The Common Room

Magnificent Women: Pioneering Engineers Past and Present
2024-03-07 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Who were the pioneers who built local power stations in the 1930s to bring electricity into the home? What role do female engineers have today in the transition to clean energy? How can women secure exciting new jobs in the digital industries? Chi Onwurah MP and Laura Brown of Northern Powergrid talk to author Henrietta Heald at The Common Room about women and electricity, past and present.
Chi Onwurah qualified as an electrical engineer at Imperial College and spent 20 years building digital networks all over the world, including the first mobile phone network in Nigeria. She has been MP for Newcastle Central since 2010 and is currently shadow minister for Science, Research and Innovation.
Laura Brown is a commercial manager at Northern Powergrid, the body in charge of the electricity network that powers everyday life for more than 8 million people across 3.9 million homes and businesses in the northeast region. She works with generators and users of electricity to enable them to accelerate their delivery of Net Zero.
Henrietta Heald is the author of Magnificent Women and Their Revolutionary Machines, about the extraordinary individuals who set up the Women’s Engineering Society a century ago, and Magician of the North, a biography of Lord Armstrong of Cragside. Her many media appearances have included BBC Woman’s Hour, Michael Portillo’s Great Railway Journeys, Inside the Factory, and interviews with BBC Radio Newcastle, Look North and Tyne Tees.
Magnificent Women: Pioneering Engineers, Past and Present is an event in the series Electric Dreams, celebrating the centenary of the Electrical Association for Women.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around?
Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot & cold drinks, nibbles and some fantastic offers on wine and cocktails, until late.
Refund Policy
Contact the organiser to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable.
Additional information
Location: The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SE
Our building is fully accessible – the Lecture Theatre has one space available for a wheelchair. If you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk
About The Common Room
The Common Room is a charity and venue based in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Home to the Mining Institute since 1872, The Common Room aims to use its unique heritage to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers, with an ongoing free science and heritage programme for the public, schools, youth groups, communities and more.
Complete with its own café bar, 5|Quarter, The Common Room is also available for hire for private events including conferences, lectures, weddings, and gigs. Thanks to National Lottery players, an £8.9m grant has enabled us to spend over £7 million restoring the building, and around £2m to support our running costs, preserve our collections, and to drive our mission. Find how you can support us here.
Visit our website to find out more about The Common Room: thecommonroom.org.uk

Mini Mariners!
2024-02-23 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-22 10:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-21 10:00 - 15:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Ahoy, Mini Mariners! Get ready to set sail on a thrilling adventure in our Boat Material Testing Workshop. In this hands-on craft session, young shipbuilders will explore the fascinating world of boat construction by experimenting with various materials to find out which ones make the sturdiest and most buoyant boats.
Kids will have the chance to unleash their creativity as they design and build miniature boats, testing materials such as cardboard, plastic, foil, and more. Through trial and error, they’ll discover the secrets to creating vessels that can brave the high seas (or a water basin) without springing a leak.
Join us for a nautical journey of discovery, where imagination meets experimentation! Let’s chart a course for fun and learning with Mini Mariners!
Booking information
Each person attending, including adults accompanying children, must have their own ticket
If you have any access needs please email: events@thecommonroom.org.uk when you make your booking.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around? Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot and cold food & drinks from 10:00-18:00.
Additional information
Location: The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
About The Common Room
The Common Room is a charity formed in 2017 to restore the Grade II* listed Neville Hall in Newcastle upon Tyne (home to The Mining Institute since 1872), and its significant archive and collections documenting centuries of engineering, mining, and wider scientific innovation.
Thanks to National Lottery players, an £8.9m grant has enabled us to spend over £7 million restoring the building, and around £2m to support our running costs, preserve our collections, and to drive our mission: to use our unique heritage to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers.
Complete with its own café bar, 5|Quarter, The Common Room is also available for hire for private events, including conferences, lectures, weddings, and gigs.
Find out more at thecommonroom.org.uk

