Sunshine may still seem a  long way off—but in just a few weeks the Theatre Royal’s summer season will begin with the return of Backstage Past, the Theatre’s hugely popular visitor experience, which will run in the Regency playhouse during the daytime from Wednesday 5 June— Saturday 17 August 2013.

Free to National Trust members, Backstage Past allows full access backstage and onstage of the Theatre Royal’s one-of-a-kind playhouse. Visitors of all ages can discover nearly 200 years of theatregoing history, try on costumes, tread the boards and discover the stars that have been part of the Theatre’s story, from the bustling beginnings of Regency theatregoing right up to the present day. For a full list of opening dates and to book places on specific tours, please visit the website.

Supported by the National Trust— the Theatre Royal being the only playhouse in the Trust’s portfolio— Backstage Past was a huge success in last year’s inaugural season, allowing visitors full access backstage and onstage of this one-of-a-kind theatre. Over 3000 people enjoyed the rare chance to see behind the Safety Curtain and discover 200 years of theatregoing, whether exploring the building by themselves, or joining one of two daily guided tours.

Simon Daykin, the Chief Executive of the Theatre said:

“We were overwhelmed with the success of Backstage Past in its first season, and this summer we hope to welcome even more visitors to explore our beautiful theatre and discover our story—and maybe even stay for a slice of delicious, locally-baked cake! Backstage Past is a unique experience, making the most of our building in the summer, which is traditionally a quiet season for theatres, and allowing us the chance to bring our fascinating history to life—which is just as dramatic as anything you might see on our stage!”

And, for a special two weeks later on this summer (7-17 August)— Backstage Past will become even more animated, with a cast of twelve local actors joining the exhibition and bringing to life some of the colourful characters from the Theatre’s past in Backstage Past: Live Encounters.

For a full list of opening dates and to book places on specific tours, please visit the website www.theatreroyal.org or call the Box Office on 01284 769505.

 

Bars4U licensed bar services