First Act Theatre was formed in 1991 with the intention of creating a theatre company which would train young people in all aspects of producing theatrical performances.

The company was originally based in the Tyne Theatre and Opera House, but in January 1992 First Act Theatre was invited to work in partnership with Newcastle Mental Health NHS Trust to act as the resident theatre company and to renovate the Jubilee Theatre in St Nicholas' Hospital, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Since then First Act have produced over 50 shows in the Jubilee Theatre, and have seen hundreds of members pass through the company. Here are just a few of First Act's past members who have moved on to further things:

Lynne Wilmot has toured nationwide with Les Miserables and recently appeared in the West End production of 'Oliver!'. She also appeared in 'Jerry Springer - The Opera' - winning an Olivier Award in the process. She has also appeared in BBC's 'Northern Lights' and is currently playing Madame Thenadier in the 25th Anniversary Tour of Les Miserables.
Jill Halfpenny's career in stage and television has been long and varied. She starred in the West End in 'Chicago', took part in 'Strictly Come Dancing', had roles in 'Eastenders' & Coronation Street' and BBC's 'Waterloo Road'.
Donna Air appeared - like many of First Act members - in Tyne Tees Television's Byker Grove before going on to bigger things with MTV and then many other television shows.
Dale Meeks, who played the fishmonger, Simon Meredith, in the ITV soap Emmerdale, recently toured nationwide with the musical Chicago.
Cheryl Cole - previously known as Cheryl Tweedy - is a member of Girls Aloud and a judge on ITV's 'The X Factor'
Many, many other past members have won places with the National Youth Theatre and at drama, music and dance schools nationally...

... and a certain Ant & Dec were original members of First Act, acting as stage crew in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers way back in 1992!

Through productions and fundraising, First Act has been able to spend over £300,000 on renovating and equipping the Jubilee Theatre to a professional standard.

First Act Theatre is a registered charity (1027875) and receives no revenue funding from any local authority or arts body, relying solely on production revenue and donations to run and improve the theatre.