The Green Room | Newcastle Theatre Royal
5th September 2025
Yesterday I was honoured to be invited to the opening night of ‘The Green Room’ at Newcastle’s historic Theatre Royal. Leading off from what used to be the stalls bar at the theatre, this vibrant and inviting open space will continue to serve as the bar for stalls patrons to buy their pre- and mid- show drinks and snacks but will also offer an opulent space for anyone to enjoy a relaxing hot or cold beverage in comfortable surroundings and some decadent bespoke artwork.
Traditionally, a green room is an area for actors to relax before entering or after leaving the stage. Typically painted green for the calming effect the colour offers, green rooms are seldom painted green these days although the term remains in theatrical parlance. With 188 years of history on Grey Street, it is very fitting that the Theatre Royal has repurposed this term as the name for this multifunctional space within the theatre.
The Green Room has its own unique and welcoming entrance on Market Street just round the corner from the main entrance to the theatre. It is also linked to the theatre’s main foyer, lower staircase, and box office by an internal door. The bar area is roomy and brightly lit in cool white which emphasises the fascinating artwork around the whole space. This artwork is subtle but draws the eye and depicts historical events and people from this history of the Theatre Royal and the local area. There is a strong theme of the natural world which further strengthens the theatrical link to its name.
The bar itself offers a wide variety of draught beers, lagers, and cider with rows of spirits and wines and soft drinks to satisfy every palate. There is also a range of snacks, sweets and hot tea and coffee is also available from the friendly and welcoming serving team.
CEO Marianne Locatori speaks fondly and proudly of this new venture, which has been some time in development and ushers in new opportunities for the theatre to offer the local community and theatre goers alike. The Green Room will be open daily from 11am-11pm for anyone to enjoy a relaxing drink.
In addition to the bar function, there is also the possibility of hiring the venue for parties, intimate performances, cabaret and comedy nights with the top area of the bar beautifully decorated to represent a stage entrance and can also be separated from the main bar area. A great deal of thought, research and care has been put into this beautiful new addition to the Theatre Royal’s hospitality function and I have no doubt it will be warmly welcomed by everyone who passes through The Green Room’s doors.