In an interesting feature, it is noted that Matcham dispensed with the projecting part of the stage and added two extra rows of seats to the front stalls. A highly unusual feature of this theatre is the fact that, from both circles it is possible to see action considerably downstage of the proscenium line.

 

To some extent this may have been an overgenerous allowance or misjudgement in the original auditorium design, perhaps related to the input of Matthews. Presumably it also relates in part to the fact that the Phipps circle fronts would have been on a horseshoe plan. Matcham simply appears to have remodelled the shape of the balcony front to have crudely added one row to the front of Phipps dress circle.

 

The plasterwork throughout and the boxes and side arcading now clearly reflect Matcham’s input, whilst the original proscenium arch has been embellished rather than rebuilt. The 1910 description refers to the ceiling having been divided into four circular panels and filled with paintings representing the four seasons, the latter work being carried out by Mr R.W. Hay, art master at Heriott Watt College, Edinburgh.

 

The whole auditorium was apparently decorated in soft ivory white with rich gilding and soft shades of leaf green and green velvet. The original colour scheme has now gone, but the initial effect of the auditorium is very ‘Matchamesque’ and delightful in its intimacy.