The Customs House

Description

If you’re hunting for the real heart and soul of South Shields, The Customs House easily makes the shortlist. This isn’t your average old theater; it’s a living, breathing arts hub in a restored Victorian building right by the river. You can feel the energy from the moment you step in—I mean, it’s almost contagious. There’s always something happening, whether it’s the annual panto that packs the room with cackling kids and grinning grandparents, or one of those indie film screenings where half the crowd knows each other. It’s not some glossy, faceless place. It’s just real—warts, quirks, and all.

I’ve been to venues that tried way too hard to impress, but The Customs House gets by on warmth and community spirit. Staff actually smile and chat; regulars swap stories in the art gallery. There’s a bistro/bar that does surprisingly good cake—I nearly made a meal out of the lemon drizzle once. And for families, it’s honestly a godsend, with changing tables and comfy kid-sized spaces that don’t feel like an afterthought. You can tell the management put their backs (and hearts) into making everyone—yes, literally everyone—feel welcome.

The old walls hold a heck of a lot of history, but the vibe is fresh, creative, and inclusive; wheelchair access is the real deal and it’s proudly a safe space for all kinds of visitors. Performances go beyond the mainstream, too, which I love—they’ve got drama, stand-up, musicals, small-gallery art shows, you name it. Doesn’t matter if you’re local or just passing through South Shields, this is the sort of spot that makes you wish you had extra time. Sure, there are creaky floorboards here and there, maybe a queue for the loo on busy nights, but it’s those rough edges that give The Customs House its charms—not to mention plenty of character.

Key Features

• Dynamic schedule of live performances—think theater, stand-up comedy, music gigs, and yes, the legendary annual panto that locals start talking about months in advance
• Onsite cinema showing a rich mix of mainstream, world, and indie films—catch a movie when the rain comes crashing down (because, let’s be honest, it’s the North East!)
• Intimate art gallery, featuring fresh local talent and interactive exhibits—don’t skip the quirky installations, even if you “don’t get modern art,” try it!
• Bistro/bar with hearty meals, lighter bites, vegan options, and a cake selection that’ll tempt anyone with a sweet tooth (guilty as charged)
• Fully wheelchair accessible—ramps, wide corridors, accessible restrooms, and parking that actually makes sense
• Family-friendly atmosphere: baby-changing areas, kids’ programs, and pantos tailor-made for youngsters (and for adults who act like ‘em—no shame)
• Open, LGBTQ+ friendly policies—designated safe spaces, staff trained to help everyone feel included
• Contactless payments accepted everywhere—credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments for hassle-free visits
• EV charging stations right outside, including fast-charging CHAdeMO and CCS, plus medium and slow Type 2 chargers (EV road-trippers, take note—though availability is hit-or-miss, so consider a backup plan)
• Restrooms that are actually clean (I know, it’s the little things) and plenty of seating around the venue for those who need a breather

Best Time to Visit

Alright, let’s be honest—there’s no bad time for some live theater or a bit of Northern banter, but some seasons really do bring out the best in The Customs House. If immersive performances are your thing, December’s panto season is unmissable. Crowds can get rowdy (in a good way) and the atmosphere skyrockets—you’ll want to book tickets early, though, because shows sell out fast and the foyer buzz is like nowhere else.

Spring and autumn typically see a broader range of performances, from indie film nights to local comedians finding their feet. I’ve had wonderful evenings here in September with a pint (from the bistro, of course) watching forgotten classics in the cozy cinema. Summer brings the South Tyneside Festival, livening up the riverside and often carrying the party into the theater with extra gigs and exhibitions. If you value elbow-room, weekday matinees or art gallery visits before the after-work rush hit that perfect sweet spot. Don’t write off a rainy day either; there’s something comforting about hunkering down with coffee and losing yourself in a matinee show while the windows rattle with North Sea winds.

How to Get There

Getting to The Customs House is refreshingly straightforward (at least by British standards). If you’re coming by train, hop off at South Shields station, and you’re really just a leisurely 10-minute stroll away. It’s not a complicated city to navigate—my sense of direction’s terrible, and even I managed my first time with zero wrong turns. There’s solid signage along the main routes, and honestly, if you ask any local for “The Customs House,” you’ll probably get directions plus a tip about what’s on stage tonight.

If you’re driving (looking at you, families and road-trippers), parking is adjacent to the venue, though it fills up rapidly on panto nights and weekends. The EV chargers are a real bonus for those rocking an electric car, but—full disclosure—you’ll have to be lucky or early to snag a spot. I’d recommend having Parkopedia or your favorite parking app at hand just in case.

Bus-wise, scads of local services pause at Mill Dam or the South Shields interchange. Cyclists, don’t worry—the Tyne riverside path cuts right by, so lock your bike nearby and take in the river views as you approach. And if you’re coming from Newcastle or Sunderland, the Metro’s your best bet: quick, easy, and you avoid the stress of Tyne Tunnel traffic jams (been there, griped about that).

Tips for Visiting

• Book in advance for popular shows. Pantos and comedy nights in particular seem to operate on some kind of secret local calendar—shows will fill up a month ahead, especially around holidays and festival times.
• Try the bistro even if you’re not seeing a show. Locals swear by the lunch menu, and their cakes could have their own Instagram account. I’ve done the “coffee and gallery wander” combo many times when I fancy an afternoon off.
• Check accessibility with staff if in doubt. Wheelchair users and folks with mobility issues will generally find the building user-friendly, but calling ahead can help you nab the preferred spots and avoid any last-minute scrambles.
• Give yourself extra time to explore the art galleries. The main theater or cinema may be your draw, but I’m still surprised by the wild variety of artwork they manage to pack in—even stumbled on a live sketching event once.
• Keep an eye on event timings. Some shows start sharp and the staff politely (but firmly) shut the doors to tardy arrivals—don’t be that person embarrassing yourself in the aisles.
• Travel light when possible. The main entrance and upper levels can feel a bit snug on packed-out evenings, so a bulky backpack is just asking for trouble. Plus, the cloakroom is on the small side.
• Make your visit tech-friendly. There’s free WiFi in public areas, and contactless payments everywhere—including the bar—so leave the coins at home.
• Cue up a joke or two. Performances here often break the “fourth wall,” and audience banter is more the rule than the exception. The crowd’s famously up for a laugh—go with the flow.
• Traveling with little humans? Family matinees come with snacks, coloring stations, and a welcoming attitude. Forget the “children should be seen and not heard” routine—they want kids giggling along with the cast.
• Look out for offbeat events. Beyond the main plays and films, you’ll catch open-mic nights, heritage tours, creative workshops, or even a quiz night. These are the things you’ll remember years later—but they don’t always make the big posters. Ask the staff what’s on!

So, whether you’re craving live theatre with local flavor, a bit of indie film action, or just a slice of cake and the buzz of the riverside, The Customs House serves up the best of South Shields, quirks and all. Leave the pretension at the door and embrace a North East original that treats every visitor like a regular.