News: Newcastle Theatre Royal Reveals Name of New Public Bar: The Green Room

 

Newcastle Theatre Royal Reveals Name of New Public Bar: The Green Room

Newcastle Theatre Royal has officially announced that its brand-new public bar will be called The Green Room. The venue, which is located in the former DatBar at 11 Market Street, is set to open later this summer and promises to offer a fresh, welcoming space in the heart of the city.

The opening of The Green Room is part of the theatre’s ongoing commitment to making its historic building more accessible to the public, offering new spaces for people to enjoy throughout the day and evening. Open seven days a week, the bar is designed as a place to relax, spark conversation, and reflect on performances. It will be accessible directly from Market Street as well as from inside the theatre via the former Stalls Bar.

The Green Room - Currently work in progress

A Name Steeped in Theatrical Tradition and Local History

The name The Green Room is a nod to the traditional backstage area found in theatres around the world—a haven where performers can relax before and after shows. While the origins of the term are debated, some link it to Shakespearean times when actors would wait on grassy areas before going on stage, or to the ‘Scene Rooms’ where plants and greenery created a calming atmosphere.

For Newcastle Theatre Royal, however, the name carries an additional layer of significance. The iconic Grey Street building was designed by the father and son architects John and Benjamin Green, who played a central role in shaping Newcastle’s city centre as part of Richard Grainger’s grand vision in the 19th century. Naming the new venue The Green Room honours the theatre’s architectural heritage and the Greens’ lasting legacy.

A New Chapter for Newcastle Theatre Royal

The transformation of the former DatBar site is being led by architects MawsonKerr and interior designers Design North, the creative team behind the theatre’s stylish coffee and wine bar 100 Grey Street, which opened last December. Contractors Meldrum Facilities Ltd began work in April and the project has now reached the decorating phase. A specially commissioned concept artist is creating bespoke, digitally-enhanced wallpaper that will serve as a visual centrepiece inside the venue.

Siobhan Lightfoot, Director of Operations at Newcastle Theatre Royal, shared her excitement about the project: “We are proudly known for creating moments of magic on and off the stage and we’re excited to expand upon our offering by opening a fresh and inviting new venue in the centre of Newcastle. As the city enjoys increasing inward investment and a growing visitor economy, we want to celebrate and share our beautiful building. Our new venue will be open to members of the public in the day and evening, and open to patrons coming through our doors to enjoy our programme of world class shows.”

New Leadership for a New Space

Heading up the launch of The Green Room is Peter Davis, formerly of The Alchemist, who has joined Newcastle Theatre Royal as the new Head of Hospitality. Peter will not only oversee the opening of The Green Room but also manage operations at 100 Grey Street and across the theatre’s bars and kiosks.

Peter commented: “Our vision is to create a space that fosters connection, celebrates flavour, and offers a sense of escapism—an experience we can be proud of, and one that honours the theatre’s rich history while engaging both new visitors and our loyal audiences.”

The theatre is currently recruiting staff for The Green Room. Those interested in joining the team can find out more at: www.theatreroyal.co.uk/about-us/join-our-team