What’s on at Newark Palace Theatre from September to December
As the days get shorter and the weather colder, there’s still plenty of entertainment to be had in Newark — with everything from plays, to musical spectacles, and celebrity talks at the Palace.
September will see a hugely varied entertainment line-up at the Appletongate venue.
On Saturday, September 13, The Comedy Store — which helped launch the careers of the likes of Eddie Izzard, John Bishop, Jimmy Carr, Rhod Gilbert, and Sarah Millican — will have audiences laughing along with the future legends of comedy.
The following day will see a famous frontman pay a visit, for ABC - An Intimate Evening with Martin Fry. It promises an evening of stripped-back music and conversation, exploring the band who ‘redefined glamour and cool’.
Prepare for a musical treat on Friday, September 19, from the Band of the Royal Air Force College, presented by the Royal Air Force Music Charitable Trust.
Known for their performances at state ceremonial events, they will play both traditional pieces and favourites from stage and screen at the fundraising concert.
Colin Baker and Terry Molloy return as Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson in a classic adventure on Thursday, September 25.
Sherlock Holmes and The Sign Of Four will be presented by Crime And Comedy Theatre Company as a radio-play-live-on-stage, as they bring to life the classic tale from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
The following day boasts another musical act, Genesis Connected — celebrating the music of Genesis and Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, and Mike and the Mechanics — while Saturday, September 27 brings the music of The Four Tops to audiences with Sugar Pie Honey Bunch, by Motown tribute act Soul Satisfaction.
Rounding off the month’s listings is Alex Jennings in conversation with Richard Digby-Day, on Sunday, September 28.
Alex will discuss his life in the theatre, which includes extensive work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.
October is a bumper month of acts, which kicks off with Totally Tina on Thursday, October 2, as Justine Riddoch and her talented cast share the sound of the ‘Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll’, followed by comedian Andy Parsons with his new show Please #@!$ off to Mars on Friday, October 3.
FastLove - The Tribute To George Michael, will bring all the old classics to the Palace on Friday, October 10, in a brand new show for 2025, and the following day will herald another round of laughter as The Comedy Store returns once again to the venue.
Rock ‘n’ roll hall-of-famer Stewart Copeland will be in conversation on Sunday, October 12, sharing his life as a performer, musician, entertainer, and writer, incluidng with The Police and composing for Hollywood.
Dance is added to the bill on Tuesday, October 14, as Crown Ballet return to the UK with a stunning production of the classical ballet Swan Lake. Tchaikovsky’s tale is filled with mystery, romance, and emotional depth, delivered to audiences by a troupe of talented dancers.
Fifty years of Queen’s ‘A Night at the Opera’ will be celebrated by the Newark and Sherwood Concert Band on Saturday, October 18. Rock, classical, and stage favourites — including hits like Bohemian Rhapsody and music from Verdi, Bizet, and Andrew Lloyd Webber — will be blended for a thrilling evening of music.
There’s more music to be had on Wednesday, October 22, with the That'll Be The Day 40th Anniversary Show, featuring timeless hits from the 50s through to the 80s. Then, on Friday, October 24, there’s one for the Swifites and pop super-fans, as Flowers and Friendship Bracelets celebrates the biggest hits from today's hottest artists including Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter.
Some Guys Have All The Luck will tell the tale of Rod Stewart, with charismatic tribute front man Paul Metcalfe donning authentic costumes and performating alongside sensational live musicians on Saturday, October 25, and on Thursday, October 30, the Magic Of Motown promises to deliver the biggest Motown party of the year.
There’s something for the youngsters on Wednesday, October 29, as Top Secret - The Magic Of Science brings an interactive show with experiments, magic, and lots of mess.
To round off the month, and mark Halloween with style, its time to step into the shadows with F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu — this time accompanied by a live score by Minima, adding another dimension to the vampire film’s eerie atmosphere.
November promises another musical sensation, staring off with Steve Steinman’s popular celebration of Meatloaf, Anything For Love. The ten-piece live band, and Steve’s well-known sense of humour and stage presence will fill the auditorium on Friday, November 7.
The next day brings Barry Steele with The Roy Orbison Story, to take audiences on a journey through the timeless hits and heartfelt ballads of Roy Orbison and The Traveling Wilburys. Then, on Wednesday, November 12, Argentine Tango king and Strictly Come Dancing legend Vincent Simone returns to the stage with his show Tango Passions. Accompanied by world-class Argentine Tango and Latin specialists the dancer promises a passionate night not to be missed.
With winter well on its way, it’s time for a classic — A Christmas Carol — on Thursday, November 13. The story will be told through the medium of dance, by Ballet Theatre UK, with stunning choreography, festive carols, and dazzling costumes.
Thank ABBA For The Music promises an epic two-hour ABBA-fest on Saturday, November 15, and audiences can spend One Night In Dublin on Wednesday, November 19, with internationally renowned Irish singer Danny Muldoon and a band of award winning musicians.
A living legend will be at the Palace on Thursday, November 20. The ‘Godfather of Punk Poetry’ who inspired artists including the Arctic Monkeys and The Sleaford Mods, Dr John Cooper Clarke, will be celebrating his 75th birthday on tour, alongside some special guests.
Another musical treat ends the month, with Talon, on Friday, November 21, who are set to deliver the best of Eagles in their show Busy Being Fabulous.
In December, panto season is upon us.
This year’s Palace panto, Beauty and The Beast, runs from Friday, December 5, to Wednesday, December 31.
A fairytale as old as time, audiences can prepare to be dazzled by a magical extravaganza — with stunning sets, sensational costumes, and a side-splitting script.