ABSTRACT
Theatre architecture is more than the frame to a picture. Theatre people understand this instinctively though rarely speak out except when opening a new theatre. On these occasions the actor often inveighs against modern theatres which, lacking the character of the old, fail to support his or her art. The commercial producer may not often talk about theatre architecture but nevertheless makes shrewd judgements when carefully choosing the particular West End or Broadway theatre in which to present his or her show. The audience is generally less aware of the contribution of theatre architecture to the theatre experience. Many mistake decoration for architecture. Others put the architecture, along with the ease of getting a drink at the bar, of parking or of buying a ticket, as a necessary adjunct to the evening, not central to the event.
