Providing a wide selection of musicals, pantomimes, plays, comedy, performances from leading bands and solo artists, the venue also provides opportunities for up-and-coming entertainers to showcase their talents
“Since the Tyne Theatre & Opera House first opened its doors, it has continued to make live entertainment available for everyone,” says Theatre Director, Joanne Johnson. “The Theatre was built in 1867 by industrialist & politician Joseph Cowen. It was a time when life was hard and when the warmth, light and escapism of the theatre answered a major need for the workers. The Theatre was built for these people, making the arts and entertainment accessible for all, not just the elite. We’re proud to say that this remains our ethos today, providing a packed programme of events with something to appeal to everyone.”
So, what’s coming-up at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House? There’s comedy from Jack Dee, Harry Hill, and Sara Pascoe; theatre productions including Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, Dead Lies, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert; music from The Unthanks, Gilbert O’Sullivan, and Howard Jones; as well as family entertainment from In the Night Garden and Justin Live. Plus, this Christmas, Tyne Theatre Panto return to the stage with Beauty & the Beast. If there’s nothing here that sparks your interest, we can guarantee there will be something in their varied programme that you’ll love..
And if you’d like a peek behind the scenes of the Theatre, there are organised tours which take place every month, exploring areas of the theatre that are rarely seen by the public. The Theatre is a Grade 1 listed building and proudly retains many of its original features, including under-stage wooden machinery. The Theatre has also stayed true to how the Victorians produced sound effects with a wind machine and a fascinating wooden chute which, when you roll a large ball along it, creates a sound like thunder.
“The Theatre is an independent, not for profit venue,” adds Joanne. “We’re owned by the Preservation Trust and operated by its subsidiary company. We’re not funded, and we receive no subsidies. All profits are reinvested into the Theatre, helping to restore and preserve the venue for future generations. We survive on our audience’s support, whether that’s sponsoring a seat, joining our Friends of the Theatre Club, buying drinks at the bar or making donations. Our main source of revenue, however, has and always will be, people coming along to the Theatre and buying a ticket to a show. Obviously, the COVID pandemic was very difficult for us because we had to close for 18 months, but now we’re back on our feet and have a packed programme for the rest of the year.”
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