The Royal Court Theatre Liverpool presents a play in four acts produced by the Royal Court Liverpool Trust
Act 1 Act 2 Act 3 Act 4
The first record of entertainment on the site was in 1826 near to the city’s well. In 1881, the theatre was re-built and opened as the Royal Court Theatre. It enjoyed a rich history presenting drama, music and opera for local people.
Prologue 1938 The Royal Court Theatre reopens its doors to the public having been closed for five years following a fire in 1933 that completely destroyed the building. James Bushell Hutchins has designed the brand new art deco building and once again, the Royal Court is back at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural life.
During this period, Liverpool audiences enjoy outstanding performances by Dame Judi Dench, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Ralph Richardson, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Sean Connery, Bruce Forsyth, Patrick Stewart, Barbara Windsor, Ken Dodd and many more.
Howard and Wyndham, who took over the theatre in 1899, continue to run the Royal Court as the number one touring venue in the city until the early 1970s.
Refurbished curtain, 2012
Original curtain, 1938
1970s The Royal Court is taken over by the County Council and is run by independent promoters as a rock venue until 2005. The Court’s rock years see some of the most well known musicians in the world perform on its stage. Performances by Coldplay, Wings, Genesis, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, The Clash, Whitesnake, Echo and The Bunnymen, Motorhead and Kylie Minogue are enjoyed and remembered by thousands.
Between 2008 and 2012 the Trust: 2005 Following years of decline, the Royal Court is taken over by Kevin Fearon as the home of Rawhide Comedy Club; one of the most successful independent stand up comedy clubs in the UK. Following its success, Fearon expands the programme and begins producing comedy theatre once more at the Royal Court.
2006 Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels by Dave Kirby and Nicky Allt is produced for the first time creating a new theatre audience hungry for accessible, quality entertainment in their home city. Over 150,000 people have since seen this show at the Royal Court. 2008 The Royal Court Liverpool Trust, a registered charity, is formed by fundraiser Gillian Miller. Without significant investment the building faces closure as a performance venue as it struggles to meet key health, safety and access legislation.
The formation of the Trust begins to address these issues and starts to influence the future of the Royal Court Theatre for the benefit of all. Alongside this, the Royal Court continues to present quality, accessible theatre working with writers such as Alan Bleasdale, Willy Russell, Jim Cartwright and Ray Cooney. More plays by Dave Kirby and Nicky Allt continue to bring new audiences into the theatre. A series of Christmas blockbusters by local writer Fred Lawless re-establishes the Royal Court as Liverpool’s home of great theatre.
2008 • initiates an open competition in the Open Journal of the European Union to appoint an architect to develop a clear vision for the building • secures funding from the North West Development Agency, English Heritage and the Arts Council North West to develop plans for the building and engagement programmes • develops a Community and Education Forum to inform and advise the Trust and shape community engagement programmes 2009 • delivers the first Access All Areas project, at the request of the Community and Education Forum
• appoints award winning architects, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, an internationally renowned practice with a local connection. Lead architect and partner, Paul Monaghan was born and brought up in Liverpool • delivers a successful Heritage Lottery Young Roots Project involving 20 hard to reach young people 2010 • secures a long lease on the building (30 years) from Liverpool City Council with a rent free period of the same length if the building is completely renovated • brings key individuals including Sir Terry Leahy, Dame Judi Dench and
Cherie Booth on board to help with fundraising and stakeholder cultivation • achieves a first round Heritage Lottery pass and support to work up plans to RIBA Stage D and develop community engagement programmes 2011 • secures planning permission for the overall £11.9 million scheme from Liverpool City Council • achieves a second round Heritage Lottery Fund grant of just under £1 million to begin renovation work on the theatre • raises over £200,000 through a £1 ticket levy on each ticket purchased to theatre shows
Act 1
Interval
The theatre must operate to survive. It receives no public funding therefore must continue to produce and operate to ensure employment for its 23 full-time staff and 67 part-time staff.
Auditorium Support from the Heritage Lottery Fund enables the Trust to start the first substantial renovation work in the theatre for nearly 75 years.
It contributes over £20 million each year to the local economy with over £7 million of indirect expenditure spent within the city. In addition, the Trust collects a £1 ticket levy for every ticket sold raising over £100,000 each year.
The Trust develops a clear vision for the building with architects, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. It is realistic and achievable to ensure success. The budget is £11.9 million (£10,348 per seat) to achieve a fully renovated theatre.
This helps the Trust lever public funds such as Heritage Lottery support.
