Entertainment in Middlesbrough

The industrial towns and cities of the North East have forged a number of sporting behemoths and Middlesbrough is no different. Middlesbrough Football Club was established in 1876 and was one of the founding members of the Premier League as we know it today in 1992. While it also has the unwanted record of being one of the first clubs to be relegated from the Premier League, The Boro have yo-yoed in and out of the top tier of English football over the years, including 2004 when it won the League Cup.

The Boro, as they’re known, traditionally play in Red with home matches played at the Riverside Stadium on the banks of the Tees. Away fans visiting on a matchday can stay with us at our Middlesbrough Town Centre hotel, which is just a 15-minute walk away from the stadium. Plus, some of our favourite Middlesbrough nightlife options, including the clubs of Albert Road are just a couple of streets away, should you want to celebrate or drown your sorrows. 

If you want to see a show during your stay in town, you can make your way to the Middlesbrough Theatre on The Avenue. Formerly known as the Middlesbrough Little Theatre, this 484-seat auditorium curates an excellent programme of everything from classical theatre and opera to jazz concerts and comedy acts. The theatre itself is beautifully maintained and the front of house staff couldn’t be friendlier. See what’s on during your stay and be sure to book tickets well in advance. You can also wander your way along The Avenue to Linthorpe Road where you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Middlesbrough.

When it comes to live music and comedy, Middlesbrough has two absolutely top class options that you simply have to check out while you’re here. First of all, the Middlesbrough Town Hall is an impressive French Gothic concert hall on Corporation Road. It contains a sublime 1,190 seat theatre featuring a fine 19th-century organ, as well as the smaller 600-capacity Crypt underneath the main hall. Middlesbrough Town Hall has recently been beautifully renovated and stands as one of the finest entertainment venues in the North East.

Your other option is the legendary Middlesbrough Empire. This 3-storey former-Victorian theatre has dominated Middlesbrough’s entertainment scene since 1897 and has welcomed legends such as Charlie Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy to its stage. The building fell into disrepair but has been lovingly restored to its former glory and now brings huge names such as the Arctic Monkeys to Middlesbrough. Plus, it hosts some of the town’s most popular club nights, which you can read more about in our Middlesbrough nightlife recommendations.

One quick honourable mention also goes to Sticky Fingers on Linthorpe Road. It’s a rock bar which books smaller gigs on Fridays and Saturdays. The sound is always excellent and the smaller venue lends itself to a livelier, more intimate atmosphere. It’s definitely worth checking out, even for just the open mic night on Wednesdays.