Theatre workshop celebrates 21 years

'TR2' marks milestone with special show

Theatre Royal Plymouth’s (TRP) Production and Learning Centre where sets are made for shows across the globe, turned 21 this year after opening its doors in May 2003.

This summer, TR2 has been transformed into a rehearsal and performance for a one-off show called The Key, which will feature more than 150 individuals of diverse backgrounds and ages – from youngsters to armed forces veterans.

The 4,500 square-metre space on the Plym estuary serves as a cohesive area for rehearsals, workshops, and communal activities for young people at TRP. It employs 26 people for set construction and crafting theatre sets which get shipped worldwide.

TR2 has recently crafted and installed sets for The Princess Theatre in Melbourne and Folketeateret theatre in Oslo, including a Sunset Boulevard set and a Miss Saigon set featuring the iconic helicopter.

The wardrobe provision at TRP creates costumes for TRP productions and external shows. Rehearsal pods resembling the theatre's auditoriums are used by touring shows preparing for TRP premieres and co-productions.

TRP CEO and Executive Producer, James Mackenzie-Blackman, said:

“We are extremely lucky to have one of the busiest, most ambitious and accomplished scenic workshops in the UK. There really is nowhere else in the country that compares with TR2 and we are immensely proud of its progressing capabilities.

“The architects did a remarkable job of incorporating the surroundings within the physical design while fashioning a completely multifaceted internal space that has made TR2 the epicentre of everything we do. It encompasses everything a theatre company needs under one – very stylish bronze-clad – roof!”

The Key, led by TRP's Associate Directors and supported by young technicians and designers, will feature three sold-out performances from Friday, August 16 to Saturday, August 17, guiding audiences through a unique journey across TR2.