About Us

For customers who may need to use a wheelchair when visiting the theatre or cinema, please advise our staff at the time of booking so a wheelchair accessible seat can be booked. It is not currently possible to book a wheelchair or accessible seat online.

We also provide several performances and cinema screenings throughout the year which are signed, captioned, or audio described. Please see our what’s on guide, website and digital comms for more information.

Our website features Recite Me; an accessibility assistive toolbar.

Children under the age of 24 months* sitting on their carers laps go free. However, a £2 contribution towards our heritage levy will apply. If your child becomes unsettled, please consider others.

*Exceptions apply

Please view our latest T&C’s as they may be subject to change.

Bella’s, our beautiful refurbed theatre bar by the river, is now open for drinks

Pop in between during the holidays 9:30am – 3pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
or one hour before showtime for a selection of hot and cold beverages.

Meet Our Board Of Trustees HERE

Booking refund protection is an optional service offered by The Customs House and administered by Ticketplan on their behalf. It Is NOT an insurance policy. Ticketplan is a third-party agent. Please read their terms and conditions before purchase. For information on our offered TicketPlan booking refund protection, please click HERE

The comfort and safety of ALL of our patrons and staff is of the utmost importance to us. Whilst the legal government restrictions around covid-19 will change from 27.01.22. we would politely request that the following measures are adhered to during your visit to The Customs House:

• Wear A Mask When Moving Around The Building
• Avoid Waiting In Small Areas (such as the foyer)
• Use The Hand Sanitisation Points And Wash Your Hands Regularly

Please note: Covid passports, negative lateral flow tests or proof of exemption are no longer required to enter The Customs House

We really appreciate your help and thank you for your co-operation with this.

Concession prices are applicable for some performances to senior citizens, unemployed people, children, students and disabled patrons. You must state concession at time of booking, and proof of entitlement will be required. Only one discount can apply at any one time. A disabled person, who is not able to attend the event unaccompanied, is entitled to one free theatre / cinema ticket for their companion. CEA card must be presented at point of sale. Max card discounts are also available for cinema and selected theatre performances.

Free Metro and ferry travel with your theatre ticket to and from the performance. Simply show your theatre ticket to the inspector. Travel valid two hours before and after performance.

Available from the Box Office or online for use anywhere in the building.

In Person:

At The Customs House Box Office in Mill Dam, South Shields, NE331ES
Open Tuesday To Sunday 10am – 3pm

Telephone
0191 454 1234 10am – 3pm

[email protected]
Please state clearly the performance you wish to see, the number of tickets, dates, times, prices, name, address and a contact number.

Website: www.customshouse.co.uk

Box Office and Dame Bella’s are closed to the public every Monday.

If you are visiting us on a Monday for a booked event, or have a delivery please call: 0191 427 8199 or 0191 427 8180.

Our Weekly Opening Hours Are:
Box Office – Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 3pm
Bella’s – Tuesday to Sunday 9:30am – 3pm

The Customs House opens one hour before a show.
The Customs House Cinema opens 30 minutes before listed screening time

Email: [email protected]

Pay What You Decide Theatre Events: You will need to book in advance but can pay whatever you decide. We have added some suggested prices from £3 to £12 or you can choose £0. A collection will be taken after the performance for anyone wishing to donate afterwards.

Our free car park, situated at the rear of the building, is for the sole use of our patrons attending performances and events. On arrival, please register your vehicle at the box office. Users of the car park do so at their own risk. The management will not accept responsibility for damage, accident or lose.

Please note: The Customs House car park is locked between 11pm – 9am

We have a no refunds policy. We are unable to refund or credit a customers account where tickets are cancelled at the customer’s request.

Reservations can only be made for groups of 10 or more. Group bookings discounts may be available on selected shows in the season, including special offers for school bookings. Group booking numbers are limited for some performances.

All groups of 10 or more must pay a 10% non-refundable deposit at the time of booking.
Final payment for group bookings must be made four weeks before the date of the performance.

For more information contact 0191 454 1234 or email [email protected]

Please review our privacy and cookies policy HERE

There is a £2.50 charge for all transactions – online and offline, whether you are buying one ticket or multi-buying for several shows in one transaction you will only be charged one £2.50 fee.
Please note: Booking charges are non-refundable

Please help us to reduce our carbon footprint by selecting the Print At Home ticket option.
These tickets can also be shown on a mobile device when attending theatre and cinema events. Ticket collection from the box office will incur a £1.00 service charge per transaction. There is a £1.50 charge for postage of tickets

To receive the latest news, show, screening and event information, sign up for our e-newsletters HERE

Tickets may be exchanged up to 48 hours before a performance or screening provided they are transferred to another date within the same show / film run.

A short walk away from The Customs House is the Bus Terminal for services to South Shields and South Shields Metro Station. The Shields Ferry terminal is 300 yards walk and we will refund a single ferry fare on the day of the performance for each event ticket purchased.

Free Metro travel with your theatre ticket to and from the performance (up to two hours before and after the performance). Simply show your theatre ticket to the Metro inspector. To plan your journey click here.

If you would like a tour of The Customs House to see the superb facilities we have on offer, we will be happy to show you around, either individually or in a group. Please email [email protected] for further details.