The result was an orchestra pit that could be used to house extra seating tiers, or be filled out with decks and used as a stage extension. Early consultation between Maltbury, the school and the contractors, allowed vital decisions to be made and acted upon, say Maltbury, who advised that a series of bespoke Metrodeck units were the ideal solution to the theatre's needs. Sets of legs allowed the decks to be taken to different levels, giving the traditional theatre greater versatility. A bespoke balustrade was also supplied to fit around the pit when in use with an orchestra.
Beauchamp says: "By involving Maltbury early on, we were able to anticipate many of the problems associated with the pit/extension, and overcome them as they arose. There was a good level of communication between Maltbury and the school, and the contractor, which, along with Maltbury's conscientious work, left us with a high quality installation."
The theatre was completed in November 2005, in time for students to perform Richard Brinsley Sheridan's The School for Scandal, making full use of the new staging system.
(Lee Baldock)
