The view from the Everyman stage

Helena went to a matinee at Cheltenham's Everyman theatre earlier this week.  She was offered a chance to come back and join a tour of the whole theatre which she readily snapped up.  So we headed over to Cheltenham early tis morning and at 10am we joined just three other people and Millie, our guide.

She took us straight to the lower balcony and gave us a brief history of this gem of a theatre.  It was designed in late Victorian times by Frank Matcham, the renowned theatre architect, who also built the Palladium, the Coliseum, the Lyric Hammersmith and the Hippodrome as well as many regional theatres around England. The Everyman has had a chequered history of closures and re-openings but is now thriving in its rebuilt state completed in 2011. I have added a view of the stage from the balcony to the 'Extra photos'.

Millie then took us backstage and where we climbed up to the top to see where the scenery is 'flown' from using the intricate array of balanced ropes, which I have also shown as an 'Extra photo'.  Then we saw the dressing rooms, the 'Green' Room, the wardrobe area, before dropping down t the props department and below the stage to see where the orchestra pit is hidden until required to rise up from the depths.

When we finally reached the wings and walked onto the stage it was a revelation to see the view actor's have when working.  I have been backstage in a few theatres but there was a special feel to this auditorium.

We left the theatre really pleased to have had this opportunity and walked to the Promenade to have a coffee at Cafe Rouge, which I always enjoy.  I like the approximation of a brasserie and Helena noticed that they are offering a two for one breakfast deal, so we are going back tomorrow before Helena's half-term comes to an end.  We may also visit some beech woods on the way back as they looked stunning in the beautiful sunshine today in their autumnal guise.