The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company presents Miners, Mariners and Me A new play by The Twisting Ducks Customs House Academy The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company presents Miners, Mariners and Me , a new performance written and performed by local artists with a learning disability and autistic artists, taking place at The Customs House , South Shields on Tuesday 17th March 2026 . The performance takes place during Neurodiversity Celebration Week , a global initiative that celebrates the skills and talents of neurodivergent people while challenging stereotypes about neurological differences. Miners, Mariners and Me rediscovers the story of South Shields, past and present, through drama, song and dance. Along the way, audiences will journey to Roman Arbeia, venture down the coal mines and explore the salty chaos of the fishing industry. Celebrating the vibrant people and iconic figures who have helped shape the town into what it is today, Miners, Mariners and Me is funny, playful and full of heart, and presents South Shields as seen through the eyes of the people who call it home. The performers, who meet weekly at The Customs House, are part of The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, a charity providing accessible arts opportunities for people with a learning disability and autistic people across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. The Twisting Ducks supports over 800 people a year to express themselves creatively, develop skills and social connections, and to achieve aspirations as performers, musicians and DJs. Miners, Mariners and Me takes place at The Customs House, South Shields on Tuesday 17th March at 7pm . Standard tickets are £10 (students £8, carers go free), and are available from customshouse.co.uk or by calling The Customs House Box Office: 0191 454 1234 Kelly Anders, CEO at The Customs House, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Miners, Mariners and Me to The Customs House. Having The Twisting Ducks back with their warmth, creativity and inclusive spirit is a real joy for us, and we’re thrilled to host their latest production.” Sonia Hudson, Drama Facilitator at The Twisting Ducks, said: “ Miners, Mariners and Me is a joyful celebration of South Shields, created by people who know and love the town. We travel from Roman Arbeia to the coal mines and the fishing industry, with plenty of humour and imagination along the way, including a surprise visit from a wish-granting mermaid! It’s funny, heartfelt and full of local pride, and we’re really proud to share it with our community.” Lisa, performer in Miners, Mariners and Me, said: “It’s a show about us, about South Shields. I really love doing drama. I feel important to be part of a show.” Miners, Mariners and Me Tuesday 17th March 2026, 7pm (approx running time 1hr) The Customs House, Mill Dam, South Shields NE33 1ES Tickets Standard: £10, Student: £8, carers go free Book tickets: customshouse.co.uk or call The Customs House Box Office 0191 454 1234