Newcastle Theatre Royal evacuated after fire service called to assist

Around 1,200 people - staff, cast and audience - were involved in the evacuation. Credit: ITV News Tyne Tees

Newcastle's historic Theatre Royal has been evacuated following a suspected fire.

Fire crews were in attendance on Grey Street, where hundreds of people were told to leave the building at around 6.50pm before the curtain was raised on a performance.

The King And I was due to start at 7.30pm.

Around 1,200 people - staff, cast and audience - were involved in the evacuation caused by an electrical fault in an air conditioning unit. The issue was in an 'electrical service room' on the 4th floor.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service praised the swift actions of Theatre Royal staff and gave the go ahead for the performance to proceed later than planned at around 8.45pm.

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