TRIBUTES have been paid to a theatre boss who died suddenly at the weekend.

Peter Sarah, 58, the man credited with turning round the fortunes of Newcastle's Theatre Royal, collapsed at the theatre on Friday, minutes before he was due to attend a board meeting.

Mr Sarah was made general manager of the Theatre Royal in 1998 when it was in a period of financial difficulty.

His commercial acumen ensured the theatre not only survived, but excelled to become one of the country's leading theatres, with the BBC recently hailing it as "the region's cultural temple".

In 2004, he was named chief executive in recognition of his achievements.

Mr Sarah was an active member of a number of regional bodies that aimed to boost the North-East's cultural dominance on a global level, including the Newcastle Gateshead Capital of Culture bid.

Councillor Peter Arnold, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: "It is with great sadness that we have heard of the sudden death of Peter Sarah, who was a great ambassador and asset to the city.

"Peter worked tirelessly for the arts during his time in Newcastle.

"His leadership of the Theatre Royal was truly outstanding. Peter took over as general manager at the Theatre Royal at a time of some difficulty, and with enormous flair and experience he consolidated the theatre's reputation as the best of it's kind in the country.

"He will be sadly mourned and sorely missed."

Chairman of the theatre's board, Councillor John Shipley, said: "It is particularly tragic that Peter died two hours before the board was due to give the green light to the re-development of 5-7 Market Street.

"Peter had worked on this £4.2m investment plan for the past two years. It will give us an extended stage, as well as improved catering facilities, better disabled access and a new booking office and visitor centre for arts and culture across the region.

"The board will reconvene shortly to give the final go- ahead. The re-development of this site will be a fitting tribute to the memory of Peter Sarah and his enormous achievements as our chief executive."