Business Details
10 Years
experience
Your Visit to Gosforth Civic Theatre
Gosforth Civic Theatre stands as the UK's only theatre founded and guided by people with learning disabilities. Established in 2016, we serve as an independent arts venue, caf bar, events space, and community hub located three miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne city centre. Our mission is to promote inclusion by creating high-quality theatre, music, and cultural events while ensuring people with learning disabilities are valued members of society. Founded by the disability arts charity Liberdade Community Development Trust, we operate as a unique social enterprise where income from ticket sales, space rentals, and food services funds opportunities for young people and individuals with learning disabilities to train, perform, and belong. Our venue hosts over 900 annual events, welcoming 50,000+ visitors annually, and provides a platform for diverse performances, community activities, and inclusive programmes.We champion accessibility with wheelchair-friendly facilities, accessible toilets, and two blue badge parking spots. Our Work Placement Programme offers neurodivergent individuals and those with learning disabilities hands-on experience in our caf. As a registered charity (No. 1163955), we combine artistic excellence with social impact, reshaping perceptions of learning disabilities through creative expression. Our daytime caf operates Tuesday to Sunday, serving seasonal food and coffee, while our bar remains open for events. We collaborate with local artists, host regular community groups, and provide flexible spaces for weddings, conferences, and celebrations. Our vision is to create a world where everyone belongs, using the arts to foster understanding and build inclusive communities.
Services
Theatre Performances
Venue Hire
Caf Bar
Community Programmes
Work Placements
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We are the UK's only theatre founded and guided by people with learning disabilities
- Our venue combines artistic excellence with social impact through inclusive programming
- We offer fully accessible facilities including wheelchair access and blue badge parking
- Our Work Placement Programme trains neurodivergent individuals in hospitality roles
- We host 500+ annual events fostering community connection and cultural engagement
Associations and certifications
- Registered Charity number: 1163955
What people say
Inclusive atmosphere
Accessible facilities
Diverse programming
Welcoming environment
Community-focused
Services
Theatre Performances
Our 200-seat theatre hosts high-quality performances including drama, dance, and music. We programme diverse acts from local and national artists, ensuring accessible and inclusive experiences for all audiences. Our calendar features everything from contemporary plays to live music events.
Venue Hire
Flexible spaces available for weddings, conferences, and community events. Our adaptable venue accommodates up to 200 guests with accessible facilities, technical support, and catering options. We provide tailored solutions for private and corporate bookings.
Caf Bar
Serving seasonal breakfasts and lunches Tuesday to Sunday. Our caf offers coffee, light meals, and snacks with both indoor and outdoor seating. The bar remains open during events, serving drinks and light refreshments in a welcoming atmosphere.
Community Programmes
Weekly sessions for adults and young people with learning disabilities. Activities include creative workshops, dance classes, and social groups. Our programmes focus on skill development, wellbeing, and fostering connections between neurodivergent individuals and the wider community.
Work Placements
Hands-on hospitality training for neurodivergent individuals and those with learning disabilities. Participants gain practical experience in our caf, developing skills in food service, customer care, and venue operations through supported work placements.
People
Ed
Company Member
Co-founder of Gosforth Civic Theatre and advocate for disability inclusion. Ed works to ensure the venue remains a space where people with learning disabilities can demonstrate their skills and contribute meaningfully to the arts community.
Ozzy
Founding Member
One of the original company members who helped establish the theatre in 2016. Ozzy continues to shape the venue's direction, championing inclusive practices and community engagement through accessible arts programming.
Ken Loach
Supporting Artist
Award-winning filmmaker and supporter of GCT's mission. Participated in the 2016 screening of 'Spirit of '45' at the theatre, endorsing its role as a community hub that challenges societal perceptions of learning disabilities.
Helen Kumar
Venue Coordinator
Manages community bookings and space allocations. Helen ensures our facilities support diverse groups, working to make GCT an accessible home for local organisations, workshops, and cultural activities.
Rob
Corporate Partnerships
Handles corporate sponsorship and fundraising initiatives. Rob develops partnerships that support the theatre's social mission, connecting businesses with opportunities to sponsor events and community projects.
Questions
Is Gosforth Civic Theatre accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, our venue has automatic wheelchair-accessible entrances, two blue badge parking spots, and an accessible toilet. All areas are on one level with no steps.
Can I hire the theatre for private events?
Yes, we offer flexible spaces for weddings, conferences, and celebrations. Our team provides technical support, catering options, and tailored solutions for events up to 200 guests.
What community programmes do you offer?
We run weekly sessions for adults and young people with learning disabilities, including creative workshops, dance classes, and social groups focused on wellbeing and skill development.
How can I support the theatre?
Support options include donations, membership schemes, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events. Membership provides benefits like 10% food discounts and input into venue programming.
What are your café opening hours?
Our café serves breakfast and lunch Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30am to 4pm. The bar remains open during evening events and performances.
Do you offer work experience opportunities?
Yes, our Work Placement Programme provides hospitality training for neurodivergent individuals and those with learning disabilities, offering hands-on experience in our café operations.
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