THE PRINCESS THEATRE.

Evening Star, Issue 3201, 24 May 1873, Page 2

THE PRINCESS THEATRE.

The alterations in the Princess Theatre are now so far completed as to enable us to form an idea of the improvements effected. The roof of that portion in which the audience sits has been raised ten feet, and the inner dome the same. From the floor of the pit to the spring of the dome the height is 35 feet. The dome is tastefully decorated, and when the gaselier is lighted the effect is very elegant. The dress circle has been extended by the construction of two more rows of seats at the angles, and a platform in each corner, where chairs or permanent seats can bo placed. This will afford seat room for about one hundred persona more in that compartment. The pit has been enlarged by removing backwards tho partitions that separate it from the vestibule. This is in every way an advantage. JSot only has additional room been thus made for about 150 persons, but a more direct and better access to the pit has been acquired. In consequence of the raising of the dome, the proscenium required a corresponding elevation. It has, therefore, been raised as high as it was possible to place it; and as it was necessary to extend it to the exterior of the arch, there seems every probability that the acoustic properties of the theatre will bo improved. The whole of the theatre, in every nook and cranny, has been effectually and thoroughly cleaned, and the re-decorating has been done with every attention to taste and artistic effect The drapery of crimson bordered with gold which hangs in folds round the inner portion of the ceiling of the dress circle has an excellent effect: all the seats in the circle are covered afresh, and the loftiness of the theatre gives it a light and cheerful aspect that must have a most inspiriting effect upon both performers and audience. The plan of ventilation is precisely the same in principle as that adopted in the Quarantine buildings, with this important difference ; fresh air for the supply of the Princess Theatre is drawn from a height of thirty-five feet above the ground, so as to avoid any unpleasant smells. It is conveyed downward below the floors of pit and dress circle by wide and spacious tubes, and is allowed to rise freely through the floors, so that draughts may be avoided. 'I he turret above the gaselier provides means for the evolution of the vitiated air, which escapes through louvre boards, so arranged as to throw off the wet. It seems very probable that even when the theatre is crowded, it will never he unpleasantly close and hot. The alterations and decorations have been planned and executed by Mr David Hunter. Much of the success with which they have been carried out is due to the active and efficient superintendence of Mr Davis, his foreman. We may add that the artistic ornamentation of the proscenium is in the hands of Mr Perriraan. Many of the floral decorations in various parts of the theatre were designed and executed by Mr Redmiyne, and will be much and universally admired. It will be seen by the advertisement that a concert will be given in the theatre for the benefit of the widow and family of the late Mr Roberts, on Monday evening, when, from the number of tickets sold, the house is likely to be crowded.