Theatreplan LLP
Bronze Supporter
Key Personnel/Contacts
Partners
Richard Brett BSc CEng FIET, Senior Stage Engineer
Roger Fox , Project Leader and Theatre and Stage Consultant
Dave Ludlam BSc CEng MIET, Electrical Power and Control Engineer
Clive Odom , Stage Engineering Consultant
Peter Ruthven Hall BA Dip(Arch), Theatre and Auditorium Planner
John Whitaker, Project Leader and Lighting Consultant
Company Address
27 Colonnade,
London,
WC1N 1JA,
UK
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7841 0440
Email: info@theatreplan.co.uk
Website: www.theatreplan.co.uk
Business Operating Zone
International
Recent Projects
We werethe direct consultants to the client in all technical aspects for the new producing theatre. Including a main auditorium, studio space and education space. We worked very closely with the architect on all aspects of the design and theatre planning, as well as the design and specification for all the stage engineering, production and working lighting and all the sound and communication.
We wereresponsible for the complete layout and planning of two auditoria and seven stages including the development of new stage engineering systems for a busy repertoire of ballet and opera. We prepared the design and specification for all stage engineering, production and working lighting, video, sound and communications.
Genexis, Fusionopolis, Singapore
We were involved with the theatre's internal design from the start, and specified an ingenious seating arrangement with 560 seats on retractable platforms that may be moved in any direction and rearranged to suit the performance, or stored at the back of the space for flat-floor events. We also specified and designed the auditorium layout and sightlines, the motorised rigging system, flown proscenium and side masking panels and the theatre lighting installation.
Theatreplan were appointed to provide technical consultancy and planning advice and the design. We designed a shallow raked stalls, which gave not only a good sightline but also integrated a means to provide different acting arrangements, transforming the space from a proscenium end stage, to a thrust stage as well as providing theatre-in-the-round.
We created a versatile auditorium design with space for 1000 standing or 777 in a new form of retractable seating. We also took on the role of the theatrical user as there was no user-client, and designed the stage with a variable proscenium, 42 counterweight sets and a large 12 x 12m performing area.
Eden Court Studio and Cinemas, Inverness
We devised the new adaptable studio theatre, two cinemas and the two dance studios to suit a programme of rehearsals, dance workshops, community events, children’s performances and social activities.
Grand Theatre and Opera House, Leeds
As we were the most experienced team in this field, Theatreplan was appointed to provide technical consultancy for the upgrading of the listed Grand Theatre, which included integrating the stage machinery and rigging. We developed the UK’s first full power flying system outside London, a 40-tonne 7.5m travel get-in elevator, and a rapidly changeable orchestra pit.
Our adaptable stage and proscenium design combined with movable seating on wagons provided a choice of actor-to-audience relationships. We added a tensioned-wire grid over the auditorium to provide easy access to the new technical infrastructure that also included stage elevators, rigging, stage lighting, sound and communications.
Following our extensive work at the Royal Opera House, the Royal Ballet School invited us back to advise on their new state-of-the-art studios in Covent Garden. Our designs included performance lighting and retractable seating for 100.
Theatreplan contributed to the refurbishment of this listed building and the replacement of the technical infrastructure. The seating was replanned and the auditorium capacity was reduced from 660 to 608 seats to allow greater comfort and better sightlines. To respect the heritage aspects of the auditorium, demountable lighting bars were designed for the balcony fronts.
Current Projects
Refurbishment of the Crucible Theatre and Studio, Sheffield
New Theatre, Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, NI
Refurbishment of the King's Theatre, Glasgow
Refurbishment of the Winter Gardens, Morecambe
Consultancy for performing arts venues
Theatreplan is a world-renowned specialist consultancy providing advisory and design services to performing arts companies, venue managements, architects, project managers and engineers.
We specialise in creating theatres, opera houses and music venues, conference centres and education facilities in existing and listed buildings, found spaces and new structures.
We offer a wide range of architectural and theatre technical design services based on our experience of projects worldwide and our knowledge of future expectations. We are in an excellent position to collaborate with you, whether you require architectural services, technical design or both.
Creating spaces for the arts. Developing technical systems for performances.
