Newcastle Theatre Royal

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Newcastle Theatre Royal

100 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6BR
01912320997
  • Monday9:00am - 8:00pm
  • Tuesday9:00am - 8:00pm
  • Wednesday9:00am - 8:00pm
  • Thursday9:00am - 8:00pm
  • Friday9:00am - 8:00pm
  • Saturday9:00am - 8:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Theatre Royal
Courtesy of Newcastle Theatre Royal
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In the heart of Newcastle, a short distance away from Grey’s Monument is the Theatre Royal. The theatre was one of the core elements of the Neoclassical re-development of Newcastle’s city centre, led by Richard Grainger and John Dobson in the 19th century. It was the second Theatre Royal in Newcastle, with the first being established with King George III in 1788, the monarch who gave the theatre its royal charter. It quickly became a centre of the dramatic scene and developed a great reputation in the region.

The current building was opened in 1837 and because of Richard Grainger’s work quickly became known as one of the best façades of any theatre in the British Isles. The Theatre was then repaired after a fire swept through the Grainger town in 1899 – which started within the theatre the night after ‘The Scottish Play’ (Macbeth to the less suspicious) was performed within the theatre.

The current building was opened in 1837 and because of Richard Grainger’s work quickly became known as one of the best façades of any theatre in the British Isles

The famous theatre architect Frank Matcham reconstructed the interior in grand style and extended the theatre, making it one of the most impressive in the country. Over time the interior became damaged, and when the council took over in 1967, the interior was modernised to the fashion of the 1960s and 1970s. This modernisation lacked a great deal of beauty and it was decided to refurbish the theatre again.

In 2011 the theatre was refurbished for six months back to the 1901 interior designed by Frank Matcham, ready for the 175th birthday of the theatre. The theatre is also proud to be one of nine grade one listed theatres in the United Kingdom, an honour it truly deserves.

Inside the theatre, you can also enjoy a permanent historical exhibition called ‘the story of theatre’, presented in partnership with Tyne and Wear Museums, Vindolanda and the V&A in London to show the heritage of theatre from ancient times to today. The theatre has a wide range of shows from Shakespeare and classic drama, to comedy, ballet and dance, opera and the much-loved annual pantomimes, drawing massive crowds from across the North East.

The panto is one of the best in the country, especially if you ask the theatre staff. The Theatre Royal prides itself for having a fantastic range of shows and being a core part of the North East of England’s art and culture, developing close connections with theatres across the country, with travelling shows being a regular part of the entertainment. The Theatre Royal is well worth a visit during your visit to Newcastle.

What's on near Newcastle Theatre Royal

Luke Samuel Yates
LiteratureLeeds
Chemistry at The Chemic

Leeds live literature regular Chemistry offers an exciting mix of open mic acts and invited poets – this month the headliners are Helen Ivory and Luke Samuel Yates.

Free entry
In a large industrial space filled with dobby looms hangs a blood red textile piece infront of a sheer white backdrop.
Until
ExhibitionsLeeds
Loops at Sunny Bank Mills

‘Loops’ is a new collaborative exhibition of textiles at Sunny Bank Mills, connecting artists from across the Netherlands and Yorkshire.

Free entry

Where to go near Newcastle Theatre Royal

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Glamorous Owl
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Glamorous Owl

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Motel One Newcastle

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Pizza joint in Newcastle, also offering make-at-home pizza kits during lockdown.

ZENB

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Retro Clothing, Newcastle
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Retro is a popular, quirky vintage shop selling one-off, unique pieces in a slinky interior close to Newcastle town centre. It’s renowned for its individualism, putting into the town an eclectic and varied shopping experience for fashion that it would otherwise be missing.

St. Nicholas Cathedral
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Place of worship
St Nicholas Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas is the Church of England Cathedral of Newcastle. There has been a church on the site since 1090 AD, but the church that stands there today is mostly from the 13th and 14th centuries making most of the building nearly seven hundred years old!

Fenwick
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Fenwick

Walking down Northumberland Street, the main shopping street in Newcastle, you will eventually pass Fenwick’s. Fenwick is Newcastle’s famous and home-grown department store and a fantastic retailer to visit on your trip to Newcastle.

The Grainger Market
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Shopping Centre
The Grainger Market

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Culture Guides

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Hannah Platt 'Playing Out', courtesy of Threshold, photograph by Jules Lister.
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portrait of Lorsung in a dark shirt with dark hair and dark round glasses
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