Journal Tyne Theatre (Tyne Theatre & Opera House)

Member Name: cyberem78

Product:	Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Date:	22/10/08 (32 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Has an antique charm.

Disadvantages: Can look shabby.

The Journal Tyne Theatre, as it is now called since being sponsored by the local paper in 2004, is a very old building and is Grade One Listed meaning no rennovations of any kind can be undertaken inside. The conditions of the furnishings, therefore, is a little bit shabby and run-down. There is also a make-shift ramp installed in the central corridor by the bar for disabled wheelchair users which is ridiculously steep. The carpets adorning the auditorium are a little musty and dirty too and are hideously mismatched.

Despite these problems the theatre has a antique style charm about it. There are four levels of seating: stalls, grand circle, upper circle and gallery which seat 1100 people altogether. The seats are covered with a royal blue velvet material which looks quite regal. The view is best from the grand circle and the trek to the gallery should not be attempted by the elderly or those with health problems. There are bars on every floor -which sell refreshments, sweets, crisps and popcorn - although these are not always open, depending on the capacity. It is best to ask on entering if this is the case - as the staircases can be exhausting!

The central stage, one of the finest examples of an old working Victorian stage, is small and dusty but can look fantastic with the right set designs. There are some beautiful ornamentation around the front edges and boxes, with a gold stencil finish on leaf designs. The old lantern style lighting is pretty too.

There are bays set aside in the front of the stalls (rows D/E) for wheelchair users and an accessable toilet is conveniently at the back of the stalls seatting area. As mentioned, the journey to the bar may prove difficult for disabled persons, as the wheelchair ramp is very steep.

The theatre has hosted a variety of shows recently: from comedys like 'Mrs Brown' ( who is a bit like 'Father Ted' in drag), to musical sensation 'The Rat Pack'. The nearby Gateshead Sage seems to have taken a lot of business away from the theatre though, which is a shame. There is a fun, entertaining pantomime on every year which normally stars local hero Brandan Healy as the main man. The tickets are the cheapest in the city for a professional production and the performance is good quality. Kids can get interactive flashing wands and the stars sometimes wander around the theatre pre-performance to work their charm.

The theatre is on Westgate Road, within walking distance of Central Station Metro station. There are a few bars ans restaurants nearby for post performance nibbles. Chinatown is a three minute walk away and there is a sushi restaurant opposite the theatre.

Summary: Charming old theatre that hosts some interesting shows.