The iconic London theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane is going dark for a multimillion-pound renovation project, bringing the theatre back to it’s former glory. LW Theatres, the owners of the theatre are creating stunning new dining experiences and adapting the auditorium into a versatile performance space, prior to the opening of a major Broadway musical transfer. However, what does it take to achieve such a large refurbishment?

     Immediately following the final performance of the recent 42nd Street revival production, works have begun to accommodate the renovations at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, located near Covent Garden. With a budget of £45 million, Andrew Lloyd Webber and his team at LW theatres revealed artist renditions of the new dining experiences to the public. Acquiring the building next to the theatre has led to these new restaurants as well making the theatre more accessible due to the installation of lifts - previously not located onsite.

     After seeking planning permission in 2017, plans were approved and it was announced to the public that the renovation was taking place. Later on in 2018 it was revealed 42nd Street would close in early January to make way for the ambitious project.

     Sadly, the refurbishment will see the dismantlement of the historic Victorian stage lifts. The four lifts - two electric and two hydraulic - are being decommissioned and removed. It has yet to be revealed where the lifts will be heading, however for now there are being taken into storage. To bid farewell to the state-of-the-art (of the time) machinery, the theatre ran a special event showcasing their amazing capabilities through an open-day, hands on experience to a select few invited guests. It will be a shame to see the lifts leave the theatre, however it allows for the auditorium and stage to be brought up to the standards of modern theatre today. It also allows for productions “in the round” to be staged at the venue as well.

Lloyd Webber said : “The improvements planned for Theatre Royal Drury Lane will reinforce that this building is truly one of the greatest musical houses in the world.”

     A huge team of architects have been involved so far and over the planned 18-20 months of refurbishment, many teams of skilled craftsmen will work very hard to enhance the theatre for future generation of theatre-goers. It has been rumoured that late 2020 will see the re-opening of the theatre by a major production transferring from New York. 

Good Luck to the renovation project and I look forward to seeing the beautiful theatre once again.