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The Kings Theatre, Southsea, Portsmouth

Thursday, 15 March 2012 10:48

Irving Room is restored to full glory

 IT was an iconic room that had seen better days.

But now the Irving Room at the Kings Theatre in Southsea has been given a new lease of life thanks to the hard-working members of the venue’s trust.

Located in the theatre tower, the room was once home to a small restaurant but was more recently used as a storage area.

Water damage and deterioration had rendered the room unusable.

But it now boasts Edwardian-style shelving, a bar area, delicately-crafted stained-glass windows and opulent wallpaper – giving it a true early 1900s feel.

A new carpet has been fitted, chandeliers cleaned and reinstated and the walls have been cut back and re-plastered.
 

CHEERS Actress Ali Bastian and Kings Theatre trustee Mike Williams, toast the opening of The Irving Room, at Kings Theatre Southsea. Picture: Allan Hutchings (120920-927)

CHEERS Actress Ali Bastian and Kings Theatre trustee Mike Williams, toast the opening of The Irving Room, at Kings Theatre Southsea. Picture: Allan Hutchings (120920-927)

Trustees, guests and supporters gathered at the theatre yesterday for the room’s official opening by Chicago star Ali Basitian.

Miss Bastian, formerly of TV’s Hollyoaks and The Bill, is performing in the hit musical at the historic Albert Road venue.

She said: ‘It’s an absolute honour to open the Irving Room and to... Click here to read full article

By Rory McKeown
Published on Thursday 15 March 2012 08:56