Theatre Royal plans to go back to the future
February 20th 2010, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/dec2009/6/1/richard-briers-at-the-theatre-royal-758369402.jpg

A HISTORIC theatre has unveiled ambitious plans for a restoration that will transform it both inside and out.

Newcastle’s Theatre Royal will take its audiences on a journey through time in a £4.75m revamp to commemorate the building’s 175th birthday in 2012.

The Georgian venue has changed with the times, losing much of its original authenticity as light fittings, carpets and decor styles have gone in and out of fashion over the decades.

Most notably, the Grade-1-listed building on Grey Street was completely rebuilt following a fire that destroyed it in 1899.

Now the grand Georgian structure, once referred to as “the greatest building on Britain’s greatest street”, will get an architectural overhaul with the purpose of recapturing the original style of Frank Matcham’s 1901 design, while at the same time introducing 21st century standards of comfort.

Imitation gas-light burners and period-style seating will sit comfortably alongside Victorian fabrics, carpets and tile-work.

State-of the-art ventilation and air-conditioning will also be installed, as well as a revamp of the theatre’s washrooms and other facilities.

From the stalls and gallery right through to the stage and parts of the building’s exterior, audiences will soon see changes described as “inspirational” by Theatre Royal Chief Executive Philip Bernays.

He said yesterday: “This is a very exciting time for us.

“We are now moving from the feasibility stage to the full development of technical proposals – the vision of this restoration is now becoming a reality, and audiences can look forward to a much more comfortable and special experience.

“The Theatre Royal is not only one of the most impressive buildings in Britain, but it is also a major monument of civic pride. It has a place in the hearts and minds of every person in the North East and also many further afield.

“Its protection and conservation is of national importance.”

The works - funded through donations from businesses, charitable organisations and ticket fees - are set to take place between March and September 2011.

Mr Bernays said all functions at the theatre, including meetings, conferences and educational events, will continue throughout that period but performances will be suspended for five months while the bulk of the work takes place.

Theatre conservation expert Dr David Wilmore and architects Peter Hall and Robert Sansome have drawn on samples of historical material including photographs and other theatre memorabilia to inform the restoration process.

The Theatre is bidding for £250,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help fund the project.

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Work beginning on Theatre Royal restoration
August 14th 2010, by Alastair Craig, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/aug2010/2/5/theatre-royal-restoration-360862715.jpg

LAYERS of history are peeling back at a Tyneside theatre. Colin Mitchell-Rose, an independent architectural paint researcher, elevated himself to access ornate plaster work in Newcastle's Theatre Royal auditorium yesterday.

Once up in the “Gods”, he drilled hundreds of tiny millimetre-wide sample holes to examine the colour of paint layers going back decades.

The work is the first phase in the research process to help inform the theatre’s £4.75m restoration.

That is expected to begin next year in time for the famous venue’s 175th anniversary which will be celebrated the year after in 2012.

The overhaul will recapture the grand style of Frank Matcham’s 1901 design, with 21st century technology to improve the experience for theatre-goers and performers. The drill samples, similar to profiling tree rings, will reveal every single application of paint applied to Matcham’s revered auditorium.

And the colour found to be the Matcham original will be the shade used in the multi-million pound revamp.

Colin said: “In the historic layers, gold is a predominant colour and the shades tend to be pale rather than dark.

“It’s difficult to say at this stage precisely what the original Matcham paint colour was, but our initial findings suggest pale tones.”


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/08/14/work-beginning-on-theatre-royal-restoration-61634-27060023/

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The Theatre Royal is to "go dark" (as it is called) for the THIRD time in recent years, for six months next year (March to September) to carry out this project . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyalRestoration2011.jpg


More details to follow . . .

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http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyalRestoration_0001a.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyalRestoration_0001.jpg


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http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyalRestoration_0002.jpg

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Some of the work that is required to be done to the OUTSIDE of the building . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyalRestoration_0003.jpg

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One of the very best collections (in one place) that I have, of old Newcastle Adverts, is in some late 1940s Theatre Programmes that I was given by my father.

Some of the best known and most famous traditional 'Newcastle' firms, businesses, and shops, tended to advertise in the Newcastle Theatre programmes, of those days.

The programmes themselves only consisted of a (slightly smaller than) 'A4 size' piece of thin white card, folded in half. Of course paper supplies in the late 1940s, just after the war (like most things) were still in very short supply, hence the 'simple white-card' programmes. Those programmes still contained some great stuff though, as far as we are concerned now, on this thread.

This Newcastle programme, is from the Theatre Royal, and was produced for the W/C 28th October 1946 production of 'Marriage A La Mode' . . .


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/ADVERTS-28thOctober1946_0002a.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/ADVERTS-28thOctober1946_0003.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/ADVERTS-28thOctober1946_0002.jpg


Some really well known traditional 'Newcastle' adverts from times past!

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As was mentioned in an earlier post ('Post 3', above) the planned "temporary closure" of the Theatre Royal from March to September 2011, will be the third occasion in recent years that this has happened.

The two other recent occasions, when a LOT of restoration work was carried out and large amounts of money was spent, were . . .


(1) - June 1986 to January 1988 (20 months closed).

COST of WORKS - £6.3M.


(2) - July 2006 to September 2007 (3 months fully closed until Oct 2006, and a further 11 months work on large new Cafe/Restaurant area until September 2007)

COST of WORKS - £7.2M.


So, until the next closure and set of restoration works gets started in March next year, I thought I could use this thread to "document" the extensive works that were carried out during the other two recent closures.

This will get all the details into one place, and will get us fully up-to-date, for when next years project works commence.

In the next post, I will commence reporting on (item 1 above) the June 1986 to January 1988 Project.


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyalRestoration20112.jpg
Some of the books and booklets about the other two recent restoration projects at the Theatre Royal, that I will be using as resources.

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The June 1986 to January 1988 Restoration Project.

Part One - A Summary of the work required to be done . . .


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http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/1980sRestorationPart1_0005.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/1980sRestorationPart1_0006.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/1980sRestorationPart1_0007.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/1980sRestorationPart1_0008.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/1980sRestorationPart1_0009.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/1980sRestorationPart1_0010.jpg

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The June 1986 to January 1988 Restoration Project.

Part Two - The Work is Carried Out . . .


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1986-1988RestorationWorks_0001.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1986-1988RestorationWorks_0002.jpg

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http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1986-1988RestorationWorks_0004.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1986-1988RestorationWorks_0005.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1986-1988RestorationWorks_0006.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1986-1988RestorationWorks_0007.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1986-1988RestorationWorks_0008.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1986-1988RestorationWorks_0009.jpg

The story of the work carried out during the 1986 to 1988 restoration, is from EXTRACTS from the book 'The Theatre Royal', by Newcastle Theatre Royal Ltd, in 1988.

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^^

Really interesting read NH .. :cheers:

^^

Really interesting read NH .. :cheers:


Thanks max, glad you are enjoying it.

I find it quite amazing (but pleasing) how much time and effort and money has been spent on this theatre over a relatively short period of years in the recent past.

It was closed for 20 months from June 1986 to January 1988 with £6.3M spent on it, then fully closed for 3 months and part-closed for a further 11 months, over the July 2006 to September 2007 period, spending a further £7.2M.

Now it is to be closed for another 6 months (March to September next year) with a further £4.75M to be spent!

I thought it might be useful to catalogue and record (all in one place on this thread) all the work that was done on the two immediately previous occasions, and I should have the time to do that before the next project kicks off in March.

We can then record here all the work done this time, from March to September next year!

The June 1986 to January 1988 Restoration Project.

Part Three - Final Works are carried out and the Theatre Royal re-opens on Monday January 11th 1988.


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1988RefurbPart3001.jpg


But first, the final remaining work is finished off . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1988Refurb-Part3_0004.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1988Refurb-Part3_0005.jpg
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http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1988Refurb-Part3_0007.jpg


The re-opening is covered in the Evening Chronicle of Thursday January 7th 1988 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1988Refurb-Part3_0001.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1988Refurb-Part3_0002.jpg

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http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/1988TheatreRoyalmorestuff_0002.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1988Refurb-Part3_0010.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1988Refurb-Part3_0009.jpg

From the February 1988 issue of 'City News' . .
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http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/1988TheatreRoyalmorestuff_0001.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1988Refurb-Part3_0003.jpg

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http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal1988Refurb-Part3_0012.jpg


Much of the story of the work carried out during the 1986 to 1988 restoration, is from EXTRACTS from the book 'The Theatre Royal' by Newcastle Theatre Royal Ltd, as well as from 'Evening Chronicle' and 'City News' newspaper reports in 1988.

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Absolutely fascinating; thanks very much for posting. I must admit, the imminent restoration works came as a surprise to me, as I remember the fanfare around the 1988 reopening; I imagined those works would have set the building up for a long future. At the time, the Sheffield Lyceum was still more or less derelict, and I was rather jealous of the fact that Newcastle had sorted out the Theatre Royal in spectacular fashion while our own Victorian jewel was still in a very bad way.

Fortunately, the Lyceum reopened after its own major restoration in December 1990.

The architects Renton Howard Wood Levin seemed to be the theatre specialists at the time, and looking through your brochures and cuttings, I see many similarities between the two projects. Bradford Alhambra was the other major one that I remember from the late eighties; again, there are similarities.

Absolutely fascinating; thanks very much for posting. I must admit, the imminent restoration works came as a surprise to me, as I remember the fanfare around the 1988 reopening; I imagined those works would have set the building up for a long future. At the time, the Sheffield Lyceum was still more or less derelict, and I was rather jealous of the fact that Newcastle had sorted out the Theatre Royal in spectacular fashion while our own Victorian jewel was still in a very bad way.

Fortunately, the Lyceum reopened after its own major restoration in December 1990.

The architects Renton Howard Wood Levin seemed to be the theatre specialists at the time, and looking through your brochures and cuttings, I see many similarities between the two projects. Bradford Alhambra was the other major one that I remember from the late eighties; again, there are similarities.


Glad you're enjoying it Damon. There's still another big 'closure' and 'resoration works' to cover on here for the Theatre Royal yet (now the 1986-1988 one is finished) before the 2011 stuff starts . . .

July 2006 to September 2007 (3 months fully closed until Oct 2006, and a further 11 months work on large new Cafe/Restaurant area until September 2007) COST of WORKS - £7.2M.

Am collecting the stuff together for the start of the 2006/2007 one right now . . . if I can find it (you should see this place!!)

So, details of all the work done in the first of the two recent renovations have now all been covered in this thread, in Parts 1 to 3 of the 1986-1988 Project.

I will shortly provide the first details of the work carried out during the second of the two recent renovations, over the July 2006 to September 2007 project period.

Part 1 to follow . . .

The July 2006 to September 2007 Restoration Project.

Part One - Some of the work carried out by mid-project (May 2007) . . .


On this outside view, you can see a builders compound down the side of the building. This is for the renovation and expansion of various front of house and ancillary spaces, as well as an education space.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/outside.jpg


When we got inside, we were treated to the delightful new mural of an actor taking a bow in Grey Street. This is fixed directly onto the safety curtain which was originally relatively plain.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/bow.jpg


After being told about the project, the safety curtain was flown out to reveal the stage as the audience never see it- the dream factory laid bare.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/stage.jpg


From the stage, the auditorium can be seen in all of its Matcham glory. I can remember it being described as like performing inside a wedding cake by Jimmy Edwards in Big Bad Mouse with Eric Sykes back in 1970, the first Pro show I went to see by myself. (Aisle seat, row C, front stalls).

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/auditorium.jpg


From the back of the stage, the auditorium looks rather small in scale to the height and width.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/rear.jpg


The stage right area is new- extended into an old Barclays Bank with some forthcoming access into some vaults below for flight cases and such. When I worked the 75/76 Panto (and indeed up until a month or so ago), the wall finished to the left of the thick column next to the large white electrical box, narrower even than the auditorium on that side of the stage.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/SR.jpg


Standing centre stage and looking up, the fly floor can be seen, along with three gallery levels.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/flys.jpg


The grid, sixty feet above stage level.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/grid.jpg


In the upstage right corner is a dumb waiter lift, intended for raising chain hoists (or anything else) to grid level, safe working load 450kG.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/dumb.jpg


After flights and flights of stairs, we eventually arrived at the grid. This is very unusual as it is the first one in Britain made of Plastic, or more accurately Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), a Fibreglass (but stronger) based structural composite widely used in industry.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/divs.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/grid2.jpg


The Grid covers the acting area but not the wings, due to the sloping roof construction. There is a large smoke lantern over the grid, the glass painted out (but needing a repaint!)

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/lantern.jpg


The large yellow fixtures are movable spot loading points. All of the vertical ladders and handrails are made of GRP which is workable somewhat like timber. This view is of the counterweight and header pulleys. Note that the last four sets have an extra pulley to allow for ladder clearance.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/div2.jpg


After climbing down three sets of vertical ladders, we arrived on the flyfloor. This is a brand new flying system on the normal counterweight principle, although it is possible to link up some motorised units for powered flying. The blue weights are used to balance the bar without loading and are at the top of the cradle rather than the bottom due to height constraints in the fly tower. (It is a grade 1 listed building and much of the original timber & steel beams have been preserved)

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/flyfloor.jpg


This is the Flyman’s view from the fly floor, raked the same as the stage.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/flyman.jpg


This is a double-purchase system, where the rope and cradle move only half the distance of the stage bar. (It has to be this way to give the stage dock clearance stage right but is more difficult to operate for the flyman).

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/cradle.jpg


This is an architects model for the construction work on display in the circle lobby. The stage haystack lantern can be clearly seen at roof level.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/model1.jpg


The above narrative and photos are from Ian Grey's Blog, from when he visited the Theatre Royal to look at the renovation works in May 2007 . . .
http://iangrey.org/about-shades/

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The July 2006 to September 2007 Restoration Project.

Part Two - Continuing from Part One, a few more mid-project updates from May 2007 . . .


While at the Theatre Royal, I took loads of photos knowing that with available light and without a tripod, some of them will turn out blurry no matter how fine they look on the small screen. These ones are the best of the ones not shown in 'Part 1'.

I took shots from various places around the theatre auditorium. This is the back of the stalls.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/stalls.jpg


The back of the Dress Circle (not on the centre line)

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/dress.jpg


The back of the Upper Circle.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/upper.jpg


The front of the Gallery (Follow-spot positions below)

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/galf.jpg


and the very back of the gallery.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/galb.jpg


Finally, a bit of 'personal' nostalgia - the original location of “my” follow-spot, and the view I had when I was working there during the Mike & Bernie Winters pantomime. If Mike or Bernie swapped sides or went where we couldn’t cover them (in my case, anywhere far stage left) we had to swap beams!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/lime.jpg


I took a couple of triple panorama shots from an upper box and was surprised to notice afterwards that I managed to give the theatre six boxes a side rather than four . . . due to a dodgy picture lineup.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/pan1.jpg

It really looks like this:

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/pan2.jpg


With the normal wide angle setting, we see much less of the theatre, though it 'looks' like you see more!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/aud1.jpg


Some splendid ceiling detailing, taken from the gallery slips.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/arch.jpg

BUT . . . have you ever wondered what it looks like behind all of this wonderful fibrous plaster icing?

Here is a glimpse into a void space . . . Definitely not for public view!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/void.jpg

^^

The above narrative and photos are from Ian Grey's Blog, from when he visited the Theatre Royal to look at the renovation works in May 2007 . . .
http://iangrey.org/about-shades/


So, by the 'mid point' of the project much had been achieved, and one quite attractive new feature was already in place . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/SafetyCurtain.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/NewSafetyCurtain.jpg

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^^

I have just added (to the bottom of the above post) two photos of the new Safety Curtain, that was created as part of this 2006/2007 project.

I think it is great, especially close up!

Does anyone have any other photos of it?

I just happened to land here after googling "Eldon Square Pencils" and am delighted to find my Theatre Royal 2007 trip reposted here on this fascinating thread.

As it happens I do have another Safety Curtain shot, this one has the least number of visitors in it.
http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/iron.jpg

The Royal was closed for quite a while circa 1973 or 1974 as well, for excavation and installation of a motorised Orchestra Pit. It was over the summer months when it was dark for a fair time normally anyway. Also, some time between 1976 and the major 1980s rehab, the Gallery was hacked about somewhat, with a central follow-spot dugout and a lighting bridge being installed on the ceiling edge.

The July 2006 to September 2007 Restoration Project.

Part Three - September 2007, and the renovations and extension into the former Barclays Bank on Market Street, are complete . . .


This 2006/2007 renovation achieved . .

1. An enlarged stage, to enable the 'larger' touring productions to be accommodated.
2. The takeover and expansion into the 1,400 Sq Mtrs of the former 'Barclays Bank' premises, fronting onto Market Street.
3. A new 100 square metre 'Learning Space' on the 1st floor.
4. A much larger new Box Office.
5. A large new Bistro, called 'Caffe Teatro'.
6. The Olivier Suite reception/dining area.
7. A new 'Fly-Tower' for the moving of sets and scenery around the stage area.


Details . . .


Evening Chronicle, Saturday September 1st 2007 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal-September20071.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal-September20077.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal-September20078.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal-September20074.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal-September20075.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal-September20076.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/TheatreRoyal-September20073.jpg

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^^

So, that concludes the full account (from the information that I have - there may be more out there?) of the last two big renovations / restorations, (1988 and 2007) immediately prior to the one that is now about to commence next month (March to September 2011).

It will be interesting to follow the current project, from now on, in this thread . . .

Surgo Construction seals deal to restore Theatre Royal
The Journal, January 17th 2011,


A North East firm has been selected to manage a £4.75m theatre restoration project.

Newcastle-based Surgo Construction has been appointed to manage Newcastle Theatre Royal’s anniversary restoration.

The project is set to take place between March and September ahead of the Theatre’s 175th birthday in 2012.

It will recapture the grand style of Frank Matcham’s original 1901 auditorium design while also introducing modern standards of comfort.

The appointment of Surgo completes the team working on the restoration, which includes specialist architects Sansome Hall, technical theatre consultants Charcoalblue and theatre conservation expert Dr David Wilmore of Theatresearch.

During the restoration process, there will be no shows for six months. However, all the other theatre functions will continue as normal, including the learning programme.


Read More - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2011/01/17/surgo-construction-seals-deal-to-restore-theatre-royal-51140-27999481/

Theatre Royal hopes auction will be a sell out
The Journal, January 21st 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/jan2011/8/5/theatre-royal-susan-hampshire-pride-and-prejudice-377321146.jpg
Theatre Royal, Susan Hampshire, Pride and Prejudice

Fans of the Newcastle Theatre Royal can bid for a piece of its history at a special auction in aid of its forthcoming £4.75m refurbishment.

Among the star lots will be seats bearing the names of famous people including actors Sir Ian McKellen, Susan Hampshire, Richard Briers, Kenneth Branagh, Sir Antony Sher, Tim Healy and Denise Welch, film directors Ridley and Tony Scott and comedian Ross Noble.

All 1,200 seats in the auditorium will go under the hammer unless the people – famous or otherwise – who paid to have them inscribed opt to buy them first.

Whether they do or not, their names will be replicated on the new seats in the refurbished auditorium. But for theatre buffs there is the possibility of having Susan Hampshire’s or Ridley Scott’s personalised seat as a conversation point in the living room.

The seats, which survived the major refurbishment of 1986-88, were made 50 or 60 years ago for use in a cinema. According to theatre spokeswoman Marianne Quayle, they were designed for people looking up at a screen rather than down at a stage so have never provided optimum comfort.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/01/21/theatre-royal-hopes-auction-will-be-a-sell-out-61634-28027118/#ixzz1BgNg4hJI

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A bit more 'background' about the Theatre Royal, in this excellent VIDEO . . .


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Details of renovation work to be done in the Theatre Royal
North East Times, February 2011


Major restoration work gets underway at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal next month, promising to create a spectacular new auditorium in time for the venue’s 175th anniversary in 2012. North East Times found out more.

The Grade I listed Theatre Royal, one of Tyneside’s finest architectural gems and a cornerstone of its cultural offering, is set to be transformed this year thanks to a £4.75 million restoration project.

The work, which will take place between March and September, aims to recapture the grand style of renowned Victorian architect Frank Matcham’s original 1901 auditorium design, while also introducing 21st century standards of comfort.

The major construction work will include selective demolition of post-Matcham interior architecture, structural refurbishments, and restoration of internal walls, partitions, screens and barriers. In the auditorium new seating will be installed at all levels, new lighting and ventilation systems introduced and major renovations made to all fabrics, with new carpeting and paintwork and reinstatement of extensive gold-leaf work present in the Victorian era.

A further feature will be a new historical resource developed in collaboration with London’s V&A museum. Conservation measures will also be implemented to protect the outer fabric of the building including the auditorium roof and the famous Portico on Grey Street which has been subject to rainwater damage.

There will also be installation of new mechanical and electrical systems and a complete overhaul of technical wiring. The renovation will not only transform the auditorium to its Matcham glory and make the theatre more comfortable for audiences, but will also improve carbon and energy efficiency.


