Richmond Theatre Tour

 

Just a 3 minute walk from Richmond station stands the splendour of renowned theatre architect, Frank Matcham's masterpiece. The grade II listed Richmond Theatre opened on 18 September 1899 and boasts a decent view from every seat inside the splendour of the spectacular auditorium. We were delighted to take the tour with our tour guide, Ethan, and learn of the stories, secrets and ghostly sightings at one of our favourite London theatres. 

Our tour began outside the glorious Edwardian building where we turned to face the green where the remains of Richmond palace can be seen. We were intrigued to discover that sightings of the late Queen Elizabeth I have been reported, often on the anniversary of her death. This was the first of our ghostly discoveries as our tour continued indoors. I personally feel that entering through the double doors of the majestic-looking theatre is akin to stepping back in time. The experience starts before you enter the auditorium and find your seat, before you purchase a programme and pre-show or interval drinks and snacks. There's an ambience of grandeur combined with the feeling that you truly are arriving at the place where the magic happens. 

Taking the few steps down to the bar on the ground floor we had the opportunity to view vintage photographs, programmes and posters from productions of the past. Thus giving us a rare chance to connect with the building and its history before we set foot inside the auditorium itself. Standing in an empty auditorium is not an every day opportunity for us, there's something enchanting about such magnificent surroundings minus the inevitable chatter of fellow theatre-goers. 

We were treated to a view of the stage and the space from all levels and I very much enjoyed guessing each of the performers in the fantastic photograph display in one of the bars. The view from the outside balcony is also a sight to behold. We didn't see Elizabeth I haunting Richmond palace from this viewpoint, however we did hear the story of the gentleman in the pinstripe suit who makes ghostly appearances. He fell from the very balcony on which we stood. Luckily, no members of our party met the same fate. 

There are many, many ghost stories associated with Richmond Theatre, however I won't post any more spoilers here - you must book yourselves onto a tour to hear the full tales. They're devilishly good.

No tour is complete without a viewing of the dressing rooms (and imagining we were the performers getting ready to go on - don't tell me you wouldn't!).  A nosey around underneath the stage and a glimpse of the orchestra pit added to the overall picture and wowed Connor. The cherry on our stagey day out has to be treading the boards themselves and looking out into the empty rows of seats. Quite a breath taking moment.  

Thanks go to Ethan for an informative, interesting and fun tour which has provided us with a deeper understanding of the theatre itself. Next time we see a show at Richmond Theatre we will definitely give more consideration to our surroundings as opposed to solely focusing on what we are about to see on stage. 

To book your backstage tour, keep your eyes peeled here: Richmond Theatre

Connor's take on the tour is posted on Youtube, check it out here: Our Entertainment Vlog Review