The Tyne Theatre and Opera House has opened its 1867 Hall and Café Bar where customers can enjoy food and drinks or buy tickets for shows at the main theatre, on Newcastle’s Westgate Road.
It marks the completion of the first phase of the Grade-1 listed theatre’s development project, funded by the North East Combined Authority led by Mayor McGuinness.
“Without the help of the mayor, this simply would not have been possible,” said David Wilmore, project director at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House.
“A building that is absolutely fundamental to the nucleus of the arts community in Newcastle, which we could not open up because it was full of asbestos.
“We’ve been able to bring back parts of this building that had fallen into disuse; to nurture them back thanks to the belief and trust of the mayor.”
The new attraction marks the completion of the initial phase of the theatre's ambitious development project and it was finished four months sooner than expected.
It had an official opening, performed by Mayor McGuinness, and the evening of entertainment showed off the new double-height space which has the ability to be adapted for performances as well as community and hospitality events, all in keeping with the theatre's aim to keep growing and diversifying.
This year the theatre celebrates ten years as an independent venue.
The charity which owns and runs the venue, The Tyne Theatre and Opera House Preservation Trust, is focused upon preserving its heritage and a key part of this, the restoration of its wooden stage equipment, is now almost complete.
This Victorian stage machinery - one of few surviving examples in the UK - has undergone painstaking restoration and is now in working order.
The newly-opened 1867 Hall and Café Bar completes the first leg of its Grand Saloon Development Project and was supported by the Creative Central NCL programme which is funded by £500,000 from the North East Combined Authority and Newcastle City Council.
The trust is now applying for funding for the next phase which will further develop the 1867 Hall, on the site of a former Westgate Music Hall, for theatre, events, comedy and talks.
Mayor McGuinness said: “This incredible place which was built in 1867 is being reimagined for the modern age.
“This project holds such potential and optimism for our region’s future. Because culture and arts are who we are. It’s in our DNA. It’s at the centre of everything I want to do as mayor.
“By providing space for local performances, exhibitions, and education, this project creates a space where talent can grow, new connections can be made, and people can gain the confidence and the real opportunity to pursue their dreams.”