Project summary

The Leys School in Cambridge is one of England's premier independent schools and has an active and successful music & drama department. The school's previous theatre, built in 1967, was no longer fit for purpose, and so the Great Hall project was commenced to provide the school with a new home for drama.

The new 320-seat Great Hall theatre will incorporate high-spec backstage facilities, technical infrastructure including lighting and sound equipment, a control room and workshop, storage areas and a green room. These will allow the Leys Drama Department and technical staff to operate a fully functional "teaching theatre", with pupils involved in every aspect of productions. The lower seating tier of the theatre is retractable, creating a School Hall which can comfortably seat 600 for a full school assembly.

A first floor Drama Studio, providing flexible rehearsal space and an intimate theatre which can be used for small productions and group work, will also be provided, as well as a Dance Studio and space for the Drama Department providing three spacious classrooms and office space.

Charcoalblue has provided theatre design and planning services as well as the detailed design of the theatre technical systems. Following the start of the building works on site, Charcoalblue has been overseeing the theatre elements of the works.

 "I am filled with excitement and enthusiasm about the building of Great Hall, and the opportunities it gives us for further improvement and growth in reputation."

Mark Slater, Headmaster of The Leys School