Backstage ahead of the re-opening of Theatre Royal Brighton.
Theatre Royal Brighton is a historic Grade II listed Theatre in Brighton. Host to musicals, plays, opera and ballet throughout the year. The venue has a capacity of 952, and features a wonderful procenium, which opened 27th June 1807 for an opening performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. All of this as well as the uniquely designed terracotta columns out front have recently been under a refurb (facade ongoing) so I popped along with some gorgeous friends to have a backstage press tour ahead of their upcoming season of incredible shows.
Sophie Denney has recently taken on the role of Theatre Director and I asked her how much is she loving being here.
“I am loving Brighton, I love the sea, but people keep reminding that I’m here because I love my new job. I’ve always wanted to live here, and always wanted to work in this theatre because it is stunning. When you look around and realise that it’s a 216 years old, grade two star listed building and it’s still operational. We all work out of here, we all spend our time here and eat here, and we are so excited to have all of these phenomenal shows coming”
The upcoming show that Sophie most excited for? “Blood Brothers has always been my utter favourite, I love the music, the cast are great. It’s phenomenal”
I continued to tour the theatre, taking in all of its glamorous history, prosecco in hand, viewing candid photos and used props from of the likes of Marlene Dietrich & Richard Burton; such rich history that I could feel the glitter in the air sprinkling all over me.
In 2007 the theatre celebrated its 200th anniversary with a year of special events including a visit by Queen Elizabeth II when Her Majesty renamed a box in the theater The Queen Elizabeth II Box.
I sat down with Ellie Maltby, communications manager, she told me “We’ve been shut for a couple of months for some very exciting renovations and we are just reopening now with a special performance from Ruby Wax, and then we’re jam packed through until December really. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is in October, 2:22 a ghost story also in October, and then SIX for Christmas, which obviously is just going to be fabulous.” I couldn’t agree more. We are so lucky to have this venue, and the most incredible team behind it, I can’t wait to see my first show back here this October. atgtickets.com
