The city was founded in Roman times under the name Pons Aelius. The first English name to be associated with Newcastle, is believed to be Old English Nīwecastel. The medieval latin name is Novum Castrum super Tynum (Newcastle upon Tyne).

The city is the 20th most populous in England; the larger Tyneside conurbation, of which Newcastle forms part, is the 6th most populous conurbation in England. Newcastle is a member of the English Core Cities Group and (with Gateshead) the Eurocities network of European cities.

People from Newcastle and surrounding areas are commonly called Geordies. The Latin term Novocastrian, can equally be applied to residents of any place called Newcastle but is also regularly used in reference to residents of Northumberland.

The city contains many theatres. The largest, the Theatre Royal on Grey Street, first opened in 1837. It has hosted a season of performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company for over 25 years, as well as touring productions of West End musicals. The Journal Tyne Theatre hosts smaller touring productions, whilst other venues feature local talent. Northern Stage, formally known as the Newcastle Playhouse and Gulbenkian Studio, hosts various local, national and international productions in addition to those produced by the Northern Stage company. Other theatres in the city include the Live Theatre, the People's Theatre, the Round and the Jubilee Theatre.

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Information courtesy of GeoCast TV