Stoll Picture Theatre – Past Lives, Present Voices

Tyne Theatre & Opera House is calling on the public to help capture the rich history of the Stoll Picture Theatre by sharing personal memories and photographs from before 1974.

In 1919, renowned impresario Oswald Stoll transformed the theatre into a cinema, ushering in an era that would delight Newcastle audiences for over six decades.

From silent films and variety acts to the golden age of “talkies,” the Stoll Picture Theatre was a vibrant hub for British and international cinema, hosting stars such as Ingrid Bergman and creating cherished memories for generations.

Now, as part of a new semi-permanent exhibition set to open in the 1867 Café in 2026, the Tyne Theatre & Opera House is seeking stories, anecdotes, and images from anyone who attended the Stoll Picture Theatre before its closure in the early 1970s.

The aim is to preserve these memories before they fade and to celebrate the venue’s unique place in Newcastle’s cultural life.

A similar callout in 1974 sparked fond recollections: audience sing-alongs, tripe eaten out of newspaper during screenings of Ben Hur, variety performances, couples courting in the Gallery’s back rows, and the famous “chocolate boat” cakes enjoyed in the Winter Gardens.

Do you, or someone you know, have a story or photograph from the Stoll years?

Share your memories and help bring this remarkable story to life:

• Complete the online form: https://forms.gle/kK1KDcaXcWMBMVHs8
• Write to:
  FAO Stoll Picture Theatre Project
  TTOH, Westgate Road,
  Newcastle NE1 4AG
• Email: [email protected]

For more information, please contact Tyne Theatre & Opera House at [email protected].