Shaftesbury Theatre Foyer Interiors
Interiors
The transformation of Shaftesbury Theatre, the largest independent theatre in London’s West End, celebrates over a century of performance by revealing the character of its historic fabric and reimagining its public spaces with confident, contemporary energy.
Project Details
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London
Location
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Shaftesbury Theatre
Client
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2022
Completion
Purpose-built in 1911 and Grade II listed, Shaftesbury Theatre has long been a landmark of performance and craftsmanship. Building on the success of the 2016 fly tower extension, this latest phase completes the theatre’s front-of-house transformation, creating a more open, inclusive, and dynamic experience.
The design exposes the beauty and material honesty of the Edwardian structure, balancing heritage with a fresh sense of modernity. Once-constrained foyers and staircases are reimagined to enhance circulation and visual connection, while a new basement extension beneath the future public square expands the building’s footprint to include much-needed bar and lounge areas.
A modern interpretation of the theatre’s classic colours defines the interiors: rich, dramatic reds from the auditorium are paired with vibrant greens drawn from original stained glass. Colour acts as both identity and orientation, as green cubicles and open thresholds intuitively guide movement through the space.
Texture and detail shape the atmosphere. The roughness of brick and plaster contrasts with smooth concrete, tiling, and warm timber panelling. Integrated joinery ensures visual unity, while robust finishes provide durability in high-traffic areas. Through sensitive restoration and inventive reuse, the renewed front of house celebrates the theatre’s enduring spirit, where heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary performance meet in harmony.
