New performance space for Tyne Theatre
New performance space for Tyne Theatre
A 500k funding boost will unlock an exciting new development for the historic Newcastle venue
The Tyne Theatre and Opera House has been awarded half a million pounds to fund the creation of a new space for performances.
Restoration and building work will be carried out on the footprint of what was known as the Westgate Music Hall from 1869; the Grand Saloon from c. 1887 and Winter Gardens Tea Room in the building’s Stoll Cinema years.
As well as resolving some “critical building issues”, the project will remove the ceiling which was added in the 1960s and return the Grand Saloon to a double height space.
Bosses say the development will allow the Tyne Theatre to “broaden the spectrum of its arts and culture offering” while also increasing the potential for community engagement activity as the new ‘black box’ space will be used as a hub for meetings, rehearsals and workshops as well as performances.
The significant pot of money has been awarded as part of Creative Central NCL, long-running project funded by the North East Combined Authority and Newcastle City Council with a remit to develop creativity and culture in the city centre.
Chairman of the Tyne Theatre and Opera House Preservation Trust, Mike Wilmot, said: “The space that has operated most recently as the theatre’s Bistro Bar has had a varied history, having run under numerous names and served the local community in differing ways. We’re looking forward to building on this legacy and opening the next exciting chapter for our venue.”
Also in progress is a new café and bar, 1867, which will open in November and serve as the venue’s box office too.
As well as thanking Creative Central NCL, chief executive, Jonathan Higgins also thanked audiences for their ongoing support.
He said: “The income generated from ticket sales, hospitality, donations and our Friends Club membership scheme has also played a crucial role in allowing us to fund this project.
“We look forward to being able to welcome even more people through the doors to our new café bar this autumn, and to reopening the re-envisioned black box space for the benefit of audiences and the local community.”
To see upcoming performances at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House, visit the website.