Creating change, raising expectations
Situated in the heart of Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, Gosforth Civic Theatre (GCT) is an independent arts venue, cafe bar, events space and community hub. Established in 2016, GCT is a haven for high-quality theatre, memorable live music events and diverse performances. At the helm of GCT is Liberdade Community Development Trust, a disability arts charity and the brainchild of a group of young people with learning disabilities who were determined to create a space where everyone was welcome.
Liberdade Community Development Trust: Our Roots
Founded in 2003, Liberdade started as an apprenticeship scheme that supported and empowered a group of young people with learning disabilities to establish and manage their own theatre company. However, the company members had bigger dreams. They aspired to create a theatre where they could work, learn and grow while providing opportunities for other young people. Thus, Gosforth Civic Theatre was born.
Today, Liberdade's founding members are integral to GCT's governance and future direction. This unique arrangement highlights the organisation's commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, offering a shining example of how running an organisation can provide people with learning disabilities the opportunity to shape their world.
Our Mission and Vision
At Gosforth Civic Theatre, we are dedicated to providing a vibrant and inclusive environment where the arts can be enjoyed by all. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality theatre, live music events and diverse performances. As a social enterprise, we are proud to reinvest our profits back into the organisation and the local community.
Our Offerings: A Closer Look
At Gosforth Civic Theatre, we boast an eclectic mix of performances, from theatre and dance to live music and comedy. Our events calendar is packed with a diverse range of performances that cater to various tastes and preferences. Some of our popular offerings include:
- Theatre Productions: From classic plays to contemporary works, we showcase a wide variety of theatre productions that cater to all ages and tastes.
- Live Music Events: Experience the magic of live music with our diverse line-up of local, national and international artists. From folk and jazz to rock and pop, there's something for everyone.
- Diverse Performances: We celebrate diversity through our range of performances that represent various cultures, communities and artistic expressions.
More Than Just Performances
At Gosforth Civic Theatre, we are more than just a venue for performances. We are a community hub that fosters creativity, learning and social engagement. Here's a glimpse of what we offer:
- Cafe Bar: Our cosy cafe bar is the perfect place to unwind, catch up with friends or simply enjoy a cup of coffee. We offer a selection of hot and cold drinks, delicious snacks and light bites.
- Community Events: We regularly host workshops, classes and community events that cater to various interests and age groups.
- Hiring Opportunities: We are committed to providing opportunities for people with learning disabilities and the wider community. We offer volunteering and employment opportunities that allow individuals to gain valuable skills and experience.
In Conclusion
Gosforth Civic Theatre is more than just an arts venue. We are a community hub, a social enterprise and a platform for creativity, learning and social engagement. As part of the Liberdade Community Development Trust, we are committed to empowering people with learning disabilities and providing opportunities for all. We invite you to be part of our journey and experience the magic of Gosforth Civic Theatre.
Food and Beverages
The cafe at the Gosforth Civic Theatre is praised for its excellent food and beverage options, with reviewers raving about the vegan choices, oat milk cappuccino, coronation chickpea baked potato, roast beef sandwich, chicken and bacon melt, and chips. The cafe is described as "quick" and "reasonably priced" with "great" and "delicious" food made with "quality ingredients".
Ambience and Atmosphere
The theatre and cafe are commended for their "hood ambience", "lovely clean, airy, well-lit spaces", and "outside space to sit" which make for a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. The outdoor areas are described as "lovely" and "perfect for the summer".
Staff and Service
The staff are consistently praised for being "friendly", "helpful", "cheerful", and "lovely". They are described as providing "excellent" and "efficient" service.
Theatre and Performances
The theatre is praised for its "excellent" and "atmospheric" space, with reviewers enjoying the various performances and events held there, including concerts, dance performances, and cabaret-style shows.
Overall Experience
Reviewers express their overall satisfaction with the Gosforth Civic Theatre, describing it as a "great little theatre", a "local treasure", and a "wonderful civic resource". They appreciate the "high standard" of the facilities and the "reasonable" prices.

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