Vice Killer plus support from Citrus
2024-01-27 19:00 - 22:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Alternative Indie band Vice Killer begin 2024 by playing their first headline show at the unique venue ‘The Common Room Of The Great North’ in Newcastle.
Supported by Newcastle based band ‘Citrus’

Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen
2024-01-13 18:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle upon Tyne. Buy your tickets now to discover the music of Queen at The Common Room at Wood Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Add-on: Snapshot by Candlelight
📸 Personalize your Candlelight experience and make it unforgettable! Snapshot by Candlelight is an enchanting photo service that makes the most of the beautiful glow of the candles. Strike a pose and our photographers will print an instant photo for you to take home as a lovely keepsake.
General Info
📍 Venue: The Common Room at Wood Hall
📅 Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
⏳ Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
👤 Age requirement: 8+. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
♿ Accessibility: this venue is wheelchair accessible
❓ View the FAQs for this event here
🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
🕯️ If you would like to book a private concert (min 40+ people), please click here
🎻 Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Newcastle upon Tyne
🎁 To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here
Programme

Love of My Life
Under Pressure (ft. David Bowie)
You’re My Best Friend
Don’t Stop Me Now
Who Wants to Live Forever
We Will Rock You
I Want to Break Free
Bohemian Rhapsody
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
We Are the Champions
Somebody to Love
Another One Bites the Dust

Performers

String quartet – Aurora Strings

Candlelight Concerts: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
2024-01-12 18:30 - 19:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle. Buy your tickets now to discover the music of Taylor Swift at The Common Room under the gentle glow of candlelight in our beautiful Wood Hall.
General Info
📍 Venue: The Common Room
⏳ Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 40 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
👤 Age requirement: 8+. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
♿ Accessibility: this venue is wheelchair accessible
❓ View the FAQs for this event here
🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
🕯️ If you would like to book a private concert (min 40+ people), please click here
🎻 Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Newcastle
🎁 To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here
Programme

“Lavender Haze”
“Love Story”
“Cardigan”
“Blank Space”
“Enchanted”
“Anti-Hero”
“Snow on the Beach”
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”
“Wildest Dreams”
“Lover”
“I Knew You Were Trouble”
“You Belong With Me”
“Shake It Off

Performers

String quartet – String Infusion

Christmas Film Screening: Die Hard (15+)
2023-12-16 19:00 - 21:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
‘Join us for a ‘yippee-ki-yay’ evening of action-packed fun, popcorn, and holiday spirit! Here are the details you need:
📅 Date: 16 Dec, 2023
🕕 Time: Doors 6:30pm, film start 7:00pm
🏠 Venue: Wood Hall, The Common Room
🎄 Dress code: Christmas jumper encouraged!
Year: 1988 | Duration: 132 min
Seating: Beanbag + table seating options available. Please select which seating option you prefer, and please let us know if you have any access requirements by emailing events@thecommonroom.org.uk. Feel free to bring your own cosy blankets, pillows, or anything else that makes your experience even better.
Ticket and booking information
Bean Bag Ticket: £12.50 per person.
Table Ticket: £12.50 per person.
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Refreshments: Text-to seat service during the film is available from our café bar, 5|Quarter; including Bailey’s hot choc, mulled wine, Christmas cocktails and yummy cinema worthy treats.
We can’t wait to see you there. It’s going to be a Yippie-Ki-Yay Christmas that you won’t want to miss!
Refund Policy
Contact the organiser to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around?
Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot & cold drinks, nibbles and some fantastic offers on wine and cocktails, until late.
Additional Information
Our building is fully accessible. If you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk

