I supposed one might think it would need a play, opera or dance event to be magical but you would be wrong, the visit had a touch of magic about it.
Firstly we arrived to discover the old theatre that we all thought it was, was not the one, but the Athenor, which had two stages, but now outdated.
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| The impressive exterior |
The very impressive building is near the hospital, we turned a corner and there it was, this amazing building of which the architect Dominque Perrault has created such a fine edifice.
We arrived just after two and did not realise that we had timed it perfectly, ten minutes later and there were queues around the block.
There are two theatre spaces: the first, the larger we were shown had the most enormous stage, everywhere the walls are black, the seats are red and under each seat is an individual climatisation system. Because the building is concrete, for perfect sound the walls are lined with wood, all black of course. The second theatre which is on top of the other is a smaller space and is, we were told, the same size as the stage of the first theatre.
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| The main stage |
We were given presentations as we were guided around and all the young staff were so well trained and helpful and all smiling, that in itself was a joy.
At the very top is a restaurant and roof terrace overlooking the city with a super view over to the Cathedral, the old and the new in proximity.
We all came away wanting to go back for one of the shows but we will have to be quick to book as already many performances are fully booked.
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| The foyer and queues to look around |
Find out the programme on www.sn-albi.fr
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