His Majesty's Theatre - Public Architecture

His Majesty’s Theatre 9
“The primary aim
of the design was
to build on the
fine architectural
statement made
by the existing
building…”
View at night attracting interest
bar space. From the operational side there was no
rehearsal room, dance studio or workshop areas.
In addition, the public toilet facilities did not meet the
present day requirements and were in such poor
condition that the building was under threat of closure.
Improved facilities for those with disabilities was also
a high priority of the brief. Prior to the alteration work
only the stalls area was accessible for wheelchair
users and there were few other facilities for anyone
with a disability.
The existing building was inward looking and
contained few facilities for daytime use. The Client
Brief stipulated that the new extension should create
a daytime entrance giving direct access to a new
box office, coffee shop and restaurant, all of which
should be clearly visible from outside to stimulate the
interest of passers-by and thereby act as a draw to
passing trade.
Design Rational
The primary aim of the design was to build on the fine
architectural statement made by the existing building,
which is regarded as one of the most attractive theatres
in the country, by embracing current concepts of
sustainability to create a modern structure which both
complements and enhances the existing Edwardian
building. The design uses high quality materials
sympathetic to those used in the existing building and
neighbouring buildings, which together with the theatre
form a cohesive urban architectural grouping.
Internal alterations to the major part of the existing
theatre have been designed to cause as little
disturbance to the main public spaces as possible.
Internal decoration within the refurbished areas has
Restored lobby area
been carried out in the same exuberant Edwardian
style as the original.