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Theatre Royal reopens after restoration

This Monday sees the grand reopening of Newcastle Theatre Royal, following six months of restoration work.

£4.9 million was invested in refurbishing the detail of the Victorian auditorium in the Grade 1 listed theatre, which has been completed in time for the theatre’s 175thanniversary in 2012.

One of the 500-strong workforce who completed the task proclaimed the theatre to be “the greatest building on Britain’s greatest street.”

Carpets, brasswork and gold-leaf plasterwork have been meticulously recreated by craftsmen from across Europe after studying 1901 designs,photographs and catalogues.

Interior and exterior work has recaptured the style of architect Frank Matcham’s original design, but has also introduced mod cons and energy efficient measures.

Seating with extra leg room and better views, as well as luxury boxes and an amphitheatre in the gallery have all been added.

Almost all aspects of the building have been renovated including new foyers, toilets and stairways.

A new restaurant is also on offer for theatre-goers.

David Wilmore is a theatre consultant and Matcham expert who worked on the project and remarked that it was the largest and most meticulous restoration he had ever worked on.

He said: “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 involved a number of organisations including Sansome Hall architects, Charcoalblue theatre consultants, SURGO Construction, Max Fordham building engineers and cost consultants FK Howard.

Conservation experts Theatresearch were also involved.

Philip Bernays, chief executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, noted that it had been a real labour of love for all those involved.

He said: “No expense has been 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, and in some cases the original Victorian manufacturers are still going!”

Mr Bernays went on to demonstrate his sense of amazement at the result of the works, saying the amount of gold leaf used in the auditorium made it “virtually glow.”

He said: “The result is simply breathtaking - we know that our audiences will be blown away by the sheer beauty of it.

“If Matcham were alive today, I think he would be very impressed, and we couldn’t think of a better gift for the ’grand old lady of Grey Street ahead of her 175th birthday next year.”

Funding for the restoration has largely been sought through a £1.75 heritage contribution on every ticket sold since 2008.

The rest, has come from private and trust donations, as well as a £300,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Alan Bennett’s five-star reviewed period drama The Madness of George III reopens the theatre, and runs from September 12-17.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .