Theatre Royal - Cushion Storage

📅 31 Jul 2025

In November 2024 we were approached by the General Manager of The Theatre Royal for help with resolving a lack of cushion storage. At the time seat cushions were literally dumped in untidy heaps, some in cubbyholes and some in the open.

A design for wooden storage racks was agreed, sympathetic to the listed status of the building, and a budget of £500 was set for their construction. An application for grant funding was made to the West Suffolk Council and subsequently approved.

A detailed materials list was sent out for quotations and a generous discount led to an order being placed with Clarkes of Walsham.

A team at the Shed, under the supervision of Stuart Moore and including Mick, Matthew, Tony and Helen, started construction in February 2025 and the final storage rack was delivered in May. In all three units were made for placing in the open and a further two for placing in curtained off cubbyholes. The visible units were finished to a higher standard and doubled as display stands.

To show their appreciation The Theatre offered Shed Members a “backstage” tour and a group were shown around by Theatre volunteers on Friday 9^th May. During the tour we saw the storage units in use and were told by the volunteers that they made a significant difference both to the appearance of the open areas and to the ease with which cushions could be tidied up after a performance.