Richard Briers CBE unveils Theatre Royal room named in his honour

04/03/2008

The Richard Briers Room is supported by Northumbrian Water, a company that has championed and supported the Theatre Royal for many years.  Northumbrian Water’s sponsorship of the room forms an   integral part of the company’s programme for culture in the community.

The Richard Briers Room will be used as a study area for those interested in the history of the Theatre Royal and the other theatres of Newcastle, a great theatre city.  It was also mark Richard’s 50 year relationship with the Theatre Royal.

Richard Briers is Patron of the Friends of the Theatre Royal and is a great favourite with Newcastle audiences.  He first performed at the Theatre Royal in 1958 in Gilt and Gingerbread.

Richard Briers said: “The Theatre Royal is one of our most distinguished theatres with which I have a very long association, having first appeared here in 1958."

“To have a room named for me in this great old theatre is a splendid honour.  Normally one has to be dead to be acknowledged in this way, so to be alive to see it is especially pleasing.”

John Cuthbert, Managing Director of Northumbrian Water said: "This new study room at the theatre will make culture even more accessible and hopefully engage young people, in particular, to grow up with a passion for culture - which really is a 'good life!'.

"Northumbrian Water is much more than a water and waste water treatment company - it is immersed in all aspects of community life - and we are honoured that such a distinguished actor as Richard Briers has given his name to the facility that we have helped create."

Philip Bernays, Chief Executive of the Theatre Royal said: “The Richard Briers Room will be used as a History and Heritage study space for the many people interested in the history of the Theatre Royal and that of other theatres on Tyneside.

“We are enormously proud to have Richard Briers here to officially declare the room open.”

-ENDS-

For additional information / images / interview requests / press tickets etc, please contact David Brookbanks, Press & Communications Officer for the Theatre Royal on 0191 244 2518 or email david.brookbanks@theatreroyal.co.uk