October 2023 – Drypigment.net

Travels of a Scenic Artist and Scholar. The Citizen’s Theatre, Glasgow, Sept. 16, 2023

A scene from our walk to the Citizen’s Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland, on Sept. 16, 2023.

A scene from our walk to the Citizen’s Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland, on Sept. 16, 2023.

The sun was out in Glasgow as Mike Hume, Rick Boychuk, Megumi, Alan Butland, and I walked to the Citizen’s Theatre, 119 Gorbals Street. Here is a link for the history of the building, also known as “The Citz”: https://www.citz.co.uk/about/citizens-theatre/history-the-building

The Citizen’s Theatre on Sept. 16, 2023.

Mike Hume had arranged a tour with Graham Sutherland, head of production and client representative of the Redevelopment Project. In 2019, the Citizen’s Theatre broke ground on a £21.5 million project to enlarge and modernize the building. The reopening is currently anticipated for 2024.

Our visit necessitated that an architect to be on site, as the building is in the midst of a massive project; a big ask.

Mike Hume, Rick Boychuk, Wendy Waszut-Barrett, Megumi, and Alan Butland.

The complex is magnificent and I am especially intrigued with the history of the building. I can only hope to visit once the project is complete.

On Dec. 28, 1878, the venue opened as Her Majesty’s Theatre and Royal Opera House. Less than a year later, the building went under new management, was renovated, and rechristened the Royal Princess’s Theatre. On Oct. 24, 1879, the Glasgow Herald reported, “A lease of the theatre has, as we learn, been taken by Mr. Cecil Beryl, who will be favorably remembered by many playgoers, and arrangements have been made for the commencement of the season on the 22d of December with the production of Merrit’s drama ‘New Babylon,’ which has reached something like the 250^th night of performances at the Duke’s Theatre, London” (page 4).

On Dec. 19, 1879, the Glasgow Herald announced, “Our south-Side playhouse, rechristened the Royal Princess’s Theatre, is to be opened under the management of Mr. H. Cecil Beryl tom-morrow evening. During the time the establishment has been closed it has undergone considerable alteration and redecoration…a new act-drop painted by Mr. W. W. Small, and representing a scene on the Bosphorus, has been hung, while much of the scenery is fresh” (page 4). This was William Wilson Small (1830-1890), the resident artist who lived nearby. He is quite an interesting character, and now on my list of scenic artists to track down.

Small also painted scenery for the opening show that winter. An advertisement in the Glasgow Daily Mail on Dec. 27, 1879, credited Mr. H. Emden and Mr. Wm. W. Small as the scenic artists for New Babylon at the Royal Princess’s Theatre (page 1). They likely worked on paint bridges and frames high above the stage floor.

For visual reference of a paint bridge, here is an illustration by scenic artist Charles Graham for Harper’s Weekly Magazine in 1878.

Harper’s Weekly Magazine, Nov. 30, 1878.

It was not until 1894 that the Citizen’s Theatre backstage area was expanded to include a paint room with two vertical frames. Amazingly, the paint frames and machinery are still functional and intact. The distemper paint palette that scenic artists used for decades is also still in the space!

Here are a few photographs of the paint room from our tour.

Paint room with two frames at the Citizen’s Theatre.

Paint room at the Citizen’s Theatre. Notice the distemper paint palette on the right.

Graham explained that they were analyzing the paint on the walls to see what colors were used.

Paint-spattered walls and frame.

Looking up at the skylights.

Paint frame counterweight.

Winches in the paint room.

I will be curious to see what colors they identify, and if they are from the standard color palette promoted in Victorian scene painting manuals, such as F. Lloyds “Practical Guide to Scene Painting and Painting in Distemper.”

One of many scene painting guides published in the 19th-century.

Color chips were included in F. Lloyds’ book.

More color chips from F. Lloyds’ book.

It was not until Sept. 11, 1945, the theatre opened as The Citizen’s Theatre. Hume has written a lovely history about the venue and photographed the entire building before the current redevelopment project. Here is a link to his page: https://www.historictheatrephotos.com/Theatre/Citizens-Glasgow.aspx

Here are a few photographs of architectural details from our tour on Sept. 16, 2023.

