Milestones

 Roof replaced in 1980.

 No.4 Saltwell View purchased in 1989.

Financial support & future plans

After five years intensive work, many wrong turns and set-backs, the theatre has won a grant from the Lotteries Commission of £30,000. On top of that they have been awarded £5,000 from the Strategic Regeneration Budget (Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council). The project is for the supply and installation of new stage lighting, and increased electrical supply from Northern Electric, an audio loop induction system in the auditorium and box office for the hard of hearing, an accessible toilet to the east of the auditorium and ramp for the disabled into the lounge known as the Blue Room.

Apart from funds from the Little Theatre and Progressive Players, cash has been coming from all quarters, not least from Gateshead MBC, together with small donations from past members and total strangers. Northern Arts have also given invaluable help.

Membership

Membership of the Progressive Players has increased recently, but plays with large casts are almost an impossibility. Since the 1980s, people do not have as much time to devote to the theatre – work and families must come first, and as time goes by it appears that work has to be in the forefront of most people’s minds.

But in spite of this - The Progressive Players are still working hard to keep the Little Theatre – the only live theatre left in Gateshead – alive.

80th Anniversary

Year 2000, the Progressive Players celebrated their 80th Anniversary and held a big reunion in October, to which many old members were invited. Also, in December, the Progressive Players are showed their 500th production in the Little Theatre. What achievements!

One thing we must always remember – THE THEATRE IS NOTHING WITHOUT ITS PEOPLE - The achievements of 80 years have been the result of the efforts and enthusiasm of the members. So join us, as a member, or even just as a season ticket holder and support live theatre in Gateshead in this new millennium.