Image Credit: Christopher Owens
Finally there is some positive news about North East Theatre, as Northern Stage is preparing to reopen.
Northern Stage plans to reunite audiences and artists through a bold, inclusive programme that celebrates connection and community.
Free events in local neighbourhoods across the North East throughout June will be followed by two new pop-up venues in July and August, before reopening the theatre from 25 August with a Housewarming programme that opens with a new Unfolding Theatre show co-created with children, and includes the first production Artistic Director Natalie Ibu will direct for Northern Stage.
Housewarming celebrates local freelance artists, independent companies and Northern Stage’s own team coming together to make work in the North East, about the North East, with North East artists, for North East audiences, with productions that reach beyond the ordinary, and where nobody is left behind.
Natalie says, “Our job is to stand with our community and make space for that to happen, which is why we can’t wait to meet audiences and artists in their local neighbourhoods this summer before welcoming everyone back to ours with a Housewarming programme where all are welcome. I
have been met with such warmth in the region and I’m thrilled to be able to return the favour, throwing a season long party with some incredible local female artists breathing life back into our auditoria.”
Northern Stage audiences can expect to see Free School Meals, which will be on from the 25th to the 28th August. Free School Meals is a Northern Stage co-production with Unfolding Theatre, co-created with children.
Unfolding Theatre Artistic Director Annie Rigby will direct Free School Meals in a co-production with Northern Stage. Annie says, “We’re so proud to be co-producing the show that will welcome audiences back to Northern Stage. Bringing people together is what Unfolding Theatre is all about. It’s especially exciting to be reopening the theatre with a show made with children.”
Before reopening the building, Northern Stage is inviting people to get Out on the Toon, starting with free outdoor events to reconnect artists and audiences in their local neighbourhoods throughout June. In July, Northern Stage and English Touring Theatre present Trailer Story – designed by Jon Bausor and Tina Torbey, this pop-up venue in Newcastle city centre will offer audiences a free taster of the kinds of shows they can expect to see at Northern Stage.
In August (12-15) Paines Plough’s Roundabout is coming to Byker as part of Northern Stage’s ongoing work with the local community. Opening with Welcome to Byker – a live version of Northern Stage Young Company’s Byker Audio Stories inspired by people living on the Byker Wall estate. A Free Summer activity programme called Byker Best Summer Ever has also been developed with and for young people. Free tickets for all Roundabout shows will be available for local residents via community partners.
Tickets for shows start from £10 and go on general sale from 1 July, with pre-sale tickets available to Northern Stage members and supporters from 24 June. For more details and full listings visit Northern Stage
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