175th Anniversary Campaign
CONTINUING THE GREAT TRADITION…
For over 170 years, the people of the North East have been proud guardians of the Theatre Royal, looking after the Grade 1 Listed building through ever-changing times for the generations to come. And now the task of continuing this great tradition falls to us.
Funded by the Heritage Lottery, Theatresearch have produced a Conservation Plan which will protect and enhance the Grade 1 Listed building for a new era. As well as conservation, the plan will enable us to restore lost historic features, install new Victorian-style seating and make other improvements, ensuring the glories of our 19th century auditorium meet the needs of our 21st century audiences. To download the plan click here (File Size: 59.4 mb).
Plans for the £4.7m restoration of the auditorium in 2011 have reached final design stage and planning approvals are now being sought. The auditorium will be dark from mid March 2011 to early September 2011, whilst the rest of the Theatre will remain open and the learning space will continue its busy schedule.
A key aspect of the restoration is new seating - the style, comfort and position of which will all be greatly enhanced. Perhaps more questions are asked about the new seats than anything else – for those eager for more details we have the following bulletin:
- Where possible seats will be staggered, allowing the audience to see through the gaps
- Row to row distances will be increased wherever possible to improve legroom
- A luxurious Velvet or Mohair fabric will be used, which will be rigorously tested for abrasion to withstand constant use over 20-30 years
- Seats from Europe’s leading manufacturers in Italy, France, Belgium and the UK are being examined
- As no historical information is available on Matcham’s 1901 Theatre Royal seating, research is focused on seating for which there is evidence in other Matcham theatres of the period
- Computer modelling is being used to create the best available sightlines
- Wheelchair access to the theatre will be increased. A design is being created for a seat which will fold into the floor void, creating a level platform for a wheelchair position. These will be located in several locations in the stalls.
The Theatre is an independent charitable trust and to help meet the recommendations of the plan a £1.75 charitable contribution will be added to the price of all tickets. With one penny for each of its years, your contribution will ensure that the Theatre is ready for its 175th birthday in 2012. And ready for a new generation to enjoy.
Theatre Royal Newcastle…a story of cultural excellence since 1837
I hold the world but as the world, Gratiano, a stage where every man must play a part…
Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice – the play which opened the Theatre Royal on Grey Street, 20th February 1837
Watch our patron Richard Briers launching the project
Download our campaign brochure