Newcastle celebrates 90th anniversary of its Civic Theatre

Newcastle is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the opening of its Civic Theatre and City Hall and is offering the public a first ever ‘access all areas’ tour on Sunday 1st March..

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes noted the event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the historic pasts and bright futures of both the Civic Theatre and City Hall adding “City Hall and the Civic Theatre are beautiful buildings which are part of the cultural and civic fabric of our city.

“They are owned by and maintained for the people of Newcastle. Our 90th anniversary celebrations are an opportunity to show residents and visitors aspects of both venues they have never seen before.

The tour will allow the public to go up onto the stage of the Civic Theatre and into the backstage areas, normally off limits where they will hear about what goes on behind-the-scenes. While on stage a range of leading local Newcastle drama, dance and musical theatre companies will provide a rare insight into the secrets of staging a production – from auditions through to tech runs. This program is presented in collaboration with the City of Newcastle Drama Association. 

Lord Mayor Nelmes added “The City Hall guided tours will take guests through all three levels of the building – including the Lord Mayor’s office and Council Chambers – giving visitors an insight into the many uses of the building over the past 90 years and major events which have taken place. 

“In the Cummings Room, we will present an historical exhibition about both venues, including a rarely seen silent film commissioned locally in the 1930s, and local historian Sue Ryan will be on hand from 1pm-2pm to answer questions about the history of both buildings.

“Guests are also welcome to visit the Concert Hall where, between 12.30pm and 3.30pm, some of our most talented local musicians will present the ‘Showcasing the Steinway’ program.”

Image top: Newcastle Civic Theatre and City Hall under construction and above; Manager Civic Services Delia O’Hara with Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace with Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes