Carl has a unique blend of storytelling and physical comedy, with a dash of down-to-earth banter. He's known for his sharp characterisations, impeccable timing, and energetic delivery, which has earned him a reputation as a "powerhouse comedian" on the UK circuit. ‘Fine Whine’ is a brand new show and is Hutchinson’s biggest and best tour yet! The show centres around Carl’s demands of being a modern-day dad & finding his place in society. He's a must-see act for anyone who loves laughter and good storytelling.

Eddie Lundon and Gary Daly are the founder members of the band which started in Kirkby, Merseyside back in 1979. China Crisis found major success in the UK with five Top 40 singles, ten Top 50 singles and three Top 40 albums and hits across Australia, Europe and the Americas. The band are known for their string of hit singles, including African & White, Christian, Working with Fire and Steel, Black Man Ray and Wishful Thinking.

As a society we love stuff, it’s a statement about who we are and who we want to be. But apparently, this message is at odds with the looming environmental crisis. We’re now struggling to balance these worlds, to focus on the things that bring us real connections and nourish the soul. Award-winning comedian and award-winning droduct designer Scott Bennett is desperately trying to cleanse his life of stuff, but is this even possible anymore? Tour support for Mickey Flanagan, Rob Brydon, Jason Manford and John Bishop. Star of Live at the Apollo, The News Quiz, The Now Show, The Ultimate Choice and Chortle Best Club Comedian Nominee 2022.

Hot on the heels of her critically acclaimed 2024 show Side Eye, Rachel Fairburn is back with new personalities and some old favourites for you to love and hate. Expect nepo babies, middle class rock stars, terrifying mothers, biting social commentary and lots of big laughs.

What if all your dreams come true and you’ve still got the hump? Laura Smyth has had a meteoric rise in comedy! Her debut tour ‘Living My Best Life’ sold out up and down the country; she has supported Jack Whitehall, Michelle de Swarte, Alan Davies, and Jason Manford and appeared on multiple panel shows. She’s even beaten cancer; she’s done all the alternative healing shit you could shake a stick at – and she still thinks everyone’s a dkhead. It can’t just be her, can it?

He's a legend and an icon, a revolutionary and an immortal. John Lydon aka Johnny Rotten changed the face of music and sparked a cultural revolution. The frontman and lyricist of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd (PiL) caused a political earthquake and transformed music for good. In his spoken word show, I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right, Lydon is touring the UK. He will talk about how he sees life, along with his unique and extraordinary career, and take audience questions during a pyrotechnic tour. Lydon will be sharing his thoughts with audiences. He Could Be Wrong. He Could Be Right.

In a 10 year marriage eventually your partner sees it all. Every bad idea. Every silly decision. Every unfiltered thought, and somehow, they still say they love you. The real twist is that somewhere along the way, you have to believe them. And maybe, just maybe.. you learn to love yourself too. Fresh off the success of her critically acclaimed show ‘Slinky’ (Winner of Best Show at the Women in Comedy Festival and twice nominated for Best International Debut at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival) multi award-winning comedy star Laura Lexx is back with her brand new show ‘Yo-Yo’. As seen on: Mock The Week (BBC), Live at The Apollo (BBC), Hypothetical (Dave), Pointless Celebrities (BBC), Roast Battle (Comedy Central), NZ International Comedy Gala (Three), 7 Days (Three). WINNER: Best Show Women in Comedy Festival 2024. WINNER: Best MC (Comics Comic Award), Comedians Choice Awards (2018 & 2019) & Best Compere (Chortle awards), Best Show (Amused Moose Awards) ★★★★ scotsman ★★★★ guardian ★★★★ telegraph ★★★★ ed fest mag ★★★★★ broadway baby

The Funk Before Christmas 2026. Get ready for the grooviest night of the season!! Tickets go fast — don’t miss your chance, Join the legends of the holiday dance! It’s the party of the season, don’t be late —The Funk Before Xmas… Year Four will be GREAT!

You keep asking – so they keep playing and sleighing! The annual December tradition that is The Wildcats of Kilkenny Christmas Party returns to ARC for the 23rd year running, (count them!). Guaranteed to send you towards the big day with their inimitable Irish-ish Teesside blarney these shows are overflowing with seasonal and community spirit! Three jam packed ‘Sparkle & Shine’ shows promise to contain all of the usual festive chaos, special guests and smog infused snowy surprises that the ever-increasing Wildcats fanbase love. Sitting somewhere between a It’s A Wonderful Life, A Fairytale of New York, an anarchic Christmas School Assembly and with a hefty dose of Mike’s Teesside blarney, they remain the fastest selling Christmas gigs in the North of England. Always rocket fuelled ticket sales so lock in the date and look forward to being part of these extraordinary Christmas parties, made in, by and for T T Teessiders everywhere!

Jason Byrne is back and "Byrning" brighter than ever, celebrating 30 glorious years of stand-up with his brand-new show, 30 Years Byrning. Byrne delivers a riotous night of high-energy storytelling, surreal tangents and unstoppable laughter. From razor-sharp observations to gloriously unhinged audience interaction, brave improvisation, that has made Jason a festival favourite for three decades. This anniversary special is a hilarious return to props and stunts of the past decades, a fearless leap forward and a masterclass in pure comic mayhem. Do not blow it by missing this show, get tickets early, it makes sense.