Christmas Film Screening: The Snowman and The Snowdog double bill (family friendly)
2023-12-16 10:00 - 11:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for a heart-warming and festive family morning in the historic Wood Hall. Here are all the details you need:
📅 Date: 16 Dec, 2023
🕕 Time: Doors 10 am, film start 10:30am
🏠 Venue: Wood Hall, The Common Room
🎄 Dress code: Christmas jumpers encouraged!
Year: 2012| Duration: 60 min
✨ Event Highlights:
– A festive sweet treat included for every good girl and boy
– Your choice of comfortable seating: beanbags for a relaxed viewing or table seating for a more traditional experience – seating is allocated on a first come first served basis – we encourage leaving space on the beanbags for the kids!
– Plenty of festive snacks and drinks available to keep you refreshed throughout the film.
We can’t wait to share this heart-warming tale with you. It’s going to be a magical morning filled with festive fun! Don’t miss out. 🎉
Ticket and booking information
£7.50 base ticket covers entry for one adult + one child.
Additional adults charged at £2.00 each with the purchase of one full-price ticket.
Additional children charged at £4.00 each with the purchase of one full-price ticket.
Each person attending, including adults accompanying children, must have their own ticket.
Refund Policy
Contact the organiser to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around?
Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot & cold drinks, nibbles and some fantastic offers on wine and cocktails, until late.
Additional Information
Our building is fully accessible. If you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk

Christmas at The Common Room: Glass Bottle Painting
2023-12-13 18:00 - 20:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Indulge in a cosy and creative evening this holiday season as we draw inspiration from the breath-taking stained-glass windows of our Wood Hall for an enchanting experience of relaxed bottle painting. 🎨
Celebrate the magic of Christmas and unleash your inner artist as you transform ordinary glass bottles into radiant Christmas decorations or unique gifts.
Sip on delicious drinks and enjoy relaxed conversations with fellow participants. It’s an evening designed to help you unwind and immerse yourself in the joy of the Christmas season.
📍Location: 5|Quarter, The Common Room
📅 Date: 13 Dec, 2023
🕒 Time: 6 pm- 8pm
The ticket includes: Glass bottle, paint, and fairy lights for you to take home.
Join us in making this holiday season a little brighter, one glass bottle at a time. We can’t wait to share this magical evening with you! 🎄🎁🍷
Ticket and booking information
General admission: £12.00 per person.
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Refund Policy
Contact the organiser to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around?
Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot & cold drinks, nibbles and some fantastic offers on wine and cocktails, until late.
Additional Information
Our building is fully accessible. If you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk

Christmas at The Common Room: Light Up Christmas Cards
2023-12-09 12:00 - 14:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Gather with friends and family for a creative and joyful experience. Join us for a special event where you’ll have the opportunity to craft your own illuminated Christmas card using STEM skills.
This engaging festive activity is designed to bring friends and families together, inspire young minds, and spread the joy of the season through a unique, hands-on approach.
📍Location: Wood Hall, The Common Room
📅 Date: 9 Nov, 2023
🕕 Time: 12-2pm
🎄Dress code: Christmas jumpers encouraged
Celebrate the holidays with a dash of science and a sprinkle of creativity.🌲👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨
Ticket and booking information
General admission, 1 adult and 1 child: £5.00
Additional kid: £3.00
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Refund Policy
Contact the organiser to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around?
Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot & cold drinks, nibbles and some fantastic offers on wine and cocktails, until late.
Additional Information
Our building is fully accessible. If you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk

Christmas at The Common Room: Light-Up Christmas Cards
2023-12-09 10:00 - 12:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Gather with friends and family for a creative and joyful experience. Join us for a special event where you’ll have the opportunity to craft your own illuminated Christmas card using STEM skills.
This engaging festive activity is designed to bring friends and families together, inspire young minds, and spread the joy of the season through a unique, hands-on approach.
📍Location: Wood Hall, The Common Room
📅 Date: 9 Nov, 2023
🕕 Time: 10am-12pm
🎄Dress code: Christmas jumpers encouraged
Celebrate the holidays with a dash of science and a sprinkle of creativity.🌲👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨
Ticket and booking information
General admission, 1 adult and 1 child: £5.00
Additional kid: £3.00
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Refund Policy
Contact the organiser to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around?
Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot & cold drinks, nibbles and some fantastic offers on wine and cocktails, until late.
Additional Information
Our building is fully accessible. If you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk

