Jump to content

Richmond Theatre (London): Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 51°27′43″N 0°18′14″W / 51.4620°N 0.3038°W / 51.4620; -0.3038
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Werehilly (talk | contribs)
162 edits
m 4meter4 moved page Richmond Theatre to Richmond Theatre (London): make way for dab page
 
(37 intermediate revisions by 15 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Theatre in England}}
{{For|the theatre in North Yorkshire|Georgian Theatre Royal}}
{{For|the theatre in North Yorkshire|Georgian Theatre Royal}}
{{More citations needed|date=February 2008}}
{{More citations needed|date=February 2008}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox Theatre
{{Infobox Theatre
|name = Richmond Theatre
|name = Richmond Theatre
|image = Richmond_Theatre_logo.png
|image = File:Richmond Theatre portraitR.jpg
|caption =
|caption =
|location = [[Richmond, London]]
|location = [[Richmond, London]], England
|designation = [[Listed building|Grade II*]]
|designation = [[Listed building|Grade II*]]
|coordinates = {{coord|51.46206|-0.30381|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates = {{coord|51.4620|-0.3038|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
|architect = [[Frank Matcham]]
|architect = [[Frank Matcham]]
|owner = [[Ambassador Theatre Group]]
|owner = [[Ambassador Theatre Group]]
Line 16: Line 19:
|rebuilt =
|rebuilt =
|closed =
|closed =
|othernames = 1899 Richmond Theatre and Opera House<br>1902 Prince of Wales<br>1909 Richmond Hippodrome<br>Theatre Royal, Richmond<br>''Theatre on the Green''
|othernames = 1899 Richmond Theatre and Opera House<br />1902 Prince of Wales<br />1908 Richmond Hippodrome<br />Theatre Royal, Richmond<br />''Theatre on the Green''
|production =
|production =
|currentuse =
|currentuse =
|publictransit ={{rail-interchange|london|underground}} {{rail-interchange|london|overground}} {{rail-interchange|gb|Rail}} [[Richmond (London) station|Richmond]]
|publictransit ={{rail-interchange|london|underground}} {{rail-interchange|london|overground}} {{rail-interchange|gb|Rail}} [[Richmond (London) station|Richmond]]
|website = [http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/ Richmond Theatre website at Ambassador Theatre Group]
|website = [http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/ Richmond Theatre website at Ambassador Theatre Group]
| embedded={{infobox designation list
| embedded={{Infobox designation list
| embed=yes
| embed=yes
| designation1 = Grade II*
| designation1 = Grade II*
Line 30: Line 33:
}}
}}


The present '''Richmond Theatre''', in the [[London Borough of Richmond upon Thames]], is a [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Victorian era|Victorian]] [[theatre]] located on Little Green, adjacent to [[Richmond Green]]. It opened on 18 September 1899 with a performance of ''[[As You Like It]]''. One of the finest surviving examples of the work of theatre architect [[Frank Matcham]], the building, in red brick with buff [[terracotta]], is [[listed building|listed Grade II*]] by [[Historic England]].<ref name="Listed">{{National Heritage List for England |num=1065384|desc=Richmond Theatre|accessdate=23 January 2016}}</ref> John Earl, writing in 1982, described it as: "Of outstanding importance as the most completely preserved Matcham theatre in Greater London and one of his most satisfying interiors."<ref>John Earl, contributor to ''Curtains!!! or a New Life for Old Theatres'', John Offord Publications Ltd (London 1982) {{ISBN|0903931427}}</ref>
The present '''Richmond Theatre''', in the [[London Borough of Richmond upon Thames]], is a British [[Victorian era|Victorian]] [[theatre]] located on Little Green, adjacent to [[Richmond Green]]. It opened on 18 September 1899 with a performance of ''[[As You Like It]]''. One of the finest surviving examples of the work of theatre architect [[Frank Matcham]], the building, in red brick with buff [[terracotta]], is [[listed building|listed Grade II*]] by [[Historic England]].<ref name="Listed">{{National Heritage List for England |num=1065384|desc=Richmond Theatre|date =28 June 1972|access-date=23 January 2016}}</ref> John Earl, writing in 1982, described it as "[o]f outstanding importance as the most completely preserved Matcham theatre in Greater London and one of his most satisfying interiors."<ref>Earl, John. Contributor to ''Curtains!!! or a New Life for Old Theatres'', John Offord Publications Ltd (London 1982) {{ISBN|0903931427}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[File:Richmond Theatre portraitR.jpg|thumb|Richmond Theatre, entrance in 2006]]
[[File:Lilgreen.jpg|thumb|Little Green, with [[Richmond Green]] seen in the distance]]
[[File:Lilgreen.jpg|thumb|Little Green, with [[Richmond Green]] seen in the distance]]
The theatre, originally known as the ''Theatre Royal and Opera House'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/history/|title=Richmond Theatre – History of Richmond Theatre Richmond, London – ATG Tickets|website=www.atgtickets.com|language=en|access-date=2017-05-23}}</ref> is structured into the familiar stalls, dress and upper circles, with four boxes at dress level. The auditorium is a mixture of gilt detailing and red plush fabrics, covering seats and front of circles. Its interior and exterior has been used as a [[movie set]] in many films (e.g. ''[[Evita (1996 film)|Evita]]'', ''[[Topsy-Turvy]]'', standing in for the Victorian [[Savoy Theatre]], ''[[Finding Neverland (film)|Finding Neverland]]''&nbsp;– doubling as the ''[[Duke of York's Theatre]]'', ''[[National Treasure: Book of Secrets]]''&nbsp;– setting of [[Ford's Theatre]]) and TV programmes (e.g. ''[[Jonathan Creek]]'').
The theatre, originally known as the ''Theatre Royal and Opera House'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/history/|title=Richmond Theatre – History of Richmond Theatre Richmond, London |website=ATG Tickets|access-date=23 May 2017}}</ref> is structured into the familiar stalls, dress and upper circles, with four boxes at dress level. The auditorium is a mixture of gilt detailing and red plush fabrics, covering seats and front of circles. Its interior and exterior has been used as a [[movie set]] in many films (e.g. ''[[Evita (1996 film)|Evita]]'', ''[[Topsy-Turvy]]'', standing in for the Victorian [[Savoy Theatre]], ''[[Finding Neverland (film)|Finding Neverland]]''—doubling as the ''[[Duke of York's Theatre]]'', ''[[National Treasure: Book of Secrets]]''—setting of [[Ford's Theatre]]) and TV programmes (e.g. ''[[Jonathan Creek]]'').


