Theatre Royal, Nelson, New Zealand

THE THEATRE ROYAL

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The Theatre Royal: Rutherford Street, Nelson, New Zealand.

Update on Theatre Royal Nelson @ 06/09:
The venue is currently about half way thru a major refurbishment / upgrade. Completely new back of house is due for a roof in about 2 weeks, then work starts on auditorium and front of house restoration (auditorium built 1878 and pretty original) .
Stage will have a full height fly tower with counterweighted line sets. (see photo above)
All going to plan the venue will re-open mid 2010.

I would be obliged in the meantime if you could update or delete info on venueweb as most of the details listed concerning the venue facilities are now very much out of date.
I will certainly update you with new plans and and a rundown of facilities available closer to re-opening. I am happy to be listed as the main contact.

Many Thanks Regards Steve Thomas, Secretary Nelson Historic Theatre Trust

So information below is of Historic interest only:

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Auditorium

Foyer

The Theatre Royal opened on July 18th, 1878. Built from native timbers, it is New Zealand's oldest wooden theatre, and still the only venue in Nelson with a fly tower. Opposite: As built, photo about 1900
Surviving the alterations, earthquakes, fire and demolition that has claimed so many of New Zealand's older theatres, it remains in very largely original condition. Opposite: Appalling 70's modifications to facade to accommodate projection, although the car has a certain appeal... The theatre is a little gem, with great acoustics and a very fine feel and sense of theatrical magic about it. Photograph albums with photos and programs going back to the 20's are left lying on a shelf by the box office, original gallery seating is still in place, original embossed wall papers are still in place in the auditorium...
Recently a trust has been set up to preserve and refurbish the theatre - send them a cheque: The Nelson Historic Theatre Trust, Box 735, Nelson, New Zealand. Opposite: Original seating in the gallery.

Designer's Tips

If you are a lighting or set designer who has worked in this venue and have something to contribute: venues@venueweb.co.nz

The forestage (a "permanent" add on) blocks the two doors either side of the proscenium in the auditorium, and also is (Sept 2003) in very bad repair, the weight of one performer dancing causing it to bounce up and down about 100 - 120 mm!
The stage rake is excessive, and may cause problems with touring scenery.
The flys are not full height, and although in working order, are overdue for replacement.
On stage right there is a wooden truss under the flyfloor supporting it - clearance 4970 downstage.
Crossover at fly floor level is via a narrow walkway above the proscenium.

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Stage

Stage Right corridor

Backstage

Under Stage

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Revision Date 08/03

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Revision Date 08/03

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Revision Date 08/03

The Theatre Royal (Nelson) - Revision date 06/09

Company

Venue Name

The Theatre Royal

Street address:

Rutherford St, Nelson, New Zealand.

Postal address:

Web Site:

n/a

E-mail:

n/a

Telephones:

Physical Venue Description:

Small wooden Proscenium Arch Theatre built 1878. Very much in original condition and showing its age.

Operating Structure:

Venue for hire, home of Nelson Repertory.

Key Personnel:

Steve Thomas Secretary Nelson Historic Theatre Trust P.O.Box 735 Nelson Ph 0274 459197 email: opti.pro@xtra.co.nz

Public Areas:

Foyer in main entrance

Catering:

Ticketing:

Disabled access:

OK - off street entrance and in side doors of auditorium. Disabled toilet.

History:

See above

Other:

Technical

Auditorium Description:

Gallery seating 000 accessed via main stairs from foyer, or via stairs in stage left corridor up to stage left box. A box either side of auditorium with flat facades parallel with auditorium walls. Stalls seating 000. Upstage section under balcony raked. Total seating 450 (?)

Stage:

Excessively raked wooden stage with curved apron. Crude "permanent" forestage in need of repair. Wooden fly tower, although not full height. Sliding doors centre rear wall allow access to backstage area. Proscenium width: 8047; Proscenium height: 4892; Apron front to rear sliding doors: 8367;

Hanging Plot:

Getin:

Down side alley and either through workshop doors at stage height, or via fire doors and exit doors into centre of stalls. Alternatively via smaller double doors backstage.

Dressing Rooms:

One permanent, one "makeup" room, with space for temporary constructions for chorus etc.

Stage manager:

Misc

Other:

Lighting

Lx Control:

Dimmers:

Luminaires:

Sound

n/a

Effects Units

n/a

Hanging Plot:

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This page last updated Friday, June 26, 2009