Patrick's new stand up show covered topics from life, love & mishaps with flat pack furniture, marathons & almost being scammed! Irish Iranian Teesside observational stand up comedian. Tours annually with a brand new stand up show, nationally & internationally, playing countries across Europe, The Middle East, America & Australia. Performed at many major festivals across the Uk, including 16 years at the Edinburgh International Festival.

Fleetwood Bac were the world's first Fleetwood Mac tribute show. The classic Mac sound, the look, the mystical atmosphere and that infamous on-stage chemistry are all portrayed with the passion and energy that got them the ultimate seal of approval from the real Fleetwood Mac members including Mick 'Big Daddy' Fleetwood and original Mac guitarist Peter Green!

A cross-town festival pulsating through the heart of various venues within Stockton Town Centre in North East England.

Another tour of brilliant stand-up comedy from Dan Nightingale, host of the Have A Word podcast, and some of his very funny mates. First half is just Dan doing some crowd work and then running out his new set. Second half will be two pro sets from some of the best acts in the country. A great night of entertainment from some of your favourite comics. With special friends: Eshaan Akbar and Mark Nelson.

Staring at the Sun sees Simon Evans (Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Simon Evans Goes to Market, One Person Found This Helpful) squinting at an uncertain future, revisiting the blue remembered hills of his youth and trying to stay human as the world around him gets smarter. With the AI singularity looming and “reality” feeling increasingly unstable, Evans looks ahead to the coming shockwaves of technology, and back to the analogue pleasures of hitch-hiking, pub bets, and getting properly lost. Turning his famously dry, surgically precise style on the big modern questions: Are we living in a computer simulation? What happens when your body starts issuing software updates you didn’t request? And is staring straight at a solar eclipse, against expert advice, actually an act of courageous self-sacrifice on the road to true enlightenment? Part philosophical exploration, part nostalgic joyride, Staring at the Sun is a hilarious analysis of reality and trust from a man desperately trying to keep his balance while the floor keeps moving. The tone is unmistakably Evans: provocative, literate, and playfully combative, but also soaked in self-awareness. Evans draws on theories propounded by philosophers and mystics since the days of Plato and Ecclesiastes, casting himself as a public intellectual but constantly undercutting his points with brutally funny domestic truths. Simon Evans is one of the UK’s most respected and best loved comedians who has been at the top of his game for over twenty-five years. His TV credits include two appearances on BBC One’s Live at the Apollo, one on Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow, and a season of Channel 4’s Stand Up for the Week. On BBC Radio 4 his series Simon Evans Goes to Market, delighting audiences with his witty and insightful take on the comedically-unpromising territory of economics, has had six seasons. He is also a regular on Radio 4’s The News Quiz, and various other panel games, and from 1998 to 2002 wrote and hosted eight series of the news satire, The Way It Is. He also stars in One Person Found This Helpful – a Radio 4 show he co-devised with Jason Hazely and Pozzitive Productions, that has fun with on-line customer reviews and hosted Headliners – a regular preview of the following day’s newspapers with two other comedians on GB News. Evans is also in demand as a columnist and has written extensively for The Spectator, The Telegraph and Spiked.

Amy Gledhill has appeared on the biggest comedy shows on TV, won the most prestigious award in live comedy AND starred in a Netflix blockbuster. Then why can't she nail just one first date, social interaction or trip to the spa. (She is now banned.) Join the Taskmaster alumnus, Last One Laughing's cruelest red card, and co-host of smash-hit podcasts Single Ladies In Your Area and Northern News on her brand new stand-up tour, as Amy Gledhill says Thanks For Having Me to audiences up and down the country. Amy won the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2024, is triple Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, National Comedy Award nominee and 1/3 of cult double act The Delightful Sausage. She's also appeared on Live at the Apollo (BBC) Would I Lie To You (BBC), The Jonathan Ross Show (ITV), Never Mind The Buzzcocks (Sky), Run Away (Netflix), Alma's Not Normal (BBC) and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (C4). Presented by Plosive Live in association with United Agents.

Join BAFTA-Winning Comedian and Star of Britain’s Got Talent, Live at the Apollo and Coronation Street as he expertly examines subjects that can make us feel awkward, within the safe confines of his northern charm. Expect jokes about the broken promises of modern life, internet rabbit holes, and his disability, obviously- that being said, buy a ticket to prove you don’t hate people with cerebral palsy. “Jack is a master of both comedy and gnostic wisdom” - Frankie Boyle “Carroll is terrific” - The Guardian “Incredible” - Jason Manford

Miserable Dorothy runs away from home but is soon whisked up into a magical land where her adventures teach her that happiness is to be found in her own back yard. Classic stuff indeed, just chockful of great songs, characterisation and memorably garish design. Perhaps marginally less enjoyable for the curmudgeonly element rooting for the Wicked Witch of the West, though.

Canadian powerhouse Tom Stade is back on the road with a brand-new show - taking aim at the absurdities of modern times with his contagious charm and incisive, gloriously unfiltered wit. Direct from the Edinburgh festival, join this free spirit as he grapples with rebellion, responsibility and the tension between the old and the new. Everything from unspoken social codes, cultural divides, identity and marriage - Tom dismantles all the rules - and redefines them his way! As seen/heard on Have a Word Pod, Ch4’s Comedy Gala, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, The John Bishop Show, Live at the Apollo (so good, he’s done it twice) and much more. He’s been rocking live audiences for decades with his trademark swagger, and masterful stage presence. Consistently magnificent, blisteringly funny, come see for yourself why Tom Stade Rules!

Stone Foundation are a British soul band known for their energetic fusion of classic soul, jazz, and rhythm and blues, woven with socially conscious lyrics.

This World-Famous tribute band UK Foo Fighters takes you on a journey spanning 25 years of music from the now legendary Foo Fighters and their charismatic leader, Dave Grohl. UK Foo Fighters' brand new show for the theatre is inspired by the Foo’s studio album In Your Honor. It offers a unique opportunity for fans old and new to explore the melodic acoustic recordings from the Foo’s live album Skin And Bones (recorded at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles), culminating with a powerhouse rock set featuring tracks from all 9 studio albums including greatest hits such as; Everlong, Best of You, Times Like These and All My Life.

MC Hammersmith (posh West London’s leading freestyle rapper with over half a billion views online) presents his new show: “Ice Ice Nepo Baby”. When MC Hammersmith turned 18, his parents (MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice) shockingly revealed he was adopted. His two famous dads helped him ascend to the top of the rap game. He now embarks on a quest to find his biological family, the only way he knows how: by performing an evening of improvised hip hop comedy based on audience suggestions. Lightning-fast freestyle raps, explosively funny rhymes, and utterly captivating genealogical investigation. Featuring brand new routines for 2027!

Fans of the late Chris Rea can now enjoy a rare opportunity to witness his music live, like never before, as Paul Casey and his band ‘Rea-imagines’ the classic hits. The new show will honour Rea’s legacy in a way that could only happen on the back of their decades-long relationship. Featuring hits such as Fool If You Think It’s Over, Auberge, The Road To Hell, On The Beach, Let’s Dance, Stainsby Girls and many more....

It’s Christmas Eve in Bluebell Wood, and excitement is in the air. Gerda, the littlest mouse, is hosting a cozy sleepover with her best friend Kai - and you’re invited. But something’s not quite right... A sudden chill sweeps through the trees. The mysterious Snow Queen has cast an unhappiness spell over the forest, and suddenly Kai vanishes in a flurry of snow. Gerda must set off on a daring adventure to bring him home. Can she break the spell and save Bluebell Wood in time for Christmas? She’ll need courage, kindness... and your help! Bursting with original songs you can sing along to, enchanting puppetry, lively dance and wintery surprises, The Snow Queen is a heartwarming retelling of a classic tale filled with friendship, bravery and the magic of helping others.

A ‘Story Time’ family musical from the creators of There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly. Being a witch is super exciting. There’s always so much to do and so much fun to be had. Especially around Halloween. And maybe that’s why Natascha The Witch can’t sleep… Can anyone, or anything, help her drift off? Based on a story from Steven Lee’s best selling ‘How The Koala Learnt To Hug and Other Australian Fairytales‘ this gentle, heartwarming show is just what you need to enjoy a cosy, cuddly time together with your family. Children get to join in, shout out, and help shape the story as it unfolds. So pop on your favourite pyjamas and come help Natascha The Witch enjoy a better bedtime in this enchanting sing-along musical. Presented with a magical mixture of live action, music and animation. Reviews Perfect for a cosy family cuddle – Absolutely Mama A wonderful show for children to discover the power of their imaginations and the magic of storytelling – The Guide My autistic child loved the show and didn’t need her ear defenders – Audience member Pocklington Arts Centre

David McKee's much-loved Not Now, Bernard is a classic of children's storytelling. This playful and hilarious exploration of what happens when children and adults fail to listen to each other is perhaps even more relevant today than it was when it was first published in 1980. Roustabout Theatre brings the picture book to life with minimal spoken language and an inventive and colourful set, creating a riot of physical comedy and music that entertains as much as it provokes. A rich theatrical treat for everyone over the age of three.

He's the singer/songwriter who wrote the tunes for the Britpop generation. Simon Fowler, frontman for Ocean Colour Scene, penned The Riverboat Song, The Circle, The Day We Caught The Train, Moseley Shoals and many, many more. Lining up alongside Oasis at Knebworth, he took his band from Birmingham to the height of 1990s fame. Writing the seminal, triple-platinum Moseley Shoals, as well as the number one follow-up, Marchin'. Already, Fowler will relive his best work during an evening of classic songs and stories. He'll also trace the origins of that work, taking fans on a compelling journey back to his pre-OCS days. Expect new songs and classic hits, fantastic tales and amusing anecdotes from one of Britpop's central characters.

Step into our cosy, welcoming cinema and enjoy the very best family movies on the big screen. Every screening is family friendly, perfect for all ages and relaxed. The fun doesn’t stop when the credits roll, stick around for free film themed craft activities after every Saturday morning screening. Each week brings a new activity inspired by the movie you’ve just watched, from sculpted dinosaurs to Paddington hats and lunchbox, there’s always something new to make and take home. Check out our current Film Cubs cinema screenings below. Suitable for all ages. Funded by Funded by Family Arts Campaign.

When a stranger washes up on the shores of England, a community in turmoil is forced to confront their attitudes towards tolerance, survival, blame, nostalgia, and the changing world around them. Through dance, live music, and storytelling Se Gæst | The Guest examines who we are, where we come from, and where we are going as a group of people who currently call England home today. This work has been built following a series of interviews and discussions with multiple communities across England who have shared their nuanced, often conflicting relationships with national identity.

