Tyne Theatre and Opera House suffers financial blow after break-in

"Significant damage" was caused to the premises, including a smashed window, with allegedly "hundreds of pounds worth of stock" stolen. 

Now, although the theatre’s full programme is continuing as scheduled, the Cafe Bar remains closed until it can be repaired. 

"The Tyne Theatre and Opera House Preservation Trust is working closely with authorities and contractors to assess the damage and restore the cafe and box office to full operation as soon as possible," the theatre said. 

Meanwhile, the venue’s chief executive Jonathan Higgins told the BBC: "The bottom line is that the charity will suffer as a result of this."

He continued: "Any insurance claim we make has a direct effect on our premiums, so the small charity is faced with difficult decisions of making a claim or the charity has to spend its hard-earned and donated money [because of] an act of depravity."

Higgins also claimed a "significant amount of blood" had been left inside the Cafe Bar, forcing the remaining drink stock to be thrown out due to potential contamination.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "On Saturday morning, we received reports of break-ins at premises on Bath Lane, Westgate Road and Neville Street in Newcastle City Centre.

"It was reported that offenders had forced entry to the buildings, before taking multiple bottles of alcohol from each premises.

"Officers attended and a short time later, two men were arrested.

"One man aged in his 20s, was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to a premises on Westgate Road – he has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

"A second man, aged in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of burglary, he has since been charged with three counts of burglary."

Newcastle City Council has been contacted for comment.