Its March 2020, Boris Johnson PM announces to the nation "You should avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues", as a result the world of live events as we know it, is turned upside down
Just like every other setting across the UK, ASM Global venue Playhouse Whitley Bay endured over 18 months of no live music, performances and of course Panto – something the historical North Tyneside venue is very well known for.
Fast forward to Friday 23rd July 2021, and something magical happened. After what felt like a lifetime, the doors of the historical North Tyneside building swung open once again, and as the music hit and years of memories circulated around the building once again, the Playhouse and its staff never looked back.
“Our first event coming back from lockdown was extraordinary, we expected emotions to be high but to see performers, audience members and even staff having to compose themselves caught the likes of myself, who was fully focused on just making sure everything went to plan as safely as it physically could, well and truly off guard. It was a night many of us won’t forget and just solidified how much, not just the Playhouse has been missed, but the industry as a whole.” David Kirkland, Playhouse Marketing Manager.
Although Playhouse Theatre Director Phil Smith has worked in the industry for over 35 years, with some of the world’s biggest acts, the past 18 months was still a monumental curve ball.
“The customer experience, including safety, has and always will be our number one priority. The Playhouse is a memory making machine, friends and family have been robbed of some great nights out due to lockdown but our incredible venue, and staff, are back in business, and it is up to us to make sure all our customers, old and new, have the best night possible.”
The Playhouse is finishing off 2021 in style by celebrating one of their best-selling pantos to date, as Snow White, starring national treasure Linda Lusardi and her daughter Lucy Kane, broke box office records this November. The landmark venue is looking forward to a bumper filled 2022 calendar and has already confirmed a variety of incredible acts and names including: Friends the Musical Parody, Shaun Ryder, Jimmy Carr, Giovanni Pernice, plus Hollywood stars Henry Rollins and Jeff Garlin!