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