Metro supporting return of theatres by offering free trips to ticket holders

The entertainment industry was brought to its knees during the Covid-19 pandemic as theatres had to shut their doors.

Now, as the vaccine rollout kicks in, the industry is beginning to whirr back into action.

The mission now is to get theatre-lovers bums back on seats and that is a fight that the Tyne and Wear Metro are backing.

Anyone who holds a ticket for a show at the Theatre Royal, Sage Gateshead, Sunderland's Park Lane, South Shields' The Customs House or Whitley Bay's Playhouse can benefit from a free trip on the Metro.

All the journeys must be made to a specific Metro station, as outlined below.

This trip can be made up to two hours before and two hours after the show.

Travel on the Shields Ferry is also permitted and you must have your valid theatre ticket for inspection on the route, booking references are not permitted.

Theatre Royal - Each theatre ticket entitles the holder for a free trip on the Metro to Monument station from any other station.

The Sage, Gateshead - Free Metro trip to Gateshead Metro station from any other station.

Sunderland Empire - Free journey to Sunderland or Park Lane Metro station from any other station.

The Customs House, South Shields - Free ride to South Shields Metro station from any other station.

Playhouse, Whitley Bay - Free Metro trip to Monkseaton Metro station from any other station.

A recent survey by industry body UK Theatre found that 95% of 944 theatre venues, producers and businesses were financially worse off due to the pandemic.

16 organisations reported losses of more than £5m in the last year.

Now shows are returning with the likes of Educating Rita, Everybody's Talking About Jamie and Dirty Dancing all on stage across the North East before the end of the year.