Newcastle Theatre Royal 2011

Following a £4.9 million restoration project, the Newcastle Theatre Royal re-opened in September 2011 to reveal itself in all its original 1901 glistening gold leaf, sumptuous red velvet and rich wood panelling. The venue sparkles with an abundance of antique and Matcham style features, yet at the same time proves itself more than capable of accommodating the most technically demanding touring shows.

A major element of this project was to ensure that facilities and positions for stage lighting and AV equipment within the auditorium blended with the aesthetics of the building, while still providing the essential technical flexibility demanded by large touring companies. This encompassed all elements, from the lighting rails within the auditorium balconies to the orchestra pit rail and lifts. Much of the new equipment required bespoke design and careful integration with the Victorian structure and intricate restored finishes.

Unusual brought their full range of skills to bear on the project, which included:

• Installing a three elevator orchestra pit lift system, combining a new Serapid with the refurbished existing screw-jack lifts, including refurbishment of the seating wagon system and provision of new wagons and seat transport carts
• Design and installation of a modular multi-format orchestra pit rail system with heritage brass work detail
• Installing adjustable lighting rails and motorised focusing bridge over the Gallery
• Design and installation of stainless steel lighting rails throughout the auditorium, requiring bespoke fittings for the boxes and balcony fronts, each of which is different
• Design and installation of secondary structure to the technical boxes on each side of the proscenium to support finished lighting rails and service both lighting and AV equipment
• Design and installation of new FOH chain hoist system, carefully fitted into the existing Matcham plasterwork
• Assistance to the main contractor in solving access, lifting and rigging issues in a complex, fragile environment.

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