It's opening has been twice delayed, and it has cost more than £14m, but the gleaming new addition to one of Scotland's best known theatrical venues, the Theatre Royal in Glasgow, was finally opened to the public yesterday.
To call the new addition merely a foyer is to undersell what the major redevelopment, which was meant to open in May, means for the 147-year-old theatre building in Glasgow's city centre. For the first time, for example, patrons with mobility issues can access all floors of the theatre, and the dramatic spiral staircase and its environs provide far more space and comfort to theatre-goers than were available in the building's former guise. The tower-like structure, designed by Page\Park also has more room for education facilities and will house a new tapestry from one of Scotland's finest painters, Alison Watt. The cafe and rooftop will, Scottish Opera believe, encourage people to enter its space even if they are not buying theatre or opera tickets. The revamp has updated the Victorian building to 21st century standards and its bold design, while perhaps dividing opinion, signals ambition for both the theatre and Scottish Opera. The real test of the revamp, however - especially considering its hefty price tag - will be whether it encourages more members of the public through those newly fashioned doors.
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