10 years of Gosforth Civic Theatre

and we're just getting started

2026 marks 10 years of Gosforth Civic Theatre. That’s 10 years since a group of people with learning disabilities saw their vision of a cultural space for all become reality as we took on Gosforth Civic Hall and created a place that everyone can enjoy.

We have gone from hosting less than 50 events in the first year of operation to over 150 each year; from small meetings and workshops, to sell-out gigs from international musicians and show-stopping weddings.
That’s on top of regular programmes of activity, which, together with our cafe, now bring in 60,000 yearly visitors. Then in November 2025, nine years and two months after we opened, Gosforth Civic Theatre was voted Best Museum or Cultural Venue at the North East Culture Awards.

That’s incredible.

So, from April 2026 to March 2027, we want to celebrate by filling the calendar with even better shows and brilliant events to create more memories with you. Keep your eyes peeled for ticket offers, giveaways, and ways to have your say.

GCT wouldn’t be here now without the unerring support, love and enthusiasm of its community. If you would like to play your part in supporting the future of your award-winning local arts venue continue reading to find out how you can make an impact.

We can’t wait to celebrate 10 years with you — and to shape the next 10 together.

Our story

The Liberdade Project
Liberdade (Pronounced li-ber-dar-jie) was a project under the umbrella of the Lawnmowers Independent Theatre Company. The aim of the apprenticeship scheme was to enable a group of people with learning disabilities to set up and run their own physical theatre company.

2012

Liberdade CIC
In 2012, we were delivering programmes of arts, and health and wellbeing activities, but the company members decided they wanted to open a theatre where everyone was welcome - a place where they could have jobs and create the same opportunities for other young people that they themselves had experienced.

2023

Capital Development Project
Thanks to capital funding from Youth Investment Fund, and other funders, we were able to successfully carry out a multimillion-pound redevelopment of the building in 2023.

The beginning of our story

2003

2008

Liberdade CIC
To deliver our mission, our company members needed to gain control, so we formed our own organisation.

2016

Opening of Gosforth Civic Theatre
We became a registered charity (Liberdade Community Development Trust) and took on formerly council-run Gosforth Civic Hall.

2025

Award winners!
We are voted Best Museum or Cultural Venue at the North East Culture Awards at the The Globe, Stockton.