Matt Deighton + support
2023-12-08 08:00 - 19:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Wandering Oak presents: Matt Deighton + support

Matt Deighton’s stunning discography is an undiscovered island inhabited by a human being everyone wants to love and protect from the world around him. Matt’s is a story of genuinely great musicianship and songwriting; but most of all, of the beauty and fragility of one of Britain’s greatest lost talents and how life around him has sometimes shaped a fate beyond his control; but who has come back with something more beautiful every time the storm abated.

You may recognize Matt from his time fronting acid jazz heroes Mother Earth or as Paul Weller’s guitarist in the late 90’s. Likened as the natural successor to Nick Drake, Davey Graham and John Martyn, Matt’s discography shines like a diamond among the silt – Villager was the subject of a Mojo ‘Buried Treasure’ feature and is oft hailed as a British folk classic.

“It’s impossible to imagine fans of Nick Drake of John Martyn not falling in love with him…” – the Sunday Times

A few FFOs
John Martyn / Paul Weller / Michael Head / Nick Drake

Artist site

https://www.mattdeighton.co.uk/

Christmas at The Common Room: Glass Bottle Painting
2023-12-07 18:00 - 20:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Indulge in a cosy and creative evening this holiday season as we draw inspiration from the breath-taking stained-glass windows of our Wood Hall for an enchanting experience of relaxed bottle painting. 🎨
Celebrate the magic of Christmas and unleash your inner artist as you transform ordinary glass bottles into radiant Christmas decorations or unique gifts.
Sip on delicious drinks and enjoy relaxed conversations with fellow participants. It’s an evening designed to help you unwind and immerse yourself in the joy of the Christmas season.
📍Location: 5|Quarter, The Common Room
📅 Date: 7 Dec, 2023
🕒 Time: 6 pm- 8pm
The ticket includes: Glass bottle, paint, and fairy lights for you to take home.
Join us in making this holiday season a little brighter, one glass bottle at a time. We can’t wait to share this magical evening with you! 🎄🎁🍷
Ticket and booking information
General admission: £12.00 per person.
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Refund Policy
Contact the organiser to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around?
Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot & cold drinks, nibbles and some fantastic offers on wine and cocktails, until late.
Additional Information
Our building is fully accessible. If you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk

Faber Academy Writing a Novel: Open Day
2023-12-05 19:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Interested in applying for Faber Academy’s Writing a Novel in Newcastle? Join author Richard T. Kelly for a free introductory workshop and Q&A on Tuesday 5 December 7pm – 9pm.
In this two-hour session, you’ll meet course tutor Richard and take part in a taster workshop, hear from Writing a Novel in Newcastle alumna, and meet Faber Academy staff – as well as getting to know your potential course-mates.
You’ll leave fully informed about the course and raring to hit send on your application.

Christmas at The Common Room: Tipsy Lego
2023-12-01 18:00 - 20:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Embrace the holiday spirit with a delightful gathering that combines creativity and celebration. Join us to construct one of our signature LEGO models, and the best part? We’ll treat you to a complimentary festive drink as you embark on this fun and festive building adventure.
Get ready to let your imagination run wild, connect with fellow LEGO enthusiasts, and savour the taste of the season in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. It’s an event you won’t want to miss.
Mark your calendars – it’s time to get into the holiday spirit, one LEGO brick at a time! 🎁🏰🥤
📍Location: 5|Quarter, The Common Room
📅 Date: 1 Dec, 2023
🕕 Time: 6pm-8 pm
Ticket and booking information
General admission: £9.00 per person.
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Refund Policy
Contact the organiser to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around?
Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot & cold drinks, nibbles and some fantastic offers on wine and cocktails, until late.
Additional Information
Our building is fully accessible. If you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk

