THE GRADE II* LISTED THEATRE IN THE HEART OF BRIGHTON & HOVE’S CULTURAL QUARTER HAS BEEN UNDERGOING RESTORATION WORKS SINCE JANUARY 2023
A multi-million-pound project to restore the colonnade and balcony of the Grade II* listed Theatre Royal Brighton reaches completion this week.
In early 2023 ATG Entertainment, who own and operate Theatre Royal Brighton, began an extensive improvement and restoration project. As part of this a specialist team have spent the last 17 months working to restore the columns and balcony that make up the colonnade facade on New Road to their historically authentic terracotta splendour. Following the installation of 1551 individual sections, the hoarding has come down and it is ready to be revealed to the public in all its glory. Visitors to the theatre will soon be able to step out onto the balcony from the Royal Circle bar and patrons of The Colonnade Bar will be able to enjoy a drink sat outdoors under the colonnade. The theatre, which has remained open throughout the project, has also unveiled a brand new sign and logo.
Speaking on the renovations Nick Potter, Chief Operating Officer of ATG Entertainment said: “As a Brightonian, Theatre Royal Brighton has always been a venue close to my own heart. I’m delighted that ATG Entertainment have been able to play such a major role in restoring this beautiful building for the people of Brighton, Sussex and beyond to enjoy for many years to come”.
Sophie Denney, Theatre Director of Theatre Royal Brighton said: “We are incredibly proud of the long and rich history of our beautiful venue and are delighted to reach this huge milestone in our restoration project. This investment not only improves the experience of everyone visiting our venue in the present, but also protects the theatre for future generations to enjoy”.
Grade II* listed Theatre Royal Brighton is one of the oldest and most distinguished theatres in the country. First established in 1764 and on its current site at the heart of Brighton’s cultural quarter since 1807, it has been in almost continual operation to the present day. It holds its listed status due to rarity of type and historic interest as the third oldest surviving purpose-built theatre in England. As a receiving house the theatre hosts a wide range of pre and post West End touring plays and musicals as well as ballet, opera, music, comedy, family shows and an extensive Creative Learning programme. According to Historic England “all great British actors have performed here and many international artists”.
The building itself is a visible record of changes in architectural taste and theatrical practice over the last two centuries. It was given its royal assent by The Prince Regent, an enthusiastic theatregoer, and opened on New Road on 26 June 1807 with a performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet starring Charles Kemble, one of the most famous actors of his day, in the title role. In 1866 the auditorium was redesigned and the gallery level added by architect C J Phipps. It was refronted in 1894 by C E Clayton and the auditorium was last re-decorated circa 1926 by Sprague and Barton. Until now…
This multi-million-pound investment has extended to the interior of Theatre Royal Brighton. Work completed inside includes reseating the Stalls to increase comfort and accessible seating options, refurbishing the accessible toilet on the Stalls level, upgrading the Royal Circle toilets, refreshing the décor throughout the building and upgrading the electrics and plumbing. All of this is with the intention of future proofing the venue for generations to come and ensuring the comfort of all visiting patrons, cast and crew.
Stefan Ziemelis, Senior Project Manager at ATG Entertainment, said: “Theatre Royal Brighton is a building of outstanding architectural and historical interest nationally and one of the oldest venues in ATG Entertainment’s portfolio. The work we have undertaken here along with our partners will serve to protect and preserve this iconic venue for future generations to come”.
In celebration of this huge milestone in their history Theatre Royal Brighton today unveils brand new logos, both for the theatre itself and for The Colonnade Bar which sits at the heart of, and is also run by, the theatre. Both designed by Brighton based branding agency Good Noise.
On the project Peter Collingridge, Managing Director of Good Noise, said:
“As long time Brightonians it was an incredible privilege for us at Good Noise to be chosen as the Branding and Design partner for Theatre Royal Brighton. The boundless enthusiasm of the team there is infectious, and we loved that we were able to meet so many members of staff from all departments. Their knowledge was invaluable in informing our design work which aims to embrace the next generation of theatregoers, whilst respecting the history and heritage that is omnipresent in the theatre”.
