Limelight Backstage Theatre Tour – Theatre Royal, Nottingham
24th February 2024
What do Lillie Langtry, Vivien Leigh, Dames Judi Dench and Julie Andrews, Leslie Nielsen, Sir Sean Connery and Sid James all have in common? Answer – they have all trodden the boards at the beautiful Theatre Royal in Nottingham. Not all at the same time I hasten to add. Although that is a show I would love to have seen! And now you too can add your name to that list and take your place in the limelight onstage at the Theatre Royal. If you’re a fan of theatre and a lover of history, this opportunity is sure to tick all your boxes.
The history of the Theatre Royal, first opened in September 1865, is a quite magnificent tale – a veritable ‘who’s who’ of showbusiness, politics and local industry. This tour, led by Ezekial Bone, the self-professed ‘Ghost of the Theatre Royal’, the ‘everyman of history’, promises to fill us in on that magnificent pedigree. (Bone is played with a joyous twinkle in the eye by legendary local tour guide and ambassador for the city Mr Ade Andrews, who is an accomplished actor historian).
I arrive a few minutes early and am warmly welcomed by the superb and friendly Theatre Royal staff and volunteer team. I’m encouraged to view the Heritage Mural, a bespoke piece of art which is quite stunning, and tells the story of the Theatre through history. This opportunity really whets the appetite for the tour. The tour itself begins in the dress circle bar, a beautiful, light space with great views out through the Corinthian style columns down toward Market Street. Our guide is introduced to us and makes a sprightly and cheery entrance. Mr Bone explains the concept of the tour, gets us into the spirit (if you will), and gives a very polished potted history of the surrounding geography of old Nottingham town and the beginnings of the Theatre Royal on this site. This is a fantastic piece of oration delivered with real flare and theatricality. We are given so many facts and figures that I’m amazed by Mr Bone’s memory! As a Nottingham boy through and through, it’s really fascinating to hear about the early history of this site, much of which I did not know.
Once this introduction is complete, and a chance for questions is given, we make our way down into the Stalls for the next part of the tour. For any theatre lover, it’s a real treat to have the opportunity to sit in an empty theatre and to spend time looking at the décor, the fixtures and fittings, and take time to notice those things that you inevitably miss when you’re here for a show. Mr Bone tells us all about the opening night, the first theatrical performance (Sheridan’s ‘School For Scandal’) and the honoured guests. The atmosphere of excitement is palpable and Andrews walks the line well between playing the ghost of the theatre and also giving the occasional nudge and wink that reminds us all that it’s a conceit designed to liven up the history talk. The group that I’m touring with today lap it up.
Without further ado, we are invited to slip through the Pass Door and on to the hallowed stage. This is a wonderful moment for each guest present and is clearly the big moment of the tour. It really does feel like stepping in to the inner sanctum. Several wows are exclaimed. Mr Bone gives us a moment to soak up the atmosphere and wonder around the stage before proceeding with the talk. We hear about some of the magnificent shows and acts that have performed here. We learn of trap doors and limelights and why it is never a good idea to whistle on stage. There are so many theatrical anecdotes and pieces of insider info that it is almost impossible to soak it all in. We venture around the back of the set, into the huge wings and we see the quick-change areas and loading bay (large enough to accommodate two enormous trucks at once by all accounts!). This really is where the magic is created and I love seeing behind the curtain. Unfortunately, we don’t get to see the dressing rooms, but this is mainly because they are in use for today’s matinee (‘Drifter’s Girl’) and the actors are entitled to their privacy. Fair enough.
Once we’ve soaked in the stage, we move back through the pass doors and into the Royal Circle where we see the view from the seat where Princess Diana watched the Royal Ballet back in 1986 (best seats in the house) and we learn more history. There is a fitting tribute to Ken Dodd who fought to save so many of our national theatres and was first on stage when the Theatre Royal reopened after refurbishment in 1978. There is a reference to him ‘cutting his teeth’ in Nottingham which I particularly enjoy.
Once our time in the auditorium is through, we make our way back out to the Dress Circle Bar to hear about the early origins of the masterpiece of design which is the Royal Concert Hall next door – once said to have the best acoustics in Europe. The tour wraps up with a flourish, although I have a very real sense that Andrews as Mr Bone could have merrily continued all day. What’s more, we’d have all stayed to listen.
All in all, this tour is a MUST for any fan of theatre, history, Nottingham or all of the above. It is a masterful performance, taking us on a whistle stop tour of the theatre and giving us a chance to venture into areas that are otherwise off limits. I’ve been on a fair few such tours in various theatres up and down the land and I can honestly say that this is the most unique of all those experiences. Andrews is clearly in his element here, and his enthusiasm really is quite contagious. I come away feeling optimistic about the future of the arts in our city and proud to belong to a city with such a fine theatre.
Book your tickets and take your place on stage alongside your idols. Be quick though – this tour sells out fast and I can certainly see why.
Tours take place on selected Saturday mornings throughout the year. Check https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/limelight-backstage-tour for further booking information. Tickets £12 or £10 for under 26s.