Read More - http://www.northeasttimes.co.uk/ArticleDetail.aspx?id=2527

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The Theatre Royal is now closed for the next six months.


The new renovation project is (at last) now under way.

Hopefully there will be 'progress reports' on this project issued from time to time, by the theatre.

In the meantime the below items contain the very latest information, some issued by the Theatre Royal themselves, while another is a recent Newcastle Journal newspaper article concerning an auction of unwanted items, held by the Theatre Royal just before closure . . .


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyal2011restoration_0003.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyal2011restoration_0001.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyal2011restoration_0002.jpg



Theatre Royal holds auction ahead of revamp
by Nicola Weatherall, The Journal, March 7th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/mar2011/8/0/theatre-royal-image-2-820734275.jpg

THEATRE lovers at one of the North East’s most prestigious playhouses will of course want the best seats in the house. Now, they can enjoy the seats in their own front rooms, after Newcastle’s Theatre Royal put the chairs up for sale in a huge auction. The event yesterday came as part of preparations for the venue’s 175th anniversary.

In the run up to the milestone next year, the theatre is undergoing a massive refurbishment, leaving its current chairs, curtains and light fittings to go under the hammer. Hundreds of fans and art collectors gathered at the auction, led by Anderson and Garland Auctioneers, in the hope of taking home a piece of theatre history.

The first lot – a single seat with green velvet upholstery – sold for £110 to Allan Symons, 38, from Birtley, Gateshead. and budding thespian Dan Ellis, 22, from Whitley Bay, was delighted with his successful bids, which included more than 20 seats. “The plan is to set up a small community theatre, or pop-up cinema, in Whitley Bay, and these seats will be perfect for it.

The lots which attracted the most attention were the celebrity named seats. These ranged from blockbuster director, Ridley Scott, to North East comedian Ross Noble. Richard Berg Rust, the theatre’s director of development, said: “We received a lot of interest from theatre fans when we announced the auction.

“Between 300 and 400 people turned up to the auction and it was great to see them getting into the spirit of it. “We set a target of reaching about £5,000, but the auction has gone so well that I imagine, once we’ve done all the adding up, we’ll be looking at the £8,000 mark.”

Theatre bosses will bring down the curtain for the final time later this month, closing the Royal to performances until September as it undergoes its £4.75m restoration.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/03/07/theatre-royal-holds-auction-ahead-of-revamp-61634-28291220/#ixzz1H2KIPuRh

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Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 1 (w/c 14 March ‘11)

• The big auditorium strip-out. The seats are removed from the stalls. Our team of handy men dismantle each one,piece by piece, ready to be collected by the successful bidders from last week’s auction.

• The technical box, currently located in the Grand Circle, comes out. All wires, cables and equipment are removed in one go.

• Surgo arrived today and the auditorium has been officially cordoned off as a building site. Hard hats, sensible footwear and high vis vests only allowed! The seats are now completely removed from the Upper and Grand circles. Floor boards in the stalls taken up.

• Last remaining seats all came out today, and the carpet fully removed from the Stalls. The Grand is also now completely bare - just a series of wooden benches - looks a bit like an old Greek amphitheatre! Orchestra pit and the Stalls area adjoining it is all up.


Week 1 Photos . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/199214_10150114936820843_17950275842_7122214_5642577_n.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/190724_10150114936270843_17950275842_7122204_7276600_n.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/189669_10150114211625843_17950275842_7115761_1467993_n.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/199959_10150114208940843_17950275842_7115725_7350874_n.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/199065_10150113195125843_17950275842_7108658_2135446_n.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/199117_10150113194740843_17950275842_7108657_320710_n.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/197051_10150113191925843_17950275842_7108656_5432093_n.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/196836_10150113156940843_17950275842_7108503_4852239_n.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

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I'm guessing a few of you already follow, but it's worth keeping an eye on the Theatre Royal's FB page during their restoration...they've so far been incredibly hot at updating the page with images and info about how work is progressing in the restoration, and some little gems they're uncovering as they go along....much of the auditorium's previous life has been lying untouched in a time-capsule under regular 'upgrades' over the years, and it's a treat to see what's there!

If you're a theatre geek like me, do check it out :)

Thought this would be appropriate to the thread as it is an article from the Newcastle Evening Chronicle of July 1981 which deals with the restoration that was required at that time.

http://www.fototime.com/B0B824BCDB0426E/orig.jpg

^^

Very interesting to see people getting quite 'agitated' about spending relatively small sums to preserve and renovate the building, in 1981.

Only five years later in 1986, they started spending £6.3Million on it, over a two year period (when they were largely closed down for that reason) ending in 1988.

The majority of that £6.3M came from the EU.

See earlier posts in this thread, starting here, for details of the 1986-1988 project - http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=67566051&postcount=8

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Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 2 (w/c 21 March)

• Lots of progress this week - the full ‘birdcage’ of scaffolding is now up inside the auditorium, right up to the ceiling (almost). The Gallery is now completely out.

• A very exciting day today - when the old 70s seating was stripped away in the Gallery, we were able to reveal the old original Matcham wooden benches underneath. They are lower and closer in, and in a much better position to see the stage.

• All the plasterwork on the circles has been ‘shrouded’ to protect it while the major seating work is done.

• The 70s doors have now started to come out in the foyer and bar areas.


Week 2 Photos . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/198474_10150123391775843_17950275842_7202280_6592965_n.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/29March2011-Scaffoldinggoingup.jpg


The below photos show what was discovered in the 'Gallery' area of the auditorium. It reveals the old Matcham wooden benches, underneath the 1970’s seating tier (!!) . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyaloriginalMatchambenchesinGallery.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/190378_10150121128410843_17950275842_7179679_4853663_n.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

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Following Weeks 1 and 2 of the "Builders Diary" of the 2011 Restoration Project (see recent posts on this thread) the below shows an interesting exchange I had with the Copyright Owner of some of the photos used in the Diary . . .


To: rory.gibson@rocketmail.com;

Hello,

I am a Moderator on a worldwide construction, development and architecture forum, called "Skyscraper City" and one of our most successful urban forums is our Newcastle Forum,

LINK HERE . . . http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2258

One of the current threads on there covers the various restorations (including the currently ongoing one) at the Newcastle Theatre Royal, details and LINK (direct to that thread) below . . .

Theatre Royal Restoration | Newcastle | U/C - http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1251697

On that thread I am covering the ongoing restorations, that started a few weeks ago. As a resource for weekly updates, I am using the Theatre Royal's own public 'Facebook Page', and have included (always with links/credits back to that Facebook page) some of the photos published on there.

I have today noticed your details on some of those photos, and am writing to you now to confirm that you are content with my usage of your photos?

Skyscraper City is a VERY popular Website throughout the world, and I know that the threads on the Newcastle Forum are regularly viewed around the world.

Please have a look at the Theatre Royal thread (the second of the two LINKS, above) and particularly at the two recent "Weekly Updates" posts that I have done, and please let me know if you are content for me to use photos with your details on them?

Regards,
"Newcastle Historian"


From: Rory Gibson
Date: 01/04/2011 10:22:54
Subject: Re: Newcastle Theatre Royal - Restoration PHOTOS

Hello

Thanks for your email. I am happy for you to use my photos on your site, provided of course that the copyright is respected.

You might be interested to know that there are more photographs of the theatre on my own Flickr page at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

I shall be regularly uploading more as the development progresses.

Hope you find them useful and of interest and as always I do appreciate feedback, positive and constructive!

Regards
Rory Gibson



So, now that my 'copyright concerns' about this one are resolved I think we can now look forward to LOTS of new photos of the restoration project, as it progresses over the coming six months.

I will be posting "Week 3" of the Builders Diary shortly . . .

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Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 3 (w/c 28th March 2011)

• A lot of demolition this week - the Grand Circle and Basement have been totally stripped out and made bare. The Stalls have also been broken out and 'making good' work has begun. The proscenium trusses and decorative edge have been removed.

• The flooring has been removed from the Upper Circle, Gallery & the new area that will become the Amphitheatre (or premium gallery seating).

• Elsewhere, the Kiosk has been taken out, the air conditioning units removed from the roof space and work continues in the ceiling void.


Week 3 Photos . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Week3-28thMarch201111.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Week3-28thMarch201110.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Week3-28thMarch20119.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Week3-28thMarch20118.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Week3-28thMarch20117.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Week3-28thMarch20113.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Week3-28thMarch20115.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Week3-28thMarch20116.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Week3-28thMarch20114.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Week3-28thMarch20112.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Week3-28thMarch20111.jpg


Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

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Brilliant NH, keep up the good work of updating this page, it's becoming very interesting.

The Popolo, Paradiso, Alvino etc crew will be operating the Cafe and bars at NTR when it re-opens. Good news for a local business, and certainly good news if you like decent coffee and drinks!

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In continuation of ^^ - this was in today's Evening Chronicle . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyalnewcaterers-April2011.jpg

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Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 4 (w/c 4th April 2011)

1. Work is progressing so quickly now, the auditorium is completely unrecognisable!

2. The bird cage scaffolding dominates the central area totally, like a scene from The Matrix! Workmen all around at different levels. All the wallpaper is gone now and the walls are being prepared for their make-over. All the original Matcham features are bound up in Polywrap and very protected.

3. Lots of interesting work happening off-site this week, including the preparation of the Matcham Arcading. When ready, this particular section will go in the Grand Circle.

4. Critical electrical and mechanical work is now taking place in the Basement – the mysterious area that audiences never see, beneath the Stage and Stalls.

5. All the external non-Matcham paneling is being taken out of the Entrance Lobby this week – it’s nearly completely stripped of artificial trappings now and ready to be restored.

6. Roof covering has now begun – an important phase in the repair process.


Week 4 Photos . . .


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TR_425x319_7_1.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TR_425x319_4_2.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TR_425x319_3_1.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/420april203.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TR_425x319_5_1.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/420april208.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TR_425x319_6_1.jpg

Now, a first look at some exterior works (see 'point 6' of this weeks Diary) . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/420april205.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/420april209.jpg


Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

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Just to keep us going, until this weeks 'Builders Diary' (reminds me of a film I once saw . . .) here are some VIEWS of the City Centre taken from the Theatre Royal roof, as work on the exterior of the building started last week . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5597809081_09851a4612_z.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5598383854_5bd4375fe4_z.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5598385728_5916e41d0e_z.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5591180097_9a3fa9ed89_o.jpg


Source - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

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Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 5 (w/c 11th April 2011)

1. Electrical and mechanical work commenced in the Entrance Lobby this week.

2. The new Matcham ceiling fresco (for the Lobby) is coming on very nicely at the artist’s workshop down in Bristol. It’s a very specialist piece of work and will look truly beautiful – the artists/restorers preparing it are Bush & Berry.

3. Demolition and strip out work is now well underway in the Upper Circle and Amphitheatre. The Matcham stone benches are very clear to see now. Although they can’t have been very comfortable for those Victorian audiences, they are amazing to look at!

4. Some of the friezes in foyer areas have been ‘sugar soaped’ to try and clean them. They became dirty over the years as a result of smoking in the building – thankfully something we stopped here a LONG time ago!


Week 5 PHOTOS . . .

The Matcham stone benches are very clear to see now (first two photos) . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5618367283_2dc37f59a8_b.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5618367279_78447b122a_b.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TR_425x319_1_1.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TR_425x319_13.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TR_425x319_9_0.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TR_425x319_2_0.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TR_425x319_5_0.jpg


Repainting taking place inside the auditorium . . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/206358_10150160003485843_17950275842_7312145_4898230_n.jpg


Cleaning in progress on the gallery front . . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/206999_10150159807950843_17950275842_7310706_6805444_n.jpg


The Concessions (sweets) Counter, and if you look at this photo closely, you can now see RIGHT THROUGH to the stage! . . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/205058_10150155855875843_17950275842_7274583_5882108_n.jpg


The Grand Circle (bar area) showing part of the ceiling area cleaned, and part still uncleaned. The 'uncleaned area' shows the impact of all those years of smoking, though this was stopped in the Theatre Royal many years ago . . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/206554_10150155847280843_17950275842_7274560_5632831_n.jpg


Finally, this is the gallery bar - or at least, it was . . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/215315_10150160681225843_17950275842_7317161_596318_n.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

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Your weekly updates are exemplary NH. Keep up the good work! I have to say, seeing the auditorium forested with scaffolding is quite evocative of other theatre renovations I have known; being allowed to walk around on the planking directly beneath the ceiling is a special experience! Great stuff.

Your weekly updates are exemplary NH. Keep up the good work! I have to say, seeing the auditorium forested with scaffolding is quite evocative of other theatre renovations I have known; being allowed to walk around on the planking directly beneath the ceiling is a special experience! Great stuff.


Thanks for the comments Damon, glad you're enjoying the updates.

I have just edited my 'Week 5' post, to add FIVE more photos that I have found. Hope you are still on-line to have a look at them!

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Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 6 (w/c 18th April 2011)

1. The important electrical and mechanical work has now begun in the Stalls and Grand Circle – this will ensure all the lighting, air conditioning etc is as effective, authentic and environmentally efficient as possible in our new auditorium!

2. Building work has begun on the back wall of the Stalls – in the new auditorium this will be further back allowing for extra room and a more authentic Matcham layout.

3. The ceiling paintwork is coming along, and the gold leafing above the proscenium arch is looking very impressive! The ceiling of the auditorium has been painted a pale cream, with the detailing in a darker cream.


Week 6 PHOTOS . . .


It's the Bard himself! This detail is from the frieze above the stage . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/1-TheBardHimself.jpg


The Ceiling above the stage . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/CeilingabovetheStage.jpg


In the Auditorium, before we put the new 'Gold Leaf' on . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/beforeweputthenewGuilton.jpg


The Gold Leaf is now done, on this area . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/WithGoldLeaf.jpg


A wider view of that area . .
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5639808523_fe655de4b1_z.jpg


Another view of the Ceiling . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/6-RoundelsorEggs.jpg

Cutting back the Upper Circle . .
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5639799933_c1bcae198a_b.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

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For week six shot 6, I'm interested to see whether they make those egg shaped roundels on the ceiling cream or gold. I distinctly remember them as gold in 1976 (with the detailing in cream) but they were transposed during one of the restorations, possibly by Clare Ferraby. (I remember visiting in the mid to late 80s and getting shown round by Andy Kent, by then the Chief Electrician. (He was Deputy to Ernie Savage in 1976). When I pointed it out, Andy did a double-take and said that he had never noticed before!)

Newcastle Historian, I have the top left of your four books and even that is ambiguous with the various shots!

For week six shot 6, I'm interested to see whether they make those egg shaped roundels on the ceiling cream or gold.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/6-RoundelsorEggs.jpg

I distinctly remember them as gold in 1976 (with the detailing in cream) but they were transposed during one of the restorations, possibly by Clare Ferraby. (I remember visiting in the mid to late 80s and getting shown round by Andy Kent, by then the Chief Electrician. (He was Deputy to Ernie Savage in 1976). When I pointed it out, Andy did a double-take and said that he had never noticed before!)

Newcastle Historian, I have the top left of your four books and even that is ambiguous with the various shots!


I have searched through books that I have, and the only photos that clearly show the 'roundels' are from the 1980s . . . so are dated after your 1976 observations.

The clearest photo (with enlargement of the ceiling) that I have, is here . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyalAuditorium-1980s.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyalAuditorium-1980sa.jpg


That photo seems to confirm the 'cream roundels' with a 'gold surround', but (as said) is a photo from the 1980s.


However, the below photo (though also from the 1980s) is from the book that you have delicolor (top left of the four books in my earlier photo of resources used for this thread) and is shown on the 14th page of that book, with the notation . . "stripped bare and ready for painting".

This would appear to mean that the 1986-1988 renovation re-paintings had NOT YET happened, and though it is in black & white, it does seem to (again) show cream (or 'lighter') roundels, with a darker surround . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyal1986-1988RestorationWorks_0008.jpg


So, unless someone else on this forum has any other information/clarification, I would suggest you pose a question about this on the Theatre Royal Facebook page, here . . .

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

I am certain that they would investigate your question and respond to it on their page!

My Apologies, I only gave you half the story.

The mystery to me is why they are showing as white in your last photo, as the following photo dated 1979 clearly shows them as gold. (Sorry about the poor image, my scanner is down so it is a snap).
http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/101_7142-1.jpg
This photo is from "Frank Matcham Theate Architect" published in 1980 and is credited to Brian Mercer Walker.
Now this is how I remember the ceiling from the mid-70s and again circa 1980 once the follow-spots had been moved to a dug-out in the centre of the gallery and a lighting bridge installed at gallery level.

So, the mystery is- did they really re-decorate in the early 1980's, pre the Claire Ferraby big stuff?

I managed to dig out an older auditorium photo which many Geordies will be familiar with as a large version of it was under glass in the Box Office, being used to point out particular seats on offer. This was in a Howard and Wyndham publication dated 1933.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/101_7143.jpg

A closer view of the ceiling line shows that the roundels did appear to be gold rather than cream.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/101_7144.jpg

It looks like the correct term for that type of Fibrous Plaster detailing is indeed "egg" as Hayles and Howe have "Egg and Dart" cornices. (Go to http://www.haylesandhowe.co.uk (http://www.haylesandhowe.co.uk/shop/search.aspx) and enter "egg" in the search box).

One other subtle observation is that the lime boxes either side of the Dress Circle appear to have decorative panels concealing the oval apertures. Even back in 1975 these two rooms were totally empty plain cubby-holes and the openings were gaping holes like my 2007 photo.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/auditorium.jpg

Newcastle Historian, if you look back to your post dated November 22nd and look closely at the picture bottom left on page 27, these appear to be "before shots" and the ceiling has golden eggs. (Note that the proscenium is at the top of the photo, if you turn it upside down it makes sense!)

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/ceiling.jpg

I have a Theatre Royal Programme from 1910, it is full of adverts.

Here are the first two pages below:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/TheatreRoyal1910page1001.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/TheatreRoyal1910page2001.jpg

Pages three, four and five of the 1910 Theatre Royal Programme.

A few familiar names, lots of unfamiliar ones!

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/TRNpage3001.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/TRNpage4001.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/TRNpage5001.jpg

The final three sides of the Theatre Royal 1910 Programme.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/TRNpage6001.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/TRNpage7001.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/TRNpage8001.jpg

The Theatre Royal replied via Facebook.

Hi Ian, the “eggs” in the ceiling will be cream coloured, and will also have the light fittings re-instated in them – about every fifth one originally had a light. The lime boxes are, and will continue to be used for stage lighting, so won’t have doors covering them. Hope that answers your questions but if you have any more please just let us know!

If you look back to the week 6 shot 6, that explains the holes that have been cut in the eggs. I thought they were a bit big for paint core samples!

The new diary is up, no doubt NH will be copying it across soon.

Yes, I saw that discussion on Facebook. I noticed that when you said . .

the old box office seating plan from pre 1933 shows the roundels as gold, but they became white by 1988 so I had assumed that Claire Farraby changed them

They didn't actually comment about the fact that the original colour was seemingly gold, not cream, and that they are supposed to be returning things back to the original situation where possible.

Anyway, I'm sure it will look great.

I will be gathering up this weeks photos and then copying them and the Week 7 Diary across shortly.

.
Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 7 (w/c 25th April 2011)

1. The new auditorium light fittings, modeled on Frank Matcham’s 1901 originals, are now being made.

2. At the same time the framework for the “sunburner” is being restored whilst the internal workings are being recreated – the sunburner will be reinstated in the centre of the auditorium ceiling.

3. There are several miles of cable strewn about the theatre – it is like spaghetti and all credit to the electricians who know where each end should go!

4. The original Gallery seating tiers, now revealed, are being adapted to suit the new seating layout (and allow a bit more legroom than was the case in 1901)

5. An exciting development in the main foyer this week – restoration has started on the interior marble pillars.


Week 7 - PHOTOS . . .

As at 28th April, there actually do not appear to be any new photos available on any of the three sites this week (see 'sources' links, below).

Last weeks update (Week 6) included photos dated 'up to' 21st April 2011, and there are none available after that date, yet.

So, in the absence of any 'official photos', here are a couple I took the other day, showing the current massive "Restoration in Progress" posters, on the outside of the building . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/14thApril2011BIGrenovationsignsonoutsideofbuilding2.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/14thApril2011BIGrenovationsignsonoutsideofbuilding1.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

I have a Theatre Royal Programme from 1910, it is full of adverts.

Here are the first two pages below:

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/TheatreRoyal1910page1001.jpg

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/TheatreRoyal1910page2001.jpg


Excellent Programme and Adverts. 1910, amazing (101 years ago now!)

Really 'trumps' my oldest programme (with adverts!) from 1946, that I showed here . . .

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=66985289&postcount=36

Excellent Programme and Adverts. 1910, amazing (101 years ago now!)

Really 'trumps' my oldest programme (with adverts!) from 1946, that I showed here . . .

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=66985289&postcount=36

Alas, it is the only vintage one I have, although some from the 70's have some great adverts.

