Virtual Tour of Queens Theatre
Virtual Tour of the Queen's Theatre
The grand exterior of the Queen's Theatre in Barnstaple's historic town centre.
The performers arrive at the Stage Door to the right of the main entrance.
The Queen's Theatre dressing rooms are quirky to say the least. It is the Trust's aim to make improvements but performers seem to like the 'informal' nature of the backstage area!
While the performers are settling in, the technical crew start setting up the backdrops and other technical items that need the complex fly bars which are suspended above the stage allowing rapid changes of scene.
Similarly, the lighting technicians are setting the lights for the performance. No two productions are the same and lighting designers specify the requirements in great detail.
The lighting changes, any sound effects and music are controlled from the control box at the back of the auditorium. Occasionally a sound desk is added in the middle of the auditorium.
The activity back stage has to be coordinated with the cues being used in the control box. In the wings is the cue desk with a closed circuit television allowing the backstage crew to see what is actually happening on stage. They are in radio contact with the control box.
During the production, performers may have to exit 'Stage Left' and, later, enter Stage Right. They will need to find their way under the stage which, at the Queen's is also the stage technicians' workshop.
The performer is about to make their entrance. Waiting for your cue is a daunting prospect looking out from the darkened wings to the brightly lit stage. Finally, the performer steps out into the limelight (nowadays electric light!) to face the 'smell of the audience and the roar of the greasepaint'.
Front of house, the Box Office.
Before the performance, or during the interval, you can enjoy a drink in the Foyer Bar.
The Gallery Cafe is open for pre-performance meals. It is also the venue for exhibitions of local artists' work.
Take your seats in the auditorium. Access for wheelchair users is easy. There is also a system installed for people who are hard of hearing.
The auditorium as seen from the stage. A plan of the seating is available and you can see what the view of the stage is like from various positions.
