Creative Engagement at The Customs House

17/10/2025

First offsite Makina/MC Nights Customize and it did NOT disappoint! Local DJs and MCs bringing the house down with their unreal talent 🙌🏻

11/04/2025

We’re delighted to be opening the stage to the next generation of musical theatre stars with Takeover Showstoppers, a brand-new platform for emerging performers to take the spotlight, hosted by the very fabulous Glen Richard Townsend.
We’re looking for 20 finalists who would deliver their show-stopping songs from iconic musicals on the night. From heartfelt ballads to big belters, each performer will have their moment to shine and will be singing not just for the audience, but for a panel of industry professionals who’ll be choosing their standout performers of the night. Judges include Kelly Anders, CEO of our very own Customs House, and highly experienced and exceptional performers, Helen French and Steven Lee Hamilton.
We have three categories based on age: 
* Aged 11-13 – Performing a song from a piece of musical theatre (up to 2 minutes) 
* Aged 14-19 – Performing a song from a piece of musical theatre (up to 2 minutes) 
* Aged 20-25 – Performing a song from a piece of musical theatre (up to 2 minutes) 
 Chosen songs will need to be appropriate for audiences of all ages, so please bear this in mind when choosing your song. 
 There will be a standing microphone to use for your performance and we would be requesting backing tracks to be sent to us in advance should you be selected to perform. 
 The winner from each category will take home a framed certificate, and cash prize of £100 and each categories runner up will receive a £50 ticket voucher for The Customs House, and a framed certificate.
We expect a high demand of submissions, which means we won’t be able to offer individual feedback if you are not selected. 
Performers must be available from 4:30pm to sound check and rehearse on stage ahead of the show on May 26th2025. 
 How to Enter: 
* Submit a self-tape (recorded on your phone is fine!) of your chosen song and email to [email protected] 
* Include your name, age category, the song you’ll be performing and from which musical it’s taken
* Applications open 11/04/2025 and close on 25/04/2025 at 12.00pm (midday).

05/03/2025

Last week we hosted CUSTOMIZE our first MC Night in with spots from MC Flecky and MC Tolman with .d.s_music & guest DJs on the decks.

We are delighted to announce that we return on 25 March with Makina Legends MC Rockeye & Genno D in the place to be, with ADS, Anderson & Stutta on the decks.

7-10pm ft. open spots

26/02/2025

It was such treat to host the Young M**s and their little ones from getting crafty before seeing Cousin Dennis in A Recipe For Disaster 👩🏻‍🎨🎨🖌️

13/02/2025

🎉 Exciting News for The Takeover Festival 2025! 🎉

We're thrilled to announce that we have received vital support from the Hays Travel Foundation for the Takeover Festival 2025! This funding will take our award-winning festival to new heights, offering even more opportunities for young people to shine in the arts! 🌟
With this generous support, we’ll be able to:
🎭 Offer a platform for young artists & performers to showcase their talents
🎤 Provide workshops, live performances, and hands-on festival management experience
🌍 Expand our diversity & inclusivity efforts, amplifying voices from across the region

The Takeover Festival is all about empowering 13-18-year-olds to take the lead in producing and delivering a festival that celebrates their creativity. From live performances to workshops, esports tournaments, and more, we’re excited to continue providing young people with unique opportunities that will have a lasting impact on their careers and personal growth. 🙌

A huge thank you to the Hays Travel Foundation for supporting the future of the arts and giving young people a space to thrive! 💙

The Customs House in South Shields is set to take its award-winning Takeover Festival 2025 to new heights after receiving crucial funding from the Hays Travel Foundation. The Foundation, renowned for supporting local causes and registered charities focused on helping young people thrive in sport, he...

07/02/2025

Join us for a night of pure Makina as DJ A.D.S brings the beats, with headline sets from MC Flecky & MC Tolman, plus open mic slots for anyone ready to step up.

Date: 26/02/2025
Location: Bella’s, The Customs House
Time: 7-10pm

Adam Cogdon

06/02/2025

🎤Entries are open for our Monologue Slam for aspiring actors aged 11-25
🎭We have an all star industry panel, which will be hosted by the amazing Alfie Joey
📌More information can be found here: https://www.customshouse.co.uk/get-involved/creatives/
📅 Deadline: 3 March at midday

The Customs House is invested in nurturing North East talent.Our current open opportunities are below:

05/02/2025

🎨If you're out and about today in sunny South Shields, and fancy getting your arts and culture fix, why not head to The Word to see the Making Waves Exhibition (on until 27 April)

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This exhibition brings together different arts projects which have taken place in South Tyneside in 2024, supported by Arts Council England. Together these projects explore what arts and culture is and where you can experience culture in South Tyneside. Through […]

03/02/2025

We are delighted to be part of MAKING WAVES- a celebration of ACE supported work in the Borough. The exhibition features our friends & project with the lovely Elizabeth Kane, open until March! 🎤🎸🎨⚽️🎭

26/11/2024

📍We would love to hear from members of our community to shape the future of our cultural and heritage spaces. Join us at the South Tyneside Creative Community Forum to share your ideas and feedback on how we can make our venues even better. Do you have a vision for an exciting event? Thoughts on making our attractions more welcoming and inclusive? We’d love to hear it all!

☕️Come along, connect with fellow community members, and help us build spaces that reflect our unique creativity and heritage

Refreshments provided.