400 Hall Theatre

The 315 seat naturally ventilated auditorium includes a new curved concrete balcony, significantly enlarged proscenium opening, entirely new mechanical & electrical installations, specialist theatre equipment, a tension wire grid and new insulation within the existing roof void.

The overall proportions of the space, and the curve of the balcony and back wall are set out using the geometry of two intersecting circles overlapping at the stage front, one embracing the actor the other the audience.

The original stage level was maintained and height adjustable stalls rostra and ‘proscenium-flap’ devices were installed to provide better sight-lines and enable the space to be configured in many different formats from the conventional proscenium stage to end stage, thrust, promenade and in-the-round.

Located between the main auditorium and the studio theatre, the foyer includes a bar, kitchen, temporary performance space and external terrace. It is set out on a triangular grid that is used to co-ordinate the triangular Basalt floor slabs, the triangular Maple ceiling panels and the frameless façade glazing. To achieve a concinnity, the ceiling height is set at 3.3m, twice the human eye level and this height (1650mm) sets the module for all the elements.