The Tricycle Theatre

The tricycle Theatre is modelled on the Georgian Courtyard Theatre in Richmond, Yorkshire (The Theatre Royal). The Theatre Royal is a typical eighteenth-century playhouse, and keeps alive an important period of English theatre architecture. This style of playhouse offers a real intimacy with the furthrest seats being only 10.7m from the stage. The proscenium width is 4.72m wide with a depth of 6.4m to the back wall. Performers and theatre-goers are in the closest proximity. 

The Theatre Royal


In contrast to the Theatre Royal, the Tricycle Theatre is created from modern scaffolding. The design by Tim Foster and theatre consultant Iain Mackintosh was such a success that in 1987 when the theatre was gutted by fire the rebuilding recreated the original design with some added technical improvements.

 

First built in 1980, the 240 seat theatre was constructed from a standard scaffolding system based closely on the dimensions and form of the theatre royal providing a very intimate galleried courtyard space. The scaffolding structure is completed by timber floor decks and canvas balustrade panels.

In 2006 the theatre received a special award for its pioneering political work. It offers a wide ranging programme of performances and workshops for children, and sponsors a thriving youth theatre.