Projects › Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Coventry Scaffolding provided scaffolding to facilitate the internal and external restoration of Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The external scaffold was wrapped in shrink wrap sheeting advertising the Disney musical, Frozen, the first show to open at the newly refurbished theatre.
A multi-million-pound restoration
Coventry Scaffolding was contracted to provide scaffolding for the £60 million restoration of Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Refurbishment of the Grade I listed building commenced in January 2019 and included a complete internal and external refurbishment to improve accessibility and provide wider, seats, more legroom and better sightlines for theatre goers.
The work included a complete remodelling of the auditorium to bring the audience and performers closer together and installation of a new flexible staging system and steel grid, which will allow the theatre to stage the biggest shows in the West End.
London’s oldest theatre
Located in the heart of the West End, Theatre Royal Drury Lane is one of London’s most historic and prestigious theatres. While the theatre was first established in 1663, it has undergone many reconstructions due to fires and renovations and the current building dates back to 1812. Notable figures such as playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan and architect Benjamin Dean Wyatt have played key roles in its development, helping to shape its reputation as a cornerstone of British theatre.
Throughout its long history, Drury Lane has been home to many legendary performances. It has premiered works by playwrights including George Bernard Shaw and Noël Coward, and hosted stars including Nell Gwyn, David Garrick, and Ivor Novello. The theatre has embraced different theatrical styles, but, more recently, it’s become known at the home of star-studded plays and lavish musicals, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 42nd Street and the Disney’s upcoming Hercules production.
Scaffolding details
Coventry Scaffolding’s services on this project include providing scaffolding to the external façade, auditorium and ornate ceilings as well as the stage area. The external scaffold was wrapped in shrink wrap sheeting advertising the Disney musical Frozen, which was the first show to open at the newly refurbished theatre. The wrapping not only hid the works going on behind the scenes but also The Management Contractor’s offices which sit hidden behind the sheeting on a gantry above the main entrance to the theatre.