Think the comedians have got what it takes to survive the gong? Beat The Gong is one of the largest comedy nights staged in the North of England – a live comedy event with a twist. Brave comedians take to the stage and have just a few minutes to win over the crowd. If the audience isn’t feeling it, GONG! They’re off. Fast, furious, and absolutely unpredictable, it’s the most exciting format in live comedy.

Ed just wants to live a life free of hassles or drama. He feels he’s earned it, but the world has other plans for him. Come, hear the conquistador of petty gripes air his grievances with a world hell bent on irritating the bejeezus out of us all and, who knows, perhaps it will make you feel better about your own bouts of impotent rage.

Scouse legends dont come much bigger than this! From Brookside to the Royle Family and his iconic role as Mike Basset, Ricky Tomlinson has been ever present in scouse living rooms for more than 40 years. Join us as Ricky Tomlinson, alongside special guest host Asa Murphy, delivers an unmissable live comedy night, filled with stories from his glittering career in show business, plenty of laughs and an audience Q&A. Get ready to sit back, relax and experience two brilliant hours from the mind that brought you Jim Royle and Mike Bassett. All ticket holders will receive a meet and greet after the show.

‘Ten years ago, my best friend Tom was diagnosed with heart cancer and given three months to live. His last wish was to have a full Viking burial. So I gave him one.’ Team Viking tells the remarkable, hilarious and heart-lifting story of how I actually managed to give my best mate the send-off he wanted. Blending storytelling, music, comedy and even a genuine Viking helmet, it’s a comic ode to death, friendship and the beautiful absurdity of life. The show premiered in a tiny meeting room at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe and became a breakthrough hit: critically acclaimed, completely sold out, and the beginning of James Rowland’s career as a contemporary storyteller. Since then it has toured hundreds of times across the UK and beyond. Now, ten years on, this modern classic returns for a special anniversary edition – as funny, raw and joyous as ever. Team Viking is brought to you by Salam & Holohan.

New Year’s Eve, 1997. Manchester. In Déjà Vus’, Spin Jim is on the decks and ready to take you into the new year. The whole place is electric. Set to a live soundtrack of indie classics, How Soon is Now? is an indie musical about mates, music and magic – finding your place and finding yourself. There’s a club. Would you like to go?

Comedy queens Your Aunt Fanny are back and better than ever with their brand new, hour long sketch show, Crease, a heady treat of their sharpest, smartest and most hilarious material to date. Seen through their now trademark unapologetically feminine lens, Your Aunt Fanny invite you to a True Crime themed hen party (colour scheme: voyeurism violet), a man’s club for those finally ready to be allies, a disillusioned but enthusiastic scout leader, and your filthy step-neighbour who is starring in a porno bank heist (directed by 7 women who’ve never actually watched porn). Your Aunt Fanny’s master word play and impeccable performances are firmly rooted in the real world, but not as you know it. ‘Smack The Pony on steroids’, Your Aunt Fanny are bold and brilliant but, ultimately, just want to welcome you warmly into the Fanny fold.

Packed with huge hits, tight musicianship and some of the best-known songs of the late 70s/early 80s era, we’re delighted to bring you a North East debut for this sensational double bill celebrating the sounds of a generation. Strutting straight outta London, Totally Blondie bring the swagger, sass and sheer sonic rush of Blondie to the stage. This electric show features a razor-sharp band fronted by superstar frontwoman Chloe a magnetic, platinum-blonde powerhouse who truly gets Debbie Harry. From CBGB classics to crossover chart hits they cover all the bases: Heart of Glass, Atomic, Hanging on the Telephone, One Way or Another, Dreaming, Rapture – all delivered with true New-York-via-London attitude, post-punk cool and disco-tinted sleaze. This is Blondie as they were: fearless, genre-bending, dangerously stylish. It’s tight, it’s loud, and it’s a helluva lot of fun – equal parts art-rock, punk energy and dancefloor euphoria. Expect attitude. Expect eyeliner. Expect some of the greatest alternative pop songs of all time! They sold out The Georgian Theatre last time they were here, and the time before that they were smashing it in front of 1500 in Boro with The Southmartins. The Police sold more than 75 million records worldwide and scored sixteen UK Top 20 singles (five of them No. 1’s) with hits including Roxanne, Walking On The Moon, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic and Can’t Stand Losing You. The Polis (they’re Scottish, natch!) are one of the UK’s leading tributes, bringing the musicianship and unmistakable sound of Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland to the stage with raw energy that’s truly infectious. From the reggae-infused grooves of So Lonely to the stadium-sized anthems Every Breath You Take, Message in a Bottle and Don’t Stand So Close To Me, they faithfully recreate the songs that made The Police one of the biggest bands in the world.

‘I dance in the horror of grief.’ Three men at Woodhill prison are dead. Their families demand answers. This is a call to arms about the crisis facing prisons. Gut punching choreography and unflinching beats shine a light on the hidden story of HMP Woodhill. Lyrically told in their own words, three families investigate what happened to their boys. What they discover is so haunting, it turns their world upside down. Pushing the form of documentary theatre and dance, Woodhill is an explosive true story by multi-award-winning LUNG and originally developed with The North Wall. Content Warning: The work addresses themes of self-harm, suicide, addiction, racism, child loss, and extreme violence. It features vivid movement and descriptions that may distress audiences. Strong language and strobe lighting are present.

