New lease of life for Queen's

REFURBISHMENT AND RESTORATION OF EDWARDIAN AND MID-CENTURY SPLENDOURS

Queen's Theatre, Shaftsbury Ave, London

We have completed refurbishment and restoration work on Queen's Theatre auditorium and interiors, returning them to their respective Edwardian and mid-century splendours. The auditorium has been redecorated, seating capacity increased, sightlines improved, boxes made accessible and new lighting installed.

The notable Hugh Casson-designed foyer and bar areas have been rejuvinated and their clean lines brought back to life. The new subtle decorative scheme of the whole building unites for the first time the theatre's two distinct stylistic design signatures. All construction work was achieved while the theatre continued to play Les Misérables to capacity crowds — including seating installation, upper tier recarpeting and the reinstatement of a 'lost' upper circle row. Micro-management of planning and day-to-day operations ensured a smooth schedule and continued access to audience amenities.

Collaboration on new Lyric Theatre

NEW 2100-SEAT THEATRE IN THE HEART OF DUBLIN'S DOCKLANDS

Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin

Arts Team has been collaborating with internationally-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind (ADL) and Dublin architect McCauley Daye O'Connell on the new 2100 seat Grand Canal Theatre in Dublin's Docklands.

We were appointed in 2007 to provide theatre planning advice for ADL's dramatic stainless steel and glass theatre that will overlook Grand Canal Square, adjacent to an associated new commercial development. Our concept for three tiers with stepping side boxes embracing the proscenium arch will bring a sense of intimacy to the auditorium, where the acoustic demands for both natural and amplified sound determined the need for a large room volume. ADL's ship-like ribbed structure overlays the auditorium and supports the upper tiers.

Planning approval granted

EXTENSION AND REFURBISHMENT OF NOTABLE 1930s CONCERT HALL

Watford Colosseum

Our proposals to transform the 1938 Watford Colosseum received planning approval and listed building consent at the end of February. Work on the £4.3m scheme starts on site in May. Despite having a concert hall with a well-regarded acoustic, the Colosseum currently lacks the facilties demaned by contemporary audiences, performers and management.

Our work focuses on the restoration and upgrading of the hall and extension and improvements to the foyer and support accommodation, opening up the public areas. Our interior work will reinforce and complement the original Art Deco style of the building and includes the use of silver-grey brick and coloured glazing.

Ireland's Oldest Theatre Re-opens

MAJOR RESTORATION AND EXTENSION OF HISTORIC THEATRE

Theatre Royal, Waterford

The Theatre Royal in Waterford, the oldest theatre in Ireland, has re-opened after major restoration and refurbishment work carried out by Arts Team in collaboration with Waterford architect Wigam McGrath & Partners.

The theatre dates from 1874 and occupies part of the city's Georgian Town Hall. Our part of the project radically re-defined the auditorium and provided a new 'cross-over' lobby linking the grand council foyer to the theatre foyer. But the project has been a true collaboration and provided the theatre with a new ventilation strategy, state-of-the-art performance infrastructure and sympathetic but up-to-date refurbishment.

New Home for Library Theatre Co

PRELIMINARY STUDY TO TEST VIABILITY OF POTENTIAL NEW BASE FOR THEATRE COMPANY

Theatre Royal, Manchester

We have completed a preliminary study testing opportunities for the relocation of the Library Theatre Company to the former Theatre Royal. The proposed move from the home that gave the company its name will allow refurbishment of Manchester's City Library.

Manchester's 1845 Theatre Royal has a chequered history. Its interior was radically remodelled in the 1870s and the building converted to a cinema in the 1920s, then a bingo hall in the late 50s. For the last 20 years it has been a nightclub. Housing the theatre company here provides a number of opportunities, including the chance to return an important building to its original use.