Something in the Water to return to Newcastle Theatre Royal for 2027
Another all-star cast of North East performers will take to the Theatre Royal stage when the popular fundraising showcase returns next May
Something in the Water, the North East fundraising concert celebrating the region’s creative talent, will return to Newcastle Theatre Royal next spring after two sell-out performances raised £30,000 for charity this year.
The variety show, presented by Joe McElderry alongside co-director and producer Michael Lavery and backed by funk and soul collective Groovetrain, will be staged on Sunday, May 16, 2027.
Since debuting in 2025, the show has established itself as a feelgood celebration of North East performers, bringing together established stars and emerging talent for an evening of music, entertainment and storytelling while raising money to support the next generation of artists.
This year’s show featured appearances from Danny Adams, Si King, Jason Cook, Michael Marouli, Adam Strong, Christina Bianco and Carly Burns, alongside a surprise appearance by Jimmy Nail who joined Joe for Old Man’s Boots before performing his chart hit Ain’t No Doubt with Groovetrain.
Proceeds from this summer’s event were shared between Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust and North East Music Opportunities CIC (NEMO), with £30,000 helping to fund community engagement work and opportunities for young performers across the region. The same charities will benefit from next year’s show.
Marianne Locatori, chief executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, said: “When Michael and Joe created Something in the Water, we hoped it would become a celebration of everything that makes the North East so special.
“We have been delighted to partner with them, and the response has exceeded anything we could have imagined. Audiences have embraced it and artists have been incredibly generous with their time and talents, so we’re delighted to confirm that Something in the Water will return in 2027.”
Joe added: “There’s something really special about bringing so many North East artists together on one stage. Every performer gives their time because they believe in celebrating where we’ve come from and in creating opportunities for young people who dream of following a similar path.
“Michael and I are so excited that we’re doing it all again in 2027, and no doubt there’ll be plenty more surprises in store.”
Tickets go on general sale on Friday, August 7.