Design
One of the first things we had to decide was how much of the auditorium to build. If we attempted too much we might never complete the project. On the other hand, too little and we would probably lose something of the unique atmosphere of the Royal Opera House.
Eventually we decided to recreate exactly half of it, extending out to the centre of the dome, and we’ll be releasing a full technical drawing of the final design in the very near future.
In April, Mark Duffy of the Royal Opera House kindly showed our team around the theatre, both front-of-house and backstage. This enabled us to record all the necessary measurements and study all the fixtures and fittings in detail. And since then, we have returned on two more occasions to take even more measurements.
One of the first things we had to decide was how much of the auditorium to build. If we attempted too much we might never complete the project. On the other hand, too little and we would probably lose something of the unique atmosphere of the Royal Opera House.
Eventually we decided to recreate exactly half of it, extending out to the centre of the dome, and we’ll be releasing a full technical drawing of the final design in the very near future.
In April, Mark Duffy of the Royal Opera House kindly showed our team around the theatre, both front-of-house and backstage. This enabled us to record all the necessary measurements and study all the fixtures and fittings in detail. And since then, we have returned on two more occasions to take even more measurements.
On a personal note - I haven’t been backstage since the rebuilding program in the late 1990’s and I was incredibly impressed by the dramatic changes that have been made. It is truly an impressive and awe-inspiring operation on an immense, almost industrial scale. In fact, the backstage area now makes the auditorium seem really small and intimate by comparison!
For more detailed information on the design of the Miniature Opera explore these pages:
Plans>
Proscenium arch>
Backstage>
Modelmaking>
For more detailed information on the design of the Miniature Opera explore these pages:
Plans>
Proscenium arch>
Backstage>
Modelmaking>