We the undersigned ask Gateshead Council to keep the Dryden Centre building open for use as a Civic Theatre and Community Rooms.
Local theatre groups in the 1960s used a theatre/cinema in Gateshead which was demolished to make way for the 'new' flyover. The members were shown plans for a Civic Theatre to be built beside the Central Library and Shipley Art Gallery. Then in the 1970s, Brenda Foster won a gold medal and the Council decided to build a new leisure centre on the site of the theatre instead. So the theatre groups have performed their shows in the Dryden Centre. This is the only theatre in Gateshead which can accommodate a large cast and orchestra so is ideal for performing musicals and dance recitals.
Newcastle has a number of theatres, Stanley has a theatre, Consett has a theatre. Isn't it about time that Gateshead had a theatre?
The petition did not reach the minimum number of signatures required to be debated at Council or be considered at an overview and scrutiny panel.
