watching performance number 53, it just seems like they have so much fun together. My kids love the ad-libbing when things go wrong the best! The theatre doesn’t have the ornate mouldings of the historic theatres in the region but it makes up for that with comfortable, cushioned seats with plenty of legroom. The incline allows for good views for everyone too, so the kids remain engaged. The programme & posters always show a wide variety of shows & I hope to come and sample some music or dance here next.
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Heidi Grant
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Friends
I have visited this venue a few times now and I love it. From the free parking, to the friendly staff and the seating rows being roomy enough to dance in, this place has it all.
I really like the intimacy of the place and the comfort, plenty leg room and comfortable seats, you don't feel crammed in.
And the entertainment they book is top notch and different to what you would find at similar venues.
I always recommend this place to everyone I know and is definitely worth a visit.
I really like the intimacy of the place and the comfort, plenty leg room and comfortable seats, you don't feel crammed in.
And the entertainment they book is top notch and different to what you would find at similar venues.
I always recommend this place to everyone I know and is definitely worth a visit.
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kylie C
1 contribution
May 2022 • Family
Had a lovely afternoon courtesy of Sky VIP. We saw the #twirlywoos at #playhousewhitleybay and they were absolutely fab, so engaging for the young audience and I loved it too! The customer service at the Playhouse was A*, when I called to enquire if our seats were accessible so that my mum could attend the chap at the Playhouse contacted their box office and switched our seats, can’t ask for better than that. Lovely venue, great show, fab day out :)
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hacru
Seaton Burn, UK1 contribution
Dec 2021
The production was brilliant. However the venue is a complete rip off
£2.90 for a small packet of smarties which incidentally was the only confectionery they had. Same packet £1.00 in all supermarkets
£3.90 for 3 packets of Seabrook crisps which can be purchased 6 for £1.00 in all supermarkets
Bags searched at door for and one ‘sneaking in’ their own sweets. Any found are confiscated
They need to get their ACT together if they want people to attend and spend
£2.90 for a small packet of smarties which incidentally was the only confectionery they had. Same packet £1.00 in all supermarkets
£3.90 for 3 packets of Seabrook crisps which can be purchased 6 for £1.00 in all supermarkets
Bags searched at door for and one ‘sneaking in’ their own sweets. Any found are confiscated
They need to get their ACT together if they want people to attend and spend
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
holidaymanWashington
Washington, UK2,006 contributions
Mar 2020
The theatre is much better than it used to be, since being spruced up. However, whilst you have a decent view, little thought has been given to customer comfort, as the seats are rock hard and some have limited leg room, which is not mentioned when booking. It is better suited to theatrical performances as it doesn't posess the best acoustic for musical events.
Booking used to be simple before the introduction of an unnecessary middle man (@ticketmaster.) This has resulted in moderate ticket prices, now being in excess of £10 extra, in some cases, which is a big put off for many performances. When I booked, I couldn't find an option to choose the seats, that I specifically wanted online. I therefore had to ring Ticketmaster, which cost me a further £12 in phone calls.
We went to see the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, in their 50th year. We were sat at the back of the theatre, whilst everyone else appeared to be crammed like sardines, in the centre front third of the auditorium. This left both sides and the remaining two thirds to the rear, completely empty. I reckon of the 638 seats available, at least 450 were empty. We have followed the orchestra for many years and as usual, they gave an excellent performance, to what must have been one of their worst audience attendancies. I don't put the poor attendance down to the orchestra but more to the ridiculous, overpriced booking system that is now in place.
I really felt for the hard working, superbly professional musicians. Hopefully next time they come to the North East, they will go to one of the more accommodating venues, such as The Gala, Sage 2 or The Customs House.
Booking used to be simple before the introduction of an unnecessary middle man (@ticketmaster.) This has resulted in moderate ticket prices, now being in excess of £10 extra, in some cases, which is a big put off for many performances. When I booked, I couldn't find an option to choose the seats, that I specifically wanted online. I therefore had to ring Ticketmaster, which cost me a further £12 in phone calls.