Christmas at The Common Room: Festive Wreath Making
2023-11-25 11:00 - 13:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
🎄 Join us for a luxury wreath making experience 🎄
As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to embrace the festive spirit at The Common Room. Let’s gather for a morning of creativity as we craft beautiful Christmas wreaths with inclusion of warm and aromatic mulled wine, and yummy mince pies in your ticket.
📅 Date: Saturday 25 Nov, 2023
🕒 Time: 11am – approx 2 hour workshop
🏠 Venue: Wood Hall, The Common Room
Whether you’re a seasoned wreath-making expert or a complete beginner, renowned North East florist, The Flower Folk, will guide you through your creation ensuring your wreath reflects your unique style and captures the essence of the season.
In the company of fellow enthusiasts in our beautiful Wood Hall, it’s the perfect opportunity to be creative and take home a beautiful wreath to adorn your door or share as a gift.
Let’s make this holiday season a little brighter, one wreath at a time. We look forward to crafting cherished memories with you! 🌿🍷🥧🎁
About Flower Folk: The Flower Folk is a renowned flower, plant and gift shop based in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne. The owner, Pip , has a very simple vision – to combine seasonality with quality, and to bring a sense of the outdoors in. Find out more about them here.
Ticket and booking information
General admission Small Wreath: £55.00 per person.
General admission Medium Wreath: £65.00 per person.
General admission Large Wreath: £75.00 per person.
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Refund Policy
Contact the organiser to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around?
Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot & cold drinks, nibbles and some fantastic offers on wine and cocktails, until late.
Additional Information
Our building is fully accessible. If you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk

Pit Lasses by Denise Bates
2023-11-23 15:00 - 17:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for a fascinating talk by acclaimed author Denise Bates on women in mining throughout Great Britain in 1842.
“Pit Lasses tells the story of around 6,000 women and girls aged between 5 – 75 years old who were working underground in coal mines in parts of Great Britain in 1842, the year females were banned from this work. Beginning c1800 it analyses why women became involved in mining and the work they carried out, the many factors that led to them being excluded from underground work in1842, including the myth that they worked topless alongside naked men and how they adapted to a ban which threatened their livelihood”
Booking information
Tickets cost £6, which includes a tea or coffee.
Tickets must be booked for all those attending, excluding children under 5, who go free.
Refund Policy
Contact the organiser to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around?
Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot & cold drinks, nibbles and some fantastic offers on wine and cocktails, until late.
Additional Information
Our building is fully accessible. If you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk

North East Folk Collective: Muddy Line & Not Going Back
2023-11-11 18:30 - 22:30
North East Folk Collective presents two great folk bands performing in the 5|Quarter Café Bar.

Muddy Line
Muddy Line are a duo playing songs by singer/songwriter Jonathan Woodward, ably abetted by multi-instrumentalist Steve Coates. The pair have been playing to audiences around the northeast for over 30 years. They work on the “Steely Dan” principle of bringing in other talented musicians as and when needed. Music can be a strange language… we’re still deciphering the code….
Not Going Back
Not Going Back are a duo, playing together for the last 8 years – we play songs and tunes from an eclectic mix of Contemporary Folk, Americana, some traditional tunes, Folk-Rock, and a few of our own songs on topical issues. We’re folky, with a beat….

The performances will be followed by an informal acoustic jam session, so please bring your voices and acoustic instruments if you wish to participate. Or just enjoy a drink and listen.

This is a free entry concert. Please ignore the Get Tickets button.

