The Customs House

Plays, panto and popcorn!

The Customs House is at the heart of South Tyneside's cultural activity, situated in a listed building in a beautiful location overlooking the River Tyne.

The venue is home to:

  • a 440 seat theatre
  • a cinema
  • an art gallery
  • a restaurant and bar
  • fantastic rooms suitable for wedding receptions, conferences and celebrations

Live theatre events

With a programme of live theatre events attracting the country's leading performers covering everything from drama to comedy, music and dance to pantomimes and plays - there's always an exciting range of entertainment on offer!

Great value cinema

Movie lovers can benefit from great value offers whether they want to see the latest blockbuster or classic films from the archive.

Diverse mix of art

The Customs House showcases a range of visual art forms reflecting their work with the local community. If you are interested in finding out what is currently on show visit The Customs House: Gallery for current listings.

Eat and drink in Dame Bella's Bar & Bistro

For those looking for a spacious, comfortable environment to relax with a glass of wine before a performance or a bite to eat and a catch up cappuccino with friends, Dame Bella's Bar & Bistro provides the perfect setting. 

Cultural Development Programme

The Customs House encourages everyone to get involved with a whole host of great activities as part of its Cultural Development Programme. Singing, drama, ukulele groups and dance classes are just a few of the sessions currently on offer!

What's near to the Customs House?

Just a stone's throw away from The Customs House is Harton Quays Park, offering stunning river views, water features and open-air theatre for summer performances.

There's also a number of traditional wine bars and pubs which offer real ales, whiskeys, live music and fantastic atmospheres close by.

Opening times

Please visit their website for more information: The Customs House.

Admission charges

Free admission to gallery. Show charges vary.

Facilities

  • Car parking
  • Toilets
  • Bar
  • Restaurant

Access

  • Wheelchair access throughout public areas
  • Accessible toilets
  • Lifts and ramps
  • Disabled parking
  • Discreet infra-red headsets available for Theatre 1
  • Loop system operates in Theatre 2

Please contact The Customs House for more information on seating arrangements.