Live performance venues present unique architectural challenges. The layout of a performance building, its facilities for performers and audiences, and the choice of technical equipment must reflect the style of productions, artistic aspirations, ecological targets and business aims of the project now, and for the future.
Theatreplan’s team has experience as theatre practitioners, architects and venue managers. Working with clients and architects, we contribute practical detail to every project, whether it is for a small fixed-form venue or a multifunction arts complex.
From initial concepts to detailed plans, sections and specification, we deliver a tailored service to ensure well-functioning stages, practical backstage facilities, comfortable auditoria and well-planned audience circulation areas.
Putting experience into practice
Theatre consultancy is not an academic exercise. It requires a combination of practical experience, knowledge, understanding and vision. At Theatreplan, our reputation has been built on a foundation of unsurpassed success in the design and planning of many small, medium and large projects worldwide.
Our broad-based portfolio of new build, refurbishment and redevelopment projects reflects the skills of our team of architects, stage engineers, designers and project managers working together in one of the longest-established theatre consultancies in the world.
Exhibitions
Collaborators (Nottingham & Victoria and Albert Museum, London) 2007-8
Affiliations
The Architects’ Registration Board
The Association of British Theatre Technicians
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
The Society of British Theatre Designers
The Society of Theatre Consultants (UK)
Awards
2010 STC Award: Grove Theatre, Dunstable
2010 RIBA Award: Goole Junction
2010 RIBA Award: Edward Alleyn Building, Alleyn's school, Dulwich
2009 Presidents Design Award, Singapore: The Genexis Theatre, Fusionopolis, Singapore
2008 Best Leisure and Retail Building, Glasgow Institute of Architects Awards: Eden Court Theatre
2008 Sustainability Award, Glasgow Institute of Architects Awards: Eden Court Theatre
2008 Best New Building Highlands and Islands, Inverness Architectural Association Awards: Eden Court Theatre
2005 USITT Merit Award: Operaen, Copenhagen
2004 USITT Honor Award: Brighton Dome
1998 Civic Trust Award: Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
1996 RICS Award: Royal Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
1995 Civic Trust Award: The Anvil Concert Hall, Basingstoke
1991 Civic Trust Award: The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
Features
The Stage (March 2010): Theatreplan launches Theatre Doctor service
ABTT Sightline (January 2009): Peter Ruthven Hall on OISTAT Meetings in Stockholm 2008
NATEAC (July 2008): Richard Brett is keynote speaker at New York conference
ABTT Sightline (July 2008): RSC at the Roundyard; article by Peter Ruthven Hall
The Stage (3 July 2008): Richard Brett reports on Theatres Trust Sustainable Theatres
Building (2 May 2008): Right on Cue (Sheffield Crucible)
ABTT Sightline (March 2008): Peter Ruthven Hall reviews the refurbished Norwich Theatre Royal
ET Now (22 April 2008): ‘Theatreplan Pots Black’ (Sheffield Crucible)
Entertainment Technology (25 March 2008): Richard Brett to speak at the North American Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference in New York
Managing the Arts Worldwide (March 2008) Richard Brett comments in ‘Factoring in Potential’
Entertainment Technology (4 March 2008): Record Year for Theatreplan
The Stage (7 February 2008): King of the Grove (Grove Theatre, Dunstable)
The Stage (20 December 2007): Different Worlds; article by Peter Ruthven Hall
RIBA Journal (November 2007): You were fabulous, Darling (featuring Peter Ruthven Hall)
Engineering Technology (November 2007): Behind the Scenes (featuring Richard Brett)
ABTT Sightline (July 2007): Peter Ruthven Hall reviews the Collaborators touring exhibition
The Stage (June 2007): Peter Ruthven Hall previews British Designers displays for Prague
The Stage (January 2007): Peter Ruthven Hall identifies 10 promising young stage designers
On-line Magazine: LSO St Luke’s – www.zioshow.co.uk/view.php?id-1904&area=13
ABTT Sightline (Summer 2005): Watford Palace Theatre; article by Peter Ruthven Hall
ABTT Sightline (Winter 2004): Broadway Theatre, Barking; article by Peter Ruthven Hall
ABTT Sightline (Spring 2004): Almeida Theatre, Islington, London; article by Peter Ruthven Hall
