State Theatre Tour
On Tuesday 26th May Thirteen of our members caught the very early train into St James station, then walked down to the State Theatre. We arrived a little early so went next door for a coffee. At 10 am the tour guide appeared and gave us a warm welcome. He pointed out all the points of interest in the main entry foyer, all relating back to early royalty. He also mentioned that some of the flor tiles had been replaced due to wear, but with original tiles as they ordered double quantity for this reason way back in the design phase of construction.
We were then taken inside through very ornate solid bronze and brass doors too the assembly area. Here there were different areas for the wealthy and not so wealthy people of the era. The Wealthy area adorned with antiques and artwork to make them feel at home.
Following this we went into the theatre mezzanine level and had a sit down while being informed of the many interesting facts about the theatre. A lot of time was devoted to early customs, the men were permitted to eat, drink and in places have a smoke, the men’s toilets were set up like a Hunting lodge with open fire and guns on the wall. The ladies, did not drink or eat or smoke as that was not lady like, and the lady’s bathroom was hidden and very small, Due too the ladies dresses and under garments it was to difficult to go to the bathroom that’s why they didn’t drink etc.
We toured the dress circle and went on the stage to view from all angles this beautiful museum like theatre. Our guide was very knowledgeable but a little to quiet for some of us.
Folling the tour we all headed for the York for a nice lunch, then on the train and home for a rest.
On Tuesday 26th May Thirteen of our members caught the very early train into St James station, then walked down to the State Theatre. We arrived a little early so went next door for a coffee. At 10 am the tour guide appeared and gave us a warm welcome. He pointed out all the points of interest in the main entry foyer, all relating back to early royalty. He also mentioned that some of the flor tiles had been replaced due to wear, but with original tiles as they ordered double quantity for this reason way back in the design phase of construction.
We were then taken inside through very ornate solid bronze and brass doors too the assembly area. Here there were different areas for the wealthy and not so wealthy people of the era. The Wealthy area adorned with antiques and artwork to make them feel at home.
Following this we went into the theatre mezzanine level and had a sit down while being informed of the many interesting facts about the theatre. A lot of time was devoted to early customs, the men were permitted to eat, drink and in places have a smoke, the men’s toilets were set up like a Hunting lodge with open fire and guns on the wall. The ladies, did not drink or eat or smoke as that was not lady like, and the lady’s bathroom was hidden and very small, Due too the ladies dresses and under garments it was to difficult to go to the bathroom that’s why they didn’t drink etc.
We toured the dress circle and went on the stage to view from all angles this beautiful museum like theatre. Our guide was very knowledgeable but a little to quiet for some of us.
Folling the tour we all headed for the York for a nice lunch, then on the train and home for a rest.
Click on a photo for a larger view.
