^ Site Manager and Andrzej visit Theatre Royal Plymouth, 1982
Site Manager (left) and Andrzej Blonski (right) visit Theatre Royal Plymouth, Mar 1982
March 2024
On Saturday 23 March, Andrzej Blonski, Director at Andrzej Blonski Architects and project architect of Theatre Royal Plymouth passed away.
Andrzej worked with the Peter Moro Partnership and led the design team who delivered the concept and plans for Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) that was built between April 1979 and May 1982.
The iconic building on Royal Parade received Grade II listed status in September 2018.
In May 2022 Andrzej re-visited TRP with a number of original staff to mark the building’s 40th anniversary.
HRH Princess Margaret officially opened the building on 5 May 1982 and the first key visiting company to perform on the main stage was the Royal Ballet with its production of Manon.
James Mackenzie-Blackman, Chief Executive and Executive Producer of Theatre Royal Plymouth said: “We are saddened to hear the news of Andrzej’s passing, but his legacy in our building will live on. We are immensely proud of his iconic design, which has stood the test of time. We can proudly host the largest touring productions through to more intimate one-person shows in The Drum.”
The distinctive theatre was very much part of the post-war redevelopment of Plymouth and embodies a complex octagonal geometric design housing two auditoriums.
Although standout in many ways, one of TRP’s most distinctive architectural features is the adjustable auditorium ceiling which can be lowered to shield the upper circle, transforming the theatre to a more intimate space.
James continued: “All elements of Andrzej’s complex and original design fuse to create something wholly special and altogether welcoming. It’s such a privilege to come to work here every day in this ingenious purpose-built building that will continue to grow with the city and flourish long into the future.”