Royal Court Theatre, 2000

The Royal Court represents both risk and continuity in British theatre, a radical tradition of contemporary work performed in a Victorian playhouse. Haworth Tompkins’ equally radical remodelling has transformed the creative and commercial capacity of the organisation by significantly expanding the public areas, renovating and upgrading the main auditorium, rebuilding the studio theatre and replacing the back of house spaces. The conceptual approach was partly archaeological - uncovering hidden layers of the building’s fabric and deciding what should be changed and what left exposed as evidence of a rich past - and partly invasive, demolishing, extending and reconfiguring the space to provide better facilities, improved access and more space. Respect for the past without sentimentality was the guiding principle of the project. The main auditorium was re-seated to achieve much better sightlines, while the previously limited front of house facilities were expanded by constructing a new foyer beneath Sloane Square to accommodate a bar, restaurant and bookshop. The connection between the foyers and the outside world was reinforced by the introduction of more transparent entrances onto the street, a new balcony and a large vermilion mural by Antoni Malinowski on the drum wall of the Auditorium. Materials throughout the project were selected to welcome the passage of time.

“The Royal Court’s partnership with architects Haworth Tompkins has been an extraordinary success story for over four years. Their acute awareness of our very particular needs, combined with a deep understanding of the company’s artistic and historical context, has led to a challenging and hugely enjoyable relationship which we believe will result in one of the great playhouses of the modern era.”

Stephen Daldry