News: Tyne Theatre Seeks Memories of Iconic Stoll Picture Theatre Era

Tyne Theatre Seeks Memories of Iconic Stoll Picture Theatre Era

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House is reaching out to the North East community to help preserve a remarkable chapter of Newcastle's entertainment history by gathering memories and photographs from the beloved Stoll Picture Theatre.

In 1919, the historic venue underwent a dramatic transformation when renowned impresario Oswald Stoll converted the theatre into a cinema. For more than six decades, the Stoll Picture Theatre became an integral part of Newcastle's cultural landscape, entertaining generations of cinema-goers through the silent film era, variety performances, and into the golden age of "talkies."

Photo: Neal Ferry

The venue served as a vibrant showcase for both British and international cinema, with audiences experiencing everything from intimate dramas to spectacular epics on the big screen. The theatre even welcomed Hollywood royalty, hosting stars such as Ingrid Bergman during its illustrious run as a cinema.

As part of plans for a new semi-permanent exhibition launching in 2026 at the venue's 1867 Café, the Tyne Theatre & Opera House is now actively seeking stories, anecdotes, and images from anyone who attended the Stoll Picture Theatre before its closure in the early 1970s. The exhibition aims to celebrate and preserve these precious memories before they fade, ensuring the venue's unique contribution to Newcastle's cultural heritage is properly documented and shared.

A similar appeal made in 1974 unearthed a treasure trove of colorful recollections that paint a vivid picture of the Stoll experience. Former patrons fondly recalled audience sing-alongs that turned screenings into communal celebrations, the peculiar tradition of eating tripe out of newspaper during showings of Ben Hur, and the romance that blossomed in the Gallery's back rows where courting couples sought privacy. Many also remembered the famous "chocolate boat" cakes that could be enjoyed in the Winter Gardens, a detail that speaks to the venue's role as more than just a cinema, but as a complete entertainment destination.

The theatre is particularly interested in hearing from those who attended before 1974, as these first-hand accounts provide invaluable insights into an era that shaped Newcastle's entertainment culture.

How to Share Your Memories

If you, or someone you know, has stories or photographs from the Stoll Picture Theatre years, the Tyne Theatre & Opera House encourages you to contribute:

Complete the online form: https://forms.gle/kK1KDcaXcWMBMVHs8

Write to:
FAO Stoll Picture Theatre Project
Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Westgate Road
Newcastle NE1 4AG

Email: info@ttoh.uk

For more information: Contact the Tyne Theatre & Opera House at info@ttoh.uk

Help bring this remarkable story to life and ensure that the magic of the Stoll Picture Theatre continues to inspire future generations.