It’s been brought to our attention (thanks to BBC) that the Tyne Theatre and Opera House has secured funds for a new performance space, and we are thrilled to hear it!
A Grade I listed theatre opened in 1867 has secured £500,000 to create a second performance space.
The proposed “black box” studio at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre and Opera House will be used for solo performers, workshops, meetings and rehearsals.
It will be constructed in the area that has recently been the Bistro bar, but has also been a tea room and a music hall.
Chairman of the theatre’s Preservation Trust Mike Wilmot said: “We’re looking forward to building on this legacy and opening the next exciting chapter for our venue.”
As well as a new performance space, there will be a new cafe and bar in the foyer.
Named ‘1867’, it will also be the new home of the box office and will open in November.
The building was funded by Victorian industrialist Joseph Cowen who envisaged a “theatre for the people”.
During much of the twentieth century, it operated as a cinema called the Stoll Picture Theatre, which closed in 1974.
It reopened as a theatre in 1983 but was plagued by financial troubles.
In 2008, it was purchased by Newcastle City Council which transferred the freehold ownership to the Tyne Theatre and Opera House Preservation Trust.
This not only provides the industry with hope for future funding but also opens doors to new business opportunities for many of us!
