It’s dark…the theatre that is, not our mood, despite the fact that it’s raining again.

We head into three week’s rehearsals and production for Goodnight Mister Tom and it seems like an ideal opportunity to get some work done Front of House and backstage.

Four of our dressing rooms are getting a coat of paint courtesy of our multi-talented cleaners who, it transpires, are not only demons with mops & vacuum cleaners, but also with wallpaper and emulsion. We’re also fitting new blinds and some new furnishings.

There are some new external handrails in the stage door area and the black boarding along the back of the Greene Room Bar has had a fresh coat, thank you Dan, one of our unseen volunteers. Perhaps most visibly, 18 of the tattiest seats and backs from both the Dress & Upper Circles have been sent off to Raychel Fiddian for re-upholstery. Here’s a couple of boxes minus the backs & squabs. There’s an insight into the infernally complicated construction of the theatre seating!

They’ll be back next week and installed for our first audience of the season on the 24th August. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back to a brighter and fresher space. Remember, only 100 sleeps ‘til Panto!