Copyright © 2023 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
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…
Incredible ornamentation, thanks for all the details.
They should have had you paint the new fire curtain, your painting is better!
The safety line across the proscenium really spoils the look of the painting. Of course as an OSHA and ETCP rigging, stage and auditorium inspector (retired), I completely understand the need for and importance of, the safety line.
Great post and photos!