https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/the-brand-new-adventures-of-santa-and-scruff/

UPDATE: Sunday 30th August 2026 (2pm show)

Set within a contemporary social care system, King Lear reimagines Shakespeare's tragedy through the story of a community leader whose advancing dementia forces his family and professionals to confront difficult questions about care, autonomy and responsibility.

Following a hospital admission, Lear insists on choosing which daughter should manage his care — rewarding flattery over honesty, and cutting out his youngest, Cordelia. As his condition deteriorates, he loses not only independence but identity, moving between wards and assessments while control shifts to others.A compassionate dementia nurse becomes his closest companion as family, memory and power fracture around him — with tragic consequences.

Theatre Space North East return with a hard-hitting large-cast production,, in a modern verse translation by Marcus Gardley in association with Play On Shakespeare.

Shakespeare’s classic comedy is given a splash of Regency-era scandal and sparkle this summer, as Theatre Space North East return for their third dazzling large-cast production at the festival.

Expect shades of Bridgerton-meets-the-Bard alongside the excess, yellow stockings, cakes and ale that regularly feature in this larger-than-life celebration of love, in a modern verse translation by Alison Carey in association with Play On Shakespeare.

Shakespeare Shakedown! A monologue slam with a difference (29 May)

FREE family theatre in May half-term 2026. A brand new enviro-aquatic adventure!

Kati-D" is 23 and has always been the life of the party...until recently. A born entertainer with the voice of an angel (according to her gran) she makes money running Open Mic Nights at the locals but has aspirations of bigger things. That is, until a recent diagnosis unexpectedly throws everything she has set out for herself into doubt, as a chronic condition begins to play a bigger and bigger part in her work, her interpersonal relationships, her life...  

An interactive eco-play for all ages highlighting flood risk and resilience...

Kati-D" is 23 and has always been the life of the party...until recently. A born entertainer with the voice of an angel (according to her gran) she makes money running Open Mic Nights at the locals but has aspirations of bigger things. That is, until a recent diagnosis unexpectedly throws everything she has set out for herself into doubt, as a chronic condition begins to play a bigger and bigger part in her work, her interpersonal relationships, her life...