Ceiling of the auditorium.

Ceiling detail.

Statuary detail.

Column detail.

Balcony detail.

For more information about the theater’s history, you can also visit: http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/Glasgow/Citizens.htm

To be continued…

Travels of a Scenic Artist and Scholar. The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Sept. 16, 2023

Mike Hume, Rick Boychuk, and I visited Glasgow after attending the Tyne Opera House & Theatre conference last month. The stop not only offered an opportunity to visit historic theaters, but also an opportunity to visit our good friend Megumi, now scenic art tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. I first met Megumi in 2018 at a CITT (Canadian Institute of Theatre Technology) scene painting workshop in St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada.

Megumi in front of Wallace Studios, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Megumi and Alan Butler joined Mike, Rick, and I on the morning and early afternoon of Sept. 16, 2023. We toured the Theatre Royal Glasgow, King’s Theatre, Tron Theatre, and the Citizen’s Theatre (the Citz). We then took Glasgow’s tiny subway, the “Clockwork Orange” to visit Megumi’s paint shop.

Glasgow’s tiny subway, now dubbed “Clockwork Orange.”

When it opened in 1896, it was only the third underground in the world; London had opened in 1863. For more information, here is a link to a “Glasgow Times” article about the subway: https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/13229439.one-penny-adventure-115-years-of-the-glasgow-subway-day-1-of-a-three-part-look-back-at-the-clockwork-oranges-history/

We took the subway across town to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Wallace Studios building. Megumi wanted to show us the motorized paint bridge in her paint shop and the two theater spaces.

Motorized bridge and paint frame at Wallace Studios, Royal Conservatoire, Scotland.

This was the first time that I have ever encountered a motorized bridge, where the paint frame is stationary and the painter moves up and down. This is opposite to what I use at home: a paint frame that moves while I remain stationary. I considered the pros and cons while I watched the bridge in action. The “con” of a motorized bridge is that you can’t quickly step back to see the entire composition, or rush to get something. It also requires a bit more planning when you shut the gate and operate the lift; no rushing to the sink. I can see that this system could slightly prolong the painting process in the long run. The “pro” is that retrieving dropped tools is far easier.

Motorized paint bridge at Wallace Studios.

Another view of the motorized paint bridge.

Controls for the motorized paint bridge.

When the paint bridge is “up.”

Caution sign on paint bridge gate.

Looking below the bridge when it is in the “up” position.

There is a second vertical paint frame in the nearby Royal Conservatoire of Scotland building that houses the New Athenaeum Theatre and Chandler Studio space.

The second paint frame at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland building that houses the New Athenaeum Theatre and Chandler Studio.

After touring the Wallace Studios, we headed to the Royal Conservatoire’s New Athenaeum Theatre and Chandler Studio. For geographical context, these two theaters are across the street from the Theatre Royal Glasgow (the site of our first theatre tour that day).

The Theatre Royal across the street from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Here are a few pictures from our tour of the studio building and theaters at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. For more information about the school, visit: https://www.rcs.ac.uk/

The New Athenaeum Theatre entrance.

The New Athenaeum Theatre auditorium.

The New Athenaeum stage and auditorium.

The New Athenaeum Theatre stage.

The New Athenaeum Theatre counterweight system.

The Chandler Studio entrance.

The Chandler Studio.

The Chandler Studio.

Map depicting out location at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

To be continued…

Travels of a Scenic Artist and Scholar. The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow, Sept. 16, 2023

On Sept. 16, 2023, Mike Hume, Rick Boychuk, Megumi, and I visited the Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow. It was our last stop of the day; our seventh theater visit, and one that was completely unplanned.

The Pavilion Theatre, 121 Renfield St., Glasgow.

While walking back to our hotel, Mike Hume decided to take a chance and walked into the lobby. He asked if it were possible for us to just take a peak at the auditorium. Fortunately for us, the show for that evening had been cancelled and there was an extremely accommodating manager on site. Although we only expected to spend a few minutes in the auditorium, Cameron gave us an extensive tour of the venue.

