Sage Gateshead

Went to see Runrig last night. The first time we’ve been to The Sage, it certainly won’t be the last! Such a light airy place… no feeling of being squashed in like sardines! The seats were comfortable, and not too close to the person next to you. Although we were in row P it felt as though we were nearer to the stage… and it had an intimate feel to it. Staff were helpful, and there were plenty of (very clean) toilets within easy reach. The building itself is interesting, and the views over the river are beautiful. All in all, a great experience that we can’t wait to repeat.

As a music venue and as an amazing looking building the Sage Gateshead is top notch.
Unfortunately it’s café is not.
£7.50 for a sandwich and a glass of Fentimans ginger beer is a little steep. The sandwich came in a bag for some reason alongside a handful of limp undressed leaves.
You can only survive on the uniqueness of your location for a short time if your food is distinctly average.
The staff are friendly and happy, which is always a good sign.

Had a really great experience here last night when I was seeing the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra! It really is a superb venue-​the views of the river from the main entrance and cafes/​bars only adds to the ambience of the place. Definitely worth a visit!
Our performance was in hall 1 which was just wonderful! Comfortable seating, great views of the stage no matter where you sat and amazing acoustics. Only downside was as Gareth said in his review there is limited space to dance if you feel inclined to… which some people certainly tried to do in the aisles last night!
All the staff were very polite and helpful and you can take your drinks into the performance as long as they are in plastic cups. The food was good but slightly on the expensive side. The toilets were exceptionally clean ladies which we all know boosts our opinion of a place straight away. Overall I had a fantastic night and I would definitely choose this venue again!

Please note that this review is of the venue itself, but based on my most recent experience of the Gateshead International Jazz Festival 2015.
The Sage Gateshead (to give it its full and proper title) is a simply stunning piece of architecture that sits above the Tyne looking proudly out over the Quayside. The evening views from the concourse over the River Tyne and the Tyne & Millennium Bridges are superb.
A true asset to the North East’s arts and culture scene, hosting concerts and gigs covering a range of classical, folk, jazz, rock, world and a multitude of other genres, plus other festivals (such as Radio 3’s Free Thinking), there is bound to be something for everyone coming up at some point.
The Sage has two main halls, a number of smaller performance halls/​areas plus the concourse area. Each hall has been specifically designed to maximise the acoustics as well as being physically separated to ensure they are sound-​proofed from the rest of the building, so you get the best audio experience no matter where you sit. Of course, there are some seats where the views are a little limited, but you get this issue in almost every venue.
This weekend, our first concert was held in the Northern Rock Foundation Hall, one of the smaller, intimate settings, which was a wonderful way to get the weekend going. The next evening we had tickets to the headline event held in Hall One, the largest of the halls which is where your big names and symphony orchestras usually feature. Although we were sitting in the very back row on the ground floor, the view of the stage was still fantastic and the sound second-​to-​none. Our final gig was in Hall Two, the smaller of the main halls with a unique 10-​sided design, which is where you usually get the more ‘niche’ genres and groups appearing. On the concourse were various live bands performing throughout the afternoon, which is one of the great things about the Sage — you can sometimes turn up and experience live entertainment for free!
Each of the hall settings brings a slightly different experience. For me personally, I love Hall Two, it’s quirky nature and the acts which often feature there make for an experience which you won’t get anywhere else.
The only thing against the set-​up is that for some acts, where people want to get up and have a boogie, there is limited space to do so unless there is a dedicated area introduced by removing some of the seating. This is one of the Sage’s trickier issues in trying to be a multi-​functional venue, sometimes there are acts which may suit another venue in the North East. Anyway, they do what they do extremely well, the staff are always very helpful and ensure you have a great time.
In addition to the music venues, the Sage also has a number of bars and eating options, but this is where I feel (as per most major venues, to be fair) things could be slightly improved. The food on offer has always been more-​than-​acceptable, and the bars stock a good ranges of beers and wines — it’s just that the prices don’t really seem to justify what you get. Just as an example, one round of drinks this weekend (pint of ale and a large glass of wine) came to just shy of £10 — akin to London prices!
Nevertheless, prices aside, next time you’re on the Quayside, take a wander up to the Sage to appreciate it’s sheer beauty and admire the views. And why not take in a gig at some point too, it’s definitely worth it!

The Sage is a great building for live music whether it be classical, jazz, rock or the arts in general.
Acoustically tempered and well designed, it allows for the perfect concert going experience. The modern feel of the place gives it a crisp, clean and cared for feel. The exterior and location alone are worth visiting for.
In addition, the staff are pleasant and always helpful.
This place is a great asset to Gateshead and the surrounding area.

Excellent venue for seeing a band. We went to see an ACDC tribute in the smaller hall, the sound was awesome and the view brilliant. Fantastic looking building as well.

Amazing building, café inside is good and did a rather nice victoria sponge cake. Had live music at the café with steel drums. Was there to take my son to a toddler music event, got his seal of approval too

There was a little bit of confusion about the address place previously.
But the «The Sage is The Sage» and the reviewed place was always the same.
I love it! Perfect for the live music, original architecture and friendly stuff.
Two music hall and big open air bar where is possible to drink and to eat everyday. MUST SEE.
I hope I have done a bit clarity.

Really big place with lots of seats. We got a good view of the stage even though we were seated far away. Best to get their earlier to find your seat and relax a bit before the show starts. really nice place. We are booked to see an orchestra next month and I can not wait. Make sure you book early if there is a show you want to see as the tickets sell quick!

this is a superb venue — inside and out. The main concert hall is beautifully designed and is very comfortable (see pics from the ‘I’d Do Anything’ event). Great location near both gateshead and Newcastle city centres — has excellent car parking facilities.

Just looking at the Sage is an experience, the building is quite stunning. It looks like a huge organic structure of glass and steel springing out of the ground.
Inside looks just as brilliant, there are three performance with the largest being 1700 seats. Amazing views of the city and Tyne river, and tons of space to sit down in or wander about.
A massive variety of music and productions happen here that will cater for any taste and if you want you can go early and watch practices and sound checks; things normally kept behind closed doors.