Front of House – After the terrific response we received after the opening of the Premiere Bar, we decided to replicate the style throughout all the bar areas. We also finished the refurbishment of all toilets in the theatre, adding in extra cubicles where possible to help reduce waiting times.
The Royal Rooms – We completely renovated this area, which had been used for storage for a number of years, transforming it into two luxurious, spacious hospitality suites with private entrances, toilets and bar/catering areas, allowing you to upgrade your theatre experience to one you will never forget. This space also has the added bonus of becoming one large function room.
The Proscenium Arch – At over 80ft, this was one of the largest challenges in the project with over 170 hours of painting and restoration. The gold detailing saw one of the theatre's original features restored and all damage to the beautifully crafted plasterwork has been lovingly repaired.
The Auditorium – Last fully refurbished in 1991, a surface area of 5225m2 of fibrous plaster was surveyed, repaired and redecorated. The list of works inside is extensive but includes reupholstering of all the seats, new lighting fixtures, new handrails and restoring four previously boarded up arches with newly crafted plaster work enhancing the theatre’s stunning 1920s art deco features.
Orchestra Pit – Previously unused since Beauty and the Beast in 2001, the orchestra pit was restored and enlarged, allowing us to house a 21 piece orchestra. Reinstating the pit rail was a big task; using the remains of the previous one, we recreated the wooden rail that divides the band and the audience.
Main Foyer – Once the Freddie Mercury statue and shimmer curtain were removed from the front elevation we re-instated the windows which were hidden behind; bringing natural light into our foyer and The Studio. From cleaning the marble on the walls, plaster repairs, painting, re-carpeting and French polishing, not a single part of the Dominion’s grand entrance was left untouched.
The Carpet – This bespoke carpet was over two years in the making and designed with a focus on the theatre's features; each curve and line carefully selected from details found in the plaster, wood and metal work throughout the theatre. For example, the rose on the carpet can be found on doors, metalwork, the auditorium ceiling and the proscenium arch.
Box Office – It is incredibly rare to have an opportunity to refurbish a Box Office as they rarely close. However, our Box Office Team temporarily relocated to continue selling tickets during the refurbishment, allowing for the Box Office to be completely redesigned internally and fully refurbished externally for the first time in almost 30 years.