Our tour guide at the Pavilion Theatre – Cameron. My apologies for not remembering his last name. I also wish that this photo showed his white cowboy boots as they were quite impressive!

For a little historical context, the Pavilion Theatre opened on Feb. 29, 1904, as a music hall. Designed by Bertie Crewe, it was part of Thomas Barrasford’s chain of British Music Halls. Here is a linl for more information about the Pavilion’s history: https://www.paviliontheatre.co.uk/about/history/

The Pavilion Theatre.

The Pavilion Theatre ceiling.

The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow

The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow.

Historic seating chart.

The counterweight system is located stage left.

It is a Knight system

It is a Knight system.

It is a Knight system.

View of an upstage bridge from the deck.

Opera box.

View from the house left opera box.

An abundance of color has been added to the original decor.

Auditorium ornament.

Proscenium ornament.

Another view of the auditorium, near the boxes. The mirrors are an interesting touch.

Mirrors are to the right of the doorway.

Looking at the mirrors.

One of the many entrances to the auditorium.

Stair detail.

The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow.

View from the gallery.

To be continued…

Travels of a Scenic Artist and Scholar. The King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Sept. 16, 2023.

Mike, Rick, Megumi, and I walked from the Theatre Royal Glasgow to the King’s Theatre on the morning of Sept. 16. There we met Alan Butland, who had journeyed up from Newcastle upon Tyne to spend the day with us.

Our visit to King’s Theatre had been facilitated by Gary Painter, of the UK’s Cinema Theatre Association, who had arranged for us to tag along with a public tour.

Mike Hume, Megumi, Wendy Waszut-Barrett, Rick Boychuk and Alan Butland at the King’s Theatre. Glasgow.

The King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland

Auditorium at the King’s Theatre, Glasgow.

Detail of ornamental decor at King’s Theatre, Glasgow.

Entrance of the King’s Theatre, Glasgow.

Architectural details above the King’s Theatre entrance.

The waiting area before entering the auditorium, known as the Wedgewood Room. We tagged along with a public tour.

Ornamental details that caused this waiting area outside of the main auditorium to be named the Wedgewood Room.

Ornamental details that caused this waiting area outside of the main auditorium to be named the Wedgewood Room.

View from center stage.

Proscenium and opera boxes.

Another view of the boxes.

The ceiling at King’s Theatre.

Designed by well-known English architect Frank Matcham (1854-1920), the King’s Theatre opened on Sept. 12, 1904. The stage house still boasts a paint frame at the back. The shuttered windows (top right in picture below) illuminated the scenic artists’ paint studio.

Paint frame at the back of King’s Theatre, Scotland.

Another view of the paint frame and studio space.

Another view of the paint frame from the fly floor.

Looking up at the paint bridge (paint studio was to the immediate right of the bridge.

Rick Boychuk on the fly floor at King’s Theatre, Glasgow (stage right).

The grid at King’s Theatre.

Looking up at the grid.

Hemp lines on the fly floor.

Here are two links for more information about King’s Theatre Glasgow: http://kingstheatreglasgow.net/

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre-glasgow/

To be continued…

Travels of a Scenic Artist and Scholar. Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Sept. 16, 2023

Stage door at the Theatre Royal Glasgow.

The front facade, Theatre Royal Glasgow.

Theatre Royal Glasgow, 282 Hope Street.

Mike Hume, Rick Boychuk, and I took the train from Newcastle upon Tyne, England, to Glasgow, Scotland, on Sept. 15. We were scheduled to meet up with Megumi (scenic art tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) and visit three theaters. Alan Butland also traveled up from Newcastle to spend time with us on our adventure.

Megumi in front of Wallace Studios, Royal Conservatoire Scotland. We first met at a CITT (Canadian Institute of Theatre Technology) scene painting workshop (2018, St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada).

For our Glasgow visit, Mike scheduled tours at the Theatre Royal, King’s Theatre, and the Citizen’s Theatre (the Citz). Our visit to both the Theatre Royal Glasgow and the King’s Theatre was facilitated by Gary Painter of UK’s Cinema Theatre Association. He could not have been more accommodating or kind!

Gary and Mike at the stage door, Theatre Royal Glasgow.

