Trafalgar Theatre’s owners have unveiled the first glimpse of the renovated West End venue following a major multi-million pound restoration project ahead of its reopening next month.
The project, overseen by award-winning architects Foster Wilson Size, includes brand new specially designed comfortable seats, a new spacious foyer and the reinstating of much of the theatre back to its original 1930s design.
Within the auditorium, the newly restored decoration and lighting is black with silver, bronze and gold metallic hints, reflective of the original interior’s colour palette. Using historical photographs as a reference the auditorium carpet and seating fabric replicate the original designs patterns, with greens, creams and yellows to contrast against the monochrome walls.
Hit musical Jersey Boys will be the first major production to play at the 630-seat Trafalgar Theatre when it returns to London’s West End on July 28.
Trafalgar Entertainment joint chief executive Sir Howard Panter said: “Underneath the shell of the Trafalgar Studios, there was a remarkable art deco building, and through the painstaking restoration work we have completed alongside all the relevant historical partners, we have a beautiful genuinely unique theatre fit for 21st century audiences to come and enjoy Jersey Boys and many more shows to come.
“The theatre is complete and ready, the set is built, the cast are signed and we now just long to be allowed to let the audience return and enjoy being back in the theatre from July 28.”
The new entrance foyer provides new more spacious bars and a new box office with tiling and details inspired by the original 1930s foyer design. Technical facilities have been fully upgraded throughout, with extensive service upgrades that include more powerful and energy efficient ventilation systems.
Project leaders Foster Wilson Size have previously led developments at the Eventim Apollo Hammersmith, Barbican Concert Hall and Apollo Victoria Theatre.
Trafalgar’s joint chief executive Dame Rosemary Squire added: “The restoration carried out by Foster Wilson Size is a great reset for the theatre and a new beginning for everyone. By returning the theatre to its former glory we are honouring its history as we continue to share stories on its stage.”
Trafalgar Entertainment recently announced the acquisition of HQ Theatres and Hospitality including 12 theatres regionally across the UK, and is also working on other venue developments in the UK, Australia and world-wide.
It is also the operator of the 1,575-seat Olympia Theatre which will be the biggest new permanent theatre to open in London since the 1970s.
The group said in a statement: “The investment in Trafalgar Theatre is another major show of confidence in live entertainment from Trafalgar Entertainment who remain committed to expanding across the UK and internationally with other entertainment venues.”
Jonathan Size, partner at Foster Wilson Size, said: “It’s been a real privilege to be part of the team responsible for reinstating this much-loved theatre. By converting the theatre back to its original form as a single split level auditorium it will enable the theatre to host longer runs of shows, allowing people to enjoy the legacy of the building for years to come.”
Images courtesy of Trafalgar Theatres
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