Introduction

Generally it was “business as usual” for most of the region’s theatres and theatre companies in 2018 but there were some interesting, even exciting news stories. Here are the headlines:

  • A change at the top at Live Theatre: Max Roberts steps down after 33 years as Artistic Director and is replaced by Joe Douglas.
  • A major North East theatre headline for 2018 has to be the death of the print journal theatre editor. None of the regional dailies now have an arts / entertainment / culture editor.
  • Work, we are informed, is to start on the new auditorium for the Fire Station, next to Sunderland Empire.
  • A new theatre company emerged in Durham during the year and made a stunning debut with some tough programming choices.
  • A NE theatre leaves its home of 30 years and moves to the coast.
  • Two NE companies, one theatre and one dance, celebrated significant birthdays during the year.
  • A NE dance company has a change of leadership.
  • £60m is announced for Sunderland Culture programme, Twenty Four Seven, which will run through to 2024.