The spectacular Grade II listed Trafalgar Theatre is the result of a major multi-million-pound restoration project to return the theatre to its original 1930’s heritage design undertaken by Trafalgar Entertainment and overseen by Foster Wilson Size.
Within the auditorium, the newly restored decoration and lighting is black with silver, bronze and gold metallic hints, reflective of the original interior’s colour palette. Using historical photographs as a reference the auditorium carpet and seating fabric replicate the original designs patterns, with greens, creams and yellows to contrast against the monochrome walls. The Balcony front – that had been carefully stored away for a number of years when the theatre was two studio spaces – has been beautifully restored and refitted to spectacular effect, along with the grand ceiling and proscenium arch.
Kirwin & Simpson designed, manufactured, and fitted the auditorium with 630 brand new seats specially designed with audience comfort in mind. The seats supplied are completely bespoke and are a range of demountable and removable units. They boast custom fabric made with two types of patterns to get as close to the original as possible. To make the seats more modern and comfortable for patrons, we’ve included ProBax® Advanced Comfort Foam Technology and built-in menu and programme holders on the back, also custom end panels with bronze waymarking compliments the theatre’s new colour palette.
In addition, Kirwin & Simpson specially designed a transfer arm for accessible seats. This was designed for patron ease of movement from wheelchair into designated seat. We also supplied Box Chairs based on our stacking Portobello Chair in the same custom fabric.
“The seat fabric is likely to be the most talked about design piece in the theatre. The pattern is very closely based on the original seat fabric and is very different to the usual theatre seats so we are incredibly excited about them and think they work perfectly in the restored look.”
Project Manager, Emily O’Dell
What do you think of the restoration? Let us know!
Design • Manufacture • Refurbishment • Installation • Maintenance
