Theatre at Craig-y-nos

The theatre at Craig-y-nos, built in the 19th century, is attached to the north-west side of the main house and adjoins the clock tower, with its frontage forming the north side of the main entrance courtyard. The theatre’s appearance mirrors that of many of the Patti extensions, using contrasting coursed red sandstone and pale ashlar dressings, topped with a slate roof featuring a glazed and louvred ventilator. The facade includes pilasters with a triglyph frieze, a cornice, and a pierced parapet. A small central doorway is topped with a pediment. To the right, above the remodelled main entrance doorway and window, is a raised stucco panel depicting cherubs, swags, and musical trophies, supported by decorative side pilasters and a small pediment surmounted by a figure holding a tambourine. The side masonry incorporates coarser, snecked rockfaced sandstone, with pale lower courses and yellow brick dressings, some parts rendered. The tall fly tower has a hipped roof with a separate ventilator, providing access for scenery and workshops below. The windows have cambered heads.

The interior is outstanding, featuring fine plasterwork moulding painted in pastel green and peach with gilding. The auditorium has four bays, with part-fluted and part-decorative Corinthian columns. Between the columns are painted panels inscribed with the names of opera composers, above a dado that includes ornamental heating grilles between column plinths. Side swing doors lead to a continuous frieze also featuring opera composer names, which supports a coved painted ceiling with decorative plasterwork flanking the rooflight. The proscenium arch is flanked by twin Corinthian columns on a deep plinth, supporting a swagged entablature with ‘Rossini’ as the central name. Above this rises an open pediment enriched with reclining figures and cresting, incorporating a central cartouche with the initials ANP, representing Adelina (and) Nicolini Patti. The stage features an original curtain drop depicting Madame Patti as Semirade, and side hangings depicting garden scenery. The floor is level but can be raked for audience seating and to create an orchestra pit with a balustrade. The original machinery, ropes, weights and pulleys controlling scenery in the flies, trap doors under the stage, foot and stage lights, and the heating system remain in working order. Behind the auditorium are dressing room suites, some of which retain fireplaces, as part of the main building complex.