The Palace Theatre in Redditch, a charming Edwardian theatre, is a treasure trove of history, art, and culture. This article takes you on a virtual backstage tour of this iconic venue, revealing the magic that happens behind the scenes.
The heart of any theatre is its stage, and the Palace Theatre is no exception. The stage, with its state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, is a testament to the seamless blend of tradition and technology.
Above the stage is the fly tower, a marvel of engineering that allows scenery to be quickly and quietly changed. As you ascend the tower, you can see the complex system of ropes and pulleys that make these scene changes possible. It’s a reminder of the technical prowess that goes into every production. Students were able to try and pull one of the cords to get a feel for what it would be like to pull one out.
The tour took us by the scene dock where all the scenery is stored and unloaded for shows. We had a brief view of the many dressing rooms too.
We then proceeded to go to the control room where the lighting and sound were operated. Students were able to have a go at using the follow spot, talking into the microphone to make their voices change and learnt how both the sound and lighting are programmed.
This was an immersive backstage experience as they sampled the different areas. We ended with a Q&A session while we all sat in the circle, admiring the grand chandelier. Our tour guide was a former pupil, Oliver Dixon, who talked to pupils about the role of a theatre technician, his career journey and answered many questions from students.
The final act was truly fitting as they took to the stage to bow while students pulled the curtain in and out.
A backstage tour at the Palace Theatre is more than just a peek behind the curtains – it’s a journey into the heart of the performing arts, a glimpse into the passion, creativity, and dedication that fuels every performance.