I was left an archive by an old frield and I recently discovered the following two prints of the Royal in it. I have scanned them together, slightly cropping the sky in the top one.

The exterior is undated and I hesitate to even guess! It appears to be a copy stand photo of a much older print or negative judging by the ragged edge.

The interior is reference 2701/2 dated 10/10/72 and is from the City Engineers Photographic Department collection (& Copyright them as well). In view is the stage tallescope (access tower) and if you look closely you can see the cable dropping down from the roof space to presumably power the two Strand Electric Profile Spots on the stand in the upper right hand Box (Box D). I don't think these lanterns were from the Theatre Stock, when I was a showman in 1975 the equipment was mostly vintage post-war stuff, although a computerised lighting desk had been fitted into the lower left Box (Box C) that Summer, with a curved window stage-side and a curved wooden partition auditorium side complete with Indian restaurant flock wallpaper and a shouting hatch.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/TRN001.jpg

(I have a poor quality photo of the Box post-lighting Desk conversion, when I find it again I'll put it up.)

I was left an archive by an old frield and I recently discovered the following two prints of the Royal in it. I have scanned them together, slightly cropping the sky in the top one.

The exterior is undated and I hesitate to even guess! It appears to be a copy stand photo of a much older print or negative judging by the ragged edge.


This photograph also appears in the Newcastle City Libraries Archive Collection dated circa 1890 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/newcastlelibraries/4081781140/

Type : Lantern Slide Description : A view of the exterior of the Theatre Royal at the junction of Grey Street and Market Street Newcastle upon Tyne taken c.1890. 'T.J. Pickett Spirit Merchant' is next to the Theatre Royal on Market Street.

.
Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 8 (w/c 2nd May 2011)


There is no 'Builders Diary' up yet (probably due to the Bank Holiday).

However, there are some new photos . . .


Week 8 - PHOTOS . . .

Painting the Gold Leaf . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/8-PaintingtheGoldLeaf.jpg


Gold leaf on the Ceiling . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/8-SomenewGoldLeafontheCeiling.jpg


Some MORE of the new Gold Leaf . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/8-SomemoreGoldLeaf.jpg


Original Wallpaper at entrance to Grand Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/8-OriginalWallpaperatentrancetoGrandCircle.jpg


New Ramp into Stalls Area . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/8-NewrampintoStallsArea.jpg


The Confectionary Stall temporarily Backstage . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/8-ConfectionaryStalltemporarilyBackstage.jpg


A lot of these doors are being replaced by ones of more 'original' design . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/8-Doorsmostlytobereplacedbyoriginaldesignones.jpg


Upper Circle skirting boards show how seat levels have been raised over the years. New seating will give back the original line of site to the stage . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/8-Uppercircleskirtingboardsshowhowseatlevelshaveraisedoveryearsnewlowerseatswillgiveorigviewofstage.jpg


Ceiling Frescos in entrance foyer. The 1986 restorations are being replaced by more authentic (original) designs . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/ceilingfrescosinentrancefoyer1986restorationsrepbymoreauthenticdesigns.jpg


A new 'Barrel Vaulted' ceiling above the stalls, when complete, will be visible from the street . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/BarrelVaultedceilingabovestallswillbevisiblefromthestreet.jpg


The original ceiling in the Grand Circle has been revealed . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/originalceilingingrandcirclerevealed.jpg


Newly discovered original plasterwork is being copied to replace pieces of modified designs currently in some locations . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/newlydiscorigplasterworkbeingcopiedtoreplacepiecesmodifiedelsewhere.jpg




Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

4 - BBC Newcastle: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-13295323 (This week only!)

.

I found another Auditorium shot but I don't know when it was taken, It is from the book Frank Matcham & Co (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Frank-Matcham-Co-David-Wilmore/dp/0953412717) and I will query it with the Editor. The proscenium speakers wouldn't have been there in 1901!

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/TRNFMA.jpg

No sign of any concealed lighting in the "eggs" (which look gold!) and if there was any, I would have expected it to be behind the fretwork recesses.

I'll keep digging.

I see the Developer has submitted photographs of the Theatre Royals auditorium in accordance with 2010/0981/08/LBC :

Submission of details of a completed programme of photographic building recording of the auditorium to comply with condition 15 of permission 2010/0981/01/LBC dated 05.10.10: Internal alterations to include re-configuration of lobby kiosks, access ramp to stalls, insertion of additional seating, 4 boxes, sound and lighting booths to grand circle, new acoustic lobbies from bar to auditorium at upper circle, new lighting platform at amphitheatre level, new lighting gallery and insertion of raised floor and seating at gallery level plus installation of lighting rails to balcony fronts and boxes, refurbishment of wc's and installation of replacement seating to all levels, plus additional restoration works | Theatre Royal 100 Grey Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6BR

http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LJA727BS09700

Direct link to the PDF with the photographs @ http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/files/0B18500CA06455C0F879F8E20F96D90B/pdf/document-250137.pdf

.
Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 9 (w/c 9th May 2011)


1 - Very exciting discovery this week – stripping out the ceiling in the Grand Circle revealed the original Matcham ceiling, and a fantastic piece of rosette light plasterwork. By amazing coincidence this is the ‘missing piece’ to complete the auditorium plasterwork pattern – we can now replicate it across all levels of the auditorium.

2 - Work to form the Boxes has begun this week and as well as the four towards the stage, there are going to be three new Boxes in the Grand Circle, two seating five people and one seating four. We have adapted previously unused space to make these, and they are going to be premium seating areas – great for treating your family and friends!

3 - Repairs are being made to the concrete stairs in the amphitheatre now – this is going to be such a great area to sit – much less steep and much more comfortable – nearer to, and with a premium view of the stage! The 1970s skirting board is about two foot above the original stairway, which shows how the floor level was unnecessarily raised in previous years!

4 - In the Gallery a new lighting access bridge and hoists have gone up. The top lighting from here is key for the stage.

5 - The gold leaf work has now begun in the gallery ceiling, and it’s no exaggeration to say it’s simply heavenly. The craftsmen first have to apply a burgundy base layer, which forms the base for the gold leaf to be applied by hand. Matcham originally used gold leaf in the Theatre, as it has an inimitable luster and shine that makes walls and decorations seem to ‘glow’. Over the years though, it’s been painted over and once that happens, it has to be completely redone.


Week 9 - PHOTOS . . .


Most of the photos this week are of the new Gold Leaf . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/ApplyingtheGoldLeaf.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/CeilingDetail.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/GalleryDetail.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/MoreGalleryDetail.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/GalleryLevel.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Gallery.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/GalleryScaffolding.jpg


Lighting holes in the 'Eggs' . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/HolesintheEggs.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

NH, you might be interested in this 'behind the scenes tour' of the building works going on at the Theatre Royal...

Theatre Royal 175th Anniversary Restoration Hard Hat Tour

Date
10 June 2011
Time
3-4pm
Venue
Theatre Royal
100 Grey Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6BR


Read more:-

Theatre Royal 175th Anniversary Restoration Hard Hat Tour (http://www.northernarchitecture.com/northern-architecture/what-39-s-happening/2011/06/10/120-theatre-royal-175th-anniversary-restoration-hard-hat-tour.html)


Full events guide listed here:-

http://www.northernarchitecture.com/northern-architecture/what-39-s-happening.html

NH, you might be interested in this 'behind the scenes tour' of the building works going on at the Theatre Royal...

Theatre Royal 175th Anniversary Restoration Hard Hat Tour

Date
10 June 2011
Time
3-4pm
Venue
Theatre Royal
100 Grey Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6BR


Read more:-

Theatre Royal 175th Anniversary Restoration Hard Hat Tour (http://www.northernarchitecture.com/northern-architecture/what-39-s-happening/2011/06/10/120-theatre-royal-175th-anniversary-restoration-hard-hat-tour.html)

Full events guide listed here:-

http://www.northernarchitecture.com/northern-architecture/what-39-s-happening.html


Thanks very much for that information inmh88, I think that I (and a fair few others) WILL be interested in that!

.

Thanks very much for that information inmh88, I think that I (and a fair few others) WILL be interested in that!

.

I'm patient enough (and far away enough) to wait until it is finished. I'm hoping for a sneak peek into Leeds City Varieties though in the meantime.:)

http://twitpic.com/photos/CityVarieties

The payback on photovoltaics is excellent now, so not only will this be good for the environment, it'll save the council a lot of money in the long run.


Even being fitted to the roof of the Theatre Royal :)

Really? Not a bad idea really, as long as they can't be seen from street level (which I doubt they could).

Really? Not a bad idea really, as long as they can't be seen from street level (which I doubt they could).

Check out the Planning Application @ http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=LH6EYXBSAP000

2011/0322/01/LBC | Listed Building Application: Installation of photovoltaic panels on roof | Theatre Royal 100 Grey Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6BR

The English Heritage leaflet is an eye opener- photovoltaics concealed in the tower of a Castle!

Having them on the roof of the Royal doesn't bother me in the slightest, there is already a load of chiller junk up there, out of sight, out of mind.

Google Satellite (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=theatre+royal+newcastle&aq=&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=14.149238,40.473633&ie=UTF8&hq=theatre+royal+newcastle&hnear=&ll=54.972752,-1.611852&spn=0.000419,0.001235&t=h&z=20)

A lot of the photos (in fact ALL of them, I think) that we use in the 'Weekly Diary' on this thread, are taken by the photographer Rory Gibson.

Earlier in the thread I posted the e-mail exchange I had with him, where he gave me permission to use his photos on here.

The other day I got another e-mail from him, which contains information of interest.

Rory is asking if we would be interested in seeing a published photo-book about the renovations?



.
-------Original Message-------

From: Rory Gibson
Date: 12/05/11 08:57:52
To: @btopenworld.com

Hello,

I hope you are enjoying the progress at the Theatre and that you're getting enough visibility of it through the photo's I am posting. I can certainly tell how the level of interest increases when I have posted new pictures because the stats on Flickr show big swings.

It would be good to hear any comments you or other members have on the pictures; at the end of the day I am an amateur, albeit it keen to develop further, so getting feedback is really useful.

The progress at the Theatre is going along very well. Photos I have posted lately have mainly been of the Gold Leafing, because this has been the major activity.

In addition, the architects and designers are still deciding on the best way to progress one or two ideas. However, we are now seeing the formwork for the seats beginning to take shape and marble cleaning as well as decorating is taking place in non auditorium areas too.

Anyway, I have been reducing the number of pictures on my Flickr blog lately, with over 300 pictures it was getting quite cumbersome, and I noticed from your SkyscraperCity site that this may have caused one or two 'blanks' to appear if you are taking a direct feed from Flickr. My apologies for this, I am not sure if there is a way around it?

It is my intention to produce a pictoral record of the works once complete, probably in the shape of a photo book, so that lovers of the Theatre and indeed of the simple architecture, can have something to browse and keep.
Do you think this would be of interest?

Look forward to your thoughts.

Rory Gibson



Regarding Rory's point about 'possible blanks' amongst the photos on this thread, there were a couple but I have been able to rectify them by use of the 'archive' copy kept of this thread.

Mainly, there were not many though, as I have found that the safest way of posting photos (etc) onto Skyscraper City threads from "3rd parties" (such as Rory's Flickr account) is to always post via my own upload account (while still giving 'credit and links' back to the original source) to safeguard against the problem of blanks appearing 'down the line'.

First time poster!
Can I ask a question of you guys regarding the Theatre Royal bar that was on the corner of Grey Street and Market Street. Why wasn't there any consideration to going back to the original designs for that.
Does anyone have photographs of the old theatre bar? The theatre needs a good old fashioned 'theatre crush bar' as they were known.
In the seventies!! there was a cellar bar called Poppits? which was like going into caves.

Yes it's a shame there's no 'crush bar' anymore...and the stalls bar was perfect for this. It became 'Hotspurs' in it's final guise, and like you said was a creat cellar bar, covered in old posters of productions appearing over the years at the theatre.

Before the last redevelopment of the cafe/new box office area, there was 'Cafe 100', which replaced the (very popular) 'Kinnears' - Mackintosh Art Deco style. I think this came out of the 80's restoration. This might be the bar you mean. There's definitely photos of it in the book celebrating the 80's refirb, and I think NH has previously posted some pics of this earlier in the thread?

Yes it's a shame there's no 'crush bar' anymore...and the stalls bar was perfect for this. It became 'Hotspurs' in it's final guise, and like you said was a creat cellar bar, covered in old posters of productions appearing over the years at the theatre.

Before the last redevelopment of the cafe/new box office area, there was 'Cafe 100', which replaced the (very popular) 'Kinnears' - Mackintosh Art Deco style. I think this came out of the 80's restoration. This might be the bar you mean. There's definitely photos of it in the book celebrating the 80's refirb, and I think NH has previously posted some pics of this earlier in the thread?

Source : Brian Bennison's "Heady Days - A History of Newcastle's Public Houses - Volume One - The Central Area"

Originally named the SEYMOUR'S ARMS was acquired by Howard& Wyndham's for £18,000 in 1948 and leased to James Deuchar. It was re-titled the ROYAL BAR and ROYAL BUFFET before becoming KINNEARS in 1988.

Yes it's a shame there's no 'crush bar' anymore...and the stalls bar was perfect for this. It became 'Hotspurs' in it's final guise, and like you said was a creat cellar bar, covered in old posters of productions appearing over the years at the theatre. Before the last redevelopment of the cafe/new box office area, there was 'Cafe 100', which replaced the (very popular) 'Kinnears' - Mackintosh Art Deco style. I think this came out of the 80's restoration. This might be the bar you mean. There's definitely photos of it in the book celebrating the 80's refirb, and I think NH has previously posted some pics of this earlier in the thread?


The photo of the SEYMOUR'S ARMS / ROYAL BAR / ROYAL BUFFET / CAFE 100 / KINNEARS premises (that I had indeed included earlier in this thread) was taken when it was The Royal Buffet, in the 1980s. Here it is again . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/RoyalBuffetTheatreRoyal1980s.jpg


I also have some photos of the interior of the Theatre Royal, taken in the 1980s, of the various bars and restaurants in the theatre at that time, that (sadly) do NOT include the Royal Buffet amongst their number!!

Perhaps, they are still worth a look at (to bring back a few memories?) though . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyalFacilities-1980s_0002.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyalFacilities-1980s_0003.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyalFacilities-1980s_0004.jpg

.

The photo of the SEYMOUR'S ARMS / ROYAL BAR / ROYAL BUFFET / CAFE 100 / KINNEARS premises (that I had indeed included earlier in this thread) was taken when it was The Royal Buffet, in the 1980s. Here it is again . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/RoyalBuffetTheatreRoyal1980s.jpg



Cannot say that I ever ventured into this particular Pub but found it amusing to note that it was at one stage named Seymour's Arms, the amusement being that Stan Seymour's Sports Shop stood in more or less an identical spot on the other end of the block (corner of Pilgrim St and Market St).

Also noticed that in Kelly's of 1883 the pub was then named 100 Grey St - ROYAL RESTAURANT.

The bit on the corner of Grey Street and Market Street became the grand staircase linking all foyer levels in the mid 1980s building works.

Before that, in the 1970s, there wasn't a way through to the Market Street properties at Stalls level, indeed the Stalls entrance itself at the far left of the foyer was rather crudely knocked through to a plain Fire Exit corridor from the lobby.

There were stairs from the back of the Dress Circle itself up into the first floor bar on Market Street, which I think may have been called the Royal Buffet. A large, ugly metal sliding fire door was at the top of these stairs and it was counterweighted to slide shut if required. I also recall a large pleasant room to the left of the top of the stairs on the corner at first floor level off the Buffet, I don't entirely recall how it oriented to the photo above.

Regarding the cellars, they were extensive but I didn't go in all of them, just the backstage ones. I recall drinking in the Vaults on Market Street (possibly called the Grapes at one point) and was delighted to recognise them again when being shown round the building site back in 2007. I was also surprised to discover a (then boarded up) door from the Front Stalls on the left going through to the general Vaults area.

The restaurant called Dante's (now called Godfather) also had extensive cellars that went back further than I expected, under a courtyard/light well shared with other properties at the eastern end of the block.

.
Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 10 (w/c 16th May 2011)


NB - An actual 'Builders Diary' was not published for Week 10 . . . but LOTS of new photos were made available . . .



Week 10 - PHOTOS (13 new ones) . . .

EXTERNAL works now well underway, the first SIX photos show the recent scaffolding placed around the Portico . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/10-11thMayScaffoldingasPorticoworkscommence4.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/10-11thMayScaffoldingasPorticoworkscommence5.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/10-11thMayScaffoldingasPorticoworkscommence6.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/10-11thMayScaffoldingasPorticoworkscommence1.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/10-11thMayScaffoldingasPorticoworkscommence3.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/10-11thMayScaffoldingasPorticoworkscommence2.jpg


The next SEVEN photos, show details of the work being done on the ROOF . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/10-workingonroof6.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/10-workingonroof5.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/10-Workingonroof3.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/10-workingonroof2.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/10-OntheROOF.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/10-OntheROOF2.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/10-Workonroof.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

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Theatre Royal revamp reaches halfway point
by Kim Carmichael, The Journal, May 21st 2011


A BEHIND-THE-CURTAIN peek has shown the moment a multi-million pound theatre restoration project was given the golden touch.

Artisan builders carefully applied delicate gold leaf to the decorative plasterwork on the Theatre Royal gallery ceiling as the venue’s £4.75m revamp reached its half-way point.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/8-PaintingtheGoldLeaf.jpg

Theatre architect Frank Matcham originally used gold leaf to produce an elaborate luminous effect, but it was painted over in the 1980s.

Exciting discoveries made during the project, which started in March, include a piece of original Matcham plaster work, which was revealed beneath the grand circle ceiling.

The discovery of the rosette formed the missing piece in the archaeological jigsaw needed to complete the Matcham scheme of plasterwork across the theatre.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/originalceilingingrandcirclerevealed.jpg

The restoration team was also pleased to discover wooden benches dating back to 1901 beneath the 1980s seat structure.

The benches are made of pitch pine from the forests of Bohemia, now known as the Czech Republic. The wood was shipped in on the Tyne to provide seating in an age when as many people as possible were packed in.

Although modern customers expect a little more luxury, the benches will be restored and used as footrests.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyaloriginalMatchambenchesinGallery.jpg

The Theatre Royal is one of only nine Grade 1 listed theatres in England.

Over 173 years, it has been renovated many times, and, following a major fire after a performance of Macbeth in 1899, the entire auditorium was re-designed by one of the world’s greatest theatre architects Frank Matcham.

New seating will be installed in the auditorium at all levels, as well as new lighting and ventilation and major renovations to fabrics, carpets and paintwork. Philip Bernay, Theatre Royal chief executive, said: “It will be gobsmackingly beautiful and very comfortable.

It will reopen with Alan Bennett’s The Madness of George III on September 12.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/05/21/theatre-royal-revamp-reaches-halfway-point-61634-28735261/#ixzz1MyazP05L

In the earlier part of this thread, we covered the previous two recent big renovations (1986/88 and 2006/07) and while doing research for those I came across a fair few old Theatre Royal Programmes, and the ones I have from the 1970s and early 1980s all had one thing in common.

No matter what the show, the outside cover of the programme always consisted of (what I consider to be) the most beautiful old painting of the theatre that I have seen.

Worth a look . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyalProgrammes-1970sand1980sSky-OLDRecordingsonPlanners19thMay20110031.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyalProgrammeCover-1970sand1980sIMG_0002.jpg


and here is one of the programmes fully opened out, showing the painting extends over both the front and back covers . . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyalProgrammeCover-1970sand1980sIMG_0001.jpg

I've just been reading through Marshal Halls new Tyne Bridge Publishing book "Newcastle Between The Wars - Byron Dawson's Tyneside" and there is a drawing of the Theatre Royal dating from 1935.

The author makes this observation:

"Many earlier views of the Theatre Royal had been taken from Grey Street looking up towards the building instead of from the corner of Grey Street and Market Street, so this illustration was celebrated as from 'a new viewpoint'.

No matter what the show, the outside cover of the programme always consisted of (what I consider to be) the most beautiful old painting of the theatre that I have seen.
The Panto programmes in the mid 70s didn't use the generic cover though, they had the name of the show on a mostly plain front.

I have a rather splendid large contemporary print of the Royal which I bought in 1983 from a small gallery down in what we now call Graingertown. (Possibly off Low Friar Street). The name of the artist looks something like "Alan Thurslay". Other than a traffic light on the Market Street corner, it could have been a street scene from the 19th Century...

(I now expect a post saying "is it this one?", you guys constantly surprise me!)

I have a rather splendid large contemporary print of the Royal which I bought in 1983 from a small gallery down in what we now call Graingertown. (Possibly off Low Friar Street).

The name of the artist looks something like "Alan Thurslay". Other than a traffic light on the Market Street corner, it could have been a street scene from the 19th Century...

I now expect a post saying "is it this one?", you guys constantly surprise me!
.



