Lumo has entered a partnership with Newcastle Theatre Royal to provide financial support for the independent charity and help more of its employees experience live theatre.
The agreement gives Lumo’s 125-strong workforce access to discounted tickets and exclusive events. The organisations are also considering joint outreach projects focused on accessibility and opportunity across the North East.
Expanding regional opportunities
Richard Salkeld, Lumo’s director of communications and partnerships, said the partnership reflected a shared role in connecting people with new experiences.
“A theatre and a railway are both about bringing people together and opening up experiences. We want people from outside the region to come here, discover its culture, meet its people and see what makes it special,” he said.
“But those connections work both ways. The North East of England has extraordinary stories, talent and businesses, and we want to help them reach new audiences and opportunities within and beyond the region.
“This isn’t just an off-the-shelf partnership – it’s a celebration of our shared passion for the region.”
Newcastle Theatre Royal operates as an independent, not-for-profit charity without regular Arts Council or local authority subsidy. It uses income from commercial activities to support its artistic, cultural and community work.
Its existing programme includes a long-standing partnership with the West End Schools’ Trust, which works with nearly 3,000 pupils across nine primary schools in Newcastle’s inner west to provide theatre and creative skills opportunities.
Marianne Locatori, chief executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Lumo, an organisation that shares our commitment to making opportunities and experiences more accessible. As an independent charity, partnerships like this play an important role in helping us extend our reach, connect with new audiences and invest in the cultural life of our region.
“This is an exciting first step, and we look forward to exploring how we can create meaningful opportunities for communities across the North East together.”
Lumo said the relationship remained at an early stage, with further collaborative projects being explored around shared priorities.
The agreement follows other Lumo partnerships in the North East, including its Brewmo collaboration with Newcastle’s Full Circle Brew Co and its expanded partnership with Newcastle Eagles Women, for which it became principal shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 season. The operator has also partnered with the Centre for Life, North East Museums, OUT North East and Newcastle Frontrunners.