Welcome to ARC – Autumn/Winter 2025

A lively concert scene inside a packed venue, with a large crowd cheering and raising their hands toward the stage. Warm stage lighting illuminates the performer, who is pointing into the audience while playing guitar, backed by a full band.

Hello, 

It might be sunny outside right now, but we’re already looking ahead to the cosy nights and exciting events of our brand-new Autumn/Winter Season at ARC!

We’ve got plenty in store to keep you entertained as the seasons change. Check out some of our highlights below – we can’t wait to welcome you in!

Music

We’ve got an incredible line-up of live music to keep your toes tapping this season!

Legendary Scottish duo Hue & Cry bring their soulful pop sound back to ARC – expect powerful vocals, unforgettable melodies, and a setlist packed with hits.

Get ready to skank the night away with Bad Manners, fronted by the unstoppable Buster Bloodvessel, it’s high-energy, nostalgic, and guaranteed to get the crowd bouncing!

We’re thrilled to welcome Young Rebel Set, Stockton’s very own indie heroes, returning for a special performance that promises heart, grit, and local pride.

And for fans of piano powerhouses, don’t miss Elton John vs Billy Joel. A spectacular double tribute night celebrating two of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. It’s Rocket Man meets Piano Man.

Click here for all our upcoming music.

Comedy

Get ready to laugh your way through the season with a cracking comedy line-up at ARC!

First up, don’t miss Tom Stade, the Canadian comedy legend returns with his razor-sharp insights, cheeky charisma, and mischievous, uncompromising brilliance.

Adam Rowe is dropping by with brand-new material, plus off-the-cuff crowd work. He’s also bringing a few of his comedy mates – but the line-up’s a secret, so you won’t know who’s on until they hit the stage.

While Scott Bennett takes a hilarious look at our love of stuff in a world that’s urging us to let go. As we face an environmental crisis, he’s on a mission to declutter and reconnect with what truly matters.

And of course, our regular favourites are back too! Catch 22 Comedy Club delivers top-tier line-ups every month, while Beat the Gong offers wild, unpredictable fun as new comedians take the mic and try to survive the crowd.

Click here for all our upcoming comedy.

Theatre

From powerful solo shows to reimagined classics we’re thrilled to welcome an incredible mix of bold and brilliant theatre.

We’re honoured to host the legendary Eddie Izzard, bringing her unique storytelling flair to the stage in a striking new performance of Hamlet, breathing fresh energy into Shakespeare’s iconic tale of grief, revenge, and the search for truth.

With movement, music, and magic, Blubber is a visually rich, poetic journey that follows Katie and Body as they navigate their relationship through synchronised swimming, self-image, and the weight of expectation.

Ordinary Decent Criminal sees political comic Mark Thomas star in a gripping, funny new play set in the wake of the Strangeways Prison Riot. Following a recovering addict through a bold liberal prison experiment.

Click here for all upcoming theatre.

Family

From fabulous films to interactive theatre and high-energy discos, there’s something for the whole family at ARC!

Our weekly family films are perfect for all ages, featuring a mix of new releases and much-loved classics. Every screening includes themed craft activities, so the creativity doesn’t stop when the credits roll!

On stage, there’s plenty to keep little ones (and grown-ups!) entertained.

Three Little Pig Tails puts a playful Parisian twist on the classic tale – complete with puppets, live music and plenty of chances to join in.

Monkeys Everywhere is a hilarious, high-energy show from a clown, who’s trying to write a play… but there are monkeys in his brain! Expect lots of laughter in this heart-filled family adventure.

And don’t miss Club Groovy’s Not So Spooky Monster Bash – a frightfully fun daytime disco bursting with funky tunes, silly storylines, and on-stage tricks and treats.

Click here for all our upcoming family fun.

Other Highlights

There’s even more to discover this season at ARC, including film, conversation, and visual art that celebrates creativity from across our region and beyond.

We’re thrilled to welcome back the Tees Valley International Film Festival, showcasing an exciting line-up of bold, brilliant films with a strong spotlight on homegrown talent. Expect gripping stories, local voices, and a celebration of filmmaking right here in the Tees Valley.

And don’t miss a very special night with cultural icon Mark ‘Bez’ Berry, the maraca-shaking legend of Happy Mondays fame. From Madchester mayhem to reality TV triumphs and unexpected turns into politics and beekeeping, Bez shares tales from his extraordinary life.

We’ll also be celebrating the incredible work of local visual artists with a series of exhibitions in our gallery spaces throughout the season – showcasing fresh perspectives, powerful storytelling, and the creative energy of our community.

We’re so excited about everything coming up and can’t wait to share this brand new season with you. Whether it’s theatre, comedy, film, family fun, or something completely unexpected – we hope you’ll find something that brings you through our doors.

See you soon,
Alex and all the team at ARC