When all was said and done, we visited seven theaters before hopping a train for Edinburgh that evening.

Our first stop was the Theatre Royal Glasgow.

Auditorium at the Theatre Royal Glasgow.

Ornamental details on the ceiling.

Ornamental details on the boxes.

More Ornamental details with light.

View from the gallery.

Illuminated lettering for aisles.

View from an opera box.

View from the boxes..

Another view of the auditorium.

Backstage at the Theatre Royal Glasgow.

Backstage at the Theatre Royal Glasgow.

Megumi cossing the bridge backstage.

Upstage crossover against the back wall.

The Safety Curtain, Theatre Royal Glasgow.

The safety curtain, Theatre Royal Glasgow.

Detail of safety curtain.

Backside of the safety curtain.

Backside of the safety curtain.

For more information about the Theatre Royal Glasgow, please visit Hume’s website. He did a lovely write-up about the history of the venue. Here is the link: https://www.historictheatrephotos.com/Theatre/Theatre-Royal-Glasgow.aspx

Mike Hume in action at the Theatre Royal Glasgow. Hume’s theatre photography is not only beautiful, but also informative.

None of our theater visits would have been possible without Hume’s previous visits to the venues, and various relationships that he has cultivated over the years. Thank you again, Mike!

Here are a few of my photographs from our visit on Sept. 13, 2023.

Here is also the link to the Theatre Royal Glasgow’s website:

https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb

To be continued…

Travels of a Scenic Artist and Scholar. Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne, Sept. 12 and 14, 2023.

Mike Hume, Rick Boychuk, and I arrived in Newcastle on Sept. 12, 2023, after touring the Grand Opera House and Theatre Royal in York.

Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne

For more information about the history of Newcastle upon Tyne, visit https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/NewcastleuponTyne/

On the evening of Sept.12, 2023, Hume, Boychuk and I attended a production of Noises Off! (Hume’s favorite show). It was very well done!

Interestingly, Noises Off was produced at Theatre Royal Bath and returned the same day that we later toured the venue (Sept. 19). It was fascinating to examine the same set at both venues. Here is a link for more information about the Noises Off production and tour, as it is well worth seeing: https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/noises-off/

Produced at the Theatre Royal Bath, the show stars Liza Goddard, Matthew Kelly and Simon Shepherd. Newcastle Theatre Royal was the second venue on a tour that ran from Aug 23, 2023 – Feb 17, 2024.

Auditorium, Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Safety Curtain brought down at intermission, painted in 2006 by Phil R. Daniels.

View from the gallery. Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne, during Sept. 14 tour.

Detail of ceiling ornament.

Proscenium ornament detail.

Detail of spotlight box in gallery rail. A brilliant Frank Matcham touch!

Detail of balcony ornament.

The theater was also part of the international theatre conference tour on the morning of Sept. 14. Dr. David Wilmore gave a brief presentation of the history of the theatre, and then the delegates toured the auditorium and backstage areas.

Dr. David Wilmore leading Theatre Royal tour on Sept. 14, 2023.

Dr. David Wilmore leading Theatre Royal tour on Sept. 14, 2023.

Although the building’s façade dates from 1837, the interior dates is more recent. Frank Matcham designed the 1901 auditorium after fire destroyed the interior in 1899.

Lobby mural detail.

The space was renovated in 2011. Here is a link for more information about the venue: https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/about-us/our-story/

Mercutio, sculpted by Lisa Del Arny, 2012. In 2011, Mercutio was voted the Northeast’s favorite Shakespeare character in a Theatre Royal poll.

The following text (Romeo and Juliet, Act I, scene IV) was included on the nearby plaque.

Romeo: I dreamt a dream tonight.

Mercutio: And so did I.

Romeo: And what was yours?

Mercutio: That dreamers often lie.

To be continued…

Travels of a Scenic Artist and Scholar. The Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Sept. 13-15, 2023.

The Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle, England.

Last month I attended an international conference at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House in Newcastle, England. It was entitled Victorian and Edwardian Theatre in Performance, Music & Machinery – Stagecraft & Spectacle.

