The Stage

Whitley Bay Playhouse to be run by international stadium company SMG

Published Tuesday 31 March 2009 at 18:55 by Lalayn Baluch

International venue operator SMG, which manages some of the largest stadiums and arenas in the UK and US, looks set to take over the running of the 650-seat Whitley Bay Playhouse near Newcastle.

North Tyneside Council’s cabinet has confirmed it wants to proceed with an operating agreement with SMG Europe Limited, which was named as the preferred operator for the venue last summer - just a month before it closed to undergo an £8 million refurbishment scheme.

If negotiations are successful, SMG could take over the theatre in August, in time for the venue’s expected reopening in the autumn.

Colin Revel, executive director of SMG Newcastle, told The Stage he hoped his organisation would help raise the profile of the playhouse.

He said: “We currently run the Journal Tyne Theatre in Newcastle, which is one of the oldest working Victorian Theatres in Europe, so we do have the experience locally. It’s not just about us running it - we’ve also got enormous resources and contacts in terms of marketing and promotions.

“We will help bring the professional shows in, but there will be a substantial amount of local input. There is a very vibrant and passionate group of amateur dramatic and operatic societies who will have a very big part to play as well.”

Revel added that SMG would be interested in expanding its portfolio to include other theatres, and hopes its success with the Whitley Bay Playhouse will prove its capability to manage small venues.

SMG was established in 1977 and soon took over the operation of the 73,000-capacity Louisiana Superdome.

The company now runs 76 arenas, nine stadiums, 49 performing arts centres, 62 convention centres and 13 recreation facilities worldwide.

In the UK, SMG Europe manages venues such as Newcastle’s 11,000-seat Metro Radio Arena and Manchester’s MEN Arena and Bridgewater Hall.

North Tyneside mayor John Harrison added: “We have secured the future of the playhouse through the major refurbishment work currently underway.

“Selecting SMG, a major player in the entertainment world, as the operator will ensure it becomes a vibrant hub for cultural and leisure activities at the coast.”