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Dateline: 20th June, 2007
£7m Bristol Old Vic Revamp Details have been announced of the £7m refurbishment of the Bristol Old Vic and an appeal has been launched to find the final £2m needed "to transform the 240 year old theatre into a fit-for-purpose space for the 21st century." The plans include:
The audience's experience of the Georgian auditorium, the oldest continuously working theatre in the UK, will be transformed by alteingr the floor of the auditorium, raising the height of the seating and giving a better view of the stage to all audience members. This raised floor will also allow for a much needed state-of-the-art ventilation system to be installed beneath the seating. This will be sympathetic to the specific requirements of a 240 year-old wooden auditorium, providing a constant temperature both summer and winter. Brand-new seating, providing extra leg-room and comfort, will also be positioned to avoid the majority of the Georgian pillars, which currently cause major site-line restrictions. Four additional wheelchair positions in the stalls and upper circle levels will also be added. Audiences will still enter the building through the King Street entrance, but in addition the Front of House area will have a repositioned box office, refurbished foyers and cafés, and a lift allowing access to the basement level, upper circle and café level for patrons with mobility problems. The disabled toilets will also be moved from backstage to Front of House making them more accessible for patrons who need them. The Studio space will be refurbished, including improved ventilation and seating. A purpose-built education space will be created in what is currently the basement adjacent to the Studio. The theatre is also using this opportunity to consult with its audiences, the Bristol community, theatre practitioners and funders as to the right model for the company to adopt when it reopens in 2008. It has already started this consultation process with the first major Arts Community event taking place at an open space initiative on 21st July, hosted by Theatre Bristol. Chair of the Appeal Committee, Nick Bacon, said, "If you have ever enjoyed a performance at Bristol Old Vic. If you have ever wondered at the Georgian splendour of this beautiful auditorium. If you have ever thought of making a donation to the Arts. Then, please, now is the time to get out your cheque book or credit card and help Save Bristol Old Vic." The Appeal includes a website - www.savebristololdvic.co.uk - and a Donations Hotline: 0845 88 22 799.
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