The Apollo Victoria Theatre in London was closed in May 2001 in order to refurbish the Starlight Express set and the auditorium. These photos were sent to us by Mike (squarewheelbike on the forum) who has very kindly allowed me to put them up here. Thanks Mike!

Notes are by my lovely husband Mark who was also working there at the time.



Pre-refurbishment, close up of the track, the surface is coming away and needs replacing.




Pre-refurbishment, the surface of the bridge is well used, you can see the scuff marks caused by toe-stops.




Pre-refurbishment, start and finish grid needing a repaint.




Pre-refurbishment. Stall back straight, picture taken of crossing point the audience used to get to the stalls. The track is damaged and needs replacing.




Refurbishment. The orchestra pit has been cleared of instruments and microphones ready for all new equipment to be installed.




Paddock track, surface is being refurbished. The rest of the stalls is having the carpet and seating replaced.




Skate bowl is part way through being refurbished.




Picture of stalls taken from circle track. New carpet is being laid and boarding for the new seats is being installed. The area with plastic sheeting at the top of the photograph is the sound desk, it was covered to prevent dust getting in. The desk was refurbished as well.




The main stage area in the final stages of having its surface replaced




Another shot of the paddock, new seating is yet to be installed.




Stairs to circle track stage left. Electricians are running new wiring for the new lighting dimmers.




Bridge has had surface replaced.