Tyne Theatre & Opera House Seeks New Trustees to Help Shape Ambitious £7.2 Million Heritage Vision
The Tyne Theatre and Opera House Preservation Trust has launched a recruitment campaign for new Volunteer Trustees to join its Board and help guide one of the UK's most significant historic theatres through an exciting period of restoration, growth and community engagement.
The Grade I listed Tyne Theatre & Opera House, built in 1867 by industrialist and politician Joseph Cowen as “a Theatre for the People”, is seeking individuals with strategic expertise and a passion for cultural heritage to support its long-term development and charitable mission.
Today, the theatre remains an independent, not-for-profit charity dedicated to preserving the historic venue while delivering a diverse programme of entertainment, education and community activities.
The recruitment comes at a pivotal moment for the organisation as it progresses plans for a major £7.2 million capital development programme.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has already awarded development funding of £556,793, enabling the Trust to prepare a detailed application for a further £5 million grant to support transformative restoration and accessibility projects.
The programme includes restoration of the theatre’s historic auditorium, continued conservation of its internationally significant stage machinery and the second phase of the Westgate Music Hall restoration project.
Once completed, these works will help safeguard the theatre’s heritage, improve accessibility and create new spaces for community and cultural activity.
By 2035, the Trust aims for the theatre to be fully accessible, financially resilient, a thriving community and heritage hub, and a key contributor to Newcastle's cultural identity, wellbeing and local economy.
The Board is particularly interested in applicants with expertise in chartered surveying, project management, design and procurement. Experience in fundraising, data and IT, sustainability, human resources and organisational development will also be considered.
As Trustees, successful candidates will help shape the strategic direction of the organisation, oversee governance and ensure the charity continues to fulfil its mission responsibly and effectively.
The voluntary positions require an average commitment of one to two days per month, including attendance at quarterly Board meetings in Newcastle. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Jonathan Higgins, Chief Executive of Tyne Theatre & Opera House, said: “The Tyne Theatre & Opera House is one of Newcastle’s most treasured cultural landmarks.
“As we embark on an ambitious programme of restoration and development, we are looking for passionate and skilled individuals who can help us protect our heritage, strengthen our organisation and ensure the theatre continues to inspire audiences and communities for generations to come.”
The Trust is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board and particularly welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities, people from the global majority and candidates from underrepresented groups across all age ranges.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to arrange an informal conversation and theatre tour before submitting a CV and covering letter.
The closing date for applications is 31 August 2026, with interviews scheduled for September 2026. Successful candidates are expected to begin their Trustee role in January 2027.
