The Green Room – Theatre Royal Newcastle

The Theatre Royal Newcastle is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Originally designed by John and Benjamin Green it opened in 1837 and the interior was redesigned by legendary theatre architect Frank Matcham in 1910, following a fire. It has a commanding location on Grey Street in the heart of the city’s elegant Grainger town. Primarily a touring theatre, it hosts a range of productions throughout the year, culminating in the justly celebrated annual pantomime.

We were invited to the formal opening of the new hospitality venue, The Green Room, which occupies the space formerly housing a bar and once the site of the box office. The rationale is to draw people into the theatre building during the day for drinks and so encourage them to attend the productions. This is the first time that a hospitality venue in the building has led directly into the theatre proper, apart from the actual theatre bars. It is to be open to all from 11am to 11pm daily.

A combined project by MawsonKerr architects and Design North, it is a stylish, calm and welcoming space. At one end, there is a self-contained area that can be closed off and used for small, informal performances or as a function room.

One wall is decorated with scenic wallpaper by Beth Travers, an award-winning artist. This subtly reflects features of the region and elements of the theatre’s history and is both charming and intriguing.

The bar has an impressive range of spirits and a reasonable variety of wines, as well as a good array of both draft and bottled beers and ciders. As yet, there is no food offering but this is currently said to be in development.

This is a very welcome addition to the building, giving theatregoers somewhere to continue their evening after a performance. It is to be hoped that it fulfils its purpose of further integrating this beautiful and historic building into the life of the city.

Open daily from 11am to 11pm