Everyman Theatre renovation completed in 17 weeks

News – Cheltenham venue the Everyman Theatre reopened for business again last week after an extensive refurbishment, with Speller Metcalfe reporting it took just 17 weeks to complete the ambitious challenge.

The historic Everyman Theatre’s full restoration and refurbishment is now complete in-line with its original design, with Speller Metcalfe – the company behind the extensive work – reporting it took just 17 weeks to complete the complex project.

Believed to be the oldest surviving theatre designed and built by renowned architect Frank Matcham in 1891, previous refurbishments undertaken in the 1980s were reputedly not seen as sympathetic to the original décor and architectural elegance.

Recognising the need to maintain the previous high standards of the theatre, Speller Metcalfe were contracted by Foster Wilson Architects to capture the look and feel of the theatre as it would have stood over 120 years ago, while creating an updated bistro feel to the bar and external circulation areas.

A range of specialist trades helped restore parts of the project, including intricate fine art painting works applied to the ceilings and walls, fibrous plaster repairs and bespoke decorations.

Along with the aesthetics, the building is said to have been given an internal overhaul including structural repairs to the auditorium boxes, lighting and ventilation improvements and new seating – with many of the original seats recycled and sold off to the general public.

The news of the historic venue’s reopening is sure to be music to the ears of theatre lovers across Gloucestershire and the south west, who can now look forward to a jam-packed new season of highlights including Journey’s End, Basket Case, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Christmas panto Jack and the Beanstalk.

For more information see Everyman Theatre, telephone (01242) 572573, email admin@everymantheatre.org.uk or visit everymantheatre.org.uk directly.

SoGlos.com
3 October 2011