VOLUNTEERS at the Regal Theatre joined forces with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue services on September 21 to train for the event of an emergency evacuation of the theatre.
An invited audience of over 100 local supporters and Regal staff were in their positions as on a normal performance night.
People were briefed beforehand by Ray Tew and operations director Chris Jones, then enjoyed a performance on the piano by Lewis Lintern.
Within a few minutes, the lights started flashing and the exercise started.
The front-of-house manager went on the stage to give instructions and everyone made their way out of the theatre in a calm and organised manner.
Fire engines arrived from all over Somerset, concentrating their activities at the back of the theatre where the ‘fire’ was located and other challenges were presented in the form of three trapped ‘live casualties’ in the changing rooms.
This was carried out with such realism that a neighbour climbed out of his roof window and attempted his own rescue attempt of the trapped victims! He was quickly brought down by the firemen and thanked for his brave actions
Afterwards, the feedback from observers revealed that the evacuation process had taken place within the prescribed time.
Both organisations were pleased to benefit from this mutual co-operation which will provide an opportunity to improve emergency procedures and future training of volunteers in the theatre and a valuable exercise for the rescue services to learn more about the Regal Theatre’s complex building.