Ha ha . . ^^ :) ^^

Is it this one?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyal1983.jpg

Ha ha . . ^^ :) ^^

Is it this one?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyal1983.jpg

Yup!:):):)

A Planning Application has been withdrawn in respect of the Theatre Royal @ http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=LK1NLKBSAP000

2011/0613/01/LBC | Listed Building Application: Renovation of external stonework to the portico and façade facing Grey Street | Theatre Royal 100 Grey Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6BR

Withdrawn by the Architect - we wish to formally withdraw the Application on being advised that the works to which it refers are classified as repairs and therefore do not require approval

However its worth taking a look at the photographs of the damaged areas of the façade that are in need of repair - see http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/files/25FC3F1B11E10B2BD2611BD09F2DE8FE/pdf/document-253132.pdf

The progress diary has been updated today, with lots of detail. It's clearly a busy week for the progression of the project!

Interesting stuff:

http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress%20

Here is the front cover for the 1975-76 Panto. It starred Mike & Bernie Winters and "Old Mother Riley"* as the Dame.
http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/RobinsonCrusoe1975001.jpg
The back cover featured an advert for Mike & Bernie's forthcoming autobiography.

Bizarrely enough, even though I worked that show (as stage right electrician & then #2 Lime boy) I didn't get to see this programme until a couple of years ago.

*(Not the original one of course, he died in 1954)

.
Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 11 (there was no diary, though there were photos, for Week 10) - w/c 23rd May 2011


• The wallpaper samples are now here and the different types are being placed around the Grand Circle Bar / conservatory walls to test how they look in different lights and with different finishes. One of the wallpapers has plum tones, one is cream and heavily embossed. They are very beautiful, and based on Matcham’s original designs. The embossed one is made of Linseed, so is actually edible!

• In the Basement, work on the ladies toilets is being completed and the tiling is going in. They are going to offer great extra facilities for those folks in the Stalls!

• In the Stalls, the barrel-vaulted ceiling is being prepared for the base layer of plastering and then the ornate plasterwork. This is a major area for services (wires, cables, etc) and so there is a huge amount of re-wiring to be done. Originally, this ‘barrel’ dome was the ceiling for the area where the smokers would stand - intersected by grills which would allow the smoke fumes to drift upwards and out. We are re-introducing the design but without the facility for smokers – the Theatre Royal is a smoke-free zone!

• In the front of the auditorium, the area is being prepared for the orchestra pit lifts which are being constructed off-site. The lifts will allow the floor level to change according to the requirements of the production – either to extend the stage out or be flexible to the size of the orchestra itself.

• In the Grand Circle, the strip out is now complete and the area is being prepared for decoration and the new seat fit. The structural foundations for the four new boxes are being laid out, and the audio-describers’ box too. Because these will feature new kidney-shaped ceilings, there’s a lot of re-routing of cables to be done here too.

• The Grand Circle Foyer area and Ira Aldridge Room are getting their gold leaf decoration now, and ceilings and window frames are being painted.

• In the Upper Circle Foyer, some decoration has begun, with the base lining paper down on the walls. The Gallery foyer has also been completely stripped out now and decoration will begin shortly to make way for the permanent V&A exhibition! The people from the V&A museum are actually due on site this week to take measurements for this. It will be a fantastic exhibit depicting the history of the Theatre Royal.

• Across the three seating galleries, and in the Gallery Amphitheatre too the construction of the new timber tiering has begun. This is a critical stage that requires absolute precision. Matcham tiers are very difficult to work with, and our engineers must get the perfect balance to meet the needs of an accurate restoration against contemporary regulations and the demands of a modern audience!

• The old near-stage boxes are being stripped out ready for re-shaping and the accommodation of the new lighting services.

• On the top level of the Theatre, the decoration of the Gallery ceiling is now nearly complete, and only needs the installation of the LED lighting to finish it off. Once in, the top layer of the Birdcage scaffolding can go down a level allowing for work to begin on the decoration of the Upper Circle balcony.

• On the roof, all equipment is now in, including the air-conditioning chillers. These top-of–the-range systems will actually reverse the air flow and significantly improve the circulation of air around the building, making it more comfortable for audiences. The roof has also been re-insulated and water-proofed.

• Stone masons are busy off-site cutting stone to repair the colonnades on the front of the Theatre. The scaffolding is now fully up so work can begin proper at the end of next week. Previous refurbs of the Theatre have actually been counter-productive, and plastic padding used to fill cracks has actually caused faster erosion of the areas around cracks. This new repair job will be much more authentic and sound, using real stone.


Week 11 - PHOTOS . . . NB - The above 'long diary' is not yet reflected in any new photos (as at Tuesday 24th May) on Rory Gibsons Photostream (they will probably appear later in the week) so these first ones are from The Newcastle Journal . . .


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/JournalPhotos-21stMay20111.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/JournalPhotos-21stMay20112.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/JournalPhotos-21stMay20113.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/JournalPhotos-21stMay20114.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/JournalPhotos-21stMay20115.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/JournalPhotos-21stMay20116.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

4 - The Newcastle Journal: http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/05/21/theatre-royal-revamp-reaches-halfway-point-61634-28735261/#ixzz1MyazP05L (This week only)

.

Regarding the diary, it is interesting that the orchestra pit lifts are getting replaced, but there again, they are getting on for 40 years old. they were installed circa 1973 or '74 and from memory, there were three separate lifts. When all of them were down the pit was enormous (to satisfy the requirements of presumably Scottish Opera & Royal Ballet) but it came back to practically the balcony line and decimated the capacity of the Stalls. (Not that subsidised theatre cared too much!)

I suspect they may have been hydraulic originally because some of these designs could only stop at pre-determined heights. (Screw jack designs could stop at any height desired, the Odeon had one of those, but a hydraulic lift for the Organ).

I can recall the staff bemoaning the lack of flexibility on the first lift (the one nearest the stage)- for most shows that had musicians they had to put lots of rostra in the pit to get the levels right.

I don't recall if the first lift could also form a stage extension as well, I never saw it like that. (It would have been necessary to board over the stage edge which is classic picture frame).

There was an article in the Chronicle about the installation featuring one of the stage crew in the motor room. I can't remember who it was but recall that the mechanism had a caged lamp on the top of it as you often saw in passenger lift hoist rooms.

Someone I know working on the project as a historical advisor has confirmed that the paint scrapings show the ceiling "eggs" were cream in 1901.

Remains of the lamp-holders are still in-situ above the ceiling and they fell out of use because of the difficulty relamping them.

(This was a big problem in some 1930s cinemas with cove lighting, often there was very little provision to re-lamp the coves other the once a decade scaffold-out for re-decoration).

I gather that the new light sources will be LED based so they will need minimal maintenance. Hopefully they will be a suitably warm colour temperature.

Someone I know working on the project as a historical advisor has confirmed that the paint scrapings show the ceiling "eggs" were cream in 1901.


It has been interesting following the "egg story", but it now seems we know the original colour.

But, they must have been changed to gold for a while, leading up to the 1986-1988 renovations?

It has been interesting following the "egg story", but it now seems we know the original colour.

But, they must have been changed to gold for a while, leading up to the 1986-1988 renovations?

Yes, he thinks this probably happened when the lights were removed and the eggs were re-plastered, as in the Howard and Wyndham photo. He didn't give a specific date as it doesn't appear to be documented but said of the ceiling lighting "but fell into disuse quickly" which I would take to mean within a few years of the 1901 rebuild.

Snooping round the planning apps, it would seem Gusto will be calling the current 'Cafe 2 Go' 'PORTICO', and the current cafe area will now be a restaurant 'PASQUALINOS'. Gusto (when in business!!) usually give their operations some style and flare, and I've high hopes for this! The catering offer which came out of the last re-shuffle still wasn't up to scratch, so we'll see how this goes!

.
The Theatre Royal Website has just (dated 27th May 2011) uploaded a large batch of additional HISTORICAL PHOTOS.

Here are some of them, and I have added the titles given to each photo on the Theatre Royal Website.

The titles given, do not include the DATE that the photo was actually taken . . .


Gallery Bar . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/GalleryBar.jpg


Auditorium Ceiling and Tiers . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/AuditoriumCeilingandTiers.jpg


Auditorium . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Auditorium.jpg


Matcham Sectional View . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/MatchamSectionView.jpg


1930s Programme Cover . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/1930sProgrammeCover.jpg


Main Foyer . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/MainFoyer.jpg


Matcham Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/MatchamStallsLobby.jpg


Beckwin Seat . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/BeckwinSeat.jpg


The November 1899 Fire . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheNovember1899Fire.jpg



Source - http://www.flickr.com/photos/theatreroyalnewcastle/

.

The one labelled "Matcham Stalls" made me scratch my head until I placed it: it is the Dress Circle Lobby.

The posh people came in the grand entrance, up the stairs then either side of the Dress Circle and down again to the Stalls.

The Hoi Polloi went in the side entrance to the upper circle.

The great unwashed went in other entrances to the Gallery, or the Pit, i.e. back stalls. The seating in both areas would have been benches. "Early Doors" where you paid slightly extra got you better seats.

It looks from the Matcham Section that the front Gallery was separate, presumably this was the Ampitheatre which wrapped round to the gallery slips.

Looking at the Matcham section drawing again, The haystack lantern on the roof of the gallery explains the dark rectangle in the ceiling of the H&W photo. Presumably it could let in daylight during the daytime in the early years.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/101_7144.jpg

I wonder when the Pit became Pit Stalls? No indication of a barrier in the section.

.
Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 12: W/C 30th May 2011


• In the Grand Circle, the strip out is now complete and the area is being prepared for decoration and the new seat fit. The structural foundations for the four new boxes are being laid out, and the audio-describers’ box too. Because these will feature new kidney-shaped ceilings, there’s a lot of re-routing of cables to be done here too.

• In the Upper Circle Foyer, some decoration has begun, with the base lining paper down on the walls. The Gallery foyer has also been completely stripped out now and decoration will begin shortly to make way for the permanent V&A exhibition! The people from the V&A museum are actually due on site this week to take measurements for this. It will be a fantastic exhibit depicting the history of the Theatre Royal.

• Across the three seating galleries, and in the Gallery Amphitheatre too the construction of the new timber tiering has begun. This is a critical stage that requires absolute precision. Matcham tiers are very difficult to work with, and our engineers must get the perfect balance to meet the needs of an accurate restoration against contemporary regulations and the demands of a modern audience!

• On the roof, all equipment is now in, including the air-conditioning chillers. These top-of–the-range systems will actually reverse the air flow and significantly improve the circulation of air around the building, making it more comfortable for audiences. The roof has also been re-insulated and water-proofed.

• Stone masons are busy off-site cutting stone to repair the colonnades on the front of the Theatre. The scaffolding is now fully up so work can begin proper at the end of next week. Previous refurbs of the Theatre have actually been counter-productive, and plastic padding used to fill cracks has actually caused faster erosion of the areas around cracks. This new repair job will be much more authentic and sound, using real stone.



Week 12 PHOTOS . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/web20june201.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/web20june209.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/web20june2017.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/web20june2016.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/web20june2014.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/web20june2010.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/web20june2019.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/web20june2012.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/web20june206.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/web20june202.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/web20june208.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/web20june2018.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

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.
This is a newly released VIDEO of the current state of the works around the theatre, as at the end of May 2011 . . .


rLW4m9xNYSs&feature


This Video is courtesy of the 'Theatre Royal on Facebook' Website - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

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Hi

I've been on holiday the last 2 weeks but have uploaded some new photographs to my Flickr page today. If all goes well, the internal scaffold structure should start to come down the weekend after next so we should then be able to see the ceiling in all its glory. Elsewhere, the benching for the seats is coming along, the front of house areas are being redecorated gradually, remedial plasterwork continues apace. M&E work is frantic at the moment with cabling, ducting, containment and tubing works being carried out at various stations throughout the theatre. Hope you enjoy the new pictures.

Rory Gibson

Welcome to the Forum Rory!

Hope you enjoy this thread, and some of the other threads too.

I'm just in the process of adding nine of your new photos, to the Builders Diary Week 13, to make up this weeks update on here!

.
Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 13: W/C 6th June 2011

Only 9 weeks to go!


•All the decoration of the Auditorium ceiling is now complete and next week the top layer of scaffolding can come down. The final touch will be the installation of 72 brass Matcham-style egg-shaped lights in the ceiling, amidst the plasterwork, which will give an ornate fairground effect.

•Painting and decorating is now being completed on all balconies, and new discreet colour-match lighting rigs are being put in place. The old ones, which were very incongruous, have all come out.

•The seat tiering is very advanced now in the Amphithheatre and Upper Circle and work has begun on the access stairs between the aisles.

•In the stalls, work continues apace on the complicated cabling and wiring, and also on the ramp. The preparation for the highly decorated vaulted plasterwork ceiling has begun.

•In the foyers, decoration has now commenced at all levels.

•In the Grand Circle Bar the Matcham-style light fittings are being installed.

•Outside on the portico, full repairs on the stonework are underway. The new stone is being chopped in at high level to replace the disintegrated work.

•On the roof, the photovoltaic framework is now in and the ductwork is being connected to the services.


Week 13 PHOTOS . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5814443421_dcc71c5253_o-1.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5815010584_73fcbd123f_o.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5815013804_56246fcb8d_o-1.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5815009198_cbf8d6d818_o.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5815002330_44ea25fb91_o.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5815000222_cbf42eb4bd_o.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5814997498_4516fd48f7_o.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5815015716_bccf63038d_o-1.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5814459805_63a358681a_o-1.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

.
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/5814443421_dcc71c5253_o-1.jpg
.

The very clean looking gold leaf on the proscenium picture frame is making the marble look rather dull in comparison. I guess there is something special used to polish it.

*Edit* of course, the colour temperature of the workers floodlights might not be flattering to the browns and pinks in the veining.

Just saw this on the Theatres Trust (http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/news/show/2936-edwardian-sunburner-to-reappear-at-newcastle-theatre-royal) website:

Edwardian sunburner to reappear at Newcastle Theatre Royal
10th June 2011

An Edwardian gem unearthed on North Tyneside is to form part of the restoration of a Newcastle theatre. The Theatre Royal’s restoration team has been looking for historic pieces as part of its £4.75m transformation. The ornate Edwardian gas burner was discovered at Wallsend’s demolished Borough Theatre in May 2010 but until now, the team was unaware of its potential.

Although, on investigation, the gas burner turned out to be a sunburner (an attractive gas-lit ventilation device used inside theatres in the early 20th Century).

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/_53331816_wallsendsunburner.jpg

It was too wide to fit the decorative plaster hole in the ceiling of the auditorium but has provided a template for the conservation team to replicate. The sunburner is now with artisan craftsmen in London where small scale mouldings are being made.

When ready, the replica will be installed within the original casing in the centre of the theatre’s auditorium ceiling.

Theatre Royal chief executive Philip Bernays, said: “We never expected for something to turn up on our doorstep, but when we heard about the demolition of the Borough Theatre in Wallsend, we had an inkling something of value might be found.

“It’s become one of the most vital clues in our ‘archaeological reconstruction’ of the original Theatre Royal. We are very pleased that the Borough Theatre burner will be leaving its legacy in our beautiful theatre.”

The theatre is being restored back to Frank Matcham’s classic 1901 Edwardian design.

Theatre staff said they do not know what happened to their original sunburner, however, like a lot of the original Edwardian features it is likely it was removed in one of the many 20th Century refurbishments.

The £4.75m restoration has now reached the half-way point and is so far running on schedule for the reopening on 12 September 2011.
Source: BBC News Theatre Royal Newcastle


There are shots of the Borough Theatre Sunburner on 28DL (http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=34514), the Urbex website.

BBC Article - the BBC link shows a picture (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-13713974).

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The photo of the SEYMOUR'S ARMS / ROYAL BAR / ROYAL BUFFET / CAFE 100 / KINNEARS premises (that I had indeed included earlier in this thread) was taken when it was The Royal Buffet, in the 1980s. Here it is again . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/RoyalBuffetTheatreRoyal1980s.jpg


Cannot say that I ever ventured into this particular Pub but found it amusing to note that it was at one stage named Seymour's Arms, the amusement being that Stan Seymour's Sports Shop stood in more or less an identical spot on the other end of the block (corner of Pilgrim St and Market St).

Also noticed that in Kelly's of 1883 the pub was then named 100 Grey St - ROYAL RESTAURANT.


Quite a good photo of the Royal Buffet, from outside.

The sign with the red background seems very familiar to me, that's how I remember that corner being . .


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/RoyalBuffet.jpg

.

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Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 14: w/c 13th June 2011 - Only 8 weeks to go!


THERE WAS NO 'BUILDERS DIARY' PRODUCED FOR WEEK 14



Week 14 PHOTOS . . .

Lots of new photos this week, though!

New ceiling features . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/NewCeilingFeatures150611.jpg


New light fittings - photo 1 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/newlightfittings150611.jpg


New light fittings - photo 2 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/newlightfittings2-150611.jpg


New light fittings - photo 3 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/newlightfittings3-150611.jpg


New light fittings - photo 4 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/newlightfittings4-150611.jpg


Grand Circle - Matcham wallpaper in bar area . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/grandcirclematchamwallpaperinbararea-150611.jpg


Vestibule . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/Vestibule-150611.jpg


Stalls Barrel Ceiling - Panels before fitting . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/stallsbarrelceiling2-Panels-150611.jpg


Stalls Barrel Ceiling - some panels fitted . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/stallsbarrelceiling1-150611.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/320june2012.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/320june205.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/320june204.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/320june202.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/320june208.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/320june207.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/320june206.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/320june2017.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/320june2016.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/320june2014.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/320june209.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/320june2018.jpg


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/320june2015.jpg


The New (June 2011) External Sign . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/NewExternalSign-150611-1.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/254125_10150215837130843_17950275842_7788901_1665370_n.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

Those new light fittings on the ceiling are superb, they have considerably exceeded my expectations and they strike me as something that Frank Matcham would heartily approve of.

Having the eggs as cream is now entirely appropriate and I am looking forward to visiting the building later in the year once the birdcage has gone.

Those new light fittings on the ceiling are superb, they have considerably exceeded my expectations and they strike me as something that Frank Matcham would heartily approve of.



Agree entirely.

Here is another one of Rory's photos of the new lights, that I (for some reason) didn't include in my earlier post . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/LightFittings-anotherphotoWk14.jpg

.

Hi

The new light fittings are really quite something. LED bulbs, the light intensity is really amazing and the colour can be changed. The effect is going to be fantastic especially when coupled with the sun burner. The project is halfway through and heading quickly to a satisfactory conclusion.

Rory

Any colour other than warm white is going to look somewhat out of place though in the Victorian Theatre Royal, unless used sparingly for a particular effect.

The Paramount, however, had a four colour arrangement in the auditorium decorative lighting and that was entirely appropriate for the period.

The builders diary weeks 14 & 15 (http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress) are now up.

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Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 15: w/c 20th June. This weeks diary only covers up until Friday 24th June, but additionally includes work done during "Week 14" (last week) for which no Builders Diary was published.


•The scaffold has now been taken down completely from the Gallery and Amphitheatre and is now standing only as far as Upper Circle level. All work has been completed on the auditorium ceiling, the small ‘fairground lights’ are all in and wired up and the new mosaic artwork panels too, which look really beautiful. Only the chandeliers to go in now!

•In the Gallery and Amphitheatre, work is advancing very well. Decoration is nearly complete and the lighting steel work is in. The side walls have been painted and the wiring for the houselights is all complete. The first of the side access areas is now in on Auditorium Right, providing a stairway that goes down into the Amphitheatre and up into the Gallery. This was a very tricky architectural and construction feat!

•In the Gallery Bar work is now all finished and is ready for the V&A exhibition to go in!

•In the Upper Circle, the balcony fronts are all complete now and the new lighting bars have been fitted. The seat tiering and stud-work is being completed and decoration continues in the Foyer space.

•In the Grand Circle, the creation of the new Boxes is in full swing and these are already starting to take shape - the structure is all studded out and encased in plasterboard. The balcony fronts here are progressing well and are going through the three-stage process of wiring, lighting bars and decoration.

•In the Grand Circle Foyer, all the ductwork is being brought in from above, the Back Bar is being re-fitted and the reshaping of the Bar area is about to begin.

•Decoration on the Matcham Stairway and in the Ira Aldridge room is progressing apace.

•The carpets will be arriving in stages – this week!

•In the Stalls, it’s all about the fibrous plasterwork ceiling right now! The service wiring is being fed through and the detail has been agreed for the chandelier bosses, which will go in soon. Other than this, it’s wiring, wiring wiring right now!

•In the Main Entrance Foyer, the ceilings are being made ready for the newly restored murals to go in.

•The toilets are being tiled at all levels now.



Week 15 PHOTOS . . .

