latest news headlines

Professional Magic Transforms The Kings Theatre in Southsea

Frank Matcham’s Edwardian designed and built Kings Theatre, Southsea opened in 1907. Now teams of dedicated professional artists and technicians are helping to return the theatre to its beautiful best in a £500,000 restoration programme. This phase of the restoration project started in June 2007 with the installation of a huge birdcage structure in the auditorium with 3665 metres of steel poles stretching 60 feet up the ceiling.

Not only is the décor being restored, but much care has been taken to prepare the theatre for the future with a timely and much needed upgrade to the technical infrastructure in the auditorium, which was very basic, and rather ugly amongst all the Edwardian plasterwork and architecture.

Bath based theatre consultants Carr and Angier planned the new installation in conjunction with the theatre team, and their senior consultant Keith McLaren said: “It has been a privilege to work on this project to restore the Kings Theatre. Following on from the recent power flying installation, we are delighted to again be part of this latest phase, helping to incorporate a modern technical infrastructure sensitively into this glorious auditorium.”

Technical teams from Bristol and Liverpool based Fagan Electrical are rewiring and installing key lighting and sound infrastructure to give the Kings the upgrades necessary to support the requirements of incoming touring companies now and in the future. Nick Ewins, operations director stated: “Fagan Electrical has thoroughly enjoyed bringing the Kings Theatre up to date technically, and we have worked in conjunction with Keith McLaren to develop their scheme into a fully co-ordinated technical installation, providing not only sympathetically installed containment for this current phase of works but also designing it for future works to be carried out easily over the next few years. It is always a pleasure to work in such a beautiful theatre, and we look forward to the opportunity to return to Southsea to continue with the project.”

The Kings Theatre’s own staff and volunteers have also worked hard for many months to prepare the theatre for the teams from Fagan Electrical to weave their magic and continue to work alongside the restoration teams. Vice chairman and technical director Ian Pratt commented: “I have been dreaming of sorting out the very basic and ugly technical infrastructure in the Kings Theatre auditorium for many years, and it has been a joy and delight to work with Fagan Electrical and Carr and Angier to make this happen. The Kings Theatre has always been a beautiful historic theatre loved by everyone who works in it, and the project this summer has given it a huge leap forward as a great venue for live theatre.”

This phase of the current restoration work will end mid-September to enable the Kings Theatre to prepare for the exciting autumn season of shows, commencing with the Centenary Gala Concert on Sunday 30th September 2007, exactly 100 years to the day since the Theatre first opened to bring entertainment and delight to South Coast audiences.

News Type:

latest news headlines

Professional Magic Transforms The Kings Theatre in Southsea

24th September 2007

HEADLINES

news archive

search stories