Project overview

For the first time in 80 years, theatre is back at this iconic north London venue.

Originally Opened in 1875, Alexandra Palace Theatre was home to spectacle and wonder. A marvel of Victorian engineering, its stage allowed actors to disappear and fly. However, after many years of inactivity, the theatre has been carefully restored and returned to its former glory.

Hussey Seatway played a major part in the regeneration project providing new retractable seating for the stalls and matching fixed seating for the circle.

Solution

So, working closely with the design team throughout the emphasis was to breathe new life back in, whilst retaining and maintaining as much of the existing fabric and integrity of the space as possible.

In order to ensure an intimate environment for both the audience and performers, the retractable system was designed specifically for the space with angled retractable seating units.  The system can be closed away with the Gallery 3 chairs folding automatically for ease of use, at the touch of a button. Above all, this allows optimum flexibility of the auditorium, which is now capable of hosting productions in a variety of configurations such as a traverse stage or in-the-round. The retractable structure also incorporates demountable sections to enable access to the Victorian entrance doors.

The balcony structure was redesigned for improved sightlines and now accommodates 353 of our Arts Chairs. The chair features a solid timber armrest with a matching backrests panel, the suede style fabric was selected to ensure a traditional appearance to the theatre. 

We are incredibly proud of the work completed and look forward to the seating being enjoyed by the public for many years to come.

Partnerships

Theatre Consultant:  Charcoal Blue

Construction Company: Wilmott Dixon

Architect: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

Images: (c) Lloyd Winters

Platform: Seatway TP

Seats:  Gallery 3 and Arts Fixed