Looking into the lap of the gods!
Truly amazing photo of the recently revealed original bench seating in the gods
of Perth Theatre which has been covered up and built over since the 1960's. Our
builders have marvelled at the craftsmanship which dates back to 1899. This
will be lovingly restored and made available to happy bottoms for the first
time in half a century when Perth Theatre reopens in late 2017
Construction crews working on the £16.5 million transformation of Perth Theatre have discovered “spooky” forgotten areas which were walled over during the 1920s.
They
have also opened up the Gods seating circle, which has been out of
action for more than 50 years.
The
long-awaited work involves restoring the B-listed Edwardian auditorium to
its former glory as well as a building a new 200-seat studio theatre.
Mr
Gibbons said: “The Gods are being reinstated and this is the first time we
have seen them since they were closed off in the 1960s
“They
have been mostly used for storage, lighting and technical work.
“We’ve
also uncovered some old cupboards and small rooms which were behind the walls
and probably haven’t been opened up since the 1920s or 30s.
“There
was one room which had a single chair in the middle of it, which looked
particularly spooky.”
Mr
Gibbons said: “I’m absolutely delighted by the care and attention that is
being taken throughout this project. For example, some of the original stone
work is being carefully removed and stored so that it can be used again.
years
before work had even begun, he stressed that health and safety issues meant
they had no option but to call a halt to performances while fundraising
proceeded.
“Hopefully
it will breathe new life into Perth’s cultural world. It should transform not
just the building but the whole Mill Street area,” said Mr Linklater, who
stressed the familiar High Street facade will be retained.
“The
old theatre had run its course and we had reached a tipping point. It had
become unsafe. It was a wonderful auditorium but a younger audience quite
rightly expects more from modern theatre facilities.
“So
rather than just refurbish a much loved theatre, we decided to preserve it and
also add a whole new building, providing a creative space for community events,
dance, music and experimental theatre, with an emphasis on youth involvement.
“We
see the project as an essential part of the development of the city.”
