Joe McElderry at Newcastle Theatre Royal
By Grace Hatchell, pedalling near the river Tyne.
Something in the Water returns to Newcastle Theatre Royal on Sunday 28 June 2026, hosted by Joe McElderry and featuring North East stars including Danny Adams, Si King, Jason Cook, Michael Marouli, Christina Bianco, Adam Strong and Carly Burns. The fundraising event supports Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Creative Engagement programme and NEMO.
Right then, I’ve had a proper lively envelope land in my satchel today, and this one’s got North East sparkle written all over it.
Something in the Water is returning to Newcastle Theatre Royal on Sunday 28 June 2026, and by the sound of it, this is not one of those polite little fundraising evenings where everyone claps gently and nibbles a biscuit. Oh no. This is a full-on regional knees-up with music, theatre, comedy, telly faces, West End voices and enough hometown pride to make the Tyne shimmer.
The event will be hosted by South Shields’ own Joe McElderry, with funk-soul supergroup Groovetrain powering the music, which already sounds like the sort of thing that might have me accidentally dancing in the aisle while pretending I was just looking for Seat B12.
There will be two performances on Sunday 28 June, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, both at Newcastle Theatre Royal. The show brings together much-loved North East names and performers with strong links to the region, all raising money for a very good cause indeed.
At the heart of Something in the Water is a simple but rather lovely mission: helping young people get a foot in the creative industries. The event will raise vital funds for Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Creative Engagement programme, including bursaries for young people to attend the Theatre Royal Youth Theatre and Project A, the theatre’s year-long actor training course.
And that is not all, petal. Half of the proceeds will also go to NEMO, which stands for North East Music Opportunities CIC. NEMO provides inclusive, community-led music-making opportunities across the region, helping people build confidence, skills and connections through music.
So yes, it is a big show. But it is also a ladder. A doorway. A “come on then, you’ve got talent, let’s see where it can take you” kind of night.
This year’s line-up is already looking like someone shook the North East talent tree and half the branches burst into song. Confirmed performers include Danny Adams, Si King, Jason Cook, Michael Marouli, Adam Strong, Christina Bianco and Carly Burns, with more special guests still to be announced.
There will also be songs from Aladdin, The Rocky Horror Show and Bat Out of Hell, so anyone who likes their theatre with a bit of volume, drama and theatrical eyebrow action should be very well fed.
Joe McElderry and Danny Adams are both already firm favourites with Theatre Royal audiences thanks to their regular appearances in the venue’s much-loved pantomime. So it feels rather fitting that they are part of a show celebrating not just entertainment, but the region that helped shape them.
Joe McElderry said: “Something in the Water is all about celebrating where we come from and giving something back. The North East has incredible talent, and it’s so important we create opportunities for young people to explore that. I’m especially proud that this event supports both the Theatre Royal and NEMO – it’s about giving young people real opportunities and making sure talent here in the region has the chance to shine.”
Now, if I Grace Hatchell may be allowed to wipe a sentimental crumb from her cardigan, that is exactly the sort of thing I like to hear. Because talent does not always arrive with a spotlight already waiting. Sometimes it needs someone to open a door, offer a bursary, give a bit of mentoring, or simply say, “Go on then, show us what you can do.”
And that is where the Industry Day comes in.
On Tuesday 19 May, Something in the Water will also host a dedicated Industry Day for young people from the North East. Inspired by The X Factor, the programme will give participants the chance to gain advice and mentoring from established industry professionals. A lucky few will then be invited to join the final line-up and perform on stage at Newcastle Theatre Royal.
Anyone with a passion for dance, comedy, music, drama, poetry or musical theatre can apply. Applicants are asked to email talent@theatreroyal.co.uk with a brief personal artist biography, a video or self-tape of themselves performing, links to work if available, and any performance requirements. Applicants must also be available on Sunday 28 June if selected to perform in Something in the Water.
Kim Hoffman, Director of Creative Development at Newcastle Theatre Royal, said: “We’re delighted to present Something in the Water once again. It’s a brilliant showcase of regional talent, but crucially the funds raised help us provide bursaries that open doors for young people to take part. Through our Youth Theatre, participants build confidence, wellbeing and performance skills, while Project A provides progression routes to equip young people with the professional experience and industry-ready skills needed to move forward. Working with partners like NEMO strengthens our shared commitment to access and opportunity in the arts.”
That word “access” matters, doesn’t it? Because theatre and music should not feel like locked rooms with velvet ropes and someone on the door asking if you know the right people. They should feel like places where a young person from the North East can walk in, learn, grow, make a noise, make mistakes, make friends, and maybe one day make a career.
Newcastle Theatre Royal is an independent registered charity and receives no statutory or regular funding. Its Creative Engagement work supports young people, communities and professional artists through accessible, inclusive performing arts projects. NEMO, meanwhile, works across the North East to provide high-quality music-making opportunities through ensembles, bands, choirs and creative projects.
So when audiences buy a ticket for Something in the Water, they are not just buying an afternoon or evening of entertainment. They are helping to fund confidence. They are helping to fund opportunity. They are helping the next Joe, Danny, Carly, Christina or Michael find their way onto a stage.
And honestly, if that does not deserve a good clap, a ticket sale and possibly a celebratory interval ice cream, I don’t know what does.
Something in the Water will be at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Sunday 28 June 2026, with performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the Newcastle Theatre Royal website at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010. Family tickets, under-16 concessions and VIP meet-and-greet packages are available. Sponsorship enquiries can be sent to development@theatreroyal.co.uk.
Grace’s satchel verdict? There must be something in the water up here, because the North East keeps producing talent with proper heart. And this June, Newcastle Theatre Royal is bottling it, putting it under the lights, and using it to help the next generation shine.
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