The world's only tribute to the mighty Style Council, a full 11 piece line-up replicating the very best from probably the best pop group in the world! The Style Councillors are the ultimate tribute to The Style Council. With Swirling Hammond Organ and a classic horn section, The Style Councillors are as close as it gets to actually being there. They will take you right back to the beginning for a trip through one of Paul Weller's arguably best periods as a songwriter.

Dynamic, rootsy country blues to take you back to the old days down in the Mississippi Delta from these two veterans. Both are members of The Blues Band, Paul was the singer in 60s stars Manfred Man and Dave has toured extensively as a solo artist, including support slots for Howlin' Wolf and John Lee Hooker.

There will only ever be one David Bowie, he was unique in every way and an inspiration to millions. Absolute Bowie, Europe's Finest David Bowie Tribute continue to celebrate the life and music of the Starman with a spectacular show uniting Bowie fans across the UK.

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Smiths’ seminal The Queen Is Dead with an evening dedicated to one of the most acclaimed and influential albums of all time. Voted NME’s Greatest Album of All Time and consistently ranked among the finest records ever made, The Smiths’ 1986 masterpiece continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike. Join legendary Smiths drummer Mike Joyce and acclaimed Queen Is Dead co-producer Stephen Street, alongside a special guest host, for an in-depth conversation exploring the making and enduring legacy of this landmark album. Through stories, memories and behind-the-scenes insights, Mike and Stephen will take a deep dive into the recording of The Queen Is Dead, discussing each song track-by-track, studio sessions and creative processes that helped define a generation and continue to resonate with listeners four decades later. The evening will also feature an audience Q&A, archive video, signings and memorabilia, giving fans a rare chance to hear first-hand from two of the people behind the record. Don’t miss this unique celebration of one of the greatest British albums ever made, with two of the people who helped bring it to life.

Dominic Nelson-Ashley returns with ‘Poetic Symphony.’ A night in which he performs his poetry with a group of highly acclaimed musicians about love, joy, relationships, fatherhood, identity, recovering from cancer and the Middlesbrough riots. This show is a celebration of life – who we are, where we’ve come from and where we are going. Dominic Nelson-Ashley is firmly established as a spoken-word artist who delivers consistently electrifying performances. Expect a night of great music and moving words. His poetry has been commissioned by the BBC. He’s performed in diverse places such as Durham Cathedral and the Crossing The Tees Literary festival. He has been on ITV discussing the impact of the Windrush Generation, Black History, and the power of education. Underpinning all his poems are optimistic tones, positive vibes, and uplifting messages.

Think the comedians have got what it takes to survive the gong? Beat The Gong is one of the largest comedy nights staged in the North of England – a live comedy event with a twist. Brave comedians take to the stage and have just a few minutes to win over the crowd. If the audience isn’t feeling it, GONG! They’re off. Fast, furious, and absolutely unpredictable, it’s the most exciting format in live comedy. Please note: Beat the Gong can contain strong content and is strictly for over 18s.

Tez Ilyas, one of the most most celebrated stars in British comedy, returns to stage in 2023 with an hour of his trademark, no-holds barred, crowd participation and fun. As seen on Man Like Mobeen (BBC Three), Live At The Apollo (BBC Two), Bounty (CH4), Mock The Week (BBC Two) and much more.

ARC will transform into a hub of Halloween fun on Sat 31 October, with a full day of family-friendly activities! We have a packed programme of free creative activities, story time sessions and trick-or-treat trials to capture the imagination of young guests and their families. No need to book, you can drop in anytime between 10.30am and 3.30pm to take part in the activities! Away from the theatre, visitors can take part in a series of hands-on craft activities by making spindly spiders, ghoulish ghosts and mischievous masks. A spooky scavenger hunt will also guide families around ARC, with Halloween treats from Culture Kitchen as a prize for completing the trick-or-treat trial! Our Little Library will host storytelling sessions throughout the day, while our boo-tiful face painting station will transform visitors (of all ages!) into witches, vampires and more. Our friends from Drake the Bookshop will also be joining us with a series of spooky books and other Halloween goodies. To finish the day, we have the amazing family theatre show The Witch Who Couldn’t Sleep. This gentle, heartwarming show is just what you need to enjoy a cosy, cuddly time together with your family. Children get to join in, shout out, and help shape the story as it unfolds. The show takes place in the Theatre and starts at 2pm.This will be a relaxed performance.

Navigating The Film Festival Network is a seminar led by Katie and Ian Bignell, founders and owners of Festival Formula, the industry leading film festival strategists! We’ll have a panel of people from every aspect of the North East creative community to add to the discussion, and of course, you’ll get your chance to ask your own questions! If you’re a filmmaker that wants to maximise the success and visibility of your work in the film festival network, then this TVIFF 2026 event is a MUST!

Get ready to rave with Santa this Christmas! Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy our PopKids club DJ spinning the biggest chart hits and Christmas throwback anthems. With falling snow and a party atmosphere like no other, gather your family and friends, embrace the festive spirit and kick off Christmas in unforgettable style. PopKids is a family friendly interactive show with party dances for all ages, lots of surprises and fun games that the whole family can enjoy with prizes to be won! Make sure that you dress in your brightest Christmas jumper and get ready to light up the dance floor with PopKids Christmas Wonderland.

