We are the Progressive Players

An amateur community drama club established in 1920, we are the resident company of the Little Theatre in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. Whether you’re looking for serious dramas, hilarious comedies or tense thrillers, you can see them all with the Progressive Players!

Find out more about us

The Unfriend

by Steven Moffat
April 2026

We are the Progressive Players

An amateur community drama club established in 1920, we are the resident company of the Little Theatre in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. Whether you’re looking for serious dramas, hilarious comedies or tense thrillers, you can see them all with the Progressive Players!

Find out more about us

Home, I'm Darling

by Laura Wade
March 2026

We are the Progressive Players

An amateur community drama club established in 1920, we are the resident company of the Little Theatre in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. Whether you’re looking for serious dramas, hilarious comedies or tense thrillers, you can see them all with the Progressive Players!

Find out more about us

Housebound

by Simon Mawdsley
February 2026

We are the Progressive Players

An amateur community drama club established in 1920, we are the resident company of the Little Theatre in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. Whether you’re looking for serious dramas, hilarious comedies or tense thrillers, you can see them all with the Progressive Players!

Find out more about us

Upstairs at The Hotspur

by Dick Curran
February 2026

We are the Progressive Players

An amateur community drama club established in 1920, we are the resident company of the Little Theatre in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. Whether you’re looking for serious dramas, hilarious comedies or tense thrillers, you can see them all with the Progressive Players!

Find out more about us

Vintage Hitchcock

by Joe Landry
January 2026

We are the Progressive Players

An amateur community drama club established in 1920, we are the resident company of the Little Theatre in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. Whether you’re looking for serious dramas, hilarious comedies or tense thrillers, you can see them all with the Progressive Players!

Find out more about us

Rudolph Saves the Day

by Lorna Watson

December 2025

Future Productions by the Progressive Players

Murder Story

Ludovic Kennedy

8 - 13 June 2026

Murder Story by Ludovic Kennedy and based on true events.

The life of the Tanner family is turned upside down when their son, Jim, is sentenced to death for the murder of PC Albert Tomkins. And whilst in prison Jim is looked after by two kind officers and even learns to read.
Written by Ludovic Kennedy , who was very much against the death penalty. We see the torment Jim’s family goes through and the impact on a “simple lad” who is accused of a terrible crime.

Book Online More Information

The Invincibles

Amanda Whittington

13 - 18 July 2026

The Invincibles is an uplifting, funny, and inspiring play for audiences of all ages, celebrating teamwork, determination, and the joy of sport.
Bringing together the excitement of today’s Women’s World Cup with the true story of a remarkable women’s football team from 1917, the play moves between past and present to show how courage, friendship, and belief can echo across generations. As young football fan Maya watches the Lionesses chase glory in 2023, we discover the forgotten story of the Sterling Ladies—factory workers who defied expectations during the First World War to create an unbeatable football team, later known as the Invincibles.

This is a show full of energy and humour, with imaginative staging that brings football matches to life on stage and heartfelt moments that celebrate family, community, and resilience. It’s a great choice for families, football fans, and anyone who enjoys stories about standing up for what you love—even when the odds are against you.

Above all, The Invincibles is a feel‑good celebration of unsung heroes and modern role models, reminding us that every generation builds on the victories of those who came before—and that sometimes, just believing you can play is a victory in itself.

More Information

Become a Member of the Progressive Players

Would you like to get involved?

If you enjoy anything from reading plays, to setting lights, to serving drinks at the bar – we always welcome new members!

Come and find out more here

News & updates from the Progressive Players…

27 February 2026

Outward BOUND!

The Progressive Players are hitting the road again, with an entry in a prestigious drama competition.

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25 September 2024

You get by with a LOT of help from your friends

I’ve taken on roles within the Progressive Players before and always had an amazing time.

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28 June 2024

An Instant in Time

We take a look at the story behind the image on our poster for our July production.

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