Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond
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The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond
Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, Coast to Coast
Just off the town centre in Richmond, a little north of the River Swale, is a Georgian Theatre that was built in 1788. The Georgian Period, 1714 to 1830 covers the reigns of the Hanoverian Kings, i.e. George I, George II, George III, and George Iv. Thus, the theatre is aptly named the Georgian Theatre Royal. The theatre is the oldest working theatre in its original form in the UK. The theatre was built by the renowned actor manager, Samuel Butler.
Not only is the theatre very popular with bookings, but its guided tours, which host thousands of visitors each year, also have to be booked well in advance. The building is a Grade I Listed Building, and the tour provides full details of its colourful past.
Not only is the building a theatre museum but it is also a working theatre, having more than 200 performances per year. There is a diverse range of artistic performances which include drama, dance, music, comedy and children's shows. Its legendary in-house pantomime has been named by the Telegraph as the No 1 place to see a pantomime in the UK.
Georgian Theatre Royal
The Georgian Theatre is located at the side of the main road through the centre of Richmond town, adjoining the centrally located Market Place. Constructed in 1788 it closed in 1848, but was re-opened again in 1963 and then restored in 2003.
The Georgian Pit
The benches in the pit are now cushioned and padded, but they were not like this originally, the benches having no backs on them. Steps from the pit lead up to the stage. The pit is surrounded by the most expensive seating, known as the boxes and above that is the gallery, the cheapest form of seating.
The Boxes and the Gallery
The Boxes stand above the Pit and are populated with the more wealthy patrons. Above the Boxes is the Gallery, which is populated by those less affluent. This area often becomes roudy, with customers heckling the actors, and shouting to each other. In the past there was standing only in the gallery, but since its restoration benches have been fitted.
The Lighting
There are many, many lights available to shine down onto the stage. Controlling them is quite an art. They also give off a lot of heat, which is felt by the actors on stage.
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