Newcastle Theatre Royal is inviting people from across the North East to help shape its future as it launches Vision 2037, a major public consultation ahead of the historic venue’s bicentenary.
Launched yesterday, the consultation will bring together audiences, communities, artists, partners, supporters and staff to explore the theatre’s role in the cultural life of the region over the next decade and beyond.
Running until December 2026, the consultation will gather views on how the theatre can evolve, with findings and next steps due to be shared in spring 2027, during its 190th anniversary year.
Under the banner ‘Our Time. Our Friends. Our Future.’, Vision 2037 comes at a time of growing cultural confidence and ambition across the North East, while recognising the need for greater investment and infrastructure to help the region realise its potential.
Rather than developing a long-term strategy behind closed doors, Newcastle Theatre Royal is inviting the public to help shape its direction from the outset.
As an independent charity receiving no regular public funding, the theatre relies on the support and engagement of audiences, communities, donors, partners and supporters. The consultation aims to ensure their perspectives inform its future priorities.
Marianne Locatori, chief executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, said: “As we look towards our 200th anniversary in 2037, we have a unique opportunity to think boldly about the future. Vision 2037 is an invitation to audiences, communities, artists, partners and supporters to help shape the next chapter of Newcastle Theatre Royal and its role in the cultural life of our city and region. We want to hear a wide range of perspectives as we begin this important conversation together.”
The consultation will examine how the theatre can champion creativity and local talent, care for its historic home, widen access to theatre and strengthen its contribution to the North East’s social, cultural and economic life.
Nick Swales OBE DL, chair of the Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust Board, said: “The North East is entering an exciting new chapter, and culture has an important role to play in shaping that future. Newcastle Theatre Royal has been at the heart of our region for generations, and this consultation is an opportunity for people to help shape its contribution to the cultural, social and economic life of the North East for years to come.”
Helen Costello, chief operating officer, highlighted the importance of making decisions that would benefit future generations.
“The decisions we make now won’t just affect the people who come through our doors today. We continue to benefit from choices made nearly 200 years ago by people who believed Newcastle deserved a great theatre. We are the beneficiaries of their vision. Through Vision 2037, we have a similar opportunity to make choices today that will create opportunities for future generations long after we’re gone,” she said.
The consultation forms part of a wider ambition to ensure Newcastle Theatre Royal remains relevant, accessible and impactful for generations to come.
People can participate from today by clicking HERE, with online opportunities and engagement activities taking place across the region throughout October, November and December.
The findings will help shape the theatre’s long-term vision as it looks towards its 200th anniversary in 2037, giving people across the North East an opportunity to influence the future of one of the region’s best-known cultural institutions.
