Tyne Theatre & Opera House Announce the Discovery of Iconic Nineteenth Century “Lost” Music

On Wednesday 13 September 2023, Tyne Theatre and Opera House open a 3-day International Conference at the end of their year long heritage project, funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The conference will include a wide selection of papers from academics, historians and enthusiasts of the stage, theatre tours and a demonstration of the Tyne Theatre and Opera House’s unique Victorian understage machinery.

The conference will be formally opened by Lucy Winskell the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear at 11:15am on Wednesday 13 September 2023. Dr. David Wilmore (Project

Director and Historic Theatre Consultant) will then deliver the conference keynote speech and make an extra-ordinary announcement about the re-discovery of some iconic North-East music that was originally written and performed at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House in the nineteenth century.

Over the last 12 months the theatre has been collaborating with the internationally recognised conductor, musicologist and Tynesider John Wilson to unravel an extra-ordinary story that re-writes North-East folklore and re-establishes the Tyne Theatre as “The Drury Lane of the North”.

The discovery of this music will also make a significant contribution towards the proposed restoration of the “Westgate Music Hall” which still sits buried within the site of the Tyne Theatre.

David Wilmore, Project Director, comments “This is the beginning of an exciting journey that will provide opportunities for both visiting artists and the local community whilst at the same time re-establish the Tyne Theatre’s rightful place in the history of North-East folklore.”

The announcement will be made at approximately 11:30am in the main auditorium.

If you would like to attend, please contact Rachel Snape on [email protected] or call 0191 2431172

Image: Graeme Peacock