In the early 1990s the theatre underwent a major overhaul overseen by the designer [[Carl Toms]]. This included a side extension giving more space for the audience and included a 'Matcham Room'. The driving force behind the renovation of the theatre was Sally Greene, with strong support from [[Richmond upon Thames Council]] through its Chief Executive, Richard Harbord and Community Services Committee chairman [[Serge Lourie]].
In the early 1990s the theatre underwent a major overhaul overseen by the designer [[Carl Toms]]. This included a side extension giving more space for the audience and included a 'Matcham Room', today known as the Ambassador Lounge. The driving force behind the renovation of the theatre was Sally Greene, with strong support from [[Richmond upon Thames Council]] through its chief executive, Richard Harbord and Community Services Committee chairman [[Serge Lourie]].


The theatre is now part of the [[Ambassador Theatre Group]] and has a weekly schedule of plays and musicals, usually given by professional touring companies. Pre-West End shows can sometimes be seen. There is a [[Christmas]] and [[New Year]] [[pantomime]] tradition and many of Britain's greatest [[music hall]] and pantomime performers have appeared there.
The theatre is now part of the [[Ambassador Theatre Group]] and has a weekly schedule of plays and musicals, alongside special music events and children's shows. Pre-West End productions can often be seen. There is a [[Christmas]] and [[New Year]] [[pantomime]] tradition and many of Britain's greatest [[music hall]] and pantomime performers have appeared there. The theatre also offers a range of creative learning activities for adults and children, including drama, creative writing and singing.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Creative Learning & Community Partnerships|url=https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/creative-learning/|access-date = 21 March 2021|website= ATG Tickets}}</ref>


January 2013 saw Richmond Theatre extend access in the community when [[Suzanne Shaw]] and [[Tim Vine]] starred in the pantomime ''Aladdin'', by offering its first relaxed performance as part of a pilot scheme initiated by ATG.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.atgtickets.com/news/atg-announces-relaxed-performance-pilot-scheme|title = Access}}</ref>
⚫
In 2016, the theatre was honoured with the People's Choice Award at The Richmond Business Awards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.richmondchamberofcommerce.co.uk/richmond-business-awards-2016/|title=Richmond Business Awards 2016 – Richmond Upon Thames Chamber Of Commerce|work=Richmond Upon Thames Chamber Of Commerce|access-date=2017-05-23|language=en-GB}}</ref>

⚫
In 2016, the theatre was honoured with the People's Choice Award at The Richmond Business Awards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.richmondchamberofcommerce.co.uk/richmond-business-awards-2016/|title=Richmond Business Awards 2016 – Richmond Upon Thames Chamber Of Commerce|work=Richmond Upon Thames Chamber Of Commerce|access-date=23 May 2017|language=en-GB}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 47: Line 51:


==Sources==
==Sources==
* ''Guide to British Theatres 1750–1950'', John Earl and Michael Sell pp.&nbsp;134–5 (Theatres Trust, 2000) {{ISBN|0-7136-5688-3}}
* Earl, John; Sell, Michael (2000). ''Guide to British Theatres 1750–1950'', pp.&nbsp;134–5, Theatres Trust. {{ISBN|0-7136-5688-3}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite journal | title=Early performances at Richmond Theatre | author=Pollard, Mary | journal=[[Richmond, London#Societies|Richmond History: Journal of the Richmond Local History Society]] | year=2019 | volume=40 | pages=46–53|issn= 0263-0958}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.ambassadortickets.com/Richmond-Theatre Richmond Theatre official website]
* [https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/ Official website]