With Brighton Festival and Fringe coming to an end for another year soon, Theatre Royal Brighton are collaborating with The Colonnade Bar to extend the local arts and culture offering in the city through to July. Theatre Royal Brighton’s main stage and auditorium will be closed to the public between 16 June and 14 July for some essential maintenance works, so during that time they will be putting on a month long programme of events called “CollyFest”. Celebrating their beautiful new frontage by inviting people into a new temporary space in the theatre foyer which can be accessed via The Colonnade Bar. The atmospheric setting for CollyFest will include tables and chairs, standing areas and a mixed programme of music, workshops and happenings. Including live music, performances from Homeward Bound Sea Shanties, craft evenings, Musical Theatre quizzes and much more. Full events will be listed on the theatre and pub’s social channels, as well as the pub’s new website soon: thecolonnadebarbrighton.co.uk
On CollyFest, Jackie Alexander, Senior Creative Learning Manager at Theatre Royal Brighton said: “I love Theatre Royal Brighton and am passionate about opening its doors to everyone in our community! To celebrate our fabulous restoration project we’re running a series of free family activities under the colonnade, free birthday tours and happenings with local artists and musicians as part of CollyFest, alongside our regular programme of workshops, courses and events. I can’t wait to meet more members of our local community and show off all our beautiful theatre has to offer!”
Theatre Royal Brighton’s upcoming shows can be viewed and booked online at ATGTickets.com/Brighton (fees apply).
//ENDS
For further press information please contact:
Ellie Maltby | Communications Manager | Theatre Royal Brighton
[email protected] | 01273 764 413 | 07544 159 949
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Colonnade Bar opening hours:
13:00 – 23:00 Sun – Thu & 13:00 – 00:00 Fri & Sat
Website: thecolonnadebrighton.co.uk
Theatre Royal Brighton Box Office opening hours:
Box office opens 90 minutes before the start of a performance and remains open 15 minutes after curtain up. In addition it is open on Thursdays from 12 – 4.30pm on non show days and 12 – 8pm on show days.
FULL LISTING INFORMATION
Free Outdoor Events Schedule this half term:
| DATE & TIME | EVENT |
| Tue 28 May 1pm – 3pm | Mini terracotta pots and model making |
| Wed 29 May 11am – 1pm | Make a pop-up Theatre Royal Brighton |
| Thu 30 May 1.30pm – 3.30pm | Mini terracotta makes and pop-up theatres |
| Sat 1 Jun 1 – 3pm | Seaside themed arts and crafts |
| Sun 9 Jun 5.30pm | Brighton Theatre Group performing songs on the balcony |
Full CollyFest Schedule:
All CollyFest events are free to attend with no prior booking necessary. Simply arrive at The Colonnade Bar on the day of your choice.
| DATE & TIME | EVENT |
| Tue 18 Jun & 2 Jul 6.30pm – 8.30pm | Reggaeton |
| Fri 21 Jun 4pm – 4.45pm | Choir with No Name – Singing on the balcony for World Music Day |
| Fri 21 Jun 6pm – late | Run The World party night! – Special playlist all evening featuring all your favourite female artists. 10 – 11pm Taylor Swift power hour! |
| Sat 22 Jun 12pm – 3pm | History and Heritage morning – Come and look at some archive material, chat to staff, reminisce and look forward to the next 216 years of TRB history! |
| Sat 22 Jun, Sat 29 Jun, Fri 5 Jul, Sat 6 Jul, Thu 11 Jul, Sat 13 Jul & Sun 14 Jul | Live Music – Acts TBC, but expect chilled vibes and summery sounds to get you in the weekend mood |
| Mon 24 Jun 7pm – 8pm | The Modster – 60s tunes to listen to or dance to! |
| Mon 24 Jun & Mon 8 Jul 8pm – 9.30pm | Quiz Night |
