Auditoria Services Ltd was approached to design, manufacture, and install a retractable seating system for the Penrith Players Theatre – an established community venue known for producing high-quality plays and live performances. The new system formed part of a major refurbishment project to increase flexibility and enhance audience comfort within the theatre.
About the Venue
The Penrith Players Theatre is home to a thriving dramatic society that stages around five productions each year. In addition to in-house performances, the venue hosts around twenty external hires annually, including tribute bands, resident musicians, and regular monthly events.
With the new retractable seating in place, the theatre now has the flexibility to host a much broader range of events, from cabaret performances and musical evenings to community and dance group rehearsals during the summer months. The auditorium accommodates 173 seated guests, with additional portable chairs and space for an extra 50 people in the adjoining refurbished bar area.
The Requirement
The theatre’s original demountable seating bank, though extremely well built, lacked the flexibility required for a varied range of events. It remained in place all year-round because dismantling and reassembling was time-consuming and labour-intensive.
The team at Penrith Players sought a modern retractable seating system that could be quickly and safely deployed by one or two people – saving valuable time and allowing the theatre space to be reconfigured within minutes. After securing grant funding, they turned to Auditoria Services to deliver a solution that would meet these needs.
Design Considerations
Several specific challenges shaped the project. A structural roof beam within the theatre required careful planning to ensure compliance and safety. Auditoria Services incorporated a fenced-off zone to prevent seating beneath the beam, maintaining a minimum head clearance of 2100mm on the rear tier.
Other design refinements included altering the step placement and widening the seating bank to increase overall capacity. These thoughtful adjustments maximised both audience comfort and spatial efficiency without compromising safety or aesthetics.
The Solution
As the seating system would not be retracted several times per day, the client selected a manual retractable system, offering an ideal balance of practicality and value.
The chosen specification included:
- A 7-tiered retractable seating bank with 8-rows of chairs, plus some additional portable beam mounted chairs which can re-positioned as required.
- Red Camira MainLine Flax upholstery, complementing the theatre’s traditional décor
- Heckmondwike Supacord anthracite carpet for durable, non-slip tier surfaces
- Safety rails and self-storing drapes that integrate with the existing interior
Throughout the consultation and design process, Penrith Players worked closely with Auditoria Services’ sales team, who provided expert guidance to ensure every detail aligned with the client’s vision. The team praised our professionalism, communication, and collaborative approach.
Installation and Delivery
The installation proceeded smoothly and was completed on schedule and within budget. Auditoria’s experienced fitters coordinated the work efficiently and provided comprehensive operator training on completion, ensuring theatre staff could safely deploy and retract the system with confidence.
Results and Benefits
The new retractable seating system has transformed the theatre, creating a far more versatile performance space. The auditorium can now be adapted quickly for plays, concerts, and social events, dramatically reducing setup times from hours to minutes.
The project has delivered:
- Greater flexibility and faster room turnaround
- Increased capacity and improved audience sightlines
- Enhanced comfort and accessibility
- A professional finish in keeping with the theatre’s decor
Client Feedback
Mike Head of Penrith Players shared:
“Just seen our new seating – it’s wonderful. Thank your team first. I spoke to our people on the ground and they were very impressed by them. But mostly, can I thank you. It has been a long journey but worth it for us. I admire your patience and understanding. I hope you might even get to see it in action.”
Penrith Players were introduced to Auditoria Services through a recommendation from Upfront Gallery and Arts Venue near Penrith, who were more than happy to provide the feedback. The theatre now looks forward to many years of use from their new retractable seating bank.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates Auditoria Services Ltd’s commitment to delivering tailored retractable seating solutions that combine quality, compliance, and creative design. The Penrith Players Theatre now benefits from a flexible, professional seating system that supports its growing role as a community performance hub in Cumbria.
To discuss a similar project, contact our sales team directly at sales@auditoria-services.com or via our online form Contact Us.
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