Mural Artwork on Auditorium Main Ceiling - Photo 1 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/17June-Week15CeilingDetail3.jpg


Mural Artwork on Auditorium Main Ceiling - Photo 2 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/17June-Week15CeilingDetail.jpg


Mural Artwork on Auditorium Main Ceiling - Photo 3 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/17June-Wk15.jpg


In the Orchestra Pit . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/17JuneWk15-InOrchestraPit.jpg


Vestibule . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/15-Vestibule.jpg


Lighting Box . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/15-LightingBox.jpg


Upper Circle Bar . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/15-UpperCircleBar.jpg


Gallery Bar . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/15-GalleryBar.jpg


Progress on Gallery Seating . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/15-ProgressonGallerySeating.jpg


Painting Continues . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/15-Paintingcontinues.jpg


Scaffolding Coming Down - Photo 1 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/15-Scaffoldingcomingdown-1.jpg


Scaffolding Coming Down - Photo 2 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/15-Scaffoldingcomingdown-3.jpg

Scaffolding Coming Down - Photo 3 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/15-Scaffoldingcomingdown-2.jpg


After the Scaffolding down from ceiling . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/15-Afterscaffoldingdown.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/17JuneWk15-InOrchestraPit.jpg

This image confirms what I thought that there were three orchestra pit lifts fitted in the early '70s, or possibly two lifts and provision for a third.

What we are looking at here is the under-pit space with the stage to the right. On the left half, two Pit lifts can be seen, with the motors dismantled and the drive shafts lashed up out of the way. (there is a spoil heap of loose motors & pulleys along the bottom at the extreme right). The shafts lead to rack and pinion gearboxes and these drive the screw jacks to raise and lower the platform. The platforms have wooden boarded skirts to block the opening if the platforms are at different heights and it looks like the stage-facing skirt on the centre lift has been removed, presumably as part of the works. The lift furthest to the left appears to be set lower than the top dead for some reason. (Most of the time, these two lifts are full up with seats on top of them.)

The empty space is enigmatic. It looks to me almost as if there has never been a lift here as there are no obvious marks on the walls or floor, however it may well have just been very cleanly removed in preparation for the new stuff.

The discarded paint tin-like tube in front of the A frame ladder is presumably a sleeved bore hole for a lift screw to go down into but the other two lifts will have four bore holes each to make the platforms more rigid. It looks like there is a slot in the wall (behind the left upright of the yellow ladder) for a bracing guide which doesn't have a steel "U" section sleeve in it any more (if it ever did).

The black tide mark on the wall shows the lower dead for all three platforms which isn't really that deep from auditorium floor level (perhaps about 4' lower) but the Band rail gives the musicians a suitable working height so that they are out of sight.

Somewhere on the right will be the doorway for the musicians to access the sub-stage area. Steppings down from the stage level box can also be seen, although they wouldn't be used outside of rehearsals.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/1980sRestorationPart1_0008.jpg

This previous scan put up by NH previously explains a bit more with the auditorium section- it looks like there is a removable floor section furthest from the stage, the two pit lifts and then a fixed permanent Pit platform nearest the stage which extends understage somewhat, mirroring what we see in the photo (with the platform dismantled).

I postulate that there was no third lift ever fitted, hence the grumbles of the crew. (I'll check with contacts about this).

I like to think that this is entertainment technology archaeology at its finest, although many of you will think that I'm a bit of an Anorak!:nuts:

Just as a little aside for you Delicolor...seeing your interest in technical theatre, you might be interested to have a poke round my venue's website. There's a little virtual tour on there with info about our pit lifts! www.curveonline.co.uk

Anyway...DM me if you want more info, so that we can keep this page for NTR and its restoration :)

.

Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 16: w/c 27th June.


There was no actual "Week 16 Builders Diary" - but there were some great new Week 16 photos . . .



Week 16 PHOTOS . . .

New Balcony Uplight . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/16-NewBalconyUplight.jpg


New entrance to Grand Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/16-NewentrancetoGrandCircle.jpg


Stalls 'Barrel Ceiling' progress . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/16-StallsbarrelCeilingprogress.jpg


Gallery Detail . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/16-GalleryDetail2.jpg


Gallery Detail 2 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/16-GalleryDetail.jpg


Gallery Detail 3 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/16-GalleryDetail3.jpg


Top of Scaffold, as at 24th June . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/16-TopofScaffold.jpg


Gallery Seating now forming . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/16-GallerySeating.jpg


Lighting Bridge . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/16-LightingBridge.jpg


View on 24th June, from Rear of Gallery . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/16-FromrearofGallery.jpg



On 28th June, as notified by delicolor in 'Post 120', Rory uploaded some more great photos. I have added a SELECTION of them below, and because they show views taken after a lot of the scaffolding has been taken down the individual photos do not require individual descriptions, they are self explanatory . . .


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/2806-ExtraWeek16Photos7.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/2806-ExtraWeek16Photos3.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/2806-ExtraWeek16Photos2.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/2806-ExtraWeek16Photos6.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/2806-ExtraWeek16Photos5.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/2806-ExtraWeek16Photos4.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/2806-ExtraWeek16Photos1.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/2806-ExtraWeek16Photos9.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/2806-ExtraWeek16Photos8.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/2806-ExtraWeek16Photos10.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/2806-ExtraWeek16Photos12.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/2806-ExtraWeek16Photos11.jpg




Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

Does anybody know if there's going to be an installation (or an improvement to exisiting...) outdoor lighting? ie, lighting the front/sides of the theatre in a modern, nice-to-look-at way?

Those pictures are amazing. For some reason I thought all the work being carried out was structural so I didn't bother to look in here until now. I'm glad I did, because the work being done is something to behold. If we can still do work like this now for renovations then why can't it be incorporated into new buildings?

Does anybody know if there's going to be an installation (or an improvement to exisiting...) outdoor lighting? ie, lighting the front/sides of the theatre in a modern, nice-to-look-at way?

Yep, part of restoring the facades includes a new lighting scheme to show it off (I'm assuming LED, efficient etc in-line with the rest of the project).

To be fair, I think the lighting of the facade has been quite good for a while - they did a few bits after Grainger Town - ie mounting spotlights on the Costa building opposite, and the pillars, royal crest etc look great. Can only look better with the new bits though!

I remember one night a few years ago, when I used to work there, when Crown paints took over various landmarks round the country, and 'painted' them with coloured light as part of a campaign. They filled the square outside with various intelligent lighting and projected colours and patterns up onto the portico and windows. There's a few pics of this knocking round the NTR website...looked stunning in blues, purples and a rainbow of colours.

The bracket with the LED lamps isn't going to look right as the source will be too diffuse. The advice was always to use unfrosted lamps in decorative fittings to make the cut glass shades sparkle.

(First photo, week 16 above)

Funnily enough since we spoke the other day about the external lighting....planning now lodged (including 3D models!) of the new exterior lighting plans. Some nice touches, including uplighters sunk into the pavement to light the lower stonework.
Some (imo) less-tasteful choices....such as moving the gorgeous wrought iron lanterns that are on each pillar above the footpath under the portico...and moving them out onto the front over Grey St. I really don't like the idea - as it's currently so striking, with clean uninterrupted lines from pavement to the top of the corinthians.

http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LLW619BSAP000

Funnily enough since we spoke the other day about the external lighting....planning now lodged (including 3D models!) of the new exterior lighting plans. Some nice touches, including uplighters sunk into the pavement to light the lower stonework.
Some (imo) less-tasteful choices....such as moving the gorgeous wrought iron lanterns that are on each pillar above the footpath under the portico...and moving them out onto the front over Grey St. I really don't like the idea - as it's currently so striking, with clean uninterrupted lines from pavement to the top of the corinthians.

http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LLW619BSAP000

Thanks for those links.

The design statement says the following:

...and the proposal to remove, restore and then replace the wrought iron lanterns fixed to the Portico columns to their rightful and original position on the outside of the Portico where they can achieve their intended dramatic effect. Presumably the lanterns had been moved to an internal position when Grey Street was a busy, heavily trafficked highway and they had become susceptible to casual damage from passing vehicles. With the reshaping of Grey Street and the creation of a pedestrian plaza in front of the imposing Portico of the Theatre Royal, now is a good time to return these elaborate lanterns to their rightful position.

If that is where they started then fair enough. The heritage statement also says old photos show them external to the pillars. They aren't in the 1890 photo but Matcham may have had them moved. (They are external on the programme cover painting but the shades look more teardrop than tubular).

The lighting bridge in the gallery looks very intrusive, they took out the 70s one for that very reason. I haven't quite worked out if the lighting bars are fixed and the access gantry moves, the detailing must be in the earlier plans.

I still have knee knocking memories of working on the Lyceum Sheffield gallery lighting bar accessed via a special ladder (complete with top hook clamps) a long time back, it felt a very vulnerable position, even though it wasn't.:dizzy:

The bracket with the LED lamps isn't going to look right as the source will be too diffuse. The advice was always to use unfrosted lamps in decorative fittings to make the cut glass shades sparkle.

(First photo, week 16 above)

I've changed my mind- the shades look very translucent in the old photos so having a diffuse lamp source won't matter.:2cents:

(Edit: I didn't realise there was a shade on the builder's photo, I thought it was some alabaster twiddly bit)

Rory has put some more photos up on his stream, see them here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5884720206/in/photostream/lightbox/)

Rory has put some more photos up on his stream, see them here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5884720206/in/photostream/lightbox/)


Yes, some really great new photos. They show, now that a lot of the scaffolding is down, a far clearer view of some of the work done to date (to 28th June).

I have added a 'selection' of them (only a selection, as there are a LOT at the above link) to the Week 16 Photos at Post 112 . . .

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=80445538&postcount=112

So it turns out that the uplighters are actually brackets!

There is a plethora of information on the planning website, including details of the paint core sample analysis.

Thanks for those links.

The design statement says the following:



If that is where they started then fair enough. The heritage statement also says old photos show them external to the pillars. They aren't in the 1890 photo but Matcham may have had them moved. (They are external on the programme cover painting but the shades look more teardrop than tubular).

The lighting bridge in the gallery looks very intrusive, they took out the 70s one for that very reason. I haven't quite worked out if the lighting bars are fixed and the access gantry moves, the detailing must be in the earlier plans.

I still have knee knocking memories of working on the Lyceum Sheffield gallery lighting bar accessed via a special ladder (complete with top hook clamps) a long time back, it felt a very vulnerable position, even though it wasn't.:dizzy:

Hi, the lighting 'bridge' moves to give easier access to the lighting pods. For those theatregoers sitting in the top of the gallery (where I have to say the view is magnificent) the lighting bridge mergers into the 'cream' colour of the ceiling. Rory

Hi, the lighting 'bridge' moves to give easier access to the lighting pods. For those theatregoers sitting in the top of the gallery (where I have to say the view is magnificent) the lighting bridge mergers into the 'cream' colour of the ceiling. Rory

It might be a magnificent view, Rory, but it is still a long way from the stage, the re-profiling won't have changed that.:ohno:

http://bp1.blogger.com/_VJ3hKzPm0S8/RlcyPOG4SSI/AAAAAAAAA1w/qoBzj9N8URU/s400/galb.jpg

I see you've put up more photos today (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5890856462/in/photostream/lightbox/), keep them coming!

The ceiling plaster grille louvres look a bit battered in this earlier shot (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5884718994/in/photostream/lightbox/), although I imagine it is only obvious from an acute side angle in the gallery slips.

Having now seen this older picture (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5841587311/in/photostream/lightbox/) of the tops of the two lifts and noticed a retaining wall in the space under the stalls to the left, I reckon it is just a storage space to place the removed chairs when the lifts are down.

The ceiling plaster grille louvres look a bit battered in this earlier shot (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5884718994/in/photostream/lightbox/), although I imagine it is only obvious from an acute side angle in the gallery slips.

Having looked more closely, this might just be some black drape material in the roof space above hanging down through the slots,

I see you've put up more photos today (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5890856462/in/photostream/lightbox/), keep them coming Rory!


I will include the above photos in with Week 17, later on this week.

Having looked more closely, this might just be some black drape material in the roof space above hanging down through the slots,

Correct it is just black material. Rory

No builders report yet, but Rory has put up a lot of photos dated yesterday and today here:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5912167170/in/photostream/

There is a lot of trussing being erected above the stalls, I'm guessing that it is to assist installation of the third orchestra pit lift.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/NewCarpetinUpperCircle.jpg


This carpet looked familiar, then I remembered where I had seen it- Leeds City Varieties.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/LeedsVarieties.jpg

(Both projects share a historian).:)

The City Varieties shot is from a twitter stream here (http://twitpic.com/photos/CityVarieties).

If you have trouble seeing these, they are here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5912166780/in/photostream/) and here (http://twitpic.com/4u44ap/full).

.

Rory has put up some more photos from last Friday here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5926650744/in/photostream/lightbox/)

However, they might be about to dry up as the Theatre have made the following comment on Facebook:-

The carpets are getting put in this week - oooh! excitement really building, in the building! (we are now censoring photos as we want the finished result to be a big surprise!)

.

Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 17: w/c 4th July.



There was no Week 17 Builders Diary.



Week 17 PHOTOS . . .



There were some new photos, but a selection of them will be included with "Week 18" tomorrow.




Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

.

Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 18: w/c 11th July.


•The Gallery and Amphitheatre are now receiving their final layer of decoration - the beautiful Matcham carpets are being laid, the barriers are being installed and the side stairs are nearly finished. The light fittings that resemble chinese cooli hats and were there before (authentically Matcham), have been cleaned and polished and are being re-installed.

•In the Amphitheatre, the main barrier is now in and the fibrous decorative panel is being fitted. The tiering has been completely finished and the balcony only needs re-cladding inside.

•The Gallery and Amphitheatre area have been cordoned off from the rest of the site now to protect them.

•Work is at the half-way stage in the Upper Circle - the main barrier is in at the back and the wheelchair positions too. The back wall is being plastered, and the ceiling being completed, and a quarter of the floor area has been carpeted.

•In the Grand Circle the long-absent side arcades have been brought in and fitted - they are highly decorative and very beautiful. All the tiers have been clad ready for carpeting. The boxes have been lined, insulated and plastered, ready to be decorated. The control boxes have been plastered on the outside and the workmen and electricians are re-routing and connecting up large volumes of wiring.

•On the Grand Circle ceiling, the first coat of paint has gone down and the timber fittings are being put in place so that the new wreath lights can go in.

•In the Stalls, the vaulted ceiling is now complete and ready to be painted. The rest of the ceiling is being prepared for decoration. Lots of work is going on in the orchestra pit now that the new lift, which was constructed off-site, is being installed.

•The new and existing toilets on all levels have been fully tiled and re-tiled - leaving the tiler free to begin work on the decorative tiling in the Stalls.

•In the Entrance Foyer major changes are afoot. The platform for the new Box Office space has been constructed - meaning it's not long before the temporary Box Office can make way for 9 Bar Coffee and the team can move to their new home in the Foyer!

•The entrance foyer ceilings (everywhere except where the murals are) are currently being decorated and gold leaf applied to them.

•In the Grand Circle and Upper Circle lobbies, decoration continues, with painting all complete in the Upper Circle and the underlay down and ready for carpeting.

•The Gallery Foyer is the first area to have been completed wallpapered - this area also has been cordoned off to protect it.

•Paintwork has begun on the exterior of the building - on the window frames and other smaller areas. Large chunks of the portico have been taken off-site for extensive repair, and the lion's tail and unicorn's leg will both be re-fixed in the coming weeks!

•The photovoltaic panels are fully installed in on the roof now, and will very shortly be functioning, meaning we can start to sell some of our power back to the grid. There will be a display panel next to the Box Office so visitors can see how much energy we are producing. With these panels in place the Theatre will be much warmer.

•Construction company TCUK Property Services, which was set up by the region’s largest charity for the homeless and disadvantaged, The Cyrenians was recently appointed to redevelop our new concept coffee shop 9 Bar Coffee and exciting Italian-style bar and restaurant, Pasqualinos, and work is progressing very rapidly on their initial job Pasqualinos.


Week 18 PHOTOS . . .


There are a fair few new photos, that have been 'linked' in two previous posts above, and here are a selection of them . . .


Grand Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-GrandCircle.jpg


The current view from the Stage . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-ViewfromtheStage.jpg


The Stage, Viewed from the Gallery . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-StagefromfrontofGallery.jpg


Upper Circle Carpet . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-UpperCircleCarpet.jpg


Upper Circle Carpet - 2 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/NewCarpetinUpperCircle.jpg


New 'Arcading' in the Grand Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-ArcadinginGrandCircle2.jpg


Another view of the Arcading . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-ArcadinginGrandCircle.jpg


Gallery Walls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-GalleryWalls.jpg


More on the Gallery Wallpaper . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-GalleryWallpaper.jpg


The New Box Office, under construction . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-NewBoxOfficeunderconstruction.jpg


The Stairway - Ceiling . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-StairsCeiling.jpg


The Stairs area . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-StairsArea.jpg


Above Week 18 photos posted 12th July. Additional Week 18 photos (below) added 14th July . . .


Upper Circle Bar - New Wallpaper, etc . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-UpperCircleBarnewwallpaperetc.jpg


Gallery Barrier Frieze . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-GalleryBarrierFrieze.jpg


Auditorium from Gallery . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-AuditoriumfromGallery.jpg


Stage from Gallery . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-StagefromGallery.jpg


Upper Circle New Carpets . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-UpperCircleNewCarpets.jpg


Grand Circle Arcading . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-GrandCircleArcading.jpg


Stalls Plasterwork - Rowing Boat with Castle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/18-StallsPlasterworkRowingBoatwithCastle.jpg




Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

Hi NH. It seems the Theatre are going secretive to preserve the surprise for the general public. So I would guess there won't be an official Builders update from them. However, I will still be taking photos and can report that, as far as the auditorium is concerned, the Gallery is now carpeted and more or less complete (there is protection down on the floors as there is still some M&E work being carried out at the rear of the gallery). The plaster friezes have been applied to the front barrier. The upper circle is 60% carpeted and the final paintwork is being addressed. There is still M&E work beng carried out. In the grand circle the arcading is nearly finished, the new boxes have been created, the lighting and technical booths are now constructed and the lighting people are busy finishing off the wiring. The new light fittings are up. In the stalls the new barrel vaulted ceiling is nearly complete with the ornate work being worked on, the new lift for the third raisable section is being fitted. In the front of house, ceiling painting is now complete, the new box office platform is constructed, in the gallery bar area what will be a new museum area (where the bar once was) is almost finished from a decoration point of view, the carpet is down and protected and in the upper circle area decoration is nearly complete. The Aldridge room is being decorated as we speak. So, things are moving on at pace now which, given that there are only 5.5 weeks until the poriginal contract completion date, is not a bad thing! I have more pics which I will be posting on my Flickr page either later today or this evening. Rory

As the first show is scheduled on September 12th (Alan Bennett's Madness of George III which will already be touring) the Theatre might be taking part in the 2011 heritage weekend which is 7th to 11th this year.

This assumes no project slippage and the show trucks not turning up util at least Sunday morning. (In Richmond on Thames the Saturday evening).

Hi NH. It seems the Theatre are going secretive to preserve the surprise for the general public. So I would guess there won't be an official Builders update from them. However, I will still be taking photos and can report that, as far as the auditorium is concerned, the Gallery is now carpeted and more or less complete (there is protection down on the floors as there is still some M&E work being carried out at the rear of the gallery). The plaster friezes have been applied to the front barrier. The upper circle is 60% carpeted and the final paintwork is being addressed. There is still M&E work beng carried out. In the grand circle the arcading is nearly finished, the new boxes have been created, the lighting and technical booths are now constructed and the lighting people are busy finishing off the wiring. The new light fittings are up. In the stalls the new barrel vaulted ceiling is nearly complete with the ornate work being worked on, the new lift for the third raisable section is being fitted. In the front of house, ceiling painting is now complete, the new box office platform is constructed, in the gallery bar area what will be a new museum area (where the bar once was) is almost finished from a decoration point of view, the carpet is down and protected and in the upper circle area decoration is nearly complete. The Aldridge room is being decorated as we speak. So, things are moving on at pace now which, given that there are only 5.5 weeks until the poriginal contract completion date, is not a bad thing! I have more pics which I will be posting on my Flickr page either later today or this evening. Rory


Thanks Rory!

This thread has turned out to be an excellent 'weekly record' of this project - thanks to your great photos!

I am looking forward to seeing your next photos, particularly (for me) the "new boxes" (or have I 'imagined' reading about them?) which I don't think we have seen anything of yet in your photos?

Cheers.

.

More pictures from Rory up dated yesterday, starting here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5936399054/in/photostream/).

Things are really starting to take shape now. Something I've never seen before (presumably because it was concealed, or is brand new) is an interesting rowing boat with a castle on it.

I won't embed it but you can see the full size one at the other end of this link (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5936385038/sizes/o/in/photostream/).:)

More pictures from Rory up dated yesterday, starting here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5936399054/in/photostream/).

Things are really starting to take shape now. Something I've never seen before (presumably because it was concealed, or is brand new) is an interesting rowing boat with a castle on it.

I won't embed it but you can see the full size one at the other end of this link (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5936385038/sizes/o/in/photostream/).:)


A selection of the above additional photos from the current week (Week 18) added to the Week 18 post at 'Post 133' - here . . .

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=81318960&postcount=133

Including the 'Rowing Boat with a Castle' one!

