NEW THEATRE ROYAL PORTSMOUTH.
LET'S MAKE IT GREAT.
On the 4th November 2009, Caroline Sharman Director of the New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, announced ambitious new plans to restore the theatre to its former glory and to incorporate
exciting new facilities in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth.
The plans include:
- The development of a state of the art stage area, the original was destroyed by fire in 1972.
- An increase in the theatre capacity from 500 to 700 seats.
- Improved disabled access to the theatre.
- New buildings at the rear of the theatre to house the University of Portsmouth Performing Arts faculty.
The development will also allow the provision of new dressing rooms, office and theatrical storage space and enable the theatre to stage larger and more ambitious shows
that the current stage arrangement restricts.
In order to realise this major development and improvement programme the theatre needs to raise £4 million, so far over £772,000
has already been raised thanks to the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH), Portsmouth City Council and Arts Council England.
Fiona Wilson the fundraising Campaign Director announced that a wide range of activities is planned for the future,
including the 'Let's Make it Great' weekend,
which will take place from the 15th - 17th January 2010.
The weekend will feature a wide range of theatre based and open space events and performances. The University of Portsmouth, Highbury College and Rock Challenge,
are already committed to support the weekend event.
Tim Macfarlane of Rock Challenge said " To be able to support the theatre in this way is fantastic. We hope that everyone in Portsmouth jumps on board and gets involved."
Architectual firm Penoyre and Prasad, responsible for the design of the University of Portsmouth library building, have been selected to oversee the building project
and investigation work on the plot of land to the side and rear of the theatre will start in February 2010.
Portsmouth City Council is fully supporting the project, leader of Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson said " we fully support the NTR
in its goal of developing the back-lot, which will enhance creative skills opportunities and be of tremendous benefit to the people of Portsmouth."
For more information about the project, or to get involved with the fundraising activities please contact,
Fiona Wilson or Charlotte Mackie on 02392 646477 or email: fiona@newtheatreroyal.com
