September 2018 marks over three and a half years since the Tyne Theatre & Opera House became an independent venue, a period in which the theatre has gone from strength to strength.
The team are working hard to restore and protect the Grade I listed, Victorian theatre and keep its wonderful heritage alive for future generations. The theatre has implemented a comprehensive refurbishment plan with funds raised by Tyne Theatre Productions and generous donations. Over 350 seats in the auditorium have now been completely refurbished, several of the ladies toilet facilities have been upgraded, and the bistro bar has been fully redecorated. There is still much to be completed, but thanks to public support, restoration work can continue.
Last year’s 150th birthday celebrations – a year in which 80,000 customers visited reaffirmed the venue as one of the region’s top entertainment destinations and the momentum has continued this year with a packed schedule of events. Under new management, the Tyne Theatre & Opera House continues to expand with a stellar line-up of music, dance, drama and comedy.
A packed autumn programme welcomes British legends Brian Blessed and Michael Palin, music from the likes of Alexander O’Neal, Paul Young and The Feeling, and children’s shows Guess How Much I Love You and Stick Man.
The venue also remains one of Newcastle’s top places for live stand-up comedy with, Joe Lycett, Dylan Moran and much-loved North East comedienne, Sarah Millican all set to appear.
The year is set to end on a high note as the theatre stages its annual pantomime with Cinderella set to be another magical show. 2017’s Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs marked a brand new partnership with Enchanted Entertainment and proved a runaway success with 22,000 people in attendance across December. This year’s show welcomes a star-studded cast including singing legend, Maureen Nolan as Fairy Godmother, Jamie Lambert from Britain’s Got Talent winners Collabro as Prince Charming, X Factor finalist Lola Saunders as Cinderella and returning crowd favourite Charlie Richmond as Buttons.
