IN THE CITY: Queen Elizabeth gets a much needed facelift

No, we're not talking about the 83-year-old leader of the British monarchy (although that would be funny) but instead the 50-year-old theatre in downtown Vancouver that bears her name.


Since the theatre opened it's doors back in 1959 it seems everyone has become a critic, often complaining about the sightlines, the acoustics, and the legroom of the auditorium as well as the unexciting, boring and dimly lit foyer. Women have complained about large lineups for the washrooms and technicians have fretted over how difficult it was to light a show and deal with the muddy sound. Even audiences seeing serious theatre next door at the Playhouse Theatre walked out, demanding their money back because the sound from rock concerts at the QE was leaking through the walls.


This weekend marks a new act in the theatre's life as it reopens to the public after an extensive four and a half year $48.5 million renovation. Here are some of the new improvements to the theatre along with a few photos:


LOBBY/FOYER
Gone is the poorly lit, low ceilinged lobbies that were on every floor. The closed-in space has been opened up to a three-storey atrium with new light-coloured, marble-covered concrete walls supporting the building - part of a massive seismic upgrade.
Floor to ceiling glass covers the south wall of the building bringing in lots of light and beautiful views of the city alive outside. Also constructed are new bars and concessions, slick, new furniture and, yes, more women's washrooms on every level. Beautiful chandeliers made from sustainably harvested seashells from the Straight of Georgia dangle from above.

SOUND DECISIONS
Acoustics in the auditorium have been improved in letter grade from a dismal D to an amazing A by directing the sound at the audience in many ways. The ceiling was raised by six to twelve metres, carpet was ripped out and replaced with engineered hardwood flooring and new modern wooden and upholstered seating was installed. There were about 100 sound reflectors installed as well to aid with directing the sound towards the middle of the audience. Meanwhile, the QE and Playhouse were structurally separated so sound no longer leaks through.

SEATING
169 fewer seats are in the new auditorium leaving for more comfort and plenty of legroom. The seating in the centre block is staggered so you no longer have to stare directly at somebody's head in front of you. Also removed was the sloped floor that had you standing on an uncomfortable downward angle towards the stage. A new tiered riser floor has been installed as in most modern venues today.

SITUATION ROOM
A glassed-in room, overlooking the stage from the mezzanine level serves as a refuge for patrons with whiny babies or screaming little children.


Now we will have to see how these improvements stack up to other great theatre venues in the city but this much needed renovation should bring a lot more great acts to this theatre fit for a queen.