Meet The Neighbours - Stuart Egan

Stuart is managing director of @theexchange.1856, the theatre, café and cultural business centre at the heart of North Shields Cultural Quarter.

Born and bred in Wallsend, Stuart joins The Exchange from Handelsbanken, where he was private account manager and mortgage adviser for seven years. Prior to Handelbanken, Stuart worked for Barclays Bank in its corporate banking division supporting local businesses and large PLCs with their growth plans.

Stuart calls this his dream job, having been heavily involved in theatre and the arts since joining the Tynemouth Priory Youth Theatre at the age of 14.

As well as performing, Stuart has worked behind the scenes at Whitley Bay Playhouse for many years handling the technical aspects of putting shows on the stage in his spare time. Stuart’s passion for the arts follows a long family tradition. His grandparents were performers and both his parents directed and performed in a wide variety of theatre shows. His mother, Marsha Egan / McKinley, became quite famous within the arts community locally before she sadly died in 2006.

Stuart said: “This is absolutely my dream job. It combines my commercial expertise with my love of the arts. What could be better!

“Although I was aware of The Exchange as a beautiful local building, I really didn’t know what it was used for, despite my connections within the local arts scene. I want this to change. Everyone needs to know about this iconic local landmark and want to come and visit.”