19th December 2006
Palace Theatre handed back to Torbay Council
Today ROK handed back the Theatre to the Council, it is due to re-open in April 2007 under the managerment of Toraby Theatre, Arts and Events Manager Alan Davies. There is still a little work to finish on the front entrance otherwise the project is complete. The technical staff will re-install all equipment in the new year. We are now happy to show a liitle of our new Theatre.
11th December 2006
Report from Alan Davies - Theatres and Events Manager - Torbay Council
As I am writing this the Palace Theatre refurbishment project is nearing completion with the hand over back to Torbay Council scheduled for 21 st December . The refurbishment has been mainly concentrated on the auditorium, entrances, bar, toilet areas and the air handling / cooling system. A considerable amount of the budget was used to repair and make good the fabric and look of the building as the red sandstone was eroding and leaking due to the age of the venue. Any future visitor to the venue will not fail to be impressed with the way the alterations have enhanced the visitor experience at the theatre. The auditorium boasts all new comfortable seating and is tiered from front to back affording superb views of the stage with the colour scheme and new lighting giving a warm inviting atmosphere. There is a new decorative entrance ramp and steps leading up to the front doors one of which is electric, with whole of the booking office entrance area on one accessible level. The bar area is now double the size which has been made possible by the space created by the tired seating and the colour scheme matching throughout the refurbished areas. There is a new disabled toilet just inside the front door, this with removable auditorium seats, the new entrance ramp, lowered counters and infra red loop systems satisfying the requirements of the Disabled Act. The heating and cooling system has all been replaced to adding to the visitors comfort.
The ladies toilets downstairs have been refurbished and lots of other small replacements such as new fire alarms and upgrading the incoming power supply to the stage to assist more demanding stage productions. At the rear of the theatre we have new car park spaces and a new scenery access arrangement to allow lorry’s and vans to unload equipment easier and safer.
Sadly the backstage area was not included in the project due to cost but that will be considered at a later date alongside funding applications.
It is a shame that we could not get the theatre quite ready for Paignton Pantomime Productions for this years production as there is still a lot of technical equipment to be reinstalled, however 2007 beckons the Palace will re-open for business in April, when you do get an early opportunity to visit the theatre we will be pleased to welcome you.
Alan Davies
Sunday 3rd December 2006
The Theatre refurbishment is complete inside with just the exterior groundwork's to finish, the Theatre steering group with the contractors ROK can be proud of the result. The bar 3 times the original size, a new raked auditorium and a level foyer. The front steps and slope are nearly finished and the back car park requires re-surfacing.
Bids for the future operation of The Theatre had to be in Thursday 30th November and all we can do now is await The Council's decision due on Thursday 14th December.
Photos of the new entrance and car park to follow.
Sunday 19th November 2006
I've just returned from the Theatre and she is looking fantastic. All the seats have been installed and the lighting back on. This must now be the best venue in the Bay! Anywhere you sit has an excellent view of the stage. The Foyer looks so large and the Bar now decorated and carpeted looks huge! With only two weeks until the contractors ROK hand back the building to the council everything is looking good.
14th November 2006
The Rest will be a surprise!
From now on we will be keeping the re-fit under wraps, no more pictures until the opening in April. We will now ever keep you informed as to the progress and look forward to seeing you at the New look Palace Theatre.
The Seats have arrived!
Work started today installing 362 Theatre seats and will be finished by Friday. The Auditorium has been carpeted and is near completion.
|