.

The Heritage Weekend calendar has just gone live. Disappointingly, the Theatre Royal isn't currently on the list, although there is some good stuff going on (http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/search/?p=1&county=All&laa=All&town=Newcastle+upon+Tyne&type=All&period=All&thursday=on&friday=on&saturday=on&sunday=on).

The new diary is up. (http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress):)

Lots more photos from Rory taken yesterday, starting here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5942881636/in/photostream/)

.
The below is a copy of a post made today on the "COMMEMORATING LOCAL EVENTS" thread, that is very relevant to this Theatre Royal thread . . .

Historic Local Commemorative Plates - No. 5.
200 Years of the Theatre Royal - 1788 to 1988.


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatresRoyal200Years-1788to1988.jpg


I thought this plate would be a good one to feature, as there is a lot of focus on the Theatre Royal at the moment, as it is currently undergoing the third of its recent large renovations.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1251697

However, this poses a question . . . the current renovations are timed to be completed by September this year, so the theatre is in pristine condition for it's 175 year celebrations, next year in 2012.

So, how can it have had a commemorative plate issued to celebrate "200 years", back in 1988?

The 200 year plate actually celebrates the Theatres Royal, rather than just the current Theatre Royal on Grey Street. The previous Theatre Royal on Mosley Street opened in 1788, and gave way to Richard Grainger's Grand Plans for the City Centre in the 1800s, with the Grey Street building replacing it in 1837. Hence 1837 to 2012 will be '175 years'.

More details below . . .


http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/NewcastleTheatreRoyalMosleyStreet-1788to18371.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/NewcastleTheatreRoyalMosleyStreet-1788to18372.jpg

.

One interesting and perhaps amazing piece of trivia about the Theatre Royal is that it took only 6 months to build, I say 'amazed' and I haven't been able to substantiate that fact which was relayed by a City Guide. The building is documented as being built between 1836 and 1837.

I see that there are tours of the newly refurbished Theatre Royal @ £5 per head - http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/learning/tours-talks

Fri 30 Sept: 10.15am & 11.15am
Sat 1 Oct: 10.15am & 11.15am
Fri 7 Oct: 10.15am & 11.15am
Sat 8 Oct: 10.15am & 11.15am

One interesting and perhaps amazing piece of trivia about the Theatre Royal is that it took only 6 months to build, I say 'amazed' and I haven't been able to substantiate that fact which was relayed by a City Guide. The building is documented as being built between 1836 and 1837.



In the post 142 on this thread (earlier today) I refer to the book "Newcastle upon Tyne THEATRES ROYAL", by Ken Robinson.

That book confirms that the foundations of the Grey Street Theatre Royal were laid in July 1836. Then, in November 1836 (erroneously recorded below in the book extract as November 1837) Richard Grainger, the developer of the Grey Street theatre, informed the owners of the old 'Mosley Street' Theatre Royal (who were to move into the Grey Street theatre and allow Grainger to demolish their Mosley Street premises) that he could not meet the target completion date for Grey Street of 1st December 1836.

So, the target building period appears to have been five months!

He said he needed another two months, so it seems it actually took seven months to build (to January 1837) with the Grey Street Theatre Royal starting its first season on 20th February 1837 . . .

Extract from Page 15 of above mentioned book . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyalbuilt-July1836toFebruary1837_0001.jpg

continued on Page 16 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyalbuilt-July1836toFebruary1837_0002.jpg


"Newcastle upon Tyne THEATRES ROYAL", by Ken Robinson . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/NewcastleTheatreRoyalMosleyStreet-1788to18371.jpg

In the post 142 on this thread (earlier today) I refer to the book "Newcastle upon Tyne THEATRES ROYAL", by Ken Robinson.

That book confirms that the foundations of the Grey Street Theatre Royal were laid in July 1836. Then, in November 1836 (erroneously recorded below in the book extract as November 1837) Richard Grainger, the developer of the Grey Street theatre, informed the owners of the old 'Mosley Street' Theatre Royal (who were to move into the Grey Street theatre and allow Grainger to demolish their Mosley Street premises) that he could not meet the target completion date for Grey Street of 1st December 1836.

So, the target building period appears to have been five months!

He said he needed another two months, so it seems it actually took seven months to build (to January 1837) with the Grey Street Theatre Royal starting its first season on 20th February 1837 . . .

]

Cheers for that NH - marvellous when you think a building of that size took only 7 months to erect, wonder if in today's world such a feat could be achieved.

Bit of a co-incidence that the current restoration will take the same length of time it took to erect the building - March 2011 to September 2011 :)

Cyrenians to build Theatre Royal bar and restaurant
by Peter McCusker, The Journal, July 20th 2011


A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE COMPANY, run by the Cyrenians, has won the contract to build new bars and cafés at the newly-restored Theatre Royal.

Newcastle-based Gusto UK will create a coffee shop – 9 Bar Coffee – and an Italian-style bar and restaurant – Pasqualinos – and has appointed construction company TCUK Property Services to carry out the work. Established in 2009, TCUK Property Services trains and mentors excluded adults and veterans to work in the construction industry. Trainees volunteer on a 12-week joinery and employability skills course to get the knowledge and confidence to pursue a career in the industry.

Recently awarded the accolade of inclusion in the RBS Top 100 Social Enterprise club members, their recent projects include the Cyrenians facility on Bentinck Road, Ridley Villas on New Bridge Street and the refurbished Recovery Centre on the Swing Bridge, all in Newcastle. It is a non-profit organisation, with any surplus going back into the charity.

Joseph De Giorgi from Gusto UK, who made the appointment, said: “We were keen to work with TCUK Property Services as they combine the benefits of a professional property services company with the significant contribution to the local community.”


Read More - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2011/07/20/cyrenians-to-build-theatre-royal-bar-and-restaurant-51140-29083706/

I have visited the Cyrenians at Bentinck villas, fantasic building and they have done a great job inside.The guys from the tyne hotel on Elswick rd. are would love to get in.

Looking pretty spectacular, even as a building site.

In my venue, our pit lift can be used in 3 states:
Substage to create an orchestra pit
Auditorium level with seats on
up to stage level to extend the stage into the auditorium

I wonder if the new lifts in NTR will offer similar flexibility? I would have thought this might be something the RSC might be interested in (they don't use any other pros-arch venues if they can help it!!). Most of their work is now staged for thrust, and they have to adapt pretty heavily for Newcastle (even their newly re-modelled RST is entirely horse-shoe). Providing they commit to Newcastle in the future, this might give them, and other companies, the flexibility to use the space more creatively.

They'd have to give in to smaller houses...as sightlines from the back of the upper etc won't exactly cater well to this, but for a smaller (cheaper) production requiring less bums-on-seats, it would be great way of using the space.

Just a thought!

.
Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 19: W/C 18th July.


There was no individual Week 19 'Builders Diary' published.


Week 19 PHOTOS . . .


Here are a selection of the latest new Week 19 photos, some were linked in Post 141, above . . .


New Tiles in the Stalls area . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-NewTiles-Stalls.jpg


Ongoing work in the Vestibule . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-OngoingworkinVestibulearea.jpg


Another photo of the Vestibule . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-Vestibule2.jpg


Upper Circle, now nearly finished . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-UpperCircle1nearlyfinished.jpg


A second photo of the Upper Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-UpperCircle2nearlyfinished.jpg


More of the Upper Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-UpperCircle3nearlyfinished.jpg


The New Private Boxes in the Gand Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-GrandCircleNewPrivateBox.jpg


The Grand Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-GrandCircle.jpg


The Upper Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-UpperCircle.jpg


The Rigging, being used to make the new 3rd Stage Lift . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-Riggingbeingusedtomakenewthirdstagelift.jpg


The Stage from the Gallery . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-StagefromGallery.jpg


The Auditorium from the back of the Stage . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-AuditoriumfrombackofStage.jpg


A 'second lot' of PHOTOS were added to Rory's Photostream on 21st July 2011, here is my selection . .


Lots of New Carpetting now . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-Lotsofnewcarpet.jpg


The larger view of the now 'much carpetted in upper areas' Auditorium . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-LargelycarpettedAuditorium.jpg


Grand Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-GrandCircle-1.jpg


New Stage Lift . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-NewstageLift.jpg


Matcham Stairs 1 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-MatchamStairs.jpg


Matcham Stairs 2 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-MatchamStairs2-1.jpg


Doors from Vestibule to Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-DoortoStalls.jpg


Vestibule, showing Doors to Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-DoortoStallsshowingVestibule.jpg


In the Stalls - The door from the Vestibule is on the extreme right . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-StallsDoorfromVestibuleonright.jpg


In Stalls, looking up to door back through to Vestibule . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-InStallsviewtodoortoVestibule.jpg


Stalls Tiling, more done now . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-StallsTiling.jpg


Exterior Scaffolding starting to come down . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-ExteriorScaffoldingstartingtocomedown.jpg


Scaffolding Gone - Pillars with restored Victorian Features revealed . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-ScaffoldinggonepillarsrevealedrepairedwithoriginalVictorianfeatures2.jpg


Scaffolding Gone - Pillars with restored Victorian Features revealed 2 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/19-ScaffoldinggonepillarsrevealedrepairedwithoriginalVictorianfeatures.jpg




Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

Rory has put up more photos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5960187335/in/photostream) today.

The Pit mechanism Looks like a Serapid LinkLift (http://www.serapid.com/gb/theatre/th_app_av_gb.html). You can see the chains near the two fire extinguishers in the Pit See this photo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5960745080/sizes/o/in/photostream/).

Rory has put up more photos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5960187335/in/photostream) today.

The Pit mechanism Looks like a Serapid LinkLift (http://www.serapid.com/gb/theatre/th_app_av_gb.html). You can see the chains near the two fire extinguishers in the Pit See this photo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5960745080/sizes/o/in/photostream/).

A picture tells a thousand words, here is what a rigid chain lift looks like when moving.
usO_aH9afVE

Also, from the TRN Facebook wall (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842), they have uploaded photos showing the new exterior lantern brackets mounted on the columns.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/RoyalFacebook.jpg

Rory has put up more photos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5960187335/in/photostream) today.



A selection of the additional photos (linked above) from Rory Gibson's Photostream, plus the two new ones on the Theatre Royal Facebook Page, added to the "Week 19 Photos" at Post 149, today.

Must say they have done a cracking job on the exterior frontage to the Theatre Royal, had a mosey past there today and great to see the scaffolding removed, its like the building can breath again!

Anyone know if anything is going to be hung on the brackets on the Grey Street side of the pillars - hanging baskets perhaps?

A few shots of the fine building:

http://www.fototime.com/B6CD8243B7A6CC0/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/CE9F390236B5902/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/615034A5B39153B/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/1DA365A159C7474/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/29BADCFD1D43649/orig.jpg

The brackets have wires there, so I'm assuming they'll re-hang the lanterns that were there when they were on the reverse of the pillars (as per the one on the main wall visible in the middle image).

The brackets have wires there, so I'm assuming they'll re-hang the lanterns that were there when they were on the reverse of the pillars (as per the one on the main wall visible in the middle image).

Or perhaps a case of electrifying the hanging baskets to avoid having the scrotes knick them :lol:

I imagine that the fittings will be round or teardrop shaped rather than the tubular ones we are used to as they are trying to get the look back to Matcham's 1901 style.

Here is a re-use of one of NH's programme cover scans
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TheatreRoyalProgrammeCover-1970sand1980sIMG_0002.jpg

I imagine that the fittings will be round or teardrop shaped rather than the tubular ones we are used to as they are trying to get the look back to Matcham's 1901 style.

Here is a re-use of one of NH's programme cover scans


I see from this photograph from the City Libraries Archive Collection that this type of brackets used to be on the inside of the pillars - courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/newcastlelibraries/4089921189/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/4089921189_9164767772_o.jpg

I see from this photograph from the City Libraries Archive Collection that this type of brackets used to be on the inside of the pillars - courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/newcastlelibraries/4089921189/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/4089921189_9164767772_o.jpg

The planning stuff does say they were moved inside the colonnade so they have been recreated to match the columns, possibly from this very photo.

I imagine the lanterns will be up in a week or two so we will know then.

These were up on the inside of the pillars, and in use, right up until the theatre closed for this restoration. They've just been moved round to the front and painted.

These were up on the inside of the pillars, and in use, right up until the theatre closed for this restoration. They've just been moved round to the front and painted.
I didn't realise they were the same ones, they look new. That is probably because they have been sand blasted down to the bare metal and then repainted. They may well stay green, the wrought ironwork outside Matcham's restored Douglas Gaiety is also that colour.
http://iangrey.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/exterior.jpg

However, if they do stay green, I'd expect the two flanking brackets on the walls to be repainted as well to match.

I imagine that the fittings will be round or teardrop shaped rather than the tubular ones we are used to as they are trying to get the look back to Matcham's 1901 style.

These look like the original lamps on the Grey Street side of the pillars on the Newcastle Libraries Archive Collection @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/newcastlelibraries/4081741448/sizes/o/in/photostream/ - by the way, notice that the 1905 photograph informs us that the whole of Grey Street including Grey's Monument has been shifted to Gateshead High Street!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/4081741448_da0082f115_o.jpg

Clearer example here - dated circa 1900:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/4089844407_9ddef1c500_o.jpg

These look like the original lamps on the Grey Street side of the pillars on the Newcastle Libraries Archive Collection @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/newcastlelibraries/4081741448/sizes/o/in/photostream/ - by the way, notice that the 1905 photograph informs us that the whole of Grey Street including Grey's Monument has been shifted to Gateshead High Street!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/4081741448_da0082f115_o.jpg

Clearer example here - dated circa 1900:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/4089844407_9ddef1c500_o.jpg

Cracking find, Steve. Notice that there are (simpler) bracket lamps inside the colonnade on the back of the pillars. I was wondering whether the flanking pendants were added later but obviously not. (You can't see one on the programme cover painting).

It also occurs to me that if these photos are indeed 1900 and 1905, then the lanterns were untouched by Matcham, who after all had the internal reconstruction to worry about.

From these pictures it looks like there was something more basic on the pillar-backs under the portico too. Presumably lost when the front brackets were moved round to the inside.

Interesting to see if they try and recreate something now they've moved the originals back to their correct place, or if there'll now be nothing under the portico?

(Whilst I'm all for being true to the original sitings of these in aid of the accuarate restoration, I still preferred the previous decision to move them round, however, and much prefer the pillar-fronts without!)

.

I have a piece of TRN headed notepaper in my collection which came from a Production Manager. I came across it today and realised something I hadn't noticed before- what was written on the back in pencil was the weekly salary calculations for the 1977/78 Pantomime!

I suspect that the Data Prevention Act prevents me from revealing the details as some of the names might be just about still going.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/Royal001.jpg

Notice that bit on the bottom, all theatrical letters used to say that.

Some (and more-so emails) still do!

.
Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 20: W/C 25th July.


Week 20 'Builders Diary' not yet published (as at Tuesday 26th July).


Week 20 PHOTOS . . .


Here are a selection of Rory's latest (Week 20) photos . . .


New Grand Circle Bar, formed from the old base with a new canopy concealing the new Air Con Ductwork . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/20-grandcirclebarformedfromtheoldbasewithnewcanopyconcealingnewairconduct.jpg


Further progress on the Stalls Tiling . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/20-FurtherprogressonStallsTiling.jpg


New Handrail around front of Grand Circle, which will be covered in new material . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/20-newhandrailaroundfrontofgrandcircletobecoveredinnewmaterial.jpg


View from the Gallery, showing the new Stage Lifts being formed . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/20-Viewfromthegalleryshowingnewstageliftsbeingformed.jpg


Close up view of the above lifts, in the Stalls Area . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/20-NewLiftinStallsArea.jpg


NINE more "Week 20" Photos added on 31st July 2011 . .


New Carpetting in Grand Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/20-NewcarpettinginGrandCircle.jpg


View up towards new boxes at back of Grand Circle
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/20-Viewuptowardsthenewboxes.jpg


Rear of Seating Area of Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/20-RearofSeatingAreaofStalls.jpg


Walkway into Stalls, at rear wall of Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/20-WalkwayatrearofStalls.jpg


More of the new Stalls Tiles . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/20-MoreoftheStallsTiles.jpg


New Feature Lights . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/20-NewFeatureLights.jpg


Mew Flambeau Feature Lights . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/20-newflambeaufeaturelights.jpg


New Vestibule Ceiling Art - 1 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/20-VestibuleCeilingArt2.jpg


New Vestibule Ceiling Art - 2 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/20-VestibuleCeilingArt.jpg





Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

Here is a photocopy I have of a handbill for the opening show at the new Theatre Royal Grey Street, way before Frank Matcham was a twinkle and 25 years before the Blaydon races was celebrated in song.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/oldroyal001.jpg

.
February 20th 1837 . . .


That's the date I was writing about (in connection with the Grey Street Theatre Royal only taking seven months to build) in my post on 17th July HERE . . .

In the post 142 on this thread (earlier today) I refer to the book "Newcastle upon Tyne THEATRES ROYAL", by Ken Robinson.

That book confirms that the foundations of the Grey Street Theatre Royal were laid in July 1836. Then, in November 1836 (erroneously recorded below in the book extract as November 1837) Richard Grainger, the developer of the Grey Street theatre, informed the owners of the old 'Mosley Street' Theatre Royal (who were to move into the Grey Street theatre and allow Grainger to demolish their Mosley Street premises) that he could not meet the target completion date for Grey Street of 1st December 1836.

So, the target building period appears to have been five months!

He said he needed another two months, so it seems it actually took seven months to build (to January 1837) with the Grey Street Theatre Royal starting its first season on 20th February 1837 . . .


. . . and then you come up with the VERY handbill delicor.

Amazing, just what this Forum is all about!!


Here is a photocopy I have of a handbill for the opening show at the new Theatre Royal Grey Street, way before Frank Matcham was a twinkle and 25 years before the Blaydon races was celebrated in song.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/oldroyal001.jpg

.

.
February 20th 1837 . . .

That's the date I was writing about (in connection with the Grey Street Theatre Royal only taking seven months to build) HERE . .

. . . and then you come up with the VERY handbill delicor.

Amazing, just what this Forum is all about!!


If you look closely, it looks like they were on a very tight schedule to finish with the comments about the Box plan being in the bookshop.

Rory has put up more photos today.

From the caption, the Castle in the Longboat is new (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5980538419/in/photostream).

And another interesting touch-

Creation (or restitution) of an illuminated torch above the proscenium (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/5980535865/in/photostream/)under Shakespeare.

Edit- Roy calls it a "new flambeau light".

Rory has put up more photos today.




Selection of new week 20 photos dated 27/07 and 29/07 added to the existing "Week 20 Post" at post 168, on 31st July 2011.

NINE new photos added.

Half of the new seats are arriving frm Belgium today and installation will commence tomorrow. I aim to take some pics of them as they arrive and also as they are installed.

The external lantern brackets are staying green, confirmed by the Theatres trust here (http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/store/assets/0000/2394/20110801_response.pdf)

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Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 21: W/C 1st August.


Only 6 weeks to go!


•The Gallery and Amphitheatre are now nearly complete, and as the seats arrived this week, they are now being installed here first. The new lighting bridge is in and has been painted to match the ceiling and with movable arms, it is another world from the old lighting bridge. The Amphitheatre is starting to look particularly plush, with its ornate carpet and re-clad balcony - it will make a lovely private area with lots of leg room and a great view!

•The Upper Circle is coming together rapidly with only final touches to plasterwork and carpeting being made before the seats go in.

•In the Grand Circle, the gorgeous Matcham aisle arcades are fully in and painted - in the next couple of weeks they will be padded with velvet to match the seats. The carpets have now all been laid in, ready for the seats to be installed, and decoration has begun on the near-side boxes. The timbering on the walkway at the rear of The Grand has been painted - this gallery will give much greater ease of movement to the audience.

•The stage-side boxes are almost completely finished now with all the technical framework in and ready for installation of lights and sound equipment. As these offer a very poor view (they were originally intended for the "great and good" of Newcastle to be seen in, rather than to see!) - it is a much better use of space to have technical equipment here rather than clogging up the sides of the stage, as previously. The result? A much better view of the stage from everywhere in the auditorium!

•In the Stalls, some beautiful plasterwork details are now being added, including two majestic viking ships at either end of the vaulted ceiling - these are symbolic of Newcastle's past and the story of the city.

•Decorative tiling is well underway - with three quarters of the Stalls now tiled in deep red and gold ornate Matcham tiles.

•In the Entrance Foyer (Vestibule) work is nearly finished on the ceiling murals - which are looking truly lovely. The angels and classical figures, replete in flowing garments and pastel hues, so popular in murals of the Victorian era, adorn the ceiling. As a mirror to these, there are two new mini-murals in the Grand Circle for the audience to enjoy - two baby cupids in flight, one on either side of the balcony.

•The new wallpaper and fresh ivory paintwork now adorns all levels of the foyers - in the Gallery Foyer and Upper Circle Foyer the carpet is down and temporarily covered in protective plastic. The carpets are going in at all other levels now and work is progressing apace on the new Box Office!

