Actors plan to celebrate in style to mark a special architecture event. Live Theatre in Newcastle is set to stage an event with a difference during National Architecture Week. Poetry & Architecture, taking place from June 21-23, will celebrate the success of Live's £5.3m extension and refurbishment of its Quayside premises. Live fans will hear actors perform a newly-commissioned dramatic poem from leading poet and playwright Sean O'Brien. The poem, which will reflect the history and architecture of the building, will include voices from both past and present. The audience will then be taken on a tour of the theatre by its executive director, Jim Beirne, to see how the building work is progressing and check out the amazing views from the new central glass tower. Live's 18-month expansion programme will see the former Trinity House Maritime Museum at Broad Chare, adjacent to the theatre's existing venue, entirely revamped. Doors will officially reopen in September. Built in 1720 and comprising over 11,000 sq ft on five floors, 29 Broad Chare is a Grade II-listed building which, once restored, will provide Live Theatre with an `Ideas Factory'. Mr Beirne said: "We needed to expand in order to house all of the new writing development and education work that we do, as well as the increased number of main house productions. "The building project has doubled the size of the complex and the final design integrates both old and new features, ensuring state-of-the-art facilities while retaining the very special character of the historical buildings. "Architecture Week has provided us with a fantastic opportunity to showcase this." Refurbishment of the theatre's existing premises will provide a spacious foyer, new box office and improved auditorium with better views and air conditioning. Visitors will also have the chance to visit award-winning chef Terry Laybourne's Caffe Vivo, which is housed in the theatre. Leading the multi-million pound development are architects Waring & Netts, North-East project management and cost consultancy Faithful & Gould, and building contractor Stephen Easten. Other members of the design team include structural engineers WSP. | 
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