Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust

Job Title: Waiting Staff

Department: Hospitality 

Reports to: Supervisors, Duty Managers, Hospitality Manager, Head of Hospitality

About Us

At Theatre Royal, we’re a bold, creative, and collaborative team. We are always looking ahead – embracing new ideas and delivering with purpose.

We’re here to achieve the organisation’s strategy, and we believe everyone plays a part in shaping our success.

Our Values:

• Ambitious – We strive for excellence and quality in everything we do.
• Inclusive – We celebrate diversity and welcome different voices and perspectives.
• Collaborative – We build trust and work in partnership to achieve shared success.
• Creative – We nurture creativity and celebrate imagination and originality in everyone.
• Progressive – We’re forward-thinking, embracing change and looking to the future.

Purpose of the post

To deliver exceptional customer service across all hospitality areas of the Theatre Royal, ensuring guests enjoy an exceptional experience before, during and after performances. Waiting staff will provide efficient, friendly and professional food and beverage service, supporting the smooth operation of the Theatre’s restaurant, bars and event spaces.

Key collaborators

This role reports to the Supervisors, Duty Managers, Hospitality Manager and Head of Hospitality, and will work closely with other members of the Hospitality and Front of House teams to ensure the highest service standards.

Responsibilities overview:

Customer Service:

•  Deliver a warm, professional and consistent welcome to all customers and visitors to the theatre.
• Provide efficient table, bar and event service, maintaining excellent product knowledge to answer guest queries and upsell where appropriate.
• Ensure that all guests receive prompt, accurate and courteous service at all times.
• Support the set-up and breakdown of hospitality areas for performances, functions, and events.

Commercial Operations:

• Assist in achieving sales targets through excellent customer engagement and upselling techniques.
• Accurately process transactions and handle cash and card payments responsibly.
• Support with restocking, storage and presentation of food and beverage products in line with company standards.
• Report any stock or equipment issues promptly to supervisors or managers.

Food Safety and Compliance:

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene across all service areas.
• Follow the Theatre’s Food Safety Management System and current Health & Safety legislation.
• Adhere to all licensing, allergen, and responsible service requirements.

Teamwork and Communication:

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of operations.
• Support other members of the team as required, maintaining a positive and professional attitude, working to Spotlight.
• Attend team briefings and training sessions to maintain service excellence and product knowledge.

Duties as a member of the Theatre Royal team

• Carry out your role to a high standard, using your skills and knowledge to help achieve Theatre Royal’s goals.
• Work flexibly, adapting to changing priorities and supporting colleagues as needed.
• Follow all policies and procedures, including health and safety, safeguarding, and data protection.
• Report any concerns or incidents promptly and appropriately.
• Deliver excellent service to audiences, stakeholders, and colleagues.
• Actively engage with opportunities for learning and development.
• Contribute ideas and feedback to help improve our work and processes.

Experience

• Previous hospitality or customer service experience preferred but not essential.
• Experience working in busy bar, café, restaurant or event environments desirable.
• Skills, Knowledge and abilities
• Excellent customer service skills with a friendly, approachable manner.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident communicator with good spoken English.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in presentation.
• Cash handling and basic numeracy skills.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to working hours and duties.
• Qualification and Training
• Food Safety Level 2 (desirable, or willingness to achieve)
• Interest in Theatre and the Arts is desirable

Hours of Work

Variable hours across a 7-day operation as part of a rota. Regular evening and weekend work will be required in line with operating hours, performance schedules and events.

Application deadline:

• Sunday 16 November 2025 Please apply via the linked application form.

Interviews:

• Short-listing and interviews will be ongoing as applications are received. 

Hours

• Variable hours across a 7-day operation as part of a rota. Regular evening and weekend work will be required in line with operating hours, performance schedules and events.

Salary

• £12.60 per hour

Employee benefits

• Critical Illness and Death in Service Cover
• Employee Assistance Programme available to all staff and their household members
• Discounted Travel Scheme - Annual Metro and bus travel.
• Discounted Tickets - Access to staff discounted tickets for performances, subject to availability
• NE1 Discount card - Access to city centre discounts and activities.
• NGCV Discounts - Theatre Royal staff have access to discounts across 10 Newcastle Gateshead Cultural Venues.

Working at the Theatre

We recognise that only once every member of our team feels a sense of belonging they will truly thrive during their time working with us.

You will be welcomed at the Theatre. If you need any adjustments at the time of applying; at interview stage or within the role please let us know at any stage in the process by contacting: recruitment@theatreroyal.co.uk

A Special Time to join us
It’s an exciting time to become part of Newcastle Theatre Royal as we celebrate 20 years of pantomime magic with Danny and Clive. Their partnership has become a much-loved tradition for audiences across the region, bringing laughter, warmth and festive spirit to our stage every year.

Joining us during this special anniversary means becoming part of a team that continues to create memorable experiences and uphold one of the region’s most celebrated theatrical traditions.