Is the Tyne Theatre and Opera House haunted? I can neither confirm nor deny such rumours, but what I can firmly say is that this Tyneside institution has a fascinating behind-the-scenes history and you can discover it all if you jump aboard one of their special tours (pizza and prosecco provided).

For over a century and a half, the Tyne Theatre and Opera House has stood as one of Newcastle’s most magnificent cultural landmarks. But while most of us are used to experiencing its Victorian grandeur from the comfort of a plush red seat, a new after-hours experience is offering a rare chance to see what happens when the house lights go down and the stage secrets come out. The ‘Tyne Theatre: After Dark’ guided tours invite the curious to step beyond the velvet curtains and explore the atmospheric, Grade I-listed building under the cover of night. It’s an exclusive, behind-the-scenes journey through spaces normally strictly off-limits to the public—including the cavernous understage (home to the theatre’s legendary, fully working Victorian stage machinery) and hidden backstage corridors that have echoed with the footsteps of legendary performers since 1867. Led by an expert guide, the tour promises a rich mix of theatrical history, architectural wonder, and—for those who like their history with a side of suspense—a few of the venue’s famous ghost stories. But this isn’t just a march through the archives. The evening kicks off with the bar opening at 6pm, allowing you to grab a drink to carry with you as you wander the dimly lit corridors. Better yet, once the 75-minute tour concludes and the theatrical secrets have been laid bare, guests can head back down to earth to decompress. The ticket price includes a freshly made pizza and a crisp glass of prosecco (with alcohol-free options available), providing the perfect opportunity to debate whether that chill in the understage was just a draft—or something else entirely. Whether you’re a local history buff, a theatre devotee, or just looking for a brilliantly unusual night out in Westgate Road’s most iconic venue, it’s set to be a wonderfully atmospheric evening of spectres, stages, and slices. (Stop press: in other exciting Tyne Theatre and Opera House news, we’re happy to report that the theatre has secured heritage fund support for the next phase of their restoration. Thanks to those of us who like a flutter on the National Lottery, development funding of £522,011 has been awarded to the theatre’s Preservation Trust. This crucial investment will enable the Trust to develop a detailed application for a full £5 million grant in the next stage of the process. This means that the next chunk of their masterplan will focus on restoring the theatre’s auditorium and stage house, alongside creating a brand-new second performance space within the footprint of the historic Westgate Music Hall. Together, these developments represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the theatre’s future for decades to come. In short: onwards and upwards!).

Tyne Theatre: After Dark – Guided Tour, Saturday 22 August at 6.30pm and 8pm (the next tours after that are on 17 December, 6.30pm and 8pm), £35, tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk