Theatre & Venue Design

The new Linbury Theatre at the Royal Opera House. Image: Hufton+Crow.

Designing performance spaces where artists aspire to perform and audiences want to be is what we know best. We advise and guide, sketch out ideas, explore what is possible and resolve the seemingly impossible. We do everything from reorganising seating, re-imagining an existing space, designing the perfect acoustic response, developing technical requirements and future-proofing your space with cutting edge digital innovations.

If you need us to we will deal with everything from refining the brief right through to leading you through confidently to full design, tendering and construction. We relish making the most of existing buildings just as much as creating entirely new ones. Most importantly, we are always there as your partner in creativity; from the first napkin sketch right through to the glitter of opening night.

An early concept sketch for Baltimore Center Stage

Services

  • Auditorium concept, options and detailed design
  • Seating design and sightline studies
  • Building-wide strategic planning including critical structural, mechanical and electrical advice
  • Technical design, including stage engineering, stage lighting and audio-visual systems
  • Witness-test, commission and sign off theatre systems, and attend first night party!

The team behind the Dorfman Theatre discuss the project

“It is great to have Charcoalblue on the team - people who speak our language and are able to communicate that so effectively to the main contractor.”

Paula Gillespie, Acting Theatre Director, The Marlowe Theatre

Simon, Jake, Sam, Liz and Owen from our talented Technical Systems design team.

Gavin and Elina discuss a model of The Linbury Theatre at the Royal Opera House.

“Working with Charcoalblue is a joy. They bring a wealth of experience in creating exciting theatre spaces and are generous and fluid collaborators.”

Martha Lavey, Artistic Director, Steppenwolf Theatre Company

The team discuss finishes for Singapore's Esplanade Theatre.

The team discuss a technical drawing for Le Théâtre Elisabéthain au Château D'Hardelot.

Gavin and Andy inspect a prototype of the Everyman Theatre chair.

Erin, Eric, Holly, James and Matt from our Stage Engineering team pose for a photo.

photo of Andy Hayles standing against a bright blue background

Speak to Andy about theatre consultancy.

+44 (0)20 7928 0000

Supporting the industry internationally since 2004

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise: International Trade 2020 UK Theatre Tonic Theatre Communications Group Carbon Literate Orginisation - Silver
photo of Andy Hayles standing against a bright blue background

Speak to Andy about theatre consultancy.

Contact Andy

+44 (0)20 7928 0000