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About The Late Shows

The free after-hours culture crawl is back for 2024, with over 60 Newcastle and Gateshead music and performance spaces, art studios, galleries, museums, and historic buildings coming together and opening their doors to the public. This vibrant annual event is a celebration of culture and attracts 20-30,000 visits into local venues. It is supported by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums in association with Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council and Arts Council England, and sponsored by Creative Central NCL.

Emma Tominey: Beyond the Surface

For her creative commission, Emma is developing a bespoke interactive augmented reality art trail for The Late Shows at The Common Room. She overlays digital artworks on existing portraits, animates the subjects, or replaces them entirely with lesser-known historical figures.

“I fell in love with this beautifully restored Grade II listed building the first time I saw it. But I was also fascinated by ideas of how we could incorporate new stories into such an established space without disrupting or damaging what has been there for over 130 years. Using AR is an exciting opportunity to do just that, offering audiences the opportunity to see beyond the surface and learn more about The Common Room’s and the region’s rich history”- Emma

5|Quarter Bar: Late Shows Open Mic

The café bar will be open all evening, offering a space to enjoy a refreshment and take time out from exploring the AR trail and other Late Shows venues. There will also be some music, for those wanting to enjoy a drink and have a sing-along.

Promo-block - text on image with graident

Planning Your Visit

Accessibility information, FAQs and getting in touch.