The north east’s longest established amateur theatre, the People's Theatre in Heaton, Newcastle, has announced a £1.5m redevelopment which will include a new ground floor Studio Theatre, new foyer bar and improved exterior to a fully accessible building.
Based on a 1930s cinema and nearly 80 years old, the venue needs significant reinvestment to continue to be a 21st century arts venue.
The People's Theatre was established in 1911 and was based first in the city centre and then, in 1929, moved to Rye Hill in the city's West End. It moved to Heaton in 1962.
The resident amateur company stages fifteen productions a year as well as hosting visiting companies and other amateur arts organisations. It played host to Royal Shakespeare Company productions during the period when Newcastle Playhouse (now Northern Stage) was undergoing refurbishment.
The group's President, playwright Michael Chaplin, said, "The People’s Theatre has already over £450,000 towards our goal of £1.5 million. We are extremely grateful for the generosity shown so far by our funders, our audience and by our membership. I’m particularly thrilled that the majority of this funding has come from local trusts and charities."
The Patron of the Little Theatre Guild, Sir Ian McKellen, said, "The People's Theatre in Newcastle is renowned throughout the country for its contribution to amateur theatre. I hope the campaign to redevelop the premises is a success. As a professional actor who began acting as an amateur and as Patron of the Little Theatre Guild, The People's Theatre has my ongoing and enthusiastic support."