Company Profile

Newcastle Theatre Royal is a pioneer of arts and culture in the North East.

Showcasing the finest drama, the brightest West End musicals, the cream of the comedy circuit, award winning ballet and dance, family friendly shows, sensational opera – and (we think) the best Pantomime in the country!

We’re proud of the warm welcome we’ve been giving our customers, casts and crews for over 180 years and honoured to have been named as the North East’s Most Welcoming Theatre at the UK Theatre Awards for four years in succession (2015 -2018), as well as being crowned national winner in 2015.

Our History

Granted its Royal licence by King George III, the Theatre Royal Newcastle opened on Drury Lane off Mosley Street in 1788 and soon established itself as one of England’s leading theatres.

In February 1837, the Theatre moved to Grey Street, a flagship building in Grainger and Dobson’s famous city plan. It features what is generally regarded as the finest Theatre façade in the UK, later combined with a fine 1901 auditorium by the great Theatre architect, Frank Matcham, after the original interior had been destroyed by fire during a performance of Macbeth in 1899.

Many great names of the English stage have trodden its famous boards; from Keane to Irving, Olivier to Dench as well as Hollywood greats Orson Welles, Charlton Heston and Jack Lemmon. Sir Ian McKellen once described Newcastle Theatre Royal as his favourite theatre.

Restoration

Newcastle Theatre Royal is one of only nine Grade 1 Listed theatres in England and since opening in 1837, has been renovated many times.

In 2011, a six month restoration recreated Matcham’s classic 1901 Edwardian design with reprinted wallpapers, reinstated lost tilework, carpets featuring the original patterns and extensive gold leaf work, period light fittings, brassware and ornamentation throughout. New seating was reconfigured in all areas – 1901 in style, but modern in comfort.

The famous Grey Street portico was given a new lease of life thanks to conservation measures to clean and protect its iconic structure and installation of a new lighting system to show off the splendour of the main entrance. A full backstage refurbishment including the full upgrade of a suite of dressing rooms completed the extensive works.

CAREERS

Newcastle Theatre Royal is one of the finest theatres in the country and we are immensely proud to be right at the very heart of arts and culture in our region. Committed to giving the warmest possible welcome and highest standards of service on and off stage, our exceptional team ensure we deliver time after time.