-
General
Alnwick Playhouse occupies the balcony of a
former cinema. The building was renovated and is managed by the Alnwick
District Playhouse Trust, which is an independent registered charity.
There is a full-time staff of two.
-
Performance Area
The stage is roughly 17m across and 7m deep. There is no proscenium
arch and no cyclorama.
There are black drapes, which are used to create wing space and masking
at each side. There is a black curtain along the back stage wall to
create a black box.
-
Lighting (see link above for schematic)
There is a control
room at the rear of the auditorium. Access to the lighting bars over the
stage is by means of a scaffold tower. Pre-rigging is strongly advised
so please contact the theatre as early as possible to discuss details. We have:
-
3 bars over stage with 16 circuits on
each; first bar is just in front of the stage line; third bar is at
the back wall
-
front of house bar along the front of
the control room with 12 circuits
-
24 dip circuits
-
48 channel Zero 88 'Frog' board
combining manual operation with 999 programmable memories
-
20 x 1K Fresnels
-
18 x 1K Cantata Profiles
-
3 x Coda
-
4 x Cyc Units
-
10 x Parcans
-
4 x stands
-
cables, grelcos, gobo holders
-
Sound
-
24 channel Allen & Heath desk
-
1200W amplifier
-
selection of speakers within the
auditorium
-
10 x SM58 mics
-
4 x AKG condenser mics
-
2 x cassette decks
-
CD deck
-
minidisc deck
-
cables and mic stands
-
Get-in (see link above for plans)
The theatre is on the first floor so there is no easy access. There
are 3 options:
-
Up two internal staircases from the lane
at the side of the theatre. Maximum length 8ft flats. Quite a tight
staircase, but best for small sets.
-
Using the passenger lift. Accessible
from the lane at the side of the theatre. Ideal if everything is in
large, wheeled flight cases, or small props and hand luggage.
Unsuitable for flats.
-
Up the external fire escape from the
large car park behind the theatre. Only option for larger flats but
please allow additional time for a difficult get-in.
-
Miscellaneous
There is a reversible black or grey dance floor that can be laid in
advance. There are plenty of stage weights and 4 adjustable braces.
There is comfortable dressing room accommodation for 12 with showers.
More can be accommodated if necessary. There is a green room with
intercom connection between the control room, stage and dressing rooms.
There is an A-V show relay system.
-
Technician
The Playhouse operates with a full time staff of only two. No-one
will be available to operate during the show unless otherwise arranged.
-
Accessibility
The Playhouse is fully accessible throughout, including all
backstage areas. The showers are suitable for wheelchair users. There is
an induction loop system for people with hearing difficulties.
-
Accommodation
Recommended:
-
Georgian Guest House :: 01665 602398
-
Aln Guest House :: 01665 602265
-
Bondgate House Hotel :: 01665 602025
-
The Oaks Hotel :: 01665 510014
-
White Swan Hotel :: 01665 602109
-
Directions
Alnwick is on the A1, 30 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne and 30
miles south of the Scottish border. It is only a small town and the
theatre stands more or less in the centre, opposite the Fleece public
house and next to the Hotspur Tower. Vehicles should be parked in the
lane between the Playhouse and the offices of the Northumberland
Gazette. More detailed instructions and a map are on our website
here.
