Everyman York

The gold design above the level of the 1964 – 2017 false ceiling is a very recent adornment which cleverly recalls a section of the wrought iron orchestra pit rail which was replaced by a wall during 1964’s modernisation. The original frieze at this level, which continued along the side walls too, was still there when Everyman’s contractors dismantled the false ceiling but was much disfigured by the girders installed in 1964 from which the false ceiling was suspended. It may well have become quite faded/dirty when it last saw the light of day after twenty seven years of heat and smoke so, bearing in mind the chips and craters left by the girders, the plasterwork was made new and after being plain for a few months the gold pattern was a lovely, welcome touch. Apart from in photographs, a short section of the decorative rail has survived ever since 1937 and that is between the two columns at the stairway end of the circle lounge, above the stairs from foyer to half landing. Aesthetics aside, the little section of surviving rail was to prevent anyone falling from first floor to ground level!