The Playhouse 'new look' auditorium
Painter Patrick Duffy surveys his 'handiwork'
Patrick Duffy used a scissor lift to reach the high walls and ceiling
The precenium arch before (top), and after (bottom) |
What does summer mean to you? For most of us it is a time to relax, have fun and enjoy the sun. But although the Playhouse doors have been closed all summer to theatre-goers, inside there has been a buzz of activity from mid-June right through to September.
Tony Shaw, is in charge of the summer refurbishment operation. He talked this reporter through the work that needed doing.
“It’s an old building so there is always something that needs replacing or updating,” explained Tony. “This year it was decided to repaint the auditorium, since nobody can remember the last time it was done.”
If you have never visited the Playhouse you would be forgiven for uttering the words ‘quick, easy and simple’ to the plan. ‘After all, it’s only an auditorium.’
But this is no ordinary auditorium. It was designed as a Quaker meeting house and the ceiling was extended upwards to allow each person several cubic metres of air to accommodate their 'breathing' needs.
Tony believes the theatre to be roughly 20 metres in height, the size of a large three-storey town house. And, if you look closely, you will find intricate roman trellises and flower details on the walls and ceiling.
It is no wonder, then, that the job required the help of two local painters full time for one week, the hiring of a special scissor lift to reach those lofty heights, some £1500 of litres of paint, the unscrewing and re-screwing of 217seats, hundreds of new carpet tiles, and a total cost of £10 000.
Aside from the new look auditorium; Tony explained that a long list of jobs needed doing before opening for the next season. As a qualified electrician, Tony's job is to check every electrical device in theatre. The cleaning team also use the summer to give the place a thorough going over and the set builders use the time to organize their workshops and assemble the set for the play.
If you'd like to come down and take a look, or lend a hand behind the scenes you would be very welcome. Please see the get involved page for more information.
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