Royal Shakespeare Theatre

The new theatre nestles comfortably in the void left by the demolished cinema-style auditorium, which sat between the Art Deco foyer at the front of the building, and the proscenium arch and stage at the back. Inside, the intimate stripped-back auditorium provides a three-dimensional universe for the dramatic treatment of Shakespeare’s universal themes. Wraparound seating allows for an immediate contact between audience and players, as well as audience and audience, and gives a rich dimension to heaven and hell, light and dark, silence and thundering sound. It’s all about shared experience -and the success of that clearly lies in audience involvement and reaction.

Charcoalblue’s uniquely collaborative and theatrical design process developed and matured hand-in-hand with the design of the new theatre, working closely with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s directors, designers, technicians and performers.