Since the first theatres began entertaining the masses all those centuries ago, the theatre is as strong today as it has always been. We still crave the complete sensory experience that visiting the theatre brings, the pound of a dancer’s foot on the stage, the shock of sound that that brings us to a jolt and the responsive lighting that conveys a thousand meanings. It’s easy to see why the theatre has never lost its special appeal.
Theatre can be appreciated from the smallest school production to a best selling play at one of the country’s most impressive venues. While the actors and stories in many ways make a show, some theatres are just too spectacular in their grandeur to pass by. This is our theatre bucket list, theatres of unique design, vast space and historical significance.
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford Upon Avon
Shakespeare fans cannot fail to be enchanted with the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, with its unique ability to allow audience and actor integration in original Shakespearian style. Steeped in history with beautiful waterside views of the River Avon, the grade two listed building houses 1040+ seats, ensuring the venue is expansive but still intimate enough to allow the audience to be wholly engaged.
The unique thrust stage auditorium, with platforms that extend into the audience, has ensured that the furthest seat away from the stage is only 15 metres, giving spectacular views even if you don’t manage to secure front stage seats. One of the most frustrating things about going to the theatre is finding you are seated in the upper circle and the stage is a thin strip seemingly miles away. The stage design of the RST is a refreshing change. Any theatre lover knows the importance of great stage lighting and the RST won’t disappoint with its vast collection of comprehensive stage lighting that covers the majority of the ceiling.
The RST is certainly fit for one of the most famous playwrights to ever have existed and after catching a favourite show, you can wander around Shakespeare’s home town or indulge at the spectacular RST rooftop restaurant.
The Royal Opera House, London
The theatre most associated with the Royal Opera, the Royal Ballet and the ROH Orchestra, the Royal Opera House is a haven for lovers of music and dance. Originally constructed in 1732 as a playhouse, the existing building is now the third on the site after two fires destroyed the buildings over the years. The facade, foyer and auditorium now date from 1858 with numerous other construction work on the building carried out in the 1990’s.
Located in Covent Garden, the stunning exterior fully justifies the grandeur within and the vast 2000+ seat auditorium boasts a domed ceiling with stage lighting largely concealed to leave the architecture untouched. A beautiful space in a popular area of the capital, a visit to the Royal Opera House should be on every theatre lover’s to-do list.
The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
It’s on our home turf, but we’re not just flying the flag for Manchester here, The Royal Exchange Theatre is genuinely well worth a visit! The first visit to this theatre is always a big surprise because of its pod like appearance, a theatre within a theatre if you will. The Royal Exchange is full to the brim with fascinating historical facts, beginning its life as a trading point for the cotton industry and taking a direct bomb hit in the 1940 Manchester Blitz.
The theatre structure stands alone in a ‘pod’ like creation in which only the stage and ground floor seating touch the floor of the Royal Exchange. Additional columns support the structure due to the Exchange building being unable to take the weight of an integrated theatre. The result is a 700 seat theatre that has to be seen to be appreciated.
We love these theatres for their history, their architecture and their sophisticated stage design, we hope you’ll find time to visit them if you haven’t already! If you’ve become inspired to create your theatre or a collapsible stage area, get in touch with us on 0161 830 0303. We can advise on creating a performance area however big or small your space is.