On the last day of the conference, Mike Hume, Rick Boychuk, and I, presented papers for the Beyond Britain panel. Later that afternoon Dr. David Wilmore led a demonstration of the newly-installed theatre machinery.

It was a devastating fire on Christmas Day 1985 that razed the Tyne’s backstage area. The conference celebrated the completion of the project dubbed “Drury Lane of the North,” highlighting the stage machinery. Here is a link to the project, led by Dr. Wilmore: https://www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/heritage-project/

Dr. Wilmore describing the 1985 fire.

Image from Dr. Wilmore’s presentation.

It was the safety curtain saved the rest of the Tyne Theatre from being destroyed by fire.

Here are a few photos from our Tyne Opera House & Theatre tour:

Dr. Wilmore describing the stage machinery.

Here are a few photos from our tour of the theater and stage machinery on Sept. 15, 2023.

David Wilmore explaining the under stage machinery at the Tyne Opera House.

Poles for future scenery.

The stage floor retracts to reveal a working bridge.

The bridge being lowered into position.

Some of the machinery under the stage.

Here are some images of the auditorium.

The Tyne Opera House auditorium.

Auditorium ornament.

Auditorium ornament.

Ceiling detail

Proscenium detail.

Looking up at the grid.

A newly-constructed thunder run.

Mike Hume, Wendy Waszut-Barrett, Alan Butland, and Rick Boychuk.

To be continued…

Travels of a Scenic Artist and Scholar. York Theatre Royal, Sept. 12, 2023

On Sept. 12, 2023, Mike Hume, Rick Boychuk, and I visited the York Theatre Royal. It was only a short walk from our first stop that morning at the Grand Opera House.

Entrance for the York Theatre Royal.

Entrance of the York Theatre Royal.

Despite a very modern entrance, much of the complex was built in 1744, replacing a previous theatre located in the Minister Yard. The current theater was constructed on the same site as a medieval hospital, with remnants of the 12^th century stonework still visible throughout the building, most often as archways.

Section with medieval architecture on upstage wall.

Amazingly, there is even earlier architectural elements below the stage, dating from Roman occupation.

Prior to our visit, Hume contacted Mike Woodcock about gaining access to the backstage area. It was Woodcock who arranged a tour with Grace Branch, Deputy Head of Stage. Although relatively new in her position, Branch is extremely knowledgeable, gracious, and accommodated all of our requests.

Rick Boychuk and Grace Branch at the York Theatre Royal.

Here are a few more pictures from our tour.

York Theatre Royal auditorium.

York Theatre Royal auditorium.

Proscenium arch detail (top).

Opera box ornament at the York Theatre Royal.

View from the stage.

Theatre Royal York stage and auditorium.

View from stage right.

Looking up at the gridiron.

The fly floor.

Weight information.

Hall Stage counterweight system.

Weights.

Wendy Waszut-Barrett, Rick Boychuk, Mike Hume, and Grace Branch at the York Theatre Royal.

To be continued…

Travels of a Scenic Artist and Scholar. The Grand Opera House York, England, Sept. 12, 2023

On Sept. 12, 2023, Mike Hume, Rick Boychuk, and I visited two theaters in York, Yorkshire, England. Today’s post is about our first stop and tour at the Grand Opera House York. Hume had arranged a tour with Technical and Buildings Manager, Joe Strange (pictured below).

Wendy Waszut-Barrett, Mike Hume, Joe Strange, and Rick Boychuk at the Grand Opera House York.

For geographical context, York is located north of London, at the confluence where the Foss and Ouse Rivers. Founded in 71 AD when Roman General Quintus Petillius Cerialis and the Ninth Legion constructed a military fortress. Roman origins remain quite visible throughout the city, forming the basis for later medieval structures.

Our walk to the Grand Opera House and Theatre Royal provided a wonderful opportunity to explore York. On a grey damp day, we passed by “The Shambles” (a medieval street), Sir Thomas Herbert’s House (Tudor), the Cathedral and Metropolitan Church of Saint Peter (York Minster), and the Assembly Rooms.

Walking through the Shambles section of York.

Sir Thomas Herbert’s House.

York Minster.

Another view of York Minster.

The Assembly Rooms. The building was erected by public subscription 1730-1736 to the design of Richard Boyle, Earl of Burlington.

