The Common Room of the Great North

06/08/2026

Today's free screenings, Thursday 6th August:

Family Film Mornings - 10:30 [Double feature]
- Tabby McTat + Highway Rat (2023, 2017)

# #1 - Set in London's streets, follows a musical cat and Fred, a gifted busker, and their warm, amazing friendship.

#2 - A greedy rat sets out on an expedition to suffice his craving for buns, biscuits and sweets. However, while trying to steal sugary treats, he lands himself in trouble.

———

Heritage On Screen Afternoons [in partnership with Amber Online and SIDE] - 14:15

- The Filleting Machine (1981)
Amber Film's first drama, The Filleting Machine is an adaptation of Tom Hadaway's play of the same name. It explores the tensions within a working-class family in a North Shilds fishing community at the end of the 1970s.

04/08/2026

Today's free screenings, Tuesday 4th August:

Family Film Mornings

Shrek 2 (2004)
Starts 10:30

Heritage On Screen Afternoons [in partnership with Amber Online and SIDE] Side Gallery

- Double Vision (1986)
Starts: 14:15

03/08/2026

Today's free screenings, Monday 3rd August:

Family Film Mornings

The Scarecrow's Wedding (2015, BSL)
Starts 10:30

Heritage On Screen Afternoons [in partnership with Amber Online and SIDE]

- Dream On (1991)
Starts: 14:15

28/07/2026

Here is our full film schedule for the next 6 weeks for both Family Film Mornings and Heritage on Screen in the Afternoons ( in partnership with Side ).

28/07/2026

Today's free screenings.

Family Film Mornings
10:30 - Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (2021)

Heritage on Screen (in proud partnerships with Amber Online and Side)
14:15 - The Filleting Machine (1981)

27/07/2026

Starts Tomorrow!

Our “Summer of Discovery” programme offers a range of free family activities throughout the holidays, including creative crafts, our Little Explorers Trail and family & heritage film screenings – all drop-in, all free!

In the 5|Quarter Café Bar, you can enjoy a well-earned break with our summer offers. Ice cream, anyone?

Little Explorers Trail:
Young explorers can follow our brand new Little Explorers Trail, searching the building for hidden clues inspired by our collections before claiming a completion treat and 10% off in 5|Quarter.

Discovery Corner:
There will also be free, drop-in crafts at our Discovery Corner, where busy hands can get creative.

Heritage & Family Screenings:
Take a break in our historic Lecture Theatre with family-friendly films in the mornings and Heritage on Screen screenings - in proud partnership with Side - in the afternoon.

Discover our Archives: On film screening days only, you can also drop in from 12:15–13:45 to see incredible images from our archive. The Bell Collection (mid to late 1800s) and Coal Queens (1969 to 1996) will be viewable right here at The Common Room

WhatsOn North East The Chronicle Whats On Events NE What's On Newcastle Newcastle NE1

Grab a map, follow the clues around our historic building, and collect a treat and a 10% café discount upon completion (Café open 8am-3pm)

The little explorers trail will run weekdays from Tuesday 28th July, 9am-4pm – with the following exceptions:

7th August – No Little Explorers Trail

18th August – No Little Explorers Trail (Building closed)

21st August – No Little Explorers Trail

1st September – No Little Explorers Trail

A dedicated space for Lego, Duplo, colouring, and some hands-on engineering challenges, like bridge building.

Discovery Corner will be open weekdays from Tuesday 28th July, 9am-4pm – with the following exceptions:

7th August – Discovery Corner Closed

18th August – Discovery Corner Closed (Building closed)

21st August – Discovery Corner Closed

1st September – Discovery Corner Closed

We have family favourites in the during the mornings, switching over to engineering & heritage documentar

24/07/2026

❗Hello everyone. Our Summer of Discovery programme kicks off next week!

From Tuesday 28th July, come and experience our new Little Explorers Trail, drop-in crafts and creative play, family and heritage film screenings, as well as a chance to see some of our exclusive archive imagery.

There is loads happening to keep busy hands and minds occupied. Best of all? The activities are completely free and drop-in...no booking required.

​Tap the link below to see all the details and plan your visit! 👇

This summer, we're inviting families to discover, explore and create with our Summer of Discovery programme – a season of free activities to drop in and enjoy.

21/07/2026

We're delighted to share some exciting news about the future of The Common Room. Our future has been safeguarded, with Newcastle City Council taking ownership of the building.

From this autumn, we'll join North East Museums, becoming part of their portfolio of 12 museums and galleries across the region. This means our historic building and remarkable archive will be protected for generations to come.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey. Your encouragement, dedication and belief in The Common Room have helped us reach this exciting new chapter.

Read more here:

We're delighted to share some exciting news about the future of The Common Room. Our future has been safeguarded, with Newcastle City Council taking ownership of the building.

21/07/2026

10/07/2026

This September, in collaboration with Redhills Durham, we are screening the documentary "Defiant: County Durham, The Miners' Strike and it's Legacy".

​The film tells the story of the 1984/85 Miners' Strike through the voices of the people who lived it.

​With the 140th Durham Miners' Gala this weekend, it made sense to mention the screening again and share some bits from our archive. Swipe across to see stills from the@ documentary and then some photos of the 1976 and 1979 "Big Meetings".

​The atmosphere in Durham this Saturday will be brilliant, and it's a huge part of the North East. Have a great time if you're going along! 🥁

​The What's On ticket link for the September screening is in our bio.

A Documentary by Lonely Tower Film & Media