Work is focused on improvements to the auditorium to make the maximum impact on audiences who are desperate for new seats, better bar and toilet facilities and improved access. The refurbished auditorium in 2012
The auditorium in 1938 and 2008
On 1st March 2012 Nobles Construction of Liverpool begin a 16 week programme to renovate the art deco auditorium, transform public facilities in the basement and create permanent disabled access to the stalls area of the theatre. The programme of work is completed on time and to budget. The theatre reopens on 29th June 2012 with a new play written by Dave Kirby, Reds & Blues.
Act One is delivered on time and to budget. The grant from HLF was awarded on 1st December 2011, building work began on 1st March 2012 and was completed 16 weeks later.
Left from top Construction is underway, the new bar and the refreshed ladies toilets Right The refurbished stalls and Royal box
The Trust runs a programme of activities engaging local people and encourages them to learn about the history of the building and to take part in its renovation. These include: • Access All Areas annual programmes for schools • Royal Court Variety Lunch Club events for older people • Youth Theatre workshops free to young people aged 11-25 • Heritage tours, talks and seminars • Volunteering opportunities • Work experience and placements
Lunch on stage with key stakeholders
Young people from SALT (Sports, Arts, Learning and Training) performing in Access All Areas 2012
Act 2
Interval
Following the success of Reds & Blues by Dave Kirby, the theatre presents the Liverpool Shakespeare Festival producing Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It takes part in the annual Liverpool Comedy Festival, presents Jigsy, a one-man show starring Les Dennis and produces another Christmas blockbuster by Fred Lawless, A Nighmare On Lime Street starring international star, David Gest. Additional events include a performance of Terriers in conjunction with Merseyside Police, music by Liverpool band, The Christians and comedy in the form of Rawhide Comedy Club in the Queen Mary Basement Lounge. All activities continue to raise funds for the Trust via a £1 ticket levy.
The Entrance A new ground floor extension provides vital foyer space for audiences and improves the public realm outside the theatre. It creates new box office facilities and daytime spaces to enable the theatre to contribute to the daytime economy for the first time in its history. The new extension includes a lift for disabled people enabling access to basement, circle and balcony levels for the first time.
By day the new foyer may be secured from the main theatre while the box office and multi-functioning spaces operate independently. There is potential for revenue streams in conjunction with the basement Queen Mary venue (80 seats) and with the main auditorium (1,150 seats).
Interval
The Royal Court continues to present a programme of accessible, quality theatre and variety. It continues its commitment to local people providing jobs and making a vital contribution to the continuing regeneration of the city.
Act 3 Internal Improvements There is little space inside the theatre for public facilities and circulation. Internal improvements create new, open spaces, giving audiences a better theatre experience. A new entrance into the balcony creates better access for all. External windows are revealed and the art deco staircase provides the perfect backdrop to a series of bars, toilets and public spaces. The unique Royal Court atmosphere is enhanced and the building improved for its local audiences and the many tourists and visitors to the city.
Act 4
Interval
The Trust develops engagement programmes relevant to Royal Court audiences. The top six postcode areas of the Royal Court Theatre represent some of the most deprived areas of the UK according to national statistics. L12 L4 L9 L13 L31 L36
West Derby/Croxteth Kirkdale/Everton Walton/Aintree Old Swan Maghull Huyton/Knowsley
28% of audiences have never been to a theatre before (2011).
Finale The grand finale is a new rooftop venue with breathtaking views over the city. Fully accessible via the new lift, this additional feature completes the magnificent
art deco building and creates further revenue stream opportunities to ensure that the building remains sustainable for decades to come.
Production Costs
Cast Patrons
Act 1
Auditorium £1.2 million
Act 2
The Entrance £3 million
Dame Judi Dench CH DBE Dame Judi Dench made her acting debut at the Royal Court as Ophelia in Hamlet, 1957.
Louise Ellman MP MP for Riverside, Louise Ellman is a great supporter of the Royal Court Theatre and its renovation.
Internal Improvements £2.3 million
Act 4
Finale £5.5 million
Total
£11.9 million
Sir Terry Leahy
Cherie Booth QC
Trustees
Act 3
Thelma Holt Honorary Theatre Producer, Thelma Holt produced at the Royal Court Theatre with Kevin Fearon in the 90s and continues to support the theatre and its renovation.
