Newcastle Panto Company has announced a new venue for 2017, a custom-built indoor theatre at Gateshead International Stadium.
In a new partnership with Gateshead Council, the popular panto company will be delivering its unique brand of Geordie pantomime from a brand new home within Gateshead International Stadium, where they are creating their very own indoor stadium theatre.
NPC’s roots trace back 22 years to 1995, when the late and much loved comedian, musician and actor Brendan Healy, alongside fellow comedians and musical performing duo Maxie & Mitch, created a theatre company to bring traditional panto at affordable prices to audiences in the North East, establishing itself as the resident pantomime company at The Tyne Theatre & Opera House.
This residency ended in 2016, and loyal fans of the panto have been waiting with baited breath to find out where their new venue would be for Christmas 2017.
Maxie Peters, the company’s writer and director who is once again starring as the dame in this year’s production, Sleeping Beauty, is thrilled that NPC has secured such a prestigious local venue. The new indoor theatre will accommodate 800 people per show.
Maxie said:
“The cast and crew of NPC have been absolutely humbled by the magnitude of support we’ve received since news regarding this year’s panto was announced across our social media platforms. The whole panto team is delighted to have secured such a fantastic new venue, and we’re very much looking forward to working with Gateshead Council in this new and exciting venture.
“We’re also pleased to announce partnerships with Metro Radio, and intu Metrocentre whose ongoing support will help NPC to reach wider audiences, going forward. Now that we have found a new home we’ve already scheduled next year’s pantomime, which will be the heart-warming tale of Cinderella.
“Since the initial announcement, we have been inundated with pre-sale bookings from families and groups who make a regular trip to see our pantomime every year, many telling us how we form an integral part of their annual Christmas tradition. And that of course includes our ‘world famous’ signature rendition of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’.
“With a new modern venue and facilities, served by excellent transport links and its own Metro station, together with our extensive fan base, we’re already set for a sell out this Christmas!”
Gateshead Council’s Service Director for Culture, Communities, Leisure and Volunteering, Lindsay Murray added:
“Gateshead International Stadium has a reputation for bringing interesting and different events to the borough and having a panto here for the very first time is a great addition to that.
“There will be a fully functioning theatre inside the modern and spacious main building at the Stadium and we’re looking forward to working with NPC on this new venture. I’m sure people in Gateshead will be delighted at the prospect of having panto right on their door step, and with such easy public transport access available, I’m sure we’ll also draw crowds from further afield to ensure this panto season is a sure fire hit!”
Adults £22 Concessions £20
Youth groups £12 (1 free ticket with every 10 purchased)
Schools £10 per ticket
Box Office: 0191 718 5440
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