For decades, Live Theatre in Newcastle has been a driving force behind new writing in the North East, championing bold voices and bringing regional stories to the stage. Under the leadership of Artistic Director and Joint CEO Jack McNamara, the organisation continues to shape contemporary performance with an immediacy few art forms can match.
“Theatre still remains one of the fastest ways that writers can bring their ideas and passions to life in front of an audience,” he explains. Unlike film or television, it allows stories to move from concept to stage in a matter of months. “Writers can talk about what is going on…within 6–12 months from that first idea, sometimes even sooner.”
That pace is matched by ambition. McNamara describes the organisation’s role as both “igniting that process” and presenting work in a way that highlights its “national and even global importance”. For him, the North East is not simply a backdrop, but a lens through which universal narratives are told: “The whole world is here in the North East.”
This ethos is reflected in a packed and varied programme. This month’s line-up spans new writing, touring productions and development opportunities, from Astell & Woolf and Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Arse for England to one-off performances such as Toto Kerblammo! and Team Viking. Alongside these are readings, workshops and artist development initiatives, reinforcing its role as a creative hub for emerging talent.
In a time of global uncertainty, McNamara believes the stage has a renewed significance. “We feel a renewed purpose to talk about the things that really matter to people,” he says, highlighting the importance of ensuring voices are heard and fostering “a compassionate, inclusive world.”
Being rooted in Newcastle is central to that mission. There is a “shared ownership of narratives” among audiences, he notes, which can turn productions into “communal celebrations”. This deep local connection allows stories from the region to resonate powerfully while still speaking to wider audiences.
Looking ahead, the organisation is focused on expanding its reach without losing its identity. “If you want to attract new people, you can’t do it with messaging or outreach alone – you have to put on stuff that matters,” he says. With a new five-year artistic plan and major collaborations on the horizon, including Our Friends In The North, Live Theatre shows no sign of slowing down. For McNamara, the real excitement lies in what is still to come: “I’m always excited by the artists and audiences we don’t know yet.”
To find out more about Live Theatre, head to live.org.uk.
