Restoration Update

What the Royal Hall Restoration Trust has done since the Royal Hall re-opened

Three poster display boards in the north and south corridors.

Mirror and console table in the north corridor foyer.

Improvements to the Royal Hall

Since the Royal Hall re-opened on the 27th April 2008 work has continued to improve the Royal Hall. On the following pages we highlight some of the work that has been carried out.

On the 4th May 2008, Barbara Simpson and Michael Hine staged the ‘Ken Dodd Happiness Show’ at the Royal Hall, which sold out in 4 days. Some of the profits from this show went to purchase the items shown. These are a mirror and console table now installed in the north corridor foyer and 2 three poster display boards which are located in each of the north and south corridors.

Drinks stand in the south corridor.

Matching table and chairs in the south corridor.

New chairs and tables

The Royal Hall Restoration Trust have purchased 40 new chairs to match the style of the seats used in the main theatre. These chairs are to be used in the corridors outside the boxes, in the wheelchair areas, when not required for wheelchair use and in the Heritage Lounge. 10 matching tables have also been purchased. Drinks stands incorporating the wording ‘Royal Hall 2008’ have been obtained for use in the bar/ corridor areas.

Further major improvements

• New stained glass windows have been fitted in the north west annexe.

• Exterior electronic blinds have been fitted behind the upstairs windows in the Grand Hall to give a blackout when required.

• Additional handrails on the exterior steps have been installed, now giving 6 sets of handrails.

• Sanding and sealing the whole of the Grand Hall ballroom floor.

• Permanently fixed monitor screens in the stage wings and dressing rooms through the last £3,000 donation.

Paul Humberstone working on the canopy of the Royal Hall.

Gold leaf decor

With the profits from the sales of the 2 CDs which were produced by Michael Hine, a number of projects to improve the signage and decor in the Royal Hall have been carried out. Using the skills of gold leaf expert Paul Humberstone of Harrogate, the following has been achieved.

The Royal Hall canopy with gold leaf added to the embellishments on the front fascia.

Gold Leaf lettering added to the glass doors.

New gold leaf on mahogany signs - now installed.

A new display/sales cabinet situated in the main foyer.

New banquette seats installed in both the north and south corridors to provide additional seating during interval breaks.

New period bars

Improvements still to be done

The Trust has largely achieved its objective of ensuring the complete restoration of the Royal Hall. However, the following works still remain outstanding and need to be completed if the Royal Hall is to achieve its deserved status of being one of the finest performing venues in the country:

#1 New period bars in the North and South ambulatories

#2 New ‘star’ dressing rooms in the basement

#3 Improved acoustics to the stage area

#4 Improvements to the Heritage Lounge in the Dress Circle

Royal Hall Newsletter - Spring 2010