sponsored by Amedia (at) Tools
Time: 08:00 pm
Date: Nov 20, 2010
Location:
Cost: $0.00
The Kings Theatre has a Italian Renaissance style of décor and is an example of an Edwardian playhouse. The Kings Theatre has had many prior to London productions in more recent times. In 2001 after a campaign to keep the theatre open it was purchased by Portsmouth City Council and leased to The Kings Theatre Trust who have restored and repaired the theatre. The trust have leased the building to an operating company called Kings Theatre Southsea. After 18 months the Kings Theatre Trust had to take back control of the theatre due to the Kings Theatre Southsea going bankrupt. Over the years the Theatre has changed little. The front of the building has altered slightly, but apart from a few advertising boards and signs, the look is almost original. The lady statue, originally mounted on the top of the Tower, and later standing on the top of the Portico at the entrance to the Theatre, was lost for many years and only found again by chance in 1998 in a Hampshire scrap yard. She has been restored and returned to her original position. Inside the theatre, the colour scheme has changed from gold, cream and blue/green to gold, cream and red. The seating has not changed much either, although the original maximum capacity of 2187 has been reduced over the years to 1450 to align with modern safety requirements. Backstage, all scenery is still flown and managed by hand without the benefit of mechanization or counterweight, although much maintenance and repair has occurred in recent years. The kings theatre is a really nice example of a Victorian music hall that has changed little and is still very active as a theatre. For more information about the Kings theatre or for its schedule have a look at www.kings-southsea.co.uk .