An important part of Newcastle’s history, Tyne Theatre & Opera was built in 1867 and is the oldest working Victorian theatre in the world. A lavish auditorium with amazing acoustics, it even has original Victorian understage machinery which is still used today. Offering the best in music, theatre and comedy, it has seen many a famous face grace its stage over the years. Past performers include poet Oscar Wilde, comedian Russell Howard and the Russian State Ballet.
Tyne Theatre and Opera House
Tyne Theatre
Tyne Theatre
Essential Information
Whats On
From stand up comedy and panto to opera and concerts by chart toppers, there’s something for everyone at Tyne Theatre & Opera House. Past lineups have included shows from homegrown talent such as comedian Sarah Millican, The Geordie Rat Pack, Cinderella Revisited and concerts from Madness and The X Factor alumni Rebecca Ferguson.
Tours
Due to the fascinating history about the building and the theatre itself, there are also guided tours available with tickets costing £5. The one hour tour will take you backstage, front stage and the understage as well as to secret areas never seen on a standard visit. You’ll hear of its famous past stars and even a few ghostly tales…
Facilities
Tickets can be booked via their telephone booking line 0844 2491 0000 or at the box office at the theatre. The box office is open Monday to Friday 10am - 3.30pm but closed on weekends.
The theatre is fully accessible for wheelchairs with ramps in the foyer area and entrance to the Bistro Bar. There’s also an accessible toilet at the back of the stalls and standard toilets available on all other levels.
Near the tyne Theatre and Opera House
Due to its central location, there are lots of other things to see and do in and around the theatre. The O2 Academy Newcastle is on the same road as the theatre so if you’re looking for even more entertainment on the music front, head here. If you’re making a weekend of it and want to squeeze in a little shopping trip, the Eldon Square shopping centre is around a 5 minute walk away surrounded by all the high street favourites such as Topshop, Next and TK Maxx. If you’ve got time or got some sport fanatics that need entertaining, head to St James’ Park, home of Newcastle United FC. Not just open on match days, there are stadium tours to enjoy too.
Eating and Drinking
While there’s nowhere to dine inside the theatre walls, there’s plenty to choose from outside the venue.
Whether you’re looking for a small bite to eat or like the idea of sharing, Nudo Noodles is a great spot to visit. From dumplings and pancakes to ramen, soup and curries, there’s something for everyone here. Sushi fans can tuck into a variety of plates too as well as sashimi and dim sum options a plenty. If grilled food is more your thing, the Ottoman Turkish Restaurant on Clayton Street West will get your tastebuds fired up. Straight from the barbeque, enjoy main dishes like the marinated chicken thighs or chargrilled lamb with yoghurt, all served with rice, salad and chilli sauce. Alternatively, warm up with their moussaka, pan fried salmon or falafel dishes. Side plates include everything from hummus and halloumi cheese to chargrilled aubergine and deep fried calamari so why not turn your meal into a Turkish feast for all.
The Bodega is a real ale pub steeped in history and dates all the way back to the Victorian times. Located just a minutes’ walk from the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, you’ll notice the traditional stained glass domes, elaborately tiled floors and extra long bar. With a wide range of real ales, home brewed beers and a menu of carefully selected wines, it’s a great place to enjoy a drink or two before or after your show. If you’re looking for somewhere a little more upbeat and thinking of maybe making a night of it, The Dog & Parrot is the place to head. Known as Newcastle’s rock and roll bar, this independent music bar has a great atmosphere and plays some of the best in motown, indie, rock and Northern Soul. With their walls decked in music posters and flyers from decades ago to now and neon lights lighting up the bar area and dance floor, you’ll have no choice but to grab a drink and start boogying.
Getting to Tyne Theatre and Opera House
Centrally located, it’s easy to get to the theatre by Metro or train, whatever Newcastle hotel you’re staying at. Don’t forget our Newcastle City Centre Premier Inn hotel is half a mile away from the theatre so you won’t have far to travel after your show.
Metro
The closest stations to the theatre are Central and St James’. From Central station, turn right out of the station and then turn left onto Westgate Road. After about a 5 minute walk, you’ll see the Tyne Theatre on the left-hand side. If you’re coming from St. James station, head to Gallowgate before turning right on St James Blvd. After a few minutes, turn left onto Westgate Road and the theatre will be on your right-hand side.
Train
Newcastle Central is the closest train station to the theatre. A 4 minute walk, exit the station and walk west onto Neville Street then turn right onto Bewick Street. Next, turn right onto Clayton Street and then left onto Westgate Road - the theatre will be on your left.