Born in Dungiven in 1975, surrounded and infused with the rich cultural heritage of her native County Derry, Cara has risen to become one of the finest exponents of traditional Irish song anywhere in the world. Together with her husband and musical partner, Sam Lakeman, she has succesfully steered an eclectic musical path defying the typical pigeonholes that hinder most artists in her genre. Celebrated for entwining traditional and contemporary elements she has earned both commercial success and astonishing critical acclaim. Whether she's singing her native traditional songs of lost love and emigration, or original compositions, you will be hard pressed to find a more emotive and captivating performer. Cara Dillon is at the very top of her field and one has the feeling she'll remain there for a very long time.

1930s New York, at the height of the Depression. Joe Bonaparte is a gifted young violinist with a future in music, until a chance at fame and fortune lures him into the brutal world of professional boxing. He must confront what he's willing to sacrifice, who he's willing to become and how to find his place in a world that demands he choose a side. Brought to life with a live string quartet and filmed live from the Almeida Theatre, Olivier Award-winner Sam Yates (Vanya) directs this propulsive drama exploring ambition, identity, and the high price of success.

Join us for a fantastic live show featuring popular North East artists, Kamalbir Singh and Priti Kaur performing ghazals and popular Bollywood songs. The evening will offer a tribute to famous Indian ghazal singer, Jagjit Singh, and his wife Chitra Singh. Kamalbir Singh is a well-known name in the field of Indian classical music and ghazals singing. Having toured internationally, Singh has performed at many famous venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Barbican Centre, Ronnie Scott’s, Glastonbury festival and most recently, in the Royal Festival Hall with pop legend, Paul Weller. Singh was the first artist in Indian music to perform in the West End in the musical ‘The Far Pavillians’ and has composed for many stage musicals including ‘A Great Handful of Hena’ and ‘Mind the Gap’. Singh has also appeared on TV as a solo and accompanying artist on BBC, Channel 4 and ITV’s Good Morning Britain to name a few. Priti Kaur is a versatile, vibrant Indian vocalist resident in the UK. Kaur made her Bollywood feature with her song ‘Promises’ from the movie ‘Unforgettable in 2012’. Highlights of her stage career include singing with the prestigious City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and at the Commonwealth Games in 2022. Most recently, Kaur has performed at the prestigious Wembley Stadium in 2025 for the Football Association ‘Faith and Football series’. In India, Priti has been an All India Radio Ghazal artist and has appeared in several TV channels including B4UMusic, Zee TV and Kanshi TV. Kaur and Singh will be accompanied by Gurprit Matharu on tabla, Jai Singh on keyboard, Kansia Pritchard on flute and clarinet, and Prashant Joshi on acoustic guitar.

Tickets on sale: Thursday 27 August at 10am. The Tapestry of Voices is a whirlwind adventure of international dance theatre, live music and story-telling, all inspired by peoples’ desire to seek out and achieve their dreams! An immersive theatrical family performance, taking the audience on a journey through time; exploring characters, people and events which shaped lives in the North-East of England, told through drama, dance and live music. Picture the scene. Two young explorers enter the exciting world of the Museum of Voices. They stumble across a curious treasure chest that unknown to them will change their lives forever. Opening the relic propels them on a journey of discovery and knowledge as they perceive generations of heritage inspired by instrumental moments in time. The assembled professional cast complied of talented performers from up and down the land will be lifting the lid on the past and propel the audience on a theatrical voyage they will never forget. The episodes reflect how people are forced or choose to ‘move on’ to better their lives, protect their families, their people, and their countries. The new show identifies key moments in the North East’s own journey including the birth of the modern railway (the Stockton and Darlington Railway) crafted by George Stephenson; The Durham Miner’s Story; The Suffragettes Movement in the North East, The Jarrow March; and how World War II integrated new heritage to the region from Windrush to Irish, Chinese and Indian migrants. The Tapestry of Voices is a window into a world that has shaped our life as we know it today. Sample the social chemistry that moulded our community and pointed us towards this current direction. Featuring: Actors – Tim Porteus, Catriona Joss, Elizabeth Collins, Skye Porteus, Emmi Wood Irish Dance and Music – Absolutely Legless Chinese and Indian Dance and Music – Balbir Singh Dance Company Tango – Oria Tango Windrush Caribbean dancers – Taste of Africa North East and Talentos Dance Company

Once a year we pay homage to the North East’s amazing cover band scene, with some of the regions best acts and solos taking over the live room at our weekly clubnight KU-SATURDAYS. The Manchester Anthems are back for KU Under the Covers and they're bringing all the classic tunes from Oasis, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, The Smiths and many more! Plus two rooms of DJs and dancing after the band until 3am.

