9th February 2022.
One of the lovely advantages of Delfont Mackintosh’s Theatre Customers' Membership scheme "DMT+" is the occasional “membership event.” Unique, these range from technical tours and pre-show talks to events like this which have elements of both. With the West End able to open up a little, they are back, and the monkey was delighted to show its support by attending.
Delfont Mackintosh Theatres are famous for their owner’s attention to detail. This event proved to be an identical experience. Far more than a paying visitor, the 20 of us lucky enough to get tickets (they sell out in moments) felt like truly honoured guests from the moment we assembled in the main foyer to applause ringing out long and loud for our hosts in the downstairs bar at the end of the visit.
And what a visit it was. Stage door keeper, veteran Wyndham’s employee, raconteur (and thespian) Richard led us into the downstairs bar, which had been beautifully laid out with tables and chairs (floral centrepieces included) for us to gather around and listen to a little of the theatre’s history from a man who has a deep love of it and knows how to share it in fascinating style. We learned that this was Sprague’s first solo commission when he worked for the famous Matchem. Sprague himself went on to design many of our most beloved West End houses including the Aldwych and Ambassadors. He probably didn't expect this one to be the only West End theatre frontage ever re-created in a Florida theme park, though.
Leaving bags and coats safely there, we proceeded back up to the foyer to admire some of the historic pictures usually obscured by arriving and departing crowds. The monkey had never noticed the photograph of Joe Orton by the stalls stairs, and shared a light laugh with our guide over it.
Gathered around a far larger print of the theatre’s original owner and his wife, we heard of his tragic love story before moving upstairs to the Royal Circle bar (Royal Circle, not Dress Circle, due to Royal patronage of the Prince of Wales, no less) and more anecdotes about the treasures therein. The band of the Coldstream Guard played on first play’s (“David Garrick”) opening night – an army audience was invited to fill the seats and brought them (you don’t get that with today’s ‘papering’ companies). There’s a print of the occasion on a wall.
Up another level to hear of Joan Littlewood and her long connection with the venue, before arriving in the tiny balcony bar room and learning of the sad fact it was once a clandestine safe place for the gay community to meet in a time when such behaviour was still illegal. Easy to imagine the victims sneaking up the fire escape to somewhere sympathetic.
Downstairs again and outside. The famous bridge between Wyndham’s and the Noel Coward Theatre (nobody wanted the site, and as Wyndham had paid to clear it, he put a ‘New’ theatre on it and the name stuck for decades) installed to provide extra dressing rooms for the 1960s “Oliver” was admired. Also, later, a look at the original “Pit” entrance. The monkey had long suspected that this handy exit right by its favourite seat in the stalls had once been just that, and was delighted to learn it was so.
Into the auditorium, and a chance to admire the safety curtain as it was lowered for us, as well as a glimpse of the glorious jewel of a room itself. A rare “picture-frame” proscenium – surrounding the stage on all four sides, with portraits of Sheridan and Goldsmith atop.
Further glory as a return to the downstairs bar provided reviving tea and cakes before the theatre’s own manager gave a talk about the joys of his job, the realities and practicalities – plus the reason it is always “Sir Charles Wyndham” when he is spoken of... supernatural things happen to those who disrespect the theatre’s proud ghostly custodian.
There followed intelligent questions from our group. It was noticeable that everybody was so relaxed that questions flowed un-prompted, a sure sign of the quality of the experience bonding guide and visitors so quickly.
Two hours flew, and, with a final Bill Nighy anecdote, we thanked our guides and hosts and left on a stream of ideas to them for future events – eagerly received, with promises things will happen being made.
Aside from the very useful priority booking and savings on booking fees DMT+ membership offers, this has to be another benefit worth taking.
The monkey would like to thank Annalisa, Richard and Wayne, plus the lovely Front of House lady who stayed with the group for a wonderful afternoon, and suggests to its own guests that this might be a membership scheme worth taking – the special events certainly are.