Having undergone a major and completed refurbishment by North Tyneside Council in 2009,[1] the contemporary theatre has a glass foyer, front of house facilities, box office and bar facilities.

The transformation of the venue, situated on Marine Avenue, was a key part of North Tyneside Council's £64million regeneration programme for Whitley Bay.

The Playhouse is managed by SMG, who locally own and manage Newcastle's 11,000+ seater Metro Radio Arena and 1,100 seater Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre.

[1] A specially-commissioned installation by artist Rolf Wojciechowski, is displayed in the North corridor of the theatre to mark the re-opening of the Playhouse Whitley Bay in 2009.

A time capsule in the form of a wooden box has been made by longtime theatre supporter Rid Stokoe, and filled with a collection of memorabilia from its proud past.