Tyne Theatre & Opera House is an outstanding example of technological, artistic and creative innovation. Our machinery is one of the only surviving examples of Victorian wooden modular stage machinery in the UK and is of huge historic importance. Prior to the theatre fire in 1985, the machinery was used regularly by fully trained volunteers in productions. Now however there is a real risk of losing historic knowledge from previous years.

Thanks to the generous support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we now have an ongoing restoration project and have a team of committed volunteers who are trained in the maintenance and operation of this unique machinery.

Stage Machinery sessions take place once a month either on a Monday or Tuesday evening between 6-9pm. They are run by our Master Carpenter Colin Hopkins, and theatre restorer David Wilmore and generally include some maintenance tasks, and then training/operation of the machinery.  

For an idea of what goes on, do visit our project pages here 

You can also see our machinery in action on the BBC “The Repair Shop on the Road” series. The programme aired on Thursday 20 February and is available via iPlayer. 

We welcome any over the age of 16 in our team. However, please note that the work is quite physical and general fitness is required.  Old clothes and sturdy shoes are required.  Tea/coffee/biscuits are provided.

If you are interested in joining us please contact [email protected]