•On the Portico, the beautiful dark green Victorian lantern brackets are in again on the collonades (not seen on the front since the early 20th century!). The cylindrical lantern fittings will be put in over the next couple of weeks.


Week 21 PHOTOS . . .

Here are a selection of Rory's latest (Week 21) photos . . .


The Grand Circle, a fleeting 'hint' of the opulence to be revealed later . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-grandcircleahintoftheopulencebehindlockeddoors.jpg


Grand Circle, Velvet Fabric in front of New Boxes and Technical Box . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-grandcirclevelvetfabricandpaddinginfrontofnewboxesandtechnicalbox.jpg


More of the New Carpeting . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-Moreofthenewcarpeting.jpg


Fabric Inserts, in new Grand Circle Arcading . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-fabricinsertsinnewgrandcirclearcading.jpg


Gallery Handrails . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-gallery-handrails.jpg


Latest view of the Matcham Stairs . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-matchamstairs.jpg


Vestibule (Entrance Foyer) The Original Mural, restored and cleaned . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-vestibuleceilingoriginal-restoredandcleaned.jpg


Vestibule (Entrance Foyer) The New Ceiling Mural . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-vestibuleceilingnew2-newmuralhasnowbeenapplied.jpg


The Back of the Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-BackoftheStalls.jpg


View from the Stage to the back of the Stalls - before the New Seats go in . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-Viewfromstagetobackofstallsbeforetheseatsgoin.jpg


Auditorium from the Stage, JUST before the new seats go in . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-AuditoriumfromtheStage.jpg


The New Seats have finally arrived . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-theseatshavearrived.jpg


The Back of one of the New Seats . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-Backofoneofthenewseats.jpg


The Pasqualinos sign being installed . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-ThePasqualinossignbeinginstalled.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

I see the builders have been excavating outside of the Portico for the last few days, on the plinth that runs into Grey Street, wonder if this has anything to do with the power to the newly positioned lights?

Correct Steve, power for the lights. Its the City Council that are doing that bit, though, not the builders.

I have just noticed that if you look at the photo fourth from the bottom of Post 177 (and perhaps download it and enlarge it) you get the FIRST view of a few the new seats . . . in-situ.

Try the Grand Circle, right hand side of the photo.

They are in the Upper Circle as well, but the angle of the photo prevents you from seeing much of them in the Upper Circle!

You see, I think the Theatre Royal are keeping views of the new seats as secret as possible - for the time being!!

I have just noticed that if you look at the photo fourth from the bottom of Post 177 (and perhaps download it and enlarge it) you get the FIRST view of a few the new seats . . . in-situ.

Try the Grand Circle, right hand side of the photo.

They are in the Upper Circle as well, but the angle of the photo prevents you from seeing much of them in the Upper Circle!

You see, I think the Theatre Royal are keeping views of the new seats as secret as possible - for the time being!!

I have posted some more photos, which include pictures of the new seats. As at today (6.30am) there was a significant number of the seat frames and backs in situ. However, the seat bases/cushions were not yet installed. Rory

I've had the opportunity to look behind some of the walls and ceilings in the building during this and other recent rennovations. What strikes me from the engineerng point of view, is the conjunction of old and new technologies.
One load bearing brick wall I was examining had been cut back (during earlier works) to merely a brick tower. At floor level, it carries major load-bearing cross-members which meet within a few inches of each other. One is a 100+ year old timber (approx 10" x 10") and the other is a recent 'H' girder RSJ.
The ancient timbers are nicely integrated into the remaining brickwork, and the more recent RSJs are simply bolted into holes drilled into a few of those bricks - very very old bricks!

I love those moments when generations of materials all come together

Week 21 Photos - 2nd Post.

I have posted some more photos, which include pictures of the new seats. As at today (6.30am) there was a significant number of the seat frames and backs in situ. However, the seat bases/cushions were not yet installed. Rory

As Rory says, lots more new photos this week (Week 21) so instead of going back to add them to the main "Week 21 Builders Diary" post (as I usually do) as it is quite some way back now, I'll just post them in this new post, here . . .


Old and New Ceiling Murals in Foyer/Vestibule . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-OldandNewMuralsinVestibuleEntranceFoyer.jpg


Foyer/Vestibule, from Box Office end . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-FoyerfromBoxOfficeend.jpg


Grand Circle Bar . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-GrandCircleBar.jpg


Upper Circle Bar . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-UpperCircleBar.jpg


Gallery Rail . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-GalleryRail.jpg


View from behind Gallery Back Rail . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-FrombehindGalleryBackRail.jpg


Here are the Seats . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-HerearetheSeats1.jpg


Here are more Seats . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-HerearetheSeats2.jpg


Upper Circle New Seats - Frames and Backs only, no Cushions yet . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-UpperCircleNewSeatsFramesandBacksonlynoCushionsyet.jpg


Gallery, with new Seat Frames . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-GallerywithnewSeatFrames.jpg


Seat Frames appearing in all the Circles . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/21-SeatFramesappearingeverywhere.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

Here is a photocopy I have of a handbill for the opening show at the new Theatre Royal Grey Street, way before Frank Matcham was a twinkle and 25 years before the Blaydon races was celebrated in song.


Another handbill from a few months later - 19th June 1837, for the performance of Chevy Chase. From the Jack Philips Clippings Collection.

http://www.fototime.com/D35CB82400D5522/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/B454893E9F1AA0D/orig.jpg

On Tuesday, about 12 skinny Cypress or similar evergreen tree were plonked in front of the Theatre's portico in wooden boxes where 'NE1' and 'GARDEN' were carved in fretwork at the top of the grey-painted boxes toped in yellow gravel.

I love trees (and cherish many of those remaining). But I hate trees-in-boxes.

On Tuesday, about 12 skinny Cypress or similar evergreen tree were plonked in front of the Theatre's portico in wooden boxes where 'NE1' and 'GARDEN' were carved in fretwork at the top of the grey-painted boxes toped in yellow gravel.

I love trees (and cherish many of those remaining). But I hate trees-in-boxes.


Are these not the ones that have been there for a while, as part of the 'southern-most' element of the "Grey's Monument Garden"?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/TreesinfrontofTheatre.jpg

.
Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 22: W/C 8th August.


Only 5 weeks to go!

Builders Diary for 'Week 22' not yet up (as at 10th August 2011)


Week 22 PHOTOS . . .

Here are a selection of Rory's 'Week 22' Photos . . .


Most of the seats are in in all of 'The Circles' . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/22-MostofthevariousCirclesnewseatsnowin.jpg


Gallery Seats. .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/22-GallerySeats.jpg


Upper Circle seats and balcony . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/22-UpperCircleseatsandbalcony.jpg


Grand Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/22-GrandCircleshowingnewseats.jpg


No seats in stalls yet, work still gong on . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/22-NoseatsyetinStallsstillworkgoingon.jpg


Much work still to do in Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/22-MuchworkstillgoingoninStalls.jpg


New Stalls Chandelier . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/22-NewStallsChandelier.jpg


Stalls, near new Stage Lifts . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/22-StallnearnewStageLiftsnearlyready.jpg


The bare and empty Stalls, ready and waiting for the new seats to arrive . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/22-BareStallsnearlyreadyforthenewseats.jpg


Stalls again, with rest of Auditorium . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/22-AnotherviewoftheAuditorium.jpg


The complete Auditorium, viewed from the Stage . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/22-FullAudiroriumwithemptystallsfromthestage.jpg




Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

Are these not the ones that have been there for a while, as part of the 'southern-most' element of the "Grey's Monument Garden"?


Yes that's them NH, they were temporarily removed whilst some work was carried out on the 'plinth' at the main entrance.

http://www.fototime.com/1B8BE7622A43E3E/orig.jpg

Great to see the decorative lighting on, I notice only half the ceiling is lit at the moment.

No sign of the sunburner yet.

(EDIT- you have to go to Rory's photo stream to see the ceiling lights)

Managed to get a few quick photos of the interior works of the former "Cafe Teatro and Box Office area" (where you go up a couple of stairs to, from the foyer) which is currently, as mentioned earlier in this thread, being converted into a Pasqualinos Restaurant . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/11thAugust2011013.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/11thAugust2011014.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/11thAugust2011016.jpg

Quick question for anyone in the know.
Are the numbers of seats in various parts of the theatre still the same as before the refurb?
What is the total capacity?
Cheers :lol:

Quick question for anyone in the know.
Are the numbers of seats in various parts of the theatre still the same as before the refurb? What is the total capacity?
Cheers :lol:

The Theatre Royal have an excellent Facebook Site (which is one of the three sources of information I quote each week in my "Weekly Builders Diary and Photos" updates) and they are answering this sort of question on there, all the time.

They would be the best people to ask.

Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

.

Quick question for anyone in the know.
Are the numbers of seats in various parts of the theatre still the same as before the refurb?
What is the total capacity?
Cheers :lol:
It will certainly have gone down with the various improvements & the major re-profiling of the tiers. I don't know any detail though.

(According to Wikipedia, pre restoration it was 1249- stalls (501), grand circle (252), upper circle (249) and gallery (247). I would expect it to be less than 1200 now).

If someone is feeling really anally retentive, they could count them as the new seating plan is available. (http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/sites/default/files/Theatre_Royal_Newcastle_seating_plan_19_July.pdf)

(It says "partial view" for the gallery, but the colour keycode suggests that all of the stalls is partial view except the last two rows!)

Thanks for info guys.

Just need to get a ticket for a performance!

Decor certainly looks luxurious / garish - who is the designer of all that Stevie Wonder?!

Thanks for info guys.

Just need to get a ticket for a performance!

Decor certainly looks luxurious / garish - who is the designer of all that Stevie Wonder?!

It is under working lights at the moment, it will (hopefully) look much more subdued with only the house lights on.

I still have my doubts about that carpet though!

I'm off to a behind the scenes visit to the Leeds City Varieties next week, provided I'm allowed to take photos I'll put them up on Leeds Skyscraper City and link.

I didn't realise they were the same ones, they look new. That is probably because they have been sand blasted down to the bare metal and then repainted green. However, if they do stay green, I'd expect the two flanking brackets on the walls to be repainted as well to match.


Yes, the flanking brackets on the walls have now also been painted green.

Photos taken today, 11th August 2011 . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/11thAugust2011011-1.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/11thAugust2011012-1.jpg

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^^
They still have the bill up for the Sound of Music with Connie Fisher but I thought she had retired from the role?
Wonder if I should audition? ahem..."The hills are alight..." :ohno:

Another handful of photos from Rory up today, it is really coming together now and the Stalls level is almost ready to be carpeted & seated.

I see that Gusto UK Ltd have submitted a Planning Application to NCC for use of the plinth in front of the portico for a pavement cafe and also for a small section on Shakespeare Street.

Details @ http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LOMYKVBS09700

2011/1153/01/DET | Change of use of parts of public highway (Sui Generis) to pavement cafes (Class A3) | Pavement To Front Of Theatre Royal And Pavement To Side Onto Shakespeare Street 100 Grey Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6BR

Another handful of photos from Rory up today, it is really coming together now and the Stalls level is almost ready to be carpeted & seated.


Thanks delicolor, I have added them to the 'Week 22' photos at Post 187 - http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=82756968&postcount=187

AMAZING shots of the totally empty Stalls, looking clear of works now, at last, and ready to start Seat Installation!!

.

^^
They still have the bill up for the Sound of Music with Connie Fisher but I thought she had retired from the role?
Wonder if I should audition? ahem..."The hills are alight..." :ohno:

Was walking past today and the new advert is up, Connie Fisher replaced by Verity Rushworth. Nice girl I was sitting next to her on a train to london a while back. I have no idea if she can sing.

I see that Gusto UK Ltd have submitted a Planning Application to NCC for use of the plinth in front of the portico for a pavement cafe and also for a small section on Shakespeare Street.

Details @ http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LOMYKVBS09700

2011/1153/01/DET | Change of use of parts of public highway (Sui Generis) to pavement cafes (Class A3) | Pavement To Front Of Theatre Royal And Pavement To Side Onto Shakespeare Street 100 Grey Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6BR


Hopefully this will replace the NE1 'Tree Boxes' that are in front of the theatre at the moment!

That is the only part of the entire 'Quayside Beach' and 'Grey Street Gardens' temporary summer works by NE1, that I think doesn't really work.

The rest is great, but this little area just looks 'bitty' to me.

Agree with NH about Grey Street Gardens in front of Theatre Royal. :ohno: Outdoor cafe would be nice - when we get the weather! I think NE1 should be applauded for 'thinking outside the box' and have come up with some good schemes.

Agree with NH about Grey Street Gardens in front of Theatre Royal. :ohno: Outdoor cafe would be nice - when we get the weather! I think NE1 should be applauded for 'thinking outside the box' and have come up with some good schemes.

Worth remembering that they are only temporary until September but agree that NE1 should get a round of applause for their efforts to at least do something new :)

I like them and I think it will be a little too far out from the cafe to have a cafe on there. I would like to see the gardens become a permanent thing, if it's not to happen in front of the Theatre Royal then at least let them stay elsewhere on Grey street and Monument.

As seen from Theatre Royal Facebook: The Tyne Tees feature from last week is on the web, I've linked to it here (http://www.itv.com/tynetees/theatre-royal-revamp63700/)

(I don't know how long it will remain up on Tyne Tees Regional News site, best watch it sooner rather than later).

p.s. filmed on a day when half the ceiling lights were on!:doh:

Theatre Royal is a must see after restoration
By David Whetstone, The Journal, August 18th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/may2011/1/9/theatre-royal-image-2-660513483.jpg

ANYONE planning a trip to Newcastle’s Theatre Royal after it reopens next month is in for a treat – regardless of what’s showing on stage.

For a time, it seems, the building will be the star and worth the ticket price on its own.

As I discovered yesterday, the step into the future afforded by a near £5m improvement of the auditorium is also a reminder of a glorious past.

Sight lines have been improved. Two rigging columns which stood at either side of the stage have been removed and the equipment moved into four of the boxes which, in any case, were designed not for a good view of the stage but more for the occupants of them to "be seen".

Four new private boxes with wheelchair access have been created at the back of the grand circle where wooden arcades have been recreated, adding a dash of glamour

The upper circle now has a central staircase. Having stumbled on evidence of this original feature, the architects adjusted their plans and reinstated it.

In front of the gallery – the “gods” – three rows known as the amphitheatre have also been recreated, offering a fantastic view of the stage for about 70 audience members.

In the foyer, new entrances to the stalls have been created through two booths next to a new sweet kiosk.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/culture-newcastle/culture-latest-news/2011/08/18/newcastle-theatre-royal-is-a-must-see-after-restoration-61634-29258161/#ixzz1WGOGoQwP

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More photos from Rory up, lots of the project team and some great views of the carpeted stalls with the seats starting to be fitted out.

They start here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/6053937964/in/photostream/lightbox/).

There was discussion a few weeks ago about reinstatement of Boxes and creation of new ones. The new ones are at the back of the Dress Circle and we have seen them already, however, I was expecting that the Stage Boxes (at Stalls level either side of the Orchestra Pit) would probably also be reinstated and I failed to notice from Rory's shots last week that the new box fronts have now appeared.

I don't normally put up Rory's shots here as they are Copyright and only NH has permission to do so. However, I trust that Rory won't be upset by couple of small snipped illustrative screen grabs to make a few points.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/stagebox.jpg
Here you can see the new Box front but it isn't fully fitted yet.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/prosc.jpg
This shot from yesterday shows that the box front has now been fitted in position. Also note that the gold proscenium picture frame is back in-situ at the stage edge. (The plans show that it can be twisted and stowed out of the way to protect it if a forestage is used).

One other observation for the sharp eyed scrutinising Rory's photo stream- Box E (which is two boxes above the stage box shown above) has a curious curved support twin lighting bar arrangement installed, but Box J (the mirror image on the other side) doesn't, although it does have several vertical bars. Perhaps it just hasn't been fitted yet.

Permission granted Delicolor, just the once mind!! :) The front boxes, which afford the worst possible views, are being used as technical boxes and will be virtually blacked out. Effectively they are replaced by boxes at the back of the Grand Circle and the Upper Circle.

Cheers Rory, I didn't fancy negotiating the rights with Getty images!

Yes, they would have always had a terrible view, unless you are a budding musician and like watching the orchestra.

They are in-situ as Box A and Box F in 1933 and it is interesting to notice that they originally had curved fronts. I imagine the straight frontage now is so as to not impede into the Orchestra Pit.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/101_7143.jpg

These were taken from the gallery during a children's show of some sort. I had bumped into Ernie Savage & Andy Kent (the Electricians) in town and they invited me to see the changes made since Spring 1976 when I had last worked there.

They are with low ASA daylight film in an average camera and I couldn't use flash (not that it would have done any good of course) so they have a yellow cast and a bit of camera shake. Still, they illustrate a few points that I haven't seen online before.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/royal1.jpg
This first shot shows the new gallery lighting bridge which was removed as part of the 1986-88 works (& recently reinstated, hopefully less intrusively) . You can also just about make out the followspot pit in the centre of the front gallery but they were the same lanterns (Strand Electric Patt 93N (http://www.strandarchive.co.uk/lanterns/p93.html)) that had been in the gallery slips earlier.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/Royal2.jpg
A view of the plasterwork above the proscenium. Nothing much to say about this one other than the UFO!

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/Royal3.jpg
New lighting positions towards the slips, created by raising the balcony fronts to squeeze in more lanterns. I'm not entirely certain what model these are, possibly strand T-spots (http://www.strandarchive.co.uk/lanterns/t64.html) ("Known as Tea-Pots".)

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/Royal4.jpg
This shot shows the lighting control room which held a Rank Strand MMS system. (http://www.strandarchive.co.uk/control/memory/mms/mms.html) (You can see the glow of some of the push buttons through the curved window. You can also see the flock papered screen used to conceal the view of the contol to patrons. There is a small hatch in the screen which can be opened during rehearsals).

I've put up a few photos of my trip to Leeds City Varieties here. (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=83004644&postcount=62) It has strong similarities to TRN for the era they are recreating.

Something of interest was the LED lighting which is very similar to many of the fixtures used in Newcastle- they unscrewed one of the bracket lamps to show us what they looked like inside.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/LED1.jpg
In this shot, the right hand diffuser has been removed.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/LED2.jpg
My camera didn't like this at all! Some are yellow and some are bluey white. They can be blended to suit requirements. This is the production interval state which is slightly on check as they don't want the auditorium to be too bright.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/LED3.jpg
The diffuser. I couldn't decide if it was frosted glass or heavy plastic! (I suspect the former).

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/stagebox.jpg

I have just realised that the stage box fronts were reinstated in 1988 and they are in my 2007 photos. They must have just been removed fore safe keeping.

I found a fragment of a very old handbill that I think is the Royal, that looks like the serif of an L top left.

(It is similar in style to the one in post 187 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=82625589&postcount=184) which is older).

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/handbill.jpg

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Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 23: W/C 15th August.


Only 4 weeks to go!

Builders Diary for 'Week 23' not yet up (as at 20th August 2011)


Week 23 PHOTOS . . .

Here are a selection of Rory's 'Week 23' Photos . . .


New Stall Seats, above Orchestra Pit . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/23-NewStallSeatsaboveOrchestraPit.jpg


Fully fitted seats in the Gallery . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/23-FullyfittedseatsintheGallery.jpg


Gold Leaf, very prominent in the Gallery . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/23-GoldLeafveryprominentintheGallery.jpg


Fully Fitted Seats, in the Upper Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/23-FullyFittedSeatsintheUpperCircle.jpg


The Restoration Team pose in the partially re-seated Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/23-TheRestorationTeamposeinthepartiallyre-seatedStalls.jpg


The new carpetting and start of re-seating in the Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/23-Thenewcarpettingandstartofre-seatingintheStalls.jpg


New entrance into the Grand Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/23-NewentranceintotheGrandCircle.jpg


Rear of the Stalls taking shape . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/23-RearoftheStallstakingshape.jpg


The Ceiling, from the Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/23-TheCeilingfromtheStalls.jpg


A different view of the partially re-seated Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/23-Adifferentviewofthepartiallyre-seatedStalls.jpg


A fantastic view of the Auditorium with a partially re-seated Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/23-AfantasticviewoftheAuditoriumwithapartiallyre-seatedStalls.jpg


Another view of the Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/23-AnotherviewoftheStalls.jpg


Stalls area, above the Orchestra Pit, from the Stage . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/23-StallsareaabovetheOrchestraPitfromtheStage.jpg



Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

^^^^

Rory has disabled downloading of photos from his Website.

I hadn't realised that he had done that.

I'll drop him a line to see if he will change his site back to how it was!!!

(NH)

How are olden day theatres like this ventilated?

^^^^

Rory has disabled downloading of photos from his Website.

I hadn't realised that he had done that.

I'll drop him a line to see if he will change his site back to how it was!!!

(NH)



Don't know how that happened, but rectified now.

Rory

Hi All
Can anyone help me with some pics of the Theatre as it has looked at various stages across the last hundered years or so? I am thinking of a picture book record of the current restoration and wanted to preface it with a few historical ones.

