A mechanical device which is built in to large theatres, to separate the auditorium & public areas from the stage & rear-of-house areas. The safety curtain (also sometimes known as the ‘Iron’) is fireproof and stops fire and smoke/fumes travelling between the stage and auditorium.
It is a legal requirement to ensure the safety curtain is working correctly regularly. Many West End theatres bring the safety curtain in during the interval of each performance to demonstrate it works correctly to each audience. The frequency of testing & maintenance should be established in consultation with your local fire officer or safety team.
Many West-End theatre safety curtains are decorated, and some used to have printed adverts posted or painted on them, or white projection areas on them for slides to be projected on them during intervals. Below are some examples of safety curtains and mechanisms.
