When Live Theatre was founded in 1973 it was to create plays with a strong regional identity for North East audiences and, in particular, for people who didn’t usually go to the theatre. Nearly 40 years later, the company has a fantastic, well equipped theatre in which to perform its plays, but the mission to create work which is challenging, popular and relevant to all, remains as important as ever. 

The company is now recognised as one of the country’s leading new writing theatres and has gained a fantastic reputation for the way it finds, nurtures and develops creative talent. Many of the writers who have written plays for Live Theatre have gone on to find national success and their plays have been performed on stages across the world.

Engagement with young people is a central activity both at the theatre and out in the community and we are proud that all activities we run, including our highly acclaimed youth theatre, are free to those who take part.

But finding and developing writing talent is costly. In order to keep making plays, supporting writers and delivering a free education programme at the current level we need to raise an additional £300,000 each year. Live Theatre has always tried to be as innovative behind the scenes as it is in its theatre making; the online course, beaplaywright.com and The Broad Chare pub, located next to the theatre, are just two recent ventures that are already bringing much needed funding into the company.

But we also need help from our friends. Please see the Corporate Partners Scheme, Sponsorship and Individual Giving sections to find out more about how you can help Live Theatre continue to make plays for another 40 years.