Much appreciated

Rory

How are olden day theatres like this ventilated?

The original arrangement was with a gas sunburner at the auditorium ceiling level to cause the vitiated air to rise through the vent above using the chimney effect. Fresh air from the outside would enter through wall vents at each seating level above head height to minimise drafts.

Hi All
Can anyone help me with some pics of the Theatre as it has looked at various stages across the last hundered years or so? I am thinking of a picture book record of the current restoration and wanted to preface it with a few historical ones.

Much appreciated

Rory


Prior to the actual work on this 2011 restoration project starting, in the earlier posts of this thread I posted some earlier photos, from the 1986-1988 and 2005-2006 restoration projects.

Are they of any use, or is it 'even earlier' photos that you need?

Don't know how that happened, but rectified now.

Rory


Thanks Rory,

The latest "Week 23" PHOTOS are now re-uploaded into Post 215.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=83054044&postcount=215

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Not being tribal...but those red and white stripes? :ohno: Someone having a laugh? :bash:

.
Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 24: W/C 22nd August.


•The building team will leave the auditorium in less than a week now and work is progressing in the final leg! All major construction work is done now and the team is finishing off and tweaking - there's even a bit of dusting going on!! Small adjustments, fittings and finishes are being carried out across the auditorium, but the end is in sight....!

•The seats are now installed across the auditorium, and it's looking really spectacular - the only areas still to get seats are the Front Stalls and top of Gallery.

•In the Grand Circle, the gorgeous Matcham aisle arcades have been padded with velvet to match the seats, and the handrails, balconies and edges have been specially upholstered in the same fabric. At present most of this is covered in bubble-wrap to protect it.

•The new red carpets for front of house are currently being laid - they are a rich weave and complement the ornate swirls of the Matcham carpet inside the auditorium

•The installation of the technical framework, lights and sound equipment is now mostly complete on the stage-side boxes.

•Deep red and gold ornate Matcham decorative tiling is complete in the stalls.

•In the Entrance Foyer work is finished on the ceiling murals and the finishing touches are being made to the construction of the new Box Office in the foyer well. In Pasqualinos, the ceiling artwork is also up - a blend of the modern and traditional, using contemporary artists to translate the traditional and renaissance themes associated with the venue.

•The first 'test' chandelier has now gone up - beautifully hand-created replica Victoriana, it reflects the Matcham brasswear elsewhere in the auditorium. Once we are confident it's in place and 'works' the other chandeliers will follow in quick succession. The Sunburner will go up any day now - watch this space for more news.


Week 24 PHOTOS . . .

Here are a selection of Rory's 'Week 24' Photos, and (in my opinion) they are really starting to reveal just how beautiful the finished interior will look . . .


The Grand Circle, from the side . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-GrandCircle.jpg


The familiar site of the ornate Safety Curtain, seen from the Grand Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-FamiliarSafetyCurtainfromGrandCircle.jpg


Grand Circle, and the 'gradually progressing' Stalls Seating . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-GrandCircleandgraduallyprogressingStallsSeats.jpg


The Stage from the 'Spot Box' in the Gallery . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-StagefromSpotBoxinGallery.jpg


View of the (still) 'partially re-seated' Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-Rearofstillpartiallyre-seatedStalls.jpg


The Stage, taken from down in the Orchestra Pit . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-StagefromdownintheOrchestraPit.jpg


Gallery Bar area . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-GalleryBararea.jpg


Stairs to Grand Circle bar . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-StairstoGrandCirclebar.jpg


Stairs up, from left of Entrance Foyer/Vestibule area . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-StairstoleftofEntranceFoyerVestibule.jpg


New Bar Area - Not certain, but it 'looks like' the PASQELINOS (former 'Cafe Teatro') area? . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-NewBarAreaperhapsPasquelinos.jpg


Entrance Foyer/Vestibule, at the 'New Box Office end' . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-EntranceFoyeratNewBoxOfficeend.jpg


Auditorium, in all its GLORY . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-AuditoriuminallitsGlory.jpg


Another view of the full Auditorium . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-AnotherviewofthefullAuditorium.jpg


View from the Stage . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-ViewfromtheStage.jpg


The Ceiling - showing the circular hole awaiting the arrival of the "Borough Theatre Template-made" Sunburner . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-CeilingshowingcircleforBoroughTheatreTemplate-madeSunburner.jpg


A Wider View of the Ceiling - from down in the Orchestra Pit . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-WiderviewofCeilingfrominOrchestraPit.jpg




Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

.

Not being tribal...but those red and white stripes? :ohno: Someone having a laugh? :bash:
I'm not entirely certain what is going down on the Pit side walls, but it looks like some fabric might be going up.

Theatre Royal Sunburner now back in place
by Dan Warburton, The Journal, August 27 2011

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-Sunburnerabouttobehoistedupintoceiling.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/24-Sunburner2fromtheJournal.jpg
THE SUNBURNER - being hoisted into place in the ceiling

ORNATE in its embodiment of a time gone by, an Edwardian-style gas burner was yesterday hoisted into position at the Theatre Royal. The treasure was lifted into place above the Newcastle auditorium as part of the on-going, multi-million pound restoration of the venue.

Designed in the 19th century as a primitive air conditioning system, Tyneside conservationists have re-created the innovative contraption as a centrepiece for the theatre’s huge £4.75m revamp.

The decorative sunburner is a specially-made replica of the one that was recently rescued by a regeneration team at North Tyneside Council when the derelict Borough Theatre was demolished in May 2010.

An attractive gas-lit ventilation device, it was used inside theatres in the early 20th century to help the better flow of air through the auditorium.

But the system recovered in Wallsend was too wide to fit the decorative plaster hole in the ceiling of the Theatre Royal, so a template was taken from it, which the conservation team used to make a replica.

Yesterday, a team of experts helped attach the new centrepiece to the ceiling of the auditorium.

Peter Bernays, chief executive of the Theatre Royal, said: “It’s like having a huge great big gas fire in the centre of the ceiling.

“It’s a Victorian form of air conditioning which was used in the late 19th century. By all accounts, they weren’t particularly successful so we’re also having proper air conditioning.

“Before there was a chandelier hanging there but that has now gone. It’s lit using electricity and it looks absolutely fabulous.”

The fate of the original Theatre Royal sunburner is unknown, although it is believed it was removed in one of the many 20th century refurbishments, when there was less interest in theatre restoration and less was known about Victorian architect Frank Matcham.

But the team has made every effort to ensure the new design is a replica of that previously installed in the building.


Read More (Two Pages) - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/08/27/newcastle-theatre-royal-sunburner-back-in-place-61634-29312328/#ixzz1WDI1uYMY

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I have today further updated the "Week 24 Post" with TEN new photos, and have also added the Week 24 Builders Diary itself.

See Post 225.

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I see that the latest disruption to the front of the Theatre's portico has been the fitting of up-lighters. Wonder if the September opening is still on course or as with the original build, is there an extra month to be added :)

I see that the latest disruption to the front of the Theatre's portico has been the fitting of up-lighters. Wonder if the September opening is still on course or as with the original build, is there an extra month to be added :)


:colgate: Yes, I can still hardly believe that "original build" timescale from the 1800's, when the original five month building programme . . . had to be 'put back' to SEVEN MONTHS !!!

As for this one, as plays (and customers) are booked in from the planned opening date of 12th September, I don't think it will get pushed back!

:colgate: Yes, I can still hardly believe that "original build" timescale from the 1800's, when the original five month building programme . . . had to be 'put back' to SEVEN MONTHS !!!

As for this one, as plays (and customers) are booked in from the planned opening date of 12th September, I don't think it will get pushed back!

Yes its rather 'eerie' that the original building took 7 months to erect and the current restoration is due to take the same :uh:

Photographed this bill board on 25th August 2011 - Shakespeare Street side of the Theatre Royal.

http://www.fototime.com/974BC257FB72214/orig.jpg

The stalls walls are no longer stripy! A matching lighting bar frame is also starting to emerge from the stage right upper box.

False ceiling panels at the passageway to the Bar seats?

This is a fully working sunburner at Buxton Opera House.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/sunburner.jpg

(Whilst it works, it isn't used due to certification issues, even though it was restored by British gas apprentices!)

The new one will be based on what was done at the Gaiety, Douglas, Isle of Man, which was modified to take lamps. (A crop from a much larger picture so the detail is fuzzy.)

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/gaiety.jpg

However, with the use of LEDs, the lamp cowls look like they are much more discreet.

Rory has more photos up, including the sunburner and the new orchestra pit raised to stage level.

The front stalls seating now has a wedge of space down the centre.

This is a fully working sunburner at Buxton Opera House.

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/sunburner.jpg

(Whilst it works, it isn't used due to certification issues, even though it was restored by British gas apprentices!)

The new one will be based on what was done at the Gaiety, Douglas, Isle of Man, which was modified to take lamps. (A crop from a much larger picture so the detail is fuzzy.)

http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/Shades_photos/gaiety.jpg

However, with the use of LEDs, the lamp cowls look like they are much more discreet.


Very interesting stuff about "Sunburners" delicor - looking forward to seeing ours in the flesh.

Will be putting the Week 25 Diary (if there is one) and some Week 25 Photos, up shortly.

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Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary Week 25: W/C 29th August.


Sorry about the delay with this weeks update, but the 'Builders Diary' for Week 25 is not yet up, as at 3rd September


Week 25 PHOTOS . . .

There are plenty of 'Week 25' PHOTOS though, including a great series on the installation of the SUNBURNER . . .


Preparing the Sunburner, down on the ground . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-PreparingtheSunburner.jpg


Starting the raising of the Sunburner . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-RaisingtheSunburner.jpg


You can JUST make out the 'rising Sunburner' at about Back Stalls height . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-YoucanJUSTmakeouttherisingSunburneratbackstallslevel.jpg


Sunburner now in the Ceiling Hole - and LIT . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-Sunburnernowinplace-andLIT.jpg


Same Ceiling View as last week BUT with hole in centre now filled by Sunburner . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-SimilarCeilingViewtolastweekswithHOLEfillednowbySunburner.jpg


And here is the Sunburner, in all its Glory . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-Sunburnerfittedandinallitsglory.jpg


NOW BACK TO THE REST OF THE THEATRE !!!


View from Vestibule/Entrance Foyer, right over Stalls to the Stage . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-ViewthroughtoStagefromVestibuleakaEntranceFoyer.jpg


Finishing touches to the Vestibule/Entrance Foyer . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-VestibuleEntranceFoyer.jpg


Grand Circle, viewed from one of the New Boxes at the back . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-GrandCircleviewedfromoneofthenewboxesattheback.jpg


The completed Upper Circle Bar Area . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-UpperCircleBar.jpg


Seen from Gallery - Front Seats raised to Stage Level, and the Front/Rear Stalls Barrier and Front Stalls Centre passageway can be seen . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-ViewfromGalleryfrontseatsatstagelevelfrontstallsbarrierandcentrepassage.jpg


Front Stalls, showing new Barrier with Rear Stalls, and showing 'really spacious' Seating . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-FrontStallsshowingbarrierwithRearStallsandspaciousseating.jpg


Stalls now fully re-seated . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-Stallsnowfullyre-seated.jpg


Gallery - Showing the seats resting on the 'Matcham Benches' . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-FullycompletedGALLERYseatsrestingonoriginalMatchamBenches.jpg




Sources . .

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

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A Report from Rory Gibson, Theatre Royal Official Project Photographer, whose photos adorn the length of this thread . .


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We achieved practical completion last Friday evening, which was quite a moment I can tell you!

Our skeleton team are still on site - supervising the cleaning routine, finishing off the bottom of the proscenium arch, final bits of work in the foyer and the gallery bar area, but to all intents and purposes the restoration is complete.

The spotlights are in position, the drapes are on the boxes, the internal directional signs are going up today and all in all it is now looking every inch a Theatre again, but this time an extremely sumptuous one!

The light fittings on the front pillars have been done by the City Council so I can't comment on that, also the new 'Pasquelinos Restaurant' bar area has been done by someone else so I am unable to comment on that - save to say the latter looks nearly done.

MY final trip back stage will be on Friday morning to take some final pictures of the finished article.

I am certainly going to miss getting in to the Theatre at 6am, 3 days a week every week, to take pictures.

It has been a wonderful experience!

Best Regards

Rory Gibson
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While 'technically' this post is just the "Theatre Royal 2011 Restoration - Builders Diary and Photos from Week 26: W/C 5th September",
in reality it is actually . . .

Details and Photos of the COMPLETED PROJECT . . .

As always, all photos are courtesy of Rory Gibson - http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/


1 - Week 26 'Builders Diary' . .

(Right up to opening on 12th September)

• Work is now complete! All the chandeliers and the sunburner have been hoisted up to the ceiling and electricals tested. All the seats have been fitted now, and cleaned and polished.

• The polywrap protection sheets have now been completely removed, revealing the lush claret velvet beneath. The moveable seats have been placed in the boxes and the cleaners have given the whole Theatre a final blitz to ensure it is sparkling clean!

• Work is still being finished on Pasqualinos and 9 Bar Coffee, and the new Box Office in the foyer is taking shape. The restaurant will be ready for opening night but as the Box Office will take a little longer, the opening of 9 Bar, where the temporary Box Office is, will be slightly delayed – perhaps just for a few weeks.

• The Theatre’s Marketing and Front of House teams have been very busy getting the gilt frames and other furnishings back in, and the De Giorgis and their team have been stocking up the new bars.

• The auditorium glimmers with lustrous gold leaf, the lamps are glowing softly under their marbled glass shades, the chandeliers and sunburner are sparkling and the rich fabrics drape luxuriantly from the balconies and boxes.

It is a sight to behold, and Frank Matcham himself would be proud.


2 - Week 26 Photos . .


The view through to the Stalls, from the Foyer . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/26-StallviewedfromFoyer.jpg


Looking the other way, Stalls out to Foyer . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/26-FromStallslookingouttoFoyer.jpg


Passageway, at very back of Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/26-PassagewayatbackofStalls.jpg


Grand Circle Bar area . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/26-GalleryBarArea.jpg


The 'Matcham Stairs' . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/26-MatchamStairs.jpg


The Stalls . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/26-TheStalls.jpg


Stalls from a different angle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/26-Stallsfromanotherangle.jpg


Grand Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/26-GrandCircle.jpg


Steps along the side of the Grand Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/26-StepsdownsideofGrandCircle.jpg


Take a Seat and Enjoy the SHOW . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/26-Takeaseatandenjoytheshow.jpg
Sources . .


Upper Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/26-UpperCircle.jpg


Centre Stairs of Upper Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/26-CentreStairsofUpperCircle.jpg


Stage from the Upper Circle . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/26-StagefromUpperCircle.jpg


The view 'all around the Auditorium' from the Gallery . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/26-FromtheGallery.jpg




Sources:

1 - Theatre Royal on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Royal-Newcastle/17950275842

2 - The Builders Diary: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/restoration/building-progress

3 - Rory Gibson's Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1/

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A good write-up in the Grauniad HERE (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2011/sep/09/theatre-royal-newcastle-frank-matcham-grey-street-wakefield-blackpool-firth-carpets/print)

(All rights reserved so a link only)

Newcastle Theatre Royal has reopened today, following a £4.9 million restoration to return the venue’s Victorian auditorium to its 1901 design.
The project took six months and 500 workmen to complete and saw the carpets, brasswork, light fittings, wallpaper and gold-leaf plasterwork all returned to architect Frank Matcham’s original designs.
Meanwhile, seating, lighting, air conditioning and technical facilities have all been upgraded, a new restaurant installed, and wheelchair access improved.
David Wilmore, a theatre consultant on the project, commented: “This is the biggest and most meticulous theatre restoration I have ever worked on - no other I’m aware of has been as meticulously researched and recreated. Because we know far more about Frank Matcham than ever before, and understand how great a genius of theatre design and the audience experience he was, we have been able to achieve a bespoke reconstruction, and the level of detail is extreme.
“Nothing is ‘off-the-shelf’ here, everything has been bespoke-made using traditional techniques, and for that reason the project signifies a fundamental shift in how we approach conservation in the 21st century.”
The project has largely been funded by a £1.75 ticket levy on every ticket sold since 2008. The rest of the funding has come from private donations, trusts and £300,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Newcastle Theatre Royal reopens tonight with the touring production of The Madness of George III by Alan Bennett.

Souce; The Stage News (http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/33475/newcastle-theatre-royal-reopens-after)

The Theatre Royal returned to Victorian splendour
by Joanne Butcher, The Journal, September 13th 2011

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/25-Stallsnowfullyre-seated.jpg

NEWCASTLE’S new-look Theatre Royal has thrown open its doors to audiences for the first time since a £4.9m refurbishment.

The theatre has been restored to its original glory thanks to the painstaking work of 500 workmen. From the dark wood panels and claret velvet chairs to the acres of gold leaf decorating ceilings, everything is based on the way it would have looked in 1901.

Experts identified and recreated as many original features in the theatre as possible, based on the plans of Victorian theatre architect, Frank Matcham.

Over the years, many of Matcham’s original designs had been lost beneath false ceilings, modern wallpaper and ugly technical fittings – but those have all been stripped away.

Philip Bernays, chief executive of the Theatre Royal, said: “This project has been a labour of love for everyone involved, and no expense was spared on the creation of authentic decorative touches. We haven’t skimped in any way – we’ve sought out the best craftsmen from across Britain and Europe.


Read More (Two Pages) - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/09/13/newcastle-theatre-royal-returned-to-victorian-splendour-61634-29410548/#ixzz1Xond8VvH

I see that Gusto Ltd have a Planning Application lodged for the external signage for the former Booking Office at the Theatre Royal which is to be transformed into a Cafe called 9Bar.

http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LREPB1BS05200

2011/1330/01/ADV | Display of 2 internally illuminated fascia sign and internal hanging sign to Market Street elevation and vinyls to windows on corner of Grey Street and Shakespeare Street | Theatre Royal 100 Grey Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6BR

http://www.fototime.com/19AF1A6459248D8/orig.jpg

This is the Planning Application from Gusto Ltd for the signage at Pasqualino's on Market Street, the new Restaurant and Bar.

http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LREQ8LBS05200

2011/1317/01/LBC | Listed Building Application: Erection of halo lit fascia sign to Market Street elevation | Theatre Royal 100 Grey Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6BR

http://www.fototime.com/BFCADF3CFCCFE10/orig.jpg

The finished article - taken on 17th September 2011.

Now starting to think that the trees from the Grey Street Garden look out of place in front of the Theatre Royal but hopefully they are coming to the end of their tenure.

http://www.fototime.com/4EE3EB74737BD59/orig.jpg

Thanks for the excellent photos of a wonderful building, Newcastle can be very proud of this beautiful world class theatre.

WOW!!! This is looking amazing - will make sure I get along to a show next time I'm down :-D

WOW!!! This is looking amazing - will make sure I get along to a show next time I'm down :-D


Do you come over to the UK very often, NewToBrisbane?

I have never been to Australia, but would love to, one day!

Newcastle Theatre Royal photographs raise cash for Charity
by Rachel Wearmouth, The Journal, December 24th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/dec2011/0/8/theatre-royal-image-2-501752863.jpg

PHOTOGRAPHS telling the story of the Theatre Royal's recent transformation are raising money for a charity close to their creator’s heart. Amateur Tyneside photographer Rory Gibson, 53, was at Newcastle's Theatre Royal day and night while work to revamp the Victorian building was recently carried out.

Now, Mr Gibson’s work is being sold to raise money for Breast Cancer Care after his much-loved wife Judith, 53, was diagnosed with the disease in March 2009. So far the artwork has drummed up almost £3,000 for the cause.

Individuals and organisations including Astryan Ltd, Newcastle Theatre Royal and Nigel Wright Recruitment have used the images on invitations and other marketing materials, raising £1,000. This amount was then matched by contractor SURGO Construction, which is carrying out the £4.7m restoration, and a further £750 came from Barclays Bank.

Mr Gibson said: I was at the theatre from 6.30am taking pictures of the restoration and it was such a fantastic experience. “I would like to thank Philip Bernays, the Theatre Royal’s chief executive, for giving me access all areas. Mr Bernays said: “Whenever you turned round Rory was there with his camera. “He lived here for about six months and as a result of which we have a great story told through his photographs.

Anyone wishing to purchase copies of the photos should go to flickr.com/photos/gibbo_rory1 and email Mr Gibson on rory.gibson@rocketmail.com. Images are available for a minimum donation of £10 to the charity.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/12/24/newcastle-theatre-royal-photographs-raise-cash-61634-30004437/#ixzz1hRUpi283

Interesting programme on BBC 2 this evening, in the "Inside Out" series, covering the recent renovation of the Theatre Royal.

It was like seeing some of Rory Gibson's fabulous photos (from this thread) literally coming to life and moving around!!

If you missed it this evening, here is the link to it on the BBC iPlayer . . .

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01974mc/Inside_Out_North_East_and_Cumbria_04_01_2012/

Well worth a look!