Staff and Freelance Support
Campaign Ambassadors
Her Honour Elizabeth Steel DL Retired circuit judge and well respected theatre enthusiast. Liz has extensive knowledge of local and regional theatre and great enthusiasm for the renovation of the Royal Court. Jonathan Falkingham RIBA FRSA Jonathan has led his company Urban Splash for over twenty years and has valuable experience in urban regeneration throughout the UK. He is responsible for keeping costs of renovating the Royal Court Theatre realistic and achievable.
Mark Featherstone-Witty Founding Principal and Chief Executive of The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Mark brings valuable experience of renovating an historic building together with knowledge of education and training. The Royal Court Theatre works closely with LIPA employing graduates and under-graduates, collaborating on youth and community projects and providing work experience opportunities. Martyn Best Senior Partner in Paver Smith PR Agency and former President of the Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants. Martyn oversees the finances of the Trust and brings experience and knowledge of the corporate sector to the Trust. Gillian Miller Chief Executive and Founder of the Royal Court Liverpool Trust. Gillian provides leadership of the team and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in fundraising and business development.
Councillor Wendy Simon Elected to power in May 2010, Wendy is the first female politician in Liverpool’s history to lead the Culture, Tourism and Sport portfolio at Liverpool City Council. Her key role is overseeing £400m of cultural regeneration and Liverpool’s legacy as European Capital of Culture 2008. Sara Wilde Business Consultant and ex MD Commercial of Trinity Mirror Regional Newspapers, Sara is a passionate supporter of the City. Throughout her career, she has been involved as a non executive director with The Mersey Partnership, Liverpool Vision, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and as Chair of the Merseywaterfront regional park.
Stacey Lavery, Development Manager Miriam Mussa, Community & Education Officer Jenny Liggins, Freelance Consultant Gerri Moriarty, Freelance Consultant
Advisors Morris Hargreaves McIntyre Lethal Communications Nomad Associates DSG The Eldonian Group River Motion Group NML Brabner Chaffe Street Paver Smith
Volunteers Alison Myers Jennifer Jackson Sylvia Lewis Sue Martin Teresa Graham Helen Brown David Brown Kim Rawlinson
Production Team and Sponsors Architect
We would also like to thank
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris is an award winning, international London-based practice. Paul Monaghan, one of the four Directors is lead architect on the Royal Court project. Paul was born and brought up in Liverpool and attended St Edwards College.
Quantity Surveyors Gerrard O’Donnell and Baqus
Project Management
Other Contractors Lockwoods Electrical, Evertaut Seating, Eves Joinery, H&S Joinery and J&C Joel Ltd.
Modero is a Liverpool-based practice specialising in project management and quantity surveying. David Haime is the lead project manager on the Royal Court project.
Construction Nobles Construction is a Liverpool-based company founded in 1996. Nobles also led the renovation of the Neptune Theatre in Liverpool (now the Epstein Theatre) and make a substantial contribution to the local and regional economy providing employment directly and indirectly for hundreds of people.
Structural Engineers Brian Edmondson and Clan Construction CDM Management Baqus
Brochure photography David Evans
Thanks! We would like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for all their support which has enabled Act One to take place.
Austin and Hope Pilkington Charitable Trust, The Hemby Trust, The Zochonis Charitable Trust, The Ravensdale Charitable Trust, Tesco Charitable Trust and Downtown Liverpool in Business.
Reviews “The Royal Court is part of our culture and history” Aron, 52, L10
“The Royal Court is important for the Liverpool sense of humour, great for talent; here’s to the future” Sharon, 28, L7
“The Royal Court is historic and just what the City needs” John, 81, WA7
“The Royal Court puts on shows that are excellent value for money” Neil, 33, L4
“I have been to the Royal Court for many years and can’t wait to see it fully refurbished” Christina, 60, L15
“The Royal Court takes the mantle for being the People’s Theatre and is very important to the people of Liverpool” Peter, 59, L24
“The building is special to the city, this renovation will go a long way to help the ongoing development of the city” Alan, 48, L3
“The performance, the food, the staff are all brilliant. It’s a pity that the Royal Court doesn’t get as much funding” Female, 62, L36
“Keep the Variety Club going and we will continue to support it” Male, 72, CH62
What they say about Access All Areas “I enjoyed everyone coming together and making a good and serious play” “I liked the fact I could tell many people my ideas” “I liked the creative workshops and the performance because I loved making the play” “I liked performing on stage because it’s a new experience” Pupils from West Derby Boys School
“Getting to learn new techniques and skills and learning to be a better performer, making new friends and performing on stage” Pupil from St Francis of Assisi
“The Students have made the most of their opportunity this year. It was great having the Royal Court come in for the workshops and feedback” Dominique Size, Salt staff member