Work starts to upgrade Britain's oldest original theatre to meet modern audience demand

Britain’s oldest original theatre, a Richmond Georgian gem, has taken major next steps in its ambitious plans to modernise and meet demands from the public.

Sandwiched between two pubs and just across the road from the 15th century tower in Friary Gardens, the Grade I listed theatre in Richmond is the oldest in the country to survive in its original form – and, with fewer than 200 seats, one of the smallest.

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A lot has happened behind the scenes, despite challenges posed by Covid-19 restrictions – including developing prototypes of the new seating – and Richmond-based building and construction firm Acomb Construction Ltd have now begun the process of removing the old seating in readiness for the installation of the new benches and seats.

The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond. Picture By Simon Hulme/JPIMediaResellThe Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond. Picture By Simon Hulme/JPIMediaResell
The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond. Picture By Simon Hulme/JPIMediaResell
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Clare Allen, chief executive of the Georgian Theatre Royal, said: “We have spent many months in the planning of the project – poring over every detail to make sure that we achieve the best possible solution – but now this is all becoming a reality and the progress is very visible.”

She said there had been a few surprises unearthed since construction had started, including the discovery of newspapers dating from 1961 wedged into the void under the tiered floorboards.

It’s amazing what you find when you start peeling back the layers,” Ms Allen added.

The project, made possible from a £375,000 donation from the Hamish Ogston Foundation, is part of the theatre’s longer-term development plan to achieve financial sustainability, by meeting the needs of modern audiences.

The Richmond-based building and construction firm Acomb Construction Ltd have now begun the process of removing the old seating in readiness for the installation of the new benches and seats.The Richmond-based building and construction firm Acomb Construction Ltd have now begun the process of removing the old seating in readiness for the installation of the new benches and seats.
The Richmond-based building and construction firm Acomb Construction Ltd have now begun the process of removing the old seating in readiness for the installation of the new benches and seats.
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In recent years, the theatre said customer feedback has repeatedly highlighted issues with uncomfortable seating with some people commenting that it had actually prevented them from booking tickets.

Overall, the project aims to address the two main concerns with the seating – poor comfort and restricted views of the stage from parts of the auditorium.

In order to increase legroom and improve sightlines, some of the new seating will be re- configured and elevated. Where floor levels are raised to increase the rake of the seats, platforms will be laid over the original flooring.

This will not only ensure that the fabric of the building is preserved but it also means that all the renovations are completely reversible.

Clare Allen, chief executive of the Georgian Theatre Royal there had been a few surprises unearthed since construction had started, including the discovery of newspapers dating from 1961 wedged into the void under the tiered floorboards.Clare Allen, chief executive of the Georgian Theatre Royal there had been a few surprises unearthed since construction had started, including the discovery of newspapers dating from 1961 wedged into the void under the tiered floorboards.
Clare Allen, chief executive of the Georgian Theatre Royal there had been a few surprises unearthed since construction had started, including the discovery of newspapers dating from 1961 wedged into the void under the tiered floorboards.

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