Page 36 - The Palace @ 100
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Historical theatre consultant David Wilmore from
Theatresearch researched the historical background
of the building and its architect Bertie Crewe and
subsequently, architects Sansome Hall, based in
Milton Keynes, produced a scheme that centred on the
Bob Taylor detailed restoration of Bertie Crewe’s 1913 Theatre
Remembers....... combined with a new three storey building to replace
the existing 1970's facilities. The new accommodation
“I joined ROS (Redditch included a Foyer, Bar and Lounge and, on the top
Operatic Society) in floor, a multi purpose space for meetings, rehearsals,
1971. Until the Council performances and for private hire, known to this day
brought the factory next as ‘The Room Upstairs’ (because that is where it is!).
door and gave it to us to
turn into dressing rooms, The information David Wilmore uncovered resulted in
the problem was finding the restoration of the fibrous plasterwork and motifs
room for a mixed chorus that had been lost.
of about 40 to change.
we draped a rope across The new colour scheme in the auditorium is cream,
the scene dock, put an gold and burgundy. All the seating has been
old black cloth on it, refurbished and luxurious new curtaining festoons the
ladies on one side, men boxes and brand new front of house tabs (curtains)
on the other. On one finish off the effect.
occasion the dancing
girls were put in the Other crucial historic details include oak panelling at
boiler room downstairs the back of both the stalls and circle designed to help
and during the show they retain the atmosphere for the audiences on the back
were affected by fumes rows, as well as the replacement of seats in the centre
and had to be given first of the circle which had been replaced in the 1970s with
aid and moved upstairs.” a central audience aisle.
The Theatre’s seating capacity was also increased
from 399 to 425. There are 10 wheelchair spaces in
the auditorium, 8 in the stalls and 2 in the circle. Toilets
for disabled patrons are available on all levels of the
theatre. There is an induction loop system in the
Auditorium, Box Office areas, Bar and Room Upstairs
for the use of hearing impaired patrons.
The Theatre’s chandelier and stained glass
embellishments to its rose bowl above were also
reinstated as well as recreating the grand entrance
into the stalls. Crewe's original interior has been
retained making it a lovely intimate theatre.
2005
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