Richmond Theatre in London was built in 1899 and is one of the best remaining examples of the work of famed Victorian theatre architect Frank Matcham.

It was originally built as the Theatre Royal and Opera House for a local theatre proprietor who wanted a more respectable and upscale sort of theatre.

The Richmond Theatre got an extensive renovation in 1991 that made major improvements to both the back and the front of house, but it was done in a way that was very harmonious and respectful to Matcham's design. The redecoration of the auditorium was not a restoration of the original decor, but it is quite lovely and was made very functional for modern audiences.

The Richmond Theatre is currently managed by the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd.

Visitors can tour the historic building, stage, and auditorium.

The building facade is of red brick and terra cotta, in a baroque design with cupolas and towers.

Inside, the mahogany woodwork makes a beautiful contrast to the painted and elaborately moulded Elizabethan style plaster ceilings.

The auditorium is primarily decorated in red which shows off the creamy white and gilded plaster designs of the ceilings and walls to a great advantage.

The Richmond Theatre puts on more than 40 productions a year which attract upwards of 250,000 visitors. The theatre is very busy indeed, with performances taking place about 49 weeks out of the year. They bring a wide variety of productions to London.

At the Richmond you can see dramas, opera, and popular musicals as well as dance, comedy, and family entertainments. They also have education programs, workshops, and summer programs available for students.

Some recent productions have been the Moscow City Ballet's Nutcracker, a One Man Lord of the Rings with Charles Ross, and a comedy evening with Ken Dodd.

The current capacity of the theatre is 840 and it is wheelchair accessible.

Tickets should be purchased well in advance, and can be bought online or at the box office.

The Richmond Theatre in London is a Victorian jewel.

Visiting Richmond Theatre

Richmond Theatre, The Green, TW9 1QJ

Telephone: 020 8939 9277

Email richmondgroups@theambassadors.com

Photo courtesy: Jim Linwood

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