Restoration works on one of the country's oldest theatres have been unveiled - with a new terracotta colonnade and balcony in the spotlight. The Theatre Royal in Brighton has also unveiled a new logo to match the works, which included changes to its stage and seating. A specialist team has spent the last 17 months restoring the column and balcony that make up the terracotta colonnade façade in New Road, with more than 1,551 sections installed so visitors will be able to enjoy a drink outdoors under the colonnade or on the balcony above.
Theatre director Sophie Denney on the new balcony (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus) Owners ATG Entertainment also restored the beloved Colonnade Bar underneath, replacing many of the interior fixtures, with a new door to link the box office entrance with the bar for pre and post show drinks. Theatre director Sophie Denney said: "We are incredibly proud of the long and rich history of our beautiful venue and are delighted to reach this huge milestone in our restoration project. "This investment not only improves the experience of everyone visiting our venue in the present, but also protects the theatre for future generations to enjoy”.
The auditorium has new seating and fold-up armrests which mean going to the middle seat will not need as much shimmying. New accessible seating has been added to the auditorium (Image: Yasmine Benselma / The Argus) The Grade II* listed theatre was first on the site in 1807 and hosts plays, musicals and even.