Project summary

Leicester Theatre and Performing Arts Centre is a new landmark performing arts complex by Rafael Vinoly Architects. The centre comprises two fully-featured auditoria seating 750 and 350, with three rehearsal rooms, a recording studio and extensive foyers.

The two main auditoria both face onto a single stage and may be joined or separated in a number of ways depending on which of three acoustic shutters is deployed. In addition, the side walls of the main stage house can also be raised, allowing direct access from the foyers to the main stage.

Having been recommended for our collaborative ethos, Charcoalblue was employed to improve the communication between the end user, the client, the design team and the incumbent French scenographer, Sceno Ducks. We refined the aspirations of the technical end user, incorporating detailed modifications into the scheme and issued a complete retender of the lighting and sound package. This role of co-ordination and communication continued with us overseeing the site works of the technical systems infrastructure package, which was supplied and installed by Northern Light Ltd who brought their customary efficiency, panache and good humour to the project.

We also supervised the tendering of the technical equipment for use in the new theatre, which was let to White Light Ltd.