Country: Bury St Edmunds / United Kingdom
Completion: August 2026
Technology: Over Stage Engineering
Venue and Usage: Traditional Theatre, Performance Venue
Fabrics Used:
Overview:
The Theatre Royal, formerly known as the New Theatre, stands as a beautifully restored Regency theatre in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Dating back to 1819, it holds a unique place in British theatre history and ranks among just eight Grade I listed theatres in the United Kingdom. It also remains the only working theatre operated with the support of the National Trust.
Renowned architect William Wilkins designed and built the Theatre Royal in 1819. Today, the theatre retains many of its original features, offering an outstanding example of a Regency playhouse. Its intimate scale, historic character and architectural detail make it one of the most beautiful and distinctive theatres in the world.
For J&C Joel, working within such an important historic building presented both an exciting opportunity and a significant responsibility. The main focus was to replace the aged decorative curtain and install the new fire curtain along with the new smoke channels. The old manual system was replaced with a modern, motorised system that delivers improved operation, greater control and enhanced reliability.
The theatre’s Grade I listed status demanded particular care throughout the installation. We needed to ensure that the new structure neither relied upon nor interfered with the building’s historic fabric. To achieve this, we developed a completely independent structural solution.
Our team designed and installed a new truss structure, alongside new smoke channels to accommodate the replacement fire curtain. This approach allowed the new system to operate effectively while respecting and protecting the historic architecture surrounding it.
The new fire curtain and decorative curtain each measure approximately 7.9 metres wide, with a 6.6-metre drop. This scale demanded careful planning, accurate manufacture and precise installation. Every element needed to integrate seamlessly with the existing theatre while meeting the exacting requirements of a historic performance venue.
Above all, the project required us to strike a careful balance between preservation and progress. We needed to introduce modern technology without compromising the character and integrity of one of the UK’s most significant historic theatres. Our team therefore worked closely with the project partners throughout every stage of the process.
It was a great privilege for J&C Joel to work with the National Trust on this important project. We were also delighted to collaborate with Charcoal Blue, with whom we have built a strong working relationship over many years.
Together, we delivered a solution that respects the theatre’s remarkable history while meeting the growing demand for fire-retardant compliance. At the same time, the new system provides a modern, reliable and future-ready stage solution for the theatre.
To the oldest Regency theatre in the United Kingdom, we hope we have done you proud.
Once again, this has been a hugely satisfying project for the amazing team at J&C Joel. We are proud to have played our part in protecting, enhancing and helping to preserve such an important piece of British theatre history.
