Live Theatre Company
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The Live Theatre Company was founded in Tyneside in 1973 by Val McLane and Geoff Gillham.[1] The company aims to attract new audiences for its accessible work as well as its friendly and informal theatre space.
The company originally toured its work regionally to non-traditional theatre settings, such as community halls and working men's clubs. The company was creating plays and stories that were relevant to the northeast community and sought to break down barriers by presenting this work to ordinary working class people within their own communities.
The company has been based in Newcastle Quayside since 1982, expanding over the years to occupy the current premises which combine converted warehouses and almshouses to create a unique building which houses a theatre auditorium, café bar, rehearsal spaces and administrative offices.
Live Theatre develops new writing talent in the region. The company has enjoyed significant relationships with many writers such as CP Taylor, Tom Hadaway, Alan Plater and, more recently, Peter Flannery, Michael Chaplin, Peter Straughan, Julia Darling, Lee Hall, Sean O'Brien and Karen Laws. Many plays have been commissioned and produced over the years which are now known nationally and internationally, such as Close The Coalhouse Door, Cooking with Elvis and A Nightingale Sang.
Live will shortly take over the lease of a new warehouse building on Broad Chare, immediately adjacent to the current theatre. A £4.1million capital development programme is currently being undertaken and it is hoped that improved art making and visitor facilities will be available in 2005/6.
