Theatre Royal Magnificent

I took a sneak preview peek at the newly refurbished Theatre Royal yesterday (the box office and Lemon Tree Restaurant are open since today) and I have to say that it looks magnificent. It is a credit to the Board, the City Council, the staff, Ken Wigham Architects and the Builders (Clancy Construction I think?).

The new 'old' foyer is quite stunning. Simple but most effective and really demonstrates that less can indeed be more. The limestone circular steps arrangement (pictured above) is really beautiful and adorned overhead with the real thing - Waterford Crystal chandeliers.

There are 5, yes that's FIVE female toilets - whoohoo! And a great new access from the old foyer to the new foyer without having to go outside! The new 'new' foyer with box office is very welcoming and the Municipal collection now on semi-permanent display really adds to the space. The 'Lemon Tree Cafe' on the first floor will double as a bar, to be run by The Munster Bars at night when the there are performances on and perhaps it will be possible to use the area outside for tables and chairs for the cafe when the weather permits? What a great sense of life that would bring to our beautiful historic Mall.

As for the Theatre itself? The new seating arrangement with, wait for it....leg room is a great improvement and the intimacy that the reduction in seat numbers has allowed should make attendance there a truly special experience. The rake (slant) is gone from the stage, the orchestra pit has been enlarged (and air-conditioned). The colour scheme is strong but un-intrusive and the theatre has lost none of its special feel and appeal (for me anyway).

Backstage has seen improvements too with a new access stage right - from a new green room with toilets and showers. Bliss! The dressing rooms, for the moment have been accommodated in what people would know as the Committee Room in City Hall (couldn't get that far yesterday) but they must surely be a far better solution than the old ones. There are plans, when money beomes available to tackle that end.

All in all, a huge amount has been achieved with a very modest investment IMHO and I would sincerely like to congratulate all involved. The Theatre Royal is now fit for the next 100 years as a magnificent and historic Waterford venue. It has been missed and I welcome its' re-opening whole-heartedly.

I see that the first performance will be taking place on October 21st 'Mad About The Musicals 2009' followed by a Youth Dance celebration on the 24th and a presentation of 'My First Time' starring Keith Duffy on the 27th.

I am looking forward to 'Wallace, Balfe and Mr Bunn' directed by Ben Barnes which runs from 5th to 14th November - with the official opening taking place on the night of the 5th (by whom I wonder?). More information and bookings can be found at www.theatreroyal.ie .

I look forward to many more generations of Waterfordians enjoying the entertainment on show at 'the Royal' and many more young and not so young locals getting the chance to start, hone or display their own talents on its stage.

Of course it goes without saying that I dearly hope that the 50th Waterford International Festival of Light Opera will take place there next year. (Followed by the 51st, 52nd, 53rd.............)

Well done all.