Bristol Old Vic Theatre

The extensive Grade I listed building contains the Theatre Royal , which was built in 1766, and is one of the finest examples of a Georgian theatre still in existence. There are also rehearsal spaces, studio theatre and back of house dressing rooms and offices as part of the complex which were built in the 1970’s, all of which required upgrading to ensure the survival of the Theatre.

The redevelopment works included the complete refurbishment of the Theatre Royal which included the recovery of elements which had been lost over time. The Auditorium was refurbished with new building services, seating, forestage flexibility, stage lighting and sound systems. The significance of the auditorium required careful consideration of the work due to its historic nature, and the ‘rediscovered’ historic elements were brought back to life and alongside the updated modern needs of the theatre.

Additional performance space and the reorganisation of the front of house and backstage facilities was also required in response to the changing needs of the Theatre, and the redevelopment provided a number of additional spaces which are used for performance, rehearsal, training, professional development and commercial use.

The Get-In and side stage were upgraded to allow for an alternative performance areas, and the existing top floor rehearsal room was altered with new rooflights to provide additional height and with improved acoustic separation to adjoining areas, and the existing paintshop below. A new top floor extension was also added which provided a new modern, bright top lit rehearsal space.

The refurbishment of the existing spaces, and the addition of the new spaces were designed to be flexible for use as rehearsal and performance spaces, gallery for exhibitions, lecture rooms, and for education purposes.

The Works on site were split into distinct work packages so as to complete specific areas of the building separately. This maximized the client’s ability to keep the Theatre functioning during the works as parts of the Theatre continued to function during the construction stages.

The Works on site were split into distinct work packages so as to complete specific areas of the building separately. This maximized the client’s ability to keep the Theatre functioning during the works as parts of the Theatre continued to function during the construction stages.