The Restoration

Newcastle Theatre Royal Restoration

14 March - 12 September 2011

The Theatre Royal is one of only nine Grade 1 Listed theatres in England
and is regarded by many as the UK’s finest theatre building.

Over 174 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.

In September this year we completed a major six month restoration to recreate Matcham’s classic 1901 Edwardian design. The project:

1901 Auditorium

We used Matcham’s 1901 template for the decorative scheme, reprinting wallpapers, reinstating lost tilework, sourcing original carpet patterns and using extensive gold leaf work. Specialist workshops reproduced period light fittings, brassware and ornamentation. And seating was reconfigured, with new seats in all areas – 1901 in style, but modern in comfort.

21st Century levels of comfort

Seats were made more comfortable with more space and legroom; lighting, air conditioning and technical facilities were all upgraded and foyer areas renovated. Two new Stalls entrances were built, improving access for wheelchair users, and toilets were upgraded, with extra ladies’ toilets.

Grey Street Portico

Damaged by the elements and recent severe winters, the famous portico was in urgent need of repair. As well as conservation measures, a new lighting system was installed to show off the splendour of the iconic main entrance.

Click here to see more images

Click here to read the full Diary

Click here to see clips from the BBC documentary about our restoration

Images above courtesy of Rory Gibson and Sally Ann Norman