| Wed 26 Jun 7pm – 9pm | Wacky Wednesdays – Drop in crafting/making sessions, grab a drink and get creative! First session, Colly character terracotta modelling with artist Mhari Smith |
| Thu 27 Jun 1pm – 6pm | Theatre Royal Brighton’s Birthday! – Tours through the building on the hour, meet at Stage Door. Grab a party hat and blower and dance your way through the building to celebrate our beautiful historic building and its restoration! |
| Thu 27 Jun 7pm – 9pm | Swing City DJ – Swing time classics with space to dance! |
| Fri 28 Jun & Tue 9 Jul 7pm – 9pm | Homeward Bound – Celebrating our seafaring connections with a night of raucous and rousing sea shanties, heave ho and up she rises! |
| Sun 30 Jun & Sun 7 Jul 4pm – 8pm | Alternative Music – playlist/DJs |
| Mon 1 Jul 8pm – 9.30pm | Musical Theatre Quiz |
| Sat 6 Jul 12pm – 3pm | Family Craft Activities – Camping/Festival themed |
| Sat 13 Jul 1 – 3pm | Family Craft Activities – Mary Poppins themed |
Upcoming Show Listings:
Tickets can be booked at:
Theatre Royal Brighton
ATGTickets.com/Brighton*
*fees apply
| DATE & TIME | SHOW |
| Mon 27 May 7.30pm | One Night of Elvis – Lee ‘Memphis’ King |
| Tue 28 May 7.30pm | All Killa No Filla – Live! with Rachel Fairburn & Kiri Pritchard-McLean |
| Wed 29 – Thu 30 May 7.30pm | Johannes Radebe: House of JoJo |
| Fri 31 May 7.30pm | Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners |
| Sat 1 Jun 7.30pm | Rebecca Ferguson |
| Mon 3 Jun 7.30pm | An Evening with Brighton Legends |
| Tue 4 Jun 7.30pm | Uncanny: I Know What I Saw |
| Wed 5 Jun 7.30pm | The ELO Experience – Electric Light Orchestra |
| Thu 6 Jun 8pm | Count Arthur Strong – …And It’s Goodnight From Him |
| Fri 7 Jun 7.30pm | Between The Covers Live! |
| Sat 8 Jun 7.30pm | The Greatest Hits of Motown – How Sweet It Is |
| Tue 11 – Sat 15 Jun 7.30pm (Tue – Sat) 2.30pm (Thu & Sat) |
The Kite Runner |
| Mon 15 Jul, 7.30pm | The Drifters |
| Tue 16 – Sat 20 Jul 7.30pm (Tue – Sat) 2.30pm (Thu & Sat) |
The 39 Steps |
| Wed 14 Aug, 8pm | Lucinda Light |
| Tue 3 – Sat 7 Sep 7.30pm (Tue – Sat) 2.30pm (Thu & Sat) |
Here You Come Again – The New Dolly Parton Musical |
| Wed 18 Sep 7.30pm | Black Is The Color of My Voice |
| Thu 19 Sep 7.30pm | Darcy and Jer |
| Fri 20 Sep 7.30pm | Mania – The ABBA Tribute |
| Sat 21 Sep 7.30pm | Michael Palin – There and Back |
| Mon 30 Sep – Sat 5 Oct 7.30pm (Mon – Sat) 2.30pm (Thu & Sat) |
Hairspray The Musical |
| Mon 7 Oct 7.30pm | Come What May – The Ultimate Tribute to Moulin Rouge & more |
| Thu 10 – Sat 12 Oct Various times | Awful Auntie |
| Tue 15 – Sat 19 Oct 7.30pm (Tue – Sat) 2.30pm (Wed, Thu & Sat) |
Dear Evan Hansen |
| Sun 20 Oct 7.30pm | Rachel Parris: Poise |
| Mon 21 Oct 7.30pm | Most Haunted: The Stage Show |
| Thu 24 Oct 7.30pm | The Horne Section |
| Fri 25 – Sat 26 Oct Various times | Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out |
| Mon 4 Nov 7pm (Doors) | Jack Rhodes |
| Mon 11 Nov 7.30pm | Ben Elton: Authentic Stupidity |
| Tue 12 Nov 7.30pm | Luther Live |
| Thu 14 Nov 7.30pm | Meat Loaf by Candlelight |
| Fri 15 Nov 7.30pm | Al Murray: Guv Island |
| Sat 16 Nov 8pm | Larry Dean: Dodger |
| Fri 29 Nov 7.30pm | Tatty Macleod: Fugue |
| Sat 30 Nov 2.30pm & 7.30pm | Fairytale of New York |
| Mon 2 – Sat 7 Dec 7.30pm (Mon – Sat) 2.30pm (Thu & Sat) |
NOW That’s What I Call A Musical |
| Sun 8 Dec 7.30pm | Live at Christmas with Sara Pascoe |
| Tue 17 Dec – Sun 5 Jan Various times |
101 Dalmatians |
Upcoming Creative Learning Events Listings:
Tickets can be booked at:
Theatre Royal Brighton
ATGTickets.com/Brighton/*
*fees apply
| Select Saturdays 10.30am – 11.30am
1 Jun (Theme: at the Seaside)
|
