When the nights start drawing in, you can always rely on Northern Stage to provide some cultural illumination through their fabulous programme of delights, which run through October to December.

The Autumn/Winter offerings at Northern Stage are designed to warm the chilliest of cockles and in 2025 they’ve stuck in their collective thumbs and pulled out some real plums. Of course, the venue has an enviable reputation for comedy and that is set to continue apace over the next few months, kicking off with Suzi Ruffell who is bringing her new show our way in the shape of ‘The Juggle’ (16 October, from £17). The confessional, multi-award winning comedian will be chatting about how it’s difficult to wear many hats – mother, daughter, partner, friend – and remain good while doing so. Frankly, she’s exhausted but that’s good news for us as this fabulously funny show has already been winning a raft of five-star reviews. Another top stand-up heading our way is the estimable Rosie Jones who returns to the region with her latest show ‘I Can’t Tell What She’s Saying’ (25 October, from £21). The BAFTA-nominated powerhouse will be talking about the big stuff: being single, the pressures of representing huge sections of the population, and gravy. Oh, and very possibly boobs (i.e. very probably boobs). There will be laughs of a different sort to be had in some of Northern Stage’s more theatrical offerings such as Post Traumatic Slay Disorder (17 October, from £12). This comedy follows twenty-something waitress Kit who moves to London with a fresh diagnosis – PTSD. When she isn’t pretending to be famous on the tube, she’s hoping she’ll collapse on the restaurant floor and never have to work again. Living in a generation that navigates mental illness through TikTok trends, Kit is THE main character and sitting down with her demons has never been cuter. If she doesn’t laugh, she’ll cry (while probably taking a picture of it). Sparkling laughter – of the champagne variety – will fill the theatre when the curtain goes up on Noel Coward’s Private Lives (4-8 November, from £12). Set against a backdrop of 1930s glamour, the great playwright’s comedy of manners is hilarious, stylish and a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with razor-sharp wit, sizzling chemistry and timeless sophistication. Other plays I’d particularly look out for include Myra’s Story (11 October, from £12). Direct from London’s West End, it sees acclaimed actor Fionna Hewitt-Twamley as the titular Myra. She’s fallen on hard times and is now homeless living on the streets of Dublin. But Hewitt-Twamley also plays over 15 other unforgettable larger-than-life characters, recounting the hilarious and heart-wrenching events that had led her to this point in her life. And in the run-up to Halloween, be sure you check out Birdwatching (25 October, from £12). This sees Amelia, Poppy and Lauren wild camping in the Northumberland forest. As the woods darken around them and tensions flare, a watchful presence takes hold over the camp. With female, queer and neurodivergent perspectives centre stage, this new production is a folk horror about the female experience that doesn’t look away… Of course, Northern Stage is renowned for putting on shows that go out on a limb and this autumn these will included the likes of Outlawed (24 October, from £12). A speakeasy set in Sherwood Forest (really!) you’re invited to join Robin and co for a fierce night of burlesque, drag and comedy. And then we have Mr Blackpool’s Seaside Spectacular (pictured - 6 November, from £12), an end of the pier show at the end of the world from performance artist and theatre maker Harry Clayton-Wright. Set in the not too distant future against the backdrop of some catastrophe, expect cabaret, variety, drag and dance. And there’s more cabaret – of an interactive nature – to be had with This Is Your Tribute (8 November, from £12), a musical nostalgia fest filled with sing-alongs, dance breaks, wigs and wonderment. There are even more wonderments on offer from The Remarkable Ben Hart (17 October, from £21). An entirely unique voice in magic, Hart brings together enthralling storytelling, sharp wit and charm to create shows that are unforgettable, funny, dark and profoundly baffling. Musical delights come in the shape of Mama Afrika (11 October, from £12). This will see Zimbabwean born singer, musician and storyteller Anna Mudeka telling the story of iconic South African singer, songwriter and civil rights activist Miriam Makeba and it will feature many of Makeba’s best loved songs. Children will love Spot’s Birthday Party (29 October-2 November, from £12), an interactive show for ages 2+ and, of course, children of all ages will love Northern Stage’s Christmas offerings. This year they are The Night Before Christmouse (22 November-3 January), a production perfect for under 5s; and, for all the family, Beauty and the Beast (4 December-3 January), with Northern Stage putting a magical and hilarious twist on this much-loved tale. Full details on all the above from the website, below.

Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle, northernstage.co.uk