‘The Court is risk-taking, oppositional, historic and very sensual; Haworth Tompkins have found a radical language which respects that past and yet
feels thoroughly of the moment.’
Radical redevelopment of a listed theatre London |
 |
The Royal Court Theatre commissioned us to establish a strategy for improvement and reconstruction. Radical surgery was needed to prevent closure and establish a stronger physical connection to the neighbourhood. Built in 1888 as a Victorian playhouse, little changed a century later, and still in use, it represented both risk and continuity in British theatre, a radical tradition of contemporary work performed in historic space. In the refurbishment we sought to both reflect this attitude and to reinforce the theatre’s cultural and physical context through strengthening the identity of place. |  |
The finished building is the result of in-depth conversations and observation with client, artists, directors, writers and of wider discussion about the nature and future of theatre. Although the theatre is only 115 years old it had undergone numerous transformations. Our design approach was partly archaeological, uncovering hidden views and deciding what should be changed and what left exposed as evidence of a rich past. The building was partially demolished, extended and completely reconfigured to provide better facilities, full access and more space. |  |
The main auditorium has been subtly changed to achieve much better sightlines and greater theatrical flexibility. Seating has been renewed with comfortable leather seats with arms that can be folded back and used as benches to increase audience density when needed. The studio theatre has been rebuilt with better headroom and far greater technical capacity. A flexible and quickly demountable seating system allows many unconventional configurations. Greater legibility was a key theme of the project. A new balcony, more street entrances and an undercroft linking the stalls with Sloane Square |  |
reinforce the connection of the foyers to the world outside, whilst a large vermilion mural by Antoni Malinowski signals the more intense presence of the auditorium within. New and old elements are seen as part of the same continuum, clearly distinguished but designed to grow old gracefully together. Materials were selected for their durability and inherent richness – Corten weathered steel, jarrah wood, polished concrete, dark leather and woven steel fabric. |  |
 |
Major civil engineering was necessary to achieve the aims of the project, including deep basements, ground stabilisation and ‘top down’ excavation close to the District line and the culverted River Bourne. Over 500km of wiring were installed to achieve one of the most technically advanced performance spaces in the UK. |  |
 |
 |
ROYAL COURT THEATRE Client: The English Stage Company Value:£14,000,000 Completed Feruary 2000 |
Timber Concrete Steel Glass Cor-ten steel Leather Woven steel |
| 19-20 Great Sutton Street London EC1V 0DR T (44) 020 7250 3225 F (44) 020 7250 3226 |
 |
 |