We won an invited design competition in 2021 to support Cambridge Arts Theatre Trust achieve a long-held vision to sensitively refurbish and upgrade their historic 666-seat auditorium, as well as create a second studio space to help diversify their offer.
The Grade II listed building is land-locked in a central heritage setting; the main auditorium much-loved for its unique proximity of audience and performers.
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We approached the project in two phases. Phase I, currently on site, is a carefully considered series of improvements to the historic theatre building.
An existing entrance on Peas Hill is sensitively reconfigured to relate to the heritage context of Georgian townhouses, offering a timber-framed shopfront to the theatre which comes alive during showtimes.
Within the historic auditorium, the introduction of a new curved balcony front, a widened proscenium and re-graded floors allow for a greater variety of performances to be mounted.
Modified stage and seating layouts are designed to improve sightlines and elevate audience/performer experience.
Cleverly integrated service upgrades ensure the theatre is at the forefront of technical provision, and acoustic improvements allow shows to run concurrently with the future studio space.
Front and back of house areas – including dressing rooms – are being renovated with materials and details drawn from the original building.
These sensitively planned works will preserve the innate character of Cambridge Arts Theatre whilst ensuring it remains technically, functionally and experientially amongst the finest theatres in the UK.
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“From the early stages, Ian Chalk Architects showed us imaginative ways a tired and impractical theatre could be revived. Echoes of the 1936 theatre remain, as they have skilfully reimagined the auditorium with exceptional craftsmanship as a sophisticated and welcoming home for the future of theatre in Cambridge.”
Lady Susie Sainsbury,
The Gatsby Foundation
“ICA have been true collaborative partners throughout the journey, taking time to listen to theatre users and understand the building they were entrusted with. The team were pragmatic and respectful but also knew when something was worth fighting for to retain the vision. The new design has transformed the auditorium and enhanced its intimate dynamic – it is a thing of beauty.”
Simon Harper,
Client’s Project Director at Harper Tackley Consultants
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