News: Closure of The Exchange Theatre in North Shields

 Closure of The Exchange Theatre in North Shields

 

The Exchange Theatre charity, theatre and cafe bar will be closing on Monday 17th April 2023.

The venue has been instructed by North Tyneside Council, who own the building, that they have appointed a preferred provider to be a new long-term leaseholder for the Saville Exchange building. This decision means that the charity that has been operating in the building for seven years has no option but to close. 

Despite negotiations with the new provider, The Exchange Theatre is unable to use the theatre auditorium or other spaces to provide a programme of creative and cultural activities.

Over the last seven years they have welcomed hundreds of artists, singers, musicians and theatre companies for various productions, events and exhibitions. From Lindisfarne to Robson Green, the theatre has been a unique venue, providing a space for culture within North Tyneside championing accessibility within the arts. 

The Exchange Theatre is inviting people to share their memories of the venue to help create a digital scrapbook that can be kept and shared. More information can be found on the website. 

They are also hosting a goodbye party on Saturday 15th April. This will be a celebration of the achievements over the last seven years complete with open mic of spoken word, poetry and music.  

In addition there will be a sale of items including costumes, stage and technical equipment, furniture and art.