January 2018 marks three years since Tyne Theatre & Opera House became an independent venue, and since then the business has gone from strength to strength. The magnificent building recently celebrated its 150th Anniversary and welcomed 80,000 customers through its doors in 2017.
A major part of the 150th Anniversary programme included several collaborative events, such as The Cinema Years, which saw the theatre team up with Whitley Bay Film Festival, and a partnership with Customs House, which brought their smash-hit show Geordie the Musical to the Newcastle stage.
The theatre hopes that this is just the beginning of many exciting collaborations to come. 2017 was a wonderful year for musicals, with the theatre’s very own Tyne Theatre Productions presenting their own grand version of West Side Story as part of the 150th celebrations. Tyne Theatre Productions comprises solely of dedicated volunteers, with all funds raised going back into the restoration and preservation of the theatre.
The theatre has also become the place for standup comedy in Newcastle, with many top-name comedians gracing its stage for sold-out shows. 2018 is set to be another phenomenal year for comedy, with the likes of Joe Lycett, Ed Byrne, Tim Vine and Sarah Millican performing.
Tyne Theatre & Opera House ended 2017 on a particularly high note with the success of its Pantomime, Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs.
Enchanted Entertainment will return with an Easter Pantomime, Beauty & the Beast, and tickets are already selling fast for this year’s Christmas pantomime, Cinderella.
The theatre has begun to achieve part of its restoration plan with funds raised by Tyne Theatre Productions and generous donations. 250 seats in the auditorium have now been completely refurbished and the Bistro Bar has been redecorated.