Nicholas Craig column

Dec 10 2004 By Nicholas Craig, The Journal

A new era of theatres and cinemas is opening in Tyne and Wear. The Sunderland Empire, one of the region's oldest and largest theatres, is back in full voice, reborn after a £4.6m refurbishment and ready to take the thundering roller-skates of Starlight Express.

The Journal Tyne Theatre has, at last, a secure future following a sponsorship deal with SMG Europe and The Journal. An historic, highly individual building, the Tyne Theatre is a jewel we should all treasure.

In Grey Street, the Theatre Royal has recorded growing income and audiences across the year, and had a particularly successful RSC season.

It's not only theatre audiences who should be cheering. The curtain has also gone up on blockbuster films in Sunderland with the opening of the £15m Lambton Street complex in November. Meanwhile, the Odeon in Newcastle hosted the glittering premiere of `School for Seduction' last month.

All of these events show how much this region revels in popular culture. Film, music, fashion, sports and games and literature all appeal to our love of entertainment, and I'm delighted we now have more excellent venues in which to be diverted from the daily grind.

It's refreshing to see the enthusiasm of local people to experience arts and life to the full - much better than world-weary apathy.

As a result, Tyne and Wear remains at the forefront of the world's most creative, exciting regions.

The long-awaited opening of the Sage Music Centre, the appearance of the Tall Ships on the Tyne in 2005, and the extraordinary range of events awaiting us in the `Year of the People' are extremely exciting. 2005 has all the makings of a great year for the North-East, particularly in its cultural life.

As a double act, Newcastle- Gateshead is creating a great name for itself.

Named as one of the world's eight top creative cities in 2002, it continues to grab attention.

Writers worldwide have hailed the area as a remarkable cultural centre. Its non-stop ideas for new events, new venues and new audiences are fuelled by the dynamism and enviable stamina of local people, who create a unique buzz in our cities.

The `buzz factor' matters for business as much as for social life. It attracts awards, strengthens our identity and sets us apart from other regions. It also proves we know how to work and play - and get great results.

Nicholas Craig is a partner at Watson Burton LLP.