
Theatres, Gateshead
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Gateshead was once rich in theatres and some of the buildings took on other uses. Sadly most are now gone. One still around is the Metropole, as a pub which has been recently refurbished.
Metropole Theatre & Hotel, 246 High Street, Gateshead
Photographer: Unknown
Date: Date Unknown
iSee Gateshead Pictures Ref: LS000023
Item Description: Founded by Weldon Watts this was the largest
theatre in Gateshead, opening in 1896 and seating 2,500. The décor was
sumptous with a marble staircase. Prices covered a wide range from 4d in
the gallery to private boxes at 31/6d.
The original doors can still be seen today but the building is now
the Metropole Public House. This was one of the first buildings to have
the electric light and the power was supplied direct from a gas engine.
If the engine stopped, the lights went out immediately. The theatre was
built on the site of Johnson’s Quay. Sydney Bacon, who was the manager
from its opening went on to found the Sydney Bacon chain of cinemas. The
theatre became the Scala cinema in 1919.
If Gateshead Theatre history is what you're after this is the website you want