Stories With Skip Stories, games, mini makes and lots of joining in. Suitable for 2 – 4 year olds and their adults [NB: All children must be accompanied] |
| Select Saturdays 10.30am – 12pm
8 Jun (Theme: The Cat In The Hat) |
Skips Family Workshop Our exciting, creative, themed family workshops give you a chance to take a break and share some special time together. Suitable for 5 – 10 year olds |
| Tue 30 Jul 10.30am – 3.30pm |
Summer Holiday Studio Ghibli Day A day of exploring, playing and creating inspired by the wonderful stories and images from the Japanese animation films by Studio Ghibli. Suitable for 9 – 14 year olds |
| Tue 20 Aug 10.30am – 3.30pm |
Summer Holiday Tim Burton Day A day of exploring, playing and creating inspired by the stories, imagery and style of Tim Burton. Suitable for 9 – 14 year olds |
| Tue 27 Aug – Thu 29 Aug 10.30am – 3.30pm |
Quiet Holiday Club Our brilliant artist and workshop leader Abi Horn will inspire and support you to create your own Cabinet of Curiosities using a range of different materials. Suitable for 8 – 12 year olds |
| Select Fridays 11am – 12.30pm 7 Jun, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul |
Age is a Stage Fun filled weekly sessions for anyone aged 50+ exploring the art of play, creativity and dramatic arts. No prior experience necessary! |
Theatre Royal Brighton channels:
Website: ATGTickets.com/Brighton
Facebook: /TheatreRoyalBTN
Instagram & Threads: @theatreroyalbtn
LinkedIn: @theatreroyalbrighton
TikTok: @theatreroyalbtn
Twitter: @TheatreRoyalBTN
#TheatreRoyalBrighton
About Theatre Royal Brighton
Built in 1807, Theatre Royal Brighton is one of the oldest and most distinguished theatres in the country. The auditorium of the Grade II* listed building, which is located at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter, represents an example of the finest regency architecture. The venue continues to delight audiences with a wide range of pre and post West End touring plays and musicals, as well as ballet, opera, music, comedy and children’s shows. Theatre Royal Brighton is an ATG Entertainment venue.
About The Colonnade Bar
Created in 1894 when part of an existing Georgian building was incorporated into the Theatre Royal Brighton complex, this quirky ground-floor pub brings a touch of the plush glamour and glitzy show business of the West End to Brighton.
About ATG Entertainment
ATG Entertainment is a world leader in live entertainment. It’s portfolio of venues includes historic theatres, studio theatres, cinemas, conference spaces, and modern live music arenas. ATG Entertainment own, operate or programme 64 of the world’s most iconic venues across the UK, the US and Germany entertaining over 18 million audience members each year.
Through in-house Production companies and working closely with top producers and promoters ATG presents over 15,000 live performances annually, including Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Moulin Rouge, The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Starlight Express as well as popular music and comedy shows.
ATG also owns a leading ticketing platform processing more than 18 million tickets each year for musicals, plays, concerts, comedy shows and a variety of other live events. ATGtickets.com attracts more than 40 million unique visitors annually. Headquartered in London and Woking, the company also has offices in New York and Cologne.
About Good Noise
Good Noise is a full-service branding agency specialising in food, drink and hospitality.
The company was founded by Steve Campion and Peter Collingridge in 2019 to focus on designing memorable brand experiences. Good Noise is based in Brighton in the UK and work with companies internationally and in the UK.
goodnoise.co.uk