We went to see the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, in their 50th year. We were sat at the back of the theatre, whilst everyone else appeared to be crammed like sardines, in the centre front third of the auditorium. This left both sides and the remaining two thirds to the rear, completely empty. I reckon of the 638 seats available, at least 450 were empty. We have followed the orchestra for many years and as usual, they gave an excellent performance, to what must have been one of their worst audience attendancies. I don't put the poor attendance down to the orchestra but more to the ridiculous, overpriced booking system that is now in place.
I really felt for the hard working, superbly professional musicians. Hopefully next time they come to the North East, they will go to one of the more accommodating venues, such as The Gala, Sage 2 or The Customs House.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review. We appreciate all of your comments. To avoid Ticketmaster booking fees, our customers are encouraged to book directly with us at box office. Pasadena Roof Orchestra had a great night with us, so we are sorry you felt disappointed on their behalf.
Written March 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sallyd727
Hartlepool, UK85 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We visited for a Barry White tribute night. The theatre, though not large-only 26 rows of seats- has everything you would need. It was well laid out with a lift to get to the top rows of stall seating. It was however sad that staff were still allowing people into the act 20mins in, and having to chase around the auditorium stopping people from using their phones as had been asked at the start. Price of drinks were a bit steep but a cornered market I guess.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your comments Sally. We hope to see you back at Playhouse soon!
Written March 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jambomax
Washington, UK16 contributions
Feb 2020
This is our second favourite theatre in the North East {we just love the Gala at Durham}, but the choice of entertainment offered here is second to none. The booking manager deserves a pat on the back for the quality of shows put on. We have just enjoyed ' That'll Be the Day' for the second time in just a few months; this group of entertainers are so talented and give it all for great night of entertainment.
The theatre is cosy and intimate, with reasonable parking nearby and a choice of good places to eat in the nearby historic and beautifully renovated Spanish City,
The theatre is cosy and intimate, with reasonable parking nearby and a choice of good places to eat in the nearby historic and beautifully renovated Spanish City,
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your great review. See you again soon!
Written March 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bennettbrian
Hebburn, UK1,260 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
We visited in December with our Grandson to watch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
A great little playhouse with great organisation and awareness of the Covid-19 situation.
The show itself was great entertaining and funny and well worth the money. We will hopefully be back soon to watch another show.
A great little playhouse with great organisation and awareness of the Covid-19 situation.
The show itself was great entertaining and funny and well worth the money. We will hopefully be back soon to watch another show.
Written January 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nadina S
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Family
My family and I love Whitley Bay Playhouse. There's always something good on, we would go every night if we could! The entertainment is top notch, the seats are really comfy, the prices are reasonable and the staff are lovely. We always attend their pantomimes (summer and Christmas!) As well as other events throughout the year. There's a good variety of entertainment to suit all ages. What more could you ask for?!!
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stan G
Cramlington,Northumberland41 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Bought rickets on August 26th 2021at the Playhouse box office for a concert ,Thatl Be The day. September 20th 2021. Tickets are printed while you wait at the ticket office. Bought several more shows at the same time. Turned up lastnight on the day date and time. Sept 20th 2021.19.30 hrs printed o the tickets... Playhouse is locked. Talking with many other ticket holders,all expecting a concert. Some having had 2 previous concerts posponed. So annoying after prior online webpage checks for Covid that didnt show any posponement at about 18.00 hrs.Not even a note on the door. Concert is posponed till 26th Oct 2022.
Written September 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
j0anneruth
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK5 contributions
It seems that the parking in the adjacent carpark is for two hours only. Does that mean I need to move my car during the interval
Claire W
Cramlington, UK364 contributions
Hello There.
The parking is free and unmonitored after 6pm. I hope this helps.
PLAYHOUSE (Whitley Bay) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about PLAYHOUSE
- PLAYHOUSE is open:
- Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sat - Sat 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
- Hotels near PLAYHOUSE:
- (0.11 mi) Premier Inn Whitley Bay Hotel
- (0.14 mi) Sandsides Guest House
- (0.11 mi) The Cara Guesthouse
- (0.17 mi) York House Hotel & Apartments
- (0.15 mi) Park Lodge Hotel
- Restaurants near PLAYHOUSE:
- (0.03 mi) Relish Coffee
- (0.06 mi) Di Meo's
- (0.10 mi) Trenchers, Spanish City
- (0.08 mi) Crab & Waltzer
- (0.10 mi) Valerie's Tearoom