Richmond’s Grade 1 listed Theatre Royal opened in 1788 and is widely accepted as one of the finest preserved Georgian theatres in the country. It is often said that the Georgian people were significantly smaller than us and that their theatres were therefore characterised by smaller row widths and seating sizes, which are now often considered too uncomfortable for modern audiences with knee-crunchingly tight leg room and poor lumbar support. The reality is that, in Georgian times, small or not, many would have been standing. It would have been a noisy bawdy affair with what was happening on stage possibly incidental. Our proposals, which are currently submitted for Listed Building consent, re-evaluate all seating positions, in terms of sightlines, legroom and comfort in order to create conditions that will appeal to a wider audience and that will create repeat visits and increased revenue making opportunities. #dematosryan #architecture #architecturedaily #architecturelovers #theatres #heritage #theatrestrust #sustainability #resilience #futureproofing #oldandnew
