The theatre was a hive of activity last week as work commenced both on the flood restoration programme and the preliminary stages of the much-anticipated auditorium refurbishment (which starts in earnest next Monday).
In terms of the damage caused by last summer’s floods, many rooms in the complex were left requiring some replastering and redecorating before we could consider replacing the flooring and carpets. The worst hit area was, fortunately, the least public part of the building - the cellar - which needs repairs to the wooden stairs, new rendering to the walls and a completely new ceiling. A team of builders arrived at 8 am Monday and achieved a great deal by close of play Friday. They will be on the premises for a few weeks yet and will need to dovetail the remainder of their tasks with the main refurbishment.Ian Chandler (technical manager), George Whitford, and a few helpers have spent much of the week trashing rostra and properties from under the stage that were either water damaged or surplus to future requirements, as well as some preparatory work with regard to electrical cabling. The remainder of the properties stored under the auditorium will be removed next Sunday by a working party to enable the existing floor to be dismantled and replaced.
