Stagestruck!
200 years of Theatre Royal Brighton
5 May to 2 September 2007
An exhibition that celebrates one of Britain’s oldest working theatres, the people that have made it work, and the drama and spectacle that have filled its stage. Hear ‘Hamlet’ declaimed, see scenery for ‘Aladdin’ from 1893 to 2007, and step onstage with a ghost.
In June 1807 Theatre Royal Brighton opened in New Road, on land purchased from George, Prince of Wales. Beginning with the first performance of ‘Hamlet’ starring Charles Kemble, from the Royal Box to the benches in “the gods” the theatre was at once busy, noisy and full of life and colour. These well-trodden boards have seen the talents of most major stars of the English stage, besides nurturing local actors and writers. The exhibition highlights the people involved with Theatre Royal Brighton – from princes to fishermen – and a treasure of stories that make up its history.
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Theatre Royal Brighton interior
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Stagestruck! includes previously unseen material from the archives of Theatre Royal Brighton and Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, as well as loans from the National Portrait Gallery, V&A Theatre Collections and the Raymond Mander and Joe Mitchenson Theatre Collection.
Vintage prints and photographs, costumes and props, and reconstructions of ‘special effects’ of the 19th century stage, highlight changes in stagecraft and the richness of the theatrical experience over the years, giving a glimpse into the real and make-believe worlds of a very special theatrical tradition.
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Visit the Theatre Royal Brighton website |
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| To mark the Theatre Royal Brighton's 200th anniversary, BBC Southern Counties Radio is collecting 200 stories. Find out more on the Southern Counties website. |
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Associated events and activities
Friday 27 July
Secrets of the Backstage
The Old Courtroom
7.30–9pm £6 (£5 concessions)
Discover the insider secrets, the history behind the tricks of the trade and technical wizardry that put the shows on the road. A panel of specialists, including Theatre Royal Brighton crews past and present, reveal all and answer your questions.
Tuesday 14 August
Behind the Curtain: Famous Theatrical Ghosts
The Old Courtroom
7–8.30pm £6 (£5 concessions)
Every theatre has its resident ghost, spooky tales and superstitions. Investigations including tales from actors, backstage and front of house staff are revealed in a spine-chilling and entertaining evening.
Ghost-hunting experts Ian Shillito from LIVINGtv’s ‘Most Haunted!’ and LBC Radio’s Becky Walsh.
Saturday 18 August
Burning Theatres & Terrified Patrons
The Old Courtroom
2.30-3.30pm £5 (£4.50 concessions)
Before the 1890s it was taken for granted that a theatre would be lucky to survive for more than 20 years before being destroyed by fire. This talk illustrates some of the most spectacular cases of the fatal rush for the exits and shows how theatres were eventually made safe.
John Earl theatre historian
A range of activities and events for children also accompany the exhibition. For details, telephone 01273 292865. |
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