The Stage

Theatre Royal Newcastle plans major restoration

Published Tuesday 23 February 2010 at 16:30 by Alistair Smith

Newcastle’s Theatre Royal has unveiled detailed plans for a £4.75 million restoration of the venue’s Frank Matcham-designed auditorium, which will reopen in time for the site’s 175th birthday in 2012.

The theatre was built in 1837, designed by John and Benjamin Green, but fire destroyed the interior of the building in 1899 and the auditorium was redesigned by Matcham in 1901.

The renovation project, which is being funded in large part by a £1.75 restoration levy on tickets, will see the auditorium fitted with new seating, as well as improved lighting and ventilation systems. All fabrics, from carpets to curtains, will also be replaced in the style of Matcham’s 1901 design, while extensive gold leaf decoration will be restored to the theatre, along with renovation of the theatre’s plaster work.

Theatre conservationist and Matcham expert Dr David Wilmore, who has researched the original decor of the venue, is helping to oversee the project. Theatre consultancy Charcoalblue is involved in overseeing the technical modifications to the auditorium.

Philip Bernays, Theatre Royal chief executive, told The Stage the scheme was about “putting the theatre back to Matcham’s original intentions, but at the same time addressing some comfort issues”.

He added: “There are really three reasons why we’re doing this. The first is that the auditorium was last renovated about 25 years ago and it’s wearing out - the seating, in fact, is about 50 years old. The decor is all a bit chipped and grubby and it needs to be refreshed.

“Also, it’s a Grade I-listed building and it should be restored, appropriately, to the way Matcham left it in 1901. We know a lot more about his work now than we did 25 years ago. So, it will be very much a restoration, rather than a refurbishment. The third reason is that it’s all about the audience. Box office and related sales form 90% of our income. We have to look after the audience, we have to make them comfortable and excited by the experience of coming to the Theatre Royal. So, this is working to secure our income for the next 25 to 50 years.”

Outside the auditorium, work will also take place to renovate the theatre’s public areas and improve its toilets, while repairs will take place on the historic frontage of the building. It is hoped that the restoration levy will raise £4 million, with further money coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other trusts and foundations, as well as public donations.

The theatre will go dark for five months from March to September 2011. However, the building’s cafe, box office and education programme will continue to operate during this period.