The Assembly Rooms are now home to a cafe.

Another view of the interior.

Here is link to an interactive map of York if you want to do a little more exploring: https://www.york360.co.uk/map-of-york.htm

Our First Stop in York – The Grand Opera House

The Grand Opera House York.

Front entrance, Grand Opera House York

The theater emerged from a previous building, dating from 1868. It was architect John P. Briggs who drew plans that converted a corn exchange and warehouse to a performance space. This 1902 venue recently underwent a major refurbishment.

Hume arranged a tour with Joe Strange, Technical and Building Manager of the Grand Opera House York.

Stage door and loading doors, Grand Opera House York. Joe is in the red shirt waiting at the stage door.

The exterior of the building still boasts tall doors; doors that provided necessary access for touring wings and other large flats. Here are several photos from our tour

A view of the auditorium from the stage.

Metal safety curtain at the Grand Opera House York.

Detail of safety curtain.

Backside of the safety curtain.

Ben Hur mural above the proscenium.

The Ben Hur mural above the proscenium arch.

Detail of the mural.

Detail of the mural.

Joe Strange in the upper gallery at the Grand Opera House York.

Auditorium Grand Opera House York. View of the opera boxes.

Opera Box detail.

More ornamental decor.

View of the stage and auditorium.

Looking up at the gridiron.

Rick Boychuk and Joe Strange discussing the grid.

The grid.

The grid.

The Fly floor looking upstage.

The fly floor.

This may be the most cozy fly floor that I have encountered to date.

My favorite backstage sign…“make it epic…”

The bridge (upstage/exterior wall). View from stage left.

I greatly appreciate the time that Joe spent giving us a tour of the building and sharing the history of this beautiful theater.

Here is is a link to the Grand Opera House York website if you happen to be in the region: https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb

To be continued…

Travels of a Scenic Artist and Scholar. Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Sept. 10-11, 2023

On Sept. 10, 2023, Mike Hume, Rick Boychuk, Grit Eckert, and I visited the Drury Lane Theatre.

Hume had scheduled a backstage tour with Michael “Biglad” Burgess-Shaw Head of Stage, Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. The tour was remarkable, both entertaining and informative as we explored the extensive the backstage area.

Rick Boychuk, Grit Eckert, Wendy Waszut-Barrett, Biglad, and Mike Hume backstage at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

A view from above the stage.

Although everything was fascinating, my favorite part of the backstage tour was visiting the old paint studio. There is so much history spattered on the paint frames, walls, and floor. I have traced the careers of so many scenic artists who worked here. There is nothing quite like standing in the same spot where so many scenic artists, brush in hand, stood for decades.

The paint shop with four paint frames (two in the center).

Paint frame detail.

Paint frame detail, looking up toward skylights.

Next to the paint shop was the scenery storage area; now the main office. Old drops (from a touring production of Oklahoma) now decorated only one wall, now the sole legacy of a space that once housed so many more.

Photograph by Mike Hume.

Drops from a touring production of “Oklahoma” now decorate one wall.

Biglad, Grit, Rick, Wendy and Mike at Drury Lane.

We returned to the theater on September 11 for a front-of-house tour. Mark Fox showed us the rest of the building. We couldn’t have had a better tour guide. Fox is an amazing theatre historian, archivist and advertising manager for LW Theatres. Fox even wrote the book Theatre Royal Drury.

Wendy Waszut-Barrett. Mark Fox, Rick Boychuk and Mike Hume.

The Auditorium.

The Royal Box.

View from the Royal Box.

View from the balcony.

The tour wonderful! Mark’s passion about the building is evident, and he is full of fascinating information about the theater’s history, renovations, and decor.

Print of the auditorium.

Print of the rotunda and principle staircases.

The rotunda.

Looking across the rotunda.

Section of a main staircases.

Main staircase.

View from the exterior balcony.

View of the same balcony from the street.

Here are a few more pictures of highlights from our visit.

One of my favorite paintings – Fortunes by G. D. Leslie, RA. It was for the Royal Jubilee, 1887 Exposition. It is now on display in room behind the Royal Box.