World’s on Fire is a journey into what can happen when a town comes together to face global challenges through local strength. It is an ambitious new production written and directed by the award-winning Vici Wreford-Sinnott, whose work tours nationally and has been commissioned by the BBC for TV. Real local stories are woven together and shared by a cast of community performers and professional actors, and through original songs from the newly formed World’s on Fire Choir, to highlight Stockton as a place lit with passion, action and hope. Vici is spending time with Stockton and Tees Valley residents and local environmental groups, with whom the production is co-created and performed. ‘Local people often don’t realise the significance of what they do and the change they have the power to bring about.’ Vici Wreford-Sinnott World’s on Fire is all about community, it’s about keeping your heads up when the world tries to say you’re rubbish, it’s about things people love, it’s about beauty all around us, it’s about remembering to breathe, it’s about friendship, it’s about this town. It’s about you, it’s about me. The production was commissioned by communities in Stockton On Tees and aims to be as accessible as possible so please check out all the access info below. Access: World’s On Fire BSL, stage captions, audio described introduction, touch tour. Please get in touch with ARC box office if you would like to book a seat with plenty of space around you. Please feel free to come and go if you need the loo or need to go to the quiet room. The show contains a very large cast including a powerful choir, and a movement chorus. Some of the set is on wheels and moves around the stage at times. There is music, sound effects and lighting effects including moving colourful lights – there are no flashing lights or strobe lighting. Closer to the performance we will be provide a timetabled sound map of the show so please do get in touch for that or if you have any other access queries.

Join local artist Carol Lonsdale for a relaxed, hands-on Needle Felting Workshop and create your very own felted Halloween Cat to take home. You’ll be expertly guided step by step through the process, with all the materials provided. By the end of the session, you’ll head home with your finished cat, plus you’re free to take your needles and any leftover materials so you can keep going and start a brand-new creative hobby. Please note these sessions have a habit of running a little over, as it’s easy to get completely absorbed. There’s no rush, and you’re more than welcome to stay and enjoy the process until your piece is complete. These workshops run every month and there is always something different to make so why not join us for more than one workshop and start your very own collection of cute critters and obscure objects!

Join local artist Carol Lonsdale for a relaxed, hands-on Needle Felting Workshop and create your very own felted penguins to take home. You’ll be expertly guided step by step through the process, with all the materials provided. By the end of the session, you’ll head home with your finished penguins, plus you’re free to take your needles and any leftover materials so you can keep going and start a brand-new creative hobby. Please note these sessions have a habit of running a little over, as it’s easy to get completely absorbed. There’s no rush, and you’re more than welcome to stay and enjoy the process until your piece is complete. These workshops run every month and there is always something different to make so why not join us for more than one workshop and start your very own collection of cute critters and obscure objects!

Join local artist Carol Lonsdale for a relaxed, hands-on Needle Felting Workshop and create your very own felted Christmas Trees to take home. You’ll be expertly guided step by step through the process, with all the materials provided. By the end of the session, you’ll head home with your finished Christmas Trees, plus you’re free to take your needles and any leftover materials so you can keep going and start a brand-new creative hobby. Please note these sessions have a habit of running a little over, as it’s easy to get completely absorbed. There’s no rush, and you’re more than welcome to stay and enjoy the process until your piece is complete. These workshops run every month and there is always something different to make so why not join us for more than one workshop and start your very own collection of cute critters and obscure objects!

This month at the Café, we’re delighted to welcome Dr Katherine Duncan, Senior Lecturer in Microbial Metabolomics and Antibiotic Discovery, Newcastle University. Please come along and bring a friend; our Café audience and the interesting questions you always have for our speakers make the Café what it is!

This month at the Café, we’re delighted to welcome Professor Damian D Hampshire, Department of Physics, Durham University. Please come along and bring a friend; our Café audience and the interesting questions you always have for our speakers make the Café what it is!

Pioneering alt-comedy hero and star of Cats Does Countdown Paul Foot is back on tour with a brand new stand-up show. Remember when people were excited for the future? With visions of jetpacks, friendly robots wheeling around, and solar-powered bidets. Well, we don't have visions like that anymore, do we? But the universe is not over. The light has not gone out. Here's a candle in the dark. Contagious and whispering. And you can take it with you when you leave. As seen on Would I Lie To You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

Our monthly Catch 22 Comedy Club, take place the last Friday of every month and offers a proper good night out. Now in its 20th year and regularly featuring the best comedians on the circuit and a buzzing atmosphere, our shows guarantee laughs and memorable moments! This month our MC is Catch 22 favourite Matt Reed. Insanely funny and charming as he is wonderfully brutal, Matt is one of the funniest, quick-witted comics who will keep you on the edge of your seat with the ability to skillfully destroy any heckler that has the misfortune to cross his path! Our opening act is Paul McCaffery. As a compelling, high energy and observational comic, McCaffrey adds his own unique twist on the frustrations and inaccuracies of life. Star of BBC’s Impractical Jokers, he has previously supported Kevin Bridges and Sean Lock. Nerdy and awkward but dark and twisted Laurence Tuck is inventively offbeat and stunningly original. Our headliner is the renowned Mick Ferry. As a fine purveyor of lugubrious surrealism he is a supremely versatile performer, who is now widely recognised as one of the most talented and original stand-ups to have emerged from the North. Please note line-up is subject to change.

Total Rex - Marc Bolan & T Rex Tribute - Live and loud, no nonsense rock n roll!!! Formed in late 2021 and made up of professional musicians, Total REX have quickly established themselves as one of the UKs favourite T Rex Tribute bands regularly gigging across the UK. Total-Rex T-Rex Tribute is a sensational show capturing the rock sound of Marc Bolan and T Rex. A must see for all Bolan, Glam Rock and 70s music fans alike, the show features all the T Rex big hits from 1970s along with firm album track favourites - and much much more! The band are T Rex fanatics and know their stuff!! Featuring Yorkshires Paul Mother on lead vocals and guitar, Pauls 1995 Bolan Tribute CD Bolanesque is still a firm favourite amongst T Rex fan groups today. The Total Rex frontman has featured in bands for many years and toured all over the UK and Europe. Paul recorded his first band album at the legendary Abbey Road studios back in the late 80s.

Sonic Futures and ARC Stockton bring together music, sound and theatre practitioners for an evening exploring opportunities to work across music and performance. Hear from theatre professionals about composing, sound design, finding commission and building creative collaborations.

Collect your golden ticket from the conductor and come with us on a magical journey to the North Pole. Delight in our beautiful Christmas tree and enjoy the film soundtrack as you take your seats. When the whistle sounds, sit back and enjoy one of the most enchanting Christmas movies of all time. A young boy embarks on an adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. During his journey he learns about friendship, bravery and the true spirit of Christmas. Enjoy a hot chocolate, cookies and come dressed in your pyjamas and feel like you are on the train with the children. On your way out collect a small token to remind you of this special event for Christmases to come!

Immerse yourself in original live music from the region’s most exciting up-and-coming artists. Soundcheck showcases the best emerging talent from Tees Valley and the North East, giving you the chance to discover your new favourite artist. Every Soundcheck features a carefully curated line-up of artists ready to make their mark, who are subject to change - tickets are booked for the night, not a specific artist. 14+, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult Soundcheck - here for the music

Dancewise Performing Arts is a unique Performing Arts school which excels in Dance and Musical Theatre training. Watch our dancers tell the story of Frozen through dance using a variety of different dance styles and music in a way you’ve never seen before.

Eliza Carthy MBE is a multi-award winning singer, songwriter and musician from a formidable English music dynasty. Describing herself simply as a "modern English musician", Eliza Carthy is one of the most recognisable faces of the English folk revival. Her first "solo" album of traditional music in 14 years, Restitute is literally a homely affair, recorded at Elizas home in the picturesque Robin Hoods Bay, North Yorkshire. The touring Restitution band comprises Eliza Carthy, Ben Seal, Phil Alexander, Willy Molleson and David Delarre - with a support slot and a special guest appearance from Saul Rose. In addition to material from Restitute, the band will perform songs from the band's forthcoming album Through That Sound My Secret Was Made Known featuring original songs by Eliza Carthy & Ben Seal.

Coming off the back of his sold out Don’t Listen To Me UK tour, Kane brings you his brand-new show: Crowd Work King. One hour of purely unscripted, unplanned comedy; all based around audience participation. Everything is made up on the spot so you can witness the comedy unfold in real time. A new exciting dynamic to a comedy show when nobody knows what’s coming next (not even the comedian!). Each show will be uniquely different, so you can come along time and time again. Including support from some the UK’s funniest comedians.

Spend an evening inside the genius comedic mind of Peter Serafinowicz. Showcasing cutting edge face-swap technology - developed by Peter himself - the master impressionist delivers a show packed with his trademark absurd comedy, beloved faces and characters and, of course, uncanny impersonations. Having appeared in TV favourites (Amandaland, Parks & Recreation, I’m Alan Partridge), cult classics (Spaced, Look Around You, The Peter Serafinowicz Show) and beloved movies (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Shaun of the Dead, Guardians of the Galaxy), Peter has established himself as one of Britain’s most inventive and distinctive comic talents. Join a true original on his first ever solo tour: The Peter Serafinowicz Live Show! 14+, under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.

A rare opportunity to experience The Ruin, a live performance by Turner Prize 2026 nominated Simeon Barclay, presented by MIMA in collaboration with ARC, Stockton. Commissioned and first presented by the Roberts Institute of Art, at Institute of Contemporary Arts, London and The Hepworth, Wakefield in 2025, The Ruin is Barclay’s first live performance work, bringing together spoken word and percussion by James Larter and horn by Isaac Shieh. The piece reflects on Britishness, masculinity and class through the lens of Barclay’s upbringing in 1980s Huddersfield as the son of Caribbean parents. The soundscape combines early modern music, pop culture references and industrial sounds connected to Barclay’s youth and personal history. These sounds are layered with visual elements including lighting, fog and monochrome costumes worn by the performers, evoking the industrial and infrastructural landscapes of Northern England in 1980s and 1990s Britain, particularly the M62 motorway. The piece is a dynamic and theatrical meditation on self-image, memory and the evolving myth of Britain. The performance will be accompanied by BSL interpretation.

Wild bluesy rock woven together by a feral voice and mighty acoustic riffs. This is without doubt music made to be experienced live. Adam brings you the “Dopamine Tour” as a blues-infused rock two-piece with Jack Usher joining him on drums. Notable shows from 2026 include a residency at the Hard Rock Café, Barcelona and his 'Dopamine' Single Launch Party. For fans of Jack White, St Vincent, Rival Sons, Fink.

Following on from his smash hit debut tour and comedy special ‘Smart Casual’, Jeff Innocent returns with an all new hour of standup. At the ripe age of 70, and after decades of resistance, Jeff has finally decided to embrace his twilight years with a calm and accepting mindset. That’s the plan anyway... ‘It should be made law that every British Citizen must go and see Jeff Innocent. He’s that funny.’ - Evening Standard ‘Jeff Innocent delivers a masterclass in stand up comedy every time he performs’ - The Times Presented by LDN Comedy.