{{LB Richmond}}
{{LB Richmond}}
{{Theatres in London}}
{{Theatres in London}}
{{ATGVenues}}
{{ATGVenues}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Theatres in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames]]
[[Category:1899 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Grade II* listed buildings in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames]]
[[Category:Grade II* listed buildings in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames]]
[[Category:Grade II* listed theatres]]
[[Category:Grade II* listed theatres]]
[[Category:Richmond, London]]
[[Category:Richmond Green]]
[[Category:Performance art venues]]
[[Category:Theatres in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames]]




{{london-struct-stub}}
{{london-struct-stub}}
{{theatre-struct-stub}}
{{UK-theat-struct-stub}}

Latest revision as of 20:16, 1 May 2024

For the theatre in North Yorkshire, see Georgian Theatre Royal.

Richmond Theatre
1899 Richmond Theatre and Opera House
1902 Prince of Wales
1908 Richmond Hippodrome
Theatre Royal, Richmond
Theatre on the Green
Map
LocationRichmond, London, England
Coordinates51°27′43″N 0°18′14″W / 51.4620°N 0.3038°W / 51.4620; -0.3038
Public transitLondon Underground London Overground National Rail Richmond
OwnerAmbassador Theatre Group
DesignationGrade II*
TypeProvincial
Capacity840
Construction
Opened18 September 1899
ArchitectFrank Matcham
Website
Richmond Theatre website at Ambassador Theatre Group
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameRichmond Theatre
Designated28 June 1972
Reference no.1065384

The present Richmond Theatre, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, is a British Victorian theatre located on Little Green, adjacent to Richmond Green. It opened on 18 September 1899 with a performance of As You Like It. One of the finest surviving examples of the work of theatre architect Frank Matcham, the building, in red brick with buff terracotta, is listed Grade II* by Historic England.[1] John Earl, writing in 1982, described it as "[o]f outstanding importance as the most completely preserved Matcham theatre in Greater London and one of his most satisfying interiors."[2]

History

[edit]
Little Green, with Richmond Green seen in the distance

The theatre, originally known as the Theatre Royal and Opera House,[3] is structured into the familiar stalls, dress and upper circles, with four boxes at dress level. The auditorium is a mixture of gilt detailing and red plush fabrics, covering seats and front of circles. Its interior and exterior has been used as a movie set in many films (e.g. Evita, Topsy-Turvy, standing in for the Victorian Savoy Theatre, Finding Neverland—doubling as the Duke of York's Theatre, National Treasure: Book of Secrets—setting of Ford's Theatre) and TV programmes (e.g. Jonathan Creek).

In the early 1990s the theatre underwent a major overhaul overseen by the designer Carl Toms. This included a side extension giving more space for the audience and included a 'Matcham Room', today known as the Ambassador Lounge. The driving force behind the renovation of the theatre was Sally Greene, with strong support from Richmond upon Thames Council through its chief executive, Richard Harbord and Community Services Committee chairman Serge Lourie.

The theatre is now part of the Ambassador Theatre Group and has a weekly schedule of plays and musicals, alongside special music events and children's shows. Pre-West End productions can often be seen. There is a Christmas and New Year pantomime tradition and many of Britain's greatest music hall and pantomime performers have appeared there. The theatre also offers a range of creative learning activities for adults and children, including drama, creative writing and singing.[4]

January 2013 saw Richmond Theatre extend access in the community when Suzanne Shaw and Tim Vine starred in the pantomime Aladdin, by offering its first relaxed performance as part of a pilot scheme initiated by ATG.[5]

In 2016, the theatre was honoured with the People's Choice Award at The Richmond Business Awards.[6]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Historic England (28 June 1972). "Richmond Theatre (1065384)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
  2. ^ Earl, John. Contributor to Curtains!!! or a New Life for Old Theatres, John Offord Publications Ltd (London 1982) ISBN 0903931427
  3. ^ "Richmond Theatre – History of Richmond Theatre Richmond, London". ATG Tickets. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  4. ^ "Creative Learning & Community Partnerships". ATG Tickets. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  5. ^ "Access".
  6. ^ "Richmond Business Awards 2016 – Richmond Upon Thames Chamber Of Commerce". Richmond Upon Thames Chamber Of Commerce. Retrieved 23 May 2017.

Sources

[edit]
  • Earl, John; Sell, Michael (2000). Guide to British Theatres 1750–1950, pp. 134–5, Theatres Trust. ISBN 0-7136-5688-3

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]


Stub icon

This article about a London building or structure is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Stub icon

This article about a theatre building in the United Kingdom is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Richmond_Theatre_(London)&oldid=1221756116"