A Grand Entrance

September, 2022

As you enter Richmond Theatre, you’re welcomed into the foyer area, a pleasant mix of old and new.  

It is decorated with mahogany panelling, with  the main staircase flanked by marble balustrades -  all original features from 1899. Under the carpet lies the original black and white tiled floor and above the central mirror and the main doors are plaques of Edmund Kean, also installed in 1899. A celebrated Shakespearean actor, Kean moved to Richmond in the last years of his life where he took up the position of Theatre Manager at the previous Richmond Theatre, located on the adjacent side of The Green. Passing away in 1833, he is buried at St. Mary Magdalen Church, then called Richmond Parish Church.  

Above the staircase leading to the Box Office and the Stalls is a plaque of Frederic Piffard, added during the 1989-1991 refurbishment. Piffard is recognised as the longest serving Theatre Manager, serving from 1947-1972.  

Also added during the refurbishment is our painted ceiling! Yes, it isn’t original, but created between 1989-1991. It was designed and painted by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, then at the very start of his career, who worked under Carl Toms and Sally Greene on the refurbishment. It depicts the figure of Architecture, supervising the expulsion of Father Time from the Theatre by Athena (Goddess of Handicraft). Two Nymphs, supported by cherubs carrying the masks of Comedy and Tragedy, are bringing a tablet of Frank Matcham to the figure of the Borough of Richmond. A fitting tribute to the work of Matcham and the significance of Richmond Theatre to the Borough.  

Gabriella Bush, aided by the work of Norman Fenner.