Securing a bright future for a Grade II listed venue in Cambridge’s cultural and civic heart
Ian Chalk Architects
The Arts Theatre has undergone significant periods of change and adaption over 90 years, from minor upgrades in the 1970’s to major structural alterations in 1996 and 2013. Through all of this, the auditorium configuration has never changed with substantial brickwork walls, stepped concrete balcony and the proscenium arch orientation all remaining from the 1936 original.
Our refurbishment works retain and upgrade the auditorium space – much loved for its proximity between performers and audiences – whilst allowing for significant improvements.
The whole auditorium is lined with beautifully crafted maple timber panelling - the richly detailed finish shaped by acoustic requirements to maintain excellent clarity of sound, particularly for the spoken word.
Spatial adjustments include a re-raked stalls floor with new seating - positioned to remove mid aisles and gather the audience together – which improves sight lines and comfort. At balcony level, existing side boxes have been removed and new slips seating positions have been joined with a re-shaped balcony front, ensuring that the close relationship between audience and stage performers is unaltered.
Back of house, visiting theatre company get-in and fit-up is improved with re-engineered temporary cable routes providing easier installation and connectivity to the new fixed infrastructure.
Off stage, the previously utilitarian rabbit warren of the green room, dressing rooms and ancillary spaces have been substantially reconfigured and refurbished. Additional larger communal spaces - with higher ceilings and improved lighting - alongside a new palette of materials and finishes throughout will ensure greater comfort for crew and performers.
Front of house works have focused on the entrance and ancillary spaces within the foyer. The main theatre entrance is relocated to its original Peas Hill position, with a new oak-framed and glass shopfront topped by a canopy, providing a prominent new front door. Restrooms and cloakrooms are rearranged to reduce queuing issues and given a new palette of warm materials, finishes and lighting throughout.
The result of this re-engineered and refined series of spaces is a more inclusive and democratic theatre venue, bringing previously disparate components together to enhance the experience of everyone involved in creating and enjoying the performing arts.
Discover more about the redevelopment project on the Ian Chalk Architects website:
