Newcastle is a city filled with culture. Locals are creative, clever, and resourceful and nowhere is that more obvious than our theatre scene. At PREMIER SUITES, we have culture and history on our doorstep in the wonderful Tyne Theatre and Opera House. With an interesting history and a packed schedule of events, we often have visitors to our serviced apartments in Newcastle who are here for a show or a trip down memory lane. If you’re planning a trip to Newcastle to catch a show or for a spot of sightseeing, PREMIER SUITES serviced apartments are the ideal accommodation. Add a trip to Tyne Theatre to your Newcastle bucket list.
Tyne Theatre Trust
Tyne Theatre & Opera House is a Grade I listed theatre, built in 1867 by industrialist and politician Joseph Cowen. It was built on the concept of a theatre for everyone, a sentiment that remains 150 years later. The first building protection group was started in the 1970s when the building closed and was leased back to the Tyne Theatre Trust. The building is owned and preserved by the Tyne Theatre & Opera House Preservation Trust, a not-for-profit charity and all profits go back into the maintenance and preservation of the building for the benefit of future generations. In 2015, a subsidiary of the Trust was set up to operate and manage the business giving it a new lease of life. All the Trustees are volunteers, and they rely on the generosity of audiences and staff.
Opening Night(s)
The theatre opened on 23rd September 1867 with Dion Boucicault’s Arrah-Na-Pogue, a melodramatic tale set during the Irish rebellion of 1798. The theme of Irish Independence was on brand with the owner’s allegiance to Irish Nationalists. Some carpentry around the stage was not quite finished on the opening night and the sound of hammering and sawing interrupted the opening speech. Changing demands and trends during WWI and the popularity of movies brought about the closure of the theatre in 1917. The theatre was leased by Sir Oswald Stoll and converted for cinema use by 1919. The second opening night was a screening of ‘Tarzan of the Apes’ and was later the first cinema in Newcastle to show ‘talkies’. As TV became more popular, the popularity of the theatre declined leading to another close in 1974. The theatre remained closed, within which time a protection order was placed on the building leading to the formation of the Tyne Theatre Preservation Group. There were a few ups and downs along the way, but the building and theatre are now an integral part of the Newcastle community.
What’s on in Tyne Theatre and Opera House
There is a packed schedule of events all year round in Tyne Theatre and Opera House. There are comedy, dance, drag, family, music, theatre, variety and more to look forward to with shows often changing a couple of times a week. In December, the theatre becomes a Winter wonderland of panto, decorations and cheer. Some of the most exciting events for 2023 include;
Sat 26 & Sun 27 Aug 2023
Astravaganza Entertainment presents OLIVER!
Wed 6 – Sat 9 Sep 2023
London Film Music Orchestra present The Best of Hans Zimmer & John Williams by Moonlight
Fri 29th Sep 2023
Sun 1 Oct 2023
Tue 3 Oct 2023Â
Wed 11 Oct 2023
Scouting For Girls (& Friends)
Sat 14th October 2023Â
Tue 17 Oct 2023
Ruby Wax: I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was
Fri 20 Oct 2023
Thu 26, Fri 27 (additional date) & Sat 28 Oct 2023
Classical Ballet and Opera House presents Swan Lake
Sun 29 Oct 2023
Mon 30 Oct 2023
Thu 23 Nov 202
Enchanted Entertainment presents: Peter Pan
Fri 8 Dec 2023 – Sun 7 Jan 2024
Book your stay in PREMIER SUITES, the most convenient location for a show in Tyne Theatre and Opera House. Reserve your suite on our website to enjoy our best available rates and exclusive access to our special offers. We’re looking forward to welcoming you.
