Whitley Bay’s Rejuvenated PLAYHOUSE puts on a

Sparkling Performance during the First 6 Months

 The newly refurbished PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay has so far been visited by and has enjoyed ticket sales of 52,000 plus patrons in its first 5 and a half months playing host to 127 performances, suiting all tastes and ages, ranging from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the Christmas Pantomime Jack & the Beanstalk, to Moscow Ballet La Classique Nutcracker. This is in stark contrast to the 47,000 approx. visitors to the venue per annum prior to closure.

 Analysis of sales highlights strong support from within the immediate geographic area, with 52% of visitors coming from the Cullercoats, Whitley Bay and Monkseaton postcode regions. 2010 is turning into a very full year, with over 86 performances already scheduled and on sale up to December; this is expected to rise significantly as further bookings are confirmed throughout the course of the year.

When SMG was selected as preferred operator by North Tyneside Council to manage the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay, it made a commitment to create a balance between commercial events and local user groups, recognising that this was essential to the future success of the newly refurbished venue; to create a commercially viable theatre for all whilst also encouraging local cultural talent within the North Tyneside area. This has been achieved through a triple partnership between SMG, North Tyneside Council and the local groups.

We are delighted that local amateur organisations have remained an important part of the PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay’s programme since the re-opening of the building in September 2009; they were closely involved with the Theatre’s Gala Opening events, and the first event by the Whitley Bay Operatic Society, ‘Crazy for You’ took place a few months later. Local user groups have so far held 5 events at the venue, with a further 6 productions on sale and many more planned over the coming months.

Paul Tappenden, SMG Marketing Director said, ‘The early pre-opening stages have been very hectic and we appreciate the great support and feedback we have received. Feedback is always read and where mistakes have occurred we are quickly learning from them. Overall we are delighted with the high satisfaction levels achieved, as a result of a fresh and professional approach to the operation of the venue, one which will benefit all in the future. We are certainly on schedule to be near the 100,000th customer milestone by the end of the year, bolstered by this years’ pantomime, to be announced soon.

New initiatives, such as focus groups, and private hire for celebratory events and functions will be released soon.