Jacqui Kell - Executive Director at Live Theatre
For over five decades, Live Theatre has been a vibrant cornerstone of Newcastle’s cultural scene. Sitting on the Quayside, it’s known for its commitment to new and aspiring writers, artists, and creatives, nurturing the freelance sector across the city and region.
Jacqui Kell, Live Theatre’s Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive, has been steering this dynamic organisation since 2018, bringing a unique blend of economic development experience and a deep passion for the arts.
Why Live Theatre?
According to Jacqui, Live Theatre’s mission goes beyond just entertainment; it’s about fostering creative growth and offering a space for artistic experimentation. “We’re a new writing theatre. Our focus is supporting emerging talent and providing a platform for creativity in the North East,” she shares.
Jacqui’s previous career focused on economic regeneration, which she feels ties directly into her work in the cultural sector. “It’s all connected,” she explains. “When I first worked with Live Theatre, I helped secure funding for the renovation of our historic buildings, and it’s amazing to see how that investment has allowed us to support a wide range of activities.”
Not just a Theatre
Live Theatre isn’t just a venue for plays; it’s a multi-faceted organisation. Apart from producing its own shows, it runs a thriving children and young people’s programme including a youth theatre, offering free creative opportunities to young people in the community. Their initiative, Live Tales, brings the magic of storytelling to schoolchildren, nurturing skills like confidence and social interaction. “It’s about more than acting,” Jacqui says. “It’s about building self-confidence and connecting with others. We employ a lot of freelance facilitators to work with the young people and on our artist development programmes, and I like to think everyone who walks through the doors at Live Theatre just loves it. It’s got a lovely feel. I always say it kind of wraps its arms around you. And that’s exactly what we want to encourage.”
She also highlights the importance of such programmes for mental health, especially in collaboration with Northumbria University who are helping to research the benefits of creative activities.
With a unique central location on the bustling Quayside, Live Theatre has a main theatre, an adaptable studio space, a series of writing and rehearsal rooms, an atmospheric bar (where Sam Fender once played the piano!) and the Lives Tales creative writing centre.
The theatre’s financial model relies on more than simply just ticket sales. Their property portfolio, including partnerships with restaurants and tech companies, ensures sustainability. “We have amazing tenants,” Jacqui says, referencing names like St. Vincent’s Restaurant, The Broad Chare, a new restaurant called DOOD, Generator, the music development agency, Allies Group and ZeroLight, a tech company. “We’re not your typical landlord. We work closely with our tenants and value the community we’ve built.”
Passionate support
Live Theatre has earned the support of big names, including musician Sting, actor Jimmy Nail and actress Charlie Hardwick. Jacqui is particularly touched by their commitment: “Sting is one of our ‘Best Friends’ supporters. Last year, he even did an intimate show for us.”
The joy of her role
Jacqui’s favourite part of her job? Watching the creative process unfold. “Sometimes I escape to watch a dress rehearsal or hear the first reading of a new play. It’s refreshing and fulfilling, especially after years in more corporate settings. My team’s passion is inspiring and challenging—they push us to find the funding to keep doing the work we love.”
Supporting the Theatre
For those looking to support Live Theatre, Jacqui suggests simple steps: come to a show, join the Friends scheme, buy a coffee, or sponsor a ticket for someone who might not otherwise attend. Every bit helps Live Theatre continue its vital work in Newcastle and beyond.
As Jacqui and her team gear up for next year’s programme, which features the eagerly awaited play “Champion” by Ishy Din-a family drama about Muhammad Ali’s 1977 visit to South Shields-Live Theatre continues to be a vibrant hub on the Quayside, fostering storytelling, community, and creative development in the region.
www.live.org.uk