SNN110292 - The Royal Theatre & Opera House: A Conservation Plan

The Royal Theatre & Opera House is an important historic theatre which has almost against all odds survived. In 1914 there were over 1200 theatres of this kind within the British Isles, in 1982 Curtains!!! Or A New Life For Old Theatres estimated that 85% of these had been either demolished or retrievably altered – over twenty years later the figures are even worse. Furthermore, theatres by C.J. Phipps are now extremely rare, his output was less than that of Frank Matcham, and, working as he did at the beginning of the ‘theatre building boom’ many have been significantly altered in response to changing fashions. Theatres that remain largely untouched from the 1880s are therefore a very rare commodity. The story of the development of this theatre is a fascinating tale that reflects the changing styles and attitudes in Victorian England. It is a direct reflection of the class system, of the architecture and the technology of the time. It is therefore a living window looking into the past and can therefore provide a superb educational microcosm of the nineteenth century. The many facets of the building: it’s intimate auditorium, the paint shop, nineteenth century stage house rebuilt after a dramatic fire, all collectively contribute towards making this building one that should receive national recognition. This conservation Plan sets out to map the physical history of this building, inform the design process and provide an strategy and management plan for the future, so that generations to come can celebrate and enjoy the genius of Phipps and the enchantment of a Victorian theatre.