When the theatre was converted into the Stoll Cinema in 1919, much of its original Victorian stage machinery was hidden from view. After the cinema closed in 1974, the successful ‘Save the Stoll’ campaign led to the building’s restoration and reopening as a theatre, during which the original 1867 wooden stage machinery was rediscovered behind decades of alterations.

Severely damaged by the 1985 fire and the collapse of part of the flytower, the machinery was extensively restored and much of it returned to operation when the theatre reopened in 1986. Nearly 40 years later, support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has helped secure the next chapter in preserving this internationally significant piece of theatrical heritage.

Members of the Theatre, local historians, North East universities and a corps of volunteers collaborated to develop a performance calendar database of all performances which took place between the theatre’s opening on 23 September 1867, and 1 March 1919 when it was converted into The Stoll.

The database documents the heyday of touring theatre and opera companies, the theatre’s own productions and some curious phenomena, including the Theatre’s occasional summertime transformations into a roller-skating rink or a cinema.

This round of funding also allowed investigations to be carried out into options for restoring the original ‘Grand Saloon’, which has also been known as Westgate Music Hall, Winter Gardens Tea Room and the Bistro Bar. This section of the venue was added in 1892 by the owner Joseph Cowen for the lessee Sir Augustus Harris.

Working closely with specialist project developers and our Board, a number of options were developed and considered. Ultimately, it was decided that returning the Grand Saloon to a double height space, removing the ceiling that was added in the 1960s to create a ‘black box’ performance space.

As part of the wider Grand Saloon project, the theatre created the 1867 Café Bar within former foyer and retail spaces at the front of the building.

Named after the year the theatre opened (much like the new Hall), the new venue provides a welcoming social space for audiences, visitors and the local community, while also improving access to the theatre throughout the day.

The Gallery’s seating layout had been altered following the 1985 fire, with a timber overlay installed above the original seating rows.

This phase of our wider restoration project removed this later intervention, allowing the Gallery to return closer to its historic configuration.

Ultimately, we were able to improve sightlines, reduce the need for intrusive handrails and increase the overall capacity of the tier. The completion of these works in early 2026 brought the total capacity to the auditorium to 1175.

Restoring the Gallery to its former glory required a careful balance between preserving its historic character and meeting the expectations of modern audiences.

Alongside the physical restoration and improvement works in the Gallery, the project helped preserve the memories and experiences of those who have visited the theatre over the years. Building on the theatre’s growing programme of heritage research, volunteers and staff explored the venue’s rich history, uncovering new stories from its time as both a theatre and a cinema.