In the 1960s the local amateur dramatics groups used a theatre/cinema in Gateshead for their shows. It was closed and demolished to make way for the 'new' flyover. Members were shown plans of a new Civic Theatre which was to be built beside the Shipley Art Gallery and Central Library. Then in the 1970s Brendan Foster won a Gold Medal in the Commonwealth Games and Gateshead Council decided to build a new Leisure Centre on the site of the Civic Theatre instead.

Since then the Amateur Dramatics Groups have been at the Dryden Centre. It is a wonderful theatre space for performing, with a large stage and backstage area suitable for a large cast and space for a large orchestra infront of the stage. There is seating for over 200 people. There is nowhere else in the whole of Gateshead that can accommodate this. The Dryden Centre is used by by not only Amateur Dramatics Groups but exercise classes, cooking classes, dance academies, educating young adults with learning disabilities, etc. It would be a huge loss to Gateshead for this building to close and these facilities be lost. Keep the Arts Alive.