Garsington Opera

The annual Garsington Opera season opened to universal acclaim at the beginning of June in their new 600-seat opera pavilion specially designed by architect Robin Snell. The covered structure, which will be erected each season at the opera’s new home on the Wormsley Estate near Oxford, includes covered verandahs and terraces in addition to the ‘open wingless platform’ of a stage. Theatreplan was delighted to play its part in this unusual and exciting venue by advising on staging and lighting facilities.  At the end of May Theatreplan’s Richard and Clive were lucky enough to be invited to the dress rehearsal of ‘The Magic Flute’ and despite the rain had a fabulous evening.  Apparently the new site is very attractive and the audience facilities superb!

The Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge

The state-of-the-art laboratory facilities recently opened at the Sainsbury Laboratory within the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens accommodates 120 scientists and support staff. The main lecture theatre, which forms a transparent forum-like core to the building, is part of the ‘internal street’ with double-height voids providing glimpses of the laboratories above. Theatreplan collaborated with architects Stanton Williams on the setting out and sightlines for the Lecture Theatre. Consideration was given to the type of lecture theatre seat, suitability of a raked or tiered auditorium, the level and position of presenters and audio-visual displays, as well as accessibility.

 Photo courtesy Stanton Williams

Prague Quadrennial 2011

Peter Ruthven Hall contributes towards the British theatre architecture exhibit . Check out the photos of the event on our facebook page.  The exhibit was entitled 'The Gutherie Trust Stage:  A living legacy'  Did you go to event this year?  Which parts of the exhibition were your favourite?  We would love to here your stories and feedback.

Happy Birthday to Hornsey Road Baths

Theatreplan says "Happy 119th birthday!" to Hornsey Road Baths and the Victorian White Lion Centre as they celebrate their recent refurbishment with an open house on 26th July. The event will share the fascinating history of the venues with visitors young and old through magical site specific performances, films and art works which will remain as a permanent legacy in the new youth venues. Theatreplan's involvement in the £2.5m refurbishment and remodelling of the Victorian Gatehouse and laundry buildings included design and technical consultancy. The result is a multi-purpose and flexible space for performance, a media centre and recording studios, dance studios and rehearsal space as well as a cafe and other social space.  The venue opens on the 15th July, so watch this space for pictures and further information.