Christmas at The Common Room: Tipsy Lego
2023-11-09 18:00 - 20:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Embrace the holiday spirit with a delightful gathering that combines creativity and celebration. Join us to construct one of our signature LEGO models, and the best part? We’ll treat you to a complimentary festive drink as you embark on this fun and festive building adventure.
Get ready to let your imagination run wild, connect with fellow LEGO enthusiasts, and savour the taste of the season in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. It’s an event you won’t want to miss.
Mark your calendars – it’s time to get into the holiday spirit, one LEGO brick at a time! 🎁🏰🥤
📍Location: 5|Quarter, The Common Room
📅 Date: 9 Nov, 2023
🕕 Time: 6pm-8 pm
Ticket and booking information
General admission: £9.00 per person.
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Refund Policy
Contact the organiser to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around?
Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot & cold drinks, nibbles and some fantastic offers on wine and cocktails, until late.
Additional Information
Our building is fully accessible. If you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk

Lost Lot Band
2023-10-28 19:00 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Lost Lot launch their debut EP of hard hitting alt-country at The Common Room in Newcastle along with special guests India Arkin & Detroit Tourist Board.
With
“A breezy and vivid slice of alt country wonder” – NARC Magazine
“A beautiful Alt-Americana dream” – NE Volume
“High quality Americana” – Jumpin Hot Club

Location: Wood Hall, The Common Room

Halloween Cinema Experience: Family friendly activities & Room on the Broom (2012)
2023-10-28 10:30 - 12:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for some Halloween fun, see Room on the Broom and join in our spooktastic STEM activities!
Can you make a wind proof witch’s hat? Is your Broom strong enough for all your animal friends? Find out with us at The Common Room.
Event Details
Event: Family activities & Room on the Broom (2012)
Event start time: 10:30am
Event end time: approx. 12:00pm
Tickets:
£7.50 base ticket covers entry for one adult + one child.
Additional adults charged at £2.00 each with the purchase of one full-price ticket.
Additional children charged at £4.00 each with the purchase of one full-price ticket
Booking information
Each person attending, including adults accompanying children, must have their own ticket.
Please note the screening is in our lecture theatre with tiered theatre style seating. Seating location is allocated on a first come first serve basis. If you have any access needs please email: events@thecommonroom.org.uk when you make your booking.
Tickets also include interactive STEM activities and a spooktastic sweet treat!
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around? Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot and cold food & drinks from 09:00-18:00.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk

Halloween Cinema Experience: IT Chapter 1, 2017 (18 + only)
2023-10-27 19:00 - 21:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us this Halloween for a truly unique experience. Step inside our Edwardian Lecture Theatre as it transforms into a spooky cinema. Just watch out for Pennywise whilst you enjoy your Halloween themed complimentary cocktail. Fancy dress is encouraged!
Event Details
Film: IT Chapter 1(2017)
Please arrive by 6:30pm so we can seat you and your party comfortably.
Film start time: 7:00pm
Film end: approx. 9:30pm
Ticket and booking information
Early bird: £12.00 per person including Halloween special cocktail
General admission: £14.00 per person including Halloween special cocktail
Each person attending must have their own ticket. Strictly 18+ only.
Please note the screening is in our lecture theatre which includes fixed tiered seating. Seating location is allocated on a first come first serve basis. If you have any access needs please email: events@thecommonroom.org.uk when you make your booking.
Complimentary cocktail ‘Georgie’s Nightmare’ included in the ticket. Other snacks and drinks will be available to order from our café bar – 5|Quarter.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around?
Our café bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot & cold drinks, nibbles and some fantastic offers on wine and cocktails, until late.
Refund Policy
Contact the organiser to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SE
Our building is fully accessible – the Lecture Theatre has one space available for a wheelchair. If you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk

Artsy Fartsy: Stand-Up Comedy, Live Music and Art Exhibition
2023-10-14 19:00 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
An evening of love and laughter with the North’s favourite comedians, most talented artists and a live auction with a range of prizes from across the region set in Newcastle’s most stunning space. All in aid of two incredible charities, Humankind and Beat.
In support of Humankind and Beat, Artsy Fartsy is back with a whole new line up featuring some of the North East’s favourite comedians, live music, a silent arts exhibition, dinner and a charity auction. After their non- profit event raised almost £2,000 last year, Sarah and Lana are delighted to be hosting another night of love and laughter whilst supporting two charities very close to their hearts.
At the start of 2022, Sarah’s relationship broke down after her partner’s overwhelming struggle with addiction tore them apart. Soon after, in June 2022, Peter took his own life. The heartbreak of helplessly watching addiction destroy the man she loved has inspired Sarah to raise money for a charity who support those fighting a similar battle, Humankind.
‘I’ve since learned a lot about addiction and how it effects not only the addict, but the people who love them,’ Sarah says. ‘I watched cocaine overwhelm, consume and break the most loving, hilarious and warm man. His family have been unbelievably strong for each other but they are completely shattered.’
Since overcoming a life-threatening case of anorexia and bulimia, Lana has found health and happiness with help and support from Beat. As 2022’s Miss Newcastle, she used her platform to share her story, spread awareness and inspire others to seek help and follow their own path to recovery.
‘Having come out on the other side of 10-year battle with anorexia and bulimia, raising awareness of the prevalence of eating disorders and mental health issues in our society is something that I am extremely passionate about,’ she says.
As colleagues and best friends, Sarah and Lana are delighted to be using their experience in events management to host another unforgettable evening. Following the inaugural Artsy Fartsy event last year, they were humbled by the support they received from local businesses who donated some very generous auction prizes, and the comedians, musicians and artists whose talent created the most magical evening.
This year’s line up is already looking incredible, with some of the North’s favourite creatives such as Si Beckwith, Lee Kyle, Sam Wood, Em Grafique and Alex Saxton already confirmed. A limited number of early- bird tickets are now on sale and will be available until 22nd September.
Location: Wood Hall, The Common Room

Jesca Hoop + Support
2023-10-13 19:00 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
California-born but now based in Manchester, Jesca Hoop is what you’d call a musician’s musician. Discovered by Tom Waits, and brought on tour by Peter Gabriel to sing in his band, it was a phone call from Elbow’s Guy Garvey that saw her move to the UK. Her most recent album “Stonechild” – produced by John Parish (PJ Harvey, Aldous Harding, This is the Kit) – received huge acclaim from fans and critics alike, and it’s easy to see why: her beautiful songs, rooted in the folk tradition are intricately detailed, acoustic-led pieces that teem with ideas.
Friday 13 October 2023
Doors Open: 19:00
Starts: 20:00

THE BIG SKY TOUR ft. Kathryn Williams & Polly Paulusma
2023-10-06 19:00 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Kathryn Williams & Polly Paulusma will be playing in The Common Rooms beautiful Wood Hall on 6th October!
As labels buddies on One Little Independent Records, Kathryn Williams and Polly Paulusma met on a song writing retreat. They have also written songs together and tutored song writing courses at Arvon Foundation. Their friendship developed and strengthened, supporting each other over lockdown. Being fans of each other’s work, it seemed a foregone conclusion that they would get on the road at some point. Finally after many years of talking about their Thelma and Louise tour dreams (hopefully without the killing or the cliff) they have pulled together a beautiful intimate month-long tour up and down the country, both playing headline solo sets and also coming together for a few songs together. Lucky audiences will get two concerts for the price of one from two of the most respected British independent singer-songwriters this country has to offer.
Kathryn Williams is a Liverpool-born, Mercury Music Prize nominated singer-songwriter with 16 albums under her belt. Before her last release, Night Drives (which entered the official folk album charts straight to number 2), the label OLI celebrated her career thus far with a 20 CD two book box set anthology strewn with her art. She has written a novel “The Ormering Tide” which debuted to critical acclaim, and was listed in The Bookseller as a bestseller for the north and she hosts her own popular podcast “before the light goes out” which was put in the top ten best music podcasts by The Guardian. Kathryn tutors at Arvon, Moniack Mhor, and The Writing Squad and writes songs with many diverse artists around the world including Paul Weller, Ed Harcourt, Beth Neillson Chapman and Michele Stodart.
“Sombre, majestic, extravagant” – Uncut Magazine kathrynwilliams.co.uk
Polly Paulusma’s shed-recorded debut Scissors In My Pocket received international critical acclaim upon its 2004 release by One Little Independent. She toured the USA, supported Bob Dylan, Jamie Cullum, Divine Comedy and Marianne Faithfull and played Glastonbury. In 2012, she founded Wild Sound, now an OLI folk imprint, and signed nine artists. She completed her PhD in 2020, which informed her eighth album Invisible Music — folk songs that influenced Angela Carter (**** The Guardian) and her book (Bloomsbury, 2022). She tutors for Arvon, Cambridge and ICMP. Her ninth and tenth albums The Pivot Upon Which the World Turns (2022) and its sister When Violent Hot Pitch Words Hurt (2023) were recently released to critical acclaim; she is now working on a collaboration with double bassist Jon Thorne exploring relationships between song and prose.
“complete, pure and personal” MOJO Magazine

Candlelight Concerts: A Tribute to Coldplay
2023-09-29 21:00 - 22:30, 2023-09-29 19:00 - 20:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle. Buy your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay at The Common Room under the gentle glow of candlelight in our beautiful Wood Hall.
General Info
📍 Venue: The Common Room
⏳ Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 40 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
👤 Age requirement: 8+. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
♿ Accessibility: this venue is wheelchair accessible
❓ View the FAQs for this event here
🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
🕯️ If you would like to book a private concert (min 40+ people), please click here
🎻 Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Newcastle
🎁 To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here
Programme

Clocks
Shiver
Speed of Sound
Trouble
Fix You
Paradise
Something Just Like This
Yellow
My Universe
The Scientist
Sky Full of Stars

Performers

String quartet – String Infusion

North East Folk Collective: Hek and Still Awake
2023-09-23 18:00 - 22:00
North East Folk Collective presents two great folk bands performing free in the 5|Quarter Café Bar.
Hek
Hek want you to have a good time! We love playing folk tunes and they’ve got to be either infectious and bouncy, or lilting and lovely – otherwise we won’t play them! Janet on fiddle, Francis on guitar and Huw on whistles will be expecting you to bob your heads, stamp your feet and maybe even break into spontaneous dance.
Still Awake
Teresa and Bert have been performing for five years in the north-east of England and the Netherlands. The blend of voices and their arrangements breathe new life into folk standards and folk-influenced pop songs, alongside lesser-known numbers interspersed with Bert’s original material. Relax into the beautiful harmonies and sheer musicality of this engaging duo.
The performances will be followed by an informal acoustic jam session, so please bring your voices and acoustic instruments if you wish to participate. Or just enjoy a drink and listen.
This is a free entry concert. Please ignore the Get Tickets button.
6.00pm-10pm

John Buddle's Benwell
2023-09-20 13:00 - 14:30 | St James’ Church, 28 Benwell Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE15 6RS
John Buddle had a close relationship with Benwell. Buddle’s purchase of Benwell Colliery in 1801 was his first independent venture. Today, the geography of the area can only be understood with reference to this history of ‘the King of the Coal Trade’.
This circular walk starts and ends at St James’ Graveyard where John Buddle is buried. He donated the land for the church and its churchyard to be built in the 1830s. It traces the locations of the area’s lost coalmines and waggonway, within the context of its subsequent development.
Walk: the walk will take an estimated 1.5 hours. It is mainly on pavements and paths but includes some grassed areas. There is some uphill walking. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility problems.
Presented by Judith Green, St James’ Heritage and Environmental Group
Booking information
Each person attending, including adults accompanying children, must have their own ticket. Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
