‘This building is really special': Theatre boss says upgrade will secure venue for future generations
Plans have been submitted to revamp the 132-year-old building
The chief executive of Theatre Royal Wakefield said a major upgrade planned for the venue would secure its future for generations to come.
Wakefield Theatre Trust has submitted a planning application to make improvements to the 132-year-old building.
Plans include adding a new second-floor extension to the west wing along Drury Lane to provide new back-of-house facilities, an accessible entrance lift and stairs.
Other plans include the partial demolition of some internal walls to make way for facilities including a new bar, dressing room, studio and toilets.
Planned upgrades of the auditorium include installing new lighting, improving seating in the stalls and dress circle and increasing capacity from 493 to 510.
Katie Town, chief executive of Theatre Royal Wakefield, said: “This building is really special for Wakefield.
“We know that lots of local young people experience their first sight of theatre by coming into this building.
“We also train over 250 young people on a weekly basis in theatre and theatre making.
“We are setting off some people on their journey of being theatre audiences and setting other people off to be able to learn how to perform.
“It’s really, really valued by the local community and we just want to enhance it and make it be even more special for the people of Wakefield.”
Built in 1894 as the Wakefield Opera House, the Grade II*-listed building was designed by renowned architect Frank Matcham and is believed to be his smallest surviving theatre.
Sarah Shooter, the theatre’s head of patron experience, said: “You’ve seen how beautiful the architecture is in this theatre.
“We need to make sure we preserve that. We have been here over 130 years and we want to make sure we do this for the future.
“But also, the world is changing, and we need to make sure that theatre remains relevant and accessible to absolutely everybody here in Wakefield.
“That’s something that is really important to us.
“It’s just really vital to be able to showcase Wakefield and showcase the talent that’s in Wakefield.”
The application is still under consideration and will be determined on a date yet to be fixed.