The Theatre Royal instructed Design North, alongside architects Mawson Kerr, to redesign two of their hospitality spaces – one fronting Grey Street and another on Market Street. The Theatre Royal has an important history in the city of Newcastle and resides on one of the most prominent and architecturally pleasing streets in the city. The Theatre building itself is Grade I listed, the highest category of listing, rendering it of exceptional historic importance and requiring the most consideration for any type of repair or restoration works. Phase 1 is a small café and bar at the main theatre entrance, fronting onto Grey Street and was completed earlier this year.
Phase 2, now open as ‘The Green Room’, is a restaurant and bar space facing onto Market Street. Interior designer at Design North, Charlotte Allan explains the brief “To create a multi-functional space, welcoming to all and able to transition from daytime to evening use.” The Theatre wanted to ensure they would capture all audiences, so the space is welcoming and bright with calming colours and tones used throughout. The space was previously dark and felt cramped, so Design North’s designs incorporated the use of lighter colours, combined with opening up aspects and removing some walls, has transformed it into an unrecognisably airy and open space.
Careful consideration was given to linking the Green Room with the rest of the Theatre. Luxurious finishes and design elements which reference existing patterns and materials throughout the rest of the building ensure the space is cohesive throughout the visitors’ journeys. In such a complex and iconic transformation, team work is crucial. Local artist Beth Travers designed bespoke wall papers, acting as the backdrop to the Green Room and illustrating the stories of the Theatre in an imaginative and visual way. Working alongside architects Mawson Kerr, both of the redevelopment projects undertaken at the Theatre have been a huge success. Design North are proud to have worked on this iconic and cultural landmark of Newcastle.
Read more about the transformation here – Theatre Royal welcomes audiences to The Green Room
