A CURTAIN of light at the entrance of one of Britain's premier theatres was switched on for the first time yesterday.
The light, descending from the roof at the Theatre Royal, in Newcastle, gives the illusion of a moving theatre curtain.
Councillor Tony Flynn, chairman of the Grainger Town Partnership, joined specially-commissioned lighting artist, Simon Watkinson, and Theatre Royal general manager, Peter Sarah, in a ceremony to launch the device.
Its effect is produced by colour-changing LED units within the theatre portico, as well as searchlights on Earl Grey House across the road.
A polyvinyl canopy acts as a powerful reflector, increasing the effect.
The project has involved a number of specialist firms including Tyneside-based engineers Ove Arup and Heaton-based Lighting Technology Projects.
If forms part of the Grainger Town Project's Public Art Strategy, aimed at highlighting feature buildings and enhancing the heart of the city.
It is hoped the project will strengthen Newcastle and Gateshead's bid to become European City of Culture in 2008.
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