A theatre in Newark will be getting more safety improvements and a new art mural that could showcase local authors.
The Palace Theatre in Appleton Gate, Newark, first opened as a picture house in 1920.
It was built by local entrepreneur Emily Blagg, during which time the suffragettes were fighting for women’s independence and rights.
Today, the Grade II listed theatre is owned by Newark and Sherwood District Council, from which a number of music, comedy and drama shows are hosted.
At a council planning committee meeting on Thursday (August 6), an application for a new art mural, and another for safety improvements, were both approved.
The new art mural will be painted onto a wall between the National Civil War Centre and the theatre, in an area where visitors can sit and enjoy a coffee.
Council officer Oliver Scott said the theme of the mural would be books, celebrating the Newark Book Festival.
Cllr Linda Tift (Lab) said: “When I was very young we regularly used to go to France for a few weeks every summer, drive through Paris and then go south, and that was the first time I ever saw murals on walls of buildings and in courtyards. I loved it then, and I love it now.
“It livens an area up and it makes people connect with it more. I love the fact it is books, I think it looks absolutely superb. You’ve got my vote.”
Numerous councillors, including Cllr David Moore (Ind), asked if local authors could feature on the mural, while others argued the books should reflect those published in the 1920s.
Cllr Andy Freeman (Lab), the chair of the committee, suggested a poll could be held to decide what authors or books are showcased on the mural.
However he added: “Hopefully we won’t get a Booky McBookface.”
Council officers will now consider the recommendations.
The second application approved during the meeting concerned internal safety improvements to the theatre.
They come after similar improvements were approved in August last year, including the installation of new LED lighting on the stairs in the auditorium, replacement flooring and the repainting of the walls at the back of the stage.
Security doors and the external façade on the Neo-Byzantine style building have also been improved.
The new plans will involve new catwalks being installed above the box seats on the upper balcony sections of the theatre, as well as new lighting rigging and safety ladders.
The stage safety curtain, which would be used in the event of a fire, has also been found to contain asbestos, and this will now be replaced alongside its associated lifting equipment.
Cllr Freeman added: “It seems perfectly legitimate to me for safety reasons that these needs to be done.
“The designs and what we’ve seen minimise the impact on the listed building.
“The comments from the theatre trust are very welcome so it is nice to have that recognised.”
By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
