Project summary

The Theatre Royal, Newcastle originally opened in 1837. In 1899 the theatre was destroyed by fire and was restored and redesigned by the accomplished theatre architect Frank Matcham, reopening in 1901.

The 2006 refurbishment provided a new restaurant, bars, foyer space, box office, small education studio theatre and new side-stage assembly area. During the same period, Charcoalblue led the design of a new double purchase flying system complete with innovative GRP grid which was part of a wider scheme to improve the working environment and technical capability of the Theatre Royal fly-tower.

The latest phase of the project saw the refurbishment of the auditorium,including the replacement of the lighting, electrical and ventilation systems. Charcoalblue provided guidance on seating and sightlines in the refurbished auditorium, as well as designing the new technical systems which complement the restoration.

The theatre re-opened on 12 September 2011 with Alan Bennett’s epic period drama The Madness of George III.